When Bella walked into the room I smiled. “Thanks.” “You’re early,” Bella said, elated. Bella put her head on my shoulder and I put my arms around her and sighed.

“Bella. What are we going to do with you?” “I don’t know,” she admitted. “I really have been trying my hardest.” “I believe you.” She does look like she’s trying hard. We really didn’t do her any good when we left. It’s our fault she’s like this, I thought.

“Does–does he…”Bella started to say. I watched her as she struggled to say his name. “Does Edward know you’re here?”

“No.” “He’s not with Carlisle and Esme?” Bella asked. “He checks in every few months.” “Oh. You said you flew here…where did you come from?” Bella said.

“I was in Denali. Visiting Tanya’s family,” I said. I left Jasper there. I know he didn’t want me to come, but I had to…I thought. “Is Jasper here? Did he come with you?” Bella asked.

I shook my head. “He didn’t approve of my interfering. We promised…” I trailed off. I can’t tell her…I thought.

“And you think Charlie won’t mind my being here?” I asked trying to change the subject. “Charlie thinks you’re wonderful, Alice.”

“Well, we’re about to find out.” A few seconds later, Charlie’s cruiser pulled into the driveway. Bella jumped and ran to open the door.

I got up quickly and ran over to Charlie and Bella. “Hi Charlie,” I said in a subdued voice. “I’m sorry I came at such a bad time.”

“Alice Cullen?” he peered at the slight figure in front of him as if he doubted what his eyes were telling him. “Alice, is that you?” “It’s me,” I confirmed. “I was in the neighborhood.”

At times like this I wish I could read minds like Edward. I wonder if he’s happy I’m here, I thought. “Is Carlisle…?” “No, I’m alone.”

I knew he was not asking about Carlisle. He was asking about Edward. “She can stay here, can’t she?” Bella pleaded. “I already asked her.”

“Of course,” Charlie said mechanically. “We’d love to have you, Alice.” “Thank you, Charlie. I know it’s horrid timing.”

“No, it’s fine, really. I’m going to be really busy doing what I can for Harry’s family; it will be nice for Bella to have some company.”

“There’s dinner for you on the table, Dad,” Bella said. “Thanks, Bell.” He shuffled over to the kitchen, leaving Bella and I alone. I went back to the couch, and when Bella sat down, I pulled her against my shoulder.

“You look tired. “Yeah,” Bella agreed and shrugged. “Near-death experiences do that to me…so, what does Carlisle think of you being here?”

“He doesn’t know. He and Esme were on a hunting trip. I’ll hear from him in a few days, when he gets back.” “You won’t tell him though…when he checks in again?” Bella asked.

I knew she meant Edward, and not Carlisle. “No. he’d bite my head off,” I said grimly. Bella laughed once and then sighed. She rested her head on my shoulder and she drifted to sleep. Once she was in a deeper sleep, I got up carefully and slowly, and tucked Bella in.