Baseball-Edward

I lay back with my head against a tree. Baseball was exhausting. Especially against Alice. Out of 3 games, I hadn't won once. Alice had definitely kicked my ass. She sat down next to me and suddenly her head was on my shoulder. I barely knew how to take it. She startled me, but somehow I knew it was meant to be there, so I let it go. She looked up at the stars and started to hum.

"That's beautiful. What are you singing?" Her response was simple and clear, but it nearly knocked the breath out of my lungs.

"Your song." She looked up at me. Our eyes locked.

"My song?" My voice was weak with disbelief, "I didn't realize I had a song..." Alice didn't say anything, just kept humming that beautiful tune that was her tribute to me. I stared off into space for a while; I didn't realize it, but my arm had slipped around her shoulders.

"Alice? Can-can I ask you something?" I was afraid of upsetting either of us again. I didn't want to see Alice hurt again. She shifted against my shoulder so she could look into my face.

"Did you know how Bella felt about Jasper?" I flinched at that thought. I didn't want to know. I knew I had to find out though. Alice shifted again, so she was closer to me. I wrapped my arm more tightly around her shoulders.

"I had a vision, once. Not long after she agreed to marry you. But she'd agreed to marry you, so I didn't worry about it. I put it out of my mind and forgot about it." She sounded saddened but continued, "I guess I should have paid more attention to it. It was always a possibility. I guess it seemed as likely to me as Bella falling for Emmett." She sighed. Misery loved company, so I guess it was good that we were there for each other to lean on.

The storm passed not too long after that, and we just sat there, watching the clouds. The clouds cleared and the stars came out from behind the veil of leftover storm. The sun was beginning to rise. It would be a sunny day.

"Edward, come on, let's go home. We're going to have to face our family sometime." Her wind chime voice was faltering slightly; I knew she didn't want to face Jasper. I knew she was as heartbroken as I was. I wanted to say I hated Bella. But I couldn't hate her. No matter what I said or what I did, she was still the reason for my existence. At least for now. I wouldn't let it hurt me. This was her decision. It's what is best for her. Now I had to think of myself. What is best for me?

I took my arm from around her shoulders. She stood up and offered me her hand. I took it and let her help me up.

The drive back to the house was quiet, with us both still wrapped up in our own thoughts. We pulled into the driveway, and braced ourselves for what we could possibly be facing.

"Do we really have to go in, Alice?" I didn't want to.

"We should get this over with. It's not going to be pretty whether we wait or not." She sounded concerned.

"Jasper is blaming himself. Rose and Emmett are convinced we ran away. Esme and Carlisle don't know what to believe." I said before opening the door and getting out. "Let's go." I sighed.

The kitchen was bright and cheerful, but I didn't feel comforted.

"Alright, lets hear it. What's going on?" Carlisle sounded almost accusatory. "Jaspers considering leaving. What's happening?" I took a deep breath. I didn't know if I could tell Carlisle. I knew I couldn't. I just looked at him.

"Bella left Edward because she's in love with..." Alice's voice trailed off. She looked toward the ceiling.

"She's in love with Jasper, isn't she?" Carlisle had it figured out. Alice merely nodded. Esme got up from the kitchen chair and wrapped her arms around Alice and pulled me closer to her. She was the mother we all needed. Even at times like this.

"Edward, I know this is hard. You don't hate Jasper for this do you?" I knew where Carlisle was headed. I shook my head.

"Carlisle, he's my brother. I can't hate him. And it was Bella's decision. If she thinks that's what's best for her, that's what's best for her. I'll go talk to him." I heaved a sigh. Alice was still encircled in Esme's arms.

I left the kitchen and headed upstairs to Jasper's room. I knocked on the door, but I entered anyway, I could tell he wanted to talk to me. He was sitting in an armchair watching the sunrise. Something had happened between them after I had left. I took a deep breath. I was angry and hurt. I knew Jasper could sense that.

"Please don't be angry with me. I know I had no right to do what I did-" I cut Jasper off.

"I'm angry, Jasper. You know that. But she wants YOU. It was her decision. The only thing I can ask of you is to take good care of her." I kept my voice calm. He turned his head toward me in disbelief.

"There's no way you're okay with this. I took HER from you. She meant...everything to you." Jasper looked upset. I knew this was a hard decision for him.

"She always will. I won't interfere. Do this for her. And stay. Please." I knew he would stay, of course. Jasper got out of the armchair and started pacing. This conversation was going to be a long one. I could sense it.

"She's human. How am I going to keep from drinking her blood?" Jasper looked incredibly worried. "Edward, you're the only one that's been through this. Please help me..."

I smiled. I knew he would take of my Bella. My Bella. I guess she wasn't mine anymore.