Chapter 7 ~ Somebody To Love

Song ~ Hanging by a Moment by Lifehouse

Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.


JPOV

As we headed for the elevator bank, my hand instinctively found its way to settle on Bella's back. I couldn't help but smile to myself. It felt like her back was molded to perfectly fit into my hand. Soft and warm. So very warm. My hand tingled from the contact. It was a very nice feeling.

At first she was feeling loved, safe, trusting and receptive. That made me happy. The fact that she trusted me and felt safe with me made my heart soar.

But then, she started feeling apprehensive, guilt and fear. At first I thought she was feeling those things about her father. But the guilt? What does she have to feel guilty about?

I noticed Alice stop walking and her eyes glaze over. I knew that look all too well. She pulled Bella's arm to stop her from walking and I stopped too. I called Carlisle's name quietly and he turned.
"We will meet you upstairs in a minute, okay Carlisle?" He nodded and they all got into the elevator.

This was a longer vision for Alice and I knew enough to move her out of everyone's sight before they started staring. I walked her out the front door and Bella grabbed her hand and followed along.

The emotions Alice was sending off kinda scared me. Fear, resignation, determination, love, anger...so many feelings and they were strong.

I moved us towards a bench where we could be alone. Bella sat down and I pushed Alice to sit down too. I then squatted down in front of her and looked into her eyes. She visibly shook out of it and looked at me with sad eyes.

"What Alice? Are you okay?" Worry seeping from my questions.

She turned towards Bella and quietly said, "Bella, I am going to ask you a question and then ask the same one of Jasper. I need to know something before I even come close to revealing anything about what I just saw."

She was scared, but determined. Bella was just scared, so I sent both of them some calming vibes. Bella half smiled at me and said, "Ask away."

Alice breathed in an unnecessary breath and started.

"Bella, I need to know if it would be ok to tell you something that might alter your future. You have every right to know, if you want to, but I won't tell if you don't want me to. I will tell you that you might not be happy in your future if you don't allow me to tell you some things. I love you and I don't want you to be unhappy. But, you can silence me, if that is what you want. I'll just shut up now so you can answer me."

Bella looked to me and then back to Alice. She looked and felt confused. But then determination washed over her and she smiled at Alice.

"Alice, tell me what you need to tell me."

Then Alice looked back to me and said, "Same question to you."

Indecision flooded me for a few seconds, but ultimately I wanted to be happy and I definitely wanted Bella to be happy. As soon as Alice knew my decision, she smiled.

"Well, you already know I'm going to say yes. Get on with it then." I smiled to her.

"Good, cause this being good and not doing something to alter decisions would have been very hard in this case. Bella, I need to make you understand something. I probably should talk with you alone about it because I don't want to embarrass you."

"Alice, if you haven't noticed, I get embarrassed either way and Jasper will know my feelings anyway, so just spit it out. I'll deal."

I chuckled and grabbed Bella's hand.

"In case you need my assistance." I mused.

I felt another quick burst of guilt and then I finally realized what the guilt was about and what Alice probably saw.

"B, that right there is what I want to talk about. I don't have to be an empath to read on your face what you are feeling. You're feeling guilty and embarrassed for the feelings you and Jasper seem to be sharing. That is just not necessary. I've already seen how good you two could be for one another and I will not let not telling you a little known fact about Jasper and I stand in the way of that. I should have told you before. Bella, Jasper and I were never mated. Yes, we were married and yes we loved each other very much. We still do love each other, only now its in the right way, for us at least. Jasper is one of my best friends, but that is all now. You are my best friend and I don't want you feeling needlessly guilty over something that isn't true. I want this for you. Trust me."

Bella's face was aflame, but she smiled at Alice and just simply said, "Okay Alice, I trust you."

Alice's eyes glazed back over and I looked to Bella with a smile on my face. She smiled back and squeezed my hand. I took that as a confirmation of her acceptance and her decision being made.

The feelings this time coming over Alice confirmed it. Relief, happiness, love, lust (LUST? really?), acceptance, determination. Then she looked into my eyes and I felt two things from her...excitement and hope.

Hope. Hope pulled my face into the brightest grin and Alice joined in with me. Bella was watching both our faces and she too turned up a hopeful grin.

"I'm not going to tell you what I just saw. You'll both see it for yourself soon enough. But know its good and it has my stamp of approval. I love you both and I want you both to be happy, no matter what road you choose to travel."

With that she stood and said, "I'll see ya in a few. I'm gonna just let you two talk for a moment." She winked at us and walked towards the front entrance.

"You know what Bella? Let's just not say anything right now. There is too much going on, and we need to focus on that. I kinda wish Alice would've waited for that talk. You don't need to worry," and then I was silenced by a chaste kiss on my lips. She shocked me. How do you shock a vampire? Just like that, I guess.

"I agree. Let's not talk about it yet."

She stood and held her hand out for me and I was still sitting there, mouth agape. She giggled and said, "So, you coming?"

She radiated love and compassion. I managed to close my dumb ass mouth and stand to take her hand. Her feelings were about to make me go crazy, so I sent some love back at her.

"That is an amazing feeling, you know."

" I know. Believe me, I know."