"Every choice we're making, every road we take

Every interaction starts a chain reaction

We're both affected when we least expected it

And when we touched then it all connected."

-Touch, Natasha Bedingfeild

Bella

"Alice, I don't need to dress up to go shopping!" I said to her as she rummaged through my closet, muttering to herself about what I should wear for our trip today. Oh, and completely ignoring me.

"Alice, are you listening to me?"

More muttering.

I give up.

"Aha! Perfect!" She exclaimed after a moment as she emerged holding a few articles of clothing I honestly didn't remember having before today. "Here, put this on Bella."

"Alice-" I started but she just shoved the clothes into my arms and steered me towards my bathroom.

"I'll, wait here, so hurry now! We have shopping to do!" And with that she closed the door leaving me standing here, slightly dumbfounded.

This girl, I swear.

I sighed though and began to remove my pajamas, well, sweats and t-shirt that is, deciding I might as well just listen to her. After all, she had arrived at my house at eleven in the morning ringing the doorbell repeatedly until I was forced to get off my lazy ass and get it, having forgotten that Charlie was out fishing. And then, she'd hugged me quickly before running up the stairs and to my closet before I could even close the door. And she'd been in that closet for about half an hour. Honestly, I didn't even have that many clothes.

And I had tried to be mad at her, but how could I? Let me know when you meet someone who can.

I pulled on the shirt she'd handed me before turning to look in the mirror, surprised that I liked what she given me. It was a simple blue tunic, paired with dark skinny jeans and flats. Not my usual style but I think I'm learning to trust Alice, specifically when it comes to fashion.

"Done yet?" She called to me, and I took one last look in the mirror before heading back to my room where Alice was standing with a curling iron in one hand and a make-up bag in the other. I groaned internally. "Hair and Make-Up now!"

"Alice, I really don't need that, we're just going to Port Angeles, not to meet the president!" I said, exasperated but she just shook her head, brushing me off as she sat me down in a chair.

"Bella, Bella, Bella…..you wouldn't wear this to meet the president. No, probably something more…formal, yes, a dress, most likely-"

I looked up at her and she quieted.

"I mean if you really don't want to…." She said as she started to back up and I felt bad suddenly.

"No, Alice it's fine. Maybe I'll even like it." I said and she smiled before moving back to mess with my hair some more. "Make me pretty Alice!" I said, trying to sound excited.

"Oh, Bella, you're already pretty."

"Aw, thanks Alice," I muttered. "But you're way prettier."

"Bella…..accept the compliment, hun." She said I laughed, before we were silent again.

"Alice?"

"Hm?"

"Where did you get all this stuff anyway? I could have sworn you didn't have it this morning…." I asked her suddenly, the thought having just occurred to me. I mean really, a curling iron, a make-up bag?

"I had it in my purse, silly." She replied like I should have already known that. Like everyone carried this stuff around in their purse.

A few minutes later and she was done with my hair, I was still not allowed to look until 'her magic was complete'.

Suddenly she was in front of me jabbing something in my eye and I yelped.

"Bella. We are not going to get anywhere if you do not sit still." She told me, hands on her hips.

"But you stabbed me in the eye with that….that-"

"Eyeliner."

"Yes, eyeliner."

"Because you blinked and squirmed! Now please sit still dear, Bella, we're almost done." She said and I folded my arms across my chest in defeat.

"Fine."

I did as she said and it was over pretty quickly, nothing else invading my eye surprisingly.

"There!" She smiled, clearly satisfied with her work and I stood to look in the mirror, once more surprised that I didn't look like a clown, but actually looked….nice. I didn't wear make-up often but Alice made it look so natural.

"Like it?" She came up next to me and I nodded. "I didn't have to do much, after all."

"Thanks," I said turning to hug her before she laughed and insisted we needed to go. She grabbed her purse, having stuffed her beauty studio into it, how, I'll never know, but then again it was a large bag. Especially for someone as little as her.

I grabbed my own bag and followed her outside where a yellow Porsche was parked.

"This is yours?" I asked incredulously still looking at the car and how strange it looked next to my beat up red truck.

"Mhmm, come on, there's shopping to be done!" She climbed in the drivers side and I scrambled to get in the passenger side before she sped out of my driveway, much to fast to be safe.

"Where are Jasper and Emmett? They were coming right?" I asked as we walked along the sidewalk, hands full of bags, yes, mine also, and I suddenly remembered.

"Yes, actually, they were supposed to be here an hour ago…." She checked her phone for the time, and I saw that it was half past four. I had no idea we'd been out that long; I had been enjoying myself surprisingly, not only shopping but Alice had let me drag her into a few stores of my choice also. "Maybe they'll just meet us at the restaurant."

"Restaurant?" I asked, clueless as to this addition of our day.

"Oh, yeah, didn't I tell you?" She asked and I shook my head. "Oh, sorry about that, but I thought maybe we could all go to dinner at this nice little restaurant down the street, if you want to."

I was getting pretty hungry.

"Sure, why not."

"Awesome. So…..we'll eat in an hour or two?" I nodded and we continued walking until someone came up in front of us from around the corner and I jumped, a hand flying to my chest in relief when I realized it was just Emmett.

"Emmett! Where have you been….and where's Jasper?" Alice asked immediately as he looked at her apologetically.

"Actually, see…..it's a long story."

"I've got time." I refrained from chuckling as she put her hand on her hip looking at him expectantly.

Emmett sighed before continuing. "Well, we chose to come separately, deciding we'd just meet up when we saw you two, but then I got lost on the way here and I called Jasper but he was no help so that took a bit until I asked a kind looking old lady for directions but I fell and bumped into her and she thought I was trying something so….well, that didn't go well. So I just left until I asked someone else, and finally got here. And I don't know where Jasper is…I thought he would be here, by now."

Well, I wasn't expecting that to come out of his mouth. And neither was Alice I guess.

"What? You got lost and….an old lady…Jasper….oh, never mind." She gave up trying to understand.

"Oh, and hello to you too Alice." He glared at her half heartedly before turning to me. "Hey, Bella." He smiled this time, showing off dimples I hadn't noticed before while still looking at me and I saw his eyes rake over me breifly before he realized what he was doing and turned away sheepishly. I on the other was blushing like mad, probably looking like a tomato, as I felt my prior confidence shake a little. "You...look nice." I heard him say and I turned another shade of red.

"Thanks?" I said shyly as I looked up at his hazel eyes, just now noticing how nice they were…..

"Doesn't she?" Alice said happily as she linked arms with me and I pulled my mind back to reality. "So, now that Emmett's here, we can shop some more!"

"What does my being here have to with shopping more?" He asked confusedly as we began walking once more, Emmett a step behind us.

"Because you can hold these bags, so my hands will be free for more!" She said excitedly and I chuckled at his expression and her ridiculous logic.

As if on cue, she turned quickly and handed her bags to Emmett who only grumbled in response.

"That's what you get for being late," was all she had to say about it and I shook my head, grinning.

Rosalie

"Edward." I said, frowning slightly when he didn't look up from the book he was reading.

"Edward." Louder this time.

Still no answer.

I sighed before standing up and moving closer, I didn't want to get kicked out the book store for yelling after all.

"Edward Anthony Mason." His head snapped up and he glared at me. Oh, yes, Edward, I went there.

He hated being called by his full name. But I do not appreciate being ignored so of course I had to play that card.

"Yes, Rosalie?" Yep, Eddie boy was not pleased. But that wasn't my problem right now.

"As I was trying to tell you before, I'm going to go look at a few other shops I've been meaning to go to so…don't miss me too much." I added sarcastically as he turned back to his book, disregarding me. Ugh, he got on my nerves sometimes. But then again that's why he was my friend. "I'll meet you at the restaurant in an hour, okay?"

"Uhuh."

I rolled my eyes before turning to head out of the book store we'd been in for the past half hour. I noticed the sky darkening already and I quickened my pace instinctively as I headed for one of the stores, which I was sure was in this direction….I think.

I guess not, I thought to myself, as I turned a corner and found myself at a dead end. I turned back around to go back the way I came, turning a few more times, not really bothering to keep track of where I was going anymore. I had to come upon it sometime; Port Angeles wasn't even that big. After a few blocks though I realized I was alone outside of some store I didn't recognize.

Well, fuck.

I was lost.

I sighed in annoyance before checking the time on my phone.

Almost five thirty.

"Lovely." I muttered before stuffing it back in my pocket and starting to walk again, trying my best to remember the way I came.

"Rosie."

I froze as the familiar voice rang out behind me. I turned slowly, praying silently it wasn't who I thought it was only to find my suspicions were correct.

"Royce." I said stiffly, folding my arms across my chest. "What are you doing here?" More like, how did you know I was here?

"You thought I wouldn't find out about your little outing with Eddie?" He asked me mockingly and I flinched, looking down.

I didn't answer as he stepped closer, his pale eyes piercing through me with an animalistic glint that chilled me to the bone. I was about to take a step back when he suddenly reached out and grasped my arm, hard enough that I gasped in pain.

"Royce…."

"Where do you think you're going?" He asked me and again I didn't answer, just squirmed slightly to free myself from his grasp but he only gripped harder as he yanked me closer to him. I could feel his breath on my face, the faintest scent of alcohol present. "Back to Edward? I don't think so."

"Royce!" I said again, my voice urgent. "Stop!" But he either didn't hear me or ignored me. And I was sure it wasn't the latter.

He turned and started walking again, I didn't know where, but I did know a few things.

One, my arm was going to bruise.

Two, I couldn't get out of his grip.

Three, I was pretty sure what was going to happen if I didn't act fast.

I struggled to push his hand off my arm but it was no use, and I was forced to stumble along with him.

I thought for a moment about what to do before I let out a high pitched scream, as loud as I could but was met with his fist to my cheek, silencing me. I felt tears sting in my eyes but I took no notice.

"Bitch." He muttered as he threw me down roughly. I tried to ignore the stinging pain on my face as I attempted to scramble to my feet but he only kicked me and I gasped.

The next thing I knew he was ripping my sweater off, scratching me in the process, on purpose or not, I wasn't sure. I wasn't quite sure of anything right now.

I felt his hands go to my shirt and I opened my mouth to scream again but felt him shove something in my mouth, which turned out to be his hat.

He was working on my blouse as I kicked and punched as best I could but it was fruitless. He was going to win. He always won.

"I told you I would get what I wanted Rosie, I told you." He said as he gave up on my shirt and moved to attempt to unzip my jeans. I kicked again, nailing him in the leg, but he only hit me again, the pain becoming overbearing. "Now, don't be like that. I know you want this too."

I would have spat, if my mouth wasn't stuffed with a hat.

I saw him start to unzip his own pants then, and I tried for a second time to get up but it only earned me a swift kick to the ribs and I squeaked as the air was knocked from me.

I then began to slowly tune out, push the reality of Royce's hands away. Forget the pain pulsing against my skin. Just drift.

I closed my eyes, knowing what was going to happen, and realizing I had no way out. And I felt so many things just then; pain, both physical and emotional, self-loathing, anger, and even some regret.

Regret that I even dated Royce. Regret that I ignored Edward's advice. Regret that I would probably never be able to give…this….my first time to someone I loved.

Because I sure as hell didn't love this son-of-a bitch.

There goes the anger.

Anger at myself, at Royce, at everyone right now.

But I suddenly felt Royce pulled off of me by some unknown force and I opened my eyes to see someone snap their fist straight at Royce's nose and I felt a sick sort of satisfaction at the resounding crack that echoed after.

I pulled the hat from my mouth, and scrambled to my feet, wary of the bruises on my ribs and arm. I backed up slowly until I was flat against the brick wall as I watched the two with wide, foggy eyes. Everything was sliding in and out of focus and I blinked furiously, trying to clear it.

I averted my eyes though, the familiar sensation of vertigo over-whelming me before suddenly lurching forward and vomiting shamelessly on the pavement. I took a few deep breaths when I was done, letting the shock of the situation wear down before standing up straight again.

I felt disgusting. I looked down at myself, readjusting my clothes a bit after noticing then that my blouse and jeans were still intact, Royce clearly having been too disoriented to undo either. This pleased me, I realized, it made me feel slightly less….dirty, but I still had the strong urge to shower. And brush my teeth.

I looked up gingerly, noticing that Royce was no longer present and I instantly felt a sense of relief before my eyes fell upon the person who….saved me.

I cocked my head a bit to side as they approached me slowly and I flinched, taking a step back instinctively.

But to my surprise it was just…..Jasper Whitlock.

His blue eyes were looking at me closely as he walked closer cautiously. I held his gaze, studied it with my own eyes, and was again surprised to find there was only concern in his eyes.

He stopped about a yard away then, probably afraid of my reaction if he came any closer.

And a part of me didn't want him to, the part that was ashamed to be seen this way; weak and vulnerable. Not to mention probably having bad breath now and standing near my own vomit.

But the other part of me, the part that felt slightly lost in the moment, wanted him closer, as strange as it was to admit.

I wanted to know someone was there, someone who wouldn't hurt me. Just a moment's reassurance.

"Are you…..okay?" He asked finally, his voice slicing through the lingering silence, as he ran his hand through his hair, seemingly to reduce the traces of anger I could sense from him.

I didn't say anything, not quite sure of the answer. I wanted to say yes, I was, but I honestly didn't know.

Was I okay?

Bruised? Yes. Feeling extremely awkward? Um…yeah. Disgusted with myself? Certainly. But okay?

I wasn't sure.

And then I looked up at him again, at his busted lip and bloody knuckles, the way the dull light from the street lamps illuminated the contours of his handsome face. The way his bloody lip contrasted with his pale skin in the darkness, the way his blue eyes felt so out of place in this dark corner of town. The way I felt a strange sensation flowing through me as he watched me and I, him. A sensation resembling security and safety.

But I was okay.

"Yeah." I said quietly, my voice slightly hoarse, and he nodded, shifting his weight from foot to foot almost nervously.

It was quiet again, and I was starting to really feel the bruise forming on my cheek.

"Jasper?"

"Yeah?"

"…Thank you."

I felt his gaze on me then, as I looked down at my shoes. And he didn't say anything for a moment, I wasn't sure if I wanted him to, before I heard him take a step, now directly in front of me.

"Come on," Jasper said, his voice forcing me to look up as he extended his hand to me. He watched me as my eyes flitted from his hand to his eyes and back again. He was giving me a choice. I looked at his pale hand, long thin fingers and faded scars. And even if I barely knew him, really truly knew him, I wanted to grasp that hand and hold it. Feel the security of his fingers around mine, the assurance that someone was there.

And I felt I could trust him.

And so I threw caution to the wind, pretty stupid of me after what just happened, but I did.

I stretched my arm out then, slowly, before setting my hand in his, feeling a hint of a smile on my face, so out of place almost, as he wrapped his fingers around mine.

And he led me away, from Royce, from my fears, from myself just ten minutes ago.

Jasper

I wasn't sure what had come over me, really. But when I had seen her…seen him….it made my blood boil. And I'd snapped.

And after he'd ran, I had turned to her, really looked at her, and I felt angry all over again.

The purple bruise that marred her pretty face and another on her exposed arm, and worst of all- the vulnerable look I'd never seen on Rosalie Hale's face. It unnerved me but I still focused on her.

I could tell how disgusted she was with herself at that moment by the way she continuously averted her eyes from my gaze and looked down upon herself, a slight sneer on her face. And even if I really didn't know her, I had felt like just wrapping my arms around her, wanting so badly to take the pain away.

And neither of us had even registered remotely that we hadn't acknowledged each other's presence in years or that our past 'together' wasn't one of friends.

It had been…indescribable as we had looked at each other. There had been a feeling of fierce familiarity yet also one that you get when meeting someone for the first time. I'd known that it wasn't the same hard and bitter Rosalie I'd seen passing by in the hallways for the most of my school years. Not the girl who I'd argued with as a hobby. Not the girl I'd seen in the cafeteria just yesterday.

She'd been pressed against the wall, her muscles rigid and her stance defensive, but her eyes had been completely open. They were alive with raw vulnerability. But there was also trust, swirling around in those violet orbs.

I wasn't particularly sure where I was taking her, just away from there, but before I knew it I found myself bringing her towards the restaurant before I stopped.

"Um….you-" I started but she interrupted me with a small smile. I resisted the urge to blink twice to know if she was really smiling without spite and bitterness laced into it.

"The restaurant's fine." She said quietly, and I saw her eyes dart down to our still intertwined hands. But I didn't let go. Neither did she. "I'm meeting Edward there…" She murmured and we both looked away.

"Oh, alright," I said as we continued walking again.

It was silent for a few moments and I was aware of everything about her at the moment. Her warm hand in mine. Her quick steps to keep up with my long strides. Her occasional sharp inhale, probably due to the bruises.

And then I wondered for a moment why she was so calm, so collected.

"You're sure you're fine?" I asked finally and she nodded.

"Yeah…why?"

Um….

"I thought you'd be…."

"I'm not that weak." She stated flatly, but her tone was not unkind. "And I…..feel safe right now." She averted her gaze as she admitted this quietly, the streetlights seeming to suddenly become of interest to her.

I didn't know what to say so I didn't say anything.

"He didn't betray me, you know," I heard her say softly after a moments silence. I glanced at her, confused slightly. "He may have…have…hurt me. But he didn't betray me." Her tone was melancholic as she tilted her head up, looking into the deep darkness of the sky.

"But he-"

"I know…" She murmured, seeming to contemplate if she wanted to go on. "But I never trusted him in the first place."

I saw our destination now, and also saw Alice, Bella, and Emmett waiting outside of it. But there was someone else too….Edward?

And I stopped abruptly then, and she halted beside me too, looking up, her expression puzzled.

My next question surprised her though, and myself, honestly.

"Did you love him?"

She looked taken aback for a moment but recovered quickly before answering.

"No." Her voice was unwavering.

We stayed like that for a split second, just looking at each other, blue on blue.

I looked away after a moment, reluctantly, before speaking.

"We should go…their waiting."

Her eyes darted towards each of our respective companions before she removed her hand from mine, slowly, lingering for a moment before the contact disappeared completely.

She looked at me once more before beginning walk over to Edward, who hadn't noticed us yet.

Alice had.

"Jasper!" She said loudly and Bella and Emmett's heads turned towards me simultaneously. Edward turned also, as Rosalie reached him, and he took in the sight of her disheveled hair, slightly purple cheek, and the marks on her arm.

"Rose-"He said, shocked I could tell before turning to notice me also, his eyes narrowing. I took a step back involuntarily.

"No!" She said once she realized what he was thinking. "No….it was….Royce." She struggled out looking away from Edward, and my suddenly silent friends.

Edwards's eyes flashed as he moved closer, and took her in his arms. I looked away and walked over to Alice.

"Jasper?" She asked questioningly, her whole demeanor having changed as she looked between Rosalie and me. But what was I suppose to say? I knew there was more than one question laced into that small one.

"What happened?" Bella asked me this time, quietly. Emmett seemed uncharacteristically quiet.

"I was coming to find you guys when….I saw them….and he was, um…."

"Oh!" Alice said her hand flying to her mouth and I looked away.

Bella and Emmett looked shocked also. Rosalie and Edward were talking amongst themselves quietly.

"There was no way you could have known." Rosalie was saying softly before her gaze met mine. "And besides I'm fine now." She said to him, still looking at me, the gratitude evident.

Edward followed her gaze and seemed to comprehend the situation, as he visibly relaxed.

The silence that followed was borderline awkward as we all stood there, suddenly having realized who we were standing with.

Of course it was Alice who broke the quiet.

"Well….we came here to eat right?" She said, trying to bring the mood up. I noticed she glanced at Edward and Rosalie briefly also.

"Yeah, I'm starved!" Emmett spoke up, turning back into his usual boisterous self and I chuckled.

He and Alice headed inside with Bella and I a few paces behind.

"Those two…" She muttered, and shook her head.

I grinned and was vaguely aware of Edward and Rosalie entering behind us.

I suddenly heard Alice's voice as she spoke to the waiter.

"Table for six, please."

I was surprised to say the least, and everyone else seemed to be also.

"You guys don't mind?" She asked Rosalie and Edward as we were led to our table. I saw Edward look at Rosalie quickly and she smiled and nodded. "Great!" Alice exclaimed.

Bella

It was strange to say the least.

Strange having the two people who, before now, I had thought to be arrogant and self-absorbed seated at the same table. And Alice, Jasper, and Emmett, had grown up thinking this, I knew. But as we all interacted tonight, I began to think maybe there was more to them. I had seen no arrogance on Edward's part, or self-centeredness of Rosalie's. And hearing what almost happened to her, seeing those bruises on her pretty face and her exposed arm, I felt for the girl.

We were seated then, myself between Emmett and Rosalie who were directly across from Alice and Jasper, and Edward directly across from me. I was greatly aware of Emmett next to me, specifically the way his arm sometimes brushed against mine when he shifted in his chair.

I heard Rose excuse herself to go to the ladies room to clean up and Alice volunteer to accompany her quietly. I assumed that I should go also so I stood from my chair clumsily before following them.

There was no one else in there as we entered and Alice bounded over to the sink, Rosalie moving to examine herself in the mirror.

I saw her run her hand gingerly over her cheek, which was a slight purple color, grimacing also.

"Does it look bad?" She asked us and I only moved closer to lean on the sink, not sure how to answer her. "Oh, of course it looks bad….and I don't even have my make up with me…" She scolded herself quietly and Alice perked up.

"I do!"

Rosalie looked at her, eyebrows raised, obviously surprised by her sudden excitement, and watching as Alice brought out countless products from her purse. She looked to me then and I laughed at her expression.

"Yes, I'm pretty sure this normal for her." I said and she cracked a smile.

"Okay, I'll fix you right up!" Alice said as she went to work on Rosalie.

We were silent for a few moments, the only sound being Alice occasionally shuffling the items on the counter.

"I was so stupid." I suddenly heard her murmur and I looked at her, waiting for her to continue.

"What do you mean?" Alice asked and Rosalie sighed.

"Dating him. It was stupid, of me…." She said softly, as she played with the hem of her shirt. "I should have seen it coming."

"Why did you date him?" I blurted out suddenly, before my eyes widened and I realized what I'd her. "I'm sorry…..I didn't mean…" I tried to backtrack but she just smiled at me.

"No its fine….Bella, right?" She asked and I nodded remembering we'd never been properly introduced. "And for many reasons really….my parents wanted me to be with him and he had convinced me that he loved me. That was the main reason, though now that I think back on it, I don't think I ever truly believed him. I had even tried to love him and use to tell myself that I would in time. But I never did even though I took him back each time we broke up, thinking maybe it would work this time. But now look where that all got me."

I realized then, that she'd just revealed a large part of her to us and my whole view on her changed. I found myself wanting to talk to her more, to get to know her, to be her friend.

Alice had paused and was looking at Rosalie with watery eyes.

"Oh, I'm so sorry, Rose!" She said loudly as she hugged Rosalie.

She patted the small girls back lightly before Alice pulled back.

"You don't mind if I call you that, do you?" She asked suddenly and Rosalie laughed before shaking her head. I laughed too, and the mood between us changed quickly, to the relief of all of us. "Yay!" And with that she was back to working on Rose's face.

It was quiet for a minute before Alice announced she was done. I saw Rosalie look in the mirror, before smiling, a glint of sadness flashing in her eyes before it was gone.

"It's almost like it was never there…" I heard her murmur softly to herself as she looked at her cheek which now looked good as new, thanks to Alice's 'magical make-up' as I'd taken to calling it. "Thanks Alice." She turned to the small girl who had stuffed her work station into her purse for the second time today.

"No, problem," She said happily as we headed back out to our table. "I'm just glad we can all finally be friends."