Parallax

Chapter 9

"If it's really that important, is that really how you would want me to find out?" she did have a point and Bella sighed.

"Will the others also know about what you were supposed to say to me alone?" she asked curiously and Bella nodded.

Alice just grinned then. "Then I'll just have to wait along with everyone else."

Bella looked at her suspiciously. "I've never known you to be a patient person... especially when you're given the opportunity to be ahead of others about anything. You've seen something have you?" Bella eyed her and Alice turned serious.

"Let's just say that it's going to be much more convenient for everyone if we just all wait. As much as I'm dying to know what it is that you're keeping from us, this would be the best course of action. Besides, two hours isn't that long. I can wait till then"

Bella trusted Alice's judgement but she was also worried about Alice's reaction as much as Edwards. Bella herself, even if she had already accepted that Jasper has a different mate in this reality, she still can't get over the fact that in any reality, there would be another woman other than herself that would be Jasper's mate. It felt wrong for her, and to know that it was her sister to be begin with, made it even more complicated as it is.

The ladies in the kitchen had all retreated to the living room where the rest were waiting and they went about their normal routine as if there was nothing eventful that was going to happen later.

Bella envied the vampires who were able to just sit or stand still, content at their state until it was necessary for them to move. Ever since she turned back into a human, apparently that ability was lost too and she was suddenly fighting the urge to do something. Looking around, she spotted a book near the fireplace and started skimming it.

She tried reading the first few pages but couldn't concentrate. Bella unconsciously turned towards the wall clock and was surprised that only five minutes have passed since she opened the book. Was two hours really that long?

"Bella?" she turned towards the sound of Jasper's voice calling her name. He must have felt her anxiousness.

"Would you like me to teach you how to play chess? You know... to pass the time" Bella felt an artificial wave of calmness her way but it wasn't Jasper's gift that caused her anxiety to melt away, it was Jasper himself. Whenever they were together, they have relied on each other's strength. The presence of the other would always keep them grounded and calm and Bella was surprised that this Jasper was able to still make her feel that way even without feeling the mating bond.

She saw Carlisle in the corner looking at her worriedly. He was aware of Bella's predicament with Jasper and he was about to intervene when Bella gave him a small smile, hinting that she was going to be okay, before walking towards the chess table.

"I think I could use the distraction. Don't worry, I know how to play" That got Jasper to raise his eyebrow. "Really? Did Edward teach you chess behind our backs?" he teased.

"Nah, just something new that I've learned." Bella replied nonchalantly while they started assembling the pieces. She guessed that this Bella wasn't good at it then but she just kept quiet and she didn't have to tell him that it was his counterpart that taught her chess and she became very good at it the longer they were together. It became one of their favorite pastimes. Bella was familiar with Jaspers playing and she had mastered most of his moves, being taught by Jasper himself but this Jasper didn't know that and she was keeping it that way.

Alice jumped up and sat in the windowsill besides Jasper, content with observing their upcoming game while the others didn't pay them any mind but as soon as the first few pieces were moved, the rest stayed in their positions but their full attention suddenly turned towards the human and the vampire playing chess.