I followed the trail of tulip petals from my bed, down the stairs and into the kitchen, all the while carrying the squirming body of my puppy under my arm. Pico and I padded around the island and to the ominous black bag spread right over the edge of the table.

"What could that be?" I murmured, looking down at the dog in my grasp. Pico peered up at me and tilted his head in confusion, I nodded in agreement to his silent befuddlement.

I reached out for the folded white slip of paper resting on top of the unfamiliar black bag. I flipped it open with practiced fingers and skimmed the words:

We've got a very important appointment this evening.

Ps. I told you I'd keep my promise.

~Jazzy

Excited, I set Pico delicately on one of the chairs and grabbed the bag, ripping the zipper clean off the bag in all of my enthusiasm. Tears sprung to my eyes as the sexy ruby gown gazed up at me, free of it's confines. My gorgeous Chanel dress, with all of it's dazzling embellishments felt fantastic in my hands.

"Oh, my poor baby! How I missed you!" I screamed, yanking it right to my chest and burying my face in the silken fabric. My dress still smelt like Jasper's car and through my haze of jubilance I was distantly aware that he was nowhere to be seen.

This morning he had woken me, that much I could remember, and he was all dressed. I sat at the table, petting my dress nostalgically and inhaling Jasper's lingering scent. I could faintly recall Jackson coming into my room as well, muttering something about school.

That must've been where they'd run off to, and evidently Jasper had returned for a length of time. I turned the paper over in my hand, he hadn't listed a time I should be ready, perhaps he was coming to pick me up?

"Well Pico, we'd better eat something first, hmm?" I spoke to the dog, feeling somewhat silly when he avidly barked right back at me.

Pico slept on Jackson's chair at the table while I read the instructions on the back of a pancake mix box. "Seems easy enough," I thought aloud. "I don't think I can screw this up." Still, as comforting as my words were I was slightly reluctant to dig into this mysterious mixture.

I'd brought out all the utensils and was gnawing on my fingertip as I dumped a fair amount of pancake powder into a large measuring cup. The phone on the wall cried out and Pico yowled his displeasure from across the room. I laughed at the grumpy growl he gave as he re-nestled himself on the chair.

"Hello?" I smiled against the receiver, hoping that a specific Southern accent might respond.

"Alice!" I grimaced and nearly dropped the box of pancake mix when Edward shrieked onto my line. He didn't sound angry, but Edward wasn't really the yelling-and-screaming type – usually that was Emmett. "Oh God Alice, I'm such an idiot!"

I rolled my eyes, oh Edward, if he stopped himself from overacting just long enough to realize how he acted, things like this would never happen. Everyone thought I was the drama queen, yeah, whatever.

I scoffed, setting the box down on the counter. Maybe this would be a good distraction, if Edward had his panic attack for another ten minutes I'd be able to talk myself out of eating that nonsense.

"Take a deep breath," I mumbled, slouching back against the wall and examining my finger nails. I should really paint them before tonight, if Jasper seriously meant we were going somewhere important I want to look my best. "Calm down and tell me what happened."

Edward was impatient, his voice cracking a little as he sputtered off again. "I-I...Bella was with him this morning and she slipped and fell. I'm at work so I went out and picked her up on my break so that I could examine it. It's just a sprain, she rolled her ankle a little – but then it all just came out and-"

"Alice!" Bella came hobbling into my kitchen, launching Pico into a fit of yipping and howling. My eyes widened at the absolute mayhem that broke out in my kitchen. One moment Bella was shouting and sobbing and the next Edward was yelling insistently in my ear, all the while Pico ran clumsily around my feet, tripping over himself in his hysteria.

I hung up on Edward and lunged forward to clap my hand over Bella's mouth all in the same second. Pico was so taken aback by my outburst he sat back down on his chubby little bottom and gawked at me.

Gradually removing my fingers from Bella's mouth I held her face between my palms. "You okay?" I asked, having to look up at her a little due to our height difference. She nodded slowly, sniffling and wiping at her reddened nose. "Now, what the heck did you do to my brother?"

Bella's big, brown doe eyes squeezed shut as her quivering hand rose to hang in the space between us. My breath caught completely in my throat at the ring on her finger, large and round and encrusted with pristinely square diamonds. It was my grandmother's wedding ring.

I shrieked, dancing up and down as I squeezed her face between my hands. Bella wriggled out of my grasp, clapping her hands over her face and desperately shaking her head so that great ropes of her long hair swung around her shoulders.

"No, no, no!" She whimpered into her palms. "I can't – I won't marry Edward!" Her frantic words cut my prancing off all at once, I gawped at her, having to hold my mouth shut so that my jaw didn't land on the floor.

A billion questions fired off in my brain but for once I couldn't speak a damn word. No wonder Edward had lost his mind! "Um," I choked. "What?"

Bella wiped at her eyes, gone puffy and red-rimmed with her fuss. "I don't want to hurt Jake, after everything that's happened between him and I..." She shook her head, tilting back her chin so she could look up at the ceiling and rub her eyes.

If this had been anyone other than Bella I might have slapped her. "It's a little late now, sweet heart, you already agreed." I laughed a little, poor Bella. I had to wonder if it was just in her nature to dive into things head on and then panic.

She nodded and sighed, "That's not what I mean, Alice." Winding an arm around her waist I carefully guided her to the living room and sat her down gently. "I want to marry Edward, he's the only person I could ever dream of being with forever. But Jacob-"

I put my finger against her quivering lips. "Look, if that shaggy-haired, oil-stained mutt of a guy really loves you – he's going to let you do what makes you happy." I tried to be reasonable, I really truly did, but honestly all I could focus on was Bella's excuse of an outfit. I love the girl to pieces but wearing ripped track pants in my house is offensive.

Bella chuckled darkly. "Alice, you don't know Jake at all." She shook her head sardonically, pulling the sleeves of her blue hoodie over her hands so she could daub at her leaky chestnut eyes.

"Beside the point." I shrugged off her remark with a scowl. I know enough about Jacob Black to despise him, that's as far as I can take it. "We are still talking about the Jacob that broke your hand right?"

Bella snorted, wiping quickly at her nose before glowering at me. "It wasn't...well...I mean, it wasn't entirely his fault." Sure, I'm completely aware how exactly Bella broke her hand all that time ago, but the fact that Jacob thought he could put his hands on her at all made me furious.

"I won't let you duck out of this one Bella, not when I know deep down this is what you want." Before she could even protest I tapped my temple with the index finger of my right hand and held up my left hand to silence her. "Are you really willing to bet against me, Bells?"

She frowned, lowering her head so her chin nearly reached her chest, great long ropes of her dark hair fell over her shoulders. "No, I'm sorry. I know it's stupid, but I need you to do something for me, as much as you'll hate it."

I whined, stomping my feet and swinging my arms the way Jackson did when I refused to buy him a toy. "Bel-la!" I whimpered, dramatically to bring something of a smile to her face.

"Just keep Edward busy for a while, I need to talk to Jake about this." She held her hands on her cheeks and shook her head slowly, peeking up at me from beneath her thick eyelashes. "Only for a bit, I promise. Edward won't understand."

Cocking my head to the side I wondered just how mad Edward would get if I really followed through with this. Still, this was Bella we were talking about...

As she got to her feet I reached out and grabbed her wrist. "Forget it." I imagined Daisy Reid and used every ounce of attitude I could muster. Bella gawped at me as if I'd just sprouted a third eye. "It's not a bad thing to want something. For once, Bella, be selfish damn it."

Bella's face burned crimson, I tilted my head to the side and watched as she stumbled around my words in her silence. Combing her dark chestnut tresses back with her quivering fingers, Bella looked up at me from her position on the couch. As her hands dropped into her lap I watched as she unconsciously fiddled with her ring.

"I…" Bella breathed, blinking hard and sucking in a deep breath. "I might as well just say you're right now, hmm?" As fast as she'd risen, she had flopped back down onto the cushions. She slouched down over herself and rest her elbows on her knees. "You've got enough to worry about Alice, you're right, I'm being a goof."

Oh no you don't, little Miss Isabella Swan, you're not going to pull the guilt trip on me!

I squirmed, messily raking my fingers through my hair. Crossing my legs and leaning back on the arm of the couch I watched her sternly. Bella fingered the rip in her bulky black track pants, I could see how desperately she tried to stop looking at the ring on her finger. It really was pretty.

"I didn't fall, not really." Bella rambled quietly behind the curtain of her hair. "Jake and I were walking and I tripped on something – probably my own feet – I just landed on it wrong, it wasn't his fault." Bella glanced at me with a sour look on her face. "I certainly didn't have to go the hospital, I think Edward just likes humiliatingme."

Snorting around a small chuckle and linking my fingers behind my head, I smiled when Pico leapt up at the couch. He tried again and again until I scooped him up and pressed him onto my stomach.

"No, Edward panicked." I sighed, leaning out of the reach of Pico's relentless lapping, "You know he can't help it."

Bella groaned, "But I didn't think he'd propose right there!" She wrung her hands in the air as if to choke something, to me that was a lot of violence for Bella, even if only imaginary. "He didn't give me a chance to say no."

I would have laughed. How many times had they been over this exactly? I tried to count in my head just how often Edward brought this up to her. All through high school he asked Bella to marry him – it was like he was a broken record! But, if I'm remembering correctly, they made some sort of compromise. I couldn't recall exactly what it was down to the very last detail, but Edward did talk her into going to Dartmouth for university – that was a huge leap for Bella!

"I think you've just run out of time." I shrugged, palming Pico's back softly. Bella looked at me curiously. "C'mon Bella – we all knew you'd cave at some point! You've given Jake enough time already, if Edward's your forever, there's nothing wrong with indulging a bit."

She scoffed at me then gagged. "I just don't want to be married!" Bella whined, stamping her feet rigorously on my hardwood, I chuckled when she winced, leaning over to rub her ankle. "I like my name the way it is." Her voice got quieter, gentler, I shook my head at her.

Leaning slightly I took a good look at Bella's tired features, she was pale today, though I couldn't blame her – this was a lot of activity for little Bella after all, it's a marvel that she hasn't keeled over from all the embarrassment.

"Bella, please," I threw on my dramatic overly-egotistical voice and watched as she tried to fight the oncoming grin. "Everyone wants to be a Cullen."

She slapped my knee, I wouldn't tell her because I knew she put some real effort behind the hit, but it felt like a teeny mosquito bite.

"You're going to get me fired!" A male voice made us both jump.

Edward rounded the couch to stand before us on the opposite side of my coffee table. Pico barked and writhed, his little claws scraping at my skin as he tried to be intimidating.

My brother remained clad in his hospital attire, the white doctor's coat had been tinted grey in some parts due to the rain, his little Doctor Cullen name tag shimmered in the living room light.

"How'd you even get away?" I wondered, Carlisle would have most definitely covered for him, but the nurses that swarmed Edward at work certainly wouldn't have allowed him to leave the premises.

He crossed his arms, shooting a half-hearted scowl at Bella, even if he had started out utterly enraged, the drive over here would have given Edward enough time to rationalize his fury. A good distraction always cleared Edward's head, for the most part anyways.

Hey – hold on a second! I thought only Bella had a key to my apartment! If she left the door unlocked again I swear...

"Sorry Alice," Edward growled under his breath sending me a sharp side-glance as if he could read my mind. "Pardon the intrusion and I'll get you those shoes you've been pouting about."

My eyes popped, suddenly wide awake and attentive. Honestly, it has to be our almost-twins telepathy, I mean Emmett definitely couldn't tap into my head like Edward could.

"Unless you're talking about a pair of pale pink ballerinas, I have no idea what you're talking about." I said impassively, turning on my acting skills as Edward cocked his head a mere fraction to drop the full force of his glare on me.

"Miu Miu?" His words formed a question but his eyes, narrowed and darkened menacingly, warned me of an impending lunge. I tucked Pico under my arm and rose from the couch.

Taking a long and obnoxious stretch I shook my limbs out and danced towards the stairs. "Please, Doctor and Mrs. Cullen, take your time." Both Bella and Edward visibly cringed as I began my trek up the black metal winding staircase.

Pursing my lips and pacing around my bedroom I grumbled under my breath to Pico, who eagerly trailed behind me. "Can't they argue at their own place?" Pico clamped his teeth onto my pant leg, grunting as he tripped over his feet to hang on to me.

I really just didn't have time for this anyways, I love them both, but I knew Bella and Edward could hardly function without each other. There wasn't a doubt in my mind that they could work this out.

While having a quick shower I mulled over Jasper's note. I could hear the clumsy scrabbles of Pico's nails on the floor, his restless panting clear even through the sound of the water.

As much as I love to paint the town red...why did we have to go out at all? I wanted to stay home. I wanted to have him all to myself for the next three days. Three days.

The more I thought about it, the less inclined I was to do anything for the entirety of the day. By the time I got out of the shower and had finished brushing my teeth, I was almost too depressed to take off my towel and put on normal attire.

"I want to sulk, I want to whine," I muttered to myself as I padded around my bedroom, combing back the wet ropes of my short tresses. I could talk Jasper out of going out tonight, that wouldn't be too difficult.

Although, trudging between my bedroom and my enormous closet, I still looked over the outfits I could wear. I was absolutely thrilled to have my red Chanel gown back, but if wherever Jasper had decided to take me was so important, I had to wear something even more extravagant.

He had to be so deep in shock he wouldn't be able to sputter any bit of that southern sweetness.

I dug around in my closet until I came across a rich dark green silk that slithered across my fingers and made me shiver. Reaching up I extracted the slender cocktail dress from the utter chaos of my closet and grinned.

It was a short sleeved dress that swayed sexily on it's shiny silver hanger. It had a modest neckline – not that it mattered to me, little miss A-cup, and the material clung greedily to my fingertips as I caressed it. In an instant, I was hypnotized.

I hung it back up thoughtfully, crossing the hall once more to gather up appropriate undergarments, a set I'd originally designed myself, all intricate white lace.

My towel made a wet slopping noise when I let it slip down my frame, removing the hanger and ducking inside the dress. It fit perfectly – snug in all the right places but reasonably so. I grinned to myself, kneeling in my closet to address the gigantic line of shoes.

I had gotten bored one weekend and organized them all according to style, type and colour. It looked as if I had literally harnessed a rainbow in here. I skimmed my fingers over a series of heels before my eyes landed decidedly on a pair of tan twisted ballerina flats. I gathered them gently in my hands, admiring them as best I could without coming to tears. I really do love Christian Louboutin.

Smiling goofily at my reflection I reminisced about Cinderella as I slipped them delicately on my feet. I was so lost in the beauty of my ensemble, it took a few seconds before I really noticed Edward standing in the doorway.

"Beautiful, Alice." He murmured, leaning casually against the door, his work coat neatly pinched between his folded arms. Edward's eyes, thoughtful liquid gold, were soft as they appraised me.

I grinned triumphantly without looking at him. "So you talked her into it?" I did a small pirouette in front of my mirror, peering over my left shoulder into the eyes of my reflection, in search of any imperfection that desired my attention.

Edward nodded slowly, cautiously, holding his tongue as if he thought that voicing the words might suddenly cause everything to backfire again. "I can't read her mind." He confessed on a sigh, tilting his head to expose the pale column of his neck. Edward's eyes narrowed and he hummed against his pressed lips. "I really don't want to force it."

I smirked impishly at him, cocking an eyebrow. "You didn't have any trouble imposing your will power earlier." Edward snorted at my comment, hurrying his gaze away to stare fixatedly at the ceiling.

"I make exceptions when it comes to..." He clenched his teeth rather than saying Jacob's name. For all his intelligence and strange telepathy, even Edward acted impulsively at some points. He might have ungracefully blurted out his proposal in the hospital because of what had happened to Bella today, however; I already knew Edward was going to fix the situation.

I pivoted on my heel to get a better angle at my dress. "Take Bella home," I mused, picturing all sorts of scenarios in my head now. "Emmett and Rose are going out tonight anyway, you'll make it up to her then."

Edward made a questioning noise in the back of his throat. I rolled my eyes, facing him sternly and raising my hands to place my index fingers on my temples.

"The All Seeing Alice predicts that you will make dinner and get on your knee and propose properly, then sweep her off her feet to the bedroom." I spoke in a lower octave, my words robotic and curt, Edward laughed at my vision of the future.

He held his coat in one hand, pinching the bridge of his nose with the other. "Honestly," Edward chuckled harmoniously. "I don't know if it's you and Emmett trying to get in my pants or Bella."

I raised my chin and shrugged. "Really, Edward – as if I had time for such childish games." I spoke impassively, fighting back a smug smirk as I adjusted my dress. He raised a hand in surrender, standing straight again.

My brother's eyes gradually became hesitant, that shimmering gold turning hard and emotionless. You could almost count the number of muscles in Edward's jaw, twitching as they were, he clenched his teeth adamantly.

"Just...tread lightly with this one, Alice." Edward warned in a whisper, his eyes seeking and holding mine with a reluctant intensity. "Jasper is-" Edward hummed a high pitched sound as he raked his fingers through his dishevelled hair "-he's...unpredictable."

I shook my head firmly, feeling the wet-dry clumps of my hair lap at my cheeks while I pursed my lips. "No," I disagreed gently, scrunching my nose at Edward. "He's just a little odd."

My brother laughed as he took a step into the hallway. "What a perfect match you are." Edward teased, winking at me before he disappeared down the hall.

I stood still in front of the mirror, holding my breath as I listened to Edward and Bella's departure. Distantly I could hear Pico's pitter-pattering paws trailing along behind them. When the door to my apartment closed heavily, I blew out my breath and dug my fingers into my hair, ravaging the ebony locks.

When I'd finished, I gazed thoughtfully at my reflection again. Large topaz eyes gleamed back at me, long black lashes fanned outward. I swept on a shiny clear lip gloss and took a long stride away from the image. The pixie in the mirror blinked back at me, her hair disarrayed wildly around her teensy face. I examined her meek but stunning features, trying to see what exactly everyone else saw.

I had never been a narcissistic person, but I had to admit, whatever kind of beautiful venom that ran through my veins – I was most certainly grateful for it.

"So much for staying in." I muttered to myself. Now that I had discovered this gorgeous dress – and the shoes and accessories to match – there was no way that I couldn't show them off. I wanted Jasper all to myself, I really did, but how would I

I had just finished cleaning up my bedroom and grabbed a long black coat from my closet when I heard the door downstairs opening. Pico gave out an echoing wail of excitement, Jackson's responding shriek made me grin softly to myself. Had Bella and Edward really been here for this long?

Pulling my arms into the sleeves of my jacket, I swept downstairs. Jackson lunged at me, all at once abandoning his puffy coat and backpack and wrapping his arms around my legs. "I saw Uncle Edward and Bella in the elevator!" He exclaimed and I nodded, leaning down to kiss his forehead before Jackson darted off again to chase Pico into the living room.

Jasper shuffled into the apartment, closing and locking the door behind himself. He gazed over at me and his lips fidgeted, an awkward slanted smile beginning to overcome his weary expression.

When his eyes met mine, I frowned and shook my head. Jasper looked much paler than usual, his vibrant eyes appeared much darker. They were further tainted by the deep, unflattering smudges that hung beneath them.

I wandered forward and pressed my palm against his cheek. He was cold, too. Jasper sighed and leaned into my caress. "You didn't sleep at all did you?" I scowled up at him and Jasper's smile fully dominated his face.

"Is it that obvious?" His words were somewhat broken up by spurts of over-tired laughter. I shook my head again. "Don't worry, darlin'. I just need to drink something, I'm so thirsty right now."

I snorted, "Jazzy a coffee really isn't going to help this. You could have woken me up – I would have sat up with you." I was insatiably curious about Jasper's irregular sleeping patterns. He didn't seem to rest at all, and when he did even that wasn't a good experience.

Jasper rolled his eyes, a large hand rising to drag long, callused fingers through my hair. "Then you would have slept all day." His voice maintained a light banter, but not even his jesting could bring light to his exterior. "Besides, we've got important places to be tonight."

I winced, wishing I had never noticed the lovely green dress in my closet. I opened my mouth to protest, but my words fell short and my lips fell shut again. Finally I managed to sputter out, "Going out is overrated." I murmured, gradually withdrawing my hand from his face.

Jasper blinked confusedly down at me, tilting his head so that lengthy blond tresses twisted into his eyes. "Alice you're already dressed." He fought off a laugh and gently navigated himself around me to aim towards the kitchen.

Growling under my breath I followed after him, running my palms down my coat and shrugging. "What do you mean? I went out earlier, I just haven't changed."

Jackson grunted as he entered the kitchen, his arm clasped around Pico as he looked at me quizzically. "That's not what Uncle Edward said." Everything about his remark was utterly innocent, however; Jackson had unwittingly just sealed my fate.

Jasper fiddled with the coffee machine in the corner, I rarely used the poor thing, it actually still looked brand new. Over the years of constant travel I'd built up a severe displeasure for regular coffee. The coffee brewer flashed a bright purple before bumbling about in it's beverage making process.

Jasper snickered sinisterly to himself. "That, and, you've only recently just had a shower, you painted your nails a different colour, and you would never wear that kind of silk simply to go out." He leaned back enough that I could see the side of his face – the smug, smirking, supercilious side of his face.

Jackson gasped, "You're like a detective!"

I gnashed my teeth together. "You know I don't just get dressed up like this just for you, Jasper." I stated, using a sharp tone I'd certainly picked up on a runway – models are total divas unless you know how to crack them into line. Jackson gave a low whistle and gave a toothy smile as he watched us.

Jasper ran a palm over his face, turning back to the coffee maker to tap his index finger pensively on the shimmery metal. "This will be worth it." He said quietly, the mock hostility completely gone from his voice. "If you do this one thing Alice, I'll be yours until 8:00 Saturday morning."

My nose creased at the memory, my hands deliberately flying upwards to clap over my ears. The sound was muffled, but I could definitely hear Jackson chuckling.

Suddenly I made a very imperative realization: Jasper had me wound around his finger. My eyes widened as the thought crossed my mind, over the days that had passed, I had literally been entirely at his mercy. The man had talked me into getting a dog for crying out loud!

Maybe Edward had a point. Maybe I did really need to tread a little more carefully.

I shrugged, removing my hands from my ears to play with the large round buttons on my jacket. "I suppose that's fair." Turning away I stared off at nothing in particular.

Nothing was going according to my plans. Jasper was singlehandedly shaping my future, something that was supposed to be completely my domain.

Not even Tristan had had that kind of power.

"Well, Jack," Jasper said over his shoulder. "You should go get washed up too, if you want to tag along." As soon as Jasper had finished his statement Jackson was whooping and stomping, releasing Pico to charge through the kitchen and towards the stairs.

I pivoted on my heel. "Where do you plan on going tonight?" I asked lowly, eyeing Jasper cautiously. His back was to me but I could practically feel the smile that was plastered on his sleepy face.

"All in due time, Alice, all in due time." He answered gently, his accent making me melt all at once. The smooth but brassy twang of his every word caused my toes to curl.

"Are you sure you're in any shape for it?" I was persistent, concerned that he would collapse at any given moment. Everything about Jasper today seemed a little too lacklustre, if those blackish smears beneath his eyes were any indication. I had to wonder if he'd caught up on any sleep at all.

He turned on the balls of his feet, swinging his arm nonchalantly. "Alice," Jasper hissed, his eyebrows knitting together under the knots of his blond curls. "Stop worrying – you're not my mother!"

I cocked an eyebrow at him and sighed. When my eyes flickered down to press a wrinkle out of my jacket I noticed the scattered tulip petals that remained dusted across the floor.

Grinning faintly I gazed at him from under my eyelashes. "Thank you for returning my dress." His eyes seemed to brighten now, a large smile forming on his lips as he nodded. "I really appreciate it."

Jasper chuckled, raising both hands to comb his hair away from his eyes. "I promised to buy you a new one didn't I? I'm surprised you're not going to wear it tonight." He pretended to be offended, his expression quirked to make me giggle. "And to think you made such a fuss about the damn thing too."

"Listen you, if I didn't whine you never would have bought me a new one at all!" I raised my hands up to my lips widening my eyes and throwing on my most childish voice. "What kind of man tears apart a Chanel dress? You brute!"

Jasper mimicked me in a shrill tone, rolling his lazy eyes dramatically before the gurgle of the coffee machine caught his attention. I watched him retrieve a mug from the cupboard before pouring himself a cup of the thick, steaming brew.

My nose wrinkled in disgust as Jasper blew away the curling cloud that twisted above the black beverage, and gratefully raised the mug to his lips.

"Edward and Bella are getting married." I murmured, smiling happily at the thought. Isabella Marie Cullen. Since high school I'd considered Bella as nothing less than a sister to me, she'd always been meant to be one of us.

Jasper had closed his eyes, an exhausted grin on his lips as he savoured the strong drink – which I could smell from where I stood. His eyelids lifted gradually, a thoughtful gleam in them.

"It took a while." I added with a nervous laugh, "But he finally won her over." When Jasper opened his mouth to speak I blurted out the first words that came to mind. "–I'm not jealous!"

His lips pressed together again, Jasper's head tilting to an angle that looked painful. He observed me meditatively for a moment, blinking occasionally and humming to himself.

"I'm not sure you'd want to be a Whitlock, Alice." He mused, his voice quiet but not spiteful. Part of me was relieved he hadn't suggested anything along the lines of marriage, however a heavy weight dropped to the base of my gut when it became clear he had no intention of saying anything more on the subject.

I was thankful when Jackson came bounding into the kitchen, donning a dark green shirt that somewhat resembled the colour of his eyes. His dark hair fanned about his face, not entirely unlike my own. He wore the same slacks he had on the night of Rosalie and Emmett's engagement party, along with the same shiny dress shoes.

"This okay?" He asked, looking up at me as he spread his arms out wide and twirled clumsily in a circle. Pico bounced away from his unpredictable feet, Jackson swayed about when he came to a halt, laughing as he did so.

Reaching my hands out I tried to flatten his inky mane. The unruly locks disobeyed my command insistently, remaining flat for a few brief seconds before springing up and outward. Jackson giggled, straying away from my fingers and giving his head a rigorous shake.

"You'll get a headache doing that." I murmured, shaking my head at him and resting my hands on my hips. When he finally stopped, groaning and pinching the bridge of his nose, his hair had become an even bigger problem. Ebony hairs frayed outward in their full anarchic glory, the more I looked at him the more I realized that Jackson really was just like me – right down to the rebellious roots of his hair.

Running my fingers through the locks I made a face at him, which he responded to by goofily crossing his eyes. I was distantly aware of Jasper slurping at his coffee, a smile on his face.

"Give me a second." Jasper said finally, putting away his emptied mug in the dishwasher and treading for the stairs. When he'd vanished upstairs Jackson grasped my fingers.

His eyes became wide and eager, his tongue darting out to lap at his lips. "We ran into Mrs. Reid today!" Jackson announced his eyebrows shooting up as his eyes scanned my face. "She was really mean to Jasper, she said he was a delegate – delicate – delinquent!" He spat out the word, eyes narrowing angrily as he struggled to say it correctly.

I bit back all the rude comments that immediately sprung to my lips. That woman just didn't know her place! One of these days, I swear, she's just going to push me too far and I'm gonna lunge for sure. I grit my teeth together and asked Jackson to proceed with his story.

"He was real nice to her though." Jackie's tone had dropped a little as a puzzled look spread across his features. "I wanted to tell her to eat some dirt–"

"Jackson Brandon!" I jabbed my index finger at him, though my scolding was half-hearted as I couldn't say that I disagreed with him. Come to think of it, if the principal had have called me in to tell me Jack had said that to her, I might have simply overlooked the whole event.

He sucked in a sharp breath, averting his gaze and lowering his chin to his chest. "Well...I'm just being honest." He muttered beneath his breath, his lips forming a hard line. "She really should, Mommy. Besides that's not so bad, Tyler told me his older brother said even worse stuff. Stuff like 'freakin', that's not it – 'friggin', no I mean 'fu–"

I clapped my hand over his mouth and growled at him. "Mister if you ever say that word I'll make you drink the dish soap, understood?" Jackson gulped against my palm, his gaze flickering over to the sink before he nodded eagerly. "Every last drop until it's all gone." I added, trying to solidify my warning.

Shortly after I had made my threat, Jasper strode into the kitchen, an unbecoming wrinkle curved across his forehead as he ran his palms over his clothes. Jackson made a sharp intake of breath, his eyes widening. "You look like my army toys!" In an instant Jasper had unintentionally acquired Jackson's utmost admiration.

Jasper peered up at me, handsome little twists of blond hair swaying about his face as he did. I bit my lip as I appraised the uniform yet again. Finely pressed black material held firmly to his frame, adorned by a series of different coloured pins and a perfectly straight row of shimmering gold buttons. Jasper's hands rose to adjust the black silk tie that was knotted flawlessly at his throat.

"I really love this uniform." The words blundered blindly past my lips, and Jasper immediately cast this overwhelmingly self-aggrandizing smirk.

He didn't say anything to Jasper and I when we were leaving the apartment, or when we all piled into the Mercedes in the parking lot. He nodded and responded in all the right places when Jackson spoke to him about his day at school. However, that condescending little grin never once faded.

My previous thoughts began to swim back as Jasper's right hand floated across the centre console in search of mine. I examined the five calloused, lengthy digits and tried to memorize every detail of them – right down to the thin lines of his fingernail cuticles. As I intertwined my much smaller, much more delicate fingers with his I peeked up and glowered at his smirk.

Until 8:00 on Saturday morning, I really was at the command of his every whim.

Still, I had to wonder, when exactly had I lost total control of my own future?