Breaking Dawn - Stephenie Meyer [129]
No one answered my question. I looked away, to Edward and Alice. Both their eyes were slightly unfocused-reacting to Jaspers unease. Listening to its cause, looking ahead to the immediate future.
I took another deep, unnecessary breath.
No, Im fine, I promised them. My eyes flickered to the stranger in the mirror and back. Its just a lot to take in.
Jaspers brow furrowed, highlighting the two scars over his left eye.
I dont know, Edward murmured.
The woman in the mirror frowned. What question did I miss?
Edward grinned. Jasper wonders how youre doing it.
Doing what?
Controlling your emotions, Bella, Jasper answered. Ive never seen a newborn do that-stop an emotion in its tracks that way. You were upset, but when you saw our concern, you reined it in, regained power over yourself. I was prepared to help, but you didnt need it.
Is that wrong? I asked. My body automatically froze as I waited for his verdict.
No, he said, but his voice was unsure.
Edward stroked his hand down my arm, as if encouraging me to thaw. Its very impressive, Bella, but we dont understand it. We dont know how long it can hold.
I considered that for a portion of a second. At any moment, would I snap? Turn into a monster?
I couldnt feel it coming on Maybe there was no way to anticipate such a thing.
But what do you think? Alice asked, a little impatient now, pointing to the mirror.
Im not sure, I hedged, not wanting to admit how frightened I really was.
I stared at the beautiful woman with the terrifying eyes, looking for pieces of me. There was something there in the shape of her lips-if you looked past the dizzying beauty, it was true that her upper lip was slightly out of balance, a bit too full to match the lower. Finding this familiar little flaw made me feel a tiny bit better. Maybe the rest of me was in there, too.
I raised my hand experimentally, and the woman in the mirror copied the movement, touching her face, too. Her crimson eyes watched me warily.
Edward sighed.
I turned away from her to look at him, raising one eyebrow.
Disappointed? I asked, my ringing voice impassive.
He laughed. Yes, he admitted.
I felt the shock break through the composed mask on my face, followed instantly by the hurt.
Alice snarled. Jasper leaned forward again, waiting for me to snap.
But Edward ignored them and wrapped his arms tightly around my newly frozen form, pressing his lips against my cheek. I was rather hoping that Id be able to hear your mind, now that it is more similar to my own, he murmured. And here I am, as frustrated as ever, wondering what could possibly be going on inside your head.
I felt better at once.
Oh well, I said lightly, relieved that my thoughts were still my own. I guess my brain will never work right. At least Im pretty.
It was becoming easier to joke with him as I adjusted, to think in straight lines. To be myself.
Edward growled in my ear. Bella, you have never been merely pretty.
Then his face pulled away from mine, and he sighed. All right, all right, he said to someone.
What? I asked.
Youre making Jasper more edgy by the second. He may relax a little when youve hunted.
I looked at Jaspers worried expression and nodded. I didnt want to snap here, if that was coming. Better to be surrounded by trees than family.
Okay. Lets hunt, I agreed, a thrill of nerves and anticipation making my stomach quiver. I unwrapped Edwards arms from around me, keeping one of his hands, and turned my back on the strange and beautiful woman in the mirror.
* * *
21. FIRST HUNT
The window? I asked, staring two stories down.
Id never really been afraid of heights per se, but being able to see all the details with such clarity made the prospect less appealing. The angles of the rocks below were sharper than I would have imagined them.
Edward smiled. Its the most convenient exit. If youre frightened, I can carry you.
We have all eternity, and youre worried about the time it