A/N: This is my first foray into fan fiction writing. I'm not guaranteeing there will be a letter at the beginning of every chapter; after all, I feel the characters need a chance to move about the story on their own. Please review, leave feedback, let me know what you think.

And as always, Twilight belongs to Stephanie Meyers, but I'd be able to quit my day job if she'd share just a tiny bit with me.

***** Lesson 1: The Breaking Point *****

Alice,

Oh Alice, how could you? I know by now you're probably wondering whether I've invited Jasper into my bed, and if I have, then I am the proverbial pot calling the kettle black, but nevertheless, how could you cheat on him?

Are you that desperate to be the center of attention? I realize that Claire was an unexpected surprise, and you figured you'd be closer to thirty before becoming a mom, but sometimes, we just have to grow up and become mature adults, whether we want to or not. The days of flirting with every available male that spared you a second glance are over. Certainly, we all want to feel attractive, even as we assume the role of wife and mother. But, feeling attractive and searching out affection from another man's bed is a whole different story.

He should have been enough for you. I sat by and watched how he doted on you, how he provided for your every need, and he is such a sweet and caring father. No little girl could ask for more.

So, Lesson Number 1 – Fidelity.

Again, scoff all you will, seeing as I'm his mistress and you're his wife, but that was the breaking point. The day he returned from his business trip early to find you in bed with one of your boy toys was the day you opened the door wide open for me to take your place. He was so angry and bitter. Shattered. You broke his trust. You made him feel as though he was lacking. You tainted the love the two of you shared.

You want to fix this? From now on, remember, no matter whatever catches your eye; you've got something better at home.

Your Teacher, His Mistress,

Bella

The October evening sun was setting, bringing about cooler temperatures and the soothing sounds of a crackling fire. While the adults still remained quietly talking around the pit on the back porch, inside a small pile of cousins dozed as the final notes of Frozen came to a close on the television. Another beautiful Sunday evening spent enjoying each other's company at the Cullen household.

Bella gently placed a kiss on her husband's cheek, collecting the scattered wine glasses from around the fire as he discussed the latest football game with Emmett and Carlisle. Rosalie was in the house nursing the newest addition to the Cullen clan, sweet baby Alex. Esme and Alice were chatting about the interior design changes Alice was planning to make to her living room. Bella made her way into the kitchen and placed the stemware into the sink.

Hearing a shuffling sound behind her, she quickly turned and caught a glimpse of a familiar head of blonde curls. He never loses that surfer boy hair, no matter how much older we get, she thought to herself. Jasper was busy gathering up toys off the great room floor, trying very carefully not to disturb the three little girls snoozing on the couch.

Bella joined him in scooping up sippy cups and princess dolls. Jasper caught her eye as she was placing one more toy into the basket and gave her that lazy grin that had all the girls swooning back in high school.

"Are you and Alice heading out soon?" Bella inquired.

"Ssshhh, don't wake them up. Alice will have my head if Claire starts to have a melt down before we leave." Jasper replied.

True, Claire was soon approaching three, and Bella had been witness to more than one tearful tirade courtesy of the sleep-deprived tyke. No one wanted to end the Sunday night family get together on a sour note. The two adults moved back into the kitchen, Bella placing the sippy cups in the sink with the wine glasses, Jasper moving to lean against the kitchen counter.

"Are you okay, Jasper? You've been so quiet all evening. Your not one to dominate the conversation, but I just keep getting this feeling that something's not quite right."

"Alice is cheating on me."

Bella's head snapped over to look him in the eye. She could see the tensed jaw and balled up fists, but what was more disturbing was the vacant look in his eye, as if he was in shock, or had simply checked out on feeling any sort of emotion.

"Are you sure, Jasper? I mean, I know Alice likes to go on and on about how she wants to marry Adam Levine someday, but we all know it's just a silly crush. You two have been through thick and thin these past five years, what with her mother's death and the unexpected arrival of Claire."

"You know, I used to think she'd grow up. I realize she's just 25, and I know that we only married once we knew Claire was on the way, but" Jasper continued, "I thought after dating two years, we were ready. I was certainly thinking she was the one for me. We would have gotten engaged, regardless."
"Exactly, so why do you think she's having an affair?" Bella asked.

Jasper released a short bark of a laugh, "Because I caught her, in our bed, tangled up in the sheets with one of her boyfriends from high school. I had planned on surprising her by returning from my business trip early. Guess that backfired. Seems, with all the traveling I've been doing lately, she's been lonely for affection and they ran into each other while she was at the movies with a girlfriend a few weeks back. I suppose you could say they were catching up with one another, at least with one another's bodies."

By now, his head had dropped forward to where his chin touched his chest, and he was pinching the bridge of his nose, eyes closed as if trying to erase the memory. He looked so lost and dejected. Bella couldn't begin to imagine the pain he was feeling, and honestly, she was at a loss as to what to do. She and Edward had always had smooth sailing when it came to their ten-year marriage. Take into account Emmett and Roaslie's fifteen years, Carlisle and Esme's thirty-five, and the Cullen family was a poster child for "happy ever after." Once they walked down the aisle, it was a done deal, till death do you part.

Alice was a bit of the wild child of the group, being nine years Jasper's junior, but still, an affair? Five years in and she was already looking for comfort in another man's arms? What was she thinking?

"Jasper, I don't know what to say. I'm so sorry. Does anyone else know?" Bella softly asked, having moved closer to her brother-in-law.

"No, and that's exactly how it's going to stay. No one needs to get involved in our mess. We'll sort it out. You just asked at a vulnerable moment, and the words just slipped out. I wasn't planning on sharing with the family. Please tell me you'll keep this to yourself," Jasper lifted his head in askance as he looked Bella in the eye.

"Yeah, sure, I won't say anything. I won't even mention it to Edward, but Jasper, you can't keep this bottled in. It's not your fault; surely the family will see that. No one needs to go through this pain by themselves."

Jasper started to walk towards the back door, looking over his shoulder, he replied, "Bella, I appreciate you listening, I do, but I've got this."

And with the quiet closing of the door, he was gone. Bella stood in the kitchen washing the cups one by one. She needed time to process this new information. She was fairly sure she wouldn't be able to walk outside without sending a lethal glare towards her sister-in-law, effectively betraying Jasper's trust. The war going on inside her battled back and forth between telling Edward, and keeping it all to herself.

After several minutes had passed, Bella's emotions had calmed down some and she was able to return to the family. Thankfully, Edward was ready to leave and they quickly said their goodbyes to everyone, gathering up Renee and Marie and heading home.

As they pulled out of the drive, Bella couldn't quite let go of the look on Jasper's face as he sat next to Alice on the back porch. Of course, everyone would accept that Jasper was taking the usual back seat to Alice's non-stop chatter. But for Bella, he just looked like a man, broken.