Her Past, Present & Future

This short story is my entry for the Defining Twilight Contest: "Write A Missing Scene" So please tell me what you think!

Chapter 1: You Deserve Happiness

''How is she?'' Alice asked entering the hospital's almost-empty waiting room.

Edward was sitting in a chair against the wall, his hands covering his face.

''She's alive.'' he answered grimly, placing his hands on his knees.

You know what I meant. Alice sat down beside him.

''I just met Renee and Charlie. They like you a lot you know, Renee especially.''

Edward just nodded. Alice sighed.

''I'm so sorry Edward. If I was just paying more attention, Bella -''

''Would have just found another way to escape. For the hundredth time, none of this is your fault. It's mine.''

''Of course it isn't, stop blaming yourself. Everything is going to be okay, I can see that.''

''As long as I'm with her, it will never be okay.'' Edward groaned, disgusted with himself.

''You love her and she loves you, whether you think it's right or wrong.''

''But it is wrong! I put her in danger with my very presence!''

''You've saved her from every catastrophe that has come her way, including this one.'' I know you can do this, we all have faith in you.

''Faith I don't deserve.'' he said answering her thoughts.

''You deserve happiness. And if she is what you want, then it will work out somehow. It has to.''

Edward faced his favorite sister. ''Thank you Alice. I don't know what I'd do without you.''

''You would probably fall apart'' she teased. They both laughed.

Alice had always considered Edward as her true brother and best friend.

Thinking of him and everything that had happened made her thoughts shift into another direction. James' video.

''How are you feeling?'' Edward asked.

''Truthfully, I don't know.'' Alice looked down at her feet.

All this time not remembering who I was, and James, that monster, actually knew me!

Edward put his arm around her and hugged her to his side. It truly pained him to see her like this.

Thanks. she thought.

''Anytime.'' he said and pulled away. ''Tell the others when you're ready, but you should go home and talk to Jasper.''

Alice nodded, knowing he was right but didn't know if she should leave her brother alone.

''I'll come again later today.'' she said.

''You don't have to come to check on Bella, Alice. I'll be here.''

''I'm not just coming for her Edward, someone needs to keep an eye on you too.'' Alice said patting his hand.

Edward rolled his eyes and smiled. ''Thanks.''

On her way out the door, Alice remembered something.

''Oh, by the way! I had a vision earlier and I strongly advise you not to tell Bella in advance about taking her to the Prom. Make it a surprise, she'll fuss if you don't.'' Alice warned.

Edward chuckled.

''And we certainly don't want her to do that now do we?''

Isabela N. M.