A Brighter Future
I thought my life was complete with a loving husband, a beautiful daughter and two fine sons, but there was a brighter future ahead. Emmett and Edward were off hunting. Carlisle had just returned from the hospital and he was studying a patient's file. I was measuring the windows for new drapes. Rosalie was distracted with Emmett gone and was sitting facing the window. Her sudden gasp caused me to turn around. Carlisle and I looked apprehensively out the window and then at each other. Two of our kind were approaching the house. Carlisle stood up calmly and opened the front door. Rosalie and I stood slightly behind him. A tall, blond vampire with numerous battle scars on his arms was on our doorstep. Before Carlisle could speak, a tiny pixie of a girl with short dark hair darted forward. "Carlisle, Esme, Rosalie, I'm so happy to finally meet you. Which room can we have?"
Even Carlisle found himself at a loss for words, but as we studied the newcomers, we were relieved to see amber eyes looking back at us. I suddenly felt a calm, peaceful feeling wash over me.
Carlisle greeted them with a smile, "Please come in, Miss…?"
She laughed delightedly and danced into the front room, "I'm Alice Whitlock and this is my husband, Jasper."
I found myself laughing at her enthusiasm. Even Rosalie looked relaxed, which surprised me. Carlisle had a wide grin on his face.
I stepped forward then, "I'm not sure exactly where we can put you, but we'll find a place."
"Oh, that's alright. We're taking Edward's room. It has the best view and he's alone, so he doesn't need as much space. Where do you want me to put his things?"
"I suppose, the garage." I grinned back at her.
Rosalie began smiling when Alice raced up the stairs to Edward's room and returned in a few minutes with his belonging neatly packed. "Edward will love this." she chuckled.
"Oh, Edward and I will be great friends." Alice said confidently. "And you and I will have some fabulous shopping trips. Oh, and Emmett will enjoy wrestling with Jasper."
She turned to Carlisle and me and said, "I don't remember ever having a family. I've been seeing you in visions since I was a newborn in 1921, I think. I had to find Jasper first, so that I could bring him with me and teach him your ways. We've been looking for you for 2 years. I'm so happy to finally have a family." She was practically vibrating with excitement.
As Carlisle shook Jasper's hand in welcome, I smiled broadly. All my dreams of motherhood were being fulfilled in a way I hadn't anticipated. I walked over to Alice and hugged her. "Welcome home", I said, gently kissing her forehead.
Chapter title inspired by She is Brighter on Mitch Hansen's Twilight Hour cd.