Chapter Twelve
Jasper
I could see Bella from where I was sitting, she was more beautiful than ever and the pain in my chest was almost a ghost, just there if I concentrated. My cell phone buzzed and I saw I had a text message,
"Don't."
It was from Alice of course. I still didn't know why she was so adamant I didn't speak to Bella but I'd given up being led by her when she walked out on me. I turned the phone off and waited, hidden behind a pillar in the corner of the cafe. I could see indecision on her face and wanted to send her calmness so she would feel comfortable about coming in but that would be counter productive, she had to come in of her own free will. As she hesitated I saw Jacob Black behind a column watching her. I slid my phone out and text her,
"Look behind you slowly. First pillar on the left. You are being watched."
She took her phone out and read the message shooting a look inside before turning casually. Jake had moved but his reflection was now in her field of vision and I saw the look on her face as she walked over to confront him.
Bella
So my secretive friend was here even if I couldn't see him and now he said I was being watched. I turned slowly and saw Jake's reflection in a store window. I was so angry I ignored everyone as I confronted him, shouting loudly.
"You shit Jake. Why are you following me? Want to know who I'm seeing, where I'm going? Like to come with me? Make a report for Charlie or Harry or whoever else is so interested in my activities?"
He tried to speak but I rolled over his words,
"You are despicable Jake and I never want to see you again, now get the hell away from me before I call Security."
"Bella its not like that. I was only making sure you were OK"
At this point one of the mall security guards came over asking me if I was having trouble"
"As a matter of fact yes. This guy has been following me"
"I see, do you know him?"
"Yes but he won't leave me alone. I've already told him to go away."
"You heard the young woman and I suggest you leave or would you rather be arrested for stalking?"
Jake looked at me red-faced with anger and embarrassment before turning and walking off towards the exit.
"Thank you officer"
"That's OK miss were you going for coffee?"
"Yes"
"I'll hang around a while just in case he tries to come back"
"Thank you again"
I walked to Starbucks and pushed the door open with no idea who I might be meeting. At first I had to wait for my eyes to adjust to the dim lighting then I looked around but couldn't see anyone who appeared to be sitting alone. There was only one table that I couldn't see hidden by a pillar so I walked over until I could see the occupant and I stopped totally shocked. Sitting at the table was the last person I would have dreamed of.
"Jasper? You?"
He nodded and stood to pull out a chair for me which I took without even thinking about it.
"The flowers? The texts? The poems? All your work?"
"Yes Bella I'm afraid so. I didn't think you'd speak to me if you knew who was contacting you."
"Why? I know you left along with the rest but I don't hold you responsible"
"That's very kind of you Bella but I feel responsible. I have more than one motive for contacting you but I have to ask you some questions and tell you some things I think you are unaware of before I can explain fully.
"OK, but I need coffee and something to eat first. I think better on a full stomach."
His smile warmed me and he got up,
"Allow me"
While he queued for my coffee I watched him, unable to believe Jasper Hale was here in Port Angeles with me. Where were Alice and the rest of the Cullens? Hopefully I would find out soon.
He came back with two large cappuccino's a Panini and a Danish pastry and I had to laugh,
"You joining me?"
"Fitting in Bella. Besides you now have a choice or you can have it all. One coffee has cinnamon in it, the other hazelnut."
He sat down and watched as I unwrapped the panini and took a bite then started to speak,
"I have to ask you a few questions Bella but it's up to you whether you answer, I can't force you. At your party when you cut your finger what happened?"
I swallowed the mouthful, puzzled at his question,
"You were there"
"Yes but I want to know what you saw. Please Bella its important to me."
I thought back, the first time I had done so willingly,
"I cut my finger, you all smelled the blood, Edward started to lose it and you stepped forward to stop him but the others thought you were attacking me. I did tell Edward that."
He smiled but there was sadness in his eyes,
"Thank you for that Bella. I'll explain why I asked you that question later. Can I continue?"
I nodded finishing my panini as he asked another question,
"Can you tell me what you said to Edward when he took you home after Carlisle stitched your arm up?"
"Said? I didn't really say anything. Just that it was an accident and I asked him to come back later but he said he couldn't. The next day he came back after school and told me it was over, that you'd all left and he was joining you. He didn't want me any longer, I was a distraction that he was bored with. That's about it."
I saw Jasper's slight nod and bitterness on his face, the first time I'd ever seen anything other than a placid look there.
"What's wrong Jasper?"
"A lot Bella. It's not the story Edward told us, the family."
"What did he say then?"
"Edward told us that you had told him you were scared of us and wanted nothing more to do with us, that you threatened to tell the Quileutes I had tried to bite you, and the humans about us, if we didn't leave straight away."
"WHAT?"
I realized I'd raised my voice but I was shocked, Edward had lied to them, blaming me for their leaving. What I didn't understand was why.
"Why would Edward tell lies about us breaking up?"
"That's one question, I think he was trying to hide the guilt he felt at the threat he posed to the girl he was supposedly in love with. If he could blame me and you then it leaves him blameless. The other more important question is why didn't Alice argue with his version of events? She would have seen what really happened so why not tell the truth?"
"You think they were in this together? It doesn't make sense but it might explain Rosalie's attitude to me. Does she think I'm responsible for her and Emmett parting?"
"I think she blames you for more than just that Bella. After we left, supposedly at your insistence, and went to Denali there were a few disagreements. Rose and Emmett split up and he left the family, then Alice and I did the same and I left. Rose didn't like Edward anyway, she was jealous of his place in Carlisle's heart, Edward always came first, his opinion valued in every decision made, so after Emmett and I left Edward became more of a leader than Carlisle and she wouldn't stand for that so she left. Rose blames you for losing her family."
"I need to speak to her, tell her the truth about what happened."
"What makes you think she'll believe you?"
"You do, don't you?"
"Yes because his version of events never made any sense to me and I can feel your sincerity."
"Do you know why he lied?"
"No, I have several theories but that's all they are, theories."
"Will you tell me?"
He looked at his watch ruefully,
"We don't have time Bella. You promised to be back by dark and it's getting late."
I was shocked when I saw what time it was, the afternoon had flown by and he was right, if I were going to get back before dark I needed to move now.
"Where are you staying Jasper?"
"Just around"
"Not in the old house?"
"No, too many memories, but we'll talk again."
"We have to. It was really nice to see you again."
"You too Bella"
He stood up and patted my hand before leaving and as soon as he was out of sight I missed him. I still didn't know why he was here, it wasn't only the mystery of Edwards lies but I was glad he'd come. I had expected seeing any of the Cullens to hurt and seeing Rosalie had, although more for her attitude than her presence. But Jasper, it had felt like I was finally seeing someone I had yearned to see for so long. I wondered if Carlisle and Esme blamed me for the loss of their children, and what Alice's motives were. As I drove back to Forks I pondered these questions. There was something behind all this and it occurred to me that the whole thing might have been a set up but I couldn't imagine why. Alice had been my friend, or at least I'd thought she was. Jasper had thought she was his mate and she appeared to adore him but then how could she turn on him so easily?
