I looked at Bella. Her face was full of surprise and confusion. I took in her whole appearance; her hair falling around her face, her pale complexion, the bandages poking out of the sleeves of her sweater, her extremely thin frame. I was so worried about her. Edward had been teasing her since she had started at Forks High, pushing her closer to this it seemed. But the scars on her arms suggested otherwise. I couldn't believe that Edward had caused her to reach these extremes. Bella seemed so strong; it never looked as if Edward's scathing words affected her.

I had followed Bella today because I could not deal with the guilt I felt at her suffering. I knew that Edward hurt her; he knew just the things to say to cut people. I had wanted to comfort her, apologise, and tell him to stop. Enough was enough. I couldn't bear to think of anyone hurting if I could stop the suffering.

I looked into her deep, brown eyes. "Hi," Wow, eloquent or what, Whitlock? I shifted my weight nervously.

"Hi."She looked nervous as well. It seemed odd that I had seen her in such an intimate and compromising situation, and yet I was nervous to speak to her. I glanced around the small kitchen in an attempt to give myself time to think of something to say.

"I just wanted to check in on you." I sounded like an idiot. I quickly changed tact. "And to apologise." I glanced down at my sneakers then back to her face. She looked confused again.

"Apologise for what, Jasper?" She sounded so weak; Dr. Cullen had said that she lost some blood. Maybe that was why she was so pale. She gestured for me to take a seat.

"For not stopping Edward. Not doing anything to stop him is as bad as doing it myself." I was ashamed that I hadn't said anything earlier, to Bella, or Edward.

"Jasper, I don't blame you. It's fine. You have nothing to feel guilty about." She got up and started moving things around the kitchen. I think it was a hint for me to leave.

"Well, I was wondering... "I sounded so stupid. She'd say no. I knew she would. "Would you like to come to Port Angeles tonight and see a movie?" She looked a little shocked. "Oh, I was gunna go by myself. But I thought, well, it might cheer you up. It's just Terminator. You know the new one?" I realised I was babbling and just shut up.

"I... well. I don't know. I'm supposed to..." She glanced behind me as Chief Swan walked in.

"She'd love to go. You seem responsible. I know you won't let Bella get hurt." I cringed at the meaning of his words. Charlie looked meaningfully at Bella. "Why don't you go upstairs and get ready? Jasper will be waiting for you."

Bella glanced at both of us before rushing up the stairs. I slowly looked over at Charlie. He sighed and sat down next to me. "Jasper thanks for earlier today, and for this. She needs a friend. What with the death of... Oh. Well, she just needs a friend." Charlie blushed when he realised he'd almost given away more than he meant to. "She might want to talk about some things. I don't know. But please, if she does, don't brush her off. If it's too heavy for you, tell her that she should see someone."

"Okay, sir." I had no idea what he was talking about. But I could connect the gravestone she had drawn on her shoes and it was starting to come together.

"Sorry, I'm babbling. Just make sure she's home by ten at the latest." He stood and clapped his hand on my shoulder before heading back into the living room. I heard the stair creak and looked up to see Bella descending them. She has straightened her hair so it hung dead straight around her oval face. She'd lightly dusted on some make up; it covered the dark marks under her eyes. She had on a tight purple cardigan with a grey tank top beneath, black drainpipes and a black messenger bag.

She looked beautiful.