Disclaimer: I don't own anything. Wish I did, but alas I don't.

I know this chapter is short, and I apologize. It's all building up to the rest of the story. Please please please review. I'd at least like to know anyone is interested in my continuing this story.

After Renee and Charlie went back downstairs to give me a few minutes to compose myself, take a shower, and get changed, I slowly began picking up the items I had previously skewed all over my bedroom. I was surprised to realize I didn't recognize some of the garments. Truth be told, they weren't really things that seemed to fit in with my other clothing. They were much trendier than anything I would have chosen. They were more Alice. Oh, Alice. My heart ached.

Skeptically moving over to my closet, I eyed the garments hanging from their hangers. Much of this definitely wasn't mine. Apparently Alice hadn't been content to leave without reminders. Sorting through the clothing, I couldn't seem to help the small smile that tugged on my lips. Leave it to Alice to buy me a new wardrobe before disappearing out of my life.

Once I had sorted through about twenty different garments, some new blouses, tank tops, jeans, and slacks I would never wear, I stopped briefly as my hand landed on silk. Moving the rest of the clothing away, I was taken aback by the sight of the dress I wore to junior prom. I had been so happy then. Well, I was miserable at being at prom, but I was blissfully happy in my ignorance that he would stay with me forever. As the gaping hole in my chest reopened, I realized I had finally found something that hurt more than the pain I've been experiencing. Apparently, memories of my happiness only made the dark emptiness of my despair seem that much worse. I was a bleak nothingness that used to have everything. I once again realized the full emptiness of living a life without him.

Turning my attention back to the clothing in hopes of distracting myself from a train of thought that would do me no good, I quickly and forcefully moved the dress to the back of my closet. Going back to where I had left off before I was rudely interrupted by happy and pain laced memories, I was confused by the sudden wrinkling sound of paper. Moving about two more garments over, I found a large manila envelope pinned to a black sweater. Pulling the garment down and fingering the soft fabric – definitely Cashmere, I unhooked the envelope and moved over to my bed, setting the garment on top of my bedspread and holding the envelope in my hand. Only one word was present on the outside of the envelope. Elegant script detailed out a single word – Bella.

Giving a soft tug to the bottom of my wet ponytail, I absentmindedly chewed my bottom lip before turning the envelope over in my hand and breaking the seal. I could feel something in the bottom of the envelope but settled on simply pulling out the one piece of unfolded paper. Taking a deep breath and holding it, I turned the paper over. As I felt my breath catch, I quickly wondered if I would be able to handle this. I still wasn't sure who the letter was from, but I wasn't entirely sure I wanted to know. Could this really lead to anything but more pain? Even before I could bring myself to an answer, my eyes began reading the first lines:

~ Bella-

We only agreed to leave early so I could pull this off without Edward finding out. I know once we meet up with him I'll no longer be able to keep it a secret, but by then it will be too late for him to do anything about it. I'm sorry I didn't get to say good-bye in person. Honestly, I'm sorry we're saying good-bye at all, but you know how stubborn Edward can be. I'm also sorry if you hate him now - but I don't blame you. I wouldn't blame you if you hated all of us.

The true reason I'm leaving this, is that Jasper needs you to know how sorry he is. He hasn't seen you since the night of your birthday and this is just tearing him up inside. He feels completely responsible for Edward's decision and I couldn't let him live forever without having the chance to apologize; even if the apology is coming through me in this letter. I don't think he'll ever forgive himself. He loves you as much as the rest of us do. We will miss you.

I know I don't have the right to ask anything of you, but if you might just allow me this one wish - Don't forget us. Maybe it's selfish of me, but I'm sure you wouldn't have been able to forget anyway. After seeing what Edward was planning to do, and the things he was planning to take in order to help you forget, I couldn't help but enclose something for you. If you trust me, please don't look at it now. Simply put it away and take a look in the future. I wanted you to have something from us. You brought a life to this family that had been missing for far too long a time.

Edward may be unable to comprehend the depth of your love for him, but I can see it. I can see your love for each of us and I'm begging you not to do something we'll all regret. You are our family and even if we can't be with you, losing you would be more than we could bear. Live a long and happy life.

Continue to be the girl I consider my best friend. And remember - you'll always be a Cullen to us.

Yours,

Alice

Oh, and Bella, please wear the new clothing. I'd like to think I've had at least one positive influence on you. Your new shoes are in the bottom of the closet – don't worry, no heels.~

I sat for a moment and stared at the envelope, waiting for the tears to fall. I had lost so much when he decided to leave. Everything I had held as my future was torn from my grasp. I should have realized I would never be enough for their world. All I had ever done was put their family in danger. And finally he had seen the truth. He saw that I wasn't worth it and left. The last part of my heart died when I realized that even after everything I had put them through, the rest of the Cullens were worried about me. Someone would have to talk to them about the proper placement of priorities. Unfortunately, I would never see them again, so it wouldn't be me.

Shifting the weight of the envelope in my hands, I briefly thought about just looking at what was inside. Thinking better than to bet against Alice, I slowly stood from the bed and walked over to my small wooden dresser. Opening the top drawer, I slid the envelope and letter under my folded clothes. Someday I would open the envelope – someday, I would know the right day, and I would finally look at what Alice had put into it. But, that day wasn't today and as one single tear found its way out of my eye and onto the manila envelope, I shut the drawer and prepared to face the rest of the day.

Turning around, I put on the cashmere sweater and pulled on a pair of dark blue jeans. I knew the next few days would be the hardest of my life. I had to act like I was getting better. I had to pretend I would ever be able to get over this. I had to pretend I wasn't dead inside and I had to make sure my parents believed it.

With one last glance at the rocking chair in my corner, I choked back a sob and headed out of the room. It was now or never and this wasn't going to get any easier. I guess I'll just have to see what the day brings. Who knows, maybe I'll get to spend some alone time with my mom. Maybe.

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