Thanks for all the reviews! I had a hard time getting this chapter to flow without making it too long, so hopefully it works for everyone. If not, it will get better soon. Lol ;-)
.
All characters from the Twilight Saga belong to Stephenie Meyer.
I am only having a bit of fun and do not own or profit from any of
the characters/story.
.
-----
Delivered
Chapter 21
-----
.
It didn't take long for the three of us to realize that Carlisle and Esme weren't angry with us. Carlisle was anxious to make sure we hadn't killed Jayson, but their anger was mostly a result of what Jayson had done to Bella.
We quickly assured them that Jayson was alive, only to have Esme glare at us. I glanced over at Emmett and almost laughed before I realized I probably looked the same way. He looked like a five year old waiting to be punished, squirming around and shifting from one foot to the other as he avoided Esme's eyes.
"First off, all three of you are going to promise me that you aren't going to act rashly in the future." Esme looked at each one of us briefly before letting her eyes bore through mine. "We are a family and we make decisions together as a family. You should have waited until we were all able to discuss the situation together. I was worried sick that something would happen."
I immediately knew that when Esme said 'something' she was talking about my control, or lack there of. I also knew that she wasn't worried about Jayson's wellbeing, she was worried about mine. Esme knew me well enough to understand that even though I hate Jayson, to kill him would have made a huge dent in the progress I've made all these years. It also would have, without a doubt, damaged my relationship with Bella.
"Don't get me wrong," Esme continued. "While I am relieved that you didn't kill him, the girls told us what happened to Bella. Nothing excuses that behavior. So, please tell me that you at least taught him a lesson."
"Esme!" Carlisle exclaimed. I'm not sure why he was so surprised though. The wrath of Esme when her family is threatened shouldn't be taken lightly.
Esme went to Carlisle's side and took his hand. "Carlisle, I know you feel strongly about not using violence to get a point across, but look at her and tell me how you feel about what happened to Our Bella."
I was deeply touched to hear Esme refer to Bella this way, and to see Esme protecting her as if Bella had always been her daughter. Carlisle's eyes fell on Bella's face, and she of course blushed. Carlisle smiled and his features momentarily softened as he looked at her. I could easily feel the strong, protective love that he already felt for Bella.
As I watched, I felt Carlisle's emotions change abruptly and saw his face harden as his eyes grew noticeably darker. Carlisle wrenched his head back to Esme, and I was surprised to see his lip curling back slightly over his teeth. It was rare for Carlisle to actually look like a vampire, and it usually only happened when his family had been threatened.
Carlisle was growling softly as Esme patted his arm in a soothing fashion. "Exactly, my wonderful husband, exactly. Bella is one of us now, a part that we didn't know we were missing until we had her. A part we would already die to protect…and one we would kill for if necessary."
We all turned our heads when we heard Bella sniff quietly. Rose had her arm wrapped around her, and Bella's head was on Rose's shoulder with her watery eyes on Carlisle and Esme.
"Thank you." Bella whispered, not needing to say more than that for us all to understand how much she appreciated Esme's and Carlisle's obvious feelings toward her.
Esme quickly went to Bella and kissed the top of her head while brushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear. Bella smiled up at her and I could feel the love coming from both of them.
Edward, Emmett and I all quickly promised that the next time a big decision needed to be made, no action would be taken until the entire family had a chance to give an opinion. This was of course unless there was an emergency that couldn't wait.
Carlisle finally asked what I'd been waiting to hear since we'd returned. "What exactly did you do to him, Jasper?" Although he was still concerned, I could also feel the sense of justice he was experiencing. Carlisle knew that Jayson had it coming.
"I promise there was no lasting damage done, Carlisle. But yes, Esme, he was taught a lesson. No blood was spilled and only a minimum amount of bones were broken." I heard Bella gasp behind me.
I whirled around and quickly went to Bella, kneeling down in front of her and pulling her hand away from her mouth. "I kept my promise Darlin, but you knew Jayson wasn't going to walk away unharmed. Right?"
Bella barely nodded and I felt a slight prickling of irritation growing inside me. I sighed in frustration at her reaction.
"Bella, why is it that when Charlotte and Peter killed those men in the alley, it didn't bother you, but when I break a few bones to ensure an asshole doesn't hurt you or anyone else again, you're upset?" I tried to keep my tone even, but Bella could tell I was aggravated.
I watched, already feeling a bit guilty, as Bella hung her head in remorse. "I'm sorry Jasper, you're right." Bella whispered. "I suppose I just worry about your heart a little more than I do Peter's and Charlotte's. I'm not saying it makes sense, and to be honest I hadn't made the comparison until now." Bella looked back up and placed her hand on my cheek.
"I really am sorry, Jasper. I think that even though I knew Jayson couldn't hurt you, I was still worried about what would happen if you got caught or he went to the police. I was upset that I was causing issues for your family. It wasn't because I doubt you or think less of you than Peter and Charlotte. It's just the opposite really."
Emmett snorted loudly. "You didn't cause issues for us Bella. We take care of our own, and if anything I should be thanking you. Screwing with that fucker was the most fun I've had in weeks!"
"Emmett!" Esme and Rosalie chided in unison. I knew that if Emmett would have been closer to either one of them he'd have just gotten a double smack to the head. Bella grinned at Emmett though and I could feel that she appreciated his humor. After a moment of silence, Bella continued.
"And Jasper, once I was coherent enough to understand what had happened with Peter and Charlotte, I did feel bad that those men had died on my account. But yes, I was relieved at the time." Bella laughed weakly. "I never claimed to be normal."
Emmett snorted again, but he amazingly managed to keep his mouth shut when I flashed a warning look at him.
"No, you aren't normal, Darlin. You're wonderful." I leaned forward and kissed Bella's forehead, all my irritation melting away like it had never existed. "I know this is new, Bella. I'm sorry too. I think I overreacted a bit. How about we just let this whole day stay in the past? Consider it done and over?"
Bella smiled and I turned into her hand that was still on my cheek and kissed her palm. I would be glad to forget about this day, though I couldn't stop the wonderful crunching sound of Jayson's bones replaying in my head from time to time. That was too good to forget this soon.
"Jasper?" Bella yawned, and I realized how exhausted she was. This had been an extremely emotional day, and it was already past midnight. I stood and pulled Bella up from the couch.
"Darlin I'm guessing you're ready to go to bed?" I asked, touching my finger to the tip of her nose. I was looking forward to laying down with Bella tonight. I wanted to spend some time with her away from my family before I left to hunt…even if Bella was asleep.
Bella nodded. She yawned again and stretched against my body, earning a round of chuckles from the rest of my family. Bella blushed, but seemed to be trying to ignore her audience as she threaded her fingers with mine.
"G'night everyone." Bella called as we made our way to the stairs. When we reached the bottom I didn't hesitate in scooping her into my arms and dashing up to the bedroom.
I set Bella carefully on her feet and waited a moment before letting go, to make sure she had her balance. Bella smiled shyly at me before ducking into the en suite bathroom.
While I waited for her, I stretched out on the bed and listened to Bella's bedtime routine. I closed my eyes and could almost see her as she moved about; washing her face, brushing her hair and teeth. I smiled at her attempt to disguise a trip to the restroom by leaving the water running. Silly, amazing girl.
I heard Bella's feet shuffle around and I knew she would be done soon. By the time the water finally turned off, I was so relaxed I almost felt like I could have fallen asleep. I kept my eyes closed as I listened to Bella come back into the bedroom and make her way to the bed where her pajamas where waiting.
I expected her to take them back into the bathroom with her, but she hesitated. She was feeling determined, and out of curiosity I opened my eyes.
.
*****
BPOV
*****
.
It was late but the entire time I was getting ready for bed, I was forcing myself to stay alert. Jasper hadn't talked about my shopping trip since he got back and I wanted to beat him to it. I had a feeling that if I brought it up first I might have a better chance at convincing him than if I waited for Jasper to have time to consider all the reasons I shouldn't go.
I walked out into the bedroom and couldn't take my eyes off of Jasper when I saw him lying on the bed. I was certain that if he wasn't going hunting, I would have absolutely no desire to leave him in order to shop with my new friends. Jasper looked so peaceful that if I didn't know better I would have thought he was asleep.
I desperately wanted to kiss him, and as I reached my pajamas I had an idea. I didn't know if I would have the nerve to see it through, or even if it would work, but it was worth a shot.
I stood by the side of the bed just watching Jasper and waiting for him to look at me. When his eyes finally opened and slowly met mine, my heart stuttered and I wasn't sure I would be able to keep going. I took a deep breath and gave myself a silent pep talk before looking back to meet Jasper's gaze.
"Jasper, you know that I trust you right?" I asked in a soft voice, knowing that he would instantly misunderstand my intentions.
I was right. He looked at me cautiously before answering. "Bella, I know you trust me but that doesn't change that we have to wait."
And amazingly, I was actually counting on that response. If Jasper wasn't willing to take the risk of making love to me…yet, I could at least try to use all the sexual tension we'd built up to my advantage.
"No, Jazz, that isn't what I meant." I looked at him and worked to keep my voice low and even. "I trust you, Jasper."
"Okay." He answered, still suspicious. "I know without a doubt that you trust me, Darlin."
"Do you trust me, Jasper?" As I asked him this, I pushed the pajama pants and t-shirt further away from me but kept my eyes on him. Jasper pulled himself up so he was leaning back against the headboard. He looked at me with his eyebrows furrowed.
"What are you up to, Bella? Of course I trust you." Jasper was watching me closely and I knew it was now or never. I couldn't keep up the courage this would take for much longer.
I brought my hands to the hem of my shirt, took a deep breath and before I could talk myself out of it, pulled it over my head in one swift motion.
I looked down at the floor briefly, conjuring up another burst of courage as I was now standing in only my jeans and a simple beige, cotton and lace bra. I hadn't been planning this little show and would have to work with what I had on.
I slowly raised my head and gave Jasper what I hoped was a seductive smile. As my eyes met his though, my smile faltered slightly. Jasper's eyes had gone completely black and his hands were fisted around the blankets on either side of him. Jasper was breathing heavily as he looked over my body. He looked like he was having to hold himself to the bed.
I fought the urge to cover myself up and strained to maintain some semblance of self confidence. I knew Jasper was looking at me that way because he liked what he saw, and whether I understood why or not, doubting myself would ruin everything before I could even start.
I waited until Jasper brought his eyes back to mine, and this time my smile wasn't forced. He looked at me with so much love that it made my heart ache. I almost abandoned my plan, but I had already come so far. Besides, it could be fun.
I brushed my hand across my stomach, around the bottom of my ribs and then trailed my fingers up my arm. The entire time I maintained eye contact with Jasper, and though he didn't look away I knew he could see every move I made.
I again worked to keep my voice low, tilted my head slightly and dropped my hand back down to my stomach. "Jazz, if you trust me, do you trust me enough to let me go shopping tomorrow without putting up a fight?"
I watched as his eyes hardened slightly and his jaw clenched, but as Jasper took a breath to respond, I quickly pushed the button to my jeans open. I slid down the zipper and let them fall to the floor before stepping out of them.
I was left standing in my bra and navy colored boy short style underwear. Instead of telling me I couldn't go, Jasper simply sat there clutching the blankets even tighter with his mouth hanging open.
'So far, so good!' I thought to myself.
I giggled a little, suddenly feeling drunk with power and finally not having to fake the confidence. Jasper wanted me as much as I wanted him. His reactions were proving that point, especially as I watched him shift his lower body uncomfortably on the bed.
My smile widened into a mischievous grin as I put one knee on the bed and leaned toward him, just close enough so I could place two fingers under Jasper's chin and close his mouth.
I then continued to maintain eye contact with him as I brought my other knee onto the bed and slowly crawled over to him. I placed one hand on Jasper's hip to help keep my balance as I leaned up to his ear.
"It's just one little trip to the mall, Jazz. I'll stay with Ang and Jess the whole time. I would be most appreciative if you would trust me enough to let me go." As I spoke with my mouth pressed against Jasper's ear, I let my hand move from his hip, up under his shirt to rest on his chest.
I could feel Jasper's purr under the hand I had on his chest before I could hear it. I kissed down the side of his neck to his shoulder and moved the hand on his chest down to his side, below his ribs. I walked my fingers across his cold, hard skin until I was circling Jasper's navel. I kissed and nipped my way back to his ear and in a breathy whisper asked him "Please?"
Jasper growled out a frustrated "Damn it" and before I knew it I was flipped onto my back and Jasper was hovering above me, now missing his own shirt. His knees were on either side of my hips and his hands were next to my head before he slid them further up the bed and under my pillow until he was resting on his arms above me. I then felt his legs straighten out until they were stretched out next to my own legs.
When Jasper was situated, his mouth was only inches from mine and I could feel every detail of his body as he pressed into me. Every detail.
My eyes wanted to roll back into my head as a response to having his cold body molded to mine, but I fought to keep them open and on Jasper's. I watched as he made his way to my own ear, and though I knew I was holding my breath I couldn't seem to make my lungs work.
"You're fightin' dirty, Darlin." Jasper's low, husky voice breathed into my ear. "Very, very dirty."
Jasper's hips pressed more firmly into mine and I tried desperately not to think about what I was feeling. I finally let out the breath I'd been holding as both of us groaned in frustration. Jasper's head dropped down onto the pillow I was laying on, and he pressed the side of his face into my neck.
We laid there for several minutes, just enjoying the feeling of finally having our skin touching at so many points. I had my arms wrapped around Jasper's chest, with my hands running up and down his back. I forced myself not to forget the whole reason I had started this, and when I was finally able to speak, I was clearly out of breath.
"Jasper, can I please go? I know that you realize I'm an adult and that I don't need your permission." I felt the muscles of Jasper's back tighten so I quickly continued before I could get him angry.
"But I love you and respect you enough that I won't enjoy shopping and getting to know my new friends if I know you don't approve. Will you please trust me enough to go? I promise that we will stay in a group and I'll probably get back before you and Emmett do." I was surprised how at clear my voice sounded under the circumstances.
Jasper sighed and turned his head to kiss my cheek. He didn't stop there though, and continued until his lips were pressed against the corner of my mouth when he responded. "If you promise to be safe and to stay in a group, you can go and I won't put up a fight."
I started to thank him, but he pushed back to look into my eyes and continued.
"But, if I get back from hunting to find you in any condition other than the one I'm leaving you in…" Jasper leaned down and kissed me, hard. I was out of breath again by the time he broke the kiss and looked back into my eyes with a fierce expression. "Any condition at all that's less than how you are now, and you my precious Isabella, you will be in somuch trouble. Got it?"
I swallowed loudly, knowing he was completely serious. I looked back at Jasper for a minute until I could smile genuinely and then I nodded. "Thank you, Jazz."
"I love you, Bella." Jasper responded as his lips crashed back onto mine.
.
*****
.
When I woke up in the morning, I instantly blushed when I realized I was still only wearing my bra and underwear. If I hadn't been so tired last night I think our practice session would have gone to the next level. I blushed again, and then I shivered with pleasure as my hand went to my lips.
Jasper didn't kiss me for very long after I got him to agree to shopping, but it was very thorough and my lips were slightly sore. They didn't actually hurt; it was more of a delicious tenderness that reminded me of every move Jasper had made above me last night.
We had finally broken apart when Emmett banged on the door. Rosalie had gone hunting with Edward, and Emmett was bored and ready for his own hunting trip to start. Jasper agreed to stay with me a few more minutes but then I must have fallen asleep because I don't remember him leaving.
I also don't remember dreaming last night, but that isn't so unusual since Jasper has been staying with me. However it is rare for when I'm sleeping alone. It was good though because I hadn't gotten much sleep from going to bed so late, and I felt surprisingly rested.
I spent the late morning talking with Esme and enjoying her company. Esme was so sweet to me, and I felt even closer to her after she had shown how protective of me she was the night before. Esme made chocolate chip pancakes for me, and even agreed to let me plant some vegetables in her garden.
When it was finally time for me to leave, both Esme and Carlisle hugged me and made me promise to be careful. Carlisle triple checked my phone to ensure it was working and that I had all their numbers programmed correctly. Esme fussed over my hair, but not the way Alice would have. It was endearing and not at all annoying.
Carlisle tried to sneak several large bills into my pocket when he hugged me, and he would have gotten away with it but it was the same pocket with my keys. When I grabbed my keys I found the money and made him take it back. I could tell Carlisle was disappointed, but I didn't relent. Being spoiled on special occasions was one thing, but being spoiled unnecessarily on a normal day was another issue entirely.
I got out to the garage and walked slowly around my BMW. It really was beautiful and I was honestly more excited about driving my car than I was about shopping. I made it back to the driver's side and barely had to use any pressure at all to get the door to swing open. My car was obviously just as anxious to see me. We had been apart for way too long.
I slid onto the leather seat and marveled at the buttery soft feel of the material. I inhaled deeply, pulling the rich aroma into my lungs, and loving it. I could feel my heart rate increase as I turned the key in the ignition and the engine purred to life. Purring had become my favorite sound as of late, and not just from my car.
With my mind filled with thoughts of Jasper and my body enjoying how my car reacted to me like it could read my every move, I made my way to pick up my new friends.
Picking up Angela and then Jessica had been uneventful. They were both impressed with my car, and I really enjoyed finally being able to show her off. I tried to keep my speed reasonable, but it was a challenge because the ride was so smooth it barely felt like we were moving.
She, my car that is, hugged the tight curves of the road and every time I got the chance I picked up my speed just a little bit. I had never really been a car person, but 'my baby' had completely changed that.
"It really is a tight car, Bella." Jessica admired. "She needs a name."
Angela and I laughed with Jessica as we tried to come up with a suitable name. Jessica thought it should be 'Speedy McDreamy' but I scoffed at that idea. That sounded like a guy's name, and my car was totally a chick. Angela suggested 'Betty' and it seemed to fit.
"Okay, I'll try out Betty for awhile and see if it works." I lovingly ran my hand over the steering wheel and found I was disappointed that we were pulling into the mall. I needed to find a way to talk Carlisle and Jasper into letting me drive 'Betty' to school.
Shopping was surprisingly fun…at first. I had found several items that I liked and I was thoroughly enjoying getting to know Angela and Jessica away from school. Ang was just as sweet as I already knew she was, and I had much more in common with Jessica than I originally thought.
We were walking down the center of the mall when I heard Angela mutter an "Oh crap."
My head shot up and I immediately understood her reaction. Lauren. Crap was right. Freaking craptastic. I started thinking about what had happened last night with her step-brother. I still didn't know exactly what Jasper, Edward and Emmett had done to Jayson, but whatever it was I hoped Lauren didn't know either.
There were several girls that I recognized from school with Lauren. Two of them were literally hanging on Lauren's arms and they all seemed to be looking at her with jealous awe. I quickly scanned the area around us and sighed in relief when I didn't see Jayson anywhere.
It was obvious that the girls had seen us and were making their way closer. Jessica swore under her breath. "Let's try to get away as soon as possible. Make an excuse or something." Jessica whispered so only Angela and I could hear.
I totally agreed and didn't want this conversation to last longer than necessary. I took a deep, hopefully calming breath as Lauren and her friends closed the distance between us.
"Imagine seeing you three here today." Lauren almost sounded friendly, and that had me on my guard faster than if she had been snotty. "Shopping?" She asked.
"No Lauren, we're scouting out places for the prom." Jessica mocked. "Of course we're shopping."
Lauren didn't miss a beat, pretending to ignore Jessica's obvious sarcasm. "We're shopping too. I needed some things before our move." Lauren broke off and looked at us expectantly, obviously wanting us to ask for more information.
We all stood quietly and waited. It didn't take long before Lauren sighed and one of the girls next to her explained.
"Lauren is moving to Texas! Her brother's friend died and they inherited a big, expensive home." The girl crooned.
Moving? Lauren was leaving? I wouldn't let myself get my hopes up until I knew for sure what was happening.
"Texas?" Jessica exclaimed. "What the hell is in Texas?"
Lauren rolled her eyes and impatiently explained. "Weren't you listening Jessica? We inherited a house! A whole house, and land and even a bunch of money." Lauren looked pleased at the envious looks coming from her friends.
"Wow." Angela offered half heartedly. "When are you moving?"
Lauren frowned slightly. "Well, that was the one problem. If we want to accept the house, we have to be there soon. My brother and mom didn't want to miss the opportunity so we're actually leaving tomorrow. My mom hired someone to pack up the house for us, so we're driving out in the morning."
"Wow." Angela said again with much more enthusiasm.
"That's great, Lauren." I tried to sound genuine but I was really just glad she was leaving. For half a second I wondered if Jasper had anything to do with this. No, if he wanted Jayson to disappear he would have done it much differently. Jasper wouldn't have given them property and money. Would he?
"Well, congrats again, Lauren. I'm not going to pretend that I'm sorry to see you go. After all you've done everything you can to try and make my life miserable." I leveled my eyes at the blond and watched her flush with anger. "But, I will wish you and your family a safe trip and the best of luck."
Jessica and Angela gave similar goodbyes, and then we turned to walk away. I couldn't stop the smile on my face when I thought about never having to see Lauren again. Before I could dive too deeply into my Lauren free daydream, I was pulled back by her grating voice.
"Oh Bell-la. Don't leave so soon! I thought since I will hopefully never see you again that you would finally admit to me that you know who I am." Lauren called me back, taunting me.
I just stared at Lauren with a blank look on my face. All the times that she had hinted at our past came flooding back into my head. I was trying so hard to remember where I may have met her, but I couldn't seem to place it.
"Oh come on. Don't play games with me, Bella." Lauren actually said my name correctly for the first time, and it was that more than anything that alerted me to her mood. She was upset.
"Lauren, I swear to you that I don't remember meeting you before. I spent a lot of time in Forks when I was really little, but after that it was only a couple times a year. Why would I claim not to know you if I really did? It makes no sense."
"Why? Because you know what you did to my family, and I know you get off on it. Admit it!" Lauren's voice suddenly dropped to almost a whisper. "Please tell me you know. Please just admit it."
I sighed out of frustration. I wished I could answer in the affirmative. Even if I didn't like Lauren, even if she had been cruel to me and even though her step brother was a royal jerk of a stalker, I couldn't help but feel the tug on my heart at the depression in her voice.
It wasn't two seconds later when the venom was back in Lauren's voice at full tilt, effectively erasing any warm fuzzies I may have been feeling. "You are the biggest bitch I have ever met. People say I'm a bitch, but at least I own it. You…you pretend to be all sweet and perfect with your god of a boyfriend, but really you're just a vindictive, cold hearted monster who would have been better off dying with your traitor of a dad!"
The only words of Lauren's that I was able to immediately register were the last four out of her mouth. It was enough though, and I didn't even think twice about what I was doing. I threw my bag to the ground, stepped over it and then with all my strength pulled back and slapped Lauren across the face. Hard.
Her head jerked to the side and she gasped in shock and pain at the same time her hand flew up to her face, covering the white hand print that was clearly visible. My hand was throbbing with prickly hot pain, but I didn't notice for long. I glared at Lauren with everything I had in me, and told her exactly what I thought.
"You selfish, spoiled, little brat. What on earth makes you think I am so bored with my life that I would get a kick out of continuing to lie to you about something so dumb? I don't fucking know you, Lauren. The first time I remember seeing you was when you were sitting on the bench in the mall the Saturday before I started school. When will you get it? I don't care." I noticed that several people were watching us with concern and I tried to lower my voice without much success.
"If you have something you want to say to me, then grow a pair and say it! Quit wasting my time with all this bullshit of 'oh, you know this' or 'oh stop playing games'." I took a deep breath and continued without letting Lauren interrupt.
"So Lauh-ren, YOU stop the fucking games because it isn't funny. Now. I will ask you one more time, and if you don't want to answer that's fine with me. I will happily turn around, walk away and never see you again." I leveled my eyes at Lauren who still had her hand to her face, her own eyes full of hate.
"Remember, Lauren. This is it. One last time. What the hell is your problem with me?" I was breathing heavily as waited for Lauren's reaction.
Lauren finally dropped her hand and I noticed the handprint had turned into a splotchy red area covering her entire cheek. There was a sick part of me that was very proud of my accomplishment and I quickly glanced to Angela and Jessica to make sure they were still here. They were, and they were looking incredibly shocked.
Lauren told her friends to wait and then motioned to a hallway that was located between two stores and led to the back entrance of several other stores. She turned, expecting me to follow, and I did after making sure Jessica and Angela were coming with me.
"Sorry about this." I whispered to them both. Angela looked sympathetic and was about to whisper something back when Jessica cut in.
"Sorry? Are you serious? This is the best shit I've seen in years. I'm surprised you didn't break your hand."
I laughed lightly as I watched Lauren turn the corner. I quickly looked at the two girls with me. "I don't know what she's going to say or do, but just let her get it out. Stay here with me though because I don't trust her or her family enough to go anywhere with her alone. When she's done with whatever it is she wants to say we can go grab a bite to eat. Yes?"
They both nodded, but Angela squeezed my shoulder. I took this as an encouragement and brought my hand up to my shoulder to cover hers. "Thanks, Ang." I turned back to where Lauren had disappeared and sighed. "Let's go get this over with."
As soon as I turned the corner I noticed two things. The first was a large green exit sign leading outside that I assumed was an employee exit. I'm not sure why I noticed this though as the second thing I saw was Lauren's hand grabbing my shirt and slamming me into the wall. Her face was just a few inches from mine and she was breathing heavily.
I glanced over her shoulder with what I hoped was a reassuring look at Jessica and Angela who didn't seem to know what to do. They could help pull Lauren off if she got more physical but I still felt like I was in control and I would deal with just about anything to have this ridiculous situation finished once and for all.
I looked back to see Lauren's eyes were closed, but she was still breathing heavily only a few inches away from me. For a moment I felt like I was channeling Emmett and thought about how funny it would be to just lean forward a little bit and plant a kiss on
Lauren's mouth. I might have done it, but knew that move, though highly entertaining, would only draw this out longer.
So I waited.
After a few moments Lauren seemed to grip my shirt tighter and pushed me back against the wall more firmly.
"It was all your fault." Lauren finally stated, her eyes finally opening. "Everything bad that has happened to my family, and there has been a lot, was all your fault."
I wanted to ask what she was talking about but I was determined to stay quiet through the entire thing. If she said anything that actually made sense I might try to defend myself, but for now she wasn't making much sense at all.
"It was just a little argument. My dad and my uncle fought all the time. My dad had a knife out, but he was only trying to make a point. He wouldn't have actually hurt anybody. Then your snoop of a dad had to stick his nose into our family's business and he arrested both of them. It was the third strike for my dad and he was sent to prison. He's still there because every time his parole hearing comes up something happens and he gets denied." Lauren took a deep shuddering breath before continuing.
"If my dad wouldn't have gone away, my mom wouldn't have gotten remarried to that asshole. He's gone now too, leaving us to deal with Jayson all the time. And none of that would have ever happened if your dad would have just kept out of it. Family business shouldn't be a police matter." Lauren looked away, and seemed to be trying to regulate her breathing.
What the hell was she talking about?!
When Lauren looked back at me, she was shaking her head and glaring. "And there you were, every time you'd come to town you were treated like the long lost heir of the Forks throne. It makes me sick. You make me sick, Bella. You have had this perfect life where everybody loves you and you've never had to work a hard day in your life, and now with Jasper you'll never have to."
Lauren took another breath and looked me in the eye for a full minute before speaking one final thing to me through her gritted teeth. "I have always and will always hate you and your family, Isabella Swan"
There were silent tears trailing down Lauren's face, and while I felt sorry for her I couldn't believe she was blaming all of her problems on my dad for doing his job. The same job that killed him. Hell, at least Lauren had a dad. I still didn't say anything but the hatred in her eyes was staggering.
While I suppose I could understand that I was the easiest person to blame, I wasn't going to defend something that shouldn't need to be defended. I still wanted to get this over with and go on my way, compassion or not. This was just messed up.
I thought Lauren would start to scream again when I didn't respond to her, but instead I watched as she let go of my shirt, turned and slowly walked out the same exit door I had noticed earlier.
I knew there was nothing I could say to change things between me and Lauren. None of it made much sense to me. It was best just to stay out of it and hope that she would be able to move on now that she'd been able to get it off her chest.
It was probably cruel of me, but I couldn't see anything I could do to help and I couldn't seem to compel myself to find something. This wasn't my fault and I wouldn't let her make me feel guilty for it. Perhaps this move to Texas would be good for her whole family.
Angela and Jessica were following me out of the hallway. They weren't talking as I'm sure they understood I needed to process everything that just happened. I had expected to find Lauren's friends still waiting when we got back to the main part of the mall, but I couldn't see them anywhere.
I sighed and then felt a hand on my shoulder, turning to see Angela's concerned face. "Are you okay, Bells? You know that none of that stuff was your fault right? Lauren just needed someone to blame."
I smiled at both of them reassuringly. "I know. I actually feel a little guilty that I don't feel worse for Lauren, but I know that none of that stuff was my fault. Some of her words still stung a bit though."
Jessica giggled a little and my first thought was that it was a little inappropriate. I raised an eyebrow at her in question. "It's just that whole thing was ridiculous." Jessica laughed louder now, and before I knew it I was laughing too. Angela snorted a little and then joined us.
It took several minutes for us to control our laughter but we eventually sobered up enough to talk. "That was seriously one of the most messed up speeches I've ever heard." Jessica said.
"I know." Angela agreed. "I do feel badly for her though. It sounds like she's had it pretty rough. I shouldn't have laughed like that."
I reached out and gave Angela a half hug. "I don't think we were laughing at Lauren, Ang. It was just one of those things where all the tension builds up and it has to be released. I think it was more laughing at the situation. Don't feel bad, please." Angela nodded with a small smile that I returned.
"And thank you both for staying with me. I'm sorry that got so weird." I shook my head still trying to process everything that had happened over the last 30 minutes or so.
"That's what friends are for." Jessica assured me. "Now, enough with all this psychological analogy crap. Let's forget about the messed up stuff for a little bit and just go celebrate that our school will now be a Lauren Free Zone!" Jessica clapped me on the back gently.
"Sounds like a plan!
We decided to go to T.G.I Friday's that was located at the other end of the mall, and continued talked as we walked to the restaurant. Jessica was snickering again and I rolled my eyes. "What?" I asked.
"How's your hand, Rocky?" Jessica laughed again and Lauren smiled at me warmly.
I made a fist a few times, testing to see if it still hurt. I smiled back at them and said, "Good as new."
"I'm glad it doesn't hurt, but even if it did that was so worth it!" Jessica mused.
"Totally worth it." I agreed, once again feeling that somewhat sick pleasure. To top it off, not only had I finally gotten to speak my mind to Lauren, but I also wouldn't have to deal with her again.
I had made some good human friends, had completely fallen in love with my new family and knew that I would get to keep Jasper forever. I missed Peter and Charlotte, but I could honestly say that life was definitely looking up.
.
***********
.
Thanks again for all the reviews and alerts! I know a lot of people were expecting a big blow up with Carlisle and Esme but I just can't see them that way. First and foremost they care about their family so hopefully not too many of you are disappointed. There will be plenty of confrontations in the future though! :-)
Chapter 22 will be up this weekend. Thank you again for all your support!
-Jules