Jasper

I watched as Bella and Edward left my office and I sighed.

They obviously had some issues between them, and I couldn't help but feel like this "thing" they were doing was only going to create even more. My mind was haunted by the look on Bella's face when Edward said that they were only together for the sex.

I don't think he missed it either.

His expression had been somewhere between anger and guilt, and I didn't understand that at all, but I was determined to find out.

To be honest, it didn't feel like I was making vast amounts of progress so far, so I decided to get to work straight away.

I would start with what I considered to be the easiest case.

Ten minutes later, I was playing halo with Emmett and I decided to broach the subject of what happened in Beijing.

I figured if he was going to open up, it would be best to try in a setting he was comfortable in, "So, what are your plans for when you get out of here?" I asked.

He shrugged, "I'm not sure really. I mean, I have to find somewhere to train you know… the big centres for weight lifting at my level are in L.A and Atlanta… I'm not really sure if I'll get sponsorship you know… After the whole drug thing."

I nodded, "Do you have any family… a girlfriend maybe?"

He shook his head, "I got parents, but they're old… Live on a ranch in Tennessee… There's not a lot goin' on there I'm afraid… Other than that, nothin' … I'm an only child."

"Bella lives in LA… Think you two might keep in touch?" I prompted.

He laughed, "Well, if I were a betting man… or more accurately, if I had any money to bet, I'd say the odds are good on Bella moving closer to Chicago some time soon…"

I raised my eyebrows, "You think?"

He nodded, "They seemed pretty snug last night. And they fit well together, you know? He's all angry and arrogant, and she's so calm and nice… They bounce off one another… Although she deserves a little better. Edward's not that bad underneath though, just messed up like the rest of us."

"Hmm." He might have a point there, but what was up with Edward this morning then, I decided to do a bit more fishing, "I got the impression that Edward was a bit of a play boy…"

Emmet shrugged, "I heard that, but I don't know… Bella's different… But hey, maybe if it doesn't work out, I can go freeload off her for a couple months."

I laughed and turned my attention back to the game.

"Hey, man, I uh… wanted to talk to you…" Emmett began hesitantly, "I mean, this is probably none of my business, but last night… I think Rosalie was throwing up in the bathroom… I mean… Have you tried to really talk to her yet…?"

"Nah, I haven't to be honest." I paused, "She's… a tough case."

He nodded, "Good luck with that shit man."

Luck was definitely going to be needed when it came to Rose.

Alice

Last night, I had ventured into the kitchen with my sketch pad for a little while, looking for a change of scenery. Edward and Bella were out, Rosalie was in her room, and Emmett and Jasper were on that games thingy, so I thought I'd be relatively safe.

Until of course Jasper had followed me in. Now I had no idea if this was intentional or not, but as pretty as he may be, I was definitely not ready to talk.

My breathing picked up, and I felt my heart start to pound in fear.

I knew it was irrational, but I couldn't stop myself… My mind was beginning to get out of control again.

He didn't see me at first and I tried to use the opportunity to discreetly get out, but of course he had to turn around.

He gave me a relaxed smile, and I had to force the muscles of my mouth to move so I didn't look like a complete idiot.

It didn't matter anyway though - He was a shrink – No doubt he saw right through me.

I had run straight into my room, and only left it for food and to go to the bathroom since.

I hated being in this place.

Emmett still petrified me, even after our talk the other day… So did Jasper, Edward and Rosalie for that matter.

The only one I could even remotely trust was Bella, and from what I saw this morning when I'd ventured out for a bowl of lucky charms… She was pretty wrapped up in Edward.

I looked at the clock. 12:45.

Fifteen more minutes and I would make a sandwich.

I pulled out my notebook and turned to the next empty page and started to sketch.

Lately, it seemed like all I ever did was sit and sketch.

Of course my employers loved me. I sent them books full of ideas every month, and in return they sent me nice big checks.

But what was the point of money if there wasn't anything to spend it on?

Of course, there were clothes. And I did love to shop, but internet shopping was never much fun… And the thought of venturing into a mall with all those people made me feel positively sick.

12:47

I sighed and stood up, it didn't matter if I had a sandwich a little earlier than usual today… right?

Hii,

Ok, so a mostly boring chapter with just a few things important to note. In all honesty, although it may not seem that way, this story is coming close to the end... The next 2 chapters are like uber-important though. I'm hoping to have them posted before I go on holiday again.

Review please!!

Em x