*Stephenie Meyers Owns*
Dazed and disoriented, I looked up from the bright red
blood pulsing out of my arm --
Into the fevered eyes of six suddenly ravenous
vampires.
- Bella Swan
New Moon
-Jasper POV-
October 31st, 2005
2:47 P.M.
…57… 58… 59… 60.
2:48 P.M.
Inhale…
Sigh.
1… 2… 3…
Buzzzz…… Buzzzz……
I slowly awakened from my daze, reaching into my pocket for my vibrating phone. Who could it be? My eyes continued to look forward, not looking to see who was calling me. I could see that it was mid-day; I could hear the bird's singing right outside the window; the white walls that surrounded me seem to taunt me; I could hear them whispering, taunting me on how I was so close to tasting her finally.
I felt myself being sucked down, the phone still buzzing. I fought like I never had before, not even when I was first changed. I could not bear to see her terrified face when she witnessed me for who I really was.
No matter how hard I tried, I was sucked down, my beasts' laughter blaring into my ear. I could feel his glee at my terror, his claws sinking further into my flesh dragging me down into the abyss.
-Flashback-
The living room in our house looked as if a clown had ingested 50 different kinds of colors and decided to throw up everywhere. Pink confetti littered the floor, while red flowers decorated the tables and walls. A green and white banner occupied most of the space, with yellow, blue, purple, and a couple rainbow colored balloons tied to the ends. The outside was no better. The last time I checked, the driveway was covered in lanterns, lighting the way until it finally reached the front door, which stood wide open. Alice raced in and out, trying to get everything perfect before Edward brought Bella over, which would be in six minutes.
I laughed to myself quietly, knowing that Bella would not want to see what we had created. I could already feel the embarrassment rolling off of her in waves. She would not like the presents that we had gotten for her either. I tried to control my wife, I really had. But there is no way to control my pixie when she has her mind set on it. I've always loved that about Alice. She is like a fire cracker; she just packs a bigger punch.
I felt Alice's excitement from outside, causing me to stand up and want to giggle like a little girl.I almost did before I heard Edward, whisper to low for Bella to hear, "Why resist? I'd be sure that we would all get a kick out of it." I lightly growled, and told him to fuck off.
I could already tell that Bella was nervous, anxious, and bewildered. I laughed to myself, wondering how she would like our present. I became nervous then, wondering if she would hate it.
Alice appeared beside me, right before Bella and Edward stepped through the front doors. Edward was radiating happiness and love from every pore of his being. Bella was the exact opposite. When her eyes landed on the destruction of the Alice tornado, shock was the only emotion. Her eyes wandered to the banner, the flowers, and then the colorful confetti littered everywhere. I even noticed some in Bella's hair, but I did not tell her. I thought it was pretty funny, but I was wondering how the hell it even got into her hair.
Alice charged Bella and hugged her in a vice grip, making Bella grin openly and love swelled in her. That emotion is always present in her. It surprised me to no end for someone to have love as a constant emotion, and to feel such love for us. As if we were family.
I was brought out of my musings when Bella squeaked out, "Emmett, crushing… me!"
Emmett had proceeded to scoop her up into a hug, squeezing a little on the tight side, but he immediately let go and lightly set her on the floor. Embarrassment, and then an apology with a slight smile and he was easily forgiven.
She went around and gave everyone a hug, besides me. I was upset that she hadn't given me the privilege, but I understood why she did not want to come near me. Apology was written all over her face, but I just gave her a small smile, trying to tell her that I understood and that it was fine. Her smile in return was like dawn, when the sun first rises in the sky, bringing life and the beginning of a brand new day. Beautiful.
I watched as Alice danced over to Bella and led her to the cake, which only Bella would eat, and the presents. The cake was too big for Bella, and she soon voiced my thoughts aloud, which caused Edward to laugh, Alice to smirk, and I to grin.
"You could always take the rest home and share it with Charlie." Alice stated, getting Bella to smile again.
We finally got to the presents, which is when Emmett snuck out to install Bella's present, which was the car radio, so that there was no way she could take it back. I don't think she say Emmett leave, but I was proven wrong when she asked where he went.
I didn't hear the reply that was made up, because I was too excited to see what reaction she made when she noticed that the box was empty. Her confusion when she figured it out was endearing, but hilarious at the same time. Her face screwed up in confusion, which made lines come out of her for head and her lips to turn down. I cracked a small smile at how funny she looked. When I told her why there was no object in the box, she said loudly, "Thank you Emmett!" Emmett's laughter answered her.
She continued on to her next present, and at the time I hadn't noticed that I had crept closer to her, and Esme explained that it was from her and Carlisle. When she slid her finger under the paper, the worst thing that could have happened, happened.
I watched as she dropped the present, and held her finger up to her face. I heard her speak, but the smell of her blood clouded my vision. I instantly held my breath, forcing my monster back down and locking him behind bars.
Wave after wave of thirst pounded at me from all angles, slowly resolving my resistance. I watched Bella, red tinted edges slowly growing until they nearly consumed my vision. I watched as she stuck her finger into her mouth, which only caused me to want her blood more.
The beast broke free when Edward's thirst crashed into me, as if it was a typhoon. It nearly knocked me senseless with its force, but I clung on dearly, because if I did not, I would kill Bella.
I watched, terrified, as Edward slowly turned toward her, knowing what he was going to do. Before I could think through what was the most stupid idea in my entire life so far, I charged him.
Now that I look back, I know what it must have looked like. As if I was trying to get to her. And that was part of it, because my beast had claimed her. Mine. Over and over, that word continued to replay while I charged him and Bella.
He was immediately on alert, and pushed her. She went sailing through the air, crashing into the table, and fresh blood spilled out. I growled. How dare he touch her! She was mine! Black and red clouded my vision, the only person I could see was Edward, crouching in front of her, a snarl etched over his features. A challenge to me; a challenge just shouting at me, See if you can.
I easily dodged the obstacles, nearly making it, when I was yanked back. I turned and snapped my teeth at Emmett, trying to make him see what I saw so clearly. I was not the threat! He tightened his grip on my arm, while Carlisle wrapped his hand firmly around my other arm. I was outraged. The threat was standing right over Bella, smiling at me while I was withheld.
I looked over at her, and saw her eyes. What I saw their knocked me breathless. Fear. She was afraid of me. In her eyes, I was the monster, not Edward. Tears leaked down her face, staining her cheeks with lines. She was deathly pale, her eyes to wide, but she looked right at me. I cringed away from her, seeing the accusation in her eyes. They screamed at me, beast! Monster! I saw my reflection in her eyes. I could see my beast peaking out, my hair fling around me, my teeth bared. I truly fit the part of a vampire.
I allowed myself to be dragged out of the house, wanting to get away from those eyes.
I swam up from the darkness, my beast struggling with me the entire way. I flipped the phone open quickly; my eyes wide open, trying to get away. I failed miserably, as the movie played over and over, stuck in replay for eternity.
"Hello." I stated, while the monster started to drag me back under.
"…Jasper."
I was silent, because I knew this voice. An ache started in my chest, expanding until it felt as if I was drowning, even if I did not need to breathe. This was an emotion pain, which I knew could not harm me… physically. "Alice," I whispered, "Why did you call?"
2:49 P.M.
She did not speak for what felt like years, but I knew it was only a few seconds. "Jasper… Please, you have to help her. You have to!" Desperation was laced so strongly into her voice that I instantly sat up, my nightmare stopping right when I dove at her… Bella.
"Save who, Alice." I already had a pretty good idea who it was, but I wanted her to say the name. The name that haunts me everywhere that I go.
"Bella! Please, please, you must go." Her sobs echoed through the phone.
"Alright, but why must I go," I sighed in resignation, "She won't want to see me Alice." I rummaged through my cupboard, searching for my keys.
"You won't get there in enough time by car. Just run. You'll know when you get there. Please hurry." The dial tone announced that the conversation was apparently over, and I was left standing outside with the phone still pressed to my ear.
I slowly flipped the phone shut, and tried to remember in which direction I was supposed to go. My phone buzzed from my hand, showing that I had a text. I flipped it back open and read the text.
North West. 4 hours.
I turned to the right and ran.
2:50 P.M.
...........................
-Four Hours Later-
7:00 P.M.
I had reached Bella's house minutes ago, but I couldn't bring myself to enter. Something was repelling me, something foreboding. The house still looked the same. The house was still white, the grass looking a little less green than last time, but it was almost winter. Of course it would be like this. I could hear no heart beats, and I could smell no blood either. Bella's scent was fresh, but it was mingled with a vampires. I inhaled, trying to place if I knew her. I could tell it was female, because of the sweet smell rolling around.
I bristled as the recognition washed over me, bringing back memories of James, and his sadistic games. Victoria. She was here. Flashes of her ran through my head, her laugh echoing light a sadistic clown on hallucinates. But I had no idea if she had Bella or not.
I stood there outside of Bella's window, right underneath her tree. Victoria's scent lingered her the strongest, and as I climbed further up, I could tell that she had been here not long ago. At least 30 minutes had passed since she was last here. I had just missed her.
I noticed that Bella's computer was on, but I could not see what was on the screen because it was facing away from where I crouched. Clothes scattered across the floor, and I knew for a fact that Bella was not a messy person. She loved cleanness, she loved to be organized. What I saw in her room was the exact opposite. It did not look as if a kidnapping or murder had occurred, but I knew how Bella was. If she could protect Charlie, she would.
I growled in anger, shaking as the scene that had probably happened reeled in front of my eyes…
I could see her, hiding behind the branches of the tree, standing only like my kind could. She stared intently into Bella's window, even though I could tell she was not in her room.
I watched silently as Bella walked into her room, toweling her hair as she shuffled toward her computer. I watched as she waited patiently for her computer to boot up, walking toward her dresser. She riffled through a couple of drawers, finally choosing on an outfit.
The ding from the computer signaled that it was ready for use. Victoria leaned closer to the window as Bella passed right in front of her, unaware of the danger that was right beside her.
I watched, enraged that I could do nothing to stop this carnage, as Victoria whipped Bella's window open and crawled in. I saw Bella's face, watched as confusion, hope, recognition, and finally terror ran across her face. She stumbled backwards, tripping over her comforter that was foolishly left on the floor.
Victoria's laughter sounded throughout the small room, making it seem louder, more sinister. She stalked forward, gliding along. She easily stepped over the chair that Bella had knocked over in her haste to escape.
I found myself standing next to Bella, and we both watched helpless as the bitch from hell continued toward her. Bella whimpered, crawling backwards, trying to get as far away from her as she could. She came to a halt when Victoria appeared in front of her, reaching out quickly and snagging the front of her night shirt.
Even though I knew that it was useless, I charged Victoria. I ran right through her, and landed right beside Bella. Her eyes were wide and fearful. It was just like what happened at her birthday, except there was no one her to save her this time.
I watched helplessly as Victoria taunted Bella, before hitting her.
Bella's head snapped to the side, and slumped down. It was like she was a puppet and all of her strings were cut at once. I cringed as her head hit the floor, her eyes rolling into her head.
I watched as Victoria messed up her room, making it look as if Bella had run away. She scattered clothes everywhere, and she gathered all items that might be needed at hid them.
I growled when she picked Bella up, throwing her over her shoulder, and jumping through the window. I tried to follow the bitch, but…
The roar of an engine turning down the street had me jumping down from the window and running behind the house waiting to see who it was.
Charlie pulled into the driveway, apprehension hanging around him like a cloak. When he stepped out of his car, he looked like my family. Dark circles under his eyes, looking as if he hadn't slept in months. He looked haggard. Shock was my only emotion.
I watched as he slowly made his way into the house, dragging his feet along as if he didn't want to go inside. I did not feel any surprise from him as he noticed that the lights were off, only dread as he unlocked the door.
I listened to his footsteps as he hung his coat and gun holster up, and then continued into the house turning on lights as he went. I heard him call Bella, but I knew there would be no answer. I followed his progress by his footsteps as he reached her door, knocking twice before opening the door quietly.
I felt his shock when he noticed that she was not in her bed. Instead of being worried, he seemed to be… Excited?
What kind of father would be excited when his daughter is obviously missing? What had she been like to elicit this kind of response? So many scenarios ran through my head, the next worst than the last.
I was brought out of my thoughts when I felt a shot of panic, and then it rose until anxiety and horror mixed with it making me want to run as far as I could. But I knew I couldn't, because I made a promise to Alice and I needed to know what happened to Bella.
He thundered down the stairs, and rushed out the front door, dialing into his cell phone frantically.
"Hello! This is Bella Swan, and you've reached my voicemail. I'm so sorry that I missed your call, but I'll get back to you…" Her voice droned on after I stopped paying attention. I barely registered Charlie's frantic voice as he sped out toward the center of town, spraying rocks.
When I could no longer hear his heart, I ran through the door, which he foolishly left open, and raced up to where it all started. Bella's room.
