Bella raced through her room to the window smiling when she saw the red convertible pulling up. Though it had been only a week since she was attacked, she felt as good as new, taking the stairs two at a time, delighted when she didn't end up flat on her face like she usually did when she attempted this.

"Where you going?" Charlie questioned as she reached the door.

"Port Angeles, remember? With Rosalie and Alice."

"Carlisle's kids, right?"

"Yep." Bella didn't mean to be rude, but Charlie wasn't exactly running the speed of a jet this morning. "They're waiting for me outside. Right now..."

"Be back by nine,"

"Twelve."

"Ten."

"Dad, I'm almost an adult!"

"Fine. Eight then."

"Daaaaad," she groaned. Charlie chuckled before opening the door for her,

"Eleven thirty. Have fun."

"Thanks dad."

"Be safe."

Grabbing her jacket before closing the door, Bella hurried for the car, grinning wildly as, quick as a flash, Rosalie hopped out to open the door for her. Alice had been nice to give her the front seat so she and Rose could be close.

"You'll need the airbag," she explained with a wink.

"You need to stop that," Rosalie exclaimed, turning around to glare at her 'sister.' "I am not a bad driver." Bella laughed, buckling her seatbelt as Rosalie took off.

"I dunno, love, it was a pretty close call when we had our first date."

"Well maybe if you hadn't distracted me."

"If you'll recall, it was your purse we were rummaging around for," Bella teased.

"Yes, but you were the one who brushed my hand-"

"Did not."

"Did! And then-"

Alice cut them off with her refreshing laugh. "You two are adorable."

Bella and Rosalie exchanged an affectionate glance before taking each others hand. Alice leaned forward to turn up the radio. They sang along to various songs, even the ones none of them knew. They came up with their own lyrics.

"So the boys are going on a hunting trip starting tomorrow. They'll be gone for a week or two."

"Where?" Rosalie asked, letting Bella's hand go for a moment to put on a pair of stylish sunglasses. Bella stole them impishly, an innocent smile on her lips.

"I'm a fragile little human. All that sun could burn out my eyes," she teased.

Rosalie rolled her eyes, glancing in the rearview mirror for Alice's answer.

"Alaska."

"With the Denali coven?"

Alice nodded. They explained who they were referring to when Bella asked.

"Think Tanya will hit on Edward like last time?"

"You mean the last several times. Definitely."

"Are you worried about Irina going for Jasper?" Rose asked tentatively, snatching the sunglasses back from Bella at lightning speed as their flirting continued. She waited for a reply but Alice didn't provide one, and figured it best to drop the matter. They'd arrived anyway.

Alice loved it up here. The cherry blossoms floating in the light breeze, the sound of people laughing and shopping. They were lucky they'd come on a warm day. Rosalie got the door for Bella, who jumped playfully onto her back. Rosalie tickled her as Bella squirmed, fighting giggles. Alice walked to the entrance and held open one of the doors, planting a hand on her hip and clearing her throat loudly.

"The mall awaits, ladies. Or would you rather stay in the car?" Alice rolled her eyes when it looked as if the pair were actually considering the option. "Get in here!" She pulled them through, helping Bella down from Rose's back. She'd forgotten how light and fragile humans were. It was as if Bella were constructed out of glass. Bella thanked her, sending Alice an unintentional whiff of her delicious scent. Alice held her breath, though made sure to smile. The three started with a simple outfitters store, trying on things that they needed (jeans, shirts, jackets) before proceeding on to the 'real fun' as Alice put it. They tried on ridiculous clothing combinations and prom dresses, making a large heap inside the dressing room. Alice spun around in a black and purple cocktail dress as Rosalie showed off her lean body with a strapless ball gown. Bella sat on the bench, putting the hangers back on the clothes they'd already tried on.

"Come on, try something," Rosalie urged her.

"No thanks," Bella grinned. "I get a better view from here." She snickered when Rosalie threw a pile of clothes at her. Alice guessed that comment should have made her feel uncomfortable, though oddly it didn't. In the end they got Bella involved, having fun dressing up their human doll. After a few hours of this, Rosalie decided it was time for Bella to eat something. The three sat down in the busy food court, spirits bouncy. Alice set down her seven shopping bags with a snug look about her. Rosalie carried the small bag containing Bella's new bracelet. She took it out and put it on her, caressing her skin as she went. Bella ordered modestly, as usual.

"What? I'm not that hungry."

"You should eat more, look at you. You're a stick," Alice informed her, not unkindly.

"You're one to talk," Rosalie countered. "Whoops, didn't see you behind that straw there," she joked, flicking the blue plastic at her.

"Well I happen to think Alice's body is proportioned quite nicely," Bella added.

Rosalie pretended to glare at her. "Oh I see... taking her side..." she turned away as if hurt.

"Rose-"

"No, no. I see where I stand now. Go on, just go run off with perfectly-proportioned Alice."

Alice could see Rosalie's hint of a smile, exchanging a brief glance with her.

"Come here, Bella dear. Sit where you're wanted."

Without question, Bella got up with a painfully exaggerated huff. There wasn't another chair around and Alice's arms were open, so she sat on her lap, finding the petite vampire's frame much more sturdy than it looked. She was at least as strong at Rosalie. Alice locked her hands around her waist, enjoying the warmth.

"You stealing my woman, Cullen?" Rosalie turned, making her eyes fiery.

"Maybe I am," Alice retorted, pulling Bella closer to her. Bella wrapped her arms around Alice's neck, leaning in, fluttering her eyelids the way a soap opera star might. This reminded her of the way she was around Jasper. Had been around Jasper... Whatever Bella had said then, she'd missed it. She tried to tune back in to the conversation but her thoughts wouldn't leave Jasper. The hunting trip had been his idea. Was he trying to get away from her? They'd grown mellower in their relationship, but did that mean they weren't in love anymore? She snapped out of her private thoughts when she felt Bella shift again, this time to get up. She'd already finished eating.

"Oh, sorry," she said, unclasping the arms holding Rosalie's girlfriend.

They hit a few more stores, but it was clear Alice had had enough. She tried to hide it with smiles, but the couple could tell she was troubled. Their last stop was to a photo booth. The three started out with goofy expressions but once Rose and Bella began to kiss, Alice left, claiming that she was going to get some change from the ATM. She wound up sitting on a bench nearby, brooding over Jasper. Inside the booth, the couple compared notes.

"What's wrong?" Bella inquired about Alice.

"I have no idea. She seemed fine up until lunch."

"Has she been like this at home?"

"Now that I think about it, yeah. Jasper too a little."

"You think they're having issues?"

Rosalie shrugged. Bella thought a moment.

"We should do something for her, cheer her up."

"We just took her shopping, hon. If that can't cheer her up nothing will."

Bella laughed. "We could have a party. She loves parties."

Rosalie raised an eyebrow.

"Really! It could be at your house. My dad has a bunch of beer in the garage, I bet he wouldn't notice if I took some."

"And since when have you been the drinking type? Or the stealing type for that matter."

"Well... never, but it's Alice, Rose. We have to try something.... Vampires can drink right?"

"Oddly enough it's about the only thing our bodies will accept besides blood."

"Then let's do it," Bella pleaded. "Please, Rose?" She climbed into her lap, making her eyes wide. "If not for her than for me?"

Rosalie groaned. "Fine. But don't get mad at me if your dad catches you swiping his beer." She paused, considering this. "On second though, I'l just buy some. You'll probably drop it and leave a big mess for Charlie to find." She laughed.

"You're not twenty one."

Rosalie stared at her. "I'm nearly ninety three, darling."

"Oh..." Bella blushed. "Right. I meant you don't look twenty one."

"It'll be fine. I've gotten stuff before," she said as she stroked Bella's hair.

The two agreed to surprise Alice with the party the following night. The boys would already be gone and Carlisle and Esme would be at work. Not that they'd mind if the three had some fun, but the privacy would be nice. The three piled back into the car and drove Bella home, Alice quiet but seemingly happy through the ride. When they arrived at Bella's house, Charlie's squad car was parked in the drive-their red flag. Rosalie gave Bella a subtle kiss before driving off, making sure she got inside safely first.

"It must be hard," Alice commented.

"What's that?"

"The secrecy. At home you two can touch, but around her house and at school you have to be so distant."

Rosalie nodded with a smile. "It's a pain, but we manage. I guess it's better than not wanting to touch at all though."

There was a long pause.

"Why did you say that?" Alice asked her, voice critical.

"Nothing. Forget it." Rosalie mentally slapped herself. It had just slipped out.

"No, why did you?"

"I'm sorry, Alice."

"Is it because Jasper hasn't touched me in over a month?"

"Alice, I-"

"So you have noticed. Good. At least I didn't just imagine it."

Rosalie was thoroughly ashamed, biting her lower lip in frustration with herself. For nearly five minutes she couldn't think of anything to say. Finally she came up with something half decent.

"Every relationship has its ups and downs."

"You and Bella don't."

Damn it, Rosalie cursed to herself.

But Alice had heard enough. Hoisting her pixie body from the back seat, she lightly jumped out of the speeding car, landing gracefully on her feet.

"See you at home," Rosalie heard her grumble as the distance stretched between them.

A/N: Well, well. It appears I'm back in action.

This feels a little odd to me so far, but I'm not exactly a social butterfly so have an excuse for poor dialogue. :P I hope you like it so far. I'm working on making my chapters longer.

Thanks for taking a look! Your input helps massively, so please review.