With the morning came an intense comforting feeling. I was snuggled up tight in the hotel's fluffy blankets, the thick pillow cradling my head which was still half in my dreams. Dreams of a beautiful snow covering all of Washington. I walked through the fields of powder in search of something I had lost. Though I knew it was important I remained calm and took my time searching. Thick flakes whizzed around me, my feet sinking deeper and deeper in the snow, the trek becoming harder and slower. I heard the crisp sound of bells tinkling nearby, almost like rain on glass. Something up ahead caught my eye: a small, silver disk. Waist deep in whiteness now, I made my way over and scooped up a pocket watch. It's lid was broken and, when I examined the hands, noticed they were running backwards. I pocketed the treasure and, practically swimming now in the quickly freezing snow, headed back for home. I stopped, realizing then that the sound of bells was really melodic laughter coming somewhere in the trees. It came closer though I could not see its source. A gloved hand had found mine and I was looking up into the porcelain face of Alice Cullen, face glowing radiantly in the pale morning. She pulled me out of the neck high snow and walked perfectly, without falling through atop it. I did the same, finding it hard as ice now. Soon we were skating... skating hand in hand... laughing...

"Bella," she said, brushing my face.

I smiled, leaning in closer, one hundred times more confident in dream land than in real life. Just as I reached my hand behind her neck and was about to lean in, her voice became real, the ice world we shared vanishing.

"Bella, it's time to wake up."

I slowly opened my eyes, not disappointed in the least. The only thing better than a dream version of Alice, of her smooth, crimson lips and wispy raven hair was the version I would never quite be able to memorize or dream about correctly. She almost had a haze around her, as if my mortal eyes could not unlock all the wonders of her loveliness. I smiled up at her like a fool, wanting to pull her down to me in an embrace, realizing then, fully accepting my true feelings. I did not want to run from them like I had been doing, and I would not let myself feel guilt of insecurity. I had no idea now how I felt about boys or girls, being bisexual, straight, queer, anything like that. All I knew was that I loved Alice; had since we'd first become friends. I saw now that Edward was merely a means to her, a path not gone astray like I had thought. I saw our time together now not as a waste of a year, but a chance to really get to know my best friend.

I looked around the room as Alice kindly laid out a new outfit she had obviously run off and bought me whilst I was sleeping. I found myself suddenly enamored with delight, thrilled to be her dress up doll. I was not in the bed I had accidently crawled into last night, but back in the one Cassidy and I had shared. I knew that our cuddling had not been part of my dream. I could not have imagined such an amazing moment on my own. I changed and let her do my hair, smiling constantly.

"Are you hungry? Cassidy says there's a wonderful complimentary breakfast downstairs."

Not even the mention of Alice's admirer could darken my mood. I didn't even feel bothered by her now. My thoughts were finally clearing and I saw no reason to be worried, even if their relationship did continue. I'd wait eternity for the chance of being hers.

"A little. We could go down if you like. When's check out?"

"Not for another hour and a half..." she game me a look somewhere between admiration and confusion, though I could not understand it. It was endearing though, and that was all I cared about. All throughout the morning I could not get the memory of her arms around me, our bodies touching without discretion. I kept wanting her to simply pick me up and lay me back down on our bed, curling into each other like the pages of a book. I wanted her silken fingers through my hair, on my thighs and stroking my face. I remembered the surprisingly warm feeling of her tongue as it quickly glided over my cheek, catching a fallen tear of happiness.

Simply put: I wanted her.

We joined Cassidy in the hotel's restaurant. She looked completely recovered and offered us both cups of coffee when we sat down.

"How did you two sleep?" she asked, looking as happy as I felt.

Alice shrugged. "Not bad."

"Bella? I hope I didn't move around too much. I hear I'm a little rowdy in my sleep."

I wanted to laugh, glad that the cup of coffee abstracted the view of my grinning mouth.

"No, I slept well too." I stole a glance at Alice who pretended to look through the menu with intent of ordering.

We ordered and the service was a little too fast. I wasn't ready to go home yet. The table was small and Alice and I were practically sitting on top of each other. Neither of us seemed to mind our repeated hand brushings when we'd simultaneously reach for a fork or the sugar. A part of me wondered without much conviction if she was Looking for what I'd do next just to intercept my action with her hand. Ridiculous of course, but I liked the idea.

I called Charlie, who seemed guilty about how our conversation had gone the other night.

"Did you have enough money? Don't forget to fill up at the gas station before heading back. Is Alice still with you? When will you be home."

We packed up our little possessions and checked out, taking our time heading back. We stepped in a few of the boutiques in the area, finding all manner of treasures from books to jewelry and hand painted furniture. I saw Alice admiring a blue glass and amber bracelet in one of the display cases. When we moved on to another shop I feigned having to use the bathroom and slipped out the back, having to explain to the owner why I was sneaking out. He understood and sent me on my way with a smile and I, trying not to decide or think about it too much in case Alice might have a vision, went back to the boutique to purchase the bracelet.

"Do you think you could gift wrap it?" I asked, not minding the extra money it costed. I had never really had an opportunity to buy something special for someone. Edward hated getting gifts from me because he seemed to think Charlie and I were in the poor house. Compared to him we might as well be, but I got a regular allowance and we did okay. Charlie was also pretty thrifty. Fishing and watching TV aren't exactly expensive activities. Neither of my parents were into gifts so I had quite a bit saved up over the years.

Cassidy decided to drive back. I didn't miss the moment of hesitation spread across Alice's face. If I had a car like that I wouldn't let just anyone drive it. But, being Alice and not me, she agreed, handing Cassidy the keys. I seemed to notice, not quite a distance between them, but less of an air of flirtation. Perhaps it was just a short fling and was over? I hoped. But perhaps it was just the calm before a deep relationship. The idea made my stomach sink as I got in the car. Cassidy drove us mad. Literally. She was a terrible driver. Imagine Edward's driving only without vampire intuition and accuracy. I think she sailed through every red light and stop signs were completely invisible. Alice somehow remained calm, giving her little tips along the way, but I nearly had a heart attack. I tried to assure myself that Alice wouldn't let anything happen, that secretly she might even be enjoying the thrill, knowing she could grab the wheel at any time and veer us to safety.

How odd that I should feel to safe around the most dangerous creature on the planet.

We dropped Cassidy off first as hers was the first house along the way, Alice of course being the last. When Alice was back in control of her coupe I found it much easier to breath.

"You're welcome to come over if you like," she said.

I didn't have to think twice. "Sure, sounds fun." I called Charlie to let him know we were back and that I'd be home... eventually. He had no problem with it and assured me as long as I was with Alice I didn't have to call to check in so often. I guess that shouldn't have surprised me, he'd always respected all of the Cullens save Edward, but that was probably just because he was my boyfriend... wait, how would it work if Alice and I...? I shook off the idea as we entered the tree tunnel with the large white mansion at the end of the long stretch of road. There was something I loved about that house, aside from its obvious luxury and charm. It had an air of ancientness to it, like stepping inside was escaping the clutches of time itself. It was a home where eternal creatures lived as masterpieces as if from a sacred collection at a museum. I walked through the modern furnishings, amazed that my friends had seen so much and gone so many places. They'd lived through wars and fought in them, witnessed art and music's history branch out from the beginning of the century and before. To them life was a reliable though sometimes cruel friend whom they had gotten to know intimately as I would never know, with my short life. What I loved most was that, through all their hardships, they were still blissfully happy, as if the longer they lived the better they felt. Certainly I got this vibe from Alice, if Rosalie and Edward were not always on board.

I passed the kitchen that I had set on fire mere weeks ago. It had been remodeled completely and from the look of it Esme had had fun, Alice too. They painted immaculately detailed vines and greenery crawling up the walls and spilling out into the ceiling in bright colors, circling the light fixture. As always there was food around if I should wish to stop by. I helped myself to an apple and made myself at home, for that's where I was.

I encountered the blonde goddess going up to Alice's room. She stuck her nose up in the air and didn't glance at me twice, but nor did she make it a point to insult me. Sometimes I got the strange feeling that she was actually fond of me, though she'd never show it. I didn't mind as long as I got to steal a peek at her every now and then. She gave me similar butterflies to Alice from her beauty though the ones Alice sent me were rich with meaning and friendship. And now with love.

I casually waved and smiled to her as, I realized, I'd been too afraid to do before. Though I was past her now going up the stairs and could not see behind me, I thought I heard her stop. I resisted the urge to turn around but held my smile, turning into Alice's room. I saw Edward's but did not want to go in. It might produce memories I wasn't prepared to deal with right then and it was too good of a day for that.

For hours that trickled by like imaginary minutes I was transformed into Alice's doll. We rehearsed lines for the play and she helped me with my annunciation and stage presence. I was powdered down with makeup and decorated like a Christmas tree, Alice spinning me around her room like a ballerina. It was only with her I didn't feel so awkward and I was hardly ever clumsy. I felt light and spontaneous, and occasionally, beautiful.

That was around the time I started collecting pieces of her, of us. Souvenirs I unconsciously hoarded. How could I have known soon they would be all I had left? That our time was like her icy touch, melting slowly, sweetly. When you fall in love with someone who will live forever, time is all you can think about. No amount of time however could have prepared me for what would be both the greatest and most devastating point in my life.

A/N: You know what to do. ;)

And I didn't take forever to update, yay!