Author's Note: I don't own Twilight. If I did, Bella would love Jasper and she'd love Salsa as much as I do. I promise I don't intend for her to be too OOC, and I will let her clumsiness come into play soon! Oh, and Reviews (mean or friendly, I can take it) are very welcome!

JPOV

I knew that Alice was hiding something from me beginning with the day she hid a box in our closet. She begged me to never open it unless she was gone. I'd never thought much about it, figuring it contained her final wishes, and since we rarely die, it never occurred to me to look at it. I also didn't touch it because I knew she was clever enough to catch me, psychic powers be damned, and because I trusted her as much as she trusted me. Now though, my wife was gone, my world was shattered and I decided it was time to take the box down from it's resting place on the top most shelf.

For a while, I sat on the edge of our bed, just holding it, fingering its filigree edges and blue paint, contemplating what was inside. Bella was brought to my mind, as I wondered how it would be possible to move on. Now that I thought about it, there wasn't much to move on from. Yes, I loved her dearly, and I felt as though she loved me, but for the last few months, we'd been busy with other things and had spent very little time together. I remembered the last time she'd kissed me, and it hurt to realize it had been weeks since we'd last made love. But I could never forget her taste, a sort of spicy-sweet flavor accompanied by an almost floral smell, and the way she'd kiss me, she treated me like I was the one who stood barely 5 feet from the ground, delicately and chastely, even in the throws of our love making. It had once felt right, appropriate, but now I could only notice how much she resembled Edward and how he handled Bella. Bella. My savior. The one who'd probably bring me out of this mess, the girl Edward never let me near.

My thoughts strayed suddenly to the box, remembering I was holding it. I opened it quickly, to find nothing more than a folded up slip of paper.

To my husband, my love, my friend,

I know you are scared and confused right now, and mostly heartbroken. It hurts me to know I'll never see your face again, never look into your eyes. But I am telling you that you will move on. I have seen it, and I know I mentioned it to you so very long ago, yet I have never told you the whole truth, the details. Bella is the one you are to spend eternity with, not me. I was the lead, and I did my job, I brought you to her. It will be hard for both of you, but you will discover the feelings hidden deep inside you, and you'll know Jasper, the reason Edward has never let you near her. All you have to do is ask her. If you do, she will leave everything behind for you. Edward will learn to understand the love between you, though it will probably be very hard at first. Give him time, and you will be fine.

I love you forever,

Alice.

My hands were shaking when I finished reading the note. I knew a long time ago that although Alice had always thought we were meant for eternity, that she believed there was a small chance we weren't. Her judgment was always justified, always honorable, and I felt as though I could trust her even now that she was gone. I would have to do what she asked, what she knew would happen anyway. Without really thinking about it, I took off for Bella's confident that Edward would not be there.

Sure enough, when I slipped through her window, I was hit by only her scorching scent, but only for a second, and saw her sleeping soundly. As I moved closer, the burn in my throat intensified, but after having spent so much time with Edward when he came home smelling of her, and having her scent throughout our house, it was more than bearable. I could savor her heavenly smell without threatening her life, even though I knew Edward held me in such doubt. Creeping closer, I whispered into her ear, "Bella, Bella wake up." I patted her shoulder lightly, hesitantly, and her eyes flew open. She turned her bedside lamp on and I felt bad about waking her when I saw the redness of her tearstained cheeks. She didn't look at me directly, and sat up a little.

"Edward?"

"No, it's Jasper." I didn't really have to say it because finally, she was looking at me. I choked a little on the small pool of venom growing in my mouth when she reached for me instinctively.

"Jasper? You do know it's 2 am and most humans are asleep, right? What's wrong?" Her eyes caught mine, and I successfully looked away. I didn't want her to see how black they'd become from all my self-wallowing. But then a wave of concern and regret rolled off her, and I couldn't help but automatically pull her into my arms.

"Bella, nothing's wrong. Everything's…right." I hugged her tightly, but not as tightly as I wanted to, afraid I might hurt her. She froze in response, but then slowly, her arms wrapped around my waist lightly, and she carefully laid her head on my shoulder. I could feel her heartbeat could hear it so loud and clear, and my mind whirled. It was so beautiful up close that I almost missed her voice as I wondered if Edward even noticed it anymore.

"You know, don't you," she said slowly, as she looked up at me, a wary look on her face.

I kissed her forehead in response, but then I couldn't stop myself from going further. I cupped her chin in my hand, and kissed her mouth softly. She responded in a way I couldn't have expected, kissing me back deeply and pulling at my shirtsleeves. I pushed her gently back onto her bed, holding my weight off her, exploring her waist and back, and her hands became tangled in my hair. It was obvious Edward loved her, but her actions assured me he never kissed her like this, and I couldn't seem to remember why until I took a breath when I pulled away to kiss her neck and was hit by her scent. She caught her breath in the moment I took to stare at her beautiful skin, and then launched herself back at me. All too soon, I had to pull away and clench my fist in my mouth when my mind began to cloud over from the proximity of her delicious blood. She looked at me, horrified, and squeezed her eyes shut. "We can't do this, not now. It's wrong." I removed my hand from my mouth and looked at her dejectedly and her heart fluttered. I smiled slightly when her mood changed quickly. "I mean, not yet." My eyes must have lit up dramatically at that because she blushed then took my hand lightly. "Alice has been gone for barely more than a day, only a day. Even though she wanted this and we want this, we have to wait a while, until everyone's healed."

I sighed from both frustration and understanding. "I know, you're very right. We should wait and lay low. I should mention that we are planning a funeral, you know for appearances. Charlie is of course invited." I smiled sadly. "Closed casket, naturally."

"Charlie really liked Alice, he'll be so sad to hear the news tomorrow. I wish I didn't have to tell him." She yawned, let go of my hand and crawled back under the covers. I could feel her guilt and sadness, but also the affection growing in the pit of her stomach as she smiled tiredly at me. "I think I aught to get some sleep."

"Then I should go." It felt strange to tell her goodnight, as I hadn't told anyone that in several hundred years, but I said it anyway. "Sleep well, my Bella." I kissed her hair since she was already falling asleep and swept out the window.

Upon returning home, I was surrounded by a completely somber mood, and all of a sudden, I became overwhelmed by my despair as it snuck back up on me now that I wasn't with Bella anymore. Since Edward was home, I pushed Bella to the far reaches of the back of my mind as I came in the door. Esme flew immediately into my arms, hugging me tightly.

"Oh thank goodness," she exclaimed as she held me, radiating so much love and compassion I wondered how she could hold it in. I hugged her back carefully, not used to the feeling. I was the most elusive of the family, and definitely not Esme's favorite. "How are you dear?"

"I'll pull through," I replied softly, hoping it would sound sad enough as Carlisle came in the room.

"The arrangement's have been made, all the announcements mailed out. Son, if you're up to it, may I have a word with you?" I was surprised by the love in Carlisle's voice, even more shocked by the way he called me his Son. I'd certainly never called him Dad or Esme Mom, not even in public. I never called them anything, actually, I realized.

Letting go of Esme, I nodded and followed him to his study. Out of habit rather than necessity we sat on the couch. I grimaced, trying to stir up the now short-lived pain I'd had when I first learned Alice was gone. I could tell it was working because Carlisle seemed to grow uncomfortable. I watched him with a hard expression, and Bella wandered her way into my brain, partly because she was comforting to think about, and also because I'd had the unfortunate experience of watching Esme and Carlisle together, seeing them very happy and in love. Bella was now in my head, and I worked to squelch the fact that I found her more beautiful than my stunning wife as soon as it popped in my head. Carlisle cleared his throat quietly and I snapped to attention.

"It seems that Alice has left everyone a note about her departure," he began. "Esme, Edward, Emmett and Rose all received one. Even I found a separate one."

"Bella and I as well," I stated in response, keeping my tone flat.

"Yes, Edward mentioned her having one as well, though he has not read it. He thinks she deserves privacy considering the contents of his own." He looked at me sharply for a moment, searching me for any hint of extra understanding on my face. I hardened my expression further. "It seems she planned accordingly for her demise. I am curious…did you…?" He waved his hand vaguely, a very un- Carlisle-like gesture.

"Did I know?" He nodded, and allowed anger to flow through me, feigning pain. "No. She never mentioned it." I shrugged. It was a great 'Jasper is grieving' movement. "I had no idea. In fact, I am rather shocked that there was no warning. Edward didn't even notice anything." I didn't know about Edward, but the fact that I was already lying just allowed the words to flow freely. I would be in deep shit if it continued for much longer, but I guess I already knew it would only get worse. It was to become a habit, and eventually, it would catch up to me.

"It is hard, I know, shocking. I have tried to reach those who are still friendly in Italy, but as it is their policy and their belief, I wasn't told anything. I am very sorry. I believe I have done all I can. Alice's death will remain a mystery unless someone changes sides, and I believe you are aware of how rarely that occurs."

"Then thank you, for everything, Carlisle. But I feel that it may be time for me to move on. I appreciate everything you and Esme have done for me throughout all these years, and if I do decide to leave, I plan to visit often. I will always keep in touch, it is my promise." I got up, and Carlisle looked saddened, and even a little…old. I must have hurt him somehow.

"I am sorry to heart this, but I do support you."

"It isn't as though I do not love all of you, it's just not my home without Alice, and it may never be again."

"When do you wish to depart," he asked as he smiled understandingly.

"A month or so, not too long from now. Once I secure a comfortable place to live, wherever that may be, and once all our-my-things, have been taken care of. Alice would want her things to go to the family, so Rosalie will definitely get her wardrobe, since she has certainly been envying it for quite some time." I shook Carlisle's hand with a somber expression, and left the room, avoiding Emmett and Rosalie on the way to my room. I reclined on our old bed for the rest of the night, reading in order to prevent Edward from prodding into our thoughts.

Attn: I am thinking of adding a few chapters from Edward's point of view, especially towards the end. Does anyone think it's a good idea to show the progression of Jasper and Bella's relationship through his eyes? Reviews please!!