Whoo-hoo! Let's hear it for 2009! This is my first post of the New Year. Enjoy! Contains slight JxA fluffiness.
After my confrontation with Bella, I was feeling gloomier than ever. I didn't like making her angry. There it was again, that irritating, unnecessary concern for her. On top of that, the looming threat of the nomads (though Alice was confident they wouldn't arrive for a few days yet), and the strange vision of Bella. My life was far less complicated before I knew her, yet even if I could, I wouldn't trade it for my old life.
At least I can't say that it's boring anymore. That girl has turned all of our lives upside down. I thought. My grumbling was interrupted by Alice. "Edward!" She called, dragging Esme with her into the kitchen. Jasper followed them.
"Do you want to go hunting? I know you went today, but your eyes are still dark. Esme and I need to go soon, too, so we can all go together." Don't try to weasel out of it, because I'll tell Esme what really happened to her antique vase.
She showed me a memory of Emmett and me taking advantage of Esme's absence on a hunting trip to play fight. The memory was me, grinning as I leapt away from my foster brother, misjudging the distance, then a tinkle of glass as I smashed into the small wooden table on which sat a small crystal vase. I had enough dirt on Emmett to keep his mouth shut, but Alice, on the other hand…
I should have owned up to that one years ago, to take away Alice's leverage over me. I shot a glare her way, the message clear in my eyes: You filthy blackmailer. Alice shrugged innocently. You need to get out of the house. "I guess I haven't hunted in a while…" I said slowly, dragging out the words.
"Wonderful! Then you'll go with us." I gave a mock smile, and to Alice I whispered "You're despicable. You should be ashamed of yourself." Love you, too, bro.
Jasper interrupted our Alice's silent gloating. "Are you sure it's a good idea to go out after what you saw? The nomads-"
Alice had anticipated his objections. "Jazz, we're not going far. Edward and I will catch anything sinister. The nomads are still several days away, and taking their time. We'll all be safe."
Jasper grinned wryly. "I would still feel better if I came, too."
"Too bad, so sad." Alice said jokingly. "Edward, Esme , and I are having family bonding time. Don't worry." I love you so much, Alice. Jasper thought tenderly. My Alice. More than I can ever say, I love you. I turned my face away, feeling embarrassed. I would have blushed if I could. I felt so intrusive, hearing these gentle, loving thoughts. Private thoughts.
Sorry, Edward, Jasper laughed at my pained expression. Can't help it. No, he couldn't. None of then could. I tried to ignore Jasper, as he started to think mushy thoughts again. I love you, Alice, my Alice. I live for you. I would die for you. I would kill anyone who hurt you…. He was overwhelmed with pure love for his mate. Love…
I remembered the strange way I was familiar with the emotion I felt in Bella's room. Familiar, because I was surrounded by it, feeling it indirectly from the thoughts of my family. I had never experienced it myself, and it was far more potent then I could ever have imagined. I had never loved anyone as a mate, the way Jasper loved Alice, never until…
Then the reality of what this meant crashed into me. The nameless emotion I had felt, love.
I had wanted to protect her, I was irrationally worried about her, I hated upsetting her, loved it when she was happy, just the way Emmett had been earlier today in the cafeteria with Rosalie… Ugh, there it was, that word again! Loved…
This was impossible, yet it had happened. I thought I might be in shock. I was furious and elated, thrilled and terrified….
I love Bella Swan, a two-hundred year old ghost. That was when what I was thinking caught up with me. I love a ghost.
Oh, damn it.