I had soon retreated to Carlisle's study to talk to him. We were discussing old hunting grounds when Edward and Bella stopped at the door. "Come in." Carlisle called. Edward opened the door and lead Bella in. "What can I do fo you?"
"I wanted to show Bella some of our history." Edward explained. "Well, your history, actually."
"We didn't mean to disturb you." Bella apologised. "We didn't realise you were here too, Alex."
"No worries." I said, waving my hand. "Besides, you can't tell Carlisle's story without adding me into it as well."
"Where did you want to start?" Carlisle asked.
"The Waggoner," Edward replied, placing his hand on Bella's shoulder and turning her towards the closed door. I ignored her palpitating heart. On the back wall was a multitude of pictures, ranging from late sixteen fifties to more recently.
"Wait...Alex...is that you?" Bella asked. I approached her and saw the painting she was pointing at. I smiled softly.
"Ah, yes, that was done around...thirty years after Carlisle was turned." I mused. "We usually met up once every couple of decades to talk but, it's been a while."
"This one is London in the sixteen-fifties." Edward said, gesturing to another one.
"The London of my youth." Carlisle added from behind us.
"Will you tell the story?" Edward asked.
"I would." Carlisle replied. "But I'm actually running a bit late. The hospital called this morning. Dr Snow is taking a sick day. Besides, you know the stories as well as I do."
"I'll leave you too it then." I said, clasping my hands together. "Alice is a bit miffed that I haven't spent much time with her yet."
"What are you and Alice talking about?" Bella questioned.
"Fashion." Bella cringed. "I know, I know, she's trying to convince me to take her to Russia."
"Why would you need to go to Russia?"
"I have a vast collection of old gowns from my travels, and what place is more secure than under a Castle?" I smiled at Bella's shocked face. "Have fun." I left Bella to Edward's mercy.
TIMESKIP
Apparently, it was going to storm tonight, and at Alice's insistence, I was to be joining them in a game of baseball, and all that was left was to invite Bella. Why she thought my sister would enjoy the activity is beyond me. I followed Alice to Edward's room. The door was open, and Bella was in Edward's lap. I raised an eyebrow at the position, causing Bella to flush. "Can we come in?" Alice asked.
"Go ahead." Edward said. Alice luttered into the room, me close behind. Alice sat on the floor, while I leant against a wall. Jasper stayed in the doorway, carefully keeping away from Bella.
"It sounded like you were having Bella for lunch, and we came to see if you would share."
"Sorry, I don't believe I have enough to spare."
"Don't joke about killing Bella." I scolded. "I like my siblings to live, please."
"Actually" Jasper started, walking into the room to stand near me. "Alice says there's going to be a real storm tonight, and Emmett wants to play ball. Are you game?"
"Of course you should bring Bella." Alice chirped, answering Edward's silent question. Jasper shot her a look.
"Do you want to go?" Edward asked Bella.
"Sure." Bella replied instantly. "Um, where are we going?"
"We have to wait for thunder to play ball, you'll see why."
"Will I need an umbrella?"
"Will she?" Jasper asked Alice.
"No." Alice replied with conviction. "The storm will hit over town. It should be dry enough in the
Clearing."
"Good, then."
"Let's go see if Carlisle will come." I commented, pushing myself off the wall. "Get the stiff out of the house for a while."
"Are you coming too?" Bella asked excitedly as Alice stood.
"Might as well." I shrugged my shoulders. "Not many physical I can play without causing suspicion or braking something."