Esme's POV two weeks later:

The saying "Time sure flies when you're having fun" was true. This is what we wanted all along, for Nicki being able to come over without trouble. It just took time, that's all. Rome wasn't built in a day. When Bella first mentioned Nicki, I thought that was nice of Charlie to open their home to her and even more intrigued when it was found out that she knew of our kind but chose not to say anything. We still don't know the story yet but like Edward said "When she's ready, she'll let us in" Just be patient… that's the key.

She's not a bad child, I think she was abused though and her tough exterior is how she protects herself. Like Rosalie. Speaking of which, Rose is very protective of Nicki when she visits our home. She will literally get up and place her in Emmett's lap. Snapping at Edward warningly before he pushes her too far with his questioning.

(It's nowhere near as bad as it once was, thanks to her "talk".) Or "rescue" her from Alice when she's had enough. I don't know what took place on that trip to Seattle but it bonded them. I love my children very much but there are times when even I've got to admit they can be very pushy. So it's nice to see these different sides to both Nicki and Rose…

Any way things have been going so well that I'm on my way to the sheriff's station to speak with Charlie about a possible sleepover for the girls. I already have the wolves' permission after meeting with them last night at the treaty line. It wasn't easy, I had to swear that no harm would come to Nicki on our watch. I have a feeling that Charlie's not going to be a walk in the park either.

I opened the door to front of the building and go in. Finding Charlie at his desk, buried behind a mountain of paperwork. "Charlie" I greet,

"Mrs. Cullen?" he says looking up. "Please have a seat" gesturing to the chair in front. "What can I do for you?" "Is it Bella?"

"No" I said waving my hand. "She and Edward are just fine, driving back from Port Angeles. I actually wanted to talk to you about Nicki"

Charlie raised an eyebrow, "What about her this time?"

"Well as you know," I started. "Nicki and Edward have reached an understanding and she's been spending time over at our house when she isn't at La Push. So-?"

"You want her to spend the night, right?"

"Yes, we'd love to have her"

He heaved a heavy sigh, "I guess your husband didn't… tell you"

I blinked out of habit, "Tell me what Charlie?"

"Mrs. Cullen-"

"Esme" I corrected.

"Esme… Nicki has heart failure and she is going to die" My jaw dropped as images of that poor girl laughing and giggling alongside my children. She seemed so… so full of life. I can tell she's had a hard life and now… My silent heart broke.

"When?" I couldn't help but ask.

"The Doctors say after the New Year. Please don't say anything, Nicki's private person. Bella doesn't even know."

"Of Course Charlie" I promised him, I'm going to ask Carlisle though if he can look into her case. Maybe there is something we can do, I think to myself as an idea came to mind. "Charlie," I began. "If Carlisle can get the night off and be there in case something goes wrong, would you say yes?"

He sighed, "If you can get him to agree…"

Nicki's POV:

It finally happened, I'm going to spend the night at the Cullen's house with Bella. Alice shrieked with excitement when she got the "ok" from Esme. It was conditional though, not on my terms this time but Charlie's: Dr. Cullen had to be there.

Of course I can't blame Charlie for being protective. He knows I still don't do well at night, after all he's up checking on me. I have to encourage him to go back to bed whenever I have a cough attack and I'm stable. Luckily, Rosalie was picking me up this time. Remembering our trip, she knew of my needs and drove slow.

"They know, don't they?" I asked getting in the car.

She nodded grimly, "Charlie told Esme and Carlisle. It was the only way…"

I sighed, the last thing I needed right now is pity. "Does anybody else know?"

"Jasper, Emmett, Alice and Bella are still in the dark. They are going to find out eventually," I bent my head down.

"Nicki?" Rosalie asked, "Wouldn't it be easier to just come out and say it?"

"To tell you the truth Rose, I've been thinking of doing that very thing. I just… am not ready for all the looks and comments that comes with this. It's only been in this last year. Apart for once brief moment of time as a kid. That I've been accepted and treated as a person with thoughts and feelings like everyone else. "

Despite my best efforts some tears leaked through and ran down my cheeks.

"Oh Nicki," Rosalie pulled over to the side of the road, leaned over and gave me a wintery hug. "It's going to be ok, you've got me, your dogs, Charlie, Stink Brain. Now Esme and Carlisle, and once it comes out. Jasper, Alice, definitely Emmett and Bella will have your back."

I laughed, drying my eyes "Did you just called your brother "Stink Brain?"

In the end it wasn't so bad, I agreed that I would tell but not tonight. I didn't want to ruin the party. Whether it was the "Family's" or "Alice's" I know not. We pulled in the driveway and I just barely got out of the car when Alice came bounding up excitedly.

"You're here! We're finally doing it!" She wrapped her arm around my shoulders, guiding me towards the house with Rosalie trailing behind. "Come on in! Bella's already here, she didn't have to work today. It's time to party!" she sang, upon entering. "First up on the list of fun is…Makeovers!"

Soon I was placed in a chair alongside Bella as Alice went to town. I couldn't believe how much makeup products she had: Tweezers, Eyelash Curlers, Eyeshadow, Mascara, Blush or "Rouge" as she called it. Lip balm, Lipstick, "The Works" in all different kinds and styles. She could put "Covergirl" out of business. It started out fine and dandy until Alice decided that my eyebrows were too thick and needed to be trimmed.

"Alice d-Ow!" I exclaimed, "Okay…that's enough, I think I'm good. Moving on…" Once it got to hair, I'd reached my limit and an idea come to mind...

3rd Person's POV:

"Ow! Alice there's a person under the hair."

"Sorry Bella but it would be easier if you didn't move your head so much. Just look at Nicki she's being perfect" she said, going back and forth between the girls in the vanity. "Right?" That's strange! Nicki had been quite verbal the whole time during makeup, now nothing.

"Nicki? You ok?" Alice asked, turning around the swivel chair. Coming face to face with a wigged manikin head! "NICKI!"

"What?!" came her voice from the other side of the house. Bella was just drying in her chair before getting up and following Alice. Their hunt led them to the kitchen where the other house occupants watched as a bald headed Nicki was taking orange juice out of the fridge.

Pouring a glass to take pills on the counter, she said "I said you could do my hair, I didn't say about being under it while it took place."

Alice's eyes grew wide, "You…you don't have any hair?"

"The wig is made of the real stuff", popping the meds in and taking a drink. "But as for physically growing it on my person, I haven't had mine since my early teens"

Carlisle stepped forward away from the crowd. "What happened, if you don't mind me asking Nicki?"

That story, she felt almost comfortable telling. With certain precautions of course.

"I cut and sold it for money, one day it was cut too short. So I took a razor, ultimately rendering myself bald. I was arrested shortly after for a… something else and it started growing back in prison only to die off once I started chemo for an illness I was diagnosed with. That wig was made and donated to the hospital prison by "Locks of Love." Now that I'm off the chemo, my hair still hasn't grown back yet so I make do"

"It will soon, little peach fuzz will start to develop in patches" he assured her.

"Damn girl!" exclaimed Emmett, "No legs, No hair, don't you have anything that's yours?" "I do have my original nose…"

Nicki's POV:

After the crowd dispersed, and Alice herded Bella back upstairs to the vanity. I was pulled aside by Esme and Carlisle. Once I told them I was fine just waiting for the pills to kick in. They said okay but take it easy and be sure to let them know if something doesn't feel right. I did say that I needed a break from all the "girlie" partying. So the boys and Rosalie "kidnapped" me for a movie in the living room while Esme went to tell Alice to tone it down a little for my sake.

(I think Bella appreciated it too.) I don't remember when I fell asleep but I came to with the sound of Alice's voice: "The Graduation Party is only a week away. Oh it's going to be so much fun!"

"Alice?!" Bella exclaimed exasperated,

"What? It will be,"

"Yeah that's what you said last time"

"It will be different," Alice rolled her eyes. "The party and the attention won't be focused on you. Other people will be there, and so will Nicki"

Wait… "Party"… "Teenagers"… Teenage Party! Me: NOOOOOOOOOOO!

I could feel my poor sick heart begin to pound faster in my chest. "Now, if only I can figure out what she did with those fabulous clothes I bought her?" Alice continues, "Because the stuff she wears is… Ugh!"

"Alice!" My cousin scolds in disbelief.

"Sorry Bella, but even you don't dress that bad! I'm going to try again, she'd better keep them this time so the party can be perfect!"

I can't….I can't! I just CAN'T! My heart's going into overdrive and my breathing is getting shallow. My body is not letting me take deep breathes, just short little pants.

"NICKI!"

I find myself in Rosalie's arms but the only sound I hear is the pitiful thudding ringing in my ears. Just before I lose consciousness I make out the shape of Dr. Cullen hovering over me and feel the plastic of an oxygen mask go over my nose and mouth….

...

"Nicki?... Nicki?"

My eyes unwilling flew open. To my surprise I find myself not in a hospital room. I am lying on the side of a soft comfortable bed with a portable oxygen tank placed to the right of me. Looking at the room's décor, I detect this is Carlisle and Esme's, before my eyes find the speaker, or should I say "speakers": Esme and Rosalie.

"Nicki you're awake? How do you feel?" asked Esme.

"Drained," I replied

"Carlisle says you had a panic attack," Rosalie explained. "Do you remember what happened?"

I nodded weakly, "Alice started talking about a teenage party you guys were having and that I was supposed to come…" I took a breath, "Esme? Can I talk to Bella and Alice please?"

"Sure sweetie, just take it easy." She got up and disappeared out of the room.

Rosalie gave me a look, "Everyone knows now, even Bella. Carlisle just got done explaining everything."

I groaned, Oh great! More pity! "Charlie's on his way over too…"

We were saved from further conversation when the door creaked open and a concerned Bella and Alice made their way over to the bed. I gave Rosalie's hand a light squeeze, letting her know with my eyes that this was something I needed to do on my own.

"I'll be right out here if you need me" she said before exiting and closing the door behind her. I turned my attention to my visitors.

"Nicki… I am so sorry" said Alice, for perhaps the second time I'd known her she was totally serious.

"Why didn't you just tell me?" ask Bella,

"You have your own life going here Bella, with its own troubles. You don't need mine. Besides I hate the looks of pity. It's not like I'm dying tomorrow, I've still got time left. I want to enjoy life while I can."

Alice perked up, "And what better way to celebrate life than with a party! Oh Nicki! It's going to be perfect! I'll help you with your hair and your clothes-!"

"Alice, Alice!" I said, "That's very thoughtful but I will not be going to the party"

"What do you mean "not going?" I said I'll help you! Come on! Give me one good reason!"

"I'll give you two of them!" starting to raise my voice. "I'm trying to stay clean and sober alright!"

Alice blinked, not expecting that reaction. "What?"

"You do not take an alcoholic to a bar. You do not take me to teenage parties. For I smoke and I drink, getting high. For that is how I survive and have survived in the past at these things. Now I am sixteen months sober, you want to help me? Support my decision to say "No!"

Bella grabbed my hand, "You don't have to go"

"Nicki?" said Alice, capturing my attention away from her. "I would never ever willingly put you in danger like that. You always have the right to say "No," I breathed a heavy sigh of relief.

After a moment or two of silence. I spoke up again, "Another thing Alice"

"Yeah?"

"I want you to know that I really appreciate the gesture of the clothes. But, I can't afford that lifestyle of $200 pairs of shoes and pants.

Now that you know of my illness you should also know that Charlie is drowning in debt, trying to pay off my medical bills. Since the insurance won't cover, we're paying for it ourselves. The house has been put up as collateral and Charlie's even dipping into his own retirement"

Bella's eyes widened, guess Daddy's been keeping her in the dark about that too.

"I've thought about getting a job but Charlie won't let me. So I've been taking and selling those clothes you've got me to a thrift store for money to pay for the house expenses and groceries. I've spent my entire life shopping at bargain places and thrift stores. As much as I would want something nice, my needs are worth more. Please try to understand…"

Alice's POV:

Poor Nicki, I had no idea it was this bad. I feel so ashamed, in all my ambition. I once again forgot to think about her and how she feels. I can't look into her future either since she's around those dogs so much. I can tell this is a big shock for Bella too. There has to be something we can do…I've got it!

I'll talk to Carlisle and Esme to see if they can speak to Charlie about letting us pay for Nicki's medical or at least loan him the money. They shouldn't have to lose their house just to pay the doctors. Despite what she says, Nicki should also have at least one nice outfit to wear but this time I won't go expensive. I'll see what Sears and Old Navy have to offer….

Bella's POV:

Nicki… God! I can't believe Charlie would keep this from me. True, I been so wrapped up in the Jacob and Edward situation. Plus keeping an eye out for Victoria and what she's planning but still! I had a right to know! And nearly everybody has been keeping this from me!

Just looking at Nicki now, I cannot help but notice how frail and weak she looks and how hard she's been trying to hide it. I know one thing:

I'm definitely pitching in my earnings from work at Newton's. I wonder if Jacob and the pack know. They must have for Nicki spends more time with them then anyone. Seeing how close she and Seth are. The way he looks at her… I've seen that look before… on Sam whenever he sees Emily… Oh God! Seth imprinted on Nicki! And if she's dying that means… Poor Seth! He's gonna be like I was when Edward- … and this time there's no coming back from it…

"Nicki?" I asked, she turned her head towards me. "Have you ever thought about becoming a Vampire?"

"She sighed, "Once… a long time ago. I can see where you're going with this Bella, and the answer is "no".

"What?" I replied, "Why not? It would help you, you could be around for Seth."

"Bella, when Seth imprinted on me. My life wasn't just mine anymore, I was officially initiated into a family. Their thoughts and feelings count and Vampires are their number one enemy and threat. No matter how much you may want the Pack and the Cullens to get along, it is ultimately fighting against nature. So the thought of me becoming one of them… it wouldn't be good. Besides, you've already got enough trouble just dealing with Jacob and his thoughts about you turning and joining this family."

I have to admit she was right about that. Jake… if only I could make him see. " As you know,the treaty says "If any of them bites a human, it's over." Nicki finished,

"Which is totally unfair as it's my choice!" I couldn't help but exclaim in frustration.

"Rules are rules Bella, as I have said "There are consequences to every action." You should know that having visited the Volturi."

My jaw dropped along with Alice's. I never told her about – "How? Where did-?"

"Something from another life… A talk you're not ready for. Once…"

"Once what?"

"Once you've make a decision… A final one regarding Edward and Jacob. Of who you're going to be with"

Stunned and a little offended, I said "I have… I've chosen Edward" I was given that dead hard look of hers that I remember seeing that day at the treaty line. "No… you haven't"

What did she mean by that?

Jasper's POV:

The mystery that is Nicki, keeps growing bigger and bigger. As I cannot help but listen downstairs. Though she's only fifteen, her emotions and words are in a word:

"Heavy". Full of Regret, Self-Loathing, a slight sliver of Peace and Want.

When she speaks, it's the truth that falls from her lips. It's almost like… dealing with myself. That's it! She's a soldier!

Why didn't I see it before? While she hasn't fought in a war or anything of that sort. It is pretty clear she has been fighting… The Battle of Life. And it has definitely taken its toll. I can feel the evidence in how tired and weary she is. Yet she doesn't give up! She going to continue on until… I have a feeling that her story is meant for Bella. To teach her something like she's done for Rosalie and Edward. I can only hope when that day dawns I'm around to hear it…