From Nightmares to Love

by airedalegirl1

A family finds itself trapped in a nightmare not once but twice and struggles to save its weakest member but second time around help comes in the strangest of ways at the strangest time and we find that monsters can be closer than we think. J/B as always. Another collaboration with katandjasper. WARNING: CONTAINS ALLUSIONS TO SEXUAL ABUSE/RAPE.

21. Chapter 21

Chapter Twenty One

Jasper

After agreeing that Peter's suggestion would, at least, help me feel more secure I went to speak to Bella about it using my own phone, this time, she knew the number from the angry text I had sent her so there was no point in trying to hide it again. This time, our call was sweet and tender, she was over the moon at the idea of us getting married.

"At least then when we can finally be together I will already be yours and you'll be mine."

"What did your mom say to the idea?"

"She just wants me to be safe and happy and she's hoping this might accomplish that. Peter and I had to get her permission anyway because I'm only sixteen remember."

"And your Grandpa?"

There was a short silence,

"He'll come round to the idea. I don't think he thought it would really last but he loves me and he wants me to be happy. I just wish my shield would mature. What happens if it doesn't by the time I'm 21?"

"Your mom is sure it will and her feelings have been right so far, besides we made it this far, we're too close now to give up now."

Renee

I stood watching as Bella brushed her thick long hair smiling and sighed, I hadn't envisaged my daughter getting married like this, over the internet, via a video conference, but then I hadn't envisaged her marrying a vampire either. The fact she looked so happy, radiant even reassured me and I called for Grandpa to join us as the screen burst into life and we saw Peter, Charlotte, and Jasper standing together on the porch of their house.

There was no wedding gown, no church or chapel, no flowers or cake, no reception but somehow none of that mattered, not to these two although Jasper had promised her a white wedding once they were reunited. He looked handsome in a white shirt and dark jacket gazing into the screen at Bella as Peter began the short informal service. I listened as they intoned the vows they had chosen together and spoke turn and turn about.

Bella

We said we'd walk together, come what may

That come the twilight should we lose our way

If as we're walking a hand should slip free

I'll wait for you

And if I should fall behind

Wait for me.

Jasper

We swore we'd travel, darlin' side by side

We'd help each other stay in stride

But each others steps fall so differently

But I'll wait for you

And if I should fall behind

Wait for me.

Bella

Now everyone dreams of love lasting and true

But you and I know what this world can do

So let's make our steps clear that the other may see

And I'll wait for you.

If I should fall behind, wait for me.

Jasper

Now there's a beautiful future beyond the forest ahead,

There 'neath the oak's bough soon we will be one

Should we lose each other in the shadow of the evening trees

I'll wait for you.

And should I fall behind, wait for me.

Renee

It was beautiful and I felt a tear trickle down my cheek as my dad silently handed me a crisp white handkerchief from his top pocket. He took the ring Jasper had sent Bella and handed it to me and I slipped it on my daughter's finger, the single diamond glittering in the sun through the window. Then Peter pronounced them man and wife but there could be no kiss for the bride, no honeymoon, just a lonely bed far from her beloved.

Jasper

I ached to touch my beautiful bride but instead all I could do was to stretch out my hand to touch the computer screen and she mirrored my action. For the merest moment I imagined I could feel her soft warm fingers against mine and then the feeling had gone and all we had was a glance and blown kisses. Did I feel any better for this? Yes and No. The panic that I might lose her had diminished but the ache to be with her was worse than ever, a pain that cut deep inside me and a wound that would bleed silently until I finally had her in my arms. The others left us and we talked about the future, our dreams, our pain until I saw Peter motioning me from the doorway and knew this dream had to end. I had to return to Alice and the family, far from my wife and pretend all this was just a fantasy, that my wife was a dream, without any idea when I would see her or speak to her again.

She understood, smiling at me and putting her hand once more to the screen whispering,

"I love you Jasper and tonight I will dream I am in your arms, that we are together. Promise me you will do the same."

"I will, I promise my sweet wife and soon, very soon, you and I can finally be together,"

I had wanted to meet her for the wedding, to do it properly, but everyone warned me of the danger. After so long I could wait just a little longer, to ensure her safety, their safety because Bella loved her mother and Grandfather and would die if anything happened to them through an act of hers or mine.

I don't think if she hadn't cut the connection that I would have been able to walk away whatever the reason, but that's just what she did. She blew me a last kiss and whispered,

"Remember I'll wait for you."

Then the screen went dark, but not as black as the despair I felt licking around the edges of my mind.

"Major, we have to go or you're gonna miss your flight and I didn't go through all this shit for you to fuck it up at the last moment so shift it."

I thanked Charlotte one last time and followed Peter out into the late afternoon sun throwing my bag in the back of the truck and climbing up beside him but seeing only Bella's beautiful face. Had something changed? Yes, inside I felt that bright spark of hope, of love, and I knew, however, long it took Bella would wait for me as I would wait for her but soon, soon we would be together at last.

At the airport Peter insisted on coming in with me despite my protestations,

"What's the matter? Don't you trust me to catch the right plane?"

He looked at me seriously,

"Nope, I'm not the one who has a crisis of faith Major. I just wanted to tell you that whatever you think, I'm gonna be there for you and for Bella because that's what friends do. They look out for each other. You get your ass back to the Cullens and you put a brave face on like Bella has, don't you dare ruin things for her. Oh yeah, by the way, she asked me to give you this."

He put a small package wrapped in wedding paper in my hand,

"She thought you might be able to hide it, or say Charlotte got it for you. I'll be here, keep in touch."

As Peter turned to go I put a hand on his arm and he looked down at it without speaking,

"I know I screwed up big time, but you're still here and that means everything, Peter. I can never make up for what I did, but I aim to keep trying."

He nodded then walked out and I had no idea if we would ever be as close as we had been again, but I could hope and I would with every fiber of my being.

My flight was called and once airborne I opened the small packet to find a silver rearing horse charm and a note from Bella.

"I wish this could have been a ring, but I understand. I hope you can find a way to keep it with you Jasper, to remind you of my love and our pledge. Bella XX"

I stared at the charm for a moment then took out my wallet and slipped it inside. Alice never went in there and if she ever did I would say Charlotte bought it for me as a good luck charm, Alice would believe that. She already thought of Charlotte as a wild mountain woman so why not a superstitious one? Laying back, I closed my eyes and relived the wedding over and over, every emotion, every smile, every word, as if by doing so I could conjure my wife up at my side and it almost worked...almost.