Chapter Eight
Emmett
I did a bit of research on this horse fair and it sounded good, it might even be fun. When I broached the subject with Jasper he seemed to brighten up for the first time in months and although he took a little persuading I think deep down he really wanted to go. Carlisle had booked a suite at the Edgewater for the three nights and purchased the tickets for the three days plus the evening events, he was making sure we got the most out of our trip that was for sure. All I told Rose was that I was taking a short road trip with Jazz to cheer him up, she had to agree he wasn't himself these days and she's been busy doing the same for Alice who was heartbroken at losing her best friend when Bella left Forks. I'd liked Bella and she'd made quite an impact on all of us, even Rose although she refused to admit it.
"Emmett, we are far better off without her trust me. Look what damage she's done in a year. Can you imagine the chaos if she and Edward had stayed together? Besides she was never good enough for Edward, surely even you could see that."
"Actually I thought she was a good influence on him Rose, Alice too. I can't help missing her, she was kinda cute and funny."
"Cute and funny? Emmett I despair of you sometimes. She was a walking disaster zone, look at Esme, she's really upset. Just try to get Jasper out of his funk, God knows what's got into him. Oh, and if you want cute and funny I'll buy you a puppy."
I ignored the last statement,
"Well I guess he's just feeling our emotions, you said yourself everyone's upset so I guess it's no surprise if he is too."
Jasper
I had to admit Emmett was the last person I expected to come up with something like this but I knew he had a good heart and he cared. I couldn't stay here much longer but I didn't know where else to go and Alice still acted only as if she'd lost her best friend. There was something I was missing, undercurrents in the emotions of those around me but I just couldn't get a fix on one person or one emotion, they all made me nervous. I half expected Carlisle to question me about Bella's break up with Edward but along with everyone else he put it down to Edwards reaction after James nearly killed Bella and her human fears. Was I really so good at hiding my guilt? I guess years of experience had taught me to hide everything that could be used as a weapon against me but how had I hid from Alice? That was the one thing that really had me concerned, how could she have missed something so important to her happiness, to her future? Or did she know and was she hiding it? But if so, to what end?
I nearly backed out at the last minute but Emmett seemed to be looking forward to the fair so drove to Seattle and took a plane to Madison. During the flight Emmett relaxed chatting to the cabin crew who were only too happy to flirt with my brother. One of the girls caught my eye but I didn't have the energy to play games, besides she was small and dark and reminded me too much of Alice. Alice who had just smiled brightly when I told her where Emmett and I were going. I think it was my companion who made all the difference, if I'd said I was going with Peter or maybe even Garrett she wouldn't have been quite so happy. She considered them bad influences which they thought highly amusing but I really didn't want to upset her at the moment, she made me nervous and I didn't like it when Alice made me feel that way. She had kissed me goodbye before leaving for a two day theatre and shopping trip with Rose and Esme but it felt a little false, her smile just a little too bright, her cuddle a little stiff, or was I imagining things? Maybe Emmett was right and this trip would help me relax, I would certainly enjoy the horses, that was for sure.
Emmett
The hotel suite was very nice and I knew from his expression that Jazz was suspicious I hadn't booked it so I did a little quick thinking,
"I hope you like it, Rose took over all the organisation, she didn't seem to trust my organisational skills."
"I wonder why Em? Maybe she still remembers the "honeymoon" suite you booked that time for an anniversary present. Wasn't it a little disappointing?"
"God, you still remember that? I thought Rose was the only one who still remembered, she reminds me often enough. Still she came across this time so maybe it pays to be hopeless at such tasks."
"OK, so what do you want to do tonight?"
"I thought we might check out the area, maybe take in a movie, besides I need to find something to take back for Rosie."
Jasper
I laughed remembering a time I too would have been looking for something to please Alice. Now I was just glad to be away from her, she made me nervous these days. Maybe I might find a new interest at the fair, possibly I could consider a move away from Forks and the Cullens. A ranch might be an interesting diversion although it would never take my mind from Bella completely and that was the problem. I couldn't stop thinking about that kiss even though she had obviously done so and moved away and on with her life. If only I could do the same thing.
Emmett
We split up for a while and I rang Carlisle as promised,
"How's the hotel?"
"Great, I told Jazz that Rose had organised it although I thought you said we didn't need to keep your part in this secret once we were here."
"Emmett, Jasper would know you'd lied to him and I don't want to spoil your relationship with your brother, besides does it really matter who organised it?"
"No but it just doesn't feel right lying to him Carlisle."
"Just enjoy your trip and make sure Jasper relaxes. I've heard there's a rather good spot for hunting to the west of town and with so many humans around at the fair you might want to think about hunting at least once during your trip. It's going to be a full moon tomorrow night, a good time to spot a mountain lion, you know how much Jasper enjoys hunting with you."
"Hey that's a good idea, thanks Carlisle. I'd better go now, I'm meeting Jazz soon, there's a good film on at the cinema, plenty of shooting and fighting."
Carlisle laughed and I guessed I sounded a little juvenile but he didn't mean anything by it.
"Well if you get a chance ring me after the fair tomorrow and let me know how you're getting on, how Jasper is."
"Sure thing Carlisle"
Jasper
The movie was a little uninspiring but Emmett enjoyed it and I liked to see him happy. He was a good friend. Today however I was in my element around all the horses and it made me feel nostalgic, thinking back to my days riding as I grew up and during the war. Emmett did his best to look interested but he soon drifted off, his attention divided between a rather pretty young girl painting a portrait of a horse and a marquee aimed at the youngsters who were dragged here by interested parents. I could hear the sounds of arcade games and I knew I wouldn't see him for some time. Once twice I got the strange feeling I was being watched but I couldn't see anyone, besides why should anyone be watching me? I'd left my past behind a long time ago, The Major was dead and no one could connect him with mild mannered Jasper Hale, one of the Cullen "freaks". The sun was hidden behind dark clouds and I got lost in all the horse flesh, very tempted to buy a stallion that took my fancy but I had nowhere to stable it, no one else in the family shared my passion for horses, besides I was tired of losing them. Every time I got close to one of my horses I was forced to watch it grow old and die, the curse of being immortal. To take my mind off such morbid thoughts I got talking to the horses owner and two hours went by before I realised. I arranged to meet him again that evening at one of the riding events then went off to hunt down my brother feeling a lot more relaxed at last, although Bella was still there as she would always be.
