Chapter Twelve
Jasper
The rest of the night I sat listening to Bella sob quietly and wished I could be there to comfort her. I wanted to take her in my arms and kiss away her tears, hold her tight and whisper words of comfort and love, to make her fears and sorrows disappear. I felt so helpless and worthless, wondering why I still continued with this life unwanted by anyone. Then wanted to kick myself for my callousness, Bella was the one with the problems not me. I should have been thinking of her and how I could help, not wallowing in my own self pity. As the sun rose she went through to the bathroom and showered then changed and went down to breakfast with Renee. Her step father had gone off earlier with a gym bag, training I guessed.
"I thought we'd go shopping this morning, you need some clothes honey."
"OK, I have some money"
"No Phil and I will buy them for you. We don't see enough of you any more so its nice to spoil you when we do."
"What about after?"
"After?"
"After we finish shopping. Are we going to see Phil train or does he have a game?"
I heard her mother hesitate, would she tell Bella the truth or lie?
Well I have an errand to do before we come home."
"For Phil?"
"No, just something I promised to do, then we'll come back here."
I wished I could see Bella's face, I wanted to know what she was thinking, how she felt, but she was sitting so I couldn't see her through the window. As they went to the car I got my own out and waited to follow them to the mall, I couldn't afford to lose them today! When they parked up I saw Bella looking around as if trying to see if anyone was following her. Was she remembering my promise to be within hailing distance? I parked a few places away and waited till they disappeared into the mall before following, able to keep tabs on them by Renee's nervous chatter. They went into a store and bought some things for Bella and I smiled to see her put back the items Renee chose in favour of things she preferred, enough for a few days plus a pair of trainers. After completing their purchases they went for coffee and I found a spot out of sight but where I could keep an eye on them. Renee's chatter was getting on Bella's nerves.
"Mum what's the matter? You sound nervous."
"I'm fine. Its good to have someone to chat with. I missed our long conversations."
"Well we can have lots of them now I'm back."
Renee didn't answer that, I guessed she felt too uncomfortable. She must have looked at her watch by Bella's next words.
"Are we late for something?"
"No, but I think we should make a move. Don't forget my errand"
"Oh I haven't"
Bella's words were loaded with meaning and Renee went quiet as they made their way back to the car and pulled out into the traffic. I followed a few cars back knowing where they were going and wondering when Bella would let on she knew where they were going. I wished I was close enough to hear the conversation in the car in front. At the airport I parked fairly close so I wouldn't risk being seen but close enough to hear what had turned into an argument.
"Why are we here mum?"
"I have to pick someone up honey"
"Who? The flight coming in is from Seattle"
"I'm sorry honey but your father wanted to see you and speak to you"
"You're picking dad up and you never told me?"
"Well, I thought you might be difficult and he wants to talk to you."
"What if I don't want to talk to him?"
"Bella please. Just listen to what he has to say."
"It seems I have no choice"
Yes you do I thought, just call me, call my name and I'll take you away from it but I knew she wouldn't. That wasn't her way, she'd meet this head on as always.
Then Charlie's flight landed and I moved a little closer but still out of sight and waited hearing Bella's heart beat faster as the arrivals started to emerge. I knew the second she saw him because it banged so loudly I was amazed others couldn't hear it.
Looking over the top of heads I saw he wasn't alone, at his side was Jacob Black and I had to quash an urge to snarl loudly and leap forward to put myself between Bella and the pair of them. When Bella saw Jake her heart stuttered in fear and I saw her look round wildly. Was she looking for a way out or me? I couldn't tell but I stayed alert.
"Lets get coffee"
Charlie's words were a command not a suggestion and they all went into the restaurant, Bella hemmed in by Charlie and Jake with no help from Renee. Charlie sent her to get the coffees, out of earshot then turned to Bella,
"So what was all this about? Why did you run away? Jake was really upset and it made me look like a fool."
"I don't want to go back to Forks. Jake knows I don't love him."
"You just need time to get used to the idea of being married. You were eager to get deeply involved with Edward Cullen. What's the difference?"
"I loved Edward, I don't love Jake."
"You enjoy making a fool of your dad? I have a reputation in town to keep up."
"Why didn't you ask me first then?"
Bella was getting angry but so was Charlie and I worried he might hurt her, but he was a police officer and in a public place so I decided she was safe for now.
"Bella, why don't you give me a chance, you know I love you"
"Yes and that's why I can't Jake, it wouldn't be fair to you."
"I'm a big boy, I'll take the chance"
"It's not a chance. I don't love you and I can't marry you whatever my dad says."
"You're coming home with me Bella. If not your mother may find things a little awkward, police stops, suspected drug busts..."
"Dad please. I don't want to go back"
"Well I want you to and that's what matters."
"I'll run away again"
"And I'll find you again. Remember I have the country's police forces to help me"
"I'm old enough to make my own decisions"
"Obviously not, I'd say you still need parental supervision and I'm sure our family doctor will agree if it comes to that."
"Is that a threat? Do you want me that way Jake?"
"He'll take you any way he can, won't you Jake?"
I waited but Jake didn't answer verbally, I guessed he'd nodded and then Renee got back with the drinks.
"Bella's coming back with Jake and I. She's changed her mind"
"Oh, really? Well it was nice to see you Bella but your dad is probably right."
I couldn't believe her mother could be so callous, even with Charlie's threats. It was her daughter! Chairs scraped and I heard Charlie's gruff question,
"Where are you going young lady?"
"To the rest room"
"OK but no trying to run away again or I'll contact the local police, you wont get far"
My anger was almost at boiling point and looking down I saw I'd crushed the arm of my chair flat. With effort I relaxed my grip and got up keeping out of sight of the Swan table and hoping in among all the scents one vampire would go unnoticed by the wolf boy. As Bella passed close to my hiding place I heard her stifled sob and willed her to call my name but she went into the rest room in silence. She just didn't have enough confidence in me, was a forced return to Forks and possible marriage to Jake preferable to taking a risk on me? Perhaps after Edwards behaviour and my own at her party she didn't trust any of us any longer.
I turned ready to give up and find a place to curl up and wallow in my misery when the door banged open and I heard a commotion, shouted words, a girl collapsed, an ambulance called for. As I watched the airport staff guided the paramedics to the ladies rest room and shortly after they came out with a stretcher and on it white as a sheet was Bella her eyes closed, but I heard my name as a hiss of air between her lips. It was all I needed, checking which hospital she was being taken to I got my car and was there well before her.
