Chapter Two
Jasper
Alice knew what had happened but she never said a word to me or to Bella. I expected her to tell Edward or even take it out on me but she just acted as if she were unaware I had fallen in love with her best friend, my brothers human girlfriend. The guilt was crushing me, I had no idea what to do. I wanted her to confront me, to scream and shout, hit me, anything but this pretence that everything was just the way it had been before Phoenix. The only good thing was that I had managed to keep my thoughts from Edward, he didn't like what was in my mind so he usually kept out and I don't think he'd linked Bella's change of attitude to me. AS far as he was aware it had all started to go wrong because of James and her accident and I wanted to keep it that way. So,I watched as Bella slipped away from Edward, she had stopped loving him as I had stopped loving Alice. I wanted to speak to her, to explain my feelings but I couldn't, something held me back. Every time I saw Bella I felt like my body was aflame but I couldn't approach her. I felt her gaze on me whenever we met but that was infrequent and I had no idea if she felt the same or blamed me for ruining her relationship with Edward. Then she disappeared, just left Forks and there was no one I could talk to. Rose would go mad, Emmett would just look at me in puzzlement and Carlisle? Well Edward was his first sired, his son and I doubted he would be happy to hear what happened between Bella and myself which left only one person, Esme. Maybe she would understand, be able to explain things to me, give me some guidance before I drowned in these emotions.
Esme
When Jasper came to me asking if we could take a walk I was concerned by his sadness and confusion. He rarely asked to speak to anyone except Carlisle and I felt flattered, perhaps he and Alice were having problems although there was no outward sign of such a thing. It was a lovely evening and we walked down to the lake, Carlisle and Emmett were out hunting and Alice was at a fashion show with Rose so we were alone yet Jasper didn't want to talk in the house. We sat on a fallen tree by the waters edge and I waited as the silence stretched on then he turned to me and I saw a look of such sadness in his eyes.
"Jasper what's wrong? I'm sure its not as bad as you think."
"Oh its worse Esme, infinitely worse. I'm responsible for Edwards problems with Bella."
"I'm sorry? Its just a hump in the road Jasper, Bella has to come to terms with almost losing her life to James. Are you saying you could help her?"
"No, I'm saying its nothing to do with James, not directly. Its my fault, I've fallen in love with Bella and she knows."
"You what? No, Alice would have seen. Has she said anything to you? She certainly hasn't told anyone else in the family."
"I'm sure Alice knows although she hasn't spoken to me about it or told Edward. In the hotel in Phoenix I kissed Bella and she returned the kiss. That's why she's pulled away from Edward."
"Have you spoken to Bella since?"
"No."
"Has she tried to speak to you about it?"
"No."
"Then I think you're seeing more in this than there is Jasper. Bella was scared and alone, you were protecting her and she felt grateful, that's all."
He looked me in the eye,
"Are you sure about that Esme? Because I'm not. I can't help the way I feel and I can't talk to Alice about it."
"Of course you can, explain it was a rash moment, Alice loves you, she'll forgive. She probably already has and that's why she hasn't said anything to you or Bella."
He shook his head,
"I can't stay here feeling the way I do Esme. I have to speak to Alice and then I'm leaving."
"Where will you go? To Bella?"
"No, she deserves better, just away."
"Alice loves you, she'll be devastated if you leave Jasper. At least talk to Carlisle."
"How can I? He'll only see that I hurt Edward. You know how he thinks of Edward"
I did and he was probably right but I thought coming from me it might be better. I wouldn't say anything to Jasper but I would speak to Carlisle as soon as he got back. Luckily it would be before the girls returned from Paris giving me a little time.
"Please think carefully before you do anything rash Jasper. It will break Alice's heart."
He nodded and looked out across the lake into the setting sun,
"That's all I've done since we returned Esme, thought about it and now I know I have to act."
I watched as he walked slowly back to the house waiting until I heard him rev up his motorbike before taking out my phone and calling Carlisle.
"Esme? Missing me already?"
"Yes as a matter of fact. Can you get back early, before the others I mean, I need to talk to you alone"
"Of course my love, it sounds serious. I'll leave straight away, the boys don't need me in any case. I'll be with you in a few hours."
"Thank you Carlisle, I love you"
"Love you too."
"Could you meet me in our quiet place only I'd like to be sure we're not overheard."
"By who? Everyone's away aren't they?"
"Please Carlisle"
"Of course, I'll ring you when I'm almost there."
Carlisle
I was mystified, what could be so urgent and secret that Esme needed to speak to me now? I made my excuses and Edward and Emmett, who weren't really worried, they had a tally running, were happy to continue alone. Emmett's exuberance took Edwards mind off his problems with Bella, now that did worry me. I hated to see my son so unhappy after all he'd been through for Bella. I shrugged off the worry and set off running back towards Forks and my dear mate. I always missed her when we hunted separately but the sex was great when we were reunited and I hoped tonight would be no different. I couldn't help a smile as I thought about our last time, she was deeply committed to us and a very sensual woman. I had chosen the right mate in her and I hoped Edward and Bella would be equally as close once over this little problem. I wanted to see him settled and happy after so long alone.
Shocked I locked myself in my study to consider what Esme had told me of her conversation with Jasper. I hadn't let on how upset or angry I was because I didn't want to worry her but something would have to be done. Jasper could not be allowed to ruin Alice or Edwards happiness although I had my suspicions that Alice already knew and if I knew my daughter as well as I thought she might already be involved in getting her own back on a certain Bella Swan. Edward would be heartbroken but that couldn't be helped. Bella was just not good enough for him, she may have left the area but he was convinced she would be back. I determined I would make very sure that neither she nor Jasper knew any peace from this day forth. They had no idea what they were unleashing as yet and before hell descended on them I needed to make a phone call. I didn't want to interrupt any plans Alice had set in motion but this was too serious to allow to continue. I reached for my phone then stopped as I heard Esmes quiet footsteps below, it wouldn't do for her to hear this particular conversation, I would make it from the hospital in the morning, there was nothing that couldn't wait until then and it gave me time to think.
