Chapter 6

Through Bella's eyes

Bella kept watch over Cassie, waiting for her to disappear again, which she didn't seem to be doing. When Bella asked what Cassie had been doing that day, Cassie admitted she had been watching Dracula. Bella felt hurt, what was Cassie's fascination with vampires about?

"Hey, Cassie, where are you going?" Bella asked when Cassie put on some flips flops. Bella didn't understand why someone would wear flip flops with sweats.

"To the store to get some new shoes." Cassie explained.

"Oh, I'll take you since you don't have a license." Bella went to grab her keys.

"No, that's okay, I'll walk. The Newton's store isn't far." Cassie declined politely.

"No, really, it's no problem." Bella needed a distraction, and why not shoe shopping? It was fun with Cassie, even though neither of them would go voluntarily. Wait a second, Bella thought. Cassie hated shoe shopping.

"Cassie, I thought you didn't like shoe shopping." Bella accused when she walked downstairs. She discovered that Cassie had already left, and she was home with Charlie and Adel.

"Dad, did Cassie leave?" Bella asked Charlie as he sat at the table reading the paper.

"Um, I think so, Bells." His attention was obviously elsewhere. Adel walked over; her heals clicking on the tile.

"Where did she say she was going?" Adel asked, setting Charlie's coffee down.

"Shoe shopping." Bella explained, hopping someone would say Cassie needed new shoes anyway.

"Did she now?" Adel walked to get her own coffee. She gazed out of the window, thinking intensely.

"Um, yeah. Any clue as to where she would be?" Bella asked.

"Oh, I know exactly what she's doing." Adel said. Bella hoped she would continue, but she just sipped at her coffee.

"Well, where is she?" Bella asked.

"It would take a while to find her. She'll be home by the time I figure it out." Adel shrugged. Charlie looked up from his paper, "She wouldn't be hiking, would she?"

"Probably." Adel said, her eyes met Charlie's. Bella couldn't breathe. Her little sister went out into the forest. The one with vampires and werewolves, and Victoria. Bella shuddered.

"Why would she go hiking? I told her not to go into the woods! People have been dying out there and she just waltzes right on in any way!" Charlie's outburst shocked Bella, she didn't think he would be capable of that. Adel rubbed his shoulders soothingly.

"She'll be back, Charlie. She knows her way around animals, even one of this size." Adel tried to convince him. Bella had no problem with her being around the wolves, maybe Paul, but even then it didn't matter that much.

It was Victoria she was worried about. If Bella's scent was on Cassie, then Victoria would notice. Would she stoop so low as to kill her? Bella didn't doubt it.

"Adel, I'm going to go find her." Charlie stood up. Adel shook her head.

"I told you, she'll be back before we find her. She went to go see what was killing all of these people. I'll handle her when she gets back."

About an hour later, Bella was getting more anxious by the second. She had convinced herself that Victoria had gotten her.

A car door shut outside and made Bella jump. Adel went still, listening to whoever it was. The doorbell rang and Adel rushed to answer it as if she wanted to greet the person first. Bella was quick to follow her, hoping it would be Cassie.

"Who are you?" Adel asked, her voice cold.

*"Alice?" Bella asked. Alice was unnaturally still, her golden eyes pierced into Bella's. She nearly collapsed. She hurled herself onto the little vampire. Bella started sobbing happily.

"Bella?" Alice sounded confused.

"I'm… sorry," She blubbered. "I'm just… so happy… To see you!"

"It's okay, Bella. Everything's okay.

"Yes." Bella bawled, and for once it seemed that way.* Adel looked at them disapprovingly.

"Is that Alice?" Charlie's voice rang as he approached them. "Alice, hey! When did you get back in town?"

"Today." Alice beamed. "We're moving back!" She told them. Bella could feel her heart start beating again. She pulled the little pixie into her clutches and hugged her tight.

"Um, all of your family?" Charlie asked.

"Yup, isn't it great? I missed you guys so much!" Alice squealed.

"Um, hi." Cassie said from behind Alice. Her perfectly French braided hair was wet from the drizzle. She eyed Alice wearily.

"Oh, Alice! This is my sister, Cassie, and her mom, Adel. Guys, this is Alice, my best friend!" Bella introduced them. The Maddox's looked rather cautious when it came to Alice. Bella couldn't see why. Alice was the most beautiful face she had seen in a long time. On top of that she was sweet and outgoing. Why they wouldn't take to her immediately was beyond Bella.

"Well, come in, Alice!" Charlie smiled. Cassie looked like she wanted to protest, but Adel stopped her with a sharp look.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Alice." Adel smiled. "Any other family that we should be aware of?" Adel asked.

"My brother Edward should be arriving soon." Alice told them. Bella could feel herself float. She could almost feel his marble arms wrap around her.

Bella couldn't have been more excited when the doorbell rang. She was ready to attack the person behind it with the tightest hug she could manage.

"Bella, why is there a bloodsucker here?" Jake asked. He was shaking so badly, Bella had trouble telling his expression, but she was sure he wasn't happy.

"Hey, Jake!" Bella smiled.

"Who's here, Bella?" He asked through his teeth.

"The Cullens are back, isn't it great?" And Jake ran off. Bella could see him morphing in the near forest. Not letting her best friend's tantrum ruin her mood, she walked cheerfully into the living room.

Cassie's eyes shifted to the front door before there was even a knock.

"Edward!" Bella shouted.

OOHHH! Guess who's back! And where the heck did Cassie go? I know, and you will too if you RXR