DEAR READERS:
I know that some people hate me for killing off Edward so let me explain as I have to a number of others I sent messages to.
From what I wrote I was left with two choices
One, create a character for Edward.
Two, let him go and rest in peace.
The first option I vehemently detest because if it's not Bella, no one will do for Edward and I know how a lot of readers hate original characters involved with Edward. So I had to go with door number two. Edward has lived long enough and gone through so much already that letting him go and have some peace was what I decided so everyone can move on and he wouldn't have to put up with the pain for all eternity anymore.
So I hope that clears things. Thanks for reading my story. Here's the alternate ending (by popular demand), I hope you like it.
KFYI,
Margaux
Alternate Ending: All It Takes
I have two equally wonderful men in front of me. One my crimson-haired Greek God and the other, my golden-haired angel. I took a moment to gather myself, cast away my doubts, throw away my guilt and finally open my mouth to say.
"First of all… I am immensely grateful for all the love you've both given me. Edward…" I looked at him and he smiled at me.
I smiled back and continued.
"Edward, whenever I'm with you, I always felt secure and protected. You always went out your way just to give me you think is best for me. You always thought about me. And I'm touched that you would say that you were willing to do whatever it takes to keep us together. When you were gone, you took half of me with you. I died when you left. That's how I value us. I felt nothing without you."
Then I looked at Jasper and he smiled.
"Jasper, you were like an angel to me. You didn't only get me out of my personal hell but you made me see heaven. I love how you always knew what I needed and pushed me to get it. You have taught me many things. And you helped mend the pieces of my heart. No. You gave me half of yours to fill the gaping hole in my being. I am forever grateful for that."
Then I looked at them both.
"But I know who I want to be with forever. I know who I can't live without."
They looked at me with anticipation.
Then I smiled at him and his eyes glowed.
"It's you I love."
Then he enveloped me in his arms and kissed my hair, my forehead, my nose, my lips then pulled out and embraced me tighter.
And I grinned.
Yes, I needed my constant savior, my Greek god.
"I love you Edward."
Edward's POV (1 year after Bella's decision – present time)
I looked at my beloved's forlorn figure and I wanted to die. I pulled her to me and kissed her head. "This place you found is beautiful, love."
She sighed heavily. "Beautiful… perfect… for goodbye…"
I felt a jab at my heart. "It's our final parting, love. It's what he needs… it's what we all need."
She nodded once then moved towards the shallow waters and waded through it, holding out some flowers.
"It's just so hard to say goodbye… you know? Like what happened to us… I had to see you leave… twice… that was damaging… and now… I had to say goodbye to him as well… it's just… too hard…" she said heavily.
I went to her side and touched her face. "Bella, I am sorry for ever leaving you and for causing you too feel this way about goodbyes but this… this is at least… our final parting with him… then we can go on living…"
She nodded once and gave a small smile.
"You're right. This is what we all need." Then we both looked into the horizon, and stars glimmered softly in the distance, paling against the sun that was already on it's way to rising. We allowed ourselves to immerse in tranquility with the soft billows of salt-sea air, the gentle crashing of water on the cool boulders and the gentle cawing of seagulls. The air of farewell hung in the atmosphere that enveloped us. This was indeed a final goodbye.
Jasper's POV (Flashback just after Bella's Decision):
I'm leaving
I'm buckling tight
With nothing but a smile and graceful acceptance of defeat, I left. When Bella said Edward's name, I thought, well, maybe this was how it's supposed to be. I knew that I had done the right decision of brining Edward back. I knew it. She made a mistake of calling out my name from out of her unconscious state. She really had meant to say Edward's name. Not mine. So I'm leaving.
I turn on the radio
I'm driving out of sight
And i'm in the freeway
I am happy for them both because I felt their happiness. But I am hurt. I'm hurting. I'm hurting. I closed my eyes and continued to just drive of.
The lights are lost in your eyes
Things have been said
I remembered what Bella asked me, "What if we're not meant for each other as well?" And I remember the brilliant answer that I gave her that now will forever haunt me. I told her, "So? Then make a mistake with me." and that's what did happen.
I'm lost in my head
It's time to go home
I sighed heavily and ran a hand on my bangs. The inevitability… like most stories, it's always the first choice, always the original, always…. Edward and Bella were the inevitable couple. They were made for each other. And I also remembered what I thought before that everything was a test. And now I can finally answer that the test was not mine and Bella's but Edward and Bella's. They succeeded. Now it was there time to reap their rewards. As for me? it's time to go home.
I'm moving so fast
I can't look back
But where is home? That's another question. But I guess I can't go back now. She had already chosen, or rather that fates have already chosen beforehand and I was just a mere pawn. I chuckled without humor. I did fulfill my promise already. I promised Bella that if she still wanted Edward when he got back then I would bow out. And this was exactly what happened. What was I thinking?
The streetlights are changing
They mean nothing at all
Everyone's changed through this, that's a given. But Edward and Bella… their love was stronger now. But I still wished that Bella chose me… because only I knew what she needed and what she wanted… not what I think she wanted but what she…her…Bella… wanted… And I always told her that. Now where do I go?
Maybe i'm stranded
I'm stuck in this place alone
I look out the window
Tomorrow help me find
I'm stranded here. nowhere to go to. I'm forced to keep driving… keep moving on… I had no choice. I really loved Bella… from the time I checked up on her… I have seen her glory throughout her darkest nights. Maybe my purpose in life was to make people ready for their relationships. Like Alice was for Sebastian… now Bella for Edward…
Both double blows. Both excruciating. Add to this the other emotions in the world that I felt. This was all too much to bear.
Let's call it a day
Let's call it a day
Let's call it a day
Let's call it a day
I'm calling it a day. I'm going to some place where I can feel nothing but my own pain. My job is done. Now let me rest.
It's over
I'm turning off the lights
It's over. Me and Bella. But as promised, I will still be there for her. But not right now. I'm tired. And I can't look at them right now. Looking at them, and seeing how right they were made me think of how much of a mistake I was… a mistake not of the wrong kind but a mistake that was necessary… one needed… to learn.
This day maybe filled
I'm hearing of you
And i don't have a clue
I don't have a clue on where to go next and what I should do but I know that Bella's words would always ring in my ear. I knew she loved me. I knew she needed me. I knew that she regarded me. But…
But I also knew that Edward was who she needed, regarded and loved more.
Tomorrow you'll go
Tomorrow you'll go
Tomorrow you'll go
Tomorrow you'll go
Tomorrow you'll come
So she'll go with him. She'll come home… with him. And I… I'll go as well… away…
Edward's POV (Flashback Six months after Bella's decision)
I kept smoothing out my hair feeling overly, exaggeratedly anxious towards this day. Being away from Bella for even a second made me paranoid beyond belief. I'm so scared of losing her again, I'm going mad! Please let this day be okay. Just for today.
Jasper, who was standing beside me, eyed me knowingly and chuckled then patted my back.
You'll be fine. He thought.
I read the thoughts coursing through his mind and I felt guilty. It was him who deserved to be standing where I am right now after all that he did for Bella. He loved her genuinely. He loved her. He loves her still.
Then he sighed, sensing my feelings with that unbearable power of his.
This was inevitable Edward. You're wrong. You deserve this, you deserve her. Don't feel guilty about me. You too should learn to get what you want. Don't let her go again.
Then, music filled the air and Emmett, our other brother, the big burly one in white right now made motion for everyone to stand up.
"What are you too girls yappin' about? It's time already." He hissed. Then he broke into a grin. A highly suspicious grin. "You two aren't planning on switching your roles at the last minute, right? Heh heh."
I glared at him and Jasper chuckled. That was very insensitive.
"Emmett." Esme… our mother warned and I smiled appreciatingly at her.
Emmett shrugged then smiled as doors opened and Rosalie came in first with a warning glance at Emmett amid her usual beauty expression.
But all thought left me when I saw her… and she was beyond beautiful! I had gone so long without seeing her face and seeing it now… with a smile just meant for me finally… looking doubly beautiful… I
did the only thing I could do… smile and gape… She wasn't alone, Carlisle, my father, my maker, escorted her with Alice following behind carrying her train… then of course, Sebastian, was always with her, looking at her with pride was close by, aiding Emmett while holding out his camera.
At the start of the walk, all the tension lifted in the air and was replaced with excitement and love. My whole family was here. I couldn't be happier.
This is your day Edward. Rosalie thought. Don't leave her again.
You almost didn't make it. Now you know how much you value her. Don't forget this. Congratulations, bro. Emmett thought.
Finally! I'm so happy for you both Edward. Esme said.
Finally stopping and taking their places, Carlisle kissed Bella the way a father always did then looked at me and smiled.
Now you can finally be whole again, son. Take care of her. Carlisle thought and I sensed his pride in me.
I took Bella's hand, my eyes never leaving hers and we then shifted our gaze towards the front.
Then Emmett cleared his throat and started with his booming voice.
"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today…"
Yes. This was our wedding day.
Sebastian's POV (outsider's pov-wedding):
Today is the day I bear witness to a wedding between two immortals as well as act as their photographer. It was just recently that these people have me involved in their lives. Looking at this wedding that my number one, Alice had designed made me want to have a wedding of my own.
I chuckled.
Let me describe my beloved's handicraft as I take pictures.
Twilight. Yes this was an evening wedding.
Tonight we are here in my château in Paris. Château la Claymore that's situated on top of a small hill with a lush view. We are here in my vineyard. The ceremony grounds were on a gazebo overlooking the green field with twisting of violets and reds from the plump grapes that twisted and hung laboriously. The aisle was covered with a velvet red carpet with small stars shaped crystals that held soft tiny lights that made everything sparkle and shimmer with baskets and baskets of dark red roses strewn here and there. There were ice sculptures of angels and nymphs that pointed to the altar and made a guiding effect with small lights embedded in them that made them glow like there were wisps of light in their core. Alice had wanted a heavenly effect against the darkness. Contradicting, and meaningful and
exactly after the wedding, twilight would pass and the moon would be full. So the wedding is timed to end before the sun sets to signal the closing of a very hard period in their lives and also Bella's perception of Edward as her moon… her savior in the dark.
The motif was blue. Alice was the maid-of-honor and she was wearing a beautiful chiffon queen cut gown with a shade of azure that was set like ômbre and had a deep cut at the back and a structured oversized bow on her collar. She was beautiful. And she also felt bad about Jasper being hurt and well, partner-less in this event.
Rosalie, the golden haired sister of Alice had worn a flowy long gown that emphasized her long frame with a low cut in front. Emmett must be drooling now.
Now we move on to Esme and Carlisle. They were by far the coolest parents I have ever met. They never judged and always understood their children. They were standing by beaming with pride.
Emmett was the presider of the ceremony. It's actually funny that they chose him but I guess they wouldn't have it the other way.
Jasper… well, I feel bad for the guy. His was the picture of a walking contradiction. One look at him and you'll see emotions coursing through his eyes though that straight face of his. He was the best man. I'm sure it's hard for him to let Bella go. But there was understanding on his aura. I hope something good happens in his life.
Edward, the lucky groom. He was fidgeting all over, trying to get calm, brushing off and running his hands on his honey blonde hair. You cannot also blame Bella for choosing him. One look at him and you can see that he had learned his lesson and you can see how committed he was to doing whatever it took for them to be together. You can truly feel the love he had for Bella. And when Bella walked towards him, he was glowing with nothing but the pureness of love. His eyes never left her.
Bella, the bride was hands down the most beautiful here. Her eyes were still holding a reddish tint from her recent transformation but they ran deep with nothing but care and devotion to the man she was going to marry. She was wearing an intricately beaded silk white gown that was off shoulder yet detailed with lace and diamonds sewn into it and a train of white followed her. There was also a large dark blue satin ribbon tied to her waist to keep up with the theme and she was holding on to fresh cut blue-dyed roses. But the most striking accessory she wore amid her veil and tied up hair, she had a smile so bright so sure and so exultant that it was hard not to smile with her.
Now we go back and watch the ceremony.
They were saying their vows at this point.
Bella's POV:
Walking down the aisle to meet my husband to be was nothing I have ever imagined happening to me. And now, I waited for his vows but he smiled at me and did something that made me want to cry from joy.
Edward took my hands and started to sing.
I'll be your dream
I'll be your wish
I'll be your fantasy.
I'll be your hope
I'll be your love
Be everything that you need.
I love you more with every breath
Truly madly deeply do..
I will be strong I will be faithful
'Cos I'm counting on a new beginning.
A reason for living.
A deeper meaning.
I want to stand with you on a mountain.
I want to bathe with you in the sea.
I want to lay like this forever.
Until the sky falls down on me...
And when the stars are shining brightly
In the velvet sky,
I'll make a wish
Send it to heaven
Then make you want to cry..
The tears of joy
For all the pleasure and the certainty.
That we're surrounded
By the comfort and protection of..
The highest power.
In lonely hours.
The tears devour you..
I want to stand with you on a mountain,
I want to bathe with you in the sea.
I want to lay like this forever,
Until the sky falls down on me...
Oh can't you see it baby?
You don't have to close your eyes
'Cos it's standing right before you.
All that you need will surely come...
I'll be your dream
I'll be your wish
I'll be your fantasy.
I'll be your hope
I'll be your love
Be everything that you need.
I'll love you more with every breath
Truly madly deeply do...
"Bella, my love. I promise I will do whatever it takes to keep us together and I also promise to devote my life to being someone you can always depend on.
"Before I met you… my life was like a starless sky and you came out like a shooting star, blinding me… and my eyes never adjusted ever since…
"I have always been that boy… Bella… that boy when I finally found the one, no… found you that I would drop to my knees and pursue you and make you mine.
"And now we're here… the hold that you have for me is infinite and unbreakable.
"Isabella Marie Swan… take this ring… as a sign of my love and fidelity,
"I promise to love you… love you everyday of forever…. Cherish you and protect you everyday of our existence until we cease to exist anymore but I'm sure I'd still love you even then…
"With this ring… take this and my heart along with it…
"I love you."
He slid the ring effortlessly on my finger.
I smiled so wide.
Emmett then motioned for me, "Bella, the rings…" he said and Alice handed me Jasper's ring.
"Edward, when I first met you, I was immediately drawn to you. I know in my silent heart that I cannot live without you. You are everything to me. You once compared my love for you as one tree to a forest but for me Edward, my love for you is there whether there are trees or all of them were cut down, my love would still be. You always thought about what's best for me even if it hurts you. it was always me.
Now I am here, in front of you, in a white dress, ready to commit to you, to love you, to cherish you and make you happy as you have for me. Take this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity to you everyday of forever." Then I slid the ring on his finger and saw his beautiful crooked grin and eyes that glowed only for me.
Jasper's POV
Strangely out of place
There's a light filling this room
Where none would follow before
This wedding was what I hoped it to be and more… only… I wish I was the groom. I felt so out of place here. But I had no regrets. I am happy for them.
I can't deny it burns me up inside
I fan the flames to melt
Away my pride
Do I want shelter from the rain
Or the rain to wash me way?
I can't deny that I'm disappointed but I had to be happy for them. They were counting on me. I said I would bow out and that's what I did. They deserve to be happy… with each other.
I need you, I need you, I need you
I need you, I need you, I need you
You're all I'm living for
But Bella… I loved her… I need her… she was all I was willing to live for. Looking at her now hurts me because she was so beautiful… she made an effort a great effort to look that way and carry the glow of love and pure joy for one and only one… Edward… not me…
I might sound like a fool
But I think I felt you moving
Closer to me
For a second I forgot that it was Edward she was marrying and I almost took her hand. But reality seeped in when Edward rushed forth to meet her. I mustered all the power I had to cover up my hurt and want so that I wouldn't ruin this day for her. Yes, for her. This was what she needed. And what she needed… she gets.
Face to the ground
To hide the fatal cut
I fight the weight
I feel you lift me up
You are the shelter from the rain
And the rain to wash me away
Fatal cut. That was what's forming into my being. It was growing and consuming, growing and consuming… But one look at her finally happy face melted all that away. If she was happy then so was I…
I need you, I need you, I need you
I need you, I need you, I need you
(All I'm living for)
I need you, I need you, I need you
You're all I'm living for
All I'm living for
You're all I'm living for
Bella is everything to me. If only she chose me, I would devote myself to her but what really hurts me now is that I know very well how this moment was what it should be. It's them. It's always been them.
Face to the ground
To hide the fatal cut
I fight the weight
Feel you lift me up
Can't deny it burns me up inside
I fan the flames to melt away
My pride
Only had a second to spare
But all the time in the world
To know you're there
You are the shelter from the rain
And the rain to wash me away
I forced a smile when Edward sang Bella his vows. That's right Edward. Be everything she needed. Make her happy. Never let her go again. Don't make the same mistake twice.
I need you, I need you, I need you
(All I'm living for)
I need you, I need you, I need you
(All I'm living for)
& I need you, I need you, I need you
You're all I'm living for
All I'm living for
All I'm living for
All I'm living for
You're all I'm living for
Though it's not Bella and me who ended up together, I'm still here for her. Always.If being a friend is the only way I could still be with Bella then so be it. She was all I'm living for. I'll take what I can.
Edward's POV
Hearing what Bella said… it made me beyond exultant. I loved her so much. Everyone's thoughts in here were all about happiness and pride. They were all happy and relieved that me and Bella are finally together again. Of course I heard Jasper's pain running through his mind and I'm grateful for him for letting me have Bella. Bella is like no one I have ever met before. She is so special and precious. I'm sorry
for Jasper. I hope that he finds happiness as well. But right now, this moment, this… her…. Us… this was our moment, Bella and I.
"Do you Edward Anthony Masen Cullen take Isabella Marie Swan to have and to hold, til death do you part?" Emmett prompted and I looked deeper into Bella's eyes and a smile formed on my lips as I said, "I do."
"And do you Isabella Marie Swan, take Edward Anthony Masen Cullen to have and to hold, til death do you part?"
She smiled at me and I grinned inwardly as she said, "I do."
"Then by the power invested in me, I now pronounce you man and wife. You may now kiss the bride." Emmett beamed.
I gingerly lifted Bella's veil, placed my hands on her delicate face and leaned down to give her our first kiss as a married couple. She was finally and officially mine and I was hers.
Bella's POV (present time-continuation of the first part where Bella and Jasper were laying out flowers)
I gazed out in the distance and sighed. This was our final good-bye. I looked up at Edward, my love and smiled at him and he leaned down and kissed me.
"It shouldn't take long now." he said and I nodded.
"She's bringing him here now, right?" I asked.
He nodded. "Yes. She's bringing him all right."
Saying goodbye to someone who did nothing but help you live and devote his time and existence to you was hard. once you've loved someone, he would forever be engraved in your heart. I would forever be grateful for him for being my guardian angel for quite some time. I loved him and I loved him still but we were better now. things are finally falling into place.
I miss him. I am missing him. But it was time to say goodbye.
"Bella, it's time." Edward said and I glanced back and saw Alice's figure closing in on us.
"Hello Alice, I thought you brought him?" Edward said.
"He's here." Alice said.
And I did see him in a flash.
"Well, we'll give both of you some time alone." Alice suggested and Edward nodded and they both disappeared leaving me with him."
"So Jasper, first of all, thank you for everything. I hope you find peace again and become whole and happy wherever you may go. We all love you and care for you. never forget that. So, I guess this is goodbye." I said to him.
A moment's silence.
"Of course. I hope you're happy now as well. but if ever you need me, just say and I'm there." Jasper said and he smiled at me.
Yes. He was standing in front of me with nothing but genuine peace on his face.
"So goodbye, Jasper."
"Goodbye Bella." he said.
Then Edward appeared on my side and Alice on Jasper's side.
With no words between us, we all left in separate ways with nothing but a smile on our faces. Before I forget, Alice finally heaving helped Sebastian, came back and reached out to comfort Jasper and the rest is history.
Inevitability.
No matter how life defies fate,
Fate will find you
And make things right again
If only you believe and reach out for it hard enough.
Never give up.
Now with Edward with me and Alice and Jasper being together, we stand true as witnesses and testify that what's meant to be would really be meant to be.
No matter what.
AN: Songs are "Toll Gate" by Hale, "Truly, Madly, Deeply," By Savage Garden and "I Need You" by Jars of Clay.
There you go. Ah, inevitability. Hehe. So Edward lovers, hoped you love the alternate ending. I bet you all thought I would kill of Jasper? Admit it!
No, picking Jasper was an unexpected choice after all and would entail a lot of loss and suffering that's why it was harder to write. Edward's ending was easier. Much easier because, well, Twilight is based on them being together. And since inevitability is the theme here, then of course it follows that Alice and Jasper be together.
A gentle warning. I would appreciate it if no comparisons be made with both endings. They are both special in their own ways and should be treated separately. Okay?
Thank you for reading my story. Hope you like it. You guys rock!
Keep Fueling Your Imagination,
Margaux