Chapter Four
Jasper
In the end I did the only thing I could think of, I ran to the only place I knew I'd be welcomed at least in the short term, Peter's place. I ran the whole way, hunting when I couldn't bear my thirst any longer then running again. When I got to their house in the mountains they already knew what had happened. Alice had rung seeing that I would turn up there, she left news for me, Edward had decided our world was too dangerous for Bella and had left along with the others, no goodbyes, they just up and left so I'd ruined everything! The kicker was also from Alice, she was getting a divorce and asked me to stick around long enough to sign the papers she was sending to Peters.
"So you fucked up big time Major!"
I explained what had happened and he shook his head,
"I always said the Cullens were bad news, it sounds like Alice stitched you up"
"But why?"
"Hey she's fucking crazy! Do you really expect her to have a reason? Shit Major she's really screwed you up"
I looked at Charlotte but her expression was neutral.
"I guess you'd better stay, at least until you sign the papers"
So she didn't want me there either.
"Hey Char The Major can stay as long as he wants"
"Of course, I didn't mean it to sound any different"
She walked out leaving us alone.
"Do you believe me?"
"Hey, you never lied to me so why shouldn't I? Sounds like the Cullens didn't though or Alice Cullen stuck the boot in."
"I don't see why though"
"If she wants a divorce this would be a good excuse. Leave her sitting pretty and you in the shit heap."
I thought about this,
"Well soon know anyway Major."
"How?"
"See how quick the papers arrive, maybe she had them ready"
I didn't want to believe that Alice had been so calculating but the next day the papers arrived by courier and Peter nodded,
"I'd say you were set up Major"
I read through them although I didn't really take in the words and signed the bottom. There was another letter with it asking me to relinquish our joint accounts to Alice in return for which she would allow me to keep everything that was in my own name. Real gracious of her.
"So what you going to do Major?"
"I have no idea Peter. I think I'll go back to Forks and get my stuff"
"If the fucking witch hasn't burned it all"
"Well if she has at least I'll know. Then I guess I'll do some travelling"
"You could come back here to live."
I looked at Charlotte who shrugged her shoulders reluctantly which was better than a heap of words.
"No I think I'll travel Peter. I'm not much company."
"Good idea Major. Get a few miles between you and the Cullens. Maybe you could travel abroad. You're good at languages"
Wow, she really wanted me out of the way!
"Yeah I might just do that Charlotte."
She looked at Peter then sighed,
"Oh hell Major stay here a while, at least till everything is settled. I haven't been very gracious but I would like you to stay a while. Tell me about this human."
She meant it I could feel so I stayed a little while. I told her about Bella and realised I knew a lot more than I thought I did about her. Remembering the picture I'd drawn I pulled it out of my wallet and unfolded it, trying to smooth the paper so she could see Bella's face. She picked up the drawing and looked at it carefully
"She's pretty even when she's scared."
I nodded not knowing what to say.
"What did she say about your attack or whatever you want to call it?"
"I have no idea I didn't hang around long enough to speak to her"
"Why?"
"I guess I just ran."
"Won't that appear like you felt guilty?"
"I did, of what they thought of me"
"You don't know what Bella thought of your action though?"
"No, true"
"This drawing, did you study it?"
"Yeah, I saw my reflection in her eyes"
"Did you look at her expression though?"
"What? No I guess not, I was too interested in my reflection"
She laughed,
"I didn't mean it like that"
"I know Major chill out. She's looking at you or you wouldn't be reflected in her eyes and she's not looking scared but thoughtful as if she's trying to make her mind up about something"
Peter snatched it from her,
"Fuck, how do you see all that shit in this?"
I ignored him,
"I think you're reading too much into it"
"Think what you like. I believe you should at least contact her, apologise"
"You said I had nothing to feel ashamed of"
"Apologise for leaving without a word idiot."
I looked at Peter and he put his hands up,
"I'm not getting into the middle of a fight between you two. Figure it out for yourself Major."
Char wouldn't let it go so I decided to go back to Forks and try to contact Bella if she'd see me. I could pick up my stuff if it was still there and tie up loose ends. They offered to go with me but I declined. I needed to do this for myself, I'd relied on Alice for too long. I drove back and arrived in Forks after dark, going straight to the house which was unlit and already neglected looking with weeds on the drive and in Esmes beloved flower beds. The door was locked but I'd remembered my key and opened it slowly. There was no sign anyone else was here as I walked into the main living area. All signs of the accident were gone, no blood stains, no wrecked table or smashed glass and the piano I'd fallen into and crushed during the struggle was gone. I went upstairs to our room which felt abandoned. Alice's closets were cleared out and on the dresser was an envelope covered in dust. It was addressed to me and tearing it open I tipped out the contents, her wedding band and a letter. I sat on the bed to read it rolling the ring between my fingers,
Dear Jasper,
I'm sorry things ended the way they did but I needed to set you free so we could fulfil our destinies. By the time you read this I will have found my mate and be abroad. Thank you for the wonderful years you gave me. You needed this time before you could move on and I was happy to help. You were a good husband and I know you will be again but I wasn't your forever partner. It wasn't until we got here to Forks that your future became clear to me, and with it mine. Nothing is ever simple or uncomplicated in your life and the next few months will be no different but you will make out in the end. Trust your instincts and don't be afraid to tell her how you really feel or you will lose her and that would be a real tragedy for both of you. At present she is hurting and it will be hard for you, but persevere. I know my mysterious words drive you crazy and you'd like a straight answer to a straight question so here goes.
"Who is she?"
You already know the answer to that in your heart.
Not quite the answer you wanted but its all I can say without jeopardizing your future.
Be your kind and thoughtful self and you will find your future in her arms.
Love Alice xx.
I sat on the bed reading the letter over and over. It made no more sense the fifth time than it had done the first or third. I knew who my true mate is? If it were the only girl I could think of, Bella Swan, why had things gone the way they had?
I turned the letter over and had to laugh,
Jasper
Stop asking questions, get off your butt and go get the girl before someone else comes for her.
Alice xx
