DISCLAIMER: Again, I don't own Twilight or anything. I hope you're enjoyinh my story, and reviews are always greatly appreciated. I need some constructive critisism! I'm not going to do that whole 'ten reviews to get an update' thing, because I enjoy writing this story so much. Alright, enjoy newest installment and stay tuned for the next chapter!

Natalie's eyes widened and threatened to pop out of their sockets. I'd told her about all of the Cullens. I hadn't, of course, revealed their secret. I didn't think she'd be able to handle it if I'd told her my ex-boyfriend and his adoptive family were actually immortal vampires, all whom had lived nearly a century, some even over. But she did know who Jasper was. It took a moment for her to get a grip, and then she smiled brightly.

"It's a pleasure to meet you," she said. She shot me an ecstatic glance.

I smiled. Only Natalie could be so happy to meet a Cullen and have it not be because she wanted to climb in bed with him. I knew she was happy because Jasper being here would make me happy.

"Jasper, what are you doing here?"

I'd led Jasper out of the youth club and we were now sitting on a small bench outside. I was relieved to get out of the noise and talk to Jasper one on one without the threat of being heard.

"I'm sorry, Bella," Jasper said with an ashamed frown, "I wouldn't have come if it weren't for… recent events. I know my being here must cause you pain,"

I laughed lightly, "Jazz, cut the formalities. You don't have to apologize. Sure, it hurts, but it's better knowing that I can finally get some news about my family,"

He winced slightly at the word 'family'. I sighed. He was still feeling guilty.

"I'm sorry," I said in a defeated tone.

He looked up, "No, it's alright. I'm the one who should be sorry,"

I grabbed his arm and shook my head fiercely, "No! No, you shouldn't! None of this was ever your fault! Don't ever think that,"

He looked slightly surprised at my outburst, but the his eyes were sad again, "You wouldn't say that if you knew what I did,"

I frowned, "Well," I said slowly, "Why don't you explain it to me and I'll decide that for myself,"

He sighed, "Alright, well it all began when we left…"

"Alice was really upset. We all were. But, besides from Edward, Alice took it the hardest. She wasn't the same, vibrant, exciting girl I'd met so many years ago. I guessed it was just because she missed you, but it was deeper than that. Something was going on. She kept mysteriously disappearing, and one day I followed her. I know it was cowardly of me, I should have just asked her, but I had a feeling that she wouldn't tell me if I did. Turns out she was meeting with a smaller coven who was passing through. And she and one of the males were… close. I thought nothing of it until she hugged him hello. Something about that hug… I don't know what it was, but I was sure she'd never hugged me like that,"

My heart was constricting in sympathy for the Cullen I'd thought liked me the least. His voice was heavy with sadness. I tried to imagine watching Edward in the arms of another, and it hurt. Bad. I shook my head to rid myself of the horrible image, and spoke.

"Jasper, I'm so sorry," was all I could choke out, "What did you do?"

He smiled weakly at me, "It's alright. I sort of guessed that she would leave me sometime. When we first met I tasted her emotions when she was with me, and found nothing but love, but now it's very weak, clouded with doubt,"

I had to bite back tears at this point. He was so heartbroken, it was evident from just listening to his voice.

"I didn't confront them. I wanted her to be happy. If this guy made her happy, then I wouldn't interfere. But I knew I could stomach watching them get closer. Just the sight of his arms around her was painful. I went back to the house. Everyone could tell I was broken, but I didn't answer their questions until I was packed to leave. I didn't want them to give me reasons to stay. I was at the door when they demanded answers. So, I told them what I saw and about Alice's doubts of our relationship. They were all very sympathetic. I asked Edward if he'd heard the doubts in her mind, and he said he had. But she'd made him swear not to tell me. Apparently, her excuse was that they were just hiccups, and we were working through them. That was a bit painful to stomach. They all said that they were sorry, but they pleaded with me not to leave. I told them I couldn't. Rosalie got… well, how Rosalie always gets when she doesn't get her way, and it was soon an argument. I won't bore you with the things we argued about, it got a bit weird and nobody knew whose side they were on. We were just throwing things that had been resolved long ago at each other. Carlisle and Esme tried to calm us but it had gotten too serious. Anyway, you came up somewhere and, though you probably don't want to hear it, everyone started ganging up on Edward. He'd copped a fair bit for doing what he did. We all thought that you were perfectly capable with a family of vampires, and that you were tough enough to deal with us, especially considering the whole James incident. I think it was the worst fight we've ever had. Edward was about to rip my head off near the end. I'm sorry, Bella, that we never had much of a chance to know each other. You must know that I never disliked you. In fact, it was the complete opposite. I'm always grateful for what you did for Edward. Anyway, I stood up for you. I'd known from the start how our leave would effect you. And it hurt. Near the end it was just Edward and I in the fight. We… uh, got a bit territorial of you, and things got very serious. I'll leave out the details, but long story short, we demolished the living room. Don't worry, nobody got hurt, well unless you count Esme when we broke her antique coffee table. She got pretty angry at that. After we were done, I left,"

I was speechless. I sat in silence mulling over everything I'd heard. Jasper didn't actually hate me? Edward was still territorial, even though he didn't love me? I felt a twang of sympathy for Esme. She loved her antiques. I couldn't figure what to say. It was all a bit overwhelming. Finally, when I could manage words I voiced the most urgent question.

"Jasper," I said carefully, but forcefully, "Edward doesn't love me anymore. He doesn't want me. Why would he get territorial of me?"

Jasper's reaction was the last thing I'd expected. His eyes flashed angrily and he jumped to his feet, an angry growl breaking through his clenched teeth.

"Is that what he told you?" he cried angrily, "That he didn't want you? What, did he think you'd take it better that way? Of course he still loves you, Bella! He left to protect you!"

The holes that I felt in my heart when Edward first left were ripped open again, harder and wider than before. He loved me?

"W-what?" was all I could stammer.

Jasper sat back down and placed a strong, cold arm around my shoulders, "Bella, Edward never stopped loving you. It broke him in half to leave you, but he did what he thought was best,"

I collapsed into tears after that. Loud, ripping sobs tore through my throat and echoed into the night. My eyes felt like they were going to go dry after a few seconds of my sobbing. I couldn't stop the furious streams that ran down my face.

"Bella, I-" Jasper began, but was cut off by another voice.

"I think you've done enough," Natalie said in a voice that was unlike her usual, quiet and shy tone. She sounded furious and I couldn't help but feel a little frightened. She walked over and grabbed my hand, gently helping me stand up.

"Excuse me," Jasper said in a polite tone, "But I wasn't done,"

She narrowed her emerald eyes at him and flicked her long black hair, "Oh I think you are,"

I giggled slightly in between sobs, "No, Natalie, I need to talk to Jasper,"

She looked outraged, and maybe even a little betrayed, but I had to talk to Jasper.

"Alright," she said, shooting one last fiery glance at Jasper, "I'll come by later,"

I nodded and watched her retreat back into the youth club, before collapsing back on the bench. My sobs had slowed and I was now just crying a little. But it still hurt. Jasper didn't say anything until I'd stopped sniffing, then he spoke.

"I'm sorry, Bella," he said sincerely, "I didn't mean to upset you,"

I shook my head, "No, don't worry. It's just a lot to process, that's all,"

Once he was satisfied that I wasn't about to break again, he said in a accusatory tone, "Now, you have some explaining of your own to do,"

I looked at him curiously and he rolled his eyes.

"Don't play innocent," he said, "You're a vampire,"