I was a still a little upset with Peter, the last time I saw him we sort of got into an argument. It was hard to explain; it started out one day when I went to get the mail, and there was a post card written in Spanish with penmanship I would have recognized anywhere. It was from Maria, it was a picture of the sun rising amongst the fog with the words:
'The sun will always shine after the dark clouds clear.'
I was confused; wondering how in the world Maria got my address. Alice warned me more were coming and she was right. The next week I got a picture of a plant growing amongst the ashes with a quote. 'Reconciliation is the most beautiful victory' that one really made me mad. And, I didn't know what to do. To me, it felt like Maria was trying to poison my life again. This happened for several months; with her sending postcards saying, 'Time is like a Dressmaker, making alterations', 'To make a garden grow, we need to pull out the weeds'. The one made me want to kill her, was the one saying; 'at some point we stop and realize there is a reason we survive, and that reason is not always acceptable. That is why we should keep going'. What was she trying to say? Why was she stalking me? Some made no sense what so ever, like what did 'When you focus on a good day, you will have a good day.' supposed to mean? Or, 'When you live in darkness, eventually you have to light a match. But it may hurt; in the end you can see'. Did she want me to show her a match? Another was 'Everyone, has a heart. Some hearts take longer to find then others'. What is that one about? Com'on I'm an Empath, I know that. Why do you think, I only drink from animals? Plus, where was her heart for all those decades I lived with her. Better yet, 'When we stop putting ourselves first, we are able to control our lives better. ', 'When a ball hits the ground, it can go back up.' The one I had to laugh at; was 'Once the fire burns the brush, new life can grow'. Really, how ironic. Since fire is the only element that can kill Vampires. Maria had sent one every week. I didn't tell my family she was contacting me, for fear it would cause them to move. That's why I couldn't throw them away. I didn't want to explain why there are so many colorful postcards in the garbage with sayings written in Spanish.
Then one day Peter and Charlotte; came over in an extremely cheerful mood. It annoyed me for some reason. Of course I was dealing with a lot of stress at that time; and the thoughts of Maria showing up kept frightening me. It turned out; Peter and Charlotte had given her my address. I couldn't believe them, and had to ask why, they helped me escape from her and now they were helping her contact me. The answer was simply those, "because she asked for it." They said it like, someone was asking for coupons in the newspaper. Did they not understand the concept of trust.
It just didn't make sense. For someone who created armies; in order to protect her territories couldn't possibly have given up on human blood. I had asked them if they were crazy. Why would they do such a thing? My friends seemed so joyful, and more free as they spoke. They insisted I had to see Maria again. Peter and Charlotte told me where she was saying, "If I didn't visit. They were going to tell Maria it might be a good idea; to write a post card every day. Or better yet just show up." It seemed so strange to me, how my friends were actually defending her. Eventually, we told Carlisle and Esme, we were taking a little 'road trip' to Canada.
Now here we are stuck, and strangely I didn't mind it anymore. I felt my skin smooth, with no scars or indents to come across when I felt my arms. Lexi had gone on a rampage; when she was clearing them. I think part of it was for her; own sake. I had to keep feeling my skin; expecting hundreds of little crescent moon indents to be there. But they were all gone. Only one remained; Lexi explained the only scar she couldn't get rid of, was the one where Maria had first bite me. Because of her venom, the 'side effects' of that was permanent. But the ones after were no longer there. Lexi told me, how Maria had told her she was a puppet to her creator; and that he didn't really love her. It was strange how Maria convinced her to do the same thing I did with her, cut off all contact. She even helped Lexi, and Lexi's mentor when her creator showed up asking him to come back to her.
Alice explained Peter and Charlotte were planning on making their stop here this afternoon, staying the weekend. She also said Carlisle and Esme should be getting off the island by that time so everything would turn out great. The only thing that concerned me was Aaron living with them, not that I cared about the little coven Maria has made for herself. But still you think Maria would know whom to trust. Couldn't she see, Aaron was not taking this diet seriously. Personally I think, the kid would be better off as a nomad.
Alice had said Maria would be at one of her group council meetings; when they arrived which was probably a good thing. It would be my chance to have a conversion with them alone. That was when I decided to go through, trying to figure out what exactly has been happening here. I was in the living room, getting the place cleaned up when I notice a manual-like book that was held in a binder with a bunch of printed pages, 'Vampires Guide to Self-Change.' Hers was written in Spanish, but I could still understand it. Step 1: Admitted to helplessness towards human blood and have become a victim to the power of immortality, Step 2: Realize vampires have free will and can still change, Step 3: want to change, Step 4: seeking help, Step 5: Find the source of our problems. No one was around, I went to the page of that one and found a list, the first was human blood, followed by Mazatl mentioning turning her into a vampire, Aidan, for being killed, she than list his killers, followed by Lucy and Nettie. Step 5: Forgive those who have done you wrong, Step 6: Realize you had caused pain for others. I looked up that page, found humans typed in there, her human family, Adan, me of course right after that, along with Peter and Charlotte, the words 'unnamed solders' as well as others who have gotten away. It also had Flora, which surprised me and even Adze was on the list. Step 7: Make Amends, which explains why she has been acting so strange. Step 8: Contribute to helping others meet the same goals.' I looked through it, it also had articles from other vampires that gave suggestions such as finding a hobby, having enough control to take on a job and/or go to school. Clearly we were wrong about few vampires drinking animal blood.
"Found some reading material?" I heard a voice, I looked up Maria had come in, which had surprised me.
"Oh, sorry," I said putting the book back, remembering their confidentiality rule.
"It's alright, read it, and as a matter of fact every vampire should." Maria said. " Suchart is trying to get a new copy made for her mentored. Alice says she can convert it into Italian, that's what she's doing now in case you're wondering, the original is in French. She got permission this morning from one of Gaston's first patients to convert the Slovakian diary. She was on the last page when I left."
"She needs one," I heard Flora say under her breath, it was so strange 'the new girl' as everyone referred to her as tortured her mate and her emotions is frustration at herself for having a hard time letting it go. Eleazar was right about bringing forgiveness from her human life because it was strong with her.
"And you are going to let her borrow yours?" I asked handing it over.
"No, too many personals in the diary pages. Everyone gets one of her own." Maria answered, with the new girl again. "I am getting her a blank diary as a substitute, until the Italian one is made."
"Does she know what trouble she is causing by asking them to lie to the Volturi?" Flora asked a bit upset. It was clear she did not like this girl, but she was trying to overcome it.
"Yes," Maria answered than looked towards me. "I thought Alice and you were going off, she said she'd back in ten minutes"
"Yeah, but with Alice time and her good-bye tours time that's an hour and a half." I said letting the words slip out of my mouth as she let out a little chuckle, I couldn't believe I just shared a joke with that woman. "I have to go to a group meeting, I suppose Aaron is already there considering I haven't seen him." She had left than.
"Come on, Peter and Charlotte are coming." Alice came rushing out, grabbing my hand as I followed her. We were at to the front post. When I saw the ferry boat coming up, dropping off a couple of vampires. In which I recognized some. It was actually getting to a point where I seemed to recognize just about every vampire here. But amongst all the golden-eyes; I saw two red-eyed vampires laughing amongst them that seemed to stand out.
"Well, nice seeing you again." Charlotte smiled talking with two of them, as the couple looked towards us.
"Jasper," Peter said coming up to hug me. "Glad you could make it."
"You too," I said a little shocked.
"Looking smooth, Jasper," Charlotte said happily as she notice my skin.
"Nice to see you too, Charlotte" I said hugging her.
"So, where's Maria?" Peter asked.
"At a group meeting, Peter." Alice answered giving him a hug.
"Oh, what a shame, we were hoping to see her." Charlotte shrugged as if they were old pals. Ignoring the fact, Maria had ordered her death.
"But it is better that she goes." Alice explained as Peter and Charlotte nodded in agreement.
"Much better," Peter answered. "Nice to see you. Alice, are you glad came?"
"We're stuck here." I said blankly not knowing what else to say.
"You talk about it, like it is prison." Peter was silent as Charlotte and him, looked towards each other confused.
"Let's talk about this inside," Alice said knowing that the other vampires would not be around to over hear us.
"What?" Charlotte asked.
"I just feel a bit uncomfortable, discussing things around here. Especially, since we don't know what kind of vampires are here." I explained knowing they would understand, considering they'd been here before.
"Aren't they like you?" Peter asked confused as we made our way to Maria's house.
"Is Flora at school?" Charlotte asked. "That's a shame I was looking forward to seeing how she was doing, she's a sophomore right?"
"Senior," I corrected as they nodded.
"Her and Aaron are mates." I explained, waiting to see their reaction.
"Oh, that's surprising." Peter said folding his arms looking towards us with concerned. "Is he improving?" He asked as if the kid had some sort of sickness.
"A little," Alice answered. "He fell off the bandwagon twice, since we been here."
"Well, as long as he keeps going at it." Charlotte sighed. "Is that the phrase you vampires use?" It was so strange how Peter and Charlotte weren't trying to offend us. Normally, they didn't care if they offended Alice's and my lifestyle.
"So, why do you feel weird around here?" Peter asked. "We thought you would feel comfortable, considering this is …um….your kind."
"Do you know what these vampires done?" I asked.
"And that is why they are here?" Charlotte pointed out. "You out of all people should know Maria needs this more than anybody." She tried to kill you. I wanted to say, for it was the only thing on my mind.
"Why are you defending her?" I finally asked.
"And why aren't you proud of her?" Peter asked as I shook my head, not knowing what to say. "You got to admit she is much better than she was before."
"That I will admit to." I answered, that is one thing I cannot deny, she has changed for the better. "But still, I can't forget…"
"Let's not talk about this now." Alice butted in. "Besides, Jasper. Don't you have to do that CD thing?"
"You're doing work here?" Charlotte asked. "Figures."
"It's just going through a bunch of old record and boxes." I explained.
"I heard the new girl is helping out today," Alice pointed out as I nodded. Today wouldn't be a good day. I was so sick of everyone referring to Jane of the Voulturi as 'the new girl'. She made it clear who she was when she used her powers on Aaron. Any other coven leader would question why she was here, but not this place. I also, wondered since when, did Jane start considering herself a 'rock bottom' candidate. What happened that caused her to leave the guard.
I heard Flora complaining earlier, that Jane was causing trouble. Considering the Voulturi would want a record, of every vampire residing here to receive funding. By asking Gaston, to keep her stay here a secret; it threatens to break their group dynamics. Jane has been here for a week, and I had not yet seen her talk; or even socialize with anyone. Jane had that look to her, like she doesn't belong or something. She seemed somewhat embarrassed. I couldn't help but let out a little laugh as Suchart forced her to drink a cup of animal blood. It had to be hard for Jane; to be near to someone who could use, her powers against her. Lexi then went to the gate and said something, forcing Jane to hug her, anyone would get the notion Lexi liked hugs.
"Did that girl with Suchart say her name?" Peter asked looking at the window.
"No, Peter. Not yet." Alice answered. "But she came for a reason."
"Oh," Charlotte nodded as Maria came with Lexi.
"Peter, Charlotte, nice to see you again." Maria smiled hugging each one of them. It seemed so strange. As, they approached each other like they were old friends. I wondered how they could be so peaceful with someone, who caused them such trouble their first year together. It was as if nothing happened. But I kept silent, not saying anything. I was still debating on giving her what she wanted. Should I just do what they did? And forget everything that happened, during my first decades as a vampire. I felt my skin again it was smooth, but something about that bothered me. I realized, Maria had given them something hadn't given me. She had given them those two simple words.
Later
"Good evening Jasper," Maria came in with a load of laundry, "I wanted to talk to you about something."
"Mom," Flora interrupted.
"Yes," Maria turned to see Flora, searching frantically.
"Aaron hasn't returned." She explained worried.
"Did Aaron say, where he was going?" Maria asked worried. He hasn't been around all day. "He wasn't at the meeting this morning. Which worries me, he shouldn't miss those."
"No. I don't know." Flora answered. "I am going, to make, sure that girl didn't…."
"Don't!" Maria stood up and stopped her. "He should be back soon. He will come back." She nodded and went out to find her missing mate.
"What did you want to talk to me about?" I asked getting back on track.
"I have been asked to speak, next week as a testimony of giving up human blood. And about making the change. I was kind of hoping you would be there." Maria said as a loud crash came through the door. Followed by Aaron stumbling with his red eyes glaring once again.
"What the…." Maria stood up. This time she was angry, "Where have you been? You know the rules?"
"They started bleeding. Can't I get a brake?" Aaron asked ignoring her.
"No," Maria answered. "You won't get a break. You will have to work every day for centuries. You have to make sure to work through this."
"Well, I am fine with…" Aaron started.
"Yeah, I am," Aaron rolled his eyes at her. "Now, will you get off my back?"
"Look at my table, I have bills and tuitions. Do you think I have time to waist on you? How am I to help, if you aren't progressing to better yourself? If you aren't taking this seriously, if you act like it's some kind of joke." Maria asked seriously, as if she was giving up.
"What do you mean? We all slip." Aaron pointed out. "You currently did. If you were such a clean cut coming here, why is Flora a vampire?"
"Aaron, get out! Don't come back until, you are willing to follow the rules." Maria ordered at that statement.
"What? You're kicking me out?" Aaron shouted angrily looking towards me. "And, he's staying?"
"He didn't break the rules," Maria pointed out.
"He doesn't respect you!" Aaron pointed out. "You gave him immortality, and he shows no gratitude. Peter and Charlotte don't follow the rules, and you gravel to them when they first came by, telling them you were sorry. Yet, they're welcomed. He's allowed to stay, and I'm the one that's got to go."
"Maybe, that's where I went wrong. Aaron, I didn't create you." Maria reminded him, "I am not responsible for constantly keeping you in control. You've got to do that yourself."
"That's it! I'm out of here." Aaron said, leaving after that. The house seemed empty. I went outside to the beach. Where I noticed, Alice was on the phone.
"Alice, you got a hold of Carlisle and Esme." I said running up to her.
"Yes, they are going to send us money so we can go home." Alice smiled towards me.
"Tell them to come here," I stopped her.
"Why?" Alice asked looking towards me confused.
"Maria asked me to go to this thing, where she's going to tell why she gave up human blood." I explained. "I want them to be there."
"Why?" Alice asked putting the phone to her shoulder.
"She is planning on making a public apology." I answered. "She is going to say she is sorry to me."
"You mean this whole time…" Alice asked shock.
"She's been trying to make up for it." I explained. "But that's not what I really wanted. She is going to give an apology. It's the only thing I truly wanted from her."
