Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight
I've had this idea for a while and have decided to post it. Normally I don't post unfinished stories, and before anyone asks about The Secret lives of Forks, that in truth is nothing more than a series of one shots about different people in that same town. This one however is half written but it does have a complete outline and I am hope to have it finished soon.
Chapter One
Jasper
The war had ended and I was headed back to Huston, Texas, home or rather what was once home. News had spread that the war was over and maybe the Union felt that way but many of my fellow Confederates still grudgingly expected this. I for one was glad, not that we'd lost just that the fighting was over, truth be told I wasn't even sure what I was fighting for anymore. I knew I wasn't the only one either. War is a hard road to tread it was not a path I shall walk again; the cost was too high.
In the distance the city appeared before me and I pushed my horse faster toward the looming buildings leaving a trail of dust in my wake. I couldn't wait to see the love of my life again theses years felt like centuries without her. Maria Archer, her name made my heart soar, we were to be married before the war had broken out. Though she had been angry I'd joined the army I told her we'd marry the moment I returned and I had promised her I'd return to her. I was anxious to see her my heart beat quickened at the thought.
There was no rush for a big wedding I had lost my family and she had to lost hers. It was just the two of us but money wasn't an issue, I had more than enough. My family had come from old money so I was quite well off. Not that it mattered money had never mattered to me Maria and I could be poor and I would still love her. Though the money did seem to make her happy and her happiness meant everything to me.
My anxiety grow I drew nearer, she had been what had kept me going. I couldn't wait to get back to her.
I entered the city in the early morning hours heading straight for the small house just on the outskirts of the city. Maria lived there with two companions who'd both lost someone in the war Nettie and Lucy. She had moved in with them several days before I'd left. When I reached it I dismounted and approached the door. I knocked waiting for an answer. Nettie opened the door upon seeing me shock and fear filled her face.
"Jasper?" she questioned.
"Where is Maria?" I demanded.
"Your alive?" she frowned then.
"Of course, I'm alive. Where's Maria?" I felt my frustration rising.
"She's… well… she's with her husband I suppose." Nettie stuttered out.
"Husband?" Anger took the place of frustration. Her dark eyes widened in fear as she took a step back away from me.
"I'm sorry, Jasper, we thought you were dead. The wars been over for some time now and there was no word from you or about you we feared the worst. Maria was heartbroken." Nettie floundered out.
"Heartbroken enough to marry another?" I yelled out. "Where is she?"
"I don't think…" she began.
"Where are they?" I yelled interrupting her. Once she told me where to find Maria I left heading back toward the main part of town. It seemed her new husband had even more money then I.
I knocked on the door demanding to see Maria but instead was lead into a study by the butler and introduced to her husband Peter Tanner. He was tall with blonde hair, standing in front of the fireplace.
"What can I do for you Mister Whitlock?" he asked politely.
"I am here to see Maria." I said anger dripping from very word.
"What business do you have with my wife?" he asked.
"It seems your wife is my fiancé." I explained.
"And how is that?" he demanded looking angry.
"We were engaged before the war. I returned just this morning to discover the women I love has married another."
"I see," he said now clam. "She did mention being in love with a man who died in the war. But it seems she was wrong. I'm sorry for what's happened to you I can't imagine what you're going throw right now."
I said nothing, I didn't know what to say. She'd moved on right after she started to believe I was dead, what was there to say. My anger left me then leaving depression and heartbreak in its wake.
"I can send for her and you can speak with her personally." he offered.
"No, don't bother to tell her I stopped by at all. Though I hope nothing should happen to you, if it were your wife would be long gone." I left then leaving him standing in his sitting room.
I didn't know where to go. I couldn't stay here to many faces I knew and to many who knew her. The pain and anger was more than I could bear, I went straight to, Shadow Creek, the plantation that had been in my family for generations, it had been all but abandon, the slaves not only now free but most likely had assumed I was dead. Several families still remained in the slave's courtiers with no other place to go.
"Mister Whitlock? We though you was dead!" Miss Grace said when she noticed me. She was the oldest slave my father had owned; she had practically raised me along with her children; Nate twenty-two my age, Sadie, eighteen, Sophie, twelve, Natalie, eleven, and her youngest Joshua, nine. She ran to me hugging me tightly.
"It's good to see you Miss Grace," I tell her quietly hugging her back.
"I take it ya heard 'bout Miss. Archer?" she questioned I could only nod the pain still fresh. "Come now I'll make ya some supper and then you can rest." She leaded me into the dining room.
After dinner I didn't linger down stairs I went straight to the luxurious bedroom Maria had loved. She had said more than once she couldn't wait to share it with me. I sat on the bed with my head in my hands, after a moment I stood heading to the guest room across the hall. With a sigh I stripped and climbed into bed waiting for sleep to take me.
When sun rise filled the sky I sat up having gotten little sleep my mind restless knowing I couldn't stay here. I quickly ran across the hall to get dressed then headed down stairs. Miss Grace was the kitchen preparing breakfast I offered her a small smile.
After breakfast I asked Miss Grace's son, Nate, go to town and retrieve my family's lawyer, Jason Jenks. Sometime later Nate returned with Mister Jenks. We conduced or business in the dining room with Miss Grace and her son present, much to Mister Jenks dismay. I had decided to leave Huston for good, I had nothing left to tie me here and it no longer felt like home anymore. I had come to the conclusion that the best thing to do was to sign the plantation over to Miss Grace and her five children.
"Are you sure about this?" Mister Jenks questioned glancing at the colored people next to me.
"I am one hundred percent sure, I'm leaving and I have no need for it. Why not give it to someone who needs a home? Besides Shadow Creek has been their home all their lives and they are free now so they have every right to it." I said insulted for them.
"If you're sure. Sign here," he pointed to the line, I quickly signed it eager to leave. "And now if you," he pointed to Nate, "will sign here." He offered his quill to him.
"I don't know how," Nate said looking down.
"Just make a mark," I said gently. He did as I asked, finally I was free of Texas.
After that Mister Jenks left, I started to pack as little as possible. Miss Grace watch me in silence eyes scrunched together. When I was done I headed down stair with her close behind me. As I reached the back door she put a soft hand on my shoulder.
"Mister Whitlock," she started.
"Please Grace, it's Jasper. I don't own this plantation anymore you do, that makes you the master and me the guest," I smile at her, she smiles back sadly.
"Jasper, I'd never make you leave." She said.
"I know, but I can't stay. I couldn't stand the thought that my leaving would leave you and your family homeless." I explained placing my hand over hers.
"Is it because of Miss Archer?" she asked.
"Partly, but mostly I want to travel. I don't feel like I'm home here." I said. I moved her hand from my shoulder placing a soft kiss on it I released it before turn back to the door.
I reach the stable where Nate and Joshua have already gotten my horse ready. I mount my mare, Tisha, nodding to both of them. As I head, around front toward the road Grace waves to me I give her a smile and wave back. I rode out of town with no direction Feeling completely alone not for the first time in my life.