Left Behind

Bella's Point of View

It was just another day. I faked it as best as I was able. I went to school, made dinner, did my homework, went out with Angela on occasion, and even went to the reservation. I did my best to appear normal... or normal enough.

Dad would like the meatloaf, salad and apple pie that I was making for this evening. One of us should be genuinely happy.

After dinner, I went up to my room. I had homework to do but more importantly, I was sick of playing happy. I was sick of playing normal. It was eight o'clock by the time I finished my homework. After that, I sat on my bed. Memories flashed through my mind: Edward and I in the meadow, Edward holding me so close at my birthday party, Jasper's black eyes as he tried to attack me. The memories went on and on. Alice bouncing her way over to hug me on our first introduction, Rosalie's cold stare, Jasper's quiet presence, Emmett's bear hugs and on and on.

Tears ran down my face and I didn't bother wiping them away. I felt so lost. Not one of the family came to say goodbye. Instead, they passed the story they went off to LA. Sunny LA, the last place they would ever go.

I hoped they had told Jasper I forgave him. I hope he didn't hold himself responsible. It was never his fault.

I saw their faces in my mind: Jasper, Edward, Rosalie, Alice, Carlile, Emmet, and Esme.

Laying down I cried myself to sleep as their faces flashed through my mind.

Jasper's Point of View

Alice disapproved strongly of what I was doing. She said we promised Edward that we wouldn't contact Bella Swan again. I hadn't discussed it with the rest of the family. Their opinion made no difference. I thought she deserved better. As I ghosted across the snow I thought of her face as I tried to attack her. It was strangely unafraid.

As for Edward's determination, the overgrown schoolboy could deal with it. He was selfish to leave Bella and take away her family without even a goodbye to begin with. I had more honor. I would make this right, somehow.

The trees flew by. It wouldn't be long and I would be back in Forks, a place I never thought I'd be again. Forks had appeal and it felt like I was being drawn back to the sleepy little town.

The draw was like nothing I ever felt before. I ran faster. My feet barely touched the ground. There wasn't even a trail of snow behind me.

I was pulled to the Swan house. I climbed a tree that allowed me a good view of the house. Something was wrong. Bella was home. I could see her in the kitchen preparing dinner but her emotions were confusing. They weren't as strong as they used to be. Not as poignant. Her movements were different too. She'd always been clumsy but she had been bouncy. She shuffled now.

As Bella called Charlie for dinner her voice was monotone. She ate robotically, not speaking. Doing dishes in the same way. What had we done to Bella? I feared there was more wrong than I anticipated when I set out on this mission.

My mind was a mix of worry and guilt as I hunted. Bella was little more than a zombie and it was down to me. I shouldn't have let Alice or Edward discourage this trip. I could hardly believe what Bella had become.

I arrived back at the house and found Bella still in her bedroom. Her sobs were barely audible, even to vampire ears, but I heard her cry until her breathing slowed and eventually she fell into a restless sleep.

Sitting in the tree I began to plan.