All things Twilight belong to Stephanie Meyer, I'm just having fun making them do what I want!

Again, a million thanks to my awesome beta GeorgiaDawgette. If not for her, it would not only take me forever to update, but her ideas add so much to each chapter. There are so many of you that have reviewed faithfully throughout the story and I want to say THANK YOU! I love your reviews, they give me inspiration to write! I also love all the ideas that some of your put into your reviews and will definitely take all of them into consideration as this story progresses.

APOV

I maneuvered the black Mercedes Benz rental through the zig zag of dirt roads, breaking when I approached the massive wrought iron gate. Using the code that Jasper had text me I let myself into the fenced enclosure beyond which was two houses. The larger structure I knew was Peter and Charlotte's. As close as Jasper and he were, Peter and I had always rubbed each other the wrong way. They were as close as brothers and in a way, I think Peter always attributed the long stretches of time between Jasper's visits to my influence. I had always left that choice up to Jasper, and his true reasoning was that he hadn't been entirely confident in his ability not to slip up in his diet if he spent any extended time with Peter and Charlotte. The sheer length of time that he'd spent with them now, without any slip ups, was a true testament to his new found control. Personally, I didn't have a problem with the couple, to each their own. Being a vegetarian was a choice I was happy with, but as a rule I also didn't look down upon those that chose to feed from our natural food source, so long as it was done as a means of survival and not sport. As far as human drinkers went, Peter and Charlotte were both quite humane in how they went about it. I held no ill feelings for Peter or Charlotte. Mostly, we just didn't know each other that well. Shrugging my shoulders I decided it was water under the bridge, and not something that was going to deter me from the purpose of this visit.

First and foremost, I wanted, no needed to see Bella; for her sake as well as my own. I had missed her horrendously, a fact I had to keep mostly to myself when with my family, as bringing the subject of Bella up tended to create unwelcome tension. It wasn't because the family's feelings had deteriorated for the human girl that played a large part in changing the entire dynamic of our family, but more because those feelings were as strong as ever.

The crunching of my tires on gravel as I slowed to a stop outside the smaller of the two houses broke me from my internal musings. I was nearly vibrating with excitement as I climbed out of the car. My best friend, my sister was within reach; I could smell her scent, so uniquely Bella and her heartbeat was music to my ears. It sounded as though she may well still be sleeping, if her slow even heart rate was any indication.

I sensed him before I saw him. As I looked towards the front door of the house Jasper was hard to miss. Our past aside, even I could admit the man was gorgeous; not just for his obvious outward beauty but also the way he held himself. The Jasper I was beholding now even more so, there was a quiet confidence about him that I hadn't seen in so very long, and a sense of contentment about him that I don't believe I'd ever seen.

Flying towards Jasper who was leaning casually in the doorway, I wrapped my arms around him in an affectionate hug. "Jazz it's so good to see you."

Lifting me off my feet to return the hug he chuckled good naturedly. "Likewise darlin'."

Everytime I'd seen Jasper in the past two years, and now more so than all the other times, I couldn't help but reflect on how fate had taken no prisoners when it came to my family. Carlisle felt as though he'd failed his family when he'd been powerless to keep us all together. Esme, the consummate mother missed her absent children, and like a mother in the truest sense, hurt because her children were also hurting. Emmett had lost much of the child like quality he'd always had. He hadn't taken the sudden departure of his brothers, his confidants, his partners in crime so well. Combined with losing the human girl that had become as much a sister to him as I was, had succeeded in making Emmett a much more subdued version of himself. Rosalie for all her faults was fiercely in love with her husband, but the way in which he'd been altered had not done great things for their relationship. Esme had even gone so far as to voice her concerns to me about the state of Rose and Em's marriage, nearly begging me to delve into their future so that she could be sure they'd make it through all of this. The most affected however, had been Edward, Jasper, Bella and myself.

Edward had distanced himself both physically and emotionally from the entire family. Only recently had he began attempting to close the chasm that had grown between him and the rest of us. As far as he was concerned he'd given up his only chance at happiness, his only chance at love. I knew I had my work cut out for me in convincing him otherwise. There was no way he was going to take the news that Bella was never meant for him positively. His chance at happiness and love was still out there, I'd seen her. I just needed Edward to wake up enough to be able to see it for himself.

Bella had probably suffered more than all of us combined. Although slightly dysfunctional, we did have other members of our family to lean on. We'd left Bella with no one. Of course she had Charlie, but no one that knew our secret, no one she could confide in, and not one link to the family that she'd been so much a part of. As for Jasper and I, the dissolution of our marriage had most likely been more painful for our family than for us. It had been one more failure, one more child leaving, one more brother gone.

Looking at Jasper now I could guarantee I wasn't in love with him. I knew that with certainty, but being near him never failed to bring the memories of a more simple, happier time to the forefront of my mind. Unlike the rest of my family, I had both the blessing and burden of my visions that gave me the extra time to assimilate myself to the changes that had occurred, as well as others which were imminent. We would, with any luck, and much work on my part get back to those happier times, but not before first wading through some trying moments on the horizon. There was so much I'd seen recently that I'd yet to share with even Jasper, something I hoped to rectify during my impromptu visit.

Leading me into the entry way Jasper and I made small talk, discussing my flight and the family without going into to much depth. After many minutes of idle chatter I addressed the elephant in the room. "Bella still sleeping?" Of course I already knew the answer.

"You don't play coy well Alice." Jasper shook his head, completely aware of the segway I was attempting to make into the much needed conversation regarding Bella.

"Yes, well...........how is she Jazz? And don't lie to me!" I asserted.

"Bella, is Bella. As much as things change there are those that stay the same and although there is much that's changed about the girl we knew in Forks, there is still so much about her that's the same Alice. She still puts others before herself. She is still the kind, caring, loving girl we knew but..........." His voice trailed off.

"But?" I prompted.

"We hurt her terribly Alice. What Edward did, what we all did very nearly destroyed her, and the scars are still very obvious." Guilt was written all over Jasper's face. "I'm aware of the part I played in all of this, and I will spend the rest of my existence trying to make it up to her."

"Jasper don't do this to yourself. You know for a fact that there is no way Bella would ever place the blame for that night at your feet." I scolded.

"I fucking attacked her Alice, or at least made a hell of an effort to. If Carlisle and Emmett hadn't restrained me, there is no way she'd have survived that night." With a derisive grunt Jasper turned away from me, his formerly relaxed posture now tense. "To top it all off, we left her, he left her."

"Jazz I don't think any of us survived Edward's decision unscathed, including our clueless brother." I didn't miss the flash of fury that crossed Jasper's features at my words when his head whipped back in my direction.

Jasper's voice when he spoke was low, nearly a whisper and absolutely lethal. "I could give a flying fuck how hurt Edward is over his decision. You haven't seen her face when she talks about her life after we left, nor have you felt the sheer emptiness when she shuts down emotionally; a trick she picked up to deal with the hell he......Christ, what we put her through."

I don't think I'd ever seen or heard Jasper appear so fierce. Of course by nature, I knew what he was capable of, what all our kind was capable of. However, this reaction was a true testament of his love and loyalty to Bella, as well as a demonstration of his protectiveness towards his mate.

"Of course, I'm sorry. I'm aware that not one of us experienced a fraction of what she must have." I apologized.

"Forgive me Ali, I shouldn't have spoken to you that way. I know how hard leaving Bella was for you." Jasper sighed, running his hands through his blond curls.

"Of course I forgive you. Naturally you're protective of her, it's the way of things." I lightly shrugged my shoulders, feigning nonchalance, when in reality it still pained me that it was someone else other than me provoking that instinct in him. If I was being completely honest with myself, as accepting, and I'd even say happy as I was for Jasper and Bella, there was still that part of me that hadn't completely let go of the past Jasper and I had shared. I would however, never allow those irrational feelings to interfere in helping to assure their happiness, as well as the reunification of my family.

"This can't be easy for you Alice." Jasper's gaze shifted down, guilt and remorse evident in his expression.

"Nonsense Jazz. We both know how this works. Besides, it's Bella. I couldn't have chosen anyone better suited for you." I assured him, and I meant it with my entire being. "I already know and love Bella so it will be a piece of cake for me to fill her in on all the ways she can wrap you around her little finger." I giggled, wanting to return to the lighter atmosphere we'd had when I'd first arrived.

"Oh she does just fine on her own in that department, with your instruction she'd be downright lethal." Jasper's said with a chuckle and a shake of his head. It was wonderful to see that level of happiness surrounding him again.

That was when I heard it. The rustling of blankets from a room upstairs, followed by the distinct sound of footsteps vainly attempting to move silently across the floor. The sound that followed would have brought tears to my eyes had I been able to shed them. My name, merely a whispered sob, but it was the voice, one until recently I never thought I'd hear again.

"Bella." I nearly whimpered, my gaze shooting to Jasper.

"Alice, please.........let her come to you. This needs to be on Bella's terms" It was less a request and more Jasper telling me how this would have to happen.

BPOV

Standing in the middle of Jasper's room, I stared at the open doorway. The splintered door had been removed and Peter had yet to install the new one leaving an open space that, at this moment, signified the only barrier left between me and the whirlwind that was Alice. I fully grasped what this meant, it meant allowing the Cullen's back in my life. Jasper seemed separate from the rest of the family, he always had, and being with him had not necessarily meant being with them. Who was I fooling though; there was nothing I'd wanted more since losing them than to be back in their fold once again. However, the dream held much more weight when it started to become a reality. A reality that also contained Edward, which was something I wasn't sure I'd ever be prepared for.

I wanted this though. I wanted the bond back that Alice and I had shared, along with the comfort and acceptance I'd always felt in the presence of Carlisle and Esme. I longed for Emmett's brotherly teasing and bear hugs that nearly knocked the wind out of me. I could do without Rosalie's unique brand of bitchiness, but she was somewhat a package deal with the rest of them. As for Edward, that was something I wasn't sure I could describe; mostly because I couldn't nail down my feelings when it came to him.

I knew I was getting ahead of myself, the only member of the family down there right now, other than Jasper, was Alice. But.........this was merely the first step to the rest. Was I ready? Could I put the past behind me and look completely towards the future? I'd already forgiven them, or well all but one of them. Again that wasn't something I needed to deal with today. I needed to start taking things as they came, or I was going to lose my mind trying to make heads or tails of it all.

Before I could chicken out and change my mind, I gingerly started to walk towards the doorway. I stepped out of the bedroom and onto the landing, when I turned towards the stairs I saw a sight that nearly took my breath away.

Alice stood at the bottom of the staircase, an expectant look upon her face. Everything about her was exactly the same. From the black spiky hair that went in whichever direction it wanted to, but always seemed to suit her so well, to the designer clothes that she decked herself out in. I could see that she was bouncing slightly on her heels, something she tended to do when she was being forced to reign in her overly excitable nature. Off to the side Jasper stood silently, allowing Alice and I to have our moment. Meeting his gaze, I formed my mouth into a half smile, wanting to let him know that despite how haywire my emotions were right now, I was indeed okay. Continuing to put one foot in front of the other I said nothing as I descended the stairs. When I reached the bottom I stopped a few feet from where Alice stood. I couldn't stop the tears from pooling in my eyes. Not until I'd seen Alice from the landing, had I fully realized just how much I'd missed her.

"Alice...." I sobbed, my emotions getting the better of me as I took a tentative step forward.

"Oh Bella." Alice cried, as she rushed the few remaining feet between us to sweep me into a tight embrace.

We both rushed to speak at the same time, our arms wrapped around each other. "Alice I....I can't believe you're really here." I stammered.

"I've missed you so much Bella." Alice's tiny body shook with sobs.

All the misgivings, nerves, and if I was being completely honest fear, that I had felt leading up to this moment dissipated as soon as I'd felt Alice's tiny, yet strong little arms embrace me.

Stepping back from me, her small hands perched on her hips I quickly got a glimpse, well more an in your face bombardment of the Alice I remembered. "Bella, what are you wearing?" Her small nose wrinkled up as she looked me up and down, taking in my Tulane University sweats paired with a too large green t-shirt which belonged to Jasper and hung on my small frame.

"Alice." Jasper scolded with mild warning in his tone.

I'd been so wrapped up in my reunion with Alice, that for a moment, I'd nearly overlooked the fact that Jasper was standing only a few feet from us, an unreadable expression on his face for only a second before a slight grin took its place. Positive he was trying to get a read on what I was feeling; I shrugged my shoulders and smiled at him. "It wouldn't be Alice if she liked what I was wearing."

"True, true." He murmured before walking to where I was standing. Bending forward he placed a chaste kiss on the top of my head. "Good morning darlin'." He whispered, before wrapping an arm around my waist.

I froze, warring with myself over wanting Jasper's touch and close proximity, while at the same time worried as to how Alice would react to his display of affection. Raising my eyes up to look at Alice I was surprised to see a genuine smile gracing her delicate features as she observed mine and Jasper's interaction.

"Morning." I murmured as I allowed my body to slightly relax into his. Returning my attention to Alice, I grasped at a way to break the silence that seemed to have descended upon us after our initial excitement at being reunited. "How long are you able to stay for Alice?" I asked somewhat timidly. Not wanting her to misconstrue my question and assume she wasn't welcome here.

"It's somewhat open ended right now. I will be staying long enough for us to go shopping though Bella." Alice once again took in my outfit moments before her face lit up in a mischievous grin.

"That sounds wonderful Alice." I wasn't sure who was more shocked at my declaration.......Jasper, Alice, or me. Surprisingly though, I was looking forward to time with Alice even if it meant following her around every mall in New Orleans.

"Who are you and what have you done with Bella?" Alice looked to be in a state of shock. "No stomping feet, no begging, no bargaining. You've made this entirely too easy for me!"

We seemed to be falling back into our once familiar and comfortable friendship so easily, as though no time had passed since the last time I'd seen her. It was absolutely surreal. But so much time had passed, and things were different, so completely and extraordinarily different. I wondered to myself just how long we'd be able to successfully ignore the colossal elephant in the room.

"Alright Jazz." Alice clapped her tiny hands together "It's absolutely wonderful to see you again, but it's girl time! Bella and I have a ton of catching up to do, so you need to shoo."

I could feel Jasper's eyes on me, positive he was gauging my emotions before acquiescing to Alice's demand. Tilting my head up my eyes met his worried gaze. He looked tired, and...........hungry. The toll my emotional whiplash had been taking on him was evident by the dark circles under eyes that were usually a warm caramel colour, but now appeared to be almost a muddy brown.

Turning my body to face him, I placed my hands against his cool cheeks, gingerly running my thumbs across the shadows marring his beautiful features. "You need to hunt Jasper." I whispered.

Knowing he would attempt to argue with me, I quickly placed a finger against his lips to shush him. "Don't argue with me, we both know the emotional ping pong we've been playing has been wreaking havoc on you. Besides, Alice and I do need some time alone to catch up." I assured him.

"You're sure sweetheart?" Jasper's eyes moved rapidly over my face, attempting to detect any negative feeling I may have been experiencing. I consciously exuded as much calm and confidence as I could muster, wanting him to step back and take care of himself instead of having to take care of me.

"Positive. Now go before you provoke the pixie." I chuckled as Alice gave him a mock glare to further prove my point.

"Okay, Okay." Jasper threw up his hands in defeat. "Dammit Alice, you're here all of twenty minutes and I'm already getting kicked out of my own house." Jasper scowled in Alice's direction, but the humour was evident in his tone.

"Suck it up princess." Alice giggled as she skipped across the room before lithely tossing herself onto the massive sofa, nearly dwarfed by its size.

I walked Jasper to the door, our fingers entwined. "I'll see you soon darlin'." He drawled as he tipped his head to place a soft kiss against my slightly parted lips. For a split second it completely escaped me that Alice was sitting just across the room, and I raised myself on my toes to press my lips firmly against his. I blushed furiously when my faculties returned not a moment later. Glancing at Alice I was relieved to see that she seemed to be thoroughly engaged with her phone, her fingers moving rapidly over the keys. Sighing in relief I returned my attention to Jasper who placed one more sweeping kiss against my forehead before leaving.

Hearing the soft click of the door the butterflies in my stomach returned full force. I couldn't help but feel somewhat apprehensive as to how this would go without having Jasper here as a buffer. I just kept reminding myself over and over that this was Alice, and my nervousness was completely irrational.

Sitting on the opposite end of the couch from Alice I sat forward, my arms resting on my knees as I angled my body towards her, wondering which of us would end the uncomfortable silence that had permeated the room upon Jasper's departure.

Alice motioned to her phone before hesitating as though she wasn't sure she should say what she'd been about to. "It was umm, Edward." She continued. "Asking how Jazz was." She rushed through the rest of the needless explanation as my brain had almost ceased to function when she'd spoken Edward's name.

"Oh." I'm sure my mouth was set in the shape of a perfect O.

"I'm sorry Bella; I shouldn't have brought him up." Alice quickly apologized, a stricken expression on her face.

"No, it's ummmm........it's fine Alice." I reassured her. "He doesn't know, uh know about me.......?" My voice trailed off.

Alice shook her head no. "I promised Jazz I wouldn't say, or think anything until you were ready."

"Thank you Alice, I know it can't be easy keeping things from him." I was fully aware just how close she and Edward had always been which had to be making it extremely difficult to keep secrets from him.

Silence enveloped the room once again. I hated this awkwardness that suddenly seemed to be between us, and wanted nothing more than for us to be able to go back to our earlier banter. The time had passed for that now though. There were things that needed to be said, let out into the open, if we were going to be successful in genuinely regaining our former closeness.

Taking a deep breath I took the plunge. "I love him Alice. Like a lot." I cringed internally, hoping she realized I meant Jasper and not Edward.

With a slight smile Alice said only two words. "I know."