Chap 31 was short so here's 32. Enjoy!
*POV BELLA*
I decide to go hang out with Leah, show her the outfit I got for the dance. Paul hasn't really left her side since that day. I don't blame him. His imprint is human. Luckily mine and Jake's are vampires. A little more durable. Because of everything Leah and Paul move in together. The treaty has been completely rewritten. All the Cullens are welcomed in La Push, as long as no human is hurt of course. We continue to work together, patrolling Forks and the Res. Alice still doesn't know about the imprint, though the others have been pushing me more and more. I still don't want her to be with me because she feels forced to. I don't want to take away that choice. I'm sure with more time, we'll get there. When I pull up to their house, Leah's outside bouncing up and down. She runs up and jumps on me the second I'm out the car.
Bella: I'm excited to see you too?
Leah: Paul just proposed!
Bella: are we happy about this? Want me to kill him?
Leah: no stupid, we're happy. Bella I'm so happy! I would ask you to be my maid of honor but if it's ok, can I ask Alice? After all, she did save my life. Paul said he would ask you to be the best man.
I look around Leah at Paul standing against the door. With a big smile on his face.
Bella: Congrats Paul! And gee thanks for letting me be second best!
Leah punches me in the arm before pulling me inside the house saying I'll be helping her plan till Alice comes down to visit. I look over at Paul for him to save me, but he just reminds me that we have to give our imprints anything to make them happy. After a few hours of being held hostage, Leah allows me to finally leave. I get up, stretch my limbs and start for my car. As I walk out the door, I get the sharpest unbelievable pain in my chest. It knocks me to the ground. It feels like someone has grabbed my heart and is squeezing it, trying to make it pop like a balloon. I feel arms around me trying to hold me up.
Leah: Bella! Bella!
I see Leah's face before I pass out. I don't know how long I was knocked out but judging by the stars in the sky, it's been hours. I move to get up and am stopped quickly by Rosalie.
Rose: lay down. We don't know exactly what happen though we might have an idea. Your heart is beating slower. And your temp is a little off.
I look over seeing Leah, Paul, Jake, Edward, Emmett, Carlisle, Esme, Billy and Charlie… all looking worried. I sit up slowly, putting my hands up when Rosalie goes to push me down.
Bella: can I get some water and can someone tell me what's up?
Esme goes to get me some water and is back quickly. I drink it slowly while they all look at each other. It's then I realize, Alice isn't here. As if reading my mind, Rosalie gives a heavy sigh. Everyone but Jake, Carlisle, Billy and Charlie walk out. Something is wrong. Something's very wrong.
Rose: Bella, Alice left.
I jump up quickly, maybe too quickly because I fall back against the couch. I don't think I've ever felt lightheaded before. Especially not since phasing. Rosalie helps me sit back down on the couch.
Carlisle: Bella, take it easy. Please.
Rose: she's ok Bella. Jasper returned. There was a whole thing. We found out that Jasper has been using his power to manipulate Alice. To keep her bonded to him in some way. It was a lot for Alice and she left. Just for a while to clear her head.
The anger flows through every inch of my body. I want to kill him. That fucking bastard has been standing between me and my imprint. My body starts to shake. My wolf ready to fight. To kill.
Bella: Where is he?!
Edward: Bella, please calm down. Alice didn't want us to hurt him, so she sent him away.
Emmett: don't worry Bella, Edward torn his arm off and I cracked his face!
Charlie: Billy…
Billy: as you know Bella… imprints can't be without each other. The rejection can kill a wolf. Now we know she hasn't rejected you but her leaving… The Elders and I believe that her leaving is going to hurt about the same. The longer she's away, the weaker and sicker you'll get. Only thing is, things are different with you and Alice. She has yet to acknowledge your bond. Your wolf might take it even harder than normal.
Esme: Bella I'm so sorry, if I had known I would've talked her into staying.
I put my hand up for her to stop. It's not on her. And honestly if Alice needed some time, I want her to take it. I can understand how all this is making her feel. If I didn't want her with me because she felt, she had to. I wouldn't want her staying because she felt, she had to. Everything will be ok as long as she comes back. But how long till she comes back?
Bella: you couldn't have known Esme. It's not your fault. Do you know where she's going? I just want to know if she'll be safe.
Esme: she went to be with our cousins in Alaska. She didn't say goodbye to anyone because she knew she wouldn't have been able to leave. We've tried calling her and texting but she's not answering us. Don't worry, I asked Tanya to let us know the second she gets there.
I just nod my head. Taking a minute to process everything. I stand up slowly this time, letting them know I just want to go home and sleep. Rosalie offers to drive my car home for me. I don't argue, I just give her the keys. The ride is quiet, and I appreciate her not trying to talk about things. I stare out the window, wondering is Alice's ok and when she'll be back. I check my phone but there's nothing from her.
Rose: Bella, she'll be ok. She'll come back. I know it hurts that she didn't say goodbye, but she couldn't. She knew she wouldn't have been able to leave you if she had. She loves you. She'll be back in no time.
When we pull up to the house, Rosalie gives me a long hug and runs off to her house. I decide to shower, standing in the hot water letting my body relax. I check my phone again. Still nothing from her. Maybe I'm not as important as Rosalie says I am.
Bella: Hey pixie, I heard what happen. I'm sorry he did that to you. I hope you work through things and come back soon. Miss you already. Please be safe and take care of yourself. I'm here if you need me.
Yeah, that's a good text. I hit send and lay down. Sleep doesn't find me quickly and when it does, the nightmares are back. I wake up in a cold sweat, for a second it feels like it was all a dream, but it wasn't. I decide to take another shower hoping it'll relax my muscles and clear my thoughts. I realize I haven't eaten anything and head downstairs to get some food. Thanks to Alice and Esme, the fridge is fully stocked and I pull out some pasta Esme made. I try to not make too much noise, not wanting to wake up Charlie. I finish the dish in no time, putting the plate in the sink with a note to Charlie that I'll wash it later. My wolf has been itching to get out, with more than 4 hours for school I decide to let it. I walk outside and phase running into the woods. It doesn't take long for my wolf to take over. The scent of the woods takes over my nose. The feel of the dirt is therapy for him. It doesn't take long for me to figure out where we're going. It doesn't let me slow down till we're 20 feet away.
As if Rosalie knew I'd be coming, she's outside reading a book. And doesn't look surprised at all.
Rose: want to phase back? While Alice can speak wolf, I can't.
I shake my head at her. I know my wolf won't let me phase till its lulled.
Rose: Go around, I'll open the doors to her room for you.
She rushes into the house and I slowly walk around. I jump in through the side doors. Rosalie is still there. I see the worry and sympathy in her eyes.
Rose: the others are out hunting, I stayed back just in case you came. I'll give you a minute, let me know if you need anything.
She walks out and I'm glad she understands. I walk over to the bed and wait for my wolf to let me phase. He doesn't. Taking a deep breath, I lay down on her bed, before I know it, I knock out. I find the peace I didn't have at home.
Rose: Hey Bella, we're going to be late for school. Charlie knows you're here. I brought you some clothes. Edward already went to pick up Jess, Emmett and I can take you to get your car or you can just ride with us.
I roll over and realize I'm back in my human form.
Rose: yeah, I think your wolf just needed to feel close to her. Come on handsome, Esme made you breakfast.
School took forever to end. Jess and others asked about Alice, not use to seeing the Cullens without her. Just a constant reminder of the hole that's building in my heart. I never heard from Alice. Edward let me know that Tanya called to say Alice arrived. But nothing else. The following days went by the same…. A long slow day at school, I would go down to the Res to help patrol but always ended up in Alice's room in my wolf form. It was the only way I was able to phase back. Her scent was gone by Thursday. By Saturday I was unable to even phase.
*POV EDWARD*
Rose: we cannot keep letting her die off like this!
Carlisle: she's not dying Rose.
Rose: no but she will! Charlie and Billy are worried. We all are. I mean seriously did you see her? She's lost about 20 pounds. Has bag under her eyes like she hasn't slept in weeks. Her temp is burning hot, hell as cold as we are, we have not been able to cool her down. Have you heard her heart? Jake said she hasn't been able to phase. And it hasn't even been 2 weeks!
Edward: Rose…
Rose: no! I love Bella. We all do. We can't let this continue.
Jake: Bella wouldn't want that, Rose.
Rose: and how is Bella going to stop me? She hasn't been able to get out of bed for 4 days now. I don't understand how she can sit there and be seeing this yet won't come back. I'm going to Alaska and I'm dragging Alice back here.
Edward: I don't think she's looking into any of our futures right now. She would've been back if she knew. I don't agree with you telling her but I do agree that she needs to come back.
Rose: I'll only tell her about the imprint if I have to. But we all know she needs to get back here now.
She's gone before any of us can say anything else.
Jake: do you really think she's going to tell her?
Edward: if it'll make Alice come back, yes. She'll do anything to save Bella.
Esme: is there anything we can do?
Jake: I think Rose is doing it. How long for her to get there?
Edward: she's flying and then running the rest of the way. Maybe a day.
Jake: and for them to get back?
Edward: if they leave right away, a day. But she'll take some convincing. I know Rose won't leave without her. Come on, you have patrol and I want to take some food over to Bella and Charlie.
The following 2 days go by quickly and drag at the same time. We all worry about Bella, and we all worry if Rose will be able to bring Alice back. Rose finally text saying her, and Alice are coming home. I just have to make sure Bella gets to the dance without telling her Alice is coming. I don't understand how she can even be thinking about the dance right now. But then again, it's Rose and Alice.
Jake: so how are we suppose to get her to the dance? It's tonight.
Edward: I might have a plan.
We drive over to Bella's. Charlie walks out to let us know Bella isn't doing too well. I show him Rose's text with my finger to my mouth to let him know not to say anything. He steps aside to let us in. We walk upstairs and my un-beating heart drops. If we didn't know any better, we'd think she was dead. I hear Jake's gasp.
Edward: hey Bella? I know you don't feel up to it. But there's something I want to show you. Something we need to show you. It's a place Alice use to go to.
At the mention of Alice's name, she perks up a little. She moves to get up and Jake rushes to help.
Edward: do you think you can phase? It'll be easier and quicker for us to get there.
Jake: Edward, you know she can't.
I pull out one of Alice's hoodies. It was buried deep in her closet, and I know it still smells strongly of her.
Edward: I figured this might help. Help me Jake put this on her.
We slowly help her up and slide the hoodie on. I see a little color return to her. We help her walk down the stairs and to the edge of the woods.
Edward: Jake, can you phase? Bella if you can't phase, I can carry you. But trust me, it'll be better for your wolf. He needs this.
Jake phases with no trouble. She takes a few deep breaths of the hoodie and more of her color returns. I see the struggle she's having but before either Jake or I can move, she phases. You can see her weight loss through her wolf. His eyes aren't as bright and fur looks rough. She nods her head for me to lead the way. I turn and start running through the woods. I run at a slower pace, so she doesn't struggle to keep up. We break through the woods in no time. I hold Jake back, letting Bella take the lead. Surprisingly Alice's scent is still very strong here. I see Bella's legs become more solid as she walks closer to the cliff.
Edward: this is where Alice would come to think. She didn't think any of us knew but we all did. We just all wanted to respect her space. She said this was one of the best views in Forks. Till you took her to the beach. I know it's been hell and I know it feels like she doesn't care because she hasn't called or text, but Bella, she does love you. After years of manipulation, you have to understand she needed time to figure out what feelings were real.
She lays down on the edge of the cliff. Looking over the ocean and I'm sure seeing what I know is there. The beach she took Alice to. The ocean breeze runs through her fur. Hopefully it helps cool her.
Edward: she was always tied to you Bella. She just had to figure it out. Now take your time but don't take too much. We have a dance to go to tonight. Don't even fight me on it. You promised Alice you would go; I'm making sure you don't break a promise. Besides I know for sure you want to keep that promise.
Jake and I walk off to give her some peace.