A/N: Stephenie Meyer owns all things Twilight. No copyright infringement is intended.
Story is all human. Characters do tend to be out of character on occasion as well.
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Chapter 10: ExplanationEmPOV
I woke to a shrill voice outside my door. Alice was on the other side, arguing with Jasper over something. I hadn't slept well and really didn't want to get my ass out of bed yet. I tried ignoring the argument going on outside my door, but then I heard my name.
Jasper's voice was more hushed than Alice's. "Baby, just let me deal with it please? We've got tickets to the Seahawks today. I'll talk to him. Let me handle it. It'll be better. Guy stuff babe. Please?"
Thanks Jaz, but she won't go for it. Right on cue, the shrill voice jumped yet another octave. "Jasper. He needs a decent beating! Did you see how he was yesterday?! Did you happen to notice that look on Bella's face?! I'm going to rip him limb from limb Jasper. Now Move!"
With that my door flew open. Alice was enraged. "Emmett McCarty. Get your pathetic ass out of bed NOW!" I knew I didn't have a choice. When she was like this, she was unstoppable. I glanced at the clock. 4:00 a.m. What the hell? She couldn't wait another hour or two? Well it's not like you were really sleeping that well anyway.
"Ok Alice. Have at it." I groaned and sat up, waiting for my lashing.
"Emmett. You are a fucking asshole! Do you even realize what you did yesterday? Screwing Rosalie at the restaurant!!!!!! I mean, shit if you wanted her fine. But at least do it with an ounce of dignity and consideration for Bella. Didn't you see that look on her face?! You ripped her to bits!!! If you weren't my brother, so help me God…"
I had fully expected Alice to go off about Rosalie. Truly. I had acted like some lust filled hormonal teenager. But she was talking about Bella's feelings. How could that be? I had laid out my feelings for her and what did she do?? Refused me, that's what. "Hold up a minute sis. You have every right to bitch me out about kissing Rosalie. But damn. Bella? What in the hell does she have to do with it?"
Now the fire in her eyes was evident. I had touched on some nerve and she was never coming down. "What does she have to do with it? Everything damnit! You've known her all her life and here you can't even read her expressions enough to know she was hurt, devastated even? Damn you Emmett. After that shit you pulled with the song, which by the way was amazing. Really, couldn't have done better myself. But then you turn into a Rosalie groupie! I can't blame her for finding comfort in Edward. I'd have told you to fuck off after that."
Alright, so now I was totally confused. Jasper must have sensed it because he stepped in at this point. "Ali baby, let me handle this. We've gotta get going and I'm sure Emmett needs some time to think shit over. I'll make sure he uses the time wisely." He kissed her and as always, Alice cooled a bit. Jasper was the only person who could calm her down. I secretly thanked God for that. "C'mon baby. Let's let the big idiot shower and we'll go downstairs for a bit…" He nipped at her neck and I could feel the involuntary gag reflex.
She huffed a bit, but Jasper's seduction worked. "Fine. But you WILL talk to him about this today." It wasn't a question, it was a command. She left the room as suddenly as she had entered.
Jasper turned to me briefly. "Get dressed. We have Seahawk tickets. Get your ass moving." Usually Jasper was neutral when it came to our group arguments, but this time I could hear the slightest amount of disappointment in his voice.
Well hell, I better get going. But what was that about? Bella's feelings? What the hell…
JPOV
Now, I do try to stay neutral when it comes to Alice and Emmett's sibling fights, it just made everything easier. In this case, I couldn't help but feel some disappointment toward Emmett. After everything he had decided that day on First Beach… after everything we had discussed, he pulled some juvenile move like that. It wasn't acceptable. Not even from my best friend. Especially not when it came to Bella. She deserved better and I'd be damned if I let him put that look of hurt on her face again.
Alice and I headed toward the kitchen. When we arrived the little vixen attacked me. Kissing me with every ounce of passion she had. She nipped at my bottom lip, fisted her hands in my hair. God I love this woman. Truly I did. While our sex life was always amazing, it was only magnified by the amount of love I felt for her, from her. We shared something absolutely angelic. Never in my life could I have imagined how utterly happy Alice made me. "Alice… I don't have that much time babe. Em will be down here soon." I kissed her again and she sighed.
"Yes I know." She stepped back and flashed her stunning smile. "Would you like some breakfast first? I can make some eggs or something really quick." I really had to avoid laughing. I loved Alice so much and she was very good at what she did, but cooking was not one of her talents.
"No babe, I'll pick something up on the road. We've really gotta get out of here." Right on cue, Emmett emerged from his room and slammed his door. Greeaat. This couldn't get any better… "And the sleeping bear emerges…" I hugged Alice one last time and kissed her on her forehead. "Love you babe. See you tonight."
"Emmett, let's roll." We headed to the garage. Emmett instinctively went for his Jeep. "No. I'm driving today." I knew he'd want to drive and somewhere deep down I knew I was punishing him for the previous day's events.
He huffed a bit before trudging over to my BMW 750. "And why are you driving?" A bit of irritation in his voice indicated that my plan had worked. He would pout for the majority of our three hour drive.
About thirty minutes into the drive, Emmett decided to start talking. "Jasper. Tell me how bad it is…"
That left him wide open. I could have verbally assaulted the guy, but from the tone in his voice and the desperation on his face, I knew he was already suffering. "Well man, you've totally fucked up. Mind tellin' me just what in the hell happened? I thought you were in love with Bella…"
"I am." That's all he's got? He didn't offer anything more, so I figured it wouldn't hurt to prod a bit.
"So, what's the deal with you jumping Rosalie's bones at lunch yesterday?" I realized it was a direct question, but we didn't have time to dance around the topic.
Emmett almost looked enraged and spoke through clenched teeth. "Nothing happened." Yeah right…nothing happened. I saw him follow her. Hell, any guy would do the same.
"Fuck Emmett, I'm not an idiot. You keep lying like this, I'm going to leave your sorry ass on the side of this road."
He sighed and looked out the window. "Ok. So, the other day in the lunchroom, Rosalie rubbed her foot up my leg. It totally fucked with me. Then yesterday at lunch, she pulled it again. Damnit. I was so fucking hard all I could do was follow my damned dick. When she got up and headed to the bathroom, I dunno, I just sorta followed her." Emmett took a deep breath before he continued. "I got there and she wrapped those long legs around my waist and I dunno, I went with it. The next thing I know, I'm kissing her and have her pinned against the wall. Then I felt the need to push her away, to run back to Bella. Something inside me just snapped and I knew what I was doing was totally fucked up and wrong."
"Wait. You seriously turned her down? No fucking around. You turned her down?" I couldn't imagine anyone turning down that kind of advance, but I also knew Emmett wouldn't outright lie to me. I was just floored.
He nodded. "Yep. No joke. I don't want her, hell I didn't want her advances in the first place. My damned hormones took over. I'm guessing that's why Alice was pissed. She thought I actually fucked Rosalie in the hall huh?" I didn't answer, just nodded while he mulled over the information. "What was the comment about Bella? I didn't think she gave a fuck anymore… I thought that ship had sailed."
Ahh, Bella. I had to think for a minute before answering. I wasn't quite sure how to word it for him. I decided just to play it straight. With Emmett, this was usually the best policy. "Well, a few seconds after you followed Rosalie, Bella had the sudden urge to use the restroom. She nearly jumped out of her seat. You should have seen the look in Edward's face. It was classic. I think she was worried she was insane or something. Anyway, she disappeared around the corner. Minute later, she returned to the table, her best fake smile in place and sat back down across from Edward."
Emmett's eyes got huge. I watched him from the corner of my eye. Realization plastered across his face. "OH SHIT! Jasper! She must have… I mean… you don't think… OH FUCK!" His head fell to his hands as he began to ramble. "No. No. No…. no. I so messed this up… no …. I've lost her man. Totally lost her. No way she'll forgive me now. Not when she…oh my poor Bella! Shit." He just shook his head, eyes closed tight.
I sighed. I was so glad he'd finally figured out why we were all so pissed. I hated fighting with Em, but I also hated seeing that hurt expression on Bella's face. Even through the conversation with Edward I could see the pain behind her smile. It killed me each time and it really truly upset Alice. I knew deep down had Emmett been able to see through his stupid jealousy, he'd have seen the pain too. He loved her as much, if not more than the rest of us and never meant to hurt her. He was just one messed up guy.
EmPOV
The truth hurt like hell. Not but a couple days earlier I had been determined to win Bella back, or to win her first. Then, like some hormone ridden teenager I lusted after another woman and was caught red handed kissing said woman in some shady bathroom hallway. That was just plain fucked up. Fate was certainly toying with me, or trying me… either way I wasn't happy about it.
"Ok, so what now Jaz? What do I do now?" I honestly didn't know where to start. I was convinced I had hurt her, but also convinced she didn't want me. After I left her the song lyrics and CD, I had expected something, anything in return. All I got was a simple mention of the band during her conversation, not with me, but with Edward. Am I wrong in expecting something from her? Maybe. She doesn't owe you anything man. No, you're right, she doesn't, but some acknowledgement would be nice. I decided to ask Jasper. He had always been so insightful when it came to the girls. Even when I pissed Alice off over something or other, Jasper had the answer. "Jasper, did Bella mention anything about the apology I left her the other day?"
Jasper glanced in my direction, but kept his eyes on the road. "She didn't tell me, but Alice did. I guess it was a pretty sweet move on your part. Why?"
Not sure how to explain without sounding like an ass, I ended up blurting it out. "She never said anything to me about. Not a single word. Hell, I'd have even taken 'get over it Em, I'm done with you' over the silence I received. I laid myself on the line for her and got nothing. I feel like an idiot. Well, more of an idiot."
"Ah. Emmett, if I tell you something, you've got to promise not to get angry and also… you cannot under any circumstance admit I said anything." He pulled to the side of the road and looked directly into my eyes. "I'm serious Emmett, not a word."
Wow, he's serious. Of course I wouldn't say a word. I couldn't truly promise about the anger thing, it seemed that when it came to Bella, I had no control. "I promise Jaz, just tell me what's goin' on. I'm so freaking confused."
He took a deep breath and began. "You know how our darling Alice is when she wants something. She's got to plan every little step. Nothing can be left to chance. Well… that day you attacked Edward in the parking lot, Alice convinced Bella to test you a bit." He kept his eyes locked on mine. I think it was probably to gauge my anger.
"Test me how?" At this point, I wasn't surprised. I figure Alice had something up her sleeve, it was just her nature.
Another deep breath, this time he seemed hesitant to continue. "Alice instructed Bella to ignore you. To act as if she wanted nothing to do with you. Then she told Bella to invite Edward as her date for the party. The whole idea was to test your fury level. Bella needed to be sure you wouldn't tear into any guy who so much as looked at her. This was Alice's way of testing that. Also, Alice wanted to make sure you didn't go after Rosalie. You failed there. The other idea was to test Bella." He stopped there, offering nothing more.
Ok, I was really pissed at this point, but promised Jasper. I could deal with Alice meddling with my life, but testing Bella was uncalled for. Bella had nothing to prove. At least not in my eyes. "So Jasper." I began through very clenched teeth. "Care to enlighten me as to why my dear sister felt the need to test Bella?"
"Alice didn't want you hurt. She had to make sure Bella loved you. By dangling Edward in front of her, Alice would ensure that Bella could resist temptation. Personally, I hate the plan. Just so you know. But you know Alice." He gave me a pleading look. I knew he didn't want me to be angry, but what else could I feel? My sister. Who was supposed to love me and love Bella. Had implemented a plan that was causing so much pain.
I sighed. I couldn't control Alice, but I would ask Jasper to try. "Jasper. When we get home, please talk to Alice. Tell her what she's doing is causing more pain than good. I'll try and figure out what to do about Bella. I need to do something. I have to make it up to her. I just don't know how yet." I was at such a loss. I had to come up with something, something huge. Some way I needed to win Bella back, but I had so much ground to cover. First, I needed to destroy any thoughts of Rosalie and I being an item. No way in hell did I want any part of that crazy bitch. Secondly, I needed to solidify for my sister that I loved Bella. Maybe then she'd stay out of my business. Then, I needed to prove to Bella that I loved her unconditionally and without restraint. I needed her to know that she was the only woman for me, always had been and always will be.
BPOV
Waking up to Alice was something that I had yet to get used to. It was like a bomb of pure energy. She was a force of nature, that was certain. Alice invaded my room yet again, but this time she wasn't throwing outfits my direction. Instead she crawled up next to me facing me in bed. "Bella… I'm sorry about Emmett yesterday. I'm sorry I put all those ideas in your head. Jaz and I talked about it last night and we admit… I was wrong. I shouldn't have meddled. Now I've gotten you all upset and I wanna rip Emmett to shreds." Her eyes were pleading and her voice cracked. "Forgive me Bella. I am truly sorry."
I could never be upset with Alice. Granted "the plan" was her idea, but I had gone along with it. At least I did discover that Emmett wasn't interested in me. I could deal with that. It hurt like hell and I wanted to curl up and die, but I had him as a friend. That would have to be enough. "Alice, I'm not angry. Besides, we did accomplish our goal. We know Emmett doesn't want me and that I'm not interested in Edward."
Little Alice's eyes widened. "How do you know that Bella? You two have so much in common." She was truly astonished at my confession. I forgot I hadn't called her after I returned the night before.
"I kissed him and I just know. It didn't feel right. It felt, well honestly it felt like he was after one thing. I think it's safer to say Edward and I will be great friends, but that's it. I don't think I could ever really date the guy." As I spoke the words I felt the resolution completely solidify deep down inside. I knew I was making the right choice when it came to Edward. I felt absolutely comfortable with that choice.
Alice continued to start at me with curiosity. She thought something over before asking. "Bella, please tell me these feelings aren't from your infatuation with Emmett." Alice seemed overly concerned with that notion. Hell I knew better. I had seen what Emmett was after, and it certainly was not plain old Bella.
I shook my head, stretched a bit and rolled onto my back. "I'm not irrational Alice. I know Emmett doesn't want me. He made that more than clear yesterday. I'll deal. It hurts like hell, but I'll deal. At least he's still my friend. I've got that much." I sighed knowing full well I was trying to convince myself as much as I was convincing Alice. "So. What's on the agenda today? I'm sure you've got something planned." I smiled up at the ceiling. Leave it to Alice to try and cheer me up.
She set up and hit me with my pillow. "Get up sleepy head. We're going to my house to watch movies all day. No getting dressed, just us girls hanging out in our pj's watching sappy movies all day. I've got them all set out for us."
Movies, with Alice? That sounds great. But wait… what about the boys? I voiced this question to Alice. "So how did you get the boys out of the house?" I stretched a bit more and rolled myself out of the bed.
She didn't meet my gaze, which for Alice, was rather odd. Instead she busied herself by cleaning up my slightly messy room. "Oh, well. Jasper scored tickets to the Seahawks game today. Jasper's driving them up to Seattle. They'll be back late tonight."
I didn't question Alice, she seemed so reluctant to talk about the guys. I went and brushed my teeth before leaving a note for Charlie. Alice and I headed for her house. We took over Emmett's game room. Alice loved his twin massage chairs and informed me I looked like I needed some relaxation. I settled into Emmett's chair. She put on Sixteen Candles and settled into the second massage chair.
APOV
When I set out for Bella's that morning, I was still angry with Emmett. I knew Bella so well. I knew how she would put everyone's feelings before her own. This whole situation with Emmett was not good for her. She'd give him up simply because she thought he'd be happy. It would tear her apart inside, but she'd sacrifice every bit of her heart for him. It angered me. I loved Emmett, but he deserved to be raked over the coals this time. He didn't deserve Bella's dedication.
I also hoped that when I arrived at Bella's she'd have some juicy news for me regarding Edward. I was soon disappointed when she told me she had no romantic feelings for him. All hopes of Bella moving beyond Emmett were shattered. On the other hand, she seemed to be doing fairly well for Bella. I was watching her intently as Sixteen Candles played on the screen. She wasn't hiding this time. Every emotion she felt played across her face. It looked as though she were deep in thought about anything but the movie. I was about to interrupt her thinking when my cell phone vibrated across the table.
Picking it up I noticed it was Jasper. Negative on Em w Rose. I couldn't believe it. No way in hell Emmett turned her down. Not by the expression on her face when they returned. I texted back. No Way. Explain. His response was quick. Kissed. No More. Pushed away. Loves Bella. GTG TBL. Love u.
Well, this was a new development. He turned her away? No. That's not possible. No man in his right mind would turn that down. My thoughts continued to wander. Maybe. Just maybe Emmett did have some honor. Maybe he deserved Bella. But what did Bella feel? Did she still want Emmett? I needed to know what she saw the previous day. What had caused her so much pain?
"Bells. I need to know what you saw Emmett doing when you went after him yesterday." I could tell by the expression on her face, she didn't realize anyone knew she actually went after Emmett. This just made me smile inwardly. She should know better. I've known her too long not to see straight through her façade.
She shifted her gaze back to the movie. "I wasn't chasing him Alice. I needed to use the restroom. Anyway…" She shrugged a bit, trying to play it off as nothing. "…I turned the corner and he was wrapped up with Rosalie. They seemed pretty distracted so I just came back." Her voice was shaking and I thought I saw a stray tear fall down her cheek before she rubbed her eyes.
Originally I hadn't planned on telling Bella that Emmett rejected Rosalie. I thought it was something she should hear from him directly. After watching the tear fall and seeing just how much she was hurting, I needed to fix it. "I think you should know, Emmett turned her down." Her breath caught and she turned her gaze to me again.
She let her eyes roll a bit, demonstrating the fact she didn't believe me. "I highly doubt that Alice. I saw him… with her…pinned against the wall. I may be innocent when it comes to sex Alice, but fuck. Don't treat me like an idiot." Her voice shook and I could hear the muffled sob. She didn't believe me. Of course she didn't, she had seen for herself the effect Rosalie had on Emmett.
"I'm serious Bella. Jasper talked to him. I guess you saw what happened before Emmett came to his senses. He pushed her away. It was nothing more than a kiss." She wouldn't look me in the eye. She just stared at the television screen.
After a long minute she just shrugged. "Doesn't matter anyway. I can't blame him for not taking her in that hallway. He wouldn't want to cheapen the moment. He's too sweet for that. They do make a great couple don't they?"
I wanted so badly to scream at her. To tell her Emmett loved her. I knew it wouldn't matter. She'd gone full Bella Mode on me. Nothing I said to her would convince her that he wanted her. She was sacrificing again. "What makes you think they are a couple Bella? He pushed her away."
Bella snorted. "Yeah. Well, you saw how he looked at her. Just drop it. I'm done Alice. No more scheming. No more planning. No romance for me this year. I can't do it. I'm done. Promise, no more scheming. Just leave things alone."
It broke my heart. She had really convinced herself that Emmett didn't love her. I would promise her no more scheming. I'd let it be for awhile, just long enough for her to calm down. Then I'd revisit operation Bella and Emmett. "I promise Bella. I'll step out of it. But really. You need to talk this shit out with Emmett."
"We'll see Alice."
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