Esme taught me a few simple stitches on the sewing machine, and talked me through a pattern for a dress. It distracted me sufficiently, and I felt a lot better. Once everyone got home from school, Esme left me alone to greet them.
I began to experiment. I used different materials and stitches, and a few hours later I'd managed to put together a wearable skirt. The material had cherry patterns all over, and to my delight it actually fit me perfectly. I went downstairs to show Esme.
I found her talking to Rosalie. Jasper was also there, sitting on the couch. I froze. He smiled at me, and I couldn't help but look away. Rosalie scowled at me, and I hurried into the kitchen to escape before Esme noticed me. I filled a glass of water and ran upstairs to give it to Emmett.
"Thanks," he took a sip of water and put it down, "Don't spend all your time with me. Go on, go see Jasper or someone."
I nodded and kissed his cheek, then returned downstairs. Since them, Jasper had gone to his study and Rosalie to her room. Esme was in the kitchen, making herself a coffee.
"Oh! Hey sweetheart. Did you have fun sewing?"
I nodded and held out my skirt.
"Aww, its beautiful!" she smiled encouragingly, "Great job."
She kissed my forehead in praise, "We're going out to dinner later, for something different. I'll let you know when we're going."
I nodded in excitement and went to go upstairs, but stopped as I passed the living room. Piano music was coming from there. I'd always wondered who played that piano, as I'd never actually seen it being used. I found Edward sitting at the stool, and went to sit on the couch to watch him play. He looked over at me.
"Hey," he said quietly, taking his hands from the keys, "Are you alright?"
I nodded, You're very talented.
"Thanks," he shrugged awkwardly, "Mom got the piano for me when I was seven."
He fondly stroked the piano a little before putting his hands on his knees, almost embarrassed at his own actions.
I envied him greatly. The most I'd got from my mom was $20 for my sixteenth birthday. I saved it for as long as I could, waiting for something worthy enough to be spent on, until it was stolen once I went back to the home. I never wanted to save money again.
"I could teach you something?" Edward suggested, and I sat next to him on the stool instantly. He played a few notes and watched as I copied. He'd then add on a few more notes, and again until he finished the whole tune. I practised it, gaining speed each time. Edward helped me if I made mistakes.
He went to do some homework, and I practised my small song and experimented to make new ones. It wasn't as successful as my sewing experiments.
"I heard Edward was giving you a little piano lesson," Esme said from the doorway, "Did he teach you to play something?"
I nodded and began to recite my tune, and Esme applauded me dramatically once I finished.
"Great job," she smiled, "We're going out soon. Would you like me to help you pick something to wear?"
I nodded, and she took my hand. She went into her closet, and came out with a sweet, polka dot dress with puff sleeves.
"Try it on. It was mine when I was your age...or younger. But you can have it!"
I went into the bathroom and found it fitted just right. I twirled in front of the mirror several times, giggling in delight. It really was beautiful. I skipped back to Esme and twirled for her.
"Aww, it looks lovely on you!" she smiled, gasping a little as I hugged her a little over excitedly.
"Oh!" she smiled, and I built up some courage.
"Thank you," I whispered, as quiet as I could, but at the same time trying to be heard. Esme gasped again.
"Did I just hear that sweet little voice?" she gushed, and I was surprised to find her getting tearful. At first, I was a little nervous. Getting people upset or annoyed was a factor for my silence. But when I actually thought logically, she wasn't upset. She was happy. Maybe even proud of me. I didn't like over thinking about these things.
"Oh, Alice!" she smiled, holding me at arm's length, "I'm so proud of you!"
My opinions on over thinking, but also my thoughts about being an outside in the family, began to diminish from my mind.