AN: So I ended up being a few days late again this time. I'm sorry. I do hope you enjoy reading though :)

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Deadly Affection – Reimagined

Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight or any of it's characters. I just play around with them.

Chapter 17: Going Shopping

Bella PoV

The beeping of the alarm started moments after I had opened my eyes in the dark room. I turned it off in a hurry, hoping to not wake Charlie. The screen illuminating my room, and telling me it was five-fifteen am. I turned it off, and used my second sight to navigate my way to the chair where I had put my sweats before bed yesterday.

It was about time for me to resume my morning regimen again, having slacked off for several weeks now. And while it was still technically below zero degrees outside, my powers negated that excuse. So without fuzz, I got dressed, put in my earpieces, and snuck outside.

Breathing in deeply, a part of me missed the arid air of the desert. Though the scents of the forest weren't bad either. It felt cleaner, in a way.

I took to jogging up the road, intent on checking out the trail into the forest I had seen earlier in the week. As I was running, I noted a few of the houses on the other side having the outdoor lights on, giving off an eerie glow in the mist. Stopping, I took out my earbuds and listened to the silence, looking down further towards the town, where more lights were scattered. Only to be surrounded by the darkness of tall trees all around. I don't really know why, but it made me smile.

It just felt... peaceful.

But I had something to do, so I had to move on. I increased my pace slightly as I ran up an incline, feeling my legs burn with exertion. I was breathing heavily, but I refused to stop. Instead I let my powers wash through my body, and the burning faded shortly after. I was sort of disappointed that it didn't magically fix my breathing issues, but I shouldn't complain.

I was anxious to test out what it was like running as fast as I could through the forest. Or as fast as I could get without popping my cloak. I didn't want to risk anyone seeing a glowing red light zipping through the forest at this time in the morning. No matter how dense the vegetation is, I wasn't about to test my luck.

Having finally reached the trail, I took a second to look around with my second sight. Finding there was no one around, I headed in between the large trees. It felt even darker in here, though I had little issue between how well I could see in the dark, and my second sight.

Pushing my power into my legs, I started making greater strides with each time I touched the forest floor. And I poured it on, more and more, feeling the joy as trees whipped past me on both sides. I was pretty sure I was giggling as I went.

The path was only wide enough for a couple of people to walk side by side. And it didn't seem to be frequented all that much, by the amount of vegetation still on the path. But it didn't matter to me as I flew past.

I was getting a feel for my increased weight, using the moment of my arms to swing into the next step. Then suddenly I felt a gnawing hunger in my stomach. I stumbled from surprise, before I righted myself and used a few steps to manage to stop.

I felt the burning from before resume, this time much more intensely. And it wasn't just in my legs, it was all over. In a panic, I tried to cloak up, only to find I couldn't. I was running on empty. Literally.

It hurt to move, but I made my way towards the closest tree and placed my palm to it. The rush of energy subdued the burning in my muscles, as it spread throughout my body. How could I have not felt that coming? Had I not been paying attention?

There hadn't been any indicators that I was aware of. My extra-sensory vision had not diminished in range, nor did it feel like I was becoming weaker at any point. But both were tied to my powers, so why didn't they?

Before I could contemplate any further, a silvery figure entered my range. The brief surge of fear was quelled when I recognized the tall form of Rosalie. She was running parallel with the trail I was on, though she immediately followed it when she got there. Probably caught my scent, by the looks of it.

I became very aware of my breathing as I gulped in air in abundance. It didn't really bother me, other than the fact that I would probably be self-conscious of it when the model that was Rosalie would catch up to me without even needing to breathe. That was one of the more freaky things Alice had confirmed for me this week. They didn't need air, like at all. It still boggled my mind.

''Hey Rose!'' I called out just as she was about to catch up to me, pulling my earbuds out and pausing the music. She rolled with it, stopping a few meters away from me, a smirk adorning her perfect form. Like I had predicted, the blush of embarrassment struck. Although that could be attributed to the fact that a gorgeous blonde was looking down on me with what could only be called sex eyes. She even bit her lower lip for good measure.

It hadn't been long before she picked up on my fascination with her sister, though she hadn't actually voiced it. She had just taken to teasing me, using little looks to try to dazzle me from time to time. And now we were alone. In the forest. At night. What would her boyfriend think, I wonder.

''So, what's got you so riled up this time of night?'' Her silky voice called out, leaning against a tree opposite me. Damn her legs were long. I gulped as I realized I was staring, grabbing onto the tree I had drained for balance, desperately looking anywhere but at her. It didn't help that I could see her lips curl up with mirth through my second sight either way, making me blush harder.

''Riled up? What, me? I was just out for a run.'' I blurt out, making a complete fool of myself. Of course she knew I was out here. Alice would have probably called to get her to look for me. But then why didn't she just call me instead? I took out my phone briefly to see if I had any missed calls, but there were none. Then why?

''You're breathing like you've run a marathon. What are you doing this far out of town anyway?'' She asked, and it wasn't before now that I noticed how dilated her eyes were. A spike of fear rushed through me as I remembered Alice saying how easy it was for them to give in when they were out hunting. I tried to stay casual, though I started draining the tree I was holding onto just in case I needed to be ready for a fight.

''Yeah, I was trying to see how fast I could run using my power. It doesn't seem to stop me from needing air, unfortunately.'' I joked, subtly spreading my weight evenly in a wide stance. She tilted her head to the side, looking me over.

''What are you doing?'' Rosalie asked in a confused tone, pointing to my feet. ''I'm not going to attack you. Actually, I find it kind of insulting that you would even think that.'' She continued, crossing her arms with a frown.

''We're in the middle of nowhere, in almost complete darkness, and you were out hunting from the looks of things.'' I accused, stopping the drain, but remaining vigilant. For a tense second we held eye contact, before she huffed in defeat.

''Yeah okay, you got a point. For future reference, other than Carlisle, I probably have the best control of my family. So please don't think so little of me.'' She said with an air of pride. It was just too easy to mess with.

Honestly, I blame Alice.

''What about when you almost massacred everyone in the parking lot a few weeks ago?'' I teased, and straight out laughed when her face fell. Oh, if only I had a camera! I would even settle for a perfect memory, like they had. But alas.

''That-.. You-... I don't think I like you anymore.'' Rosalie said, flustered. But she didn't just leave, which meant she wasn't that mad. I was sure to get some kind of retaliation for this in the future, but why worry about that now. ''By the way, the gear Emmett ordered came yesterday. Perhaps you can come over this weekend to try them out?'' She asked, no traces of resentment to be heard. I felt some pride for the fact that she didn't feel the need to be so defensive around me. I couldn't help the smile, despite my annoyance of Emmett's blatant disregard for my opinion.

''I told your man that I would buy those, when I got a job.'' I huffed, crossing my arms. Really, did he have no sense of shame? I guess the way Rosalie just shrugged her shoulders was about as accurate an answer I could get.

''So, were you done hunting for the night?'' I ask after I sighed in frustration. Her eyes are pretty much back to normal now, which told me there's an element of intent involved in that particular trait.

''Pretty much, yeah. Do you know how far from Forks we are?'' Rosalie asked in return. I tried to spy any landmarks with my second sight, or through the treetops, but found none. ''Figured as much. We're deep in the Olympic national park. Do you think you'll get back on your own in time for school?''

''I can run pretty fast, you know.'' I say, feeling the hairs on my neck bristle at the insulting idea that I would need help to get home. Then again, different era. Maybe she was just asking politely, in a roundabout sort of way. I pulled my phone up to check the time, only to be surprised to see that it was nearly six in the morning. I thought I'd only been out here for about fifteen minutes.

''I don't, actually. Care to show me?'' Rosalie asked with a crooked smile. The frustration I felt from her aloof tone ignited the monster in me. I was going to wipe that smirk of her pretty little face. I noticed her flinch ever so slightly as I felt my eyes start to glow red.

''Let's race.'' I growled back, pulling up my sleeves and absorbing as much energy as I could store, with my cloak covering my forearms.

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I had lost. What's worse, Rosalie wasn't even taking it serious. She was merely playing with me, running backwards at points to let me catch up with her. It was infuriating! The beast in me wanted to throw caution to the wind and cloak up fully. But I managed to reign it in, as the sun was just starting to show inklings of it's presence, just under the horizon.

To her credit, Rosalie didn't gloat with her victory. She even complimented me for my ability to not run head-first into a tree. I didn't really know what to feel about that. But she was smiling broadly as we parted where the trail started, so at least she was happy.

Charlie was up when I got home, and to say he was surprised when I entered the front door was an understatement. He practically jumped in his chair, spitting food everywhere as he scrambled for his weapon. Perhaps I should have told him I was going to go for a morning run.

''It's just me dad, calm down!'' I say calmly as I close the door. Then I froze for a hot second as I considered what reason I would have, to say that as I entered the house. Charlie doesn't know I can see through walls. Hopefully, he doesn't think of that.

''Jesus, Bella! Are you trying to give your old man a heart attack?!'' Charlie barked as he fell back into his chair with a thud. I rounded the corner to see him looking to the ceiling and muttering something under his breath.

''Sorry. I guess I should have warned you beforehand, I usually like to get some running in before school. Just hadn't gotten to it yet, with everything that's been going on.'' I said while leaning against the doorframe. I took notice of the heavy bags under his eyes as he looked to me. Was he having trouble sleeping?

''It's okay. Just... I don't know, leave your door open or something, so I know you're up.'' He said as he started to pick up the food he had spilled. Feeling a little guilty about it, I got a cloth and helped him, before heading upstairs.

I didn't really feel it until I turned on the shower, but my skin was freezing cold. It felt strange, almost like it was numb, until the warm water washed over me and made it sting from the temperature difference. Perhaps I wasn't as resistant to the cold as I had imagined?

It faded quickly, as I plugged the drain and settled in for a long soak. While I was waiting, I fished out my phone and turned on some quiet music in the background. Only thing missing was scent candles. I'd have to buy those in the future.

I contemplated the fact that the world was filled with vampires that didn't feel any remorse for taking human lives. Surely, someone must have noticed a pattern in the disappearances. Or bodies found with little to no blood spilled. If a whole host of them hid themselves away in one of their cities, someone must have noticed an increase in deaths in the surrounding areas. Found it odd that one city in the center was untouched by all the misery. Sure, most humans wouldn't think twice on it. But there must be someone with the ability to connect the dots, with the right connections? That the Volturi had gotten away with it for centuries, would imply they had people covering up for them.

A chill ran down my spine, considering the lengths those people would have to go to, in order to protect their overlords. The fates of the people that only wanted to protect their fellow humans. The injustice they must have suffered.

I jerked up rapidly, spraying water everywhere, feeling like my cloak was about to burst at any moment. Forcing the feeling down, I huffed at my lapse of thinking. I was in water. That could in no way have been fun.

Looking at my phone, I saw that I was starting to get short on time. So I pulled the plug and stood up, finishing with a shower to rinse everything off.

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''So what are you up to this weekend?'' Alice asked, having tried to sneak up behind me as I was getting the books from my locker. Not that it worked, thanks to my awesome powers. Though I might just let her do it one of these days, so she'd stop.

As I turned around to answer her question, my mind sort of froze. When I had turned, Alice had leaned in closer. There was a playful smirk on her lips, that were so close I could feel her breath on my skin. Her golden eyes were boring into mine with an intensity that felt paralyzing. It made a chill run down my spine, which caused me to shiver.

Alice backed away after that, seemingly brought out of a funk as she shook her head from side to side. When she looked back up at me, I noticed her eyes were dilated again. Why does that keep happening? She hadn't reacted like that the first couple of times we'd been close. Nor when she'd seen me cloaked up. Somehow I managed to ignore the embarrassment which would only make me blush like a tomato. Didn't want Alice to have a win so easily.

''I don't really have many plans at the moment. Though I guess, since you didn't bother to say hello first, you have made them for me?'' I said in a deadpan, only to see Alice light up like a million watts. Did she not understand my sarcasm?

''Great! I'll pick you up at seven, that way we'll be in Port Angeles just as the shops start opening.'' Alice more or less sang, jumping up and down with excitement. How I had feared the day when she would finally cash in on that favor, and now it was upon me. I guess I should count myself lucky I only have to dread the outcome for a single day.

''Fine, but only if Rosalie joins us.'' I countered, hoping to get a small buffer to stop me from making a complete fool of myself. Oh who was I kidding. I was just going to have a bigger audience.

''Does she have to?'' Alice pouted, playing with a lock of my hair. The heat from where her cold finger had touched my bare skin was really distracting. A cold draft of air coming through the corridor brought with it the scent of Alice. Tantalizingly familiar, yet unique.

I had to blink a few times, and clear my throat before I managed to respond. The side of Alice's smile curved up when I did. ''Yes.'' I didn't manage to bring up more brainpower to answer.

''Fine. But you have to ask her.'' Alice said with a smile, leading us towards my classroom.

''Why do seem so chipper about that?'' I asked her, but she just laughed and ignored my question.

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Initially, she didn't seem opposed to the idea of going shopping with me, but Rosalie vehemently refused to go if Alice came along. Neither party told me why that was, but I was starting to get the gist of it. Which only made me that much more desperate to have her along.

''Please!'' I begged, my hands clasped on the table, aimed towards Rosalie.

''No.'' Was the instant reply, and for once I could see why people might call her an ice-queen. Her ire was downright frigid. I mouthed another plea silently, hoping to sway her, but to no avail. ''No.'' She responded a little louder, probably getting annoyed with my repeated actions.

''Really babe? You can't think of anything that would make it worth it?'' Emmett said with a grin, wiggling his eyebrows at her. She turned to look sideways at him for a second, before a slight crease formed on the side of her lips. Was that it? Was she in? Wait, what is she imagining?

''I'll do it, on one condition. When I choose to call this debt, you must do whatever it is I say. Without protest.'' Rosalie said with a stare that chilled my bones. Was it really worth it? Holy shit if Rosalie was this set against it, how much trouble was I in. What could Rosalie force me to do that would be worse?

Swallowing the lump in my throat, I pull my hands back and sit up straight. ''Deal.'' The resulting smile seems positively predatory. I notice Emmett trying to get Jasper to fist-bump him, who politely refused with a chuckle. Why is it the biggest Cullen that's the least mature?

''It'll be great!'' Alice proclaims as the bell rings, standing up with a grin. Rosalie actually shivered in her seat, grabbing onto her mate's hand.

What the hell am I in for.

''We should head to class.'' Edward said to me as we threw the remains of lunch away. His voice was still unfamiliar to me, even though we spoke only yesterday.

You really need to stop brooding so much, Edward. I thought to him, receiving an eye-roll in return. ''We really should, lab partner.'' I said out loud, as we left the cafeteria. One by one, the silvery signatures disappeared from my senses. What is that defines the range, I started to wonder. There was no inkling of the headache I had felt the first few days anymore. So maybe it's something that must be trained?

''Oh lord, how do you stay sane?'' Edward asked in front of me, just as he walked in the door. If only he knew. Damnit. Quiet... How do I think quietly? He stopped and turned his head around to look at me, and I just smiled innocently in return. Shoo Edward, people are starting to stare!

It took effort to stop myself laughing at him just shaking his head in disbelief.

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The sound of my foot tapping repeatedly against the floor was the only sound heard in the house. Well that, and the faint sound or Charlie snoring upstairs. It was ten to seven, and I had been sitting here for the last ten minutes, finding nothing more to do before going outside. I had checked to see that I had everything I needed three times already. Maybe go for a fourth? Nah.

Why am I so nervous. I'm not nervous. Why would I be nervous. Oh God, what are they going to wear? They're like runway models at school, what would they wear when going out in public? What are people going to think when they see me walking next to them.

My other foot joined the first, effectively doubling the tempo.

Why should I care what other people think? They're just humans. They don't even know there's monsters among them. As if they have the right to look down on me. I'll show them.

I froze in place, recognizing the beast stirring within me. Down girl. We're just going shopping. No need to kill, maim, or otherwise fuck up my life any more than usual.

The sound of wheels rolling over gravel drew my attention. I flexed my senses outwards to check, and sure enough, it was them. They were even a bit early. But I couldn't recognize the car.

Shortly after stopping, Alice rushed to the door, not even bothering with the illusion of normalcy. Three faint taps on the door, and before I even answered, Alice was inside. In her hands was a plastic bag with some pink fabric in it. Which looked remarkably similar to the pink onesie she was rocking. With cute fluffy ears on the hood to boot.

''What. Is that.'' I said when my brain finally rebooted. Alice was just beaming that trademark smile of hers, holding the bag out for me to take. I stretched out and took it, turning it around to see if it was in fact the same outfit. No surprises there, if you looked past it existing in the first place.

''A welcoming gift for joining us in our shopping adventures. Come on, put it on. We need to hit the road soon, or we're gonna be late.'' Alice said in a rush, standing up and down on her toes excitedly.

''Not that you don't look cute and all, but why the hell are you wearing a onesie?'' I asked her, crossing my arms in annoyance. Alice just giggled and averted her eyes. If she'd been human, I'd wager she'd have blushed.

''It was Rosalie's idea. She thought you might be the kind of person that would feel pressured to dress in a particular way, to match others. Think of it as a uniform. Rosalie's wearing one too!'' Alice announced as happy as I've ever seen her. Did she not get how that could be offensive? Right. Ancient. Calm down, Bella.

''Well then, why don't you go wait outside. I'll be just a minute.'' I responded after exhaling in frustration. Alice tried to pout her way to waiting inside, but I just pointed towards the door, refusing to give in to the little imp. You're doing enough damage to my psyche as it is, no need to trample me while you're at it.

So after placing all my stuff on the table, I walked up to my room and undressed. After struggling with unpacking the damn thing, I ended up shredding the plastic wrapping in anger. Too bad the blasted onesie survived.

Then came the gymnastic feat that was generally known as getting into the damn thing. I tried my best not to make noise, but I think Charlie woke up. Yeah, he's awake. Damnit.

Finally in the unholy creation of itchy cotton, I zipped up, finding it actually fit quite well. Didn't know Alice had my size down to a science, but then again I suppose being a vampire helps. Going downstairs again, I put the things I need in the sizable pockets embroidered on the outside of this thing. And with a last second to build up the courage to face the world, clad in only a pink monstrosity of shame.

There was no way for the small walk to the black mercedes to end fast enough. The windows were to tinted for me to see much with my eyes, but I could see with my other sense well enough. Rosalie was driving, and Alice was in the passenger seat. So in the interest of saving my brain for as long as possible, I chose to sit behind Alice. That way there was a physical barrier.

The leather interior of the car looked incredibly expensive, but what drew my breath away as I sat down, was Rosalie. She looked incredibly agitated. And hot. Holy shit.

''Remind me why we have to wear this crap?'' Rosalie said, though I was unsure if it was a question, or if she actually wanted a reminder. As if I had actually said anything. Why come up with this idea if you hate it that much?

''To not embarrass Bella. It was your idea in the first place, so stop complaining.'' Alice chided, turning around to look at me. She drank in the view, up and down. Was it really that fun for her to make fun of me? Did her eyes just dilate again?

''I only said we should dress casual! Not that we should dress like floozies!'' Rosalie barked out, and I felt conflicted. On the one hand, the onesie was showing off her amazing curves. On the other hand... What was I thinking again? ''You even bought mine a size too small to begin with!'' She spat, and the jiggle was real. I mean, daaaamn.

I feel jealous of Emmett now.

''Tut-tut dear sister. We're going to be late.'' Alice replied, tinkling laughter and all. Was that little pixie doing this all for me? Who knows.

Rosalie didn't seem to calm down for the first five minutes, at which point she seemed to get enough of the hood pressing into her neck. It was promptly ripped off and thrown out the window. Alice just gaped, and Rosalie seemed to take that as a win. Her mood got better at least.

''What? We both know this thing's done for when I get home anyway.'' Rosalie taunted, wiggling her eyebrows. What was she talking about? Why, would she destroy it intentionally?

''Why do you think I sent Emmett out of the house in the first place?'' Alice replied with a sneer. ''I swear, that man-child doesn't know how to keep it in his pants.'' Rosalie just grinned, somehow managing to stay on the road.

And I was once again betrayed by my brain, concocting images of Rosalie getting ravished while wearing a pink onesie. Why was it so form fitting. And why did Emmett have bunny ears? Where was the cold water when I need it.

''I think we broke her.'' I heard Alice say, before I noticed her waving her hand in front of my face. I instinctually grabbed it and pushed it away, making Alice fall back against the dashboard.

''Hey! Careful with the interior!'' Rosalie chided, almost petting it as Alice managed to lean forwards into the chair again. When did she remove the neck support of her seat?

''Shouldn't you sit the other way around?'' I asked Alice, who was sitting on her knees, facing me. There goes my physical barrier, I guess.

''I can see if we're going to have an accident. Even if I couldn't, I'd be able to get out before we crashed anyway.'' Alice just said matter-of-factly. Vampires are total bullshit. What was it Audrey called it in that game again? Overpowered? Yeah, vampires are overpowered.

So I just resigned myself to the fate, as Alice started prattling off her plans of what she was going to get. She seemed to catch that I zoned out after a while, so she turned around and started babbling to Rosalie. I sorta feel sorry for her, yet I'm thankful that my brain is able to get a break.

Even when we parked the car, she didn't let up. It's good to get excited about something you love, but God damn. Learn to take a break!

First was the shoe shop. And who knew we'd spend nearly an hour just in this one store. I looked over at Rosalie several times, only for her to stare blankly back at me. She knew damn well what I had dragged her into. Mother of mercy, what was Rosalie going to ask me to do in return for this?

I even had to begrudgingly allow Rosalie to buy me a pair of new shoes, for the ones I destroyed the first day at school. Though Rosalie didn't have anything to do with the idea, or forcing me to accept it. It was all Alice. Alice forced Rosalie to pay for a pair of shoes for me. If there is a hell, I'm pretty sure this is it. Oh, and I'd have to accept a set of clothes later too, apparently.

The sun was starting to get quite close to the horizon before me and Rosalie managed to get a break. I announced my need for sustenance, and Rosalie jumped at the opportunity to help the poor non-vampire survive the hassle of a small bakery. What had been more of an issue throughout the day, was all the stares and catcalls. Suffice to say, some might have the impression that Rosalie was ready to rip their jewels off.

Having already filled the car to the brim with bags, and having blown more money than should be strictly legal for three girls in one day, I wondered what Alice was up to. The fact that the onesie was even in one piece at the moment was almost a feat in itself. My legs sure burned with what I could only guess was my powers healing torn muscles.

''That fun huh?'' Rosalie asked after I groaned once more, rubbing my thigh to try to scratch the tingling.

''Please don't hold it against me. I didn't know how zealous Alice was about shopping.'' I responded, starting to hammer on my thighs to get any sense of relief from the burning. It only made it worse.

I moaned into the bear claw I was eating, feeling just about ready to give up. ''Oh I sure will. It's going to be horrible.'' Rosalie replied with a smirk that made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.

I just grumbled into the pastry as I ate, looking at the people around us. There were humans of all sorts of descents, from most walks of life, just milling about. All of them too preoccupied with what the needed to get, or where they needed to be, to know of the danger among them. Of two vampires and an undetermined monster, clad in pink fucking onesies. The absurdity wasn't lost on me.

''Could I ask you something Rosalie?'' I asked after I finished eating. She had been staring out at the humans around us, before she turned to me and stared inquisitively.

''You just did. But sure, go ahead and ask another question.'' Rosalie replied with some mirth, her teeth reminding me that it was in fact food, walking all around her. Maybe being a vampire wasn't all that great. It does have some downsides.

''You're such an ass.'' I said with a smile, pushing her chair with my foot. She just smiled wider. ''I was wondering about something Edward told me. That you and Emmett voted to tell me what you were, after the first incident. Why?'' I said out quietly, so that none of the other guests would hear.

A pensive mood seemed to overcome her, as she looked down onto her folded hands, wringing them. She did this for almost a full minute, before she looked back up to me. ''I felt guilty, I guess. I could see how scared you were. And I... I know how scary it can be. To be alone, feeling like the world's out to get you.'' She sounded strained as she spoke, but I couldn't tell why.

''How did you know I was alone?'' I whispered, feeling like everyone else in the store had suddenly vanished. Like I was getting a glimpse into who Rosalie is when the walls are down.

''If you had had any allies, more of your kind, your response wouldn't have been as defensive. You might have even been cocky, thinking you were the best the world had to offer. But instead you immediately tried to retreat.'' Rosalie stated quietly. It seemed like she had put some thought into it, but it could have all been a ploy.

''But how could you be sure?'' I asked, pressing on the point which confused me the most. I waited with baited breath for the answer.

''I don't have a power, like the others. But I have experience with people that say one thing, while they think something else. It's made me quite adept at reading people. So much so that Emmett believes me implicitly on these things.'' She explained, and I noticed the small smile in the corner of her mouth when she mentioned her mate. A sting of jealousy, of wanting that for myself, struck again.

It grew quiet at our table again, and the sounds of the world around us seemed to seep back in slowly, while I was mulling over her answer. It wasn't just Emmett that trusted Rosalie, it seemed. Alice had also wanted to tell me. Though she did have her visions, so perhaps she had seen us becoming friends beforehand. Although, she did also come expecting the worst. Reach out with one hand, but arm the other.

''Thank you. For being so kind.'' I whispered almost soundlessly, looking off to the side, much to embarrassed to look her in the eyes. I did notice her nod ever so slightly though.

Some time passed in silence, while the sun finished setting over the mountains. From the corner of a small alley I noticed Alice walking briskly in our direction, a single thin bag hanging from her arm. What in the world? Rosalie seemed to shift in her seat, before she turned to look. Perhaps she smelled her first or something. Surely she couldn't recognize the sound of her shoes tapping on the pavement being her. Then again, vampires.

''Hi there lazy people.'' Alice said with a grin as she walked up to our table. She made no move to sit though, so I guess we were off again. I groaned as I stood up, preparing for another round of torture. I mean shopping.

''So we're heading home?'' Rosalie asks, and I think I almost want to kiss her. Please yes. Home. Please.

''You spoilsports. It wasn't that bad.'' Alice said, trying to sound innocent.

''Yes it fucking was.'' I deadpan back. She just smiles and sticks her tongue out at me. ''You will literally have to fight me next time.'' I threaten, though there isn't any ill will behind it. Alice just chuckles. Because of course she does. Death of me. One day.

''Let's go.'' Rosalie said, and it was like a haze came over my mind as we drove home. I can't even remember going to bed.

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AN: So I've been so lucky as to get this christmas off again this year. You can probably look forwards to another chapter or two the next couple of weeks. Hope you all enjoyed.