Here's the next chapter. Hope you like it and once again thank you all for your wonderful reviews, they make me want to keep writing.

"Why the hell won't you just tell me the truth?" Jasper said for the third time since leaving the hospital fifteen minutes ago. There was no way he would believe that, out of the goodness of his heart, Chief Swan had decided to give them a ride to the dump he lived in and then continue on to Forks. There was just no way. It wasn't exactly a short trip.

"Give it a rest already kid. I told you that I live there too and was just in town helping a friend with a case when your scrawny ass landed on my doorstep. And now I am going home. So it only makes sense that I drive, especially considering that Dr. Cullen here would've had to have gotten his son to drive up to get him if I hadn't offered."

It was a long winded speech full of half truths and it really made him irritated. It also made him suspicious of Carlisle. The man had offered no alternate explanation, only saying that Charlie had offered, so he had accepted. Something was going on…and Jasper would find out what it was. He was good at that kind of thing. But, deciding that waiting for them to be less guarded would be more productive, he tried to focus on what he would be doing in the next five minutes. Going back into that house was not very high on his to-do list but there were a few things he really needed to get before skipping town. Making sure he went in alone would be a tough sell though.

"Fine. Whatever. Are we there yet?"

He felt slightly satisfied when he saw Charlie glare back at him through the rear-view mirror.

"Jasper, how does your shoulder feel? Would you like another one of your pain meds?"

Shifting his gaze, Jasper saw Carlisle watching him from the front seat.

"It's fine doc."

Carlisle stared at him a moment, as if assessing his truthfulness, and Jasper couldn't help but think that the man was being a complete hypocrite. Wanting him to be honest when he himself was hiding something. When Carlisle faced forward once more, Jasper turned to look out the window. As they drove he watched the familiar scenery go by and he began to be flooded by memories. Some were good, like the corner by the liquor store where he and Peter used to scam the drunks out of their booze money before spending it on cigarettes and nerds, Pete's favorite candy. Or the Laundromat a few blocks down from his house where he and Alice would meet up after school to do homework and just be together without the threat of his father hanging over their heads. They may not be the average persons idea of happy times but they were for him. Of course, the bad ones were there too. The side streets where he would meet up with his dealer James and get high or get packages to deliver for a bit of cash so he could feed himself. The fire station he had set on fire because he'd just been beaten and was feeling pissed and wanted to show them how much he understood the meaning of irony. He hadn't ever been caught for that one but the fact that he'd burned his arm in the process had pretty much killed his inner pyromaniac. Those were the very tip of the iceberg and because the idea of reliving them all scared him to death, Jasper tore his gaze from the window, closed his eyes, and leaned his head back against the seat. It wouldn't be long now and he found himself mentally preparing to re-enter his own personal hell.

Carlisle felt more guilt well up inside of him every time Jasper asked him to tell the truth. He knew that Jasper knew they were keeping something from him and despite the fact that he believed he'd made the right choice for the boy at the moment, it didn't stop him from questioning himself. He finally decided to take things one step at a time. First they would get Jasper's things, then they would get him settled in at the house, and then they would tell him about his father. It had probably been a bad idea to get Charlie involved in this part of things but it was to late for regrets now. He had made the choice and now he would have to live with it. With a barely concealed sigh he cast his gaze out the window. Jasper lived in a very bad part of the city. The houses were all rundown and the people walking the streets in the rain looked beaten down and tired. He could also barely make out the forms of people hovering in alleyways, no doubt doing something illegal. It was not the environment for a child to be raised but he also knew that some people had no choice. Times were hard all over and they were doing the best they could in a bad situation. That got Carlisle thinking about Jasper's mother. The boy had not spoken a word about her the entire time he was in the hospital and it made him think she was no longer in the picture. It was a sad thing to lose a mother at such a young age. He himself had lost his when he was twenty and his father had never even been in the picture. Everyone had a story and he was hoping Jasper would let him in enough to tell him his. Despite the fact that he was omitting certain truths…

"We're here."

Jasper opened his eyes at Charlie's voice and looked out the window. There it was. Home sweet home. Somehow it looked worse than when he'd last been there. The grass out front was so overgrown it looked like a jungle and the lawnmower had continued to rust to death in the corner of the yard. The security gate on the front door was also pretty rusted and shingles were hanging off the roof. All in all it looked like a total dump. Over the years Jasper had tried making some repairs but, being the only one making any money, it proved to be to much for him to handle. They had to eat after all. Oh, and dear old dad had to have his booze.

They pulled up into the cracked driveway and Charlie stopped the car. Jasper noticed that both men began removing their seat belts so he quickly intervened.

"Wait. I want to go in alone."

They both turned in their seat to look at him. This was going to be a bit of a challenge.

"Jasper," said Carlisle in a slightly warning tone, "considering what has happened recently, you know that I can't let you go alone."

"Look, I get that your worried I'll try to do something to myself, but you don't have to be. This is the last place on earth that I would do that. I just want to grab my shit and get out."

"Jasper, I really don't think-"

"Please…I don't want anyone but me going in there. I promise I won't do anything…"

Charlie looked over at Carlisle who was staring at Jasper with a frown. He figured the kid would be okay if he went alone but in the end it was Carlisle's decision.

"Alright Jasper. You swear you won't do anything to yourself?"

Jasper nodded and looked at Carlisle with, carefully arranged, pleading eyes.

"Okay then. You have fifteen minutes before I come in after you. Is that enough time for you to get what you need?"

"Yeah."

Then without another word he exited the car, making absolutely certain that he avoided looking at the house across the street. He really couldn't deal with those emotions right now.

Walking up the dilapidated porch he saw that his father had left a bunch of beer bottles lying around. Typical, he thought before rolling his eyes. It took a little work to shove the door open but eventually he made it inside. The house was a total mess, exactly how he'd left it. Well, maybe it was a little worse than when he'd left. It looked like his father had thrown a tantrum after he'd vacated the premises. Bottles had been thrown against the walls and there were dents in the drywall. Pictures had been smashed and there was glass all over the floor. It made him wonder what his room looked like. Knowing that there was nothing on the first floor he wanted or needed he casually sidestepped the mess and made his way upstairs. He passed the bathroom and his fathers room, which was hard because he wanted to go in there and trash everything, but he pushed forward. His room was the last on the left and the door was open. Looking inside it was pretty much what he'd figured it would be. Destroyed. His dad had smashed everything, including two lamps, a dresser, a desk and chair, and even his bed. Thankfully his father hadn't found what was most important. Everything that meant anything to him he kept hidden under the floorboards in the closet.

Making his way through the mess he knelt down and pried the panels up to reveal a small box. He gently lifted it out and placed it on his bed. Inside was everything he cared about. There were some pictures of his mother, even one of both of his parents on their wedding day, and the locket his mom had always worn. He also had a picture of him and Peter from a party the two of them had snuck into and the ticket stubs they had kept from the time they bailed on school and went to see The Shining in the theater. But the most important things in there were…memories of Alice. There were photographs and presents they had given each other, as well as her favorite stuffed animal. It was a tiny rabbit that her grandmother had given her before she'd died. He had asked her parents if he could have it and they'd agreed. After he placed the box on his torn up mattress he began rooting around through the mess in order to find his old backpack. He found it underneath some blankets and proceeded to pack the box inside. After that he went back to the floorboards. Underneath the box he had placed some cash that he'd saved up. In total it was about five grand. He had been saving it for the time he would leave with Alice. Now…he just didn't want his father to get a hold of it. And finally he grabbed a small bag of marijuana. He figured he'd need it over the next couple of days. After everything was in the bag he grabbed some clothes and books that had avoided being destroyed and shoved them in too. Then with one last look he turned to head back outside. That was when he heard them. Voices were coming from the first floor.

His first reaction was anger. He had told them he wasn't going to do anything. They couldn't even give him five damn minutes. Storming down the stairs Jasper was prepared to let them have it…but then he heard who the voices belonged to. The color drained from his face and he quickly pressed himself up against the wall to stay out of sight. Oh God, he thought, how the hell did he know I was gonna be here?

"Come on in Jazz. I heard you coming down the stairs. Don't worry, I won't bite…"

A female giggle echoed after the words and Jasper immediately knew how James had known where he'd be. It really had been Victoria at the hospital. Swallowing back his unease, Jasper accepted his fate.

James Colten was a vindictive person. You got on his bad side and you could forget a happily ever after. He always got what he wanted and at the moment he wanted Jasper. Now James had known Jasper since he was three years old and the two of them had been fairly close for a number of years. Jasper had always followed him around and treated him like an older brother. It was cute and James had to admit he'd liked the attention, especially considering it was sorely lacking from his bitch of a mother. But then that little shit Peter arrived, soon to be followed by the whimsical Alice, and their relationship deteriorated somewhat. After he'd gotten out of that pathetic institution known as high school he'd gone on to pursue his true calling. Money and power were all that really mattered in life and if selling drugs to sad, contemptible losers would get him that then he was all for it.

Jasper hadn't felt the same and eventually they stopped talking. That was until dear old Pete ended his own pathetic life and Alice had been forcefully removed. Then Jasper came crawling back. James had been glad to have him, Jasper was a real asset. The guy could get anyone to believe anything, he was a real salesman. In fact, Jasper was so good, James had started to believe he was planning something. James had started to think of ways to end the relationship permanently… but then Jasper decided to borrow ten thousand dollars and couldn't pay it back. It was the perfect opportunity. But he had to settle a few things first. The most important, aside from repayment, was the fact that Jasper had tried to take his own life. These days, nobody left James until he said they could. Jasper would have to learn that lesson the hard way.

As the kid walked into the room he couldn't help but smile on the inside. Jasper looked like shit. Apparently his father had really done a number on him this time.

"Hello Jasper." He said cordially and prepared to have some fun.

"J-James…hey man, how's it goin?"

Jasper tried to keep the fear from his voice but it was a losing battle.

James took a step forward and briefly looked around the room before focusing back on Jasper with a sharp gaze.

"I have to tell you Jasper, I've been better. You see, a very trusted employee, disappointed me and now I'm not sure what to do about it."

Jasper slowly lowered his backpack to the floor and crossed his arms. He had to handle this delicately.

"I'm sure he didn't mean to disappoint you James. I'm sure he will pay you the money back. How long have you two known each other? You know he always keeps his word."

James showed no emotion as he stared at him. Jasper knew that if he didn't convince the lunatic that he was good on his word then he probably wouldn't be leaving the room in one piece…and he'd promised Carlisle he would. He felt even more nervous when James looked down at the backpack. He could not let the bastard find out he was leaving town. That would be disastrous.

"Where are you going Jasper?"

"Oh, uh, they arrested Henry. I have to go to some group home for a bit until shit is settled. You know how this crap works."

James seemed to contemplate his words before taking another step forward.

"Yeah, sure I do. But you know what Jasper, I don't really give a shit. Where the hell is my money?"

"Here, look, I got five grand right here. You can have it."

Jasper rooted around inside his bag until he pulled the wad of cash out. He threw it to James who caught it deftly in his left hand. The blond looked down at the money with a disinterested expression.

"This is only half of what you owe me. Where's the rest?"

"I don't have it but I will…I swear. I just need-"

"What? A bit more time?"

James came right over to him this time and tightly grabbed onto his right wrist. The pain shot through Jasper's whole arm and he couldn't help but bend to it.

"Jasper, because we are friends, I will give you one week to get me my money. If you don't I won't be responsible for what happens. And if you even think of skipping out on me…"

James tightened his grip causing Jasper to fall to his knees.

"Understand."

"Yes, yes, jesus let go!"

After another moment James finally released him and Jasper clutched his wrist to his chest. James stared down at him with hard eyes before he motioned to Victoria, who had been silently watching the entire exchange, and then the two of them headed for the door leading to the backyard. He stopped just inside the doorway and for a brief moment Jasper thought he was going to leave, but then he turned back around.

"Just one more thing. Vic says you tried to kill yourself…that true?"

"Why does that matter?"

"Because Jasper, if you leave me I'll make sure it sticks this time…" he said as he smiled softly over at him and it only served to make his words all the more sinister. Then without waiting for a response, James left as quietly as he'd arrived. Jasper didn't move until he heard the backdoor slam shut. Once he was certain they were gone he slowly pushed himself to his feet. So the bastard had had Victoria keeping an eye on him in the hospital. He knew it had been her he had seen when he was leaving. The guy was a complete nutcase and the saddest part of the whole thing was that they had once been close friends.

Growing up, before Peter and Alice had come into the picture, Jasper and James had been nearly inseparable. But, as is the case with most childhood friendships, they had drifted apart. It hadn't been until sometime in his freshman year of high school that James had gotten involved in the drug business and they had rarely spoken after that. Until of course Jasper started needing money, and then Peter died, and Alice died and he'd needed something to help dull the pain. And in those few years apart the guy had completely lost his mind. He never should have taken his money but he'd needed it to pay bills and buy food and help pay for Alice's funeral because her parents were broke. He'd had no choice. But then he'd been so messed up that repayment was the last thing on his mind. There was no way he'd be able to get five grand in a week so running was really his only option. After all, James didn't know he was leaving town and there was no way that he'd be able to find out where he'd be staying because the info was under lock and key.

Jasper decided that he had no choice but to trust the system to do its job. It was really all he could do and it didn't sit right with him. Needing help was something he tried to avoid at all costs.

Carlisle glanced down at his watch again and Charlie couldn't help but chuckle.

"What?" Carlisle asked absentmindedly.

"Oh nothing. I'm just curious what it is exactly about this kid that has you so…overprotective."

Carlisle looked up from his watch with a soft smile on his face.

"I'm not really sure myself. He just…needs me Charlie. I can feel it. This boy has been through a lifetime of pain and he's only sixteen. I want to show him that the world is not only sorrow, but joy as well. Wow, that sounded really cheesy didn't it…"

Charlie laughed harder this time and patted him on the shoulder.

"Not at all. I just hope, that if things don't go well, you won't take it personally. You can't save everyone Carlisle. No matter how much you want too."

Carlisle was about to respond when he saw the front door open and Jasper appear. Something was wrong. He could see it on the boys face. Thankfully it appeared to be nothing physical but something had definitely happened. Jasper looked like he was trying very hard to conceal fear. Carlisle quickly got out of the car and walked over. Jasper froze briefly as he approached but seemed to recover quickly.

"Jasper, did something happen?"

Jasper stared at him for a long moment before slowly shaking his head.

"No. I told you nothing would. Can we just go now?"

Then without another word the boy walked past him and got back in the car. Carlisle was worried but, again, if Jasper wasn't ready to open up, then he wasn't going to force him. He turned his gaze up toward the house and hoped to God that Jasper never had to set foot in it again.

A few hours later Jasper had finally drifted back into consciousness. He'd been drifting in and out of sleep ever since leaving the city. After they had gotten his things they had stopped by Renee Charles's office to fill out some more paperwork and then Carlisle had actually asked him if he wanted to stop by and say goodbye to anyone before they left. Jasper had almost burst out laughing at that one. Who the hell would he want to say bye too? James? Victoria? Some of the losers at school? No way in hell. Carlisle had given him that pitying look again before Charlie rushed them out of the place. Apparently he wanted to get to Forks as fast as possible. The drive was so boring that he'd actually fallen asleep. Now as he woke up he found that they were surrounded by green. And it was still raining.

"Oh, are you awake Jasper?"

"Yeah. Where are we?"

Carlisle turned to face him with a huge smile on his face.

"We're only about ten minutes away from home sweet home. I know you're gonna love it Jasper. Just wait and see."

Jasper rolled his eyes and turned to gaze out the window. The rain seemed to make everything more vibrant and alive. It was a wilderness he'd never seen before and it was somehow comforting. A place that was the complete opposite of everything he'd ever known and it was…peaceful. He watched the people walking by in the downpour and for some reason found himself wanting to jump out of the car and join them.

"So, what's your wife's name again?"

"It's Esme. And my sons name is Edward. They are both very excited to meet you."

That was a little mind boggling to him. Why the hell would complete strangers want to meet him? He was nothing special. In fact he was barely ordinary.

"Why the hell do they want to meet me? I'm not exactly the ideal house guest…"

Carlisle stared at him with a penetrating gaze. It was so unsettling that he had to turn away. The doctor had an uncanny ability to make him feel very out of control. It wasn't exactly fun.

"Nonsense Jasper. You are a wonderful person and any human being would be glad to know you."

"Pfft…you read that in a fortune cookie?"

Carlisle just gave him another look and then turned around again. Ooops, maybe he'd just hurt his feelings. Strangely, he felt kinda bad if that was the case.

"Where is the turnoff again?" Mumbled Charlie as his eyes scanned the trees for an opening. Carlisle pointed a little ways down the road.

"It's just up ahead on the left."

The driveway to the Cullen house was a winding road through the trees and when the house finally appeared, Jasper couldn't help but gape at it in astonishment. The Cullen's were fucking loaded.

"You actually live here!? I mean I knew you guys had to have money, what with you being a doctor, but seriously, this is a fucking mansion!"

Carlisle chuckled slightly and turned to him again. "It's not a mansion Jasper. It may not be what you are used to but it is still just a house. And from now on I want you to treat it as your own."

Despite what Carlisle said Jasper still couldn't wrap his mind around what was going on. Barely a week ago he was living in a shit hole, getting beaten by his father, and trying to commit suicide, and now he was living in some doctors mansion? It was like he wasn't in control of anything anymore…

"Jasper?"

He faced Carlisle with dull eyes and tried to force a smile onto his face.

"It's all good doc."

Of course Carlisle didn't believe him when he said that but thankfully the man just let it go. He had to give the doc credit, he knew when to keep his mouth shut.

"Well, shall we go in? Charlie would you like to come in for some coffee? I'm sure Esme would love to see you."

"Sorry Carlisle but I gotta get home. Bells is waiting for me. Rain check okay."

After that Charlie turned to face him. "Now you behave kid. I don't wanna hear about any trouble alright. And if anything…happens, you have both mine and Renee's numbers so don't hesitate to call."

Jasper wondered about that. What could possibly happen way out in the middle of the freaking woods?

"Yeah, sure, whatever…"

Charlie just shook his head and waited for them to exit the car. Jasper grabbed his bag and opened the door. The rain falling on his face was very refreshing and he felt like he could stand there forever. He probably would have if Carlisle hadn't approached and jolted him out of his thoughts.

"Ready to head inside?"

Jasper nodded and looked over toward the front porch. He definitely wasn't afraid but he was a bit concerned about how he would be received by the Cullens. He'd never really been around rich people before and he wasn't exactly mister tactful.

The inside was as grand as the outside and everything seemed to be colored in varying shades of white and cream. It was weird but not overbearing. Somehow it worked and made the place seem homey and warm. The thing that Jasper liked the most however, was the back wall of the house. It was all window. It was almost as if the entire back wall of the place was made of glass. And it looked out over the forest behind the house and it gave Jasper an overwhelming feeling of freedom.

"Well? What do you think?"

"It's…really something doc…"

Carlisle chuckled again as he walked over to stand beside him. "I'm glad you like it. Now how about I introduce you to my family."

Jasper watched as Carlisle went forward to stand at the bottom of the staircase leading up to the second floor.

"Esme! Edward! There's someone here I'd like you to meet!"

Jasper's eyes widened in surprise as the guy bellowed up the stairs. It was actually pretty funny to see. Only a few moments later Jasper could hear two sets of footsteps approaching. Barely a second went by before two people appeared at the top. A woman and a boy who looked to be about his age, maybe a year younger. Jasper couldn't help but think that they definitely suited the doc. The woman was gorgeous, with a heart shaped face and a kind smile…in fact…she kind of reminded him of his own mother. The boy looked to be a bit shorter than himself with short bronze hair and a piercing gaze. He could tell the kid was very perceptive which meant Jasper would have to keep his guard up. The woman came down first with the boy trailing behind. She approached him slowly, almost as if she was afraid to spook him.

"Hello Jasper dear. My name is Esme and I'm so happy to meet you. I really hope you like it here."

Her soft smile made it very hard for him to keep his calm demeanor in place.

"Uh…yeah, nice to meet you too…I guess."

She smiled wider and then pushed her son forward to say hello. The boy, Edward, stood there awkwardly for a moment before sticking his hand out in greeting.

"Hey Jasper. I'm Edward. Nice to meet you."

Jasper just stared at the kids outstretched hand with a bored expression on his face. There was no way he was shaking his hand. He wasn't big on physical contact in general, let alone with some strange kid he'd never met before. Edward seemed to grow even more awkward before slowly dropping his hand. Carlisle seemed to sense the odd atmosphere because he casually interjected.

"Well, now that everyone is acquainted, why don't I have Edward here take your bag and bring it up to your room while I give you a little tour of the place. How does that sound Jasper?"

Despite the fact that Jasper knew Carlisle meant nothing by it, he still started to panic at the thought of someone touching his things. There was no way in hell that he was giving his most important possessions to some stranger. Clutching his bag closer to his arm, Jasper took a step backward, away from all of them, when all of a sudden he hit something. The sound of smashing glass echoed throughout the room and Jasper's face immediately paled. He completely froze, it was almost as if he stepped outside of himself. Only a few minutes in and he'd already done the unthinkable. He just knew that he was really gonna pay for that. He knew the peace wouldn't last…it never did. So he did the only thing he could. He closed his eyes and waited for the hit.