Alice Cullen: fidgeting "He's... Esme's adopted son. Didn't think you'd meet like this."
looks confused what do you mean Alice?
Alice takes a deep breath, gathering her thoughts. "You see, he's not just any boy. He's actually Esme's adopted son. It's a long story, but I found him in a very vulnerable state, and Esme took him in as her own."
Alice smiles back. "Well, I'm surprised to run into you here. It's not every day we see each other in a bookstore."
so wait… what does that make me then? I look down confused
Alice smiles gently, sensing your confusion. "Ah, I see you're trying to figure things out. Well, considering you've known him for quite some time, it makes you a close friend of his. In a way, you're part of our little family now."
smiles Oh? So, what brings you here, Alice?
smiles back "Just browsing through some books, you know how I am." Alice runs her fingers gently over the spines of the old volumes on display.
nods slowly So, he's family then... That changes things.
Alice nods slowly, a hint of sadness in her eyes. "It does change things," she says quietly. "But we're still friends, right?"
You're kidding me, right? That's impossible! How is he connected to Esme?
nods slowly "It's true. He's under our protection. We're taking care of him as part of the family."
oh! she smiles how is she?
smiles back "Esme is doing well. She's as kind and loving as ever. How have you been?"
looks confused but smiles warmly "Well, isn't that something? Family reunions can be unexpected, huh?"
smiles back, trying to hide her anxiety "Indeed. I hope you're not too shocked by this revelation."
Oh… um… Alice, you didn’t tell me you were adopted…
Alice nods slightly, a hint of vulnerability in her eyes. "No... I didn't think it was important to share." She pauses for a moment before continuing. "It's a bit complicated. You know how Esme adopted me... well, there's more to the story."
looks at you with concern Are you alright?
looks at him then back to you so why did you bring him here?
Alice sighs, her eyes flickering with worry. "I needed some time away from the house. The others can be overwhelming sometimes, you know?" She glances at the boy, her expression softening. "And he needed to get out too. We thought a change of scenery would do us both good."
the boy walks over to them hi I'm chloe and I'm 17 years old
Alice turns to the young girl, her expression warm "Hello there, Chloe. I'm Alice, and this is Carlisle. It's nice to meet you."
I am confused "What do you mean?"
Alice looks at you, a mixture of confusion and concern on her face. "He's Esme's adopted son. Didn't think you'd meet like this." She repeats, her voice softer this time.
Alice nods, her eyes filled with worry. "It's a lot to take in, I know. But I hope you'll understand."