I really enjoyed this chapter! It was fun writing it. Hope you like it!!


APOV

I walked swiftly away from Bella's house with a pang of regret. I hated to leave her when she had such doubts, but she was so stubborn. I knew I could do nothing about it. I walked up to my house and, checking left and right to see if anyone was watching, skirted to the back.

At first glance, forestry was all there was. However, if you knew your way around, you would find a beautiful, small clearing hidden from view. I pushed past the foliage impatiently, and sighed contentedly when I saw him standing there.

I didn't hesitate when I walked straight into Jasper's waiting arms. We were content to enjoy each others company for a few brief moments. Before long, Jasper, as always, assessed my mood and asked, "What's bothering you?"

I buried my face in his chest and whispered, "It's Bella- as usual. She makes things so difficult! If she would only do what her heart is telling her, then she would be happy."

He chuckled softly. "You can't judge Bella by your standards. She is different, just as Edward and I are different. She must find her own way. But it's something deeper than that, isn't it?"

"You're so attuned to me. How can I ever keep a secret?" I said teasingly.

"You don't have to tell me…" he said uncertainly.

"I'm teasing, silly. Yes, it's just something I feel. I don't think the next few days are going to be pleasant," I said, frowning and staring up at Jasper.

"Anything specific? Is it about us?" he asked seriously, sounding a bit anxious.

"Not too specific. I do know that Edward and Bella are about to go through some serious pain. Nothing physical, but emotional…mental…something like that." I trembled slightly and huddled nearer to him.

Before anything else could be said, someone burst into the clearing and we both quickly stepped apart, but relaxed as we saw it was Edward.

"I've come to fetch you Jasper. Your absence has become noticeable," he said. I could tell that his mind wasn't on the present situation, and I knew exactly what- or who, rather- he was really thinking about.

"He would have been at camp soon enough. We never spend time together, and you always like to appear in the worst moments!" I responded lightly as I stepped back into Jasper's arms.

He smiled briefly and said, "If I didn't come, I wouldn't see both of you for a week. You need a reminder that there's a world outside just you two."

They both laughed as they left me alone in the meadow to my dark thoughts about tomorrow.

EPOV

It could still be considered early as I made my way through the streets of the town. I had tossed and turned all night, coming to the conclusion that I need to talk to Bella alone. I left the camp while most were still in bed, deciding to walk to Bella's house and find somewhere private to talk.

My thought was that, since no one knew that where we were, then no one could interrupt us. I slowed as I approached the house Alice had told me was Bella's. What did Alice say? Last house on the right. It's a pretty, two-story, dark colored house. Her room is on the second floor, and her window faces the forest in the back. It's right next to a giant oak tree.

Why are you telling me this, Alice?

You made need it someday…

Alice was so mysterious. Our budding friendship had fledged into a brotherly-sisterly relationship. Who knew that the random tidbits Alice had told me would actually come in handy, except for Alice herself?

I studied the oak tree, judging the height, before I started climbing up. I soon reached the second story window and stared in. My sweet, beautiful Bella was sleeping, but I could tell her dreams were troubled. She seemed to be too consumed in her nightmare to hear me knocking on the glass pane.

I frowned and carefully opened the window, stepping in as quietly as possible. I knelt next to her and whispered her name. She woke up with a start and stared at me, confusion evident on her face. Then she gathered her wits and whispered, "Edward? What are you doing here?"

"I thought we could spend some time together, since we always keep getting interrupted," I surveyed her red and shadowed eyes. "But, maybe I should have let you sleep."

Her lips trembled, and tears started to gather in her eyes. I frowned.

"Please Edward, you need to leave. I'll talk to you later but right now I can't take it." Her voice wavered, and I could tell she was on the verge of tears.

I would have stayed to try and comfort her if she hadn't pushed me towards the window, removing any thought for conversation as I made my way back down the tree. Once on level ground, I looked back and mouthed, "I love you, Isabella."

She withdrew back into the darkness of her room, sending waves of agony through my chest. Something was amiss, that was for sure, and I knew the perfect person to ask.

BPOV

I saw him leave, and it broke my heart. When he mouthed that he loved me- me, of all people- I withdrew to cry privately. How could I ever tell him that I was destined for someone else? I took a deep, steadying breath and headed for my closet. I would pick a somber color to fit my mood. Even Alice would agree that this was appropriate.

I choose a gray dress with black accents. It was a pretty day-dress, but it was much too dreary for everyday wear. This was actually my first time to wear it. After dressing, I locked my door and retreated to the windowsill, where Edward had been less than an hour before. He was gone now, and he probably wouldn't come back. I was alone.
I must have fallen asleep, for I woke up with the noon day sun on my face. Someone was knocking impatiently on my door.

"Who is it?" I croaked.

"Isabella, it is your father! Open your door, this is ridiculous." He demanded.

My anger and depression gave me courage to say, "No, what's ridiculous is that I have to marry that leech! You didn't even consider my opinion when you agreed, and now I have no choice!"

There was an obviously charged atmosphere to the silence that followed my statement, and to try and heal the rift I had just created, I spoke again, more gently this time. "Father I'm tired, please let me rest."

I was left alone again, but not for very long. I expected my mother's timid voice to come through the wood next, but was surprised to hear the high soprano of Alice. "Bella, open the door. If you're going to sulk, I have a right to know why."

I gave a disgruntled sigh and slowly opened the door to my bedroom. Alice seemed thoroughly surprised to see my drab attire and said, "Bella! I thought you threw that gloomy dress away! It looks like you're going to a funeral."

I pointedly ignored that comment as I closed and locked the door behind her. Once in safety of closed doors, I said drearily, "I am- my own."

"What's going on? Edward came to me, saying that you were a mess and that he was frantic to talk to you." She said as we sat done on the bed.

"No! Edward can't know, not yet." I closed my eyes as a tear escaped for a future that was now lost. "Alice, I'm getting married."

"What?! To who? Edward? Did you think I would disapprove? Why would that make you sad?" Alice asked rapidly, her high voice seeming to rise in pitch.

"Alice, stop trying to fool yourself. I'm not getting married to Edward. I came home yesterday and… and…" I drew in a shaky breath, "And I discovered that my parents have decided to marry me off to James."Once the awful truth came out, I broke down in heavy sobs.

Alice shook my shoulders. "Bella, get a grip on yourself! First things first, you must tell Edward. Then I will help you pack, and we'll get you out of here."

I shook my head hopelessly. "Alice, I'm not you. I've told you so many times that I can't do what you would do. I can't leave my family. I can't run off to be with someone whom I love- more than anything or anyone else in this world- when I know how much it would disappoint them. This is important to them, and I must do as they wish." I stepped out of her hands.

She pulled me back to her and hugged me fiercely. "No, you're not me. I know that, Bella, but sometimes I tend to forget. However, I promise you that I will solve this. I won't let you marry that scum." She looked outside the window, and I saw her face suddenly light up. "I'll be back."

She left before I had time to take a breath, and I suddenly felt desperately alone. I needed some human company besides my mother and father. I wished Alice would come back.

Suddenly, I heard the sharp crack of a rock hitting glass, and I ran to my window. Outside, looking extremely handsome, but somewhat breathless, was Edward. He must have run here, I thought to myself. Glancing around, I could only just make out Alice fleeing in the background. That scheming pixie! I opened the window.

"Let me guess, Alice sent you?" I asked, my tone full of biting sarcasm.

"Alice didn't need to tell me, I was here already." He paused, searching my face for something. "What's wrong Bella?"

I bit my lip, not wanting to tell him, wishing that I could make this all go away if I just kept silent. With a resigned sigh, I said softly, "I'm betrothed, Edward. As of yesterday…"


Sadness! should i write edwards reaction in the next chapter? hmm...i wonder...

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