Charlie drove Bella to the Cullen home the following evening after making sure to facilitate her transportation to and from campus earlier that day.

Perhaps she had made it too obvious that she wasn't attending her classes. Perhaps she stared blankly at her food each night during dinner for too long. Maybe her smiles weren't as bright, or gleeful. Maybe her jokes were off, and awkward.

Whatever Charlie truly noticed—he didn't show it. And part of Bella was grateful for that. Because what, really, would she be able to say in response?

Opening the front door, she walked into an impossibly more immaculate living area. She didn't understand how the Cullen's residence could get even more primed, polished, and perfected.

Annoyedly, her eyes did their usual search for a speck of disorder; something that inevitably should be missed, or out of place. She found the perfect symmetry of the chairs at the dining table dizzying, along with the rarely used coasters on the coffee table that undeniably matched the trimming on the sectional.

When she looked up from her scrutiny, Esme Cullen was walking towards her eagerly with an elegant, black, knee-length dress. The neckline was open, and the skirt flowed beautifully as she held it out on a hanger. "I'm so happy you made it. I wanted to see how this fit you."

Bella only stared at the dress.

"For tonight," Esme elaborated, grinning softly, almost embarrassedly. "We all tend to dress up for these things."

The Volturi's visit. Bella averted her eyes as her fingers came up to her turtleneck. "I can't wear that."

"Why not? You don't like the cut?"

"The neckline."

Esme paused, looking between the dress and her. "What about it?"

Harsh, intentional footsteps echoed at the top of the stairs. Alice. "Leave it, Esme." Her gaze darted to Bella. "I have something for you to wear."

Alice turned away, and Bella robotically headed for the stairs. But not before Esme grabbed onto her elbow. Prematurely, Bella winced—as she always did—at a vampire's unanticipated touch.

Esme's demeanor changed instantly, her voice barely above a whisper when she asked, "May I see, Bella?"

"No."

Her expression tightened. Bella welcomed the pain she could read on her face. "On his behalf, I am very sorry."

Bella's voice, dead. "He's sorry, too."

"But not sorry enough."

"Never enough," Bella agreed simply. Finding the courage that brought a layer of tears to her eyes, she yanked the fabric down from her neck. Another brutal painting. "You told me he would be good to me."

Esme took a small, but noticeable step back as her eyes darted between Bella's exposed neck and her face. "Bella—"

Her surprise only angered her. "Are you regretting those words now?"

Suddenly, Jasper was beside Esme, who looked like she was about to burst into tears. An impossible feat for a vampire, though a wicked, scorned part of Bella wanted to see it.

Jasper held out a hand towards the front door. "Esme, please."

Her pained eyes were the last thing Bella saw before she disappeared.

Bella glared up at Jasper as she felt a steadying hand on her arm, noting momentarily that she didn't feel at all threatened by his touch. She shrugged it off, and smoothed the fabric up her throat.

"Esme is the last person you should take this out on," he told her quietly, and turned towards the stairs. "Come."

Following him upstairs, she found a momentary bout of relief that they'd be entering his library. She found that it was the only place in the Cullen home that didn't suffocate her entirely; a place where dust and clutter were allowed to exist. She appreciated that the natural laws of entropy applied to it.

But much to her dismay, they swiftly passed it by, heading for Alice's room instead. Jasper opened the door and motioned for her to go in.

Alice's back was to them. When she turned around, she was holding a pure white dress with a neckline that ended right beneath her chin.

A bandaid to a gun wound, Bella thought bitterly as the turtleneck constricted around her throat.

The dress was long sleeved and ribbed like a sweater. Alice ran a hand down the skirt that would brush just above her knees. "What did I say about Esme's sensitivity, Bella?"

"She asked."

"Did she?" Uninterested. Alice was entirely uninterested. "Here." She tossed the dress in her direction. "This should do." She picked up a box and opened the lid to reveal soft pink heels. "And these as well."

Jasper was examining the dress in Bella's clutches, and that was when she noticed the button-up and slacks he had donned. "Is dressing up required?"

"The Volturi love formality," Jasper murmured, then titled his head to the side, his red eyes sliding to Alice. "White, Alice?"

"Edward loves her in white," she cooed.

"White," he repeated, his gaze running over Bella. "Untouched, and unbitten."

Bella blinked. "What?"

Alice only laughed brightly. "Ironic."

Eyebrows drawn, and with a little hint of disgust, Bella asked, "Is there some sort of color code that you assign to your humans?"

Alice came up to her, grabbing the dress and holding it up against her. "Sometimes it's necessary. With so many humans, it can be hard to keep track."

At the wide-eyed, horrified look on Bella's face, Jasper explained, "It's a very old Volturi custom—a method of organization, if you will. There are a lot of humans they need to process through given the size of the coven."

"And vampires can be picky with their food," Alice mused, gaze resting lightly on Jasper. "We can be very particular in our tastes."

Bella found all of this to be entirely disturbing. "The Volturi color-codes humans."

Alice shrugged, admiring the dress on her. "Don't you usually tag and color-code your cattle?"

Jesus. "And white represents…"

Alice stuck the dress back in Bella's hands. "Purity."

"But that's not—"

—true, she was going to stay.

"Does it matter, Bella?" She tapped her nose, almost lovingly. "Edward adores you in white." And then, she motioned for Jasper to move. She craned her neck around to Bella with a final, "Get dressed."

They closed the door behind them.

Alice came in soon after to twist Bella's hair into something presentable, and patted her with light makeup. Bella noted how her lipstick was the perfect shade to match those four-inch heels, which she begrudgingly slipped on.

Dressed like the doll she was—and covered in all the necessary places—Alice led her to the stop of the grand stairs.

Bella locked up immediately when she noticed his presence down below.

Edward glanced up from the couch, and she instinctively looked away.

"You didn't bring your necklace, did you?" Alice asked her, and Bella flinched at the feel of her fingers smoothing out a portion of her hair. "We can borrow one of Esme's old ones."

And in the next moment, she felt the cool metal of the Cullen Crest through the fabric of the dress. It felt unbearably heavy. She took a ragged breath, testing the weight of it against her chest.

And then, she was tugged down the stairs, on display for anyone below. She dared a glance at Edward, and he was on his feet, watching her intently.

Alice extended Bella's hand out towards him when they reached the base. "Isn't she absolutely lovely?"

He approached with a soft smile, but Bella jerked her hand back, holding onto it protectively.

"Edward," she greeted him icily.

His tone—soft, dreamy. "You do look lovely."

Untouched, and unbitten.

She side-stepped by him and headed for the sectional, but Alice cut off her path. "One more thing. Make sure to keep your shield down for me. I'd like to make sure this evening will go accordingly."

From the corner of her eye, she saw movement in the kitchen. Jasper and Esme were there, and Jasper looked at her for a long moment before saying something to Esme. Uneasily, Esme nodded, and turned around, busying herself with whatever was on the counter.

"My shield has been down, Alice," Bella told her lowly, and then situated herself on the sectional.

"Wonderful."

Edward came over and sat about a foot away, turning to Bella. "Can we please talk?"

"No."

"Please," he insisted.

"I already told you. There's a reason this dress is choking me, and until that's over, I don't even want to see you. Tonight is an exception."

He seemed to gradually sink deeper into himself. But Alice only smiled at him. "It will be well, Edward. Bella's just a little feisty, but we love that about her. Don't we?"

Bella attempted to swallow the anger that thrummed beneath her skin. But before she could say anything, Rosalie and Emmett arrived through the front door—Rosalie in a beautiful, lavender dress, and Emmett in dark slacks. They lingered by the kitchen, chatting with Esme. Jasper remained beside them, listening, but silent.

Alice disappeared momentarily, only to return with a dashing black dress of her own.

There was a casual hum of chatter that Bella wasn't usually accustomed to. A lot of the Cullens, even though they called this place home, were rarely here altogether. Bella didn't think she had seen Emmett in a long while.

And he must have caught her looking, so he came over.

"Bella," he greeted with an easy smile. "You look great."

"As opposed to…" she trailed, teasing.

He gave her a look, and then held out his arms. "So, what about me? Have I impressed?"

"You're asking a human?"

His eyes gleamed. "Alright, so you don't like the shirt."

Bella laughed lightly, her eyes skimming over the cream fabric with buttons that strained whenever he flexed an arm. "Well, I am doubting its structural integrity."

She then noticed the watch clasped around his left wrist. She hadn't looked at it too closely before, but now she could see that its face wore the same symbol that was etched into her necklace. When she glanced around the room, she was sure every member of the family displayed the crest in some sort of fashion.

"Two minutes," Alice called, perched at the edge of the loveseat.

"That's my cue," Emmett whispered conspiratorially, glancing at Rosalie. But then, his expression smoothed, his eyes softening as he regarded Bella. "Good luck."

The next whole minute felt like a lifetime as the chatter died down to murmurs. Edward leaned forward beside her, and it took all of her willpower to not scoot away at the reminder of his presence.

"You will be okay, Bella," she heard him say.

No, she wanted to say. No—in the end, I really won't be.

Bella's eyes focused on the front door, and surely enough, it opened in the next few seconds. Carlisle—who she hadn't seen in days—walked in first, followed by a vampire who was unknown to her.

Red eyes, and a long coat of night. Demetri, she presumed. The flash of the pendant around his neck, a metallic and bold V, told her all she needed to know.

Alice appeared by the door, poised, with eyes dancing with mischief, as if she knew something no one else did—which was Alice in her most natural form, Bella decided.

"Alice, as beautiful as ever," Demetri addressed her formally, planting a chaste kiss on the back of her hand.

"Demetri," she acknowledged smoothly.

He then greeted each member of the Cullens by their name distantly, but politely.

"And this is Isabella Swan," Carlisle introduced, when Demetri's eyes at last landed on Bella.

"Isabella Marie Swan," Demetri said, his voice deep, and rich. Bella straightened, feeling that warning at the base of her spine as he approached. "Soon-to-be Isabella Marie Cullen. Hello."

He stood before her with narrowed, amused eyes. He offered his hand, and after a brief scan of the room, Bella took it, letting him pull her to her feet. She was guided to the center of the living area, the skirt of her dress dancing airily around her thighs.

He circled once around her, examining. "It's a shame you keep that pretty neck hidden."

No one said a word at that. Jasper merely glanced away when Bella searched for him.

"You are a ghost," he concluded, his tone a mix between appreciation and irritation. "A shield."

"Yes," she replied quietly.

"A mental shield, is that right?"

"We are submitting an amendment to Carlisle's declaration," Jasper interjected from the furthest corner of the room. "Her physical shield is recent."

"Oh?" Demetri acknowledged pleasantly. "Edward Cullen and I aren't the only ones who have some frustration with you, it seems."

Bella remained silent as he stared at her some more—the concentration on his face enough evidence that he still tried to catalog her. He circled her once more.

"Aro would love to meet you," he purred, pausing in front of her. "Would you like to meet him, Isabella Swan?"

"Who?" She asked, clutching her hands together.

"Who?" Incredulous, Demetri laughed. "Who indeed." He flicked his gaze to Carlisle. "She has much to learn, but they all do, don't they? But I'm sure you'll bring her to Volterra once she's turned." He reached out a hand, hovering just beneath her chin. "Show off what a prize you've found."

Demetri then turned to Edward. "She is intended for you, is she not?" He grinned knowingly. "I do hope you follow through this time."

Swallowing, Bella searched for Jasper's attention, but his gaze was fixed on Demetri.

Edward smiled easily. "She is my everything."

"I'm sure," Demetri murmured. "Come. Let me see the two of you together. For Aro's own amusement."

Edward stepped forward, and Bella looked away when he stood close. Her stomach trembled when she felt his hand brush her waist, pulling her to his side.

"Smile, bellissima," Demetri encouraged, as if taking a picture. It was the first time she noticed any hint of an Italian accent from him.

Bella tried to smile, and she hoped she did.

Alice came up to Demetri and pressed a small piece of paper in his palm. "For our kings," she said graciously. "While I have their messenger here, I figured I would use him."

"Dearest Alice." He tasted her name and looked at her with wicked glee. "Unfortunately for you, I deliver messages, not love letters."

"Love plays no part in court," she quipped, and then turned her head in dismissal. "Jasper, the Visitation."

Jasper stepped forward and handed him a larger document "Visitation. All coven members were present, and all coven members have signed," he said, indicating at something that was written with a finger.

"Ah, paperwork," Demetri said distastefully. He folded it and tucked it into the inner pocket of his coat, along with whatever Alice had given him. He turned to address Carlisle. "Congratulations on your newest addition. We hope she smoothly transitions within the next eight months." He glanced swiftly at Bella."Lovely to meet you, Ms. Swan."

Bella said nothing. She merely watched as Demetri's red eyes politely scanned the room, acknowledging the presence of each member of the family. Jasper and Carlisle walked out with him, and Bella was left standing as Rosalie and Emmett disappeared upstairs.

When she turned around, she found Edward to be gone as well.

Lingering in the kitchen, Esme asked tentatively, "Would you like anything, Bella?"

Bella approached her and leaned against the island, suddenly feeling entirely exhausted. Her hand went up to her chest, where the necklace dug into her chest. "I borrowed this." She picked up the pendant, the weight so unusually heavy. "Am I crazy, or is it… weighted?"

"Ours are weighted," Esme confirmed, her hand tapping her own necklace, which was identical to Bella's. "We'll barely feel it otherwise."

Bella reached back to unclasp hers. It took her a minute to finally fumble through the chain, and she laid it flat on the counter.

When she looked up at Esme Cullen, there was despair in those golden eyes as they stared at the pendant. "I am sorry, Bella."

Emptily, she responded, "It doesn't hurt anymore."

"Maybe not physically." Esme's fingers toyed with the necklace. "You know, he can hardly look at me."

"Edward?"

"He's ashamed."

"As he should be."

And they seemed in quiet agreement.

The next day, Bella met Jasper in his library for more shield practice. Jasper didn't want to lose their momentum, and insisted that they work diligently to ensure that her physical shield was consistent, and that she was able to raise and lower it on demand.

Bella sat at the chair in front of Jasper's desk and flipped through her Chemistry textbook, mindlessly reading through paragraphs to maybe have a semblance of what was going on in the class. If she showed up for the midterm, she figured she should at least avoid completely flunking it.

Occasionally, she would feel an unusual emotion thrown her way—entirely without warning. She would be expected to protect herself as quickly as possible. Fear, anger, glee, despair. A hurricane of emotional influence.

This went on for a few hours.

"Carlisle seemed very pleased," Bella said absently, flipping to another page.

Jasper flipped a page of his own; he was reading through a thick binder at his desk. "You're giving him a lot to brag about."

"A prize," Bella said, thinking of Demetri's words.

Jasper seemed to agree. "The gifted are cherished, prized possessions. Your name's probably being thrown around all over court."

"Is that where Carlisle was the last week? Court?"

Jasper's gaze connected with hers. "Yes. He has more of an incentive to visit now that he has declared a gifted addition to his coven. You give him a little more leverage when it comes to playing politics."

And then, Bella remembered, pronouncing the name awkwardly, "Aro—he's one of your kings, I assume? Demetri had mentioned him."

"Our three kings. Aro, Caius, and Marcus."

Marcus was the most bland name out of the three. "And why would I meet Aro?"

"Tradition. When a high ranking coven leader adds a gifted, everybody talks. And Aro certainly would want to meet anyone stirring the conversation. It's his court, primarily."

"But there are two other kings."

"Power of that sort can never be truly and evenly split, Bella. There will always be an outranking king. And that king is Aro—his gift is the strongest and most... effective in a court setting." He thumbed through a stack of paper, and before she could ask, he answered, "He can read your mind—but not just your current thoughts. He can read every single thought you've ever had, and experience every moment you've stored in your brain."

Even the idea of that made her feel entirely naked. "Wow." But then a smugness kept up onto her. "But… would it work on me?"

A small smile spread on his lips. "Always the exception. No, I don't believe it would."

"So, if Aro's gift lets him see through every thought and experience… there would be nothing you could hide from him."

"Hence why our justice system is dictated by his gift alone. You cannot commit a crime and escape Aro's clutches. If he gets a whiff of it, he can grab the evidence through just a touch."

"Just a touch," Bella repeated. "He has to touch to read minds?"

"Correct."

The door behind her opened, and she twisted to see Alice dancing in. A smile on her face.

She came forward and knelt by her, and Bella suddenly felt like she was in primary school again, a teacher crouched at her level.

"Bella," she sang in delight. "How are you?"

Bella's eyes went up to Jasper first, who was pointedly scribbling something down. And then, she looked down at Alice. "I'm okay."

"Just okay?" Her gaze fell to Bella's fingers that rested on her book. She snatched her hand, examining her fingers. "I think we should get your nails done."

Bella tried to yank her hand back. "Why?"

Mischief swirled in those golden eyes, a knowing stare. "Edward is thinking Valentine's Day."

And immediately, Bella knew what she meant. "You're insane."

From the corner of her vision, she could see that Jasper's hand had stilled, the thought forgotten.

Alice simply glanced down at the fingers in her grip. "And you don't moisturize your cuticles or use any polish. When Edward slides that gorgeous rock onto your finger, you're going to want these looking flawless." Bella shot to her feet, the textbook tumbling down. Alice blocked her way. "Don't be so shy. I see you saying yes."

"Your visions are lying to you."

She only grinned. "Do you know why you're saying yes?"

Bella tried to get around her. "I'm going to say no."

"You're saying yes, because you love him so, so, so much."

"You are as delusional as he is."

Her face twisted into something ugly. "In one phone call, I can have Renee Dwyer's spine snapped into two. Better yet, I can do it myself. You're pushing my hand here, Bella."

Color drained from Bella's face. And at that, Alice's features returned to their effortless grace. "Now, when Edward gets down on his knees and asks for your hand, what will you tell him?"

Bella swallowed, her voice weak, and wavering. "Don't do this, Alice. You're already killing me."

She lifted a shoulder casually. "Edward is old fashioned, what can I say? He's stubborn, too." She sighed prettily. "I have to do what I have to for my brother's happiness."

"I hate your brother."

Amused, Alice's gaze slid to Jasper. "Does she?"

That was when Jasper placed the pen down. His tone—level, and diplomatic. "Somehow, I don't think that matters to you."

She grinned, feline.

"Why push for this?" Bella demanded. "Why?"

"As I said, Edward is old fashioned." Her face tightened, her lips thinning. The impatience was evident. "You've refused him enough."

"He almost killed me."

"Almost!" She chirped. "Though you just might pass out when you see that ring. The cut, the quality… oh, Bella, you lucky girl."

Lucky?

"Alice," Jasper said, and there was barely a hint of a warning there; a hand outstretched towards the door. "Enough."

"Oh, watch your tone," she crooned in return. "You forget you're talking to a Cullen."

"Cullen," he considered. Unspoken words danced between them until finally, the tension in Jasper's shoulders eased. "Apologies," he relented, "Alice Cullen."

Satisfied, Alice sauntered to Bella. "Baby pink. Your nails will be baby pink, beautiful Bella. They shouldn't outshine the sparkle of those three carats." She patted her head, as one would do to a good pet. "And plaster that pretty smile on your face. Edward can't read your mind, but he's not blind."

A/N: This chapter: Color-coding your food, a Volturi visitation, and a questionable soon-to-be proposal.

A little taste for what's coming up:

"Mating is a two-way ritual. You told me this. I would never say those words to him, and I would never complete any ritual."

Jasper paced back to his desk. "When have you ever had a choice in anything when it comes to the Cullens? Bella, don't be ridiculous."

See you next week.