Everyone rushed downstairs as Emmett hurried back to the bedroom to collect the petrified Alice. He scooped her body off the floor, cradling it against his chest as he flew back down the steps.
Bella closed her hand around Edward's arm as Edward screamed at Jacob, demanding an explanation.
"That is all he said"! Jacob screamed back, his dark eyes narrowing. "He said she came back and he had to leave with her! He wasn't going to make a scene with you guys!"
"Why would he do such a thing"? Esme cried, falling onto the couch as Emmett carried the limp Alice toward her. "Did he not even think to tell us of his intentions"?
"He said he wasn't going to. He wouldn't say anything if he could avoid it". Jacob said softly as Edward took a step away.
"Of course he'd say that! It's Jasper! He wouldn't want us to worry, to involve ourselves. He would want to take care of this himself"! Edward punched the wall, Bella rushing to comfort him as he growled deeply. "Dammit! I should have known! He knew this all along, that's why he wanted to go alone!" Edward screamed as Bella wrapped her arms tightly around his waist.
"That is stupid". Rosalie hissed, falling to Emmett's side as he held Alice on his lap like a child. "These arrogant, self righteous men-"
"Rose!" Esme snapped, her kind eyes turning viscious. "You don't dare speak of your brother that way! He did this to protect us"!
"A lot of good that did"! Emmett said loudly, his arm wrapped protectively around Alice's shoulders. "Did he think we'd just sit here? We have to go after him!"
"He doesn't want anyone to go after him, he made that very clear"! Jacob said strongly, as he looked around the room. "He doesn't want you guys involved. He left because if he didn't, Maria would send her blood suckers after you guys".
"Well too damn bad! Like hell we're just gonna let him do this alone!" Emmett said looking at Rosalie and Edward. "He's one of us. He should know we'd die to protect one of our own."
"He does know that, that is why he's not here! He doesn't want us to sacrifice ourselves for him!" Edward said sternly as he draped his arm over Bella's shoulder. "He's considered all options in this situation and chose the one he felt was best. Do you think he'd honestly want this!" He snapped, throwing his hand violently at the mute Alice. "If there was a better way he would have found it, but this is what he's decided."
Alice moved for the first time throughout the conversation, hugging her knees against her chest as she leaned her head on Emmett's wide shoulder. Her mouth was clamped tightly shut, her expression filled with more anguish that went beyond all comprehension. She looked as if, if she were able to, if she could, she would die in Emmett's arms that second.
Emmett shifted her weight, pressing her against him as Rosalie stroked her arm weakly.
"We've got to do something". He muttered softly, his eyes turning down to Esme as she shook her head.
"We must tell Carlisle. He will know what to do". Esme traced her fingers through Alice's dark hair as the girl remained frozen.
"Thanks anyways Jacob." Edward muttered as Jacob shrugged.
"It's fine. I told Sam of the situation, he sent some of his pack out to look. They found nothing". Jacob slid his hands into his pockets as his eyes turned toward the floor.
Esme's eyes danced over Jacob's bare chest, her warm motherly expression returning. "Let me make you some hot chocolate". She whispered rising carefully from the couch and floating into the kitchen.
Jacob followed after her without protest, all too aware it was impossible to argue with Esme once her mind was made up.
The other remained in the living room, all their eyes turned on their littlest sister.
She sat perfectly still, staring blankly at the wall as Rosalie continued to try and comfort her. She weakly raised her arm, peering down at the ring on her left hand. A soft whimper escaped her lips as she buried her face in the nape of Emmett's neck.
Edward glided away, snapping his cell phone from his pocket as he passed out the front door onto the porch. Pressing roughly down on the speed dial, he held the phone to his ear as he listened to the dial tone. It rang only once, Carlisle' voice echoing through the speaker into his ear.
"Yes Edward". Carlisle said softly. "What is the matter"?
Edward opened his mouth to speak, but couldn't find his voice. He cleared his throat roughly, his eyes shutting tightly. "There's been a situation". He muttered into the reciever as Carlisle fell silent.
"What has happened"? Carlisle said finally as Edward shook his head. "Is everyone alright?"
"No. Not at all. Can you come home"? Edward muttered opening his eyes and looking toward the garage.
"Yes. I will leave immediately. Keep everyone calm alright"?
"I'll try". Edward muttered softly as the line went dead. Shutting the phone swiftly, he darted back into the house silently.
Carlisle arrived twenty minutes later, throwing the car in park as he flashed out onto the driveway. He ascended onto the porch quickly, throwing open the door furiously.
His eyes flickered around the room, to his stoic family members.
Edward and Bella were sitting on the couch, a sleeping Reneesme in Bella's arms. Rosalie was standing beside the window, her eyes turned out toward the trees. Emmett sat on the couch, his arm draped around a blank eyed Alice. He turned toward Esme who was walking out from the kitchen, Jacob sitting on the counter watching him silently. Esme floated in front of him, her hands touching hesitantly to his chest.
"What has happened"? Carlisle whispered as Esme shook her head weakly.
"Jacob is the only one who spoke to him". Edward muttered, turning carefully toward him.
Carlisle looked up at Jacob, walking him stride hesitantly into the room. Taking Esme's hand, he walked to the arm chair, sitting silently in it as Jacob cleared his throat.
"A while ago I ran into Jasper, when he had gone hunting". Jacob began slowly, watching everyone flinch at the mention of Jasper's name. "He said he was leaving. That he had to leave, or all of Forks would suffer for his actions."
Carlisle remained silent, his eyes locking on Alice. It didn't appear as if she were even conscious, that her mind was completely empty of a coherent thought. She didn't acknowledge anything Jacob said or even that anyone else was in the room. "Did he?" He said looking at Jacob sternly.
"Yes. He said this woman, Maria, had come for him. She said if he didn't go with her, you all would be killed." He sighed heavily, his eyes turning toward the ceiling. "He only spoke to me and took off about an hour ago I presume."
"What will we do"? Edward muttered stealing a glance at Alice.
Carlisle sighed, his fingers pressing into his forehead as he closed his eyes. "We cannot do anything. He would not want us to follow, we should honor that wish. But this truly pertains to only one of us, their decision will dictate what we do next." He whispered looking at Alice as everyone's eyes fell onto her as well.
So I've been trying my very best to make this story as good as possible and honestly I'm getting a little discouraged. I have no idea if it's being recieved well or if anyone actually likes it. So if you would like to review please do so, it's definetely a motivator to keep me going and keep writing the best I can. Thanks everyone. Chapter 7 coming soon!