Alice skipped cheerfully down the small trail through the woods, enjoying the peacefulness of her quiet surroundings. The world was all right for the moment, and she could relax. No fear for Bella, or for Edward, or of the Volturi, or of a disturbing future.... She-and the rest of her family- could actually just relax and cool down for once.
Just as this thought crossed her mind, however, an unnaturally loud snap sounded from the edge of the woods behind her. Alice whirled around to see her worst nightmare walking out of the trees… alright, maybe not her worst nightmare- that was the one of all of the clothes stores closing down… but this was still up there.
Aro crept smoothly towards her from the trees, a slight smile playing around his lips. "Hello, Alice," he whispered quietly, his eyes dancing brightly as she eyed him warily. "I've been trying to get you on your own for so long now…."
Something in those words struck Alice as rather odd. "Me?" she asked slowly., her eyes searching his face. Aro nodded reverently.
"Yes, you, my dear," he said, his voice full of heartfelt emotion. "I have been watching you for a long time now, never being able to work up the courage. However, I have finally decided to let you know…. that I love you."
Alice's mind was reeling. Aro- Aro- love her? It just wasn't possible! She fought to keep her voice calm as she said, "Wait, let me get this straight- you've been following me?"
Aro frowned slightly. "Er- I wouldn't quite use the word following," he said guiltily. When Alice's eyes narrowed dangerously, however, Aro sighed sadly and said, "Alright I've sort of been following you! But it's because I love you! More than life- er… existence itself! I need you, Alice! Please... please, don't take this the wrong way. I love you...."
Alice considered him coldly for a moment, her eyes hard and flinty, and then said in a voice dripping with disgust, "What are you thinking- that I'm just going to drop everything and come with you? You? As opposed to Jasper? Just listen to yourself, Aro! You've lost it!"
Aro flinched at the sound of Jasper's name. " I am... well... Jasper is- is no longer a problem," he said softly, not meeting Alice's eyes.
Alice froze. A look of horror crept over her face, and a strangled, shuddering gasp escaped from her tight throat. Her bright golden eyes glazed over. She choked for a moment, and then said in an agonized whisper, "Jasper....". With that, she turned and sprinted off without another word into the woods, in no particular direction, leaving Aro behind with a look of pure anguish on his face. She was never seen again.