A Background on Emotional Intelligence and IQ

A Background on Emotional Intelligence and IQ For many years lots of emphasis has been put on certain aspects of intelligence such as spatial skills, math skills, logical reasoning, verbal skills understanding analogies etc. Researchers were complicated by the fact that while IQ was able to predict academic performance to a significant degree and, in some way, personal and professional success, there was still something missing in the equation. Some of those people that they had fabulous IQ test results they did in life in a poor wayand someone is able to say that they were wasting their potential by thinking, communicating and behaving in a way that hindered their chances to succeed in their life later. Emotional intelligence (EI) in the other hand is the capacity, skill, ability or in the case of the trait emotional inteligence model it is a self-perceived ability which helps in order to control, access and identify the emotions of himself/herself, of others and of different groups. Many different structured models have been proposed to the scientific community but there is a great disagreement on how this term should be used. Despite these disagreements, which most of the times end to be technical, the trait emotional inteligence and ability emotional inteligence models, but not the mixed models, enjoy support in the literature and have successful applications in a variety of domains. The first roots of emotional intelligence we can say that it is Darwin’s work on the importance of second adaptation and the expression of the emotion for survival. Around the 20th century, although most of the traditional definitions of inteligence emphasized problem-solving and memory and generaly cognitive aspects, many influential researches in the intelligence field had shown how important are the non-cognitive aspects in the field of intelligence. In 1920 for example, E.L. Thorndike in order to describe the skill of understanding and managing other people he used the term social intelligence. In the same mann er, David Wechsler in 1940, described on intelligent behavior the influence that non-intellective factors have, and furthermore he argued that we should adequately describe these factors in order the models of intelligence to be complete. In the same manner Howard Gardner in 1983in his book Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences he was the first that introduced the idea of multiple intelligences which included both intrapersonal intelligence which isthe capacity to appreciate one’s feelings, motivations and fears and to understand oneself and interpersonal intelligence which is the capacity to perceive the motivations, desires and intentions of other people. On the other hand Gardner’s opinion was that IQ scores only are not able to explain one’s cognitive ability. Thus, although the names given to the concept had a wide variety, there was a common belief that traditional definitions of intelligence and IQ scores only were lacking in ability to ful ly explain the cognitive performance outcomes of a person. The first one who used the term â€Å"emotional intelligence† is usually attributed to the doctoral thesis of Wayne Payne, A Study of Emotion: Developing Emotional Intelligence which was made in 1985. However, prior to this, the term â€Å"emotional intelligence† had appeared in Greenspan in1989 and in Leuner in 1966 also put forward an EI model, followed by Mayer and Goleman, and Salovey.The distinction between ability emotional intelligence and trait emotional intelligence was introduced in the start of the 21st century.

Economics Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 2

Economics - Research Paper Example China has become the fastest growing region for exports for the United States. China is indirectly contributing positively to the job creation in America. More exports leads to more work that is required by the labor force of America. The majority of the exports are derived from the states of California, Texas and Washington. These states are selling a lot of microchips, computer components and aircrafts. Other products that are being exported to China include grain, chemical, and transportation equipment. Part of the president’s Obama economic plan included doubling US exports by 2014. The export growth in China may allow that campaign promise to become truth. China has become the second largest importer in the world behind the United States. The United States imports $1.9 trillion compared to China’s $1.4 trillion (Barboza). Despite China’s efforts to catch the US in the amount of imports its people consume the disparity in terms of per capita consumption are s till quite large. The exports of crops are growing to China due to the lack of water and arable land. The overpopulation in China is another negative variable that is affecting the distribution of wealth in China. China has four times the population of the United States despite China being the size of Texas. Recyclable materials and paper are items that China is importing a lot. Last year New York sold over a billion dollars worth of waste and scrap to China. The main thesis of the author is that as Chinese is growing so is the nation’s demand for American made products. I agree with the author’s theory because the author showed empirical evidence that showed a clear consumption pattern. During the last decade China has been achieving double figure growth in its import to the US. Last year US exports to China grew by 32% in comparison with the previous year. There are many factors that are causing this phenomenon. The cultural impact of the American culture that is wid ely spread throughout the world with the assistance of the media has created a more consumerism society in China. China has slowly liberated itself from its one dimensional perspective concerning the liberties of its people. The Chinese people idolized the American culture which is one the reasons for the increase in exports to China. Another reason for this occurrence is the fact the income capacity of the Chinese has gone up. There is a growing middle class of Chinese consumers that are eager to spend their hard earning money. The infrastructure of China is another of the reasons why China depends on the US for crops. China cannot create sufficient food to feed its people. The one child law created in 1979 was a move that slowed down the human growth in China, but the population is still the largest in the world. China has a need for construction products such as Iron. Old junk cars are perfect raw material of iron that is in high demand in China. An increase in the amount of impo rted goods from the US gives China bargaining power in its economic negotiations since now the US is depending more on the money businesses are making by exporting to China. China has a lot to gain by becoming a bigger importer of the US. Improving its international relations with the US is beneficial for both parties. It is possible in the future that these two countries might become allies and create a free trade agreement between the two nations. This scenario is not impossible because nobody could have imagined that US

CONSUMER PREFERENCE ABOUT BREAKFAST PRODUCTS Assignment

CONSUMER PREFERENCE ABOUT BREAKFAST PRODUCTS - Assignment Example When producing a new product (a conventional breakfast product) in the affluent market in Saudi Arabia, it is important to note that this market is composed on individuals who have breakfast like in the western world. The affluent markets are in Jeddah, the Western parts of the country and Riyadh. It should also be noted that the Saudis main meal is lunch and thus they may not be willing to spend more on breakfast. I would introduce banana flavored oat flakes in the market which already contains honey and dried milk into the market. What the consumer only needs to add is hot or cold water to make it ready for consumption. A perception position I would like to draw of the existing Cereals is that there is a good variety of cereals to satisfy the clients in terms of nutritional and monetary value. First perspective is that there could be a product that is manufactured to have a high nutritional value and at the same time be cost friendly with a new sense of flavor and finesse (Hoyer, 2 008).. A lot has been done to target consumers by different brands but believe that there is still room for improvement. Second perspective, is that on the Saudi Arabians and their liking for having more than one meal during breakfast is time consuming when preparing the breakfast meals. Thirdly, the distribution in terms of breakfast cereals and products in the area was fairly done. The region still needs a boost to ensure adequate supply of cereal and breakfast products. Producing a breakfast cereal that is nutritious and incorporates all the foods will go a long way in reducing the number of foods that are prepared for breakfast. Production distribution to ensure availability of the goods in the market is one of the positioning strategies I will use to make a breakthrough in the cereals market. Perception Graph of the Nutritional Value over Time of 5 Cereals. Saudi Arabians are strongly guided by the traditional Muslim foods from many cultures therefore acceptance of the Western ways of having breakfast is not wholly practiced by their majority population. Therefore there is a gap in the cereals market due to the fact that the market is not adequately served. The Positioning strategy that I would adopt is Customer benefit strategy. I would basically lure the consumers by giving them the health benefits of oats over corn. Pricing as a positioning strategy will also be used by further marketing the product as pocket friendly in the sense that it does not require one to buy milk separately and this would separate my brand from the rest (Kardes, 2011). I would also adopt my positioning strategy based on use, in the sense that my oat flakes can be used as breakfast cereals by just adding water or they can also be used as an everyday snack because oats have a really soft crunchiness and the combination of the banana, honey and skimmed milk make a great tasty snack, even without the addition of water. Another positioning strategy I would employ is based on product class i.e. fortify my cereals, I would advertise my product as having vitamins, calcium, iron and folic acid but majorly I would concentrate on the fact that it has a distinctive taste and that it has been carefully produced so that the end result is a taste that cannot be compared to any other cereal. The market strategy of introducing my product in the market basically involves

Family of woodstock Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Family of woodstock - Essay Example It is intriguing that the Family does not discriminate between serious and small problems, but seeks to help people in a positive manner. Any individual seeking help from the Family receives guidelines or services that fix the specific problem presented. Interestingly, the staff and volunteers at the Family of Woodstock are committed to operating during both the day and the night, ensuring that no individual in the society is stranded without any source of help (â€Å"Family of Woodstock celebrates its 40th anniversary†, 2010). Several factors motivated the founders of the Family of Woodstock. In 1970, when the Family was established, the initial services provided were hotlines, which allowed people with problems to call for help. Evidently, the founders recognized that people in the society had certain needs yet no service providers were available to meet those needs. For example, children who had run away from home ended up in the streets without shelter and food. Founders of the Family realized that these children needed help in the form of counselling and the basic needs. Moreover, it was also critical for these children to be reunited with their families. The hotlines operating in 1970 sought to address this need. However, the founders also recognized other needs in the society such as the need for legal assistance, the need for a soft landing machine that would help people get over long journeys. Many of the problems identified surrounded children, teens, parents, and the public. The founders of the Family identified a risk factor for each of these groups of people. Over the years, the Family has focused on identifying the needs of the people as well as the risk factors they face and developing strategies for addressing them (â€Å"Ulster Savings Charitable Foundation gives $5,000 grant to Family of Woodstock†, 2012). Notably, the Family of Woodstock has exhibited a high level of specialization in a bid

Why the USA Lost the Vietnam War

Why the USA Lost the Vietnam War For the first time ever, the American army looked weak in front of its people and the world. In January of 1973, the United States of America agreed to withdraw all troops from Vietnamese ground. Many people at the time, considered withdrawing the army from enemy territory, losing the war, however, many Americans opposed American presence in the war and pushed their leaders towards withdrawing the troops.[1] Many things influenced the US to withdraw their troops, primarily the opposition to the war at home, but also the American army’s tactics and the American troops’ morale, which is strongly connected to the war’s opposition. The United States had a tough job in Vietnam, but also fought a war at home. A war against the war. Opposition to the war, in the United States, was extremely large. Civil rights movement all over the country, and anti-war protests pushed and pulled the government during the war days. In 1970, following President Nixon’s move into Cambodia, many universities had protests against the war. During one of these protests, in the university of Kent State, four students were shot dead by the National Guard. This incident only, sparked more protests throughout the country.[2] During the war there was a conscription movement, where people of conscription age who were not studying or working had to sign their names to be drawled. However many of the people who were conscripted were poor or African-American and never had the chance to study or work. Martin Luther King, a black preacher and a leader in the civil-rights movement, spoke up against conscription, or as it was called at the ti me, the ‘draft’; â€Å"They must see Americans as strange liberators. The Vietnamese people proclaimed their own independence in 1954—in 1945 rather—after a combined French and Japanese occupation and before the communist revolution in China.†[3] John Kerry, a veteran of the Vietnam war, soon after his serving time joined and became the spokesman of Vietnam Veterans Against the War. The current United States Secretary of State said; How do you ask a man to be the last man to die in Vietnam? How do you ask a man to be the last man to die for a mistake?[4] There were many people who opposed the war in Vietnam, including many soldiers. Due to the fact that lots of soldiers were in Vietnam against their will, many soldiers were against the war itself. This was one of the greatest influences on the soldiers’ morale, during the war. The soldiers deployed in Vietnam, in the beginning of the war, were among the best in history. However that changed as soldiers started to question the real reason to be fighting, the conscription also stirred many conflicts at home and inside the army. Due to discontent within the army, soldiers turned to drugs as a form of mental relief. The use of Heroin and Marijuana were common sight in an army suffering from boredom, lack of discipline and low self-esteem; more than 200 men died from drug abuse. ‘Fragging’ was another big issue within the army. Fragging is the act of murdering your commander, 42 soldiers and 15 marines died from fragging. [5] Many soldiers in Vietnam were fighting in the war against their own will, this was because of conscription. Conscription, o r the ‘draft’ as it was known, forced many people to join the army, and fight in Vietnam. Mostly poor people were drafted, therefore there were many black people in the army, since at the time Africa-American population didn’t have the chance to study or work to avoid the draft.[6] This created many racial tensions within troops and units. The ineffectiveness of the army’s tactics also frustrated many soldiers during Vietnam. Even though the United States had arguably the most well trained troops at the time, the tactics used by the US army were ineffective against the Viet Cong. The army had the most advanced technology, while the North Vietnamese only received guns and ammunition from China. However the North Vietnamese had the upper hand when it came to tactics. They knew the terrain and used guerilla tactics, small scale actions against a much larger and more powerful enemy. America fought a hi-tech war, many helicopters and tanks, as well as air strike, supported American soldiers.[7] Because the North Vietnamese used guerilla tactics they were able to avoid many of the United States’ attempts at attacking. Their bases were in jungles, invisible to aircrafts, and when they went on missions they stayed very close to the Americans so their enemy wasn’t able to call in airstrike. Vietcong and North Vietnamese commanders and higher positions, had the luxury of living underground. Although t unnels were small and uncomfortable, they were away from the battlefield assessing options. The United States’ main strategy at finding North Vietnamese bases, was search and destroy. Search and destroy is a counter-guerilla strategy where a unit is assigned the mission of searching and destroying enemy or enemy base, hence the name search and destroy.[8] However many North Vietnamese spies and officials hid within villages, this frustrated units and soldiers burned whole villages in order to tell commanders that the mission was successful. These events of burning villages were named zippo-raids, and led to many debates inside the US on whether what the army was doing in Vietnam, was unethical. In addition to controversy, the struggle of finding proper tactics also brought discontent to the army, resulting in poor morale. In the early 1970’s, many people questioned the true purpose of the war, soldiers struggled through their missions, and the army failed to have successful tactics against the poorly-trained North Vietnamese. This ultimately led to the end of the war, after there were many in-house movements against the war, racial tensions within the army and the country were never higher, soldiers suffered and struggled through missions, and US’ commanders failed to even grasp an effective strategy against the North Vietnamese and Vietcong powers. In January of 1973, the United States of America was no longer part of the Vietnamese conflict. Works Cited Brown, Robert. 2009. Guerilla Warfare. November 27. Accessed November 21, 2014. http://school.eb.co.uk/levels/advanced/article/110197. Karnow, Stanley. 1983. Vietnam A History. Harmondsworth: Penguin Books. Kerry, John. 1971. Anti-War Speech. April 22. Accessed November 11, 2014. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yixdveuf0GQ. King, Martin. 1967. Martin Luthor King Jr. and the Global Freedom Struggle. 4 April 1967 Beyond Vietnam. New York, April 4. Michaels, Jim. 2013. In the 1970s, the U.S. military struggled with morale. July 04. Accessed November 10, 2014. http://www.usatoday.com/story/nation/2013/07/03/afghanistan-advisers-george-lepre-haynes-vietnam-conrad-crane/2484665/. Schutts, Jeff. 2011. The Tet Offensive and the Media. Accessed November 10, 2014. http://www.historyandtheheadlines.abc-clio.com/ContentPages/ContentPage.aspx?entryId=1199250currentSection=1194544. Spector, Ronald. 2014. Vietnam War. Accessed November 05, 2014. http://school.eb.co.uk/levels/high/article/75317#. 2012. The War in Vietnam; Vietcong and American tactics. March 2. Accessed November 21, 2014. http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/history/mwh/vietnam/thewarinvietnamrev1.shtml. [1] Spector, Ronald. 2014. Vietnam War. Accessed November 05, 2014. http://school.eb.co.uk/levels/high/article/75317#. [2] Karnow, Stanley. 1983. Vietnam A History. Harmondsworth: Penguin Books. [3] King, Martin. 1967. Martin Luthor King Jr. and the Global Freedom Struggle. 4 April 1967 Beyond Vietnam. New York, April 4. [4] Kerry, John. 1971. Anti-War Speech. April 22. Accessed November 11, 2014. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yixdveuf0GQ. [5] Michaels, Jim. 2013. In the 1970s, the U.S. military struggled with morale. July 04. Accessed November 10, 2014. http://www.usatoday.com/story/nation/2013/07/03/afghanistan-advisers-george-lepre-haynes-vietnam-conrad-crane/2484665/. [6] Karnow, Stanley. 1983. Vietnam A History. Harmondsworth: Penguin Books. [7] 2012. The War in Vietnam; Vietcong and American tactics. March 2. Accessed November 21, 2014. http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/history/mwh/vietnam/thewarinvietnamrev1.shtml. [8] Brown, Robert. 2009. Guerilla Warfare. November 27. Accessed November 21, 2014. http://school.eb.co.uk/levels/advanced/article/110197.

Inclusion Essay -- essays research papers

Within the past decades and a big discussion has occurred regarding the most appropriate setting within which to provide education for students in special education. Although the change in the educational environment is significant for handicapped student the concepts of inclusion also bring up new issues for the regular education classroom teachers. The movement toward full inclusion of special education students in general education setting has brought special education to a crossroad and stirred considerable debate on its future direction. Proponents of full inclusion argue that the needs of students in general education. Full inclusion is "an approach on which students who are disabled or at risk receive all instruction in a regular classroom setting" (Hardman, Drew, Egan, & Wolf, 1993). Those who are for inclusion claim that segregated programs are detrimental to students and do not meet the original goals for special education(). Recent analysis show a small to moderate beneficial effect of inclusion education on the academic and social outcome of special needs children. Those who support inclusion believe that the child always should begin in the regular environment and only be removed only when appropriate services cannot be provided in the regular classroom. Physical accommodations, sufficient personne l, staff development and technical assistance, and technical collaboration are all brought into the classroom to assist the special needs child in a regular classroom. Another study assessing the effectiveness of inclusion was done at John Hopkins University. In a school-wide restructuring program called, Success for All, student achievement was measured and several positive changes were noticed: a reduced fear of human differences accompanied by increases comfort and awareness, growth in social cognition, improvement in self- concept of non-disabled students, development of personal principles and ability to assume an advocacy role toward their peers and friends with disabilities, and warm and caring friendships. Inclusion is more effective when students with special need are placed in a general education classroom after adequate planning. Inclusion does not mean unilateral changes in student's placements without appropriate preparation. &n... ...assroom teacher. Teacher who collaborate must be honest and open about concerns and feelings. Collaborators must be willing to plan activities that ensure success. Involving students as peer helpers for students with disabilities is a very effective strategy. Teachers will need to model strategies for students and allow students to be involved in problem-solving sessions. Peer assistance and support can help nondisabled students build and maintain relationship with their disabled peers. Teachers must be willing to be a team player. The team must be willing to plan and work together on all issues, especially student behavior. Each team member must be prepared for his or her part of all planning and lesson responsibilities. Special Education Inclusion November 5, 2001 Katie Schultz Stout, WEAC's Director of Instruction and Professional Development Preparing for Inclusion: Involving Everyone in a Inclusion Classroom Setting Creative Educators at Work: All Children Including Those with Disabilities Can Play Traditional Classroom Games," by Donna Raschke, Ph.D., and Jodi Bronson, Ed.S., 1999 Kids Together, Inc. Colleen F. Tomko,1992http://www.kidstogether.org/inc-what.htm

The Twilight Saga 2: New Moon Chapter 22 FLIGHT

DEMETRI LEFT US IN THE CHEERFULLY OPULENT RECEPTION area, where the woman Gianna was still at her post behind the polished counter. Bright, harmless music tinkled from hidden speakers. â€Å"Do not leave until dark,† he warned us. Edward nodded, and Demetri hurried away. Gianna did not seem at all surprised by the exchange, though she did eye Edward's borrowed cloak with shrewd speculation. â€Å"Are you all right?† Edward asked under his breath, to low for the human woman to hear. His voice was roughif velvet can be roughwith anxiety. Still stressed by our situation, I imagined. â€Å"You'd better make her sit before she falls,† Alice said. â€Å"She's going to pieces.† It was only then that I realize I was shaking, shaking hard, my entire frame vibrating until my teeth chattered and the room around me seemed to wobble and blur in my eyes. For one wild second, I wondered if this was how Jacob felt just before exploding into a werewolf. I heard a sound that didn't make sense, a strange, ripping counterpart to the otherwise cheery background music. Distracted by the shaking, I couldn't tell where it was coming from. â€Å"Shh, Bella, shh,† Edward said as he pulled me to the sofa farthest away from the curious human at the desk. â€Å"I think she's having hysterics. Maybe you should slap her,† Alice suggested. Edward threw a frantic glance at her. Then I understood. Oh. The noise was me. The ripping sound was the sobs coming from my chest. That's what was shaking me. â€Å"It's all right, you're safe, it's all right,† he chanted again and again. He pulled ne onto his lap and tucked the thick wool cloak around me, protecting me from his cold skin. I knew it was stupid to react like this. Who knew how much time I had to look at his race? He was saved, and I was saved, and he could leave me as soon as we were free. To have my eyes so filled with tears that I could not see his features clearly was wastefulinsanity. But, behind my eyes where the tears could not wash the image away, I could still see the panicked face of the tiny woman with the rosary. â€Å"All those people,† I sobbed. â€Å"I know,† he whispered. â€Å"It's so horrible.† â€Å"Yes, it is. I wish you hadn't had to see that.† I rested my head against his cold chest, using the thick cloak to wipe my eyes. I took a few deep breaths, trying to calm myself. â€Å"Is there anything I can get you?† a voice asked politely. It was Gianna, leaning over Edward's shoulder with a look that was both concerned and yet still professional and detached at the same time. It didn't seem to bother her that her face was inches from a hostile vampire. She was either totally oblivious, or very good at her job. â€Å"No,† Edward answered coldly. She nodded, smiled at me, and then disappeared. I waited until she was out of hearing range. â€Å"Does she know what's going on here?† I demanded, my voice low and hoarse. I was getting control of myself, my breathing evening out. â€Å"Yes. She knows everything,† Edward told me. â€Å"Does she know they're going to kill her someday?† â€Å"She's knows it's a possibility,† he said. That surprised me. Edward's face was hard to read. â€Å"She's hoping they'll decide to keep her.† I felt the blood leave my face. â€Å"She wants to be one of them?† He nodded once, his eyes sharp on my face, watching my reaction. I shuddered. â€Å"How can she want that?† I whispered, more to myself than really looking for an answer. â€Å"How can she watch those people file through to that hideous room and want to be a part of that?† Edward didn't answer. His expression twisted in response to something I'd said. As I stared at his too beautiful face, trying to understand the change, it suddenly struck me that I was really here, in Edward's arms, however fleetingly, and that we were notat this exact momentabout to be killed. â€Å"Oh, Edward,† I cried, and I was sobbing again. It was such a stupid reaction. The tears were too thick for me to see his face again, and that was inexcusable. I only had until sunset for sure. Like a fairy tale again, with deadlines that ended the magic. â€Å"What's wrong?† he asked, still anxious, rubbing my back with gentle pats. I wrapped my arms around his neckwhat was the worst he could do? Just push me awayand hugged myself closer to him. â€Å"Is it really sick for me to be happy right now?† I asked. My voice broke twice. He didn't push me away. He pulled me tight against his ice-hard chest, so tight it was hard to breathe, even with my lungs securely intact. â€Å"I know exactly what you mean,† he whispered. â€Å"But we have lots of reasons to be happy. For one, we're alive.† â€Å"Yes,† I agreed. â€Å"That's a good one.† â€Å"And together,† he breathed. His breath was so sweet it made my head swim. I just nodded, sure that he did not place the same weight on that consideration as I did. â€Å"And, with any luck, we'll still be alive tomorrow.† â€Å"Hopefully,† I said uneasily. â€Å"The outlook is quite good,† Alice assured me. She'd been so quiet, I'd almost forgotten her presence. â€Å"I'll see Jasper in less than twenty-four hours,† she added in a satisfied tone. Lucky Alice. She could trust her future. I couldn't keep my eyes off of Edward's face for long. I stared at him, wishing more than anything that the future would never happen. That this moment would last forever, or, if it couldn't, that I would stop existing when it did. Edward stared right back at me, his dark eyes soft, and it was easy to pretend that he felt the same way. So that's what I did. I pretended, to make the moment sweeter. His fingertips traced the circles under my eyes. â€Å"You look so tired.† â€Å"And you look thirsty,† I whispered back, studying the purple bruises under his black irises. He shrugged. â€Å"It's nothing.† â€Å"Are you sure? I could sit with Alice,† I offered, unwilling; I'd rather he killed me now than move one inch from where I was. â€Å"Don't be ridiculous.† He sighed; his sweet breath caressed my face. â€Å"I've never been in better control of that side of my nature than right now.† I had a million questions for him. One of them bubbled to my lips now, but I held my tongue. I didn't want to ruin the moment, as imperfect as it was, here in this room that made me sick, under the eyes of the would-be monster. Here in his arms, it was so easy to fantasize that he wanted me. I didn't want to think about his motivations nowabout whether he acted this way to keep me calm while we were still in danger, or if he just felt guilty for where we were and relieved that he wasn't responsible for my death. Maybe the time apart had been enough that I didn't bore him for the moment. But it didn't matter. I was so much happier pretending. I lay quiet in his arms, re-memorizing his face, pretending He stared at my face like he was doing the same, while he and Alice discussed how to get home. Their voices were so quick and low that I knew Gianna couldn't understand. I missed half of it myself. It sounded like more theft would be involved, though. I wondered idly if the yellow Porsche had made it back to its owner yet. â€Å"What was all that talk about singers?† Alice asked at one point. â€Å"La tua cantante,† Edward said. His voice made the words into music. â€Å"Yes, that,† Alice said, and I concentrated for a moment. I'd wondered about that, too, at the time. I felt Edward shrug around me. â€Å"They have a name for someone who smells the way Bella does to me. They call her my singerbecause her blood sings for me.† Alice laughed. I was tired enough to sleep, but I fought against the weariness. I wasn't going to miss a second of the time I had with him. Now and then, as he talked with Alice, he would lean down suddenly and kiss mehis glass-smooth lips brushing against my hair, my forehead, the tip of my nose. Each time it was like an electric shock to my long dormant heart. The sound of its beating seemed to fill the entire room. It was heavenright smack in the middle of hell. I lost track of the time completely. So when Edward's arms tightened around me, and both he and Alice looked to the back of the room with wary eyes, I panicked. I cringed into Edward's chest as Alechis eyes now a vivid ruby, but still spotless in his light gray suit despite the afternoon mealwalked through the double doors. It was good news. â€Å"You're free to leave now,† Alec told us, his tone so warm you'd think we were all lifelong friends. â€Å"We ask that you don't linger in the city.† Edward made no answering pretence; his voice was ice cold. â€Å"That won't be a problem.† Alec smiled, nodded, and disappeared again. â€Å"Follow the right hallway around the corner to the first set of elevators,† Gianna told us as Edward helped me to my feet. â€Å"The lobby is two floors down, and exits to the street. Goodbye, now,† she added pleasantly. I wondered if her competence would be enough to save her. Alice shot her a dark look. I was relieved there was another way out; I wasn't sure if I could handle another tour through the underground. We left through a tastefully luxurious lobby. I was the only one who glanced back at the medieval castle that housed the elaborate business facade I couldn't see the turret from here, for which I was grateful. The party was still in full swing in the streets. The street lamps were just coming on as we walked swiftly through the narrow, cobbled lanes. The sky was a dull, fading gray overhead, but the buildings crowded the streets so closely that it felt darker. The party was darker, too. Edward's long, trailing cloak did not stand out in the way it might have on a normal evening in Volterra. There were others in black satin cloaks now, and the plastic fangs I'd seen on the child in the square today seemed to be very popular with the adults. â€Å"Ridiculous,† Edward muttered once. I didn't notice when Alice disappeared from beside me. I looked over to ask her a question, and she was gone. â€Å"Where's Alice?† I whispered in a panic. â€Å"She went to retrieve your bags from where she stashed them this morning.† I'd forgotten that I had access to a toothbrush. It brightened my outlook considerably. â€Å"She's stealing a car, too, isn't she?† I guessed. He grinned. â€Å"Not till we're outside.† It seemed like a very long way to the entryway. Edward could see that I was spent; he wound his arm around my waist and supported most of my weight as we walked. I shuddered as he pulled me through the dark stone archway. The huge, ancient portcullis above was like a cage door, threatening to drop on us, to lock us in. He led me toward a dark car, waiting in a pool of shadow to the right of the gate with the engine running. To my surprise, he slid into the backseat with me, instead of insisting on driving. Alice was apologetic. â€Å"I'm sorry.† She gestured vaguely toward the dashboard. â€Å"There wasn't much to choose from.† â€Å"It's fine, Alice.† He grinned. â€Å"They can't all be 911 Turbos.† She sighed. â€Å"I may have to acquire one of those legally. It was fabulous.† â€Å"I'll get you one for Christmas,† Edward promised. Alice turned to beam at him, which worried me, as she was already speeding down the dark and curvy hillside at the same time. â€Å"Yellow,† she told him. Edward kept me tight in his arms. Inside the gray cloak, I was warm and comfortable. More than comfortable. â€Å"You can sleep now, Bella,† he murmured. â€Å"It's over.† I knew he meant the danger, the nightmare in the ancient city, but I still had to swallow hard before I could answer. â€Å"I don't want to sleep. I'm not tired.† Just the second part was a lie. I wasn't about to close my eyes. The car was only dimly lit by the dashboard controls, but it was enough that I could see his face. He pressed his lips to the hollow under my ear. â€Å"Try,† he encouraged. I shook my head. He sighed. â€Å"You're still just as stubborn.† I was stubborn; I fought with my heavy lids, and I won. The dark road was the hardest part; the bright lights at the airport in Florence made it easier, as did the chance to brush my teeth and change into clean clothes; Alice bought Edward new clothes, too, and he left the dark cloak on a pile of trash in an alley. The plane trip to Rome was so short that there wasn't really a chance for the fatigue to drag me under. I knew the flight from Rome to Atlanta would be another matter entirely, so I asked the flight attendant if she could bring me a Coke. â€Å"Bella,† Edward said disapprovingly. He knew my low tolerance for caffeine. Alice was behind us. I could hear her murmuring to Jasper on the phone. â€Å"I don't want to sleep,† I reminded him. I gave him an excuse that was believable because it was true. â€Å"If I close my eyes now, I'll see things I don't want to see. I'll have nightmares.† He didn't argue with me after that. It would have been a very good time to talk, to get the answers I neededneeded but not really wanted; I was already despairing at the thought of what I might hear. We had an uninterrupted block of tirre ahead of us, and he couldn't escape me on an airplanewell, not easily, at least. No one would hear us except Alice; it was late, and most of the passengers were turning off lights and asking for pillows in muted voices. Talk would help me fight off the exhaustion. But, perversely, I bit my tongue against the flood of questions. My reasoning was probably flawed by exhaustion, but I hoped that by postponing the discussion, I could buy a few more hours with him at some later timespin this out for another night, Scheherazade-style. So I kept drinking soda, and resisting even the urge to blink. Edward seemed perfectly content to hold me in his arms, his fingers tracing my face again and again. I touched his face, too. I couldn't stop myself, though I was afraid it would hurt me later, when I was alone again. He continued to kiss my hair, my forehead, my wrists but never my lips, and that was good. After all, how many ways can one heart be mangled and still be expected to keep beating? I'd lived through a lot that should have finished me in the last few days, but it didn't make me feel strong. Instead, I felt horribly fragile, like one word could shatter me. Edward didn't speak. Maybe he was hoping I would sleep. Maybe he had nothing to say. I won the fight against my heavy lids. I was awake when we reached the airport in Atlanta, and I even watched the sun beginning to rise over Seattle's cloud cover before Edward slid the window shut. I was proud of myself. I hadn't missed one minute. Neither Alice nor Edward was surprised by the reception that waited for us at Sea-Tac airport, but it caught me off guard. Jasper was the first one I sawhe didn't seem to see me at all. His eyes were only for Alice. She went quickly to his side; they didn't embrace like other couples meeting there. They only stared into each other's faces, yet, somehow, the moment was so private that I still felt the need to look away. Carlisle and Esme waited in a quiet corner far from the line for the metal detectors, in the shadow of a wide pillar. Esme reached for me, hugging me fiercely, yet awkwardly, because Edward kept his arms around me, too. â€Å"Thank you so much,† she said in my ear. Then she threw her arms around Edward, and she looked like she would be crying if that were possible. â€Å"Youwill never put me through :hat again,† she nearly growled. Edward grinned, repentant. â€Å"Sorry, Mom.† â€Å"Thank you, Bella,† Carlisle said. â€Å"We owe you.† â€Å"Hardly,† I mumbled. The sleepless night was suddenly overpowering. My head felt disconnected from my body. â€Å"She's dead on her feet,† Esme scolded Edward. â€Å"Let's get her home.† Not sure if home was what I wanted at this point, I stumbled, half-blind, through the airport, Edward dragging me on one side and Esme on the other. I didn't know if Alice and Jasper were behind us or not, and I was too exhausted to look. I think I was mostly asleep, though I was still walking, when we reached their car. The surprise of seeing Emmett and Rosalie leaning against the black sedan under the dim lights of the parking garage revived me some. Edward stiffened. â€Å"Don't,† Esme whispered. â€Å"She feels awful.† â€Å"She should,† Edward said, making no attempt to keep his voice down. â€Å"It's not her fault,† I said, my words garbled with exhaustion. â€Å"Let her make amends,† Esme pleaded. â€Å"We'll ride with Alice and Jasper.† Edward glowered at the absurdly lovely blond vampire waiting for us. â€Å"Please, Edward,† I said. I didn't want to ride with Rosalie any more than he seemed to, but I'd caused more than enough discord in his family. He sighed, and towed me toward the car. Emmett and Rosalie got in the front seat without speaking, while Edward pulled me in the back again. I knew I wasn't going to be able to fight my eyelids anymore, and I laid my head against his chest in defeat, letting them close. I felt the car purr to life. â€Å"Edward,† Rosalie began. â€Å"I know.† Edward's brusque tone was not generous. â€Å"Bella?† Rosalie asked softly. My eyelids fluttered open in shock. It was the first time she'd ever spoken directly to me. â€Å"Yes, Rosalie?† I asked, hesitant. â€Å"I'm so very sorry, Bella. I feel wretched about every part of this, and so grateful that you were brave enough to go save my brother after what I did. Please say you'll forgive me.† The words were awkward, stilted because of her embarrassment, but they seemed sincere. â€Å"Of course, Rosalie,† I mumbled, grasping at any chance to make her hate me a little less. â€Å"It's not your fault at all. I'm the one who jumped off the damn cliff. Of course I forgive you.† The words came out like mush. â€Å"It doesn't count until she's conscious, Rose,† Emmett chuckled. â€Å"I'm conscious,† I said; it just sounded like a garbled sigh. â€Å"Let her sleep,† Edward insisted, but his voice was a little warmer. It was quiet then, except for the gentle thrum of the engine. I must have fallen asleep, because it seemed like seconds later when the door opened and Edward was carrying me from the car. My eyes wouldn't open. At first I thought we were still at the airport. And then I heard Charlie. â€Å"Bella!† he shouted from some distance. â€Å"Charlie,† I mumbled, trying to shake off the stupor. â€Å"Shh,† Edward whispered. â€Å"It's okay; you're home and safe. Just sleep.† â€Å"I can't believe you have the nerve to show your face here.† Charlie bellowed at Edward, his voice much closer now. â€Å"Stop it, Dad,† I groaned. He didn't hear me. â€Å"What's wrong with her?† Charlie demanded. â€Å"She's just very tired, Charlie,† Edward assured him quietly. â€Å"Please let her rest.† â€Å"Don't tell me what to do!† Charlie yelled. â€Å"Give her to me. Get your hands off her!† Edward tried to pass me to Charlie, but I clung to him with locked, tenacious fingers. I could feel my dad yanking on my arm. â€Å"Cut it out, Dad,† I said with more volume. I managed to drag my lids back to stare at Charlie with bleary eyes. â€Å"Be mad at me.† We were in front of my house. The front door was standing open. The cloud cover overhead was too thick to guess at a time of day. â€Å"You bet I will be,† Charlie promised. â€Å"Get inside.† i'†Kay. Let me down,† I sighed. Edward set me on my feet. I could see that I was upright, but I couldn't feel my legs. I trudged forward anyway, until the sidewalk swirled up toward my face. Edward's arms caught me before I hit the concrete. â€Å"Just let me get her upstairs,† Edward said. â€Å"Then I'll leave.† â€Å"No,† I cried, panicking. I hadn't got my answers yet. He had to stay for at least that much, didn't he? â€Å"I won't be far,† Edward promised, whispering so low in my ear that Charlie didn't have a hope of hearing. I didn't hear Charlie answer, but Edward headed into the house. My open eyes only made it till the stairs. The last thing I felt was Edward's cool hands prying my fingers loose from his shirt.