Chapter 10: Never a Dull Moment

Esme greeted us on the front porch upon our return home. "I've missed you both." She hugged and kissed Edward and then me. We had been gone less then a week, but I could feel that Esme really did miss us.

"We missed you too, mom," I replied honestly.

I looked upon Carlisle and Esme as my parents more and more with each passing day. I did not feel it was a betrayal to my human parents. I still loved them greatly, even with my memories of them fading with each passing year.

Esme smiled at me affectionately when she heard me call her mom. Esme was well aware that I consider her and Carlisle my vampire parents, but I didn't often call them mom and dad. Referring to them by their first name was second nature to me. A traditional family structure within the vampire world is extremely rare; I know of only one in existence.

"Carlisle and Rosalie are sitting with Emmett," Esme said.

I quirked an eyebrow, 'Who is Emmett?'

Esme understanding my confusion quickly clarified. "Emmett is the name of the young man that Rosalie saved."

Just as I was about to ask for details about what happen there was a loud scream from Rosalie's room. The scream was immediately followed by two very distinct waves of sadness. I projected a wave of calm in the direction of Rosalie's room.

"Thank you, Jasper," I heard Carlisle call out in a normal voice.

"Come inside, and Carlisle can fill you in on what has happened," Esme said.

I looked over at Edward whose face showed intent concentration. I assumed that he was already gathering information from Carlisle about what had occurred.

'Never a dull moment around here,' I thought.

I heard Edward snickering behind me as I followed Esme into the house. "What are you laughing about?" I asked.

"No reason," Edward replied with a grin.

'Fine, keep your secrets. I'll get it out of you later.' Edward just continued to grin at me like a fool.

When I entered Rosalie's room two things struck me at once. First this guy was big, bigger then me. He was about six foot three and muscular. This concerned me greatly, because it would mean that any of us could be hurt if we had to physically intervene. I assumed by his youthful appearance that he was somewhere near my physical age of nineteen.

The second thing that struck me was Rosalie's emotions and the way she looked at Emmett. Her emotions were all over the place, but there were several that were intense. Those emotions were slowly becoming more intense with each passing second. The most intense of these was 'Love'.

The moment I thought the word Edward's head snapped in my direction, "Are you sure?"

I gave him a quizzical look. 'Have I ever been wrong before?'

"No, and that does clarify things," Edward said with his deep in thought expression.

I could tell Carlisle wanted in on the conversation as he gave us a curious expression. Rosalie appeared totally oblivious to our presence; at least it appeared that way. I knew it was impossible for her not to know we were there. Our minds no matter how distracted seemed to always keep tabs on our surroundings.

"Jasper was thinking about a couple of things that struck him when he entered the room," Edward began.

Carlisle gave us his full attention now. He was always so eager to learn new things. It reminded me of a child who was locked up in a toy story.

"The first was Emmett's appearance. Jasper thinks he's going to be very strong, more then your average newborn," Edward continued.

I watched Carlisle frown, and felt his worry at this revelation. I was an expert on newborns in Carlisle's mind, at least that's what Edward had told me once. My years of service in Maria's army had taught me a great deal about newborn vampires.

"We'll need to be very careful if we have to physically restrain him. Jasper is going to teach me how to keep from hurting ourselves and Emmett should we need to intervene," Edward added.

"I'd like to join you both for that, if you don't mind?" Carlisle requested.

"Of course," I replied. I wasn't as hesitant with training my family this time. I knew they would need the teaching to keep Emmett and all of us safe.

"What was the second thing?" Carlisle asked.

Edward looked over at Rosalie. "Rosalie."

Rosalie did not turn her head until I called her name. "You know I can feel your emotions," I stated.

"I don't know how he will feel, but I think… I love him," Rosalie whispered.

I heard Esme gasp behind us. Carlisle turned his attention to Rosalie. "I thought that may have been why you asked me to change him."

"I don't know if he'll love me back. I just hope he's not angry at me for being so selfish," Rosalie turned her questioning eyes to me.

"I'm sorry Rosalie, but I don't know. He is in so much pain that it is blocking all his other emotions. The pain is the only thing he is feeling right now," I replied.

I heard Carlisle sigh. "I guess that means the morphine did not work."

"You gave him morphine?" Edward asked.

"Yes, I was hoping it might help with the pain of transformation," Carlisle replied.

"Maybe a larger dose would have helped?" Edward suggested.

"I think I may not have given it enough time to spread. I bit him almost immediately after the second dose. Perhaps the venom surged ahead of the morphine," Carlisle reasoned.

Edward and Carlisle continued their discussion as we exited Rosalie's room. Esme stayed behind with Rosalie and Emmett. We headed out to the backyard, and away from Esme's garden. None of us wanted to face her wrath if we caused any damage to her garden or the house.

"The first thing to keep in mind is that newborns are very strong. That's why the southern armies use them. The biggest weakness with newborns is their lack of training. They tend to go for the obvious attack or defense," I began instructing.

"I assume we can use the same tactics used by the southern armies to subdue a newborn with Emmett, but without causing him harm?" Carlisle asked.

"Yes. Our goal should be to just restrain him and calm him down should we ever need to physically intervene. However, just like the average newborn he won't have any training. Don't come at him head on, try coming at him from the sides. You can also feign an attack from one direction then change course and come at him from another direction," I continued.

I started by practicing with Edward. It was harder then I expected, especially when I was the one stalking him. Edward proved to be a formidable opponent very quickly. I tried hard not to think about my next move before making it, but it was nearly impossible. A split second before my body went into action my mind would think of what I planned to do. Edward would quickly move out of the way or try to counter me.

After close to ten minutes with neither of us able to gain the upper hand I called a truce. Edward smirked at me happily. I had to admit that Edward was very capable of defending himself. However, I still didn't like the idea of him fighting.

I spent the next hour working with Carlisle. I knew that he was not one to fight if there were alternatives. Carlisle was truly a passive in that nature, but he was not going to stand by while someone hurt his family.

Carlisle was a fast learner and quickly picked up the necessary tactics to counter my moves and put up a good defense. Edward's gift gave him a serious edge against any opponent. Especially if that opponent did not know of his gift. Carlisle did not have a similar gift and his compassion could be view as a weakness. I hoped to be able to turn that into an advantage for Carlisle. Let his opponents underestimate him.

It was then that I realized that perhaps I was underestimating Carlisle. After all Carlisle had been a leader in the Volturi Guard. I can't imagine that Aro would send out a team with an untrained leader. I pressed harder and Carlisle easily responded, too easily. I stepped it up again and as expected Carlisle easily met my increased attacks.

We finally called a truce and I told Carlisle that I made a huge mistake. I had underestimated him. I had broken a cardinal rule: never underestimate your opponent. Carlisle laughed and told me that I was not the first, but thanked me for helping him remember his training.

I was still well aware that even with his training; Carlisle was not likely to fight unless it was absolutely necessary. I knew that if our family ever faces a challenge that it would fall to Edward and me to defend them. If Emmett decides to stay with us, which I thought was likely, than we'd have three capable fighters. I really didn't like to think of my family having to defend themselves, but I knew one day we may have too.

I was certain given enough time, and time was something we had in abundance, that Maria would find me. Edward was right and I had been foolish not teaching my family to defend themselves. I still hoped it would never come to a fight should Maria find me, but I couldn't deny that she would likely use force if she thought it was the only way to get me back.

After Carlisle went back in the house to check on Emmett, Edward and I practiced a bit more. I hadn't thought it would bother me this much to train Edward. I knew we'd have to do physical training, but each time I attacked him I cringed at the thought of hurting him.

"Okay, enough Jazz. You're going to drive me crazy with your thoughts," Edward said after we'd been practicing for nearly thirty minutes. I was pleasantly relieved that we were done.

"We're done for today. We can practice more tomorrow," Edward added.

I frowned, but nodded. I knew that one training session was not going to be near enough, but I was not looking forward to more. Edward having read my thoughts came over and gave me a tight hug.

"You didn't hurt me, so don't get all work up. To be honest it was fun to be able to release all that pent up energy," Edward whispered into my ear before placed a chaste kiss upon my lips.

I could agree somewhat with Edward about the release of energy. We always had to maintain a constantly level of control to keep from crushing door knobs or tearing the page of a book when reading. It didn't require active focus to do those things most times, but it was tedious. I would have fully agreed with Edward was it not for the fact that I didn't like the thought of hurting him or Carlisle. Even if I had hurt them accidentally, I would have still felt horrible about it.

Edward groaned. "Seriously, Jazz, none of us will hold it against you if we get hurt. Think about it this way instead. By teaching us you are significantly lowering the risks of any of us getting hurt if the need to defend ourselves would ever come to fruition." Edward said.

'Annoying know-it-all mind-reading vampire,' I groaned in my thoughts.

Edward was trying hard not to laugh, but I could feel his amusement. "I'm going to go play the piano. Come sit with me? Please," Edward requested.

"In a minute, I want to retrieve one of my Journals," I replied.

Edward smiled and gave me another chaste kiss before running off into the house. I dusted myself off. Edward had thrown me into a large pile of dirty during our practice session. I felt like I need a shower.

"Edward! Don't you dare sit on my clean furniture in your dirty clothes!" I heard Esme scolding Edward. "Go upstairs and get out of those dirty clothes, and take a shower!"

"Yes, mom," Edward replied meekly.

I couldn't help but laugh, but quickly pull off my boots and socks before entering the house. I passed by Esme on my way up the stairs to change out of these dirty clothes. That's when it really hit me. The very thought of Esme having to fight to defend herself or our family would be heart wrenching.

I knew that in many species it was the mother who took care and protected her offspring. While I had noticed that in humans, mothers tend to do the same, they were normally supported by their male counterparts. I had been raised that it was the man's role to protect his family, and treat them with love and respect.

I knew Esme was capable of defending herself, but she was more passive then Carlisle. She hated when we argued. I could just image what she would have felt had she been outside earlier with Carlisle, Edward and me. She knew we were only practicing, but I am sure she'd have not enjoyed the sight. It would have looked all too real.

"You really need to stop worrying so much. You are going to be the first vampire in history to give himself an ulcer," Edward joked. He was stripping out of his dirty clothes when I entered our bedroom.

"I can't help it. It's in my nature to worry," I replied.

"Well don't underestimate Esme," Edward stated. "Have you ever watched a mother bear whose cub was threatened?"

I shook my head no. We had been on numerous hunting trips, but I rarely spent much time watching the wildlife. The moment they picked up our scent they scattered to the four winds.

"You of all people have the keenest sense of how much Esme loves and cares for all of us. I've noticed that bears especially are protective of their offspring. It is deadly for a human to come between a mother bear and her cub. They view it as a threat to the safety of their offspring."

I nodded my agreement. I had been having similar thoughts just a moment ago.

"Exactly, and that is my point. None of us would ever want to see Esme fight, but if any of us were threatened there would be no way to stop her from being there. I'd also hate to be the person who hurt any of us," Edward finished.

'I know you are right, but it's just painful to think about.'

I had been turned away from Edward pulling out clean clothes from our closet. I turned back toward him just in time to see a completely butt naked Edward walking into our private bathroom. My body responded immediately and Little Jasper was standing at attention.

Edward chuckled.

"Tease!" I called after him.

Edward chuckled again. I quickly stripped out of my clothes with the intention of joining Edward in the shower. "Damn it Edward!" I complained. He had locked me out of the bathroom. Not that, that would really stop me, but I didn't want to get Esme upset with me for breaking a door.

I sat down on the bed disappointed. Little Jasper was disappointed too. A few minutes later I heard the shower turn off and then Edward exited the bathroom wearing a pair of boxer shorts. I frowned again in disappointment.

"Sorry, Jazz. We can't right now. We both need to be alert and you know how we get wrapped up into each other when we make love," Edward said sadly.

"I know," I replied dejectedly.

"I promise I'll make it up to you later," Edward grinned and then licked his lips.

I narrowed my eyes at him as I stood. I moved so that I stood mere inches from Edward. My lips near his left ear as whispered. "Later then. Meet me in the garage. I'm going to bend you over the hood of your car, and fuck you senseless."

"Umm, not the car," Edward said.

"Yes, the car," I replied, and then walked into the bathroom but not before noticing that Edward junior was pointing north. I grinned evilly to myself as I locked the door to the bathroom.

'Two can play at this game.'

I showered quickly, and got dressed. I also grabbed on one of my journals, and made a quick stop by Rosalie's room to check on Emmett's transformation.

It appeared that Emmett had passed out again from the pain. This was one of the many things about the transformation process that sucked. You would pass out for a few minutes only to wake up still feeling the intense pain and burning.

I turned my attention to Rosalie, who was holding Emmett's hand. The last thing I expect was to come home and find that Rosalie had fallen in love. I am thrilled for her, but I am surprised considering what had happened to her just a few short years ago. I just hope that Emmett loves her back.

I left the room and decided to listen to Edward play the piano while reading one of the journals that I had written while human. I joined Esme on the sofa, where she was knitting what appeared to be woolen socks.

Winter had passed us and we were well into spring, but it appeared that Esme was getting a jump start on clothing some of the area families for next winter. There was a large basket of various colored yarn beside her and what appeared to be a half dozen pair of woolen socks, mittens and bonnets.

I sat with my back against a pillow where the arm of the sofa met the back. I placed my feet on the cushion so that was in a sitting fetal position. I felt a slight displeasure coming from Esme, but she didn't say anything. I was barefoot and it was comfortable, so unless she said something I wasn't moving.

I know it was rude, but comfort was important at the moment. I was about to read my own thoughts from the past and I was unsure of what I would find there. Opening the Journal, I read the first entry.

March 4, 1861

I joined the Army of the Confederate States of America today. Momma was very angry with me. She said I was too young and that I need to finish my education. I feel bad that I hurt momma's feelings, but this is important to me.

Poppa told me he was very proud of me for standing up for what I believe in. He said that the Army was lucky to have me. It made me feel good that he approved, but I couldn't shake off how I had hurt momma. I never meant to hurt her. I hope she forgives me soon.

March 5, 1861

Momma made me breakfast this morning, but she has not spoken to me once since yesterday. Papa told me to stop worrying that momma loved me and was proud of me too.

I report to Fort Houston in two days to begin my training. The army is just forming and papa things I'll move up quickly in the ranks. He says I have a lot of charisma, which is an important quality of a leader.

March 7, 1861

Momma gave me a hug this morning before I left for Fort Houston. She told me that she loved me and was very proud of me. She also said she was scared something bad may happen to me and didn't want to lose me. I told her I would be fine. I promised to write and come see them as soon as I could.

March 12, 1861

My commanding officer ordered me to report to officer training today. It seems that I may have impressed several of the officers at Fort Houston. I was told that upon completion of my training I would earn the rank of Second Lieutenant.

I wrote momma and papa about the news. I hope they are proud of me.

April 3, 1861

Officer training is a lot of book work. I've spent the last week reading battlefield manuals. My head hurts from the overload of information. My instructor tells me that I'm at the top of my class, and has put in for me to be promoted directly to First Lieutenant upon completion of my train next week.

Momma and papa are very pleased with my selection to be an officer. Papa said it was all because of how charismatic I am. My instructor said that my papa was a smart man, but that I was also a natural battlefield leader. He told me that out of all his students I had the best grasp on battlefield tactics.

April 10, 1861

Today I completed my officer training and received the rank of First Lieutenant. My parents surprised me by showing up to the ceremony. I was so happy to see them. Momma hugged me and told me again how proud she was of me.

The regimental photographer took a picture of me with momma and papa. He promised to send them a copy of the picture.

I was shocked. I knew I had risen through the ranks quickly, but I was a First Lieutenant within a month of joining. I was happy that in the end my momma had seemed ok with my joining the army, but I couldn't shake the feeling of having hurt her. It was even more difficult now when I realized that her worse fears had come true.

Edward stopped playing, "I disagree. I think her worse fears would have been that you died. While she never saw you again, we all know that she thought you were still alive."

I frowned. Looking at things from my current perspective, surrounded by a family who loves me, yes death probably would have been worse. However, I'm sure death would have been preferable compared to my past.

I saw Edward frown, and noticed Esme eyeing us curiously from the corner of my eye. I need to figure out how to get past my demons. My past is preventing me from moving on with my life, and holding me back.

I turned to look at the clock. We were nearing the first full day of Emmett's transformation. Right on cue we hurt Emmett give out an ear piercing shriek of pain. All three of us cringe at the sound. Sometimes having super hearing sucked. Carlisle flew down the hall and up the stairs to check on Emmett.

We had tried using my power during Rosalie's transformation to help her. We learned later that it had not had the impact we had thought. While it had kept Rosalie calm, it had not helped with the pain. I was quite certain that nothing would help with the pain of transformation. It was just one of those things you had to go through to reach immortality.

Emmett was still screaming in agony and if I didn't get out of the house soon I was going to go deaf. Well there is an interesting thought. Can a vampire go deaf? I decide not to test that theory.

I made a quick detour to our room, specifically the bathroom. I was looking for a specific item, but it wasn't in the medicine cabinet. Instead there was a small tube of KY Jelly with a note attached. I hesitated to pick up the rather inoffensive object.

Edward & Jasper,

I found this in my medical supply catalog. I believe this would be a better alternative to the petroleum-based lubricant you have been using.

Carlisle

I groaned. 'You've got to be kidding me.' I swear my family takes far too much interest in mine and Edward's sex life. I shoved the inoffensive object in my pocket and quickly head out.

My irritation was gone the moment I saw Edward waiting for me in the garage. Edward looked deep in thought as he ran his right hand through his hair repeatedly. I licked my lips as I thought about what I had planned to do.

"Umm . . . about that Jazz . . . Can we not fuck with me bent over the hood of my car. We might hurt it," Edward pleaded.

'Hurt it? Hurt the car?' I thought.

Edward didn't say anything but was giving me this pained look. "Edward it's a car. You can't hurt it," I said.

"She's my first car Jazz. She's my baby," Edward pleaded.

(...) A/N: Due to FFn's Ratings policy this section of the story can be read at TWCS. A link is available in my Author's Profile. (...)

We quickly dressed and I caught Edward trying to stealthily check out his car for damage. Edward was relieved when he saw no damage. "I told you we wouldn't hurt your baby," I laughed.

I smacked Edward's ass and ran for the house. I didn't have a prayer of beating him to the house. Edward tackled me to the ground at the foot of the porch steps. I rolled over and we were both laughing when we heard Esme scold us from the doorway. "Boys, no rough housing!"

"Sorry mom," We both said.

Esme was amused by our antics, but she tried to keep a straight face. We both gave her a quick kiss on the cheek, and we walked into the house. It was thankfully quiet in the house. It appeared that Emmett had calmed down or passed out again.

The phone rang as Edward passed it. "Cullen residence; Edward speaking," Edward said answering the phone.

"Dr. Masen, thank God. It's Ms. Wilkes," The caller said.

"How can I help you, Ms. Wilkes?" Edward said.

"William fell out of a tree and I think he may have broken his arm," Ms. Wilkes said.

"Oh, the poor dear," Esme whispered to me.

"Can you tell me if he has any other injuries, and why you think his arm maybe broken?" Edward asked.

"No other injuries. His arm is swelling and he says it hurts a great deal just above his wrist." Ms. Wilkes replied.

"Do you think you can bring him to the clinic? I'll need to take an x-ray of his arm to be sure it's broken," Edward said.

"Yes, I'll bring him immediately," Ms. Wilkes replied.

"I'll meet you at the clinic," Edward replied, and ended the call.

"Did you want to come with me?" Edward asked before heading for the door.

"Umm . . . won't there be blood?" I asked hesitantly.

"Not from the sounds of the injury," Carlisle said as he entered the room carrying a box. "These are medical supplies for the clinic."

I took the box from Carlisle and turned toward Edward. "I can come. Perhaps I can help keep him calm," I replied.

Edward smiled brightly and held the door open for me. "We'll return shortly."

Edward and I made the short run to the clinic through the forest and arrived in a few short minutes. Edward unlocked the back door to the clinic and let us in. I took the box of supplies to the medical supply room.

"Jasper, can you check to see if we have any Paracetamol." Edward called out to me in a normal voice.

I found the Paracetamol easily on a shelf with a variety of other medications.

"Count out two dozen tablets and put them in one of the small bags in there," Edward called out again.

I did as Edward asked. He joined me a moment later wearing his white lab coat. "I'll take those."

"What is that for?" I asked.

"It's a medication used to treat pain," Edward replied as he picked up a bottle of Morphine and a syringe.

Edward noticed the look on my face as I eyed the syringe in his hand. "Relax Jazz. I've done this plenty of times without drawing blood. I'll give you fair warning before I do it so you can wait outside."

"Thanks," I mumbled.

I could hear Ms. Wilkes arrive a moment later. "Can you go greet them and bring them to exam room one? He's not bleeding, I already checked there thoughts to be sure," Edward said.

I nodded, and went to greet Ms. Wilkes and William. I rounded the corner as Ms. Wilkes knocked on the door. "Good evening Ms. Wilkes, William," I said as I let them into the clinic.

I could see tears in William's eyes as he entered. He was trying to be brave, but I knew he was in a good deal of pain. He was cradling his left arm in such a way to keep the pain to a minimum. I could tell that compared to his right arm it was quite swollen.

"Good evening, Mr. Cullen," Ms. Wilkes said as I lead them to the exam room. I helped William up onto the exam bed then moved to the opposite side of the room.

Edward walked into the room a moment later. "Ms. Wilkes, it is good to see you again."

He turned to William who was sitting on the exam bed. "Hello William. Can you tell me what happened?" Edward asked in a tender tone as he gently examined William's arm.

"I fell out of a tree," William admitted.

"I think it might be broken, but let's be sure. Come with me William. I am going to x-ray your arm so that I can see if it's broken and so that I can set the bone properly," Edward said in his tender tone.

Edward helped William down from the exam bed and led him to the x-ray room. They were only gone a few minutes before Edward returned to led Ms. Wilkes to the procedure room. William had indeed broken his arm. It was a clean break according to Edward.

It only took about fifteen minutes for Edward to get William's arm wrapped in the plaster cast. By the time it was over William was in a lot less pain.

"This is Paracetamol. It's used to treat pain," Edward said as he handed the small bag to Ms. Wilkes. "I've given William an injection of Morphine which should last for a few hours. When it wears off you can give him one to two tablets of the Paracetamol, but no more then two per doze."

"Thank you so much Dr. Masen," Ms. Wilkes said.

"William why don't you go with Jasper and he'll give you a chocolate bar," Edward said.

I lead William to the lobby and found a small stack of chocolate bars in one of the cabinets. I handed a few to William. "Don't tell Edward I gave you more then one," I said with a wink.

William smiled brightly at me and quickly opened one of the bars.

I could hear down the hall that Ms. Wilkes was discussing payment with Edward. I already knew that Edward was not going to charge her for the services. The Wilkes had almost no money, and Ms. Wilkes was having a difficult time paying for basic needs with her part-time job.

The discussion lasted less then a minute before Edward's persuasive power had Ms. Wilkes relenting. She thanked Edward again before coming to the lobby to retrieve William.

"Drive safely, and be sure to bring William back in three weeks. We'll see how he's doing and if the cast can come off," Edward said.

"Thank you again Dr. Masen. Mr. Cullen it is a pleasure to see you again," Ms. Wilkes said. They departed for home and Edward and I proceed to lock up the clinic. After locking up, Edward and I decide to go hunting. It had been an eventful and draining day. We could both benefit from a quick meal.