Chapter Three

She led us into the big stone building of the Forks Homeless Shelter.

"You're homeless?" I asked, my jaw dropped open.

"Yep." She shrugged, pushing open the double doors.

The receptionist looked up with a sad smile on her face.

"Hey sweetie." She got up from her desk.

"I already know, don't worry Jenny." Alex gave the same sad smile.

"Just, make sure, well, by tonight. I'm sorry." Jenny stuttered.

"You got it." Alex sighed, heading up the stairs, gesturing for us to follow her.

Both kids and adults were everywhere, sitting in big chairs, lying on sofas, leaning against the wall, resting on beanie bag, and some were obviously in their rooms.

Alex led us to the last room in the hallway and we entered a small room. In there was a small bed, a suitcase, and a backpack.

"Welcome to my room. Sit down anywhere." She dropped her school bag down and closed the door.

"I'll be right back, okay? I need to go and put some new clothes on." She smiled, and headed to the suitcase, grabbed a bundle, and slipped out of her room, presumably to go to the bathroom.

"What was that about?" I asked.

"She's being kicked out of here tonight, somebody phoned saying that they had new arrivals, kids under the age of twelve. Alex was pushing the limit by staying four weeks. She's going to hit the streets tonight." Alice informed me.

I imagined Alex out on the streets, during the cold, with no money, food, or shelter.

"But, we always have an extra bedroom." Alice offered.

"You think she'll go for it?" I asked excitedly.

"I'm sure she will." Alice said with certainty.

Alex reentered wearing a long sleeved black shirt, a black sweatshirt, and the same skirt and socks. She also still had her hair combed over her eyes. It felt strange, not seeing her whole face, not knowing what color my imprints eyes were.

"Hey." She greeted.

"Hey." Alice smiled.

It was slightly awkward, but then Alex went to her backpack.

"Look at these!" She pulled out two sketch pads.

Flipping through them, Alice and I discovered that all of her drawings were as good as the one she drew; ones that she put more time into were breathtaking.

Drawings of buildings from different states, drawings of trees and nature scenes, drawings of assorted people, and drawings of animals filled the pages. The details were perfect; they added a whole new level of beauty to the penciled sketches.

"So, how long have you been here?" Alice asked, sitting down against the wall, both of us following suite.

"Um, four weeks now, but my time's up, time for me to move out." She groaned, leaning her head back against the peeling wall.

"That sucks. Do you have anyone to go to?" I asked.

She shook her head no.

"Why don't you stay with us? We always have room for one more in our house, and besides, Esme and Carlisle are always taking kids in. All of us are fosters, except for Jacob, Leah, and Seth. They're just friends who live with us." She offered.

Alex seemed a little reluctant.

"It seems like you guys have your hands full." She commented.

"No, seriously, Esme would love to get another child, she's pretty motherly. Besides, I know Leah would love it." I elbowed Alice sharply in the ribs.

Alex smiled.

"Sure, yes, thank you! This is great!" She leapt up and did a little bounce.

I grinned.

"Come on, get your stuff together and let's go!" Alice said, gesturing toward her bags.

She grabbed her backpack, and Alice grabbed her suitcase. I grabbed her school bag, and then called for Emmett to pick us up in his truck. I felt that she would like that the best.

And boy, was I right.