The next place we settled in was further south. I could feel the humidity strengthening as we ran in the dark night, stealthy, fast, like two shadows gliding in the light on the moon. We'd given up on taking all of Alice's things, and settled on taking two bags which I was now carrying. She had decided it was useless taking it all- she'd seen in the near future she'd find new ones, more 'fashionable'. She was wearing a bright blue sundress, and I had put on a clean shirt and pants. I was very thirsty; it had been one week since the newborns, and almost three since my last meal. My eyes were pitch black, while Alice's were only a little browner than usual.

Not fair, I thought. After all, I was older.

"Um…" Alice said abruptly. "That way." She pointed east and changed her direction.

I followed obediently. After a few minutes, we found a small path that went into dense woods.

Why did we always end up in forests? Nevertheless, Alice led the way in the dark trees. It seemed peaceful enough. I could hear lots of animals around us, which was a good sign.

I could also hear some cars in the roads behind us, meaning we weren't too far from civilization. Alice would be able to find clothes and me, occupation.

I'd developed a strong taste for books, something I'd never really known I liked. Reading kept my mind busy while Alice tried desperately for more details. She'd discovered a bit more about the 'family'. The oldest one was called Carlisle, and was a doctor. He was married to the brunette. We still didn't know her name. Alice thought the blonde and the black haired boy were a couple- she'd seen them together. Her definition of together had been left vague, but I could use my own imagination. Alice had gotten very uneasy during that particular vision.

As for the redhead, Alice already knew he was named Edward, he was 'seventeen', and was very close to his 'father'. She also said that they were more of a family than a pack.

"A family?" I'd been surprised.

"They live around humans, so they act like one."

I swallowed, uncomfortable.

"Around humans?"

"Yeah, they're used to it."

I'd figured that living with those people would be harder than I thought.

Alice shook my out of my daydream when she abruptly stopped and laughed.

"What? What's so funny?"

"Oh, that Edward. He pranked his brother again." She giggled. I felt like I'd been told a joke, but didn't get it.

"Oh we're here!" Alice squealed. She clapped her hands together and hopped around like a child. I looked around, confused. I couldn't see anything.

"Alice, we're not staying outside, right?" I didn't care at all, but Alice didn't really seem to be one for camping.

She froze and scowled at me like she would to scorn a child.

"And ruin my outfit? I don't think so, Jasper Whitlock."

I sighed. Where in the devil were we going? Alice spun back around and pranced away, humming. She disappeared in the thick branches of the surrounding bushes. I tagged along. It was a bit embarrassing, after all, to let her possess me this way. I always did as she told, like a puppet.

"Tadaaah!" She sang in her high soprano, waving her arms towards a very large house.

It was in very good condition, but it looked habited. I let the bags slump down my shoulders and stared at the mansion. What the hell was she thinking? Living in such a huge, showy…palace!

"Come on, let's go!" Alice started to dance towards the house.

"Alice." I said. She stopped and faced me, a confused look on her face.

"What?"

"People live here, don't they?"

She looked at me innocently.

"No…this is their vacation house. They won't come for another two months."

I sighed again and rolled my eyes. Typical. Alice didn't really care where we went as long as we were dry and the place was nicely decorated.

"You're coming in anyways, so you might as well move faster." She said smiling, hands on her hips.

I dragged the bags behind me as I followed her inside.

It was nice, very homey and cozy, with lots of windows and a really big fireplace. At least there was a very little probability that the roof would fall on us here. Alice proceeded to give me a tour of the place, like she'd lived here forever. The kitchen was nice, though I doubted we'd ever use it, along with the dining room. The living room, however, was filled with books and very comfortable armchairs. I would be able to fill my days here, reading on various subjects. I felt the books' edges with my fingertips. So many authors, so many topics. I smiled. The books smelled nice; musky, like old wood. Alice looked at me impatiently and cleared her throat. I picked up the bags and followed her out the room and up the wooden staircase. She indicated a few rooms carelessly, as if she was too impatient to get somewhere else. Finally she paused and quickly spun around towards me, a big smile on her face.

"This will be my bedroom!" She said happily. She pushed the door open. My mine went completely blank as I looked into the room.

It was completely pink. Everywhere.

Good God.

It was frilly and girly and just…pink. Lots of different shades of it, too. A bunch of teddy bears were stuffed in a corner. It was nauseatingly cute. The bed reminded me of fairy tales I'd read as a kid: draped with white lace and pink ribbons and fluffy, propped up pillows. I dropped the bags on the floor. I'd never realized Alice was such a girl, after all. Seeing her fight like she did and hunt like she did had taken my focus off of it.

"You haven't seen the closet, that's the good part." Alice smiled.

I was way too overwhelmed to fight her grip on my wrist as she dragged me towards a large cabinet. I was scared to see what was inside. What now? Princess dresses? But the thought of Alice in a pink dress made me swoon off a bit, and I didn't hear Alice open the doors.

"They're nice, right?"

I blinked and looked down. Relief washed through me as I saw that the dresses inside were simple frocks of different colors and design. Nothing too flamboyant, or at least for my taste. Alice ran to the bags and back.

"I swear she won't notice I've worn her things. They might smell better, but that's all!" She laughed at my blank expression. "By the way, your room is down the hall." She pointed outside. I nodded and walked out quickly, strolling fast to get away from that place. I followed her directions down to a white door and pushed it open, bracing myself for the worst.

Gratitude instantly took over my mind and heart. It was a simple room, painted dark green, with a wood floor and white ceiling. There was a very large window in the far wall. A large bed sat in the corner, and I saw a radio next to it. But the greatest part was the huge library filled with books and newspapers that made up the entire right wall. I walked towards it, gaping. There were novels, documents, and encyclopedias…many things to occupy my mind and keep it away from thirst.

A fire suddenly sprang in my throat. I automatically slapped my hand on my neck, startled by the sudden pain.

"Oh. We do need to feed ourselves." Alice whispered behind me. "Well, there's plenty food in the forest!"

She had changed, I noticed, into a long sleeved mango shirt and plain chinos. She was wearing black heels that made her head reach my shoulders.

"Yes, ma'am." I answered, rubbing my throat. Alice grabbed my hand.

"How do you like your room?"

"Its very nice, thank you." I smiled.

We walked in silence outside, but I could feel her happiness radiating out of her. Why did I feel so strange around her? She was annoying and rather loud, but…so adorable at the same time. Like a puppy dog, or a hyperactive kitten.

I chuckled aloud as I kept walking behind her.