A/N: Another chapter here for you. It's longer than usual—Yay! If I don't update soon, I promise you a real long chapter afterwards to make up for it, sound good? Also, reviews are my saviors, so if you review you will be my god. (;
Bella's POV
I paused in my tracks. Was Edward hurt? The last thing I heard was that he was going hunting; nothing out of the normal. But the intensity in Alice's eyes confirmed that something terrible had happened.
"Alice, tell me." I demanded, surprised at my forcefulness; actually, stunned at my sudden ability of such influence.
"Bella…" She trailed off, anguish strong in her tone. "I just can't tell you. It will cause you so much pain…"
I could barely breathe at this point. Since she mentioned the word "will", that meant my persistence would receive an answer. But what would cause me such pain? If Edward had been harmed, she would be just as worried as I would; she wouldn't have narrowed it down to just me.
"Alice! Just tell me, damn-it!" I called out with my eyes closed. Whatever it was, I wanted the truth and I wanted it now.
Alice sighed in defeat and covered her eyes with her shaky, petite fingers. "Bella, Edward cheated on you."
I processed that statement over and over in my mind. He wasn't hurt. Relief flushed my cheeks and made my bones shake less. My angel was safe. But then, as if a sudden storm hit, the words Alice had spoken instantly washed over me.
"That's impossible," I stated absently. I laughed in hysterics. "He would never do that to me. Don't lie to me, Alice!" I went on in a loud craze, my sensible mind unable to handle the truth before me. She reached out in a flash and grabbed my shoulders. She shook them hard, ending my hysteria.
"Bella, listen to me! However painful it is to inform you—and trust me, it is so unbelievably agonizing—he did, Bella. He did."
I looked into her eyes and found the truth. The sudden torment ran through my veins like an ice cold storm. It stung to breathe, and I thought surely my life would end then and there. How could he?
"With who?" I asked before my heart could protest. It was finally healing from the last blow, and now it reopened like a bleeding wound.
"Tanya." She whispered. Alice seemed to regret what she said and reached out for me. I flinched back and stumbled back towards the door. Tanya, huh? Of course. A beautiful vampire, strong and wistful; a perfect fit for his beautiful appearance. I was just a toy to play with until he rekindled with the past. Inevitable.
Alice inched closer to where I held the doorknob tight.
"Bella, just because my idiot brother hurt you, doesn't mean I will. If you need anything—anything at all, I'll be here, as will the others. Bella, I'm your friend; your sister. If you need me, I promise you I'll be there."
I opened the door shakily, the beginning of many future tears evolving. I ran towards my car, praying to god that I wouldn't fall.
I was sure I would take her up on that promise.
Alice's POV
I could smell him enter, along with another recognizable aroma. That bastard, smothered in that slut's scent. He carefully shut the door and made his way up the stairs—I beat him to it.
The others were watching, and he knew just as well as I did how much they wanted to each shout their feelings. Or in Emmett's case, tackle him to the ground. But for now, they were quietly listening in various rooms.
Edward was prepared for me from my thoughts, but only I knew how livid I was going to get.
Jasper, my poor dear, was in the corner trying to neglect the collective emotions of us all. He could barely control himself from getting up and punching the daylight out of Edward. Or, giving him a long lecture, as I'm sure Carlisle would do—always unusually calm, that man.
"Edward Cullen," I greeted him with teeth clenched. Edward hung his head, growling frustrated. "Alice, I don't need this right now."
That set me off.
"YOU don't need this now? Did you really think Bella was going to take this lightly? She is so upset now, Edward. It's a repeat of all the things she has feared. Edward, there are no words that any of us can say that describes how we feel right now. Especially me. Bella is hurting and it's your fault. This time it wasn't for her own well being, it was her one terror; her not being good enough for you. You're the one not good enough for her, Edward Cullen! You cheated on my sister, and good god, do you even know how absolutely revolting it was for me to see? Do you? To see you with that slut! Go to hell, you sick bastard. You disgust me!"
I foresaw the next scene clearly in my head; I was ready.
Edward pushed me down the rest of the flight of stairs. I landed cat-like in the middle of the living area. My teeth glistened over my lips, and I was ready to pounce.
He joined me in the living room, I growled loudly, egging him on. We were circling in battle, ready to strike. When Edward made a move that I could have easily dodged, but didn't get a chance to, Jasper intervened.
He kicked Edward right in the middle of his stomach, making him thrash backwards in the open air onto the loveseat. It sounded like a sudden gunshot; causing birds from the nearby window sill fly away to safety.
Splinters of wood and shards of material were strewn about; Esme had a great deal to clean up after this was all resolved.
The rest of my family gathered around at this point; each with mixed expressions. Edward just stayed there, utter resentment combining with total despair; weak and unable to speak. Jasper was first to converse.
"You ruined this yourself, Edward. You were lucky to have Bella, and you went off with another girl, who let's face it, was probably using you, Edward. You PROMISED Bella you would never hurt her again, and look what you did—what you're doing. We all care about Bella too much to let her go through as much pain she endured last time. We thought you would be the one person who would protect her from anything…we never thought we would have to protect her from you."
He snarled lowly. "Oh, and if you ever lay a hand on my wife like this again, you will be aching in more ways than one."
A/N: Hey guys, back again! This chapter was hard for me to do. I hate making Edward the bad guy! But eh well. Waiting to see how this comes along? Heh, well, me too. Review, please! Tell me what you like about it—or anything. Just review! I need inspiration and ideas.
By the way- BREAKING DAWN TOMORROW, WOOO! Are you as excited as I am? :)
