AN: Welcome back! Another day, another post. I will do scenes from the movie and stuff that isn't in the movie, but since this is fanfic, we could always go off script. I'm debating with myself about the ending. Let me know your thoughts.

Day Three:

Monday, July 10th

Laguna Beach, California

Bella

After seeing the video from the cartel, Jasper came straight home, and as much as I loved seeing him, I hated that it was under these circumstances. I'm not sure if the weather was changing or if it was just a cold breeze coming in from the west, but I felt uneasy and shivered without warning. Edward and Jasper did what they could to shield me from the horrors, and it was clear to me by the way they talked in secret that I wasn't supposed to see that email. I get it; they've got enough shit on their plate, and adding me panicking and worrying wasn't going to help anyone.

That's why I pretended to be okay and vowed not to change my routine.

So, I did Jasper's laundry, made dinner, and cleaned up the kitchen. Edward helped me with the dishes, but we didn't talk. What would we say anyway? Gee, sorry about the cartel and how they want to kill my reasons for living. Yeah, I didn't think that would go over well, but I didn't want this sickness and darkness in our home either. If it's the last time we're all together, it would be a shame to waste it stressing about the inevitable.

"Should we hang out by the fire pit?" I asked, hopeful.

My boys were sitting on the couch in silence when I entered the living room. Edward wasn't much of a talker and relied heavily on Jasper and me to carry the conversation, so it was hard seeing Jasper so introverted, and how the uncomfortable quietness followed. They both looked up as I stood in front of them, but neither responded to my question.

Their eyes were looking right through me.

Forcing a smile, I tried again. "It's barely nine, and the weather is perfect—kind of chilly, but not really. A nice fire and a cold beer will do wonders for you guys."

"You know, I'm tired and kind of jet-lagged, Bean." Jasper stood, grasping me by the shoulders and kissing my forehead. "I'm just going to bed."

"Okay," I said, bummed but understanding. "I put the leftover pizza in the fridge, just in case you get the late-night munchies."

He smiled. "Thank you, baby. Goodnight."

"Goodnight," I said, watching him walk up the stairs and out of sight.

It killed me that everything weighed so heavily on Jasper. He was a sensitive guy and wasn't made for this life. When I turned back to Edward, he was patting the spot beside him, beckoning me with a tense smirk. If I could count on anything, it was his fearless strength. I collapsed onto the sofa, and he threw his arm around my shoulders, pulling me close into his side. Edward was big, hot-blooded, and made me feel safe. I knew, regardless of what happened, my sailor would be the brick wall standing in the way.

"Things are bad, aren't they?" I said it under my breath so Edward wouldn't hear it, but he did, and when he cleared his throat to speak, I swore to myself that I wouldn't freak out, no matter the answer.

"They've been better," he said.

"You could say that again." I laughed.

He didn't.

"Surrender is not defeat, man. You're resisting change. Let it go."

Why, out of everything said on the deck, were those the words that stuck out to me the most?

"Jasper wants to give it all up, doesn't he?"

Edward shook his head slowly in disappointment. "He thinks he's taking the path of least resistance."

"And you think that's a bad idea?"

He pulled me closer until I was crushed to his side. "The only way out is through."

That stranglehold around my heart intensified.

"I was afraid you would say that."

AN: Like I said, multiple POVS. I hope you're liking things so far. Thanks for reading.