(~BPOV~)

Today was the day, I really needed some new clothes. I got up early so I would have enough time to shop before my regular appointment. I walked into the kitchen to get some coffee, expecting Renee or Phil to still be home. The kitchen was empty, but the coffee pot was still warm. I poured some into a paper cup, not bothering with milk or sugar, and grabbed my keys. My car was the only one in the driveway. I debated between going to the mall or going to Target. The mall would have more options, but I also didn't really need a lot of options. Target it was.

Since it was still relatively early, the store wasn't busy. I half heartedly browsed through the empty aisles and selected a variety of tee shirts, jeans, and sweaters. The fitting room attendant gave me a plastic number and I stepped into a tiny room. I pulled off my shirt, and put on a light pink scoop neck shirt. I examined my reflection in the mirror. The shirt fit fine and the color worked well enough with my skin tone. I wondered if Alice would have approved. With a grimace, I decided it wasn't likely that she would - a plain, solid Target t-shirt wasn't really a wardrobe staple for the fashionable Alice. But it wasn't about anyone else any more. Just me. I was buying this shirt, if nothing else. I left the shirt on to try on one of the pairs of jeans. I liked the dark wash and turned around to check the back. Yep, that'll do it. I tried out a few of the cardigans, and found one I liked.

The woman staring back at me in the mirror looked more put together than I felt, and I was surprised to see her give a small smile. I guess shopping could be fun. I got dressed into my shabby old clothes and returned the rejected clothes to the store associate. I picked out another pair of jeans in the same cut, four of the same shirt in different colors, and two more cardigans. I was about to leave when I saw a red dress. It looked like it would come down to about my knees, with a fitted waist and flowy bottom. Like you need a dress to sit at home. Fuck that. I grabbed my size, and headed to the checkout with a smile.

"So Bella, how has this week been?" Ruth sat in her usual chair with ankles crossed and smiled at me.

"It's been okay. Renee is mad at me."

"Your mother? Why do you think she's mad at you?" Ruth's smile turned into a frown. My eyes widened. The facial change was quick, even for her.

"She really wants me to stay here for school, but I accepted the offer in New York. When I told her, she didn't really want to talk about it, and doesn't want to come up there when I move. She said it was because of work, which I kind of get, but also not really at all. I don't know." I looked down at my knees, and pulled them up onto the chair

"So your mother said she couldn't help you move?"

"Couldn't. Wouldn't."

"Bella, can I be honest?"

It was my turn to frown. "Isn't that your job? I mean, I'd like for you to be honest."

"You've been through some big transitions. You know that your mother loves you and cares - she helped you move down here, correct?" I nodded. "Have you considered that it's not because she doesn't want to, but may not be able to? Maybe give her the benefit of a doubt?" I turned my head to the side as I contemplated my response.

"I guess. I see what you're saying." I held my knees close to my chest. I was done with this conversation. It didn't matter anyway. I looked up at the ceiling.

"I'm glad. Let me know if you'd like to explore that further -"

"I don't."

"Alright." She uncrossed her ankles. "What else has been going on this week? You seem unhappy." I was happier when I walked in, that's for sure.

"Nothing really. I went to a party at a friend's house. I had one of those breathing episodes."

"How did you handle it?"

"I counted like we talked about, and it helped." No need to mention that I immediately puked my guts out after. Some things were better left unsaid.

"Good! I'm so glad to hear that. Other than the episode, did you enjoy yourself?"

"Yeah, mostly."

"That's good. What else would you like to discuss today?"

I sighed and pushed some hair out of my face. "What does our transition plan need to look like?" The summer was quickly drawing to a close. I started making a mental list of things I needed to do - find a place, maybe some type of part-time work, and select classes. I tuned back in to catch Ruth telling me to call her office when I got settled. "Sounds good to me." She smiled and stood to walk me out of the office.

(~RPOV~)

Edward absconded before the sun came up. I had quietly suggested some time in Alaska before he returned to the family - he disclosed that he wasn't quite ready to return to Carlisle and Esme in light of Bella's engagement. I couldn't blame him. My mind wandered to the discussion I had overheard between Esme and Carlisle while I opened the windows of the apartment, hoping to clear out Edward's scent. I knew if Emmett picked up on the fact Edward had been in touch, it would result in questions I couldn't yet answer. If I had to guess, Carlisle and Esme's conversation had something to do with Edward or Bella, but I suppose we wouldn't be finding out anytime soon.

I heard a quiet turn of the door knob as I flipped through a magazine on the couch. I looked up to see Alice slip in the door. Her small face was pinched and drawn. "What's happened? Where's Emmett?"

"I encouraged them to take another few days, the game was good. There was a group of hikers north at risk of bear attack, so I thought we'd kill two bears with one stone." Her mouth curved up in a half smile, and she sat down by me on the couch. "I saw Edward come home, but knew I'd miss him."

"Will he be okay? He's heading to Alaska."

"He'll be with Tanya for a spell. It won't last though." She mumbled, and covered her eyes with a small hand. I raised an eyebrow at this. It wasn't necessarily my goal behind suggesting Alaska, however, if he could find a modicum of comfort with her, it worked for me.

"Will he come back?"

"He always does, Rose. Anything you'd like to discuss?"

I shifted uncomfortably. I had a feeling I knew what she was talking about, but consciously made no decisions to disclose anything I wasn't prepared to share. "Nothing in particular. Did you see something you'd like to discuss?" She smiled.

"She was real mad, you know. But it worked." I could feel her eyes on me, but I kept my gaze directed down at the magazine in my lap. "Do you want to know where she decided to go to school?"

I remained silent. Alice continued. "It's okay, I can keep a secret. I think you did the right thing, and I'm jealous I didn't think of it first, honestly. I know what Edward saw too, but it's not the whole story…" She paused.

I felt a small tinge of betrayal for my interference, but I didn't regret it. I also wasn't going to encourage this conversation further - I surely didn't want to invite more meddling in someone's life. "When will the boys be back?"

"In two days. They'll arrive around noon. I do think we'll need to move towards the end of summer, don't you?"

"I suppose it is about time. I swear Alice - make any suggestions as to location cautiously. Will Edward come with us?"

She nodded, and I could see the energy radiating throughout her small frame. "How about we take Esme shopping in the meantime? I think she could use some girl time." I reached out to hold Alice's hand as I asked. Her eyes glassed over briefly as a vision took hold, but she quickly returned with a large smile.

"I think that's a perfect idea." She squealed and wrapped me into a large hug.