Chapter Ten
Bella
I slept uneasily, not because I was starting a new chapter in my life but because I was leaving Charlie alone once again. I guess he knew as I did that I would never make my home in Forks but it had been nice spending time with him, seeing him as a father rather than just someone who gave me two weeks of treats in the summer and presents at Christmas. I would try to get back and see him sometimes, I would miss him too. The other reason I didn't sleep well was excitement, not so much at the journey, the drive was so long it was daunting, but at my companion. If asked to choose a travelling companion I would never have picked Jasper Hale because it wouldn't have occurred to me that he would want to travel with me but now he was I felt more relaxed and I was actually looking forward to leaving. Charlie had altered his shift so he would be there to see me off and I saw how sad he was so I tried to be cheerful for both of us. We sat together over breakfast remembering the past, my trips to Forks when I was a kid and his trips to Arizona, among other places, when he came to see me as I got older.
"I'll keep in touch dad. Don't worry about me."
"Can't help it kiddo, goes with the territory. You drive carefully and make sure you're off the road before nightfall. I don't like the idea of you driving in the dark, too many weirdo's and drunks about then."
"I will dad and thanks for everything."
We hugged, most unusual for us, and then he carried my case out to the truck looking it over suspiciously.
"I wish you had your own truck, it doesn't feel right accepting this from the Cullens"
"Well Edward scrapped mine so its only fair, anyway I think its less thirsty than my old one."
He nodded and I could see he was choked up so I started the engine and shouting goodbye I drove out of sight feeling upset myself. As I drove to the edge of town I saw Edward on the roadside looking at me bitterly but I ignored him, he'd lost and he knew it and I hoped never to see him again. Further on as I looked out for Jasper I saw the wolves standing together, Jake and Sam at the head and I put my hand up in farewell. It seemed everyone wanted to make sure I left town!
I wondered how far I would have to travel before Jasper met up with me, it felt very lonely after I passed the Forks sign. I'd been depressed when I passed it two years ago when I came to live with Charlie so mum could travel with Phil but I was sorry in some ways to be leaving, my life had been turned on its head by what I'd found in the "sleepy" little town and it would never be the same again. I would never forget Edward and the Cullens or Jake and the Quileute wolves although I could never tell anyone about them, after all who would believe me? I heard an engine and saw Jaspers bike coming towards me, a vampire on a Harley, well it was different. I pulled up on the side of the road which seemed deserted at the moment. He pulled up at the back and climbing off lifted his bike in the back then hopped into the cab, throwing his rucksack and helmet in the back with my belongings then turned to me and smiled,
"Ready for some adventure Bella?"
I laughed,
"Well I guess a road trip with a vampire would be classed as an adventure."
He nodded and I drove off,
"I thought we might share the driving if that's OK with you, it'll be quicker."
"Just as you like Bella but I'm happy to take my time. What were you planning when you were going alone?"
"I thought I'd drive until about 4 pm then find a motel for the night and look round the towns I stop in, but it might be a little boring for you."
"It sounds like a good plan. You should see more of the country Bella, not rush the journey."
He had no idea why I was offering to make the journey swift. I wanted his company more than a road trip but how could I say that to him? He'd think I was crazy, well crazier than he already thought I was.
"Bella, how about we make this a leisurely trip, unless you want to get rid of me more quickly that is"
I looked over shocked,
"No, its nice to have company. Can I ask you something though?"
"Sure"
"Why are you coming with me? I mean you could be at your friends really quickly."
"Perhaps I enjoy your company."
I laughed,
"It's a nice thought"
"It happens to be true, being with you is very relaxing...when you aren't busy trying to get yourself killed by nomads that is. Can I ask you a question in return?"
"Of course"
"Why are you not afraid of us? Of me? Despite what you know."
I thought about it for a few minutes,
"I guess because I trust you. I know you won't hurt me, you are too honourable."
"Are we talking the family or me?"
"I don't think Edward knows the meaning of the word. I'm just glad I found out before it was too late. No I was referring to you."
"I can only think of one other person who would call me honourable and he wouldn't admit it openly."
"The friend you're going to see?"
"Yes."
We drove on in silence for a while then he looked over again,
"I wish I had your serenity Bella, you make it easy to relax."
"Is relaxing hard for you? I guess I thought you don't get wound up or frustrated except for your thirst of course."
"Of course. Bella, I wonder if you have the faintest idea what its like being me. I say me because I only have my own experiences to fall back on."
"I wouldn't presume to know but like everyone I make a mental image of a vampire from those I've seen and unless you are thirsty you seem to live a very restful life, doing only what you want or need to fit in. But I'm wrong aren't I?"
"Again are we talking about me or in general?"
"You if you don't mind."
"No I don't mind, if you're interested. Being a vampire can be easy or hard depending how you choose to live your life. For James and Victoria for instance it was easy. They hunted when they were thirsty and travelled, happy in their own company as mates. For Carlisle and the Cullen's it was harder, they chose not to drink human blood and to live among the humans, so they have to make all the moves in order to fit in, school, work, everything humans see as normal."
"And you?"
"Me? I don't fit in anywhere easily. I was a human hunter for a long time as you know, with Maria. Then Alice showed me another way with the Cullens and I worked hard to fit in to their way of life. I had many slip ups but Carlisle always backed me up, enabled me to keep going. My life has never been restful, every day is a struggle to fit in, to appear human when in fact I am a humans worst nightmare. I know everyone is waiting for me to slip up."
"Everyone?"
"Yes, especially the Cullens now I've lost my anchor"
"Alice?"
"Yes."
"But you haven't slipped up."
"Not yet."