Disclaimer: I own only the plot of the story. The names of the characters belong to S.M.

CHAPTER 7 – Family knows

CPOV

I was going through Alice's medical files for the hundredth time, when I heard Bella's chime-like voice from below.

"Oh, Alice! Don't be mad, it was just a joke…"

"You are insane," Alice sounded like an angry kitten. "He is your brother, for Christ's sake! He is…Jasper and I am…" she paused, but kept on talking, though her voice was lower now, more hollow. "Just drop it, ok? It's not funny."

"I am sorry," my daughter sounded sincerely apologetic. "It's almost four, I think my father must be at his study now. Let's find out?" she said changing the subject. I decided it was my cue to make my presence known. After all, I was about to have a very serious talk with Alice, one that had the potential to make her or break her.

"Up here," I said through the half opened door of my study. I waited for a few minutes and soon I could hear them approaching.

Bella came in first and let Alice follow. My eyes flickered between the two girls; Bella seemed both sorry and smug, Alice was flustered and nervous. Her gaze darted anxiously everywhere around the room but me. She was scared to death about the intended topic of conversation.

My daughter knew everything, so, after giving me a faint nod, kissed Alice's cheek and left saying "I'll be waiting in my room." And then it was Alice and me.

I gestured at a spot near my desk and she reluctantly obeyed. We were facing each other. Here we go…

"How are you, sweetheart?" I gently asked the panicky girl.

"Fine as always, thank you," she shrugged. I watched her biting her lower lip and suddenly…

"You have read my file, Carlisle," she blurted out all of a sudden, "you have asked to see me. What is it you want to discuss with me?"

"I have read your file, it's quite interesting. Have anyone explained the nature of your condition before?" She nodded. "Then, I won't go into the technical details too much. The bottom line, Alice, is this; a new procedure is being developed, and I firmly believe it can repair the problem in your spine that causes you pain and hinders your ability to walk.

"I won't lie to you. The damage in your spinal cord is severe, and the vertebrae there will be too stressed to handle. The estimated success rate of this surgery is good, depending on what we would find once we have opened you up. You will have post-op check-up, but we will not have a clear view until the actual surgery.

"There is a chance that your vertebrae won't connect properly with the titanium spinal support device aiming to relieve some of the excess stress in the area. And before that, we have to perform a very delicate surgery to solve the stenosis problem, to allow the blood flow more freely. We will also put artificial discs wherever necessary to relieve the nerve compression and minimize the pain."

I finished talking for the time being, letting her comprehend the medical and technical details. Her posture was tense, she was sweating, and her hands were clasped to one another. She was in full panic mode now, so I rushed to her side, kneeling in front of her.

"Calm down, please. It's scary, I know, but I had to tell you the cold hard facts. You have to make a decision, and soon. I can't sugarcoat anything. You have to decide if you are willing to take the risk," I finished and squeezed her hands, trying to ease her mind.

"I care for you deeply," I went on, "Esme and I love you like our own daughter. So I will give you some advice; take your time and think this over. When you feel better, call me and I will arrange all the tests required. Then, we can talk again." I smiled at her, but she remained silent. Hm, where is Jasper when I need him? He would calm her in seconds.

She startled me by leaning forward and latching her arms around my neck, hiding her face on my shoulder. Her tiny frame started shaking and I could definitely hear her sobs. I tried soothing her, rubbing her back, though I knew she needed to let it all out, in order to find her peace of mind.

JPOV

I was in my room, working at a pressing project, when a knock on my door interrupted my train of thought.

"Who is it?" I asked, irritated by the interruption. The door opened and closed, and I heard soft footsteps on the carpet stopping right next to my bed. Then the bed squeaked.

"Hello, brother dearest," my sister teased.

"I have work to do," I remained unfazed by her attitude.

"Hey," she said mocking me, "and I thought you would be happy to know that Alice is here, talking to Carlisle as we speak."

My head shot up immediately, and I turned towards her. "Why? Is she okay?" I asked, suddenly feeling worried. Her eyes twinkled with amusement, but then became serious again.

"He wants to talk to her about a new surgery for her…problem. As far as I am aware of, there are many issues to be addressed. Poor thing, she must be terrified by now…"

The though of Alice being sad or upset was unnerving. I stood up swiftly, but as I tried to move past her, Bella grabbed my wrist and stopped me.

"When will you admit your feelings for her?" she accused me, while I stared back with my mouth hanging open like an idiot, blushing for the first time in my life. "You love her and she loves you, too. Quit being stupid, do the right thing and be happy. You both deserve it." She released my hand and ushered me to the door. "Go to her."

I rushed to my father's study as fast as I could. I raised my hand to knock but stopped as I listened to the conversation inside the room.

"Calm down, please. It's scary, I know, but I had to tell you the cold hard facts. You have to make a decision, and soon. I can't sugarcoat anything. You have to decide if you are willing to take the risk," my father was talking to Alice, his tone soothing and calm.

"I care for you deeply," he went on, "Esme and I love you like our own daughter. So I will give you some advice; take your time and think this over. When you feel better, call me and I will arrange all the tests required. Then, we can talk again." I could hear my father smile, but she never uttered a single sound.

There was silence at first, as my father's words were sinking into her brain. Minutes passed by, when suddenly, I heard someone sobbing. Alice...she was crying…baby girl….I am here for you, my heart ached for her. My father was whispering at her, trying to comfort her.

I couldn't stand still and let her suffer like this. I had to ease her pain, so I knocked on the door and pushed it open without waiting for a response. Carlisle smiled at me in understanding, while Alice peeked at me, hiding at my father's shoulder.

"Son, I am so glad you came. I think you are just the right person to keep Alice company at the moment." He gently pulled himself out of her embrace and, kissing her head, got up. "Take your time, sweetie," were his parting words before he returned to his files. I was right next to her in a flash.

"Hey, pixie," I smiled at her and she grinned back through her tears. "Wanna talk about it?" I asked and she nodded shyly.

"Where to, my lady?" I asked in mocking indignation.

"To your castle, my lord," she played along. "Lead the way and I will faithfully follow."

Soon after, we were inside my room, no Bella in sight. But my sister's words were still, running around my mind.

"When will you admit your feelings for her? You love her and she loves you, too. Quit being stupid, do the right thing and be happy." I loved her, for that I was sure. But was Bella right? Did Alice really love me? Should I remain a friend to her, or should I take a leap of faith and declare myself? Surely Bella wouldn't lie, Alice being her best friend.

Then I remembered all the smiles, glances and blushes that she had sent me and I felt like dying from extreme happiness. She really loves me! In that moment, I made up my mind…

"Jasper," her sweet voice called out at me, bringing me out of my reverie. I scooped her in my arms effortlessly, and placed her on my bed, making sure she was seated comfortable. She tried protesting but I silenced her, putting a finger on her lips. She blushed again. Darn, she is cute.

"We have a lot to talk about, so I need you to be at ease." She remained mum, but her eyes followed me around. I pressed the play button to my stereo system, filling the room with low, soft music. She lit up with recognition.

"Claire de Lune?" she whispered fondly, "I love it. It reminds me of you. Calm, serene…" I climbed on the bed next to her.

"It's my favorite, too, ever since I have met you. It is like you. Sweet and caring," I said, staring right in front of me. I felt her tremble momentarily. Is she cold, I wondered, and instinctively, I put my arm around her.

Strangely enough, she snuggled closer and, little by little, she relaxed in my embrace. I was glad she was calm now, but still, we had to talk.

"Talk to me," I twirled her hair around my fingers. She tensed again. "You are terrified and confused, Ali, I can practically smell your fear. Talk to me and I promise you will feel better afterwards." She gazed at me, full of doubt and awe. I was puzzled.

"What?" I asked her. She blinked twice and shook her head.

"I have always thought you are a wonderful person and yet, you manage to amaze me even more." She inhaled sharply, as if to gather up her courage, and kept on talking.

"From the first moment I saw you, I have always felt safe around you. You care for me and I feel I can trust you with anything; my thoughts, my fears, my life…" she paused and whispered something so low, but still, I heard it, "…my heart."

I managed to not show I had heard her, though my heart was bursting with joy and excitement. Kissing her forehead, I searched for a way to make her feel more at ease, but she beat me to it.

"Can we try something?" she asked shyly, blushing like crazy.

"Anything you want," I answered.

She ducked her head down and patted my thighs. It was my turn to blush, but thankfully, she didn't see me. I picked her up easily and placed her between my legs on such a way that she was pressed on me, my arms circling around her petite frame. Her hand was running up and down my body, a small smile on her lips.

I was ecstatic. I had the girl that meant the world to me right here in my arms. Can life get any better, I thought. Yes, it can, my heart replied. If only she can be mine…

"Carlisle talked to me," she started again, "about a new procedure which has potential. Leaving out the gory details, I don't think I can handle recalling them right now, but it is a rather radical, experimental surgery, with good results. It is a complex procedure, with a high probability of making everything worse."

She was shaking now, stress evident and her posture, her hand still on my chest, gripped on my shirt. I held her closer and kept rubbing her arm.

"Calm down, baby girl, please," I begged her. "We can stop any time, you don't have to tell me anything else if it is upsetting you too much." She held on me tighter before she spoke in a low voice.

"I fully understand the issues involved, but I also feel this is my only chance to be free from my wheelchair. I want to be able to walk, to be independent, to be…" she stuttered, "…whole. But I can't forget the fact that something might go wrong, and then the damage might become irreversible."

She stopped abruptly and put her arm around me, her head pressed over my heart. I let her be, enjoying the feeling of having her in my arms. She smelled lilac and vanilla, a heavenly scent.

'I love listening to your heart beating," she murmured. "I don't know why, but it calms me." My darling angel, I grinned. I brushed my fingers on her cheek, revelling at the feel of her soft skin.

Suddenly, I felt wetness on my fingertips and realised they were tears. Why was she crying? Did I do something wrong? I lifted her face up, worried.

"Sweetheart, why are you crying? What is wrong? Is it me? You can tell me anything. I don't like see you in so much pain. It…hurts me," I finished lamely.

She looked at me through her tears, and slowly, she raised her hand to cup my cheek. I watched her face closely, trying to decipher her expression. I could see an avalanche of emotions rolling off her; fear, surprise, concern, love and, finally, determination. She took a few deep breaths to gather up her courage.

"I will have the surgery, I made up my mind." Well, that was not what I was expecting.

"No, Alice, no. Don't decide now. It's too soon. You heard Carlisle. Take your time, think the pro's and the con's. There are a lot in stake here," I argued.

"I know," she replied, "but it's my only chance and I will take it. I can only pray everything goes well. I trust Carlisle's abilities and, if I am lucky, I might be able to walk like a normal human being, or, at least, with a cane. In any case, I will be free from that damn chair.

"I am just tired of being a Halfling, dependent on other people's kindness. I want to feel worthy of the man I love…" she stopped, mortified for her slip-up. I froze….she was in love? Who was the lucky bastard that had captured her heart, but made her feel so undeserving of his affections?

Bella was so wrong….It was impossible for Alice to love me, because it was me who didn't deserve her. I had to find who this man was, and beat him senseless until he realised how fortunate he was for having an angel like Alice loving him.

"Alice," I whispered, scared to death, my heart ready to break in a million pieces, "who is he?" She shuddered in my arms, her heart fluttering like a bird. "Please," I begged her. God, I am late. I have lost her.

"Jasper, I never meant to tell you this…" her voice was like a soft breeze to my ears, "not before I have the surgery. I wanted to be able to stand on my own, to be equals."

"It never mattered to me whether you could walk or not," I interrupted her. "You are the most amazing woman in the world for me. I lo…" I stopped. I couldn't reveal my love for her, it would be unfair of me to make her feel guilty for not returning my affections.

"Who is he?" I repeated, completely numb. The silence in the room was deafening, until she uttered one simple word that set my world on fire.

"You."

It was barely audible, merely a whisper. But it seemed like a thunder had struck, shaking the whole house from the ground. My mind was blank. Had I heard correctly?

"What did you say?" I asked again, my faces inches from hers. She lowered her eyes, but I wouldn't have any of it. I moved her so that she was lying in my arms like a baby, though she tried to squirm away from me. I wouldn't let her go, not before I heard it again.

"Answer me!" I insisted. She was now shaking like a leaf. "Please…."

"You…I love you….always and only you," she chuckled darkly. "I am sorry, Jasper. I know you don't feel the same, but I couldn't keep it inside me anymore. Don't feel bad or guilty, it's really ok. I don't deserve you, after all. What do I have to offer you anyway? I am not good enough for you, I will never be," she closed her eyes, a few tears escaping down her face.

"Forgive my outburst," she apologised. "Forget everything I said, and promise that you will still be my friend. I don't want to lose you," she was sobbing now, her face pressed on my shirt, soaking it.

I was stunned. Was it possible to feel as conflicted as I did at this particular moment? I was beyond myself from happiness because she loved me, and at the same time, I was anguished over her misery. She was heartbroken, believing that I didn't return her feelings. I had to make everything right.

"I must tell you something, Alie…something very important," I said as her sobs began to die down. Her eyes snapped open wide, full of shock and dread.

"No, Jasper, don't! Don't say it!" she tried to stop me. "I don't want to hear it, I don't need your pity. It's not your fault I have fallen in love with you. You simply are too damn good for your own good. Forgive me for throwing this on you. I am being unfair and selfish. Maybe…maybe we shouldn't hang out for a while…" she lowered her eyes in shame, "…I have to give you some space," she mumbled. I grinned inwardly; she talked too damn much.

In a blink of an eye, my lips were locked on her soft ones, and I was kissing the living daylights out of her. I poured all the love and passion I was feeling for her in this kiss.

She surely didn't expect this, I had caught her off guard, but as the kiss deepened, I could sense her fear melt and her enjoying the kiss to the maximum. One of her hands was grazing my back, while the other took hold of my hair, holding me close.

Finally, I broke our connection to catch our breaths, but I kept peppering her sweet face with feather kisses. Her eyes were shut, but she looked happy and content. I slowed down and, after giving her a last kiss on her forehead, stopped and stared down at her. She looked at me again, a small smile slowly appearing on her lips.

"You love me." It wasn't a question, but rather a statement.

"I love you," I grinned.

"I love you," she grinned back. "But," she wondered, "how is it possible? I am not worthy…" I never let her finish this sentence.

"Never say anything like this again! You are perfect for me! You are sweet, gentle, funny, kind-hearted, you are everything I am asking for. I don't care whether you can walk or not. It simply doesn't matter to me, it doesn't define who you are. You are the love of my life, the girl I have been waiting for so long. Do you understand me?" I finally asked. "Do you believe me?"

She remained silent, scrutinizing my face, measuring my sincerity. All of a sudden, she blushed.

"Forgive me for doubting you. I know you too well now to even think you could hurt me. It is just…so hard to believe it. You have to understand that all my life, I have been told that I was inadequate, unlovable, a burden; that I was no good, at all. I have always been alone and, strangely enough, I had accepted that fact.

"Then, Bella came along and became my friend, but it was hard to change the way I saw myself. I have found it difficult letting my protective walls down, to allow Bella and Edward to come closer, to believe I was worthy of their friendship. And, I can assure you that, even then, I never thought I would find love.

"You are different, though. I always thought that God hated me, and was punishing me for something, and I was so angry! I now believe that He had a greater plan, that we were meant to be together. You are my love, my soul mate, my missing piece.

"When I am close to you, I feel complete. You are my guiding light, my guardian angel. My life has been hard, but it led me to you and you are worth it." She pressed her lips over my heart. "Just promise me one thing..." she trailed off.

"Anything," I whispered through her hair.

"Never lie to me," she said hesitantly, "and always talk to me."

I nodded and kissed her again, chuckling at the end. She raised eyebrows questioning my outburst.

"Wait until everybody finds out we are a couple now. We will never live down to this."

"I don't care," she kissed the palm of my hand softly, "as long as I have you by my side." I couldn't agree more. She was my reason to be happy. Nothing could bring us down. We were invincible.

Little did we know that our happiness would be crashing down all around us…