CHAPTER 3.

While laying in Jasper's arms that morning, I thought back on the last 3 months. How things had changed dramatically. I thought back to when the friendship between Jasper and I began, after my outburst I had at him for apologising when there was no need. It flowed effortlessly after that into a friendship, and quickly blossomed into the love we share now. It was like a whirlwind. I remember watching him training the Cullen's and the pack for the up coming battle with Victoria. Although they all moved too fast for my mere mortal eyes, the glimpses I caught of him were magnificent. He was a vision of fierceness and strength. Utterly focused and skilled. After every session I attended and managed to keep my eyes open for, he would always approach me, asking my opinion and keeping me informed of the battle plan, any changes or developments. Edward was always caught up in being an interpreter for the wolves, so he never paid much attention to Jasper and I. I cherished those moments. We were like-minded, and both agreed that having me there on the battle field was the best approach, but of course were out voted by Edward and Carlisle. Although Jasper was the one with the experience and so obviously was the leader, my vote didn't count, as usual. I'm just the human, here for protecting and bossing around. I felt like a pet. But Jasper always made me feel like an equal. It was just before the battle I realised my feelings for jasper, and mentally kicked myself for agreeing to marry Edward. I was too ashamed of myself to admit it to Jasper, but Edward called the family in the first available moment we all had, and announced the news. I kept me head down, I couldn't look any of them in the eye. But when I did lift my head slightly and caught Jasper's eye, he shook his head. He knew. But he never let it show he was upset. I now know he knew we were fated to be together, and it was just a matter of time before I shattered the already broken glass that was Edwards and mine relationship, and ran to Jasper. Alice would have kept him in the loop, helped him stay strong till I broke free from Edward. I can't imagine how he would have felt.

Jasper jolted me from my musings when he got out of bed. I was about to ask him what he was doing until he handed me a lit cigarette and leant against the frame of the open window, already puffing on his own cigarette. I joined him by the window and we sat in silence for a few minutes.

"What were you thinking about?" He asked me.

"Just recapping the last 3 months and how much has changed. Thinking back to the moment I realised I loved you." That made him smile. He didn't say a word. He didn't need to. His eyes and facial expressions told me all the things he didn't say out loud. The silent communication was one of the things I liked the most, other than when he did speak. His voice made me weak at the knees.

After finishing his cigarette, he kissed me deeply.

"I have to go," he said against my lips when he let me up for air, "I need to hunt. I won't be far and I'll have my phone on me if you need me."

"I always need you."

"As Do I, too, but I can't put it off too much longer. Do what you need to do. You still need to talk to Charlie."

"I know," I sighed, "I'll do it as soon as he is home."

"He is home. He didn't go fishing today. I'll call you later unless I hear from Carlisle or Esme before that."

"Ok. I'll talk to you soon." I said, and with that, he was out the window.

My talk with Charlie was brief. I didn't tell him about Jasper of course, he wouldn't understand. He was just happy that the engagement was off and Edward had left town for a while.

The day dragged. I tried to busy myself doing housework and cooking dinner for Charlie, but every time I checked the clock, only minutes had passed instead of hours like I thought. It was frustrating. I decided to call Jacob. I hadn't heard from him since just after the battle. He didn't answer his phone, of course, so I sent him a text.

'Hey Jacob. I was just ringing to tell you that I called the engagement with Edward off. He wasn't my mate, but I found out who was. Give me a bell when your free. Bella'

Well, that took up all of three minutes. I chanced a glance at the clock. 7pm. Well I guess it wouldn't hurt to text Jasper. As if on cue, my phone vibrated, Jasper's I.d on the screen.

"Hello?" I answered.

"Hi Bella. Sorry I took so long. Carlisle and Esme are back. They are just waiting for you to get here."

"I'll be there in 20 minutes."

"Good, I'll see you then. I love you."

"I love you, too." I said with a smile, and hung up the phone. I grabbed the closest jacket in my room and slipped my converse on. I ran down the stairs, rushing a 'bye dad, be home later' and was out the door before he could react. I cranked the engine and lit a cigarette. I was a ball of nerves. Was Edward going to be back, too? I didn't think to ask Jasper. I wish I had.

I made it to the Cullen residence in record time, Jasper meeting me in the driveway. I had a feeling this wasn't going to be good. I tried to shrug it off, blaming my sudden anxiety on the possibility of Edward being home, but I was lying to myself. It felt like I was in slow motion as I made it into the Cullen house.

"What's going on?" I asked as they all came into view, Edward wasn't there.

"Have a seat, Bella." Carlisle said. "It might be wise for you to sit."

Jasper brought over a chair for me to sit on because I was rooted to the spot. What was going on?