When Bella finished we just sat there for a moment. “Our leaving didn’t do you any good at all, did it?” I murmured. Bella laughed.

“That was never the point, though, was it? It’s not like you left for my benefit.” Yes, we did. Edward loves you, and why can’t you figure that out! I thought. I wanted to tell her that Edward still loved her, but I couldn’t.

It would probably make her sadder.

“Well…I guess I acted impulsively today. I probably shouldn’t have intruded.” “Don’t go, Alice,” Bella whispered. “Please don’t leave me.”

“All right. I’m not going any where tonight. Take a deep breath,” I said. I watched Bella calm down. She looks really bad. I can’t believe we left her… I thought.

“You look like hell, Bella.” “I drowned today,” she reminded me. “It goes deeper than that. You’re a mess.” Bella flinched, and said, “Look, I’m doing my best.” “What do you mean?” I asked. “It hasn’t been easy. I’m working on it.” I frowned. “I told him.”

“Alice,” she sighed. “What did you think you were going to find? I mean, besides me dead? Did you expect to find me skipping around and whistling show tunes? You know me better than that.”

“I do. But I hoped.”

“Then I guess I don’t have the corner on the idiocy marker.” Then the phone rang. “That has to be Charlie,” Bella said as she staggered to her feet. She grabbed my hand and dragged me with her to the kitchen.

I listened carefully as Bella was on the phone. Bella sighed. “That’s going to be a problem.” I squeezed Bella’s hand. “They aren’t excited I’m here.”

“Not especially. But it’s none of their business anyway.” I put my arm around Bella. “So what do we do now?” I mused. “Things to do. Loose ends to tie.” “What things to do?” Bella asked.

“I don’t know for sure…I need to see Carlisle.” “Could you stay? Bella begged. “Please? For just a little while. I’ve missed you so much.”

“If you think that’s a good idea,” I said. It’s not right. I shouldn’t be here right now. Bella should be living a happy normal life without vampires, but I just had to interrupt. Well, at least I made her happier, I thought.