Disclaimer: I own nothing.

Chapter 6

It had been two weeks. Two of the happiest and curious weeks I have ever had.

Since my walk with Jasper, I found us slowly, surely coming closer each day. I couldn't help but notice how cautious he always was around me though, as if he was afraid too be alone with me for too long.

Yet at the same time, I could see that he liked spending time with me, at least somewhat. In the rare occasion that I would see him smile when he thought no one was looking or the subtle shine that occasionally glimmered in his eyes, I would see hapinness reflected in them. Maybe he wasn't as...fond of me as I was of him, but I have become confident in saying thatwe are at least friends.

But as my friendship has grown with Jasper and the rest of the Cullens, so has my curiosity about them. I have yet to see anyone eat anything- ever, excluding the one small chip I forced into Emmett, who ate it reluctantly. Edward just laughed at him, as if enjoying another joke I didn't understand, while Emmett swallowed, looking like he was in pain.

That is, until Emmett asked me to force some on Edward too. Edward's laughter had subsided instantly and he all but ran out of the room, mumbling something about not liking chips. I remeber my confusion at both Edward's departure and Emmett's smug expression.

And other than that, there was the odd body tempertures. I had noticed it before with Carlisle and Jasper, yes, but had figured it was either because of the weather, or in Carlisle's instance, from the ice he gave for my bruises. But I quickly found that all the Cullens had the same ice cold, flawless skin.

When I had questioned Carlisle about it, asking if they all had some weird medical condition or something, he just smiled, telling me to get some rest. I have always had trouble not knowing something. I mean come on, what kind of answer is that?

And probably the strangest thing of all was Edward's uncanny ability to correctly answer someone before they even spoke. It was as if he could tell what I was thinking- what anyone was thinking. He would make a comment or answer a question when no one said anything, as if the Cullens were having private conversations without speaking.

I was beginning to become impatient. I knew they were different- my dream told me that much. but what it lacked in telling me was how they are different. What else could they be but human? But I am tired of waiting. Tired of waiting for the truth to reveal itself, tired of waiting for someone to say something, tired of the secrets, tired of waiting for Jasper and I to kiss...

"Alice?" I looked, seeing Edward watching me closely.

"Yeah?" I responded, trying to shake off my thoughts.

"Carlisle would like to see you in his office for minute," he said, still watching me closely, as if trying to tell what I was thinking.

I nodded before standing up and making my way up the large stair case. When I reached his door, I took and deep breath before softly knocking on the door and opening when I heard a muffled "come in" from the other side.

"Ah, Alice thank you for coming to speak with me." he greeted.

Carlisle was seated behind a large wooden desk. There were rows and rows of bookshelves lining the walls, and huge burgendy curtains over the window, keeping any outside light from reaching the room. I gave him a small smile, taking a seat in the chair opposite Carlisle, in front of his desk.

"Edward said that you wanted to speak with me? About something important I assume?" I asked.

"That is correct," he confirmed. "Now as you know, you have been with us for a few weeks now. And as much of a joy as it has been having you here," he paused before continuing, "I am concerned about your situation with your family." Shit.

"Now I know you said they were out of town," he told me, eyeing me in a way that told me he did not believe me, "but I can only imagine the concern they must be feeling."

"Well, I doubt that they have even come home yet..." I started.

"True as that may be, they surely would call to check up on you," he said, seeing right through my lies. "Have you tried to contact them since the incident?"

I shook my head, avoiding eye contact.

"Alice, I hope for you to share why you were off on you own," he asked gentley, obviously sensing something was wrong.

I didn't expect them to by my story forever, but I also hadn't expected to stay this long either. At my reluctance to answer his questions, he merely nodded, looking slightly disheartened.

"Just know I am here when you are ready to talk Alice. Please also know you are welcome in our home for as long as you need."

"Thank you," I said, feeling the relief that they would still allow me to stay. With that, I exited, quietly closing the door behind me.

"Everything alright?" The quiet voice made me jump.

"Jasper, stop doing that!" I said in mock anger. He merely gave me that smile that made my knees go weak.

"Maybe you shouldn't be so jumpy," he responded, keeping pace with me as I made my way down the hall.

"Everything okay?" he asked, making me pause as he placed a cold hand on my shoulder. It wasn't often that he made any kind of physical contact with me. "You seem a little tense."

I debated whether to tell him what was on my mind. But what could I possibly say? That I'm worried about my home situation because I have dreams that occasionally come true? That I think his whole family might be something other than human? No. I couldn't. He would think I was utterly mad.

"I'm fine," I said, feeling my lips curve into a smile, hiding my face from any distressed emotions. Apparently he wasn't buying it.

"You can tell me," he said so quietly and sincerely that I wanted nothing more than to give in. "I mean, we're...friends right? Friends tell each other what's on their mind."

Then I made the mistake of looking into his eyes. I saw nothing must genuine concern and maybe even sadness? I noticed his eyes seemed an even more intense color of gold today, looking at me as if he could feel everything I was feeling. I looked down.

"I need to know something Jasper," I finally said, looking back into his eyes. "And I need you to promise to tell me the truth, no matter what." I could see his hestitance, but also his curiosity.

"I promise to tell you as much as I can," he amended. Not wanting to get into a discussion I knew I would lose, I decided this would be good enough for now.

"You're family," I started," You're different. We both know that you are." I could see him become nervous, now avoiding eye contact. He was about to respond when suddenly Edward appeared beside us.

"Sorry to interupt," Edward said, not looking sorry atall but looking as Jasper as if communicating silently. Jasper looked simply relieved.

"Esme has your dinner ready for you Alice." Before I could object, Jasper mumbled a goodbye before speeding down the stairwell. Just as edward made the move to follow, I objected. I was now more determined than ever.

"Edward, I need to know what you are."