Hey guys, thanks for all of the wonderful reviews! I'm glad you're liking the story, and don't worry, I will try to update as often as I can without sacrificing whatever quality I am able to offer. Also, whilst outside drinking a beer, I've decided that this is going to be a fairly long fanfic, and this chapter is quite a bit longer than the first two. I hope that doesn't make it undesirable to some readers.

Of course, the original disclaimers apply. I do not and will not ever own Stephanie's characters, no matter how much I would love that opportunity. I'd be a rich, rich woman, and I would have the Cannondale Synapse bike that I've been drooling over… Anyway, back to the story.

Desired Constellation

It was no wonder that Edward could stay and watch Bella sleep all night. She looked so at peace, her chest rising and falling in a steady pattern, her breath caressing my skin and drawing a warm path across my skin. Her eyelids would flutter sometimes as she mumbled unintelligible words. Sometimes she'd even spout off full sentences, like "Mike, leave me alone," which forced me to suppress a giggle.

I looked towards the window and realized that the sun was rising. Bella had only been asleep for a few hours and I knew she'd be exhausted. As much as I didn't want to leave, a brief vision alerted me that Charlie would be coming in to check on her. I quickly disassembled myself from the comfortable embrace, being as careful as possible so as to not wake her up. Looking down at myself for the first time, I realized just how shredded my clothes were. The sleeves had small cuts all over them and my left shoulder was completely exposed. I decided I should go back home to change and then maybe come back to drive Bella to school.

I crouched onto the windowsill, looking back briefly for a last glance at the beautiful sleeping Bella before jumping from my stoop. I silently landed, just as I could hear her door opening and an over protective father peeking in. I chuckled, remembering how Charlie responded to Bella's sudden departure to rescue my brother. That wasn't the most pleasant conversation I've ever experienced.

I ran directly home, knowing that I would have a few questions waiting for me. Though we were each treated as adult individuals, it still wasn't normal for one of us to run off unannounced without any explanation. I advanced on the looming white house with hesitance, choosing to use the bedroom window instead of the front door.

Jasper was inside choosing a shirt from the dresser at the foot of our bed, his skin sparkling slightly off the reflection of the sun peeking through the clouds that would darken the rest of the day. Immediately I felt guilty for having been annoyed with him. He was the kindest person I've ever met, always the most understanding and considerate in every situation. I jumped inside, stopping behind him and giving him a peck on his back before moving into the bathroom to shower. I felt his eyes on me as I closed the door, and at that moment I knew what I was doing to him was wrong.

I was leading him on.

I got in the shower, turning the water on as hot as possible. I stood there motionlessly, letting the water flow down my hair for a while before I began to wash. I took my time, giving each part of my body individual attention. It felt wonderful getting all the dirt and grime off of me from my run in the dense trees. Usually I was more conscious while running, more able to keep my body clean and my clothes unharmed, but last night I was trying not to be conscious of anything. Probably ten or fifteen minutes into my shower, I turned off the water and pulled a towel around my body.

Something immediately struck me as odd as I was about to open the door. I couldn't smell Jasper in the next room, but the familiar scent of my neglected brother was there. I could feel the frown gathering itself on my face as I stepped out, seeing him sitting on the edge of the bed. His eyes were off in space, his hair disheveled more so than usual. I couldn't tell what he was thinking, so I asked him.

"I'm thinking about Jasper and why he just left to go hunt in Alaska by himself." Edward said quietly, and surprisingly a little bit confused. When his words settled in, the guilt that had begun to swell in me when I climbed through the window engulfed my entire body. I knew why. "Then I guess I don't have to tell you." Edward got up slowly and headed towards the door.

"Wait," I went to intercept him, placing my hand softly on his shoulder. Edward looked upset, and I had a feeling it was because of something Jasper thought. "What's going on? What was he thinking?" Edward looked sadly down to me, speaking softly. "You've never had to ask me that before. I think that's part of the problem." He took my hand and sat me down on the bed. "He was thinking…that you weren't in love with him." He searched my eyes (and my head), looking for confirmation. Finding nothing, he continued, "He's going to come back after a week or so. He just needs time to think things through without my abilities around making him uncomfortable." He winced slightly saying this. I could tell this bothered him more than he wanted to let on. I had been avoiding him for similar reasons. He had to feel like the annoying pest everyone wants put away. "Maybe not in those words." He smirked, but it didn't reach his eyes.

We were quiet for a moment before I spoke again. "Edward, I don't know if I love him anymore." I whispered it, not sure if I could bear to speak any louder. I looked out the window where Jasper's trail lead, wondering if I should intercept him and explain, but then thinking better of it. It was his turn to shun me and I deserved it. "You can not help the way you feel or don't feel, Alice." Edward placed a hand on mine in a comforting gesture. "Don't blame yourself. Eventually he'll understand."

His gentleness with me only made the guilt worse. I had avoided him as well, and he knew it. I looked at him pleadingly, because I knew it must've been hurting him. "I understand now, Alice. You don't have to be sorry, and please don't feel guilty…" Edward looked away from me, down towards the ground. He looked incredibly upset all of a sudden. I knew he would try to gain distance from me after I realized this, so before he could get up, I grabbed his arm. "Edward, what is going through your mind?" I wanted to help him. He had always confided in me, and me in him, and I hoped that even after the long weeks of shoving him away he could still put trust in me.

He took a second, keeping his eyes away from mine. "Bella and yourself are going through the same situation, I think." Edward blinked hard, and I think that if he could, he would be crying. Stoically, of course. He looked back at me, more sure of his claim. "She's been distant, just as you have been." Something clicked in his mind. "You've seen it, haven't you?"

I thought about it for a moment. Should I be the one to break it to him, more than likely letting my vision come true? I nodded slowly, realizing that he heard the question in my mind. I looked away before I could see his reaction, knowing it wouldn't be easy. His weight left the bed, and yet another man disappeared through my window.

I threw on some black skinny jeans and a simple black button-up, needing to get out of this place as soon as I could.

I went to school feeling ashamed of myself, but also looking forward to seeing Bella again. Rosalie and Emmett were quieter than ever that morning. Rose hadn't even acknowledged my existence, and Emmett, instead of practically throwing me into the air for a goodbye hug, gave only a small smile and a wave as I left for school. It was weird being the only one showing up, since they had already "graduated."

When I parked the car in the parking lot, I looked around for that old, beat up red truck that I knew so well. I spotted it immediately, Bella barely stepping out of the car. I walked my way towards her, but a motorcycle brushed by me quickly, stopping my path.

Jacob parked right beside Bella's driver door. I felt a growl distend in my chest as I stepped back and listened.

Jacob looked upset, but that certainly wasn't new. He was always upset. "Bella, I need to tell you something." His voice grated against my ears. I could smell him from where I was, halfway across the parking lot. Ugh, I would never get that horrible wet dog smell out of my nostrils. I snarled silently so no one else could hear but him. He glanced in my direction, his eyebrows furrowing, returning a small growl. I saw Bella look between the two of us and sigh. "What is it, Jake?" She seemed irritated. Jacob focused his attention back to her, shifting in his seat slightly. "Victoria, that redheaded bloodsucker, she's been sniffing around the borderlines. She's looking for you," he popped his knuckles before settling his hands back down on the handlebars.

He breathed in heavily before continuing. He always needed "breathing breaks" to calm his little tantrums down. I couldn't help but giggle at the thought. I didn't think it was possible, but his face took on a look of even greater hostility. "I think she has some company with her. Warn your buddies." I didn't know what to be more impressed with, his melodramatics or his lack of vocabulary. I approached them, slipping an arm around Bella's shoulders. "We've been warned." I gave Bella a kiss on the cheek, and then looked back at Jacob as kindly as possible. "You know, you could always come tell us in person rather than pass messages like you're in junior high." He snarled. "You're lucky we're not in private" He quickly got the bike started and peeled out of the parking lot without so much as a goodbye. How rude.

I rolled my eyes as he left. "Your friend is incredibly suave, Bella." She tried to look annoyed with me, but I could tell she was fighting back a grin. "Good morning, Bella." I hugged her tightly and pecked her cheek again. Her skin smelled so nice, and it was so soft. I wished I could do that all day without it getting awkward, though something tells me it wouldn't be. I could feel the blood rushing to her cheeks in that signature Bella way, plastering a smile on my face. "Good morning, Alice." She seemed so shy all of a sudden. "Thanks for uh…helping me out last night." She shifted her backpack more securely onto her shoulder and brushed her hair from her face. "Sorry you stayed so long to help me sleep."

I took her hand into my own before she could fidget anymore and kissed her thumb. "Stop being so silly. I didn't mind. In fact, I enjoyed myself." I smiled. Looping my arm into hers, I lead her towards the entrance.

"So I'm guessing you heard what Jacob said." Bella looked at me, a little worriedly. My smile faded. She never looks frightened, even when a psycho, widowed vampire was out for revenge. "You know I'll never let anything happen to you, Bella." I said softly, meaning every word. I took her aside before we reached the doors, bringing her around the side of the building. "If I lost you, I don't know what I would do." I looked at her, seeing her eyes moisten slightly. I think mine would have done the same. She was a target, and to think that we left her here with only the protection of those dogs made my stomach hurt. They had hardly any experience fighting off vampires, no matter how much boasting they did. With Jasper and Emmett there was absolutely no comparison. Rosalie could probably take Jacob down herself, though she hated physical confrontation. Verbal confrontation was obviously not a problem…

"I wont leave you, Bella, not this time." I took her in a hug, snuggling into her neck. I felt my dead heart implode as she wrapped her arms around me, resting her head on the side of mine. Her scent bombarded me and I could feel the fire in my throat roar. I pushed the hunger down, willing the venom to stop rushing into my mouth. I just wanted to enjoy having her close; I didn't want her as my next meal. This whole vampire thing gets annoying every now and then… or all the time, when I'm around Bella. Despite the internal battle I continually waged, I breathed her in as much as I could. As a human, I would've done the same. "Even if Edward pulled another stupid stunt, I would stay, even if he threatened to kill me." He'd have to pry off every body part and burn it, I nearly said, but thought it best to not rattle her any further.

"I trust you, Alice. I know nothing will happen to me." She tugged me closer, smelling my hair when she thought I wouldn't notice. I giggled, almost immediately feeling the blush in her cheeks.

I pulled away to look, and sure enough her face was bright red, only making me laugh a little more. "Had to break the tension, I guess," I said after my chuckles died. "Let's go to class. I was going to ask if you wanted to skip with me, but I think we'd better not. Charlie's going to tell you tonight that you're taking next week off from school to see Renee." I grinned, seeing her puzzled expression.

Thinking she would be happy, I was shocked to see disappointment instead. Bella's eyes drifted to my feet for a moment before gathering at my face again with a small, forged smile. I shook my head, "Uh uh. You aren't fooling me, Bella, what's wrong?"

The wind picked up, pushing her hair into her face. The shiny brunette locks twirled, blocking most of her vision. Instinctively, I gently pulled it back towards her ear, letting my hand linger on her skin. My fingers traced the right side of her jaw line. I couldn't help but indulge in her warmth. Her skin was so unbelievably soft, unlike my stiff, marble skin. I wasn't expecting it when her heart began to speed up and her eyes closed. She leaned into the touch just slightly, only opening her eyes when I released her.

I gulped. This was different, wasn't it? What was this we were stepping into, and why hadn't I noticed this spark in my fingertips before?

Just as I was about to ask her, the warning bell for first period rang. I clenched my eyes tight, opening them to see a shyly smiling Bella. Taking a breath, I decided to delay analyzing, bowing slightly and placing a hand out to her in a gentlemanly fashion. "Ms. Swan," I put on the best British accent I could, "would you do me the honor of allowing me to walk you to class?"

Her beautiful brown eyes gave away so much sometimes, but right now I couldn't read what emotion was playing inside of her. Confusion maybe? The girl knew how to put a wall up. I didn't give away anything either, grinning at her with my little act, wiggling my fingers in invitation for her grasp. She sighed slightly, grinning back and taking my hand and I lead her to the door. Funny, she didn't ask where Edward was. Not even once.

School flew by quickly, of course, just when I wanted it to slow down. Time was such a silly concept, especially when you're life felt like one, long, never-ending day. I wished again that I could sleep.

I let Bella go quickly after the last bell, giving her a hug before we parted ways in the parking lot. Charlie would be at home with his surprise. That man made visions so easy, with his little digital watch that told me what date and time he would be doing something with Bella. Convenience wasn't something I was used to these days.

Another vision came, one I suppose I'd been seeing even without my gift. Jasper and I were sitting on our bed, talking in quiet whispers. His eyes held sadness, more than I had ever seen in them in all of our years together. I knew what was happening already before I even focused in on the conversation. We were breaking up. Seeing the clothing we both wore, I guessed he had changed his mind on coming back later. This was going to happen now.

I detoured, feeling my chest beginning to heave in tight, hard breaths as if I needed the oxygen. The car u-turned almost by itself, my foot pressing on the gas pedal till it was on the floorboard, racing off in the opposite direction of the house.

Jasper and I had been together for decades. Why was I feeling this way? And more importantly, why was I beginning to feel my head spinning out of control whenever I lay even the tiniest little touch on Bella?

And more importantly than even that, why was it more important than how I was feeling about Jasper?

I tried to block the thought from my mind, but it kept coming back to me until I nearly broke the gas pedal with the force I was putting on it. I turned the car back around, knowing that running wasn't going to do anything but delay the inevitable. Jasper deserved better than that from me, especially when I was taking myself away from him.

For the second time today, I avoided the front door, opting for the bedroom window where I knew Jasper would be waiting for me. I climbed slowly, listening to his breathing. It stopped suddenly when he felt my presence at the window. His head bent towards it, but his eyes stayed on the ground. "Alice, I need to talk to you." His voice was quiet.

I looked at him for a moment, quietly studying his face. There was reluctance in his eyes, but I knew I had to let this happen. I pulled myself into the room and slowly made my way to sit beside him. He placed a hand on my knee, looking at it briefly before taking his eyes and hand away to his lap. "You've been increasingly distant, and every time I've seen you for over five minutes you become annoyed or even sickened by me." He stated every word with care, speaking slowly as if he was just making the realization for himself. "I love you more than anyone in the entire world, Alice, but I can't sit back and pretend those feelings are repaid when it simply isn't the truth." He finally looked up to meet my gaze. There was sureness in them now, coupled with that heart breaking sadness that I experienced in the vision.

"I'm sorry, Jasper." I said this as quietly as I could, just loud enough for him to hear. "You were my life, and I still love you." This time, I broke the eye contact. I couldn't believe I was about to say this. "As much as I love you, I know this isn't right, me trying to stay with you."

"I wont try to change how you feel, I can't take that freedom from you no matter how much I'd like to." I nearly missed his low statement. He was looking out the window, and I could sense his need to flee. His statement put me in a loss for words. "You never loved me the way I loved you, and I've understood that one day you would realize it. As much as I love you, we should part ways." He smiled a small, sad smile.

I nodded, crying invisible silent tears. I wanted to tell him I was sorry, but I knew it wasn't enough.

Being the gentleman he is, he quickly packed a bag, leaving some of his clothes in the dresser as a sign that he would return into my life. This time, though, he would be a friend and nothing more.

He left, giving me one last, gentle kiss. He lingered on my lips, even after he had gone.