Chapter Two – I Accept

EPOV

After Carlisle dropped me off to my apartment I couldn't help but feel irritated. That man was subtle and sketchy, why would I confide in him to help me? I shoved open the front door and spotted Alice's backpack in the living room.

She didn't go to school.

"Alice! You've got to be kidding me!" I screamed.

I ran to her bedroom door and opened it with full force. I frantically searched her room to only discover that she wasn't there. I looked around the whole apartment and couldn't find her anywhere, so I ended up knocking on the bathroom door.

"Alice, I'm serious you better open this door right now." I pressed my ear to the door and heard the tap water trickling, but no response.

"Alice? Can you hear me, sis?" I allayed my voice, knowing that she didn't appreciate me yelling. As the seconds ticked on, I grew worried. Why wasn't she opening the door? That was when I heard her soft voice murmur.

"Go away." She whispered weakly. Her voice was so frail that I knew something was abnormal, typically she would scream back. I banged on the door and flung it open to only find myself in absolute shock.

Alice was standing in front of the bathroom's misty mirror masked in sweat. Droplets of perspiration ran across her cheekbone. Her arms were leaning on the white sink, using its full support. Black tendrils of her inky hair twisted and were plastered alongside her cheek. I hadn't seen her so unkempt before. But that was not what sent daggers through my chest, it was what she was firmly clutching in her hand that took the breath out of me. Her pasty white fingers were twisted around a razor that was in close proximity of her wrist, her bloody red wrist.

"Oh my god, Alice. What have you done to yourself?" Tears swam in my eyes, blurring my sight as I ran over to her side.

I cleaned her up and made her drink some water. As I tried to silence her sobs I laid her down in her bed. It was like she was ten years old all over again, her pale face was clear of all anger and all that was present was innocence. Her features were showered with pure, undeniable virtuousness and sadness.

Her liquid gray eyes and rosy cheeks were constant reminders of mother. Her voice. Her traits. Her morals. Every diminutive puzzle piece was a relentless remembrance of my mother. No matter how much it pains me to just at the very least glance at my sister, she's all I ever had and will have. Alice is now my life. I can't see her slip into the same ugly despair my mother was sucked into. I can't sit and look at her lifeless stares or watch her try to end her life without doing anything.

And then it hit me. I was going to do that to her. Only hours ago I was prepared to leave Alice behind and let her deal with grief by herself. Suddenly, the guilt flooded through my body. Not an inch of me was submerged in remorse or self-hatred.

There was only one thing to do to set this right. There was only one thing that I could give back to Alice after what I was about to do: a bright future. I will give her a prospect with life, beauty, and happiness.

I reluctantly left Alice's side and tugged my jacket back on. I left the apartment and raced down two flights of stairs. My hand subconsciously lifted my hood over my head to shield me from the pounding rain. However, the fabric was a useless barrier, I was thoroughly soaked within seconds. I ran across the street and to the nearest phone booth, my shaky hands hand reached into my worn jean pocket and pulled out Carlisle's business card.

I had to agree to the deal. It was the only thing I could give to Alice, the only thing I had left to hand out to her. I owed her this, after all that I was about to put her through. But most importantly she needs the money; I can't let her wither into a dying flower like mother had. I had to do what's best.

Without another thought my numb fingers slipped in two quarters and punched in the phone number, the actions were so robotic and peaceful that my mind calmed down slightly. After one short ring Carlisle picked up.

"Hello?" His voice sounded genuinely confused. I forgot that he wouldn't know it was me right away, he didn't have my number. I internally groaned at the thought of introducing myself again.

"Hi. It's Edward." I said, hoping it was enough to make him remember.

"Ahh. Hello Edward. What is it?" Carlisle questioned.

"I accept, Carlisle. I accept your deal." I hurriedly explained.

"That's good Edward. Well, I guess the next time you'll hear from me you will know exactly what will happen. Thanks for your cooperation."

With that he hung up the phone. His words were abrupt and straight to the point, it was clear that he did not have any reason to communicate with me, he only wanted his favor. As I put the phone back on its latch Carlisle's words began to absorb and sink into my skin, mind, and soul.

I, Edward Culled, had just signed my life away.

A/N

Sorry I have not introduced myself in the previous chapter. I am actually very new to fanfiction and this is my first story.

I would appreciate reviews to tell me how I am doing so far. Thanks!

DISCLAIMER: I do not own twilight.