CHAPTER ONE: The Plan

"You're saying that this is the only way to remain inconspicuous?" My fiancée was fuming as he said this. Yes, it really seemed like a good way to keep them from exposure, but there had to be some other way. It simply couldn't be a one solution problem. Perhaps we could… There wasn't a good finish to that sentence. The vision Alice had seen was clear, and it was either her idea or risking discovery.

"Yes," Alice nodded confidently. "You know how important it is to keep our secret hidden, and if none of us are affected by this, then people will begin to wonder what is wrong with us. We already have too much in common for 'adopted' siblings, so suck it up." She was very excited as she finished her rant, and I could easily tell that she was pleased to have an excuse to buy new makeup.

"Alice! You can't just expect me to —" Edward tried to argue but she stopped him in his tracks.

"This is not up for discussion! It isn't only about you and what you want. It is about what is best for all of us and what will keep us and our secret safe. And right now, this is what will do that, so you will be following through on this plan," Alice continued without missing a beat. Edward was cornered, and would have to give in.

Alice saw his decision before I knew how the jury inside of his head was going to rule. She bounced up out of her chair and kissed his cheek before skipping off to join Emmet and Jasper in the woods. Edward sighed as his sister skipped away at an incomprehensible speed and then stood up out of his chair. He held his hand out to me and I took it graciously. As we walked up to his bedroom, Edward leaned down to kiss the top of my forehead before reminding me of the time.

It was already an hour past midnight. I couldn't remember how long they had argued downstairs. It hadn't seemed like very long, but, it had apparently been very time consuming. I must have lost track of time after the clock had been broken by an outburst. Edward led me into his bedroom and carefully put me on the bed. He then climbed next to me and we cuddled until I fell asleep.

Tonight, my dreams were blissful and my mind was at rest. It might have had something to do with the fact that Edward was holding me right next to his chest. I smiled in my sleep before realizing that if Edward did this, that I would have to be without him for a while; Much longer than I could likely bear. I shuddered at the thought and jolted awake.

Edward was alert now, focused on my face. His honey colored eyes looked down at me with concern. I wanted so much to reassure him, but I was lost in the pure gold of his eyes, as if I were living in my own personal heaven. I was relishing in the last few moments I would have of the paradise. Edward's velvety voice broke me from my reveries.

"Bella?" He ventured cautiously. "Are you alright?" He was propped up on his elbow so he could have a better look at me. He brushed a stray tear from my cheek. I was unaware that I was crying, but I was still worried about being away from Edward for so long. I couldn't find the words to respond so I just shook my head.

"Shhh, Bella, it's ok," He tried to comfort me. My figure was now shaking with sobs. This really wasn't that big a deal, it would only be for a few days, but ever since Edward and his family had left me all those months ago, any time away from him made me uneasy. After a few minutes of comforting from Edward, I was finally able to speak.

"I'm sorry…" My voice was shaky even though I had stopped crying. I didn't like Edward seeing me like this, as I knew it caused him pain to see me so upset.

"For what, love?" My angel questioned.

"For letting you see me like this and putting you through it. I'm just worried about you." I was almost sobbing again, and I knew that this was one of the most selfish things I could have done.

"You don't need to apologize for that. I understand. But you don't need to worry either. This is very small scale compared to some of the previous nonsense about exposure. We decided to go easy on it as the last production we had was carried out in Seattle, and we wouldn't want anyone seeing a connection," He assured me. I half smiled when he pulled me tighter to his body. We stayed like that for a long time, and it was where I stayed until I once again lost consciousness and entered the beautiful realm of sleep.

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The next morning I woke well rested and ready to face the day. Or at least I thought I had been. The scene I was met with when Edward and I arrived downstairs was anything but ordinary. Edward seemed annoyed, but we continued to the kitchen without a word.

Edward poured me a bowl of cereal and a glass of orange juice before taking them to the dining room. He set them down at the head of the table, so I figured he wanted me to sit there. Just as I was about to take a seat, there was a flash of movement. Alice had come in and brought the set with her.

Before my eyes were a plethora of objects. There were four whiteboards on stands, each marked with a different phase from one to four. The phases were "Preparation," "First Signs," "Out," and "Back." Oh brother. We were planning. As if thinking about it wasn't torture enough, now I was going to help put the whole scheme together!