"You are worth it."

Jasper's words echoed through my brain even still, months after he had said them in Phoenix. At first, when Edward had left, I had lied to myself that it was his leaving that had left me so lost and upset.

But as time went, I realized I only told myself that because we had been together. Dating. It was expected that a breakup would be upsetting, that him breaking up with me would have upset me.

But it really wasn't him leaving that hurt the most. It was the whole family, including the one who never tried to tell me what to do or really try to control my future. He simply stated what he felt but didn't try to change my life. That was so refreshing.

Then when I had jumped off that cliff and Edward had called. Jacob just had to pick up. He had to be the one to mention offhandedly that Charlie was planning a funeral but not mentioning who specifically the funeral was for. I had to do the one and only thing that I could. I had to save him, Edward, that is. He was willing to die because I was dead. I could not allow that to happen, especially as I hadn't actually died.

But somehow, the process of me flying to Italy with Alice and saving him, he felt it was because I loved him and not because of duty. I guess it was a good thing that he couldn't read my mind. It would have bene a serious blow to his ego.

But that meant we were back together again. Everyone expected that. His family, my dad, my school friends – everyone.

Edward had left and I was a depressed write off so my school friends and father assumed I would instantly want to be with Edward upon his return. While Edward and his family thought we should be together because it must have been true love, and I must have been his true mate as I travelled across the world into the den of the most powerful vampires to save him from death.

So, what was I to say?

Nothing. I was trapped.

I had no way to describe why I did anything. I barely understood it myself, except that it was more out of expectation and duty and knowing he was acting out of a misplaced sense of facts. I had to do what was expected and I could not allow someone else to die because of me.

Except, there were moments when I was finally alone because Edward had to hunt. It was in these moments I felt free. Free to think, free to feel. And Jasper's words would repeat themselves over and over.

Was I really worth it?

He thought so, or he wouldn't have said anything. I mean, he is not one to speak much and when he does, he only speaks what he feels is right and true. Mindless chatter never came from him. I have learned that about him over the time that I have known the family.

I, however, did not really believe that. I mean, I could tell myself that I did. But if I truly did believe I was worth it, why would I allow myself to be trapped into a relationship with someone I did not really love.

I am not kidding myself here. I had loved Edward at one time. Or at least I thought I had based on my basic understanding of what love is. But it wasn't real love. It was more of a crush, really.

"What has you so contemplative over there?"

My head jerked up; eyes wide at the voice that came from the doorway.

"I'm sorry, I didn't realize anyone was here. Why didn't you go hunting with the rest of the family?" I asked the curly blonde vampire.

He smirked, "You won't really like the answer."

I quirked an eyebrow up at Jasper. "How do you know that until you tell me the reason why?"

He sighed while shaking his head. "Fine, but don't say I didn't warn you. I'm your babysitter today." With that, he dropped down onto the couch next to me.

My mouth dropped open and my eyes widened. "Excuse me?"

Jasper simply nodded and leaned back into the couch, putting his feet up on the coffee table. "I told you that you wouldn't like the answer. It is why you have not been left alone much since Italy. Ever since Edward took off and you brought him back from the Volturi, he doesn't want you left alone. The others may be a little more discreet about it, but I don't see the point. I was asked to babysit you, in a manner of speaking. No point pretending that I'm not here specifically to ensure your safety."

I jumped to my feet and put my fists on my hips. "I do not need a babysitter! I am eighteen years old for heaven's sake. I am almost nineteen."

He laughed and put his hands behind his head and closed his eyes. "Oh, I know. It isn't because of your age. It is because they worry that you will get hurt, kidnapped, or killed. You do spend a lot of time around killers."

I scoffed, "yeah, animal killers. I see the honey yellow eyes that greet me each day."

Jasper opened one of his eyes and raised the eyebrow. But he didn't say another word.

Frustrated, I paced back and forth, crossing my arms in front of me. "How dare they think I am incapable of taking care of myself. I have been taking care of people my entire life. My mother wasn't great at that, and I have been managing the house, bills, food – everything – since I was only eight years old. When I moved in with Charlie, well, I still do the cleaning and cooking. Sure, I don't have to worry about the finances with him, but still. I only know how to take care of things. Who do they think they are?"

My face was getting hot and the veins on my temples were popping and throbbing at the edge of my skin.

A soft sigh broke through and then a few seconds later I felt an unwanted calm sweeping over my mind. Gritting my teeth, I mentally rejected and pushed back the feel and whirled on Jasper.

"NO! Don't you dare! I have every right to be angry!" I said through clenched teeth.