Chapter 5
Jasper leaned against the cool metal railing of the balcony; his honey eyes closed in concentration. It had been three months since he had seen his best friend, and he missed her terribly. While it was true that there was no romance between them, and never would be due to Alice's sexuality, she and he still had a strong connection. Still, he knew that this was what was best for her, for Bella. He smiled lightly as he knew that soon, Alice's second part of the vision would come to light and they would all be together again, back in Forks, where they all belonged.
Jasper's eyes shot opened, as he felt Carlisle's presence enter the house. Jasper could feel by his emotions that there was something wrong, very wrong. The slamming of the front door was confirmation of Jasper's assumptions, and he made his way down to the living room.
"All of you. Family meeting. Now" Carlisle yelled, uncharacteristically for him.
"My love, what's wrong?" Esme asked as she walked into the living room, her concerned gaze locked onto her husband, as she gently rubbed his tense shoulders.
"The worst thing possible has happened, and it's all our fault" Carlisle spit, regret sparkling off his eyes.
Esme was about to inquire on what that meant, but was silenced as Jasper, Emmett, Rosalie and Edward all entered the living room from their separate areas.
"What's up?" Emmett casually asked, his eyes locked onto Carlisle.
"Something terrible has happened, Charlie Swan was murdered." Carlisle finally muttered out; his jaw clenched tightly.
"Oh, oh no…" Esme murmured, her hand shooting to her mouth. This certainly could not have happened.
"When…how?" Jasper growled, ready to seek vengeance on whoever had been responsible.
" It seems that there has been a string of murders taking place in the upwards Seattle area. Charlie went to investigate. Unfortunately, he simply became another causality." Carlisle responded, turning away from the family and running a hand through his short blonde hair.
"By who's hand?" Emmett pressed, his fists tightly clenched, only calmed by Rosalie who had gently began to stroke his back.
" It's hard to say for sure but given the information regarding the victims, I believe that it was by Victoria" Carlisle finally responded, earning gasps from the Cullens.
"Does… Does, Bella know?" Esme finally asked, her non-beating heart going out to Bella.
"No. I just found this news out. One of Charlie's coworkers let me know, and asked that we break the news to Bella." Carlisle responded with a heavy sigh.
" No. We are not going back, they can tell her themselves!" Edward retorted, as he crossed him arms tightly.
"Edward, Charlie was killed by Victoria. We let this happen, by not being there. By leaving. We killed her mate, and she sought revenge. She likely went after Charlie to take from Bella, as you are not her mate. Don't you see? Renee and Bella are not close, and they never will be. Charlie was her only real family. We have to be the one who breaks this news to her. We need to do something, anything to make this right!" Carlisle roared, turning around quickly and advancing to Edward, so that they were standing inches from each other.
"Carlisle has a point, Edward. Even if not for Bella, for Alice. She is not prepared to take on Victoria on her own, we need to protect our own" Rosalie attempted to reason, as she stepped forward.
"Bella knew the risks when we discovered what I was. She chose her fate. She has to deal with the consequences. But I am not going back to her or to Forks. She is better off without us" Edward hissed, feeling Carlisle's anger radiating off of him.
"I let you dictate what this family should do but your manipulation ends here. I am making the decision that we are to return to Forks. Bella needs us, Edward. She needs all the love and support she can get. Alice was right, we made a mistake. I don't know if we can ever make up for what we did, but I will not sit back and let any more innocent lives perish." Carlisle responded, calming down only as Esme put a gentle hand on his shoulder.
" I agree with Carlisle." Jasper nodded, standing up and moving to stand behind Carlisle and Esme.
"Me too." Emmett growled and moved next to Jasper with Rosalie following.
"What? You're all choosing Bella over me? " Edward chuckled, shaking his head.
" No, Edward. We are choosing what is right. You just happen to be in the wrong." Carlisle murmured, while it saddened him greatly to be losing a son, he could not sit back and not act.
" You all will live to regret this night." Edward finally responded, and took off, jumping from the window and into the forest.
"Edward…" Carlisle called, but was stopped by Jasper.
"Carlisle, we need to go. We need to get resettled in Forks. We need to find Alice and Bella. We don't have much time"
"Jasper is right, let us go" Carlisle nodded, stealing one last look at Edward's direction.
With that the Cullens grabbed the important, and nonreplicable items before heading out into the night. Jasper ran slightly ahead of the group, his eyes focused. If Bella was in danger, that meant that Alice was. He had to get there, before anything happened to make Alice's vision end. After all, he knew all too well what happened when one loses their mate.
The cool breeze wiped through Bella's dark hair as she urged her motorcycle faster. She knew that she was driving too fast, but she couldn't stop to think or to care. She just knew that she needed distance between her and Jake. Bella finally reached the end of the road and turned her bike off, resting it against a tree. Bella moved quickly through the thick part of the forest, and found herself yet again in the meadow.
Bella knew she had seconds if that to gain composure. One simply could not outrun a werewolf or a vampire for that matter. Bella quickly stood up, closing her eyes, and began to breathe deep and slow breaths, a meditation technique taught to her by Emily. Bella took her boots off, to feel the cold damp mossy ground, trying to become more grounded. Slowly, the tension and anger were leaving her body.
Alice and Jacob arrived a few seconds later, and Jacob phased back to his human form, quickly pulling on his jean shorts and walking out from behind the tree. Alice's eyes were locked onto Bella, who still had her back to them. Alice wanted nothing more than to run over and embrace Bella, but was stopped as Jake shook his head.
"She's meditating. It's not a good idea to break her free from that state so quickly. Trust me." Jake said, and Alice nodded in understanding. Jake turned his gaze back to Bella, and slowly began to advance towards Bella, with Alice following suit. Alice slightly frowned as he watched his movements. She wasn't exactly thrilled to know that Jacob knew more about Bella than she did, and made a note that she would remedy this.
" It's alright, I know you are both there. My bike is fast, but it's nothing compared to either of you" Bella said suddenly, causing Jake and Alice to both stop advancing.
"Bella, are you okay?" Alice responded, as she gently gnawed on her bottom lip.
" I'm sorry, I just…" Bella sighed, finally turning around to look at Alice and putting on her shoes.
" Bella, I think I know the reason why you said we need to talk. I just don't understand how it's possible" Jake interrupted, causing Bella to look again at the ground.
" I wasn't sure how it was either, until I checked my results" Bella responded quietly, shifting uneasily on her feet.
" Results for what?" Alice probed, her sharp eyes locking onto Jake and to Bella.
" For… my heritage results. I was curious you know? I wanted to know more about myself. So, I ordered the test, and got the results." Bella replied with a sigh.
"And?" Alice pressed, her curiosity spiking.
"While it was an extremely small percentage… There is, well, I have…" Bella stammered, playing with her hands.
"You have Quileute in you, don't you?" Jake responded, to which Alice gasped and her eyes shot to Bella.
Bella did not say anything but simply nodded.
"What does this mean for her future?" Alice pressed; her tone laced with concern.
" You tell me, can't you see into the future?" Jake snapped, his eyes shooting to Alice.
" I can, but it doesn't work like that. Besides, Bella doesn't like when I try. She feels like it's an invasion of her privacy." Alice retorted with a huff, her arms crossing tightly.
"Bella will have to decide what it means" A voice came from the forest. Bella turned around, and saw Jake's dad coming into the meadow in his wheelchair, being pushed by Sam.
"Dad, Sam, what are you doing here?" Jake asked, his eyes locked onto his dad.
" We all felt the shift. I thought I better get here to answer questions and to deescalate the situation before you did something you would regret." Sam murmured, stopping Billy close to Bella.
" What shift?" Alice questioned, her nervous shooting between Bella and Jake.
" Alice, we are not sure how, or why. But it seems as if she was awoken a part of her that no one knew about, her Tribal blood. Same what happened to Jake and myself." Sam responded his eyes locked onto Alice.
"So, Bella is a shapeshifter?" Alice questioned slowly, trying to comprehend what was happening.
"It would appear so. That's why her eyes changed color. That's why she felt so warm to the touch. She may not have enough blood in her to fully shift…yet…. but there is no denying it. Something caused that part of her to be awoke and something else along with it." Billy murmured; his eyes locked onto Bella was curiosity.
"What do you mean, Dad" Jake pressed, hoping that he was wrong.
" Jake, Bella… she" Billy began but was stopped by Bella who put her hand up.
" No, I know. This is my thing. I need to be the one to say it. To all of you." Bella began, finally looking up from the ground and making eye contact with Alice, " Alice, I imprinted. On you." Bella finished, flinching as she felt the pain coming from Jake.
"What, no. That's impossible! It can't be. She hasn't even phased yet. She can't imprint without phasing first and she also can't imprint on a vampire. Dad, please tell me that I'm right here." Jake shouted, his eyes shooting to Sam and Billy.
"I am afraid it is, Bella imprinted on Alice. That is certain. We all can feel it. You must keep in mind Edward should be able to read her mind, but can't. Somehow, Bella is different with this too. I don't know how or what it all means but it is very clear that we can expect some great things from her. We will have to wait and see how this all unfolds." Billy sighed, looking at Bella with concern."
"Does that mean that I have to join the tribe?" Bella mused with a slight grimace. While she was happy to be close to everyone, she didn't want to be tied down like Jake was.
" Given that you have imprinted on a vampire, you will not be part of our tribe like Jake. You will not be bound to the same laws or subject to the shared thoughts. You are however protected by the treaty, and no harm can ever come to Alice, the Cullens, or to Bella. While I can't say that I'm exactly thrilled with this new change I consider you to be one of us, Bella and I will not get in the way between you and your imprint, no matter what my feelings are on the matter. I know it goes against all that we are and our history but this is not my place to put judgement." Sam replied.
"But Dad, this isn't right! Bella can't imprint on Alice, it should have been with someone else…It should have been with me!" Jake shouted, glaring eyes set onto Bella.
"Jake, you know we can't control it. It happened. For whatever reason. I believe that this is why Bella felt the strong need to be with the Cullens this entire time. That is why she was so desperate to be with them. It wasn't because of Edward. It was because of how she was fated to Alice, there was just no way that any of us could have known about it. Until now. That is also likely why things turned… well, why things went the way they did when the Cullens left and why Bella reacted the way she did. That is a normal reaction when one loses their imprint." Sam replied, stepping forward, his eyes watching Jacob with great concern.
Alice simply stood there, in shock. Bella had imprinted. Bella had imprinted on her. There was no denying her vision now, Bella was truly her mate. Alice looked over at Bella and frowned slightly, trying to analyze Bella's expression who was very interested in the ground.
" But how could this happen? We should have known from the beginning that Bella was one of us. How did none of us know?" Jake yelled, causing Bella to flinch.
"Jake, I am pretty sure you know exactly how this happened. You have yourself to thank for this. And by the way, acting the way that you are just proves the reason why you and her could never have been imprinted. Your anger and jealously causes her too much pain." Sam finally snapped, causing Jake to become silent.
" Jake, I'm sorry but I have to work through this." Bella finally murmured and walked from Jake, who made no move to stop her. His eyes looked away from Bella and onto the ground. Jake finally nodded with clenched fists and a set jaw. He did not like it, not one bit but he knew that Bella had no choice in the matter.
"Bella, wait. Please." Sam spoke, sighing in frustration as Bella did not stop walking, " Alice, please accept our formal apology. Bella has become one of us during the past three months, and we should have been more accepting of this, knowing that ultimately, this has to be the hardest on her. Please, make sure she is okay. I am going to stay here and have a word with Jacob" Sam sighed shaking his head in disappointment.
"I will, and thank you" Alice replied and turned around to catch up to Bella. Alice stopped and looked at Jake, " I'm sorry." Alice finally said with a sigh and then lightly jogged after Bella, slowing down to a walk as she reached her side.
Alice walked next to Bella, who had her hands shoved deep into her pockets. Her eyes were set focused in front of her. Alice wasn't sure what to say or what to do. It was extremely frustrating to say the least that she had a hard time reading Bella. Bella finally stopped near a clearing, and sat down on a fallen tree. She motioned for Alice to sit next to her.
" I'm not sure what to say here, Alice. I'm sure you're freaked" Bella finally broke the ice, as she played with her hands.
" Actually, no. Trust me, this is not that crazy of a thing compared to my mere existence." Alice shook her head lightly. She wanted Bella to take the time she needed to adjust.
" Alice, I know that this is crazy. I don't know how or why this has happened. I'm not even sure what this is, and I'm not even sure if I can handle a bond like this. But more importantly, I don't want you to feel pressured to be with me. You need to have a say in all of this too" Bella spoke slowly as she looked up into Alice's honey eyes.
" Bella. I know how overwhelmed you must feel. You had your life reset on a path, and it's all been derailed, once again. But I have to be honest. Vampires have something very similar to imprinting. We spend our existence looking for what we call a mate. That's what Jasper and I had everyone believing we were, you remember why?" Alice paused to see Bella nod, " We needed to be accepted to a coven. The nomad life is very dangerous for vampires. So, we pretended to be mates, but I could never be mated to Jasper." Alice began, running a hand through her short hair.
"Why? "Bella asked, curiosity getting the best of her.
" Because, Bella. I'm a lesbian. I don't know if that's who I was in my old life, but that's how I have been since I was changed." Alice admitted with a sigh.
" Oh, well. This makes things easier." Bella replied with a slight smile.
"How is that?" Alice questioned with a tilt of her head.
" I've been on this personal journey since Edward left. To better know myself. To love myself more. To be more accepting of who I am. Part of that process was admitting that I was bisexual, something I have always known just never admitted." Bella replied, shooting her eyes to Alice, who immediately smiled.
" You are right then, this makes everything easier." Alice nodded, taking Bella's hands into her own.
"Alice, mutual attraction is a not going to be enough to make this work. I have a feeling that this imprinting thing is a lot more intense than that." Bella warned, gently intertwining her fingers with Alice's.
" Bella, part of the reason why I left the Coven was because I had a vision. A vision of you and I. Together. As a couple. And we were living together with the rest of the Coven. I knew then, what I should have always known. You are my mate, just as I am your imprint. I didn't want to lose that. I want to be yours Bella, if you will accept. I will spend the rest of my existence showing you exactly what it means to be loved, accepted, and wanted for just being you. I know it won't be easy, but I don't want easy. I want what's right. And I know you are who I am supposed to be with. " Alice murmured, bringing Bella's and her intertwined fingers to her lips, placing gentle kisses on the fingertips. Alice smiled lightly as she heard Bella's heart begin to beat faster.
"Alice…" Bella's brown eyes began to swim with moisture and she had to pause as a tear began to fall. Alice gently brushed her thumb against Bella's cheek as a tear fell, her head tilting with a slight frown as she saw Bella flinch. It would have gone unnoticeable to the human eye, but Alice had caught it. Alice made a mental note she would have to bring this up at another time. " I know that this won't be easy, but I am willing to give us a shot." Bella murmured.
Alice smiled a huge grin, not one time in her existence had she felt so happy by a simple statement. Alice was about to reply, but Bella had moved and was now straddling Alice's waist, and had draped her arms around Alice's neck. Alice's topaz orbs locked into Bella's and Alice swore if she still had a beating heart, it would be going a mile a minute. Bella gently bit down on her bottom lip and began to move toward Alice, running a gentle hand across Alice's face, down to her chin. Alice moved her arms to wrap around Bella's slim waist. Alice felt her venom build up in her throat and had to swallow it quickly. Edward had made mention about how hard it was to restrain himself when kissing Bella and Alice began to worry that she too would have the same issue. The last thing she wanted was to hurt her mate in any way possible. Bella felt Alice tense a bit and smiled as she breathed against Alice's lips.
" I trust you"
Those words were all it took. Alice could no longer hold back her desire, her calling for her mate. She could not deny herself or Bella any longer. Alice carefully claimed Bella's lips as her own. Alice marveled in the smoothness of Bella's lips and how soft they felt against her own. Alice had kissed a few people during her existence, but nothing could have prepared her for what this moment was like. Bella moved her hand up, and tangled it within Alice's short hair, gaining a slight gasp from Alice. Bella knew she had to be cautious, but didn't want to lose the opportunity. Bella sneaked her tongue out and ran it gently across Alice's. Alice generously accepted and ran her own tongue against Bella's. Bella could not help but let out a small moan. Alice continued to intertwine her tongue against Bella's.
Suddenly both pulled away from each other and the kiss was cut short as they looked in the same direction. They both had sensed it. Alice felt Bella tremble.
"They…They're back." Bella finally stammered. Alice nodded in agreement, her hand moving up and down Bella's back.
"I know it's scary and I understand your anxiety. We are the ones who left after all. I won't push you. But I have seen us all together, as one coven. I think it would be beneficial to go and at least see them. There must be a reason why they're here." Alice soothed, gently playing with Bella's hair.
" I guess that I can't run from this forever. I only have one request," Bella paused and turned to look Alice in the eyes, " If we go, we go. As a couple. I don't want to have to hide this. From anyone."
Alice smiled a soft smile and took Bella's hands into her own.
"I would have it no other way. Just let me do the explaining. It was I who lied to them and led a false life with Jasper. I need to come clean to that. And then yes, we will tell them. Together."
With that Bella reluctantly got off Alice's lap and blushed as she finally noticed the outcome of their short make out session. She could feel the dampness between her legs. Never in her life had she ever become so aroused by a simple kiss. Edward never had this effect on her. Bella looked to Alice, who simply smirked in understanding as she saw Bella's deep blush. Bella wasn't the only one.
" The Cullens are back." A voice echoed through the clearing, causing Bella and Alice to turn around to see Jake walking towards them.
"Yes, we know. We are on the way to see them." Alice replied curtly, eyeing Jake suspiciously.
"Listen, you have every right to be wary of me. I get it. I'm a dick. But Sam thinks to think it would be a good idea for me to become the ambassador between the Cullens and the pack. Plus, they may have questions about how the imprinting effects Alice, and their life with the coven in general. I can help answer those questions and mitigate the peace." Jake sighed, ruffling his short hair.
" Jake, I know how hard this has to be for you. I know the imprinting thing threw you through a loop, given your obvious feelings for me. But Alice and I have a lot to try and overcome ourselves. Hell, I have a lot to overcome myself…" Bella paused, causing Alice to look at her with concern, " If you are going to come with us, you can't add to the already existing issues. I just… I won't be able to deal with it." Bella sighed, her eyes pleading with Jake to understand.
" Bella, I know I reacted poorly. I was a straight up asshole. I should have understood everything better, and I didn't. Let me do this to make up for it. If you will be happy with Alice, then that's all I want for you too." Jake responded.
Bella looked over to Alice, waiting for her to respond. She didn't want to make this decision on her own.
" If you can behave, then yes. It would likely be beneficial to Bella and for us to have you there. I don't want to come between Bella and her best friend. But let me make myself clear, if you do anything to hurt Bella, I will make you regret it" Alice responded, feeling her eyes darken slightly.
"Scouts honor" Jake smiled.
It was at that moment that Jake ran over to Bella's bike and she tossed him the keys.
"
I'll meet you there." Jake smiled and started the bike.
"Bella, get on my back. It will be faster than going on your bike. We need a few moments with everyone before Jake arrives." Alice instructed, and Bella nodded. She got on Alice's back, and Alice smiled thinking how light Bella was. With that, Alice ran back towards the Cullens, her mind racing a thousand miles a minute. She was hoping, praying to something, someone that it would go smoothly.
Bella struggled to keep her eyes open due to the wind and the speed they were traveling. Despite the fact that Alice was smaller than Bella, Bella felt safe. She knew that Alice would not drop her. Much more concerned was she about what her interaction with the Cullens would be like. What would she even say? Would they even want her there? What if Edward hadn't lied, what if she was nothing but a toy for them? Bella tried to fight off these thoughts, but was not successful. Suddenly, Alice stopped and Bella slid off of Alice, taking deep breaths. Bella looked up and there it was, the house. The house she never had thought she would visit again; inside the people she had said her permanent goodbyes to.
"Bella, it's okay. I promise. I am right here, focus on me." Alice breathed, her gentle hand intertwining with Bella's. Bella did not respond, but took a step closer to Alice, filling the space between them.
"It's going to be okay about them finding out about us too, about you. You will always have me." Bella smiled lightly. Alice was taken back. Here Bella was, ready to face a family who had abandoned her, and she was worried about her?
"Oh, Bella…" Alice smiled, pulling Bella close and pressing her lips gently against Bella's. They remained like that, lost in the moment for just a few moments before Alice pulled back, " How did I get so lucky?"
Bella rolled her eyes playfully, " Trust me, you're not the only lucky one here."
Alice smiled before turning around, taking Bella's hand in her own and the two began walking up the stairs to the house. Bella and Alice both paused and the front door. Alice heard Bella's heartrate increase, and waited for a few moments.
"You ready?" Alice finally whispered.
"No, but it's now or never. Let's do it" Bella finally breathed, and with that Alice opened the front door and let herself in, Bella trailing behind.
Alice and Bella stopped as they saw the family move to the front room, and Bella gasped. She took in the family. Jasper, who smiled warmly at Bella. Her eyes moved to Emmett and Rosalie, both who smiled the same as Jasper. Finally, she tore her eyes to the most difficult part of this reunion. Bella finally looked into the eyes of Carlisle and Esme. The parents she had always wanted. Carlisle smiled apologetically, and Esme broke the silence by walking over and embracing Bella in a soft hug.
" Hello, Bella. I have missed you so." Esme smiled warmly as Bella awkwardly returned the hug. Esme sensed the tension and let go, stepping back apologetically.
"Everyone, I… Well, Bella and I… as to say we…" Alice stammered, earning curious looks from her family as she normally was much more collected, " We have important news to share." Alice finally breathed.
"Alice, dear. I'm sure you do. We all have a lot we need to catch up on." Carlisle responded softly, "but unfortunately I have information that I need to share that I believe takes precedence. Forgive me for interrupting."
Bella turned her gaze to look at Carlisle. She tilted her head slightly her brow furrowing as she made note for the first time, he looked genuinely sad.
"What is it?" Bella inquired, feeling an uneasy feeling settle in the pit of her stomach.
"Bella, I'm not sure how to go about saying this. I received a call from one of your father's coworkers. As you know, Charlie was in the northern part of the state, working on a string of murders. He felt the obligation to go, he didn't want the threat to come here, to you," Carlisle paused, clearing his throat slightly. Bella's eyes widened.
"No, you can't be serious." Bella whispered, her fears coming from two days' worth of unanswered text messages coming to life.
"Bella? Carlisle?" Alice asked, her eyebrows coming together in confusion.
"Bella, I am so sorry to have to be the one to tell you this, but it was asked that we do so. Charlie, he was close to discovering who the murderer was. Too close. He…He became the next victim to the murderer. Bella, Charlie, he was killed." Carlisle finished, looking up to Bella.
"Oh, no. Bella…" Alice gasped, a shaky hand going to cover her mouth. Jasper flinched in pain, his eyes locked to Bella.
"Jazz?" Alice quickly asked, causing the family to look at him for a brief second.
"Pain. So much, pain" Jasper murmured, his eyes fixed to Bella. He was trying to use his gift to keep Bella calm, but her emotions were simply too strong.
Bella could not hear anything around her. She could not feel anything. She couldn't breathe. She couldn't see. All she could feel was herself slipping, falling, deeper and deeper into an unknown place. A place she didn't think she could get out from.
Suddenly Jake ran inside, earning the confused looks from the Cullens.
"Jake?" Alice gasped as he stood in front of Bella.
"Bella, you need to calm down. Please. Look at me. Focus on me. You can fight this." Jake ignored the looks around him, and kept his eyes locked onto Bella's who remained unfocused. Alice moved closer to Bella, her gentle hand resting on Bella's arm.
"Alice, get back!" Jake yelled as he watched Bella's eyes change to jade, but just a moment too late. Within seconds, Bella let out a sharp cry of pain and violently phased midair, her body twisting, her clothes shredding off of her, and she landed neatly on all four paws standing as a wolf. Bella breathed in deeply, shaking her head and whimpering.
'What the actual fuck is going on?' Bella thought to herself looking around wildly. She heard the audible gasp from Alice, and her gaze shot to her, who was sitting back against the wall, holding her injured arm. Several deep gashes and cracks had been inflicted on Alice. On her mate. From herself, from her sharp claws. Bella's tail went in between her legs and she began to shake, backing away from the Cullens, from Alice, from everyone.
"Bella, wait. Please. I know this is disorientating. I know it's overwhelming, but you need to relax and calm down. Trust me, you can shift back. Just breathe. It's going to be okay." Jake pleaded, standing in front of Bella. Bella shook her head back and forth and let out an agonized howl before jumping out of the nearby window and running into the night.
Alice stood up, shaking lightly. Her arm was already beginning to heal. The pain from the gash was nothing compared to the pain she could feel radiating from Bella. Jake cursed under his breath and looked into the night. He had to get to her before she made a mistake she would regret. Alice looked out the window and then to her coven who had not moved, but eyes were wide with shock. Carlisle finally cleared his throat and broke the silence.
"Well, my apologies, Alice. It appears as if your news was indeed more important than mine."
