A/N: I am not happy with this chapter at all. I don't think it came out exactly like I'd wanted, but it was necessary to get the story rolling. Hopefully you (my lovely readers) will still love me anyway! As always, reviews are love!

Chapter Seven

As I replayed the scene from the previous night, I still wasn't 100% sure that it had actually taken place. It just didn't make sense to me.

"I just can't seem to stay away from you Bella," he'd told me. Even now, just remembering the words, it sent a shiver through me, which of course, brought a new memory to the surface. I recalled how his ice cold hands felt against my flushed skin as he trailed a finger across my cheek. I closed my eyes at the memory, savoring it in my mind.

I forced my eyes open as the shrill ringing of the telephone snapped me out of my reverie. I leaned back in the kitchen chair, reaching for the phone before I pulled it to my ear. "Hello?"

"Did you miss me yesterday?"

"Alice!" I couldn't keep the excitement out of my voice. "What the heck happened to you? I thought you were supposed to come over!"

"Long story," she said, a hint of amusement in her voice. "I knew you wouldn't be too upset of course, otherwise, I wouldn't have gone."

"Gone where?"

"Like I said… it's a long story. But enough about that for right now. I already know the answer, but I figured I'd go through the motions just as well and ask anyway: Bella, what are your plans for the day?"

"Uh… I have none?"

"Good," she said, the smile evident in her voice. "I'll be over in a half an hour. Be ready."

And like that, before I even had the opportunity to say goodbye, the line had been disconnected. As I returned the phone to it's receiver, I couldn't help but wonder if my late-night guest would be joining Alice today.

Deciding I should at least try and make myself somewhat presentable, I placed my cereal bowl in the kitchen sink to be washed at a later time before I headed (slowly, of course) up the stairs to the bathroom. I was glad Charlie had decided that I could take care of myself enough to return to work. I knew if he was around, I wouldn't get any answers.

It was a painful process getting myself undressed so that I could step under the steady stream of hot water. Though I initially cringed as the water droplets rained down on my back, I allowed a content groan to escape my lips as I relaxed. It had been days (as disgusting as that was) since I had been afforded this luxury. I had forgotten just how amazing it was.

I still couldn't lift my arm enough to be able to wash my hair, but I figured the job Charlie had done the previous night would suffice enough for the present. Perhaps I could convince him to help me again tonight.

Reluctantly, I shut the water off and stepped out of the shower, wrapping my body carefully with the fluffy white towel, feeling a million times better now that I was clean and refreshed. I groaned when I realized I had forgotten to bring a change of clothes with me. With a resigned sigh, I left the steamy comfort of the bathroom and padded down the hall to my bedroom.

As I pushed the door open, a scream escaped my lips as the pale paced figure stood from the rocking chair in the corner. My wet foot slipped on the hardwood floor as I jumped back, trying to put as much space as possible between me and the intruder, and I felt the familiar sensation of falling.

She moved faster than I had ever seen a human move as she crossed the room, her strong, cold hands gripping my arms to keep me from hitting the floor. My injured arm screamed in protest, but I couldn't bring myself to cry out in pain. My heart was still in my throat from the initial shock of finding her here.

"Alice! Oh! What are–? How?"

She rolled her eyes as she released me. She crossed the room to my dresser and pulled my undergarments out of the top shelf before she held them out to me. "You need my help getting your shirt on. I figured it would be best if I just met you up here. I didn't think you exactly wanted to flash Edward."

"Edward? Is he…?"

"In the living room," she said with a shake of her head. "I swear," she said, a scowl darkening her pretty face. "He insisted on coming with me. Somehow though, you don't seem to mind it," she said, cocking her eyebrow skeptically before she turned her back so I could at least get partially dressed.

"Speaking of Edward," she continued, speaking pointedly. "How was your midnight visit with him?" Though she wasn't looking at me, my face flushed rapidly. I didn't dignify her question with a response as I pulled my bra and panties on. "You can't hide anything from me Isabella Swan. Don't forget that," she warned.

I frowned at the sharp tone of her voice. "I didn't exactly invite him here Alice," I reminded her. "But then again, you should already know that."

She turned to face me, her stony face softening. "I'm not accusing you anything Bella," she promised. "And I'm sorry for making it seem like I am. I guess I'm just… I just want you to have all the information before you continue down this path."

"What are you talking about?"

"I saw the way your eyes lit up when I mentioned Edward. I can't say I blame you, of course, but there are things you have to understand first."

I shook my head. "It doesn't matter though," I said softly. "I'll never be… he's so… he's so perfect, Alice. There's no way I could hold his attention."

A sad smile crossed her lips. "You already have it. All of it."

I could feel my heart thumping in my chest at her declaration. What was she saying, exactly? Edward Cullen? Interested in me?

"More like… obsessed," she supplied. "But just…don't encourage it yet Bella. I couldn't bare it if you decided that this was all too much for you. It would crush him, though he would pretend otherwise."

I frowned. "Alice, as much as I love you, you're really starting to drive me crazy with just how ridiculously cryptic you are. Could you please just spill the beans and let me out of the dark here?"

"That's why I'm here."

xoxoxoxox

With Alice's help, I managed to look somewhat human again. She helped me dress, choosing my favorite blue sweater to pair with the jeans she'd decided on. After I was fully clothed, she pulled me into the bathroom to help dry my hair before she pulled it back for me in a beautiful French Braid, a feat I would not have been able to accomplish even if both of my arms worked.

It wasn't until she deemed me 100% acceptable that we headed down the stairs, my heart thumping loudly as we approached the living room. I was sure everyone within a ten-mile radius heard the noise. I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself as I followed Alice into the living room.

He was simply breathtaking. He sat, as still as a statue, on the couch, a smile lighting his pale features as we came into view. "You look as though you're feeling better."

"Eh," I said with a dismissive tone. "I don't know about better, but I definitely feel human again."

I didn't miss the way he winced at my words. I frowned slightly, turning back towards Alice, but she merely shook her head. He stood from the couch and crossed the room, coming to stand in front of me. "That color blue looks lovely on you," he commented, fingering the material at my shoulder. Another glance at Alice. So much for not encouraging anything, I thought grimly.

"Thank you," I responded softly, a smile touching my lips. "Should we sit or…?" I trailed off, unsure of what to expect. The way Alice had been talking upstairs, she was about to pull the rug out from under me with whatever it was she was going to reveal. I wasn't the most stable of people on my own two feet, so I figured I should probably be seated to risk further damaging my already injured body.

"Actually," Alice said, eying Edward meaningfully, "would you be opposed to accompanying us to our home?"

I hesitated. "Are you sure that's a good idea? I get the distinct impression from Rosalie that I'm not exactly welcomed there and I would hate to piss her off. She doesn't seem like the type of person you want to anger."

Edward's eyes darkened once more at the mention of his sister. "Rosalie will not be there," he promised. "We addressed that fact before we left today. And I promise you, though Rosalie may not welcome you with open arms, you will always be welcome in our home."

Alice nodded her agreement and really, I couldn't argue. I was curious, naturally, to see where they lived. If their home was anything like the gallery that Esme maintained, I was sure it would be a sight to behold. "Then I suppose that sounds lovely."

Following behind Edward, Alice and I headed out of the house, with Alice pulling the door shut behind her. She linked her arm through mine as we descended the stairs, following Edward's path to the Volvo. "Alice?" I said hesitantly.

"Hm?" She turned her sad, topaz eyes on me.

Another hesitation. "You're the best friend I've ever had. I know you're worried about this… about whatever it is, but there's nothing that's going to change that."

She smiled, though it didn't reach her eyes. "I hope you're right."

"Well… what about your visions?" I asked, feeling silly at the question, as Edward held the door open for me. I climbed into the back seat, surprised when Alice joined me.

"My visions, as I told you yesterday, are not set in stone. They are based on the decisions that are made. It appears that you take the news relatively well, but in the event that you make the decision that this is all too much for you… well, I can't see that until it happens."

"Sounds frustrating," I commiserated.

"You really have no idea. I'm not used to this at all, this feeling of uncertainty. No one ever bets against me, on anything. But this… well, I really have no idea how it's going to turn out."

"You know you could just get it over with and blurt it out, right?"

A tinkling laugh. "If I wanted to send you into shock, I might have considered it."

"It can't be that bad."

"Not bad, per say. Just… very strange."

With a sigh, I sank back in the seat, my eyes facing forward. I felt as though I was being stared at, and my eyes met Edward's in the rear view mirror. He didn't so much as flinch at the fact I caught him staring, however when I refused to look away, he lowered his eyes to the road once more.

The ride to the Cullen residence was quiet. Poor Alice seemed to be completely lost in her thoughts and Edward… well, suffice it say he was nowhere near as friendly as he'd been last night in my room. I frowned at the thought. Perhaps he was thinking better of his… Er, attraction to me. Had he noticed just how painfully plain I truly was? It was even more pronounced in the presence of him and his family.

You couldn't even hold Jacob's attention Bella, my mind taunted. Surely you remember how quickly he tired of you. There's no way it would be any different with Edward. My heart thudded painfully at the thought. Jacob, as striking as he had been, could in no way compare to the absolute beauty of Edward Cullen.

But maybe it could be different with Edward? I argued hopefully.

It could, but it won't. Stop trying to fool yourself. You'll never be anything but ordinary.

I shook my head as I rid myself of the thoughts, banishing them to farthest corner of my mind. I had been so wrapped up in my musings that I hadn't even realized the car had come to a stop. It wasn't until Alice's cold hand grazed mine.

"We're here."

My first impression of the outside of the house was that this was something you only saw in catalogs. It certainly didn't belong in a dingy town like Forks, and yet here it was. It was large, possibly three floors, and there were more windows than I could count. Which really, didn't make sense. What had happened to that pesky sun allergy?

Before I could open my mouth to ask, Edward had climbed out of the driver's seat and was holding the door open. He lifted the seat and held out his hand to help me. I shivered at the touch. I didn't think I'd ever get used to just how cold they were.

Alice climbed out behind me and linked her arm through mine once more. She had a steely grip on me, as if she was afraid I would bolt through the trees. She shared a look with Edward as we crossed the driveway towards the front porch.

Though the outside was beautiful, it couldn't even hold a candle to the inside. It was even more spacious that I had imagined. The outside had given the impression of an old home, though the inside was completely modernized, with updated furniture. It appeared as though it had been pulled from a page of a designer catalog.

"Please," Edward said, gesturing towards the plush couch. "A proper tour will be given later," he promised.

With a nod, I allowed myself to be pulled in the direction of the couch. I sank down, clasping my hands in my lap. I watched as he crossed the room, moving to stand with his back to me. Through his shirt, I could see the muscles of his shoulders tense as he gazed, unseeing, out the window. "Perhaps it would be best if Jasper joined us?"

"No," Alice said with a shake of her head. "It wouldn't be safe for her. He's… not himself today," she said mysteriously, though Edward seemed to understand.

"Alice," I pleaded. "Please cut all the mysterious crap. I need to know what's going on." She didn't seem to hear me. Her entire body had gone rigid, her eyes having rolled back into her head. "Alice?" I asked, shaking her gently. No response. Was she seizing or something? I didn't know anything about CPR, but this is what I imagined a seizure to look like!

Almost as quickly as it had come, the moment had passed, and Alice relaxed visibly. She blinked, clearing her eyes, before she turned her attention to Edward. Though she didn't speak, he nodded and turned, his eyes dark.

"What's going on here?"

"There are many names for what we are, Bella. We're not exactly sure where the… first of our kind originated nor where the myths got their start."

"The first of your kind? Myths? I'm… I'm not sure I'm following you."

He hesitated. "I don't know if I'm even doing this right. I feel as though it would be best to just come out and say it, but I'm not sure you would even believe me. There are a ridiculous amount of stories that have accumulated over the years, all of them grossly misrepresenting our kind."

I sat, as still as a statue, as I'd seen them do time again. I wasn't comprehending what he was trying to say, but I was desperate for him to continue, so I didn't interrupt.

"Most of the time," Alice piped up, "our kind is painted as cape wearing, coffin sleeping beings who turn into bats. As if we didn't have better taste than that. I wouldn't be caught dead in one of those terrible high collared capes."

"Wait a minute. What?"

Edward glared at Alice, clearly not amused by her rambling. "You'll have to forgive Alice," he said with a shake of her head. "She hasn't had quite as long as I have to perfect her tact."

"Bella," Alice hesitated, her eyes pleading with mine. "Do you… are you understanding what it is we're trying to tell you?"

"I… I know what it sounds like you're trying to tell me, but everything in my brain is screaming that I'm absolutely crazy for even thinking it."

"We are not the… horrific monsters that history has painted us out to be," Alice said quietly. "Not to say that there are not those out there that follow the traditional path set by our creators. But there are some who choose to… abstain from that particular lifestyle."

"That's not to say that we aren't dangerous," Edward snarled, flashing his pearl white teeth at his sister. "The incredible strength alone is enough to…" he trailed off, shuddering at the thought. "And there's still… the temptation."

"So basically," I said, trying to wrap my brain around the information I'd just given, "what you're telling me is that you're both centuries old creatures who, contrary to popular belief, do not change into bats or wear the tacky high collared capes. Have I got all of that down?"

"Basically," Alice responded with a nod, seemingly relieved. "And I must say Bella, you're handling this much better than I was able to foresee."

"And what exactly do you er… eat? I'm assuming you aren't going around, picking off humans or else I wouldn't still be sitting here."

A tinkling laugh erupted from the pixie like woman. "We like to refer to ourselves as vegetarians. Not really fitting, as we still do need blood to sustain our existence. However we abstain from the human variety."

"Uh… what kind then?"

"Animal."

"Oh." That seemed like a normal enough response. "Right. That makes sense," I said with a nod.

"That's where I was yesterday," Alice explained. "I felt like it would be best if I was well fed when we brought you here to explain the situation. It makes it easier for us to resist if we aren't thirsty."

"But it was sunny yesterday! What about the whole thing about the sun burning you to a crisp?" I turned to Edward, amusement written all over his face. "Sun allergies my ass!"

"Myth," Alice clarified. "Of course, we can't exactly go out in the sun anyway. Not because it will harm us, but because our skin has a very uh… unique affect that would be quite noticeable to even the most unobservant human."

"Fair enough," I responded with a nod. It was odd to me that I sat here, accepting the words that Alice spoke as if they were the gospel. But I had meant what I said previously. Alice was my best friend. It wouldn't have mattered to me what she was. I owed her my life. Proof that she and her family couldn't be quite a monstrous as the stories made them out to be.

"That's all? No running and screaming from you then?"

"Well, not to say it's not strange," I responded with a causal shrug. "I'm just glad you guys aren't on the run from the law or something. That might be kind of hard to explain to Charlie."

"You're taking this wonderfully."

"But you already knew that."

The smile reached her eyes this time, as she leaned over and threw her cold arms around my shoulders, squeezing me gently. I responded in kind by hugging her awkwardly, my eyes searching out Edward's. I was startled to see that rather than the relief that had filled Alice's eyes, his were filled at horror. But at what? The fact that I knew their secret? Or the fact that it still made no difference to me?