A/N: I don't usually listen to songs during writing my stories but, this chapter deserved one. So on Youtube, you'll find 'I'm Sorry' by Keith Urban, it kind of fits, as something she might overhear him singing. xx


Going 3rd person now as we need to know what they are both thinking now xx Alexis


Charlotte had finished by writing this,

"I need ..., I have to ..., thank you, Sir, I have a lot of time to make up for, not just with Isabella, but Peter, you and Charlotte too and I need to sort out how to explain ..., Will she let me? I'm afraid, for the first time in my life I'm scared!" he huffed out and both men smiled,

"Welcome to the real world brother, that's what bein' really in love means, it's the fear that keeps us on our toes!" Peter said laughing,

"Having a woman in your life is seventy-five percent joy, twenty-five percent pure blind panic, but you'll live, just like the rest of the male population!" Charlie had added, also laughing along with Peter. This was where Charlotte's notes ended and well Bella knew the rest.

"Wow! My dad was quite the philosopher, well still waters and all that! God I love that man to bits and I am going to stay around for a while, so Charlie knows how much I appreciate what he's done for me" she said to the room.

Bella still had an hour to go before meeting him and was as edgy as hell, She needed to calm down, soon. Much as she was never much of a hiker before Bella didn't mind it so much now. Wandering out through the back door and into the backyard, past the thinned out edge and into the forest proper, god it was so quiet and peaceful here she thought. All that Bella could hear was the sound of birds, and small animals rustling about or the distant sound of water.

She remembered Charlie took her to a waterfall nearby once, but she'd fell in, so they never repeated that again. As Bella approached still being careful of her footing, something's you never forget, even when you are no longer clumsy. She thought she could hear music but that couldn't be right, it must just be the water, but no, as she got steadily closer she heard the strumming of a guitar and the sound of a man's voice singing snippets of the lyrics to whatever tune he was playing.

Bella slowed and eventually stopped, sitting quietly on a large rock and settled in to listen, 'Ooh, I know this one, it's a Keith Urban song. But what the hell is it called' she thought, and then she knew, as the man's voice reaches her once again, 'I'm Sorry'! The voice was rough and gritty and it didn't take her long to work out just who was singing. Bella felt the pain and misery, but underneath there was hope and longing too.

'Does he know I'm here? Or is he just killing time like me, nervous and anxious like me! ' She again wondered.

He changed two words throughout the song 'Girl' becomes 'Bella' and 'Man' becomes 'Mate', she felt the silent tears running down her face. She prayed the sound of the water covered any noise she made. Carefully getting to her feet wanting to retreat, but that's the cowards way out and they needed to go forward, not back again.

Taking a deep breath, knowing he'd hear it Bella stepped into the light around the little waterfall and sink to her knees, close but not too close. She doesn't want him to feel trapped or hemmed in.

"Thank you, that was beautiful" is all she said and they fell silent,

Except for him reprising the tune without the lyrics this time. It sounds haunting and sad out there in the open air, then he stopped and lay aside his guitar and lifted his head to look at her. His eyes are ...,

No longer black that's for sure but they are also not the gold Bella expected. They are a deep burgundy red and well, just like Peter and Charlottes. She said nothing, it was not her decision but his and if he was happy with it, so am Bella. She never understood Carlisle's rigid stance, surely if he loved his family, the choice should have been theirs!

Bella certainly wasn't in a position to get on any type of morally high horse, she was a paid vampire and other supernatural's assassin, for god sakes.

WITG

On the other side of Forks, the rumour mill had started. Tyler Crowley was telling anyone who would listen that he'd recently seen Bella Swan,

"She was leaving the hospital, just about an hour ago," he said.

Now the subject of the Cullens came up and instead of how wonderful, nice and stunning they had been, it was how strange and standoffish they were and how lucky Bella was to get away from that creepy Edward! As Bella's classmates had aged they had gained more adult views on the Cullen family, they were mostly disliked.

Mike Newton had said, "Not the doctor or Emmett, the big guy was funny, scary but funny"

Jessica Stanley, soon to be Crowley, shook her head, "My mum said Mrs Cullen was really sweet and friendly, but that Rosalie and Alice were bitches! Alice only spoke to us after Bella arrived remember, same as Edward the control freak?" she said excitedly, like her mother Jess was a gossip.

"I always felt sorry for Jasper, imagine having Alice as a girlfriend. I bet he never got a word in edgeways ever. I remember Bella saying Alice picked all their clothes, well she sure got his wrong. He never looked comfortable, did he? Now she was a worse control freak! I'd hate to have been in that family" Eric Yorke said laughing.

"We should have a reunion since we're all home for once! Angela and Ben are visiting too, what do you think guys?" Lauren Mallory said she amongst them all had changed the most.

Three years ago Lauren had been in an accident and was now wheelchair bound, her friends had rallied around and never allowed her to sink into depression or push them away. The Lauren today was kind, strong and enjoyed life to the full, wheelchair or not! Eric was now her partner and plans for a small wedding next year were in the works.

"Great Idea Lauren, I'll phone Angie and let her ask Bella, just in case she doesn't feel up to it with her dad ill and all! We'll keep it small, how about the Lodge, since they have a license now?" Mike said and everyone nodded.

So setting their plan in motion it was a surprised Bella who answered her dad's house phone two hours later, to Angela Chaney, once upon a time Webber. That unknown to everyone was the nicest thing Edward Cullen had ever done, like ever! Getting them together, having given the pair the push they needed to become the couple they now were.

WITG

"Angela, how did you know I was back? I thought you lived in Florida? At least I'm sure Charlie, I mean my dad said that!" Bella said laughing,

"I do, home for a visit as well, small-town grapevine, Bella, Tyler saw you at the hospital actually. Listen, turns out everyone from school is back this week, well except for the Cullens, thank god! So we were hoping to have a small get together, just a quiet drink and catch up, you in? I know your dads, not too hot, but we hoped you'd come for a break, please? Pretty please?" Angela said, shocking her.

Where was her shy, timid friend? Upstairs in the Swans little bathroom, having a much-needed shower the vampire could hear all, he sighed hearing Bella laugh so freely and wished he'd heard it more over the last two years.

"Wow, Ang, I've never heard you talk so much, yes, yes I'd love to! Dad's perked up a bit so I'm hoping he's on the mend now, thankfully!" Bella returned,

getting out with her old non-complicated friends would be fun, something that was in short supply for Bella right now.

"Hey Ang? What did you mean about the Cullens?" she asked really surprised at the comment,

"Well! I know you dated Edward, Bella. But they were creepy, you know? Especially him, sorry!" Angela replied quietly.

"That's okay, you're right he was! In fact, wait till I tell you all what he did! So when is this shindig? Soon I hope" Bella said teasingly,

"Tomorrow night okay, seven o'clock at the Lodge, they serve alcohol now you know? I can't wait for you to dish some dirt about him, Ooh, I'm all excited now!" Angela gushed and Bella laughed again,

"Okay, see you all tomorrow and thanks, Ang, this is so unexpected but welcome," she said hanging up and letting out a big sigh.

WITG

Bella sat in her father's little kitchen waiting for him to return from the shower. They had done as Peter suggested and played twenty questions, Jasper was surprised when she first suggested it. So far none of their bigger issues were addressed, but they were more relaxed around each other and his mood had improved greatly.

As he entered the room Bella sighed seeing his hair looking more like she remembered, he raised an eyebrow.

"It's silly I know, but your hair, was what distressed me the most! It's more like it used to be, back then! Do you feel better in your own clean clothes?" she prattled on and he smiled,

"Yes thank you, you're bein' more than generous," he said quietly,

"Please sit, did you hear my call? Everyone's views on your family have changed!" Bella stated and Jasper nodded,

"The signs were always there, but hindsight has made them look at it from a different stance. They are not my family, never were really, Peter and Charlotte are and maybe ... one day ...!" he tailed off, glancing at her then away quickly.

"Alistair is arriving tomorrow, to meet Charlie, you know officially," she started to say more but bit her tongue,

"I like him," Jasper said,

"Who? Alistair!" Bella quizzed,

"No! Your father, I like him, No, I admire him" he answered and she grinned from ear to ear.

"He's special, a good man and I love him more than anything!" Bella sighed.

Looking at him she was unaware that Jasper wished one day she might think of him like that and love him with that much passion.

"Isabella, I ...!" he started,

"No please Jasper, not yet. I want to relax here in Forks and spend quality time with Charlie, also find a lead on Eddie the loser! Then we can tackle the hard stuff, what do you say, can we just try to be friends first?" she pleaded with him.

He nodded agreeing, just so happy that she had used his name for the first time in five years. He had hated hearing her say only, He or Him and especially when it was Asshole! Though he knew he deserved it and was one.

"I was wondering if you would like to cover my back for me tomorrow night when I'm at the reunion? Charlotte is going to be keeping an eye on Charlie and Peter will be entertaining Alistair, showing him where to hunt etc? This thing is so last minute and unexpected, I don't have any backup!" Bella said, praying he would agree.

"I, I would be honoured, I'll be in the trees around the Lodge while you're there if you need me just call" Jasper was elated, Bella was trusting him with her safety, she needed him, asked him to protect her. She asked, didn't demand and he felt ten feet tall.

"I hope you don't hear anything too bad, about you all from the past. But I suppose it's inevitable! Well, I think I might try for a couple of hours sleep, why don't you make yourself at home. You don't have to sleep rough now if we're to be friends, I hope you will hang around with us all more?" she was trying to be nonchalant, but her heart was racing, hoping he would not refuse.

"Do you ..., would you like me to ...," he stuttered,

"No thanks, but if I'm still awake in an hour, then knock yourself out" she answered smiling warmly at him and he grinned back at her.

As Bella got ready for bed she heard the low buzz of the TV in the background and sighed contentedly. Today had gone better than she'd hoped and she was glad she'd taken Charlotte and Peter's advice and gone slowly. Getting to know him for the first time and not arguing about the past that neither could change.

She so hoped that when they eventually discussed it, they would approach it as two equals and see each other's side without recriminations and arguments. She wanted her future with him, but not because they had to since they were mates, but because they wanted to as friends and one day much more.

WITG

Wakening the next morning Bella knew it had been a Jasper induced sleep. The clock showed that it was six o'clock and she'd slept for six hours, instead of the normal three. But she was fine with that, it had been her call, not forced on her. As she washed and dressed for the day she heard the murmur of voices below her.

Jasper had spent the whole night sitting in a chair directly below Bella's bed, now as she moved around her room so did he in the living room. Peter and Charlotte watched him closely, like two magnets she was dragging him around with her. Jasper seemed totally unaware of this until she went to the bathroom and he could move no further due to the wall.

The sudden look of panic on his face made Peter smirk, but Charlotte patted his arm,

"She's just havin' a shower, there's no danger. Use all your senses and relax Major!" she said gently and he huffed out a breath and returned to his seat to wait.

"Well! Did you do some talkin'? Or some grovellin', even?" Peter enquired,

"She asked me not to discuss it yet! She wants to relax here and for us to get to know each other! She got invited out with her old school friends tonight. Bella asked me, to guard her there!" he told them, with some pride oozing out of him.

Peter and Charlotte gave each other a quick glance and he frowned,

"I usually do that!" he grumbled,

"Eh! She said you were takin' Alistair to hunt and Char was watchin' Charlie" Jasper replied cautiously,

"Hell Yeh! I forgot about that, he'll be here by noon, well okay then that makes sense" Peter answered and smiled to Charlotte before continuing with "Come on Suga', let's go see how Charlie's doin' and what the Doc's make of his miracle recovery"

The house quietened, but Bella knew Jasper was still there, she felt no painful pull, but instead a pleasant tug as she moved about, making her want to hurry downstairs.

"Jasper? Alistair and I are going to the old Cullen house later this afternoon, do you want to come? If not, if it's too painful, is there anything you want me to bring back?" she asked on entering the room.

"I doubt anythin' is left, bitch probably burnt it! I'll come if that's okay? Might wait outside though, I don't think I want to ..., well, you know!" he answered with his head down,

Without noticing that she was doing it, Bella stroked his hair and gently squeezed his arm,

"No worries, I'll give the place a once over and bring out anything that's yours, alright?" she said, before turning towards the kitchen when she realised he was purring, Bella was blushing and smiling at the same time.

Jasper sat still amazed, he had never in his entire vampire life done that before. He's heard others do it yes, Peter, Emmett and even Carlisle, but neither Maria or Alice had brought that sound forth from his body and he was confused.

Usually, the guys had done this after sex, while fully sated and comforted, well except for Peter, he often did it when they were just cuddling up together. Bella had barely touched him, just a gentle stroke of his hair and he'd turned to mush. But more than anything he wanted her to do that again, over and over and never stop.

The next couple of hours was spent just chatting about books, history, things they loved and it became apparent they had much in common. Much more than Bella had with Edward or that Jasper had with Alice. As they got ready to head to the hospital Bella grumbled under her breath, but he heard and sighed,

"Fuckers! This was why they kept us apart! They knew both of them knew! Even way back then! Why? How could they be so cruel?"

Jasper agreed fully with her assessment, but what Bella didn't know was that it was illegal in the vampire world to come between mates knowingly. So not knowing what to say, without rehashing everything, he reached out carefully and took her tiny hand in his own and they both relaxed fully.

This would have to be addressed though one day, those two would be made to pay for all they'd done.

WITG

Charlie's recovery was put down to his pleasure at his daughter's return and need to get better for her. One of the Doctor's jokingly said,

"Wow, she's good medicine, if we could only bottle it, we'd make a fortune!"

This was a little close to the mark and had them all grimacing, rather than laughing. Jasper had waited outside the hospital hidden from view, no one was aware that Bella was in Forks with anyone other than Peter and Charlotte. So when Alistair arrived he also showed him how to enter undetected.

He hung back slightly not wanting to intrude, but Charlotte had pulled him closer and tried to involve him more. She was aware that it was not only his interactions with Bella that needed sorting but with everyone. He had become almost reclusive, that Pixie Bitch had done a serious number on his self-image.

Jasper, on the other hand, was fascinated by everything Bella did or said. She never made demands on anyone, always looking for ways to ease their burdens. She was so unlike anyone he's ever known, even Esme had used her sweetness to make requests for her wants, on the family.

Where Maria had used greed and aggression and Alice manipulation and control, Bella never did, she was kind and giving. Even after all that had happened to her, she put everyone's needs before her own. He watched her make sure her father ate before she touched her own, offering to swap things he didn't like for her own.

Constantly checking on the vampires around her, asking if the hospital environment was too much for them, did they want to sit, should she open the window? But through it all, he felt her watching him the most, not because he might do something wrong, but that he might need something and she would miss it.

It was unsettling in the fact that not once since his human mother, had anyone wanted to take care of his every need. But Bella did all this not in a clingy, subservient way, but with love and a real heartfelt want, to fulfill their desires. She truly would lay down her life for those she loved, a rare trait indeed.


A/N: Question peeps! If I write a One-shot, based on another fanfic author's story, do I need their permission? Or if I state this and dedicate it to them would that be okay? It was something they didn't address in the original and I wanted to xx Alexis