Chapter Three

January, senior year

Jasper is perfect. He is everything I wanted. All that I asked for and more but there is something about him that has changed. He used to be to attentive and caring, now he is becoming more detached. For instance, he doesn't kiss anymore and when we walk to class, he stays silent all the way. He has become a different person in the past few months.

Here he comes now. "Hi, Jasper, how are you today?" I asked hoping he would respond.

"I am fine," he said so plain fully.

"Did I do something wrong?" I asked with concern and caution.

He remained silent and I did the same. I will take that as a yes. After all, actions do speak louder than words and his posture speaks for itself. He doesn't love me anymore, Rosalie was right. But what can I do?

Graduation

The next few months past in a blur and numbly; Jasper and I scarcely spoke to each. We hung out with different people and yet together at the same time. This day finally came, I will continue on to college and pursue my career as a performing teacher.

"Alice, we need to talk," Jasper came up to me and pointed to the tree nearby. I have been waiting for this moment for a few months now and he decides now to do so. "We need a break," he said so calmly and with no emotion. I stood there like a statue waited for acid rain to dissolve me. He walked away from me and left without even saying goodbye.

As I made my way out of the trees, Emmett walked up to me and read my face, "Are you alright?"

What a stupid question. "Do I look alright?" I replied to Emmett angrily.

He wrapped his arms around me as tears rolled down my eyes. "I thought I could take it. I thought I could take the pain. But I am not strong enough."

"No one really is until it happens." His arms felt like a shield and his voice calmed my tears.

When we arrived home, Rosalie decorated the house but just gave me a hug. "Everything will be alright. You will see." Did I look that bad?

"Thanks," was all I said. That was all I could say. "I am going to sleep." I walked up the steps and into my room. I lay down on my bed and wept until I was in a deep sleep. But even then I saw his face so perfect.

We were happy together. It was like a flashback into the past. My mind rushed through all my memories of him, searching for what I did wrong. Nothing appeared offensive. I showed my affection as I always longed to do. I loved his parents and they loved me. Even his mother said, "You two are meant for each other." Then what did I do wrong? There must have been something.

I got a job a week later as a waitress. The job was easy; all I had to be was happy and caring to all customers. It took my mind off of you know who. I'd rather not say his name or I will lose control over all my emotions. Young men would dine here and flirt with me, but just ignored it. I didn't want a relationship right now or ever again for that matter.

When the fall tern for college started, I attended my classes. They were quite easy really. I enjoyed learning of different philosophies throughout time. It required a lot of reading but other than that, I loved it. My other class was college algebra. This class was easy as well. I enjoyed learning how equations work. It was like discovering a new language.

I arrived home one evening, and entered in when Emmett and Rosalie were kissing each other intensively on the couch. "Please, get a room," I shouted with disgust.

"Sorry, sis, we have some news for you."

"I am marrying your brother, Alice. We will be sisters at last," Rosalie exclaimed. I put on a mask and looked glad. I am so grateful that I can act well enough to trick my brother.

"Yeah!" I exclaimed. "You have to let me help you plan. You know I have a good taste in weddings."

"I told you she would be happy, Emmett," Rosalie said mockingly.

I giggled. "That is my brother for you. Emmett, you know I love to hear good news, especially this kind of news. Well, I best get ready for tonight. A group of my friends are kidnapping me for the night." I walked to my bedroom before I heard my brother's response. I wish I could share good news like an engagement. I thought I would a few months ago but that was silly.

Around five o'clock in the evening, a knock from the door followed by laughter. I rushed down the stairs and opened the door to, "Are you ready?"

"Don't I look ready?" I turned in a circle slowly.

"No, but you can change at Susan's house. We are kidnapping her too." I got into the car and sang loudly with the radio and my other friends. We drove up to Susan's house and knocked on her door. Her older brother answered, "Come in." I walked up to Susan's room and knocked before entering.

"Are you ready, Susan?"

"Come in, Alice," said a voice from within. I opened the door and tossed her the bag of clothes. "The blue one is mine and the black one is yours."

"Thanks." She grabbed her dress and began to change. I did the same.

My dress was strapless and hangs over my curves perfectly. It started in a royal blue at the top and ended in white. The dress ended halfway down my calves. I was glad to see that the dress came with a black jacket.

"Where are we going, Alice? Do you know?" Susan asked curiously.

"I wish I did. I was kidnapped too." That was my only reply. We both made our ways downstairs to hear nothing but gasps and sighs.

"Okay, now where are you taking us?" Susan asked demandingly.

"A musical," they shrieked in unison. "Surprise."