THE EXCEPTION
A/N: No words to describe what I'm feeling after reading your reviews so I will use my words by giving another update...
Song: Florence and the Machine - Falling
"Now, don't be alarmed" he held up his arms defencelessly to appease me.
Crossing my arms over my chest, I put on my best poker face, "I thought I told you to leave me alone" I snapped but gulped all the same. It was not out of fear but nervousness at having him in my room.
He dropped his arms realising that I wasn't going to scream for help.
"First of all, on behalf of my family, I want to apologise for what happened" he apologised with a sincerity warming his golden eyes. "Edward was out of line" he shook his head at the memory that I had been trying to suppress. "He didn't mean-"
I cut him off with a sharp look, "We both know he meant it" I shook the memory, "He meant every single word" I argued and thankfully he didn't think to disagree. This then brought a lengthening silence between us, leaving me wondering why he hadn't left yet. "What are you doing here Jasper?"
"I told them that I was coming to apologise...for you know" he recalled the reason why the Cullens had left in the first place and I winched at the reminder, "And I am. Bella I never meant to-"
Not able to listen to him blame himself, I put up my hand to stop him, "There is no need Jasper. You have been fighting your nature for God knows how long. I would never blame you" I replied with complete and pure honesty. "I have thought about it a lot Jasper and you should really give yourself some credit. That day…" I trailed of and decided to begin differently, "You have to consider the fact that you were bearing everyone else's thirst. That must've only made it more difficult for you so don't blame yourself because I certainly do not" I explained and comforted him with a pat on his shoulder.
He smiled in gratitude and took a seat on the bed so I followed, sitting beside him but with a cautious space between us. I didn't want to make him feel too uncomfortable.
"Still a penance…" he paused and reach into his front jacket pocket, "...I would like to give you this" he smiled again and stretched his arm, passing me a small piece of crumpled paper.
My gaze flickered down on it, and then back up to him in puzzlement, "What is it?" I blinked, still uncertain and doubtful of his intentions.
He remained silent and expectant, patiently waiting for me to open it up so I did.
Upon unfolding, I only grew more confused as I tried to make sense of the numbers - yes it was a phone number, but not one that I recognised.
"The father's phone number" he answered quietly, noting how perplexity marred my features.
I whipped up, gaping at his nonchalance, "What?" I hissed quietly, remembering that Charlie was still downstairs. "What do you mean?"
He hitched an eyebrow and offered a small smile. "Damon Salvatore?" he calmly elaborated, only reeling my thoughts into a crazed spiral, "You were going to say Damon Salvatore" he repeated and I groaned with the questions that were now ramming into my already tired mind.
How could he know him? Have they met? Damon made it seem like he hated the Cold Ones.
"Bella, there are something's you should know..."
The concern tightening his eyes and the way he awkwardly trailed off made me understand what he was referring to, so I decided to just rip off the band aid and put us both out of our misery. "You mean that he's a vampire?"
His startled expression was unable to mask but gradually he fell into a disbelieving amusement. "You always have been a danger magnet" he smiled and I weakly returned it.
"How do you know him?" I inquired.
"We fought in the civil war - side by side" he replied freely but an anguish sparked in his dulled eyes which was quickly erased as he added, "When I became a vampire, we crossed paths a few times" he spoke with a surprising fondness for him. "Last I saw him he was heading to Mystic Falls" he informed me and I mentally repeated the name, wanting to remember it for later. "Were you planning on telling him?" Jasper quirked, interrupted my mantra.
Mystic Falls…Mystic Falls…Mystic Falls…
I sighed and ran a tired palm down my face. "I don't know if I should" I uttered and then paused when I caught his judgemental eyes, "I just don't want him to feel like he has to do anything" I explained, subconsciously fiddling around with the plastic bracelet around my wrist and a faint smile appeared.
"He has to know"
I blinked up at the sound of voice and nodded, "I know" I sighed and thought back to Damon.
Mystic Falls…Mystic Falls…where my baby's father was…
Now, I imagined the leather clad man, holding a raven haired and blue eyed baby, cradling him to his chest and whispering sweet promises.
The image was instantly shook away from my thoughts because as nice as the imagination was, it still felt strange and surreal.
Damon Salvatore wasn't exactly father material. Then again, most of the time, no one is but they soon learn to be.
Heck, I didn't even feel like I was mother material...but now, I couldn't help but feel excited. Regardless of the fact that I was shit-scared about carrying a vampire baby, I knew that despite my fear, this baby was mine and I was not going to do anything to jeopardise it.
With that sudden decision made, I now thought of telling the father.
That again was wiped away from the mind, the second I imagined his fangs extracting and him growling at me.
Would he treat me like the Cullens had (exception of Jasper)?
Would he turn me away and treat me like nothing as Edward had?
No, I knew what he would do.
He would get angry, maybe even scared…but not over the top angry. Then, he would hide his fear and pour himself some bourbon or scotch – depending on his mood and how heightened his angst was.
Oh - drinking - I wouldn't be able to drink again.
Well it would be for nine months...that sucked because just having all this crap to deal with, on top of the news, made me want to drink...
"What are you thinking about?" Jasper pleaded with a battle playing in his grimace. "Your emotions - they're haywire" he groaned and I murmured an apology - both for causing him pain and ignoring him.
I had actually been so deep in thought that I forgot he was there.
Now, acknowledging his presence, then triggered another realisation, "Alice" I gasped with wide eyes, "...she'll know about this"
Jasper remained calm and composed with a small shake of his head, "She hasn't been able to see you for a few weeks" he informed me and I frowned at the thought. Could a vampire lose its ability? "I think it's the baby" he clarified and I nodded growing thoughtful. "Just like she can't see the wolves, she can't see their kind" he explained and then grew pensive, silently contemplating over a thought. Before I could question his sudden seriousness, he voiced it, "I should warn you that Damon wouldn't be so forthcoming about this..."
"Oh believe me I know" I laughed humourlessly and my thoughts flashed back to his bachelor lifestyle. How I had watched him have girls fall at his feet, just by his signature smirk. Even when I had my arm looped around his, every other girl still fought for a chance to talk to him.
How will I find the strength to tell him and not make him feel like he had to give up his life for the baby? How could I even expect a vampire to be a father? No offence but especially a vampire like him?
Jasper again drew me away from my impending worries when timidly murmuring, "I want to help you..."
I looked up at him and when seeing his solemn eyes, I began to shake my head. "You don't have to feel guilty about anythi-"
He too shook his head, silently arguing with me. He then unfairly took advantage when I felt the waves of calm wash over me and bring me to a standstill. "This is not about guilt" he argued with a sigh, "It's to do with the fact that you're scared but you're trying to pretend that you're not" he countered before reaching over to take my hand in his cold ones. "Let me help you Bella" he pleaded but as I began to protest, he hastily interjected, "Regardless of what you think, I still see you as a sister"
Again there was that earnest and determination.
"How are you going to help me?" I asked but it was enough to know that he wanted to help me. Right now, I felt completely clueless on what would happen.
I may have not mentioned it before - but I'm carrying a freaking vampire baby!
"Everything you need is in this bag"
I was startled by his voice but even more surprised by the green bag pack that he had placed at the foot of my bed but was somehow too occupied to notice.
"What's in it?" I accepted it with a burning curiosity.
He stood up and I followed suit. "Look in it after I've left" he whispered in a lowered tone. "Alice and Edward will be coming for me" he explained with a graveness underlying his words.
With great hesitance, he placed a hand on my shoulder and gave it a squeeze, offering some comfort. He then made a move towards the window but I called out for him. "Jasper!"
He paused and raised his eyebrows in question. I could only wrap my arms around him and hoped that he would understand the sincerity of my immense gratitude and respect.
"Thank you"
A/N: Most of you had guessed correctly so pat yourself on the back or treat yourself to an ice cream or a hot chocolate - depending on the weather and your tastes.
Kinda ill right now so sorry for any mistakes...
Question of the day: Would Damon make a good dad?
Review your love for Bella and love for Jasper...
