AN: And another update for my new baby... Enjoy...
Chapter Two: Time Passes, People Change
People insisted that time heals all wounds, but it doesn't and Alice was sure of it. It had been seventy years since she had lost her sister and best friend. Seventy years since Bella Swan had died, and her father Charlie had killed himself unable to live without his only child. Alice missed her sister every day, still regretted leaving Bella every second of her life. Edward seemed to have lost every ounce of life in him, and while he didn't try and kill himself as often those moments were almost a relief. Unfortunately those days also coincided with Bella's birth and death days. The very fact that he still cared, still remembered was more punishment than they could do.
The family dynamics had changed right after Bella's death. Esme wouldn't look at Edward; she barely interacted with him, and Carlisle? He made all of the decisions concerning their family, not letting the gifts his 'children' have make the decisions for them any longer. Emmett was a shell of himself, he wasn't playful anymore, a part of him had died with his little sister and they all knew it. Rose held an air of guilt around her, and Jasper was slowly pulling away. She didn't blame him for that, considering she had taken an active role in watching Edward, jealously guarding her last link to Bella and Charlie. She hadn't even contested their divorce ten years ago.
Looking at his family Peter couldn't really believe that it had been a hundred years since he had turned his god-daughter and her father. Their lives had really changed since then, Charlie taking up a parental role for them all in that time. Right now he was regretting following Charlie like that. The sadist was making them go to school. Char and Ella thought it was hilarious, he just wanted to strangle the brats they dealt with daily. He didn't regret the conversion to animal blood though, it did give them a chance to live a semi-normal life, settling down for a longer amount of time. Of course they all had they occasional pint of the good stuff to keep their strength up, so instead of the bright topaz they had dark brown eyes. Peter's old friend Jasper wouldn't ever believe this, but he wasn't doing this for him. Jasper was a damned jackass for letting them leave Ella, and he would pay.
Sighing Peter, or rather Paul got ready for a new day of hell at school. While the little punks around him feared him, and rightly so, Ella and Char had quite the fan club. The little fuckers were too bold for his tastes, and he didn't mind beating the fuck out of them if they got too close. He and Char may have an open relationship, one which he enjoyed making the little fucks squirm while they were fucking his wife by playing with them, but Ella was his little sister, and he didn't want any of those slimy asses touching her. The boys in Portland had no chance at all.
He was ready to leave the Cullen's, as his ties slowly dissolved. Esme didn't blame him for being the catalyst in making them leave Bella per say, but she didn't forgive him either. His ex-wife spent most of her time guarding Edward for himself, and the rest of the family could give a damn if he stayed or went. So when he started school before the rest of them he really didn't mind. Without them and their iron cloak he might just make outside friends or he might just make the decision to leave. He really just wanted to get away from the depressing air that surrounded them. Hell the only reason he stuck around was the fact that Peter and Char had gone off the grid. He hadn't been able to contact then for over seventy years. He paused by his car as three motorcycles pulled into the parking lot and the smell of vampires filled the air. He tensed, not knowing if they meant good, or harm. Tensing he watched as the male and two females climbed from their bikes. He was ready to attack if they proved hostile, but he almost stumbled as the male removed his helmet, revealing the devil himself.
Peter, the fucker, smirked at him as he turned, revealing golden fucking eyes. He couldn't believe that his brother was right there, so one of the females must be Char, because they didn't go far without each other. He heard his brother tell the woman closest to him to look behind them, and sure enough blonde hair tumbled from the helmet of the female closest to him. He nodded to his sister in law, but was confused when she shrugged him off. He didn't know why she would be mad at him, but eh, to each their own. She would let him have it sometime. He was still curious about their company, but that curiosity was solved when the third figure lifted their helmet and long mahogany hair spilled out, spreading a scent that should be a hundred years dead.
Bella Swan turned, confirming her identity as she looked at him with golden eyes. She winked playfully as he stared and his legs gave out. Laughing at him she tucked her helmet under her arm as she walked inside. Peter headed over as he stared after her. His loud laugh broke him from his stupor and he looked up to see his brother standing close, holding a hand out for him to take. He looked at him confused.
"My baby sister is really something else eh Major? Well, technically she's my great granddaughter, but who's counting? Since you're here in town I'm betting the rest of your little fuck town is here too? Well keep them away or you're declaring war. This is our town. You may be the Cullen's oh so pretty and likeable but me, Char and Ella? We rule this school. I won't blame Ella if she attacks Fuckward. Not after he left her alone in the woods like he did, not after telling her he never loved her and that she was just a distraction in his long life., and your families too. He made her feel like she was worthless." He murmured low. His feelings were off the chart, making Jasper nervous. Peter was still holding out his hand, but Jasper wasn't so sure that he would actually help him up.
"Man you don't know what it felt like when Charlie called me to tell me that my Goddaughter was catatonic and suicidal because on one of your fucking family. I almost came after y'all, but my family comes first you see. Charlie brought Ella to me and Char and we got her back on track. Charlie on the other hand, he's sworn to at least dismember Edweirdo when he sees him, and I don't blame him." He continued in a whisper. His tone was still friendly, but his emotions hinted at something else, anything but friendly. Jasper stared at the offered hand suspiciously and Peter snickered. He felt a streak of smugness and Char's amusement.
"Great Granddaughter? Goddaughter?" He asked focusing on an important fact. He had no idea that Bella was Peter's family. He was horrified even more about the incident on Bella's 18th birthday party. He had almost killed the last of his brother's line. He hoped that Peter didn't kill him from Edward's folly. Peter snickered, and there was more amusement at his behavior directed at him from both sides. Char was even smirking at him.
"Yep siree. Apparently I was a father when I was killed, well turned. I found Liza and Renny when Renny was a babe. Renny made me and Char Ella's Godparent's, so we had a reason to visit before Ells found out about our world. Of course personal visits stopped before she could understand why we didn't change." He murmured. Jasper swallowed hard, and shifted on the ground. He wasn't so sure that he was going to make if out of here.
"Edward lied to her when he said those horrible things. I know that it doesn't mean much now, considering what your kin went through because of my adopted brother, but he wanted her to hate him. He thought that if she did it would protect her from everything that was coming after her. We didn't know that he'd done it when we left, but when we found out that she had 'died' he tried to kill himself so many times I can't count. All because he couldn't live with what he had done. What he had given up. When we found out what he said Rose and Emmett tried helping him on his mission." He whispered. Peter growled loudly, clenching his hand.
"That little dumb fuck almost got her killed. If Charlie didn't know about vampires, if he didn't send her to us… Victoria and Laurent were not just going to leave her alone. The wolves got Laurent in forks. Ella was with us thank god or she would have been easy pickings. And Victoria? Well she got passed us when Ella was turning, and when she woke up? She took care of her, torched her, then hunted a thumper and had a rum with it. Only the little bitch had created an army, just like fucking Maria. She had planned on taking Ella when she was transforming apparently and creating a new general. Char, Charlie and I took care of them." He replied, his eyes darkening with anger. Char took a step forward, but he ignored her, staring at Jasper. His gaze didn't waver for a moment.
"We didn't know that they were still after her. I told Edward and Carlisle we should have killed them all when we had the chance, but they didn't listen." He whispered. Peter snorted, glaring as his emotions said it all.
"Obviously you didn't know, or really give a damn. Now get off the ground fucker. People are staring at you fucker, and you might just be ruining my punk card. Thank god we're finally seniors. Charles is a sadistic son of a bitch, sending us to school." He muttered darkly. Jasper swallowed, before taking his hand, knowing from the feelings that were radiating off his brother that nothing good would come of this. Jasper smirked as he helped him from the ground and he braced himself for whatever may come. It wouldn't be good, and he knew it.
"Now fucker, you and yours are going to stay away from my little sister. I don't take well to people fucking with my family, and with our history? I'm not afraid to declare war on you all." He growled, before his fist came at Jasper's face, knocking him back down onto the ground. Jasper struggled with himself as he suppressed the automatic reaction of the Major taking over as Peter turned and walked away, whistling as he did.
Ella wasn't upset with the Cullen's. In fact she'd forgiven them before she was turned, not that her family knew it. They wouldn't accept it, because of what Edward had done to her. Hell Peter hated his brother/sire because of everything and she knew it. She hadn't blamed Jasper for anything, even when she was still upset, but Paul had found a way to pin it on Jasper too. Just because he should have known better than to let them leave her and blah, de, blah, blah. So when she got word that Paul Grimes had decked the new kid she had to sigh. It was all that she could do because she had guessed that her elder brother would resort to violence. Her brother/godfather was as overprotective as her father. She just wished that he could forgive and forget. 100 years was a long time to hold a grudge like this. After it sunk in she pulled her cell out. Charlie would have to know about this. She called home, hoping to catch Charlie in a good mood. He wouldn't like that the Cullen's were here. Not at all.
"Daddy, Paul lost his temper with Whitlock in the school parking lot in a bad way. I think they're going to kick him out because of it. Lotte was right there, and she didn't stop him, but she's not in trouble." She spoke rapidly. She heard Charlie do one of his weird sigh/growls and rolled her eyes. He cursed as he got himself together and she waited for him to speak. He had really taken to being all of their father's. He didn't like them in trouble.
"Okay Ella-baby. Don't panic too much and don't go wandering off with Cullen. I'll be there as soon as I can." He murmured, his voice holding a hint of command. Bella rolled her eyes. She was a big girl now. He didn't have to be so… So much like her father. She really didn't intend on listening to him about staying away from Jasper. As she hung up she turned to go towards the nurses office at a brisk pace.
For appearances sake Jasper would be in there for an ice pack, and that was where she intended to ambush him, just in case he had taken whatever warning Peter had given him seriously. She didn't want to avoid the past, because she was sure the past would be shocked by the new her. And Jasper really didn't have anything to do with what happened except for not being able to stand the blood lust of six other vampires. And she really couldn't fault him for that now could she? He was there when she entered the room, and the look that he gave her? It was filled with relief. He was happy to see her, and something in her relaxed a little bit. She grinned.
"So Paul's an overprotective bear? What's new? I've missed you and Alice Jazz." She greeted. She noticed the wince at her once best friend name, and wondered what had happened. Jasper smiled at her around the ice pack and she moved forward, boldly taking the pack to rest it against his face. He leaned into the pack.
"I kinda expected this from the moment I realized who he was and who he was with." He replied. She smiled grimly, and touched his face. Contrary to popular belief vampires did bruise when they were punched by something as hard as they were. She was betting that her cool touch was better than the pack any day.
"And I've told him time and time before that I've never blamed you for what happened. You had the blood lust of six other vampires on top of your own. Hell I bet you control separated from other vampires is better than Carlisle's alone." She replied playfully, caressing the dark mark on his face. For some reason he wanted to lean into her. He wanted more of her touch, and she wasn't withdrawing from him. Her belief in his was shocking, because he knew that even Alice was wary around him because she doubted his control. She always watched in case he slipped up and attacked someone so she could stop him. He grinned though, because he had trained hundred of newborns and hadn't lost control with their combined bloodlust. This family, this diet made him weak.
"I normally do." He replied quietly. She snickered a little and leaned closer, grinning widely as she did.
"Try supplementing your diet with blood bags Jasper. Eating just bambi alone is like human eating just vegetables, and nothing containing protein. They get weaker, and weaker. But when they get some protein in them they get stronger again. While we have an animal diet going we do supplement it, it's why our eyes aren't the eerie gold, but a dark brown." She murmured with an amused note in her voice. Jasper grinned.
"That would defiantly piss Carlisle off. He's convinced that all we need is the animal blood. That it makes us more human to just drink that. He wouldn't ever accept that we need more, and if I did fall of the wagon…" He murmured. He loved the little giggle Bella had going on, and cursed never getting closer to her when she was human. She was really something else. She sighed suddenly and looked away.
"Not one of my family is going to let me interact with you and yours. You know that right? I know that the rest of the Cullen's are around, that as soon as they find out that I'm alive, a vampire, that they're going to want me back in their lives. It's not going to be pretty because Paul's little punch? It's going to be a tickle compared to what they want to do to Edward." She murmured. He touched her faced, turning it back to him.
"It's going to be alright. Hell once Emmett alone finds out that his Belly-Bear is alive he's going to be a force to be reckoned with, and if Edward even thinks about coming close to you? He'll tear him apart as he makes the first step. Emmett hasn't been the same since Alice told us she saw your grave. He's been darker, angrier. You were truly his little sister and every moment, of everyday he blames us all for leaving you, for not being there to protect you from whatever killed you." He murmured. She sighed and he wondered why his phone hadn't rang yet. Alice should have seen this, considering he was at school alone and she wouldn't want him to slip so she would be watching his every move. Hell she should have been here already. Bella smirked.
"Alice can't see you, and she hasn't noticed yet." She suddenly murmured. He looked at her confused and her smirk widened. "I'm a physical and mental shield among other things Jasper. I didn't want her bringing the whole clan down here the moment she saw the parking lot so I've been blocking her." She explained. He laughed a little, Bella was something else, something that they hadn't expected.
"What's the 'among other things'?" He asked suddenly. Bella gave a little wicked giggle, and he felt the slide of foreign emotions run through him, making him groan as his mini-Major stood at attention. She was the fucking devil, and he knew it. His mind was focused on one thing, kissing her. She stepped away and bowed deeply.
"I have a habit of gaining other people's powers." She declared, putting a hand on her hip. Jasper laughed a little, trying to clear his mind of the sudden burst of attraction. He'd never experienced his own power before, but he was half tempted to send her a dose of her own medicine and see how well she resisted it. Before their little game could continue someone cleared their throat. Bella turned to the door and Jasper saw her father standing there looking amused as he watched them. Bella grinned widely, rocking back on her heels.
"Hey daddy. I was checking on Jasper her, making sure Paul didn't hurt anything other than his pride." She chirped. Charlie rolled his eyes, stepping into the room and looking at him. He looked at the bruising and sighed.
"Sorry for my son Hale, but we're a bit protective of our Ella, and your family doesn't have a good track record when in involves her." He muttered. Jasper rolled his eyes. He knew his brother enough to have expected it.
"Paul's more of a brother to me that any of the Cullen's" He replied. Charlie smirked widely, clapping a hand on his shoulder. The feelings emanating off of him were a mixture of smug and expectant.
"I was hoping you were going to say that son. Now I don't think Ella realizes this, but we do listen to her when she goes on her rants of not blaming you. So I don't mind if you migrate families, if you want. We have Ella, Paul and Char." He sing songed. "Of course you don't have to choose now. I can't wait to get my hands on your brother though." He added. Jasper chuckled, pulling Bella onto his lap. He didn't blame the other man for wanting to hurt Edward, but when everyone realized what had happed they weren't going to let Bella go. Charlie left the room, still laughing and he jumped as his cell phone rang. He looked at the caller ID and saw his 'father's' name.
"Hello Carlisle." He answered, keeping Bella on his lap. She laid her head on his shoulder and he heard the elder vampire sigh. Since he wasn't demanding to speak to Bella he figured the school must have called him.
"Don't kill whoever punched you Jasper. They're probably regretting hitting someone as hard as you anyway." He murmured, sounding worried as hell. Jasper bit his lip, but couldn't help but laugh a little.
"Oh I'm not going to kill him. He had a reason, so I figure it's alright. Besides I know the punk. He thinks before he acts. He has since before I turned him." He replied. He heard Carlisle inhale sharply.
"There's other vampires there?" He breathed. Jasper rolled his eyes and Bella pressed her lips against his neck, her body shaking with a silent laugh. He tried not to feel anything with the contact, but he might as well have tried not to feel other's emotions. Little Major stood at attention again, this time making himself known to the girl on his lap. He was glad he couldn't blush as Bella froze for a second. This was all Alice's fault. He hadn't had sex in 10 years and now he was mistaking just being horny for being attracted to the girl who should be his little sister. She wiggled, coming into even more contact with his cock and licked his neck. While Jasper was stunned she took the phone, smirking at him as he tried to get it back without letting Carlisle know something was up.
"Yep, only a small group. My big brother didn't take to kindly to Jasper here showing up at our school. Sorry about that, he's a little bruised. Daddy's giving Peter a lecture about keeping his temper and all." She chirped. Everything was silent for a moment as her voice was heard, and then there was a sharp inhalation.
"Bella? Is that you?" He whispered. She could hear the sounds of the hospital around him, and knew he wasn't at home. A wide grin settled on her lips as Jasper's hands settled on her hips.
"It's Ella now a days Papa C, but yep it's me." She replied. "I came to visit Jasper after Peter pulled his overprotective card and punched him as a warning to stay away and to keep your family away from me." She replied. She heard Carlisle sit down hard, and breath rapidly. If he was human she'd be worried for him.
"Dear Lord. How?" He whispered, sounding like he would be crying if he could. She almost wished she could be wherever he was so she could hug him. She had missed Carlisle and Esme a lot over the years. They had become like parents to her in the short time that she had known them. She smiled softly.
"Turns out my godparents were vampires. Surprise! I was depressed and suicidal after Edward left me in the woods. Charlie, who was in the know the whole time by the way, decided that Pete and Char would help me out of my funk. They were freaking human drinkers at the time and he thought that would shock me enough to realize I was being an idiot. It worked. Victoria wasn't so keen at leaving me alone though. The wolves got Laurent when he came to Forks for me, and if I hadn't been changed Victoria would have got me when she came. Instead I woke up to her above me and killed her myself." She explained, in a quick whisper. Jasper stilled as she spoke and she heard Carlisle gasp as he processed it. Jasper held her tighter, kissing her head comfortingly.
"I'm so sorry Ella. We never meant to leave such a threat for you." He murmured. She leaned back into Jasper and sighed, playing with a string of her hair as she thought of her answer.
"I was so upset when you all left me behind like I meant nothing to you. It reinforced what Edward had told me. If Charlie hadn't known about your world, if he hadn't sent me to my godparent's I would have been easy pickings for Victoria, who had even fashioned herself a newborn Army thinking that she would be contending with you guys protecting me. As it was her army wasn't prepared for my pissed of newborn Daddy, Peter, or Char and Me. It went down pretty quickly." She finally replied. Jasper's hold on her was almost painful now and Carlisle cursed. She heard a giggle from the door and looked up to see Char.
"Spilling the gory details to the Cullen's Ella? Jasper there's lucky I wasn't Peter, but then again Pete's getting reamed by Charlie for fighting in school." She teased. Jasper smiled at his sister in law and she grinned back, coming into the room. "You fucker's hurt Ella in anyway and we'll show you how we took care of the newborns." She threatened, before leaning in and hugging Jasper. "It's good to see you old man. I told Peter he shouldn't hold it against you, but little Ella there is family and he's awful protective of his little great granddaughter." She chattered cheerfully. Ella punched her shoulder playfully, and she stuck her tongue out.
"Quite now sis, I'm talking to Papa C." She replied. Char sighed, like she was being put upon.
"Alright, alright, I'll be quiet Ella. It looks like Daddy c has to take our trouble maker home, so if you want to meet up with them I'll tag along. It's not like Peter can stop us now can he?" she teased. Ella hummed, an idea forming in her head as Jasper watched the by play interestedly. She grinned widely after a moment.
"Hey Carlisle? Call Esme and have her come by the school and pick Jasper up. I know he drove here, but he's not getting out without a parent, I know this much. When she comes in to get him I'll surprise her." She murmured. Carlisle laughed loudly, sounding happy. She guessed the fact that she wanted to see Esme assured him that she wanted to interact with his family. She did of course, because they were her family too. Even Jasper seemed to relax behind her and she enjoyed that response. She was sure that Char could smell Jasper's arousal though, judging by her cat that ate the canary look anyway. Jasper wasn't looking at her though.
"Of course baby girl. Esme's going to be so happy to see her. Losing our daughter, losing you hit all of us hard." He replied. She couldn't help but feel a little happy that she had meant something to her family. "I'm going to call her right now okay Ella? And I'm going to take off work early so I can meet you when you get home." He added. She smiled widely as the phone hung up. Char sat in a chair watching them as they waited, and Jasper shifted nervously at her stare. Each shift made her smirk a little wider and Ella rolled her eyes.
"Do I have to give you a lecture on safe sex Major? Of course Pete's going to kill you if he ever catches a whiff of that arousal. He's protected little Ella's virtue like she was his baby girl. Hell even Charlie doesn't go to the extremes he does. I think Daddy C realizes she's a big girl unlike Pete." She suddenly teased. While Ella looked her straight in the eyes Jasper buried his head in her hair, muttering about annoying sisters.
"Stop it Char. I'm not going to jump Ella." He finally muttered defensively. "Alice and I divorced ten years ago. I can't help it. Ella is beautiful." He added in a whine. Ella grinned wickedly, wiggling in his lap as Char burst out laughing. Jasper bit his lip, trying not to use his hands to make the woman in his lap press against him more. "Oh hell Darling, please stop. I don't want Esme to walk in on me defiling her baby girl, and if you keep this up she will." He begged as she continued. She gave one more slow wiggle, making sure to press her body against his before giving him a break. He was too easy to fluster, but then again she was a big flirt.
"I'll be good for now. Doesn't mean I'll stay good for long. I don't want to know what Esme would do if she walked in on that. Char wouldn't be of any help, considering she'd probably be laughing her ass off." She purred. Jasper tried to calm himself as he held her. About ten minutes of silence passed before a knock on the door startled them all. He almost groaned as Ella got off his lap, wanting to pull her back down.
"Jasper darling? It's Esme. I'm here to take you home." His adopted mother's voice drifted through the door. Ella winked at him, before going to the door. He watched as she took a deep breath before opening it, and heard more than saw Esme inhale sharply. He saw Ella lean into something, and assumed that Esme had touched her face. Esme's breath choked, before he saw her pull Ella into a tight hug as if she would never let go again.
"Oh dear God. You're alive Bella. Oh thank god my baby girl is alive." She whispered, before looking at Jasper over her shoulder. Her eyes were swimming with venom that would never fall, but she looked at him thankfully. He didn't exactly know what she was thankful for, he hadn't done anything except get punched. Ella steered Esme into the room and closed the door. Esme wasn't letting her go. She looked at Jasper again. "How?" She asked. Jasper sighed and repeated everything that he had gathered, as Ella just stayed silent in Esme's arms.
"Oh my god. I knew that we never should have left. I told Edward that it wasn't right. I didn't want to leave my baby and look what happened, what almost happened." She muttered, before straightening and looking at Char. "We're going to go to my house. I assume that you and Ella can check yourselves out?" She asked. Char nodded and she smiled at the blonde. "Thank you for watching after my daughter." She intoned. Char shrugged.
"That was no problem at all. Ella there is a delight to have around, and her sense of humor is almost as good as mine." She replied playfully. Esme didn't want to let go of Ella as they left the school, and the dark haired vampire didn't make her either. She just stayed within Esme's grasp, and Char told her that apparently Charlie had taken their bikes home with him. She didn't doubt that her father had anticipated this happening so she climbed into Esme's car, her mind racing at the thought of what was going to happen when she got to the Cullen Residence. From Jasper's words no one would be unhappy to see her, but she didn't know what to think about seeing Edward again. He had hurt her for all the wrong reasons.