I own nothing, of course.

Edward lay on his back in the meadow. He closed his eyes tightly, attempting to block out the sounds of the forest around him. He began wishing, not for the first time, that he was capable of sleep. What he wouldn't give to be able to close his eyes and fade into unconscienceness.

Since returning from Arizona, his mind had been wandering to dark places. His family had taken notice, and were being extra sensitive around him. Although they were trying to help, Edward found their abnormal kindness deppresing. He wanted everything to go back to normal. To how it was before her.

Edward lay back, digging his fingers into the wet grass. He sighed loudly. This place used to hold so much magic for him, but now it was laced with the bitter memories of the time he'd spent here with Bella.

Suddenly, Edward heard the soft crunch of footsteps approaching. He stood up in flash, preparing to fight. He cast out his senses, hoping to pick up a familiar scent.

ALICE! He exhaled a breathe of relief, and resumed his position lying on the ground.

Edward streched his arms over his face, choosing to ignore his sister. As relieved as he was that she was the person sharing the meadow with him tonight, he still had no desire to speak with her.

"Edward." Alice called softly.

He felt a gentle hand touch his side. "Talk to me please."

"Nuhuh" he grunted "I'm tring to sleep."

He sensed her fighting a mix of irritation and amusement at his comment. "Stop it. I know you can't sleep so it's no use pretending. Talk to me Eddy."

"Don't call me that." Edward muttered. Arms still covering his face, he rolled onto his side, facing away from his sister.

Alice frowned impatiently. "Fuck you!" he heard her think.

She raised her arm and used all of her force to smack her brother in the stomach.

"Ow! Fuck!" Edward screamed, sitting up quickly. For such a small person, Alice could hit harder then anyone he knew.

"Good, glad I got your attention" she commented dryly.

"Fine." Edward said, rubbing his side and grimacing "What do you want?"

"I just wanted to talk to you." she thought. Her mouth was set in a frown. He sensed her irritation at him, and realized she wasn't going to waste words on him.

"Why? How did you know I was here anyways?"

"I just got off the phone with Bella. She is hysterical. Apparently you walked out on her?" Alice raised on eyebrow at her brother.

Edward sighed, and began pulling at the fraying seams of his jeans. "I just..My..Wait. You never answered my question! How did you know I was here?"

Alice rolled her eyes. "Does it matter? What matters is something is up with you. First my Volturi vision...Now you walk out on Bella? Come on Eddy. Talk to me."

He opened his mouth carefully, hesitating. Alice looked at her brother curiously, taking his hand in hers. She squeezed it in encouragement. "You can trust me."

"Alice I..." Edward started, shaking slightly.

Alice frowned, her eyes filled with concern. She squeezed his hand tighter. "What is it? You know you can tell me anything?"

"I..." Edward took a deep breath. "I think that I'm g-"

His statement was cut off by the vibrating of Alice's cell phone. She let go of his hand and fumbled to grab it. "Hang on Edward, I'll just turn it off."

But the moment had passed.

Edward stood up quickly. "I'm sorry Alice... I..I have to go!"

He turned and ran, dissapearing into the forest. Alice knew better then to try and chase after him - he was much faster then she was.

She groaned, frustrated. This was the second time that night Edward had left a loved one sitting alone in confusion.