Author's Note – Sorry this chapter took longer than I told some of you. Short story – it has been a long week for me and writing was shoved to the bottom of my list of concerns. This chapter is not quite as long as the others, but the point where I stopped felt right. Thanks to everyone who reviewed, I really appreciate it and this chapter was actually molded a little bit by some of the comments/questions I received. Hope this helps to clarify some things and set others up a bit more.

Chapter 4

Alice's musings on her visions and the already apparent bond between Jasper and Bella halted when she heard footsteps approaching Bella's room. Keeping her gaze on Bella, Alice focused on the sound of the footsteps, recognizing Jasper's cadence as he approached. Glancing over to the door when it opened, Alice took in Jasper's calm demeanor but disheveled appearance. Sending a curious glance Jasper's way, Alice soon received an explanation.

"There were a few trees out of place." Jasper quietly said so as not to disturb Bella.

After almost silently shutting the door behind him, Jasper walked into the room and stopped at the foot of Bella's bed. Looking at Bella, who was lying flat on her back, her head turned to the right as it rested on a pillow, there was no feeling coming off of her, alarming Jasper. Quickly Jasper looked over to Alice.

"How has she been?"

Tucking her legs underneath her small body, Alice met Jasper's gaze. "She's been asleep for a while. Between the medicine and everything else things just shut down for her right now. While it's not ideal it at least offers her a break."

Jasper nodded before glancing over at Bella's still form for a moment. Looking down, Jasper walked over to where Alice was seated and sat down in front of her, taking her hand in his.

"How are you doing?" Jasper asked, regretting how little attention he had paid to Alice over the past few days.

Alice offered Jasper a small smile. "I'm doing well. It's not easy to see Bella like this, but what I've seen for her future – that makes it much easier to deal with the present."

Intrigued, Jasper pushed for more information. "What else have you seen for Bella?"

"Bella will be tremendously happy in a few months. All of the pain that she is in right now, all that she has suffered, it will be for a great reason and in the end she will be happier than she ever was with Edward." Alice carefully replied, not wanting to reveal too much since she did not want to speak with Jasper about their relationship yet and she did not want to provide him with any clues about his future with Bella.

"Where do you fit into all of this?" Jasper asked, bringing the focus back to Alice after being sidetracked.

"I help her reach that happiness, of course." Alice quickly replied in her regular, carefree tone.

Jasper couldn't help but chuckle at Alice's enthusiasm and great love for Bella. "She's lucky to have you as a sister. You would do anything for Bella if that meant she was safe and happy."

Hearing Jasper's words, Alice mentally shook her head. Jasper had no idea just how accurate his words were for the position that Alice's visions had placed her in. However, that short statement also served as proof for Alice that she was doing the right thing. Jasper had been an important part of her life, but that chapter of her life was coming to a close and it was Bella's turn to benefit from having Jasper in her life and being loved by him.

He's just what she needs now and she is just what he needs to finally be himself. After all of these years he deserves that chance. Alice thought to herself, a wistful smile settling on her face.

Noticing the expression on Alice's face and picking up on her quickly changing emotions Jasper spoke. "What thoughts are running through your head now?"

"I was just thinking about how right you are." Alice quickly replied, not quite lying to Jasper.

"Yeah, well, I learned a long time ago to never bet against you and just how amazing you can be." Jasper said before he brought Alice's small hand to his lips, kissing it.

"Amazing? I just follow what I see, do what I can to help those I love." Alice stated, trying to brush off Jasper's comment.

Tightening his grip on Alice's hand, Jasper sought out her eyes with his own before he replied. "Alice, despite how long we have been together there are still times when I struggle with the fact that individuals who are completely selfless, like you, exist. The world I was introduced to, existed in for so many years destroyed that possibility for me, but you made me realize that I can actually live my life, not feel trapped. Calling you amazing was an understatement."

Jasper's words struck Alice and she could only stare at him as she processed everything he said and what it meant. Such a long emotional confession was rare for Jasper, even when he was speaking with Alice despite being together for so long. Despite Jasper's emotional nature he rarely opened up and shared those emotions, even with Alice. For him to say all of that it truly took a lot for him and Alice did not fail to recognize the importance of Jasper's speech.

But as Alice considered how Jasper had placed himself into a rare moment of vulnerability she became conflicted. Just moments ago Alice was so sure that Jasper was going to be okay with the future, with what she had to do in order to make sure he and Bella got together. After that doubts started to surface in Alice's mind. So much of Jasper's current existence was defined by his relationship with Alice, how could she expect him to be able to accept her dissolving their relationship with only a vague explanation and a request for him to simply trust her once again? Would Jasper's seemingly endless trust for Alice extend that far?

They belong together! He needs her! A voice in Alice's mind screamed at her as she continued to mull over the ridiculously cliché love triangle she was in, though the other two were unaware of their involvement at the moment.

Damn it Alice, you've seen it. Bella and Jasper need to be together. There's no denying that. Hell, even Carlisle saw that the prospect of a relationship between Bella and Jasper was not ridiculous. Yes, remember what Carlisle said, that voice said to Alice, bringing a degree of clarity to her thoughts. Jasper and Bella are going to be able to slowly develop this relationship, which is how their "forever" relationship should start. Those two may have great hearts, but those hearts need to be handled with care, a care that only the other will be able to demonstrate.

Follow the logic. Those two simply fit together and you finally have your long sought answer as to why you couldn't picture a longer future with Jasper. Opposites may be able to attract, but after so many years there is only so much that love can overcome; when two individuals are so different it is only a matter of time until their differences affect the relationship. However, having those differences does not mean that all of the love will disappear from the relationship - it will merely evolve when necessary.

Yes! You are NOT losing Jasper. You are just helping him, Bella, and yourself get to the point where you are supposed to be in your lives. I can do this. I love Bella, she is the sister that I always wanted and Jasper, I will always love him and because I love him so much I have to do this for him, I have to let him go so he can be with Bella. It would only hurt Bella and Jasper if I try to prevent their relationship and I could never do that. I'm not going to lose either of them and in the end this will bring us even closer together. How can I not allow this to happen when the outcome is so great for all three of us?

As Alice was lost in her thoughts about her role in orchestrating Jasper and Bella's relationship she almost looked as if she was lost in a vision to Jasper since she had gone so still and her face was blank as she worked with her mind to come to a conclusion about the situation.

"Alice, what is it? What have you seen now?" Jasper asked, squeezing Alice's hand when he saw her starting to come back to the present.

Blinking a few times to focus herself, Alice looked down at Jasper. Squeezing his hand in an effort to reassure him, Alice replied. "Just flashes of the future."

"And?" Jasper prodded, curious as to what had caused Alice's emotions to change so quickly as she was consumed by a vision.

"And I need to go think about all of this, see what else I can see." Alice finished before she stood up, Jasper following her lead.

Nodding, Jasper put his free hand on Alice's cheek, holding her still as he leaned down and kissed her. Pulling away after a few moments, Jasper released Alice's hand. "Go figure out the future."

Smiling, Alice walked out of the room and down the hallway to her and Jasper's bedroom, lying down on the bed as she focused her mind in an effort to see more of their future.

Once Alice was gone Jasper sat down in the chair that she had just vacated, settling in to watch over Bella and be there in case she needed him.

Edward, I know you had the right intentions for why you did what you did, but how could you not see what it would do to Bella? Jasper thought to himself as he sat and looked at Bella's still sleeping form. From the beginning you two shared such a strong connection, were able to build such a great relationship, but how could you do this to her? She does not deserve to have her heart broken because I lost control the other day, she should be with the one who loves her so much and who she loves.

But was Edward the right one for Bella to give her heart to? A voice in the back of Jasper's mind asked, taking him by surprise.

Jasper was soon distracted by the thought that maybe Edward and Bella were not actually meant to be together. While it was difficult to consider given the emotions that he had felt from Edward and Bella when they were together, a part of Jasper had to admit that there was merit to that question.

Edward was and actually still is emotionally inexperienced. He may have been living for a century, but in terms of personal relationships, romantic ones, Edward was completely lost. Clinging to the ideas of what is proper for a relationship that he learned from his human days Edward continually pushed Bella away in an effort to protect her from him. Edward and Bella's relationship was actually defined by Edward's need to maintain control, for the sake of Bella's safety and also for propriety. This desire to protect Bella and make sure no lines were crossed ultimately forced the two apart as they each had different ideas for their relationship. It is undeniable that the two loved each other, but that love was so consuming that they failed to realize their differences.

With those thoughts in mind, Jasper then shifted his attention to who Bella actually needed in her life. First of all, he would be someone someone who would truly pay attention to her, one who would give her the love that she deserves and respect her wishes regarding the relationship. But there was more than that. Bella needs more than someone who will give her the unconditional love that she deserves, she also needs someone who she can simply be herself with – someone to talk to, laugh with, just enjoy life with. Expectations were one of the things that crushed her relationship with Edward and the relationship that Bella really needed would have her on equal footing with her partner. From the beginning it was clear that despite Bella's age she is an old soul, which, unfortunately, Edward is not.

But you are. That voice chimed in, shocking Jasper.

Where the hell did that come from? Jasper thought to himself in response to that damn voice in the back of his mind. I care about Bella, but I love Alice. If anything the feelings I have for Bella are similar to Emmett's – a protective brother. I never really wanted to drink her blood the other day and when I saw her in the woods the only thoughts I had involved bringing her back to the family because she would be safe and loved by them when that was obviously what she needed the most.

Waging a mental war with himself, Jasper became so lost in his thoughts that he did not notice just how much time had passed as he blankly looked out at Bella. Only when Bella started to wake up hours later did Jasper notice that the sun had set. Remaining in his seat, Jasper watched as Bella opened her eyes and took in the room that she was in, trying to figure out where she was. When Bella's unfocused eyes caught sight of a figure sitting near her she sat up.

Straining to see through the darkness, Bella looked over at her companion. "Edward?"

When he heard Bella ask for Edward Jasper could only shake his head. "No, it's Jasper."

Nodding, Bella leaned back against the pillows, her disappointment rolling off of her and almost overwhelming Jasper. Sighing as he experienced Bella's reaction to his presence, or at least the absence of Edward, Jasper stood up and sat on the bed across from Bella.

Unsure of what to say or do at the moment, Jasper merely sat there, reading Bella's emotions as she stayed in her spot, her eyes occasionally flickering around the room.

Suddenly Jasper stood up. "You must be hungry. I'll go get some food for you." Before Bella had a chance to protest Jasper was out of the room and walking downstairs to the kitchen that was actually stocked for a change.

Sitting in the unfamiliar room, Bella looked around and saw the outline of a lamp near her bed. Leaning across the bed, Bella fumbled around in the dark until she found the switch and turned on the lamp. The light that resulted from the action allowed for Bella to finally get a look at the room she was in and notice a few familiar objects that were placed around the unfamiliar room.

Clearly Esme had decorated this room for Bella over the past few hours when she was asleep and at school. Glancing around Bella saw an antique wooden dresser, a sitting area off to the side by the window, though one chair had been moved closer to the queen sized bed that felt like heaven courtesy of the feather mattress pad that was on top of it. What really caught Bella's eye at first was not the furniture, but the small touches that said that this room was actually hers – the small cactus that she had brought from Phoenix, a few pictures of family, and an old teddy bear that she had since she was a child.

Once Bella saw the bear sitting on the dresser she stood up and walked over to the piece of furniture, grabbing her prized possession. Hugging the bear close to her chest with one arm, Bella opened the dresser's drawers and breathed a sigh of relief when she saw that some of her clothes had made the trip, though there were plenty of new ones courtesy of Alice.

Looking through the drawers, Bella soon found her favorite pair of pajamas – an old t-shirt that she had taken from Charlie and sweat pants. Taking out the two items Bella looked around the room and saw a door that would either lead to a closet or bathroom. Hoping for the latter, Bella walked across the room and was relieved to see that it was in fact a fully stocked and furnished bathroom.

After seeing to her human needs, Bella opted to change into her pajamas. While she was changing Bella caught sight of herself in the bathroom's large mirror. The image that Bella saw in the mirror was one that she barely recognized. Rather than the usual passive expression she wore Bella saw a girl whose skin was chalk white, thus making the dark circles under her eyes that much more pronounced. Framing that unfamiliar face was a mess of hair that was so disheveled that when Bella ran her fingers through it they got caught in multiple knots.

One by one Bella tried to work through the offending knots, ignoring the pain that accompanied constantly pulling at her hair. Even though she saw as her eyes became red from involuntary tears Bella continued her task, determined to accomplish her goal.

As Bella continued to pull at her hair Jasper returned to her room with a tray of food – a bowl of chicken soup and some crackers. Setting the tray down on the small table in the sitting area Jasper walked over to the closed bathroom door since he heard Bella's heartbeat coming from the other side.

Knocking lightly, Jasper spoke. "Bella?"

However, Bella did not respond to Jasper; she just kept pulling at her hair, hoping to make it perfect - or as close to perfect as she could get.

When Bella didn't respond after a second round of knocking Jasper slowly opened the bathroom door, not wanting to violate Bella's privacy. However, no protests came from Bella. Once the door was open Jasper's eyes quickly found Bella standing in front of the mirror, pulling desperately at her hair.

"Bella, stop it." Jasper said as he walked over to her.

Shaking her head, Bella kept going, working through a particularly difficult knot.

Between the frantic hair pulling, red eyes, and the large clothes that made Bella's already small frame look even smaller, more delicate, Jasper couldn't take it. Quickly closing the distance between Bella and himself, Jasper pulled Bella's hands from her hair and forced them down to her sides as he wrapped his arms around her. Bella struggled against Jasper's grasp but it was useless.

"Bella, I know it's difficult, but you have to calm down. You can't hurt yourself like this." Jasper said quietly as he relaxed his grip a little bit so it was more of a hug than an effort to restrain Bella.

Shaking her head, Bella looked at the mirror once again, taking in the sight of Jasper holding her against his chest, his large, strong frame overwhelming hers. Finally, Bella saw herself and just how evident her emotional pain was in not just her expression but overall appearance.

"I'm a mess." Bella muttered to herself after looking at the mirror for a while.

"Yeah, you kinda are." Jasper joked, hoping Bella's sarcasm wasn't completely crushed.

Luckily it wasn't and she let out a short laugh in response. "Thanks."

"You're welcome." Jasper replied, glad that Bella was speaking, if only a little bit. "Come on, Esme made you soup. You should have some before it goes completely cold."

Letting Jasper lead her out of the bathroom and over to the bed, Bella sat down against the pillows while Jasper quickly brought over the tray of food. Picking up the bowl, Bella had a small spoonful and the soup was still warm enough that it tasted and felt great as she ate it. Sighing a little in contentment, Bella had another spoonful and then another.

While Bella ate Jasper retrieved her bear from the bathroom floor and placed it next to her on the bed. Quickly, Bella placed the bear in her lap and then went back to eating the soup and crackers. Sitting next to Bella as she ate, Jasper carefully ran his hands through her hair, picking up where she left off, though he managed to do so with minimal pain.

Just as Bella was finishing off her bowl of soup Jasper finished with the last knot. Running his hands through Bella's now smooth hair, Jasper could feel just how calm Bella was now.

Looking over her shoulder at Jasper, Bella had a clear look of appreciation on her face. "Thank you."

Jasper merely nodded before he got up, taking the tray with him. Depositing the tray on the small table once again, Jasper turned around and looked at Bella, taking a moment to revel in how relaxed she now looked as she sat on the bed and held onto her bear.

"What?" Bella asked after feeling Jasper's gaze on her for a little too long.

Shaking his head to clear his thoughts, Jasper walked over to the bed and sat down across from Bella. "Just thinking about what's happened and that it was nice to see you so comfortable and almost content for a change."

Bella couldn't restrain herself and let out a quick snort in response. "Content?"

"Bella, you didn't see yourself that first day, you didn't see what I saw. Yes you felt it all, but seeing what all of those feelings did to you, what they caused you to do today, hell, just now, those are moments that I unfortunately will never be able to forget." Jasper explained as calmly as he possibly could so as not to upset Bella.

"Jasper…" Bella started but she couldn't finish her thought. As much as she wanted to what Jasper had just said there was nothing that seemed appropriate, nothing would sound right at that moment.

Feeling Bella's indecision, Jasper elaborated on his statement. "Bella, you've managed to worm your way into all of our still hearts and they all broke when we saw what Edward did to you." Pausing when he saw Bella flinch, Jasper moved closer to Bella. Sitting across from her, Jasper took one of Bella's hands in his and held it as he continued. "I know you weren't particularly close with some of us, particularly me, but we all view you as a part of our family and when a member of the family hurts we all do. You may have only been with us for a year, but you have changed this family, you've brought us even closer together."

"But I'm the reason why he's not here." Bella said, unable to bring herself to say Edward's name, which Jasper immediately noticed.

"No, you're not. He's not here because of what he did. While there may have been good intentions there, he hurt you and none of us will tolerate that. Do not blame yourself for anything that has happened because you have done absolutely nothing wrong." Jasper replied, correcting Bella and trying to ease her doubts.

At that point everything that Jasper had said really started to affect Bella. Sensing the change in Bella's emotions, Jasper waited and it wasn't long until a tear slowly moved down Bella's cheek. Wiping away the tear, Jasper then ran his hand through Bella's hair once again.

"I still don't know what I did to deserve this." Bella muttered as she got even more worked up.

"Bella, I told you, you did nothing wrong. Edward is an idiot for considering leaving you and a real jackass for even doing it." Jasper said, putting his hand on Bella's jaw to force her to look at him.

Biting her lip, Bella shook her head. "Not that, this. Being here with you, of all people, and having your whole family take me in right now."

"I told you, you made it into each and every one of our hearts and once that happens you're stuck with us. You're part of the family now Bella."

Leaning forward, Bella wrapped her arms around Jasper, awkwardly hugging him. Quickly repositioning himself and Bella, Jasper returned the hug.

"Thank you Jasper."

"You don't have to keep thanking me Bella."

"I do. I don't think I could have even gotten to this point without you. Thank you for finding me and taking care of me."

"I always will." Jasper promised, carefully squeezing Bella a little bit tighter.