A/N – This is pretty much picking up where things left off in chapter 13. Enjoy!
Chapter 14 (or 13.5)
Once Jasper and Bella were inside the house he walked into the living room and deposited Bella on one of the large, plush couches. Shedding her layers, Bella made herself comfortable while Jasper moved around the kitchen to get some food for Bella. Since he had become used to having Bella around and tending to her more human needs, Jasper had no qualms about cooking, unlike Charlotte. As he waited for Bella's meal to finish Jasper caught sight of a piece of paper on the island in the kitchen.
Picking it up, Jasper chuckled when he saw that it was a note from Peter.
Jasper,
Charlotte and I went to Canada to hunt and to give you and Bella some time alone. We'll be back by the end of the week. Charlotte wants to get to know Bella, so if you two are gone by the time we get back you can expect a visit from us. Hopefully by the time we see you two again you'll have pulled your head out of your ass and made that girl yours. Well, not made her, but you know what I mean.
Take care,
Peter
Laughing by the end of the note, Jasper set the paper down and just as he was getting ready to take Bella's food out of the microwave he saw her standing in the doorway to the kitchen.
"What was so funny?" Bella asked, having heard Jasper laughing from her spot in the living room.
"Peter left me a note. Read it." Jasper explained, nodding his head to the piece of paper that he had placed down on the counter.
Walking over, Bella picked up the note and quickly read it, smiling by the end of it. Feeling Bella's amusement and utter happiness, Jasper quickly closed the distance between them, standing behind Bella and wrapping his arms around her waist.
Leaning back against Jasper, Bella angled her neck to look at Jasper. "So, were we that obvious to everybody but ourselves?"
"I think so, though I did talk to Peter and Charlotte while you were sleeping, so they knew my half of things and what Alice finally told me." Jasper replied as he moved one of his hands ever so slightly up and down Bella's hip, his thumb eventually ducking under the fabric of her pants.
Feeling Jasper's cold touch, Bella shivered against him. Almost immediately Jasper moved his arms away from Bella. When he did he was hit by a wave of disappointment from Bella. "I may have been a little cold, but I wasn't complaining."
Chuckling at Bella, Jasper put his arms around her once again. "No, you certainly weren't." Ducking his head down, Jasper kissed Bella's temple and then her cheek.
"All right, as much as I would love to stand here holding you all day, you need to eat." Jasper said, stepping away from Bella and quickly moving around the kitchen to get her dinner and a glass of water to drink. Setting the plate and glass down on the table, Jasper pulled out a chair for Bella to sit down.
Taking the seat next to Bella, Jasper simply sat with her, just like he always did when they were home in Forks. Only when Bella's bites grew smaller and fewer and it was obvious that she was getting full did Jasper say anything. "So, what do you want to do while we're here?"
Pushing her plate away, Bella folded her arms on the table and leaned forward, closer to Jasper. "Well, you're the expert. What is there for us to do?"
"Unfortunately in the winter the options are a bit limited. I can show you around the property some more, we can head into town, or just stay inside." Jasper replied, already suspecting which one Bella would choose.
"Staying in sounds good to me." Bella chose, to which Jasper nodded and smiled.
"That's what I thought you'd say."
"Well, you do owe me a special reading of Gone with the Wind featuring some commentary." Bella replied.
Standing up, Jasper quickly disposed of Bella's dishes and then stood in front of her, his hand outstretched. Taking Jasper's hand, Bella followed him into the living room. Grabbing the book, which Bella had placed on one of the small tables in the room, Jasper lied down on the couch, leaving room for Bella to join him. Only when Bella was lying with her back against his chest, his arms around her and holding the book in front of both of them did Jasper start reading.
Over the next few hours Jasper read to Bella, occasionally stopping when he had something to add or a quick story to tell from his past. As he continued reading Jasper felt Bella's breathing and heartbeat start to even out, signaling that she was quickly falling asleep. Rather than risk waking Bella, Jasper marked where he was reading and then discarded the book. With his hands free, Jasper carefully grabbed the blanket that was on the back of the couch and draped it over Bella before wrapping his arms around her. Kissing the top of Bella's head, Jasper laid there with her all night as she slept and enjoyed a peaceful night of sleep.
The following day passed in much the same way, with Bella and Jasper staying on the couch as he read to her, with the occasional short story or conversation interrupting. The hours passed easily for the two and Jasper reveled in the feeling of contentment that was all but overwhelming him from Bella as he held her.
Hearing Bella yawn, Jasper set the book down and quickly moved off of the couch. Picking Bella up, Jasper carefully carried her upstairs into the guest room that she had slept in previously. Standing outside to give Bella a few moments privacy to get ready for bed, Jasper went back inside when he heard her call out his name.
Walking over to the bed, Jasper pulled up the blankets, tucking Bella into bed.
"Stay with me." Bella requested, her voice quiet and heavy with sleep, though she did have enough energy to reach out for Jasper's hand.
"Absolutely." Jasper replied, lying down on the bed next to Bella, wrapping his right arm around her as she draped an arm across his chest and curled against him, quickly falling asleep.
The following morning Bella woke refreshed, energized, and Jasper could swear she was smiling from the moment she got up. Seeing Bella in such a state, Jasper knew that sitting around the house reading some more would not be enough.
"I was thinking, how about we venture into town today." Jasper suggested as he started to think Bella was going to start jumping on the bed with all of her energy.
"That'll be perfect. We can pick up something for Peter and Charlotte to thank them." Bella replied.
"Bella, that's not necessary. You read the note, the best thank you we can give them is us being together." Jasper replied, though a part of his mind was already starting to think of different gift ideas.
"I know, but I want to get them something. I mean, they let us have their home for pretty much a few days, they deserve a gift. Call it a Christmas gift if that will make you happy." Bella suggested, not wanting to give in. Plus, she may have only briefly met the couple, but from that short time and what Jasper had told her Bella had a feeling Peter and Charlotte were going to be in her life for a long time and she didn't want to start the friendship off on the wrong foot.
"All right. Go shower and dress warm and comfortably. I'll wait for you downstairs." Jasper replied, standing up and just when he was about to walk out of the bedroom Bella stopped him.
"Wait, aren't you forgetting something?" Bella asked, sending Jasper an innocent smile when he turned to look at her.
Thinking for a moment, Jasper felt a wave of anticipation from Bella. Then everything fell into place. Grinning, Jasper walked back over to Bella and leaned down, capturing her lips in a slow kiss.
Breaking away when he knew Bella needed to catch her breath, Jasper smiled. "Good morning."
"Mmm, it is." Bella replied, nodding.
Chuckling, Jasper shook his head. "You're just too damn adorable to resist sometimes. Now go get ready."
"Yes sir." Bella replied with a mock salute.
"That's Major Whitlock to you!" Jasper called out once Bella shut the bathroom door behind her. When he heard Bella laugh, Jasper went into his room to quickly shower and get dressed. Once he had put on a pair of dark jeans, white t-shirt, and black v-neck sweater, Jasper put on the boots that Bella gave him for Christmas to complete the outfit. Walking downstairs, Jasper waited for Bella to join him.
A little while later Bella walked downstairs in a pair of jeans and a bright red sweater that had such a low v-neck that she had to have a tank top on underneath it. Seeing Bella in the outfit, particularly the sweater, Jasper silently thanked Alice for redoing Bella's wardrobe and packing their bags.
"Is this okay?" Bella asked, looking down at herself and a little unsure of what she was wearing.
"Okay? You look perfect." Jasper replied as he walked over to Bella, placing his hands on her hips. "Have I ever told you how great you look in red?"
Blushing a color that almost matched her sweater, Bella shook her head.
Pulling Bella closer, Jasper leaned down and captured Bella's lips in a quick kiss. Pulling away, Jasper placed a hand on the small of Bella's back and led her toward the closet. Taking out Bella's jacket, Jasper once again held it open for her. Once Bella's jacket was on, she too slid into a pair of boots and Jasper donned his own coat.
Holding his hand out for Bella, Jasper led her outside to the car and soon he was driving away from Peter and Charlotte's toward the small town that was at the bottom of the mountain. The car ride was quiet and after a little while Jasper was driving through the center of town. Parking in front of a small restaurant, Jasper got out of the car and walked around to open the door for Bella.
Taking Jasper's hand once she was out of the car, Bella walked into the restaurant with him and they sat down at the counter when they saw how busy the restaurant was.
"Hi folks. Ya passin' through or visiting?" The waitress asked after she walked up to Bella and Jasper and didn't recognize them.
"Visiting for a few days, we're staying with the Whitlock's." Jasper replied, surprising Bella when he referred to Peter and Charlotte as having his last name.
Feeling Bella's surprise, Jasper put a hand on her back and lightly rubbed it a few times, letting her know that he noticed her response.
"It's been a while since we've seen Peter or Charlotte. How are they doin'?" The waitress asked.
"Good. They went away for a few days and should be back soon." Jasper replied.
"That's good. Tell 'em we miss seein' 'em around, okay?"
"Will do."
"Now what can I get you two to eat this morning?" The waitress asked, getting back to her original purpose of speaking with Jasper and Bella.
"Mmm, I'll have the chocolate chip pancakes please and a cup of hot chocolate." Bella replied.
"And for you?" The waitress asked, turning her attention to Jasper.
"Just a cup of coffee." Jasper replied, passing his menu to the waitress.
"You sure? You're just skin and bones and breakfast is the most important meal of the day."
"He ate back at the house. Early riser." Bella said, cutting in and offering the waitress a smile.
"All right, I'll be back in a minute with your drinks." The waitress replied, nodding in response to Bella's statement.
Once the waitress was gone Bella turned her attention to Jasper. "Peter didn't hold onto his memory very well and everyone commented that we were more like brothers than friends, so when he needed a name he took mine." Jasper quickly and quietly explained to Bella.
"What about Charlotte's?" Bella asked.
"What do you mean?"
"Why couldn't they take her name?" Bella asked, rephrasing her previous question.
Sighing, Jasper looked at the counter for a moment before looking back at Bella. "I should know better than to get anything past you. It was also because they only got away because of me. Maria wanted to get rid of both of them and I couldn't let that happen. I was the one who told them to run, so this is their thank you to me."
"So even when you're going by Hale there're still Whitlock's out there." Bella commented after a moment had passed.
"Mhm." Jasper replied, nodding.
"Do you ever wish that you used your own name?" Bella asked after their drinks had arrived.
Turning to face Bella, Jasper replied. "It bothered me a lot in the beginning, but I've gotten used to it by now. But I'd be lying if I said I missed going by my last name. For me, when I grew up, your name meant a lot, it said a lot about you and where you came from and I miss that."
Taking her hand off of the counter, Bella took Jasper's hand in hers. "Then it's Major Whitlock from now on." Bella said quietly, recalling what Jasper had said to her earlier that morning.
Smiling, Jasper leaned forward and kissed Bella's cheek. "Thank you."
The two, well Bella, enjoyed a quick and quiet breakfast. After Jasper paid and left more than enough for a tip the two walked out of the restaurant and then walked down the street a little bit.
"What were you thinking of getting Charlotte?" Jasper asked Bella as they passed by some of the stores.
"The only thing that I could think of would be a nice picture frame. I saw they had a few around the house and we can leave it empty for now and when they get back take a picture of the four of us. I don't it's corny but that's the best I could come up with so far…" Bell explained, getting embarrassed as she trailed off at the end.
Wrapping his arm around Bella's waist, Jasper pulled Bella close to him. "It'll be perfect. Though it might be best to get a few different ones and you can get a few for us if you'd like too."
At that Bella smiled, recalling the picture that was taken of her, the Cullens, and Charlie on Christmas Eve.
"Want to pick 'em out together or split off here?" Jasper asked, stopping on the sidewalk. "I have to go to the opposite end of the street for Peter's gift and there's an antique shop down that way that I know Charlotte frequents."
Glancing around the small and somewhat empty town, Bella replied. "I'll start looking and you can meet me there with the car, okay?"
Offering a quick nod in response, Jasper wrapped his arms around Bella's waist and leaned down to kiss her. Bringing a hand up to cradle Jasper's cheek, Bella happily returned the kiss but moaned when he pulled away from her.
"Bella, darlin', I promise you we can continue that later, okay?"
"Okay." Bella replied, blushing a little bit.
With one last quick kiss, Jasper sent Bella off toward the antique store while he headed down the street to a shop that he knew Peter went into from time to time – a taxidermist to preserve his latest kills that he was particularly proud of.
Once he was in the shop Jasper made quick work of arranging so that Peter's next five trips to the shop would be billed to his credit card. Just as Jasper was finishing up he felt his cell phone vibrate in his pocket. With a goodbye to the shopkeeper, Jasper walked outside and pulled out his phone, seeing that Alice was calling.
"Get to Bella. Now!" Alice all but yelled once she heard Jasper answer the phone.
Running as fast as he could without causing suspicion, Jasper ran down the sidewalk toward the shop that he had told Bella to go into.
"He saw one of my visions. Edward's on his way." Alice quickly explained while Jasper ran through the town.
"When Alice?"
"I don't know who's going to reach her first." Alice quietly replied, showing just how disappointed she was in herself for not being able to be more of a help for Jasper and Bella.
Hearing that, Jasper picked up the pace a little and soon came to a stop in front of the antique store. Going inside, Jasper quickly closed the distance between Bella and himself.
"Jasper. That was quick." Bella said, surprised to see him.
"We have to go." Jasper said quickly, wrapping a protective arm around Bella's waist.
"What? Why?" Bella asked, giving Jasper her full attention.
"Edward's on his way. He may even be here already." Jasper quickly explained, to which Bella's face drained of what little color it had.
Nodding, Bella followed Jasper out of the store and the two moved as fast as possible to the car. Helping Bella inside, Jasper then ran around to the driver's side door and got in the car. Peeling out of his spot, Jasper drove out of town, bypassing the turn for Peter and Charlotte's house.
"Jasper, where are we going?" Bella asked after a little while once she was able to calm down a bit.
"I don't know. Just, away. Edward needs time to process this and I'm not letting him get near you while he does that." Jasper explained, taking his right hand off of the steering wheel and then taking Bella's hand in his.
Looking at Jasper as he drove, Bella was struck by the determination and anger that she could read on his features. With his eyes locked on the road and his jaw set, Bella saw a different side of Jasper at that moment. As much as it surprised her, it didn't scare her, because she was the reason why Jasper had retreated into his tactical mind.
Feeling Bella's eyes on him, Jasper kept his focus on the road, knowing he needed to calm down a bit before he could truly turn his attention to Bella. However, all of that tension almost disappeared when Jasper felt Bella raise his hand to her lips and kiss the cool skin on the back of his hand.
Pulling off to the side of the road, Jasper parked the car and then turned to face Bella, giving her his full attention. "I'm sorry, I just had to get you out of there, away from him."
Nodding, Bella took Jasper's hand in hers again. "I understand Jasper and thank you."
Knowing that there was more that Bella wanted to say, Jasper prodded. "But…"
"But I want to go home." Bella finished.
"Bella…" Jasper started, but Bella quickly cut him off.
"Jasper, I'm tired of being scared of Edward, of him having such a strong hold on me, us. These past months, the only times I felt okay or happy was when I was at home with you." Bella said as she reached across with her other hand and ran it through Jasper's wild hair.
"Bella, going home means facing Edward, are you sure you want to do that?" Jasper asked after a moment's pause.
Sighing, Bella nodded. "I'd rather get it done with and just face him rather than have to continue worrying about Edward. Besides, we'll have some pretty good back-up if we deal with this at home."
Chuckling lightly at Bella's attempt to lighten the moment, Jasper nodded. "All right, if that's what you want. Just prepare yourself, because I'm going to be by your side every moment until I'm sure that there won't be an issue with Edward."
Offering Jasper a reassuring smile, Bella nodded once again. "I know and I wouldn't expect any less from you."
"Good." Jasper said before leaning over and kissing Bella.
With content smiles on both of their faces, Jasper and Bella started the long trip back to Forks. As he drove Jasper's mind wandered back to the conversation with Bella and a large smile soon settled on his face.
"What's that for?" Bella asked when she noticed Jasper's expression.
"You called our house your home." Jasper replied, looking over at Bella.
Thinking for a second, Bella smiled as well. "Yes, yes I did."
At that it was Jasper's turn to take Bella's hand and kiss it, all while he pressed his foot down on the accelerator even more in an effort to get home that much quicker.
In the early morning hours Jasper reached the familiar streets of Forks and was soon driving down the winding driveway that led to the Cullen home. By the time he was parked in front of the house the rest of the Cullens were outside waiting for them.
Nodding to everyone, Jasper quickly moved to the passenger side and carefully pulled Bella out of the car so as not to disturb her as she slept. Moving as quickly as he could without waking Bella, Jasper carried her into the house and upstairs to her room. Walking into the room, Jasper stopped.
Since Alice had seen the decision to return home, a dim lamp was on in the corner, lighting up the room and revealing that the Cullens had moved Jasper's things into Bella's room while they were away. Smiling at the gesture, Jasper carried Bella over to the bed, which was already turned down, and placed her on it before tucking her in.
Once Bella was in bed Jasper walked over to the sitting area and took his usual seat. Just after he settled in and focused his gaze on Bella Jasper heard light footsteps. Looking over to the doorway, Jasper saw Carlisle and Esme. Waving them in, Jasper was not too surprised to see Alice, Rosalie, and Emmett follow the other two inside of Bella's room.
"Speak quietly or quickly. If any of you wake Bella I'll be ticked." Jasper said, to which everyone nodded in response.
"So, you and Bella." Emmett said with a grin which earned him an elbow to the side from Rosalie.
"Yes." Jasper replied, smiling a little bit.
"I speak for all of us when I say that I'm happy for you two." Esme said, stepping forward and hugging Jasper.
"Thanks."
When no one said anything for a few moments, Jasper broke the silence. "Bella wanted to face things with Edward here, at home, with all of you. Carlisle, Esme, I know this places you two in a difficult position, but she wants and needs this issue to be out of her life. I'll do what it takes to make sure that happens."
"We know you will son, and we'll support you. Our only request is that everyone keeps in mind that Edward is a part of this family and deserves to be treated as such. So Jasper, Emmett, at least try to resolve this rationally first, please." Carlisle said, focusing his gaze on his two sons.
"I will. Did you make any progress with Edward while we were away?" Jasper asked, wanting to gather as much information about Edward and his state of mind as possible.
"Some, but I'm afraid that that was negated by the visions that he saw." Carlisle replied.
"I'm sorry. I tried to block them from him, but there were so many and God, you two were so happy it was nice to see that." Alice explained as she almost begged for Jasper's forgiveness.
"It's okay Alice, Bella and I understand. All we ask is that we can count on you, all of you. I want this to be as easy as possible for Bella."
"So do we." Rosalie said. "We'll take care of her, don't worry Jasper."
"Thank you."
"All right, we'll give you some space. Have a good night." Esme said, giving Jasper one last hug before she ushered everyone out of the room.
Once everyone was gone Jasper opted to not return to his seat, but to lay down on the bed next to Bella. Carefully wrapping his arms around Bella, Jasper held her as she slept, occasionally sending her waves of calm in order to guarantee that she slept peacefully throughout the night.