Chapter Twenty One

Bella

It was sad leaving Charlie the next day, he looked so lonely standing there on the porch all alone and we waved until we were out of sight. As we left the town I saw wolves in the trees that fringed the road, making sure we were leaving or waiting for us to pick up Jasper? I wasn't sure but they were out of luck anyway. We had agreed to meet up with Peter and Jazz about ten miles out of Forks well away from the wolves and any trouble they might try to cause. When I saw their truck I heaved a sigh of relief, Jasper would be close now and I wouldn't have to leave him except to work. I introduced Fran to the others and she didn't seem too worried that they too were vampires and human hunters to boot. In fact she offered to travel with them so Jazz and I could have some time to ourselves. Peter thought this was a really good idea and I wasn't sure why,

"Bella, you don't say much so I intend to pump your friend unmercifully until I know all about you"

"You can try Drac"

He laughed at her nickname for him and we watched as they drove off leaving us alone, sitting in my car. I started the engine and pulled onto the highway following the truck which was fast disappearing into the distance.

Jasper

It was relaxing travelling with Bella, especially as she stretched her hand across to grip mine and I saw the ring back in place. I touched it,

"So you'll tell people at work that you're engaged?"

"Yes, that way they wont wonder why I'm moving out and living with you."

"Are you sure about this? The whole living together bit, plus the thought of Peter and Charlotte living with us. You've had a taste of him, do you think you can put up with it all the time?"

"Sure, if he starts I'll just swing my tire iron."

"It seems I'm engaged to a real spitfire. You know Bella I find new things in you every day. I know you don't want to talk about Edward or the family but you are a different person these days. Not like the girl I used to see with my brother. What happened to the quiet little mouse?"

"She learned that the world could be harsh and painful and vowed never to fall in love again and then..."

"And then?"

"And then she was swept off her feet by a mysterious man who sent her gifts. A man who wanted to see her smile again."

"And she is smiling again. The smile suits her far better than the sad face he saw her wearing for so long. Anyway how long are we going to wait before we tell Charlie and Renee?"

"Oh God I'd forgotten we had to tell her. Mum is so anti young people getting married. I just know we'll get a two hour lecture at least."

"Well you have to tell her but maybe I can dazzle her, chop at least an hour off the lecture? Or we could send Peter in ahead?"

"Sounds good to me"

"Which?"

"Both."

I laughed at that and she smiled and touched my face,

"It's good to see a smile on your face too, you always looked so sad, so thoughtful. I was scared of you."

I looked at her puzzled,

"If you were scared of me before, why not now?"

"I wasn't scared of the fact you were a vampire, I was scared I couldn't work you out. I could never see you and Alice working, but you both seemed happy enough...Can I ask you something?"

"Of course, you can ask me anything Bella"

"Why did you let the others portray, even react as if you were so unpredictable, so dangerous?"

"Alice preferred to think she was the one thing that kept me grounded, it helped her. Alice was a very vulnerable person with no idea of where she came from. The fun and bubbly persona was just that, a shield, a mask. But I think you saw that or at least suspected it didn't you?"

"I guess I thought there was more to her than I saw. What do you think she'll say when she hears about us?"

"She'll be happy that we are happy. As for the others...well Esme and Carlisle, I hope they will be happy for us."

"And Rose and Emmett?"

"I don't know Bella. I'm not sure Emmett will ever forgive me for my actions on your birthday."

"I have, wont that make any difference?"

"Who knows"

We drove in silence for a while after that still holding hands and I realized I was content with that. Just being close to Bella was comforting and I suddenly realized something else. Since I was changed by Maria all those years ago I had never been at peace, even when I was with Alice and really thought she was my mate, something she didn't disabuse me of for years, the beast inside me had kept up a clamour in my head. He wanted blood, pain, chaos, war, and at times I could hardly hear above his screams, shut him out enough to function but the clamour had stopped. I couldn't hear him at all, Bella had quieted him at last. She was the one I wanted, the one I needed to be a man and not a beast.

"Bella"

"Jasper"

We spoke together and I gestured for her to go first,

"I'm not sure we're doing the right thing."

My fists clenched with tension,

"How do you mean?"

She must have heard something in my voice because she indicated and pulled to the side of the road turning with panic in her eyes and taking both my hands in hers

"No, Jasper, I'm sorry I didn't explain myself very well. I didn't mean that what we are doing is wrong. I mean I don't think we should wait, we should tell Charlie and Renee now. We know we're meant to be together we shouldn't wait. Do you have Peter's number?"

I nodded and passed my phone to her unsure what she was going to say to him.

"Peter?"

"Last time I looked yes. What's up Bella?"

"We need to turn round,"

"Turn round?"

"Yes. Now."

"OK, but its gonna cost you tire iron girl."

"Thanks Peter, tell Fran she's going back to Charlie and tell me what she says."

There was a silence for a minute or at least it was silent to Bella's ears,

"OK"

"What did she say?"

"I haven't the foggiest idea but there was a lot of whooping. Does that mean something to you?"

"Yes it does. We'll wait for you just outside Forks then I'll explain everything."