A/N – Hi everyone. Another chapter for you all to get your 'teeth' into Enjoy!

Chapter 25 - Patience

Alice's POV

I'd gone hunting as soon as I returned home.

I was almost certain I could cope now, cope with being so close to Bella. Her close proximity certainly did strange things me; but I was starting to understand that it wasn't a need for her blood that sent a shiver down my spine and clouded my visions.

No.

It was simply a need for her.

So, here I now stood – in my room, looking out into the dark skies. I watched as the clouds slowly gave way to the moons silver glow.

Pure tranquillity.

I always felt this way when the moon was full – tonight was no exception. I watched as the white orb seemed to smile and gaze, it sights upon the starlit maze that surrounded it.

How I could liken my life to one that was constantly trying to find its way through a maze.

Always searching for the right path to take, my visions sometimes helping and sometimes hindering me.

I'd found the centre of my maze the day I joined the Cullen's, my family, my rock, my nucleus.

But there was always something missing.

I shifted my stance slightly so my head was now leaning outside.

I'd never been able to fully comprehend my life before I became what I was. Often my mind would wander, for a split second I could almost embrace the world of dreams that were within me – but they seldom lasted.

I had never known what was reality, and what was memory – often I assumed my subconscious was manipulating what I saw to aid me in my quest for the truth. But I had always felt alone. Even my family couldn't breach the gaping hole I felt deep inside.

Pictures in the depths of my mind, whether truth or otherwise, had become my way of being…

Until I met her.

Shapes, those shapes that entered my mind, were always cloaked in mystery…

Until I met her.

I had always searched for that one vision that would explain what I was and how I could feel, and now I had met Bella, I knew I had found it.

This feeling was so new to me, magic and surreal…

She made me feel things I had never felt before as a vampire. And as I watched the clouds caress the pallid moon, I knew instinctively that I had never felt this way about anyone else, even when I was a human.

The wind had started to blow as it gently moved against my face.

Bella was my destiny.

I heard a movement behind me. I knew who it was without having to look.

"Edward".

My voice was soft and calm.

"Alice".

I turned then, and walked towards him. He was smiling, and I knew then that he had heard some of my thoughts.

"I'd like to meet my destiny one of these days, Alice" he murmured, and his eyes seemed to flicker like the candle flame that was burning steadily to our side.

I smiled. "Maybe one day you will".

Edward shrugged his shoulders, "I can be patient – the question is Alice… can you?"

I knew he was going to ask me that, I didn't need to be a mind reader to understand the look of concern on his face.

I'd also seen him coming, literally. That was why I had waited here, patiently, for him to arrive before I set out to visit Bella

I lent against my window.

"You're concerned?" I asked my voice still low.

Edward walked towards the open window where I had previously stood. Without looking at me, he spoke gently.

"Perhaps, a little. I don't want you to get hurt Alice".

"You know how deeply I feel for her, Edward" was my simple reply.

Edward turned then, and smiled. "I don't think your feelings are in question here Alice".

I immediately interrupted "So you doubt Bella's?"

Edward shook his head, "No – I may not be able to read her mind Alice, but it's obvious to me, to us all, that she too feels deeply for you".

Now I was a little puzzled.

"I don't understand?"

Edward walked towards me, and rested his hand on my shoulder.

"Alice – you know what we are; what we are capable of. I know how hard you've worked at combating your animal instinct when it comes to Bella, her blood… but she is human…"

I nodded slowly.

"Human, Alice. She'll age, grow up… she'll want to experience life…"

I nodded again.

"Will you be able to let her go, Alice? Let her go if she wants to?"

Edward wasn't telling me anything I hadn't already thought of myself.

The truth was, I honestly didn't know if I could let her go if she chose to leave me, I had no way of knowing how I would react…

But right now, right at this very moment in time, she wasn't going anywhere. And I needed her, needed to be with her…

I would never stop her from making her own decisions, even if they included moving away from Forks, from me… and I would never hurt her, even though the hurt would cut through me like a knife…

Edward watched me intently, and then nodded.

"I understand. And I'm sorry, Alice. Sorry for bringing this up… I just care for you…"

Sometimes it was so easy explaining to Edward. Not one world had escaped my lips, but he understood… he understood more than anybody else would.

I placed my hand on his.

"I know, thank you Edward".

Edward smiled again. "What are brothers for?" he asked.

I watched as he slowly moved towards the door. Again, I waited for what I knew was coming next…

"Oh, and Alice – don't stay up too late tonight, remember you and Bella have school tomorrow" and with that he winked.

"You've been hunting with Emmet, haven't you?" I asked as I threw a small cushion at his body. Of course, he was too quick. I watched as the cushion hit the door and landed on the floor.

It was time to see Bella.

I leapt from my open window and ran towards the object of my desire. It didn't take me long to arrive, and I immediately noticed the orange glow radiating from Bella's bedroom.

I had been slightly worried that she had fallen asleep, as I glanced at the watch on my wrist.

"Kinda late for a visit don't you think"?

Jake.

I turned and saw him standing with his arms folded across his chest. Why hadn't I seen this?

My agitation engulfed me.

"Not when one has an invite" was my simple response as I mimicked his stance, folding my arms in front of me.

I continued.

"You look a little miffed, Jake. Hasn't Bella invited you over too?"

My voice was sweet as honey. I knew the answer, but the opportunity to poke fun was too good to miss.

Jake snorted.

I continued, "I take that as a no, then – which begs the question Wolf Boy – what are you doing here?"

Jake shifted slightly.

"Don't call me that Bloodsucker".

I laughed.

"Is that the best you can do Jake? How original"

Jake shook his head "Oh, I have plenty of things I could say…"

I shrugged, "So, go ahead – let's put all our cards on the table shall we, you, me and Bella?"

Jake frowned.

"I don't understand" he muttered, as he looked up at Bella's open window.

I walked towards him and placed a finger on his chest.

"Bella knows what I am, Jake. Perhaps its time you told her what you are".

Jake stepped back.

"Don't you dare tell her Cullen, I'll…"

I immediately interrupted.

"I have no intention of telling her about you, relax Jake. But don't you think its time she knew? She would understand…."

Jake shook his head again, "No – listen to me. She wouldn't…"

I waited as Jake tried to find the right words.

I understood his denial. I had felt the very same thing. Bella had discovered what I was, in that respect I was lucky… but she would never guess about Jake…

I continued.

"Look, Jake. I don't want any hassle – but understand this. I am what I am, and Bella knows. She's perceptive, give her a little credit. If you have feelings for her like I know you do, you should trust her".

Jake frowned again, but continued to listen.

"I'm not going to leave her anytime soon Jake, so get over it. I care for her. More than you know. And I hate to see her upset… so why don't we try and at least be civil to one another?"

Again Jake frowned. Finally he spoke.

"I can't tell her… it's against the rules…."

I shrugged.

"Well maybe you can find your way around them"

Jake sighed.

"I can't do this Alice, okay? It's against everything I know, everything I've been brought up to respect and believe in – I can't be friends with a vampire…"

I stepped back.

"Well, you just called me Alice which certainly beats Bloodsucker, or even Cullen, so I guess that's a start"

Jake still looked puzzled; as if he was trying to understand the thoughts that were rushing through his head, understand me… and our conversation. How I wished Edward was there to give me a little insight.

I looked up at Bella's window, and any patience I had dissolved.

I spoke steadily.

"Now, if you'll excuse me, I have someone I've been waiting all evening to see"

And with that I walked away, leaving Jake standing, the frown still on his face.