"Dad," Edward choked before throwing his arms around his father.

"Edward," Carlisle sighed deeply. He returned the gesture and held him closer. "I can't believe I'm seeing you right now."

"I miss you so much," Edward could feel the tears falling as he spoke into his father's shoulder. "A-And Mom. God, I miss you both so fucking much."

"We miss you, too, son," Carlisle's voice shook with emotion. "More than you can ever know."

"Dad, you have to go back," Edward pleaded when he pulled away. "Please. It isn't your time yet. You have to go back!"

"No," Carlisle shook his head. "I won't. Not without you. Edward, we need you."

"I can't."

"Why not?"

"I-I still have something to finish," Edward said after a quick second of thinking. "But as soon as I can, I'll come back."

"Promise me that you will," Carlisle insisted still. He placed his hands on his son's shoulders. "Your mother and I can't…we won't…if you don't return…"

"I promise. Dad, I swear to you. This won't be the last time you'll see me," Edward's tone rang with conviction. "For now, though, you'll have to go on your own."

"Carlisle..." A faraway voice called suddenly. "Carlisle…listen…save him…"

"Who was that?" Edward looked around the small room to no avail.

"Dr. Laurent," Carlisle realized. "I recognize his voice."

"You can hear him!" Edward exclaimed, sudden hope bursting within him. "Dad, this is it! They're calling you back."

"…still can…Carlisle…"

"I…I don't know…"

"Look," Edward pointed to his nearly transparent hands and arms. "You're fading already."

Carlisle reached for him in one last embrace. "Don't forget your promise, son. And remember that we love you so much. Don't keep us waiting long, alright?"

"I won't," Edward nodded. After a second of hesitation, he decided to just jump in and say what he's been dying to say. "Wait, Dad, I have to tell you something about Rosalie. She's planning on…"

And then Carlisle disappeared completely.

Edward was deflated from failing to warn his father about Rosalie's connivance, but as he turned around and gazed into the operating room again, he felt happiness seeping into him again. The chaos had calmed somewhat, and he could tell that Carlisle had returned to his body.

Now, Edward just had to keep his vow and do the same.

…

Never in Edward's life did he wish that he was a crier until today. He just felt so drained, and thought that perhaps a good cry could help him release some of his pent-up emotions that ranged from joy, to somberness, to hope and desperation.

Sadly, he couldn't force even a single tear out of his eyes. That left him feeling like crap even more, and so, with a heavy heart, he trudged off to Heaven for another day of work.

He could have probably called in sick, but he didn't think he could survive sitting in Jasper's place and just stewing in his own thoughts. He figured that doing something productive can make him feel better, or at the very least, make him distracted enough to forget how he felt.

For the most part, Jane and the rest of the café's usual suspects were none the wiser about his current mood. Operations ran as they did on any other day, and Edward was happy about that. He didn't really feel like talking about the past twenty-four hours he'd lived through or the feelings they planted in him.

But that was before Bella approached him while he took a five-minute break in the back.

"Jasper?" her soft voice resonated in the quiet alley. "Hey. I've been looking for you."

"Yeah?" Edward grinned despite himself. "Well, you found me. What's up?"

"I just thought I'd let you know," Bella said. "I spoke to Esme earlier. She said the surgery was a success."

Relief filled Edward completely, and for a second, he was speechless. Not knowing how else to react, he launched himself at Bella.

"Whoa. Hey, what's wrong?" Bella asked. She wrapped her arms around his back, slowly rubbing up and down.

Edward opened his mouth to speak, but the only sound that left him was some sort of gasp. Bella's kindness had overwhelmed him, and a second later, the tears he had been trying so hard to extract finally came flowing.

"Oh, Jasper," Bella sighed. She could feel a wet patch forming on her shoulder, but paid it no mind. "It's okay, now. Everything's okay."

"Bella?"

The pair pulled away from each other to see Charlotte standing in the doorway.

"I, ah, hate to interrupt your little moment here, but there's someone in front who wants to speak to you."

"Oh. Who is it?"

"Dunno," Charlotte shrugged. "He didn't say. He's a really tall fellow, though. Dark skin, dark hair…any of that ringing a bell to you?"

Jacob, Bella fumed mentally. The man caused nothing but trouble with Edward every time he entered the café, and she wasn't looking forward to him doing the same again. "Yeah, I know him. He didn't say what he's here for?"

"Well, to talk to you, I guess." Charlotte surmised. It was only then that she noticed Edward's tear-stained cheeks. "Are you okay, Jasper?"

"Yeah, I'm good," Edward assured her. "These are tears of joy, trust me."

Charlotte laughed. "Alrighty, then."

"Come on," Bella sighed as soon as her aunt left. "Let's go back in. Apparently, I have a visitor."

Edward smiled ruefully at her. He didn't want her talking to Jacob any more than she did, but he was curious about what he wanted to tell her.

For sure, their conversation was something he was going to eavesdrop on.

…

Jacob looked as ragged as he did when he came to Heaven three days ago. Edward had to wonder what had become of his best friend – or ex-best friend, rather – who took personal grooming very seriously.

"Bella," he greeted gruffly. "Hey."

"Hi," Bella answered warily. "What can I do for you, Jacob?"

"I was hoping we can talk? In private, if you don't mind."

"Behind the counter should be fine," Bella gestured to where she stood. "Sorry, but quite frankly, I don't trust you enough to be alone in a closed room with you."

"Fair enough," Jacob nodded, and made his way to the same corner where Jane had warned Edward about the 'hoochie mama' who turned out to be Rosalie.

"So what is it you wanted to tell me?"

"I just wanted to warn you."

"Warn me? About what?"

"About Whitlock," Jacob hissed. "Before you get mad, just hear me out. I wasn't kidding when I called him a poser, Bella. The guy's been lying this whole time! He isn't who he says he is."

"You're absurd," Bella crossed her arms. "Do you even have any tangible proof to back up what you're saying?"

"Well…no," Jacob admitted. "But that doesn't mean it isn't true."

"Look, I really don't have time for this," Edward saw Bella rub her face tiredly.

"I'm being serious," Jacob insisted. "Something about Whitlock hasn't seemed right with me since the beginning, and now, I think I know why. He's taking advantage of Edward's coma to worm himself into his life! Hell, I think he's even sleeping with Rosalie."

Slap!

"Get the fuck out," Bella growled. The hand that she used to hit Jacob curled into a fist. "I won't continue to stand here and listen to you spout lies about a person who's been nothing but a good friend to me. Just because Jasper makes you feel threatened or something doesn't give you the right to bad mouth him like that.

"And for your information, he is anything but a poser or a fake. I can personally attest that Edward and Jasper has been friends for a long time. And he's done nothing but try to help the Cullens in such a difficult time in their lives. Did you know that he's the reason why Carlisle even went through the surgery that saved him?"

Jacob was about to speak, but Bella didn't even give him the chance. "Just leave, alright? And don't come back anymore."

The fury on Jacob's face was evident in both his face and his posture. Edward thought of jumping in and pulling Bella away from any potential violent outbursts, but thankfully, Jacob left with nothing more than a snarl and a glare.

…

After he ensured that Bella was okay and that no one had noticed the exchange, Edward ran a hand through his hair as he turned the conversation over in his head. The way Bella defended him made Edward love her even more – a feat he didn't think was possible – but at the same time, it made him think.

Why would she lie for him like that? Bella didn't have anything to gain from covering for him, so why did she do it? Edward couldn't think of a good reason until a good one suddenly hit him.

Does Bella know that it's me who's in Jasper's body?

…

"Carlisle, how are you feeling sweetheart?"

"I'm doing fine," Carlisle shifted his position a little. It was nearly twenty-four hours after his surgery, and after being assessed by what seemed like a whole parade of experts and having tubes attached to his body, he was feeling pretty uncomfortable. The discomfort wasn't major, at least, so he didn't feel up to alerting his wife. "The bandage itches."

"But you'll do well not to mess with it," Esme chuckled lightly. She leaned towards him, and placed a kiss on his forehead. "I'm just so happy that you're okay."

"Yeah," Carlisle smiled. "What's with the baskets, by the way?" His blue eyes scanned the room.

"Get well soon gifts from some friends," Esme told him. "Angela and the ladies from the country club sent over an assortment of breads, the board gave a fruit basket, and my sister Claire and her husband Quill even shipped a package of those pralines you love so much."

"The ones from Belgium?"

"Yes. Quill has a business meeting over there, remember?"

"Oh. Right."

"Carlisle, what's wrong?" Esme could sense that something was bothering her husband. "Are you in pain? Should I call Dr. Laurent?"

"I'm fine, Es. There's no need to do that."

"Then what is it?"

Carlisle sighed. "I just have something on my mind."

"What is it? Maybe I can help you with…whatever it is you've been mulling over in that mind of yours."

"It's Edward," Carlisle stared into her eyes. "I saw him while I was on the operating table."

Esme gasped. "You mean…like, in a vision? Or a dream?"

"No. That's what I thought at first when I woke up, too, but the more I thought about it, the more I just…knew that what I saw was real. He's here, Esme."

"Y-You saw Edward?"

"And I spoke to him, too."

Esme's hand worriedly touched her lips. "But how? Does that mean he's…th-that he's not going to wake up?"

"That's the first thought that entered my mind, too," Carlisle replied softly. "But after I talked to him..." He took a deep breath. "He promised to return to us, Es. And if I know only one thing about our son, it's that he always keeps his promises."

A lone tear was now running down Esme's cheek which she wiped away quickly. "Yes, yes he does. How is he, Carlisle? Is he alright?"

"He seemed like he was," Carlisle said. A small, thoughtful smile formed on his lips. "He was observing my operation when I approached him. I guess he's always been around, watching over us."

"Edward's always been such a protector," Esme agreed wistfully. "He fits his name perfectly."

"I wonder, though," Carlisle tried to sit up a bit more, but Esme had to help him fully adjust himself. "Before I left him, Edward mentioned that he wanted to tell me something about Rosalie. I guess I didn't get to hear it since I can't remember what that 'something' is."

"You don't think it can be something bad, do you? Like Rosalie being in danger?"

"I don't know. I certainly hope not. I've already transferred half of my stock in the firm to her."

That surprised Esme. "You what?"

"I forgot to mention it," Carlisle shrugged contritely. "You know how pessimistic I've been about life the past couple of days. I was preparing myself for my death, basically, and since she and Edward will get married when he wakes up…I was just trying to tie up loose ends."

"Oh, Carlisle," Esme sighed. "So what will you do now? Transfer the stocks back to you?"

"No, I won't do that. I'll be honest, Es, I'm so tired. After this whole ordeal, I just want to spend what's left of my life with you and our family without work interfering."

"You're retiring early, then?"

"I think our funds can more than permit that," Carlisle grinned as he squeezed her hand. "And besides. With Edward, Jacob, and Rosalie set to run and own the place, I'm confident that everything will be just right with the company."

…

Scheduler watched him working through the window.

He's so beautiful, she thought pensively. I miss you, Jasper.

It broke her heart to see him labour so hard just to make ends meet, but she knew she didn't have the power to do anything about it. All she could do was stand outside the diner and watch him work.

A moment later, she decided that she couldn't take it anymore. Scheduler quickly transformed herself into a young, impressionable woman, and walked into the establishment. She sat herself on the barstool nearest to where Jasper was standing, her grey eyes never leaving him the whole time.

"Hi," Jasper greeted. "What can I get you, tonight, miss?"

Scheduler almost fell to her knees at the sound of his voice. "Anything." She answered him.

"Uh…okay. Um, would you like some coffee? And a piece of pie, maybe? We have really good ones here."

She just nodded.

"Alright." Jasper turned around and began filling a mug of the warm liquid. "Hey, Shelly. Do we have any of the banana pie left?"

"We still have some," Shelly answered from the kitchen. "You want me to bring out a slice?"

"Yes, please," Jasper replied. He set the mug of coffee in front of Scheduler. "Your pie will be out in a moment. It's banana flavour, by the way. My favourite."

"Thank you," Scheduler's normally loud tone was now reduced to a whisper. Jasper smiled, and resumed wiping the counter.

Scheduler idly sipped her coffee and nibbled at her pie when it arrived, but her attention was fully on the man at the other side of the long bar that separated them. Every breath and step he took registered in her memory, and she savoured being near him again.

The bell above the door ran again as another customer walked in. Scheduler didn't pay any attention to it, but when Jasper suddenly looked up and smiled brightly, she turned to see what had gotten him so happy all of a sudden.

"Hey Alice," Jasper waved. "You're looking cute tonight."

Alice? Who the fuck is Alice?

Scheduler's critical eyes appraised the woman who oh-so gratuitously plonked herself on the stool next to hers. She couldn't see what was so cute about her Pepto-Bismol-coloured ensemble.

"You know I only wear my best scrubs for you, Jas," Alice replied with a wink. Scheduler could tell she was being sarcastic, but she didn't miss the subtle flirtatiousness of her statement.

"Rough night?" Jasper asked as he prepared another mug.

"You have no idea. Three births and and chopped-off finger."

"Sounds exciting," Jasper chuckled. "Here's your coffee, by the way."

"Thanks," Alice took a small sip. "Mm, just the way I like it, too. You're awesome, Jas."

Jasper shrugged nonchalantly, but the tips of his ears turned red.

"Oh, hey, I almost forgot. Dr. Fisher wanted to know how you're doing. I think she's still kinda freaked over what happened after your hypnotherapy session."

"I'm okay," Jasper said. "I barely even remember what happened during that time, so you can tell her that there's really no harm done. I mean, I'm still having some memory lapses, but I feel a little lighter, I guess."

"Okay. That's good," Alice smiled and placed a hand over Jasper's. "You'll tell me if you're not feeling well, right?"

"Of course. You're my favourite nurse, after all."

Scheduler couldn't believe what was happening in front of her. How dare the girl just walk in and have the audacity to just start flirting with her Jasper?

A single thought entered Scheduler's mind as she furiously glared at Alice's giggling figure.

He's mine.