Saturday
POV: Bella

"What?" I demanded, eying her warily.

Alice continued to grin widely, creeping the hell out of me.

"Alice?"

"Edward's gone now, so –"

I shot out of my seat instantly, landing back with an embarrassing thump when the heaviness of the cast pushed me down. "No, Alice. No, no, no."

Her eyes widened with innocence. "What?"

"Oh, I see what you've been doing all along." I pointed an accusing finger in her direction. "You sent Edward away on purpose so that you could give one of your stupid makeovers again, didn't you? Make me wear the perfect 'outfit–to–wear–when–I–get–out–of–my–cast". For the last time, Alice, I don't want one. You're really sweet and everything to offer, but I absolutely refuse to go along with your –"

"For heaven's sake, Bella," Alice cried, sounding exasperated. "As much as it pains me, I am not going to give you another makeover. For now, at least. In fact, I was going to discuss with you something important before you so rudely accused me –"

"Okay, so basically your definition of "important" is hairstyle tips." I fumed. "I don't need any hairstyling tips, alright?"

Alice groaned. "I am not going to discuss anything related to fashion, makeovers or hairstyles, Bella, I promise you. Now will you please stop interrupting me? You're making this a lot harder than it needs to be."

I took a deep breath, still unwilling to believe that Alice wasn't criticizing me of my poor wardrobe, but the earnestness on her expression made me concede.

"Sorry," I apologized. "Continue, please."

"It's about Edward's birthday."

I felt my mouth fall open in surprise. That had been completely unexpected.

"Edward's birthday?" I repeated utterly befuddled.

Funny, I'd never actually thought about him having one. When your boyfriend and his family were vampires, things like birthdays and such seem trivial.

Birthday? His human one or vampire one?

Alice nodded as if she read the question on my face which she probably did in her vision. "His human birthday ... as in the day he was born."

"When is it?" I asked eagerly.

"Next week, Friday. Last day of school. June 20."

"But wouldn't it be hard to celebrate birthdays every single year? Like don't you ever run out of gifts to give him?"

Alice grimaced as though she were expecting this question and didn't like it. "Well, here's the thing. We've never actually celebrated it in the first place. There's actually two reasons why don't celebrate birthdays in his house. Like you said, it gets difficult for all of us to plan a surprises, especially for Edward since he can read our minds from ten miles away. I'm usually very good at hiding my thoughts when I need to, but Emmett …" She shook her head, apparently too disappointed to continue as she, no doubt, recalled some party planning gone wrong.

I giggled.

She heaved a sigh. "And like you said, it gets rather boring to celebrate birthdays every year and that too, with the same people. No birthday cake can be baked or eaten anyway."

"In truth, we each have two birthdays – one human, one vampire. Rosalie, in particular, considers her transformation the absolute worst thing that's ever happened to her, even though she has Emmett in her life."

I frowned at Alice, trying to comprehend. Rosalie wasn't happy with her life? But she had everything! She had such a wonderful, loving and caring family. She was the most beautiful person slash vampire ever. She would be beautiful for all of eternity, and most importantly, she had the one she loved by her side forever.

Alice continued, oblivious to the battle in my mind. "Edward used to share those sentiments until, however, he met you. Understandable, of course. He's been alone for so long, living without a best friend unlike the rest of us. To live without a companion, especially for a century like he did, is very difficult for vampires. Which is why we're really glad he's finally found you."

I flushed darkly. If anything, I was the lucky one to have found someone as kind–hearted and spirited as him. I hardly deserved him.

"So, why're you telling me this?" I asked curiously. "If you don't celebrate birthdays, then –"

Alice was shaking her head before I could even finish speaking. "Don't you see, Bella? That was before. Edward probably hasn't had his birthday celebrated since his human life, and those memories are probably very dim for him as well. The only time Edward comes even close to feeling human is when he's with you. I was going to suggest maybe throwing a little party for him, maybe this one time. I expect he'll feel very happy since you'll be there."

"Exactly what kind of party are you intending on throwing?" I asked carefully.

I generally didn't appreciate parties, and if it was going to be a family gathering then Rosalie no doubt would be present. I seriously doubted she would be pleased if I was in close vicinity. She tolerated me enough already.

"Not really a party." Alice clarified. "Just a little celebration between you and Edward. Of course I know that he'll be happy just spending the day alone with you, and it'll be a nice surprise for him, don't you think? He can't even listen to your thoughts, so you can pick out his gifts without his knowing."

I was grinning by the time she finished. Finally a chance to know something Edward didn't. To get a chance to surprise him. Alice hadn't said it, but from the way she spoke, I had a feeling Edward wouldn't even realize it was his birthday.

The idea of celebrating my boyfriend's birthday made me giddy. I couldn't wait.

"Oh my gosh," I gushed excitedly which was completely out of my character. "This will be perfect. What do you think I could get him?"

"We'll worry about the presents tomorrow when I take you shopping." Alice explained, and for the first time, I didn't even flinch at the word 'shopping'. Strangely enough, my eyes sparkled. "For now, we need to get you dressed."

I stared at her. "For what?"

Alice met my eyes, hers alight with humor. "For going to the hospital, silly. Your appointment is in half an hour, remember?"

My grin grew wider. "Yes, thankfully. I can't wait to get out of this thing."

Suddenly, Esme appeared out of nowhere and helped me up with a smile. I hadn't even realized she'd been the house the whole time.

When I was standing up, Esme hugged me carefully to her stone figure. As she pulled back, I noticed that she was holding her breath cautiously as Alice waited off to the side.

"Thank you for everything, Bella." she said sincerely, holding me at an arm's length. "We're all very lucky to have you in our life. Edward, especially. Alice wasn't lying earlier; he's been alone for so long, I'm happy that he has you in his life now. But we're all very sorry that you're constantly placed at danger and have to suffer so many consequences because of us."

She gestured sadly down to my injured leg.

"This was nothing, Esme." I shrugged it off with a smile. "I've had accidents like this before."

Esme sighed as we both were aware that this was far from just an accident, but I truly didn't care.

"It's not your fault. Any of you." I continued firmly. "You saved me from … him. And you all have been so good to me." I reached out to squeeze her hand. "Thank you for taking care of me."

Esme hugged me again. "Anything for my daughter."

I'll admit, I teared up a little, but Alice didn't give me much time to think about it. She tugged impatiently on my hand.

"Let's go, Bella," She ushered me in the direction of the stairs. "otherwise you'll get late. Charlie's meeting you in the hospital in exactly twenty three minutes."

"Oh, okay." I muttered to myself as I allowed her to drag me along. "I bet if we do run late, it'll be because you got caught up in deciding which of your outfits would go best for the occasion of driving your friend slash medical patient to the hospital."

"Shut it, Bella."