Chapter 2
"Emmett, Rosalie, take Jasper outside." Carlisle calmly ordered for my departure. I was still possessed, thanks to more blood from Bella. The monster thrashed against Emmett's iron arms. I heard Emmett grunt through a set jaw. Edward, who wasn't breathing, crouched over the stunned Bella. A deadly growl crept through his bared teeth.
Rosalie helped Emmett tow me outside; Esme apologized regretfully as she tagged along. The scent of the forest hit me like a cement wall, relieving me of the smell of blood. When monster in my head was weak enough to restrain, I pushed him back. I regained my control. A well- deserved wave of guilt swept through me as I groaned.
"You okay, buddy?" Emmett murmured.
"I am fine, let me go please." I rasped gravely. They loosened their grips on me skeptically. I took a handful of strong pine needles and shoved it into my face, horrified on what I had done. I breathed deeply, trying to eliminate the aroma of the blood. My throat burned with immense thirst. I sobbed tearlessly. I hated feeling this weak. Esme's hand patted softly on my back, sympathy rolled off her in visible waves. I could sense her mothering instincts kicking in.
I calmed the people around me with my extra-ability. They were what people called 'pins on needles'. I felt so barbaric; Bella's terrified face rewinded and played forever in my head, like a never-ending roll of film. "I can't believe I did that." I moaned, clutching my hair. I would have easily pulled out the hair from its roots, but I decided I didn't want patches of hair missing from my scalp for the rest of eternity.
Rosalie seemed smug; I could not believe her. She had her arms crossed and a huge mockery grin glued to her face. I scowled in my adopted sister's direction. Edward was stalking toward us, his face twisted in agony. Her smirk immediately disappeared.
"Stitches!" He roared, shaking his head. "I keep putting her in danger." I gave him comfort as he sighed heavily. "I am sorry, it's just that I love her so much, yet I bring so much danger to come to her." He started venting. My guilt meter rose.
I am really sorry. I couldn't help it. I mourned with my voice.
"It's fine." His laconic response did not calm me. Alice hopped out; her beautiful marble face had worry lines etched in.
"Jasper." She breathed, putting her arms around me. Her touch soothed me. "Are you alright?" she smothered me. Alice scrutinized my face anxiously.
"I am fine." I felt Edward put his hand under his chin. He was thinking. Alice froze beside me. Her head turned in Edward's direction.
"No, Edward, you couldn't." She screeched, "We can't leave Forks. You love her so." I realized what Edward was doing. Her trilling voice pierced the air like a knife.
"It's the only way. I love her, that's why I must." He urged, pain and love hung in the atmosphere. "Her life would go back to normal, no more danger. No more worry." Emmett's mouth hung open. Rose's face was a mask of pure shock.
"Edward, it was just one slip." I was not going to ruin this relationship Edward has waited for nearly a century. It may never happen again. "I cannot, will not, let this happen."
Edward shook his head, stubborn and grieving. "We will discuss this after I get her home."
"She will ask you to spend the night. Wait until she falls asleep, and then you can come back." Alice predicted. Edward nodded. "Wait, I will come with you. She needs a change of clothes."
He fled to the house with Alice dancing along with him. I did not notice that Esme had disappeared until now. We all waited in silence. Eventually, Bella's engine roared in the distance. I waited until her engine dispersed. Frustrated, I slammed my fist to a tree trunk. The tree popped and snapped it crashed into the other tree, toppling it over. Alice came back. She reached for me; I shied away from her. Regretting in instantly, I placed my hand in hers. She gripped it tightly.
Carlisle came out to join us, Esme walked behind him. I looked at them sadly. Carlisle gave me a helpless look. Alice explained to Carlisle about the insane idea Edward had. He hung his head.
"I never thought that he would…" My father trailed off. We all entered the house. It was clean and deprived of the smell of blood. We seated ourselves at our table. The clock on the wall ticked with exaggerated slowness, echoing through the whole house.
Finally, nearly twelve, Edward arrived. "Alright I assumed Alice told you about my decision. Jasper," He looked straight at me. "I want you to go to Denali." He read my mind for a second. "No, I won't change my mind. I don't care if only you leave. I want all of us to leave Bella in peace." He emphasized the last word. "I will stay here for another two days. I will break it for her in the second day." His voice was so full of pain, that I could taste it in the air, not even using my talent to do so.
"I want to say good-bye." Alice complained, looking heartbroken.
"No." Edward's answer was curt.
"Come on, Jasper. We should go to Denali," She sighed. I glared at Edward.
"Edward, you think what you are doing is best for her, but I hate to disagree. Nothing good will come from this." She said in a monotone as we both exited the door in silence.