Alice knew they were coming, of course. It was touch and go there for a little bit after Bella was hit, but her vision had stayed pretty much the same from that one moment of calm before the storm. As everyone in the parking lot had panicked around her, she stood grinning like someone had told her she had won the lottery. Rosalie was screaming at Emmett, who had let Edward go. Emmett was staring off into the distance; not really at anything in particular, but with a sad, unreadable look in his amber eyes. Edward had disappeared, an almost undetectable blur fighting his way towards Bella. He pushed the car off of her with inhuman strength; something that Alice knew would be explained away by everyone. A more logical reasoning such as adrenaline in this case was much easier for the human mind to understand than the truth. Her classmates did the same thing with her 'lucky guesses'. She sometimes liked to share some of her more tame visions, grades on test papers or who would be cast in the school plays, with them. It became a sort of social experiment, and she had learned a lot about behavior and mannerisms in this day and age. One could not possibly comprehend how much different people were now when compared to when she was alive. Despite this knowledge, it wasn't as if she had not become Forks High's resident Weird Girl, but that was by her own choice. What was the fun of immortality if you were going to spend your days trying to conform?
Alice watched as the area swarmed with people. They pulled Tyler out of his vehicle, and while unconscious, he didn't seem too beat up. Alice knew Edward was going to need a distraction if he wanted to get Bella out of here. She sauntered up to the old Chevy and saw Edward, holding Bella like a broken doll. She could see in his face how much he was struggling, against both bloodlust and pain, and her confidence broke just a little. She reached down and touched his shoulder. She let him into her mind so he could see her plan. He nodded once, and stood up. He made an announcement to the people close enough to hear.
"I'm taking her to my father at the hospital. I don't think she'll make it if we wait for an ambulance."
Edward shifted Bella's weight in his arms and carefully walked to his Volvo, trying not to break out into a sprint. There were people watching, and he had to restrain himself as much as possible. Alice trailed after him; a skip in her step. She pulled Jasper away from the car, and motioned for her other siblings to do the same. Emmett obliged, taking Rosalie's hand and tugging. She kept her ground, blocking the backseat of the car. Edward stared her down, and they looked like a pair of wolves about to fight over the last scrap of a kill. A silent conversation passed through the two of them, and to even Alice's surprise, Rosalie opened the door and helped Edward slide Bella's body in. She stepped away from the car, finally accepting Emmett's hand. Emmett grinned up at her, planting a slow, soft kiss on her forehead. She closed her eyes for a moment, but snapped them open again as the Volvo screeched out of the lot.
"I'm not running home."
Alice laughed then, a delicious tinkling sound.
"You won't have to, Rose. Edward's gonna make sure he's out of eyesight, then leave the car for us. Surely you didn't think he was going to drive all the way there? He's a speed demon, but I don't think there's enough horsepower in the world to match his speed on his own two legs."
Jasper looked at Alice; his skin a sallow grey color rather than his normal alabaster white. He shook his head, gripping her fingers for dear life.
"I don't think I can be in that car."
Alice kissed him, attempting to fill his senses with something other than the singing of Bella's blood. He gave in under the pressure of her lips, falling into her with desperation. She released him, holding on to his face with a touch softer than goose feathers.
"Head home, Jasper. You can let Esme know what we're dealing with. I'll explain things in more detail to her when I get there. Okay?"
Jasper's face loosened in obvious relief. He had surprised himself with his steadfastness as the traumatic events had taken place before his eyes. He thought he was going to lose it as a pool of Bella's blood inched under the cars, shining like a stunning gemstone. He had put his hand over his mouth and nose, able to block out the scent. He knew, however, that if he were trapped in a small space with it, even if the host itself were gone, that he would more than likely fly into a rage and would have to feed. He loved Alice even more for this relinquishment. He cut his eyes to the left and right, and determining that the coast was clear, set his legs into motion. Alice watched after him for as long as she could keep his shape in her eyeline. After he had gone, she turned to face her siblings.
"All right, let's hoof it!"
They made it just past the school's boundaries when they noticed the silver SUV poking out between some trees. They piled in, Alice in the driver's seat, Rosalie seated shotgun, and Emmett braving the bloodstained backseat. Alice turned on the radio, rolled down the windows, and took off. Emmett held his head out of the back window like a dog, even howling when they passed a spot of the woods close to the reservation. Rosalie turned around and smacked him, but when he looked up at her, she was smiling. He kept his head out, but was silent for the rest of the drive. When they arrived home, Jasper was sitting on the porch, Esme standing behind him. The three of them exited the car, Alice locking it behind them. She caught Esme's eye and jerked her head towards the vehicle.
"We're probably gonna need to have this detailed."
Alice sat down with her family, explaining her visions in detail. She hurriedly explained her first vision, in which Edward had made it to Bella unhindered, and he had stopped Tyler's van with a single hand, the other perched on the side of Bella's truck, shielding her with his body. She then told them of what they had just witnessed, but also small details as they came to her from what was to happen at the hospital. Esme's hands were knotted together in her lap, and she sat as silent as the dead themselves. Alice watched her, and knew she was thinking of what would happen when they came home. She stood up abruptly, causing her children's eyes to float up to her in alarm. She smiled down at them and crooked a finger at Rosalie.
"Rose, will you please come with me? I suppose we need to make a room for Bella. Perhaps Carlisle would not object to his study being relocated, at least for the time being."
Rosalie looked ready to roll her eyes, but her love for Esme kept them locked on her. She gave her a curt nod and stood as well. They drifted upstairs, leaving Alice, Jasper, and Emmett lounging on the couch below. Alice grinned at Jasper.
"I'm so proud of you. Truly."
He smiled back, his voice coming out in a whisper.
"Piece of cake."
She giggled, hopping up and jerking him to her side.
"We need to make sure she feels welcome! Let's make her a little coming home party!"
Emmett's usually easygoing face soured, and he cleared his throat. Alice looked back at him, and his tongue clicked in disagreement.
"Do you think she'll really be up to a party, Alice? After all she's been through?"
Alice's features went serious as well, darkening a bit of the light streaking into the room from the afternoon sun. Her eyes took on a sad, pleading quality.
"When you were turned, you had Carlisle. You had this family. There were arms to catch you should you trip and fall."
She glanced at Jasper, who was looking at the floor, shoulders slumped.
"Jasper and I were on our own. I can't tell you how lonely and how scary that time was. You lose yourself, almost completely. Without some sort of anchor, you're adrift at a very crucial time in your new life. We were very lucky. Me, because of my gift, and Jasper-"
Jasper put his arm around her, pulling her close to him. He spoke in a low, self-assured voice.
"I survived because of Alice."
Alice looked up at him, eyes wide and glistening. His mouth inched up in reply.
"I think she's right, too. Bella's going to be very scared and overwhelmed no matter what we do. What we can do is let her know that she is accepted into this family, and that she can lean on us while she learns the ins and outs."
Emmett nodded, relenting. He stood up to wrap his siblings into his arms, squeezing them with grizzly strength. He let go, looked at each of them in turn.
"I'm sorry. I sometimes forget that you guys haven't been with us since the beginning. You're that much like family, you know? I haven't been alone since that bear almost did me in. I don't think I ever could be again. So. What do you need me to do?"
Alice clapped her hands, whipping into the kitchen in a flash. She returned with a burlap sack that clinked as she strode closer to the boys. She drew out an old wine bottle, thrusting it and the sack towards Emmett.
"Can you guys please go up to our hunting spot really quickly and just fill these up with blood? Bella's going to be starving, and since we all ate not too long ago, there's not really anything here for her. Fresh is better, yes, but we'll have to make due until she settles in."
The boys nodded, and Alice kissed Jasper lightly on the cheek.
"Thank you. Just please hurry. I think they'll be home soon."
Without another word or signal of understanding, the doorway was empty, and Alice stood alone. She heard Esme and Rosalie moving things upstairs, and wondered if she should go help them. She had put her foot on the first step, then and image came to her. She saw Bella, standing in front of their house, smiling. When Alice saw what she was looking at, she smiled too.
"A banner it is!"
She traipsed into the kitchen once more, grabbing the purely decorational paper table covering that Esme used in case Carlisle ever had to have investors for the hospital over for dinner. She rolled it up, and stuck it firmly under her arm, taking the stairs then towards her room. She had paints, pencils, and acessories like sequins covering her room, for times when she wanted to remember her visions in more detail. She passed what had been Carlisle's study, and noticed it was bare, save for the large leather sofa her adoptive dad loved to read on, and a precariously tilting pile of books. Esme drifted back into the room, carrying an accent pillow and a shaggy blanket. She smiled wearily when she noticed Alice.
"I thought the 'no sleep' part of the transition might be weird for her to grasp at first. I remember that when I was first turned, I liked to lie on the bed and just close my eyes. I never drifted off, of course, but it calmed me to just be there with my thoughts. I even forced myself to breathe, if you can believe it."
She sighed, laying the items down on the couch, and set to transforming it into a makeshift bed. She looked around the room, pursing her lips.
"I want it to feel less- empty, I guess. I don't really know what she likes. I sent Rosalie to get her spare wardrobe."
Alice wrapped Esme up in a hug, kissing her cheek. She smiled broadly at her mother.
"I think you're doing great, Esme. Will you tell Rosalie that I'll take care of the clothes? Bella's more my size than hers. I don't think what I have will exactly be her style, but once she's ready, we can take her shopping. Don't worry too much, okay? It's gonna be fine."
If Esme could believe that from anyone, it would be from Alice. She patted Alice's cheek and strode out of the room, calling to Rosalie as she went.
"Rosalie! You're taking your clothes out of the wardrobe, right?"
Alice gave a small chuckle and proceeded to her room. The light was dim as the sunlight had travelled under the cover of the trees. She had excellent vision in the dark, but chose to flick on a small table lamp. She smoothed the paper onto her hardwood floor, gathering brushes and paint. She hummed as she worked, getting more and more excited about her new sister. She rose after a time to observe her handiwork. It was nice, but it was missing something. She thought back to her vision and remembered a small portrait of Bella below her large, swooping letters. She grabbed her graphite pencils and sketched the girl's features from memory, sculpting a smile she had never seen in person onto her face. When she was satisfied, she rushed downstairs to hang the piece, and her ears caught a rustling far into the forest. They had arrived.
So here they stood, Alice beaming like a schoolgirl in front of her art, Bella giving in to a grin that was fighting her reservations, and Edward holding his head in his hands.
"Way to go all out, Alice."
Alice raced off of the porch, and Edward opened his arms, expecting her to fly into them. He soon learned that he was not her target. Before he could open his mouth to protest, she was gathering Bella up into a hug. Bella immediately stiffened, but Alice did not relent. She loosened her grip, but kept Bella pulled close.
"I'm so glad you're here."
Hearing the sincerety in her voice, Bella relaxed a bit, bringing her arms up to return the friendly gesture. Alice let her go suddenly, and took her hand.
"Welcome home! Wanna go see your room?"
Bella nodded, glancing over at the small girl with her pixie cut and her bright eyes. She seemed so genuine and sure of herself. She wished she felt that way right now. She looked in Edward's direction, and saw that he was keeping a healthy distance from her. His eyes were unreadable as he looked straight back at her. They had reached the door when Bella's pupils went wide and she flung herself out of Alice's grip. She went into fight mode as if on cue, and Alice touched her shoulder so lightly it could have been from a butterfly lighting on her skin instead.
"It's okay! It's just Emmett and Jasper. You'll get used to everyone's scents. I had them go out on a mission for us."
True to her word, the boys drifted out of the woods, Emmett looking a bit like Santa Claus with a sack thrown over his shoulder. He saw the three of them and smiled.
"I got the goods! Let's have us a party!"
Bella heard glass smacking in the bag, and her eyebrows raised.
"You guys drink alcohol?"
A sound unlike any she had ever heard rose up out of the silence. It was a deep, echoing laugh coming from Jasper. He was doubled over, clutching his stomach as if he had run out of air, but the laugh kept coming. Soon it had infected Alice, then Edward, and finally, Bella herself, even though she had no idea why she was laughing. But it felt good. Once they had composed themselves, Alice wiped a tear away from her eye.
"No such luck, Bells-"
Bella's face hardened at the nickname. She shook her head.
"Don't call me that."
Then, realized how harsh she sounded, she amended the statement.
"Don't call me that, please. That's what my dad calls- called me."
Alice grabbed Bella's face and pulled her close until their foreheads were touching.
"I'm so sorry, Bella. It won't happen again. Can you forgive me?"
Bella felt herself nodding before she ever knew it was happening. Alice flashed a smile and released her.
"Good! Let's get you inside. I know Esme is dying to meet you."
They walked into a spotless, gorgeous home that was more extravagant than anything Bella had ever seen. She suddenly remembered that she was covered in blood, dirt, and debris, and felt incredibly out of place. She kept her arms locked by her side, and made it her mission not to touch anything at all. She saw a beautiful, brown haired woman standing by the stairs, and deduced that this was Esme. Edward's mother. She smiled warmly at Bella, taking her in.
"Bella! Welcome. I am deeply sorry for everything that happened today. I'm so glad that Edward was there to help you, however. I've heard so much about you from him."
Bella shot a quick glance Edwards way, but he seemed to be oblivious to their conversation, or he was pretending to be. She felt the need to bow or curtsy, or anything besides standing in front of Esme like a wooden figurine. She held out her hand instead, forgetting for a moment how disgusting she must look. Esme accepted it, shaking it gently but with a tight gip on her fingers. She looked at her with motherly concern.
"Would you like to change? You look very uncomfortable."
Bella gave a small laugh, nodding.
"That is an understatement."
Alice and Esme led Bella up the stairs and to her new room. Rosalie was in the middle of the room, having finished putting the last touches on the room. In addition to the wardrobe, she had added a record player, a vanity, and of all things, a bean bag chair. She saw Bella, and straightened to her full height. She nodded to her, and walked out of the space. Bella's gaze followed her. Esme squeezed her arm, and gestured to the direction that Rosalie had disappeared in.
"Don't worry about her. She isn't as aloof as she likes to pretend. She's just a little- upset right now."
Bella faced Esme, eyes wide.
"Did I do something?"
Alice shook her head vehemently.
"It's not you, Bella. Rose is just- reliving the past, I think."
Esme nodded, agreeing with her daughter.
"She didn't a choice when she was turned either, Bella. I think she sees herself in you. Perhaps you two will be good for each other, when she learns how to deal with the resemblance."
Esme gave a tight smile, gesturing to the room.
"I hope you enjoy your time here, Bella. We did what we could on such short notice with the room. Alice picked out some clothes from her closet. We can get you some things more to your taste soon, okay?"
Bella nodded, suddenly feeling a tightness in her throat. It was hard to swallow, and she wasn't sure if she was upset or- hungry. Alice went rigid beside her for an instant, then sprang back to life.
"Esme, will you get Emmett to pour Bella a drink? I think she needs something to settle her stomach."
Esme caught on to the situation almost immediately.
"Oh, of course! I'll be right back."
She left Alice and Bella alone, and Alice drew Bella towards the wardrobe. She opened it and began to throw outfits down on the floor. They were all dresses, varying in shape, cut, and length. Bella didn't usually wear anything like what she was seeing, but she would do anything to get out of her stiff, ratty school clothes. Alice picked up a simple, light blue sweater dress. She held it up in the air, parallel to Bella's form.
"Hmm. This should be comfortable enough. Try this on, would you? Don't worry, I won't peek!"
Alice turned around, holding the dress out behind her back towards Bella. She took it, slowly peeling off her old clothes. She pulled the cloth over her head and immediately felt like a new person. The fabric caressed her, hugging her arms, shoulders, and waist. It felt like a weighted blanket, and she was grateful Alice had chosen this one. She cleared her throat.
"I'm finished."
Alice faced her then, taking her in.
"You look stunning."
A creak in the doorway caught their attention, and their heads swivelled to assess the sound. Esme was there, wine glass in hand. A dark, red liquid filled the cup, the fluid leaving a red film around the sides where it had jostled during Esme's trip up the stairs. She held it out to Bella without a word, but deep inside, Bella responded to the smell of it. It wasn't the sweet and earthy smell that she had taken in off of her father in the hospital. It was a tamer, less appetizing scent. In any case, her throat burned anew, and she grabbed the glass in a blind panic. She downed it like a shot, and the burning sensation cleared. She wiped her mouth, feeling a small streak traveling down towards her chin. The red of her eyes dulled slightly, and she sighed in relief.
"Is there more of this?"
Esme nodded, taking the cup back from Bella and retreating down the stairs once more. Alice took her hand, inching towards the door.
"Ready to meet your new family?"
Bella didn't answer right away. Of course she wasn't ready. She was tired and out of her element. But these people were making a tremendous effort to make her feel wanted and at ease. It was the least she could do to show her appreciation.
"Sure, throw me to the wolves, I guess."
A bolt of laughter shot out of Alice's mouth, causing Bella to jump. Her face contorted into a maze of confusion, and Alice wiped a glistening eye. There was surely some inside joke there, but Bella wasn't privy to it. Alice caught her bewilderment and simply clapped her on the shoulder.
"You are a funny girl, Bella Swan. I think you'll fit right in."