Author Note: Hey guys, just a quick chapter this time, from a different point of view. I know that Stephenie Meyer wrote all her books from Bella's perspective, aside from the odd section from Jacob's POV, and whilst I'm trying to stick to her style as much as possible, I was thinking that maybe getting different character perspectives from time to time would add depth to the story - reveal things that we might not really see from Bella's POV. So that is why this chapter is Alice's POV on the whole situation. It's only short, but it kind of gives you an insight into the kind of things I think she'd most likely be thinking in a situation like this. I could be well off the mark, and if I am, I appologise, but it's just a trial to see how it goes. If it goes well, perhaps people could suggest other character perspectives they'd like to read from time to time, and I can see if I can squeeze them in somewhere.

In the meantime, enjoy, as always! :)

As the sun set on the horizon, plunging the forest into complete darkness, I carried on regardless, never looking back, even though I could hear Bella some way behind me. She seemed to be keeping her distance.

I wasn't actually mad with her anymore. I'd already seen how her apology would play out, and it was actually quite sincere and heartfelt, like she truly meant every word. I'd seen it, the moment she'd decided to do it, which had been about five seconds after she'd lashed out at me in the first place.

Of course, that hadn't stopped me from being mad at her for a long time afterwards...you don't forget words like those in a hurry. But then I'd seen the way she'd acted with Charlie.

She'd been angry and upset. She'd been thirsty. She'd looked like she could literally have leapt over the table and finished him off there and then. But, with a measure of self control and discipline that never ceases to amaze me, she'd not only refrained from doing anything to hurt Charlie, she'd also willingly suffered in silent pain as she'd tried to help him. That took dedication and courage. I should know. It had been hard for me, and I'd been in this game way longer than Bella, with decades of experience behind me. Even poor Jazz still struggles from time to time, and he's way older than I am. Bella's still only a few months old...not even close to a year, yet.

How she manages it, I'll never understand. If only I had her self control and discipline, especially when it comes to shopping and party planning!

And then, just when it seemed like she might finally have been losing her grip altogether, the others had arrived, and the poor girl had looked even more lost and upset, despite Jasper's best intentions to help. He'd only upset her further, although bless him, he was trying.

But she wasn't just upset about Charlie, I could tell. She was upset about what had happened between us, and it looked like she desperately wanted to set things straight. So I'd given her the perfect chance. I'd convinced the guys to let us go off alone, together. I'd stubbornly kept Edward from my mind, but he wasn't stupid. He knew something was up. Still, at least he had the good grace to let us work it out for ourselves.

Now Bella was skulking behind me, not saying a word, probably still thinking that I was mad at her. Or perhaps she was thinking about Charlie. She must be worried sick about him, after all.

Eventually, the silence was so loud I couldn't take it anymore. I came to a halt in a small clearing, and Bella, so lost in her thoughts, walked straight into the back of me. She looked stunned, and more than a little horrified...like I was about to turn and tear her throat out, or something.

I fought back a grin, because after all, I was supposed to still be mad at her. She hadn't apologised yet. Then I dug in my pocket for my cell phone.

"You want to call the hospital?" I asked, trying to keep my voice emotionless and flat as I held the phone out to her. She hesitated for a moment, like she was seriously considering accepting this offer, and then she shook her head.

"No. Thank you. I'm going straight there once I've hunted. If...if the news is bad and I haven't...if I'm still thirsty...then I don't know what I'll do to the next humans I meet. It's better I, erm...keep a clear head."

At least she was honest and practical, thinking about ever outcome of the situation. She was learning to understand the dangers she posed now. She was beginning to understand that although she was in control, she was still deadly to those around her. One false move and she could snap again.

I'd only ever seen her truly snap once, at that mutt Jacob. But even so, I would not wish her wrath on anyone.

I wished I could see Charlie's fate. But I just couldn't get a clear enough image. Because nothing had been decided yet...he, himself, was in too much of a state to decided whether he was going to fight for his life or give up...Carlisle couldn't decide if he was showing promising signs or not because it was still too early...none of the others could even decide how the situation looked.

The future was balancing on a knife edge right then, and I was seeing more than one outcome.

I looked at Bella, feeling so helpless because I couldn't even console her, which was probably the worst thing about this whole situation. I knew that deep down, that was exactly what she was looking for - some kind of reassurance that everything was going to be alright. I couldn't give her that. I couldn't offer any real words of comfort at the moment, without giving her some kind of false hope which might only make things a lot worse if...well, if the worst should happen and poor Charlie didn't make it.

Eventually I decided to stay quiet. It was the only option.

I slid the phone back in my pocket then sighed, picking at the torn edge of my shirt, where a sleeve should have joined but was now absent, leaving just a few jagged edges and my exposed and very pale arm. I wasn't really too bothered about it, to be honest. I'd just have to buy a new shirt. At least it gave me an excuse to go shopping again, though I doubted very much that Bella would be joining me again in a hurry.

Still, I'd done my part to initiate conversation once more between us. The ice was broken. Now it was her turn to make a move. And I could wait all day, and all night if I had to.

But the question was, could she? I very much doubted it.

And as if to prove this point, a few seconds later, she glanced up at me uncertainly.

"Alice - " she started. Then she paused, as if lost...not sure where to start next. Again, I fought back a smile, because I knew where this was heading. This vision, I had been sure about. So I waited, watching her expectantly.