Elle woke up to a gentle breeze against her skin coming from the open window. She smiled at the rare sun making an appearance. The sun's rays reflected against the light mist that hovered over the grass. It was almost seven in the morning, but she was happy to be awake. School would start in a few days and anxiety rumbled in her chest. She was never a social child. She was smaller and easier to pick on growing up, and she never broke out of her shell because of that. She preferred the silence the forest gave her, always free and welcoming. Maybe this year will be different, Elle thought, perhaps I'll make a friend. 

Elle got ready for the day and headed downstairs. She noticed a small note on the counter.

Elle,

I'm sorry that I won't be here when you wake up, I got a call from work. Dr. Cullen said that one of his kids would be around in the afternoon to go shopping with you instead. His kids are very nice and hopefully you'll like them.

-Charlie

Elle placed the note back on the counter and went around the island to make herself a cup of coffee to enjoy outside before the sun disappeared once again. It only took an hour before the heavy clouds rolled in. She headed back inside with a frown, hoping that the sun would have stayed out a little longer. 

It was a little after one o'clock in the afternoon when Elle was interrupted from her reading by the doorbell ringing twice. Elle quickly made her way to the door, hoping she didn't look out of place. The heavy door opened and a petite young woman stood on the porch. She had short, pointy, black hair, and soft porcelain skin. She was absolutely breath-taking. Her skin shimmered in a way that no glitter could hope to copy. Her eyes were the most shocking. They were golden in color, like dripping honey and caramel. Her eyes... she could look into her eyes forever. They were deeper than any ocean in the world, they went on forever. They were knowing eyes, mischievous even.

 Elle's mouth went dry as her heart raced. This was new to Elle, she had never met someone so breathtakingly gorgeous, angelic. She felt an instant connection with her, like a string snapping and tying them together. 

The mysterious girl was grinning and rocking back and forth on her heels. "Hi! I'm Alice Cullen. You must be Elle Swan, your uncle sent me over to take you shopping."

Alice tried to stop smiling but failed miserably. She didn't want to scare the poor girl, but she couldn't contain her joy. It was a different experience to see her outside of her visions, a more pleasurable one definitely. She snuck in the night before, not able to wait until the next day. But seeing her awake, face to face, was pure joy. She left early that morning, her own anxiety filling her, but she had a vision to fulfill. 

"I'm sure you have lots of questions, but it's a long drive to Port Angles." Alice smiled, her lips full and plump, ones that models would kill for. Elle knew that she shouldn't trust strangers, but Alice was different. She knew that if Alice asked her to do anything, she would move heaven and earth to do so. 

✧

"So how does your dad know Charlie?" Elle asked as she pulled over one of the cardigans that Alice threw over the curtain. 

"Carlisle helps Charlie on some of the cases that pass through the sheriff's station. He's one of the few doctors at the hospital in town." Elle stepped out of the fitting room and walked over to the mirrors. Alice smiled, "Absolutely stunning, let's add it to the pile."

"Are you sure, the color..." Elle said nervously.

"The color is amazing with your complexion." She waved her back to the fitting room. "Come on, there's a lot more in there to try on."

Elle quickly changed into another shirt and looked up in the mirror in the dressing room. Her cheeks were dusted pink from the complements coming from the model sitting outside the curtain. "I've never done this, you know..." She said, stepping out.

Alice cocked her head to the side. "Done what?"

"Gone shopping."

Alice raised her eyebrows in shock. She was aware of the relationship between Elle and her mother from her visions, but not to this extent. "Well, I'm glad I get to be your first, but it definitely won't be the last. I have a feeling that we're going to be the best of friends."

Elle blushed and met Alice's striking gaze in the mirror. "Really?"

Alice laughed, "I'm never wrong, Elle. Just wait and see."

✧

Elle was exhausted after a long day of Alice making her try on clothing. She wasn't used to being close to someone like Alice, but the change was most welcome in her eyes. The conversation never stopped until they went to dinner, but picked up again on the car ride home. Elle couldn't remember the last time she had laughed that hard or had so much fun. She truly began to feel like she had a friend. 

It didn't take much convincing from Alice to get Elle to sleep-over for the night. The new school year was just around the corner and it was sort of a last horah for the summer. Alice had squealed in delight when Elle agreed to the sleepover. She had called Charlie to let him know where she was staying for the night and would be back in the morning. Charlie was happy for her and told her to be safe. He told her that the Cullen's live deeper in the woods than he does and to watch out of wildlife. She agreed and Alice quickly made a trip back to her house to grab an overnight bag.

"Are you sure that your family will like me?" Elle worried as they grew near Alice's home.

Alice brushed her cold hand over Elle's covered arm. "Of course they will. Don't worry."

Elle was stunned into silence as they approached Alice's house. It was magnificent, elegant, and timeless. Alice looked over at Elle and chuckled at her resemblance to a fish, her mouth opening and closing, nothing coming out. "You live here?"

"Do you like it?" Alice smirked.

"It's gorgeous." Elle was shocked at the pristine white outside of the house. The windows seemed to sparkle without the sun's help. It was emasculate and tasteful. 

"Just wait until you see the inside." Alice hopped out of the care and pulled Elle behind her. Alice was right, the interior was just as grand as the exterior. Elle opened her mouth to voice her wonder when she found six pairs of eyes on her.

The oldest of the bunch approached first, offering his hand to shake. Elle noticed that it was just as cold as Alice's. "You must be Elle, Charlie has told me a lot about you." He sent a welcoming smile. "I'm Carlisle, and this is my wife, Esme." He stepped back and placed his arm around her thin shoulders. Her caramel hair was expertly curled around her round and friendly face. "These are the rest of my children: Jasper, Emmett, Rosalie, and Edward."

Elle looked over to Alice, noticing her glaring at Edward and Rosalie, who were outwardly frowning. She turned back to Carlisle and Esme. "Your home is beautiful."

Esme spoke up, her voice light. "Thank you. I designed it myself." As if sensing her children's brewing argument, she approached Elle and laced their arms. "Come, let me give you a tour."

Once Esme and Elle left, Alice pulled Rosalie and Edward aside. "What is your problem?" She hissed in anger. 

Edward glowered. "There's something wrong with her."

Alice rolled her eyes, a growl ready to rip past her clenched teeth. "What is that supposed to mean?"

"I can't read her mind."