Chapter Two

Overbearing

BPOV

I ran through the apartment, grabbing the few necessities I would need for the trip to Maine. I stopped and looked at a picture of me and Amanda at the Spring Fling at the college. We were happy, I was happy, and now I was going to go back to the life that I had tried so hard to leave.

I couldn't believe how much my life had changed.

Carlisle stood behind me, placing his hands on my shoulder effectively stopping my movements. He let out a deep sigh. He ran his fingers through his hair. "You tried so hard to move on after we left, and now we are jerking you back into that life again. We can find another way . . ."

I studied Carlisle's face, knowing that he was lying.

"Alice saw something, didn't she?" I questioned, grabbing a Diet Coke from the fridge as I continued to search for my Ipod.

"She did, it was vague to say the least, but she did say that you played an integral part in helping Jasper get through this," Carlisle admitted. I could hear the anguish in his voice, hurting because his newest son was hurting. "I'm sure that we can try to do this without you though. I don't want to pull my daughter out of a life that she has tried so hard to rebuild."

"Bells, don't feel like you have to help," Emmett interjected. Just then, his cell phone rang. "I have to take this . . ."

He walked out the door, just as I heard him greet Alice.

God, what hell Alice must be going through right now.

"He's right, Bella. Please don't feel obligated."

"I don't Carlisle. I don't know Jasper very well, and yeah, the last images I have of him he was attacking me, but I never blamed him or any of you for what happened. Yeah, it took a couple of months for me to get over the abrupt departure and Edward's hurtful words, but Carlisle, I'm good. I'm all grown up now and able to make my own decisions and I want to help."

"Why do I hear some hesitation in your voice?" Carlisle hedged.

Damn vampire hearing. "It would help to let me know what you guys need from me exactly. I don't really know what a human girl could do to help an immortal being with crazy powers. What is going on with Jasper anyway?"

"We are losing him. He's an empath, and a powerful one at that. After your birthday party, it seemed like the entire world had shifted - not just for you - but for us as well. Alice and Jasper filed for divorce . . ."

I gasped hearing that. Their marriage always seemed so solid, and Edward had said that vampires mate for life.

"How? I mean . . . they didn't get divorced because of what happened with me?"

"No sweet girl," Carlisle reassured me. It helped a bit, but my heart broke for them. "Turns out that they were never mated. They were best friends, and the parting was amicable. Apparently they had been drifting apart for the greater part of a decade, and it was time. You see Bella, if two vampires are involved with another, than they are tied together so to speak, and aren't free to accept their true mates. Jasper and Alice always knew they weren't true mates, but enjoyed each other's companionship. It wasn't until they were ready to let each other go, that they could meet their true mates . . ."

I nodded. "So does the other mate have to be ready as well to meet them?"

"Yes, both mates have to be willing to accept each other at the same time, have to be at the same point in their lives so to speak."

"I get it . . . so many humans drift apart because they aren't at the same point in their lives. But, surely their divorce didn't cause Jasper's powers to go haywire, especially if they both knew that it would eventually end."

Carlisle nodded. "Even though they were prepared, Jasper took it really hard. He actually left the family for a couple of months, and when we found him, he was a changed vampire. He was in anguish . . . true anguish. Jasper's story is very much different from those in the family that I created. His past is riddled with war and death."

I gasped, again. Jasper was such a gentle soul, from what I could see. It pained me to think of him having to deal with all that, especially with being an empath.

"What do you mean when you found him?"

"Esme is very protective of her children. She knew that something was wrong when he didn't call to check in, and so we started an all out search. We found him a week later, in Kisatchie National Forest in Louisiana. He was wandering around, looking lost. He said that all the emotions were killing him. He then projected what he was feeling, my God Bella, I had never felt anything that intense."

Emmett chose then to walk back in. "Alice says that Jazz snapped out of his funk for a little while, and was able to talk and feed for a little bit. He is talking a little more, but isn't making a lot of sense. Talking about finding what he lost . . ."

I could see the pain in Emmett's eyes when he spoke of his brother's pain. Tears started streaming down my face, for Jasper. I didn't even bother to wipe them. What must he be going through? I don't know what happened to him in that forest, but something had to have happened. I was not going to let him suffer anymore than what I had to.

"I'm in. Let's go before you guys try to change my mind again." I grabbed my bag and headed out the door, leaving the two vampires in my wake. My decision was made - if I could him Jasper somehow, I would.

We approached Port Angeles Regional Airport without any difficulties. Carlisle was constantly on the phone, first with our pilot, then with Esme . . . the list went on. Emmett reached over and took my hand, catching my attention.

"What's up Bro?" I asked him, smiling at him.

He closed his eyes, formulating the thoughts swirling around in his head. "It's been a hard year for everyone Bells. I never wanted to leave you. I fought with Eddie on his decision, and Jasper backed me up. He wanted to prove that he could do better, be better. Jasper wanted to protect you from the evils out there. During his more lucid moments, he asks Alice to check up on you. We saw that you were going to move past everything, despite what Dickward said to you."

"Emmett . . . language," Carlisle scolded softly.

"Sorry Pops. But even you have to admit that Edward was wrong to do what he did. But I digress. Bells, are you ready for everything? Are you ready to face Edward again?"

"Edward was my first love, and it used to hurt, but time did heal this wound. I got over him with time, and a good therapist. Why are you so concerned about this?"

Emmett looked over to Carlisle who nodded his head. What the hell was that?

"It's just that Edward found his mate."

I sat mutely for a second, staring off into space.

"Bella, honey, are you okay? I should have told you before you agreed . . ."

"It wouldn't have changed my decision, Carlisle. I would have still decided to help Jasper anyway. Is his mate nice?"

Carlisle nodded. "It's Alice."

"I wasn't expecting that," I whispered, getting out of the car. Emmett grabbed my bag for me, looking at me square in the eye. "Emmett, I'm okay. I'm happy for them." It wasn't a lie. It seemed to somehow fit. They both had very powerful abilities, and would often have long talks about the burden of it all.

Carlisle wrapped me up in a hug. "You are such a precious gift Bella. I'm proud to have you in our lives, in our family."

I sniffled into Carlisle chest.

"What Grandpa, no love for me?"

I looked up and saw another vampire approaching. He was shorter than Emmett by about three inches, and was a little bit leaner. His hair was neat and tidy, dark brown with a little curl to it. His eyes were bright red. I studied him a little closer and saw that he had several bite marks on his neck.

"Like what you see?" He asked.

"Peter, stop," Carlisle shook his head. "Peter, this is Bella."

I took his proffered hand, and he pretended to bite my wrist.

"One bite from you guys is enough, thank you very much." I jerked my hand back from him. "Who is this yahoo?"

"I'll tell you everything, but let's get situated on the plane first," Carlisle requested.

I nodded, and boarded the executive style jet. Three more vampires were already seated. Emmett stowed my bag for me and I sat in between him and Carlisle, facing the unknown vampires. I was getting ready to inquire about the others when Peter's voice came over the loud speaker.

"Thank you for flying Vampire Air. Today we will be serving type AB positive blood - courtesy of Miss Bella Swan . . ."

"For the love of all that's holy . . . Peter Fucking Whitlock, just get on with it," a small petite vampire screamed. She was vampire gorgeous, with white-blonde hair and almond shaped eyes. Her facial features were soft, but she was on edge.

"I request that the human buckle up for takeoff. If we crash, vampires would survive; the human would not. We should be in Fort Kent in approximately 10 hours."

Emmett helped me with the seat belt, and I gripped his hand during takeoff. I hated flying. Once we leveled off, and were cruising, I relaxed my hold. Carlisle looked over at me and smiled.

"You are odd Bellaboo - you can sit in a plane full of vampires, but you are scared of flying," Emmett mused.

Carlisle chuckled at the statement.

"I suppose some introductions are in order. This is Eleazar and Carmen, friends of mine from Denali. This is Charlotte Whitlock, and you've met her insane husband, Peter."

"I resemble that Grandpa!"

"Why the hell does he call you grandpa?" I asked again.

"Jasper is our sire." Charlotte clarified.

"So, Grandpa?" I quirked my eyebrow at Carlisle, poking fun at him. He took it in stride.

"He's been calling me Grandpa for years . . . I can't get him to stop." Carlisle rolled his eyes as Eleazar started laughing.

"So, what are we going to do to help Jasper?" I asked, leaning on Emmett's shoulder. I was tired, it was now two in the morning, and I was exhausted.

"I'm not exactly sure, but get some sleep, and we will figure it out in the morning," Carlisle told me.

I nodded, shutting my eyes. "Carlisle, Emmett, make sure that Peter or Charlotte don't drink from me."

I heard Charlotte snicker and Peter laugh as I let sleep overtake me.


"Bella, we're here," Charlotte jostled me awake as we were pulling up to the Cullen's new residence.

"You guys never do anything small, do you?" The log mansion was three stories with a double porch. Grand windows and skylights adorned the front of the house, which had a spectacular view of the river. The back of the house backed up to a forest, which bordered Canada. I could see why they decided to live here.

"Jasper actually had this built for Esme when we gave him the Cullen crest," Carlisle said. "It's actually second favorite home. The first one being in Forks."

"It's the exact replica of the house in Jackson Hole," Peter commented.

"It's beautiful." I glanced down at my watch, and reset it for the time difference. 10 am. Carlisle took my bag and escorted me into the house.

Upon entering, there was a massive kitchen to my right and a study to my left. In front, there was a massive living room with a leather sectional, flat screen television, and rock fireplace.

"Bella, honey, I'm so glad you came. I made you an omelet, it's in the warmer. I hope you like just plain cheese and eggs. I need to run to the store in town and grab more food for you. . ."

"Esme, it's fine," I replied, going over to her, giving her a hug.

"You came, I knew you would . . ." Alice said. I looked around, trying to find her. She was perched on one of the beams. She gracefully dropped down and hugged me. "Thank you for being so understanding about everything. I never intended . . . we never intended . . ."

"Alice, it's okay. It will be weird for a little bit, but really, I'm okay with it. It actually makes sense, if you know what I mean." I walked over to the warmer and grabbed my omelet. I was actually pretty hungry, and was suffering from jet lag and a semi-hangover. I found the glasses and poured myself a glass of water and took an aspirin and started scarfing down my food. Damn Esme made a mean omelet.

"Where's Edward and Rosalie?" I inquired.

"Sitting with Jasper. He's relapsed into silence, and sometimes gets clear enough thoughts for Edward to pick up on him. Jasper and Rosalie have always had this special bond, always posing as twins. I can tell that she is taking this hard." Her voice cracked, talking about her ex-husband.

I pulled her into my arms, holding her as she dry sobbed.

"We will help him, we will figure out a way to help him."

She sobbed for a couple more minutes, then held me back at arms length so she could get a good look at my outfit. It was still the outfit from last night, I didn't have time to change.

"You look great. 19 looks good on you. Your date last night was pretty hot. What's his name?"

"Riley, but I don't see it really going anywhere. He's nice, but there just isn't a spark you know." I started telling her a little about the date, when I saw her get that look in her eye. Vision.

Peter ran down the stairs and grabbed me. "Peter, what the hell!" I screeched. "Come on, I just ate, unless you want me to vomit all over you, calm down."

"Jasper needs you now!"

I allowed myself to be swept up in his arms as he ran me the two seconds to Jasper's room. I looked around and saw Rosalie hunched over Jasper, whispering to him. Jasper was whimpering, curled into himself. He no longer resembled the vampire I knew him to be.

Edward was leaning against the wall, concentrating on Jasper. He smiled at me, and I gave him a small wave, mouthing to him that we would talk later. We weren't here to reconcile the past, rather we were here to save Jasper.

"Peter put me down," I requested when I realized that I was still in Peter's arms.

"Bella . . ." I hadn't heard his voice since the day he left me in the forest. He sounded the same, but different this time. I knew that I was no longer in love with him.

"Edward," I acknowledged.

"I don't think it's safe for you to be here. I asked them not to get you," Edward whispered. "But there was no other option really. I'm sorry."

I knew that the apology covered a lot of different things.

"We will talk later, but let me help Jasper."

How to help him though? I wasn't exactly experienced in helping vampires with overactive powers.

I took a couple more steps toward Jasper, and Rosalie went into a crouch, trying to protect her brother. I threw my hands up, showing her I wasn't a threat.

"Rosalie!" Carlisle exclaimed.

"No!" Jasper gasped. "No, no, no! Make it stop!" Jasper had his fingers gripping his hair, and he was pulling the roots.

Esme cried into Carlisle's shoulder at her son's distress. "Jasper, we will figure something out, I promise."

"I'm not going to hurt him Rose." I continued to walk closer to him, taking more deliberate steps toward him.

She stared at me, relaxing her posture.

"Everyone needs to leave," Peter said quietly. "Jasper's feeling everything you guys are feeling on top of this weird thing that is going on with his power."

"Bella."

It was faint, but I heard Jasper whisper my name. I walked calmly over to him, where he was on the floor. "Shh, Jasper, I'm here. I'm going to help you."

I placed my hand on his cheek, stroking it, whispering reassurances to him. I used my other hand to try to pry one of his hands out of his hair. There was an electric undercurrent wherever I touch. It was reassuring and scary at the same time. I brushed his blonde curls out of his face.

"Amazing," Edward observed. "The pain stopped the minute she touched him. Are you feeling anything? Is he projecting on to you?"

"No, I don't feel anything. Jasper, are you strong enough to stand?"

He nodded, taking my proffered hand and drawing himself up.

"Bella, don't let go of his hand, the minute you stop any physical contact with him, the pain will come back," Alice said quietly, coming out of a trance.

"Guys it's getting crowded in here. Why don't we all go sit on the back porch and have something to drink," Esme suggested. "The fresh air will do all of us some good.

I intertwined my hand with his as we made our way down the stairs. I could tell he was in a little worse for wear. His skin had a gray pallor to it, and he had dark bags around his eyes. We situated ourselves at one of the picnic tables, where Esme brought out a tray of cups for everyone.

"Bella, I brought you some orange/pineapple juice. Jasper, honey, I brought you bear."

I wanted to laugh at the absurdity of it all. Esme had different varieties of blood for everyone, included donated blood for Charlotte and Peter.

"So Dad, how does the bear taste? I bet it isn't better than O positive," Peter goaded.

Jasper flicked him off, and drank some more. I could see that it wasn't having much affect, but he didn't look as bad as he did previously.

Esme just laughed, kissing him on the cheek. "I'll forgive you this one time Jasper Whitlock."

"Not to be a party popper, or anything like that, but Bella can't stay touching Jasper forever," Rosalie pointed out. "Not that I'm not grateful for you coming and helping out, but this can't be a long term thing. She is going to have to have some human moments . . ."

Alice growled at Rose, and Jasper shot her a grateful smile. He sighed, closing his eyes. I suppose that he was grateful for the break from feeling the extra emotions.

He tried to pull his hand from my grasp, but I held tight. "No Jasper. Let me help you. We will figure this out. There has to be a more permanent solution, and until then I'll stand by you."

"Bella you owe me no loyalty. I tried to eat you last year. How can you forgive me? Maybe this is what I deserve," Jasper whispered quietly. I could tell that he was struggling to speak, and his words broke me.

Esme gasped and Alice cried into Edward's shoulder.

"No, you don't get to go all emo and self-sacrificing. That's my job," I argued, whipping a tear that had fallen for him. No one deserves this fate. I knew then I was going to do anything to help him. "No Jasper, listen to me, I forgive you because there is nothing to forgive. I saw what happened in that room upstairs; when everyone was scared and worried, you absorbed all that. When I was bleeding you absorbed six vampire's bloodlust, and I was a singer to one of them. It wasn't your fault at all. I knew what could happen if I hung out with vampires."

Jasper hugged me. "Thank you."

"Can someone tell me how Bella is able to do this?" Emmett said, breaking the conversation.

"I suspect it is her shield in a way," Eleazar said. Carlisle nodded his head in agreement.

"Bella is a human shield, which is why she was able to block Edward from reading her thoughts. I think that she is able to manipulate her shield unconsciously," Carlisle interjected. "How do you feel Jasper?"

"This is the best I've felt in nine months. I almost feel normal, but tired," Jasper confessed.

"Do you want to tell us what happened in Louisiana?" Rosalie inquired softly. I heard the difference in her voice when she spoke to her brother. She really did love him.

"Can I rest first? It's a long story, and I don't feel up to it right now."

"Of course, Honey. Why don't you and Bella get situation on the couch? I'll make her some cookies, and I'll bring you a fresh cup of mountain lion," Esme offered. "Everyone can get settled in after their trip."

"Thanks Esme, cookies sounds great," I told her.

Jasper stood first, and I followed, keeping our hands intertwined.

"Bella, thank you so much."


"Bella, how is this going to work? Rose is right, you can't hold my hand forever." He ran his free hand through his hair as we finished up watching a movie with Alice and Edward. I thought it would be awkward, but it truly wasn't.

We talked, truly talked. Reassurance were made. Apparently Alice and Edward took off together after that night in Forks, they weren't together at the time, but their friendship grew into something more. I could understand that. Edward clearly was no longer the same boy I fell in love with. He seemed more comfortable in his skin, as I did in mine.

Alice and Jasper had been at peace with their divorce and role in each other's life, and were completely comfortable being around each other.

It seemed right. And I really was happy for the two of them. They made sense together.

Jasper sighed, and I could feel the weight of the world on his shoulders. I rubbed his back, trying to bring him some modicum of comfort. I knew I would have much impact on his granite skin, but it was the thought that counted.

I looked over at the vampire sitting next to me. I didn't know anything about his past, only that his past was violent before he met the Cullens. We didn't really didn't get to have the chance to get to know each other, but with his being attached at the hip, I was sure that we would get the chance now.

"I will if that's what it takes to make sure I don't see you in pain again," I reassured him. And I meant it.

"How?"

"I don't know Jas. I don't have all the answers, but we will figure it out. Don't worry about it now though, just relax, and hold me while I catch a catnap. I have been awake since 5 a.m. Washington time, and I'm exhausted."

"I know, I can feel how tired you are. How do you want to do this?"

I maneuvered with him into a spooning position on the couch. "Are you comfortable like this?" I knew it was an intimate position to be in, but it was the most comfortable for the space on the couch.

"Yeah, are you okay?"

"Sure Jas. Just close your eyes and pretend like you are going to sleep. Think good thoughts. I'll try not to nap for too long. Then we will talk about a long term solution."

"Thanks Bells."

"Anytime," I mumbled as I closed my eyes. I felt him pull me tighter to him, and snuggled into his arms.

Some time later, I woke up, bladder completely full from the juice and soda I had drank earlier in the day.

"Jasper, I'm sorry."

"It's alright Bells. I've dealt with worse for awhile, I'm sure I'll be fine. This isn't your burden, it's mine."

I sighed, feeling his resignation. "Jasper, I don't know what you have done in the past, but it shouldn't matter. You have become a wonderful man . . ."

"Wonderful?" He scoffed. "I attacked you, and tried to bleed you dry a year ago."

"And I forgive you for that, I've told you that." I squeezed his hand. "I do have to run to the bathroom, I'll make it quick."

"Why don't you take a shower and change into some comfortable clothes? I'm sure I will be fine for a little bit."

"At least walk with me to my room, no point behind making you be in pain any longer than what you have to be."

He nodded and slowly walked me up to the room. The room housed a beautiful canopy bed with gold fabric draping and pristine white linens. I saw my small overnighter sitting on the bed. I pulled out my jeans and black cowl neck t-shirt.

"I'll be back soon." I called for Esme as I ran into the bathroom, hoping that even though she couldn't physically block the pain for him, that he could still find some comfort in his mother figure. I heard her cooing softly to him as the emotions began to overtake him again.

As the water began pelting my muscles, I knew that we would have to figure something out long term, because even though this was going to take only 15 minutes, it was the longest 15 minutes of my life.

AN: A couple of people felt that Bella forgave to quickly, and well, she isn't really the same Bella. She grew up, realized that breakups happen, and handled it. It hurt, but they have all moved on with their lives. My Bella is a little bit stronger than the one in SM Twilight.

I also made a slight change in chapter one. Carlisle told Bella that Jasper was completely nonverbal for three months, but that just didn't fit, so instead he has periods of being unable to talk, which became more frequent. That is the only change. If you want to go back and read it fine, but other than that no major change.

I hope you guys liked this installment.

As always, reviews rock my socks.