On Friday the mysterious package appeared. And now today was Monday, and I had to go to school and keep pretending that everything was okay. It wasn't. Something was different. I was more alert, and able to feel the pain that must have been eating at me these past few months. Her present had both lightened some of that pain, and made it worse at the same time. For example, right now I'm no longer numb. I don't know what I must have been like these past few months, but it couldn't have been pretty. I should get her something too, it would only be fair. But what to get...

English class. When did this become so uninteresting? I found my thoughts drifting. It was Friday, and after work I'd seen the package on the steps addressed to me, and took it up to my room. More curious than I should have been, I opened it and found a small box covered in snowman wrapping paper with an envelope on top. I took the envelope that had my name on it, and began to read the letter inside.

Dear Bella,

I'm not supposed to be writing you, but it's Christmas and I couldn't help it. I miss you, and I wanted to get you a Christmas gift. I wasn't sure what to get you at first, but then it came to me. I know you'll love it ;-). I saw what Edward took when we left, and I don't think he should have done that, so I'm giving you another copy of that CD and a little something else. I hope you're doing well. Have a very happy holiday, and send Charlie my best. I miss you.

XOXO

Alice

P.S. I wrote our new address on the back of this so you can write me.

And sure enough, her address was written neatly on the back. At this point, I hate to say, I did what somewhat resembled the happy dance and tore open the present. Inside, as promised was a silver CD and a bright blue shirt. Good old Alice, always looking for a reason to buy me clothes. I did actually like the top, however. I put the CD in the CD player, and sure enough the first track was my lullaby. I felt tears in my eyes, and I began to cry. I hadn't realized just how hurt I'd been, and I was feeling all that pain right now.

It was time for lunch, and as I sat at the usual table, I couldn't help but notice how things were different. The people around me seemed to have changed but I couldn't place how. Maybe it was just me. I kept on wondering what to get Alice, because I knew I should send her something other than just a boring thank you note. It wasn't until I was driving home from work that I came up with the perfect plan.