Chapter 9: The Airport

QUOTE: While I was holding on, all you did was let go.


DISCLAIMER: I do not own Twilight. All rights belong to Stephenie Meyer.


"Is there anything else you want to take, baby?" Alice asked me, while we were packing our bags for Europe.

"Nope. I have everything I need right here by my side," I replied, earning a smile from her.

It had been three months since Bella and Edward left Washington, and it had been three months of trying to rid her of my mind. I wanted nothing more than to run to Alaska and claim her as my one and only, but I knew how impossible that was. I hadn't talked to Bella since her wedding day. I missed her more than anything, and I would've done whatever it took to get her back, including staying away from her for awhile. I just wanted to at least make a simple phone call to her cell, but I knew that once I did, that there would be no turning back. I would break Alice's, Bella's, and my own heart in the process. I couldn't let that happen, so I suggested the European trip to get as far away as we could. I thought it would be okay for a few months, at least. I mean, I would be with my beautiful wife, who loves me very much and whom I was falling back into love with. But there was a barrier. A barrier in which I named Bella.

Rose and Emmett carried our luggage to the car, while Alice pulled me down on the bed. Carlisle and Esme didn't want to go; they wanted to have the house to themselves for a little while.

"Jasper, you need to stop thinking about her." I began to interrupt, but Alice held up her hand and continued to talk. "It's been months, and I'm your wife, not her. You're hurting me, Jazz, with all of this lying and pretending. If you really want her, then go get her. Go to Alaska, and tell her everything, from how much you love her to the way you felt when she left your side. Jasper, if you really care about Bella, then you need to let her know, right now. Before we leave, you should run up there and explain."

I looked down. "You know I can't do that."

"And you know you should." Then, Alice stood up and rushed out to Emmett's Jeep.

I ran out to the car, as well, and slid in next to Rose. Alice was taking shotgun, while Emmett drove, and I knew why. Rose put her hand on my knee and began rubbing circles on it, in a comforting way. Soon, she was leaning against me the way she always did, smiling and content, despite the emotions inside of me. Rosalie was like my own personal empath; she always cheered me up. I wrapped my arm around her and sighed. She took a pen out of a console in the back seat and a sheet of paper. It read:

I love you, Jasper. Even in these rough times, I love you. I always will, and I'll always be here for you. Always.

I grinned and kissed her temple, knowing it was true. She may be a conceited bitch at times, but she was the only one who ever truly helped me and stood by my side in the darkest of days. Even when I attacked Bella, she was there. Rosalie talked Edward out of leaving, while all Alice did was blame everything on me and cut off all communication between us for days. I used to be best friends with Emmett, but it had dissipated. Ever since I had attacked Bella. Same thing with Edward. Carlisle and Esme were helpful, but not like my sister was. Not like Rosalie. She was my safe haven, my confidante, and I was glad I had her if no one else.

We pulled up to the airport, and I saw a familiar face. Soon, I saw two familiar faces and luggage by their sides. I saw her, my Bella, with Edward. It looked like they were arguing, so I was going to wait for them to finish up. They announced our flight, but I wasn't ready to go. I wanted to talk to Bella.

Alice grabbed my wrist, and my eyes flew to hers. "I don't want to make you choose, but what are you going to do? Sit around and wait for them to take a break from their conversation, or come on the trip with us?"

"I'm coming on the trip. I was just shocked to see them here…"

"Shut up, lover boy. I just wish you'd admit it to me, at least. I mean, get it off your chest, and stop playing me as a fool." Then, Alice turned around and stomped off, with her Louis Vuitton luggage in tow.

"Alice! Wait! I'm sorry! You know I love you!" I yelled without realizing it, catching the attention of many bystanders and the not-so-happy, arguing couple across the way.

Bella's gaze locked onto mine, and she smiled sadly. She began to make her way over to me, but Edward grabbed her wrist. She turned to look at him with a stern expression, then slapped him. I could tell it wasn't hard enough to break her hand, just enough of a hit to get him to let go. When he did, she started to run to me. I looked at her and shook my head no, even though it broke my heart to do so. She slowed to a walk, but I could tell she was still determined to talk.

Bella finally stood in front of me and whispered, "I still love you, Jasper Whitlock Hale."

I tucked a piece of hair behind her ear. "I can't still love you, Isabella Marie Swan."

"Can't or don't?" she asked, hurt invading her voice.

"Can't. I do, but I can't. I'm sorry, but I have a plane to catch."

I pivoted and took a step, but she spoke again. "Do you remember what you said? What you told me?" I could hear the tears in her voice, but I didn't dare look back.

"No, I don't." And that was true.

"You said that you wished you never had to let go. Well, now, I'm standing here in front of you, wanting you to hold me more than ever, and you won't. I just don't get it. I don't get you. I thought I did, but I was wrong. I guess I made the right choice when I picked Edward. I guess you made the right choice when you walked away three months ago. And I guess I'm making the right choice, now. I mean, you taught me how to leave the one I love in the first place, right?" I heard her walking away, but I didn't have the energy to go after her.

She was right. She would always be right. I finally turned around when she yelled, "Get the hell away from me, Edward!" She grabbed her bags and left the airport. Just like that. But, like I said, she was right. I taught her how. And I just stood there, thinking about the way I felt when I did.