Author's Note: I really need reviews. Please. I'll just love you all the more! *angelic smile*

Disclaimer: Stephenie Meyer owns Twilight, and she would probably cry in agony if she knew what I'm doing to her characters.

Chapter Thirteen: "Bruises" Alice's POV

After completing the bridal dress and my bridesmaid dress, I knew I had one more thing to shop for. Bella and I had made a deal, after all, and I had to uphold my end of the bargain.

Plus I really wanted some details about her little rendezvous with Edward.

Knowing that my shy almost-sister would never do this in front of Esme and Rosalie, I decided to complete this mission myself. I dressed her in fine clothing and we were off to lingerie shops I was familiar with.

"This doesn't look like a Victoria's Secret," Bella sighed as she started to look at price tags.

"Don't complain," I told her. "It isn't that expensive. What do you see that you like? Or should I ask, what do you see that Edward would like?"

Her cheeks went red. "Something modest?" she suggested, pausing in front of a selection of only slightly-skimpy satin-and-lace nightgowns.

"Those are good," I said, a little disappointed that she decided to be conservative. "I bet the black one would be pretty on you."

"You bet or you see?" she asked me.

I smiled and checked the future. "Yup, it looks great," I nodded. "Here, I'll be your shopping cart," I volunteered as I selected the size I knew she would need, draping it over my arm.

"So, how were things with Edward?" I asked innocently, looking at some tank-and-shorts sets. I knew that this shop wouldn't have the sexy stuff, but she still needed some basics.

She blushed again, making me realize that she would be doing a lot of that today. "They were great," she giggled. "Just what I hoped for. Even better, actually."

"I don't get any details?" I asked, disappointed. "You don't have any questions?"

"I don't think so," she replied, looking at a silk bathrobe.

I rolled my eyes. "Come on, Bells. You need something racier."

"Racier?" she asked as I walked to the counter to pay.

"Oui," I replied, smiling. "I know just the place."

We walked briskly to my favorite lingerie store in the world--Presque Nu. Bella's eyes nearly popped out when she saw the mannequins. "Uh, Alice," she whispered. "What are you doing? It looks like prostitutes shop here!"

"Prostitutes can't afford this lingerie," I hissed back. "Trust me, okay? Jasper loves everything I buy here. I promise you Edward will adore you after you debut some of these creations. You'll bring out a side of him you've never seen before."

The blush came out again, but she kept walking through the store. I could see the plain shock on her face as she took in the corsets and whips.

"I don't know, Alice," she said doubtfully. "Maybe Edward does have a side I don't know about, but I'm not sure I want to bring out that side." Her nose crinkled at an extremely nasty pair of crotch-less panties.

I laughed. "This place actually has some really classy lingerie. You just have to go to the more expensive part of the store." I led her behind a curtain, into my section.

She was a little more relieved as the torture devices disappeared, and classy lacy things hung on the racks. "I take it you've already seen something here?"

"Of course," I grinned. And instantly, I stopped in front of it. "This."

Her eyes nearly popped out of her head. "No."

"Yes," I insisted. "You're going to look fantastic!"

She bit her lip. "I don't think I can pull that off."

"I know you can!" Quickly, I was grabbing the whole ensemble in her size. "Try it on."

"No, Alice. I would be embarrassed to see myself in that."

"Bella," I whined. "It's in Edward's favorite color. The blue he loves on you so much…plus it's very sexy. Just try it on. For Edward."

Remarkably, she didn't argue. I followed her to the dressing room, carrying the bra, panties, fishnet stockings, sapphire garters, lacy robe, and stiletto heels. Grinning widely, I handed it to her over the dressing room door. "Let me know if you need help!"

But when she stepped out, I couldn't see anything. She had covered herself completely with the lace robe, and was stretching it tight against her body.

"I can't see, Bella," I reminded her.

Her face pale, she stuck out one fishnet-covered leg. I smiled at the way the sapphire contrasted beautifully with her white skin. "See, Bells? Your legs look great!"

But then I saw her face. She wore an expression of fear. Not nerves, not modesty, not embarrassment.

Terror.

"Bella," I said, about to freak out. "Sister, what are you trying to hide?"

Without asking her permission, I roughly moved her arms so I could see her torso. What I saw there made me want to vomit up the animal blood I had drank last night.

Bruises. Angry bruises, in blue and purple and black. Huge black splotches.

"Bella, what the hell happened to you?" I demanded.

She whimpered as she sank to the floor. "Edward…wasn't careful enough."

Now I really felt like throwing up. "You've been like this all week?" I nearly shouted.

She buried her face in her hands. "Yes. I mean, no. I mean…" She started to cry. "I've been slightly bruised, and a little sore. But it's gotten a lot worse."

"Why didn't I see this coming?" I murmured, half to myself.

"I don't know," she sobbed. "But you know what bruises mean."

I knew. Of course I knew.

"Sit still, Bella," I said, digging around in my purse for my travel sewing kit. Her eyes widened as I pricked her finger with the needle. Carefully, I lifted the drop of blood to my nose.

The harsh scent of cancer cells made my mouth go dry. All the venom swirling around disappeared as I lost the temptation of her warm blood in front of me.

"How bad is it?" she choked.

Quickly, I snapped into my no-nonsense mood. I pressed a tissue to her hand and pulled out my cell phone. "I'm calling the airport right now. We have to leave immediately. You need to be in Carlisle and Edward's care."

End of Part I