Chap 2

I arrived home and was not surprised to see Alice almost bouncing up and down on the porch waiting for me. She stared at me with pleading eyes. I had known that she

Edward, don't do this! You are being ridiculous. I have shown you what is going to happen. Bella won't be better off without us.

"Alice I don't want to hear it. This is the only way. Stop looking for her future. We have caused enough chaos in her life." I tried to push past her but she blocked my path

"Alice, move out my way please. I don't want to hurt you."

You won't hurt me Edward. You are so melodramatic!

I wanted to stick my tongue out at her like a little kid to vent my frustration but I controlled my reaction. I was not going to let her get under my skin like she usually did. Her unashamed smugness with knowing the future, which could be helpful most of the time, annoyed me today.

I started walking in the opposite direction. I wanted to get away from Alice. She was really annoying me and I was dangerously close to losing it. I heard her rhythmic footsteps follow me into the forest.

"Go away Alice! I don't think I have ever met someone as annoying as you ugh." I grumbled

It's a talent

I am trying to stop you from making a huge mistake. I care about you Edward. I see what it will do to you being away from her.

"This isn't about me Alice! I will endure it as long as she is safe. Hanging out with our kind is not good for her"

Bella will be one of us one day Edward, I have seen it!

My lips curled back and I snarled.

"The future can change. Bella will not be damned to a life of darkness." I glared at her.

She rolled her eyes and waited for me to calm down.

I closed my eyes and concentrated on calming my temper. I didn't want to take out my fury on Alice. I slumped down next to a tree and buried my face in my hands

Edward it kills me to see you like this. What is so wrong with Bella becoming one of us?

'I won't destroy her soul and I won't be the cause of her being in constant danger anymore. Please just leave me alone Alice.' I muttered

I can see what you are planning Edward. What about Carlisle and Esme? You know she will be heartbroken. Why can't you see what this will do to them, I don't want you to go! She thought as she took a seat next to me.

'I can't stay Alice, I won't be much company. I need to figure out how to live without her.' I said as I ruffled her hair affectionately. Alice was truly my sister in every way and I would miss her and the rest of my family. I didn't want them to be a part of what would be going on in my head. I didn't know if I would ever be the same again. I didn't want to put my family through that. I had to be alone for this.

Edward please, don't do this! Why are you so stubborn?

I was just about to let Alice have it when I heard murmuring in the house. It seemed that the rest of my family was home, so I would have to face the scene my leaving would cause. I reluctantly walked into the house, deciding to get it over with as quickly as possible. I walked in to find Carlisle and Esme staring at me anxiously. They sensed something was going on. Rosalie glared and Emmet was unaffected by the atmosphere just as he always was. Alice followed me into the house pouting at her failure to persuade me to change my mind.

"Edward, son what's going on?"

"I'm leaving, I won't be much fun to be around and I think it will be best."

"Edward, tell me why? I thought we were all going to leave together." Esme asked sadly

"I need to be alone for a while Esme." I said not meeting her gaze. I blocked out her sad thoughts I didn't want to hear them.

Are you sure this is what you want? I nodded as I answered Carlisle's silent question.

I will miss you bro Emmett thought quietly.

I needed to get out of here! I couldn't take their pain or sadness. I had enough of my own to deal with.

It will be better without her, in time you will find someone else, who won't disrupt our lives so much.

I snarled at Rosalie. Alice put a restraining hand on my shoulder.

Let it go she commanded silently.

I shrugged away from her hand and went outside. I could hear her bouncing behind as she followed me again.

"Alice you can't follow me! I'm going and there is nothing that is left for you to say that will change my mind"

Okay but promise me that you will come back. I can't see yet if you will. You are pretty set on your path but I hope that it changes. You are a huge pain in the ass and you are extremely stubborn but I love you Edward. You have been the brother I always wanted.

"I love you too Alice just let me go okay! Take care of them for me."

I will she promised silently as I walked away from her. I didn't look back. I didn't want to see their faces. They would forgive me one day I was sure. They were my family and it killed me to leave them

My thoughts drifted back to Bella's face when I had told her I was leaving as I took in the utter devastation in her eyes. My mind was clouded with my last moments with her as I ran faster and faster leaving Forks behind in a blur.

"Edward it was nothing what happened with Jasper! I'm Fine"

"Yeah it could have been a lot worse."

"You are overreacting," She pleaded

"This isn't just about what happened with Jasper." I retorted

"What then?"

"I'm tired Bella! I am who I am and I can't change that. I won't pretend to be something I'm not anymore."

"I know that the loving, gentle person I see everyday is who you really are."

"Bella where we are going, it won't be the right place for you."

"How can it be the wrong place if I am with you?"

"Bella I don't want you to come with my family and I. Being with you is just not good for me."

She was silent and I didn't dare look to see the undisguised pain in her eyes.

'I guess that if things have changed for you, then I have to accept that."

I came to a stop at our meadow and the agony of the memories that flooded through me made me sink to the ground. Just then I looked up and realized that I wasn't alone.