I didn't make it very far at all, as in my hasty retreat I did not see Emmett coming in through the same door that I was attempting to leave. One thing about Emmett I needed to remember was that while he looked like he was as solid as a brick wall, he also felt as solid as a brick wall. My recovering concussion was the last thing on my mind as I fell backwards after colliding with his body at speed.

The floor was much softer the second time I fell upon it, so soft I could hardly feel the impact on my head and body I was sure to have had. Like déjà vu here I was once more about to slip into unconsciousness in the Cullen's living room.

Not making the best of impressions Whitlock...

"I can take her" the voice of an angel spoke.

"Do you think that is safe?" another voice, female, slightly harsher around the edges cut in.

"It's passed, I will be fine. I won't hurt her" the angel spoke once more, her voice was so familiar but in the haze I could not quite pinpoint it.

"But you can't know that for certain sweetie." A different voice this time, slightly older judging by the timbre.

I felt myself being lifted from the ground and moved, the arms holding me felt too small to be those of Emmett yet I was confused as to who else was home who could lift me so easily. I moved my head slightly and forced myself to concentrate on the scent of whoever was carrying me. It was so familiar, so welcoming that I found myself moving further until the skin of their neck was pressed against me, my lips ghosting over their soft skin, that familiar intoxicating scent enveloping me, a single word on my lips as I finally slipped into unconsciousness.

"Alice..."

The throbbing behind my eyes was the first thing I noticed. That dull pulsation making its presence well known, mocking me, bringing forth through yet another fog the memory of running – quite literally – into Emmett Cullen.

They're going to think you're a hazard to yourself…

As I willed my eyes to open I could feel the coolness on my forehead being removed, and reapplied not a moment afterwards. I allowed myself a brief moment of happiness when I realised that I could open both of my eyes, relieved at not sustaining any swelling to prohibit them from opening. I moved my head slightly to the left and was concerned upon seeing Esme sitting next to me. After witnessing such disappointment on Esme's face just before I ran I was prepared for the resulting waves of disappointment that were surely about to hit me. But they did not come. It could perhaps be the fog of concussion once again affecting me but all I could sense was compassion. Concern.

"Calliope, are you awake?" Esme asked softly.

"I hope so" I answered softly, trying to shake the fog that was persistently accompanying the throbbing behind my eyes.

"Let's get you sitting up, sweetie" Esme helped me into a sitting position, it felt almost as if I barely moved myself, and I took the time to take in my surroundings. Upon noticing that no one else was in the room and spotting the familiar drafting table I relaxed back against the pillows Esme had propped behind me.

"Thank you Esme." I said, grateful for her help.

"Do you remember what happened?"

"I ran into Emmett, that guy is seriously a brick wall." Esme laughed, the bell like quality pushing through the fog easily.

"Why did you run?" Esme asked gently. I could tell that she was concerned and curious. There was no evidence of the disappointment I had seen on her features earlier.

"I was ashamed and feeling guilty for my actions." I said solemnly, looking down at my hands that were occupied with the textured quilt, remembering the thoughts I had been entertaining before Rosalie came into the room. How it felt to have Alice in my embrace, the fragility. How her breath ghosted over my skin.

I should be keeping my distance. But in that moment I believe it would be easier to tell my heart to not beat.

I turned my attention back to Esme, who was half facing towards the door as if listening to, or for, someone that I could not see. She turned to meet my gaze, smiling.

"No one is disappointed in you, Calliope. However you will be staying the evening here, two knocks to the head in less than 24 hours is cause for concern, this is not negotiable." Esme said with a slight smile as I opened my mouth to disagree.

"Yes ma'am." I replied certain that Esme would not take no for an answer. While I was hesitant to put the Cullen's out once more I was touched by Esme's concern.

"I'll leave you two alone" Esme said, standing.

I was unsure I had heard correctly until, upon turning to question Esme, I noticed Alice standing in the doorway.

"It would seem that we are a hazard to your health." Alice said in a soft voice as she sat down next to me on the bed, the inflection somewhere between serious and light-hearted, averting her gaze to the bed spread as I had done previously.

"I entirely blame Emmett for this." I said with a smile.

Alice's gaze met mine, just briefly, a smile almost gracing her features. The natural pull I seemed to have towards her serving, in this moment, to remind me of my actions towards her downstairs. I was not inexperienced with attraction nor with feeling a pull towards another, but to have both for someone I had only just met, and for it to be as prominent as it is definitely was unchartered territory for me. I am quite sure that in any other setting I would find it both exhilarating and remarkable and be grasping the experience with both hands. Yet, as I see past the exterior to the grief and fragility of the young woman sitting so close to me I am hesitant to even contemplate it.

"I am sorry for my actions before, I did not mean to cause you any discomfort" I said quietly.

Alice looked into my eyes, one perfectly sculptured eyebrow raised, and confusion evident on her face. "Callie, you have nothing to be apologetic for, you have done absolutely nothing wrong. My actions were reprehensible however and I do apologise for that."

"You have nothing to be apologetic for" I parroted with a smile.

Alice looked as if she was about to say something else when Esme reappeared in the doorway. "Alice, dinner is ready, Calliope sweetie I'll bring you something up to eat Carlisle thinks it best for you to stay in bed until tomorrow."

"Thank you Esme."

Alice turned to follow Esme out of the room, but before removing herself from the bed she touched my hand slightly, the coolness of her skin drawing my focus to it. She smiled, holding my attention for what felt like an entire minute before she spoke "We'll talk more after you eat."

I watched Alice Cullen leave the room, the fog finally clearing from my mind reminding me that I still have more questions than answers.