Author's Note – I have to give a very big thank you to IdreamofEddy for her help with this chapter. After the last chapter and some reviews I began doubting the course that HCG was on, but luckily between her help and reminding myself that there is a plan for HCG I was able to get to work, quite quickly, on this chapter. I hope this helps to answer some questions and transition the story to the next step on the plot ladder. With that said, thanks to everyone who reviewed and please take the time to review after you read this, I appreciate each and every one.
Here Comes Goodbye
Chapter Nine
"I just want to go to sleep." Bella said to Jasper, who merely nodded in response before getting up and leaving the room so Bella could have her privacy as she got ready for bed.
Walking down the hall to his room, Jasper looked through his books and selected one to read while he sat with Bella as she slept. Waiting for a few more minutes, Jasper started to leaf through the book when he heard Bella say his name. Smiling, Jasper walked out of his room, glad that despite everything Bella was going through at the moment that she still wanted him to be with her.
Opening the door, Jasper walked into Bella's room and after depositing his book on the side table he laid down on the bed in his usual spot. Pulling Bella close to him, Jasper wrapped his arms around her curled up form.
"Don't worry, everything will work out in time." Jasper whispered to Bella as he ran his hand through her hair.
In response Bella moved closer to Jasper, wrapping an arm around his midsection. While Bella lay there with Jasper she let her thoughts wander since Jessica's words kept repeating her in mind.
But Jasper and I aren't like that. Yes, we have grown close, closer than I ever thought we would be, but we're just friends, nothing more. He was the one who found me, took care of me, has helped me get through this. Then Alice abruptly broke up with him and we both had the pain of unexpected heartbreak to deal with and it's only natural that we relied on each other, right?
What if Jessica was right? Would that be so bad? A voice in the back of Bella's mind asked, causing her to ponder the possibility.
With those thoughts on her mind Bella slowly drifted off to sleep, eventually relaxing against Jasper's still form. Staying with Bella until he was sure that she was fast asleep, Jasper carefully extricated himself from her grasp and then moved to his chair.
Settling in the seat, Jasper grabbed his book but didn't open it. Instead he sat and watched Bella as she slept, remembering the bits and pieces of the conversation with Jessica that Bella had told him about.
Bella said that Jessica was asking about why it was me who dropped her off, why would that bother her? Jasper mentally asked himself to which he had an almost immediate answer. Jessica thinks that Bella and I are together. And that idea, that thought bothered Bella so much that she got this upset.
You fool! Bella loves you. Think of a different explanation. That pesky voice in the back of Jasper's mind said.
Rather than sit and read throughout the night, Jasper sat and thought, envisioning different explanations for Bella's behavior.
The following morning Bella woke up on her own and actually jolted Jasper from his thoughts.
"You all right?" Bella asked once Jasper was back in the present.
"Yeah, I was just distracted for a moment." Jasper replied before standing up.
"Wait, before you go…" Bella said, getting up and out of bed and walking over to Jasper. "I just, I want you to know I'm sorry about how I acted yesterday. What Jessica said just threw me and I didn't really know how to process it all. Sorry."
Offering Bella a small smile, Jasper hugged her. "Don't worry. Just promise me you'll tell me about it at some point, okay?"
"Eventually." Bella replied as she pulled away from Jasper.
"All right, go get ready for school. Just to let you know there are supposed to be thunderstorms later today." Jasper said, mainly to let Bella know that Alice would be going to school with her that day.
Bella nodded in response. "Thanks."
With that Jasper went downstairs to wait for Bella. Heading into the shower, Bella stood there for a few minutes, letting the warm water clear her mind as she continued to think about the previous day and the thoughts that it had prompted.
Eventually Bella finished getting ready and made her way downstairs to the kitchen, where Jasper was sitting, waiting for her. Sitting down next to Jasper, Bella ate the omelet that Esme had made for her.
"Think you'll be okay today?" Jasper asked quietly, so the two could have some semblance of privacy.
Bella nodded. "It'll help to have Alice there."
Jasper merely nodded, his feelings toward Alice still less than pleasant, but not wanting to interfere with the relationship between Bella and Alice.
A minute later the girl of the moment appeared. "Bella, time to go to school."
Sighing, Bella pushed her chair back and stood. "See you later." Bella said to Jasper.
"Take care." Jasper said, looking only at Bella, though Alice knew that his statement was also an instruction for her.
"I will." Alice promised in a tone so quiet that only Jasper could hear her.
Following Alice outside, Bella waved goodbye to Jasper and then got into Alice's car. The ride to school was quiet until the two had hit the middle of town.
"Did you see what happened yesterday?" Bella asked.
Alice paused and then nodded.
"Why didn't you stop it?" Bella pressed, curious about why Alice had let the conversation take place if she knew the effect it would have.
"Because it needed to happen. Bella, I want to explain this to you, but I don't want to interfere with your future. Just trust me when I say that you are on a great path right now and yesterday was necessary to keep you on that path." Alice explained as she continued to drive through Forks toward the high school.
"Now I know how Jasper felt…" Bella mumbled in response.
Waiting until she had parked in the lot, Alice faced Bella to explain herself further. "Bella, if it would help you I would explain this, but in fact it will alter your future negatively, so please, trust me and what I have seen. Things are going to get much better for you if you just trust the course that you're on."
"Alice, you know I trust your visions, but it's so hard to do it when you are so cryptic." Bella replied.
"I know and I'm sorry, but this is the way it has to be. If you don't have your answers by New Year's I'll tell you more, okay?" Alice offered as a compromise.
"So this will all be resolved in a month? Good." Bella replied, a genuine smile appearing on her face.
Glad to see Bella smiling, Alice nodded. "Next year will be a great year for you."
"Thanks Alice." Bella said before hugging Alice.
Going into school together, Bella seemed to undergo a complete transformation from the girl that she had been not just the previous day, but the previous weeks. With the basic information that Alice had given her, Bella had finally gotten to the point where she could the light at the end of the tunnel, that all of the pain and trouble Edward had caused was finally going to dissipate.
By the end of the day Alice was even surprised when Bella had not only answered a question in English class, but actively participated in a class discussion.
Wow, someone's back and is making up for lost time. Alice thought to herself once Bella effectively won the debate on A Farewell to Arms.
Sitting in the car, Alice looked over at Bella. "Who are you and what have you done with Bella Swan?"
Laughing, Bella replied. "I'm still me. Just hearing what you said earlier, I guess that's what I've needed. I'm sick of being so miserable and after yesterday, I don't want to be that girl anymore. Edward's gone and while it still hurts, I'm getting past it. I can't keep wallowing and shutting myself in. It's like I'm letting him win somehow if I keep doing what I've been doing. Plus I just feel horrible about how I acted to everyone yesterday. I was so wrapped up in my own thoughts, my own world that I was rude and just dismissed all of you for no reason."
"Bella, relax, we understand that you've had a tough time. I'm just glad to see you like this." Alice replied.
Pulling out of the parking lot, Alice drove through town but didn't make the turn that would lead her and Bella back to the Cullen home. Instead she kept on going, picking up speed since there was no one around.
"Um, Alice, what are you doing?" Bella finally asked, completely confused.
"We're going shopping." Alice replied as she rooted through her bag for her cell phone.
Once Alice had her phone in hand she pressed one of the speed dial numbers.
"Alice, is everything okay?" Esme asked when she saw that Alice was calling her.
"Everything's great. Would you and Rosalie like to join Bella and I on a shopping trip in Olympia?" Alice asked, much to Esme's surprise.
"Absolutely. We'll leave right away." Esme replied after a moment, her comment attracting the attention of the house's other occupants.
Hanging up, Esme looked at four curious faces. "Rosalie, you and I are joining Alice and Bella for a girls night out. See you three later." Esme explained with a smile.
"What the hell just happened?" Emmett asked a moment later just as Esme drove away from the house.
"Alice is up to something." Jasper replied.
"Maybe, maybe not." Carlisle said with a look to Emmett. "This will be good for Bella."
"But…"
"Jasper." Carlisle warned, effectively silencing Jasper, who then went upstairs to his room.
Seeing that Emmett was about to say something Carlisle covered Emmett's mouth with his hand. With his free hand Carlisle pointed to the door, suggesting that the two speak outside.
"Watch what you say." Carlisle said quietly once the two were outside.
"I will. Hey, I made it this long, give me some credit." Emmett replied, his quiet tone matching Carlisle's.
"Yes, you have done well. I just don't want anything to happen at the last minute to jeopardize things." Carlisle replied, calming down.
"Hey, it'll happen, Alice has seen it. Don't worry about things that are out of our control." Emmett said, to which Carlisle nodded in agreement.
"We better give Jasper some time. Want to join me in a hunt?" Carlisle asked, prompting Emmett to grin in response.
"We'll see who can get the largest meal this time." Emmett replied, challenging Carlisle to yet another hunting competition. While it was rare for the two to hunt together, Emmett always enjoyed competing with his father and seeing who managed to take down the largest animal.
While the Cullen men were left to amuse themselves, the women sped toward Olympia. Due to their head start Alice and Bella were the first to arrive in the city. Following Alice into a department store, Bella watched Alice attack the racks of clothes.
"Uh, Alice, what is this about?" Bella finally asked as she looked at the large pile of clothes that Alice had managed to assemble in about a minute.
Stopping, Alice turned her attention to Bella. "What better way is there to celebrate you coming out of your doldrums and turning into the new and improved Bella than to get you a new wardrobe?" One that will make you look good and get my ex-husband to see what's right in front of him, finally. Alice added in her mind.
Hesitant, Bella shifted from one foot to the other. "I don't know Alice…"
"Trust me Bella." Alice replied, going back to the stacks of clothes.
A few minutes later Rosalie and Esme walked over to the two and neither was surprised by the assortment of clothes that Alice had already selected. Seeing how hesitant Bella was, Esme walked over to the young girl and wrapped an arm around her. "It's best not to fight it. That way you might actually have fun."
Bella nodded, seeing the logic in Esme's statement, but still struggling to take in the sight of Alice and Rosalie going through all of the clothes, selecting what they thought would look nice on Bella.
"Why don't you try some of these on." Alice suggested, giving a small portion of the pile to Esme to hold for Bella.
"Come on." Esme said to Bella, who simply followed her surrogate mother over to the dressing rooms.
"All right, what have you seen?" Rosalie asked quickly as she and Alice continued their attacking on the clothes.
"Bella opening up to the influence of a mom and two sisters and letting us help her." Alice replied as she eyed a black dress.
"So this is the end of mopey Bella?" Rosalie asked, her voice hopeful.
Alice nodded in response. "This is the first day of the semi-new and much improved Bella."
"And may this also be the first day for something else?" Rosalie asked, wondering just how much Alice had seen.
"Absolutely. Why else would I be choosing half of these clothes? There are two categories here – clothes that Bella will feel comfortable wearing and clothes that Jasper will love on her." Alice explained as she motioned to the large pile of clothes that just kept growing.
Stopping her clothing search, Rosalie focused all of her attention on Alice. "It's pretty amazing what you're doing for them. I don't know if I would have had your strength if it was Emmett and I."
Turning to Rosalie, Alice replied. "It wasn't easy at first, but once I saw more of their future, I couldn't prevent it. I would have hated myself for knowing what could have been and stopping it from happening. Besides, as I said, it finally gave me an answer as to why I didn't see a longer future for Jasper and I. That relationship will heal in time, so I'm not really losing anyone in this whole ordeal."
"You're still pretty amazing for playing matchmaker for those two." Rosalie said, offering Alice a small smile.
Alice simply smiled too before returning to the clothing racks. Between Rosalie and Alice there ended up being so many clothes that Bella could barely make a dent in the pile in terms of how many items she tried on. Since the two had pulled Bella's size in everything, they had her try on select options and then just purchased the rest.
"You really didn't have to do this. That bill was…" Bella said, trailing off as the group made their way through the parking lot.
"Nonsense Bella. We all like to indulge ourselves and treat each other from time to time and this was us treating you to a day out shopping." Esme replied, to which Bella could offer no further protest.
"Let's go, we have a lot of clothes to put away at home." Rosalie said, walking up to Esme and Bella.
"Before we do…I just want to say thanks. Today was something that I never thought I would enjoy but I had a lot of fun with the three of you. I finally have not just one but two sisters and a more traditional mom to enjoy things with and to turn to for support when I need it." Bella said, stopping by Alice's car.
With her lip quivering, Esme put down the bags that she had been holding and hugged Bella.
"Hey, don't hog my sister. I want to hug her too." Rosalie said after a minute, prompting Bella and Esme to laugh.
Pulling away from Esme, Bella hugged Rosalie. "I'm so happy to have you in the family little sister." Rosalie said to Bella as she hugged her.
"You're the big sister I always dreamed of having." Bella replied, her voice wavering as she spoke.
"Oh, if I could cry I would." Esme commented as she listened to the conversation and took in the scene of two of her daughters hugging each other.
"If you could cry you would be crying every day over something that one of us has done or said." Alice replied in an effort to lighten the mood a little bit.
Moving away from Rosalie, Bella stepped in front of Alice. "How could I have gotten through this without you?" Bella asked as she moved closer and hugged Alice.
"Jasper has done all of the hard work, I just did what I could." Alice replied, glancing over to Rosalie and Esme when she spoke about Jasper's relationship with Bella.
"To get them together." Rosalie added, but quick enough that only Esme and Alice could hear her.
"We better get back. Bella, you still have homework to do." Esme said, though she was smiling after Rosalie's comment.
"But mom…." Bella whined, eliciting a bright, broad smile from Esme.
"I know that it may not technically be true, but you really are my third daughter Isabella." Esme said, the quivering lip making a comeback as Esme gathered Bella in her arms again.
Bella simply returned the hug, letting Esme know of her feelings that way.
"All right, let's go before mom completely loses it." Rosalie said after a minute.
"We'll see you two at home." Alice said, taking Bella's hand and leading her over to her car.
With a wave to Esme and Rosalie, Bella got into Alice's car and settled into the seat. Moments later Alice was driving through the lot and then getting back on the highway so she could drive back to Forks. The drive back was a comfortable one, with Bella and Alice talking throughout the trip, particularly about all of the clothes that had just been purchased. Luckily Bella had gotten into the whole shopping experience and did like many of the clothes that Alice and Rosalie had selected. While there were a few questionable items in the bunch, overall Bella liked her new wardrobe and looked forward to letting the old yet changed Bella out via new clothes.
Eventually Alice turned down the driveway and by the time she had reached the end of the winding road Carlisle, Emmett, and Jasper were waiting outside the house for her and Bella.
Getting out of the car with a smile, Bella waved to the three men. Seeing Bella's smile, Emmett bounded over to her and scooped her up in his arms.
"Bella's back!" Emmett called out, prompting Bella to laugh and everyone else to smile or grin in response.
"Not quite, but I refuse to be that depressed, miserable person anymore." Bella replied as she hugged Emmett, though it was more like holding on tightly. Looking over to Jasper, Bella saw him smiling and on its own her smile widened.
"As long as you're smiling and happy again then I don't care what version of Bella you are." Emmett said, voicing everyone's thoughts.
"Emmett, put Bella down before you make her sick again." Carlisle said after a moment.
Almost immediately Bella's feet were back on the ground and Emmett had an apologetic look on his face. However, before he could say anything Bella spoke. "Don't worry, I feel fine."
Emmett merely grinned in response.
"So, is all this yours?" Jasper asked, looking at the pile of shopping bags that had been stacked outside of Alice's car.
"Some of it. Esme and Rosalie have the rest." Bella replied, surprising Jasper.
"But you hate shopping. And wearing fancy, designer clothes."
"Well, today was different. It actually turned out to be fun and not all of those clothes are bad. There are actually a few things that I really like." Bella replied, crossing her arms against her chest, almost challenging Jasper to question her explanation.
Looking at Bella for a moment, Jasper then turned his gaze to Alice. "What'd you do to her?"
"Oh nothing. I just got her to smile and get rid of that damn black cloud that'd been following her the past few weeks." Alice replied, much to Emmett and even Carlisle's amusement.
"Relax Jasper. She's still Bella, but just the semi-new and much improved version of Bella." Rosalie explained as she got out of Esme's car, borrowing Alice's description from earlier.
"I feel like a toy now." Bella wryly commented, drawing everyone's attention. "What? I haven't forgotten how to make a joke, no matter how lame it is."
"How about you three make yourselves useful and bring Bella's things upstairs." Esme suggested in an effort to divert the attention from Bella.
Without protest Carlisle, Emmett, and Jasper grabbed the shopping bags and brought them upstairs to Bella's room. Depositing the bags on Bella's bed, there was barely any space to sit on the large mattress. When she saw that sight, Bella spoke. "Wow, I knew we got a lot, but that is a lot."
"And now we get to go through your old things and decide what to keep and what to get rid of so we can make room for all of your new clothes." Alice explained after walking in and standing next to Bella, who continued to look at the bed with wide eyes.
"Uh, Alice, there's one problem. No closet." Bella said.
"Silly Bella, of course there is. You just didn't need it before now." Alice replied before stepping across the room and opening the closet door. Since Bella's clothes had all fit into the dresser she had no prior need for a closet and now she saw that the space was more than enough to hold all of her new clothes.
With that Alice went to work putting away Bella's clothes. Despite Alice's speed the task still managed to take a while since she was carefully organizing it in order to make the process of choosing an outfit as easy as possible for Bella. While Alice worked in Bella's room everyone retreated downstairs and spoke while Esme made dinner for Bella.
"Done!" Alice called out just as Bella started to eat her dinner.
Taking a moment to swallow her food, Bella replied. "Thanks Alice."
"You're very welcome Bella. Now what would you say to a hair cut to go with the new wardrobe?" Alice asked as she stood back and looked at Bella.
Immediately Bella shook her head. "That's one thing you are not changing, sorry."
"It wouldn't be anything major. Just a little trim, maybe layer your hair a little bit…" Alice continued, to which Bella rolled her eyes.
"You saw that I eventually give in, didn't you?" Bella asked to which Alice enthusiastically nodded her head.
"At least you're finally learning not to fight Alice." Rosalie commented.
"How about we make a deal." Bella suggested. "You can cut my hair, just a little bit, this weekend. One step at a time with all of this, okay?"
Holding her hand out for Bella to shake, Alice agreed. "It's a deal."
After that Bella returned her focus to her dinner and mainly listened to the conversation. However, one person who was quiet was Jasper, who simply sat next to Bella, with his mind clearly elsewhere. A few minutes and a full belly later, Bella noticed Jasper's contemplative state.
Reaching over, Bella put a hand on the top of Jasper's head and messed up his hair, immediately drawing his attention to her.
"Was that necessary?" Jasper asked as he fixed his hair as best as possible.
"Yes. You were staring off into space. What's up?" Bella asked, drawing everyone's attention to her and Jasper, though they kept the conversation going to not give away their eavesdropping.
"Just thinking. I have been known to do that from time to time."
"Or all the time." Bella replied, eliciting a smirk from Jasper and a snort from Emmett, giving away the fact that at least he had been listening to the conversation.
"Has no one ever told you it's rude to listen in on other people's conversations?" Bella jokingly asked, turning in her seat to face Emmett.
"Oh I'm told it all the time, but it just hasn't sunk in; must be a result of the fact that I can't help but hear everything." Emmett replied.
"All right, before you two get started, Bella you still have homework to do." Esme cut in, though she was amused by the exchange that Bella and Emmett had going.
"Come on, I'll help you." Jasper said, offering his hand to Bella.
Taking Jasper's hand without a second thought, Bella waved and smiled to the rest of the family before she left the kitchen and went upstairs with Jasper. After the two left the rest of the Cullens shared a knowing smile but said nothing about Jasper and Bella.
With help from Jasper, Bella quickly made it through her math and science homework. By the time she was done with everything except reading for English class Bella opted to get ready for bed and then read until she fell asleep.
As Bella selected a pair of pajamas to wear that night Jasper was about to leave when she spoke. "You don't have to leave just to come back in a few minutes. There's a bathroom and bathroom door for a reason Jasper."
Not expecting Bella to break the established pattern, Jasper took a moment to reply. "Well, uh, I'll wait out here for you then."
At that Bella went into the bathroom and quickly changed and got ready for bed while Jasper gathered her things. However, that task was finished quickly so Jasper then grabbed Bella's copy of A Farewell to Arms since she had to finish it for the next day and then he sat down on the bed in his usual spot, pulling up the covers next to him for Bella.
When Bella walked out of the bathroom she saw Jasper seated with his back against the headboard, his long legs stretched out in front of him on her bed as he paged through A Farewell to Arms, most likely rereading the novel to remind himself of the plot. What really stuck out for Bella was how right the scene looked, with Jasper waiting on the bed for her, the sheets already pulled back for when she was ready to get into bed.
Holding back a smile, Bella got in bed next to Jasper. Once Bella was situated under the covers, Jasper pulled her close to him, resting her head on his chest so he could read to her.
That night, Bella fell asleep listening to Jasper reading her Ernest Hemingway's take on love while thinking about the love that she had developed for Jasper over the past weeks.
