About three days after Christmas, I was able to move back into my room. I felt sad having to leave the cottage. It kind of was starting to feel like home. Everyone helped get my stuff back to the house. Edward brought me back to the house about one 'clock. As we walked into the back yard, I thought about my new family. In the time I had been with my uncle, they were starting to feel like family. Carlisle became like a grandfather figure while Edward became a father to me. Jasper and Emmett felt like the protective big brothers I never had. Esme filled the lonely place in my heart that longed for a mother. Bella, Alice, Rosalie and Renesmee became my sisters and best friends. A contented sigh escaped my lips, feeling my uncle hug me as we walked.

"Are you happy with your new family?" Edward asked as he wrapped his arm around my shoulders.

"I am. I honestly thought I would not find a place anywhere. I didn't think I would ever have a mother, father, grandfather or brother and sisters, that I would always be alone."

"You will never be alone," he replied, kissing my temple.

We walked into the house and upstairs where everyone was waiting for us. Alice was bouncing on the ball of her feet.

"Alexia, here is your new room. We hope you like it," Esme said as she opened the door.

I walked into the room, my hand covering my mouth. They had completely remodeled the room. The color scheme was cool shades of grey, blue and white. It was relaxing. The curtains were a heavy jacquard with white sheers. The bedding was dark blue with silver and white scrollwork. The bed was wrought iron with a pewter finish. The furniture was black lacquer with silver accents and pulls.

My bookcase had been replace and filled with my books. My new desk housed my computer from Jasper and Alice. On the wall was hung a large double picture frame, which held eight photographs. The center one was the family photo taken on Christmas Eve. Surrounding it, were photo of each couple and me.

Edward stepped up to the frame and turned it over to reveal another set of photos. I tried to say something but the words would come out. The center photo was of Edward, Bella, Renesmee and I on Christmas Eve surrounded with photos of Edward and I.

"When did you take these?" I asked as I ran my fingers over the photos.

"We all took turns taking them," Carlisle said he hugged me. "My favorite is this one." He pointed to the one photo that was only of me. I was reading, curled up in one of the large overstuffed chairs in the living room. The sun was shining that day, casting a warm glow on me.

"Thank you so much, Carlisle." I smiled as I wiped my eyes.

Three days before school was to start found the fog hung heavy in the early morning as the sun made its best effort to shine through and turn the sky grey and pink. I woke up shivering and achy. My throat felt scratchy and raw. I thought that a shower would help me feel better. It did not, I only felt tired and worn out. I slipped on a dark green cami, cream lounge pants and my black hoodie. I noticed that I kept going back and forth chilled to hot.

I went downstairs to find it empty. Everyone must be out. I wondered down that hall and saw the light from Carlisle's study peeking out from under the door. I quietly knocked and crack the door open. "Carlisle, may I come in?"

He looked from the book he was reading with concern. "Of course, sweetheart, you don't have to ask." I stepped into the study and walked over to the desk. Carlisle stood and kissed the top of my head. He furrowed his eyebrows. "Are you feeling alright, Alexia? You are warmer than normal," he asked.

"Not really, Carlisle, I woke up and felt like someone lit a match and shoved it down my throat."

"I can hear it. Did you take a warm shower?" he asked as he went from concerned grandfather to doctor. He began to feel my glands, his eyebrows furrowing deeply.

"Yeah, but I just felt tired and worn out."

He nodded. "Open your mouth for me please and say 'ah'." I did as I was asked. Carlisle inhaled slightly. "You have some clear blisters on the back of your throat and your glands are swollen." He walked over to a cabinet and took out a swab with a cover on the end. "Let me swab your throat and I'll go by the hospital later. I sure it'll come back positive for strep."

"How can you tell? It's not like I've been around a lot of people."

Carlisle motioned for me to open my mouth again as he held up a thermometer. I closed my mouth. "Strep makes the breath have a metallic scent and while you haven't been around a lot of people, we bring in things from the outside. I could have brought it home from the hospital or when everyone went to finish the Christmas shopping, they could have picked it up."

I nodded just as the thermometer beeped. Carlisle took it from my mouth. I knew from his expression that it was not good.

"You're running a low grade fever. It's 100.8." Carlisle said as he continued to check me. "Do you get sick often, Alexia?"

"I get something about once a year, so when it happens, its usually pretty bad."

"Is it just your throat or does it hurt to talk?"

"Both," I replied as I opened my mouth so Carlisle could swab my throat.

Carlisle nodded. "We'll have to keep a close eye on you then. School starts in three day." Then he looked at me curiously. "Why did you wake up so early, sweetheart?" he asked quietly. Just then, a loud thud came from the second floor. "Ah, I see. I'll talk to them about that."

"That would be great."

We walked into the kitchen. He fixed me a cup of tea and some buttered toast. Carlisle had me follow him into the living room. He sat down. "Alexia, I know you don't feel well, but there are some things we need to talk about."

I hesitantly sat down, crossing my legs in front of me as he turned sideways to face me. "Did I do something wrong?"

Carlisle smiled. "No, sweetheart, but if you had, Edward would be setting here with you and not me." I nodded that I understood. "Edward told me about you desire to be changed." Carlisle said.

"Ah, I see." I mumbled as I put down the piece of toast that I was attempting to eat, rather painfully, I might add. "I should have known that wouldn't stay private."

Carlisle sighed. "Alexia, Edward came to me because he felt it was necessary."

"I'm use to it just being Nicolas and I."

"Why do you want this, Alexia?" Carlisle asked compassion and love in his eyes.

"This life is all I know, it's all that has surrounded me from the day I was born. Everything in my life has been taken from me. My human family is dead. Edward is the only family I have left. I am not afraid of this choice, Carlisle; and I do understand what I am asking for. I mean, I've lived like you guys since I was ten."

"You are so much like your uncle. I understand the reason."

"Then why did you ask because I know my uncle, he told the whole conversation," I wondered as I tried to stifle a cough.

"There are some things that are better heard from the person themselves. While I understand it, I have to agree with Edward that right now, with the current circumstance, is not the right time."

"I knew you two would agree on that." I said, slightly irritated.

"Do you understand?" Carlisle asked.

"Yeah, I do. I'm sorry I snapped at you." I sighed. "I'm so tired of all of this."

"I know, sweetheart. It is not that we do not want to do this, the timing is not right. Both Edward and I understand your reasons for your choice. I think also, that Edward wants to talk to you some more about this. The last thing we want to happen is to lose you," Carlisle assured me as he pulled me into a hug. Carlisle did not say anything for a few minutes then he looked back at me. "You've thought this through very carefully, haven't you?"

I nodded. "Yes, I have, I hope that you and Edward understand."

"Your uncle and I more than understand. We just think that it isn't the best time right now," Carlisle said. "You know much your uncle respects human life and that is another issue."

I was about to replied when Emmett and Rosalie came bounding down the stairs. Carlisle grimaced as he saw me duck my head and blush.

"Good morning, Carlisle and Alexia, how are you guys this morning?" Emmett asked completely unaware of my discomfort.

"Um …" Carlisle began, not wanting to give this lecture to his children. "You two need to remember that there is a family member who needs sleep."

Rosalie instantly made the connection. "Oh god, Alexia, we're so sorry." Emmett looked at Rosalie then at me. His eyes widen. "Sorry, munchkin, we didn't mean to keep you up."

I smiled and went into the kitchen to wash up my plate and cup. I told them I would see them later and crawled back into bed.

My nap was restless. I would sleep for a bit then had turned over and get comfortable again. I kicked my blankets off because of my fever, but would wake up to find them back over me. A light knocking on my door woke me. "It's open," I replied groggily, my voice rough.

Alice poked her head in. "Hey, sleepyhead. I should have left you some earplugs, sorry. I thought they would remember that you were in here."

I stretched and attempted to sit up, but my head had other plans. It immediately started pounding, along with a horrible cough. "What time is it?"

Alice sat down and rubbed my back. "It's almost one in the afternoon." She said then concern furrowed her pixie features. "Carlisle said you were sick," she said as she put her hand on my forehead. "It feels like your fever has gotten worse."

I gave her a small nod. "Yeah, I feel worse than this morning. My head is killing me."

She nodded. "I'll get you something for that. We're planning our trip for tomorrow, so why don't you come downstairs for a while and lay down on the couch."

"I'll be down in fifteen." I said as I stumbled into the bathroom.

I tried to keep the dizziness at bay while I got my shower. However, it was not working. I stumbled into my closet. I pulled another cami from the dresser but kept the cream lounge pants. I sat down on the bed to rest. Twenty minutes later, I started downstairs. I made it to the second floor landing and sat down on stairs, putting the head between my knees. I heard someone come up the stairs then pause and was immediately at my side.

"Alexia, are you alright?" Edward asked.

I felt his cool hand on the back of my neck. The headache that started not five minutes after I had gotten up, had worsened. "Do I look like I'm alright," I snapped as I pinched the bridge of my nose.

His eyebrows rose at my attitude. "Alexia, that was not necessary," he replied firmly, letting me know that he did not like the tone in which I answered him. I shivered hard. "Where's your hoodie?"

"I feel too hot," I coughed out as another shiver ran through me.

Edward moved his hands from my neck to my face. His eyebrows furrowed. "I'd say your fever is above one hundred. Are you sure you want to come downstairs?" I nodded. Edward picked me up and carried me downstairs.

"I'm sorry I snapped at you, dad," I apologized.

Edward set me down on the couch. "It's alright; I know you're not feeling well." Then he walked into the kitchen. Rosalie was watching me closely as was Renesmee, Bella and Alice. Jasper and Emmett were playing chess. Carlisle and Esme came in from the back yard. Carlisle took one look at me as he hung Esme's coat up.

"God, Alexia, you are as pale as mom and dad," Renesmee observed.

"That was not nice, Nessie," Esme remarked.

Carlisle came over and felt my face. "You're fever is higher than this morning. The hospital called me, you have strep, so I think it best if you didn't go tomorrow," Carlisle instructed as he walked back to his study. "I'll be back in a moment."

Esme knelt down next to me and cradled my cheek in her hand. "My poor girl, would you like your comforter from upstairs?" I nodded. Esme left and was back in the blink of any eye with my comforter.

"Here, Alexia, this will help your throat." Edward announced as he came back from the kitchen. He handed me a cup of chicken broth.

I went to take it from him when the cough I had been suppressing, would not stay in. I turned onto my stomach and coughed into the couch. Esme rubbed my back until it stopped. I feel like shit.

Edward cleared his throat. "Alexia, be mindful what you're thinking."

I looked up at my uncle as he handed me the cup. "I would be glad I didn't say it out loud," I mumbled softly. Rosalie, Alice, Bella, Esme and Renesmee giggle while low chuckles came from Carlisle, Jasper and Emmett. My uncle, on the other hand, did not find it humorous.

"Alexia Masen Cullen …" Edward began but Carlisle interrupted.

"Edward, leave it alone, I remember you weren't always the most cooperative patient when you were sick," Carlisle mused, much to my uncle's dislike.

Carlisle took my temperature. "This is not good. It's 103.2o F."

I watched Edward and Carlisle had a silent conversation. Esme follow him into the foyer. Edward came and knelt next to me.

"Can you sit up, sweetheart?" Slowly, I sat up. Edward sat down behind me, stretching his legs on either side of me. He pulled up the comforter and I leaned back against him. He chuckled as I let out a heavy sigh. "Does that help?"

"Yeah, it does."

I listened to the girls talk for a while. Edward nudged me to drink my broth. Alice asked if there was anything I needed.

"Alexia, I know you have everything you needed but maybe there's something you would like," she asked. I thought for a moment then Alice's smile broadened. "Yes, I can do that for you."

After a while, I began to fall sleep as Edward took my cup. Carlisle came back later that evening and started to push antibiotics into my system. He handed me the antibiotic. I was about to take it when the thought occurred to me.

"Carlisle, what is this?"

"It is Clindamycin." I furrowed my eyebrows as I handed it back to him. Carlisle was confused so I clarified the situation. "I'm allergic to it." The look on his face told me everything I needed to know. "Yeah, I think I might kill him first."

"I think, when you are feeling better, we should sit down and find out what else Nicolas 'forgot' to tell us," Carlisle said as he walked out of the living room. He came back with his coat on. "Can you take Amoxicillin?" I nodded.

Why do I always have to get sick right before school starts, I thought as I finished getting ready for school. The previous day was not much better. I woke up with full-blown strep and laryngitis. I was waked up every two hours to drink something. Esme helped me with the bathroom. Edward told me that Nicolas called and asked how I was. We talked about school until I fell back to sleep.

It was Monday, January 5th. Carlisle thought it was better if I did not go to school, but I insisted. I had never missed a day of school and I was not going to miss the first day. I did not have it in me to get my clothes together the night before, so I asked Alice to handle my wardrobe.

She picked out a pair of custom dyed jeans, a black turtleneck sweater and a pair of black clogs. I was dressed then walked into Alice's room.

"There you are. How are you feeling?" She asked she began to massage my scalp. "

"I feel like shit, Alice."

"Well, if it's any consolation, Carlisle said you didn't have to stay the whole day if you can't handle it. Besides, everyone will by the cover story."

"Are you sure?"

"Yup, definitely, but remember, Alexia, you don't have to answer question if you don't want to."

I nodded and Alice got started on my hair. She left it down but curled the ends as not to make my head ache worse. She kept my make up simple only enhancing my eyes and cheeks, so I looked more a healthy shade of pale rather than sickly pale.

When she was finished, I bent over holding my head in my hands. Alice went to my room and got my bag for me.

"I got everything together for you last night," she explained as she put my messenger bag over my shoulder. "Oh and here," she said suddenly as she handed me a thin silver phone.

I took it and slid the top sideways to reveal a full keyboard. "Alice, I already have a phone."

"No, you don't. Edward trashed it after Dominic called you that day," Alice informed me. "Everyone has one of these and you will not have to worry about Dominic getting the phone number." I raised an eyebrow. "Jasper is a genius when it comes to technology," she explained.

I put it in my pocket and followed Alice downstairs. Edward was sitting on the couch with Carlisle in the living room. They both stood up as we walked in. Renesmee, evidently, was still as the cottage.

Edward hugged me and kissed my head. "How are you feeling?"

"I still feel hot and crappy," I answered as I leaned my head against his shoulder.

His hands came up and cradled my face. "Yes, you still have a fever, but it's not as bad as it was."

Carlisle smiled. "Let's get you something to eat before Nessie gets here."

We walked into the kitchen. Edward fixed me some toast and a bowl of strawberries with cream and powder sugar. Carlisle sat next to me.

"Alexia, you remember the cover story?" Carlisle asked as he rubbed my back.

I nodded. "Edward, Renesmee and I are siblings. You adopted Edward, another couple adopted Renesmee and another adopted me. Edward asked you to find us. You found Renesmee first then me. Edward picked me up on his way here from Dartmouth"

Carlisle nodded. "Very good, how old is everyone?"

"Edward is twenty-two and in medical school. Renesmee and I are both sixteen. We are twins. I wear contacts to help people tell us apart."

"Alexia, if you can't handle it or it gets to be too much, then call Alice," Edward said as he took my plate and bowl. "She'll be going with you and watching."

I looked at my watch. "Its 7:30, where's Nessie?"

Just then, Bella and Nessie came walking in from the backyard. "Morning, everyone, how are you feeling, Alexia?" Bella asked as she walked up to me and gave me a hug.

"I know you all mean well, but I'm getting really tired of that question," I replied as I got up.

Everyone laughed. As Renesmee, Alice and I made our way to the door, Emmett came bounding down the streets. He gave Nessie a hug then turned to me. He took two steps then stopped.

"I promise, I'll be nice," he mused to Edward. Then he gave me gentle hug, leaving me shocked.

"Thanks, Emmett, have a good day."

"You two munchkins stay out of trouble," Emmett laughed.

Alice dropped us off at 7:45 am. She said that she would take her car home and return on foot. Everyone turned to stare at the Renesmee and I. Renesmee noticed my eyes as they darted around at everyone.

"Calm down, Alexia, I can't help you like Jasper can," she whispered as I followed her to the office. "A panic attack won't help you or us." I nodded as she opened the door to the office. "Mom said they did the same thing to her when she first moved here."

I snorted. "Vanessa, are you trying to make me feel better?"

The secretary looked up and a warm smile graced her lips. "Good morning Vanessa, how are you this morning?"

"I'm good, Miss Parker," Renesmee replied then she turned to me. "Miss Parker, this is my twin sister, Alexia."

Miss Parker, who looked to be in her fifties, had a round face with warm eyes. She turned to me and smiled. "It's nice to meet you, Alexia. We were very excited to here that you were able to be reunited with your brother and sister."

I smiled and nodded. "Thank you very much; I was nervous when Edward picked me up."

Miss Parker laughed softly. "Well, I must say that he and Dr. Cullen were very happy when they came in to make the arrangements," she commented as she began to go through a stack of papers. She found what she needed. "Here's is your class schedule and sign-in sheet," she explained as she handed me the papers. "Now, your schedule is the small as your sisters. Make sure that all of your teachers sign your sheet then bring it to the office before you leave."

"Okay, thank you, Miss Parker," I replied as a cough escaped.

Miss Parker looked at me with concern. "Are you alright, Alexia?"

"She started getting a cold a few days ago, but she been on antibiotics for two days," Renesmee answered quickly.

"I'm sorry you're sick dear. If you need anything, come and see me."

We thanked Miss Parker and went to my locker, which was next to Renesmee. The second bell rang as we walked into English class. The teacher, Mister Anderson, looked at us as we walked in. He was tall, broad shoulders with salt and pepper hair. He remind me of a professor that would visit Nicolas in England when we were there.

"Miss Cullen, you are late."

"I'm very sorry, Mister Anderson, but I was helping my sister find the office, get her schedule and find her locker."

Mister Anderson stared at me then shook his head. "Ah, I see, well, welcome to Forks Miss Cullen. Do you go by Alexia or Alexandria?"

My eyes widen. "Um, Alexia, please, Mister Anderson."

Mister Anderson signed my sheet and we took our seats. Renesmee sat down in the back row while I sat three seats to her right. Our teacher was not too bad. He went over the material thoroughly then handed out the reading list for the semester. I looked at the list: Tennyson, Poe, Hemmingway, Hawthorne, Melville and Emily Dickinson. Wow, that is a nice list, no light reading here.

When bell rang, Renesmee waited for me. As we were leaving the room, a boy came up to us. He was a little taller than I was with dark hair and hazel eyes.

"Hey, Vanessa, are you going to introduce me to your friend?" he asked excitedly.

Renesmee grimaced slightly, but not enough for him to notice. "Um, hey, Scott, how are things?"

Scott's eyebrows furrowed. "They're … they're great. So who is this?"

She sighed. "Scott, she's not my friend. This is Alexia, my twin sister. Dr. and Mrs. Cullen asked her if she wanted to come live us."

Scott's expression became even more confused. "What a minute, you mean Edward, her and you are all related?"

Renesmee rolled her eyes. "Duh, why do you think we look alike?"

I was getting the impression that Scott was not one of Renesmee's favorite people. "Um, Vanessa, we're going to be late for Algebra," I offered.

She nodded and we left Scott with his mouth hanging open in the hall. The morning went by quickly as teachers and classmates introduced themselves. The only class that I found boring as hell was Biology. I had been taking Biology II in New Hampshire as a matter of fact; I was a year ahead of everyone. I guessed that was something that Nicolas, again, left out. This is getting more and more complicated. Why would he leave out information that Carlisle needed? A shiver ran through me. I ran my fingers along my forehead. Great, m y fever is coming back.

The bell rang announcing it was time for lunch. As I stood up, a wave of dizziness came over me. Renesmee noticed me sway slightly. She put her arm around my shoulders and guided me to the lunchroom. We walked into the lunchroom and I became immediately uncomfortable. Everyone nearly stopped to watch us as we walked in.

Renesmee filled her tray while I took two bottles of orange juice and a bowl of soup. She raised an eyebrow but said nothing. We found a table to sit at by the windows on the far end of the room. I drank one bottle of juice then started on the second one.

"Your fever's coming back again?" Renesmee asked concern in her chocolate eyes.

I nodded then finished the second bottle. "I feel like I'm burning up and I can't get warm. My throat is killing me and nearly passed out at the end biology, so yeah I feel like shit." I turned and looked out the window toward to forest that lined the back of the school. I smiled slightly as I saw Alice slip out of the trees and wave then disappear.

"What's up, Vanessa?" a girl called out.

We looked over to a girl who reminded me of an anorexic super model with one of those hyperactive Chihuahuas or a cheerleader hyped up on sugar. Her hair was bleach blond and wavy with a shirt that was little too low and a skirt that was a little to short. There was something definitely wrong with this girl. Maybe it was the way she carried herself or the way her eyes told a different story than what was coming out of her mouth.

"Oh, hi, Jamie, how are you?" Renesmee replied sarcastically

"I just wanted to come over and introduce myself to the newest … addition of your family," Jamie remarked sickeningly sweet as turned her gaze to me.

I raised an eyebrow. "I'm Alexia Cullen, Vanessa's twin sister."

Jamie scrutinized my appearance. "Well, you look like Vanessa, but you're not as pretty as her."

"Jamie, don't you ever say anything like that again to my sister," Renesmee said coldly.

"I was just making an observation, Vanessa. She just doesn't look good."

I smiled. "I don't know what to say, we all can't be … critical snobs, now can we?"

Jamie's jaw dropped. I stood and moved until I was in front of her. She shied back a bit. "Did it ever occur to you that maybe, just maybe that I'm not feeling that great on top of starting at a new school,"

Another girl had joined us as I grabbed my bag. Renesmee took the hint and grabbed hers. Jamie thought it was safe to speak as we walked away.

"She is the definition of bitch," Jamie said to the girl.

I stopped and walked the three steps back to Jamie. She back up. "I suggest you keep your forked tongue behind your teeth." With that, Renesmee and I walked out of the lunchroom as the first bell ran.

Our next class was Spanish, unfortunately, fever and chills were getting worse. Renesmee kept looking at me out of the corner of her eye. I knew I looked bad. Twice our teacher asked is I was all right. Class was almost over, but I knew that I would not be walking out. Finally, Renesmee was asked to take me to the nurse's office.

As we walked into the office, my legs buckled and I crumpled to the floor. I tried to keep my eyes open but they kept closing. As everything became muffled, I heard someone say in a frightened voice, "What do you mean her temperature of almost 104 degrees."