Disclaimer: The characters do not belong to me, although I wish Alice did. You all can have grumpy ole Edward. Thank you to their owner, Ms. Stephenie Meyers, for allowing us fans to use her ideas.
On Waiting and Weather
It was fair to say that I had needed my distraction in the worst way. I didn't realize how much of a toll Edward's absence had taken on me, and how much pressure I had felt to be perfect to help my family. Edward could now truly empathize with me. His inability to know what the Swan girl's thoughts and motivations were was driving him mad. None of us needed telepathic skills to see how her mental block was eating away at Edward's control. We were all worried, but I was fighting to prevent him from seeing my concern. Emmett and Jasper suggested that perhaps he should quit school and have Carlisle and Esme declare him home schooled. Rose spent most of the time smirking. By the self-righteous look on her face, I was sure she was constantly "thinking:" about Edward's weakness. After two days of everyone's doubtful thoughts, Edward finally slammed his hands down on the piano keys and stomped away in frustration. With Edward out of the house, I decided to intervene. Rosalie was my first stop.
"Listen Rose, I'm going to tell you this one time, so listen closely." I muttered as my eyes flashed fire. I had to make this quick before Emmett decided his delicate Rose needed support. I knew he could hear me. He usually knew better than to get between her and I, but sometimes his loyalty was a bit misguided. "If you don't knock off the holier-than-thou treatment you are giving Edward, I'm going to knock it off for you. I see a blond wig in your future if you don't make better decisions."
She rolled her eyes at me and huffed off to her room. The hair threat is the only thing I had going for me. She wouldn't be able to grow more, and I had none to cut off in retribution. I focused on her for a moment just to make sure she will heed my warning. She'll complain to Emmett about my threat, but he'll tell her to calm down and let it go. I was glad to see I could count on Emmett to sometimes see Rosalie for what she could be.
My next stop would be the most difficult. Jasper and I didn't agree with how Edward should handle the situation. We didn't argue often, but this morning's conflict had set the whole house on edge. Jasper has been biding his time in his study waiting for me. He is reading Sartre again, dwelling this time on the "Hell is other people" quote. I fought to keep the smile off my face and climbed the stairs. This was going to be interesting. There was nothing more dangerous than an existential vampire.
Jasper's study was one of the most peaceful rooms in the house, and he came here often to read or talk with Carlisle. The somber, silent atmosphere reminded me of tours we had taken in Notre Dame and St. Chappelle in Paris. I felt that if I spoke above a whisper someone would shush me. I tapped softly on the heavy oak door, out of respect more than notification of my presence. I knew Jasper was well aware it was I. When he didn't answer, I eased the door open and slipped over to sit on the arm of his chair.
"Jazz, lets talk." I took the easy lead in, rather than pretend I didn't already know what we were going to do. "I understand your fears. I appreciate what you and Emmett want to do for the family, I really do. You both need to be behind him now, though. He has made his decision and the more you advise against it the more he will stubbornly do the opposite."
Jasper sat silently, waiting for me to continue. I felt his irritation war with his desire to please me. His jaw tightened, and he continued to look away. I kept my emotions as neutral as possible, and reached down for his hand. I twined our fingers together, fighting the urge to see how this conversation was going to turn out. Live in the now for once, Alice, I reprimanded myself. I took a deep breath and continued.
"I would side with you and Emmett, Jazz, but I know Edward. If he doesn't feel our support and love he may do something drastic. You know how dramatic he can be." Still no reaction, I was having trouble fighting off rising panic. Even our discussion about Jasper's lifestyle change hadn't been this tense.
"I'm not ready to move from Forks yet. There is something here that feels unfinished to me. I know he shouldn't put himself back into the situation; but I have seen nothing that leads me to believe he won't be able to control himself. I have to support him in this Jasper. You don't have to agree with me, but I hope you understand and don't make me choose."
As I spoke I felt a tiny seed of desperation start to sprout in spite of my intent to keep it at bay. I wanted him to turn around so I could see into his tawny eyes; I needed to know what he was thinking. Fighting the urge to close my eyes, I squeezed his hand between mine and sighed.
"I'm trying really hard not to look for your reaction, Jasper. I need you to tell me right now if this is a waste of my time. I shouldn't have to look for myself."
His free hand returned the tattered copy of Huis Clos to the end table while he pulled me into his lap with the other. A small smile broke through the annoyance on his face before he tucked my head under his chin. I was sure he felt my sudden relief. When the tension dissipated, I couldn't stop the visions. Rosalie, Emmett, and Jasper will all still be annoyed with me, but they accept Edward's decision to return to school under the condition that he makes no contact with the girl. He agrees to their terms but… before I saw the last snapshot I felt Jasper's broad palm on my cheek. He gently tilted my face towards his own, his thumb lightly traced across my eyelashes, following the dusky smudges under my eyes.
"You're thirsty, Alice. Why don't you go hunt with Edward tonight? I'm sure he would appreciate supportive company, and he needs to do this before tomorrow."
His hand moved to cup my chin, pulling my face forward to meet his lips. The kiss both forgave and persuaded, my mind reeled. I broke away with a gasp and glared accusingly at him. There was mischief in his eyes as he fought back a smile.
"You can't blame me for trying, Lis. I would like to get my way sometimes too, but I'm just a chump for your pretty face."
He leaned forward and kissed the tip of my nose, then waved me off to go find Edward. I could still feel tendrils of acquiescence unwinding themselves from my mind. I shook my head to clear it, flashed Jasper my best you're-in-trouble-later-buster look, and trounced out the door. I had one more stop to make before finding Edward. A recently familiar scraping sound made my search much easier.
"Esme!" I called to my last holdout. "Are you moving that couch again?"
I smiled a little at her nervous energy. You could always tell when something was bothering Esme, the furniture wouldn't stay put. I bounced down the stairs in enough time to see the end of the couch disappear from the front wall of the house. Esme had her caramel-colored hair piled untidily on her head, wisps escaping from the hastily made knot. The room was immaculately white; somehow she had even managed to get the dust motes out of the sunbeams that streamed in the windows. I sighed. I don't think I could deal with another conversation like Jasper's and mine. This over-kill cleaning was a sign that perhaps all was not well.
Her eyes met mine and she sat down on one end of the couch and patted the space next to her. I hadn't planned on peeking on our conversation, but I didn't feel like dreading this talk. Why put myself through the strain when I could just take a little look-see? The tête-à-tête flashed into my mind. I see that Esme wants what is best for Edward, and if he thinks going to school is best, she'll support him even if she doesn't agree. I had hoped that I had an ally in her, and I smiled broadly as I sat down.
"You already know how this conversation is going to turn out Alice, I can tell by your Cheshire Cat grin. You know I would do anything to keep him from harm, but I trust he knows what is best for him. Go on, I agree with Jasper, go find Edward. I think he would only want you around now anyway."
I gave Esme a quick hug and rushed out the front door to the garage. EDWARD, I thought as loudly as I could. Can you hear me? I'm waiting in your car! Lets go hunting. I turned my spare key in the ignition again, and flipped on the radio. A quick sensation of déja vu passed over me as the driver's side door popped open. Edward slid smoothly behind the wheel, irritation marring his perfect face. Wow, you got here before the song ended. You mustn't have been far.
"I wasn't. Sitting by our rock actually. Are you sure you want to be on my side, Alice? Aren't you afraid of the told-you-so's?"
I rolled my eyes. Since when have I ever been afraid of told-you-so's? I'm the told-you-so. I tapped my fingers impatiently on the console. Allons-y bro, I'm parched. My flippant response was rewarded with a crooked smile and squealing tires as we shot out of the garage as if from a gun. Get this out of your system now, boyo; it's going to snow some tonight.
He nodded, "I remember you saying that. Nothing much though until tomorrow night, right?"
Yep, and Emmett is itching for a fight. My only advice, convince Rose to be on your team. I smiled conspiratorially but continued to stare straight ahead through the windshield. That's all you're getting from me. Edward snickered at my advice, but said nothing. His face slowly shifted from teasing grin to solemn and pensive. I knew he was back to thinking about tomorrow and Bella Swan. I reached over to turn the radio up, and focused on losing myself in the music so I could leave Edward alone with his thoughts.