"But of the tree of knowledge of good and evil,

thou shalt not eat of it;

for in the day that thou eatest thereof

thou shalt surely die."

Genesis 2:17

1.

The silence around the table grew heavier. Dad sprung to his feet making his chair scratched the tile below. My spoon hovered above my soup.

"I won't allow it," he glared at me eyes flashing crimson. Mom threw a quick glance towards me then back at Dad desperately trying to calm him. I could feel the link between them vibrating as they communicated. Dad pressed his lips together clearly not happy about what Mom was saying.

"I won't repeat myself," he shook his head, a lock of golden hair fell on his forehead. Mom got to her feet in a slow and graceful manner, placed her hand on his shoulder. He flinched at the contact.

"Edward, please. I trust Jacob," she pleaded. I watched with concern as they fought in their mute conversation. I was gifted, however, I couldn't tab into their link. My eyes dropped to the only plate on the table. It still felt strange that I was the only one eating at dinner, while my parents pretended to enjoy the company in front of empty glasses.

"Renesmee," Dad called pulling me from my thoughts. "You may look like⁠—a teenager but you're only six. This is very wrong. I do not approve of this thing with that⁠—," his voice trailed off lips twisting in disgust.

"Jacob!" Mom corrected. I narrowed my eyes at her. I didn't like how Mom sided with my Jacob. He was mine, after all. I sighed in exasperation, Dad didn't have to be such a tight-ass. It was only a date. Anyway, we were mates, what's the big fuss?

"I can hear you!" groaned Dad, his crimson eyes flashed at me like that had any effect on me. I exhaled and got to my feet. I wasn't hungry anymore, their little drama killed my appetite.

"I have no problem walking among mortals. I don't have the sparkling issue," I added dryly.

"Renesmee! This is not the way to speak to your Dad," scolded Mom. I rolled my eyes at her. Frankly, who were they kidding? Dad was an old grandpa of one hundred and nine when he dated Mom who was only seventeen. So, I don't see the issue here. Dad turned to face me with his fists clenching and unclenching.

"The issue here, young lady⁠—" the doorbell interrupted him in midsentence. I rushed at top speed to the front door before Dad could blink. I smiled, I could feel Jacob's presence from the other side of the door. When I pulled it opened his gorgeous smile smacked the air out of my lungs.

"Hi, Re," one side of his lips curled up making my heart skipped a beat. But that moment was short-lived when Dad loomed behind me. His anger pressing against my back.

"Edward," said Jacob dropping his smile.

"Jacob," answered Dad full of bitterness. They glared at each other, the air around us charged with animosity.

"I'll get ready," I said, I doubt they heard me. In a blur, I ran up the stairs. My black dress waited for me on my pink bed cover. In seconds I was ready. I've gotten used to my abilities to Mom and Dad's dismay. I have the strength and speed of a vampire without the inconvenience of thirst or walking in daylight. I was a perfect combination, a rare specimen. The very reason why The Volturi tracked me down. I used to be on the run, however, when the Volturi clan suddenly collapsed one year ago, I came back to Folks. Dad explained that they turned on themselves, something about the thirst for power. I don't fully grasp the situation, one thing I was certain it was a good thing they weren't around. Since January, I started going to a private school for gifted persons under a fake name with a new identity.

I paused in front of the full-length mirror next to my door. The thin straps of my black dress against my pale skin accentuated my slim figure. Mom appeared behind me pulling me back to reality.