Hello my readers! For those of you who aren't familiar with the Twilight 25, it is a Live Journal community which encourages fan fiction authors to sign up to create one shots or drabbles based on twenty five photographs. The author has three months to complete all writing for all twenty five pictures. I will be posting the links to the prompts that each story is based on. You may want to take a look at the photos first. Thanks for reading and reviewing! Your encouragement always means the most to me…

The Twilight Twenty-Five
Prompt: www . bit . ly/9shqtV
Pen name: Jewels64
Character(s): Jasper

Rating: T
Disclaimer: Stephenie Meyer owns Twilight, I own a map to Galveston.

The sounds of the wagon wheels echoed loudly up through my open window. The Widow Merriweather had been kind enough to let me sublet a room while my platoon was stationed here in Galveston. I glanced out the window at the midday sun. Intense heat and humidity rolled through the streets as the citizens of Galveston steadily made their way out of the city.

I quickly buttoned my jacket and slipped my saber into its holster. I took one last look in the mirror before heading downstairs to saddle my horse. I could see the Widow pacing back and forth in the kitchen, her hand clutching her handkerchief tightly.

"Now Mrs. Merriweather, don't you go fretting yourself into a tizzy. I will be your personal escort to the checkpoint."

"Oh, Major Whitlock, I know I'm being silly, but the thought of leaving this house is crushing my heart. I bore and raised all my children in this house. So many memories."

I walked over to her and pulled a chair out for her to sit down. "Now calm yourself, Mrs. Merriweather. You need to reserve your strength for the trip to Houston. I'm sure nothing will happen to your house. I will still be here for the next couple of days. I will be sure to ride past the house to make sure it is fine. I promise a full report when I get back to Houston."

The Widow smiled at me and I could tell she had visibly relaxed. "Thank you, Major. Your presence in my home, over these past months, has given me much peace of mind. I think I'm ready to go. Just let me take one last look."

We walked outside and she stared at the large Victorian house that was situated right on the main boulevard. The yard was filled with fat blooming hibiscus, jasmine and roses. It was a stately house and it deserved to remain that way.

"Nothing is ever going to be the same again, is it, Major?"

Looking back over at the Widow, I tipped my hat to her and escorted her to her carriage.

"No, ma'am. I can honestly say I feel a change coming. Now, let's get you to safety." I agreed and we both smiled sadly at one another as we walked away from the house.

Special thanks to my wonderful beta TwiDi who constantly comes through for me! Stay tuned for the next one...