Summer solstice

Whatever It Takes

Whatever It Takes

I had gone through so many days alone and after meeting my Bella, I never thought I'd be alone again. Yet here I was, alone in a different place while everyone around me was happy. I knew they didn't want to be here anymore than I did but they had their loved one to be with. Bella was back in Forks, by herself with a horny little werewolf. Forgive me for not being ecstatic at that thought. I sighed thinking about my family. Even Jasper was fine with things, only because he was traveling and not with the Denali clan anymore. I didn't want to return there anytime soon, especially without my wife. I had Jasper on my side and surprisingly, well surprising to anyone except Edward and myself, Rosalie as well. Irina had always had her eye on Emmett and while his entire world spun on the Axis of Rosalie, he was still a male.

It was these reasons that we had set down in St. Louis. It had been some time since Carlisle had been here but he wanted to return. It was never overly sunny so we had enough cover to mingle around town, being careful to not attract attention to ourselves. We did have to travel a little to hunt but it was worth the sacrifice. I did not agree with the sacrifice but there was no fighting with Bella. She was so set on protecting our family, I stood no chance of changing her mind and while I was sure we could defeat the wolves, not even I could predict the final cost. More than that, it was probably bad for a marriage for one's wife to kill the other's best friend.

I had been wandering around the house we were renting that day. I had no real plan as to what I was going to do. Jasper was out exploring the city and trying to absorb as much history as he could. When you had forever to live, it was useful to pick up a hobby or two and for Jasper, he had settled on history. He was my only comfort in this whole ordeal and while it saddened me that it had taken this long to get to know him, I knew if I had done so sooner, he would have had the wrong and idea and we wouldn't have what we have now. If that made any sense at all.

Each member of my family was off doing something to pass the time. Edward and Jaclyn were off in their room, most likely saying nothing yet having another deep conversation. That was something I was envious of, even when I was with Bella. They had no need for words ever. Edward could read Jaclyn's thoughts and she could read his emotional response. Back in Forks, many had commented that Edward and Jaclyn were far too serious and intense but none of them realized that what they could never express, these two could. It would make anyone jealous and in this case, I was jealous.

As I wandered up the stairs, I noticed the door to Rosalie's room was open and I stopped. Knocking lightly, I poked my head in and scanned for Emmett. Rose laughed and waved me in, "He's out with Jasper. I made a comment about his lack of culture and he is off proving me wrong."

"So what are you doing?" I asked stepping towards the bed and laying myself out on it. Long before Bella, Rosalie and I had spent countless hours together. Jaclyn was there as well of course. We were each so different and distinct personalities, finding common ground was difficult yet we were sisters. We were Esme's daughters and that was enough to make up for whatever lacked. Since Bella, and Rosalie's reserved attitude, we had strayed a little and now, with no Bella around, perhaps she would finally open up to me. We had come far, with her sealing the bond between Bella and me but things had slowed since then.

"Is there any reason why you don't like Bella or is just the fact she is a human?" I finally asked once Rose was on her back next to me. There was no point in asking leading questions with her, she never had the patience for games.

There was a soft chuckle and I knew she had rolled her eyes, not in her pissed manner but more in a, I was waiting for this manner. "I do like Bella." Rosalie said to me, "I just have a hard time accepting the inevitable end."

"Enlighten me wise one." I teased.

"Oh little miss predict the future doesn't know?"

I laughed and rolled to my side, ready to face my sister. I knew where this was going but I would prefer a few more seconds of silence and laughter. I waited until Rosalie rolled onto her side as well.