As I lay beside Alice, the silence of the night was palpable, and it seemed to be filled with a sense of worry that made the air hard to breathe. Despite the stillness, my mind was racing, and I couldn't seem to shake off the feeling of unease that had been gnawing at me all night. The only solace was the warmth of Alice's body next to mine, and I held her close, hoping that my embrace would offer some comfort.
As the first light of dawn filtered through the curtains, I reached out to touch Alice's forehead and was relieved to find that her fever had finally broken.
The soft glow of the morning light illuminated the room, casting a gentle warmth that seemed to fill every corner. For the first time in what felt like an eternity, I allowed myself to relax, knowing that Alice would soon be feeling better. The lines of tension that had etched her face softened, and she appeared more at ease.
Alice stirred, her eyes fluttering open, and she offered a weak but genuine smile. "I think I'm feeling much better," she whispered, her voice still carrying a trace of exhaustion.
Encouraged by the positive change, I stepped out of bed. "I'm glad you're feeling better, but you should rest today." I suggested, "Stay in bed."
But Alice was determined. "I can't just lie in bed while you handle all the farm chores alone. I'm up for it; besides, some fresh air will do me good," she insisted, pushing herself up.
Respecting her resilience, I tried to think of a compromise. "How about you come outside but leave the work to me?"
Though I had seen her daily now, her delicately sculpted and high cheekbones, perfectly proportioned nose, and lips that carried a knowing smile formed a beauty that momentarily stunned me.
She placed her hands on her perfect hips. "I can't let you do everything on your own, Bella."
The sound of my name on her lips and her dazzling presence made it difficult to argue. It took all my willpower to stand my ground.
"Alice," I begged, "I want you to take it easy today. Please?"
Her eyes narrowed. "Your arm may be better today, but if you push yourself, you're going to end up back in that brace."
Surprised, I moved my arm back and forth, and just as she said, there was no longer any pain.
"I bet Charlie is feeling well enough to help out. Do your superpowers think so?" I asked.
Alice's piercing blue eyes went out of focus while she thought about it. "Hmmm..." She hummed, "It seems as though he's already outside, working."
"Really?" I began making my way outside, curious to see if she was right.
We stepped outside. The crisp morning air seemed to invigorate Alice. Just as she said, I could see Charlie spreading feed for the chickens.
"Hey, Dad!" I called to him.
"Hey Bells," He turned to Alice, "Oh, Alice, you look better. How are you feeling?"
Alice smiled at him, but her smile didn't reach her eyes. "I'm perfect, Charlie; thank you for asking."
The farm echoed with the sounds of routine: the clucking of chickens, the rustle of leaves, and the distant lowing of cattle. Alice watched in the shade as I worked.
As I went about the chores, I stole an occasional glance in Alice's direction. The way the sunlight played with her shiny black hair, creating a gentle halo, and the serene expression on her face made it hard for me to focus on work. It was as if she carried an aura that demanded attention, even in the quiet simplicity of sitting on the grass.
The sun climbed higher in the sky, casting a golden glow on the fields as the day unfolded.
A sudden movement from Alice abruptly broke the peaceful and monotonous hum of my work. She stood and rose unsteadily, her hand clutching her chest. Her face had turned an alarming shade of white. It was clear that something was seriously wrong, and I immediately rushed to her side.
"Alice, are you okay?" I asked in a panic.
Breathing heavily, she tried to muster a weak smile. "I'm fine, Bella. I am just a tad bit dizzy."
I guided her to sit on a fallen log, cursing to myself that I ever allowed her to be outside with me. "Let me get you some water."
I hurried to fetch the canteen, my worry deepening as I returned to find Alice looking paler than before.
After sipping the water, her condition improved a bit.
"Thank you." She said gratefully.
"Come on, let's get you inside." I insisted, wrapping an arm around her small waist.
"Mmmm." She moaned.
I turned my head down to look at her, terrified. "What's wrong? Did I hurt you?"
Her answering smile was sheepish, "No, Bella, your touch feels so good." His voice was a quiet pur.
Hot arousal shot through me, and I worked to squash it down. It was definitely not the right time to feel such a thing. And it was embarrassing to know how much power she had over me, even in her weakened state.
As I led her to the bed, her playfulness seemed to take center stage.
With a teasing glint in her eye, she remarked, "Well, the bed seems comfortable, but I'm sure it would be even better with some company." Her words carried a mischievous tone that stirred the arousal that I was trying so hard to suppress.
Torn between concern and amusement, I tried to play along while gently insisting on the importance of rest. "Oh, Alice. Right now, the only company you need is some good sleep." I gestured to the faded quilt-covered bed, hoping to steer the conversation toward a more serious note.
However, Alice continued, a smirk playing on her lips. "Sleep is overrated, you know. I'd much rather spend my time enjoying the company of a sexy companion." She winked, undeterred by the situation.
I chuckled, unable to suppress a smile at Alice's spirited antics. "You need a cozy blanket and a good nap. Save the flirting for when you're back on your feet."
Alice pouted, the expression so heartbreaking that I nearly caved in. "Alice." I groaned. "Rest up, you need to recover."
I turned to leave before my willpower dissolved, But Alice's fingers curled around my hand, a desperate plea in her voice. "Bella, please stay. I... I don't want to be alone right now," she implored, vulnerability breaking through her flirtatious demeanor.
Feeling the sincerity in Alice's plea, I hesitated before nodding. "Alright, I'll stay with you," I reassured.
I unbuttoned my dirty overalls and let them fall onto the floor.
"Oh good, you changed your mind." Alice said seductively as she appraised me.
Heat flooded my cheeks. "I just don't want dirt in my bed, don't get any ideas." I said quickly as I entered the bed in my undergarments. I suppressed a groan as I felt my body curve around hers.
The room quieted, save for the occasional creaking of the bed and the soft rustle of the curtains in the breeze.
Alice's grip on my hand seemed to tighten. I looked down at her, placing my hands on her head again. "This is so weird." I mumbled, "This is not like the flu."
"No." She raised a perfect brow, her expression tired. "Why would it be?"
"Don't you have the same thing that's been going around? Mrs. Black said Jacob had the flu, too."
"It's not the flu, Bella." Alice's tone sounded defeated yet guarded.
I looked at her with confusion. "If it's not the flu, what is it?" I asked gently, trying to unravel the truth behind her guarded expression.
She took a deep breath, her eyes momentarily avoiding mine before meeting them again. "It's not the flu, Bella. I... I have something more serious." Her words hung in the air, the weight of unspoken truths settling between us.
I tightened my grasp around her hand, fear settling in the pit of my stomach. "You can tell me, Alice. Whatever it is."
She hesitated, the weight of her words evident. "It's... it's an illness," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "I've had it my whole life. That's why Carlisle adopted me. He thought he could help my condition."
The room seemed to be still as the gravity of her words sank in.
My eyes widened, and for a moment, the only sound was the hushed realization that time had become an uninvited adversary. "Alice, I... What do you mean?" I stammered, feeling the weight of her revelation settle into the room. The fear in the pit of my stomach turned into a hollow mass of dread.
She managed a faint smile, trying to alleviate the heaviness of the moment. "I didn't want to burden you, Bella. But I need you to know. I need you by my side through this," she confessed, the vulnerability in her eyes revealing the depth of her fear.
I gently stroked her face, both speechless and terrified.
Alice took a moment to compose herself, meeting my gaze with a reassuring smile. "It's nothing to panic over. It's just that I have a mix of good days and bad days," she explained, her voice carrying a blend of acceptance and resilience.
I nodded, trying to grasp the situation. "So, some days are better than others?"
She nodded in confirmation. "Exactly. There are times when I feel almost normal, and then there are days when the simplest tasks become a challenge. It's a bit unpredictable."
"Alice, I want to be here for you. Whatever you need, on both the good days and the bad days," I assured her, my hand squeezing hers again in a gesture of solidarity.
She offered a beautiful, grateful smile. "Thank you, Bella. Having you by my side means more than you know." Her voice began to fade, and she yawned.
"You should get some rest." I insisted, but my voice was shaking, laced with fear. Alice was so perfect in every way that it was difficult to comprehend a universe that would conspire against her.
"I'm sorry to burden you with this." She whispered.
"You are never a burden." I told her.
"I have to see Carlisle soon." Her voice was almost inaudible.
"I'll take you home." I placed a gentle kiss on her cool forehead, praying that her adoptive father would know what to do.