Alice: Recovered Memories

Big Sister

Bella came into the bathroom and smiled at Shelly.  "Ah, Shelly.  I see Alice has found a new guinea pig."

"Oh, I didn't mind.  Living as a nomad, it's kind of difficult to change clothes very often. I really appreciate it," Shelly said.

"We'll have to go shopping tomorrow," I told her.  "You need more clothes.  I'm sure Rose wouldn't mind loaning you some things, but we can't have you wearing hand-me-downs, now can we?" I glared at Bella, who rolled her eyes.

"That would be great.  I don't really have any money right now."

I waved my hand dismissively.  "My treat, of course.  It's the least I can do to thank you for your services."  We filled Rose and Bella in on what the visions contained.  I was a little nervous to proceed.  I was starting to remember bits of my human life, outside of the visions.  I wasn't one hundred percent sure, but I thought that my father was the reason I ended up being institutionalized. 

"What is interesting to me is how clear the memories are," Shelly said.  "I've used my gift on others.  Steve had trouble remembering certain parts of his human life, so I helped him too.  His visions weren't as clear.  It's strange how murky our memories get when we are changed.  Is is like that for you guys, too?"

"Definitely," Bella said.  "I was changed three years ago, and I still have trouble remembering a lot of things.  It's hard to remember life before Edward, before Renesmee, and my family here." She smiled wistfully.  "I feel like my life has truly just begun."

"I think it's a good thing, in a way.  The few times I peeped into my aunt's house... I saw my father there a short time after I went missing.  I'd sneak out at night, away from the rest of the group.  Anyway, I saw how much pain they were both in.  It's kind of good that my memories of that life are kind of hazy.  It takes some of the edge off."

I nodded.  "I think my mind blocked out my human life as some sort of defense mechanism.  Of course, I can't be sure."

"Do you want to see any more?  Or have you had enough for now?" Shelly asked.

I pondered on this for a moment.  "No, I think I need to see more.  If you don't mind."

"Of course I don't."  She clasped my hand.

"Edna, dearest, do you mind bringing out some more scrambled eggs?  They're wonderful," my father asked. 

"Of course not.  I'll be right back." My mother stood up from the table.

"I don't know what you saw, but don't say a word of that to your mother," my father whispered in a harsh tone. "You know she won't believe you anyway."

I frowned.  There was definitely something going on that he didn't want me to know about.  "Of course not, Father." 

My mother returned with a platter full of eggs.  She served some to my father.  "I'm glad you like them."  She sat back down and there was a few moments of silence.  "There's something I do need to tell you about."

"Yes, dear?" my father asked.

"Well, I haven't been feeling so well lately.  I had Dr. Logan check me out.  It turns out, we're going to be having a baby."

My father was quiet for a moment or two.  "Oh, really?  That's wonderful." He smiled.  "It would be wonderful to have a son, to pass down the Brandon name."  He stood up and walked over to my mother and hugged her.  "I really hope this deal goes through with the Bursons then."

"Everything is going to work out just fine.  I mean, I think so," I quickly amended my statement.  "God is going to take care of us."  I had a brief flash of a little girl with chestnut brown hair and green eyes like my mom.  I smiled.  My little sister.  I decided to keep that bit of information to myself.  "I'm so excited to be a big sister."

"You'll do a fine job at it, dear." My mom smiled at me. 

"A son," my father mused.  "Little William Brandon Jr." 

My mom glanced at me quickly and then looked away.  "Mary Alice, if you'd like, I'll give you sewing lessons.   We can make clothes for the baby.  Boy and girl things, since we don't know what we're having."

Visions of pretty little dresses filled my head.  "Sounds wonderful, Mama."