Alice had just left with Rosalie to go shopping. She was distracted.
I stole up to Edwards's room and knocked briskly, feeling uneasy and nervous, but trying not to think or set anything in stone so that no visions would suddenly come to Alice.
"Come in Jasper," Edward said softly. I stepped in and tried to calm myself. I was acting very jumpy and I did not want to affect Edward the same way.
I need your help. I thought, trying desperately to keep my emotions in check.
"I know," Edward smiled. I knew it was safer to talk to him through my thoughts.
So, I want to propose to Alice. I want to surprise her. But we both know how difficult that can be, so I'm trying not to think about it. I tell myself that I will not marry her, nothing will change between us, and my brain believes itself. The thought of marrying her seems so unreal. My mind was thinking out of control, trying to confuse itself, and succeeding very well. I was good and confused at the moment.
Edward nodded. He looked as though my predicament entertained him. But talking to him through my thoughts was great. Alice couldn't see thoughts, and Edward understood everything going through my mind. He picked up on all of the details and understood better than anyone ever could. At first when I kept lying to myself, saying how I would never marry Alice, he became confused, until he realized that I was trying to trick my own brain. Trick the future, and trick Alice.
He gave me an encouraging smile, as if to say it was working.
Has Alice seen anything? Does she know?
He shook his head.
Is she at all suspicious?
His head moved in a brief, small nod.
Has she seen anything wedding related?
Another shake of the head.
Has she seen you and me talking?
A nod. So that was all she'd seen.
Edward continued to nod at my thoughts. She knows we're planning something, but she can't dig really deep into it. Either my mind tricks were working very well or Alice wanted a surprise.
"Both," Edward said.
You understand of course that if I buy her a ring, that will set way too much in stone. A brisk nod, he probably already knew what I was asking. I need you to buy a ring. Act as though you're getting it for Esme, her and Carlisle's anniversary's coming up anyways. Alice won't be suspicious.
Edward could tell by the pictures in my mind what I wanted in the way of engagement rings. I watched him studying the images carefully.
If Alice sees anything, tell me somehow. You know how her visions work better than I do. You should have an easier time getting around them than me.
He nodded in agreement.
Okay. I'm going to try not to think about it. If I happen to start thinking too much, try and distract me, I really want her to be surprised.
I was on my way out the door now.
And remember, don't set anything in stone. Keep your own mind occupied as well.
Edward waved good-bye to me. I left, and sighed.
I was very thankful Edward would help me, but I couldn't dwell on it. As far as my mind knew, Edward and I were not up to anything. I was not going to marry Alice. There would be no ring bought.
In fact, right now, I was going to go fight with Emmett, nothing out of the ordinary.
I had to believe myself.
Everything I did right now was feeling out of the ordinary, but Alice didn't have to know that.
