Twilight: Betrayal

Chapter 23

When we returned to the house, Alice was nowhere to be found. I was beginning to rethink my decision in including the Cullen's when Jasper set a supporting hand on my shoulder. I smiled up at him as we ascended the stairs to the front door.

Before I could knock, Carlisle opened it with a joyful smile aimed toward me. Esme appeared beside him with both hands clasped together over her heart, staring at me with a look that was both sad and elated. "You brought my boy back." Carlisle said with a chuckle. Jasper grinned at his father as he slid past him. Before I could do the same, Carlisle enveloped me in a tight hug that I accepted gratefully. "Thank you." Esme whispered from beside him.

Carlisle released me and I wrung my hands together. "Dont thank me just yet." As I glided past them into the living room, they gave each other apprehensive looks and shut the door. I stopped in the threshold. Edward stood in the corner staring at the ground. My heart ached for him. I couldn't imagine how he must feel.

Go make him feel better, you know it's not his fault.

My thoughts surprised me but I knew better than to listen to that voice. So you're just going to let him suffer?  Again my thoughts threw me for a loop, but I couldn't just jump back into a relationship with him. It'll happen eventually. You've already started to forgive him. A wave of pleasure washed over me as I realized that the voice was right, but nonetheless I pushed it aside. 

My steps to the couch were light and held a little bounce to them. I was more than happy, I was ecstatic. Jasper had proved to me my feelings for Edward. I couldn't fight it anymore, but I also knew I couldn't throw myself at him. I couldn't love him until he could forgive himself, which he still hadn't.

Jasper looked up at me from the couch with his head cocked to the side. I shrugged and threw myself down beside him. Rosalie and Emmett stood next to the couch opposite of us beaming at me, as did Esme and Carlisle. Edward held his own lopsided grin. It was then that I realized I was smiling from ear to ear. I tried to subdue that reaction to my thoughts and managed to dull the smile down a bit.

"Carlisle, we have some business to discuss." He nodded. "But first, Jasper?" I looked over to him and he got up from his seat next to me. By this time everyone was seated, including Edward, who was in the chair furthest from me.

"You all know that I can't stay here, not with Alice around, and she's too stubborn to leave willingly. And I don't want to abandon my family." Esme reached over to grasp her husbands hand nervously. "It's been a tough century, but I believe the worst is behind us, now that Bella's back." They all looked to me, gratitude pouring from their eyes. I tucked a strand of hair behind my ear, abashed.

"And for that, we will be forever indebted to you." Edward said, eyes locked with the coffee table separating us. His voice made my stomach do a nervous little flip. He was leaned forward with his elbows resting on his knees. Everyone in the room nodded in agreement.

"I cant ask you to choose between Alice and I-"

"It's a no brainier." Rosalie muttered bitterly.

Jasper continued but not without a smile forming around his lips from Rose's statement. "So I'm making a decision that I hope you can accept." He looked to me for approval and I smiled. "I'm moving in with Bella."

They all gasped together, even Edward who looked at his brother with envy and, dare I say it, jealousy. An indentation formed between his brows and his lips turned down slightly. A blush would have crept up my face but thankfully I was immune that that humiliating part of life.

Emmet boomed with laughter. "At least you aren't gonna disappear on us, bro."

"This doesn't solve anything." Rosalies brows knitted together and her mouth was set in a tight line. "There's a bigger problem at hand. Edward," His eyes planted on his sister. "is she near?"