Unbelievable

Four days later

Alice's POV

The wind was blowing heavily outside today, though in a manner it was almost relaxing. It was expected to rain, per usual, as Forks was rarely sunny. I had just got back from my hunt but I wasn't ready to return home just yet. Having Bella home brought me such joy, but how she was, and how she acted, saddened me.

On the plane ride back Bella had woken up from her sleep, or as close to sleep as a vampire can experience, and she had just stared at us. She had an odd look in her eyes, unexplainable on my part, though even Jasper seemed conflicted. It was a quiet ride home, no one had spoken much, and Bella had remained quiet the whole way.

Whenever we'd landed it was an awkward walk to the cars, and an even more awkward ride for me, as Bella had decided to join me. I tried to think of something to say, all my previous desires to speak to her had vanished.

I know my actions now could be explained by some psychological answer, but inside I felt guilty.

Bella avoided talking to us, at least unless needed, and being touched by anyone was out of the equation. We had learned that the hard way. Esme had waited until we'd gotten home before breaking down and attempting to hug Bella like she always would, but the reaction she gained was one no one expected.

She had grabbed Esme by the neck before she'd even reached her, and within moments had slammed her into the floor causing a deadly-sounding crack as the flooring withered under the pressure. Before anyone could try to pull her off Carlisle had made a command, something he rarely does, but he'd told us to remain still and to make no move towards her. Rose was beyond pissed, fuming as she had responded well to a yell stating Bella could kill Esme. He tried to calm her down though it took Emmett grabbing her to prevent her from attacking Bella.

There we stood, all frozen as Bella had Esme pinned down, her eyes fiery. She didn't say anything for what felt like forever before she let out a hoarse growl and released her grip. Esme grabbed at her neck even though no damage had been done, her eyes staring at Bella with surprise, disbelief, and shame. Rather she was shameful of her actions or Bellas no one knew, but Esme didn't leave her room for the rest of the night.

Bella gave no explanation, but after that, we assumed it was best to let her choose to touch us and not touch her without permission.

I sighed, staring at the musky sky, she rarely spoke making it hard to relax around her. I didn't want to be the usual me, fearing it would scare her farther into herself.

Though I couldn't help but smile at remembering what had happened last night. It had started off as a small gesture, but Bella had randomly knocked on my door, and at gaining approval, came in. She didn't really speak, instead looked around and observed the surrounding area. Her eyes had paused on the blank spot where my portrait of her used to be before they landed on me.

She had begun to approach me, making me shift into my sitting position, worried. However, no words were spoken, but she had almost casually leaned down and hugged me. To say the least, I was caught off guard, and I can see the future! It took me a moment before I responded by hugging her back, and as I held her my heart soared. Though the moment didn't last as the sound of footsteps going up the stairs caused her to pull away and return to the guest room.

It was Jasper, which irked me, but whenever he had joined me in my room, the door shutting behind him, he had told me something that gave me hope. Bella felt safe at that moment, in my arms! Hearing that gave me a newfound fire, desires to get close to her once more, to help her feel safe here.

But, on the bright side even after Jasper had interrupted the first interaction Bella had come to visit me once more later. She'd joined me on the bed where I was reading a book, every now and then I could hear her breath heavier than normal leading me to believe she was smelling me. I know that sounds weird, but as vampires, your mate's scent can do a number of things to you. I had just flipped the page to reveal a new chapter whenever I more so felt than heard Bella shift on the bed. Looking towards her I was surprised to see her move into a laying position, though not wanting to stare I turned back to the book. It felt as if I'd been rereading the same section over and over again whenever Bella finally moved closer, her arm slowly moving to wrap around my waist before hiding her head in my hair.