Author's Note: Oh my goodness, I can't believe all the nice reviews I recieved! Thank you so much to everyone who commented, it really means a lot to me. I tried to respond to everyone's reviews. If I missed you and didn't write anything back, I'm sorry, it was an oversight, not anything personal. The next chapter will probably be out tomorrow. I have a lot of this story already written, so updates should be pretty quick!

Alice

I'd been too fidgety to enjoy my first day onboard the yacht, disturbed by the horrible moods of my roommates. Bella wouldn't tell me what had happened, but I had surmised that Edward was at the root of it. How had both of my brothers managed to so completely ruin the good mood that had been floating over my friends? This was killing my Zen.

Dinner was a fiasco. I have no idea what got into everyone. I sat at the table with Emmett and Edward, across from Rosalie and Bella, hoping to serve as a buffer. Edward had informed the party that his friend Jasper would not be joining us. I thought that was a little weird, but was too distracted by everyone else to really worry about was trying to kill Emmett with her eyes, which were narrowed in disgust and aimed right at him. After seeming to have no effect on him, she actually kicked him under the table- hard. I felt his leg rocket back and hit the wooden bench we were seated on. In response he sweetly smiled at her.

"C'mon sugar. Is that any way to treat the captain?" he asked, a smirk etched into his features.

"If you call me sugar one more time…" Rose warned.

"You'll what?" he taunted, clearly enjoying their little argument. "Glare at me some more?"

Rose's chair screeched out, scratching his wooden floors. She then stood, grabbed the bowl of spaghetti sauce, and overturned it onto his lap, red rivulets streaming down his pants and pooling on the floor. Turning sharply on her heel, Rosalie left without another word.

For a moment no one moved, then Emmett burst out into laughter. "She's a pistol!" he declared, not bothered in the slightest that he was covered in tomato sauce. He stood and it dripped further down him. "I think I've had enough entertainment for one night." he said to us on his way out. "I think I'll go change and count my blessings that she didn't reach for the soup." All of us eyed the steaming server of soup, thinking the same thing: Ouch.

I looked at Edward, shocked by what had happened with our brother.

"That was rude." he said, shaking his head.

Bella nodded. "I know. I can't believe he thinks he can talk to her that way and get away with it!"

"What?" Edward asked, an edge to his voice. "I was talking about your friend dumping that spaghetti sauce on Emmet. I mean, how old is she?"

"Well, maybe if he hadn't of been such a jerk!" Bella argued.

"Maybe she shouldn't have flown off the handle!" Edward retorted, slightly raising his voice.

"Well, maybe he shouldn't have assumed he could call her that!" Bella yelled.

"He wouldn't have assumed, if she hadn't been standing in his room!"

"That does not give him the right to take things that don't belong to him!" she countered.

I was lost. Completely and utterly lost. I had no idea what they were talking about anymore. Edward stood abruptly from his chair and it toppled behind him. He dug something out of his pocket and threw it on the table in front of Bella.

"Here. You left this." he said, and left, an angry scowl on his face. I picked up the thing he had pulled put of his pocket to see what it was. I held a skimpy black brassier in my hands and stared at Bella in confusion.

"I hadn't realized you had already… met." I said quietly. I looked up into Bella's eyes and saw that they were about to spill with angry, frustrated tears. Her mouth was set in a thin line and she didn't say anything. She stood up and fled the dining room, the tears spilling over.

Great. Now what was I supposed to do?

I grabbed Emmet's glass of wine and drained it, in a very uncharacteristic move, and stood, no longer hungry. Besides, I didn't really want to eat by myself.

I left the dining room, but had no desire to go back to my cabin and face Bella and Rosalie. I also didn't want to go to either of my brother's rooms. Emmet was being a pig, and it seemed Edward was not behaving himself either. I was not about to pick sides.

I climbed up the stairs and to the back of the yacht on deck to get some fresh air. It was hard to see in the darkness, but I could make out a tall, thin figure leaning over the railing, peering at the water churning below him. Moonlight painted his skin silver and cast a coolness to his blonde hair. Even in the darkness, I was instantly attracted to this man. He was not conventionally handsome, not the kind of guy I was normally attracted to, but his eyes, so deep and intense, held something. The lines of his face were very serious, a troubled look on his almost beautiful face. He was very tall and thin, but his body had a wiriness about it, and I knew at an instinctual level that this man could be both strong and gentle. He had arms that were made to hold a woman, or to defend her.

"Jasper?" I called, not wanting to startle him. This must be my brother's friend, I thought. He twisted around to look at me, looking surprised to see he was no longer alone. "Are you Jasper?" I asked, coming forward.

He nodded. "Yes, I am." He said quietly. His grey eyes flashed in the moonlight, searching my face curiously.

I smiled at him warmly, trying my hardest to seem charming. I had never had to try to impress people, but it suddenly felt very important that this man like me. Why did I care so much about this stranger? "I'm Alice, Edward's sister." I explained. He nodded again but didn't say anything, though he looked like he wanted to. "You know," I went on. "There's a table full of food in the dining room that never got eaten, and it's probably still warm. I'm actually starting to feel a little hungry. Would you maybe want to join me?"

Nervous butterflies danced in my stomach. Jasper looked embarrassed and averted his brilliant grey eyes from me. "I'm sorry," he told me, letting go of the railing. "I- I have to go."

I looked down, cheeks burning in embarrassment, eyes filling with tears. I'd never felt so rejected before in my life. What had I done wrong? I couldn't meet his eyes but nodded quickly, then took off in the direction of the cabins. In my haste I swung into him, and I could feel his warm hands, his long, sensuous fingers, touch my shoulder and the small of my back, gently righting me, setting me in the right direction. That small amount of contact sent a shiver down my spine, a jolt through my entire body. I wanted so bad for his hands to not leave my body, for his fingers to brush against me again, but I knew they wouldn't. I didn't know him, and already Jasper had made up his mind about me. Alice Cullen was not good enough.

This time, I ran in the right direction, and didn't look back.

Jasper

Last night was a disaster. Edward was in a horrible mood and didn't bother to tell me why, though I hardly thought it was my place to ask. When his sister had called through the door in her happy, sing-song voice telling us dinner was ready, I declined. Edward didn't press me. We had a sort of agreement between each other that no questions would be asked. We simply tried to accept each other and each others actions, whatever they might be. If help was needed, it was given. We shared most things with each other, but we also had a comfortable pattern of silence.

The moment I had heard Alice's voice- who I had never seen before but had heard Edward speak of very fondly- something in me felt like it constricted. I was no longer hungry. In fact, I felt like I needed some air. I also didn't want to have to deal with Edwards current problem, which I had a feeling might get worse around everyone else.

After Edward left, I placed my bookmark at my stopping point in Robinson Crusoe. I had already explored the boat, and found the back deck to be the most peaceful area. I was thankfully alone, and took to watching the stars come out and watching the waves break. My reverie in the darkness was broken by a tiny figure calling my name. In the dark I couldn't make out her features, just her silhouette. She was small in stature, and I judged that she must be Alice, who's voice I had heard earlier. Edward had often referred to his twin as a sprite or a dwarf. That surprised me, seeing as Edward and Emmet were both quite tall.

When she came closer I was able to make out more of her features. Pale creamy skin, hazel eyes set in a delicate, heart shaped face. Dark hair that didn't quite reach the shoulders that was very spiky and obviously styled. Alice was not the kind of girl I normally found attractive. I was usually drawn to taller, more natural girls, but Alice had such an aura about her- I could hardly look away to keep from staring. Her face was so open and honest, her eyes sparkled as if she was amused, her lips were turned up in the softest of smiles.

She took my breath away.

I had no idea what to say to her. I barely managed to nod to her. When she asked me to have dinner with her, I did the worst thing possible and rudely declined. It wasn't because I didn't want to be have dinner with her, but the idea of being alone with this- this… goddess- petrified me. I regretted my actions now, but at the time I had felt so flustered. Upon meeting her, I felt like my whole world had flipped over. That little moment was momentous for me. How did this tiny angel have such a strong effect on me?

Now I stood outside in the same spot as last night. It was still fairly early, and I wasn't sure that anyone but me and Edward were awake yet. Edward had taken over steering the yacht while Emmet got some sleep, so I knew I wouldn't be bothered by him. The sun rising in the sky over the ocean turned the water and the heavens shades of pink and orange. The sun's reflection on the water was bright, and for now it looked as if the world was mirrored.

I wasn't sure why I chose to come back to the scene of the crime. I simultaneously feared that she would find me here, and also hoped that she would. I wanted to apologize to her and make amends. Actually, the carnal side of me, which I kept very well suppressed, wanted to do a whole lot more than that. Since the night before when she had stumbled into me in her haste to get away, I felt like a different person. That one little touch had me hooked. It had been so innocent- just me reaching out to steady her, an instinct, a reaction. But the feel of her soft body, the warmth of her skin beneath her thin blouse, had sent a shock of sensation through me. That little touch had kept me awake all night. I wanted to take her in my arms and leave a trail of searing kisses anywhere her skin was exposed. I wanted to push her up against a wall and make love to her in the warm, salty breeze. But since I had said little more than two or three words to her, I knew these actions would be very inappropriate and would probably cause Edward to be very cross with me.

Still, I could be a gentleman and not ravage her upon first sight. I needed to apologize to her for being so rude. I still had a week left with her on this boat. Maybe if I tried to make things right, she would forgive me and I could try to get to know her better. Seeing as she was my best friends sister, this probably would not be the last time I saw her. At least, I certainly hoped not.

I heard a soft shuffle, then a quick pattering behind me. I turned, hoping and fearing and dreading that it would be her, but it wasn't. The deck stretched out just as empty as before and I felt more alone than I ever had. As a solitary person, I had rarely needed the presence of another person. Why now did I want company? No, I reminded myself. It wasn't as if any company would do. I wanted her, and preferably in my arms. Her lithe figure, so tiny yet soft and feminine, looked like it would fit perfectly against me. I could cradle her in my arms or easily pick her up off the ground for a kiss.

No, no I couldn't. I had ruined my chances with her last night. She probably thought I was the worlds biggest jerk, and I honestly couldn't blame her. Did I fear rejection so much that I had to push away anything good that came to me? Maybe that was it. I didn't even bother to get to know most people, much less form any kind of relationship with them. The closest friend I had was Edward, but we were so much alike, it wasn't hard to be his friend. He understood about being alone. How it could be lonely, but also safe. He understood my silences and the volumes that they spoke sometimes.

Maybe-- maybe if he could understand, she could too…

Maybe.

Bella

No one was in any mood to talk. I understood why Rosalie was so pissed off, but what was wrong with Alice? I kept asking her, but she kept telling me she was fine. I knew she wasn't fine. She had burst into the room the night before glassy eyed and pale and hadn't said a word. It wasn't like Alice to keep things hidden, especially from me and Rose. That got me worried. Was it something really bad? I had pressed her, but to no avail. Eventually, when some of the shock seemed to wear off of her, she plastered on a fake smile and tried to change the subject.

She chose a bad subject though. "Why did Edward have your bra?" she had asked. I glared at her and we both didn't ask any more questions. The three of us moved to our separate bunks and laid there in silence half the night, struggling to fall asleep.

Now it was morning, and the three of us silently refused to leave the room. My stomach growled loudly and I groaned. "Guys, this is ridiculous. Let's just go out there, have some breakfast, and enjoy the boat till we reach a port." I was too hungry to deal with them moping around. Besides, it was way too weird seeing Rosalie mope at all. Normally she was so take charge- Emmet must have really hit a nerve.

She looked at me and frowned, then sighed and looked out the window. "I'm not hungry." she said. She was still in her pajamas with no makeup on, a very strange occurrence for her. Normally she got fully dressed and made up the moment she woke up. She was awake even before I was. I wondered if she had gone to bed at all. In pajama pants and a tank top, no makeup, her hair in a ponytail, she almost looked more beautiful. She looked softer, less intimidating. I'd never tell her that though. She liked the fear and anxiety she caused when people were exposed to the full effect of her stunning good looks.

"It's okay, Bella." said Alice, hopping up from her bed. "I'll come with you and show you where the kitchen is." She at least seemed to be in better spirits. She had gotten up bright and early this morning, gotten dressed in a cute little sun dress, and left the room. She hadn't been gone long though, and when she returned, she looked chagrined, and also like she had made up her mind about something. She appeared to be very resolute. This version of Alice, though a bit odd, was much preferred to be one the night before.

She led me down the hall to where the dining room was, then through the door at the back of that room to the kitchen. It was small but very high tech and efficient. Everything was stainless steel and streamlined. I felt like I was in the kitchen of tomorrow. Alice pulled open the door of the huge refrigerator and we both peered inside. It was packed with more food than I thought necessary for six people for a week. Most of it looked like complete, already cooked gourmet meals that only needed to be heated. Someone had gone to a lot of trouble stocking this ship, and I knew it wasn't any of the Cullen's. They had to have paid a lot for all of this assistance.

Alice and I each had a glass of orange juice. She had a bowl of already cut fruit, and I hungrily inhaled a blueberry muffin, feeling like a pig next to my tiny friend eating her fruit. I was still hungry and decided to fry some bacon for the two of us. Alice got bored with being in the kitchen and left, but I was fine with that, plenty entertained with all of the gadgets and gizmos of the galley.

The bacon sizzled in the pan and I turned each piece over, then leaned against the countertop, waiting patiently as it slowly fried. The door swung open and Edward walked in. He saw me and we both froze. During the night I had replayed all of our interactions from the day before, and added in what I wished I had done. Sometimes the fantasies ended with me slapping him, sometimes with them two of us in a passionate torrent, him kissing me, me kissing him, both our clothing in a state of disarray. However, none of my fantasies had done him justice. He was much more beautiful in person. My memories hadn't quite captured the brilliant color of his bottle green eyes, or the reddish copper tint to his dark brown hair.

I also hadn't remembered how angry the mere sight of him made me.

"What do you want?" I snapped, turning back to my bacon. I angrily shoved it around the pan, not looking at him. If I looked at him, I knew I'd only swoon.

"Excuse me? I think I'm standing in the kitchen of my boat."I glared at him. "You mean your family's boat? The last time I checked, you weren't the one who paid for this. You're just enjoying the benefits of rich parents."

"And you're just enjoying the benefits of rich friends!" He retorted angrily.

"What are you saying?" I asked, rounding on him. He crossed his arms over his chest and looked at me pointedly.

"I didn't choose to have rich parents, but you chose to have rich friends. Maybe you're just using Alice."

"How dare you!" I yelled. "I love Alice. I don't care about how much money her family's got! I'm offended that you'd even try to imply that I use her for my own personal benefit!"

He looked me over shrewdly and gestured toward my shorts and tank top. "Who bought those clothes you're wearing?" he asked.

I stared at him in open mouthed shock, speechless.

"Yeah, that's what I thought." he said coldly, and walked out the door. The fire alarm went off and I turned around to see my bacon burnt and blackened. I turned the fire off and waved the broom around the smoke detector, trying to clear the smoke out of the room. The alarm stopped and I sighed in relief, dropping into a chair in the corner, exhausted.

Edward

The door swung behind me and I leaned against the wall. I heard the fire alarm going off, then the sounds of Bella shuffling around. The alarm stopped after a moment and I felt relieved that I hadn't had to go back in there.

Why was I so stupid? Did I have no self control? I had meant to be nicer today, to try to get off to a better start. How had I let her rile me up so quickly? She managed to infuriate me like no other. I felt bad though. I didn't really think she was friends with Alice for her money. That had been a low blow in response to her jibe about my parent's money. Bella didn't seem like the kind of person to take advantage of her friends. Alice was generous and probably got more out of buying Bella new clothes than Bella did. And she wasn't stupid. Alice would know if she was being taken advantage of.

So why had I been such a prat? She certainly knew how to illicit a response from me. Some part of me kind of felt good that I could get such a reaction from Bella. The way her eyes danced when she was angry, the flush of her cheeks, that cute little line that formed between her eyes, were all signs that I had an affect on her. If only it wasn't a negative affect, but I could work on that later.

The next time I saw her, I thought, making my way to the deck where Emmet was steering, I was going to apologize and show her I wasn't such a jerk. I clapped Emmet on the shoulder and looked at the ocean stretching around us for as far as the eye could see.

"Having fun, Emmet?" I asked my big brother. His reaction was not what I expected. He looked at me with an intense frown.

"I'm afraid not. I've been listening to the radio reports, and we're about to hit a hurricane. I'm trying to steer us around it, but the wind could shift and we'd be right in the middle of it."

"But it's so clear and bright! There are hardly any clouds in the sky." I said skeptically.

He shrugged. "It's always calmest before the storm." Emmet replied cryptically.

Rosalie

I hadn't left the room all day. I didn't want to chance running into that pig Emmet Cullen. He had to be the biggest ass hole I had ever met. I didn't want to see him again till I had the perfect course of action in mind. I had never avoided someone like this. It was not me at all. When someone was on my bad side, they always had the good sense to stay clear of me, not the other way around.

So why was I still in here, watching the rain hit the window?

Little had been said between Alice, Bella and me. A very morose feeling had settled over the three of us. We all looked out the window at the sudden downpour that now beat against the glass. It had come out of nowhere, but it didn't look like it was going anywhere fast.