-Homesickness-
Jasper sat on the ground, the hot desert wind swirling dirt into his hair. What used to be honey was now dirty, having not seen water in three months. Whenever he found a lake, or a river, or any sort of water, Jasper would jump in and wash up.
His comrades sat around. Four of them were engaged in a friendly card game, ten were standing around, and two more were arguing. It wasn't bad enough to make Jasper calm it. Maria was off somewhere, most likely celebrating Lucy and Nettie's demise.
It was 1875, and Jasper was was second-in-command of one of the most powerful armies in the south. They were young but feared. Maria had spent a long time training her assets, taught them things the other leaders didn't bother. Yes, everyone taught their soldiers how to fight but none were a thro as Maria.
Times like this, when he was in charge of the assets, sitting quietly, was when Jasper felt the homesickness. He thought of his mother, how she must have felt, and how it felt to be held by her. He thought of his father, how the old man felt. And we thought of his baby sister. She was only a little girl who lost her big brother at a young age. She didn't deserve that. She was probably married by now.
Jasper didn't like thinking like that. He was very protective of the things he loved, and to think of some man with his hands on his baby sister… Jasper had to stop; his anger was affecting the others.
The argument was about to get dirty, Jasper knew. He sent out calm. The two glared at each other and stalked to separate sides of the camp. The ones playing cards stopped and looked up, snickering. They were older and knew of Jasper's powers.
He smelt her before he saw her. The scent of black cherries and death. Maria. Jasper stood respectfully, and greeted her with a kiss. The others growled and hissed, unhappy of the goody way Jasper interacted with their sire.
Maria pulled back and smiled at her coven. She gestured for them to stand and they did. "I have exciting news," she announced. "I found a house – four miles south – I thought we could move there permentaly. Have some protection against the elements. The newborns shall have their own room. Now come." Everyone followed like sheep until they reached an old two story house, with a rap around porch and slanted roof.
The leader pointed out the various rooms and gave rules of living. Jasper sank down onto the floor in the senior common room. He drew his knees to his chest and tucked his chin there. He could see everything that happened in the room.
He was living in a house. The last time he did this he was with his family. What else can happen to him, what else will destroy the memory of the only people he'd ever loved?
-Hope-
Was she a hallucation, from lack of blood? Was she an angel sent from heaven, leading Jasper to his death? His brain could not decide. She was so beautiful, so perfect. How could anything that amazing be real? And here he was now, being led by her, feeling hope for the first time. She had yet to speak since they'd left the diner. He was content to wait for her. Who knew how long his halluations would last?
He watched her shimmy up a drainage pipe. She cracked open a window and slide inside. She poked out her head and giggled, wanting him inside. He followed the vampire, still not sure of her intentions. No other vampire had been in the room.
Why did she want his company? Could see not see the thousands of scars that litter his body? Why would anyone as flawless as her want to be seen with him? Jasper closed the window and leaned against it, watching her. Alice, as she said her name was, sat down on the bed. Her blue dress looked gorgeous on her and fit her small frame perfectly.
She spoke so quickly, she had so much to tell him. First, he learned she had no memory of her human life. All she had was her visions of the future. Jasper thought it was funny. She had no past, he wanted to forget his. He had no future; the future was all she had. Alice went into great detail about everything that had happened to her, even showing him the conversations she'd had with the waitress at the diner. Then she explained to him about some vampires she'd been seeing. Apparently, the naïve girl wanted to waltz into their coven and claim a spot.
Jasper was quick to tell her why this was a bad idea. She scoffed at him, explaining how the animal drinkers are a family, not a coven of evil, mean vampires. In her words. Jasper chuckled at the childish way she spoke and she frowned at him. He felt terrible of course, upsetting the angel.
He then asked her if she was real, she looking at him funny and replied: "Of course I am real." She then told him he needed to go hunting with her, so he'd begin to think like a normal person. At the mention of hunting Jasper shook his head and growled. He was not going to let those horrendous emotions muddle with the happiness and hope he was feeling.
"No," She scolded. "Have you not noticed my eyes? I feed from animals. Not as tasty as humans, but they do what I need them to." He had noticed her eyes.
She took him hunting. Jasper didn't tell her that he found animal blood to be the most repulsive thing he'd ever eaten. After six different animals, he was no longer thirsty. "I'm going to warn you." Alice said quietly, taking Jasper's hand and leading him to a river. "It will take some time for your eyes to turn yellow. They're red now; they will turn orange, then yellow. If you have no human blood for a month and all animal, they'll be orange. It depends upon how much you have in you." Just as she said, his eyes were bright red, looking as if he'd just killed.
Alice smiled at him and said it would be okay. She was so gentle; he was surprised when she pushed him into the river. Jasper pulled up, dripping wet. He asked why she did that. She was amused: giggling, covering her mouth with one tiny hand. "You're dirty." She responded nonchalantly and jumped in with him. After washing, Jasper followed Alice back to the hotel. "You know, there is a shower here," She laughed, and stood in the middle of the room, small splashes of water hitting the carpet. She went for a bag Jasper hadn't seen before and pulled out a pink dress for herself. Jasper had no clothes; the ones he were wearing are dirty and torn. Alice went to the bathroom and changed. She then tossed the bag to Jasper and told him to change. He saw a pair of men's clothes in there.
Alice shrugged, "I've been waiting a long time."
-Patience-
Esme and Carlisle sat together on the plush leather couch. The fire flickered lazily, providing the only light. They cuddled together under a thick woolen blanket, Esme lying against Carlisle's chest. Around nine Carlisle had smelt Edward. They'd stayed behind in Rochester, hoping he would return to them. And now, it seemed he might. Edward had left some years ago, and neither Esme nor Carlisle had heard from him since. Carlisle figured Edward was hiding in the woods, trying to muster up the cougre to come inside. It was just when they got here that Edward left. So Carlislehadn't bothered taking a job. No one had seen anything of their family for five years, not until four years ago he'd decided to start working. Today was Carlisle's day off. He needed to be at work tomorrow.
"Come on," Carlisle coaxed, leading his wife into the cool night air. They huddled together under the porch, the wind blowing softly. Esme noticed the red glow coming from the forest and beamed at it. She was inpatient; she wanted her son back now. Carlisle, on the other hand, was willing to wait. Yes, of course he missed Edward and wanted him back. But that did not mean he was going to rush him. He was going to give the boy all the time he needs.
"It's okay, honey." Esme whispered. "You can come inside. We both miss you and want you back." She linked arms with Carlisle and leaned against him. The trees shifted and Edward's eyes disappeared. They returned moments later, but this time he was carrying something.
Edward walked slowly and deliberately out of the woods, in the clothes he left in, carrying a knapsack. Carlisle knew his wife was not going to be able to contain herself. With a squeal of joy, Esme ran forward and hugged her son. She was jumping up and down in her glee, kissing him and saying how much she missed him and how happy she was he was back. When Edward finally managed to tear himself away he walked over to Carlisle, his head bowed low.
"Carlisle," He spoke quietly.
Carlisle smiled and hugged his son. "It is nice to see you again Edward."
"We haven't moved any of your things. They're set up just as you left them. You could use with a bath and a fresh set of clothes. And when was the last time you've had a formal conversation with anyone? Oh there is so much that needs to be done," Esme pulled Edward inside, still doting over him.
He followed them, smiling softly. It had been a long time since he'd seen his wife smile so, even longer since their family has been together. Later that evening, when everything thing was clean and how it should be, Carlisle sat with Edward and Esme in the backyard, going over all the things that had happened while they were apart. Edward said he feared Carlisle would turn him away. Carlisle responded he'd never heard something so ridiculous.
The next day, while returning from work, Carlisle happened upon the scent of human blood. It was strangely chilly for this time of year, and he wanted desperately to get home. But he hunkered over to bloody human. He knew her; it was Rosalie Hale. Her father was one of the wealthiest in the city and she was engaged to be married to Royce King II. She lay sprawled on the street. Her face was twisted in pain, and her breathing was slow and labored. She was naked, blood matted on her upper thighs. She had bite marks, and bruises. Her face was pink, and blood came from one side of her lip. Two of her teeth were on the ground near her. By the looks of it, Rosalie was beaten and raped. Her clothes lay shredded a few feet away.
Carlisle knew he had to make a descion. It would be such a waste to let her die. Carlisle took his coat of and covered her with it, and then he picked her up bridal style, biting her quickly. He then ran home, hoping no one saw the transgression.
-Ambivalence-
"What do you think?" Jasper asked, gesturing toward Emmett with his drawing.
"I don't." Emmett responded. His white pants were stained with yellow and blue paint, as was Jasper's shirt.
"Why not? Too hard?" Questioned Jasper. He shoved on his brown jacket and buttoned it, hoping to hide the paint from his fashion conscious wife.
"No. Takes too long," Emmett smirked, he loved messing with Jasper.
"I'm sure it does. 'Specially with us being immortal. We need all the time we can get," Jasper said sarcastically. These conversations always caught him somewhere between annoyance and amusement.
"Shut up, Jasper," Emmett ordered. He did not appreciate being ridiculed.
"Grow up, Emmett!" Jasper cried.
Bella walked into the Cullen's family room, looked at Jasper and Emmett, and turned around and walked right out.
"What's wrong?" Edward asked, noticing Bella's discomfort.
Bella shook her head and muttered something about arguments and idiocy. Edward and sighed and said, "They do that all the time. I've learned to ignore it – you should too."
She nodded, "Thanks," and left the room. Bella walked up the stairs and into her parent's room. "Esme?" She called softly. Carlisle was at work.
"Yes honey?" Esme said, coming out of her closet (it was bigger than Bella's bedroom at Charlie's). She held a bundle of silk.
"Emmett and Jasper are scaring me," Bella giggled.
Esme was quiet as she listened to the bantering downstairs.
"My pictures better than yours!" Emmett crowed, holding up his illustration of a cow.
Jasper scoffed, "Oh please!" And held up his drawing of a pig.
Shaking her head, Esme sighed. "Farm animals," She muttered.
Then she looked at Bella. "Happens all the time. Very immature, those two, when paired together." She kissed the top of Bella's head and left the room with her fabric.
Whatever could be the matter? Rosalie rose out of bed, pulling on her coat, and walked downstairs. Emmett and Jasper were arguing over whose picture was better. Call her biased, but Rosalie preferred Emmett's. Bella was sitting with Edward in another room, Bella freaking out over the display. Alice was in her room, playing dress up. Esme was upstairs sewing some pillows and Carlisle was at work. While the doctor's way the children shall play.
Rosalie walked over toward Bella and told her, "You know, Jazz and Emmett would love if you'd draw them a picture too. How 'bout it?" Edward, sensing Rosalie's maliciously stupid plans, tried to talk Bella out of it. "I know," Rosalie brightened. It appeared as if she'd just had an idea. "Why don't you do it and call it a bonding activity? You'll be living with them forever. Might as well enjoy it… so what do you say? Come on." Rosalie hauled Bella up by her arm and dragged her into the family room, pushing her on the floor in front of the coffee table. She got a piece of computer paper and some crayons and gave them to Bella.
"Bella wants to play too," Rosalie explained. Emmett and Jasper exchanged looks, communicating silently.
Finally Jasper shrugged and said, "Sure. Won't it be fun to play with our baby sister?"
"Oh yes it will," Emmett agreed, shaking with excitement. Upstairs, Esme stopped what she was doing and lept out the window. It was Carlisle's lunch break. Alice, seeing the future, jumped out her window, deciding to let the three bond in peace. Rosalie, brimming with giddiness, waltzed out of the family room and into the dining. Edward sat at his spot, and upon Rosalie's entrance, looked up and glared at her.
"Come on now, lover boy. Do you want to stay here while they do something stupid together?" Rosalie grabbed the collar of Edward's jacket and hauled him up.
Edward looked wistfully out the arch, sighing. "They'll kill her."
"Nope," Rosalie announced. She knew they weren't going to hurt Bella. Jasper was feeling mischievous, and that was rare. He never did anything stupid when he felt like that. Emmett, well he was Emmett. Tact and self-control were two words he was not friendly with, but things would be okay.
"Okay," Edward surrendered. He allowed Rosalie to pull him outside.
Jasper, for once not acting the wallflower, placed a pencil by Bella's right hand. "You can draw a sheep," he allowed. Her smell was tantalizing but he'd hunted the night before.
Bella, not wanting to be here, picked up the pencil and started to draw. Her picture was sloppy and downright ugly, and that embarrassed her. Jasper and Emmett's pictures could be mistaken for masterpieces, misplaced over time.
Giving up – and ignoring Emmett's laughter and taunting – Bella picks up the crayons and starts to color, not noticing until it was to late that she'd colored her sheep pink.
"Damn," Bella sighed. She didn't believe it was possible to make her sheep any uglier. Apparently it was.
Now both Emmett and Jasper were laughing. It looked like a cloud with four sticks under it, with a potato for a head. Bella scribbled the background green and yellow and put the crayons back in the box.
"I'm terrible," she sighed, feeling sad.
Jasper picked up the picture, cocked his head, and squinted at it. "It's not that bad," He whispered, "If you look at it like this."
Emmett snatched the drawing from his brother and copied his movements. "I guess," Emmett allowed.
Then, the two sensed their sister's unhappiness. "Oh come on," Emmett grinned, smacking Bella on the back. "It ain't too bad. You should have seen my pictures when I first joined the family."
Jasper snickered and added, "They were pretty bad. Worse than yours."
Bella smiled at them, "Seriously?"
Emmett nodded, willing to make himself the fool, only for his baby sister. "Yep."
Jasper got a new piece of paper and said, "I'll teach you how to draw. When we're finished, everyone will be shocked."
Emmett snickered, getting Jasper's insult. Bella, however, smiled happily, and picked up her pencil.
