Promise Me All Your Tomorrow
Charlie POV
"Hello Alice…."
"Hi Charlie. How are you doing?" Alice asked. She already knew the answer but wanted to hear it from him.
"I am doing well. Feeling better than I have in years actually. This new diet I am on leaves something to be desired but I think I can learn to like it after a while." I laughed.
"Well, just because it has to be blood doesn't mean you are without options. You would be surprised how different every animal taste." Alice said in a very caring concerned way.
"Well to be honest the only true thing I miss is a good cold beer." I asked smiling at the thoughts of one
"I am sorry about that Charlie. But it won't have the same good cold taste that you remember. It is one of the sacrifices we make but there is something that will satisfy that thirst you have. It will just take some time to find it."
"What is your favorite?"
"You are going to laugh." She said hesitating awkwardly.
"No I promise." I said. She could tell me anything and I knew I wasn't going to laugh at my angel.
"Yes you will but it is okay. It is kind of weird I guess but I think it has a very neat clean taste." She hesitated a moment. I could tell she was nervous or embarrassed then she blurted it out very quickly. "It is giraffe."
I must admit the mental image of this tiny pixie woman tackling a giraffe did make me chuckle on the inside. But I tried hard to not let the offensive sound escape my lips."Wow, now there is something I want to see one day. How do you take down a giraffe?" I was hoping I was sounding sincerer the last thing I wanted to do was offend Alice.
"Well let me tell you it isn't easy. There is a knack for it. Takes time and patience. But the taste is divine. I will have to take you on safari with me sometime soon. The hunting there is more different than anything you have ever experienced."
"I would love to go Alice just tell me when you are ready."
"Great. Charlie, I wanted to apologize to you for everything that has happened to you. I never meant for any of this to happen. I tried to protect you. Esme was just too crazed to stop. All of this mess is my fault."
"Alice, stop! Please don't blame yourself. You couldn't control Esme or Edward. They are responsible for their bad behavior not you. You did save me. If it wasn't for you jumping in on Esme or you're calling Carlisle. I wouldn't be here now. I remember everything that happened. I know how you tried to sacrifice yourself for me. So please don't say you're sorry or feel responsible for all that has happened. It is me that needs to thank you for all you have done. I don't really understand why you would do that for me but I am grateful that I can continue to be in Bella's life and be so accepted into a family like yours."
"Thanks Charlie. But I have done things that I am not proud of. I can't go back and fix them now. I made a mess of things for Bella and Jasper. I tied to change him to keep him and that was just wrong. I should have encouraged him to be who he is and help him find his mate. I was just jealous and stupid. I was afraid to be alone again. I could see Jasper happy and I didn't see me with him it just scared me. I didn't want to be alone again like before. I should have known not to interfere with mates finding each other."
There was that word again mates. What did that mean? Jasper and the others thought Alice was my mate. I needed to ask about that.
"Charlie, I am sorry, I am rambling and probably not making any sense. Is there something you want to ask me? You know I will always answer any questions you have with honesty and do my best to explain this new world to you."
"Alice, what is a mate exactly?" I asked nervously.
Alice laughed that bubbly contagious laugh of hers. It is that laugh that seems to melt this cold heart of mine in ways that I forgotten it was capable of feeling."I guess that is a new word for you. Let me see if I can explain it. A mate can be anything to you and everything for you. It is the one person that you would lay your life down for and not think twice for. If you lose that person you know you will surely not survive without them for long. Finding ones mate in our world is a lifelong commitment and something that doesn't happen often. It is a rare beautiful thing and something to be treasured."
"So Jasper and Bella are mates like that?"
"I would have to say yes. Have you noticed how protective he is over her?"
"Yes he does seem to have Bella best interest at heart. She seems to be the center of his world."
"Charlie, how does that make you feel?"
I stopped and thought for a moment. "I am happy for her. There is nothing more than a father wants than for his little girl to find someone to love her and treasure her like you have. I am still confused about something Emmett said tonight though."
"Oh my, what did that big goof ball say?"
"He said that Bella might be upset about the redneck wedding coming her way. I don't understand what he meant by that."
Alice gasped on the other end of the phone. I could tell she was instantly mad or upset about something. "Alice did I say something wrong? Have I done something wrong?"
"No Charlie. I just am pissed that he ran his mouth without thinking about what he was saying is all. "She got really quiet then. I started to put things together in my brain. How mates are protective over the other and how they would put themselves in danger if it meant that it would help their mate. Alice had protected me like that with Esme. She was fierce and protective towards me. Was it possible that Alice and I were …mates?"Alice….."
"I think so Charlie. I didn't even think about us being together until I saw Esme standing over you and blood gushing from your body. Then something took over inside me and I knew that I had to save you no matter the cost. When she finally left and I looked down at your broken body, it felt like a huge part of me was dying as well. Now Charlie, I don't want to presume things will be all sunshine and roses for us. I don't want to pressure you for anything more than you are willing to give to me. I know that this life style is new…."
"Alice…" I interrupted her. She continued to talk."Alice, angel, please stop for a second. Just breathe for a moment."
"Charlie what did you just call me?"
"Angel. I called you my angel." She giggled nervously. "Alice, I do not know what the future will bring for all of us. But I do know I want to be very much part of your life. I want to get to know everything about you. Your likes and dislikes. No one has ever fascinated me like you do."
"Oh Charlie, I would love that as well. We have all the time in the world to do just that."
"Well, Miss Alice please tell me your story. How did you end up in this mystery world of the supernatural?"
"It is kind of a long sad story…."
"I have all night." I said with a smile as Alice began to tell me her life story.
Jasper POV
Almost a week had gone by since our arrival at Peter and Char. Charlie was really adjusting to this lifestyle with little problems. He was progressing well with his control. We had even come upon some campers one night and he made no effort to seek them out. When he wasn't working on his skills, he was on the phone with the little pixie witch. He seemed happy and enjoyed their conversations. Everyone was happy and getting along rather well. There was this one little thing though that was really starting to wear on me. Bella and I had no time alone. We were always with someone. We had no privacy. Our nightly recital of Bella and I lying down together was beginning to get next to me. I longed to touch her and hold her. My divorce was final but I couldn't bring myself to act on my desires. I didn't want our first time together to be in a house full of vampires with supersonic hearing. There was also the problem of Bella's dad being here and me deflowering his little girl. How would newborn Charlie handle that? Something told me not well. No, Bella deserved better. My lusty thoughts would have to remain thoughts for now. I didn't know when Bella would want to leave and go away alone. But I would wait until she gave me a sign of some sort before we left her father. We were coming back in from a productive hunting trip. Charlie was really good about not getting covered in blood now. It had taken him a bit but he was finally able to figure out his own hunting style. I was so very surprised at Peter and Char. They were really trying to adjust to this lifestyle. I had to hand it to them. They were true and loyal friends. They had saved my ass more times than I cared to count and now they were changing their life style because it might be a problem for my family. You didn't find friends like that often. I was a blessed man. I had incredible family, friends and the love of a beautiful woman. There was nothing more that I needed in my life at the moment. Expect maybe some alone time with my Bella.
"Jazzman, are you up to a little camping trip tomorrow night? We thought Charlie might like some variety in his diet." Emmett was asking me.
"I don't know man. It might be too cold for Bella and I am not going to leave her alone way out here."
"Well, it was just a thought. Pete and I thought it might be good to expose Charlie to new situations and foods. Just let us know."
"Sure man, I will talk to Bella when we get there."As we got close to the house I began to feel a range of emotions. Someone was throwing out a lot of them as well. I was feeling frustration, hurt, anger, confusion, delight and frightened. It was rolling off someone like waves. I hurried towards the house leaving the others to catch up to me. I knew the source of the emotions was around back. God I hope Bella is okay. I rounded the corner and came face to face with Bella. She was sitting on the ground and had tears rolling down her face. I rushed over to her. I had to make sure she was okay. It was the first time in weeks since I had felt any emotions coming from her.
"Bella, darling are you okay?"
She looked up with tears free flowing from her face. I reached down and wiped a tear from her face. "I am sorry Jasper. I didn't mean to alarm you. It's just…."
"It's just what darling. You can tell me anything. I will always understand I promise. Has something happened? Are you hurt? Can I do anything for you?" I was scanning her body for any signs of problems. But I didn't see anything visibly wrong with her.
"I have been working on something while you all have been hunting and I just don't know what to think of it. Let me show you."
She stood up and moved over to a bucket of water. She started to move her hands back and forth. The water began to rise from the bucket and mimicking the movements of her hands. It was like she was willing it to dance. I was astounded. I had never seen anything like that.
"Bella, that is amazing. How are you doing that?"
"I don't know for sure. I just see it in my mind and then I can seem to make it happen. There is more."
She moved over to a small patch of leaves."Stand back Jasper. I don't know how well I can control this." She moved her hands again and the leaves began to swirl around. She guided them to the ground in a pile. She then put her hand out like she was trying to stop something. The leaves then caught on fire. Bella then collapsed to the ground. I rushed over to her. I picked her up in my arms to make sure she was okay. She had tears flowing again. She buried her face in my chest. I let her cry. I just stood there cradling her in my arms.
"It is okay darling. It is going to be fine. I am here and I am not going anywhere. We will figure out all of this I promise." I rocked her in my arms. The others had reached the house and had seen the last of Bella show. I motioned for them to leave us alone. Damn, there was no privacy in this house. I don't think I could take another minute of all this company. I couldn't even comfort Bella in peace.
"Jasper, why is this happening? Why do I have to be the freakiest of the freaks? I just don't know what to think or what to do. Carlisle talked to me about trying to control my energies and harnessing them. I have been working on it for a few days now. I am so scared about what will happen to you all if I lose my temper again. I could have hurt you twice now Jasper. It would kill me if I did something to you or the others. I would never recover from it."
"Bella, darling, it is okay. I have an idea but it would require us leaving Charlie and the others."
"What is it? I am open to anything that will help me figure out how to control this."
"I think we need to go on to Tennessee and to where Carlisle is and see if he can help us with this. I know he was going to research this Gaia legend. I think it would be best for us to go and see if we can figure this out."
"That sounds great Jasper. I think Carlisle will be able to help us figure this out. There has to be something to help me control this better. I don't want to hurt anyone."
"I know you don't darling. Are you okay with us leaving then? Can you handle leaving Charlie here?"
"I will miss my dad and I will worry about him. But I know he is in good hands. I know everyone will take care of him. This is something that we have to figure out on our own. I would feel better if I didn't have to worry about having an audience around waiting to get hurt or for me to screw up somehow."
"Well, I will call and tell Carlisle that we are leaving for Tennessee in the morning. We best go tell the others. I know that they will understand. You might want to go tell Charlie alone though. I think it would be better for him to hear things from you."
"Yea, I can hear me now. Dad guess what your daughter is an even bigger freak than you thought."
"Bella you are not a freak." Charlie said.
"Dad how long have you been there?"
"A bit, I am sorry Jasper. But the father side of me takes over sometimes and I had to make sure Bells was okay. Forgive an old fool."
"There is nothing to forgive Charlie. I understand. You will never stop being Bella's dad. Not ever. But I appreciate your discretion. I might have been more of an ass earlier if you had insisted on staying. I think you understand what I am talking about."
"Yea, Alice has been a huge help explaining this world to me. I am glad my daughter is lucky enough to have such a good man to care about her for the rest of eternity. Bells, I don't understand everything yet. But I do know you are on the right path to figuring it out. You are in good hands. Jasper will always have your best interest at heart. But you will always be my Bells."
Bella ran over and threw her arms around her father." I love you dad. Thank you for everything. I hope Alice makes you as happy as Jasper does me."
"Thanks Bells that means a lot to me. Now you both best go tell the others before Emmett and Pete come out and demand to know what is going on."
She hugged her dad again and headed around the house.
"Jasper, I just got one request."
"Name it Charlie."
"Take good care of my little girl. She can be a huge pain in the ass from time to time. She seems to find trouble wherever she goes. She needs a strong man but not a controlling man. Does that make sense son?"
"Crystal clear sir, I give you my word. I promise to love Bella everyday of forever and always give her enough space to be herself but always there in case she falls."
He patted me on the back and smiled weakly at me. "Are you coming?"
"No I think I need a moment to myself to collect my thoughts."
"Tell Alice that we said hi." I said as I smiled at him.
Charlie laughed. "I will son. Now don't keep Bells waiting."
I left Charlie to his phone call. I joined Bella with the others. Everyone understood why we needed to leave and seemed to accept the situation well. Bella and the girls began to pack right away. Bella decided that it would be best if we left as soon as we got packed. She thought she could sleep in the truck. She hated long goodbyes and thought it would be more painful to leave in the morning. I called Carlisle and told him about our heading his way. He told me that he had moved all his stuff to Dannie's house and that we would have the whole place to ourselves. We would finally have all the privacy we needed. Why was I suddenly so nervous? I swear if I could sweat my palms would be wet. I was scared suddenly to be alone with Bella. What if I rushed her or disappointed her? What if she hated Tennessee? What if she realized that being with me was a mistake. Rose walked over and put her hand on my shoulder.
"Jasper, it will be okay. You just got remember to take your time and remember to breathe. Bella loves you. She loves the real you. Not the one that Alice created. She will love your world as well. Just let things happen as they will. Don't put pressure on yourself to be perfect. Bella loves you despite your flaws remember that."
I smiled at Rose. She was always such a calm reassuring voice to me. Rose had a way to see the whole picture and always knew the right thing to say to me." I love you Rosie. Thanks."
"No problem little brother, you act like a fool though during that girls first time and Char will be playing bat and ball with your privates. Does that make sense to you Major?"
I suddenly reached down to make sure my privates where still connected. "Yes madam that makes perfect sense to me. I give you my word that I will be a perfect gentleman."
We loaded up the truck and said our goodbyes. It was tense and sad but we promised to see each other soon. Bella looked back and waved as we left the driveway. I reached down and patted her knee. I grabbed her hand and smiled at her.
"Well, darling, Tennessee here we come."
A/N:
I am so sorry that it has taken so long to get this chapter wrote. I work 64 hrs a week. It doesn't leave me much time for anything else. I hope you all enjoy this chapter. I was ready to get them to Tennessee. I am ready to move their relationship in new more intimate directions. We will see the others in a few chapters. But the next couple will be Jasper and Bella. I hope everyone can forgive me. I promise to try really hard to get the next chapter out quicker. I hope you will continue on this journey with me. If you liked it, leave me some love. Until later much love Dena.