I hope you're all doing well and staying safe! And Happy Friday!
Thank you to everyone who reads and reviews ... and to Fran, Mr G and Me, and Monica03 for all their help with this story. They're awesome! (Any mistakes you see are my own.)
SM owns everything Twilight.
Cautiously, I tiptoe through the house, freezing when the floorboard loudly squeaks underneath my feet. With my heart lodged in my throat, I squeeze my eyes closed, taking slow, measured breaths as I wait for any sign of acknowledgment from the noise I just made.
Luckily, things remain silent and still, but I don't dare move until I've calmed down, and I'm sure the coast is clear.
There's no movement in the room beside his steady breathing and the slight snores escaping his throat. Blowing out a breath, I release a soundless laugh, relieved he hasn't woken yet.
Continuing into Jasper's room, my eyes sweep around the surfaces of his furniture, looking for my cell phone. For the past week and a half, Jasper has gone to extreme measures to keep me and Rose away from the Cullens in any and all ways.
At first, he merely blocked the door and refused to budge no matter how many threats of violence were hurled in his direction. To add to the frustration, everything we said to him managed to roll off him with ease, his demeanor remaining cool and collected.
When that got old, Jasper took to hiding car keys, but that didn't fly very well with parental units, and he was forced to give up on that quest pretty quickly.
Jasper was persistent, though. When one planned failed, he came back with two more, ready and willing to enforce what he thought was right.
Everything from snitching on our past misdeeds to planning impromptu family nights; nothing stopped his mission from keeping us from the Cullens.
He also took to unplugging the home landline, which had been ringing off the hook the first three days after Halloween.
Alice called the most at first, first wanting to see if our friendship was still alive. I didn't get very far in reassuring her that we're still friends before Jasper intervened, intercepting her calls and spitting out harsh threats to cease calling us.
Through the receiver, I could her pleading with him, begging for a chance to talk more in-depth about what occurred—something he still hasn't shared. Rose and I have both begged and threatened him to spill what happened, but he's remained tight-lipped, only saying that we should trust him.
Honestly, I've never not trusted him when it comes to people. His unique insight into people and their intentions has always been right; Royce and Lauren, for example. However, his newfound feelings about the Cullens are definitely far off.
I'll admit I'm not the biggest fan of all the Cullens, but I know they're not bad people. A certain person is kind of a jackass, but he does have some good qualities.
I wish I could say the same for Jasper at the moment. His refusal to give an honest reason as to why we shouldn't associate with them and his current pastime of thwarting our attempts to talk them have gone way too far.
Like taking my cell phone.
Late last night, I realized my cell phone was missing. I tore my room apart looking for it, thinking I had left it somewhere and just forgot where I set it down. When I started searching in the living room and saw his triumphant smirk, I knew he was responsible.
I tried to barge in here last night and take it back, but he locked himself in before I could cross the threshold. Picking the lock didn't do any good because he would just lock it back once I succeeded, so I knew I needed to wait until he was deeply asleep to break in.
So I did.
Now, I just need to find my phone and get going before he wakes up.
I frown when I come up empty, surmising he must have hidden it in a drawer. I had hoped he would have been satisfied with getting it away from me, but apparently not.
Shooting a glare in his direction, I delicately open his drawers, trying to look without actually looking at what he keeps inside. The last thing I want is to find his porn stash.
The last drawer on the dresser is forcefully shut with agitation when I come up empty-handed. The only other place in is his nightstand, and if it's not in there, then I have no idea where to look.
There's no way I can search his entire room before he wakes up, and if he finds me in here, he'll be in a shittier mood than he has been.
I suppose I can just go over to the Cullen house, but I don't want to show up unexpectedly, especially when they might not be there.
During one of my unsuccessful attempts to leave, Dad had told me the Cullens had to leave town for a family emergency, something that Jasper was all too pleased about.
It's been two days since then, and the silence from my end has gone on too long. I need to see Alice and make sure she's okay.
Maybe I can get answers from her.
On the way home, perhaps I can stop by and see Jess as well; she was recently released from the hospital, recovering from her injuries. I had never been as thankful as I had been when I heard she was going to pull through and be okay.
She's obviously traumatized by the whole ordeal, and I'm not the picture of perfectness myself, but she had it way worse than I did. Maybe once I see her at home, safe and sound, I'll get over these issues I've been having.
In the meantime, I need to find my phone. I'm not going anywhere without that thing being near me, just in case.
Finally, in the back of the nightstand drawer sits my cell phone, and with a triumphant and gloating grin in Jasper's direction, I snatch it. Sneaking out the same way I came in, I strut into the living room, strolling through my messages and stopping short at the two newest ones, both of them to Alice and Edward.
The messages are short but impactful.
Leave us alone and get the hell out of town.
Fuming, I narrow my eyes at Jasper's door, the irate words building on my tongue. Marching to his door, I prepare to throw it open and confront him, but I'm stopped by Dad.
"Bella," he greets, coming down the steps at a leisurely pace.
He looks rested and refreshed; the past few months of stress and worry seemingly vanished. Instead of looking worn down and older than his thirty-six years, he looks even younger.
I merely grunt at him, too pissed off for pleasant conversation.
"Have you forgotten how to use your words, or are you not human now? Should I call a young priest and an old priest?"
I huff a laugh but say nothing.
"You know, everyone told me having children would be a wonderful experience, I just never thought it'd be this fun," he replies in a sarcastic drawl.
Unable to help myself, I snicker. "I bet you have a newfound appreciation for Gran now, huh?"
Innocence washes over his features. "I don't know what you're talking about. I was a perfect child."
I snort, remembering Gran's stories of what a hellion my dad was growing up. Sure, he wasn't as bad as some of his friends, but he wasn't an angel either. Gran spilled all of his secrets, some Dad knows I'm aware of and others he doesn't.
"Sure, you were. Underage drinking, speed racing, egging houses, and the biggest one, becoming a dad in high school."
His face takes on a pinkish hue, his hand rubbing the back of his neck. "Your mother and I did have you young … but the rest of that is all lies. Your Gran …" he pauses, blowing out a breath through his teeth. "I don't know how to tell you this, but she drinks. And she's crazy. She made all that shit up."
Laughing loudly, I quickly smother the sound with my palm, resting my forehead against his arm. Dad chuckles along with me, hugging me to his side.
"Don't you dare tell her I said that," he whispers.
"Still scared of her?" I question, raising an eyebrow.
Immediately, a hand goes to his ear, gently rubbing the small area there. I wince sympathy, clearly remembering Gran's affinity for pinching that part of the ear in reprimand and punishment.
"So, why were you going to kill Jasper so early in the morning? On my day off? How many times do I have to tell you to do that crap outside, where it's easy to clean?"
"Sorry, lost in the moment," I joke.
He narrows his eyes, pointing a finger at me. "That's what'll get you caught. You need to watch more cop shows and learn more."
"Dad," I reply with a laugh. "You're a cop."
"Not a good one."
He laughs it off like it's meant to be a joke, but underneath the humor, I can hear the infliction of truth there. I'm honestly shocked he thinks this. In my eyes, he's the best officer Forks could ever have; who else would work so tirelessly, for hours on end working not only on the big crimes but the little, inane ones, just to give people peace of mind?
"You're the best one," I tell him, staring into his eyes, so he sees my sincerity.
Embarrassed, he smiles, rubbing a hand across his mustache. Faintly, I can see the pink hue of his cheeks and know he's uncomfortable with the praise I gave him.
In an effort to make him more comfortable, I veer the conversation into familiar territory.
"You know, for an old guy," I say flippantly.
Boisterously, he laughs, throwing his head back and hooking an arm around my head, rubbing his knuckles against the top of my skull. I struggle in vain to escape before digging my elbow into his side.
He jerks away with a fake scowl. "You definitely have your mother's bony elbows."
I stick my tongue out at him, and he laughs once more before digging something out of his pocket … his truck keys, dangling from his finger precariously while he gives me a devious smile.
"You can either go in there and give Jasper a beating or," he says, drawing out the word, swinging the keys lightly. "You can go see your friends."
Not taking the time to think about it, I snatch the keys from him and head toward the door, turning around when he calls me back.
He tosses a banana in my direction, and it bounces off my hands, but I manage to catch it just before it fumbles to the ground.
"You need to eat. I have an image to uphold, you know."
"Of course." I pause, my fingernail digging into the soft skin of the fruit. "Hey, Dad? Why aren't you concerned about what Jasper's been saying?"
Dad leans against the wall, crossing his arms over his chest as he shakes his head, disappointment evident on his face. "Jasper is … misguided right now. Trust me, I know the Cullen's very well, and they're good people, Bella. I honestly and truly believe that. Not only that, but I've also seen it. If I didn't trust them … if a lot of people I respect didn't trust them, well, let's just say I wouldn't allow you to go over there. Jasper has a lot going on right now; he's letting his fear guide him into making rash decisions that could hurt him in the long run, but once he calms down, he'll see he's wrong."
"And if he doesn't?"
Sadness quickly washes over his face, but it's gone just as fast as it appears. "There's nothing we can do, then. We'll continue making our own decisions and let Jasper make his own. He's stubborn, but so are we," he replies with a wink.
I nod in acknowledgment. "Okay, sounds good. Now, if he would just leave my shi-crap alone."
I wince at my almost curse, but he doesn't react to it other than a short chuckle. "I'm glad you gave the Cullens a chance, Bella. It was rocky there for a moment."
"I only care about Alice," I defend, scoffing at the idea of liking any of the others. Emmett is kind of cool, but other than that? No way in hell.
Dad raises an eyebrow. "Uh-huh. Sure. You better get going if you're going to go over there. I have it on good authority Jasper set an alarm to be up early."
Rolling my eyes, I mutter a string of curses under my breath. "Of course, he has. Stupid ass-head."
"Bella, language," Mom scolds, coming down the stairs and straight into Dad's side, who doesn't look too pleased with my cursing.
"Sorry," I mumble, inwardly chastising myself. I need to be more careful. "See you later."
"Be safe!"
Waving over my shoulder, I race out to Dad's truck, speeding down the street, toward the Cullen house. It doesn't take long for the scenery beyond my window to blur into a swirling mass of green and brown, blending into one, nauseating color.
It takes an even shorter amount of time for the swirling blue and red lights, followed by the shrieking of a police siren to rush up behind me.
"Shit," I mumble, banging my head against the headrest, slowing the truck to the side of the road.
In the side mirror, I watch as Deputy Mark swaggers out of his vehicle, one hand on his gun and the other swinging at his side. I bite my lip to hold back my laughter at the aviator shades adorning his face and how he hangs them on his slightly open shirt when he reaches the truck.
He honestly looks like a walking cliché of how cops look in movies, and he definitely takes it to a ridiculous extreme.
"Bella," he greets, with a single dip of his head.
I nod back, noting the wrinkles in his clothes and the smudge of lipstick on his neck, underneath a very nicely developing hickey. My guess is, he's spent the morning with one of his 'nightly conquests' and just rolled out of bed.
"Deputy Mark. What's going on?"
He sighs, a faux look of disappointment plastered on his face. "You were speeding. Again. Doing well over eighty."
Raising my eyebrows, I attempt to look shocked. "Really? I didn't realize. I'm so sorry," I tell him with fake sincerity. "I'll admit, I was in a bit of a hurry. A friend of mine needs me."
Dubiously, he stares, allowing the moment to fall into a tense silence. I give him a tight smile, my body thrumming with impatient energy, looking for a way to channel it.
My fingers drum against the door, my skin sticking slightly on the plastic. My foot bounces against the floor, lightly shaking the car. In the passenger seat, my cell phone begins to buzz insistently, and I don't have to look at the screen to know who's calling.
Deputy Mark looks between my cell phone and my face with an inquisitive stare but doesn't comment. Instead, he reaches for the small book he keeps in his back pocket, retrieving a pen from his front shirt pocket.
"I know you're the chief's daughter, but you can't be an exception again. Sorry."
"Yeah," I grumble. I agree that getting a ticket is fair, but I still hate it. I need a built-in radar for cops, so I'll know when to my curb my speeding.
"Mark, are you almost done? I wanna go home now," a whining voice calls.
Deputy Mark's face drains of color, and he drops the book and pen in hand, the items falling onto the concrete with a muted thump.
In the rearview mirror, I see Tracy Miller, hanging out of the passenger side window, her hair a knotted mess and clothes extremely wrinkled. Tracy's top is exceptionally tight and low cut, showcasing the fact that she decided to forgo a bra for the morning ride of shame.
"Tracy, I told you I'll take you home in a minute," he hisses, stepping away for a moment. When he returns, he's red in the face, rubbing the back of his neck with a nervous smile, ignoring my muffled chuckled against my fist. "I'm … gonna let you go with a warning this time, okay? Don't …"
Raising my hands in surrender, I shake my head. "I won't speed, and I didn't see anything."
Breathing a sigh of relief, he nods once, tapping the roof of my car. Stepping away, he rapidly walks to the car and hisses at Tracy, who doesn't seem to like his tone very much. Her face twists and her hands ball into fists on her hips while she screams back at him.
Chuckling, I start the truck and drive off, wanting to get away from the quarreling pair. When I'm far enough away, I press down on the gas, speeding the rest of the way to the Cullen house.
In the passenger seat, my cell phone continues an annoying pattern of buzzing relentlessly before falling silent, only to repeat the cycle. Thankfully, it's easy to ignore since the volume isn't turned up and is simply drowned out by turning on the radio.
Once I pull into the Cullen's driveway, I jump out of the car and bounce up the steps, knocking on the door with a firm hand. I check my phone to make sure my parents or Rose didn't call, but the only name that shows up is Jasper's.
In addition to the eleven phone calls in the past ten minutes, there are a handful of text messages with the same suggestion in each one, varied with each message.
Bella, DO NOT go to the Cullen's place. Do you hear me? If you care about me AT ALL, you will not go there.
Rolling my eyes at his dramatics, I type back a quick message, knocking once more. You're overreacting, Jasper. Nothing will happen. Trust.
Unsurprisingly, he replies back in an instant. I trust you. I'm not too sure about them. You'll get hurt. They'll hurt you. Please, just come back home.
Jasper, what you're asking me isn't really fair to me. I've had enough of this conversation. We'll talk later.
Slipping my phone back in my pocket, I blink as the door opens, and the wild-haired, red-headed woman I had seen with the strange man is there, a smirk on her ruby lips. Causally, she leans against the doorjamb, crossing her arms over her chest.
There's a ferocity in the way she stands, and in the vibrant energy she gives off that makes me take two steps backward.
For the first time, I feel slightly nervous about being here.
"Hello," her voice is soft and smooth, with an alluring purr that, no doubt, would bring men to their knees. Coupled with her otherworldly looks, I know men and women would be putty in her hands.
I shift from left to right as she stares unblinkingly, still smirking as her gaze slowly travels from my head to feet, then back again. Heat floods my system; I resist the urge to fidget and scratch at the back of my head and neck, struggling not to snap at her to 'take a picture.'
"Is Alice here?"
Leisurely, she nods, her amusement rising into her golden eyes. "You're Bella."
I'm confused because her words are a statement; there's no denying the knowing look in her eye as she continues to smirk. My apprehension momentarily forgotten, I simply feel annoyed that she has the upper hand.
"Is this the psychic headquarters? An office for Google? There's a shitload of people here that seem to know everything."
The woman laughs, her head thrown back and shoulders shaking. The sound is an odd combination of a child-like giggle and sultry chortle. I haven't been jealous of too many people in my life, but I definitely feel it toward this woman.
How can she pull off looking innocent, yet alluring and fierce at the same time? It's just not fair.
"I've heard all about you, and I have to say, I'm loving what I'm seeing."
"Really?" I nod in a jerky movement, crossing my arms over my chest. "'Cause I don't know anything about you."
Rolling her eyes, she straightens, holding an arm out in invitation. "Why am I not surprised? I love them all, but they're clueless morons sometimes. Come in. It's going to rain."
I remain where I am, wondering what I should do. This strange woman has an aura of danger around her, but the fact that she's here, with the Cullens, tells me she can be trusted. I don't know them completely, but I know enough about them to know they wouldn't allow anyone inside their home they didn't trust.
However, the question remains … who is this person?
"I'll come back," I mutter.
"Why? You drove all the way out here, in a rush from what it appears," she says knowingly, pointedly staring at the driveway, where tire marks from the truck can clearly be seen.
I force a smile, trying to control my heated skin. "Uh, whoops. Sorry."
She waves away my apology with a small laugh. "Don't worry about it. They've all done worse … so have I for that matter," she muses. "So? Are you coming in?"
I hesitate, my question about her relationship to the Cullens dying to be answered.
"How do you know the Cullens?" I blurt out.
Lightly, she smacks her forehead. Her head slants backward and to the left, that same smirk appearing on her lips, only this time, it has a teasing quality to it.
"And here I am, talking shit about them. I'm Eddie's Aunt Vicki," she coos, holding out a hand.
"Victoria," a familiar, deep voice groans in frustration.
Behind her, Edward gently shoves her out of the way, his eyes wide as he sees me standing there. He blinks rapidly, his head tilted to the side with shock evident on his features. At his side, his hand twitches toward me.
Seemingly surprised, he stares at his hand for a long moment before he forces it back down at his side, shoving it in his pocket.
"Bella," he breathes. "You're … here."
Nodding once, I rock back on my heels, shoving my hands in the back pockets of my jeans. I know his confusion is all Jasper's fault, and my cousin's interference just pisses me off all the more.
If Edward is this confused, then I can't imagine what Alice is feeling.
"Yup. I'm here."
He shakes his head, looking as if he's going to say something, but he's interrupted.
"Ah, that's cute," Victoria says, seemingly gleeful for some reason. "He's surprised."
Shooting her an irritated glare, he huffs. "Stop it."
"Why? It's the truth." Reaching up, she pinches his cheek, which he bats away with a disgruntled grunt.
"Stop," he complains, though I can see a hint of humor shining underneath the annoyance.
I, myself, am completely amused by the entire interaction. I don't know what's going on exactly, but it's easy to see they're clearly family. She's taking too much joy from this interaction and his discomfort to be anything but family.
"Your face will freeze that way," I remark with a smirk.
Victoria snorts, lightly rolling her eyes and pushing Edward's shoulder. "It's already frozen that way, trust me."
He staggers forward, toward me, and I brace myself for impact, but he manages to catch him against the doorframe. "Don't you have somewhere to be, Victoria?"
"Here, obviously," she says, hitting him once more. "Do you have no manners? Invite her in; all of this outside air is making me homesick."
Spinning around, she heads further into the house, disappearing from view. Confused at her words, I take up the offer to come inside, but pause as Edward holds out his hands, stepping forward into my personal space.
Firmly, he shuts the door behind him, rolling his eyes as Victoria shouts at him through the closed door.
"Don't mind her. She's insane."
I hum a response. "She's your aunt? She seems—" I pause, not sure how to say this, so I just spit it out. "Affectionate."
Grimacing, he does a half nod and a shrug. "She has issues with personal space … and yes, in a way, we are related … unfortunately."
"Wow," I reply with a bark of laughter. "I'd hate to hear what you say about me if you talk about your family with such glowing remarks."
"Trust me, I don't waste my breath."
I sneer. "Sure. That's why your siblings knew all about me after our encounter in PA?"
Clearing his throat, his eyes dart away momentarily before meeting mine again. "I was pissed off. I needed to vent against the rude people I encountered."
"I think you remember that encounter wrong."
"I don't think so. I'm pretty sure you were the aggressor. Like always. You're very violent."
Not taking the bait, I change the subject, getting straight to the point. "What happened here on Halloween?"
"Nothing," he replies nonchalantly. "Didn't we already go over this? Or did you come here for another reason?"
I scoff. "You wish. I'm here for—"
Before I can finish what I'm here for, Victoria swings the door open. Edward jumps away from me, jostling me slightly. Nervously, he eyes me from the side. Until he moved away, I had no idea we were so close.
I also have no idea why I didn't notice or care.
"I'm tired of listening through the door," she tells him. "Come in so I can relax while I eavesdrop."
Chuckling, I head inside, looking between them as she reaches up and nudges his shoulder.
"Remember what we were talking about, Eddie?" she questions, teasing. "I think it's definitely true."
"You're delusional … and don't call me Eddie."
"And the rest of us?"
"In the same boat," he snaps before turning to me. "Look, now isn't a really good time."
"I see that," I murmur, my attention drifting between a tickled Victoria and an aggravated Edward. "Well, I'm happy to burst your ego, but I didn't come for you. I came for Alice; so, where is she? In her room?"
Edward steps in front, holding a hand out to stop me. "She's not up for company."
Frowning, I sigh heavily and ready myself for an argument when to my surprise, it's done for me.
"You really have no manners," Victoria complains, stepping up beside me. "Let her go up and see Alice. She might be able to cheer her up. I don't like an upset Alice; she brings down the whole house."
"Victoria," Edward grinds out through clenched teeth. "I don't think that's a good idea."
The pair begins to bicker like siblings, each of their voices rising as the other replies. Rolling my eyes, I manage to slip past Edward and head upstairs, but I'm stopped halfway as Alice rushes down. The squabbling duo silences and heavy footsteps reverberate on the stairs. Edward comes to stand next to me, his hand sliding around my arm and cupping my elbow.
"Bella?" she chokes my name, surprised and shocked at my appearance. If it were possible, I'd swear she got paler.
"Hey, Alice. Can we talk?"
Alice's face falls into a blank mask, her body going unnaturally still, except for her index fingers on both hands, her fingernails scratching her thumb knuckles.
"Sure," she replies, monotone.
Quickly turning around, she leads the way to her room, and I extract my arm from Edward's grip, smiling tightly at the worried glare he shoots.
The burning stare of Edward's eyes remain on the back of my head as I follow after her, the sensation finally fading as I reach the landing, out of view.
I gently close the door behind me as we enter Alice's room. She sits on the end of the bed with her hands folded in her lap, her eyes trained on the ground floor. It reminds me of the times my parents had sent me to my room for acting up; I would sit exactly like this as I had "thought about what I had done" until they came up to talk to me.
Alice is clearly expecting something bad to come from this conversation, and right now, I need to set that straight.
Sitting next to her, I bounce lightly, but I get no reaction. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah," she replies, despondent.
"Yeah, it sure seems like it. Wanna tell me what happened on Halloween?"
She's shaking her head before I'm done speaking, her lips pressed tightly together. "I … can't. It's … there's too much … no."
Heavily sighing, my shoulders slump inward slightly, but I brush it off. Obviously, learning what happened on Halloween won't come easy or simply, but I can wait.
"Fine. But I take it something did happen between you and Jasper, right? I figured that much since he's gone all commander and general on us, forbidding us to come here."
Alice's head tilts as she stares, sadness still etched on her features. "But … you're here."
"Well, yeah," I reply, trying to keep the sarcasm out of my tone. Alice doesn't need my attitude right now. "You're my friend, you're upset; of course I'm going to see how you're doing."
"But the text you sent—"
"Jasper," I interrupt, narrowing my eyes at the incessant buzzing of my phone. I really want to throw it against the wall—or Jasper's head—but I can't afford to buy a new one. "I wouldn't say something like that through a text."
Without warning, Alice throws her arms around me, squeezing tightly. The air whooshes from my lungs in a rush, but I manage to hug her back rather awkwardly since her arms are locked around mine.
"Okay … can't … breathe," I manage to choke out.
She releases me at once, sheepishly grinning, though her eyes are much lighter than they were moments ago.
"Did you really think I would abandon you?" I ask, thoroughly perplexed that she thought I wouldn't be her friend after my cousin went nuts.
"Well, yes," she replies, somewhat stiltedly. "He's your cousin, your family. I thought you would stand by his side ... that's why I've been ignoring you."
My reply is instant, leaving no room for questions. "Of course, I would, in a heartbeat. But," I amend, "only when he's given me good reason. If he had been this way all along, then yeah, I would have kept my distance. But after him being close friends with your brothers and becoming your friend? I'll stick to my own opinion. Besides, my parents sing your family's praises. If they trust you, and I feel you're all good people, then I'm going to be making my own decisions regarding my friendships with you."
Once more, Alice beams, and her eyes turn glassy, but no tears fall. "You have no idea what that means to me."
Sympathy washes through me at her relieved tone, and I take her hand, squeezing once. "I won't apologize for his actions, because he needs to do that, but I am sorry he hurt you."
She shrugs a shoulder, trying to appear indifferent, but I can see the pain flair across her face. "I know I came on too strong at times; I know I'm a lot to handle, but I thought we were becoming friends. It felt like it, at least. His reaction was to be expected, I suppose. Some people can't handle certain truths."
Pursing my lips, I can't help but feel that spark of anger toward Jasper again. How can he be so rude toward Alice and the rest of the Cullens? I don't know what he saw, but it couldn't have been that bad. Sure, the Cullens definitely have a dangerous aura about them at times, but honestly, everyone has that potential.
"He's just being difficult right now. He'll get over it."
Slowly, she shakes her head and heaves a heavy sigh. Her smile is forced, tight, and completely fake. "I don't think so."
"Look, I know him. If he was serious about keeping us from being friends, he'd spill what happened here, but he hasn't. He's been tight-lipped about whatever promise he made you, despite his attitude."
For a moment, hope flares in her eyes, but it dims just as quickly, her sadness coming back tenfold. Briefly, I feel guilty for obviously making her feel worse, but I know I'm right. I just wish she'd see it.
"Alice—"
"So, what do you want to do?" she interrupts, plastering a smile on her face once more.
Not wanting to push her, I start to think of what we can do, but a familiar shout echoing throughout the house has me pausing.
"Bella! Get down here!"
Pissed off, I spin around and stomp down the steps, barely noticing that Carlisle, Emmett, and Edward are attempting to calm down an irate Jasper. He ignores them, his dark eyes instantly narrowed on me.
Victoria stands in the back, all traces of previous amusement gone as she watches the scene unfold. She looks as if she wants to step in, but refrains when she sees me.
"We're going home. I can't believe you came here when I told you not to," he hisses.
Stepping in between Edward and Carlisle, I lean toward him, matching his irate glower with one of my own.
"How dare you," I reply lowly, heat slithering up my chest and into my face. "How dare you send that message. Do you not care that you hurt Alice? Or your friends? Me?"
At the mention of her name, his eyes lift over my shoulder, no doubt seeing Alice there before briefly glancing at his friends. Surprisingly, no one looks upset at his behavior; they simply seem resigned and guarded.
Jasper's expression is pained, remorse flooding his features before they vanish. Reaching forward, he gently grabs my arm, slightly pulling me toward the porch. I fight him, yanking my arm out of his grip and narrowing my eyes into a glare.
Out of the corner of my eye, I notice Edward step up beside me, his jaw clenched. I can't help but wonder what the hell he's doing; does he think I can't take care of myself or that Jasper is dangerous? Or perhaps he's just trying to get a rise out of him.
Either way, it's ridiculous.
From his other side, Emmett nudges his side, inclining his head toward me. Edward shakes his head once and takes a step back, shrugging at his brother while avoiding my gaze.
Rolling my eyes, I wave him forward, hoping there will be a place where Jasper and I can speak alone.
Maybe I can talk some sense into his brain.
"No. Outside."
"If you wanna talk to me, we stay in. I'm here visiting my friend, and I'm not leaving before I'm ready," I challenge, folding my arms over my chest.
Jasper presses his lips together firmly, staring at me unblinkingly. "Fine."
Turning toward Carlisle, the question on where I can take my bone-headed cousin already on my lips. Carlisle, however, beats me to it.
"Take the reading room," he suggests, waving an arm toward the tucked-away room just off the living room.
"Thank you."
With a sincere smile, he nods and steps out of the way, giving Jasper a wide berth to enter. Despite this, Jasper cautiously walks inside, his eyes glued to the floor.
Inside the small library, I pull the pocket door closed, noting that most of the Cullen's had dispersed. Edward and Emmett are the only two that remain, both of them talking quietly, with the latter gesturing in my direction.
I'm extremely curious as to what's being discussed, but now isn't the time for that.
"I want us to leave," Jasper starts. "Now. Let's go home, and we'll talk there."
"What is up with you?" I question, seriously worried about his frame of mind. "You know these people, Jasper. They're your friends. What has made you so paranoid?"
"I can't—"
"Tell me," I finish for him. "Yeah, I know. For someone who claims not to trust and like the Cullens, you sure are guarding their secrets pretty heavily."
Looking away, he bores holes into the floor, gritting his teeth but not saying anything. I wait for a long moment, letting my words sink in before speaking again.
"Maybe it's because you know deep down they're not bad guys. If Dad likes them then—"
Jasper scoffs, roughly rubbing at the back of his neck. "Uncle Charlie is blind."
"Everyone in La-Push too, huh? And everyone in town?"
He nods once, his jaw clenched.
I sigh heavily, rolling my eyes upward and wishing for more patience to deal with my stubborn cousin.
"Jeez, you're a headache," I mumble. "Okay, different tactic. If the Cullens were as dangerous as you say they are, then they would have gotten rid of you by now. You know, considering what's known."
The color drains from his face, and he stands taller, his back straightening and body tensing. "What … what do you mean? Do you—?"
"I mean, they could have easily killed you if they were dangerous. They could have staged it, making it look like an accident, and no one would have been wiser. But …" I say, drawing out the word. "They haven't. You're still here, being pissy with everyone. I think Edward's attitude has rubbed off on you."
"He's a go—" he stops suddenly, clamping his lips closed as he realizes he was about to defend his friend.
I smirk, my amusement growing as his anger increases. The air in the small room grows thick and uncomfortable, almost to an unbearable level. My breathing comes in sharp, short bursts, my chest tight and heavy.
Clearing my throat, I push the feelings away, refusing to back down. After a moment and few throat clearings later, the sensation is gone.
"You don't get it," he continues after a moment. "I'm trying to protect you. I'm trying to protect every—"
"Jasper Whitlock, get out here!" a familiar voice bellows from behind the pocket door.
Both of us jump, our attention diverted toward the living room. Neither one of us makes any move to open the door, remaining frozen in place, listening to the mumbled voices of Dad and Carlisle coming from the next room.
It takes me a moment, but I finally realize I have nothing to be apprehensive about; I'm not the one acting like a nut.
Jasper pulls me back as I reach for the door, looking more frightened than he did when he came back from the Cullen's place on Halloween. He's pale and wide-eyed, swallowing loudly as he shakes his head rapidly.
I know he doesn't want me to open the door, but what good would staying in here do? Dad obviously knows Jasper is in the house, and I'm sure Carlisle has told him exactly where he is.
Part of me feels bad for him; after all, he is my cousin ... hell, he's practically my brother. The other part of me, however, is pleased that he's going to get in trouble. He deserves it for his behavior and trying to separate me from my friend.
"Own it, jerk."
He scowls, but swallows once more, taking in a deep breath before reaching past me and opening the door. Alice and Edward sit at the top of the stairs, talking quietly. Alice has her arms wrapped around her legs, her chin resting on top of her knees. Every so often, she nods at whatever Edward says, before looking away, toward us.
I smile at her, and her grin in response is small, missing its usual warmth and happiness.
Upon seeing Dad, he squares his shoulders, but his head lowers as he takes in Dad's disapproving glare.
"Jasper, I … there are no words," Dad starts, his voice low and even. "Your behavior regarding the Cullens, who are good friends of mine … not to mention your recent speeding? You nearly ran Deputy Mark off the road!" He pauses, taking a deep breath. "I can't believe you would be so reckless. I am so disappointed in you."
To me, this tone is so much impactful and guilt-inducing than someone raising their voice.
As if on cue, Jasper's tall posture crumbles, his shoulders curling inward, and his head drops further down, making him looked hunched and broken.
My eyes burn, and the center of my chest feels heavy as my skin heats. An overwhelming feeling to bow my head and hide away washes over me. Clearing my throat, I force myself to keep my head held high, reminding myself I'm not the one in trouble here.
Knowing Jasper is suffering tears at me, and I want to reach out and hug him, but I refrain, looking at Alice as she watches on, despondently. He's caused a lot of unnecessary grief and needs to own up to it.
"Uncle Charlie, I'm—"
Dad holds up a hand, immediately silencing him. "Not now. Renee," he calls, looking out the front door.
Seconds after he calls her, Mom glides in, gazing impassively at Jasper as she comes to stand between Dad and Carlisle. She barely spares me a glance, looking more serious than I've ever seen her.
"All of us are going to talk," she tells Jasper, waving at Dad, Carlisle, and herself. "Carlisle?"
Solemnly, he nods and leads Mom out of the room. Dad gives Jasper a pointed look, jerking his head toward Mom and Carlisle.
Jasper trails after them at once, with Dad closing behind him. Before he leaves the room, he turns to look at me.
"Bella, why don't you go home?"
"I was hanging out with Alice."
He looks as if he's going to argue, but doesn't. "Fine. Don't come near Carlisle's office, understand?"
I plaster on a look of a shock. "What do you take me for? I would never eavesdrop!"
"Wouldn't you?" he questions, raising an eyebrow.
"Maybe," I hedge. "But how would you know? Have you eavesdropped on me?"
He winks. "Where do you think you get it from?"
Chuckling under my breath, I head toward Alice, nudging her knee with my own. "Hey. You okay?"
She gives me a combination of a shrug and a barely-there smile, saying nothing.
I sigh heavily, wondering how I should proceed. I imagine if this was Rose pining over some guy, I'd tell her to find a better one because the one that's causing her this much hurt isn't worth it. With my biased feelings toward Jasper, I'm not sure I can say it and actually mean it.
Deep within me, I know the hard time Jasper is putting her through isn't worth her sadness. If he can't get his head out of his ass and stop being such a jerk, then she's better off.
"Jasper is stubborn," I start, keeping my voice low. "Always has been. I think it's a male thing."
This gets a more genuine smile from her, but it doesn't quite reach her eyes.
"Right now, he's scared, and when he's like that, he tends to act first and look at things later."
"I know," she murmurs. "You've told me."
"Okay, so I'll tell you again. Once he steps back and sees what he's doing, he'll realize he's being a jerk and apologize. It might be stilted and awkward, but he'll mean every word."
"I don't think so. Things …" she trails off, her nose wrinkled as she thinks. "Things haven't changed, I don't think."
"Something you know for certain?" I question pointedly, hoping she'll let me in.
Purposefully, she looks away, though her mumbled response is loud and clear. "Yes."
"Things change every day. I know my cousin. He's being stubborn and pig-headed now, but he always comes out of it. Now that my parents are fully involved, he'll step back and reevaluate."
Alice turns her head back toward me, giving me that same, barely-there smile. "It doesn't matter, not really. I just … I was looking forward to—" she trails off, a humorless laugh leaving her. "It doesn't matter. As long as you're my friend, that's all I care about."
She stops again, and we sit in silence for a long moment. Even though we're sitting next to each other, I feel as if there's a giant rift between us and there's nothing I can do about it.
There are a million things I want to say, but I have no idea how to say them. My friend is hurting, and despite her words about it being enough just being my friend, I know it's not; I know she's crushed by Jasper's rejection. I just wish I knew a way to make her feel better.
I would go for something cliché like there are plenty of fish in the sea, but with Alice's past behavior, I don't think that will work.
"I think I'm going to get out for a bit and collect my thoughts. Feel free to stay as long as your parents are here, okay? Thank you for coming over."
Once more, I sigh heavily, wishing I could do more to help my friend. At the moment, there's simply nothing I can do, and I hate it.
"Sure. Feel better."
Delicately, Alice drifts down the steps, meeting Victoria at the entrance of the living room. She opens her arms and tucks my small friend into her side. Shooting me a grateful smile, she leads Alice through the kitchen, toward the backyard.
I start to rise, intent on heading out, but Edward's voice stops me,
"Thank you for being kind to her."
Gracefully, he comes to stand next to me, looking into my eyes with an intensity that makes the skin on the back of my neck tighten and my heart race.
"She's my friend. I won't kick her while she's down."
He nods once, running a hand through his hair. "I know, but this thing with Jasper has been … she's never been like this before. With anyone. Quite frankly, I'm worried about her."
"She'll be fine," I state with confidence. "Whether Jasper apologizes or not, she'll be fine."
The look he gives me is patronizing, like a parent indulging their child when they believe the fairy tales they read are true, living stories. Annoyed, I roll my eyes and look away with a huff.
Out of the corner of my eye, I notice him trying to say something, but each time he opens his mouth, he closes it just as quickly, shaking his head in irritation.
After several minutes of awkward silence, he finally finds his words. "How are you doing?"
"Fine," I reply immediately.
One eyebrow raises high on his forehead. "Really? Because you look awfully tired," he remarks, his eyes drifting underneath my eyes, where the dark, purple-like bruises rest.
"You're such a charmer. Do you talk that way to everyone, or am I just special?"
A smirk lifts on his lips. "Just you. I bet you're happy, huh?"
"Thrilled," I deadpan.
"Seriously," he starts again, all traces of humor gone. "Are you okay?"
Clearing my throat, I shuffle down a step, brushing some hair behind my ears. To be honest, I haven't been okay.
My nightmares from Halloween night have been exceedingly and terrifyingly strong. To make matters worse, nothing seems to help drive them away, listening to music, reading, watching television … nothing relieves me from seeing Jess's blood over my body and hands.
I've tried to tell myself she's okay, that she's alive—thanks to Carlisle—but not even that works.
Now, I simply avoid going to sleep if I can help it, opting to load my body with caffeine, and spend my night reading and watching movies.
"I'm fine," I state more firmly, hoping he'll drop it.
He hums under his breath, his head tilted to the side as he stares unblinkingly. When I meet his eyes, I feel as if he's looking straight through me, reading my most personal thoughts and feelings; something I'm not keen about.
"Drop it. It's not your concern."
I don't receive a reply; instead he turns his head away, his eyes drifting down into the living room, where a very familiar figure walks in.
It's the man who saved me from Laurent, the one who I had seen with Victoria, the same one that was holding Alice on Halloween.
"Hello," he greets, tilting his head toward me. Like his companion, his eyes twinkle with mischief and deviance as he stares at Edward. "You must be Bella."
"I know we've kind of met before, but I don't know you. It's odd, everyone seems to know me, but I don't know them," I reply, casting a look at Edward, who stands closer to me as I reach the other man, who looks completely amused. "If I'm being honest, it's kind of annoying."
The man chuckles, bowing at the waist. "Forgive me. I'm James. Edward's Uncle."
He reaches for me but stops as Edward speaks, stepping forward and delivering a firm punch to his shoulder. "James, stop."
"It's the truth," he replies innocently, humor still playing out on his face.
"Who are you related to?" I ask, unable to quell the curiosity any longer.
Briefly, my eyes drift to the wall behind him, where a family portrait rests. Edward, like many of the pictures he's in, stands separately. He's brooding, a half frown and scowl on his face as he looks up through his eyelashes, looking extremely vulnerable and pissed off at the same time.
It's a rare combination that only he can seem to accomplish.
Jerk.
Moving from him, my gaze zeroes in on one person in particular, and immediately, the puzzle pieces click.
No wonder James looks so familiar to me; he shares so many features with a certain Cullen I can't believe I didn't see it before.
Loudly, I gasp, looking back at James with wide eyes. "You're Carlisle's brother!"
So ... some revelations and a few hints dropped in this chapter. :)
I hope you enjoyed the chapter and I hope you have a good weekend!
Until next time!