Here it is as promised, and only a day later! I was going to post tomorrow but RL is kicking my ass so I figured I would do it now. 11,000 hits and 200 reviews, you guys are so amazing, thank you!
This chapter is not beta'd, and all mistakes are my own, but I tried really hard!
Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight!
Last Chapter:
"It's all going to work out Jasper, with the way things are going it could be very soon, that she starts to question her feelings, if she's not already."
I grin at Alice's news, but I knew it wasn't going to be easy, as long as Edward is in the way, but I was going to try like hell, and I wasn't going give up until Bella was mine. Alice pulls my attention to her, as a new song comes over the speakers.
Alice takes my hand and leads me to the dance floor.
"Come on, Hale. Let's go bust a move," Alice says with a light laugh.
I let her pull me on to the dance floor, but all I can think is, God I hope Alice is right!
Jasper's POV
Well Alice was wrong! It had been four months since the prom and very little had changed between myself and Bella. Edward had blocked me at every opportunity, if it wasn't for Alice's demands of spending time with Bella, I probably wouldn't have seen her at all. Over the summer Alice had taken Bella out shopping multiple times, and even though I hate shopping as much as Bella, I agreed to go to spend time with her, and let me tell you Edward wasn't pleased when Alice forbade him from coming.
Today is a special day though, because today is Bella's eighteenth birthday. Bella of course wanted us to pretend that it wasn't her birthday, but sadly she didn't know our family very well. Alice had been planning a party for her for at least a month, and used her puppy dog look on Bella to make her agree. I didn't like that Alice was going against Bella's wishes but at the same time I was glad I would get to spend the evening with her, even if the entire family was there.
Because I knew that my time with Bella would be limited at the house, I had decided to make a surprise trip to the school under the guise of having to need paperwork signed by some previous teachers, for college. Alice had let me know that Edward didn't walk Bella to class after third period, because his classes were at the other end of the school, so I knew that would be my only chance.
I quickly walk to the senior English class and catch Bella leaving as I round the corner, luckily she is alone, so I sneak up behind her, and bend down to whisper in her ear;
"Happy Birthday, Bella."
She jumps and yelps, in surprise, spinning around incredibly fast, but being Bella she looses her balance, luckily I'm able to catch her before she does any damage.
"Jesus Jasper! You almost gave my a heart attack but thank you," she says smiling.
"Sorry about that," I reply sheepishly, although I couldn't be to sorry, she ended up in my arms.
"What are you doing here?"
"Alice called. She needed me to bring something to her."
It was partly true. Alice had called, but only to tell me when would be the best time to see Bella.
"Oh!" she says although I can tell she doesn't fully believe me.
Suddenly I can smell Edward approach, he must have seen in someone's thoughts that I'm here.
"I best be taking off. Happy birthday again, and I'll see you tonight."
I take a chance, and kiss her cheek. It was a friendly gesture to the eyes of the passerby's, but I hope that Bella reads more in to it. As my cool lips, graze her cheek I feel the warmth of her blush, but I also feel her face morph into a smile.
With a quick wave, I take off in the opposite direction of Edward, and as I round the corner. I see Alice waiting for me with a smile on her face.
"It's working, Jazz. The futures becoming clearer. Tonight after the party, we're going to tell the family about us, and first thing tomorrow morning, I'm going to tell Bella as well."
"But she still loves Edward. It's not like her mind is going to change, just because we're not together."
"You're right, but once she knows the truth, her mind will be able to explore, and she'll realize there is another option, if she hasn't already," Alice says smiling, and I start to feel something I haven't felt in a long time, hope.
Later that night...
Alice had the entire household busy setting up Bella's party. Everyone is quite excited, minus Rosalie. The Cullen family hadn't celebrated a birthday since Emmett's in 1935, and Alice and myself haven't celebrated a birthday in over a century, since before our transformations.
Alice had been acting off the last hour, but tried to continue on as normal, to anybody else she looked happy and excited, but to me I knew she was worried.
"What's wrong, Ali?"
"Nothing," she says unconvincingly.
"Can't lie to an empath," I say smirking.
"I keep having flashes of tonight, but nothing solid. I'm worried."
"Do you think something bad is going to happen?" I ask concerned.
"I don't know. I can't see anything past Bella and Edward's arrival."
"Should we cancel?"
"No! I'm not going to let my visions ruin Bella's party. Besides, how bad could it be?"
2 hours later
Bella and Edward were due at any moment. I was excited to see Bella, again, but Alice's lack of visions have me concerned. I don't have much time to ponder, because Alice announces that they will be here in a moment, and she wants us all in the living room, to greet her. The emotions in the room are pretty positive, even Rosalie is transmitting good vibes, and I'm surprised the night is turning out so well.
As Bella and Edward descend the stairs, I can feel her embarrassment, but I also feel her excitement and gratitude that the whole family is here. Esme and Carlisle approach her first, Esme wraps her arms around Bella and hugs her closely whispering a happy birthday in to her ear. Carlisle hugs her next.
"Sorry we couldn't reign Alice in," he jokes as he pulls away, and Bella giggles.
"I don't think that's even possible," Bella says smiling at Alice.
"Hey! You love me, even with my tendencies to throw parties. Don't even try to lie," Alice replies while hugging her.
"Happy Birthday, Sis," Alice says grinning.
Alice truly loves Bella, and once Alice loves you, you're stuck with her. As Bella and Alice hug, Emmett goes out the window to install Bella's first present.
"Thanks Alice, but did you have to go so overboard? That cake could feed fifty people, and I'm the only one here who eats!"
Bella definitely had a point, the cake was ridiculously large for one human.
"But what's a party without a cake?" Alice says seriously.
"It's true Bella, even though your hosts stick to a strict diet doesn't mean you shouldn't have everything every other human has on their birthday," I say approaching Alice's side.
I long to hug her and wish her a happy birthday, but when I see Edward flinch as I approach, I decide to play it cool and not agitate him. I didn't want this dumb-ass to ruin her birthday.
"Besides, you could probably convince Jasper here to try a piece. If you are concerned about waste," Alice says teasingly, and I grimace.
I was a brave and strong man, I'm the God of war, a fierce and feared Major of the southern wars, but even I was terrified of human food. The smell is repulsive, almost as bad as werewolf stench, and it tastes like dirt, the food not the wolf.
"Sorry there Darlin, I like you," I say winking and making Bella blush.
"But that cake isn't coming anywhere near me."
Bella laughs at the serious look on my face, but what she didn't know is that if it would make her happy I would eat the entire cake, and even smile as I did it.
"Come on Bells, beg him to do it. We all know Jasper is just a big softy," Em teases alerting us that he had finished his project.
Bella gets a menacing smile and I fear she may listen to Emmett.
"I think we should drop this conversation, and Bella should open her gifts," I say smirking at her, and she scowls in my direction, as Alice bounces up and down clapping her hands together.
I can tell Bella is annoyed that we spent money on her, but she is extremely grateful. Alice hands her, her first present from Emmett and Rosalie. She opens the box only to find it empty, and the confused look on her face, is adorable.
"It's a new stereo for your truck!" Emmett exclaims happily.
She smiles at Emmett, but I think she can tell Edward had something to do with it. She always hated when Edward would rag on her truck, she really loves that piece of junk.
"Thank you, but where is it?"
"I already installed it," Emmett replies smirking.
We can tell she is confused, but it seems she started to realize you don't question Emmett.
"This one is next, it's from Carlisle and Esme," Alice says excitedly taking the empty box from Bella's hands.
Carlisle and Esme had gotten Bella two round-trip tickets to Jacksonville, so she could visit her mother. Bella didn't mention it, but she really did miss her mom.
Bella goes to tear open the envelope, when suddenly everything explodes, with a simple 'ouch!' The scent of Bella's blood fills my senses, she had gotten a paper cut. I quickly pick up on a burst of blood-lust rise from Edward, his eyes are black and wild. I can tell he is going to attack, so I charge without thinking, needing to get him away from her.
Unfortunately before I can reach him, Emmett wraps his arms around me in confusion, and suddenly Bella is flying across the room and into the glass coffee table. Emmett drags me outside while I yell at him;
"Damn it Em! Let me go! I'm not going to hurt her, Edward was."
Alice comes outside, and tells Emmett to let me go.
"It's true Em, Jasper wasn't going to hurt her, he can't."
"What the hell are you talking about, Alice?"
"It's nothing Em, you just have to trust me."
Emmett looks at us strangely, but just walks away shaking his head.
"Is she okay, Alice?"
"Yeah, Carlisle is stitching her up, the coffee table cut her a few times."
"Alice, please tell me you know the truth," I beg.
I was pissed that everyone instantly thought I was going to attack. Does no one remember that Bella is Edward's singer. Damn it! Why can the golden boy do no wrong?
"Of course I do, Jasper. I saw the look in his eyes, he was going to attack her, no doubt about it. But when you went forward and Emmett grabbed you he snapped out of it. I know for a fact he pushed her to get her away from himself."
Alice's words hep confirm what I knew instantly, and the rest of the family had to be blind not to see the look in his eyes, actually I guess the family really is blind when it comes to Edward.
Speaking of the devil, he suddenly appears outside, he walks past us without a word, he couldn't be serious.
"You're really gonna let me take the blame?" I ask him mentally, and he bows his head in shame, and just keeps walking.
When I turn to Alice, she is in the middle of a vision, the amount of sadness radiating off her is heartbreaking.
"Edward is leaving Bella," she says coming out of the vision.
"Why?" I ask confused.
"He's concerned for her safety, he thinks she'll never be safe with our kind," she says shaking her head disapprovingly.
"It's time to make your move, with him gone Bella can open her heart fully to you," she says smiling, and makes me grin.
"So what's going to happen next?"
"He's going to want us gone by morning, and he'll be joining us in a few days, but you are going to stay in Washington. We'll pretend to leave together, after the family leaves you'll get a hotel room in Seattle. When I get to Alaska, and Edward arrives I'll call you to tell you to come back."
"What about the family? What are you going to tell them?"
"When I arrive in Alaska, I'll tell the family the truth about the our relationship. I'll tell them I had a vision of you meeting your true mate soon, and that we've decided to part. I'm going to tell them that you are staying with Peter and Charlotte, and that should keep them unconcerned for awhile," Alice says smiling at me, and I have to ask;
"Did you just come up with this?"
"I've planned your great escape for awhile now, Jasper. I knew Edward's issues would drive them apart eventually and it would give you the opportunity to get your girl. I've also realized that I was letting my visions guide me to much, and I feel that if I let you make your own decisions things may have turned out better," Alice says sadly.
"Don't blame yourself Alice, you were trying to take care of me. I don't blame you, not one bit."
It's true, sure Alice's visions kept me from advancing on Bella, but at the same time all she wanted to do was protect me and I understood. When Alice first woke to this lifestyle all she had were visions of myself and the Cullen's, she doesn't remember her real family and for that reason she is fiercely protective, even more so with myself, because she had seen my life before meeting me.
"You're too nice, Jazz."
"What about you Ali? When will you find your happiness?"
"Well I'm going to being staying in Alaska for a while then I'm off to three weeks of uninterrupted fashion shows," she says winking at me, and I just laugh.
"As for my future, he's out there somewhere, but he's just not ready to be found, yet."
"When will I see you again? And what about Bella? The family leaving is going to kill her."
"I know Jazz, and I really hate that this has to be done. She is my sister, and I don't want to leave her. You guys will see me again soon, I'm not sure when, but I do see myself coming back to Forks in the near future. As for the family it's going to be awhile before everyone is together again."
As we finish speaking, Edward walks by, guilt and sadness radiating off him.
"I'm taking Bella home, I'll be back in twenty minutes, family meeting," he says walking away, and not meeting our eyes.
30 minutes later
The family was gathered in the dining room, the only time it was used is for family meetings. Alice was sitting beside me, her hand on my leg sending me support, while the rest only felt sympathy towards me, sympathy that was completely unnecessary. If it wasn't for the fact that I knew Edward was leaving Bella and giving me my chance I would be telling them all to go to hell and tell them the truth. Edward walks into the room, his emotions are blank and his eyes are void of any emotion.
"After tonight's events I have come to the conclusion that Bella is not safe with us, and to protect her I want us to leave Forks."
"Edward, I know you are upset right now, but don't you think this is irrational," Carlisle says.
"No, it's not irrational. Since we've been in her life she has been put in constant danger, it's the only way for her to a have a normal life,."
I bite my tongue to avoid yelling at him, that the only person putting her in danger is him, and that maybe he should just leave.
"I agree with Edward, she's in constant danger and she is a danger to our life as well," Rosalie says.
"This isn't fair! Bella's become like a sister to me, and she see's us as family. We can't just abandon her," Emmett says.
It wasn't normal for Em to disagree with Rosalie, but Emmett had a big heart and Bella was permanently etched in to it.
"Emmett, please stay out of this, Bella is my mate and its my decision. I want us to leave."
"I'm not staying out of this. You brought Bella into our lives and if she was really your mate you wouldn't be able to leave her."
"I'm leaving to protect her, because I love her. Don't try and tell me how I feel!"
"Boys, settle down," Esme says.
"Now Edward, we all understand that you are worried for Bella's safety, but Bella is apart of this family, what kind of family would we be if we just left one of our own behind."
"Esme, she will never be safe with us. This is for the best."
"Edward, son have you thought about changing her?" Carlisle asks.
"I'm not changing her Carlisle. She still has so much to do and see as a human, I'm not going to take away her soul."
"Edward we can't just leave Bella, she is my best friend and my sister. Man up and just change her already!" Alice says, but I can tell her heart is not in it, she's just playing the role everyone expects her to play.
"Edward, are you sure you want to do this? If we leave, she may not want you back if you come back into her life," Carlisle says trying to convince Edward this is a bad idea.
"I'm positive, I want us gone by tomorrow morning."
"We can't just disappear on her," Esme says getting teary eyed.
"A clean break will be best Esme. I will stay behind for a few days and say goodbye to her, if I don't I'm sure she will come looking for us."
"Very well then. Everyone start packing, we will leave for Alaska first thing in the morning," Carlisle says giving the golden boy exactly what he wants.
"This is bullshit!" Emmett yells as he gets up and walks away, Rosalie following behind him.
"You are a heartless bastard," Alice says getting up, her words are true to the core, but she is happy her plan is working out.
I follow Alice out of the room, and up the stairs, into our shared room.
"What's next, Ali?"
"We're going to pack everything up, leave your clothes except for a few things. When we leave tomorrow we're going to take my car, we'll leave after the rest, and then I'll drop you off at the storage garage in Seattle, where you'll get your bike. Then you just have to wait for my call to return."
"I can't believe this is finally happening," I say still surprised.
"It's long overdue Jasper, she should have been yours from the start. Now go get packing."
I kiss Alice's cheek and give her a salute, and take off to my study. I couldn't wait for tomorrow.
The Next Day
All our belonging were packed up and in their respective cars, the furniture was all covered in white sheets, and the house looked truly abandoned.
Carlisle and Esme had left earlier in the morning to start setting things up at the other house. Rose and Emmett had left about an hour ago, and now it was time for Alice and I to leave. I was sad that I couldn't say goodbye to the others, but if I did I had a feeling Edward would follow me to make sure I didn't come back.
It took us two hours to make it to the storage unit, and I was currently taking my bike out of the unit, I would have to pick up another vehicle to get around Forks.
"So I guess this is goodbye," I say to Alice and she smiles and hugs me.
"We'll see each other soon. Now you better take good care of my little sister and if you don't I'll come back just to kick your ass."
"Don't worry Alice, the last thing I want is for you to kick my ass."
"Good, now off you go! I made you a reservation at the Marriott, take care Jasper, and don't forget to call me."
"I won't. Bye Ali."
"Bye Jazzy!" she waves taking off.
I just had to wait, a few days and I could go back to my Bella, the ache in my chest was prominent and annoying as hell, the sooner I got back to Forks the better.
A/N So what did you think? I hope it lived up to expectations, so make sure you review and tell me what you thought.
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