Alice and I were to go on a date tonight. I must admit, I was more nervous now than I had ever been for any of our dates. Loving Alice has always been beyond as easy as breathing. It remains just so. Loving Alice and interacting with her while her heart is pumping a vital life supply rapidly…That will take some practice and preparation.

I hunted in a nearby forest to pass the time and fuel up for being in close proximity to her again. I had to keep him better contained. I elected to go alone for a better chance at concentration. Edward and Emmett especially tend to make the trip about games and sport. Something that was not needed or appreciated at this very instance.

I arrived back at the apartment, that included a back entrance connecting to the woods, for which I was immensely grateful. The sun had started to peak through the heavy overcast but was forecasted to disappear back into the darkness in time for our date. I attempted to contain my excitement, but a smile crept across my face. The warmth of the sun on my skin reminded me of her. The feeling of joy and happiness. Something I had missed for a very long time.

I spent the remainder of my time pressing my clothes to perfection. I knew how important this was to Alice in her past…life? It was so prominent in her then, I found it hard to imagine that it was not still. I traveled far out of town to find the flower store Edward had mentioned in his ramblings about his and Bella's tenth anniversary.

I chose from the case of the rarest and most expensive flowers. Money was of no concern, I only wanted a unique flower that reminded me of her. I smiled at the black and purple orchid. It had been a flower she loved immensely, and a color scheme that matched her perfectly. I exchanged several large bills for the flower and cradled it gently back to the car. I had been growing stronger at handling such delicate objects, perhaps a thanks was in order for Nessie and Edward and Bella from the times they pushed me to hold her as a baby. Not fully human, my thoughts swirled with the possibilities.

When I arrived back in Gettysburg, it was time to pick up Alice. I glanced in the mirror once more, adjusting my collar so as to hide as many of my scars as I could. Alice was always particularly fond of them, but I couldn't imagine she would understand and feel the same now.

I walked back to the garage and chose my silver Lotus Esprit. Rosalie had gifted it to me for the holidays this year. I was convinced it was not of any love for me, but of her love for intricate sports cars. Me being the only member of the family without one, was an excuse enough for her impulsivity. The car seemed an appropriate choice for tonight, as I was taking Alice for a rather extravagant night.

I arrived at her apartment and could only remember what happened earlier. It seemed as though she were having a vision. I knew that she had had them in her previous human life. Could it be possible that that trait has yet again carried over?

I knocked firmly on their door. There was silver streamers and confetti still decorating the hall from what I suspected to be New Year's celebrations. It seemed as if her roommates were avid partiers. I would have to watch their behavior around her and ensure her safety.

I listened closely but returned my attention when I heard Alice's female roommates issuing personal sentiments regarding our date tonight.

When she opened the doors, my unnecessary breath hitched in my chest. If my heart still beat with a purpose, it surely would have skipped several beats. Her outfit of choice matched the flower perfectly. Of course it had, that must have been her vision. Even in humanity, I lack the element of surprise in this relationship as always.

As I examined her closely, I issued a genuine compliment. I was in awe of her appearance, but the compliment was a mistake. A surge of blood immediately rushed to her face. I shifted in my position, venom flooding into my mouth at an alarming rate. She informed me that she would place the flower into her room and I could not have been more grateful.

Her roommates loitered just in the doorway still watching me with glares. All but the taller female. Her eyes were kinder, the held concern within them. I noted her for further research another time.

I took the moment now to turn around and regulate my thirst again. In that moment, I was impossibly grateful for my solo hunting excursion. It was necessary. Dealing with the thoughts of warm blood flowing just under her skin, so easily accessible…I grabbed the door frame a little too hard in that moment. It splintered into my hand. I dumped the remnants onto the floor and smoothed the indentations of my fingers out so as not to leave any noticeable evidence. Moving fast enough that it would seem like nothing to the peering eyes behind me.

Just then she returned, closed the door behind her, and offered me her hand. I took it without hesitation and tucked it in the crook of my arm. How easy it was to fall back into old habits with her.

"Where are we off too may I ask?" She inquired. That was a relief. At least this aspect of the night would remain a surprise.