Alice had been hoping for a talk since the realization that the situation with Bella choosing Jacob instead of Edward left not only the Cullens in a position of disregard of/trespass of the Volturi rules, but also left Alice and Edward's words of assurance to Aro back in Volterra ringing hollowly..no fulfillment, false promise. And this meant the coven and those they knew could be in serious trouble. Did Bella not realize this? Not only had the unseen choice devastated her brother Edward, which concerned Alice because when he had been alone and despairing that he would never find the One, losing his True Love had taken an even worse toll on him. Alice knew this, even though she knew her dear brother was trying to keep it hidden, she had known him long enough, and seen a few glimpses of visions, how deeply this affected him. She wished she could do something to help.

And so she would, in time. She sighed as she stepped out of the car, brushing off her denim capris and straightening her (always fashionable) top, looking at the diner she was supposed to be meeting Jake at for this particular chat. With her sight of Bella's future blocked by Jacob and the other wolves' presences, Alice had taken to email, IM, and phone calls to contact her, in the hope of arranging a very important talk, with Bella's new Love. Neutral ground had seemed the best place, and it didn't hurt that the diner made good food..which meant DogBoy could eat. The name wasn't derogatory, it was a kind of nickname, really. Meant harmlessly, and wouldn't be spoken aloud. That would just be rude; Alice knew better.

Entering the diner, Alice paused to take in the people who were around, and locate Jacob. Spotting him,
Alice smiled and headed toward his table, pausing at the counter to order an extra something just for Jake. She knew he'd be hungry even with the load the waitress was now bringing out (which could only be Jacob's). Boys always were, no matter if they were wolf or not. Following the waitress and waiting until everything had been arranged, Alice perched herself on the seat across from him, waiting as the waitress then returned with a triple-stacked whopper of a burger. After ordering a glass of juice for herself (she liked the colors and sometimes the taste, even if she didn't really need it), Alice smiled at Jacob but waited the span of a few minutes to let him start eating; she knew conversations and tempers were usually better when hunger was satisfied, or in the process of doing so. After time had passed, Alice tilted her head.

"Well now, isn't that better? I find that people are much easier and nicer to talk with once they're fed. I actually came to check up on you, Jacob. And Bella. I do hope things are going well?"

Ever since her discussion with Aro, Alice had been repressing anxiety over a good many things. The future of her family, the Volturi's ultimate decision, and the uncertainty of Bella's future as well as the Shifter packs. If the Volturi did come, in the end, Jacob and his entire people would be included in the repercussions of the issue at hand..Bella. It was funny, because Jake seemed to pick up on the subject as quickly as she had expected him to; he was intelligent, no matter what vampires might think of the 'Dog-kind'. However, he was missing a vital point in the topic: himself. She had come to discuss his well-being as well. Watching him dig in, Alice was delighted to see that he did indeed appreciate the extra food, and she waited until he paused in his meal to pick up the discussion.

Folding her hands on the tabletop, Alice tilted her head as she listened to his part of the conversation, her golden eyes studying him with curiosity. He certainly seemed well enough, by the look of him, and she understood that Bella might be missing them. With the recent heartbreak, however, a strain had been placed on the family, and Alice had, out of respect for her brother, refrained from contact, though it had left her feeling as though she had lost a friend, and helpless to aid anyone because she could no longer see the future concerning Bella with her surrounded by the Quileute wolves. Jacob, among others, was like a soundproof room, in regard to Alice and be visions. He might have remembered that, as it had been key in the unseen rescue of Bella by Jacob after her 'cliff diving'. It might have been comforting, not having the visions around him, if it wasn't for the fact that anything involving him, including Bella, she couldn't see. And that bothered her, because Bella had been..and maybe still was, like another sister to the pixie-esque Cullen.

Jake's words about Bella feeling like she let everyone down didn't surprise the pixie. She knew Bella probably did blame herself, and even though it was true that the choice made had devastated Edward, and put a heavy strain on the coven in general, it could not be said that Alice blamed her. While she herself had not had a chance for a carefree and happy childhood, or even young adult life, Alice could understand the difficulty Bella might have felt in her decision. It was hard to choose when you loved two people..it had been plainly obvious, the feelings between Jacob and Bella, when Alice had arrived at Charlie's.. Sheriff Swan's house..to affirm what had transpired with Bella beyond her last vision. Yet Bella had immediately chosen to go to Volterra to save Edward, and so naturally, things had seemed set. It seemed, however, fate (and humanity) had a very fickle sense of humor.

"She chose you, that is plain and simple. She shouldn't be so hard on herself for choosing love. It's obvious she loves you, as well as Edward. But she chose you. I did come here to find out how she is, but I also honestly do want to know about you, too. After all, you are the one who will see her every day and take care of her. I can't see her future since her choice, and so.."

Alice sat up straight, her golden eyes serious and fixed on Jacob. If ever the pixie was dead serious in a discussion, this was one of those times.

"I have to know that without any doubt, without any uncertainty, that you will take care of her and protect her as we would. I have to know that you will make sure she is happy and safe. I need to know that, no matter what, Bella is okay."