HIS RIDDLE | JASPER HALE

Leaving

On Friday, everything was ready for our departure. The day after Bella's birthday, we all unenrolled from Forks High School; although, Bella knows nothing of it. 

We were saving our goodbyes with her for last. I said goodbye to the pack before we left, informing them that the Cullens were leaving. 

So, Edward and I were in Bella's driveway, waiting for her to drive home from school. We didn't have to wait long, in pulled the orange truck, Bella behind the wheel.

When she saw us, she hopped out of the car, relief was clearly shown on her face. 

"Edward, Elara. You're here," Bella looked at us, filled with hope

I looked at Edward, his was stone cold, an unreadable mask that even the most trained Slytherins couldn't hope to achieve. My face was almost an exact mirror of his, except my eyes weren't as hard.

"Walk with me?" Edward prompted, taking Bella's hand and leading her into the forest. I followed behind them. Earlier that morning, Edward and I agreed that he should go first.

We made our trek into the forest and once Edward was content with the distance, he stopped by a fallen tree. 

He turned to face Bella, "We need to leave Forks." he stated bluntly

Confused filled Bella's face, "What? Why?"

"It's time. Carlisle's supposed to be ten years older than he looks; people will start noticing," he lied, lamely. Although his mask was perfect, his lying needed a little help.

"But..." she trailed off, "When?"

"Now," Edward didn't explain further

She took a minute to let the information sink in, biting her lip in thought. When finally looked back up, she nodded, "I'll have to think of something to tell Charlie, but I can be ready..."

"Not you," he denied, "Us," he looked back at me

Bella began to talk quickly, trying to make him stay, "What? No. Edward, what happened with Jasper and Logan... that was nothing."

"Nothing compared to what could happen," Edward sighed, "You don't belong in my world."

"I belong with you," Bella whined

"You don't," Edward bit out

"I'm coming," Bella declared

"I don't want you to come!" Edward yelled

Bella flinched back at the proclamation, as if slapped, "You don't... want me," she gasped out, hurt flashed across her face, and tears brimmed in her eyes

"No," she stepped back, trying to understand his harsh words. "I'd like to ask one favor though."

Her head snapped up, looking hopeful, "Anything."

"Don't do anything stupid or reckless... do you understand?" Edward urged. "For Charlie's sake. Just... take care of yourself," he added

She agreed and he continued to ease the heartbreak by saying she'll get over this in time but then he went on to basically say that she's holding him back. I facepalmed, he was just making it worse. Eventually, he said goodbye and flashed back to my car where Jasper was waiting. 

Now that he was gone, she turned to look at me, "You're not going with them, are you?"

"I'm sorry, Bella," I sighed, "but I can't leave Jasper."

"But... but you're my friend. I can't lose you too," Bella begged

"I'm sorry but I have to leave with them," my eyes soften, "Jasper needs me." I pulled her into a hug, her body shaking while she sobbed, "Besides, you get over us in no time, you'll see."

Once I pulled away, I said my last goodbye, telling her to say goodbye to Charlie for me. I walked away from her, leaving her to her thoughts. Once I was a good distance away, I apparated behind my car, away from prying eyes. 

I opened the passenger side door and got in, Jasper in the driver's seat and Edward in the back. 

Jasper started up the car and pulled away from the house. I watched out of the window as we passed my house and then Charlie's. 

The journey to Ithaca, New York lasted for hours. We had to stop for gas a few times so it made the trip even longer. We were meeting the rest of the family at the house Esme bought in Ithaca. 

Yesterday, Jasper and I agreed to stay for a few days before going traveling, not wanting to stay in New York. 

Once we arrived at the house, we unpacked the car. Edward, being his brooding self, immediately went to his room. Jasper and I were sharing a room, leaving our bags packed since we were leaving soon. 

A few days passed and Edward took off last night, claiming the need for space. He didn't tell us where he was going, just that he wanted to be alone. 

Saying goodbye to the rest of the Cullen's didn't take long. Jasper packed the car while I gave everyone a hug. Alice was dropping us off at the airport so that I didn't have to leave my car there. 

Once were boarded the plane, we finally relaxed. It has been a tense few days with the Cullens. Especially with Edward's sour self. 

But now, we were heading for our next adventure. Destination: Paris, France.