I woke up early, while the sun was still beneath the horizon. Alice smiled as I sat up.

"Is Edward back yet?" I asked. She nodded.

"He's down by the river and Dad is getting ready for an early shift at the hospital," I pulled on a sweatshirt and shoes before heading down the lawn and to the rock where Edward sat. There was a frost on the ground and it was cooler than I had anticipated.

"Good morning, Mia," he pulled me close to him and placed his jacket around me, "It's January; you really should start dressing properly," I nodded.

"How was hunting?" I asked.

"Useless," he answered.

"You still want hers," I said quietly. He nodded.

"Unfortunately,"

"You're strong enough to beat this, Edward," He squeezed me with an arm.

"You have too much faith in me, young lady,"

"I don't think so. You're stronger than you think; I just know it," He kissed my forehead.

"Thank you, Mia," The sun was starting to break through the clouds just enough to notice that a new day was starting, "You need to get ready for school and say good bye to Dad before he leaves," I nodded and Edward lifted me over his shoulder and carried me into the house.

"I was just about to come out to see you," Dad said as we came through the door. Edward swung me around so we were both facing our father, but I was still in his arms.

"Are you working late again?" I asked.

"No, I should be home by four," he answered, "Have a good day, both of you," as he left, Edward carried me towards the stairs. Alice was sitting on the top step. She was staring at him intently. They were having another one of their conversations. He set me down on the step in front of him.

"Mia, go get ready, please," I looked at him oddly.

"What are you talking about?" I asked, "I can tell-,"

"Now, please," He answered in a snappier tone as he gave me a gentle nudge in the direction of my room. I took a few steps, but stopped once I was out of his reach, "Amelia," he did not look at me, but I knew that he meant it so I stalked off towards my room.

"Why didn't you do that last night?" Edward asked as he noticed me working on homework while sitting on the trunk of the Volvo. He held his umbrella over my work.

"I was tired?" I answered. He merely nodded and leaned over my work. I glanced to look at Alice and Jasper.

"You'll finish it in time," Alice commented, nodding towards the worksheet that I was working on.

"Yes and Jasper wants you to calm down; he'll make you if you don't," Edward commented. I stuck my tongue out at Jasper.

"I work well under stress,"

"Questions 3 and 7 are wrong," Edward commented, "And your teacher is thinking about grading it,"

"She's going to," Alice chimed in.

"Well what's the answer then? Why don't you just show me?" I pushed the paper towards him,"

"No, I'm not an advocate of cheating, missy," I scrunched my nose up at him, "Your answers are close though. You should get to class," I glanced at the clock on the outside wall. I still had almost ten minutes before first period started.

"No, I'll wait for you," I answered. Other than Alice, the family left for their classes. I could hear Bella's truck from down the road; it was the loudest vehicle that I had ever heard.

"Is that right?" I asked pointing to the question. Edward leaned over my shoulder to look at it quickly. Bella had just pulled into her parking spot. He nodded quickly.

"I told you that it was close," He directed his attention back to Bella and I directed my attention back to my homework.

"No!" Alice gasped aloud. I turned just in time to see what was going to happen. Tyler Crowley's van was speeding towards Bella and she was fixated there. Edward had left our side and at that instant, I wished that I could have seen Alice's thoughts.

"Class, Mia, let's go," She piled my papers and shoved them in my arms.

"But, Alice," I complained, "What about-,"

"Shss; they're fine," She steered me away from the parking lot.

"Alice, stop it!" I moved away from her reach, backing away while looking at her. Jasper stopped me with a hand on my shoulder.

"What did he do?" Rose asked. She was beyond angry; they all were. Alice explained in hushed tones and they argued.

"But Edward saved her; she could have died," I answered.

"He should have let her," Jasper replied, "Mia, go to class," I had moved away from him and towards Emmett.

"No, I'm-," he turned towards me with a growl.

"I said go to class,"

"That isn't-," he turned towards me again and I took a step back into Emmett. He steadied me and made sure that I had my footing. Alice's hand on Jasper's shoulder calmed him a bit, but he was still glaring at me through fierce eyes.

"Please just go to class, Mia. If you leave now, you won't be late," she said softly. Fine, I would go, but I was far from happy about it.

Lunchtime; I had dreaded the period from the time that I left my brothers and sisters standing in the courtyard before first period. I doubted that Edward was back and I was certain that the others were going to be tense and arguing, not to mention the fact that Jasper was probably going to be miserable. I was sitting by myself when Jasper took the seat beside me. I glanced up, but only slightly and he was staring at me.

"I made it to first period on time," I said flatly, "I was the only one there; even Mrs. June was out in the parking lot,"

"Now is not the time for you to push me, Amelia. I don't want to do anything that both you and I would both regret, so knock it off," I stood up to leave him alone, to go and get my food. I did not want to be alone with Jasper for any longer than I had to be.

"Stay," Emmett said as I took my first step. He had just approached the table silently with Rose. She looked furious.

"I have to-,"

"Food, right, I'll go with you," I nodded and he walked behind me to the lunch line.

"Jasper's angry with me," I said quietly, "very, very angry,"

"He's angry with the situation," Emmett answered, "but you are annoying him,"

"And Rose?"

"Oh, she's livid," I glanced at them.

"Where do you lie?" I asked.

"Where I have to, I suppose," he answered glumly, "And you?"

"I don't want to pick sides. There shouldn't even be sides. This isn't worth it," We headed back to the table and I sat next to Emmett.

"It is worth having discussion over," Jasper growled at me. I hated when he growled at me.

"Stop doing that," I whined, "I hate it,"

"Stop getting on my nerves, and I'll think about it,"

"I didn't do anything wrong, Jasper," He raised an eyebrow at me, but did not reply. Rose and Jasper vented for the majority of the period as Alice attempted to reason with them. Emmett kept mostly quiet and tried to make me do the same.

"Well, what solution are you thinking of?" I asked as Jasper and Rose discussed the fact that they needed to fix the problem, "It's not like you can just kill her," Emmett had tried to cover my mouth, but it was too late. Jasper and Rose both looked at me, "I can't believe the two of you," I answered, "That's completely ridiculous. If you really think that, you're not even worthy of being part of this-," Emmett scooped me over his shoulder before I could finish, but the damage was done. They knew what I was going to say.

"Are you crazy?" Emmett asked as he sat me down on the sidewalk outside of the cafeteria.

"Did you hear them?" I retaliated, "Did you hear what they were suggesting? That's ridiculous. This isn't even a big deal. It's not like anyone even saw what happened. Everyone just assumes that Edward was right next to her the whole time,"

"You saw it," Jasper said as he came to stand with us.

"Get away from me, Jasper," I answered, "I don't want to talk to you,"

"Mia, I'm just being realistic about this,"

"Murder is not realistic," I said loudly.

"Quieter, Mia," Alice whispered as she and Rose approached.

"I cannot believe this,"

"This is why he sent you to class earlier today," Rose said, "You can't handle this,"

"Yes, I can," I argued, "but you're speaking nonsense," I looked at Jasper and Rose, my brother and sister. They appeared to be forever angry right now, but I still couldn't picture them killing. I knew that they had before. I knew that they were more than capable of it, but it was still hard to fathom.

"Mia, you have to understand what Edward is doing to all of us; you have to understand what all of this is risking for our family, even you,"

"Especially you," Rose added.

"Bella won't say anything; I know that she won't," I answered.

"No you don't," Jasper answered roughly, "You do not know anything about her,"

"But you can't do this," I answered more softly, "I won't ever be able to think of you the same; I guess you know where I stand," I answered. I hadn't intended on taking sides, but that was prior to me learning Rose and Jasper's solution. I wouldn't be able to live knowing that I advocated that, "And Dad is not going to let you do this; Alice, Emmett? You don't agree with them, do you?"

"Mia, we'll discuss it at home; no one has chosen any sides,"

"Well, I have; I'm fighting for Edward,"

"You would," Rose answered spitefully.

"You aren't fighting anyone," Jasper answered, "If it turns to that, you will not be involved," I looked from face to face. I couldn't imagine them fighting one another; I didn't want to.

"When is Edward coming back to school?" I asked Alice directly.

"I don't know; he hasn't decided yet," she answered, "You aren't fighting, Mia,"

"I didn't even-,"

"You must've been thinking it or I would not have seen it,"

"Knock it off, Amelia," Jasper said sternly, "I already told you-,"

"Well, your reasoning skills are apparently mistaken today; I'm not taking any direction from you right now," Emmett smacked his forehead. I turned toward him.

"What?" I asked.

"You're digging yourself a hole, Amelia,"

"I don't care," I answered.

"Let's go," Jasper said to me, "we're going to class," He placed his hand in Alice's and grabbed my shoulder.

"I can walk myself to class," I answered, "I'm entirely capable,"

"I know you are," Jasper answered, "but that doesn't mean anything to me right now,"

"Well, let me go," I attempted to pull away from him, but Jasper wasn't having it. His hand was clasped on my shoulder and gave little. In fact, my struggling only improved his grip on my shoulder, "Ouch, ouch, ouch, Jasper, stop it," I still tried to pull away and he stopped walking.

"Listen to me; do you have the slightest idea what her knowing could mean? Exposure means that the Volturi will come and they would love any reason to come and see you," The picture of the woman from my dream flashed in my mind.

"She didn't say anything; you can't. I don't-,"

"You don't understand the severity of this,"

"Jasper, just let it go for now," Alice soothed, "Mia, don't do anything stupid, please," He reluctantly released the grip on my arm and they headed away from me.

On the way to the car after school, I met with Edward and Emmett.

"And this one," Emmett pulled me over to him, "she's been a ball of fire all day; she's been getting on Jasper's nerves from the start,"

"Why?" Edward asked, "Now, why would you do that?"

"Because he and Rose are going to-,"

"Okay, stop," Edward said, "I don't want you arguing with anyone over this; it's my problem, not yours,"

"But-,"

"No, you heard what I said and that is my final word. You are to be more than cordial with both Jasper and Rose; they are your brother and sister,"

"Fine," I crossed my arms across my chest and walked silently for a few seconds as they continued to talk, "Is she okay?" I asked suddenly changing the subject.

"For now," he replied grimly. The back seat of the Volvo was full. I sat on Emmett's lap and stared silently out the window. I felt the tension on the ride home between the six of us. Edward stopped the car abruptly and got out, as did the others. Emmett pulled me out carrying me on his back. I could tell that my presence was making things easier for him like it was earlier today and he wanted to make sure that I didn't make Jasper too angry with me. He was trying to be himself, carefree and easygoing, but the attitudes of the others were making that difficult.

"Mia, why don't you go up to your room?" Jasper suggested as Emmett set me down. His tone was more authoritative than suggestive; it seemed to be the trend today.

"This has every bit to do with me as well," I answered. He raised his eyebrow and pointed a finger towards the stairs, "No," I crossed my arms tightly across my chest and stood my ground. He turned and walked away from me. Jasper was angry, not only with the situation, but with me and I knew that even if we resolved the Bella problem, that Jasper would still be angry with me. He headed toward the side of the room opposite of Edward, Alice, mom, and dad. I paused by the door to the dining room. The family was divided and I was the last to enter the room. Everyone knew where I was heading. There was no suspense in my decision to sit on the arm of Edward's chair, by my mother, father, and Alice. Regardless of the content of the argument, it was highly likely that I would choose Edward over anyone else. This time was no different. Edward had saved Bella, and for that, I was thankful. I liked her from what I knew. She was nice and she definitely changed Edward, for the better, I think. She was a human, like me and I wasn't an advocate of the Jasper-Rose plan of action. The silence that covered the room was stifling. Edward glanced at me and placed an arm around me, holding me next to him. He knew that I wasn't leaving, not that he would have stopped me if I had decided to go to the other side, but it was more like he was keeping me from falling off the edge of the chair. It was an instinctual thing for him to do.

"I'm sorry," he said to Rosalie, Jasper and Emmett. He meant it and I could tell, "I truly did not want to put this family at risk and I know that now, I have. I take full responsibility for this,"
"What does that mean? Are you going to fix it, then?" Rose asked maliciously.

"Not like that," he answered, "I'm willing to leave right now if that would improve the situation," I looked at him nervously.

"No, Edward," Mom said softly, "Don't,"

"It would only be for a few years," he answered patting her hand, which was placed on his shoulder.

"I don't want you to leave," I said quietly, "not again," He half smiled at me, "not for a few years,"

"We will figure something out, Mia,"

"They're right, Edward; we need to know what everyone is thinking right now and you leaving would leave us too vulnerable," Emmett said.

"No, Alice would pick up on the big things,"

"Edward, no," I turned toward him, "You can't-," He quieted me.

"I think Emmett is right, Edward. She would be more likely to talk if you suddenly disappeared. Either we all leave or none of us leave," I sighed. My father's suggestion sounded much better to me.

"She won't speak," Edward argued.

"You do not know her mind, son,"

"I know this much, Alice?" he was looking for back up, but Alice could not provide it. With the others so decided in their actions, she couldn't see any future other than the one that they wanted.

"I can't see what would happen, Edward,"

"That's because those two are so determined against any solution that doesn't involve killing an innocent person," I answered. I was riled at this point, "Rose and Jasper want to kill her," I stood up and my father looked at me.

"Amelia, please take a seat,"

"No, Dad, they're-," Edward pulled me down into his lap and placed a hand over my mouth as I struggled to get away from him.

"Calm down and I will let you go," he offered. I shook my head no and he simply shrugged his shoulders and returned his attention to the conversation while continuing to cover my mouth. Rose had finally decided to speak and was now arguing with Dad, but it was evident that she would go along with his decision in the end. Jasper on the other hand was not persuaded so easily. Though Jasper had never told me everything, I knew some of his past and I had seen the scars.

"Jasper," Edward said from behind me. Jasper glanced at him, "I will not let her pay for my mistake; I will not allow it,"

"Then the girl will benefit from it?" he asked, "Edward, she should have died today; I would only be setting it right," Edward had removed his hand from my mouth.

"There have been times that I should've died, but I didn't. Would you like to set that right too?" I asked sarcastically though I knew it was not the time or the place. Edward shook his head.

"Mia," my father warned and I shut my mouth.

"I will not allow it," Edward repeated slowly and deliberately. Jasper shook his head.

"I will not allow Alice to live in danger, Edward. You don't feel the way I feel towards her for anyone and I cannot allow her to live in danger. You don't know what I do; even if you have seen my memories, you haven't lived it,"

"I am not disputing that Jasper, but I am telling you right now that I will not allow you to hurt Isabella Swan," They were staring at one another in a way that made me very nervous.

"Jazz," Alice said breaking the silence.

"Alice, don't bother telling me that you can defend yourself. I know that you can, but it doesn't matter. I have to-,"

"That's not what I was going to say, Jazz," Alice interrupted, "I was going to ask a favor,"

Edward's mouth hung open and gasped. I turned and looked at him.

"What?" he just nodded toward Alice, bewildered.

"I know that you love me, thanks, but I would appreciate if you didn't try to kill Bella. First off, Edward is serious and I would prefer it if the two of you didn't fight and this one right here," she motioned towards me, "she's serious too about you not killing anyone,"

"You aren't fighting," Jasper answered taking his gaze away from Alice to me, "I already told you that,"

"No, you are not," Edward agreed and my father and mother nodded.

"And Bella's my friend," she continued, "at least she will be someday. Mia's, too. She's going to be like a sister to us,"

"But…Alice…," Jasper didn't know what to say.

"I'm going to love that girl someday and I will be very upset with you if you do not leave her be," Alice answered. Jasper's face finally softened.

"Bella isn't going to say anything, see," She could now envision that future.

"What does this mean?" Edward asked nervously. He seemed to be choking on his words. She was ignoring him, "Alice, what are you hiding? What is it?" he asked. Emmett mumbled something at the other end of the table.

"Is it about the girl?" He demanded in a heavier tone, "Is it about Bella?" he asked.

"No!" he bellowed as he stood up, temporarily forgetting that I was still in his lap. He reached out and pulled me up before I hit the floor.

"Edward!" my father placed a hand on Edward's shoulder and my mother was at my side instantaneously.

"Are you alright, Mia?" she asked.

"Yes, I'm fine; he caught me," I answered quickly as I tried to focus on Alice and Edward's conversation.

"It's solidifying Edward," Alice said quietly, "There are only two ways for her now,"

"No," he repeated, "No, not her too," he gestured towards me, "Not both of them,"

"Will someone tell us what's going on?" Emmett asked in an annoyed tone.

"I have to leave," Edward said to Alice.

"No!" I argued, "You can't,"

"It's what's best for you," he answered.

"No, Edward, we've been over this already, you cannot go unless you want her to start talking,"

"You aren't going anywhere," Alice answered, "I can't see you leaving,"

"I don't hear that," Edward argued as he glanced at Jasper, "Why are you doing this to me?" Edward asked, "Love her too?" he added. I was beyond confused at this point, "And I know it would hurt her," He glanced at me again then back to Alice, "No," he answered, "I can change their futures. I'll leave if that's what it takes,"

"You can certainly try, but I doubt-," Alice began.

"What is going on?" I almost screamed it.

"Oh come on!" Emmett bellowed he had come to our side of the table at this point.

"Pay Attention, you two," Rose hissed as she stood between us, "he's falling for a human," she giggled, "Edward's falling for Bella,"

"What?" Emmett asked and then he simply laughed, "Tough break, kid," I was still confused. What was all of the pointing at me about?

"Fall in love with that girl?" Esme asked. She sounded oddly cheerful about it.

"What do you see exactly about her?" Jasper asked.

"Well, it all is dependent upon how strong he is, but he'll either kill her himself or she will be one of us someday," Alice answered.

"That's not going to happen!" Edward shouted, "Not either option for either of them," He looked at me again, but only briefly.

"Well, this certainly complicates the situation," my father said from behind me, "but the plan remains the same; no one will harm her,"

"No, I guess not," Jasper said, "Not if those are the only ways that Alice can see it heading,"

"No!" Edward shouted again. I thought of the possibilities. He wasn't going to kill her; that much was obvious. He was going to change her. I faintly heard another 'no' from Edward before he looked at me again, but this time longer.

"I am not going to change you," he pointed a long slim finger at me as he began yelling, "Stop polluting Alice's mind with that stuff. I can't handle both you and her, so stop," and he walked away from me. Everyone looked at me as he left the house running.

"I…I wasn't thinking about it. I swear," I stammered.

"What did you see about Mia, Alice?" my father asked.

"The same thing as Bella; only Edward wasn't your killer," she answered softly, "I don't know who it was,"

"I really wasn't thinking about it though,"

"Mia, your fate has been sealed since the first day you came to live with us, dear. Maybe, it's just getting stronger because you are getting older," my father offered. I waited in Edward's room until he returned. It was near 3:00 AM when he sat down on his couch beside me and I stirred awake.

"Why aren't you asleep in your own bed?" I simply sat up and looked at him, "Do not give me the silent treatment. You are the one waiting up for me, remember?" I nodded. I remembered perfectly, but had no idea where to start, "Mia, I am not going to play games with you; say what you need to or you can get to bed,"

"I was not thinking about it earlier,"

"Do not lie to me, Amelia," He answered sternly.

"I'm not lying to you, Edward. Dad says that my fate has been sealed since I came here and that it's probably just solidifying because I'm getting older,"

"No, your fate is not sealed. You have a choice,"

"Well, maybe I have already made it," I answered.

"That does not mean that I have; I'm not changing you now,"

"I know," I answered hoping it would calm his tone.

"Well, good,"

"Are you mad at me?" I asked, "I wasn't lying to you; I swear I wasn't thinking about it,"

"No, I'm not mad,"

"Why did you run then?"

"I needed to be by myself for a little while,"

"I was thinking about Bella," I continued, "About how you won't kill her,"

"No, I won't,"

"So, she'll be a vampire then," I answered.

"No, she won't,"

"But Edward, there's no other-,"

"I'll make another way; I'll fix it, just like I'll fix it for you,"

"You can't-,"

"I will," he answered, "Now, get to bed,"

"Edward," I wasn't quite finished with the conversation, but it was evident that he was. His look inferred that I might better do as I was told. I stood up with my blanket wrapped around me and headed towards my room.

"Goodnight, Amelia," he said quietly as I reached the door.

"Goodnight, Edward," I answered solemnly.