Chapter Twenty Four

Esme

Alice was fitting in nicely, Emmett treated her like a little sister and even Edward who usually hated newcomers had taken to her. Probably because he could brag about helping her escape from Volterra, if only within the family of course. Rose and Alice had bonded almost immediately, I think Rose saw an echo of her own tragic story in Alice's which gave them common ground. We soon found Alice to be something of a whirlwind, she took over our daily lives suggesting things to wear and places to go. She loved clothes and soon had a closet full care of Carlisle. Edward was appreciative of the fact she also loved culture and was more than happy to accompany him to art galleries, concerts ans museums. Much to our amusement she even persuaded him to go to a rock concert although his face when he returned made it redundant asking him if he had enjoyed himself!

Our time in Boston was coming to an end as it did everywhere. Because we lived among humans we were forced to move on every few years before the fact we didn't age became apparent. There was as ever the same family discussion on where we would move to. I was sick of the city, I wanted something more rural, a slower pace of life although I knew it meant Carlisle wouldn't be able to work in research or a teaching hospital which is why we'd chosen Boston last time. Edward wasn't keen on rural either, not enough "culture" for him and Alice looked very doubtful too so I sighed heavily.

"So which city will we be going too next? Please not Chicago you know I hate it there."

We got the map out and various places were suggested but I kept looking at Seattle hoping someone would bring it up. It was fairly close to Forks and I loved that town and the house in the forest although it would need a lot of renovation work. I had begged Carlisle to keep it, usually he sold our houses when we moved on but there was something about that one, I couldn't bear to let it go. So he gave me the deeds as a present and it had stood unoccupied for years now.

We ended up moving to Portland Oregon because it had almost as many cloudy days as the Olympic range in Washington. At first it was fun, we spent time exploring and I was busy redesigning the old house we had purchased while Carlisle started his new job at the hospital which was now being updated.. I guess I should have figured something was going on. Alice had helped us financially, seeing the way the markets were going and I had told her that since becoming a vampire her gift had never let her down which seemed to please her, I think its irregular success had always frustrated her so I guess I was partly responsible for what happened. The first we knew of it was when she and Rose disappeared without telling anyone where they were going, the second was when Edward told us that he'd overheard Alice's thoughts and discovered she had lived in Portland when she was human.

"Perhaps it wasn't a good idea coming here Carlisle, it must bring back such unhappy memories."

"You think she's gone looking for her families graves Esme?"

"Probably, and taken Rose for moral support."

We waited but they didn't return home that night, in fact it was the next evening before they got back and Alice looked devastated while Rose said nothing but went straight upstairs to the room she shared with Emmett. Alice wouldn't say anything, she just apologized for having worried us unnecessarily and then followed Rose up.

"I think we should find out what happened, its obviously upset Alice greatly. See if Rose will talk to you, Its one time we could do with Edwards gift but he's gone to that piano recital and won't be back till late."

I did as Carlisle suggested but met Rose coming back down the stairs and she looked angry...with me!

"What happened Rose? Where were you?"

"We went looking for Alice's only remaining relatives, all that were left after that guy killed Alice's family."

"Oh? Do you think that was wise? Besides they may not even be in Portland now. It all happened a while ago now Rose."

She scowled,

"Alice had a vision, she saw them, still living in the same house and she asked me if I would go with her to see them."

"And you agreed Rose? Didn't you realize how dangerous that could be? You could have been discovered."

"Not if we were careful, we live among humans and we were going to make sure Alice wasn't seen by them. She just wanted to see them."

"Rose, really. You know its never that simple."

"Oh don't look so shocked Esme, you know what it feels like to have no one left in your life."

"Did you find them?"

"No, Alice's vision was wrong and that broke her heart after all you'd said about it being perfect now she was one of us."

I understood her anger then,

"I see, so what happened? I take it you didn't see them?"

"Oh, we saw them, or at least their graves."

"Graves?"

"Yes, graves, they were killed in a gas explosion when they rebuilt Alice's house, it had been left to them in her fathers will. Alice's vision of the future was changed because her Uncle decided a few days ago to start using the gas boiler again. You shouldn't have told her that her gift was foolproof now."

"I'm very sorry Rose, I'll speak to Alice, see if she will accept my apology. I certainly never meant to hurt or mislead her."

Rose calmed a little on hearing that and then Carlisle took her to one side to point out that it was wrong to be taking that attitude with me, That I would never hurt any of them purposely. She apologized and I accepted then went upstairs to speak to Alice.

Of course, she'd seen me coming but I was relieved when I found out she blamed herself not me.

"I'm sorry Esme, I really thought you were right, that what I saw was what would be but I was wrong. I always said my visions were only possible futures and I was right, I just wished I'd got to see them once more. You see, you can't rely on my visions, they are only possible futures."

"We'll remember that Alice but remember when you are right it has helped us a lot and you will keep looking won't you? Its hard enough living among humans without giving ourselves away so anything you see that warns of possible danger we will always be interested in."

She nodded smiling at me like a child,

"I will Esme, but you are all so kind and careful, I can't see danger coming to your door."

"NO more than you imagined it would come to yours Alice. Its not only the evil who find themselves in danger, usually its the unsuspecting innocents."

As I left her feeling I hoped a little better I had a flash of vision myself, I saw the black garbed figure I had met in Volterra, The Major, and I shuddered.

After this incident Alice's visions seemed back on track and even though she was cautious we did very well following her instructions on the stock market. Enough that Carlisle was able to buy me a tropical island for our wedding anniversary and for ten years we lived quite happily there, away from the cares of the human world, living as we wanted, walking out in the sunlight and relaxed for the first time ever. Carlisle traveled back and forth doing research work and Rose was helping him out working towards a doctorate in research biology while Edward disappeared for months at a time performing piano concerts in the major cities of Europe.

Emmett and Alice were my constant companions and I loved the feel that we were a real family where the adult children came and went, knowing they had a home when they wanted it but sometimes if everyone were away I would sit on the beach and close my eyes only to see that same black clad figure watching me and I would feel dread steal over me, I was glad I wasn't the one who saw the future.