Usual disclaimer applies.

March, 2012

~27~

It is easier than I had imagined to entrench myself in with the rest of the servers amongst the countless party guests. What I've chosen to wear is almost exactly what they are wearing, and with a tray of cocktails in one hand, I am unstoppable.

Luckily, much of the food and drinks that "we" are supposed to be serving are kept in the house while the party remains outside. It gives me my chance.

I make my way to Carlisle's office that is located on the second floor. It is a room that I had never been in before, but Edward and Alice would go to if they needed anything from their father.

I give myself only five minutes in there. I know with so many people here today, so much activity, that even that short amount of time is taking a risk.

But it's worth it.

I open the door slowly and poke my head in.

It's empty. Good.

I don't immediately tear through his desk, upturn couch cushions, or explore his file cabinet. I know if he has something to hide, it won't be in any of those places.

And if he is anything like his daughter, I know exactly where to look.

"Bella, I did it."

"What did you do Alice?"

Alice gives me a small grin and leaps up off her bed. Taking a screwdriver out of her bedside table first, she pulls a chair under the heating vent, and stands on top.

She proceeds to remove the cover, and takes out an envelope, tossing it to me.

I open it, take the contents out, and then quickly put them back in.

"Alice! These are nude photos… of you"

"I know! They are Jasper's birthday present. What do you think?"

I think I'm traumatized for life.

I look up to where the heating vent is located on the east wall.

Luckily, I brought my interchangeable screwdriver today. A girl's got to be prepared after all.

Removing the cover to the vent, I smile my success when I find an envelope, not unlike Alice's.

As I open it and look at the one photograph inside, it's like I'm numb inside. I should have already learned to expect surprises; I really should have expected this.

I stare, my mind blank, at the smiling photo of my mother.

And if that isn't shocking enough, the photograph is fairly recent. In it, Renee is wearing a shirt I bought for her three years ago, for her birthday.

Hearing laughter from somewhere within the house, I realize my time is up.

And even as I break my stare with the photo and put Carlisle's office back in order, even as I leave his office, and sit down, hard, on the staircase, I can't get the image of my mother out of my head.