Chapter XIV: Departure

*I felt that I needed to post another chapter to make up for that last one. This one is tons better, I promise.*

Unfortunately, the time had finally come for my guests to depart. No one wished for them to leave, but they had truly come to enjoy their peaceful roaming together. They deserved to have that kind of experience. I wished them nothing but good will.

Everyone exchanged hugs and handshakes, saving me for last. Peter finally gazed kindly into my eyes and said, "Goodbye, my friend."

My eyes stung with the tears that would not come. "Goodbye, Peter. I hope you are happy, wherever you are."

Peter's face screwed up with the sadness, like he was on the verge of sobs, and said, "I want the same for you. I have always wanted that."

My hand to him, and he grabbed it. "I'll miss you," I admitted, overwhelmed with emotion.

"As I'll miss you."

"We'll visit again soon. Even if we have to track you down," Charlotte chimed in.

I smiled down at her and hugged her gently. "Promise?"

"Of course," Peter confirmed. "I don't know if I can go this length of time again without seeing my brother."

I stepped forward and hugged Peter tightly. It took all I had to keep my sobs inside. I sent waves of love and happiness at him, hoping he knew how much he meant to me. His own emotions reflected the ones I had sent him.

We finally let go of each other. "Thank you for your kindness and hospitality," Charlotte said to everyone.

"It was no problem," Carlisle answered, "You're welcome back anytime."

"Thank you."

Peter and Charlotte turned to run away, and Peter hesitated for a moment. He looked back over his shoulder and said, "One more thing, Jasper."

"Yes?"

"Keep your chin up."

They turned and sprinted into the woods. Alice and Edward's eyes snapped to me as they saw the indecision in my mind.

In that moment, I wanted so badly to sprint after them. I do not know whether it was the sadness speaking or whether it was my true wish, but I had to brace myself to keep from following my friends into the wilderness. Was this my body telling me that what I had been doing was wrong? Was I simply not meant to be chained to a life of meticulous responsibility and constant self-discipline?

"Jasper," Alice said frantically, "Remember why you left them."

I reflected on her words. I had left them because they were not averse to killing others for their own survival. I could not bear to feel the fear and pain from humans as I destroyed their lives. I could no longer bear to look in the mirror and see the glowing red orbs staring back at me. I no longer wanted to be anything like the person I used to be. As civilized as Peter and Charlotte were, I still could not bear to live in that type of environment anymore. I could not live in an environment that brought out the savage monster inside of me.

I turned to face my family, whose fear was rampant. I smiled at them and walked into my home.

They followed me in, and I felt their surprise and relief all at once. "Jasper," Edward breathed, "are you sure?"

"Yes," I replied, still trying to assure myself that I was making the right decision.

"Jasper, they are a major part of your life. I would not want to see you make the wrong decision and regret it later," Carlisle said.

I hesitated, trying to form the words into sentences to explain my intent. "I love Peter and Charlotte. As you say, they are such a big part of my life that I don't know where I would be without them. But I can't leave this behind. I have not the heart to leave a family that I adore just to be with people who live a lifestyle that brings out the inner monster in me."

"Maybe we could adopt them," Esme suggested.

"They are not ready for that yet," I said, shaking my head.

"But they considered it," Edward stated. "They saw how much peace it's given you, and they want a piece of it."

I felt a thrill of happiness through my body when he said that they thought about living with us. It gave me hope.

"If they want to, I say the more the merrier," Emmett said, enthusiastic.

"Certainly," Carlisle said. "We would be more than happy to take them in."

I shook my head again. "They are happy with their life together. I sensed that they have a wonderful piece of eternity planned for themselves. I would not be willing to force them into a life of such strict responsibility when they are enjoying their freedom. They are content. And so am I."