*POV BELLA*
After the day I had, I need to run it off with my brothers. I race the guys though the woods. Even though they all know I'm the fastest, they all still try to race me. I beat them 7 times before I branch off to the beach. I take a deep breath and lay down on the sand. The ocean smell calms me. And the breeze feels great flowing through my fur. Before I know it, I knock out. I'm startled by Jake knocking my head with his smelly nose. I jump up when I see it's dark out.
Jake: you've been asleep for 4 hours.
Bella: crap! Charlie's going to be worried.
I jet off toward Jake's house.
Jake: hey! Slow down, I already called and told him patrol was running late. He knows you have duties here.
Bella: thanks Jake. Shit I can't believe I did that.
Jake: running around does tire us out. Plus, the beach has always brought you peace.
My mind goes to my mom & Charlie walking along the beach while me and Jake build sandcastles.
Jake: I figured that's why. She's always with us Bella.
Bella: I know. Jake, I have to get home. See you tomorrow?
When we get back to his house, I phase and wait for him. He gives me a hug and I hop in my car. Thank god for Rosalie. I make it home in no time. I see the lights are off and figured Charlie went to bed already. I see a note on the microwave letting me know my food is inside and to not forget my homework. I warm my plate and take it upstairs. Once again, I smell her before I even get to the top.
*POV ALICE*
After what feels like forever, the boys stop playing. I debate if I should go over to Bella's. Before I can decide, Edward ask me if I'll join him for a hunt. I tell him of course and rush to put my book up. Jasper gives us a questioning look but doesn't say anything. We head out to Edward's favorite spot to hunt, and I wait up in a nearby tree while he hunts. I already know he's going to talk to me about things. So, I just wait for him to work up to it. When he's done, he comes up and joins me on the branch.
Edward: why did you get jealous when you saw them kiss?
Alice: I didn't get jealous. I just… I don't know. I guess I'm just very protective of her. She's my best friend. I don't want her to get hurt. Just like I wouldn't want you to get hurt if someone came around.
Edward: well, I can tell you one thing, Jess does likes her. I don't think she'll hurt Bella. She's had a crush on her for years. She's glad Bella finally looked at her this year. And Alice, even though I've never been in love, I have felt jealousy. You don't think after so many years of living with Esme and Carlisle, I wouldn't be jealous? Even Rose and Emmett.
Alice: I never knew you felt that way Edward. If I'm being honest, I don't think I've ever felt jealous. If this is what I'm feeling, then I guess I am jealous. Jealous of what exactly, I don't know. I just know I don't like seeing it.
Edward: would you prefer she kiss you?
My mind says yes quicker than my lips can say no. And Edward just smiles at me.
Alice: ok fine, a part of me, yes… but a bigger part of me, no. I can't hurt Jasper. I've hurt him enough over the years.
Edward: it's not your fault you don't return his feelings Alice. We all know he's in love with you. But we also know, you're not in love with him. He knows what it really is between you two. And if you develop feelings for someone else, tough but he's the one hurting himself. It's not like you lied to him and played with his emotions.
Alice: Edward, you don't think I know this? I just can't though. I care about him too much to hurt him like this. And again, I don't even know my feelings for Bella exactly. I know I care for her. I know at times; I feel other stuff. But I'm not in love with her.
Edward: you're not giving it a chance to see if you could be.
Alice: I can't do that to Jasper. I have to give him a chance before I can give anyone else. He deserves that.
Edward: I think all these years count as a chance. But whatever you say little sis.
He jumps down from the tree and tells me to say hey to Bella before running back to the house. Leaving me with my thoughts. Am I jealous for Bella kissing someone else because I'm wishing it was me? Am I just a best friend worried about their friend getting hurt? Am I hurting Jasper in the long run? I try looking into my future. I see the same thing as now. I see Jasper around. And I see Bella around. I try harder. Still all the same. I start getting a headache from focusing too much. Deep down I know none of it will change unless I decide on one or the other. I look for Bella and see she's on her way home. Perfect. I jump down and take my time walking to her house. I hop into her window and take my spot on her bed. My spot. It's almost as if her bed is perfect for me. I hear her downstairs warming up some food and just wait for her to come up.
Bella: you really don't know how to use a door huh?
Alice: nope, I rarely use it at home. Ask Esme.
She has a big smile on her face when she sees me. God that is one sexy ass smile. She goes to sit at the desk with her food.
Bella: so, what do I owe this pleasure to?
Alice: would you like me to leave?
Bella: not at all what I said.
She continues to eat her food while she waits for me to answer.
Alice: I just wanted to see my best friend. Nothing wrong with that right?
Bella: depends… you staying all night or you have to rush home soon?
Alice: not at all what I said.
She smiles at me when I throw her words back at her.
Alice: I enjoy talking to you. But I'll only stay if you want me to.
Too quickly and low for any human to hear, she says 'I always want you to'.
Bella: I enjoy talking to you too. Besides its nice having you around.
I can't help the smile that crosses my face. She likes being around me too. We talk awhile while she eats. Then excuses herself to shower and I tell her I'll be waiting. I grab another one of her books and a picture drops out. An older woman that looks just like her and what looks like a 3-year-old Bella. She's beautiful. I stare at all the details of the picture. She has the brown eyes when I saw her the first time all those years ago. When I hear the shower cut off, I quickly put the picture back and pick up another book.
Bella: did you miss me?
Alice: yep, every second felt like forever!
Bella: haha. Anyways, so what's up? Whatcha want to talk about?
Alice: tell me about your mom. You mentioned her the other day…
I stop when I see the smile on her face drop.
Alice: you don't have to if you don't want to Bella. I'm sorry I asked.
Bella: it's not that. It's just… I haven't really spoken to anyone about her since she passed away.
Alice: not even Charlie? Or Leah?
Bella: no. Everyone knew her so I just got a bunch of 'I'm sorry' 'she's in a better place' or 'it'll be ok'. I mean there wasn't much for me to say besides, I'm ok.
Alice: we don't have to Bella. I don't want to make you sad. How about you tell me what is there to do for fun around here?
She stares at me for a minute, takes a seat next to me and slowly exhales the air she was holding. I don't know what to do so I just put my hand on hers in hopes it'll make her smile. When she looks up and smiles at me, I feel my dead heart melt. I could stare at it forever. She starts telling me about her mom. Her mom teaching her how to cook, the days down on the Res at the beach, the love shared between her and Charlie, how she hopes to one day have a love as theirs, her mom's talent in painting… she doesn't stop talking till her eyes start closing. I look over and see its almost 2.
Alice: Bella sweetie, it's almost 2, time for bed.
Bella: crap, ok. You're staying right?
Alice: I'll make you breakfast in the morning.
She smiles as she pulls the cover over her and lays down. I lay back on the pillow and start humming lightly while I run my hand through her hair. She knocks out quickly and I wait, wait and hope to hear my name. I shouldn't hope for her to say my name. But if I'm being honest. It makes me as happy as shopping does. Like the nights before, I don't have to wait long. She says my name 3 times and at one point even says, 'don't go'. I lay back and close my eyes. Surrounded by her scent, her heartbeat and hearing my name. I'm the most relax I have ever been. The sun comes up too quickly and I hear Charlie stirring in his bed. I rush downstairs and decide to make steak and eggs for them. Nothing wrong with a hearty breakfast meal.
Charlie: good morning Alice, it smells lovely down here.
Alice: good morning Charlie! Thank you. Coffee is on the pot.
Charlie: Alice, how would you feel about moving in?
He gives me a raise eyebrow and I see some of same features from Bella's face. She truly is a mix of both of her parents.
Alice: I think you should ask Bella about that first. Until then, I'll sneak in at night and make breakfast in the morning.
We share a laugh and I turn around to start the eggs. I hear him take a seat with his coffee and open up the newspaper.
Charlie: as a father, I should probably put a stop to that. But your breakfast makes up for the rule breaking. Also, for the record, I don't think she'll mind. Otherwise, she would've kicked you out by now.
I take in his words as I fix his plate. I ask him what made him become a cop and we chat for a while before he heads out. I hear Bella getting up as Charlie pulls out. She goes to wash up and comes downstairs with a smile on her face.
Bella: good morning pixie. The steak smells amazing.
Alice: good morning wolfie. Sit down and I'll serve you.
Bella: you don't get bored watching me sleep? Thank you for breakfast by the way.
Alice: not at all. 1. you talk in your sleep. 2. your snoring is quite relaxing.
Bella: haha, funny. I dont snore.
Alice: but you do talk in your sleep.
Bella: What did I say last night?
Alice: I'm never telling.
She raises her eyebrow but says nothing else. She eats her steak quickly.
Alice: welp, time for school. See you there?
Bella: yep. Another day of you ignoring me.
Her words stop me. They quickly yet slowly squeeze my heart.
Alice: I'll make it up to you. I'll cook you dinner! Ok gotta go. See you later wolfie.
I rush out and head home. I see Jasper waiting for me outside and I prepare myself for the fight.
