Three Little Birds told me that it is time for a new chapter to be posted, but will everything be all right? Okay, maybe that was a bit cheezy. Anyway, I've mentioned before, but this story is actually complete. I'm posting a chapter a day so that I can add some notes and links for each chapter and give you all something to look forward to each day. Without divulging any spoilers, including the epilogue this story is 32 chapters long.

Thanks to all my readers and thanks to Ms. Meyer for taking a little dream and turning it into a little escape from reality for us all.

Please enjoy...

Chapter 10 Family Troubles

Jasper POV

Six months and there is only a diminutive change in the gnawing guilt that I have over the current state of my family. If it weren't for my lack of control, we would all still be in Forks. A single drop of blood, that's all it took to devastate what should have been a joyous celebration of life. The terror and anguish that Edward felt as a result was crippling. I will never forgive myself for being the reason behind his rash decision to move the family away from his mate. I doubt I could have done the same.

I don't think I ever truly believed that there would be something that would provide enough deterrence for my bloodlust. Edward's utter desolation combined with the unspoken disappointment from Carlisle, the grief-stricken reminder of a lost child from Esme, the sanctimoniousness of Rosalie, the sadness of Emmett and the conflicted concern and sorrow of my Alice all fueled the self-loathing guilt that I possess.

It was during one of these mental self-flagellating moments when Alice, Carlisle and Edward came home on Monday and told the family about Annabelle Swanson or Anna as she apparently preferred. I felt hopeful. Alice was excited at the prospect of having a friend again. Carlisle could barely contain his fascination. Edward…he was perplexed, his feelings were almost reminiscent of those he had after first meeting Bella. I made a decision then that I would do whatever I could to redeem myself. I would not lose control again.

Of course Rosalie's reaction was anticipated. It didn't take an empath to know how she felt about Bella. She was always quite vocal with her opinions; being forced to leave Forks just added to her resentment. She refused to meet Anna, choosing to retreat to one of the few places she felt comfortable. After having a vision of our dear sister decimating her new Porsche GT2, Alice requested that I accompany Rosalie in the garage to keep her calm. Thank God Emmett joined us in the garage. I love Rosalie, but there's only so much warm and fuzzy that I am capable of before the deep chill of the ice queen prevailed. Unfortunately, Emmett chose to talk about his encounter with Anna. A brief dagger-glare from Rose and he quickly backpedaled. I might have had some influence in that wise decision. After some groveling and some classic Emmett innuendo, he convinced Rosalie to go hunting.

Odd as it seemed, Alice insisted I remain in the garage while Anna was visiting. I didn't understand, but I know better than argue with my psychic mate. Sitting on the hood of her Porsche, I listened and sensed the mood of everyone present. I heard an unfamiliar voice speaking…Anna. She had just begun to tell her story to the others, her voice shaky. My family was both captivated and dismayed by how much this human girl had lost. I could tell that Alice was particularly sympathetic to Anna's story, relating to the blind awakening.

I gasped as Edward's familiar guilt-ridden pain spiked, precluding all emotions. When he ran out of the house, followed by Alice, I struggled between chasing after my mate and staying to continue to listen. Hearing Esme invite Anna to join the family caused my curiosity to outweigh my concern for Alice. I knew that she could hold her own against Edward in this state so I stayed.

The feelings Anna was emanating were more intense than any I'd felt in a human before. I couldn't tell which was the strongest…disbelief, hope, gratitude, longing...I envisioned Carlisle and Esme's gentle faces as I sensed the compassion and familial love from them. Their feelings not dissimilar to those they extended when Bella was first introduced to them. It's intriguing the impact that these human girls have with them. I looked forward to meeting her myself.

I could tell that Anna would be leaving soon, the overwhelming emotions from before converting into thoughtful hesitance and a desire to flee. When she drove away, her quiet comment caused me to smile to myself. She's nearly accepted the offer already. I wondered at the prospect that this human could restore the joy and completeness that it had been missing these last few arduous months.

Alice and Edward returned to the house only long enough to hop into his silver Volvo and leave again, Alice's only parting words were that it was imperative that she go with Edward, that they would both be back sometime Wednesday afternoon and to have fun in my history class. She told me through her emotions how much she loved me, but she was also anxious and solemn. Edward was nearly as somber but held a touch of anticipation and longing. I wished I had Edward's gift so that I could know where they were going and why.

That was late Monday night. It is now approaching dusk on Wednesday and I haven't heard from Alice. I was getting worried. Ever since she found me in that little diner in '48, Alice and I were rarely separated from each other. Although I've learned that her visions are not infallible, I know to trust her when she sees something. I know she has been hiding something from me since January and I have a feeling that this trip is somehow related.

I thought of meeting Anna yesterday in class. I smirked as I recalled Alice's wishes for me to have fun in class. Throughout the years of attending classes and pretending to be human, I'd become accustomed to people avoiding me, their instincts knowing that I was dangerous when their minds did not. For that reason I found it curious when I felt someone approach me, their mood cheery and…appreciative?

I raised my head to see a young woman, her smile quickly replaced with a surprised gasp. In addition to her shock, there was recognition. I caught her scent at my next breath and understood. Edward had mentioned that Anna's scent was reminiscent of Bella's. I'd discovered how accurate he was when I finally entered the house Monday night. The faint traces I had detected then were now hitting me in full force now with the source standing in front of me. Had Edward not mentioned the slight difference in the fragrances, I would not have been able to differentiate them myself. Knowing of the distinction, I was able to pick it up, realizing that I was not struggling to control my thirst.

When Anna made note of Eliot, I realized that the appreciation from earlier was towards my reading choice. It was refreshing when she parleyed my quote. After our introductions, her mood swiftly changed, reverting to some of the chaos she felt after meeting the family. I sensed an imminent panic attack. Scribbling a note quickly I placed it in her trembling hand while I pushed a wave of calm toward her.

Bzzz…Bzzz…my cell phone rang. Glancing at the caller ID, all thoughts of my meeting with Anna were lost as my mate's name appeared.

"Alice," I answered the call, relief in my voice.

"Jazzy, Edward and I just boarded the plane. We'll arrive at the house at exactly 11:22 am today. Please make sure all the family is present. We have something to tell everyone." Her tone was indistinguishable.

"Are you alright? Is something wrong?" I knew my voice was laced with the anxiety that I was feeling.

"We're safe. We'll see you all soon. I love you Jazzy," she sighed.

"I'll be waiting. I love you," I replied before disconnecting the call.

They're coming home. I didn't miss her careful wording in response to my question though. She didn't say fine or okay, she said safe. My mind quickly considered what news they had and felt dread as I called the family together.

When Alice and Edward arrived home I was nearly oblivious to Edward's presence. My focus was on my mate, my love. We didn't need to speak. The love from her rebounded in combination with the love that I felt for her. Moments like this were so intense, we had to be careful when we were in the presence of others, for the amplification effect could not be contained at times and those surrounding couldn't help but be influenced. This time, we did not have to make a conscious effort in containing the love. There was an underlying grief that both Alice and Edward possessed.

The family had gathered in the living room, awaiting the news. With one exception, they were all as anxious about the news as I was. No had known where Alice and Edward had gone. They'd all asked me what Alice told me, assuming she divulged more to me than she had. Their inquiries persisted throughout yesterday, disbelief clearly present when I continued to tell them that she had not called me. By the time I finally summoned everyone, the tension had everyone on edge.

"You may all have wondered why Edward and I left so suddenly," Alice began as we sat together on one of the white sofas. She was hesitant and nervous. I channeled my love and support to give her a boost of courage to continue. She turned to me and gave me a small smile in appreciation as she continued.

"All of you, with the exception of Rosalie, have met Anna and know that an offer has been made to her to be a part of our family. You saw how Edward reacted and you must know that Edward is already feeling strongly toward Anna. In fact, his feelings toward her may even be stronger than they were for Bella."

"Just perfect! What is it with you and humans? Are you insane or desperate?" Rosalie spit out, glaring at Edward.

"Rose, I don't think that's what Alice and Eddie called us here to talk about," Emmett said as he tried to calm her temper. Good luck with that I thought to myself. Regardless, I used my gift to try to calm her and persuade her to be more agreeable.

Alice continued as if she had not been interrupted. "Jazz, you could tell how conflicted Edward's emotions were when he came back from class on Monday and hearing Anna's story didn't help. Edward questioned his feelings about Bella and needed to check on her try to sort through what he was feeling. He was planning on going to Forks alone, but I couldn't allow that because I knew what he would find."

"You saw something…in January," I concluded.

"Yes. I had a vision that time when you all went hunting and I stayed home," she stated gravely. "I didn't share it with any of you because I saw what would result if I did."

"What was it, Alice? What would have happened?" Carlisle questioned, his concern for his family ever-present.

Alice was silent as she was filled with heartache. At nearly the same moment, Edward's anguish amplified. She clasped my hand and took a deep breath before proceeding.

"I saw Bella die," she choked out.

"WHAT?" several voices shouted. I released Alice's hand and clasped both hands to my head in my own personal pain as the tsunami of emotions in the room crippled me.

I don't know how much time passed between Alice's announcement and the time that the pain subsided to a tolerable level. When I surveyed the room, I saw that Carlisle and Esme held Edward in comfort and shared sorrow. His hands were fisted at his head and his face twisted in pain. The bombardment of thoughts from everyone must surely be as debilitating for him as their emotions are for me.

I was somewhat surprised that Rosalie was feeling remorseful. Emmett sat next to Rosalie in shock. Alice was both sobbing in my arms and apologizing to no one in particular or everyone, I couldn't tell. I took Alice's face into my hands and used my ability to reassure her so that she could finish what she needed to say. Alice straightened up and looked at Edward, continuing only when he gave a somber nod.

"The rest of what I have to tell you is just as upsetting. Please, for Edward and Jasper's sake, try to control your thoughts and emotions and do not interrupt me." Alice looked pointedly at everyone, waiting for their unspoken acknowledgement before she would continue.

"I saw Bella get into her truck and…there was an explosion. I knew that there wasn't enough time to prevent it. If I told anyone, I saw Edward going to the Volturi and asking to die."

"Oh, Edward no!" Esme pleaded before biting her lip to avoid further interruption.

"The second vision came to me when I decided not to tell anyone about Bella. I saw Anna and things changed. I saw Edward falling in love again," she sighed and thought through her next words before speaking.

Edward must have picked up a particularly spiteful comment from Rosalie since he growled at her.

"This family was happy when Bella was in our lives. I thought that maybe Anna could bring back that happiness," Alice stopped and measured our expressions.

"What did you discover in Forks?" Carlisle asked clinically after it seemed she was not going to continue.

"We visited Bella's grave site. Her marker stated that she died on January 18th. I went to see Chief Swan. Something seemed deliberate about the explosion and I knew that if anyone had answers, he would." I thought of contacting Jenks to investigate. He would be able to make contact with sources the Chief wouldn't be able to.

Edward and Alice's sudden similarity in emotional outbursts drew me to their faces. Edward gazed intently at me and mouthed a single word, "No." I acknowledged his dissent with a nod and redirected my attention back to Alice.

"Charlie was surprised to see me. He looked so broken. I don't think he's had anyone that he could talk to about all that happened. Bella didn't take to our leaving well. She was nearly catatonic for several months before she went to Port Angeles with Jessica Stanley. Somehow they met with a couple college boys. Jessica was killed before the police could arrive. Bella wasn't harmed, but the college boys turned out to be grandsons of mob boss, Nicolò Capuzzo. The boys were arrested and the Feds had Bella under some sort of protected watch, but it seems that the Capuzzo family rigged her truck to explode. The boys were released from custody a week later."

"NO WAY!" Emmett exclaimed, his outrage mirrored throughout the room. Even Rosalie shared in the incredulity of injustice.

"Charlie tried to use his connections with the Port Angeles police to investigate the Capuzzo family, but the Feds intervened and told him to back off."

"I'm going to pummel those bastards," Emmett suggested.

"Emmett, regardless of the feelings we've retained for Bella, we cannot interfere with the human judicial system," Carlisle stated.

"Are you friggin Star Fleet command? Oh right, Commander Spock. Live long and prosper, but screw the lower lifeforms along the way huh?" Emmett responded.

"Watch your language, Emmett," Esme reprimanded.

"Sorry," he replied to her guiltily.

"Star Trek? Really?" I asked my oaf of a big brother as I chuckled slightly.

"Ha, yeah, but seriously…what are we doing to do? We can't just let Bella's killers get away for this." If I couldn't feel Emmett's sincerity, I'd have thought he wanted to provoke a fight.

"Don't forget about poor Jessica Stanley," Esme added still feeling the pangs of sorrow from hearing about Bella's death.

"Uh…yeah, her too."

"Listen," Carlisle interjected. "I feel bad about what happened to Bella, I really do." He looked at Edward as he made that last statement and I could tell he was not lying. "We have no business getting involved with those boys. It won't bring Bella back."

"Carlisle," Rosalie spoke up. "Everyone knows how I felt about Bella, but we cannot let those murderous lowlifes simply walk free." Her unspoken words spoke louder than her spoken ones. We all knew that she was recalling her own personal experience when she heard of Bella's demise.

"We can't simply take out these two boys without causing some serious consequences. The execution of the grandsons of the Seattle crime boss would not be taken lightly. Not only would their family seek retribution, but it's likely the action would draw the attention of the Federal authorities." I couldn't help the military strategist in me from speaking. I knew that we had to react logically. An emotional response would only risk drawing the attention of the Volturi.

"Whatever we decide, we need to make it quick or continue our discussion later," Alice stated. "Anna is going to be here in five minutes. She's made a choice."

"What choice?" Edward asked, his attention directed suspiciously at Alice. I knew my mate well enough to know that she was blocking her thoughts, as it seemed everyone else was as well.

Sending a burst of calm toward him, I answered, "Edward, Anna has been extended an offer to join our family."

"WHAT?" his head whipped in my direction before his wide eyes scanned each of our faces in shock.

"As a human," Esme quickly added. "You heard Anna's story the other night. She's so alone and lost. She needs a family."

"Anna is not a stray puppy that we can just take in off the street. She's an adult and most importantly, she's human. Look what happened with…" his voice broke before he could finish his sentence, but we didn't need to be a mind reader to finish the thought.

"Does she know what we are?" He spoke through his teeth, his eyes closed.

"No." Alice replied as we all heard her car pull up to the house. Edward collapsed into a nearby chaise, his hands both pressed to his head with his fingers buried in his shaggy mess of hair. Understandably, he was struggling over an array of feelings. When I detected the slighted bit of hope and love, I thought to use my abilities to enhance them. Instead, I walked over to him and placed my hand on his shoulder.

"A few years before I met Alice, I happened to meet one of the most amazing and inspirational humans that I have known during my existence. The words that she…spoke…to me, kept me going until I met Alice. When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us."

As I heard the front door open heralding Anna's arrival, Edward looked up to me, the tortured expression replaced by shock.

"You met Helen Keller?"

After Helen Keller graduated from Radcliffe she gave numerous speeches. I couldn't find where and when she first stated the words, but considering many of her speeches were in the New England area and we don't know how long Jasper was in the Philadelphia/New England area before meeting Alice, it seemed like a good idea.