Who’s my big, strong, smart, beautiful, kind, friendly, wonderful girl! Who: Edward and Alice Cullen When: Mid-June Where: Edward and Bella’s place What: Sibling Bonding! (Edward has a present for Alice) Rating/Warnings: Low/None Status: Complete
As much as Alice was a fashionista, she was also very good with money. She knew how to work a sale rack, knew how to make her dollars stretch. She was completely honored and felt the love when she heard what Edward was getting her as a graduation present. It was more than she’d been expecting!
She headed over to Edward and Bella’s place in her little car, parked, and turned off the loud, blaring music before climbing out. The whole block could probably hear her approach. She was humming and jingling her keys as she headed up to Edward and Bella’s front door, then knocked.
Edward smiled as he bounced Nessie on his knee, “that’s your favorite Auntie that’s come to see you,” he said with a smile as he kissed the little girls cheek adoringly, smiling when he heard her coo. His baby girl was so sweet and he thanked God every day that he had her and Bella in his life. He and his siblings had always outsiders and unwelcome until Bella Swan literally fell into his life. Now, he knew what happiness really was.
After placing Nessie into her bouncie chair, he opened the door. Looking at his pint sized little sister with fondness, he enveloped the girl in a tight high. “Hey there graduate, come on in. Nessie just woke up from her nap and I know she’ll be excited to see you,”
Alice was grinning brightly, and bouncing on her heels as she moved forward to hug her brother tightly. “Yay! My baby girl! What’s she wearing?” Alice asked, somewhat playfully. She knew that neither Edward nor Bella was as into fashion as she was, and that they humored her just to get her to shut up--but hey, winning was winning.
“I’m excited to see her, too!” She added, then let Edward lead the way into the apartment, giving a little gasp at the sight of Nessie. “Who’s my big girl!” She cried out happily as she crossed toward the girl in the bouncer. “Who’s my big, strong, smart, beautiful, kind, friendly, wonderful girl!”
“Alice, you’re going to give her a complex and she’s only 6 months,” Edward said rolling her eyes. “Look, she’s wearing a very acceptable onesie. See? It’s pink. And it has “Daddy’s Little Princess” in glitter writing. What can be a fashion no-no about that?” He loved teasing his sister about fashion. “In fact, this cool outfit you see ME wearing is from a....brace yourself Alice, you’re going to have a heart attack...A THRIFT STORE” He knew that would get under her skin, and really, it wasn’t as if he couldn’t afford to spend money elsewhere. When he had turned 18--the contents of his biological parents Will had been made viewable to him and he had received enough money to buy a nice apartment for his wife and daughter near the beach. Working as Carlisle’s assistant in the hospital paid well too. He had enough to take many of his classes online and was able to send Bella to school. For a 19 year old husband and father, Edward felt he was doing just fine.
With a smile he took the sparkling pink envelope off the counter that contained her graduation card, gift certificate and gift card and handed it to her. Next, he handed her a bouquet of daisies and smiled sheepishly. “I’m sorry I didn’t bring these to your graduation last week.” At the time, Edward had still been paying for the gift, “but it goes without saying that Bella, Nessie and I are extremely proud of you.”
"Bah, not going to give her a complex! Possibly an ego. But what six month old doesn't have an ego? That's right! You've got a baby girl ego! Yes you do!" Alice said, lifting the girl up out of her bouncer and, well, bouncing her. She hefted the little one onto her hip.
"Pink is fine. And the sparkles are wonderful. Look how they shimmer." Heh. Sparkles. "I approve, though we could do more accessorizing. Perhaps a headband with a bow, a little tutu, some adorable, silver shoes?" She stuck out her tongue at her brother.
"There's no help for you, Edward." She said with a mock sigh. "You're just destined to wear whatever you find on the floor. And hey, Thrift Stores can be good. They're IN this year. Thrift is the new chic."
She accepted the card and the daisies, then sniffed them and let Nessie sniff them (though, the baby really just swatted her hand into the yellow-and-white flowers). "They're beautiful. Thank you. And you really didn't have to do anything. Just knowing you're proud is enough." She was pink now. "Even though... well, high school's not that hard. You're doing all the real hard stuff. I'm proud of you, Edward. Job, home, baby, wife. It's amazing. You're all grown-up!"
“Careful Alice, or I’ll tell you about how often we get to to laundry around here. The horror of it all would send you into a tizzy,” he said with a snort. “I’ll give you a hint. It’s less than twice a week,” he said with a grin as he picked up Nessie and rubbed her nose against his. “Except for Nessie, Nessie gets clean clothes every day, because she’s daddy’s little Princess. Yes she is. Who’s daddys little Princess? Is it Nessie? Is it Nessie?”
He placed Nessie back in Alice’s lap, watching as the little girl curled into her arms and smiled. Sitting across from his sister and daughter, he shrugged, uncomfortable with all the phrase. “All of it wasn’t my doing though, Alice. A lot of things just...fell into place. I was able to get the house because of the will from my biological parents. I was able to get the job working as dads assistant because Dad is so respected at the hospital. If it wasn’t for that--I wouldn’t be able to support my wife and daughter. I’m honestly surprised that Chief Swan hasn’t found a way to throw me in jail yet. He loves Nessie, but he hates me. I mean...I guess I could see it. I wasn’t exactly...thinking when Bella and I had sex that one time, but hopefully, for Bella’s sake he’ll put away his anger eventually. It’s not fair to her.”
Alice nodded, listening. She didn't agree with a lot of it. She thought that Edward was down-playing his involvement in the whole ordeal, but she didn't say anything. This was one of those times it was more important to be supportive little sister, and not 'correct me if I'm wrong' little sister. "Oh, Edward, I wish you could see yourself through my eyes. Or Bella's. You'd see the strong, capable guy that we both know and love--though, in very different ways." Obviously. Eew.
"Chief Swan will come around eventually. He's going to see how hard you're working, how much you love your family, and how much of you that you give without ever expecting anything in return." She bounced Nessie on her knee, much to the delight of the little girl. "You've made mistakes, but you've owned up to them. And they didn't turn out terribly, either."
Edward smiled, it was nice to know that Alice was always going to be on his side. It was a welcome relief, actually. “Thanks Alice, you’re the best,” he said with a smile as he kissed her cheek. “I’m just glad to know that I have my family on my side,” he said with a smile as he walked back towards the kitchen.
“Can I get you anything to eat or drink? You must be hungry, it’s nearly lunch time. I know Nessie would LOVE her Auntie Alice to stay for lunch.”
Alice would stand beside Edward to the bitter end. It would likely never become necessary, but Alice knew in her heart where her place was. “Shucks.” She said, grinning and shrugging. “It’s what good sisters do.”
She followed with him, holding Nessie on her hip. “Ooh, what are we having? I’m sure my girl’s just gonna have some milk. Or formula. Or whatever.” She didn’t know if Bella was nursing. She’d had to be in school, maybe she didn’t have the time? Or inclination? Didn’t matter to Alice. She knew that Bella and Edward were exceptional parents, and gave Nessie everything she needed (and more) to flourish.
“I was going to grill up some BBQ chicken on the stove. I have some potato salad ready and waiting in the fridge. Help yourself to any drinks you want,” Edward smiled as he gathered Nessie from her arms and kissed his little girl loudly on the cheek, smiling when the girl giggled. “Nessie will have milk that Bella prepared for when she’s not here to nurse properly.”
Carefully, he placed Nessie in the high chair that was in the kitchen and began to pull the needed ingredients out of the fridge. “If you want something else, just let me know and I’ll make it.”
"No no! That sounds like a party. I love BBQ chicken." Alice said, beaming at her brother and niece. It was amazing to see so much love, so much affection. "I'll just grab some water." She moved to pull the fridge open and grabbed some water.
"So, Jasper is home." She said, leaning against the countee and watching him. "It's nice to have someone else around the house, again."
“You can have soda, Alice, you don’t need to have water. We have Coke too.”
“I saw,” Edward said with a smile. “I’m...slightly nervous,” he admitted. “Jazz has seen some...terrible stuff,” he said with a sigh. “He was always quiet too, no matter how much we tried to engage him. He only seemed to open up when he decided on his military career. I mean...I love him to death, but...” he frowned and looked at his niece, “do you think he’ll be okay around Nessie? I want her to know ALL her Uncles, but I have to know that she’ll be safe.”
“Nah, I’m good with water. It’s bikini season, you know.” Alice said, giving him a little smirk.
“Edward,” Alice sounded both almost exhausted and almost reproachful--though she knew that he was being a good dad, and a part of her could understand his worry, “he’s Jasper. You know how he is. He would never hurt Nessie. It’s not like he spent years in ‘Nam and now he’s having crazy, acid flashbacks about his time in the war.”
“Hmm maybe you shouldn’t have any chicken at all,” he teased before jumping out of the way from any comeback his sister my throw his way. It was easy joking around with Alice. She was a sweet, good natured girl and he loved her, “but all joking aside, really, help yourself to whatever you want, kiddo. It’s all yours.”
“I know Alice, but he has seen things that I couldn’t even begin to imagine. I’m glad he’s home and that he’ll get a chance to be in Nessie’s life. Besides, you know Mom has been worried sick about him. I think she’ll sleep easier at night knowing he’s home safe and sound where he belongs. Emmett is probably thrilled too. I haven’t spoken to Rose lately, but I’m sure she’s happy. We are all happy. Maybe we’ll all have a beach day soon. I’ll even let you,” he mock shuddered in horror, “pick out a suit for Nessie.”
Alice’s swat was far too fast for Edward’s jumping away. Though, he was fast enough to only catch the tips of her fingertips. “Thanks. I’ll stick with my water for now, unless... got any beer?” She asked, totally joking, and gave him a wink.
Alice gave a little gasp, then cut herself off. “You know, you shouldn’t get a girl’s hopes up if you don’t really mean it.” She said, teasing, and opened her water bottle for a sip. “But really. It’s Jasper. Jasper.” She was the youngest out of the bunch, so Alice hadn’t actually been as close with Rosalie, Emmett or Jasper as she’d been with Edward. She felt like Jasper was a roommate more than a brother sometimes. It was almost as if now she was getting to meet him and get to know him for real now he was home again. “He’s been through some really rough shit, but that’s not going to change who he is in here.” She pointed to her heart.
“Language!” Edward whined as he covered Nessie’s ears. He doubted the baby could understand, but incase she could...”and I know, Alice, I know. I’m just happy we are all coming back together. The big happy, oddball Cullen family once again.” They had always been the outsiders, but when he needed his brothers, they had always been there for him. He’d be here for Jasper.
“Oh I’m serious. You can pick out her cute little beach outfit. Just spare me and Bella. Those are my terms. If you can agree to that, I’ll let you get her a bathing suit, sun glasses and a cute little bucket and shovel even though she can’t even use it yet. Are we agreed?”
"Sorry!" Alice said, gasping and slapping a hand over her mouth. She'd have to watch the potty language. Of course, Nessie couldn't understand now... but it wouldn't be long before she started to repeat words that adults around her said. And Alice was bound and determined to be "the cool aunt" and she was sure that Nessie would be repeating her more than anyone else. She nodded. "You know that Mom and Dad, and you, me, Rose, Emmett, we're all good influences on Jas. He'll be back to normal in no time."
A little roar of laughter escaped the pixie. She nodded. "Agreed. I'll be getting her a beach chair and umbrella, too." Nessie was going to be the best dressed baby with the best accessories on the whole beach.
“Don’t forget the sandals,” Edward said in mock horror. “She can’t have a complete outfit without the sandals!” Playfully he grasped his heart and staggered backwards. “I’m appalled you forget, completely. “ He moved to the stove getting the chicken on and getting the BBQ sauce out. “So what are your summer plans? Still looking for that summer job? May I suggest Starbucks? Your loving brother needs his Mocha Frappachinos in order to survive.”
"Oh, you'd better believe it, Buster." Alice said, giving her brother a grin. "But they won't be sandals. A girl her age, her style, and flair? Jellies. Remember those? Flashback to our childhoods. I'll make sure she doesn't get athlete's foot, or anything." She was teasing now.
Then she moved over to lean against the other counter, staying out of the way and keeping her eyes on the baby. "...Starbucks? Eww. No, thank you. You know they have to like, clean toilets and the floor?" Alice had standards, after all.
“Oh god, jellies! Those were sweet!” Edward grinned excitedly as he move the chicken off the stove and onto plates, scooping the potato salad on a plate for Alice. “Here you are little lady, and I do mean little,” he said teasingly, “lunch is served.”