As usual all things Twilight belong to Stephanie Meyer.

A/N - Your responses to the last chapter were great! Almost every review included a guess as to who was on the phone, with the vast majority guessing Edward. I hope you all won't be disappointed when you discover who it actually is. Mega, mega thanks to my beta Georgia Dawgette, between pm's and chapter revisions that she worked through super fast, along with all her ideas she kept me motivated to get this one out quickly. Thank you for all the reviews, alerts, etc.......they were one of the big reasons I wanted to get this chapter out so quickly.

JPOV

"I'm afraid not." The voice on the other end of the phone line its usual calm, although there was an undertone of confusion present.

Fuck me!..........Carlisle.

"Shit." I muttered under my breath. "Carlisle, you need to block your thoughts now, and then I will tell you everything." I said with far more authority than I felt. Pacing amongst the trees that lined Peter and Char's property, I couldn't fathom how I had been so careless.

I had been so entirely consumed with thoughts of Bella, and how she was fairing in her reunion with Alice, that her name had left my lips without thought, certain it was her on the phone needing me home.

"Edward isn't here at the moment." Carlisle assured me, naturally picking up on the reason for my request to shield his thoughts. He did not elaborate on Edward's whereabouts, nor did I much care, so long as Carlisle could assure me that his thoughts were safe from Edward's gift.

This was not how I'd planned for Carlisle to find out. I knew from the get go there was little hope of Alice not seeing mine and Bella's relationship, but I had hoped not to include the rest of the family so soon. I was in no way ready to endure the fall out that I was positive would ensue, and I was beyond hesitant to subject Bella to all that would inevitably follow our relationship being brought to the attention of the rest of the family.

There was however, no way to avoid filling Carlisle in on the details. Starting from the moment I'd seen Bella in the club, I related the past few days to Carlisle, of course editing the more intimate details of our time together. He listened without interruption, although I'd expected no less from Carlisle.

"This is unexpected." Carlisle sighed. "Though, thank you for telling me the truth son."

Surprisingly, I felt some relief being able to confide in the man I still very much considered my father. Trusting Carlisle to keep my confidence was a non issue, I trusted him implicitly. Although this was not a position I relished putting him in; with keeping the secret of one son from another. Carlisle was not one to pick favourites, yet the bond shared by him and Edward was not a secret. Guilt flashed through me as I pictured Carlisle in his study, sitting at his desk appearing entirely composed. Appearing was the key word, to most Carlisle was the epitome of control and composure, but to those who knew him like his family did it was quite simple to find the chinks in the armour when something was upsetting him. It was his eyes, always the warm topaz which told of his diet; in their depths his emotions were often reflected. At this moment I could only imagine what I would see in them.

"I didn't plan this Carlisle, nor did I ever expect to see Bella again, never mind discovering the feelings I have for her." I spoke quietly into the phone.

"The thought that this was in any way premeditated hadn't even crossed my mind Jasper." I had been almost certain that out of everyone, Carlisle would have been the one to reserve judgment on me, but all the same it was a comfort to have that confirmed.

"Thank you Carlisle." There was nothing else I could say.

"How is she?" In that moment I didn't need to be an empath to pick up on the concern, and fatherly affection in Carlisle's voice. I know it had troubled him and Esme both greatly to leave Bella behind, but with Edward's decision made they'd felt they had no choice.

"She's Bella. Like I told Alice, in many ways she's still very much the same girl we left in Forks. She's been through a lot though, and it has left its mark." For mostly selfish reasons I had no desire to go into detail yet again about the devastation we'd inflicted upon her, or the danger we'd failed to protect her from.

"Alice, of course. This would explain why she suddenly felt compelled to pay you a visit." I could clearly see the pieces clicking into place for Carlisle as he spoke. "It would also be why Edward has been insisting that Alice is hiding something from him, as apparently she's been cataloguing her entire wardrobe for quite a number of days." Despite the seriousness of the conversation, I didn't fail to pick up the note of amusement in his voice over Alice's stealth tactics.

"Carlisle........." I hesitated, grasping at a way to put my request into words in a way that would not make Carlisle feel like he was engaging in an outright betrayal of Edward. "It's imperative that Edward does not know about this yet. The decision to see him needs to be Bella's, and we both know what Edward is like. If he knows about her, about us, there is no telling what he will do. This has to be on her terms."

"Of course, of course. I will ensure he does not learn of this from me, and I will keep this from the rest of the family." He assured me. "Jasper..........he will need to be made aware eventually. He is still very much in love with her, or rather believes himself to be. All I can request is that you discuss this with Bella, and assure her that I will do whatever is within my power to make this easier for all parties."

"Thanks again Carlisle, I'm sure she will appreciate it and I will try." There was no way I could guarantee him that Bella would ever agree to see Edward. The rage I'd felt from Bella when discussing Edward the other night had been extreme in its intensity. Facing Edward would be a huge step for her,

"Jasper may I ask how Alice took all of this?" The strain in Carlisle's voice was evident.

"Would you believe she took it better than even Bella and I did?" I chuckled at the wonder that was Alice. "She is with Bella now, and it wouldn't shock me in the least if those two are once again thick as thieves before too long."

"I suppose that shouldn't in any way surprise me. She's probably been aware for quite some time." The tension eased from Carlisle's voice again momentarily, until he proceeded with his next question. "And your control Jasper, there is no......" His voice trailed off as I interrupted him.

"It's ironclad Carlisle. If there is one thing I can guarantee you, it is that there is absolutely no chance of me harming Bella." My thoughts from earlier again at the forefront of my mind.

"You've come a long way son, I'm very proud of you." As much as I didn't want it to matter, the fact that I could finally inspire pride, rather than pity and disappointment in the head of our family, did mean a great deal to me. However, it wasn't something I would freely admit to anyone else; admitting it to myself was enough.

"Not to change the subject Carlisle, but I'm assuming you had a reason for calling." I was clamouring to change the subject, but I was also aware that Carlisle had not yet told me the reason for his phone call.

"Jasper, I believe I already have the answer to my purpose for calling." Carlisle sighed. "Esme and I were wondering if you had given any thought to our request that you visit soon. However, in light of recent events I do understand why you would decline."

Leaning against the thick trunk of a tree, I ran my fingers through my tangled curls in guilt, frustration, and the list of recriminations could go on and on. As hesitant as I was to cause Esme or Carlisle anymore pain, it was Bella that was now my priority and her needs trumped all else.

"I can't give you an answer Carlisle." I replied truthfully. "Like I said, how everything plays out will be up to Bella."

"Would I be overstepping my bounds if I offered a little fatherly advice?" I almost laughed outright at the question. Although diplomatic, Carlisle very seldom asked before imparting his wisdom upon those of us he considered his children.

"By all means." I answered, knowing that whatever advice Carlisle had, he would never attempt to sway my decision in his favour.

"I understand your hesitancy to subject Bella, and yourself for that matter to all that will undoubtedly occur once Edward knows. But Jasper, secrets always have a way of coming to light and I honestly believe that this is something Edward needs to hear from you and Bella. The fallout could be much worse if he were to find out by chance." His words made sense, and although I knew Carlisle would do everything within his power to maintain my confidence, it was often trying and at times nearly impossible to keep things from Edward if he was motivated enough to discover them.

"I will talk to Bella." Was my simple response, there were no other guarantees I could offer him.

"That's all I ask." Carlisle stated solemnly. "Also, please remember you can speak to me anytime Jasper, you are still my son."

"Thank you Carlisle, that means more than you know." A deep affection for the man on the other end of the line settled over me.

After saying our goodbyes and disconnecting the call, I quickly hit the speed dial that would connect me to Peter.

"Jazz, I see the itty bitty annoying one has arrived." Disdain evident in Peter's voice.

"Do not start on that shit Peter! I do not have the time or the patience for yours and Alice's little pissing contest." I growled

"Well aren't we three different kinds of asshole today." He snapped.

Giving no apology for my previous tone I simply stated, "Carlisle knows about me and Bella."

BPOV

"How do you eat that?" Alice's face was scrunched up as she stared with disdain at the salad I had thrown together for my lunch.

"I put it in my mouth and chew." I deadpanned.

"Isn't it comparable to eating......well........grass?" I swear she almost shuddered. She could drain a full grown predatory animal but my salad made her shudder.

I shook my head and laughed. I had missed her randomness.

Alice and I were seated at the high back stools that sat facing one of the granite counters in Jasper's kitchen while I ate my hastily prepared lunch. The comfort I'd always found in my friendship with Alice seemed to be returning in miniscule amounts. It was a good start. Though I couldn't completely understand how she was okay with mine and Jasper's relationship, well more than okay the way she told it, but for whatever reason I knew she was being sincere.

"So Jazz is quite the kisser huh?" Alice had the same shit eating grin on her face that I was accustomed to seeing on Peter's. Maybe I didn't miss her randomness so much.

"Alice!" I hissed, my cheeks feeling as though they were on fire, and I was certain appearing as such as well. "I am not discussing this with you!"

"Why not?" She appeared almost hurt. "It's what friends do, and besides you never had a problem talking about this when you were with Edward."

"That was when I was kissing your brother, not your ex-husband." I exclaimed, mortified at the direction our conversation had taken.

"It's nothing to be embarrassed about. You and Jazz are mates, and showing affection is completely normal." I swear this was similar to when Renee gave me the birds and the bees talk at the ripe old age of ten, only a million times worse.

"I know Alice. What isn't normal is discussing it with his ex-wife." I said through clenched teeth.

Jumping off of her stool, Alice stood with her hands planted on her hips. "Bella I am more than just Jasper's ex-wife, I am also your best friend and I would hope that trumps the rest. Besides, who better to talk to about him than me?"

I knew when a battle with Alice was all but lost, but I was still positive I couldn't have this conversation with her. It was entirely too.......weird. Somehow I knew Alice would get her way though, it was merely going to be a matter of how non-intrusive I was going to be able to steer it.

"Vampires are very sensual and sexual creatures Bella." Apparently Alice was channeling her inner Dr. Ruth.

Looking at Alice pointedly, memories of all my failed advances towards Edward played through my mind.

"Alright, maybe not ALL vampires." She amended somewhat sheepishly.

I snorted somewhat unladylike at her admission. I couldn't believe we were even discussing this. Well more Alice discussing while I sat dumbly on my stool glowing bright red, my only real input being my ever changing facial expressions.

I walked across the kitchen to place my dishes in the previously unused dishwasher, feeling Alice's eyes on me the whole time. It was rather disconcerting.

"We haven't ummm.........shit........Jasper and I haven't had sex Alice." The words awkwardly tumbled out of my mouth as I turned around to look at her from the other side of the kitchen.

"I know." Those two words spoke volumes.

They confirmed that regardless of what I chose to share with Alice, she was most likely already aware. Such was the way considering her visions. Rather than feeling as though our privacy had been violated, I felt a sense of awe at the pixie. It suddenly dawned on me that although she was more than familiar with the ins and outs of mine and Jasper's relationship, including all the intimate moments, she still was completely accepting. More than accepting if I was being accurate in my description, she had fully embraced us as a couple. It was as though I could see the light through the dark. The epiphany was freeing, assuaging me of the majority of my guilt where Alice was concerned.

Before I could formulate a comment, or an answer to any number of the things she'd said in the last few minutes, we were interrupted by Jasper stalking purposefully into the kitchen. Something was up, he appeared tense and on edge. Without even hesitating I rushed towards him and stepped into his waiting embrace. Leaning my face against his chest, I inhaled the scent that was unique to Jasper. I knew the discussion Alice I were having, although delayed by Jasper's return, was by no means over.

"What is it Jazz?" Alice's voice broke through the bubble we tended to enclose ourselves in.

Tightening his arms around me, he looked from where I was surrounded by his embrace to where Alice was situated. "Carlisle knows."

My relief at believing I'd scored a reprieve from Alice's girl talk was short lived.

CPOV

Sitting at my desk, my hands steepled in front of me I looked around my study. Like most of our homes, the room was decorated with dark mahogany furnishings and accented with deep reds and gold. Books spanning the centuries as well as my numerous degrees set in antique frames lined the walls, they were the few things I always insisted on taking with me from house to house.

As much as I'd have relished the time to put into perspective everything Jasper had told me, it wasn't a luxury I had right now. I hadn't the slightest idea when to expect Edward back, and I could not chance him finding out about Bella via my wayward thoughts. I'd promised Jasper I would do everything within my power to keep just that from happening, a task I was anything but looking forward to.

I couldn't stop my thoughts from playing again the events that had occurred over the past two years, events which had forever changed the dynamic of the family I'd formed. Of all the things that could have been the downfall of this family, I'd never even once considered that the cause would end up being our affections for one human girl. Not to place blame on Bella, she was the most innocent in all of this. Not all of the changes were detrimental I had to admit. Jasper had acquired the control, the confidence to embrace our vegetarian way of life; something I'm uncertain he'd have been able to do while living amongst us. I felt nothing but pride in all he'd accomplished. Although I was not his sire, he was as much my son as Edward or Emmett.

Edward...........I was at a loss when it came to helping my first son. I could only hope that his decision to return permanently to the family was a sign that he was healing, and coming back from the cloud he'd lived under since leaving Bella.

"Who were you on the phone with Carlisle?" The deep, quiet voice jolted me from my thoughts and memories.

"Edward, back from hunting already?" I immediately began to recite the Hippocratic Oath silently, unprepared for Edward's sudden appearance in my study.

"Carlisle." Edward paused, his fists clenched at his side and mouth set in a tense line, all of this in complete opposition to his almost casual stance against the door frame. "Who were you talking to, or more importantly, why were you talking about Bella?"

Sighing heavily I braced my hands on the arms of my chair and stood. Tentatively, I took a few steps towards Edward. "I was speaking with Jasper." Lying outright to him would only exacerbate the situation once everything came to light. The trick now was going to be avoidance. "I was wondering if he'd given any more thought to visiting."

"What does that have to do with Bella? You're hiding something from me Carlisle." Edward was maintaining a calm demeanour, even though I had no doubt he was feeling anything but ease. "First Alice, now you. What do you know about Bella that you aren't telling me?"

Edward was not going to let this go without answers. I would not go back on my promise to Jasper, however there was no way I was going to be able to keep Edward entirely in the dark either. I had anticipated that it would be a struggle keeping this from him however, I had not the slightest idea that he was near enough to hear mine and Jasper's phone conversation, or rather my side of the call.

"It is not my place to tell you everything Edward; I can only implore you to be patient." Patience was a virtue Edward tended to have in spades, as was the nature of our kind. I wasn't so sure this was a strength he would be able to draw from as a look of abject horror crossed his features.

"Has Jasper been in contact with her?" It was not difficult to guess that the memories of Jasper's and Bella's last contact were at the forefront of his thoughts. "Is that why Alice decided so suddenly to go to him?"

Quickening my strides I reached Edwards side, placing my hand on his shoulder, I attempted to diminish some of his fears without allowing too much information to slip. "All I can tell you is that Bella is not in any danger."

Outwardly Edward appeared to compose himself, but knowing him the way I did, I could see the frustration of not knowing, the sense of betrayal he was experiencing knowing that I would not, could not be budged to tell him more than I already had, and most poignant was the longing evident in his eyes for the girl he'd walked away from just two years ago.

Straightening himself, Edward nodded at me while he murmured "Carlisle," before stalking away without another word. I knew there was a call I'd have to make, Jasper would need to be informed that he could expect to be hearing from his brother and that the time for making decisions on how to tell Edward the truth, was upon him and Bella. All I could hope for now was that Edward would keep his head about him, and not run off half cocked to confront Jasper and Alice, and that Jasper would be able to forgive my failure to keep everything from Edward.

APOV

One minute I had Bella nearly convinced to spill her guts about how things were progressing physically between her and Jasper, and the next Mr. Moody himself appeared. As soon as I'd seen the unsettled look on Jasper's face I knew something was up, and it wasn't good.

It wasn't until I heard him speak the words "Carlisle knows" while he clung tightly to Bella that I was able to fully register just how rattled Jasper was. The usually stoic man was no more when it came to assuring Bella's well being. The man in front of me now, was one that is deeply in love with the woman wrapped in his arms. It would be more than obvious to anyone that saw them together how deep their feelings for each other ran.

Where many would naturally assume that I would be envious, or perhaps even jealous of their bond, I took comfort in it. Only true mates would be able to feel the depth of what they so obviously felt for each other, in such a short span of time. Two of the people I loved most in this world were where they belonged........with each other. With my little 'awww' moment over, it was time to get to the bottom of what in the hell Jasper meant by Carlisle knowing. What did he know and how? As much in favour as I was of Bella settling things once and for all with Edward, after todayI understood more so than ever before how much it needed to be on her terms. What would Carlisle knowing mean for that actually being allowed to happen?

Before I was able to put a voice to my questions, Jasper delved into a description of his phone call with Carlisle. As he progressed through the retelling of their conversation, I could see Bella becoming more tense, and almost withdrawn. She was still encased in Jasper's arms but it was as though the life drained out of her. Her normal fair skin took on a nearly pasty tone, the expression on her face blank; conveying almost no emotion. She was shutting down. Even Jasper's assurances that Carlisle had promised to do all he could to keep things from Edward until they were ready for him to know, did little in the way of eliciting a reaction from her.

The shrill ringing of my phone cut off the remainder of Jasper's explanation. I knew then, without requiring a vision of any kind that Carlisle had not succeeded in successfully keeping Edward in the dark. The question now was how much he knew, and what kind of damage control I would have to engage in.

Checking the caller ID, my suspicions were confirmed when I saw the display lit up with Edward's name. Striding quickly from the room, not wanting to provide more reason for Bella to withdraw into herself, I prepared myself to answer the phone that was incessantly ringing in my hand.

Taking a deep breath that I didn't require, I snapped my phone open. "Edward, did you not get my last text that I would speak with you tonight? Or do you just miss me that much already big brother?" I prattled on in my most chipper of tones.

"Alice, what have you been hiding from me about Bella?" Edward cut to the chase immediately, either seeing through my facade or just not caring about anything but the answers he was obviously seeking.

I could only hope that Edward would eventually forgive my deception, as I began what would need to be the best acting performance of my existence.