Emmett, Rosalie, Esme and Carlisle sat on the couches across from me, all with the look of shock and horror plastered on their faces. The tears coursed down my face as I fought down the sob that was desperately trying to escape. My eyes turned from Edward and Alice, to Jasper who had been unusually quiet through the whole exchange. His head was in his hands as his body trembled uncontrollably.
"Ja-Jasper?" I stuttered, hoping he could understand the question I was unable to ask.
Jasper slowly raised his head to look at me, sorrow filled his eyes and I knew all was lost.
"It's true." He whispered. "They've loved each other since they first met... I just refused to believe it" His eyes held mine. "I thought...that when Edward met you, it would stop. I was wrong... I'm so sorry Bella. I'm so eternally sorry."
The sob that I had been trying to desperately hold back rose to the surface as I stood. Anger suddenly shook my body as I stared at Alice and Edwards hands clasped firmly. My eyes moved to meet Edwards.
"You bastard," I whispered.
"Bell-"
"Shut up!" I screamed at him. My hands shook violently. "You lying manipulative bastard! Why couldn't you leave me alone!? You love her, yet you were with me!" I took a deep breath and turned my eyes to Alice. "And you..." I trailed off not knowing what to say to my supposed best friend.
"Bella, I'm so sor-"
"Don't you dare apologise to me, Alice. I'm more concerned with the fact that you could do this to Jasper. To your husband!" I furiously wiped the tears from my face. "You know what? It doesn't even matter. You both are nothing. I may be a pathetic, weak human, but at least I would never cheat! You deserve each other..."
Suddenly Edward jumped to his feet at Alice's dry sob. "That's enough, Bella!" he roared, the sound making me flinch. It all happened so quickly. Growls erupted throughout the room as Jasper flew in front of me, crouched down in a defence position. Edward dropped down to match his position, the growling continued to grow louder almost deafening, until...
"STOP!"
I watched shocked as Rosalie, not Carlisle, but i Rosalie i flew in between the two furious vampires. My eyes swept over to where Esme and Carlisle still sat shocked. Both horrified by the events unravelling between their children. Emmett flew off the couch and over to Rosalie where he crouched down to protect his wife if need be. His eyes, dead cold, watched all of us, threatening us.
"I can't believe this!" Rosalie moaned. Her eyes met mine, but she turned to address Edward and Alice. "How could you Edward? We thought you were finally happy with someone! We let her in to our lives and made her part of the family! She may just be a human, but she didn't deserve this! You are pathetic!"
Edward growled furiously to which Emmett snarled back just as viciously.
"Watch yourself Edward," Emmett spat.
"Rosalie, this has nothing to do with you!" Alice rose behind Edward.
"This has everything to do with me!" Rosalie cried. "This is my family too, Alice. And I will not let a pathetic excuse for a whore like you ruin it!"
I gasped as the words flew out of Rosalie's mouth. Never had I seen her this angry. Ever. But it seemed it was enough to wake Carlisle and Esme wake up.
"That's enough!" Carlisle ordered. All eyes flew to him. Jasper slowly straightened and stepped back beside me. Rosalie, turned towards me and stalked back to stand beside me as well, Emmett one step beside her.
Esme stood in the middle of the room, her hands clenched while her eyes flicked between the two groups now formed. My heart went out for her. She didn't need this type of pain.
"Bella," she said softly, her voice quivering. "I think this night has been hard enough on you as it is." Her eyes turned to Jasper. "You too, son."
"Esme is right," Carlisle spoke up, the pain evident in his voice. "Jasper, please take Bella home."
"NO!" Edward roared. I flinched at the sound and stumbled back. Rosalie put her ice cold arm around me, and with one last look at Edward and Alice, guided me towards the door. Jasper and Emmett following close behind us.
The drive home was quiet and tense. My silent tears streaked down my face. Rosalie glared out the window as she drove. Emmett shifted between trying to settle Rose and casting pitying glances at Jasper and I. Jasper...Oh god Jasper. He looked so lost. His eyes were dull and his face showed no evidence of what he was feeling but, every now and then, the car would feel a stab of heartbreaking pain.
As we pulled up in front of my house, I slowly unbuckled my seat belt and opened the door. I stepped out shakily and turned, sweeping my long brown hair out of my eyes, to look at Rose. She stared at me, her eyes soft, and I knew I didn't have to say anything. With that one look, I knew Rosalie understood how much I appreciated her support tonight. I nodded to them all and shut the door. As I stepped away from the car, my knees gave way slightly and I tripped.
A pair of strong cold arms grabbed me before I could meet the pathway face first. My breath caught as I slowly looked up. A breath of relief left me as I realised Jasper had caught me.
His eyes held mine as he said quietly, "I'll run home."
And with that, the car sped off into the night. Jasper held on to me as we walked towards the door as it was flung open by Charlie.
"What happened!?" He demanded, taking in both of mine and Jaspers look.
"Can we go inside first, Chief Swan?" Jasper asked softly. "Then I'll explain."
I was vaguely aware of the shock that crossed Charlie's face, as he had never really spoken to Jasper.
Charlie nodded and led us into the kitchen where he made two cups of tea and sat in front of Jasper and I. Neither of us touched them.
"Bells..." Charlie started, reaching across to take my hand. I think I surprised everyone as I let out a small whimper. But seriously, who cares?
"Chief Swan, Bella and I found out tonight that Edward," I flinched at his name, a new anger boiling inside of me. "And Alice," I felt more than heard Jasper struggle to say her name. "Have been cheating on us."
Jasper continued to explain what had happened that night, minus the growling and snarling, and Charlie's face went all kinds of reds and purples. I didn't contribute. I just sat and watched both of their faces.
"-you go home?" I heard the end of Charlie's question.
"I think...I'm going to pack my things and go to Alaska for a while, and then I will decide. I may go to a college out of state," Jasper stated softly.
College? Lucky him. I don't want to stay here either...I thought. College? i College i
"Dad!" I almost yelled.
Charlie jumped and Jasper looked at me cautiously.
"What Bells? What is it?" He asked with a worried tone.
I stood suddenly and grabbed the Uni acceptance letters off the fridge. I threw them on the table and looked between the two of them.
"I agree with Jasper. I can't stay here. I want to go away to College." I stated, feeling a new strength swell inside of me. "I can almost afford it, if you and mom could help me a little?"
Charlie stared at me for a long while. His eyes judging me, trying to see if I was for real. He slowly nodded and stood, scraping his chair against the floor, and looked at Jasper.
"Excuse me for a moment; I have to go call Renee."
For the first time that night, my lips pulled into a smile, as my dad turned towards the stairs. I looked at Jasper. His golden eyes watched me as he rose and started towards the door. I followed him. We stepped out into the night and stood side by side, watching the stars shine on this very rare clear night.
Jaspers soft voice floated to me. "You'll be okay."
"So will you," I replied just as softly.
He turned then and leaned down the softly kiss my cheek. His stood back and gazed at me for a long time, and I returned his gaze. We were both heartbroken. We had both lost the person we loved most in this world, the family we had grown to love, but strangely we had found a friendship with each other.
My thoughts were erupted by the voice of my father calling me. I looked towards the door and then back to Jasper. He reached out and touched my cheek, coupled with a soft smile...
And then he was gone.