I'm baaaaaaack. And you know what that means... updates! As promised, I have a few new chapters for you, which shall all be posted within the next week. So, enjoy!

A/N: The next three chapters (10, 11, and 12) all take place roughly around the time of chapters 8 and 9.

Chapter 10 – Return From The Dead (Alice's POV)

I made my way towards the sitting room, wandering what my parents wanted to talk to me about. I knew I wasn't in trouble; I had been spending most of my time with Jasper, so I couldn't have done anything wrong. Maybe that was it; maybe they were upset that I was usually with Jasper. I dismissed that notion as soon as it entered my head. My parents loved Jasper. So what could it be?

As I entered the sitting room, I received a shock. Waiting for me were my parents, Jasper's parents, and Jasper himself. I looked around the room, confused.

"Alice, dear," my mother said. "Come sit." Still confused, I settled down next to Jasper. My mother smiled. "Now then, Alice, you're probably wondering why we called you." I nodded. "Well, sweetheart, we've been talking to the Whitlocks, who mentioned that Jasper…"

"Do you mind if I tell her, Mrs. Brandon?" Jasper asked.

"Of course not, Jasper," my mother said. "It's really your news, after all."

Jasper smiled, then turned to me. "Alice," he said, taking my hands in his. "Do you remember what we talked about the night we went to the park?"

Flashback

Jasper and I were sitting on a bench in the park, talking. Suddenly, Jasper turned to me.

"Alice?" he said.

"Yes, Jasper?" I answered.

"Have I ever told you that I love you?"

"You don't need to tell me that, Jasper. I already know."

"I love you, Alice."

"I love you too, Jasper. I can't imagine a world without you. I would do anything to be able to spend the rest of my life with you."

"Even marry me?" Jasper asked.

"There is nothing I want more than to be your wife, Jasper."

"Good," Jasper said, wrapping his arms around me and pulling me close.

End Flashback

"I remember," I said.

"Do you remember the very last thing we talked about?" I nodded. "Well, that's why I'm here." I stared at him, uncomprehending. Suddenly, a memory of Jasper speaking came to mind. "Even marry me?" the memory said. My eyes widened and I gasped.

"We're getting married?!" I asked, shocked.

"Only if you want to, Alice, dear," my father said. "Your mother and I are fine with you marrying Jasper, as are the Whitlocks, but it is ultimately your decision."

I turned to Jasper and directed my words to him. "I meant my words from that night. I really can't think of anything I want more than being your wife, Jasper. Of course I'll marry you."

Jasper smiled. "Then it's settled. As of right now, you and I are engaged." All the adults smiled. I smiled too, trying to downplay the sense of dread building in me from something I had been trying to forget for far too long.

The Whitlocks stayed for another hour before leaving. After they left, I raced to my room and locked the door. Sitting down on my bed, I pulled a small, ornate chest of out of my night table. Taking the key from under my pillow, I unlocked the chest and took out the contents, a letter. I didn't need to read it; I knew the contents all to well. Staring at it, the memory of the day I received it broke into my mind.

Flashback

I had been passing through the entrance hall when I heard a knock on the door. I went to open it. Waiting outside was a short man in black.

"I'm looking for a Miss Alice Brandon," he said upon seeing me.

"I'm Alice Brandon," I replied. "How may I help you?"

"I have a letter for you, Miss Brandon." He handed me a letter and my heart fell. It was one of those official letters that were only sent when… when someone died. My heart fell even more. He hadn't…?

The man saw my distress. "I'm very sorry for your loss," he said. "I wish you well." With that he left. I remained frozen in the open doorway. Finally, I went inside. As soon as I shut the door, I tore open the letter and began to read, only to have my worst fear confirmed.

Dear Miss Brandon, the letter read. We regret to inform you that your betrothed has been killed fighting for the Confederate States of America. We're sorry for your loss. We wish you well. Sincerely, the Confederate Army.

End flashback

With tears in my eyes, I shoved the letter back into the chest and returned both it and the key to their respective locations. No sooner had I returned the chest and key to their hiding places when I heard a knock on the door. "Come in," I called, drying my eyes. The door opened and Augustus entered my room.

"Miss Brandon, there's a young man waiting in the entrance hall for you," he said. "He would like to talk to you."

"Who is this young man?" I asked.

"He didn't tell me his name," Augustus answered. "He said that you would recognize him, Miss Brandon."

"Very well," I said, rising from the edge of my bed. I proceeded towards the entrance hall. As I reached the top of the stairs, I looked down, trying to spot my visitor, but I couldn't see him. Nevertheless, I made my way down the stairs. At the bottom, I looked around again. My eyes settled on a man purposely standing in the shadows so his features were unrecognizable. As I watched him, he turned his head toward me.

"Hello, Alice," he said in a husky, all too familiar voice.

I gave a start, unable to believe my ears. "J-Jacob?" I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

And out of the shadows stepped my should be dead husband, Jacob Black.

Dun-dun-dun. Betcha didn't see that one coming. Well, at least not who it was. Anywho, stay tuned for more. As always, reviews are appreciated.

xoxoxoxoxo, TwilightTeen212