Changing For The Better
Frightening Little Monster
5/5/09
Rated T
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BPOV
The way Jasper spoke of his past frightened me and made goosebumps on my arms appear. We were headed towards a large, faded red barn. It looked very old and some of the wooden beams had begun to rot away.
"I grew up here. I used to spend every afternoon here in this barn." Jasper recalled.
"I miss it so much." He added in a sad voice.
We entered the barn and were led by Jasper to sit down on one of the wooden benches.
"You wanna hear my story?" He asked, the sound of his southern accent unmistakable in his voice.
I was the only one to respond.
"Yes." I whispered.
He smiled and went to stand in front of where we sat.
"There is much work to be done on a farm, and my duties included taking care of most of the animals in this barn. I was in here every morning, every afternoon, and every evening." He said.
"My life was consumed by the daily tasks of farm work. I would tend to the cattle, I would look after the horses and I would care for the chickens. I loved what I did, I loved being the young man of the home." He explained.
He walked over to one of the horses stalls. He had his back towards us.
"My father was never really around much. He was always in the fields or tending to business elsewhere. I never did find out why he never was at home, all I know was that when he was gone, the farm was mine to look after. When the war came around, I wanted to join desperately. I knew that the farm needed someone to look after it, but I was eager to be a soldier. In the end, I decided to neglect my duties and join the army." He told us.
He turned around to face us. the look on his face was one of grief and and pain.
"I often deeply regret that decision." He whispered, looking down at the ground.
"When I left behind the farm and my family, I left behind a part of myself. I often wonder what what have become of me if I had never marched away that day to become a soldier. I guess I will never know."
With that, he motioned us to stand and exit. We walked out to the horses and climbed back on. We rode away from the barn until we came to the place to return the horses. As I hopped down from my horse, Alice came dancing over to me.
"Wasn't Jasper's past interesting?" She cooed with affection.
"Yeah, it really was. It was kinda sad, almost tragic though." I responded.
"Mmhm." Alice muttered.
"Are we taking Bella to dinner now?" Emmett asked.
"Well, actually, I'm dropping you all off at the hotel, and Bella and I are going to dinner." Edward slyly said.
I beamed a smile up at Edward.
"So your taking me on a date?" I asked excited.
He chuckled and nodded.
"Yes, I'm taking you on a date." He smiled.
We loaded into the car and headed back to the hotel. I asked Edward if I could change first before he took me to dinner. He had laughed and said alright. He had laughed because during the course of the evening, I had fallen several times and the knees of my jeans were all muddy and stained.
I dashed up to our room. Edward was waiting outside the hotel in the car. Alice helped me find a nice outfit to wear. We ended up with a deep purple blouse and a new pair of dark blue jeans. Alice combed through my hair and then sent me back down to the car.
"Have fun!" She yelled, pushing me out the door.
I was back down at the car in a moment and I got in the passenger seat.
"I'm starving!" I said.
"Good, I know just the place to go." Edward said.
"By the way, you look lovely." He commented on my outfit.
"Um, thanks. Alice picked it out though." I admitted.
"Why is it just us going to dinner?" I asked, not that I objected.
"To be honest, I've been craving some alone time with you." He smiled down at me.
I bent over to kiss him on the lips.
"I've been craving the same thing." I said, winking at him.
About ten minutes later, we came to a small Italian bistro. I assumed this was the place Edward had in mind. He helped me out of the car and we walked hand in hand up to the door. The place as very old timey and we were quickly seated in a small, secluded booth.
"So, what have you thought about this whole trip?" Edward asked me while I was scanning the menu.
"Oh, um, I think that we are making progress." I said, but a bit unsure.
"Really Bella, what do you really think?" Edward pressed.
Well I can understand some of Alice's behavior now, and I can see that Jasper has been longing to be home for a long time. I think that by the end of this whole trip, we will be a stronger, more understanding family." I admitted.
"Hm. I never thought of it like that." Edward said.
"Well thats just my opinion." I quickly added.
"No no! It's fine, I just had never thought of using a persons past to explain there actions. Very interesting." He assured me.
Just then the waiter came by.
"The mushroom ravioli please." I said.
We continued the rest of our date in comfortable chatter and debates until we headed back to the hotel. It was late, and I was ready for bed. when we entered the suit, all the Cullen's were on the couch watching a movie.
"I wish you would take me to dinner!" Alice complained to Jasper.
"Well darling, when you can eat I'll be more then happy to." Jasper laughed and kissed Alice's spiky hair.
"Whats the next stop for us Edward?" I asked.
"I'm actually not sure..." he said.
"We're going to Gatlinburg Tennessee! My old stomping grounds!" Emmett boomed.
"Thats nice." I said, yawning hugely.
"Well I'm going to bed. I'll see you guys in the morning." I said.
Edward kissed me goodnight and I thanked him again for a wonderful dinner and then headed into my room to change for bed.
I went to lye down in bed. I was lost in a swirl of thoughts and dreams. Today I had learned of yet another one of my soon-to-be siblings pasts. I eventually let the sleep overtake me and I drifted off into slumber.
REVIEW!!!! I Really want you to review!!!! I hoped you liked the chapter! I had a lot of fun writing it. I also think that Jaspers past isn't very interesting... but oh well. I will update through the week. I have soccer Thursday though. Love you guys.
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