Jasper took a deep breath and rang the doorbell. It was the first time he'd done that in many years. He usually walked right in. As a child, he went to the Cullen's house every day after school. Times had certainly changed. He couldn't help but feel like he was entering the lion's den. Edward would be glad to see him, but there was no telling how the rest of the family would feel. Do it for Edward. Jasper thought as footsteps approached the door.

Alice opened the door and stared at Jasper as if he were an alien. Whatever Alice was expecting, it wasn't her ex-boyfriend.

"Hello Jasper," Alice said quietly. "It's good to see you again."

Jasper was too shocked to return her greeting. Alice was wearing sweatpants and a Forks high hoodie. Her hazel eyes, usually accented by mascara, were rimmed in red. The knowledge that it was his fault broke Jasper's heart. She deserved so much better.

"Edward is in the living room," Alice said. "He's had a rough night. He'll be happy to see you."

Jasper stared at Alice. There were a million things he wanted to say. He loved her. He missed her. Most of all, he was sorry for the way things ended.

"I'm headed to the mall," Alice said with a weak laugh. "You know me, can't rest until I've bought the entire mall."

"Cool," Jasper said.

"I'd better go," Alice said with a quiver in her voice. "You and Edward have a lot to talk about."

Without another word, Alice raced outside and got into her car. Jasper watched her drive away with a lump in his throat. If it were possible, he would have kicked himself. Cool? Seriously? Alice was obviously in pain. Why hadn't he said something comforting or asked what was wrong? Jasper wouldn't blame Alice if she never spoke to him again.

Hoping he wouldn't screw things up a second time, Jasper went inside to find Edward. The house was quiet as a graveyard. Before Edward got sick, the Cullen house was filled with light and laughter. Mr. and Mrs. Cullen entertained guests, Edward played the piano, and Alice put on fashion shows. That all changed the day Edward became too weak to make it upstairs to his bedroom. The curtains were drawn and the living room was converted into a hospital room. Jasper longed for the day Edward would get better and the house would once again be a home.

Jasper entered the living room with caution. He never quite knew what to expect when spending time with Edward. It was a toss-up between tears and brotherly love. He knew the mood swings were the tumor's fault, but it difficult to not take it to heart when Edward spent 45 minutes yelling at him. It was always easy, but Jasper kept visiting. Edward had always been there for him through hell and back. Now it was Jasper's turn to return the favor.

Edward was laying in bed staring out the window with a vacant expression on his face. He didn't even blink when Jasper sat down next to him. Jasper nearly wept when he saw what had become of his best friend. His skin was white as snow and his eyes were dull. How was he going to survive brain surgery when it looked like a gentle breeze could do him in?

"Hey Edward," Jasper said. "It's great to see you."

"I was starting to think you weren't coming back," Edward replied quietly. "I'm sorry about what happened last time. Friends don't treat friends like that."

Edward was referring to the last time Jasper visited him in the hospital. Edward had just finished a long day of chemo. He was tired, achy, and nauseous. Jasper opened the blinds to let in some sunlight. Edward yelled at Jasper to leave and never come back. Jasper knew he didn't mean it but decided to give him some space. He never meant for an entire month to pass.

"No need to apologize," Jasper said. "I'm sorry that I haven't visited in a while. I wasn't sure if I'd be welcome or not."

Edward tore his eyes away from the window to stare at Jasper.

"You'll always be welcome here. You know that, don't you?" Edward looked at Jasper's bare wrist. "You still have it, right?"

"Of course."

"Good." Edward nodded. "We were all worried when Alice said you stopped wearing it."

Edward was talking about Jasper's bracelet. It was a leather cuff engraved with the Cullen family crest. Both boys were given one on their 10th birthdays. While Jasper may not have been born a Cullen, the bracelet was a sign that he would always be family. Jasper wore it every day until he broke up with Alice. He assumed breaking her heart meant a one-way ticket out of the family. He was relieved to learn that wasn't the case.

"Did you know I had a crest necklace made for Bella? I was going to give it to her for Christmas." Edward took a deep breath. "Did you know today marks a year since she disappeared?"

Jasper nodded. None of them would ever forget that awful day. Edward stopped playing the piano and rarely left the house. He often woke up screaming from nightmares. The doctors believed Edward's depression stemmed from his diagnosis, but Jasper knew the truth. Edward's condition was the result of being abandoned when he was most in need. If Bella ever came back she'd have to answer to one pissed off Texan.

Edward looked outside where it was starting to snow."Do you'll think we'll have a white Christmas this year?"

"I hope so. " Jasper replied, relived the conversation had strayed away from Bella.

"Do you think Bella can see the snow where she is?"

"I don't want to have this fight again," Jasper said firmly.

The Cullen twins Bella believe had been kidnapped. Why else would she leave without saying goodbye? Jasper did not share their delusion. Bella had a history of running away. She was probably hiding in a youth shelter across state lines. That was how she arrived in Washington. It made sense that she would leave the same way.

"What if she's in trouble?" Edward asked. "She's probably wondering why I haven't come to save her."

"She's survived on her own before." Jasper exhaled slowly. "I'm sure she's fine."

But what is she's not?" Edward started to hyperventilate. "She could be hurt or worse!"

Worried Edward's already weak body couldn't handle the stress, Jasper once again said the worst possible thing.

"I'll find her for you," Jasper said. "I'll make sure she's here in time for your surgery."

Edwards's breathing slowed and his eyes widened. "You'd do that for me?"

"Of course," Jasper said with a tense smile. "Anything for my best friend."

Suddenly full of energy, Edward scrambled out of bed. He ignored Jasper's protests and raced upstairs to his room. He returned with a thick envelope. He handed it to Jasper with an ear to ear grin on his face. It was the happiest anyone had seen him in months.

"You'll need this," Edward said. "Finding her after all this time won't be easy."

Jasper opened the envelope and was left speechless. He was holding over 5,000 dollars. It was more than he'd made in the last six months.

"What's wrong?" Edward asked. "I'll get more if you don't think this will be enough. Alice would be glad to chip in."

Jasper handed the envelope back to Edward. "I won't take your money."

"Bella isn't a lost dog," Edward said. "You'll need to do more than put up a few posters. You may even need to quit your job to search for her full time." He handed the envelope back to Jasper. "I'd do anything to have her back. Even if it's only for a little while."

Jasper sighed and tucked the money into his jacket pocket. "What if I can't find her."

"You will." Edward smiled. "I believe in you."