Singing Softly Chapter 9, a twilight fanfic

Thank you for all the reviews guys, I suppose that means I need to keep writing. I'm going to keep up with the request for music choices, so give em up.

Lots of stuff going on in this little chapter, so hold on to your hats and glasses my peeps. I'll tell you all the names of the songs at the end. Good stuff here. Go on, you know you want to read it now.

Oh yeah, and I don't own Twilight or its characters, but I do own this story and have an insane dog named Chewy.

There's a still in the street outside your window
You're keeping secrets on your pillow
Let me inside no cause for alarm
I promise tonight not do no harm
Yeah I promise ya babe, I won't do you no harm

And we're caught up in the crossfire
Of heaven and hell
And we're searchin' for shelter
Lay your body down
Lay your body down
Lay your body down

Watching you dress as you turn down the lights
I forget all about the storm outside
Dark clouds roll their way over town
Heart-ache and pain came-ah pouring down
Like hail, sleet and rain, yeah, they're handing it out

And we're caught up in the crossfire
Of heaven and hell
And we're searchin' for shelter
Lay your body down
Lay your body down
Lay your body down

Lay your body down
Lay your body down
Lay your body down

Tell the devil that he can go back from where he came
His fiery arrows drew their bead in vain
And when the hardest part is over we'll be here
And our dreams will break
The boundaries of our fear
The boundaries of our fear

Lay your body down
Lay your body down
Lay your body down

Next to mine

The man was trying to kill me, that's all there is to it. Jasper isn't home yet and I guess that means the flirtation via song choice has been risen up to epic proportions. How is a girl supposed to resist this? How I ask you? Rose is off in the corner with Emmett not paying any attention to the song choices he's been making all night long. I just can't help enjoying the attention from him. I'm starting to think that Alice was right. I'm feeling things for Edward, more so than anything I've been feeling for Jas. I keep telling myself that if I just wait a little longer I would feel far more for him than I do Edward, but it just seems to be at a standstill. Maybe we just need to take our relationship to the next level, physically. I don't mean sex, but we can more than just making out and light groping, I could do that, couldn't I? I would try; when he gets home tomorrow I am going to let him in a little further.

It's almost closing time and Rose said she was going to come up and sing something girlie, which to Rose usually means angry girl rock.

"Thank you Edward." There wasn't a whole lot of people in the bar tonight, so it was pretty much my group, Edward, Em, Rose and Jake with a few others. Jessica and her friends have pretty much become regulars and she's just so sweet, her friend Lauren that comes with her however is a vapid tramp. She's always trying to pick up Edward, that and her singing sounds like someone trying to disembowel a cat while it's still alive, no joke people. Jessica was on her honeymoon this week which thankfully means no Lauren. "Rose, your turn babe."

Rose gave Emmett a kiss and sauntered her drunken ass up to the stage. "Thanks Belly Bean."

"Please don't call me that ever again." I laughed. She grabbed the mic and stuck her tongue out at me. "Save it for Emmett Rose, he's much more appreciative of that type of gesture." The girl had the nerve to flip me off. "If I were into girls I'd be all over that, but sadly for you I like the peen. Try not to cry into your pillow when you go to sleep tonight." That made her laugh so hard I thought she might pee her pants on stage, drunk Rose was funny. "Everyone give it up for Rosalie! The hottest bitch I know!" We all may have been drinking, a lot. Just as suspected Rose chose to sing Love is a Battlefield, classic Pat Benetar.

I sat back and watched her perform and thought about how much I wished Alice was here, she'd be back soon and I was looking forward to all the girl time we'd have again once she was officially back. She went home this morning; I drove her to the airport. Rose wanted to go, but she had to work and it wouldn't look too good to go into work late on your second week. She had already gotten yesterday off when she agreed to take the job knowing we were going to be hanging out with Alice all day. Yesterday we all had such a good time, but I had a nagging feeling about Alice's airport guy. There just seemed to be something off about it all. I don't know, maybe I'm just being over protective; Alice hasn't had the best choices when it came to the men she chose. That had to be it, I was just being protective of my friend, but no matter how much I tried to tell myself that that was it the feeling wouldn't go away. "Hey, you okay Bella?" Rose had finished her song and now was handing me the mic.

"Oh, yeah. I just have this nagging feeling about Alice's mystery man." I wondered if she had the same feeling, maybe if she did it would make me feel better knowing I'm not the only one.

"Why is that?"

"Well I don't really know. I just have a weird feeling like something is up with him."

"It's probably just because we haven't met him and all Alice knows is that he's hot and she has a feeling. I think it's okay though, you know Alice can hold her own and she seems so sure about this guy for some reason. Let's just hope for the best and if something happens then she'll be here and we can help her. Besides, he hasn't even called her yet and who knows if he will so let's not worry about it, okay?"

"You're probably right." The crowd was getting louder as they waited, I could hear a couple people asking what was taking so long. Time to get back to work I suppose. "Sounds like the natives are getting restless; I better get back out there." I got up from my seat and Rose went back to sit with Emmett. He hugged her tight when she got to him. "Thank you for that Rose! You were amazing as always." The small crowd applauded for her, I picked up the next request. We only had time for two more songs so we got through those pretty quickly and cleaned up. Angela helped me pick up the books, pencils and paper while Edward and Jake helped me out with the equipment. I was ready to go in no time. Jake rode with me so he just sat in the car waiting until I was ready. I thanked Angela and found Edward waiting for me at the door as usual when Jas wasn't here. "You didn't have to wait for me, Jake's in the car. I'll be safe if you want to just head home Edward."

"I'd rather be safe than sorry Bella. I'll walk you to your car then take off."

"Okay. Thanks." We walked to my car in silence, but I had a feeling there was something he wanted to say.

"Safe and sound, goodnight Bella. See you Thursday." Then he turned and left. It was strange, we usually talked when he walked me to the car and normally he had a hard time leaving, wanting to prolong our conversation for as long as we could. I could only assume he was trying to be a good friend to Jas and not actually hit on me as much. I decided not to dwell on it. I was tired and wanted to go home.

"Let's roll B, I'm tired." Jake was asleep five minutes into the drive home, we lived only ten minutes away. When I pulled in to my spot I shook the beast of a man awake to get him out of my car, he woke up with a snort, which made me laugh. "Sorry B, guess I was more tired than I thought. Thanks for letting me come with you tonight, I had a good time."

"No problem Jake. See ya. Tell Paul I said hi."

"Will do. Night B." He went into his apartment and I walked the short distance to mine. With the door closed and locked behind me I went to my room and changed into the shorts and cami I normally slept in. Right as I got into bed my phone chirped indicating I had a text, it was from Jasper.

Just wanted to say goodnight beautiful. Sweet dreams and I'll see you tomorrow. – J

I smiled and hit reply immediately.

Goodnight handsome. I miss you and can't wait to see you tomorrow. My lips miss you too. – B

His response was quick and I giggled.

Mmmm, you're killing me Bella. As soon as I land I'm heading straight to your place and giving those lips a proper hello. You may have to cancel your lesson with Jane, it could take a while. ;)– J

Now I was blushing. Never has he been this forward with his words to me. It was kind of a turn on.

We'll be waiting here for you. – B

Good. See you tomorrow Bella. Goodnight my sweet girl. – J

Night Jas. Have a safe flight home. – B

I drifted off to sleep quickly after that. I didn't dream that night but when I woke up I was giddy, Jasper was coming home today, it had been a long few days. I spent the morning cleaning up the apartment trying to bide my time waiting for him to get here. True to his word he came right from the airport. I opened the door and he had his bags in his hand, he had taken a cab to and from the airport, not wanting to leave his car in the long term parking lot. I didn't even get in a "Hello" because as soon as I opened the door he stepped in, grabbed me and kissed me, then kicked the door closed. He carried me into my room and closed that door too.

"God, Bella, I missed you so fucking much." He murmured against my lips.

"I missed you too. Oh that feels so good." His lips had kissed every inch of my face and were now at my collarbone. Jasper's hands went to the hem of my shirt and pulled it up, kissing the exposed skin as it was revealed to him. "Holy fuck Jas."

"Bella. Damn, I love it when you talk like that. So fucking sexy." My bra was gone and his warm mouth was wrapped around one nipple while his fingers pinched and pulled at the other one. He was lying on top of me on my bed and my hips bucked up to meet his very prominent erection as he tweaked my nipple. Jasper let out a moan as our hips came into contact. "I want you Bella. I want to touch you. Will you let me touch you?"

"God yes." My head was thrown back as he worked over my body. I felt his hands at the waistband of my jeans. His fingers released the button then lowered my zipper, the next thing I knew my jeans were off and on the floor. I sat up, forcing him to get up, when he looked at me in confusion I smirked at him and placed my hands on his belt, undoing it, then the button fly on his jeans. His jeans and boxers hit the floor with a soft thud and he stepped out of them. I crawled up to the headboard and he followed. We lay on our sides facing each other, kissing as our hands explored one another. My hand grasped onto his hard cock and his hand slid down my abdomen at a torturously slow pace. I started pumping, my thumb grazing his sensitive head, spreading the pre-cum around then continuing to pump him. His nimble fingers slid inside my now soaked panties coming into contact with my very wet lips.

"Ugh, you're so wet Bella." I moaned as he slipped one finger into my dripping center, he pumped, once, twice before adding another finger, his thumb found my clit, drawing small circles on it driving me crazy. I was panting like I'd run a freaking marathon, I would have been embarrassed if he wasn't panting as well. My hand was wrapped around him pumping to the same tempo as he was, my thumb grazing his tip as it made its way back up. Jas bucked his hips into my hand groaning with me. "Fuck. Bella, I'm gonna…..ahhhhhhh shit." He said at the same time my orgasm hit me with a loud. "Jas, oh….ooooohhhhhh…..sooooooo goooood. Ahhhhhh." I made to get up but he gently pushed me back down on the bed. "I got it. Stay there beautiful." I watched his naked form walk to the bathroom and sighed. That was amazing. He came back all cleaned up himself with a wet towel and sweetly cleaned me up.

"If that's what I get when you're gone for a few days then I think you should leave more often." He finished up, tossed the towel and lay down next to me kissing my forehead, my eyelids, my nose then my lips.

"Or maybe I could just do that every day from now on."

"Hmm, I guess that could work." I told him, my hand went to the back of his neck so I could pull him to me. Once he was close enough I kissed him, it was slow and sweet and perfect. "So how was your trip?"

"It was good, the conference went well, but I'm glad it's over and I'm home now."

"Good. I'm glad you're home too." I kissed him on the lips again, happy to have him with me.

"How was your weekend? Did you and your friends have fun?" He asked. His hand was in my hair, twirling it in his fingers.

"It was great. We had so much fun. Alice met some guy at the airport, said she slipped him her name and number, but he hasn't called yet. She seems really excited about him though."

"But?" He probes. How does he do that?

"I don't know." I do know, but I'm not sure I should tell him. I told Rose and she brushed it off.

"Yes you do. Tell me."

"Okay." I take a deep breath then look him in the eyes. "Well I just worry that she's going to get hurt. Alice doesn't make the best choices when it comes to the men she dates."

"He hasn't called right?" I nodded, feeling foolish for worrying so much about this when he hasn't even contacted her yet. "Well then don't worry about it. No point in stressing over something that hasn't even started. I mean she only gave him her number, nothing may even come of it."

"I know, you're right. I'm being ridiculous, but I just have this really bad feeling about it all."

"You're a good friend." He said with a kiss on my nose. I was glad that I had allowed our relationship to progress, Jasper is amazing and now I feel closer to him than I ever have before.

The next three weeks moved by in a blur. I developed a routine and stuck to it, my schedule was crazy now. Peter had added another student to my roster so I was doing voice coaching on Wednesday nights with a guy named Tyler, he had a lot of raw material to work with so I figured he would be another great student. Jasper was doing amazingly well with the guitar; he really had a good grasp on the notes and how to put them together. Jane was doing fabulously too.

Alice was due to move in less than a week, her realtor was a miracle worker and had found her the perfect place. It had a store front on a busy street with an amazing apartment right above it. She had enough room to work and live comfortably. The rent was a little high, but her previous employer, now her financial backer had agreed to the price and said it would be no problem at all seeing as the rent for both places here was much less than the rent would be for just a store front back in San Diego.

Edward had seemed to tone down his flirtation with me. I wasn't sure if it was because Jasper was around more or if he had just given up. It made my life much easier, I have to say. We still talked of course, but it was all very innocent. My relationship with Jasper was going alright, ever since the night he came back we had been exploring each other, but have yet to actually have sex, I still wasn't ready. He told me he'd wait for me until I was. There was something going on with him though, he seemed a little off lately. There'd be times he would get a phone call, smile and walk away, out of ear shot. I didn't really think anything of it the first couple of times it happened, but it was becoming more frequent and it was starting to worry me.

EPOV

It had been three weeks, three long torturous weeks since I've had any sort of flirtatious exchanges with Bella. It was killing me, but I promised Emmett and myself that I would stop this and let her and Jasper just be happy. It was taking every ounce of power that I had in me to just be her friend, God how I wanted that girl, but she wasn't mine. I hadn't hit on another girl either, I think in the back of my head I was still hoping they wouldn't work out and she'd come running to me. There was a girl that had been hanging around Eclipse with her friends, Lauren; she's the bane of my existence. The girl just cannot take a hint, even if it slapped her in the face, which honestly I was about ready to do. No matter what I said or how I said it she just kept trying to get into my pants. Tonight was no exception.

"Edwarrrdd..how you doin baby?" She slurred/purred. It made me want to tear my ears off and burn them just so I would never have to hear that sound again.

"Lauren." I responded curtly, I didn't even bother to look at her.

She leaned in close and I could smell tequila on her breath, then the idiot had the nerve to whisper in my ear. "I'm horny."

"How nice for you." I still hadn't looked at her. I was by myself for the moment, Jasper was running late, work had him tied up, Emmett and Rose were out at dinner and weren't due to come for another hour, so I was stuck with no chance of escape. There was also some asshole up on stage trying to sing some lame ass Justin Bieber song, don't ask me how I know it's Justin Bieber, that's a story for another time, needless to say I was in hell and no amount of beer was making it better. I could see Bella at the side of the stage, she seemed agitated, try as I might my stare did not get her to look up and save me from the wicked whore that seemed to want to monopolize my time and my dick.

Not getting the hint for the fiftieth time in the last month she continued to whisper in my ear, "Let's get out of here and let me show you a real good time baby."

"Edward, there you are. Look, since you're not busy do you think you could help me with something on stage?" My savior came finally, Bella. I gulped the beer I had just taken a gulp of and nodded enthusiastically.

"But, Edward, I thought you and I were going to…you know." Lauren motioned to the door with her head, but almost fell over with the action. I tried not to laugh and did well with holding it in for about 10 seconds before Bella was shrieking in laughter, which caused me to burst out laughing.

"Lauren, get the fucking hint. He's. NOT. INTERESTED! He'll never be interested in your skanky ass, so quite trying." Lauren huffed and stormed off. I had no doubt she'd try again next week, but I was happy for the reprieve for the night. "Sorry, if you were trying to work that, but I just can't stand her."

"Oh, no please. Anytime you see me over here looking in utter pain from unwanted attention feel free to scare them off. I've been trying to get her off my crotch for weeks, but nothing seemed to be helping break her thick skull." My head shook as I chuckled.

"Well good then." She was silent for a second, looking everywhere but at me. "Okay, well I better get back. Wouldn't want to deprive the world of any more awful renditions of Justin Bieber."

"Yeah, that guy is pretty bad. Thank you Bella, really. I appreciate you saving me." My hand grabbed hers and I brought it to my lips, leaving a light kiss on her knuckles. When I looked back up her face was scarlet red.

"Uh…no problem. I better….." Then she was gone. An hour later Emmett and Rose showed up, I had already drunk an entire pitcher of beer so I was feeling pretty damn good. Jasper had yet to show up; he must have a difficult patient to deal with, poor bastard.

"Hey man, how's it been tonight?" Emmett said as he sat down, scooting further in so Rose could sit next to him. "Where's Jas?"

"Hey Em, Rose. It's been rough. Lauren was trying to get into my pants again tonight; thankfully Bella saved me and told her to fuck off. I'm not sure where Jas is, he said he was going to be a little late, but I haven't heard from him since four." Angela brought over more glasses and another pitcher of beer, bless her. "Thanks Ang."

"No problem sugar." She replied before going back to the bar.

"What's up with Bella?" Rose asked. I looked over at Bella and she seemed really angry.

"Don't know, she's seemed agitated all night."

"I'm going to go see what's up. I'll be right back." Rose was up and at the stage in a flash and she didn't come back for half an hour.

"So I see the just being friends with Bella isn't working out so hot for you, huh man?"

"What? It's going fine Em." I had no idea what he was getting at. I was doing just fine being friends with Bella.

"Uh huh. Keeping tabs on her mood all night is a bit more than friendly, don't you think Edward?"

"Fuck off Emmett. I've been sitting here by myself for two hours with nothing to entertain me but a bunch of idiots trying to sing like pop stars and failing miserably. And Bella's mood has been kind of hard to ignore, she hasn't been acting like herself even when she's on stage and you know how much she loves it up there. You should have heard the song she sang earlier, it was fucking depressing."

Emmett raised his hands in surrender and it calmed me down a bit. "Okay, man, sorry." He took a big gulp of beer then his eyes wandered over to Rose, then back to me. "Uh, listen. I need to tell you something, but you have to keep it to yourself." I nodded at him, silently agreeing that would keep my mouth shut about whatever he was about to tell me. "I was talking to Jas the other day; you know just shooting the shit over a beer."

"What the hell man, why wasn't I invited out?" I sounded like a five year old not getting his way, but what the fuck ever.

"You were working, geez. Anyway, like I was saying. He got a phone call, got this huge smile on his face and then just left me there. We were in the middle of a fucking conversation and he just bolted."

"Okay, it was probably Bella. What's the big deal?"

"Yeah, that's what I thought, until he came back in. He still had a big 'ole goofy grin on his face and I asked him point blank if it was Bella and he said no it was just a patient. Have you EVER seen a psychiatrist get that happy over a call from one of his patients?"

"What are you getting at here Em? Maybe he just didn't want to admit to it being Bella that put the stupid grin on his face." I didn't really buy what I was selling, something in my head was nagging at me that something was going on, but I didn't want to think that way of Jas.

"Nah, man. I think there's something going on with him." Rose chose that moment to come back effectively ending that line of discussion. "You okay baby?" Emmett asked her as she slid back into her seat.

"Yeah. I'm just worried about Bella. She thinks there's something going on with Jasper. She says he's been pulling away from her and she thinks it's because she hasn't had sex with him yet."

Beer flew out of my mouth, soaking everything on the table, including Rosalie's shirt.

"EDWARD! Shit! UGH, now I have to go clean this up." She gave me a dirty look as she got up again. I saw her go talk to Bella, probably looking for a spare shirt or something; Bella nodded and led her over to Angela.

"That can't be a coincidence." Emmett broke into my thoughts again and I was beginning to think there really was something going on with Jas, but I couldn't believe that he would be acting detached from his girlfriend just because they hadn't had sex that just isn't Jasper.

"I don't know Em. What do you think is going on?"

"I'm not sure, maybe there's another woman?"

"Hmm, that doesn't seem like something Jas would do." I told him.

"What doesn't seem like something I would do?" Jasper was suddenly standing at our table, so I made room for him. Angela came by with another glass and a dirty martini, Rose apparently had ordered it.

"Uh, what took you so long Jas?" I asked, trying at all costs to avoid answering his question.

"Man, this patient just was in crisis mode. She just kept going on and on, I tell you man, sometimes you just have to talk to for hours to get some people to calm down." With his glass filled he brought it to his lips and scanned the song book. We had managed to steer him away from what we previously had been talking about, being none the wiser to the topic. Thank Christ for that. "I'll be right back, I'm gonna go say hi to Bella." Emmett and I nodded and watched him go to Bella. The agitation she was exuding all night seemed to dissipate when Jasper held her, I guess she was just anxious to see him. Rose came out from the direction of the restrooms wearing a new Eclipse t-shirt and her jeans, she made a bee line for Bella and wrote what I assumed was a request then came back to the table. She practically chugged the martini Angela had brought over.

"Damn baby, that was hot." Emmett's eyes were wide as saucers as he looked at his girlfriend, she waved in the direction of the bar with her now empty glass, soon Ang was back to replace it with a now full one.

"Thanks Ang. Keep 'em coming would ya?" She asked.

"Sure thing Rose." Angela looked warily over at Em and I, shrugged and walked away.

"What's up with the guzzling down martinis Rose?" I asked, I had never seen her drink like this in the past two months that I've known her.

"Nothing, just needing a little liquid courage." She answered, downing another martini.

"What do yo…." I was interrupted by Bella calling her up on stage for her song. Rose finished off her martini and scrambled up to the stage.

"Emmett baby, this one's for you." This should be good. I geared up for whatever Rose was going to sing. Jasper had come back and was watching with the rest of us. The music started and I recognized it immediately. Emmett was going to lose his shit.

You think I'm pretty
Without any makeup on
You think I'm funny
When I tell the punchline wrong
I know you get me
So I let my walls come down, down

Before you met me
I was alright but things
Were kinda heavy
You brought me to life
Now every February
You'll be my Valentine, Valentine

Let's go all the way tonight
No regrets, just love
We can dance, until we die
You and I, will be young forever

The look on Emmett's face was comical if nothing else. I could tell that he wasn't sure what she was actually saying by singing this song, but judging by the look on Rose's face, she was serious about the words she was singing. I wondered how long it was going to take him to just go up and grab her off the stage and take her home.

You make me feel
Like I'm livin' a
Teenage dream
The way you turn me on
I can't sleep
Let's run away and
Don't ever look back,
Don't ever look back

My heart stops
When you look at me
Just one touch
Now baby I believe
This is real
So take a chance and
Don't ever look back,
Don't ever look back

We drove to Cali
And got drunk on the beach
Got a motel and
Built a fort out of sheets
I finally found you
My missing puzzle piece
I'm complete

Let's go all the way tonight
No regrets, just love
We can dance, until we die
You and I, will be young forever

You make me feel
Like I'm livin' a
Teenage dream
The way you turn me on
I can't sleep
Let's run away and
Don't ever look back,
Don't ever look back

My heart stops
When you look at me
Just one touch
Now baby I believe
This is real
So take a chance and
Don't ever look back,
Don't ever look back

I'mma get your heart racing
In my skin tight jeans
Be your teenage dream tonight
Let you put your hands on me
In my skin tight jeans
Be your teenage dream tonight

I thought Emmett was going to burst, sitting there watching her dancing and singing this song up there, then he did what I had been anticipating for the last minute and a half. He jumped from his seat, her bag in hand and rushed the stage.

Yoooouuu
You make me feel
Like I'm livin' a
Teenage dream
The way you turn me "ahhhhhh, Emmett"

Rose squeaked as he hoisted her over his shoulder. He slapped her ass and they were out the door.

"Okay, I guess she's done for the night." Bella laughed and then sang the rest of the song, it made me hard, the gyration of her hips, the husky tone in her voice, and it was all very sexy.

My heart stops
When you look at me
Just one touch
Now baby I believe
This is real
So take a chance and
Don't ever look back,
Don't ever look back

I'mma get your heart racing
In my skin tight jeans
Be your teenage dream tonight
Let you put your hands on me
In my skin tight jeans
Be your teenage dream tonight
(Tonight, tonight, tonight, tonight, tonight, tonight)
Holy shit. That's all I'm saying. She may have only sung one third of that song, but let me tell you that right now there is no blood in my brain; it's all headed down south. I shifted uncomfortably in my seat, praying to God Jasper didn't notice me ogling his girl, no need to have that conversation again. When I looked at him he was staring down at his phone, not even paying attention to me or the show Bella just gave.

"Joslyn. Let's get your Britney on girl." Bella ushered the girl on stage and went back to sorting the new requests. She looked like she was about to cry, could it have been because her boyfriend wasn't paying any attention to her? Probably.

"Hey man, what are you singing tonight?" I asked Jasper.

"Huh?" He looked up from his phone looking happy, but bewildered. "Where'd Em and Rose go?" O-kaayy? Did he not see the display they just put on?

"Seriously? What the hell is so interesting on that phone that you missed all of that?"

"Uh…nothing. So it was something good then?" His phone was now put away, for now.

"Yeah. Rose went up and sang Teenage Dream and Em dragged her off in the middle of it."

"Ha, no way. That's awesome. Too bad I missed it." Jasper drank the rest of his beer, again looking at the song book.

"Jas, can I ask you a question?" The pitcher and a half of beer gave me courage. I wanted to; no I needed to talk to him about Bella.

"Sure man, what's up?" The song book was back on the table, his glass was filled again and so was mine then he just looked at me expectantly.

"I wanted to ask you about Bella." Was that vague enough?

"Okay, what about Bella?"

"Um, well. I guess I should first ask what's going on with you? Em's noticed there's something off, the phone calls, the goofy smiles, the texting, what's going on man?" I really hoped he was going to answer me honestly.

He looked over at Bella before turning his attention back to me. "Okay, well I met this girl at the airport when I went to San Diego for that conference."

He what? "You what? You met a girl? Dude that was like a fucking month ago!" I really had to remember to keep my voice down.

"Shhh, geez. Listen, I was going down to baggage claim and this petite little thing yelled at me to wait then she slipped me a piece of paper with her name and phone number on it. She just walked away after that and I was left there at the top of the fucking escalator staring at her with my jaw on the floor. Don't give me that look Edward; I know what you're thinking. I didn't call her."

"You obviously did call her at some point Jasper. Holy shit. I'm going to have to kill you now, you know that right?"

"Can I finish please?"

"Please, go ahead and give me more of a reason to kick your ass, make it real good and I'll have Emmett get in on the action to." I was pissed, beyond pissed, how could he do this to Bella?

"I threw the number away and just went on with my life, happy, or relatively happy with Bella, then a week and a half ago I saw her at the coffee shop by my office. So she saunters up to me, with her hand on her hip and asks why I haven't called her. I told her I was with someone and she asked if I was happy. I really thought about it. Bella's great, don't get me wrong, she's amazing, but I've just been feeling like…"

"Like what Jasper?"

"Like there just wasn't that spark there, you know that connection, so I told her I wasn't sure. I don't know why I told her that, I just feel this connection with her, she makes me want to tell her things and I don't know how she does it. She has this aura about her, she makes me feel…alive." He got that stupid ass grin on his face again and I wanted to punch him, I was just about to too before he started talking again and spoke the words I had been waiting for. "I'm going to break things off with Bella."

"JAS! What do you know about this girl? You're just going to break up with Bella?" Why am I trying to talk him out of this again? I have no fucking clue.

"She's moving here from California in a week, she's funny, smart and just from the week and half that I've been talking to her I've actually realized that although Bella is a great girl she's not the one for me. I've been struggling with this for a few days now, but I'm going to do it tomorrow. It's only fair to Bella." I almost felt bad for him, he looked, I don't know, disappointed in himself and sad, but the anger at him cheating on Bella took over.

"You're a real piece of work, you know that? How could you do this to Bella? What's this girls name anyway?" I wanted to know the name of the woman that didn't give a rat's ass that he was involved with the most wonderful woman I had ever met and went after her boyfriend just for the hell of it.

"Alice. Her name is Alice." What. The. Fuck?

"Alice? Are you fucking kidding me Jas?" He looked downright surprised by my outburst.

"What the hell are you talking about?" Maybe it wasn't her what I was thinking. There could be a million girls named Alice for all I knew, but something in the back of my mind told me it was more than likely the same fucking girl. Bella's best friend's name was Alice, she is petite, just as Jasper described, lived in California and was moving here this week. Coincidence? Maybe, maybe not.

"Bella's best friend?" Please tell me something about this girl that will give me some kind of indication that it's not Bella's friend.

"No, it couldn't be the same girl. I mean there's gotta be a million Alice's. It can't be." The look on his face told me that he was putting all the things he knew about this girl and Bella's friend together and seeing how they measured up.

"You better fucking hope not man, otherwise…" I just shook my head, I couldn't even think what Bella would do if this chick were her best friend.

"I hope you're right, for your sake." I drained the rest of my beer and paid my portion of the tab. "I'll see ya Jas. I got an early morning, so I gotta go." I shook my head again not knowing what else to say to my best friend who was about to rip the heart out of the girl I wanted more than anything. I really hoped that this didn't completely destroy her.

I hadn't heard anything from Jasper or Emmett or anyone else on how things went with Bella since I was swamped with work. I even missed karaoke night at Eclipse on Thursday. I was feeling anxious; this is what not seeing Bella did to me. It was now Saturday and I was at home getting ready to head over to Requiems for Bella's show. I really wanted to see how she was doing, make sure she was okay. I talked to Emmett earlier and he said he and Rosalie were going to be there, as well as Jake and Paul. He didn't mention Jas, knowing how I felt about what he did to Bella, even if he was there I didn't care, I needed to be there for her.

Tanya was at the club and greeted me with a hug when I got there, she lead me to a table at the table in front of the stage. She was going off about Jasper and how he broke up with Bella and how she was oddly taking it somewhat okay. She wasn't happy about him talking to another woman for the past 2 weeks, obviously, but she told me that Bella seemed almost relieved. It made me feel slightly better knowing she was alright.

"I know she'll appreciate you being here. Rose and Em should be here any minute and it looks like Jake and Paul just arrived. Have a good time tonight Edward and…good luck." Tanya winked at me then went back to the bar, apparently she was tending bar tonight. Tanya's husband introduced Bella and when she came up on stage my breathing hitched. Her hair was straight and her make-up was minimal except for her eyes, it really made her eyes pop, she looked beautiful. Her first song nearly broke my heart. She must have written it when thinkgs started falling apart with Jasper.

"Everyone having a good time so far?" Bella said once she had taken her seat, her guitar was situated to her liking and she started strumming. Her voice was beautiful, soulful; you could tell that she was hurting when she wrote this song, even though the tempo was upbeat.

I used to think one day we'd tell the story of us,
How we met and the sparks flew instantly,
People would say they're the lucky ones.
I used to know my place was a spot next to you,
Now I'm searching the room for an empty seat,
'Cause lately I don't even know what page you're on.

Oh a simple complication,
Miscommunications lead to fall-out.
Too many things that I wish you knew,
So many walls that I can't break through.

Next chapter

How'd we end up this way?
See me nervously pulling at my clothes and trying to look busy,
You're doing your best to avoid me.
I started to think one day I'd tell the story of us,
How I was losing my mind when I saw you here,
But you held your pride like you should've held me.

Oh, I'm scared to see the ending,
Why are we pretending this is nothing?
I'd tell you I miss you but I don't know how,
I've never heard silence quite this loud.

This is looking like a contest,
Of who can act like the careless,
But I liked it better when you were on my side.
The battle's in your hands now,
But I would lay my armor down
If you say you'd rather love than fight.
So many things that you wished I knew,
But the story of us might be ending soon.

Now I'm standing alone in a crowded room and we're not speaking,
And I'm dying to know is it killing you like it's killing me, yeah.
I don't know what to say, it's a twist of fate when it all broke down,
And the story of us looks a lot like a tragedy now, now, now.
And we're not speaking,
And I'm dying to know is it killing you like it's killing me, yeah.
I don't know what to say, it's a twist of fate 'cause we're going down,
And the story of us looks a lot like a tragedy now.

The end.

Speechless is what I was, I didn't take my eyes off her once and everyone at the table just looked sad for her, there was of course clapping and whistling, she's nothing short of amazing. Bella said nothing, just starting in on the next song, one I have heard her sing up here before, it was the song she sang "For Jamie", you could definitely tell what kind of mood she was in tonight by her song choices. Emmett, who was sitting next to me, elbowed me in the ribs, when I looked at him he motioned me to him I leaned in a little closer.

"Jas is back there." When I looked behind me I searched the crowd and found him in a dark booth in the back. "Should we go talk to him?"

"You can if you want, but I'm still pissed at him." I had no intention of talking to him right now, I needed to wait and cool down a bit before I tried an actual conversation with Jasper.

"Yeah. Okay, I'm going to go talk to him, be right back." He was up out of his seat then leaned down again like he forgot something. "Don't tell Rose, okay? Say I went to the bathroom or something, but if she sees him, there's going to be a scene." I nodded, silently telling him that I wouldn't say anything to her and he was venturing to the back of the club to talk to Jas.

Thankfully Rose never asked where Emmett went, just concentrating on her friend singing up on stage. Bella finished two songs before Emmett returned to his seat.

"He's messed up man, so fucking messed up." Emmett told me after he said something to Rose.

"Yeah well, too bad." I had no sympathy for him right now, he did this to himself.

"Edward. He made a mistake; he's sorry and misses his friends. He told me to tell you that Bella was fair game now so you should go for it." Okay, that did it.

"Fair game? FAIR GAME! What the fuck Em? She's not a game to me." I tried to be quiet, but seeing as Jake, Paul and Rose were all staring at me I guess I wasn't doing a good enough job of it.

"I know Edward." Emmett shook his head sadly, while everyone else turned back around, waiting for Bella to come back and went back to their conversations. I wanted to know what else Jas said to Emmett, but not bad enough to ask him to tell me. I'd find out later, when there wasn't a bunch of people around to hear me yelling.

A/N: Alright, so that's it. The songs for this chapter were Brandon Flowers "Lay Your Body Down", Katy Perry "Teenage Dream" and the lovely Taylor Swift "Story of Us". Next chapter will have Bella's take on what went down with Jasper.

Please review and as an incentive I'll give everyone who reviews a paragraph from Chapter 10.