An Unhappy Ending **Hunting Group** - 01/26/05

[carlisle]

The same living room that had been used earlier for pleasant conversation and light bickering. Now Carlisle was trying to figure out how to use it as a medical ward. Changing his mind Carlisle strode to the kitchen, his speed increasing as smells started to waft through the open windows and doors of the house. The doctor could smell his sons, one closer than the others and his daughter. He could also smell blood, pints of it. They weren't quite home yet but they were close enough. Carlisle's face became stoic and he adjusted his emotions so that he might prepare himself for the scene that was to occur. He had no idea what sort of shape Alice would be in, but from the sound of Edward's voice and the smell that was carried on the wind, it wasn't going to be good at all.

Edward burst through an open door in the hallway and went to the kitchen, knowing instantly where to go because of his own special senses. He came into the large room, his sister held in his arms like some mockery of Ophelia. Instead of her clothes being soaked in water, Alice's clothes clung to her skin, pasted there by the copious amounts of blood that leaked from her small body. , Springing into action Carlisle began to clean the counter, making room for Edward to lay her body on the cold stone. Towels were yanked from their racks as Carlisle did what he knew to do. The first and foremost thing other than making sure a heart was beating (it wasn't) and that the lungs were working (there weren't) was to stop the bleeding.

[alicecullen]

Although it had taken mere minutes for Edward to reach home from where they had been hunting, for Alice it felt like an eternity. There was an emotional battle going on inside her as her guilt, sorrow and worry poured from her in waves. Then she would think of Jasper and how he would feel them, but that only made things worse. Thinking about Jasper brought back that image in her mind, the disgust in his eyes burrowed into her more painfully than any physical pain could ever do. Her love and soul mate, walking away from her? She didnt want it to happen, she had to stop it from happening. She didnt have the strength to keep her thoughts from Edward but that didnt concern her now, she knew he knew everything now.

She recognised the famliar scent of home, though it was tainted by blood, she was home and that helped her relax slighty. She felt as Edward gently laid her down and she opened her eyes again, she knew that Jasper wouldnt be there yet, Edward was much faster than the others even when carrying someone else. Her eyes looked weakly from Edward to Carlisle, then they settled on Esme. She felt the emotion in her swell, her vision had been right as she managed a smile for her mother. She was so happy to see her back, though not for her sake but for Carlisle and her families sake.

She saw Esme step forward quickly and took her hand as she reached out. She felt Esme give it a reassuring squeeze before moving up to her head so she wasnt in Carlisles way. She could see her mother was trying to be strong for the others, she knew deep inside that Esme was just as worried as the others, but she didnt show it and that comforted her. She felt as her mother gently brushed her hair from her bloodied face and gently started singing a soft gentle tune for her. She smiled and closed her eyes again.

She felt as Carlisle worked to clean her up, she knew there had been a lot of blood, she knew the flows had slowed and perhaps even stopped now. It felt now like the whole hunting trip had been pointless, but she wasnt worried about that, her worry was for her family. She wanted them to be safe, even if that meant she wasnt there to see it.

[esme]

Esme waited in the Hallway anxiously as Carlisle paced and planned. She didnt have any idea what to expect and even though Carlisle knew the situation she doubted he knew for sure either. She kept her fingers busy as she watched Carlisle suddenly move to the kitchen. She kept quite and let Carlisle do what he needed to do, Esme was here to support her family and she knew when they arrived back hope they would need a lot of it. Jasper and Edward would be the most distraught of their children and Esme needed to be strong for their sakes.

She caught the scents as Edward approached, his scent lingering with Alices and the smell of blood. Her stomach tightened as she prepared herself for the sight but she didnt think anything could. She watched as Edward entered heading straight for the kitchen, Alices body looking so frail and fragile in his strong arms. Her clothes and skin soaked with blood as Esme took in a sharp breath. How could this have happened to their sweet delicate daughter?

Esme followed Edward into the kitchen, she was deeply upset by what she saw but she needed to be strong for Carlisle, Edward and Alice. She saw Alice open her eyes and look to her and she almost let out a sob in her throat as she saw Alice smile. Alices eyes were so dark it was hard to believe that she had just fed, but she had lost so much blood it wasnt suprising her eyes were almost black. She moved forward taking her hand, squeezing it lightly. Alice was so brave, but Esme knew she was just trying to be strong for everyone. She was there for Alice as long as she was needed, she moved up to the top of the counter as not to get in Carlisles way as she brushed the hair stuck by the blood from her face.

Esme gritted her teeth lightly at the sight of their fragile daughter in such a state. She softly started to sing a lullaby, one she hadnt sung since she was human, since her son had been taken from her. She hoped it would help sooth her but also she hoped it would take her own mind off of the situation before her. She watched as Alice closed her eyes and Esme smiled sadly, she knew it wouldnt be too long before the other siblings got home, she would need to be strong for all of them too.

[hopefullyedward]

Jasper's growled comment and Alice's pitiful thought echoed through his mind as he raced through the woods. It was too late for him to respond to either. Worry tugged at his mind over his brother, and the desperation he could hear in his thoughts. As much as he loved and cared for Jasper though, Alice was the first and foremost person in his life. With skill unknown to any human and agility that could top that of any feline, Edward raced toward the house built of glass, his most precious treasure held tightly and safely within his arms.

Within a few moments he could see the house, then he was flying through the door, the scent of both his mother and farther wafting from the kitchen. Without even slowing he altered course and went directly there, clutching Alice so firmly that if she were human, he would have broken her by now. The blood that had once only covered her, now covered him as well. His arms were wet and sticky from it. The front of his black tee was soaked through, and some of it had rolled down to stain the denim of his jeans, the dark purple splotches almost meeting the mud that was caked on his knees.

As soon as the counter was cleared, Edward lay his sister down carefully, his face the perfect picture of anguished worry. He watched for a second as Carlisle pulled the decorative towels from their racks, taking one from his father, and beginning to wipe the blood from her face softly. “It'll be ok Alice.” He said, his voice breaking as he spoke. The words were meant to reassure himself as much as her. His hands trembled as he touched the cloth to her face, and he could feel the rage and fear within him building to a dangerous level.

The thoughts coming from his family members were too much for the eldest Cullen child. Carlisle's plans and counter plans as he second guessed himself and changed what he was going to do next. Alice's refusing to worry about her self, but deciding to worry about her family instead. Esme's extremely painful thoughts and memories. The memories of the son she had lost and the fear at losing the child that she loved so much. Carlisle stopped his hurried movements and one thought came loud and clear from him to Edward, ringing through the cacophony of mental sound like the peal of a bell.

Edward backed away from the marble counter, a look of confused horror on his face. Carlisle couldn't be serious. After the vision he had shared with his sister, he was pretty sure he knew how she would react. Anyways, if Carlisle did that, did that mean the vision would come true? That Alice would do something like that? That they would all turn away from her?

Shaking his head, he glared at his father. Surely he should know better. Then a thought struck Edward, Carlisle didn't know everything, and without all the knowledge he wouldn't be able to make an informed diagnoses. “She saw her death.” He blurted, not really thinking of what he was saying or how much it would upset the others. “I saw it too. I saw her, dead, on the forest floor.” It was hard to keep his own footing once more as despair at the though took him over. “You can't let her die Carlisle.” He demanded.

“There was a person too.” He remembered, continuing to fill his parents in. “A hooded figure, it felt evil.” He didn't know how to explain it, and at that moment he felt beyond childish, his fear was so overwhelming. Fear bred anger in the century old vampire, and his anger turned on Carlisle. “I also saw her 'seeing' herself with blood-red eyes.” He paused trying to calm himself. “She was standing at the school surrounded by bodies of the students she had drained. Students that she had killed. If you do that.” he threatened, referring to the thing only he and Carlisle knew of at that moment, “it could come true. You can't. You have to come up with something else.”

He felt like breaking something. Like tearing the house apart. Like running away and never coming back. Tremors rocked his body as he fought the urge to destroy part of the kitchen. Stepping backwards his back connected with the beautifully painted drywall, the impact leaving a dent. Edward slid down the wall, his hands going to his hair as he tugged at it, trying to find some sort of tether. He tried to calm himself as Carlisle had taught him. He tried to meditate there on the warm tile floor of his house, but he couldn't. Any semblance of restraint was beyond his grasp.

[carlisle]

There was more blood on Alice than Carlisle had expected there would be. He had to both physically and mentally stop himself from gaping at his child as she was carried into the room by her brother. The doctor part of himself had been in this situation many times, and as a result he jumped into action right away. The other part of himself, the father that he had become over the years, it was in shock. He was frightened and unsure. At that moment, he had a better understanding for the parents of his patients than he had ever been able to. No wonder they got angry with him at times. No wonder their frustrations at not knowing showed so easily and violently.

He couldn't allow himself to be so transparent, though. He could not allow himself to falter or crumble at this moment. Later, when this was over, when Alice was at least somewhat better, when he was alone and clinging to Esme, then he could loose himself in the fear and worry. At this time, though, he had to be strong, and so he was. With skilled and careful hands he began to wipe the blood from his daughter, before he left the task to Edward and started to check over other things. No wounds were obvious, the blood was oozing from her eyes, her nose and her mouth, but even the flow had already seemed to start to slow.

Carefully he checked what he could of his daughter's vitals. His attention focused souly on her, and not the other two Cullen's in the room. Edward helped to clean his sister and Esme soothed her daughter, Carlisle's thoughts racing as he tried to think of all of the things that he should do and try. As gently as possible Carlisle pulled back one of Alice's eyelids, revealing the solid bleakness that lay beneath the pale layer of skin. He had to stifle an intake of breath at the sight. She must have lost all of the blood that she had taken in, not to mention what had been sustaining her before hand.

The sound of Esme's humming broke through the thoughts and plans forming in Carlisle's mind, helping to calm him. The nameless tune she sang helped to calm and organize the doctor, allowing him to think clearly. His movements slowed and then stopped as an epiphany came to his mind. Until he could solve the problem, he had to at least keep her alive. Every being needed sustenance, even vampires, and at the rate that her body was leaking blood, she might not have it for very long.

Much like when humans ran out of blood, or their blood went bad, a transfusion could be done. Perhaps the same could even be done for his darling child. Carlisle knew that he could get several pints of blood from the hospital easily, the difficulty would be getting a needle to penetrate her solid skin. His hands went to his hair as he thought, no a needle wouldn't work. He'd instead have to put a tube down her throat, directly to her stomach. She wouldn't like it, and neither would he, but it might be the only way until he heard back from the Volturi.

Edward moving away from his sister, and the counter was unsuspected and Carlisle's vision turned from his daughter to his son. The look upon his son's face was confusing, and both of Carlisle's eyebrows rose to the peak of his forehead. As Edward began to speak, to explain, Carlisle understood the horror he saw in his sons eyes, or at least thought he did. If he had to have seen Alice dead, it would have affected him similarly. Even the thought of the image made his body tense, and his mind race even faster. Worried suddenly for the woman that had already lost one child, Carlisle looked to his wife, concern etched in his features.

“I won't let that happen.” He promised, his voice much stronger and surer than he felt. His eyes were locked with Esme's when he said this, trying to let her know that he would never allow her to lose another child. Edward's anger threw him off, but it didn't surprise him. Anger was always the emotion that Edward chose. It was so much easier than feeling lost or sad for the young vampire. The next things that Edward said, concerned Carlisle even more. What was the hooded being doing in Alice's visions? Could it be someone in town, someone from her human past or someone they had yet to encounter. For the second time in as many minutes, Carlisle wished that the Volturi had responded already.

His mind stopped functioning and it took all his willpower to keep his jaw from hanging slack. “That won't happen Edward.” Carlisle admonished, almost harshly. “Alice would never do something like that.” He laid a comforting hand on his daughter's shoulder as his eyes took in the battle that Edward was having with himself. “A transfusion of sorts might be the only way to keep her ...” he couldn't bring himself to say alive, so he substituted, “going. At least until I hear back from the Volturi.”

Carlisle's eyes searched his daughter's face, memorizing her features before his vision turned to his son as he writhed on the floor. Sorrow almost over came the man at the sight. “It'll be ok Edward.” He walked around the island and to his son's side, this time his hand reaching for Edward's shoulder. “I promise.” The two words that doctors never uttered, Carlisle Cullen just had. It was a promise he meant to keep as well. If he couldn't make things ok, if Alice wasn't made better, Carlisle was uncertain how any of the other Cullens would fare.

[alicecullen]

Alices hand moved slowly up touching Edwards hand as he wiped her face. There was a slight smile on her lips as she tried her best to reassure both Edward and herself that everything would be okay. She felt his hand tremble and her fingers gently stroked the back of his hand *Its okay Edward...* She swallowed clearing her throat of the blood that still lingered there, she gasped feeling the burning hunger in her throat. She felt her body shudder, oh god all the blood... As Carlisle checked her black, hungry eyes she gritted her teeth, she knew what he saw there. She repressed a snarl of hunger, fear and anger.

As Carlisle made his descision Alice saw herself looking into a mirror, her eyes red and she let out a frustrated growl. It couldnt happen, her back arched off the counter as her hands moved to the sides, her fingers grasped at the edges in frustration. She knew what Carlisle was planning and she was beyond petrified. She listened as Edward told Carlisle, told him the things they had both seen and her small form trembled. She hadnt wanted Edward to see any of it. She felt the cold hard stone crack under her fingers as she gasped a little 'No... Please... No' Carlisle seemed to have faith in her, but her faith in herself was slipping fast. Her visions were very rarely wrong, why would this one be any different.

Her guilt flooded from her, she had tried protecting her family from all of this but she had failed somehow. Edward had seen the true horrors in her mind which was something she wanted to shield from him. She wanted Edward to know he didnt have to worry, she wanted to say everything would be fine. She didnt even believe herself though, she didnt want to have to lie anymore, especially not to the ones she loved so much.

She reached up and touched her fathers hand on her shoulder, her family was everything to her. She wanted Jasper to be there, she wanted to tell him she was sorry. She wanted him to hold her and tell her everything was okay. Though she knew she had hurt him from keeping it all from him. She had hurt him more than she could ever have imagined, she only hoped he would forgive her. She looked to Carlisle, her eyes dark, hungry, but also pleading. The look that always broke Edwards heart to say no to. She knew she would rather die than become the monster in her vision, she wouldnt risk her families way of life, she wouldnt expose them.

It tore her apart seeing her family breaking because of her... She didnt want her mother to be upset, she didnt want Carlisle to stress over her and she didnt want Edward blaming himself for what was going on. She knew he would blame himself, he would think there was something he could have done, but there wasnt anything. She should have seen all of this coming, how come she didnt? Was she about to prove the impossible? Was it possible that vampires could indeed grow sick and die? She watched as Carlisle moved to Edward, she wanted to be able to comfort him too.

She felt Esme plant a gentle kiss on her forehead and she relaxed slightly, her fingers uncurled from the cracked marble as she tried to sit up, she felt so drained, hungry and strangely tired, she had never felt like this before. Then again she had never felt so hungry before. She didnt get far before she felt Esmes hands pushing her back down and forcing her to lie down. She made a disgrunted noise as she reluctantly gave in, she gritted her teeth trying so hard to ignore the hunger that was rising in her.

[esme]

The soft Lullaby on Esmes lips faultered and stopped as she saw Edward move away from the counter, she saw the look of horror on his face and felt her stomach tighten again. She didnt know why her son was reacting like this. She looked over to Carlisle to see if he had any answers but by his raised eyebrows she knew he was a clueless as she was. 'Edward? Whats wrong?' Her hands gently combed through Alices hair hoping that it brought her some comfort. She knew Alice didnt like feeling helpless around her family, she also knew that Alice was probably more worried about Edward than she was about herself.

She saw as Alice seemed to tense and Esme tried to calm her 'Shhh Alice... Its okay...' She didnt really know if it would be but she didnt know what was wrong. As her body arched and she pleaded she felt panic flowing through her. Alice had obviously seen something but she didnt know what, what ever it was it has distressed her, that in turn distressed Esme. She looked to Carlisle looking for answers, seeing none she looked to Edward wanting to know what was going on.

As Edward spoke fear swept over her normally calm features, her hand sliding down to gently stroke Alices face. Her eyes made contact with Carlisles as he said he he wouldnt let it happen. She trusted Carlisle more than anyone she ever knew, however she could see his uncertainty and though she knew he would do everything in his power this time there might not be a solution. She listened to everything that Edward had to say , it kept getting worse and worse. The thought of their Alice dead, or having done what Edward described seemed impossible to her.

Esme didnt know what it was that Carlisle had thought, but she knew it had distressed both her children greatly. When Carlisle mentioned the transfusion she suddenly understood the fear that Alice and Edward must have felt. She looked into Alices dark eyes, if Carlisle did feed her blood from the hospital her eyes would most certainly turn red. If that was to happen then could it also be possible that the scene Edward had described at the school would happen? She knew her eyes showed her fear and worry, she also knew that Carlisle felt the same as her but for their childrens sake he was stong, and so she would be too.

She let Carlisle move to comfort Edward and she remained with Alice, walking around to her side she leaned over and planted a kiss gently on her forehead. She would be there for Alice no matter what happened. She saw as Alice uncurled her fingers from the counter and tried to sit up, she gently yet forcefully pushed Alice back down. 'Alice... Just rest okay?' She smiled gently, she knew how bad Alice must be feeling, all of this attention focused on her. However she needed to just let them all take care of her, she was a strong one but she had to rest and get better...

[JAZZ;;]

Jasper paced up and down, not knowing where to turn. He was still in the forest. He hadn't found the will to go back to the house again. He couldn't let Alice see how angry he was. That wasn't what she needed right now. He stopped, closing his eyes and taking a deep, albeit unnecessary breath. He opened his eyes, feeling that little bit calmer...if only for a second. He crouched quickly, slamming a fist into the forest floor, caking his hand in mud, gashing his knuckles on the rock he caught on them.

He tightened his fist before standing again. He couldn't stand around here all day being angry. Edward had run off to house with Alice to find Carlisle and Esme. Who knew where Emmett and Rosalie were? Jasper shook the thought off. They were unimportant right now. They were his family and he loved them, but Edward had bolted off with his Alice. The smell of her blood still lingered on his senses and was making him think things he'd rather not think about. He bit down hard on his lip as he tried to push the thoughts out.

he loosened his hands only to rub them over his face and back into his hair, willing the thoughts to be cast from his mind. He lashed out again, catching the same bloody knuckles from before on the thick trunk of a tree, a loud crack echoing through the trees. A low growl rumbled in his throat as he looked around for signs of anyone else. He was on his own. He shouldn't be left on his own, especially not when times were like this. He spun around frantically, hoping he would spot someone or even something, but there was nothing to be found.

He stopped, standing perfectly still on the spot, straightening his back, standing to attention as he had once done when he was still a real soldier, except his hands weren't behind his back or by his sides: they were slightly raised as if he was going to pounce on something, but with the straightness of his posture, it was just seen as a blind panic, if you also considered how wide his eyes were as they continued looking around. He had to get out of the trees and find people. Anyone would do at this point.

He bolted in one direction, running blind. He stopped when he came to a road. He had found the end of the road leading up to the Cullen house. Did he want to go up there? He looked up the road in the direction of the house. Of course he wanted to go up there. That was where Alice was. That was where he was supposed to be surely. He bolted up the road, slowing as the house came into his voice. He could everything happening inside and he had smelt the blood when he had been down at the end of the road. The smell was just stronger now.

Standing at the bottom of the driveway and the steps that lead into the house, Jasper's face felt then twisted into a look of agony as he listened in on what was being said. She had seen herself die? Jasper's eyes stung with venom at the thought of losing Alice. He clamped his eyes shut as he listened to Edward tell Carlisle he couldn't let her die. Of course Carlisle wouldn't let her die. It was Carlisle. He remained outside as he continued to listen to the goings on inside the house. Maybe it was better he was out of the way.

His eyes shot open when Edward went on to talk about how Alice had seen someone else, as well as seeing herself with red eyes. His Alice wasn't evil. She would never have red eyes. He swallowed, grimacing as he continued to listen to Edward's explanation of the things Alice had seen. He lifted his head as he heard a cracking as someone, presumably Edward, backed into a wall in the kitchen and slid down it. The anger coming from Edward felt so strong to Jasper, but he wasn't in any state to calm it down.

He chewed on his lip as he heard the few Cullens in the house, wandering round and fussing over Alice, yet he still couldn't bring himself to go inside. Did he want to see her covered in blood again? It had been bad enough initially. This time wouldn't be any better and he was still none the wiser as to what the hell was going on. If his heart could beat, it would have stopped the moment Carlisle spoke about her needing a transfusion to keep her...He had stopped, but it didn't take a genius to fill in the gap.

Volturi? Carlisle was asking the Volturi for help? Wouldn't they just try and take Alice from under their noses? With the right members of the guard on hand, if they turned up, they could take them without so much of a hiss from the others. The thought of the Volturi coming anywhere near Alice really ticked him off. He moved up into the house, walking at a human pace...or at least, the pace of a very angry human, heading straight into the kitchen. "There's got to be something else," he snarled, in reference to the Volturi help as he moved to Alice's side.

He focused on her face, scowl still on his face as he grabbed one of her hands. He knew what she was seeing. He had heard everything. "That's not you, okay?" he whispered in a soft tone as he lowered himself, so his face was closer to hers. "Alice, we've talked about this," he began, trying to soften his voice further. "You can't do this to me, okay?" he questioned, scowl fading from his features as his dark eyes searched hers. "I need you, remember?" he went on, no longer caring who else was in the room.

[alicecullen]

Alice heard Jaspers words and they took her by suprise, her lack of blood had dulled her senses to the point that she hadnt even heard or smelt her beloved entering the house. She looked to him as he took her hand eyes pouring with apologies and regret for not having told him everything. Jasper could feel her emotions, she was so very frightened, but she was being strong for her family. She couldnt hide those emotions from him any more, she had hurt everyone enough. She saw as Esme took a step back and moved to Carlisle and Edward, giving them their moment together. She wondered if this is what it felt like to be on your death bed? Seeing those you loved grieving before your very eyes at the thought of what was to come.

Jaspers reassuring words burned through her, he had so much faith in her. She didnt know if she was strong enough. 'It could be...' Her voice shook, finally letting everyone see how scared she really was, her eyes looked so deeply into Jaspers, she wanted to get lost in them, to forget all of this and imagine everything was okay. She felt a sharp stab of regret as he said that she couldnt do this to him. She didnt want to and it tore her apart to see her Jazzy like this. She needed him too, more than she ever wanted to admit. She wanted to be wrapped in his arms, held tightly and protectively. She wanted to forget everything and be reassured that everything was going to be okay.

'I need you too Jazzy' Her hand squeezed his weakly, she didnt care that Esme, Carlisle and Edward was seeing this moment of their intimacy. Her love for him poured from her in big waves, there was no denying the feelings she felt for her mate. This moment right there and then was between the two of them, for her at that moment the rest of the world didnt matter or exist. She didnt want her Jazzy to be scared, she didnt want to be scared either. She wanted everything to be back the way they were, the way they should be.

'I'm Sorry Jazzy... I'm sorry I lied' Her eyes closed in pain, but not any physical pain, the pain of knowing she had betrayed his trust. She turned her head away, shame pouring from her now. All her emotions were free to run riot now, she couldnt protect Jasper any longer from the strong emotions she felt, nor spare Edward her thoughts. She felt like she was falling apart and she could feel the hunger rising inside her. 'I dont want to become a monster' her voice was quiet and soft, her visions scared her so greatly, she had never been scared of a vision before.

[hopefullyedward]

Edward watched his father with condemning eyes as Carlisle explained that he wouldn't let that happen. Say what he might, Edward knew what it was like to feel that blood lust, to feel the need to drain a human of the liquid that allowed them to live. He knew what the taste was like, and he would never forget it. Alice growled, then, drawing his attention away from the anger that boiled in his body. He watched, horrified, as she writhed, cracking the strong stone beneath her lithe form. The horror at the possibility radiating from her in waves. He turned to Carlisle then, once again, his face almost triumphant. Edward wasn't the only one that didn't want this to happen. “All of this, that's what's wrong.” Edward snapped at his mother. His eyes burned with fierceness as Carlisle spoke once more. It should be him on the table, him who was sick. Not his precious Alice, not the only woman he loved more than his own life.

Fingers still tangled in his bronze mess of hair, Edward failed to even look as his father's face as he spoke. He would believe Carlisle's promise when all of this was over, when Alice was well. Until then, Edward needed someone to blame, other than himself, and Carlisle, sadly, got the brunt of his sons raging emotions. Finally, the young man looked up with the sound of Alice's movement breaking through his curtain of anger. He half rose, but settled once more when his Mother coerced his sister into lying down again. He felt regret for barking his words harshly to Esme. She was always so calm and caring, she didn't deserve his anger. Edward wished that he could take back the words, and the tone in which they were spoken, but he knew that he could not. Luckily he also knew that Esme loved him, and while she wouldn't brook such a tone from him, she wouldn't stop loving him because of it.

He could hear Jasper's thoughts when his brother got in range. They were along the same lines as Edward's own, fear of the Volturi, fear of losing Alice either to death or to something else. Edward sat on the floor, his chin supported by his hands as he finally looked up, watching as Jasper went to Alice's side. Jealousy surged through the oldest Cullen child then, already adding to the anger that was welled deep within him. Jealousy of many different things. Jealousy that Alice loved Jasper more. Even if it was in an entirely different way from the love that Edward and Alice shared, Edward knew, as he always had that the bond between Alice and Jasper was much stronger than the bond between brother and sister. Part of him would always hate Jasper for that. The other Jealousy that tugged at Edwards mind was the feeling that he would never find love like that. No matter what Carlisle, Esme or any of the other Cullens tried to do, none of them could locate a mate for the boy, nor could he find one for himself. He had already been alone for so long. Would he be alone for eternity?

His vision swept the scene, taking in Esme as she walked to his other side, taking in the heart wrenchingly loving moment between Jasper and Alice. His mind felt the thoughts that everyone was thinking and once more he wished to rip his hair from his head. While he could often quiet the thoughts of humans to a dull roar, and even those of other vampires could be dimmed. The thoughts of the other Cullens, however, always slashed through his mind, and at this moment it was as if every one was screaming at once.

Edward rose slowly, bits of gypsum and dust falling away from the wall as he stood. He looked a right mess, mud, blood and white powered caked on his skin and his clothes in various areas. His vision was fixed on the scene before him, what was left of his soul, if he had one at all, ripping as both Jasper and Alice whispered their loving words, and their thoughts tore through his mind. He stepped forward to approach his sister, to lay a comforting hand on her, to offer his own words of comfort. A solid hand stilled him though, and Carlisle simply shook his head at his son. Jerking his arm away angrily, Edward scowled at the man, knowing that he was right, that Jasper and Alice deserved their moment, but not wanting to agree.

[carlisle]

The grinding of Alice's teeth startled Carlisle. She must be much hungrier than he imagined, resorting to such an instinctual reaction to his touch. Control was the most important thing to a vampire of their nature, and while Alice was quite good about it, he worried that she would loose her hold. Luckily she was with those who loved her and those who could help were anything to occur. The doctor's heart broke as his daughter thrashed on the marble, splintering it beneath her body as the fear ripped through her. A soothing sound came from his lips as she cried out. She might not want it, but many people were afraid of the medical procedures that needed to be done in order to save their lives. Like them, Alice would just have to bare the discomfort, and move on afterward.

When his eyes locked with his wife, when Carlisle promised to her and her alone that he would not let anything bad happen to their daughter, Carlisle saw her strength falter for the slightest of second. He could tell that this was extremely difficult for his dearest Esme, and all he selfishly wanted to do was to take her away from anything that would bring her pain. To take her away from it all, to hold her within his arms, to press his lips against hers and whispers words of love and comfort. That was not what Esme would want, though, and he knew it. His wife, the woman he loved would want to stay there and see everything through to the end. She would want to be there to help Alice as much as she could. Their wasn't a selfish bone in the woman's body, and it was one of the reason he loved her. Alice's light touch, and the pleading look which she gave Carlisle made his resolve falter, but it did not fail. He knew of no other option, but she would be fine. She would not change into some beast, he, nor the rest of her family, would allow for that to happen. His son required his attention, and so he moved to Edward's side, knowing that Esme would stay with their daughter. When Alice tried to move, Carlisle was relieved that he didn't even have to speak, Esme took on her maternal role, and told her daughter what to do. Alice, as was to be expected, complied with her mother's wishes.

Jasper entered the kitchen, and questioned Carlisle's decision as both Edward and Alice had done. “If there were some other way,” Carlisle said, his voice low and aching, “I would choose that. I don't want her to go through that anymore than any of us do.” He said, meaning it with every syllable he spoke. Carlisle was going to speak more, to tell Jasper that he knew, as did the rest of the Cullens, that Alice would never be a monster. She simply didn't have it in her. They have lived as a family for almost half a century, and Carlisle knew the young woman that stayed beneath the Cullen roof. So would sooner die than hurt a human the way she would be required to in order to feed. Before the words could free themselves from behind his teeth, Jasper spoke, saying mostly what he felt.

The moment between his two children was intimate and painfully private. Their love filled the room with a sort of aura, making the air seem as though it were thicker. Carlisle looked to his wife, their golden eye's locking once more. He mouthed the words 'I love you' to her, a soft and sad smile resting on his chiseled features. Edward made to move then, and even though his son was quick, Carlisle anticipated the move, his fingers wrapping around his son's well formed bicep. With a shake of the head Carlisle thought, Give them their space, knowing that his son would pick up on it. Edward did, and he backed down, glaring at Carlisle, the anger radiating from him as the love did from the couple just several feet away.

“Edward, why don't you go and take a shower.” He suggested, adding 'You're covered in blood and I don't think that's good for either Alice or Jasper at the moment.' mentally. Turning he walked to Alice's side, touching Jasper on the shoulder. “I think it might be best if Alice gets some rest. Perhaps you could take her to your room?” He offered, the same sad smile still apparent on his face. “As for me, I'm going to the hospital to pick up...” he paused, at a loss for words, “supplies. I shouldn't be long, and you know my cell.” Returning to near where he had stood moments before Carlisle pressed a kiss to Esme's hair. “Would you like to come?” He offered, wanting to have some more time with her, just to talk about what had occurred, and the possibilities of the future. That, and he wanted her to himself, just for a moment at least.

[esme]

Esme was distressed at the situation but she didnt want to show it. Her family needed her to be strong, aside from Alice and Edward she was concerned for her beloved Carlisle. She knoew the situation was most probably the hardest on him, so much pressure rested on his shoulders and Esme only wished she could share the burden. She knew he was used to the stress of his work at the hospital, but this went beyond anything he could ever encounter there with his human patients... At least there he could have some idea of how to help, but this was so different, she wanted to tell him it was okay and that they would get through this together. It would have to wait until later though, their chimdren needed them to be strong and so she would be.

As Edward flung his snapped words at her Esme flinched slightly, she couldnt blame her son for reacting that way. She knew that this was just the way that Edward reacted to these situations, he had no partner to turn to in times of stress. She had Carlisle, Rosalie had Emmett and Alice had Jasper, she always felt sad that Edward had found no one. Her attention remained on Alice now, Edward would calm down in time, she knew he would do anything to help his sister. She smiled gently down to Alice, she was being so brave through it all but she knew she needed Jasper there. She knew because deep down she knew that if it were her there on the table that she would want Carlisle, and no matter how much it might upset Edward Jasper and Alice were a unit.

She had sensed Jasper waiting outside, she knew this situation was going to be very hard on him. Alice was part of their family, but to Jasper she was more than that. To Jasper Alice was his beacon of hope in his darkest hours, his loving glow that lit his way. As he entered the room and moved to Alices side she smiled sadly and placed a hand gently on his shoulder, giving him a loving and supportive squeeze before moving over to Edward. Listening to the words they exchanged broke her heart, it was unlike Jasper to be like this infront of his family, though he had very little choice at this time. Hearing the fear in Alice's voice made her feel like her heart was being torn, Alice was never scared of anything and yet she was now.

Esme looked to Carlisle, their eyes meeting and she smiled sadly. Seeing the words he mouth filled her with a tiny spark of joy in their darkest hour as she mouthed back'I love you too.' She wished in that moment to be in his arms, holding him tightly as they let all their worries drift away. It was hard being the backbone of the family at times, thats why they shared the burden together. Her hand rested gently on Edwards shoulder seeing his reactions to Alice and Jasper, this whole situation was difficult for all of them. Next to Alice and Jasper Edward was her next worry as he was always the one to react badly to stressful situations. She watched as Edward moved and Carlisle held him back, she knew what Carlisle was thinking, and he was right Alice and Jasper needed their time together.

As Carlisle spoke she watched him move to Jasper, Alice would be in good hands with Jasper by her side. She wrapped an arm round Carlisle as he came to her, sighing softly as he kissed her hair. She looked up into her eyes and she detected his need to have her close and she nodded slowly. Their children needed her, but Carlisle needed her more at the moment. She gave him a brief kiss before reluctantly moving from his side to gather up the bloodied towels to dispose of them. She thought back to that morning, how happy she was to be coming home not realising what was going on back home. She regretted not being here earlier, to be there for the children and for her mate.

She turned to Jasper before he moved Alice 'Jasper... Change her into something fresh.' She paused looking to Alice and her blood soaked clothes. 'Leave her clothes to the side I'll deal with them when I get back, give her a nice bath too.' She smiled gently first to Alice then Jasper as she gently touched their shoulders. The next few hours were going to be hard for the young couple, but Esme had faith in her children to support each other whilst they were gone. She then moved to Edward and looked up into his eyes and smiled sadly drawing him close for a hug. She didnt blame him for his harsh words, she knew it was just the way he handled these things. 'You can do the same with yours Edward' She gently squeezed his arm *We will get through this together* her soft smile matched the look in her eyes.

She dumped all the bloodied towels in a pile being careful not to get any on her own clothes before washing her hands and moving quickly back to Carlisle, she knew he wouldnt want to linger too long now his mind was made up. Alice needed that blood whether she wanted it or not, the thought of her black hungry eyes, the way she reacted to the hunger, it frightened Esme. 'We can take my car... Its still out in the drive' It was exactly where she had left it, her case still in the trunk. She turned pulling the keys from her pocket as she headed out, giving her children one last glace and smile before dissapearing to get the car started.

[JAZZ;;]

Jasper was unconvinced by Carlisle. There must have been some other way. The Volturi weren't in on every vampire affair all over the world surely. They all had relatively limited powers whereas controlling the rest of the world from afar was concerned. They lived on the rumors and whispers of others. They worked on a terrible system and would give anything to have Alice on side. Even with the other Cullens around, they would still try something that would draw her away, draw her away to somewhere Jasper wasn't sure he could follow, even if he wanted to. He wanted so much to be like the other Cullens. Following Alice to the Volturi would probably squash his hopes of that forever.

Jasper searched Alice's face, shaking his head slowly as he felt the apologies and regretful feelings pouring from her. "Stop," he whispered softly. He swallowed when he sensed the fear. She wasn't afraid of him, she was afraid of herself. He had picked up on this from listening in from outside. "Stop pretending," he said in an even lower whisper when he sensed her deception again. "You don't have to pretend to us...to me," he said softly. He shook his head, almost furiously as she entertained the thought of that being her. "No..." he whispered. "I don't believe that," he added in a stronger tone. He swallowed as his dark eyes scanned her. He could smell her blood, but he was avoiding it as best he could. Technically, it wasn't her blood, but it had been through her system. It smelled like her.

He smiled gently as she said she needed him too. He knew it was true. He just liked to hear her say it. It was comforting, even though she seemed like she was letting go. He felt her love and felt the smile broadened slightly over his face. "We'll be okay," he said softly, still smiling. Though, the smile was short lived when she started apologizing to him. "You don't have to apologize. I understand," he replied softly, leaning even closer to press his lips gently against her forehead as he pulled her head back to face him. He had come with the intentions of being angry, but he couldn't be angry. He understood what was going on, even if he didn't know everything. With things as they were, he felt he didn't have to know anymore.

He shook his head again. "You'll always be my little monster," he commented in a gentle, playful tone. "But you'll never be anything malicious. There is not one bad bone in your body...I can't believe that you'd allow yourself to think that," he continued in a stronger, more meaningful tone. "Alice, you're stronger than I am. If anyone is going to end up like that, it would be me," he went on, hoping she would realize the truth in his words. He was right after all. He had the least experience with the 'vegetarian' thing and it probably wouldn't take a lot for things to go horribly wrong for him, then he would be the monster they would have to expel from the house and from the family, not Alice.

Edward was too quiet for words, but, then again, so were the others at this point in time, but something didn't sit right with Edward being so quiet. Jasper turned to look at his brother for a moment. He had been so harsh with Edward and he couldn't help feel guilty for that. 'I'm sorry,' he thought to the forlorn vampire sitting on the floor, catching his eyes for a moment before turning back to Alice. He adjusted his grip on her hand, reaching over her other side with his other arm and tucking his hand under her slight waist, simply holding her. Edward was so angry and it was taking everything within Jasper to try and ignore the anger. It wasn't illfounded, so he found himself unable to will it away.

He heard Edward stand, parts of the wall falling away as he did so. He heard him move as if to come towards them, but the others held him off. He heard Carlisle instruct the other young vampire to take a shower, mentioning how he was covered in blood. Jasper hadn't even noticed that. It had smelt like Alice, so he had just assumed it was coming from Alice. He felt himself jump slightly as Carlisle rested a hand on his shoulder, the young vampire straightening as his father spoke to him, still holding onto Alice's hand. He nodded slowly, looking at Carlisle briefly before refocusing on Alice. She needed rest. He could accept that. "Sure," he mumbled. "I...I'll help you when you come back," he said, turning to Carlisle again, having stammered over his words a little.

He refocused on Alice as Carlisle moved away. He could hear the others moving behind him, but he didn't really focus on anything besides Alice as he leaned back over her defensively. He was distracted when Esme moved and started clearing up around them. He straightened again. "I...I can do that," he stammered again. Nerves were getting the better of him now. He focused on her as she moved to them, still standing straight. He nodded slowly as she now gave him another set of instructions. "I'll put her in the bath and bring them down," he replied, not really sure what else he could do. He wanted to help so badly now, but found himself unable to think of an appropriate way for him to actually do anything.

Without another thought about it, he scooped Alice up into his arms easily and moved upstairs, casting a look at Edward for a moment, another look of apology. He moved to his own and Alice's bedroom, seating her on the end of the bed as he moved to the bathroom to set a bath running. Bubbles. Alice loves the bubbles. That was what his mind focused on as he prepared the bath with the bubble bath she loved. As the water ran, he moved back to Alice, kneeling before her, looking up into her face. He slowly and carefully began to undress her, suddenly noticing how much blood was spattered over her and how some of it had spread to his own hands. He dropped her clothes on the floor and lifted her again, taking her to the bathroom and placing her in the water.

He spun the taps quickly, turning them off, the water having risen to a sufficient level in the massive bath tub. He pulled up his sleeves, and then he ran a stained hand through the water, moving it up to find Alice's own hand. "Is that okay?" he questioned softly, pushing a few bubbles around with his other hand. She didn't even need the bubbles, but she loved them. Knelt beside the bath, holding Alice's hand, he felt like he had been put in some all too surreal situation, then again, this was a pretty surreal situation anyway. Things were so awry and complicated right now. He stood, leaning over the bath to press his lips against Alice's, squeezing her hand as he kissed her, as if trying to make her better just through that.

[alicecullen]

Alice heard as Edward lashed out at Esme, she let out a pathetic small whimper as she she directed her thoughts to him *Edward... Please, its not their fault.* None of this was anyones fault but her own, she had been taking too many risks and so here was the result. She didnt want her family having arguments over her, she wasnt worth the family being divided. She knew though that Esme would take it with good grace, that was just how she dealt with things. She knew Esme would never stop loving any of her children, she was the one that truely made them a family.

She felt calmer with Jasper by her side, she needed him to be there with her. Her teeth ground together slightly as he told her to stop pretending, she couldnt do it anymore, she couldnt hold anything back, she wanted to protect them, to protect Jasper from it all but she simply couldnt do it. 'I dont want to anymore...' She sighed as she let go of any other barriers she had been holding up and for a strange brief moment she felt relieved. Her eyes looked deeply into his as Jasper told her he didnt believe it could be that way, a brief smile fluttered across her lips. She knew that Jasper would help her be strong, in the same way she helped him. However that didnt stop her from being terrified of what the future would bring.

Alice heard his words about them being okay, and she hoped he was right. She was normally so sure of things like this but she wasnt anymore. The Alice that was strong and carefree had been shattered into pieces and now she was scared and unsure. Her eyes met his again as he pulled her face back to him, looking into their dark depths, beyond their colour, to the person she had fallen in love with. She knew Jasper would love her no matter what she did, she could do no wrong in his eyes, it was the same the other way round. She knew without a doubt she would always love Jasper, no matter what happened. Though she was growing deeply troubled that at the moment she couldnt see the future clearly at all. Perhaps though it was the lack of blood, but the only thing she could see in her mind was the images she had seen with Edward, she didnt know how to change them.

A smile broke out across her lips as he called her his little monster and she let a small airey laugh part from her lips as she shook her head to him. 'Thats not true... I have this one...' She lifted the index finger of her free hand poked Jasper playfully with it. The sad, tired smile remaining on her lips for a moment until he spoke about him being the weaker one. The smile faded slightly, she had always been stronger than Jasper, but she had never experienced the horrors that he had either. She had never known his harsh life as a new vampire, if she had, how could they say she would still be the strong one? 'No... I wont let you...' She had always promised herself she would look out for him, that she would not let him go back down that route and she would do everything in her power to stop it from happening.

She felt Jasper wrap his arm around her and she squeezed his hand gently. She had all but forgotten the others in the room, Jasper had her full attention even though she felt strangely distant to it all. She didnt know if it was the lack of blood, but she hadnt felt like this but was greatful that Jasper was there to help keep her more animal side in check. Alice wasnt one that gave into her animal side, she was normally so strong and refined about everything. She was struggling though, the grinding of her teeth, the growls that kept trying to surface, all of them really were not like her at all.

She heard Edward move and it brought her back down to earth slightly, she watched Jasper turn to look at Edward, she knew this was probably all a little hard on Edward. She knew he worried about her just as much as Jasper would, though their relationships were so very different. She looked to Carlisle as he approached them, her relaxed posture changed suddenly, stiffening at his words about going to the hospital, her eyes wild with fright again looked for Jaspers. Suddenly everyone seemed so calm about it all, Esme's calm gentle smile, the way Jasper offered to help. She could feel the panic starting to rise again inside her. Her hand held onto Jaspers more tightly as she tried to calm herself, she knew Carlisle was only trying to help, but she didnt want it to be this way.

As Jasper picked Alice up she curled in towards him as she closed her eyes. Time alone with Jasper was just what she needed, and wanted right now. No matter how much edward was hurting over it. She still felt so bad for deceiving Jasper, she just wanted to be close to him. She felt so empty, the child that was normally dancing around like some pixie had vanished. When Jasper placed her on the edge of the bed she just stared at the wall. Listening as he started to run the bath, smelling the sweet flowery scent of the bubble bath the edges of her mouth curled up slightly. Jasper knew she loved bubbles in her baths, though they were very rarely needed for Vampires.

As he returned to her she smiled to him, though her dark eyes were still strangely blank. She didnt feel completely herself, she felt things stirring inside her that she had never felt before. The hunger, deep and basic, the desire and the rage all tightly wound inside. She wondered if this was the sort of feeling Jasper felt around humans, if so she suddenly understood how hard everything was for him. She helped slightly as he removed her clothing, peeling her blood soaked shirt from her skin she looked in horror at how much of it there was. He gritted her teeth hard as the hunger surged slightly. Jasper was right she was strong, she couldnt let the animal inside her out. That wasnt her, she wasnt and animal... She was Alice. She let him once again pick her up, she felt so small in his arms as he carried her to the bath.

She took in a deep breath as he lowered her into the fragrent water. She loved the feeling of the bubbles as they burst on her skin, she sighed as the warm water covered her and she nodded to Jaspers question. She held his hand as she tried working out the feelings inside her, so instinctual and primal, like nothing she remembered feeling before. She had never been one to act on her instincts, except when hunting. Now however she was finding it very hard to keep the animal inside in check. She felt like she was on edge.

She opened her eyes to see Jasper leaning down to kiss her and as their lips met her control waivered. A slight deep growl escaped her lips as her hands were suddenly on his clothes pulling him down. Water and bubbles flew into the air as She pulled Jasper, clothes and all into the bath with her. A hiss escaped her lips as they pressed against his under the water, her slender arms wrapping around her rather shocked looking mate.

[hopefullyedward]

Alice's selfless though cleared his head, drawing his eyes to her form once more. She was right, as usual. It wasn't there fault, it was only his. As it always was. It was his fault that he remained alone as it was his fault that Alice had gotten as bad as she had. If he had only been more attentive, if he had not been so selfish, if he could simply be more like his own angelic sister, then none of this madness would have occurred. If he wasn't so selfish, he wouldn't be alone. For this though, his selfishness was deserved, however. This horrid incident was no one else's fault, but his own. It was a pain he refused to share. Jasper's thought apology only made his guilt and anger more fierce. What did Jasper have to be sorry for? Yes, he was the one she loved more than any other, yes, he was the one that would be at her side through everything, yes, he wasn't the man that had caused all of this. Even though all of those things made Edward hate his brother more, they were no reason for Jasper to feel apologetic.

Edward's glare failed to soften as Carlisle excused him from the room. His eyes flared hotter with anger at the words, and a soft growl escaped his lips. Go and take a shower, indeed. The century-old vampire's hands balled into fists at Carlisle's next suggestion. So, Edward was to go off alone, and let Jasper tend to his mate, and Carlisle was planning to head off with his mate as well. Being so alone was a torture to Edward, especially in moments such as these. The past hours had seemed like more of an eternity than the majority of his existence had, the moments dragging by as he feared for Alice, and he now continued to do so. But now, he would have to continue to be wrapped in his fear by himself. His sister would be busy with her love and his father would be gone with his mother. Emmett was still out in the woods, as was Angel; as for Rosalie and Amanda, Edward had no idea, but he was aware that neither of them were home. He would be alone, as always, dealing with his own torrent of emotions.

After a quick glance and a soft smile, Esme's arms wrapped around her son, the tenderness surprising him. It shouldn't have, however, seeing as Esme was always tender to all of her children. Or anyone she met, for that matter. Her hand then went around his arm, to the same place where Carlisle had restrained him. Instead of holding him back, though, her touch was reassuring. After the way he had spoken to her, Edward had a hard time looking his mother in the eyes and instead focused his vision on his stained beyond cleaning shoes. “Thank you.” He muttered to the floor, his anger quickly evaporating only to refueled by Esme's thought. Together? Edward had nothing such as togetherness, not the way that the rest of his family had. He knew now that his anger wasn't directed at his family, they loved him dearly and he was very aware of that, he was instead just full of anger for the way his life had gone.

A tight nod was all he could do in response to Esme, watching her then tidy up before heading out to the car. Jasper and Alice soon followed, his brother cradling his sister lovingly in his arms, preparing to care for her. Edward so yearned to have someone to care for, or to have care for him. If he couldn't find someone in over a century, how was he ever to find anyone? The sudden sadness tempered his anger, causing his face to be awash with emotion as the two feelings battled out, each trying to win, to come to the forefront. He looked to the only other person in the room, the man that was his father more than his biological father was, and felt foolish for the anger he had harbored against him. Worn down by the events and knowing that they were alone, Edward crossed the tiled floor, brining himself close to his father. Face twisted, showing just how distraught he was, Edward's arms fell around his father, surprising the older vampire with an embrace. Slowly, Carlisle's arms closed around his son, and whispers were pressed into Edward's dirty hair.

The intimate moment didn't last long, and soon Edward was pulling away. His vision remained fixed on the floor as he refused to look at his father, not wanting to admit the moment of comfort he had just required. All the anger was gone, having melted into the chest of his most trusted mentor. Instead, all that was left was a feeling of lost emptiness. With weary steps he left the kitchen and headed toward his own space and bathing area. In minutes he was free of his clothing, hot water cooling as it contacted his flesh, running down his skin in rivulets, carrying the trials of the day down the drain along with the dirt that clung to his body.