Chapter Twelve

Bella

Jasper pulled up all too soon at the entrance to the Cullen's drive and looked at me before turning the truck in.

"What the hell, I'll drop you at their door."

I hated leaving him and got out reluctantly, aware of eyes on us from the windows.

He winked at me, "See you soon darlin'. Listen to what they have to say and then make your decision."

"Oh, I will. See you in a couple of hours."

Carlisle who had opened the door ready to greet me watched impassively as Jasper turned his truck around and took off.

I walked up the steps wishing this interview was already over and annoyed at the ultimatum Carlisle had given me earlier.

"Hello, Carlisle. Here I am, as instructed."

He gazed after the truck as it drove out of sight then turned to me now looking concerned.

"Where are Edward and Emmett?"

"They tried to kidnap me and I didn't want to go. So my friend stepped in to stop them."

"Friend? Come in, Bella."

I walked reluctantly into the familiar surroundings of the house and up the steps to the lounge to find Rose supposedly engrossed in a fashion magazine, Esme appearing to watch a design program, and Alice watching me.

As Carlisle appeared at my back Alice smiled.

"Way to go, Bella," she said.

Rose threw her magazine down frowning with anxiety and snapped at me.

"Where's Emmett?"

I stared back no longer concerned with how she felt about me.

"Sticking his arm back on down the road somewhere. Edward's with him doing the same but they are both still alive. It seems stories of the Major's destructive tendencies may have been exaggerated a little."

"So, how did you get here? I didn't hear your clunker," snapped Rose.

"Oh, I was chauffeur driven by the Major himself."

Esme shuddered at my words.

"Bella, really! I thought you would have known better. He's far too dangerous to become involved with. You saw what **(Eleazar) was capable of. You almost died."

"Really? Well, I'm still in one piece and I should point out that Emmett and Edward would be too if they hadn't tried to kidnap me."

Carlisle looked genuinely confused and I remembered Jasper telling me that he had not been a party to the attempt.

"Emmett and Edward tried to kidnap you?"

Alice nodded and answered him before I could.

"Bella asked me not to look out for her but she didn't say anything about my moronic brother. Edward decided kidnapping Bella was the best way to keep her away from the Major. I could have told him it wouldn't work, Jasper's far too clever and fast for them. He wouldn't be far from Bella anyway so they'd never have got away with it."

"I apologize for their actions, Bella. I had no idea what they had planned and I would certainly not have condoned it."

"You need to speak to Edward, Carlisle. Kidnapping is a serious offense. I am so sorry, Bella. We had no idea."

"I know, Esme. I take it you didn't threaten to speak to Charlie if I refused to meet with you either?"

Esme looked shocked and horrified.

"Of course not, Bella. Did Edward tell you that?"

"Yes, he did."

They both looked uneasy now and Carlisle nodded.

"It would appear Edward's stupidity has merely served to push you even closer to the Major."

I shrugged, I was past caring what they thought of me, and I was angry.

"I was heading that way in any case, but their actions have certainly helped to open my eyes to their shortcomings. Edward prefers to control my life and I'm not going to put up with that any longer. He has manipulated Emmett and maneuvered you into helping in his new game of 'warn Bella off'. It seems that the only member of the family I can trust is Alice and even she can be devious and manipulative when it suits her."

Alice laughed, "True, but that's what comes of being able to see the future. I saw you and the Major together years ago, well before you were born in fact. Although I have to admit I didn't know who you would be. I even tried to meet him and offer him an easier life while he waited but he chose to walk away. Now it's up to you Bella, your decision. If you want him he's yours. If not, please don't leave him dangling, he's hurting enough as it is. Don't add to his torment, but at the same time, you should never forget what he's capable of. You'll never find a man more loyal or devoted but he will always be a magnet for trouble and you may find yourself in danger as a result. I think that's what Carlisle and Esme wanted to tell you. I'm right aren't I, Esme?"

Esme nodded, "More or less, Alice. Perhaps with a little less levity."

Alice shrugged, "Sorry, but I think Bella's had enough of the dire warnings of doom."

I smiled at her words and nodded, how right she was, after Jake, Edward, and Emmett I'd had a bellyful of it.

Her eyes glazed over for a second then her brow creased.

"Oh come on, Bella, you make your mind up right now."

I wagged an admonishing finger at her.

"You can wait."

I turned my attention back to Carlisle.

" I'm sorry for what happened today but it wasn't my fault or Jasper's. However, it might be a good idea to put a shorter leash on your son."

He smiled sadly. "I'll take all you've said into consideration Bella. I can hear them coming now. Are you staying or would you prefer to leave? I'm sure Alice would drive you home."

I looked at my watch knowing that Jasper wanted me to hear what Carlisle had to say.

"I'll stay for a while."

Edward came in slowly supported by Emmett and where his shirt hung open I could see the angry red marks where Edward's arms were reattaching.

Esme jumped up and went over to them and I thought she was going to mother them and dish up the usual sympathy so I was stupefied when she suddenly let loose with a roundhouse that sent Edward flying into the wall, smashing the huge picture window as he hit.

"How dare you attempt to kidnap Bella. You know better than that Edward, she is under our protection. What were you thinking?"

He lay among the glass looking stunned as Esme then turned her attention to Emmett who flinched back from her wrath.

"And you can apologize, right now, then help Edward clean up this mess."

He came over to me very shamefaced watched by an angry Esme and an even angrier Rosalie although I doubted very much that the latter's emotions were in support of me.

"I'm sorry Bella. I shouldn't have listened to Edward. Will you forgive me?"

Rose snorted, her words dripping with sarcasm.

"Oh yes, Emmett. By all means, apologize for trying to knock some sense into Bella's head."

Esme hissed angrily at Rose who threw down her magazine and stomped upstairs muttering under her breath. Emmett followed her sheepishly while Edward staggered unsteadily to his feet looking to Carlisle for some backing that was not forthcoming.

"I hope that taught you a lesson, Edward. You cannot dictate what others decide. Bella has made her position perfectly clear and we must accept it, even if it worries us."

I smiled at him glad to hear he was willing to step aside and allow me to make my own decisions.

"Carlisle, I'm fine really. Just accept that I know what's best for me."

Esme took my arm gently looking at me with maternal concern.

"Just remember, Bella. We are always here if you need any help."

"Thank you, Esme, Carlisle. I know you are only thinking of my welfare but I have the situation under control. I assure you I am in no danger. Now, I should go."

I looked at my watch relieved to see I only had half an hour to wait and eager to get out of this house and away from Edward.

Carlisle accompanied me to the door with a few last words of advice.

"Bella, I don't know the Major personally, only his reputation, but that alone is enough to concern me on your behalf. If he is truly the one for you then I can only wish you good luck. I rather think you might be needing it down the road aways. Just remember that you are always welcome here and should you ever need the kind of help only we can offer, please do not hesitate to call on us."

I was touched by his words, all my anger and frustration melting away as I thanked him.

"Thank you, Carlisle, I'll remember that."

"Are you OK for a ride back to Forks? I won't see you walk all that way."

"I'm OK, my lift will be here shortly."

I walked slowly up the driveway, turning when I heard footsteps behind me half expecting to see Edward but instead, it was Alice coming after me.

I stared at her as things came suddenly into focus.

"You knew this would happen, didn't you? That's why you weren't at school today. You didn't want to warn me."

She shrugged, "It was better this way, for everyone so I'm not going to apologize. Anyhow, I just wanted to say goodbye."

"Why. Where are you going?"

"Not me silly, you. You'll be leaving with him, won't you?"

"Leave? I hadn't really thought about it."

"Are you going to introduce Jasper to Charlie?"

Now that would be an interesting meeting!

"I don't know. I haven't spoken to Jasper about it."

"He's a nomad, Bella, and he's been here too long already."

You think he'll want to leave?"

"I think he's only still here because of you, Bella. He wants to go but he needs to know what you decide to do first."

I frowned, none of this had occurred to me although I guess it made sense. But even so...

"How can I leave Alice? Charlie will send out the armed forces if I just disappear."

"You have to tell him, Bella. Decide what you want and do it."

"What should I do Alice? What do you see?"

She shook her head firmly.

"Oh no, you asked me not to look at your future anymore. Remember?"

"OK, but what have you already seen in it?"

"Choices Bella, that's what I see. If you go you make a choice to leave this world behind, including Charlie and Renee. If you stay, you leave his world behind with him. How do you feel? You can only go by how you feel, by what seems right to you. You already know that if you watch him drive away you'll never see him again. Could you live with that? Alternatively, could you live without ever seeing your father again? You win something and lose something whatever you decide."

"Thanks, Alice. That was really helpful!"

Looking at her, I could see something in her expression, something that gave me pause for thought.

"You know more than you're telling, Alice, don't you?"

She nodded looking suddenly very serious.

"Yes, but I can't tell you what until after you make your choice."

I sighed, she was going to be no help whatsoever.

"So, I will see you again?"

"That's for you to decide. I have to go now. I think he's on his way."

She glanced up the road wistfully.

"I envy you, Bella."

"Why?"

"Because you are at a crossroad, there are endless possibilities until you take the next step. Then the possibilities diminish."

"What about you Alice? What will you do?"

She shrugged and cocked her head to one side thoughtfully.

"My fate is already mapped out, Bella. I once stood where you are now. It was a very long time ago. Or rather I should say I stood where he stands. I waited for someone to make a decision before knowing where my destiny lies."

I remembered what she'd said to me once before, 'I almost met him' and understood.

"We're talking about the same man, aren't we? You waited for him to make a decision and because of it you lost a possible future."

"Yes, I did, but another opened up for me, Bella. There are always options. Anyway, I must go, good luck Bella."

She turned and ran down the drive lost to view almost immediately.

I heard tires on the road and looked up to see Jasper's truck waiting at the entrance to the drive, the driver's side door still missing.

I stood hesitating as I considered my options. My present human life with perhaps Jake, or even Edward? Or an adventure into the unknown with Jasper? It was really no contest and I walked slowly to the truck as he leaned across and opened the door for me.

"Are you done in there?"

I nodded.

"Hop in then."

I did so and he studied me. I could see that he was worried.

"So, Bella, where do you want me to take you?"

My stomach was knotting into a lump because I knew what he was really asking me.

"I know this is hard for you. I take it the Cullens didn't change your mind about me?"

"No, actually I don't think they tried very hard. I guess they knew that I had already made up my mind about you."

"Can I ask what you think about me?"

I turned to look directly at him, it was important that he see I meant what I was saying.

"I don't care what other people think of you. I know that you would never hurt me, that you would protect me against any danger. Whatever happened in the past isn't for me to judge. Perhaps one day you will trust me enough to tell me your story."

"One day? So, you think you'd like to take a chance on me?"

I looked down feeling myself color.

"Was that too forward? Life seems to have speeded up since I met Edward and I feel like I know my own mind. I don't know yours though, only what Alice told me."

"And what did she say?"

I shrugged.

"She intimated that you were interested in me, that you feel something for me."

"Do you think she's right?"

I forced myself to look back into his face.

"I hope so, but you haven't really said anything."

"I know and I'm sorry for that. I guess I'm a little out of practice. If I wasn't interested in you Bella I wouldn't still be here. This is a little awkward for me Bella, but I feel deeply for you. I would like you to come with me when I leave."

"Do you have to leave?"

He looked weary but he nodded.

"Yes. I'm afraid I do. It's too dangerous for me to remain in one area too long. I understand how hard this is for you, Bella but if it helps I do love you and I want you to come with me."

He'd said it, those all-important words which took a weight off my shoulders.

I could hardly get the words out I was so choked up.

"I love you too. Take me with you."

Jasper wrapped his arms around me holding me close and kissed me for the very first time. It was pure heaven and I held him tightly around the neck wanting to stay like this forever.

When we finally broke apart I gasped for breath, my heart thumping so loud I was convinced I could hear it myself.

"You do know if you disappear, your father will have the police looking for you."

I nodded.

"I know which is why I need to call at home and leave him a letter, tell him that I'm leaving of my own free will and not to worry. He will anyway but he won't be worrying that I've been kidnapped. I'd like to pick up some of my stuff too. Is that OK with you? He should be at work so if we go now I can get in and out before he gets home."

Jasper nodded still smiling and now he looked relaxed and happy. I finally understood how much he had been worrying that I might not feel the same way about him. That I might choose to watch him walk away.

"Home then, please."

He drove back to Forks, pulling up outside Charlie's a few minutes later and leaving the engine ticking over.

"I'll be as quick as I can."

"No problem. I'll turn around and park up just up the road to wait for you. This truck is a little too conspicuous since you decided to use the driver's door as a weapon!"

I smiled and touched his hand.

"Ten minutes," I promised looking at my watch.

He laughed.

"I won't hold you to the exact second, just be as quick as you can."