Bella's POV

Charlie had returned home from work soon after. I prepared dinner in silence. He could tell there was something wrong as he peered at me over the newspaper he was reading. Once I had set the dinner on the table I explained that Edward and I had split up. He was furious at first, assuming he had left me broken hearted again. I told him that it was in fact me who had called an end to the relationship which kept him docile for a small amount of time. I left out my broken heart and surprisingly, he didn't question it.

"I want to go and stay with Mom for a while. I don't know how long for, it might be permanent. I just don't want to risk changing again, like the last time things ended with us. I need to get away and clear my head."

He sat there for a while, too stunned to talk. He amazed me when he finally did reply, by agreeing to my request. I stood up from my spot at the table and wrapped my arms around my father. I told him that I wanted to go as soon as possible and he called the airlines to book a seat on the next flight which happened to be the next morning.

Everything was happening so fast, which I was grateful for. He offered to call the school for me, explaining that there was a family emergency and I would be absent for a couple of weeks; perhaps longer. I thanked him and walked to my room to begin packing. It was only then that I let my thoughts wonder to Jasper. I needed to tell him.

I picked up my phone and dialled his number. He answered immediately as though he had been waiting for the call all his life. He was at my house in a matter of minutes, climbing through my bedroom window.

I walked to the living room where Charlie sat and told him I wanted to have an early night as there was a big day ahead of me. He accepted this excuse and I only hoped he would not check on me anytime soon.

Stepping back into the room, I saw Jasper sitting rigid on my bed. He had noticed my packed bag.

"You're leaving?" He asked in such a low voice I almost didn't hear.

"I'm going to stay with Renee for a while. I don't know if I will come back."

He just stared straight at me, masking any feeling he had; refusing to let them show on his face.

"Are you taking Edward?"

"No...I told him I was finished today. It's over." He seemed comforted by my answer and let his face relax from the stone it was previously set in.

"Thank you for everything Jasper. I couldn't have gotten through the past few days without you."

He stood from his seat and walked towards me before folding me in his arms. I wrapped my arms around him in return and rested my head against his chest.

"Would you stay if I asked you to?"

I shook my head against his firm muscles and I felt him sigh in defeat. Then he bent his lips to mine, taking my breath away. It wasn't passionate and it wasn't loving. Until that moment, I had never truly understood the expression bitter sweet.

"I promise I will stay in touch. I'll call you." I said as he made the descent from my window.