Twilight: Betrayal

Chapter 11

"Go on, explain." I demanded.

I motioned them to the couch, and in a flash they were all comfortably seated on the blood red sectional.

Emmett cleared his throat. "We left because we thought it would be best, after your 18th birthday party..." Emmett's voice faded as he realized his mistake. Jasper slunk deeper into the couch.

Rosalie continued for Emmett, impatience threaded through her briskly spoken words. "You know Edward. Do you really think he would stay just to serve his own needs? Edward has always put your safety above his own wants and desires."

In truth, I had never known Edward Cullen. I thought I had known him, but I also believed with all of my heart that he would never leave me. I believed that he would come back and rescue me from Charlie. I never thought he would marry his brothers wife. I didn't know this Edward.

My Edward was selfless and compassionate. My Edward wouldn't destroy his own brother like he had. My Edward wouldn't have left me in the shadows to die.

I gave a pointed glance to Alice. "Always?" I pursed my lips unintentionally.

Alice's eyes widened as she feigned innocence. "I know how this looks, but Edward and I are in love, Bella. It just happened." A snarl rumbled deep in my chest.

"Oh really? I bet you didn't even wait a year after I was gone to take your shot at him." I barked at her. Her eyes widened and she gently rose to her feet. It was clear by the look on her face that she knew she was guilty but despite it, claimed innocence.

"I know you're mad, but I just want you to know that I still love you-"

Rosalie interrupted her appeal. "Bullshit." Her voice was twisted with hate and something else more sinister.

Emmett nudged her. "Rosalie." He whispered in warning.

She turned back to Alice after giving her husband a look that could kill an army of newborn vampires. "No, you are a conniving little sneak." Rosalie's amber eyes burned holes through Alice and she winced, gulping audibly.

"Rosalie, that is more than enough." Carlisle said, staring at the ground with one arm draped around Esmes shoulders.

"Enough? She shouldn't even be here." I smiled. I had never thought that Rosalie would be the one to defend me.

Esmes voice broke in distress. "Rose, she is your sister."

Without blinking, she said, "No. She isn't." She was shaking in outrage. "Are we really going to just sit here and pretend that everything is fine? That what this pretentious snake did is alright?"

I sighed, knowing I had to interject before things got out of hand. "Its not fair to ask them to choose sides." Though on the inside I was delighted to see Rosalie tear Alice a new one, I hated seeing Esme looking so fragile and scared.

She looked me in the eye without hesitation. "Its called tough love." My brows drew together, but before I could object, Esme rushed to speak in desperation.

"Please, I can't bare to watch this family fall apart." Her hand clutched the dark blue fabric of her blouse over her heart. I suddenly felt contrite. I wanted to comfort her. I hadn't meant to cause an uproar.