"No, Edward!"
"Alice," he said, his voice growing cold.
"No." I persisted. It wasn't right. This would kill Bella.
"You'll kill her!" I shrieked, losing control as I rarely did.
"Do you think staying is really any better for her?"
"Yes," I said defiantly. How could he even do this? "Have you even thought about me? I love her too, she's mine as much as yours."
"I'm not changing my mind," Edward said, warning me not to continue.
I knew he wouldn't. I'd only seen the one course of action. Searching my mind again, I cursed Edward's infernal stubbornness.
My voice was softer this time. "Not today. What a great birthday that would be."
"You've given up? I thought you would be my largest obstacle," he said incredulously.
"Of course not. But I'm going to need every particle of my energy today. You know how she hates any sort of celebration."
Sighing inwardly, I knew that a small part of Edward was right. I was a hypocrite, wanting Bella to have a normal life, to enjoy parties, and at the same time pulling her deeper into the vampire world. But she was my friend. I had precious little of them.
"Let's get to school early. I'm sure Bella will take a while," I said dryly, trying to mend the rift I knew I had created with my brother. Bad idea. On the word Bella, he seemed to stiffen, almost undetectably. I tried to project my forgiveness into my thoughts.
"No need, Alice. I know you hate me right now."
Oh, Edward, I don't hate you." How could I ever hate Edward? He was almost perfect, even by vampire standards. Except for his almost insane over-protectiveness.
"Go without me, I'm walking," I ordered. I needed time to think, and to plot. How I wished Edward couldn't see my thoughts, now more than anytime. I could warn Bella, then maybe he would never have the heart to let her go. No, I could not be so cruel. However much I needed to be loyal to Bella, I needed to be loyal to Edward more.
On my way out the door, speeding to the forest, I paused.
Edward walked up to Carlisle.
"But I must, Carlisle. I could kill her at anytime. One slip could cost her life."
Carlisle sighed.
"Do what is best for you, Edward."
"I'm not trying to," he moaned, sounding tortured, "I'm doing what's best for her."
I snarled. Was this the best for her? It would leave her broken, I knew it.
Bella sat alone in the forest, curled up against a tree, rain dripping down her cheeks, mixing with tears.
Bella stumbling through the forest, falling over and screaming Edward's name.
Charlie shaking Bella, her eyes blank and uncaring.
I sank to the ground in shock. I wished beyond belief that I could stop these visions. All I knew was that Edward's decision would not end well.
Every possible ending was a disaster. I had to show Edward this, though I knew he would not listen. I rose again and ran through the forest, a blur among the rain and trees.