A/N: Sorry it took so long, I am really stuck with writing this even though I have had wonderful help. Its a little easier than before. I'm not sure I like this chapter but it is setting things up, so bear with me if you will! :) Enjoy if you can~

Edward had assumed that he and Bella would be much closer than what they were, and it was kind of bugging him that it hadn't changed as much as he hoped. Ever since they actually came clean with each other about everything, they were able to build a friendship, but Edward wanted a stronger one.

He had to tell himself that this would all come in time, it had only been two months since he had returned home, he couldn't push it, but then he started to wonder why he was so desperate to be closer to Bella in the first place.

"What's the matter with you?" Alice said as she walked into the den and found Edward at his piano. He wasn't playing anything, he was just sitting there silently, a far off gaze in his eyes.

"Nothing," He muttered when he realized she asked a question. Alice came over and sat in the chair that faced the piano. She wanted to tell Edward that she understood, and that soon enough, he would realize he was in love with Bella. She couldn't do it yet, he hadn't been home long enough, and there was still a chance that he would leave once he found out.

"You sure?" She asked, instantly, she was still. Her eyes were wide and unmoving, her posture was rigid, and she wasn't breathing.

"Alice?" Edward called after a few moments. He knew she had a vision; he wanted to know what it was about.

"Somehow Aro found out about Bella living with us," She said apprehensively. Edward shot up in an instant.

"What is he planning to do?" He asked. Aro was one of the leaders of the Volterri, a royal family of vampires that lived in Italy. They were like the rulers of the vampire world, and if they weren't happy, they had the power to eliminate you. They had only one basic rule for all vampires alike: protect your identity, do not tell humans. Obviously, the Cullen's had broken the cardinal rule with Bella, which is why Edward was so worried. Aro was a powerful man, and if he didn't like Bella, there was no telling what he would do.

"He hasn't decided yet, it was brought to his attention, he is going through some ideas. I'm going to go to Italy and see if I can stop this before it comes any closer," Alice said, standing up and walking to her room. Edward followed her, automatically thinking that she was crazy.

"I'll go, it's dangerous," Edward said. He didn't want to leave Bella, but he would be damned if he let anything happen to her. He wanted to be the one to protect her.

"No, there is no way you are leaving again. It would hurt the family too much, and you need to be here to protect Bella. I am much more subtle than you are, Edward. And Aro is interested in me because of my ability. If I get caught, he will take it easier on me," She reasoned. Edward still didn't want her going.

"Alice, what if-" He began, but she cut him off.

"Nothing will happen, apparently Rosalie is coming with me," Alice said with certainty. She must have been able to see that too. Alice was grabbing a suitcase and filling it with clothes.

"When are you leaving? Why isn't Jasper going with you?" Edward asked.

"We're leaving tomorrow. He needs to stay here in case any of this gets back to Bella. He needs to be able to control her emotions, because if she thinks we are in danger, she will leave. If we aren't there to protect her, she doesn't have a chance. You, Jasper, and Emmett all need to be here," Alice reasoned.

Edward didn't want to bring this up, especially at a time like this, but he had to know. Bella and Jasper were closer than ever, hanging out more often, and always sharing certain looks. He definitely noticed it, he wondered if Alice did too.

"Alice, about Jasper and Bella-" He started, and again, she cut him off. It was a painful subject. What started off as a way to keep Edward from realizing she was hiding something, turned into a true worry of hers. Jasper had been so different with Bella, carefree, more talkative, they had countless inside jokes, and they were constantly together.

She wouldn't be mad at either of them if they had feelings for the other. It wasn't like her to stand in the way of love. She loved Jasper too much to be angry with him, and Bella was her best friend and sister. It would take an act of God for Alice to even be slightly angry with her. The only way she would care was if they were hiding it though.

"I don't know," She answered the question he didn't even ask.

"Does it bug you? Can you see anything in the future?" Edward asked. He truly felt bad for Alice, because in a way, he was feeling her pain.

"I can see my future. I cannot see either Jasper's or Bella's. In my future, everyone is here, but it doesn't specify that I am with anyone," She said quickly. That didn't give Edward any hope, and he quickly pushed aside the feeling of uncertainty. He shouldn't care so much if Bella loved Jasper, but he couldn't help it, and he wasn't even sure why.

"Where do we tell her that you two are going?" Edward asked, changing the subject.

"On a short trip to Alaska. She can't miss school because this is her first time going. I'm going to go tell Carlisle and Esme. If they want to come too, that's fine. I'm sure you guys will be able to handle everything over here," Alice said.

In the end, it was decided that Alice and Rosalie were going to Italy, and Carlisle and Esme would go with them. Aro was very fond of Carlisle and he thought that might come in handy. Carlisle and Esme would return at any sign of trouble back home though. Alice, Rosalie, Emmett, Carlisle, Esme, and Edward were all in the den planning it out when Jasper and Bella walked through the front door. Jasper felt the tension in the air instantly.

"What's going on?" He asked. They all seem worried, something is wrong. Edward could hear Jasper's thoughts. Jasper must not have been trying to hide them at the time.

"Esme and I are going to Alaska for a while, and we're going to take Alice and Rosalie with us. We shouldn't be gone long. Tanya and Irina are having a few problems, and we felt like we should go help them." Carlisle replied calmly.

"Should we come?" Jasper asked. Please say no, I don't want to leave Bella right now. Edward's head shot to Jasper's direction, and now it was Jasper that had looked as if he had been caught stealing. He forgot to block his thoughts. Edward's eyes narrowed a little.

"No, I think you four should stay here. Obviously safety reasons for Bella, and because of school. And it is something that girls should handle," Esme said calmly. She hated lying, but Bella was in the room, and she couldn't know about this. They would have to explain it to Jasper in private.

"Is everything okay?" Bella asked softly from her position behind Jasper. Edward smiled at her concern.

"Yes dear, everything will be fine. They just need some family around for support. Can you imagine Emmett comforting someone?" Esme said, trying to joke and keep the mood light. She winked at Emmett who had growled at the comment. Bella laughed lightly.

"Emmett you do a wonderful job at comforting," She said to him. He smiled at her angelically.

"Kiss ass," Edward mumbled before he could stop himself. Bella turned and swatted him playfully.

Edward, they are lying to me. What's really going on? Jasper thought, looking to Edward. Edward motioned to Bella without her noticing, letting him know that they couldn't talk while she was here.

"Bella, do you want to come help me pack?" Alice asked innocently. Bella thought nothing of it and nodded. Of course she would help her best friend.

Meh... difficult-ness. Hopefully you guys will review if you still liked this even though it was crap, or if you want to tell me personally that it is crap hahaha. This is going to get confusing for a bit probably, but I swear it will all be revealed and make sense (if I do this right) So review if you will!