Disclaimer: All characters belong to Stephenie Meyer. I own the plot.

A very special thanks to Verucasin, beta – extraordinaire.

AN:

A big thanks to you who reviewed and added me to your alerts.

So I promised a bit of pain last week, here goes nothing. I want to say enjoy, but that just doesn't seem right. LMAO

oooooOOOOooooo

Chapter 18

I woke with an uneasy feeling running through my body. I kept tossing and turning trying to get comfortable, but I just couldn't find restful position. I tried to fall asleep again, but somehow it evaded me completely. I rolled to my side with quite a bit of effort and started tracing my hand over my huge belly. I rubbed the place just below my ribs where I could feel a tiny foot gliding back and forth just under my skin. I braced myself for the kick that I knew was coming. Well, it wasn't a kick exactly, more like someone was trying to move my ribs from the inside. It was like the baby thought that if he or she pushed sternly enough, it would be possible to move my ribs out of the way.

My mind wandered for a few moments. I hadn't seen my dad in a long time. He knew the baby was due soon, but we had agreed that he would fly down as soon as the baby was born. I couldn't wait to see him. It could only be a matter of days now.

Alice had had her first fashion show about a week ago. I was so proud of her for her accomplishments. The collection had been stunning and so Alice's style – all happy and bubbly. The prints and colors had meshed and given a sense of divinity. It was all her creativity that had been rolled into one and it had looked awesome. I had no clue about fashion, but most of the guests had been impressed, but most of all Aro was through the roof. He was the one that had dished out the cash and set her off in style. All night she had been greeting people, cruising through the crowds talking to potential customers. The first half of the night had been great, but another part of the evening had shattered Alice's heart.

Alice parents had found out about her relationship with Jasper in the most unflattering way. I wasn't exactly aware of the details, but I understood the general idea of what her parents had seen. Jasper had been strong, calm and dignified as ever and stood firmly by Alice's side supporting her. Alice's parents more or less said they'd rather see her dead than living the way she did. They didn't consider themselves to have a daughter anymore.

Alice had been devastated, but I knew she already understood the consequences when they would find out. That was the reason she hadn't told them about Jasper. Alice's big night had been ruined until Jasper saved the day. She had freaking proposed and Alice had accepted. They were getting married. I wasn't sure if that was actually legal, but somehow it didn't matter to them, they as a couple knew exactly who they were and this was what they wanted. So who was I to throw a stick in the wheel with pointing out bureaucracy issues?

Jasper had been living with us for little over a month now, but I didn't really feel the difference from before she moved in. Jasper was here most of the time anyway, but where Jasper was, you could frequently find Emmett as well.

I had no romantic feelings for him what so ever, but in all honesty the guy was growing on me. I loved him for his good humor and it helped lessen my often somber mood over missing Edward. Emmett was like a cure for all the sadness in the world.

We had spent countless night on the couch watching movies or reading and Emmett seemed content with just hanging around me. Alice had been gone a lot lately finishing everything for the fashion show and that left me with Emmett. If I read, he would bring home work to finish, or we would go to the movies or just watch crappy quiz shows. Emmett was easy to please. I wondered if he actually had a life as a college student, but Jasper assured me that he did. I didn't really want to dig further into what that meant!

I turned and looked at the clock. 2.30 a.m. I groaned, it was way too early to get up, but I was too wound up to sleep. I tried reading for a while, but it was like the words didn't cling to my mind. When I had read the same page four times I gave up. I stroked my stomach again when I felt a strange tension rising. It didn't hurt exactly, but it was uncomfortable. It disappeared again. I struggled and turned to my other side. I glanced upwards staring at the ceiling, well not the ceiling as much as the perfect image of Edward. I lay still while I let my mind escape to a warmer place. The ache in my heart intensified remembering all the details I could about him. I was brought back to reality again when the tension emerged once more. It was stronger this time and just at the base of my pelvis.

I sat up on my bed with a pang of excitement and violent fear at the same time. Was this something? I reached for my phone wanting to record the time span. I started waiting while staring at Edward. Every time I felt the strain I hit the green button on my cell. The tension grew stronger to the point where I considered it to be painful. This was definitely something! I was sure. I studied the numbers recorded on my phone. They showed a pattern. All the digits had the number eight first. Eight minutes apart. The contractions were eight minutes apart. Holy shit, this was it! Oh no, I was going into labor. A sliver of fear ran down my spine. I was not ready for this.

I checked the time again 4.10 in the morning. Time to wake up Alice. The truth was I was getting nervous and I didn't feel like being alone any more.

I pulled on a pair of sweatpants and walked to Alice's room. Correct that, Alice and Jasper's room. I turned on the light as I went. I knocked quietly, but there was no answer. Not that I expected one at this god forsaken hour, but knocking felt like the most polite thing to do. I knocked again, still nothing. I creased the door open.

"Alice?" I whispered. She didn't answer. "Alice?" I tried again.

"Mmm," she grumbled.

"I think it's time," I whispered gently, trying not to wake up Jasper. I wanted to deliver the news gently, because I more or less expected Alice would react much like a jack in a box. So was this was all I got? A mmm? I was a little disappointed. "Did you hear me?" I said a little louder.

"What?" she groaned.

"I said, I think it's time." This time the news apparently sunk in and her head popped up and a chaotic cloud of hair whirled around her head.

"I'm ready," she said instantly. She jerked to an upright position and flicked on the light. She blinked a few times letting her eyes adjust to the instant flash of light. She held the sheet to her chest while she rubbed her eyes. Next to her Jasper was out cold, splayed on her stomach. Her back was bare and Alice's jerky movements had pulled the sheets far down Jasper's body. For a moment I couldn't tear my eyes from the multitude of scars running all the way down her back. What the hell could have done that to her? Alice moved again, dragging the sheet further down her girlfriend's back, I could just see the top of Jasper's backside. Ugh, that was just unnecessary knowledge. She was naked.

"Way too much information." I muttered. I hissed through my teeth when I felt the pain arrow through my body intensely and I crumbled, doubling over right on the spot. I concentrated on my breathing trying to establish some kind of equilibrium to deal with the pain. This one was far worse than the other contractions had been.

"Give us a sec," I heard Jasper's silky voice from deeply embedded in the pillow. She was still face down on the mattress. Alice had jumped off the bed and she was looking a little panicky... and naked.

"For god's sake put some clothes on, Alice!" I whined through my clenched teeth. All the nakedness was making me a little queasy. I just didn't need to see all this exposed skin. I put my face in my hands. Breathe in, breathe out, breathe in, breathe out, I chanted in my head while the pain rocked my body.

"You've seen me naked before... jeez." I could sense her eye roll more than I could see it.

"Just put some clothes on," I mumbled into my hands. Not that I minded, I just didn't need to be reminded again that they had a sex life. I was hardly unaware of that fact and I just didn't need to have it shoved in my face.

I felt a hand tug on my arm. "Come on, Bella. Up you go." It was Jasper. I was afraid to move my hands from my eyes.

"You still naked?" The words were muffled by my hands.

"No. You're safe," she grinned.

I got to my feet and walked to the sofa. I already felt the energy seeping from my body because of the contractions and I had a feeling things were going get a lot worse.

Alice ran around the room like a headless chicken, doing something inexplicably. I followed her with my eyes, trying to figure out what the hell she was up to. I gave up and sank into the seat, relaxing and closing my eyes.

"Have you timed the contractions?" Jasper asked from beside me.

"Yes. Eight minutes apart," I murmured with my eyes still closed.

"Good, plenty of time then." She sounded a little absent-minded when she answered. I opened my eyes to find Jasper peering at Alice just as warily as I had. "Have you slept?" she asked still following Alice with her eyes.

"A little."

"How's the pain?"

"Not too bad... yet, I think." Sure, I was lacking in the energy department, but I was okay for now. I wondered if I was extremely hard core at handling the pain or if I was in for a big surprise later.

"Did your water break?"

"No," I answered staring at Alice, who seemed more like a hurricane ravaging furiously through the apartment with each passing moment.

"What on earth are you doing, Alice?" I wondered out loud when I still couldn't figure it out.

"The phone number to the hospital," she basically barked at me while scrambling with some magazines. "We have to go now, but they said to call first." She looked at me with big worried eyes.

"Relax Alice, there is still time," I answered.

"No we have to go... where's the damn number?" Her voice was high pitched and strained.

"Is she panicking?" I mouthed to Jasper.

"I think so," she whispered back and shrugged.

"It's on the fridge... where you left it so you would remember where it was." I tightened my lips to prevent from laughing at her. I knew I sounded a little condescending, but she was acting a little erratic.

"Oh, right." She stalked toward the kitchen.

"Alice, you don't have to call now." Jasper sat completely calm next to me, unlike Alice, who was strutting around like a fly trapped inside a bottle.

"Sure we do... we need to get to the hospital." Her eyes were huge. "Where's your bag?"

I felt the tension again, burning its way over the small of my back. I bent forward holding my stomach when the agony took another bite at me. I breathed carefully in through my nose and out through my mouth. Jasper held my hair and placed a hand on my forehead. "Breathe," she said in an encouraging voice.

"Bella, are you okay?" Alice asked fretful, like I was dying and not in labor. Oh yes, Alice was definitely panicking. Her hands were hovering over me in I'm-so-helpless-mode.

"Alice, you need to calm down." I heard Jasper say through the pain flooding my body.

"We need to go... now!" she demanded briskly.

The tension let go of my pelvis and I relaxed again. The contractions were getting stronger with each passing one. I looked at Jasper. "You okay?" she asked, her eyes were probing at me. I nodded. "I'll talk to her... you're in labor and she is the one panicking. Perfect," she added sardonically.

Jasper took Alice's hand and let her to the kitchen. I could hear them talking, even though I tried hard not to. "Alice... sweetheart, you need to calm down. Everything is okay. We have plenty of time. Her contractions are not that close yet. So just relax, it's not time to go yet. You can even call the hospital and they'll tell you the same. It's not time yet." Jasper's voice was warm, but firm. She could teach Latin to children with that patience. I would have snapped at Alice a long time ago.

"So what are we supposed to do?" Alice begged a little whiny.

"We wait... and try our best to comfort Bella."

"Promise me that everything is fine." I could hear the worry in Alice's voice. She was scared stiff.

"I promise," Jasper reassured her.

"But what do I do?" Alice asked softly.

"You could start by making everyone some breakfast. And then you can time her contraction." Jasper's voice was smooth as silk.

"Breakfast, I can do that." Alice paused. "Since when do you know so much about this?"

"Uhm… I googled and I asked my mom for some pointers. I wanted to be prepared," Jasper answered apologetically.

"Oh," Alice mouthed surprised, then added. "I'm a little scared."

"You don't have to be. It'll be fine," Jasper promised. "Here's how we'll do it. You take care of all the practical stuff and I'll handle Bella, okay?"

"Okay," Alice agreed.

"So please make some breakfast, she's gonna need it and get your phone ready to note the contractions." I was suddenly thrilled that Jasper was here, she was handling Alice perfectly. I would have punched her. Another contraction hit and it felt like it was going to shatter my pelvis. I focused on breathing.

Another hour passed. The contractions were still pretty far apart and I was pacing back and forth wearing a hole in the living room floor. It was still pretty early in the morning and it was dark outside.

"Do you want to have a shower?" Jasper asked. I eyed her nervously at the suggestion. I wasn't sure I could face more nakedness at the moment.

She laughed at me, reading my discomfort. "I promise I won't look. Besides I only have eyes for one girl." Her cheeks flushed a pretty pink and she glanced at Alice who had calmed by now.

"No offense." I smiled chagrined and shrugged in lack of a better way to apologize.

"None taken."

"A shower is a good idea. Thank you."

In the bathroom I stripped and stepped in the shower. I let the hot water run over my face, I turned the knob towards the red mark letting the scolding water hit my back. It felt soothing. There was a soft knock on the door.

"Bella," Jasper said through the crease. "I brought an extra towel for you and you have about a minute and a half to the next one. You better sit down, so you won't fall." Jasper really was awesome. She thought about everything. Anything that could help make the pain and the nervousness more bearable. I did what I was told and sat down and clenched my teeth. A minute and a half later... Pain! I thought about Edward and how much I wanted him here. I wished that he was by my side so I wasn't alone. I wanted him to be here. I wanted him to take Jasper's place. I suffered in silence.

I got to my feet again and let the burning water hit my back again to ease the building tension for a little while. Jasper's voice was at the other side of the door once more. "About a minute now," she called in her silky voice. I turned the water off and wrapped the towel around me. Out of nowhere another contraction hit harder than all the others combined. It felt like I was being hit with a sledgehammer, I braced myself on the sink just before I would have fallen over.

"Jasper!" I screamed. She was at my side in an instant. "It hurts." I whimpered desperately.

"I know." She said soothingly. She worked to pull my drenched hair out of my face.

"I want Edward." I cried. "It hurts." I repeated while I started sobbing.

"I know sweetheart. Some day... breathe." She prompted. "Breathe." I tried to concentrate on pulling the air in through my nose and out through my mouth.

The pain released its choke hold on me again. I relaxed resting my head on the bathroom counter. I could feel Jasper gathering my hair, probably folding into a braid. She was so practical. "Thank you." I mumbled tiredly into the table. I could understand why Alice was in love with her, not that I was changing teams, but she really was wonderful and very helpful.

"I'll get some clothes for you." With that Jasper was gone again.

It was not long before I screamed Jasper's name in pain once more. The pain intensified once more and I sat down on the floor. Jasper had conveniently placed a big fluffy towel on the floor for me to sit on. Mentally, I thanked her for the thousandth time again.

"The contractions are getting closer," she said softly, as if she was trying not to scare me.

"And stronger," I added.

"I guess that's good... it means the baby will be here soon." She smiled encouragingly.

"Great." I snorted. I felt fear running up my spine again. I was a scared at what was coming, but there was no running from it, so I might as well face it head on. "I wish Edward was here." I said solemnly and tears welled in my eyes.

"Me too, for you." She put a comforting hand over mine.

"It's not that I don't appreciate all that you're doing…" She cut me off.

"But I'm not him. There's really no need to apologize, Bella. I need you to focus on you and nothing else. Do you understand?" She said calmly. She was using the same power on me now that she had on Alice when she panicked. Great! "I know you miss him. Do you want to see if Alice can track him down? Maybe there's still time and Alice can be really resourceful at times. Besides she's dying for something to do."

"No." I wished by God that I had the power to say yes. There was nothing I wanted more than to see his face, or feel his hand around mine when going through this. But I wasn't strong enough to face the consequence of him turning me down like I knew he would. I couldn't bear that loss. It was easier to have him locked in my dreams and all wrapped up in the hope of someday we could be together.

"Maybe you could use Edward as your happy place during the contractions. It might help," she suggested. I nodded. Happy place – I could do that. The pain returned and I clenched my teeth and I grabbed Jasper's hands and squeezed hard. I felt like I was going to break her slim fingers, but she didn't even flinch from the pressure. Happy place, happy place, happy place.

We sat there on the bathroom floor, resting our backs against the cupboards. I still only had the towel wrapped around. "Jasper, can I ask you a favor?" I stared terrified at her. "Will you be there with me? I know Alice is supposed to do it, but I think she's going to have a really hard time with the blood and guts."

"There's not going to be any guts... at least I don't think so. But if you want me to and if it's okay with Alice, then yes I'll be there."

"I want you to, but let me talk to Alice. I don't want to leave her out." I leaned my head against the cupboard door. The contractions were taking their toll on me. Just then, Alice burst through the door.

"Oh my god... I'm sooo fine with it. I know I said I'd be there, but I'm such a chicken... I have been digging around for excuses for the past hours trying to get out of it," she gushed. I couldn't help laugh at her, neither could Jasper. "I promise I'll be there doing practical stuff, I'm really good with practical," she beamed relieved.

"Okay." I turned to gaze nervously at Jasper. I knew it was a lot to ask, but I wanted her there with me.

"I'll be there for you. Focus on yourself and your... happy place." Jasper smiled knowingly.

They left me alone to dress and the contractions started coming more frequently and we all agreed it was time to go. I tried to control my nerves fantasizing about all the sweet things Edward would say to me if he knew what was happening right now. It was moronic when in reality nothing could be further from the truth.

Alice finally got to call the hospital to let them know we were coming.

The cab ride was horrible. The contractions were coming faster now and the driver shifted between flooring the accelerator and slamming down the break. When we arrived at the hospital, we were greeted by a nurse and I was installed in a delivery room. It was a big warm room with not much more than a scary looking bed with far too many handles, buttons and... oh, gosh stir-ups.

Another woman entered, she must be a doctor, but I didn't care at the moment. The pain was all consuming and there was nothing but agony now. Someone pulled my pants off and examined me. I didn't even feel the normal hint of shame at having someone prodding through my privates. I just wanted this to be over and they could to whatever the hell they wanted to me, as long as this was a done deal sooner. In a satisfied tone the doctor added "Good, you're just about seven centimeters dilated. Nice work, Bella." She gave me a head nod and an approving pat on my shoulder. I just rolled to my side again and cringed in pain.

The searing ache returned continuously now and apparently only about a minute and a half apart. I didn't care about the time, just the fact that it felt like my pelvis apart was being torn apart, much the same way my grandma used to part a chicken. The deafening pain rolled in again and again and again. It was getting harder to tell them apart. I started completely drawing my attention inward thinking about happy places. In my mind I saw beaches, lime stones cliffs and there were soft, skilled hands touching my face. I saw glorious green eyes and felt his passionate kisses. I held Edward inside of my mind going through this.

"Bella." A voice broke through to my reverie. I didn't recognize it. I ignored it and escaped back to Broken Beach again.

"Bella." This time it was Jasper's voice. I felt a hand caress my forehead.

"Hmm." I was far gone and the pain was eating away at me.

"Bella, they need to examine you again. You need to move to your back." Jasper's words were close to my face. I felt a slight pressure on my shoulder making me roll.

"Where's Alice?" My voice was hoarse and crackled.

"I'm here." Her familiar bell-like-voice was a comfort against pain.

"How's she holding up, Jasper?" I asked with my eyes closed.

Jasper chuckled lightly. "She's fine... no blood and guts so far."

The unknown voice intruded. "I've never seen anyone be this quiet. She's a strong one." There was a muddle of voices but I didn't pay attention. I was exhausted when I felt the doctor's hands on my thighs again. "Bella, your water didn't break so I'm doing it for you. So it shouldn't be too long now." She spoke directly to me, but it was hard to pay attention. "The contractions are going to intensify and your work will start very soon. You're almost ready." I listened to her words, but I wasn't sure what she meant by the contractions intensifying. How could this possibly get any worse? Words were exchanged but I didn't understand them nor pay attention to them. Someone tugged on my shoulders and I felt a body sliding in behind mine. I was strangely aware it was tiny Alice.

"Alice you don't need... oh my fucking god!" I screamed when I suddenly felt like I was kicked by a horse knocking me flat on my ass. I was about to say that Alice didn't need to be here for this... I didn't want to scar her for life. Instead I grabbed her arm crushingly for some desperate measure to control this insane pain. I started to feel a violent pressure down toward my pelvis. "What is that?" I hissed between my clenched teeth. It was hard to breathe.

"You can start pushing now," the unknown voice said. "This is what we need. When you feel the pressure again, you push Bella. Okay?"

"Okay," I agreed frantically, wishing I had some way to make this torture stop. I breathed as slowly as I could, bracing myself for another kick. The pain returned seconds later and through a low hoarse growl escaping my gritted teeth, I pushed with everything I had in me.

I had no memory of time. It could have been seconds, but it could have been days. The violent pressure kept returning, eating away at my body. Alice was firmly positioned behind holding my head to her chest. Jasper was on my side next to the bed holding my leg and chanting "breathe" every few seconds. Through sweat and tears, growling and hissing, profanities and cussing like a sailor, my baby was born into the world.

I slumped back against Alice beyond exhausted. I almost thought I died as the pain vanished instantly and I was liberated from the hellish torture. I closed my eyes when an infant's scream rippled through the room. I opened my eyes the moment the doctor placed the tiny warm body on my chest.

"Congratulations, you have a beautiful daughter. You did well, Bella."

I gaped and stared at the distorted screaming face. Beautiful didn't do her justice. Sure, she was still covered in God knows what, but she was stunning. This tiny wonderful creature was mine. My daughter. Edward's daughter. I wrapped the small towel closer around her so she wouldn't get cold and cradled her to my chest. Warm tears streaked down my face. She stopped crying when her face rested against my chest. It was hard to believe that she was finally here.

There was a bunch of shuffling around in the room, but all I saw was the divine face of my daughter. She was magnificent.

"What are you going to name her?" Alice asked suddenly. I hadn't noticed she had moved from behind me.

"Elizabeth," I murmured. "Elizabeth Cullen Swan." I wiped a few tears from my cheeks and gazed down at the puffy face. It was the only name that came to mind. No matter how much of a coward I was for not facing Edward, she should have something from him. So his beloved sister's name was the only one that seemed worthy.

"I hate to remind you Bella, but your name is Black." Alice said carefully and frowned.

I snorted, trying to stop my tears. "I'm changing it back to Swan." I said confidently. "You wanna hold her?" I offered. Alice beamed a mega watt smile and carefully helped the baby from my arms. With my arms free, I was faced with a few of the less flattering consequences of giving birth. I went through the motions, waiting for the moment to hold her again.

After hours of just staring at the murky green eyes and the bronze hair, I called my dad.

"You have a granddaughter." I snorted when the tears instantly made a revisit.

"Oh, Bells." He sighed. It was so great to hear his warm voice. "I'm so proud of you. Everything went well?"

"Thanks, dad. Yes, we're all good." I tried not to move too much. I felt a little like I had taken a severe beating, but it all faded in comparison to holding my daughter.

"I'll be on the next plane out. I can't wait to meet her."

"She's beautiful."

"Of course she is. So are you, sweetheart. I'll see you soon." I hung up after that. Charlie had always been a man of few words, but when he spoke it mattered.

The next few days were an endless myriad of visits, feedings, trying to sleep, letting my body recuperate and watching Elizabeth breathe. Charlie came and it was heavenly to once more receive a rare hug from my dad and see his warm and shy smiles. He was absolutely spellbound by his granddaughter. Renée also made an appearance. Surprisingly she was flawlessly polite and couldn't hide her smile looking at the beautiful girl that was my daughter. I wandered shortly if there were actual and real emotions under that ice cold exterior when I saw her wipe a tear in secrecy. Even Jacob's parents came by. I was ecstatic to see them, but at the same time it broke my heart. Jacob was an only child and this was as close they would ever be to becoming grandparents.

Emmett was no stranger, but he proved to be rather helpful. He was apprehensive about holding Elizabeth, he was afraid he would 'break' her. I kind of understood seeing his hands were almost as big as her entire body. So instead he made my life quite comfortable. Changing the sheets on my bed, cleaning bottle after bottle, picking up food or going grocery shopping with Jasper when we were running low on things. Besides looking after my daughter, I hardly had to lift a finger. I doubted other new mothers had it as easy as I did.

After more than two weeks of having people visit and congratulate me, I was looking forward to the first quiet night alone. It was just the three of us… correct that, four. It was getting late and I was lounging on the couch with Elizabeth's sleeping form resting on my chest. It was so precious to feel her tiny warm body resting against mine and run my fingers over the ultra soft bronze tainted hair.

Next to me Alice fidgeted continually and kept checking her watch. "Is something wrong?" I asked when I couldn't take her bouncing around anymore.

"I'm sure it's nothing," she dismissed immediately.

"If it's nothing then why don't you tell me?" I countered running my fingers lightly over Elizabeth's back, feeling her small chest rise and fall with every breath.

"I have this weird feeling and Jasper should be home by now," Alice muttered. "She always calls if she's running late."

"I'm sure she'll be home any moment now."

Alice nodded absentmindedly. Her phone rang that very instant and as fast as lighting she ripped from the table and answered just after the first ring. "Where are you?" she beamed. The smile on her face froze and turned into a grimace of horror. Her breathing became superficial and erratic. "I'll be right there."

I stared at her alarmed. "What happened?" I asked fretful when Alice had already put on her shoes and was throwing on a jacket.

"Jasper wouldn't say, but she's in the hospital. I gotta go," she muttered and with that she was gone and the door slammed behind her.

I put Elizabeth down in my room and paced the floor for hours. I tried calling both Alice and Jasper, but none of them answered. I contemplated calling Emmett, but I didn't want to cry wolf if this was nothing. Past midnight I finally heard the sound of the front door open. The hall was dark as Alice helped Jasper out of a jacket I didn't recognize. Carefully they maneuvered to the kitchen and dread ran through me like a wildfire when I saw Jasper's face. Discolorations were dramatic around her one eye and throat. Her lip was swollen where it had split. Jasper didn't look up, just sat extremely carefully down on a chair, holding her breath and obviously wincing in pain.

"What happened?" I asked horrified.

Alice's face was splotchy and her eyes were red when she looked gravely at me. I'd never seen her look so desolate. "We need some space, Bella," she defused immediately. "I'll tell you later." The tone of Alice's voice completely disarmed me and I knew now was not the time to push. She meant what she said and there was no arguing with her.

I nodded slowly. "Let me know if you need anything," I answered quietly and retrieved to my room giving them privacy. My mind was racing and I was scared, scared for whatever happened to Jasper. She had become so dear to me, always taking other people into account before herself. She had been my pillar when giving birth for crying out loud. That was extremely personal to me. What the hell happened to her?

In my room I coiled around Elizabeth's small body, needing to shield her from whatever nightmare just walked through our front door. I needed to feel like I was protecting her. Never in my life had I felt this instinctive need to fight if anyone wanted to harm or take her away from me.

During the night I could hear both Alice and Jasper crying in their room. They never stopped.

oooooOOOOooooo

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To those of you who are following Four Weeks, details about what happened to Jasper will be posted on Friday. *Runs and hides until then*.

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