Alice: What a night

The silence was deafening after Bella closed her front door. There was no irritating buzz of the insects, no neighboring bark of the dogs, and no rustling whisper of the wind. Only the pale moon above witnessed the almost savage ending of a promising night. The unexpected turn of event was ….well… unheralded. I stood frozen to the spot; afraid that the mere movement of the muscles would shatter the brittle composure that my brother was desperately holding on to. I could hardly hear the breathing of him. He stood exactly where he was - his whole body stiff, his fists clenched, his feet slightly apart as if he would crumble at any moment. I darted a look at Jasper who was standing next to me. He was watching Edward carefully through his peripheral view. As puzzled as I was, he obviously had no idea of what had happened but wisely decided not to make a single noise in the circumstance.

Just when I had gathered up the courage to break the tension, Edward suddenly moved. He lowered his eyes to the ground, turned and dragged his feet back to home without making a single sound. Every movement was done in controlled slowness, as if each motion was an agony. With another gentle click of the lock, the silence spell was broken. Looking at the closed door, I knew that I could not abandon Edward, tonight of all night. I cursed on the inappropriate timing of my first meeting with Jasper. Praying that I wouldn't ruin my lifetime opportunity of getting to know my soul mate, I looked at Jasper and bewailed,

"I think I have to go."

"Of course. He needs you." He was looking so intently at me. Hypnotized, I saw my future in his steady gaze. I was now able to apprehend the feeling Edward must have experienced when he first saw Bella. My heart stuttered.

"Don't worry too much, everything will be fine." He slowly placed a hand over mine and gently gave it a sneeze. Incredibly, I was instantly calmed. I could feel his warmth spreading inside me and gave me the much needed strength and confidence to accomplish the insurmountable task of comforting Edward. The feeling was truly amazing. Realizing the unfathomable depth of such feeling, I could now imagine what must be like to be severed from someone whom you felt so connected to. My eyes watered as I nearly felt the pain Edward was now suffering. I could ignore his silent screaming no more.

"Thanks. So…. bye." Reluctantly, I forced myself to step back and hurried back to the house.

"See you soon, Alice." He whispered behind. "Alice?"

I stopped and turned to look at him.

"If I have to choose, I won't be Barney. I won't be Big Bird. I would be the impeccable Mickey because he always has Minnie, his soul mate, by his side." He gave me a tentative smile and walked back to his car.

I couldn't help laughing. What a perfect answer! I hated Barney and Big Bird.

The house was in darkness. Esme and Carlisle had already retired to their room. Instead of going upstairs to Edward's room, I walked down to the basement where Edward's band room was located. Knowing him better than himself, I knew it would be where he licked his wound. The door was slightly ajar as expected but the light was not on. I hesitantly pushed the door a little bit wider.

"Edward?"

He didn't answer. By the corridor light, I could vaguely work out he was sitting at the foot of his beloved piano, his back facing the door and his head buried in his hands.

I gently placed myself behind him and let my back lean against his slouching one. I had lost count of how many times we had sat like this since our childhood to share each other's thoughts, joy and grief. However, it was the first time I saw Edward this lifeless and desolate. He didn't utter a sound and yet, I could hear the dripping sound of his unshed tears, see the glittering pieces of his broken heart and feel the creeping coldness of his diminished hopes.

"Edward, it is not as bad as you think." I was worried sick but I couldn't help thinking how something that felt so right could go so horribly wrong. I had the feeling that Bella and I would be great friends and no friend of mine would "not like" my brother. Moreover, the pull between Bella and Edward was just so impossible to ignore.

"Maybe I am not good enough for her." The words came out tiredly.

"How can you think that? Listen, Edward. You are a smart, conscientious and all too considerate guy. If anyone deserves love, it's you." I hasten to correct him. How could anyone know that Edward had such a low esteem of himself? The blow of his parents leaving him still reared their ugly heads and shattered every confidence he had in himself whenever there was an opportunity. In this aspect, I was the stronger one and it was my job to remind him what an amazing and lovable person he was.

"You don't need me to remind you that I love you, do you?" I turned slightly and rubbed my forehead against his arm.

"Thanks for loving me and sorry for getting you worried." He placed an arm around me and put a kiss at the top of my head.

"I just don't know what to think anymore. I have never felt this way before, not even an ounce of it. It's so frightening intense that my whole universe was shifted. I know it's ridiculous, I never believed in love at first sight until today." Catching one of my hands, Edward continued to let out his deepest fear.

"Her …words just now killed any hope I ever had. I had ruined it, by my own stupidity, by my own impatience, by my own thoughtlessness." He stared at the ceiling as he spoke.

"No, I think it's more than your unorthodox way of expressing yourself. Her eyes were so heartbroken when she stole a last look at you before she closed the door. Just don't press he and give her a little bit more time. She will come around." What I had seen in Bella's eyes were the same I saw in Jasper's eyes a few moments ago.

"How do you know?" He sounded unconvinced.

"No, I don't know but I have faith in you. You are the kindest soul I know, who could resist you?" I so slightly shoved him with my elbow. Though the words were playfully said, I knew he knew that I meant every single syllable

"You think it would work? That I have still a chance to salvage the situation?" His voice showed all evidence of his vulnerability.

"Trust me; everything will work out just fine." I squeezed his hand and flashed him the best playful smirk I could assemble.

"I wish you all the luck in the world, Edward."

"I'll sure need it," Edward murmured back.

My mind was already made up. I would go and invite Bella to hang out tomorrow. What Edward needed was time and opportunity for Bella to get to know him. That's something I could materialize with ease. What's more, I could ask her to invite Jasper as well.

Tow birds with one stone. You are really a clever girl, Alice Cullen.

A/N: Any feedback would be most welcome. Review please :)