Past, Present and Future

Disclaimer (long time coming) I do not own Twight or its characters.

Chapter 21 is Alice's POV of the confrontation

Chapter 22 is Jasper's POV of the confrontation

APOV

I quickened my pace and reached the top of the stairs before Bella and Edward did. Tanya and Kate stood behind them looking at me like I was crazy for stepping in front of a moving angry emotion driven train. I had my reasons and my family looking completely crazy was one of them.

"Bella, we should all go in together, but first we should change clothes."

"Alice, we do not need to change clothes and you might want to stay in your gear, who knows you'll probably need it."

I growled slightly at Edward; watching everyone else's eyes get wide. I remained at my position blocking the stares with a not so funny smile on my face. I trusted those three for some odd reason, I knew in the back of my mind that the alarms triggered by Edward's smart comments were not with out reason, but oh well…I had to pick my battles and clean clothes fit into the equation right now.

"They did not come into this house as enemy's, if they choose to continue to hunt me then fine, they can leave this house just as peacefully as they came in and then we can both continue to hunt each other. But I will change clothes and so will you before any of that will be decided. Am I clear?"

I tried to add some authority to my voice but instead Edward looked at me like I had actually lost my mind. I might have, who knows Jasper may be controlling this strange emotion in me, I would like to say that if he is going to kill me at least I would die a happy clueless woman…right? Bella rolled her eyes as they all mouthed a yes and parted to there room's. I smiled in triumph as I made way to my own room and tore off my 'ready for war' clothes.

I did not want all of us to walk in there and fill the room with more tension looking like prison guards. They were not prisoners and as long as they choose to leave peacefully I wouldn't hold them captive. We could continue to fight out our difference like always in the normal battle field, not in my dead mother and father's house. These grounds had seen enough blood shed, I can not allow it too see any more.

Once I was dressed in my Happy Bunny shirt that read 'Me. Just like you, only better' and jeans, I threw on some tennis shoes and left my room. My eye liner was still in perfect condition and all I needed was some light lip gloss and we were ready to go talk like civilized people. I met up with the rest of them at the top of the stairs and we started our path back towards Rose's room. I hope we didn't interrupt anything, but damned if we did because I didn't have anything else to keep them all from entering.

With no more excuses Bella opened the bed room door and we all piled in.

"What do you want?"

Jasper's tone had a hint of frustration in it, maybe an utter disregard, but who could really blame him? I mean seriously most of my family just marched into a room to argue with a woman who was clearly in no position to argue. I didn't know if this was the right time to speak and know that Edward could hear me thinking that this was not the right time for this 'discussion' to be taking place. My mouth twisted in confusion, who's side was I on this time?

I really only wanted to move to stand next to Jasper, but something in his stance told me I shouldn't. I felt drawn to him and started wondering if what we shared in the woods was just another way for him to get closer and into my life. I had no proof of how he felt; I did have proof that he was supposed to kill me. Clearly I am confused, sad, and on officially on the defense. I shouldn't be putting myself out there.

Edward turned his head and cocked a questioning eye brow at me before turning his focus back to Emmett and Jasper. He didn't even bother with Rose, I could tell that he was genuinely interested in the thoughts…sometimes I wish that I was a mind reader. Bella let out a sigh and fidgeted slightly with the hem of her shirt before biting on the lower part of her bottom lip and looking at Jasper.

"I need to speak with Rose. Everyone else can leave."

"They can leave. I'm not leaving my wife." Emmett growled.

"I'm not leaving either. I'm here with my family. I won't allow you to harm them anymore than you already have, Bella."

I moved closer to stand partially in front of Bella, I didn't know what was about to happen, I didn't know what to think; but my issues with Jasper compared nothing to what Bella must have been feeling. I felt Edward tense as I tried to wave the rest of them out of the room. Bella let out a frustrated scream that sounded almost as if she wanted to cry and then just as if I was personally reliving my vision she threw the picture and it landed with a loud crash across the room. Not good.

"Emmett you can stay. I don't want to fight, I don't want to hurt anyone but there is something that I need to say."

Bella huffed a little bit as I glared at Tanya and Kate; they opened the door and pulled a very concerned looking Edward out of the room. It was just the five us and I couldn't leave Bella alone in here, Edward wouldn't allow it and his anger towards her well being would only get in the way. It had to be me and only me. Bella turned her gaze from me to Jasper and halted. I could see her take in a heavy breath and exhale as if she was practicing an art of relaxation.

"I assume you are Jasper. I do not know you, and you obviously do not know me. I will not harm them, Emmett and Alice can vouch for that. I am not violent and I do not need a babysitter. Could you please leave…you can speak with your family in peace once I am done."

She crossed her arms and I could see the tension building up in her muscles. I looked at Jasper almost pleading him to understand. I would like him to be part of my family, but this is an old wound that he does not need to be witness too, if Bella caught him using his gift it would only make things worse. The defiant look in his eyes told me that he was not going anywhere, now what?

"Bella, maybe he should stay…just to make sure that Emmett and Rose are ok, I'll stay with you, I wont let them hurt you as much I wont let any harm come to them."

Bella looked at me and then looked at Rose in the bed. She leaned backwards on a dresser contemplating my advice. I silently wished my vision had told me more about what was going to happen, and I could tell that Edward was down the hall pacing frantically from being split from Bella.

"Fine, but he stays quiet."

"Quiet. What right do you have to demand anything from me?"

"Jazz. Stop. Let her have her moment. I have a few words of my own for her."

I could not help but try to hide the smile in my eyes as I noticed that Rose was sitting up and speaking. It had been too long since I had heard that cocky arrogant voice, the one that demanded the attention of the room when she entered it. Bella didn't hesitate to turn mockingly at Jasper, in human form I could have pictured her sticking her tongue out at him in a mock celebration showing that no matter what; Rose was willing to argue with her as much as she was willing to argue back.

"Why did you do it Rose? Why did you leave your family? I have been sitting here for years trying to pick up the pieces that you and Emmett left behind. I know you don't like me, and I know you have bad feelings towards Edward for staying with me, but seriously… Rose could you really put yourself in his shoes…make Emmett the weak human and then leave him? I doubt it…and you are just a hypocrite if you say that you would have left him to die without trying to keep him with you…because you didn't. You saved Emmett. Just like Edward saved me."

"Bella, stop being so fucking dramatic. Emmett would have died. There was no danger to rescue him from. I was selfish, yes, but I didn't choose Emmett and start a war because of it. Oh, sorry, did you forget that. Fuck yourself, Bella.

My family was torn apart because some lowlife, stinky Shifter imprinted on you. Edward wouldn't concede and therefore we were all exposed because of it. MY parents died because you needed to be protected. You were, and still are, weak. You need Edward to stand by you. I know he's anxious to get back in here. You want him in here. I don't need Emmett to hold my hand when I fight."

I didn't like the mocking tone Jasper's feature took on, he didn't know both sides of the story, he didn't know Bella…yet he choose a side without knowing, without caring. That's where I would end up. I would end up on the wrong side because that's where I presently stood…on the wrong side of the war…opposite of him. I sighed and looked at Bella who had enough anger in her building up that she could probably blow the place up.

Rose was right on one count, Bella needed Edward and he needed her, but she was wrong on another count, Emmett needed her…he had never made a decision on his own, and as Rose wouldn't show weakness there relationship was just like Edward and Bella's except Bella took the stand to face Rose alone, Rose not only had Emmett but she had Jasper here…the one who wouldn't pick me in the end, none of them would…only Bella and she would die to pick me. Fuck them, Bella needs me. She was searching for words but I had found that I had held my silence for long enough.

"Rose, you are an ungrateful bitch. How dare you act like you're so much better than Bella is. If you weren't so weak you wouldn't have been the reason Edward left to protect his family, and then who saved him? Not you…Bella did. She can't help that psycho imprinted on her. Don't get your panties twisted, and don't you dare bring our parents into this! Esme and Carlisle loved Bella…they welcomed her with open arms, you always felt threatened by her, challenged because Edward didn't want you! And don't you dare look at me like that because I am never wrong and you know it! I am so sick and tired of this family acting this way it's ridiculous and I have had enough of it.

You know what Rose, Emmett couldn't leave your side…does that mean he is as weak as Bella and Edward? Are you saying your relationship is weak because he needs you to survive, I know I am not wrong on that. Sure Edward is in the other room practically fucking pacing, he wants to be in here, but no he can listen to his wife's request what have you ever done that Emmett requested of you? Not stay, the one thing I saw him beg you to do…do you know what love is Rose? Real love…?"

I was so angry I was pacing I was not only pacing but I had it in my right mind to throw something or someone out of the damn window. I heard the click of the door behind me and watched as Edward came into stand next to his wife glaring at Rose…he must have heard me, but then again the neighborhood might have heard me at this moment, I was pissed off.

"One more thing Rose, we left your room here, we rebuilt your room in hopes that our sister and our brother would return but I am starting to get the feeling that no matter how much I do love you, you will continue to see things one way and that's not going to cut it anymore. Grow up or get your shit and get the fuck out. Bella wasn't the cause of the war, she didn't ask to be imprinted on; she made her choice…Jacob killed Esme and Carlisle, Jacob told the world what and who we are…you ran for the other side as soon as you sought out the opportunity instead of standing and fighting with your family. You're a coward."

I felt Bella pulling me to a stop and then away from the bed where Rose sat, the look in her eyes told me 'thanks' and 'sorry' all at the same time. It was a look of real family; a look that only someone who truly loves you can give you. Edward nodded his head over my shoulder but I couldn't turn my back to look at any of them. Kate was right; I was a damn fool to think that I could let them in our home. I was a damn fool to think that a man who is supposed to kill me would change his mind because he was just as blind as Rose. He saw only what he was supposed to. I was the fool this time, but I won't be the next.

"Alice, why would you side with her? Why did you turn your back on us so easily? You believe I was jealous. Maybe I was. Not because of Edward wanting her over me. That wasn't it at all. I came close to losing my jealousy tonight. I almost had the one thing this world has to offer me if I could just have it. I almost had my child."

"I want to be a mother. That's all I've ever want. The fact that Bella could be the one thing I couldn't be and threw it away just to live forever with Edward. I was angry and jealous with her for that."

I wanted to believe her, but I knew for a fact that there was more to the way childish behavior than she was speaking. Her eyes filled with sorrow when the child was mentioned, and I know that it was a good part to the story, but not the whole thing. Bella's face held sympathy for the family that Rose wanted to have…and grief for the child that she had just lost. I still felt a little on guard though; something didn't sit right with me.

Emmett felt Roses pain as he always did, he was supposed to but I often wondered how many of her secrets he kept for her. Rose couldn't have found anyone more perfect than him for her, I just wished sometimes that he would grow a pair of balls and stop being so submissive to her demands. To each his own I suppose, Emmett pulled Rose into what looked like a comforting hug but she pushed him away, she wasn't trying to milk it for all it was worth?

"No, Em. Alice believes you follow me around like a lost puppy. You do exactly what I want. She's never been in love...until now. She doesn't understand that whether it's Bella and Edward or Emmett and I that we love in our way."

I still didn't speak. I didn't even chance a glance at Jasper; I wonder what he thought about Roses comment. I looked up to Edward and he shrugged his shoulders as he was trying to pay close attention to Rose at the time. He knew just as well as I did that she was up to something…sometimes these conniving games of hers were innocent attention grabbing damsel in distress things, but occasionally there was a more cynical side to what she did, Edward was supposed to be listening to that side of her.

"I did blame you for a long time. I placed the blame on you because I hated you. Hated you for giving up the one thing I would be so glad to have back. My humanity."

She glared at Bella and Bella glared right back, it wasn't a death match type of glare…it was more of an acknowledgement that neither one was afraid of the other. Bella didn't need to be afraid of Rose…you can not show someone like that fear and think that they wont attack and play on it. Bella was doing a very good job of holding her own in the depth of Roses glares.

Rose turned back to Emmett and looked deep into his eyes. She was really laying it on thick this time. I wanted to roll my eyes but instead I digested the scene in front of me and found a pretty place on the wall to stare.

"Emmett, I would follow you to the ends of the Earth, all you would ever have to do was ask. You never have. You have always done what I decided because you wanted to make me happy. I love you for that but now is the time to make a stand. Everything has changed. I am as wanted as Bella is. I killed the Shifter. Jacob will want revenge. I'm asking, Emmett, what do you want to do?"

I recognized the location before I recognized anything else. I turned around but I was alone, there was no one with me and I had the strangest feeling of sadness surrounding me. I was wearing my 'ready for war' clothes, but I had no back up, it was just me.

The vision abruptly changed but this time I didn't know the location, it was nowhere I had ever been before, I was still alone and it was dark, very dark. I could feel cold stones beneath my finger tips and I could hear the screams of humans around me.

Another different vision appeared, I wasn't there though, it was Edward and Bella…the house was on fire, it was burning but they didn't seem to be moving to put the flames out. Where was everyone else? The sun was setting telling me that it was again Twilight, another beginning for vampires.

Roses angry face, Emmett's sad expression, and Jasper. At least they would be together. Fire and water and snow mixed with dirt, Ashes fell upon them giving there still forms the appearance of statues, living works of art, at least I hoped they were living.

Lightening flashed Tanya slipped out of the way and I could hear Kate's laughter. I was still no where in these futures, I was alone…and they moved on…with out me. All of them.

I snapped my eyes open and slightly lost focus as my body started to slowly drift to the floor. I grasped on to whatever I could and found safety in the dresser behind me, next to Bella. What the hell was that? I felt short of breath from the intensity that the visions were pouring on me. Alarm rang in my ears and I needed to sit down. But I couldn't…I couldn't because I had to stay strong while these idiots fought for the rest of eternity.

"Alice, are you alright?"

I looked over to Bella and nodded my head. I did my best to regain my composure so that I could turn back around and answer Roses question, something in my vision as well as within her tone told me that no matter what my answer was she didn't care. I would play along with her 'innocent' approach; Edward read my thoughts and nodded before a concerned look creased his face, his eye brows knotted together and his mouth twisted to the side. I nodded my head once very quickly at him as he leaned down and whispered in my ear.

"He thinks you hate him."

I rolled my eyes and turned around to see Jasper standing there looking more and more like the soldier he was supposed to be. That outer shell was a very tough cookie to crack, and I wondered if my snapping at Rose is what changed his demeanor? He chose his side why couldn't I choose my own?

Alice, he is going to try to kill you. You can't tell him you love him. Edward looked down at me and shook his head as I continued to stare in his direction. I could tell him I loved him, I could end his worries, and that's what you do when you love someone right? You fix there problem? All he had to do was complete his mission; all I needed to find out first was whether or not his mission involved my death, or just my capture. He can hand me over and I'll do what I do best, I'll escape.

"Alice, I do not think that now is the appropriate time for you and Edward to be sharing secrets."

I smiled at Bella and then glanced at Rose sitting on the bed. I smiled slightly knowing that Edward was probably going to want to kill me himself once he realized what I was about to do. I hesitated for a minute and then started humming the Japanese alphabet in my mind. Edward growled slightly as I took a step towards Jasper. It was slow and precise to show that I didn't mean any harm.

"Rose, I didn't choose anyone's side. Well, I am presently choosing my own. Not that I don't love you all…but I have something else to take care of first."

I made sure to look directly at Jasper when I said I loved them all, maybe he would get the subtle hint? Then again, I was master of doing things the not so subtle way…we'll see if he catches on, if not I'll just have to say it. I finished taking my light steps until I was standing directly next to Jasper. His warmth and scent pulled me closer as if I was walking directly into the lions den. Everyone was now waiting on Emmett's decision for what he wanted to do, but I already knew what I wanted.

"Jasper, do they want me dead or alive?"

"Does it matter? They can't have you."

My tension began to unravel, something about his scent, calmed me almost making the world feel right. I was tired of jumping back and forth on my feeling. I was tired of confusing myself about who I could or couldn't trust that I was just wound up. Edward and Bella could handle Rose and Emmett.

Especially with Tanya and Kate here to break it up if they have to. Jasper was here for me and one way or the other I was now determined to figure or what he wanted. I just needed a simple answer and the rest I could manage to work through. I wasn't going to think about him trying to cross me or lie to me anymore. I was going to take things in stride and face them one syllable at a time.

I could change the futures that I saw, I can be in them. I can manipulate the system; I just have to take a path that I have not taken, when you want to go from one extreme to the next you have to take an extreme step onto another path. I didn't know how much happier I would be, but I was now ready to find out. Could it really be that bad if Jasper was there? Like I have said before, he could at least make me die a happy woman…right?

"Yes it does. I would like to be taken to whoever is seeking me, but I think it would be safer if I knew whether they wanted me dead or alive."

"Alice, you are not going anywhere."

"Edward this is ridiculous."

I watched Edward tell me I wasn't leaving to Bella dropping her hands at her sides not knowing what to think. I watched there confusion mimic my own with only the slight difference that I knew I was going to go wherever Jasper would take me. They're opinions mattered but my decision was made.

"Edward, I have made my choice. I will have the best resolution for everyone I love. Bella it is not ridiculous, I love Jasper, and I am not afraid to admit it, so it is in his best interest not to be hunted because of me."

I stared at Rose when I said that I was not afraid to admit that I loved him. Edward already knew that I did so it didn't really come as a shock. He was deeply concentrated on Rose and Emmett's thoughts. Bella's eyes flashed around the room and then settled on me with a very curious expression. I felt her shield tighten around me and hoped that my best friend didn't think I would abandon her. I'd be back…I think.

"Bullshit, Alice. I just found you. I'm not letting anyone here or anywhere have you. I am a soldier, I'm sure you've figured that out. I have been hunted before and will again. Protecting you and being near you, learning everything there is to know about you is all that is important. I love you. I will die to protect you."

I sighed; did he really just choose me? Over being hunted by the entire guard? I placed my hands over my face and shook my head. This was going to be more difficult than I had suspected. I needed him to turn me over alive, so that I could escape and he would have done his job, they can't hunt him as long as he does his job. All it takes is a little bit of acting skills…he might not even have to use his gift to convince them other wise. Men make things so complicated. I needed Rose and Bella to work with me on this, but how the hell would I convince them to do it?

"Jasper, I will come out alive." I pointed to my head for emphasis even though I wasn't absolutely positive on the outcome, shit changes. Edward looked Jasper dead in the eyes with a glare that could only be formed from the disapproval of my own decision.

"You will be alive because you are not even going near the stronghold. Neither the Hunters or the Volturi will get anywhere near you. Neither of them can have you. You are too damn important to me and your family."

I felt the truth in his words sting to core of my person leaving tiny tingles everywhere. He wanted to protect me; not hunt me. I could have kissed him senseless right in front of everyone around me but instead I held my ground still as I felt the earth's axis turn in my dead heart. Jasper met Edwards glare and produced a pretty convincing one of his own. His strong stance never faltered and his red eyes shone with defiance.

"You don't have to trust me. I'm on the opposite side of the war as you. We have our differences. I know you would love to kill me where I stand and maybe someday I may give you your chance. For the moment, I will remain by Alice's side. I am committed to her and making sure she is safe."

"I don't trust you Jasper, but Alice does…"

"Look, I get that you two are having your macho moment here, but Alice is right, we'll be hunted…if she is hunted that means me too and Rose and Emmett are in deep shit with those shifters. We need a plan, especially if you plan on sticking around."

I was relived that Bella had cut off Edward's big brother protector speech. And finally it took a woman to catch what I was trying nicely to say. My words felt caught in my throat, Jasper wanted me…he wanted to stay with me...over all of it, even after seeing my crazy ass family bicker. They were far from done but he planned on sticking around. The smile eased on to my face as I leaned a little closer to Jasper. He loved me, I loved him, now we had the rest of the worlds problems to solve. Running away for the rest of our existence was not an option.

"I agree with Bella. We could easily push the Shifter off on the Volturi or a group of rogue vampires. I say we act as if we don't know anything and let Jacob come looking for us."

"I know the perfect group to blame it on. Someone that the Hunters and the Volturi would never miss; it would be a group that something like this would be expected of."

Bella's head dropped a little as soon as said Jacobs name, Edward wrapped a protective arm around her and began to rub soothing circles with his thumb in her arm. Jasper knew of a group he could help pass the blame on, so that was at least a start in the right direction. I looked over to Emmett awaiting his decision on what he and Rose were doing. She did leave that option up to him after all.

The light in Roses eyes dulled a bit and I knew that she was thinking, Emmett was always a clear lake, but Rose you had to look close. It took me at least a few decades to catch on to her mood swings, but I knew them like the back of my hand. I glanced at Edward who followed my train of thought and nodded. He was watching her closely…and she knew it. Bella straightened her back a little and eased her shoulders; she looked relived of something, I'd have to ask her about it later.

"I am willing to go with whatever everyone else thinks is best."

Bull shit, I'd like to call bull shit on that remark! But I didn't, I simply smiled at her and stomped my foot on the floor three times to let Tanya and Kate know we'd all be coming down stairs. This room was starting to feel way too crowded. I snaked my hand into Jasper's wrapping my fingers between his as I began to pull him towards the door. The electric sensation that passed between us sent a pulse through my veins and a promise of more to my heart. He's going to be around for more.

"I think the living room would be better to discuss our options."

I glanced at Edward as I passed by him and winked at Bella; she in turn rolled her eyes and followed behind me. Tanya and Kate had comforting music blaring from down the stair well and into main entry way to the house. Even with the disastrous nature of my family being together; something felt right, like we were supposed to be here fighting as long as it meant that we were at least together. Now I just needed to convince Jasper to turn me over…it was the only way I'd get safely on the inside of the enemy.

We made it to the living room and I pointed to the over stuffed recliner off to the side for Jasper to have a seat, Rose and Emmett always used to take the love seat, and I figured maybe if I left that seat open to them they'd feel more comfortable with our family pictures and past staring directly back at them.