Thanks to everyone who's reviewed so far. Here is today's update - the second letter - to Jasper. Enjoy!

Chapter 4.

Bella and Jasper sat silently side by side for some time; the envelope clutched in his hands as they both stared at it like it was a ticking time bomb which in some ways it was. "I guess there's no delaying it any longer." He said and tore it open; pulling the sheets of paper from within.

Dearest Jasper,

We're sorry to leave you this way; of all the family, you're the one we will both miss the most. Sorry you have to read that Bella, but Jasper has been part of our lives for so long and has been the world to Alice and a kindred spirit to myself.

Let me start by saying that everything we said in the letter yesterday was completely true. We're both so proud of everything you've achieved and if you could see what we've seen of what is to come in the future you'd understand why we say that. I wish we could've spoken to you both about this before it happened but if we had, events would've changed again and there's no way of knowing if we'd be able to rectify them to how they've turned out now. At least if we'd spoken to you we might've been able to tell you why we know you're the only choice I have for this task, Jasper. There's no one else for the job and even if there were, you'd still be the one I would choose. Alice and I have both seen it and we know this is what is supposed to happen.

Now I suppose I should go into what I know about the Bond of Brotherhood. I know you're wondering what the hell Alice and I were thinking when we decided this but there is more to this than you probably realize. By this time I know Carlisle will have found the text which I discovered but I also did some additional research and spoke to Aro. Yes, I know you probably hate me even more now for involving the Volturi but I wanted to make sure everything was in place; I wanted to make sure you'd both be okay and there wouldn't be a way for the bond to be broken. Alice and I have seen that you're both reluctant to do this; you more than Bella, Jasper but I need you to see there are bigger things at risk here than just the two of you. James and his coven are still going to be hanging around and I can't risk something happening to either of you. More than anything else, you're stronger together than apart. I need you both to understand James has more planned for the family than we realized initially and I'm hoping this will stop that from happening; or at least make things easier for you.

His plans aren't the only reason though; I actually think you'll both be helpful to each other; that you will love each other as much as you both loved us; maybe even more. I realize neither of you know each other that well and that's partly because of us, but as you get acquainted you'll see that you're both quite similar to one another; maybe that's the reason Alice and I fell in love with you both so easily.

Going back to the bond, Aro sent me a lot of information about it which you'll find in my room. I've also spoken to him and there appears to be little James can do to break the bond once it's in place; unless Jasper dies. I'm afraid I can't tell you what he has planned because if I did, it would change events beyond my control; just know that this bond should help you with it and when you find out you'll be ready to hear it. There is a small issue with timing that you need to be aware of. The text Carlisle has read states the bond has to be in place before the end of the six months after my death in order for it to hold, however, James is going to be in Alaska in five months time so you need to have it in place before then.

There are things Alice wants me to tell you, Jasper, she's too upset by this to be able to put it into words for you and has asked me to write it for her. She wants you to know she couldn't have been happier when she first had the vision of you and then met you in the diner. She knew then that she'd met her match and she knows you feel the same way. However you need to let her go now and she knows how difficult that will be for you. She isn't coming back; neither of us will and the sooner you accept that the better off you'll be. That sounds harsh but you need to accept this as reality, Jasper. Don't let what's happened affect you too much; we both know how you can dwell on the negative things that happen and we're more than aware it's because of your empathic abilities but you need to set this to one side. Bella will help you through this and will become the person you rely on. Let her be this; let her see you for the person you really are; not who you think she wants you to be. If this is going to work you need to open up to each other and be truthful to each other. That means hiding nothing, Jasper.

Bella, Alice also wants me to tell you that you shouldn't let Jasper push you away – and he will try to do so. Don't let him wallow for too long and she knows you already care for him a great deal. Let that become more; let him be there for you too. He's a very good mate (it feels a little awkward to write that to you but it's what Alice wants me to say…) and he'll be the perfect person for you. The two of you are destined to be together.

Please take care of each other and know that we'll be watching out for you as best we can.

Love always

Edward and Alice

xx

Bella re-read the letter once she'd reached the end and then looked up at Jasper. His eyes were shut and she could see the pain etched clearly on his face. Tentatively she reached for one of his hands and squeezed it gently. His eyes opened and he looked at her; the pain even more obvious to her, "Are you okay?" He shook his head and she squeezed his hand harder, "Do you want to talk about it?" Again he shook his head. She tried an alternative, "Do you want me to go?" For some time he didn't say anything so she took his non-response as an answer of yes and began to get up from where she was sat only for him to pull her back down to sit next to him; his hand tightening on hers. "Talk to me." She whispered.

"I can't," he gasped; finally saying something.

"This isn't easy for me either, Jasper. I love Edward and I know it's nothing like what you had with Alice but to me it was everything. He's the only person, other than my parents, that I've loved. I don't know how to deal with this any more than you do. I need you to help me through this too." She looked at his face; once more she could see he was falling apart before her eyes; his pain overwhelming him again. "How can I help you if you won't talk to me?" She stared at him and then she felt it; he was staring into her eyes and she could feel his pain. Slowly it became stronger and she realized he was communicating with her the only way he could manage at the moment. She could barely breathe such was the intensity of what he was feeling; and therefore what she was feeling – it was just as well she didn't really need to. "We'll get through this, Jasper. It's just going to take some time."

He laughed harshly; the sound anything but beautiful. "Time is something we don't have." He forced himself to mutter.

"We'll make time."

They were silent for a few minutes but then he spoke; his words sounded harsh as he bit back the pain. "Why are you doing this? I basically laid all the blame at your feet yesterday and here you are being so nice to me. I don't deserve it; I don't deserve anything."

"Because what they said in the letter was right; I care for you. We're both hurting now and maybe this will help us get past it. You're my link to them both; you're the only one who can understand what I'm feeling because you're going through it too. I know that what you said to me yesterday was because of what you're feeling; the grief we're all feeling is affecting you and I want to help you. In the same way I know I'm going to need your help to deal with this." The pain she was feeling intensified even more and she continued to stare at him; wondering how he handled this emotion on a daily basis. Obviously this wasn't usual circumstances but still, she knew what he was showing her was still only a fraction of what he was dealing with. "Why don't we get to know each other more? There can't be any harm in that, can there? Then you might be able to make a better decision about what you want to do with this bond."

He thought about what she'd said and he knew she was right; after all she was still his sister; even if it was only going to be briefly. "Okay. Can we get away from the house for a while though? I need to be away from the reminders."

"Anything you want, Jasper." She said; pulling herself to her feet and tugging on his hand gently until he did too. She still held his hand as they walked from the house; Carlisle and Esme watching the two of them leave from a distance.

As the two of them walked away Esme leant against her husband's shoulder; her arm around his waist. "Do you think they'll be okay?"

"I hope so, my love." Carlisle said; kissing her forehead softly.

"I can't lose another child and if they don't make the bond work, we'll lose Jasper. I don't want to lose him."

Carlisle knew how she felt about their youngest son and understood the despair she was feeling at his reluctance to do this. "We won't let that happen, Esme. We're going to get through this as a family; all of us. We'll help them with what they're going to face."

"Will he accept the bond, do you think?"

"I hope so; maybe once we have a little more information we'll know more about what we're dealing with. I can't even be sure if I've translated the text correctly and I'm reluctant to call Aro and ask for his help. I don't really want to draw their attention to this situation."

"I wish things could be different; that Edward and Alice were still here. They were so integral to this family and there's such a hole where they were."

He turned to face her and lifted her chin with his hand; kissing her softly. "Let's just take each day as it comes, okay?" She nodded and they moved back through the house towards their room.

TBC

A/N: So they're going to get to know each other and see what happens. What do you think? Let me know. A relatively short chapter I know but there'll be another one tomorrow. :-) See updates every day.