The Missing Link

Chapter One: Return of the Pixie

I move over to my closet and pull out a black and blue skater skirt and a white flounce crop-top. I also grab a pair of black fishnet tights and my favorite black heeled boots. I change quickly before sitting down at my vanity and start doing my makeup and redefine my red curls. My hazel eyes sparkle in the lighting.

I get my hair and eye color from my mom. From what I remember about her she used to struggle all the time with keeping her red curls contained in the tight bun she liked to wear it in.

Unlike Bella, I really enjoy dressing up and while I'm a clutz, I still wear heels.

Even though my sister is going to see Jake, I still plan on going shopping. There are a few books I want to get and I need to pick up my order from the art store.

After approving my look in the fool length mirror, I run downstairs and into the kitchen where dad is getting his travel mug of coffee ready for work.

"Morning Dad," I say while hugging him from behind.

"Morning Em... you heading out?" He asks as he takes in my appearance.

I walk over to the coffee pot, grabbing my own travel mug. I pour my coffee before turning to answer.

"Yep. I have to pick up my order from the art store in Port Angeles."

Dad nods his head. We both walk towards the front door. Grabbing my keys from the bowl sitting near the door, dad opens it and lets me exit before he turns and locks the door.

Bella's truck is gone which means she did head to La Push. Much to both dad and I's relief.

"Be careful in Port Angeles. I'll be home Late. Call me if you need me."

I smile and pull my old man in for a hug. He places a kiss in my red locks.

"Be safe, Dad."

"Always am."

We pull apart and head to our separate vehicles, him his police cruiser and me to my Volkswagen Beetle.

~~~

Walking out of the art store with several bags and a cart full of canvas, I'm hit with a sudden feeling of dread and panic. Rushing to my car, I throw everything in before sitting in the driver's seat and going into a panic attack.

I've had an anxiety disorder since I was about six. It developed in part from the loss of my mother. As I got older, they started happening less frequently but became more difficult to manage once I was in one.

Taking a few deep breaths, I start to calm down as tears stream from my eyes. I'm not sure what the cause of the attack was, I very rarely do. Calming down enough to drive, I start to make my journey home.

Pulling into the driveway, I notice a black Mercedes parked across the street. Anger courses through my whole body as I get out of the car. I slam the door, marching up the front steps, and throw the door open. Alice Cullen and my sister are sitting on the couch.

"What the hell are you doing here, Cullen?" I growl out, my entire body shaking with anger.

What right does she have to show up out of the blue and talk to Bella as if she didn't leave her without saying goodbye?

"Emma, calm down," Bella states calmly.

I shake my head and sit down in Dad's recliner. I stare at the older girls waiting for one of them to explain. Both ignore me, continuing their conversation. I tune them out still trying to work out what Alice is doing here. While I'm distracted, Jake comes into the house.