A/N: Hey, everyone...
I am so excited or Alice's birthday. I have every character's presents down – they will all be as gorgeous and as special as ever (:
Hope you enjoy this.
Disclaimer: Don't own it... SHE does. Gah...don't make me say it...Stephanie Meyer! God love you.
Jasper's POV
As soon as Alice went to bed... it was like I had had an epiphany. Everything became clear, and I instantly knew what I was giving Alice for her birthday. It was so obvious, it was almost ridiculous... but it's the thought that counts. And I can guarantee she will love it.
I rushed up the stairs, and grabbed everything that I needed. I set up my own little studio in Carlisle's library, and took a few deep breaths. If I was going to do this properly, then I needed to get in the zone. I couldn't just dive into this and expect it to be of any quality...
I put my hands on my knees, and closed my eyes. I imagined Alice and me, reading on the arm chair in her room, and the sound of her laugh. I knew I had to channel this energy into the gift, and make this as meaningful as I could. This was going to be in our lives forever... so I was going to do it well.
I could the ancient scent of Carlisle's century old books, which helped me to focus. It made me calm. It always surprised me how I possessed this power to calm, when I could hardly calm myself sometimes...
I could hear Alice breathing. This was another thing that calmed me—I'm not sure if that's creepy or not. But I could also smell her; and the scent nearly made me stalk right to her room and... and...
No. Stop right there. As much as I love Alice... it was hard not to think of her as food. As my prey, or my enemy. She was the fisherman, and I was the fish. She could real me in, and I'd be caught...
But I didn't want to think about this now. I wanted to focus on the good times we've had together, not the temptation I felt...
Alice. Alice's laugh. Alice's eyes. Alice's voice... that's what I had to think about to succeed. And that is what I would do to give her the most memorable, beautiful, birthday gift anyone will ever give her.
I opened my eyes, and instantly knew I was ready. I picked up my brush, and began...
Alice's POV
I was quite disappointed, after breakfast this morning – Jazzy and I's trip up to the mountains got called off because a huge storm rolled in from the south. There was thunder and lightning and the rain was coming down so hard it was loud on the windows.
It was a shame; really...I really wanted to go out with Jazzy today. But instead, we spent the whole day watching movies in the living room.
Most of the others watched it with us, too, but they were always getting up and down. They went out a lot. Bella, Rosalie and Esme went to the mall at one stage, Edward and Emmett went out hunting, Carlisle is at the hospital all day...so it was mostly just me and Jazzy.
Not that I minded. Jazzy was a really cool guy – or, vampire. I liked being with him. He made me laugh, and feel happy. I'm not sure if he was doing it on purpose, or if I really felt that way. Oh well. I didn't care. He was fun, and that's that.
"Who's your favourite Disney Princess, Jazzy?" I asked him, as we started watching 'Cinderella.'
He thought for a second, then turned to me, and smiled. "Probably Sleeping Beauty."
"I guess she is really pretty." I shrugged.
"It's not because she's pretty."
"Then...why?" I asked, confused.
He stared straight ahead. "I don't know."
"Well, I like Snow White." I smiled at him, and he immediately looked at me and smiled back. There's the smile I loved. Not the scowl that I once knew from when I first came here...that always scared me. A lot.
"Why do you like her?" He asked.
"I don't know, either." I giggled.
He laughed, and moved a little closer to me on the couch. We were sitting shoulder-to-shoulder. I was really cold, mostly because the rain was making me cold. And he was sort of warm. Kinda.
We sat and watched the screen for a moment, till Emmett walked in. He was grinning from ear-to-ear, and I wasn't sure why.
"Emmett, what's your favourite Disney Princess?" I asked him as he sat down on the other side of me.
"Sleeping Beauty."
"Oh my God, Sleeping Beauty is Jazzy's favourite too!"
Emmett grinned, and wiggled his eye-brows. "Really?"
"Well, why do you like her?" I asked quizzically.
"She hot."
I frowned at the screen. "...hot? As in...temperature, hot?"
Emmett' laugh boomed through the house, and made me jump, which only made him laugh even harder.
I scowled at him. "What, Emmett!"
"He means...he thinks she's...pretty." Jasper whispered in my ear with a chuckle.
"Oh. Ok. I see why. She looks like Rosie." I said, nodding. Although we weren't watching 'Sleeping Beauty', I had seen the movie enough times to know what she looks like. "Speaking of Rose...where is she?"
"She's with Bella. They needed to go and...buy something." Emmett answered with a smile. He was still laughing a little bit.
"Ooh, buy what? Why don't they ever take me shopping with them?" I threw my arms up in a rage. "It's not fair!"
"I'm sure they'll take you next time." Jasper said, lightly touching my arm. I felt calmer already, and settled back into the couch. The movie was getting to my favourite part – the fairy God mother was coming on to help Cinderella.
I wish I had a Fairy Godmother. Then she could help me when I needed her and be really nice to me. She would dress me up in pretty clothes then I would get to ride around in a pumpkin with horses at the front.
She would magically make everything make sense, even when I was confused. Kinda like what Jazzy does. If I'm confused, he makes me calm again. He was sort of my Fairy God...friend. Not a father. Jazzy was more like a...best friend.
Eventually, the others came back, and the whole family except Carly gathered to watch another movie with us. Jazzy put on Aladdin (the Cullens had so many DVDs!) and we all watched it together. It was quite soothing...until I fell asleep against Jazzy's side.
Of course, I found it hard to sleep very long when I knew it was my birthday tomorrow. Even though I was asleep, I still seemed to be able to tell, because I woke up 20 minutes after falling asleep. I realised I was starving, and wandered down stairs. Someone must have changed me into my pyjamas, because I felt cosy and warm.
"Hello, Alice." Carlisle said, as I entered the kitchen. Mostly everyone was in there, and looked quite surprised when I walked in, rubbing my eyes as they adjusted to the bright lights. "I'm sorry I didn't get home before you fell asleep."
"It's ok." I said, holding out my arms.
He picked me up and hugged me to his side. "You fell asleep very early, and you didn't eat any dinner. Do you feel alright?"
"I feel fine." I said. "What are you all doing out here?"
"Nothing." He smiled at me, and put me down on the stool. "What would you like to eat?"
"I don't mind." I shrugged. "Rosie, you didn't get to tell me my story."
"Yes, well...you were just so tired. I didn't want to wake you. Are you excited for your birthday?"
I nodded eagerly, suddenly feeling more awake. "Yeah! I think that's why I woke up."
Everyone laughed. Esme began preparing my dinner, while I chatted with Bella. She was talking to me about tomorrow, and what we would do.
"Well...would you like your present before, or after your special lunch?" Bella asked, poking me in the stomach. I loved my best friend.
"Ooh...before! Before!"
Bella laughed. "Ok, well..." She leaned down. "Do you promise to open mine first?"
I laughed, and nodded. "Yeah, sure, Bellsy. I mean, you are my best friend."
My eyes flickered up to Jasper, who was leaning casually against the bench, watching me talk to Bella. It got me thinking...maybe I had two best friends. I mean, everyone in my family I loved equally, but my best friends were the people I saw first.
Ok, so, I planned out everyone's roles in my life...
Carlisle is like the daddy.
Esme is like my mommy.
Edward is like my friend I can always talk to.
Bella is the person I can tell anything to. Even if it's stupid.
Emmett is like my big, cuddly brother.
Rosalie is sorta...well, my second mommy, I guess. She's also my friend.
Jasper is...well...he makes me feel better. And when I say that, I don't mean he uses his powers. It's just; whenever I'm around him...it feels like I was never abandoned. Like he's been with me all along. Taking care of me.
Esme placed a bowl of leftover spaghetti in front of me with a smile. I thanked her, and dug in quickly.
When I was done, I felt a little tired again. I wandered up stairs, but remembered something.
"Rosie! Wait! My story!" I yelled, although I knew she would be able to hear me even if I whispered. "All of you can come!"
They all laughed, and followed me up the stairs.
We ended up reading Goldilocks and the Seven Bears, but before Goldilocks got to try the porridge, I fell asleep against Rosie's side.
Bella's POV
Alice was taking so long to wake up...
All of us were waiting rather impatiently outside Alice's room. She fell asleep very quickly last night, and it's as if she was sleeping in on purpose.
Alice was different to me, although I think that's what made us so close. She loved her birthday, and getting pampered over, when I...well, I hated it. I wasn't going to lie.
Alice promised she would open my present first; I hope she likes it. After what she has been telling me these past few weeks, she will love it.
Edward wrapped his arms around my waist, and kissed my hair. "A little anxious?"
I sighed. "Yes. I'm just worried Alice won't like my gift."
"I'm sure she'll absolutely adore it." He murmured into my ear, sending shivers down my spine. "After all...she has claimed you as her best friend."
"True." I smiled. "Although...I think Jasper has taken over that roll." I said, looking over at Jasper. He smiled back at me, and shrugged.
"What can I say...she loves you." I said to him, laughing. I imagined little Alice sitting on Jasper's lap, watching movies yesterday – they had looked so cute. They were spending a lot of their time together, now; Alice treated him like her brother. Although, I think that was more Emmett and Edward's job...
"She's waking up." Edward whispered, unwinding his arms and taking my hand. Everyone gathered at the doorway, and Edward pushed open the door.
Alice was lying in her bed, rubbing her eyes. She hadn't seen us yet, so we crept as quietly towards her little bed.
"Jasper?" She whispered, leaning up on her elbows. "What—"
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALICE!" We all chorused, and a huge smile broke out on her little angel-like face.
She giggled, holding her arms out to Esme. Esme picked her up, and nuzzled her cheeks with Alice's. "Happy birthday, sweetheart."
"Thanks!"
We all took turns hugging and kissing her, and wishing her a happy birthday. Eventually she said she was hungry, and we all took her downstairs to have a special birthday breakfast.
As Alice ate her eggs, pancakes, toast, bacon, tomatoes, sausages, and juice – the smile was never once wiped off her face. She never stopped talking; her happiness must have been affecting Jasper, because he never stopped smiling either.
By the time she was full, there was still a lot of food left – Esme had made way too much. It surprised me how I could have ever found this food delicious; it smelt revolting now.
"Hey Esme? Do you have any cupcakes?" Alice asked suddenly, kicking her legs under the table. We all sat around the table, as if we were a real family eating breakfast together. I knew the idea made Carlisle and Esme ecstatic.
"Mmm... I do. You can have them now, only because it's your birthday." Esme smiled, and pulled out a tray of freshly bakes cupcakes. They had pink icing with little blue sprinkles.
"Thanks, Mi-Mi." Alice smiled, munching on one. "It's still warm!"
I couldn't help but feel happy around Alice – she was just like Jacob. She was like a sun; so bright, so radiant. It was hard to ever feel angry, or sad. Not that I had any reason to be sad...I had Edward. I had Renesmee. Nothing else mattered.
Which reminds me...Renesmee and Jacob are coming home in a week or two. Which also reminds me...we will all be starting school very soon. Uh, the thought made me cringe. But little Alice will be starting elementary school! How cute!
"Hey, Alice? What do you say we open your presents now?" I said, grinning at her. I had her present safely in my pocket.
"Ok!" She clapped her hands.
"Ooh, me first!" Emmett boomed.
"Sorry, Emmy, I promised Bell." Alice shot him a sympathetic look.
Emmett shrugged. "That's cool. Mine's going to be the coolest anyway."
We all rolled our eyes, and Alice jumped off the stool and took my hand. I took her to the living room, and sat down next to her on the sofa. "So, Alice...you know how we are best friends?"
"Best friends forever." Alice grinned at me, nodding her head.
"Yes...forever." I smiled softly. "Anyway..." I stuck my hand into the pocket of my jeans and pulled out the necklace I had bought for her. "Here you go. It's a friendship necklace. Happy birthday, Alice."
She took it from me, her eyes wide and sparkling. She examined it. "Ooh! Look! It's got a little 'A' and a little 'B' on it! For Alice and Bella!"
I had given her a half a heart shaped pendant, with, as she had said, the first letters of our names on the front. It was silver, with a small chain. I had gotten one for myself too, so we would always be connected.
I helped her put it on, and she looked down at it. "It fits perfectly! Thanks so much, Bell! Oh, and you have one too! How cool!"
"You're welcome, Ali." I smiled at her, and leaned in for a hug. She wrapped her arms around my neck and kissed my cheek. "Now, I think someone else is waiting to give you a gift."
She turned around, and Esme was waiting for her with a big smile.
"Oh! Thanks again, Bella, I love it." She smiled, and jumped off the lounge. She danced over to Esme and took her hand.
Alice's POV
Bell just gave me the prettiest necklace EVER – it was a friendship necklace. I had never gotten one of them before, so it was really special. I would keep it forever and ever and ever.
Now, it was Esme's turn. I wondered if I could call Esme mommy now; that's what she felt like to me. She cooked for me and hugged me and kissed me as if I were her own daughter. But maybe she only sees me as her adopted daughter. I don't know.
She took me out to her little garden. It wasn't raining today, for once. But, the sky was a deathly grey colour. Maybe the storm from yesterday hadn't passed after all.
We sat on the stone wall just near the pond. It was quite chilly today; I could tell summer was ending.
"So, Alice..." Esme said, fiddling with a small, velvet bag in her hand. She looked at me with her deep golden eyes, a smile on her lips. "You know that you are like a daughter to me. You mean the world to... all of us. So...I wanted to give you this."
She handed me the bag, and I pulled a small chord to release the hold. A small, golden chain fell into my hands, making a high pitched jingling noise.
"This was my mothers. There used to be many more charms on it, but they all have gotten lost over the past few decades." Esme told me as I stared at the pretty bracelet in awe.
I noticed there were two charms on here – one was a small, pearl orb, and the other one, a small golden shoe. (A/N: I actually have a bracelet just like this, from my great grandmother. Same charms and all :P)
"Oh, Esme," I said in a quiet voice, listening to the pond at the same time. She fastened it onto my wrist, and it slid up and down my arm. "Thanks so, so much. I love it."
She smiled, and pulled me against her chest. I buried my face into her hair, inhaling her sweet honey-like scent. For some reason, I felt like crying.
"You mean a lot to me, too...mommy." I said shyly, taking a deep breath. Hopefully the silence is a good thing. "I love you."
She hugged me tighter, almost till I couldn't breathe.
"I love you too, Alice." Her voice was shaking, as if she were about to cry. Can vampires cry? I wouldn't think so. But maybe.
"Don't cry, mommy." I said, using that word again. Hopefully she doesn't mind too much.
She pulled me away from her. Her eyes weren't watery, but they looked sad. "I'm not crying, dear. I'm just happy."
I held her hand, hearing the bracelet jingle against my wrist. "It was really your Mommy's?"
"Yes." She smiled. "It's special to me, so I wanted you to have it."
"Thanks, again, Esme." I smiled. "You...you don't mind me calling you mommy, right?"
Her eyes lit up at the word, and her smile became a grin. "I don't mind one bit."
"Ok!"
She stood up off the stone wall, and held out her hand to me. I didn't want to leave the pond yet, but I knew there were many more presents to come... that just made me want to go inside!
She led me back into the house, where Edward pounced on me. He picked me up by the wrists and carried me to the sofa. He dropped me on the couch, but I couldn't stop giggling. He sat next to me and held out yet another little velvet bag.
"So, Alice..." Edward said, smiling at me. "I heard you've gotten a friendship necklace from Bella, and a charm bracelet from Esme?"
I nodded eagerly, sticking out my wrist. He could already see the necklace around my neck. It dangled over my collarbones. "Yeah. Isn't it pretty?"
"It's very nice. And it just so happens..." He poured something small and cold onto my hand. "I bought something to accommodate Esme's gift. It was a little bauble, a little like the pearl one that was Esme's mothers. Except... this one was diamonds. Like, REAL diamonds...
"Oh. My. Gosh." I gasped, my eyes alight and excited. I couldn't stop staring at... the diamond! "It's... a... real... diamond?"
"Yes. It was my mother's. I have given one to Bella and Esme, too." Edward smiled at me, and put his arm around my shoulders. I leaned in to hug his chest, and he kissed my hair.
"Thanks so much, Edward." I whispered against his somehow cold jacket.
"You're welcome, Alice."
I smiled up at him, and leaned away. It was then that Emmett burst into the room, destroying the moment for both Edward and I. We both glared at him, although I couldn't help but let a giggle escape.
"ALLLLICE!" He boomed, a grin wide on his face. "Jeez, I thought you would never open Edward's gift!"
I laughed at him, and stood up. I patted Edward on the head then kissed his cheek. "Thanks again, Edward, I really, really, really like it. I promise I'll take care of it."
Just as I was about to give Edward another hug, Emmett grabbed my wrist and pulled me outside. I swear he nearly pulled my arm off, which such force. I let out a sound of fright as we sat in the middle of the grass outside.
"Gosh, Emmy!" I shrieked. "Where's the fire!"
He stopped then, and turned to me. He hid something behind his back, still grinning like a maniac. "Well... it's your present of course! It's the best one of them all!"
I laughed at him. "Oh yeah... then let me have it, and I'll decide."
He handed something to me in a rectangular box. I lifted to lid, to find a pile of bunched up, blue football jersey. I recognised it as being the 'Florida Gators'—that was always my daddy's favourite team. He was from Florida.
"Go on, lift it up!" Emmett said, his grin widening as he began jumping on the spot. I looked up at him, confused, as I held up the jersey.
It has the number fifteen on it, with white stripes. I wasn't too familiar with football teams; except this one. I knew this team so well; I could pick them with my eyes closed.
I turned it around, and my eyes widened. Emmett started babbling
"Well, I know how much you love football, and you love playing it with me, so I figured... you need something to play in! Something you can get DIRTY in, you know?"
On the back of the jersey, in capital letters, it said, 'Alice Cullen.' I ogled at it for a second, and then I threw my arms around Emmett's neck and squeezed.
"OH, EMMY! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!" I squealed, jumping as I hugged him. I pulled away as he pulled the jersey over my head. It was HUGE on me – it nearly went down to my knees. I still loved it though. "You are the best big brother EVER!"
His eyes lit up at the word, just as Esme's had; he hugged me again, and this time, kissed my cheek. I jumped on his back, as he ran around the backyard making funny noises while I laughed.
"I have something to play in now, how cool!" I squealed, as he came to a halt and put me down. I looked up at him, and gave him a big high five.
"And you know what else is cool... Me, Jasper and Edward have the same jerseys, but with their names on it too!" Emmett said, and clapped his hands.
"That is probably... the coolest thing ever! I am never taking this off! Thanks Emmett!" I smiled up at him, struggling to see against the sky. I still couldn't believe how HUGE Emmett was... it was crazy!
"Ok, squirt, I think Carlisle's waiting for you in his study." Emmett said eventually, and steered me back towards the porch. "Go on, you don't wanna keep him waiting."
I thought for a second. "True... see ya, Emmy! Thanks again!"
I took off towards the house, excited about getting another gift. I threw myself up the stairs, where Carlisle was waiting at the door to his study. I ran up to him, and gave him a big hug. We walked into his study where he sat me down in his big office chair and he kneeled down in front of me.
"Now, Alice..." He said, smiling at me. "I know the others have given you different gifts to mine... but... from the time I've been spending with you... I know this will be an incredibly important milestone in your life."
I looked at him, confused about what he was talking about. Carly could babble sometimes...
"Anyway, so..." Carlisle said. He shook his head, as if he couldn't believe what he was thinking. "I hope you're not too young..."
He took something out of his pocket. It was rectangular, white, and shiny...
"Happy birthday, Alice. Here is... your first credit card."
For a second, I felt as if I couldn't breathe. I slowly took it off him, just to feel it in my hands. It seemed so fragile in my hands... as if I could kill in a second...
Any normal person would think I was talking about an animal. But I wasn't.
Then I exploded.
"A CREDIT CARD? A CREDIT CARD! OH CARLY! A CREDIT CARD!" I had to repeat myself, to make sure it was real.
Most people would be surprised that I even know what a credit card is—but they learn not to question me. I know what everything is.
Carlisle laughed, and pulled me into his arms for a hug. I threw my arms around his neck, and suddenly, I couldn't stop giggling.
"Thank... you... so... much... Carlisle!" I giggled, as he let me go. I stood in front of him, and jumped around on the spot. I didn't want to let go of my credit card... ever. "I will cherish it forever! Forever and ever!"
"You're welcome, sweetheart." Carlisle chuckled again, and smiled. He cupped the side of my face in his hand, and looked at me with soft eyes. "You are very important to me, and... I wanted to give you something that you would love forever."
I smiled at him, and tucked the credit card in my back pocket. It felt so heavy, and I wanted to take it out again. I did, in fact; and I held it tightly in my hands.
"Never going to let that go, are you, Al?" Carlisle stood up, and took my hand. "I'm glad you like it, but... you still have one more gift to be given."
Of course I remembered—Jasper. He still had to give me my birthday present...
"Ooh! Jazzy! Jazzy, where are you!" I pulled Carlisle down to kiss his cheek, and let go of his hand. "Jazzy! Oh—"He nearly bumped into me as I ran into the study. "There you are."
He chuckled at me, and took my hand. He led me into the study that I felt like I knew so well, and sat me down on Carlisle's big, arm chair. Just to get on it, I had to climb it like a climbing wall.
"Ok, Alice..." Jasper began pacing, and that's when I realised what he was actually pacing in front of. It was a stand... covered in a white sheet. I had no clue what it was – maybe he was going to give me a stand and a white sheet. I'm sure I could do something with that... "I wasn't sure what to give at your first, I'm happy to admit that...
"And I know in the past... I haven't been very nice to you..." He kneeled right in front of me, and held both of my hands. "But I just want you to know... I've accepted it. You are part of my family now... and I do love you."
For some reason, I felt like crying. I placed both of my hands on his cold cheeks, and sighed. "Jasper... I'm glad, and I love you, too. But before you give me anything... can you tell me why you hated me before?"
He sighed deeply. "I was afraid... you would get us in trouble. I mean, adopting a human girl in a house of vampires... it doesn't really sound right, does it?"
I shook my head. "Well... I'm sorry for coming here. I didn't really mean to end up living here... but I just liked you all so much, and now I love you, and... I really like it here."
He smiled half heartedly, and squeezed my hands. The tears in my eyes were disappearing, and maybe that was Jasper's doing. I sat up straight, and looked at him straight in the face. His eyes used to freak me out, but... they were truly beautiful. Like melted caramel... mmm.
"So!" Jasper jumped up, and walked over to his stand with the white sheet. "Alice... I would like to wish you a happy sixth birthday!"
And with that, he threw off the sheet.
Jasper's POV (A/N: Yes, I know... Jasper's POV AGAIN! But... this will sound better coming from him. Trust me.)
I felt so nervous about giving Alice her gift – but along with a present, I wanted to give her a reason. Why I avoided her for the first few weeks, why my glare seemed to make her cry... I couldn't leave her without knowing that I loved her now.
While she climbed up onto the chair (that was three times her size, by the way) I paced in front of my sheathed gift, and thought seriously for a second.
"Ok, Alice..." She began swinging her legs, and just stared at me with curiosity. "I wasn't sure what to give at your first, I'm happy to admit that...
"And I know in the past... I haven't been very nice to you..." I struggled to find the words, but I realised contact was what I needed. I kneeled in front of her, and held both of her warm hands in mine. "But I just want you to know... I've accepted it. You are part of my family now... and I do love you."
It felt strange actually saying the words out loud, but it felt right. I had to admit to myself... I had never wanted to say those words. I always promised myself I wouldn't get too attached... and look at me now. She has got me around her little finger like a puppy dog.
She sighed, and placed both of her little hands on my cheeks. I almost gasped at how warm they felt, but I thought I'd scare her. "Jasper... I'm glad, and I love you, too. But before you give me anything... can you tell me why you hated me before?"
I held my breath for a moment. "I was afraid... you would get us in trouble. I mean, adopting a human girl in a house of vampires... it doesn't really sound right, does it?"
Her feelings suddenly took on a new direction as she shook her head. "Well... I'm sorry for coming here. I didn't really mean to end up staying here... but I just liked you all so much, and now I love you, and... I really like it here."
I could see tears in her eyes, which broke my dead, lifeless heart. I tried to smile through it and squeezed her hands (very softly, just in case I injured her), and tried to get her emotions back in check. They were all over the place – and eventually, the tears disappeared, and she was staring into my eyes.
I decided she needed to see this, now, to prove to her I wanted her here. "So!" I jumped up and walked over to my gift to her. "Alice... I would like to wish you a happy sixth birthday!"
I rather shakily pulled off the sheet, revealing the painting I had created for her. I had decided on this decision because painting is something I did rarely, and I think she deserved to see something no one else did. I wasn't sure how good my painting really was, but I just hoped she had liked it.
It took a bit more time to figure out what I was actually going to paint. I had decided on painting a scene that is something every child has to go to – learning to read. I actually painted the moment a few days ago when I was teaching Alice to read. We are both sitting on the arm chair in her room, her on my lap, with a book on hers. I am pointing out a word, while she is looking up into the air, deep in thought. I think this portrays exactly what we love to do together—learn.
She just stared at it for awhile; I think it took her awhile to breathe again. I just stood there, patiently, waiting for her to come back down to earth; and when she did, I wasn't ready.
The flood of emotion I received was overpowering, and it almost knocked me over. The tears overflowed in her eyes, and I was suddenly so sure I had never felt such strong emotion from a child.
"Oh... Jasper..." She whispered, walking closer to the painting as if to get a better look. The platform it was standing on was almost four times her size; I suppose the painting was two. I didn't expect it to be so big, but... "It's... so pretty..."
I smiled, and stood next to her. I slowly put my arms around her shoulder, being as careful as possible. I just couldn't breathe too deeply...
Then, her arms were around my waist, and I nearly collapsed.
"Oh, Jazzy!" She squealed, burying her face into my waist. "I love it so much, I can't even say it! I think I want to keep it forever and let no one look at it except you and me!"
I smiled, and stroked her short, spiky hair. "I'm glad you like it."
"I can never thank you enough, but I will anyway... thank you! So much... for forgiving me, for loving me... for painting me this pretty picture... for everything!"
I couldn't help but feel intoxicated at her words – they seemed so meaningful to me, coming from this child. And I couldn't think of a better moment.
"No... Thank you for you." I eventually whispered, to low for her to hear.
A/N: Sorry that took so long, it's just... I had a little trouble figuring out Jasper's present to her. Oh, and if there are any errors in this chapter, I'm really sorry, but I was in such a rush to get it up for you guys... (:
I hoped you thought all the presents were right for Alice... so, please let me know (: and REVIEW!
