Ash woke to the sounds of something ruffling around her and things being thrown on the bed. Groaning and rolling over, I nuzzled into the bed spread below me. God this bed is comfortable. I was put in Alice's and Jaspers room to sleep. Their bed was surprisingly comfortable considering they never slept.. That was another little revelation I found out last night. Needless to say I made them change the sheets despite their protests that they have already done so. Like I would believe that. Taking no chances.

"Ah ah ah, it's time to get up and get ready!" She heard an annoyingly chipper voice say. Ugh, is that who she thinks it is?

"Alice?" I grumble and peek from where my face is safely buried in the pillow.

"Yup! The one and only. Now, it is time for you to get up. You don't want to know what will happen if you don't" She said in a surprisingly threatening tone.

"Yeah, you don't, trust me" I hear a voice say from the door and see a disgruntled Bella with a major case of bed head staring at Alice in annoyance.

I make a sound of long suffering and sit up on the bed reluctantly.

"Good" Alice beamed at me in joy and I wanted to throw something at her, "Towels are in the bathroom, your outfit is sitting at the end of your bed and Rose will be in in thirty minutes to do your hair" She said happily before twirling out of the room and dragging a tired Bella along with her.

I sigh in annoyance and am about to leave the sanctuary of the bed spread when I am interrupted by another unwanted visitor.

"knock knock" I hear from the doorway. I see Jasper leaning casually against the door frame and smirking at me smugly. I am immediately suspicious. His smirk widens to a grin feeling my emotions.

"Hey... what do you want?" I ask warily.

He shrugs his shoulders and saunters over to me casually.

"Well, darlin' you have got some explainin' to do" He says in a voice dripping with triumph. I continue starting at him waiting for him to elaborate.

My confusion only seems to make him happier.

"It seems you have forgotten. Remember yesterday... a certain race that we won... remember how we won" He then sends me a pointed look and I gasp.

"Oh shit" I curse and see him laugh.

'Oh shit is right, you revealed your powers to this smug motherfucker. You should really be more careful' I hear him chastise me.

'I didn't see you warning me. What the hell am I going to do now?' I think in anxiously, worried about his reaction to my powers.

'Don't blame me. This shit is all on you, I would have if their was a danger but Jaspers cool. It will be good having somebody in your side to help keep your secret. Ye obviously need it' He snickers.

"Oh shit is right. Me and you need a have a long talk but not right now. Carlisle and Edward are out but will be back soon, I need to keep this off my mind or Edward will find out. Besides I need some time to come up with my dare" Jasper smirks at me evilly and I am immediately grateful and filled with dread. He will keep this a secret from the rest of his family. Thank god.

"Thanks, we can talk tomorrow at some point. That is if I survive this shopping spree" I mutter the last part. I am in no way looking forward to finding out what he will dare me to do.

"Good" Jasper says pleased.

I send him a pleading look, "Go easy on me eh? Nothing too bad for my dare...?" I say in a hopeful voice. All he simply does is chuckle darkly.

'good luck with that, this guys a merciless bastard'

My heart sinks at this revelation.

"You've got twenty minutes now Ash, chop chop!" I hear Alice's dainty voice yell. Dam, she is so bossy.

"Did she just say 'chop chop'?" I ask seriously to Jasper.

"Jasper, Get out of there and stop distracting her!" She yells again.

Jasper smirks at me, "Yes m'am" He answers the both of us before speeding out of the room.

I grumble as I move from the bed and make my way to the ensuite bathroom. It is utterly gorgeous and elegant. Not to mention unnecessarily huge.

I have myself a brief but enjoyable shower. With that many shower heads it felt like being massaged by thousands of tiny fairy hands. Who knows maybe I was, enough fucked up shit already going on that I wouldn't be surprised.

I wander back into the bedroom clad only in a towel wondering what Alice has chosen for me to wear today. Not like I have a choice. I will wear it but only this once. I have a feeling that wearing this without a complaint will start a bad precedent.

I stare suspiciously at the pile of clothes and...

Hm...

I unfold the clothes and stare at them in pleasant surprise. They are pretty nice but... a little slutty. Huh, who would have thought it.

I pull on the dainty thong and fancy push up bra laying there and hold up the dress for inspection.

The dress is a deep purple and very tight fitting. It is a reasonable length but clings to me like a second skin and makes my babies stand out even more and shows quite the bit of cleavage. This isn't really my style... but it isn't awful. I would still feel more comfortable in my own clothes.

I then put on the dainty shoes that match the dress. They have a small heal and although they are pretty sexy they still have a classy look to them. I snort, there's nothing classy about me.

I don't have a chance to look at myself in the mirror as someone knocks on my door.

"Hey it's me" I hear from the other side of the door. I am surprised to say the least. Rosalie? I remember Alice mentioning that she will be doing my hair.

I am make my way over to the door and wonder about this. I haven't really had a chance to get to know her yet but I figured she didn't like me much. She certainly didn't seem to like Bella. Not that I could blame her. I love Bella, I truly do but that doesn't mean I don't want to smack some sense into her from time to time.

I open the door the reveal Aphrodite in all her glory.

"Hey, Alice rope you into this huh?" I say as I stare at her polite but reserved face. I see her carrying a bag filled with hair products.

She gives me a slight smile and nods.

I sigh heavily and open the door wider to her.

I move my way to the vanity and sat down obediently waiting for Rose to move behind me and fix my hair. Part of me is happy to finally get a chance to speak to her the other is dreading that this will be an awkward conversation.

Thankfully as soon as she comes over she turned on the hair drier effectively ending the necessity for awkward small talk.

I felt her cool fingers expertly maneuver my hair, volumising it and make it look all shiny.

After a good ten minutes my hair was dry and looking awesome if I do say so myself.

Rosalie then silently begins braiding my hair or something. I couldn't quite see from this distance.

"So, you don't hate me?" I ask bluntly and look at her in the mirror. I see surprise before a little rueful smile appear on her lips.

"No I don't" She answered simply.

I wondered how to phrase this...

"So why do you hate Bella?" I ask curiously. The protective big cousin part of me wanted to slap the bitch in half but the other more rational part knew that I didn't stand a chance in a fight with her.

'Good call'

I try to figure out what she is thinking by looking at her in her mirror but I can't make it out.

"I don't hate her exactly. I am more extremely irritated by her decisions in life" She replies and I give her credit for not wussing out and backtracking when confronted.

I nod my head in agreement, "Like Edward? I totally understand what you mean, who would want to date him? Sometimes I wonder if she was dropped on the head at birth" I reply semi-seriously.

I hear a tinkling laugh and look in shock to see Rosalie laughing behind me. Wow, if I thought she looked like a goddess before now she looks even better! There are no words to describe it.

"Yes although I didn't mean it in the same sentiment as you" She sniggers then steps back to show that she is finished.

I should take a moment here to ponder what I'm saying but I don't.

"I understand Rosalie, I do, He isn't human so why is he messing about with one?" I smile sadly at her and she her eyes fill with shock,

I sigh heavily before continuing, "We should talk about this another time. I want to understand your disagreement with their relationship more and find out where your animosity comes from. I don't blame you for not being happy with it. If you stop to think about it letting a human into your world is an extremely stupid and dangerous idea that nobody has seemed to grasp" I shake my head in annoyance.

I see Rosalie eye me, eyes burning with curiosity.

"What about you?" She asks, her eyes calculating.

I frown, "What about me?" I ask hesitantly.

"Well, aren't you doing the same? Becoming involved in our world? Your only human also" She comments.

I take a moment to ponder my stupidity. I hadn't planned on involving myself with the Cullens. It just sort of happened. I know that it isn't the smartest idea, plain stupid but my situation is a little different from Bella's in some ways.

I look at Rosalie seriously, "I suppose you are right and it is foolish of me but I at least have some means of defending myself and what I am and what I can do still remains to be seen. I would still be a part of this supernatural crap whether or not I wanted to be, I don't have a choice of being in this world but Bella does and not to mention that I am not diving head first, just dipping my toe in the water to test out the temperature" I wink at her and see her nod seriously but see her eyes sink with relief. She was worried about us, she values the sanctity of human life and for that I am grateful and hold a lot more respect for her character.

I do something that I probably shouldn't. I lean forward and give her a hug. Me actually giving someone a hug voluntarily! This is a big moment for me.

She freezes at the contact but doesn't try to stop it.

I pull back and look at her softly, "We should talk about this some more properly but right now I had better get downstairs before I am murdered by a crazy little pixie" I say and end with a smile.

I see confusion but happiness in her eyes and she her shake her head as Alice shouts, "Dam right, Hurry up!"

I sigh sadly and start making my way towards the door reluctantly; like I am walking the green mile.

"Hurry up Ash or you will have to eat in the car" I hear Alice yell. Geez she is bossy. I make my way down the stairs and towards the kitchen to smell the welcoming aroma of freshly baked breakfast.

As I enter the kitchen I see Bella nibbling on some fruit with – surprise suprise – Edward by her side. Alice is bouncing her foot impatiently beside the table and Jasper is standing beside her soothing her.

It is then I notice Carlisle. I blink in surprise. He is sitting calmly at the breakfast table where a huge assortment of breakfast food is laid out. It looks like a breakfast buffet at a hotel. The only available seat is beside him. Great.

"Mornin', Jesus Alice you need to calm down. Who knew you were so dominating?" I say to everyone in the room.

"Besides Jasper obviously" I mutter. Alice sends me a glare whilst Jasper and Edward simply smirk. Well... that's certainly an insight into her private life.

"Good morning Ash, I trust you slept well?" I hear Carlisle ask politely. I try not to look at him as I load my plate with pancakes and fruit.

"Yep, like a beached whale" I reply.

I dig into my breakfast... 'DAM he is such a good cook' I think whilst my mouth is stuffed to the brim.

"Ash is enjoying the meal very much and is internally complimenting your cooking skills" I hear Edward say.

I give him the stink eye and feel Carlisle shift a little beside me but don't look at him. If I don't look at him I won't be reminded just how hot, gorgeous, sexy, perfect and fuckable he his.

"Thank you Ash, as I have said previously it is a pleasure to cook for you" He says in a warm voice and I can't resist but to look at him. He is dressed smartly with slightly ruffled hair. He is smiling slightly with happiness shining clearly in his eyes. I need to swallow just looking at him. I stare into his bright golden eyes which look lighter than usual and feel myself getting sucked in.

I hear a slight cough come from Bella and turn to see her choking on a bit of food. I see her blush red as Edward taps her back gently. She gives me an apologetic smile. I also then notice the whole room looking at me, eyes flickering between me and Carlisle. 'Fuck how long was I looking at him? Goddam it, this is all his fault. How was I supposed to know his eyes were like fucking wormholes' I think in dismay and hear Edward chuckle.

God I am starting to feel embarrassed, 'Was it really that long?' I ask Edward silently.

"Not particularly" He says kindly. 'Aye right, stupid liar, thats why everyone's looking at me and Carlisle like we're animals in a zoo' I answer back.

Edward smiled again and shakes his head but doesn't comment.

Bella then groans loudly, "God not you too" She says in dismay.

I look at her curiously.

She explains, "Now you've started having silent conversations with him! It's bad enough everyone else does it and now you too?" She huffs and Edward simply wraps his arms around her and kisses her lightly on the head to appease her.

This spikes my curiosity.

"Don't you have silent conversations with him also?" I ask.

Bella then, oddly enough, looks smug.

"Oh no, he can't read my mind" She says in triumph and Edward looks a little disgruntled. I gape in shock. What on earth does this mean?

'It means your not the only different one in your family' I hear him say to me.

"Okay, that is enough! Its time to get going" I hear Alice exclaim loudly. I am honestly a little impressed, by the way she was bouncing and the look on her face she lasted longer that I would have thought. She then uses her speed to clear the dishes away and grabs me by the hand and pulls me to my feet. Carlisle automatically rises when I do. Stupid ingrained manners.

"Have a nice day Ash, hopefully we will see each other soon" I see Carlisle looking at me intently with a little sadness in his eyes. I shove back the need to comfort him and assure him that he will be seeing me soon. No he wont. The more I stay away from him the better.

'Now yer seeing sense, babydoll' He comments.

I simply give him a small smile back but don't say anything.

As I am pulled out the door by the whirlwind that is Alice Cullen I begin to feel a sense of foreboding fill my body; this would surely be the shopping trip from hell.

–

And, once again, I am right.

Six hours later and we are still shopping.

I slump on the chairs beside the changing room and close my eyes. It has been one hell of a day. Shopping with Alice, Bella, oh and not to forget Edward since he is apparently surgically connected to Bella's asshole. I have been promised and it has been swore on Alice's Jimmy Choo's that this is the last shop we are entering.

After an hour of shopping I begun to develop a pattern. I allowed Alice to pick out my clothes but I had veto right and I only tried on five items from every shop. It was a good system we had figured out. There needed to be compromise or it would have lasted forever. Not that it still didn't last incredibly long. I am sure Alice is on coke. No one has that much energy. Unfortunately, this system I had figured out is not something Bella would agree to. Too stubborn for her own good that girl. She spent time looking for clothes herself, refusing everything Alice showed her which resulted in a debate between the two of them lasting a good while until Alice makes her compromise with another article of clothing or Bella gives in. One way or the other. Bella, although stubborn at times is also a people pleaser and Alice uses this to her advantage. Manipulative little pixie, I swear.

'That she is, you done good today. Stuck up for yourself good, you'll need it with Alice'

I nod in response to the voice in my head.

Today hadn't been all bad. After a few trials and errors Alice figured out my style and I needed to veto less and less. Edward had been designated the official pack mule and after every shop would go to the car to drop off the bags before returning. Yes, there were that many. Also, they did pay for everything. Another little argument that prolonged things. Every shop Bella would put up a fight for them paying but would be out tricked by the Cullen duo. I didn't bother fighting - it wasn't worth the effort - I needed to preserve it for the marathon that was this shopping trip.

"Alice says that we can make our way to the car, she is almost done with Bella" Edwards voice interrupts my thinking.

"uh finally!" I shout and jump from my seat. I crack my bones and stretch in glee. It is finally over.

Me and Edward make our way to the car in silence. I am contemplating what I should wear to school the next day when we reach the car. I snag the passenger side.

I turn on the radio to drown out the silence. No need to make small talk, I hate it.

After ten minutes Alice and Bella return and slide into the car but not before stuffing the rest of their bags into the boot.

Edward begins the drive home.

I sigh in relief.

"No fair, snagging the front seat" Alice says and I see her pout.

"Too bad, you dragged me on this trip the least I can get is a little comfort on the way back" I answer back.

Alice's eyes suddenly light up, "Remember Ash we are going shopping next weekend with Rose. I was thinking Olympia this time but we could make it a long weekend and fly out to New York to..." She starts up again at super speed but I definitely catch what she is saying.

Need to nip that shit in the bud right now!

"WHAT! No more shopping. I can't. I will not two weekends running. I have enough clothes to last me for a while Alice and that's if I don't wear that same thing twice. No. No more shopping" I say in a tone that rings with finality.

"But Ash-" I hear Alice whine in a sweet tone and I cut her off their.

"No 'but Ash' that's final. We went shopping today and I will go with you again but not any time soon so get that idea right out your head" I say firmly, not backing down. Shopping two weekends in a row when I bought enough for a whole closet! I don't think so.

I look back at Alice to see how she is gauging this. She is eyeing me with a calculating expression. This can't be good.

"Okay Ash. No more shopping this month but we can go once a month and I get to throw out all of your old underwear and completely replace it" I hear her say.

"Deal" I answer back. That is probably the best deal I will get from this little mastermind.

I hear her clap her hands together in glee and squeal.

"Oh this is going to be so good! I can't wait to go shopping again! You should definitely still come over this weekend but, we could have a games night! I am sure Carlisle will cook for you again, we could play charades and pictonary and-" I drone Alice out here.

The drive home is silent beside Alice's inane chatter, I wonder how she can talk so much. It is truly amazing.

Me and Bella are dropped off and helped with the armfuls of bags in the house.

"See you tomorrow Ash! Oh and Jasper will come to pick you up tomorrow, said you guys needed to talk. I'll see you in school. Bye!" Alice says cheerfully as she leaves me.

Turns out, Bella and Edward are going back out somewhere after they drop Alice off but I honestly don't care. I am exhausted and need some down time.

After putting away all the evidence of my shopping excursion I begin on my homework.

After an hour or so my mind begins to stray. Stray to Carlisle Cullen.

"ARG" I say and bang my head against my desk.

Why do I keep thinking about him! Ugh, I know why. He is such an awesome guy, an awesome single guy who is better looking than the airbrushed men on TV! How can that even be real? He is even better than them. Better than a fictional character! How is that even possible.

I've tried. I honestly have to stay away, to push him away to show him the real me and for him to be disgusted but no. He confounds me. Does he even like me? He is always so polite and kind... with a warm affectionate smile aimed at me... He defended me against Edward.

Not to mention he is so damned fascinating! Everything he says has meaning and I just want to ask him everything from important things to the little trivial. I am so enthralled by him. What am I supposed to do?

I don't know.

But I need to figure something out fast or who knows what could happen.

I lay in bed that night dreaming about the elusive Carlisle Cullen.