The Hunt
"Television gets worse and worse every century. Who honestly would fall in love with a shmuck like that?"
It has been a month since Bella's transformation and our bond was closer than ever. I stopped trying to push shopping trips on her and just enjoyed whatever we did together. It was nice to have her as a sister, certainly better than listening to Rosalie complain about her nonexistent split ends. Anything to seem more human. Bella on the other hand embraced the life she has. I have never once heard a complaint come from her mouth. She was in heaven while we were all stuck in hell.
"Well to be honest Alice," she blushed so hard I could have sworn her pale face was slightly flushed pink. "Before I met Edward, I thought of these guys as perfect hopeless romantics I would never have." She smiled.
"-before you met Edward of course." I smirked at Bella. Her and my brother have been together for quite some time now. It was so nice to see such a happy couple. Whenever Edward speaks of her his eyes light up and he gets this goofy crooked smile going. It's a little childish, but adorable none the less.
"Of course. Edward makes these guys seem pathetic. I mean come on; Edward would never be caught dead playing a Backstreet Boys song for me. He's much more original."
I wanted to laugh at Bella's comment, but it was dripping with sincerity. I switched the subject out of curiosity. "So I assume it you love your new life, being a vampire and what not?" I watched Bella think for a second, obviously debating her answer.
"I truly think I was meant for this Alice. I feel like the real Bella Swan, er- Cullen." She giggled at the common mistake. "I no longer feel like I don't belong, or the center of attention. I know that's ironic, considering we are quite a sight, but it feels right. I hope you know what I mean."
I smiled in reassurance. She continued.
"I think it has something to do with you guys. I mean Edward was one thing. He filled that gap in my heart I had for so long. He was everything I ever wished for. He was my reason for living, Alice. But the rest of you, Carlisle, Esme, Jasper, Emmett, even Rosalie, you guys have filled a different gap. I was an only child who kept to myself. I never allowed anyone to come close enough to create a substantial friendship. When I met you and the others, all I wanted was to be close. You guys were a comfort."
"I'm flattered Bella, but that was part of the charm, hasn't Edward told you?" I couldn't help but snicker.
"Yes, yes, the most dangerous predator bit. But it's not like that Alice. I wasn't so much drawn to you as I craved acceptance. I wanted you all to want ME. I wanted meaning and purpose. And in an odd way that's exactly what I got." She looked back to the television. Clearly still deep in thought.
"Bella what are you thinking?" I sometimes envied my brothers power over mine.
"… I was thinking about what I said actually. About Edward being all I ever wanted, and filling the gap, that he sort of created." She grabbed her chest awkwardly. "Well when I think of those times I can't help but think of Jake. It's sad. He never imprinted, ya know? He never found his Edward."
"I'm sure it will happen soon enough, Bella. Love hides sometimes, doesn't mean you'll never find it." I remembered that from when I was looking for Jasper after I envisioned him. "You know If I could search for it Bella I would. It's a shame I can't see the shape shifters."
"Thanks Alice, that means a lot. He really is great, minus the temper. He was one of the best friend's you could ask for. I guess being a dog can give you those qualities though. Part of me always hoped he would imprint on Renesmee. It would take me some getting used to, but at least I would know she would always be safe."
"I don't know if I can agree Bella. As lovely as he is, we don't need him around here anymore than necessary." I knew that would hurt a bit, but it had to be said.
"I guess you're right…"
We continued to watch the sitcom in silence for another hour. AS lame as the marathon was we couldn't look away. As if we had anything better to do? With all the time in the world procrastination was never a concern. Just as the teenage girl was confessing her untimely pregnancy to her lovesick boyfriend, I had a vision.
"Here comes Jasper and Emmett, hope you don't plan on watching the end of this?" My visions we're extremely accurate when it came to my love, Jasper. I was so attuned to his decisions they came with ease. Prior to their arrival I already knew the conversation, the television, and the question that would ensue.
"Do I ever?" How dramatic, I thought to myself. I let out a soft giggle.
"Bro I totally wrecked you at badminton! Don't even lie to her! Alice I killed him!" Emmett came roaring into the living room, which was recently remodeled. Instead of the all white décor Rosalie recommended, we were now sporting a royal purple theme. It was suitable and gorgeous, much cozier. The men of the house weren't so fond, but 100 years of purple wasn't going to kill them.
Jasper looked at me and Bella embarrassed. "Yeah, he crushed me babe. I'm worse than Esme at that damn game." He plopped down on the floor beside me.
"I HEARD THAT!" Esme's angelic voice sang. We all raged into a fit of laughter. Emmett tumbled onto the couch next to Bella.
"Where's the remote, sports center's on I gatta check the scores." Emmett flipped through the channels just in time, how predictable. "Washington beat the Suns! How you like that Stella!" No one except Edward understands the reasoning behind why he calls her "Stella." I've asked Edward but he refuses to tell me.
"Whatever Emmett, just wait until playoffs, we'll see who rocks the court!" Bella gave Emmett a quick jab in the forearm. Jasper laughed quietly to himself. I was too preoccupied awaiting the question Emmett was about to ask.
"Hill and Stoudemire are garbage, and Shaq is almost as old as Carlisle! Give it up Bella you're going down! Wanna bet?!"
"Don't bet Emmett, bad move." It was a reflex; I mentally kicked myself for ruining the fun yet again. Jasper looked at me with adoring eyes and grabbed my hand. I was at ease immediately.
"Jeeze Alice. Thanks I guess, anyway," he clicked the television off. Here it came. "I'm parched. Can we seriously go hunt. You guys keep putting it off. I think we'll be fine; hunting season for the humans is over. This is getting ridiculous we have more than enough self-cont…" He looked at Bella before finishing. "Uhh… Alice."
"I know Emmett we really need to go. It's obvious you can see it in all our eyes. Bella," I hesitated, asking only out of courtesy considering I knew the response already. "Would you like to tag along?"
Bella smiled at me, obviously uncomfortable. "That's all right Alice, I can wait for Edward. He'll be back with Renesmee soon enough." Renesmee was always so eager to visit the Denali's. She had a special bond with the women in the coven. She begged Edward to take her almost daily.
"Alright Bella, be careful. Don't let anyone in. We'll be back soon." I gave her a quick hug and within seconds Jasper, Emmett and I were over the river, running through the cool lush air.
