Chapter 20

As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky with pink and orange hues, we returned to the farm.

Before I entered, I made sure to conceal my arm brace. I noted that the pain had diminished significantly since the injury, and I probably wouldn't have to wear it for much longer.

Alice gave me a knowing look that was quickly becoming familiar. It was the look she had when she had a vision.

"I think you'll be better by morning. You heal quite fast, Bella."

I smiled at the prospect. Being confined to using one arm was a hindrance. However, I was thankful for it, as it had allowed me to spend so much time with Alice.

"That's great news."

As I entered the nearly dilapidated house, I noticed the living room was empty and quiet.

"Hey, Dad," I called out to the quiet house.

"Glad you're back, Bells," He called from the kitchen.

"Are you hungry?" I asked him, lugging the groceries in my arm.

"Starved." He sighed.

"Well, you are in luck. Thanks to Alice, we are having quite the feast tonight."

As I set out to prepare a delicious dinner, I was grateful to have Alice by my side. Alice's presence in the kitchen made cooking more enjoyable and lit the room with her delightful aura. And I had to admit—she was nice to look at. Her perfectly angular face never ceased to stun me into speechlessness.

But as I observed her, something seemed to be off. She seemed slightly shaky, and her smile was not as bright as before.

"Alice? Are you feeling okay?" I asked her.

"I'm perfect," Alice said as she wrapped her tiny arms around my waist and pulled me close. After that, I was too distracted to question her further.

As we chopped vegetables, stirred sauces, and seasoned dishes, our laughter filled the kitchen, summoning Charlie to investigate.

Charlie stood in the doorway. "Glad you kids are having fun." He was wearing an expression I didn't recognize at first. He seemed happy and a bit more carefree, like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders.

Around the old and shabby dining table, the atmosphere was filled with anticipation and gratitude. The soft glow of candles illuminated the room, casting a warm ambiance as Charlie, Alice, and I sat down to savor the dinner crafted because of Alice's market success.

Charlie's eyes sparkled with delight as he tasted the food.

Succulent meats and cooked vegetables were rare at the Swan's residence.

"Have you talked to Jacob lately?" Charlie asked me.

I froze, unsure of what to say. How could I explain Jacob's sudden distaste for me? It didn't make sense and would raise more questions than answers if I tried to explain it to Charlie. So, I decided to tell the partial truth.

"He's been disregarding me a bit. A lot is happening with the Blacks right now, so I understand he's busy." I lied.

I explained to Charlie about Sarah's long hours at the diner, Jacob's recent encounter with the flu, careful to leave out his warning about the Cullens, and how he told me never to come back. I tried my best not to get emotional, but my voice cracked a bit, and I felt Alice's comforting hand on my leg, which stirred a throbbing throughout my lower body.

Charlie thought about this for a moment. "Maybe there is more to this than you realize." He told her.

I met his gaze, curious.

His brows furrowed in concern. "Now I know you and Alice have become quick friends, and it's good to have female friends, but I don't want you to forget about Jacob."

"What do you mean?" I asked, perplexed.

"Maybe he feels a little left out since you started spending a lot time with Alice. You used to spend more time with him."

I considered this for a moment. Charlie thought Jacob was... Jealous? It was true, I had spent more time with him before I met Alice, but I didn't believe it was the whole story. Something very strange was going on with Jacob.

"Y—yeah. I'll try." I stammered.

Midway through the expansive dinner, a subtle shift in Alice's demeanor caught my attention. My gaze locked onto her. She had been previously lively and engaged in conversation but now looked paler than usual, with a light sheen of sweat on her forehead.

"Are you feeling okay, Alice?" I inquired, my voice laced with genuine worry. Charlie momentarily paused his tale of the farm's adventures, and his attention shifted to her.

Alice attempted a reassuring smile but couldn't hide the strain. "I think I might have overexerted myself at the market today, that's all." she admitted, her voice a touch weaker than before.

"I see," concern continued to twist in the pit of my stomach as I noticed her complexion growing noticeably paler. "Well, after you're done eating, let's get you straight to bed."

"I think I'm done. Thank you Bella, your cooking is amazing."

I couldn't accept the compliment when she had someone like Esme Cullen to cook for her. I swiftly rose from my seat, offering support. "Let's make sure you get some rest."

The other sounds of the room dimmed as I guided Alice to the bedroom. The once festive atmosphere had turned into concern.

With a soft touch, I tucked a blanket around Alice, who lay down with a tired but appreciative smile. The dim light in the room highlighted the paleness that had now become more pronounced on her face.

I fussed over Alice, "Alice, are you sure you're okay?"

"Yes. Just tired." She yawned.

"You really should take it easy. I'll bring you some water and maybe a cool cloth for your forehead," I suggested.

She nodded weakly. "Thank you, Bella."

I left momentarily, returning with a glass of water and a damp cloth, but I found that she was already sleeping, a soft snore coming from her.

I went to Alice's side and gently placed my hand on her forehead. She was warmer than she should be, and my thoughts flickered to Jacob. Maybe Alice caught the sickness that was going around town. I placed the cool cloth on her forehead and prayed that she would be okay.