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Nate had his hand on the driver's door, already half-leaning into the car. Bella was getting comfortable in the passenger seat, crossing her legs with that studied nonchalance she adopted when she was in a good mood. The engine was still off, but the air in the parking lot felt charged with static electricity.
Then, a melodic voice—soft but clear—reached him just before he fully opened the door.
"Nate, wait a moment, please."
Nate raised an eyebrow, turning slowly on his heels. It was Alice Cullen. She stood a few meters away, her hands clasped in front of her and a strangely serious expression on her face. The wind played with the hem of her light coat. Bella didn't seem to notice her, still busy rummaging through her backpack.
Nate partially closed the door and took a few steps toward her, a slight frown forming on his face. He liked Alice—or at least, he didn't dislike her the way he did Edward. But the idea of one of the Cullens hovering around Bella still triggered something primal in him: the instinct to push them away, to protect her.
Alice didn't raise her voice, but her words—whispered with precision—reached his ears.
"I understand you don't trust us, Nate. I know something in you… picks up on things. And I won't pretend there aren't reasons for your reluctance."
Nate narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing her face. He didn't detect any falsehood. That disarmed him a little.
"'Us'? Did you come to speak for all the Cullens, or did your brother send you out here on PR duty?"
Alice shook her head, a soft half-smile crossing her lips.
"Edward doesn't know I'm here. Carlisle wouldn't agree with this, either. But I... I don't think avoiding each other is the solution. I've seen what happens every time you and Edward interact. It always ends badly—for him."
"And that worries you?" Nate asked, without sarcasm—just genuine curiosity.
"It worries me what that says about how you see us." Alice lowered her voice a bit, her tone becoming more personal. "I want to understand you. I think if we spoke honestly, we could... maybe not trust, but at least coexist."
Nate didn't answer right away. He looked toward his car. Bella was still rummaging. She hadn't heard any of it. He turned back to Alice.
"And what makes you think I need to coexist with you? If I feel like something's off, why not just cut the risk now?"
Alice held his gaze—serious, but not harsh.
"Because not all risks are what they seem. Because we didn't come here to hurt anyone. And you know that. If you'd listen to me for more than a minute, you'd feel it."
Nate inhaled deeply. He sensed no lies in her words. Alice spoke with a sincerity so transparent it was almost uncomfortable. His resolve to push them away—especially Edward—was beginning to waver.
"Alright," he finally said, lowering his voice slightly. "I'll give you the benefit of the doubt. You and I will talk later. Alone."
Alice smiled—an honest smile, not one meant to impress. She nodded with gratitude, and then as if the universe had conspired to complicate things, Bella's voice reached them from the car.
Nate turned to look. There was a playful gleam in her eyes, like someone planning something fun.
"Alice! Are you free right now? Nate and I are going to drive around town. Maybe grab something to eat. Wanna come?"
Alice blinked, surprised. Nate turned his head toward Bella, then back to Alice. Discomfort painted his features. He hadn't expected to share lunch with a vampire. Judging by Alice's slight expression, neither had she.
Bella got out of the car with her innocent smile, unaware of the tension. She walked toward them, backpack slung over one shoulder.
"Come on, it'll be fun. Nate says you're nice. It'd be a great way to hang out."
Nate immediately understood—Bella thought the tension was something romantic, and this was her way of "helping" him.
Alice looked at her with a mixture of tenderness and apprehension. She knew that depending on how things played out, they could be friends—maybe even something like sisters.
Nate said nothing, still gauging how he felt about the whole situation.
"Are you sure?" Alice asked though it was obvious Bella meant it.
"Yes. Besides, Nate needs more friends. He only has me, Jacob… and coffee in his life."
Nate chuckled under his breath.
"And honestly, it's less complicated being alone with coffee."
Bella gave him a playful elbow.
"Don't be grumpy."
Alice looked at Nate, reading his silence. He exhaled softly through his nose, barely audible. It seemed he was resigning himself to the idea. After all, there wasn't much difference between having that conversation today or some other day.
"Alright. It'll be... fun," Nate said in a low tone.
Alice nodded with an amused smile.
"Didn't expect anything less."
The three of them headed to the car. Bella happily got back into the passenger seat. Alice opened the back door and settled in with an almost unnatural grace. Nate walked around the front of the car slowly, still unsure how this odd outing was going to end.
From across the parking lot, a pale, motionless figure watched them. Jasper Hale, half-hidden behind an old car, had observed the scene from a distance. His brow was furrowed, hands tense in his pockets. He knew Alice was taking a risk. He knew Carlisle wouldn't approve.
And yet, something in his expression showed more fear for her… than for whatever might happen with Nate.
When Nate finally started the car, the tires crunched softly against the gravel. The afternoon was starting to turn golden, and the vehicle pulled slowly out of the parking lot with its three passengers, leaving behind a school, a secret, and an anxious gaze that faded into the rearview mirror.