Disclaimer: I own only the plot of the story. The names of the characters belong to S.M.

CHAPTER 5 – The Cullens

APOV

I was in the middle of my Pharmacology class when I felt my bag vibrating. I reached inside and grabbed my cell quickly, to see that I had just received a text from Bella. I read, trying to be inconspicuous: Lunch at 3, campus caf? Hav surprise 4 u. xxx. I smiled at her funny way of messaging. I texted her back, agreeing to our lunch date. But I couldn't help worrying about her "surprise" thing. What was Bella up to?

Finally, Professor Atkins dismissed us and everybody fled the room in a hurry. I waited for everyone else to leave and, taking my time, I made my way to our meeting place. Thankfully, since I began hanging out with Bella and Edward, people started treating me a little better.

As I reached the cafeteria door, a guy held the door open long enough for me to enter. I thanked him and turned around, scanning the area for my friends.

"Alice! Over here!" she waved at me from the left side of the room. I pushed my way through the tables to where she was sitting with Edward. Bella hugged me tight, while Edward just nodded smiling.

"How are you, sister dear?" Bella giggled innocently. I rolled my eyes before answering "Fine." I looked around us curiously. "Shall we go and grab some lunch?"

"Edward will go for us. We stay here and wait for your surprise," she grinned at me.

"My surprise is coming by itself?" I inquired, puzzled.

"Well," Bella said guiltily, "they are here." She looked right behind me and I could hear footsteps approaching behind me. I involuntary turned around and my jaw dropped to the floor.

A mountain of a man was standing behind me, his arm snaking around the waist of the most beautiful girl I had seen. He was tall, muscular, with brown hair, soft brown eyes, and a pair of cute dimples on his face. She was a few inches shorter, but still tall, with a curvaceous body, long blond hair and deep violet eyes. They both looked at me in a friendly way, though I couldn't help but feel insignificant compared to them.

Bella cleared her throat. "Alice dear, I would like you to meet my big brother Emmett and his girlfriend Rosalie Hale. Emmett is a senior here, focusing on Pathology, while Rosalie is a junior, with an interest on OB/GYN.

"Guys, this is Alice Brandon, my best friend – sister, as you have already know." The couple shook my hand and, grinning at me, plopped on two empty chairs.

"Hey, little one," Emmett said, "it's so nice to have a new sister. I think we will get along just fine," his dimples were on full display. I blushed profusely.

"Um, thank you Emmett, Rosalie," I stared at my hands on the table, their acceptance making me feel shy all of a sudden. Rosalie decided to save me from further embarrassment.

"Emmett, can you please get me a salad and some water?" she said batting her eyelashes at him. He merely blinked once and stood up obediently, Edward following suit.

Bella waited for the guys to leave and then turned to me. "So, what do you think of my surprise?"

"It was…unexpected, but otherwise, good. I am really glad to meet you two, Rosalie," I was sincere at my declaration. Despite their looks, their hearts were in the right place, their kindness radiating off them. I liked them.

"Don't worry, Alice," Rosalie replied, "you will get used to us in no time. You are family now." She squeezed my hand in encouragement, and at that moment, the boys returned to our table with our food, and we fell into small talk, getting to know each other. I was really having a good time, feeling at ease with Emmett and Rosalie.

Two hours later, we all had to go to class, but not before we exchanged numbers and after they made me agree to go out with them all on Friday.

"Where will we be going?" I asked.

"There's a new club we have been hanging out a few times now. It's called New Moon and it's awesome. We can even have dinner first and go to the club later. Are you in?" Emmett was looking at us eagerly, expecting our answer. We all chuckled at his impatience; he was like a big kid waiting for a new toy.

"Yes, sure, I'm in," Bella said, turning to her fiancé, "your last class ends at 4 o' clock, will it be enough time for you to rest and get ready? Do you feel like coming?" He nodded, and, looking at her adoringly, kissed her passionately, then whispered at her. "You know I can't stay away from you."

"Aww," Rosalie cooed, "you are so cute you are making me jealous." She suddenly smacked Emmett's arm. "What?" he exclaimed. She was pouting, her arms crossed in front of her. "Why can't you be more like Edward?" she sighed. Emmett rolled his eyes at her, but instantly, swept her in his arms dramatically and, peppering her face with soft kisses, whispered at her ear, "Because we both know I am better than him. I may not tell you enough how much I love you, but I make sure to show you that, every damn minute of the day."

She put her arms around his neck and kissed him like there was no tomorrow. A small smile played on Rosalie's lips. "Yes, baby, you surely do."

I was blushing furiously at the public displays of affection in front of me. I was happy for both couples; they were made for each other. But I could not help feeling sad for me, because I was again reminded of the things that I wanted but could never have.

I shook my head, pushing my sadness away. I didn't want to make my friends feel guilty for being happily in love. I put on my mask and smiled at them, but Bella was staring at me, a concerned look on her face. Shit, she saw me! I tried to be nonchalant and changed the subject.

"Friday is cool? Is it going to be just us, or will we be expecting more company?" I inquired. Bella took out her cell and checked her messages. "Just us; Jasper texted he can't make it."

Emmett grinned at my confused face. "He is my younger brother. He was part of today's surprise but got stuck with one of his professors and couldn't escape him. I really hoped he would at least come on Friday, but…" he trailed off. "Did he say why? Some hot date, maybe?" He turned to Bella, waggling his eyebrows.

"Hm, he didn't elaborate. You know Jasper, he doesn't kiss and tell." She paused for a while, thinking about her brother obviously. "But I don't think there is a woman involved. He is waiting for his soul mate to come."

"I swear, this boy isn't my brother, he is such a prude," Emmett laughed loudly, earning another smack from Rosalie. "What?" he yelled, again.

"Honey, I love you, but sometimes I can't stand you! Just because he isn't a man-whore doesn't mean he is a prude. He doesn't wish to spend himself in meaningless encounters," she finished.

Bella nodded in agreement. "Leave Jasper alone. I have a feeling that, next time we see him with a girl, it will be for ever." Was it me or her eyes flickered on me when she said that? Nah, I was just imagining things. As if it was possible that her brother, who would probably be as handsome as the rest of the Cullens, would see me as anything more than his sister's friend. Yeah, dream on, Alice. As if Jasper would spare a second glance at me….

A girl can only dream, right?

Same day, at night

APOV

I was wandering aimlessly inside a forest. Green was surrounding me, tall trees towering above me, their heavy shadows suffocating me. I was walking through the trees slowly, not sure about which direction to go to find my way out.

It was quite dark now, as the thick leaves allowed little light to pass through, and eerily quiet. But, curiously enough, I was not afraid, not even a little bit. I was feeling at ease in this moss-covered environment, the trees having a calming effect on me. It was peaceful, relaxing, soothing my mind and my soul.

I was completely alone in the forest, I knew it. Still, I could sense another presence in the vicinity, quickly approaching me, as I was standing in a clearing. I had no idea what or who this being was, but, while my mind was screaming at me to run for my life, my heart was begging me to wait.

As time went by, I could feel his emotions getting stronger, clearly a sign that he was coming closer. But I sensed no malice or animosity coming out of him, although he emanated an array of emotions in waves, their intensity engulfing me completely.

I staggered as he was consciously letting me know his wishes and desires. And all he wished and …desired for was…me? Was this creature a human? How could he know that I was here, inside this forest, in this particular spot, right this minute? How did he know to come searching for me? He was near, I could feel him, I could sense his mind vibrating from excitement. Hell, I could almost smell him…honey and cinnamon.

I could hear him approaching now, his heavy footsteps coming slowly closer. He was the predator and I was his prey, inching his way to me every passing second. I swallowed hard at the thought.

But he means no harm, I thought, opening my mind to him. His emotions came crashing down on me, pushing me to the ground, completely defenseless.

"Please, don't hurt me," I begged silently, praying to be heard. "Please…."

In a flash, he was next to me, his face inches from mine. My eyes opened wide at the sight of him. He was a glorious man, one I have never seen before, but looked strangely familiar. My eyes roamed his body, drinking his handsome features.

He was tall, at least six feet, with a muscled, well built body. His face was strong and chiseled, his eyes were the deepest blue I had ever seen, his lips were warm and soft. His blond curly hair were crowning him like a halo, commenting him even more.

His eyes were staring at me like a prized artifact, his fingers ghosting on my cheek, my lips, my neck. When he reached the spot where my pulse was stronger, he paused momentarily and came even closer, pressing his lips there lightly. My body arched towards him, a tingling feeling coursing through me. What is happening to me? I tried moving my body, but his strong emotions still were overwhelming me, pinning me to the ground like invisible shackles.

My mind was in disarray, my feelings getting distracted more and more by him. My heart began beating faster, like I was running for my life….and maybe I was. Why can't I move? He is responsible for this, I know. Why is he doing that if he means no harm?

"What have you done to me? Why can't I move?" I accused him angrily.

He pulled back a little, so that his eyes were locked with mine. They were different now, not the deep blue I remembered. Now they were dark, almost black, burning holes in my soul, turning me to smoldering embers.

My breath caught in my throat, my heart skipped a beat at the ferociousness of his stare. He was really a killer, I thought, I was going to die by his hand tonight.

Tears filled my eyes, now two grey pools of despair, and run down my cheeks, but I didn't care. So this is how I am going to die. Here, deep inside an unknown place, in the hands of the most breathtaking creature I had ever laid eyes on, without ever knowing why.

"Have mercy on me..." I pleaded, "please don't kill me," I whispered.

He recoiled like I had slapped him. He cupped my face like he was touching fragile porcelain, his other hand still on my neck, feeling my heart beating.

"I will never hurt you! I could never live with myself if I did. I have been waiting and searching for you for a long time..." his deep throaty voice whispered at me, calming me immediately.

I studied his face, trying to understand the meaning of his confession. I suddenly realized that my hand was touching his face softly, enthralled by the feelings it was stirring inside me, strange and unknown and all-consuming.

Wherever our bodies were connected, there was a flow of energy between us, getting stronger by every passing second. But we both never made a move to disconnect, savoring the sweet contentment and fulfillment we felt.

Now, I was looking into his eyes, and though they were still coal black, I knew it, inside my heart, that he wouldn't hurt me, that he couldn't hurt me. I could see many emotions flashing in his eyes rapidly, before I could decipher them. Concern, determination, lust…love?

I was shocked! My heart stopped and lurched again from excitement. Was this possible? Could he have these feelings for me? Could he really love me? Could my dream have come true? A perfect man could love…me?

I tried to move closer to him, but I still couldn't move. I was frustrated, to say the least.

"What have you done to me? Why can't I move? Answer me!" I screamed at him. He was unfazed by my outburst, and continued to look at me with adoration.

"I am not doing anything. You are doing this to yourself," he said, his eyes willing me to understand. I glanced lower and, suddenly, I was no longer lying on the forest floor. Instead, I was, once more, sitting in my God-damned wheelchair, still engulfed by my Greek god's arms. Oh, hell, it was good while it lasted, being free from the stupid chair, walking without pain, without help.

I closed my eyes in disappointment. Then I heard his silky voice at my ear, like music, "It doesn't matter, Alice. I love you nonetheless. You are the only one I have been waiting for a long time."

He brushed his lips against mine, like butterflies on a flower. Oh, the taste, the sweetness of those lips…I was intoxicated by it. I closed my eyes to enjoy the feeling, and when I opened them again, I was alone. I searched around me frantically for him.

"Where are you?" I cried.

"I am waiting for you," he answered from afar. He nodded once and in a blink of an eye, he was gone for good.

"NO! NO!" I screamed and my eyes opened again, revealing my surroundings. I was in my new room in Bella's apartment, lying on my bed, all alone again. No, I whispered, it was only a dream. The god-like man that loved me fiercely was nothing more than a lie, an illusion of my mind.

"Alice," my door opened slowly, a worried Bella appearing behind it, "are you alright? I heard you screaming." I curled on my bed, trying to calm down my erratic heart.

"Go to sleep, Bella. It was just a bad dream."

Next morning….

APOV

"I have an excellent idea," Bella said, plopping herself on the couch. I was watching a mindless sitcom, trying to pass the time with something else besides studying.

"What is it?" I asked without looking at her. Probably she wanted to try some new restaurant or club. "Should I be worried?" I joked.

She feigned hurt, putting her hand over her heart. "Sweetie, I am appalled! Have I ever had a bad idea?"

I shook my head, because she was right. She never ever had a bad idea. It was just that I was still not into trying new things or going to new places. But I decided to let her lead the way once again.

"Ok," I said turning the TV off, "what this excellent idea of yours?"

She grinned at me, mischievously. "Tomorrow it's Friday, right? We all finish class at four. I thought it would be nice to visit my parents for the weekend. They have been bugging me to meet you. And the rest of the gang will be there; Rosalie, Emmett, Edward, me! And you will finally meet my other brother, Jasper! Come on, it's going to be great!" She was glowing, her mind already planning ahead on how our weekend should be spent more pleasantly. I bit my lip nervously.

"Bella," I hesitated, not knowing what to say. She spoke of her family so often, I felt like I already knew them. And they knew all about me. "I don't know…maybe I shouldn't come….you haven't seen them for some time now. I don't want to intrude," I finished lamely. She snorted.

"Cut the crap please. I have been thinking about it for a long time, and now it's the perfect chance. You will be with family and friends, - well, you are family, too – and don't start about inconveniencing my parents. The house has plenty of room for all of us to sleep, and you'll be able to move around easily. My mother is a firm believer of "less is more" when it comes to furniture. Everything is been taken care of." She then gave me her famous puppy-eyes look. "Please, everybody else has agreed, you are the last one. It's going to be so much fun."

Oh. She was irresistible. I groaned inwardly, because we both knew she had won, and hang my head low. "Ok, you won, I'll come. Let's hope we won't regret this."

"Yeah," she bounced up and down, and then hugged me tight. "You'll see; you'll love it." I chuckled at her enthusiasm.

"I have to call the others and then finish packing. I have to call Esme, tell her that we will all be there," Bella said and run to her room.

I had to admit, I wanted to go to this trip. I wanted to meet Carlisle and Esme and…Jasper. I felt butterflies in my stomach. What was that? I hadn't even met the guy. Last night's dream came to mind, suddenly I could still hear the beautiful man dominating me in it, whispering, "I am waiting for you…"

I couldn't see the connection of my dream to my visiting the Cullens' house. So why did it pop up when I thought of Jasper? There was something strange about this dream. It was too intense, too powerful, too real. It was more like a vision, something that was bound to happen. I wished it could be real, I prayed that he could be real. But it was nothing more than wishful thinking.

My mood was gloom, and I didn't want to curb Bella's enthusiasm. So, I composed myself shaking the dream off, and followed Bella to her room.

"What time should I be ready tomorrow?"

Friday afternoon…

APOV

The trip to the Cullens' estate was not a very long one. It was only natural for them to live in New Hampshire, but at the very outer limits of it. It was situated deep into the surrounding forest, the drive to the house nearly invisible to the main road. If you hadn't been here before, you would surely miss it.

I sat comfortably at the back seat of Edward's car, enjoying the scenery. It was autumn now, and the trees were slowly losing their leaves, golden brown and thick. The road leading to the house was well kept, thick bushes lining both sides.

"We are here," Bella's voice brought me out of my reverie. I took out the sight in front of me, and my jaw hung open in awe.

"Is this really your house?" I managed to stammer out. Oh, my God…I was by no means poor, in fact my parents were quite comfortable financially, and we too lived in a nice house, but this…. This was unbelievable! It was a mansion, three stories' high, expanding right in front of me.

The design was modern, with glass panes covering most of the exterior and long drapes hiding the interior from intrusive eyes. As if anybody would manage to reach this far inside the property. I had noticed security guards and dogs discretely patrolling the perimeter and grounds. They were the Cullen family, after all, rich and famous. There would always be people envying and trying to harm them.

Edward parked his car into a garage spot already waiting for him, next to a massive Jeep.

"Good, Emmett and Rosalie are already here," Bella explained. "He must have driven like a lunatic. Alice," she turned around facing me, "don't you ever get in his Jeep. This is an experience you don't want to have." Her expression was serious and I gulped nervously. "Thanks for the heads up, I won't" I said.

"Come on, ladies," Edward said, "let's get upstairs. Carlisle and Esme are waiting for us, especially you, Alice." He opened the car door and waited for me to get onto my wheelchair.

"Thanks," I muttered, "like I am not nervous enough already!" I was getting a bit panicky now, thinking of the weekend ahead of me. Maybe it was a bad idea to come, after all. I was going to cause too much trouble to this house. How could it be possible that I would be able to move freely inside this fabulous house, even with my custom-made wheelchair? With my luck, I might knock down a priceless vase or scratch the perfect oak floor.

"Love," she said turning to Edward, "we'll go ahead so I can introduce her to my parents. Can you handle our luggage by yourself or should I send Em down?" He shook his head and she sent him a kiss in appreciation. She started walking and I followed until we reached an elevator. I wondered why they would ever think of installing an elevator in this house.

"It's three stories high, silly girl, of course we need the elevator," Bella answered my silent question. I was flabbergasted! How the hell did she know what I was thinking?

She laughed wholeheartedly. "Your face is an open book, your thoughts and emotions are displayed clearly all over," she said as we entered the elevator and she pressed the button to the first floor. "I must warn you, though; they will indulge to your every whim," she informed me, grinning like a Cheshire cat.

I was puzzled now. "Why do something like that? I don't like people spending time or money on me; hey, I don't even let my parents to buy me things." I shifted uncomfortably in my seat, as the door opened and we exited into a spacious living room. I could see two very comfy looking couches and an armchair situated around a huge marble fireplace, while on the other side of the room, I could see a large dining table, capable of accommodating at least fourteen guests.

There was also a massive library, lining one of the walls, its shelves filled with a variety of books. Other than that, the room had no more furniture, leaving me ample room to move around.

I stopped for a while, as I passed by the library, checking random book titles. I noticed there were books on medicine, history, interior design, literature…My eyes lit up reading some of my favorite books among them.

A soft cough caused me to turn around abruptly to the sound. A handsome couple, both in their forties, was smiling at us. He was tall, with dirty blond hair and baby blue eyes, while she was a bit shorter, with caramel wavy hair and warm brown eyes. I immediately realized they were Carlisle and Esme Cullen, Bella's parents.

They were nothing like I had imagined them to be. Their whole presence radiated kindness and parental concern. It was obvious that money hadn't affected their personalities or their way of life. Of course, they lived in comfort; they were filthy rich after all. But I knew from my experience with Bella that they never flaunted their wealth and always devoted a lot of their time and money to help others through charities.

"Alice, meet my parents, Carlisle and Esme," Bella made the official introductions. I glided closer, reaching out to greet them properly.

"So, you are the girl we have heard so much about," Esme said while giving me a warm hug. I blushed at her words and turned to Bella. "I am sure she exaggerated a lot, Mrs. Cullen."

"Please, no formalities with us. It's Carlisle and Esme, dear. After all, you are Bella' best friend, and from what I have heard, both she and Edward consider you as a sister. We'll get to know each other very well," Esme gushed, her eyes shining with joy.

"Esme is right, Alice," Carlisle added, "you are entitled to everything this house has to offer. Don't be shy, you can ask for anything. I like to cater to my children's every wish and need."

I blushed again as I thanked them for their kindness and their hospitality. "I hope not to be too much of a nuisance. It can be difficult having me around," I said, "I don't want you changing your lives to accommodate me."

Bella kneeled next to me, bringing her to my eye level. "Never say that again. We love having you in our lives. You are no trouble at all." She seemed hurt by my words. I was ashamed by my whole demeanor towards her and her parents. I took hold of her hands and squeezed them, in a way to show my appreciation.

"Forgive me, Bella, for being so difficult and hurting your feelings over and over again. I do not doubt you. I doubt me and you know why."

She gave me an apprehensive look that didn't escape her parents' attention. I bit my lips, afraid of what her parents might know about me. She saw my face and, realizing what I was thinking, shook her head slightly. She hadn't said a thing to them, I was sure now, but, they knew nonetheless.

Carlisle broke the awkward moment of silence in the room. "Why don't you show Alice where she will be staying for the weekend? Your mother has arranged for her to sleep in Jasper's room, since it has a lot more space than the guest rooms."

I tried to protest, because I didn't wish to invade Jasper's privacy. "No, please, I don't want to intrude in your son's room. I don't even know him. I am sure one of the guest rooms will be fine."

Esme waved her hand in dismissal. "Absolutely not! You are not a simple guest. We have heard so much from Bella, that we feel like we already know you. We think of you as a daughter, so it's only natural to sleep at Jasper's room. Don't worry, he is aware of it and doesn't mind at all."

I finally accepted the offer and thanked them, then followed Bella to the elevator again.

"Come," she said as the elevator door closed and the car began his ascend to the second floor, where all the bedrooms were located. We moved to the end of the large corridor and stopped in front of the last door. "Here we are," she simply opened the door, motioning me inside.

I instantly loved the room. Although it obviously belonged to a man, it was decorated tastefully, in earth tones and style. In the far left corner, where the walls were replaced with large windows, there was a large king size bed with a magnificent golden cover. At the other side, there was a desk with a laptop resting on it, while the rest of the wall was covered with a vast collection of books and CDs.

"Your family really likes to read," I joked at my friend. She grinned sheepishly. "Wait until you see my room." She stepped back a bit, allowing me to get familiarized with the room.

"What do you think? It's nice and comfortable. And over there," she pointed to a door to the far right corner of the room, "it's the bathroom. This room has the most space in the house and, since it's farther from the other rooms, it's very quiet. Jasper likes his space and quiet."

"Hm, I don't know your brother yet, but I like him already! He is a lot like me, and I love his taste in books and music," I blushed, realizing what I had just blurted out and the double meaning behind my words. Bella's laughter filled the room.

"Oh, Alice, you are really something else! I can't wait for you to meet Jasper…."

Well, I thought to myself, I can't wait to meet him, too…

The rest of the weekend at the Cullens' was great, to the least. I fitted in their circle perfectly and was having the time of my life. I easily roamed around the house, exploring the plentitude of books and music and movies. I even got to play games with the guys on the PSP, losing pitifully but fully enjoying myself.

Carlisle and Esme were extremely kind to me, making me feel instantly welcome. They treated me like their own, as a normal young woman, not a useless child. Never once during my stay was I forced to ask for help. I did everything I wanted to do by myself, and I was ecstatic. I loved feeling accepted by them. I sometimes couldn't believe how easily they had embraced me, but they did. And I came to regard them like second parents to me, filling the gap in my heart from being away from home.

I had no idea how much about my disability Bella had told her parents, but they never asked anything about it. Even Carlisle, being a doctor himself, was very discreet, letting me know that, whenever I wished to talk, I was more than welcome to bother.

"There are many options for you now, Alice," he finally hinted at me. I smiled but let the offer pass, at least for the time being. I was so scared to even think about my condition, and thankfully, he let it go.

Esme was really the dotting mother I thought she would be. She made sure to indulge to our every wish. She even arranged and took us girls to a spa in town, for a few hours of pampering, something I experienced for the first time but thoroughly enjoyed. I even agreed with Bella to try that again in the future.

I explored Jasper's room further, since it felt like home. I even used his laptop to check my e-mails. My mother was ecstatic when I called and told her where I was spending the weekend.

"Oh, honey, I am so happy you have such good friends! Are you having a good time? Do they have a nice house? Of course they do, what am I thinking? It's the Cullens we are talking about! And how is life with Bella going? She is really a good friend, dear. She really has your best interest in mind."

Yes, mom, like I didn't know, I chuckled internally at my mother's prattling. I let her ramble on, questioning me about my weekend and school, and I ended the call promising to call her on Sunday, after my return home.

So, when Sunday came, I was sad to leave them. But Bella was quick to lift my spirits.

"Don't worry, sweetie, we are always welcome to come whenever we want. My parents loved having us all here." She paused, her mind already planning in advance. "Hey, winter break isn't far. They will be too pleased to have us for Christmas. You never know real Christmas if you don't go through the Cullen festivities. And hopefully, Jasper will be here too." She grinned at me, a strange glint in her eyes. I had noticed the same reaction every time she mentioned her absent brother. I just couldn't pin down the reason.

The guys had already put our stuff in the cars and, after lunch, we said our goodbyes, piled into the cars and started our trip back to the university campus.