Hey everyone! Sorry it has taken me so long to update for the sequel, but here it is! :D Hope you all enjoy ;)

Chapter 25

Bella's Point of View

It was that time once again. The one time of the year that I dreaded the most.

My birthday.

How I hated this day with a passion. Another year older. Another year of my life, gone. And Jasper and the rest of the Cullen family are just frozen, not worrying about their age at all. And to make all matters worse… I was going to have to celebrate it. Attention wasn't something I really liked to have. But I suppose when your vampire boyfriend wants to throw you a party, it's worth going to. I stared out the window of my truck, as Jasper slowly drove it to the Cullen's house. I am a frequent visitor, coming and going as I please.

Charlie is warming up to Jasper, allowing Jasper access to my home as well… although he already had access at night. I smiled, slightly, watching the town fly by. Rosalie hated me even more, now that her brother was dead. Emmett was the most enthusiastic, already treating me like a sister. And in return, I treat him as a brother. He sure felt like one. Esme and Carlisle didn't speak often, but when they did, they were always kind and charismatic.

Peter and Charlotte were still staying with us, drinking animal blood instead of human. Their red eyes have dulled to a soft amber, along with Jasper's. I stared over him, as he drove through the raining town of Forks. We were now winding down the path that led through his house, and my stomach twisted more and more as we got closer. A wave of calm hit me, causing the twisting to vanish.

"You okay darlin'?" Jasper asked, grinning over at me.

"I'm fine," I grumbled.

"Why aren't you happy? It's your birthday," he whispered.

"What is there to be happy about? I'm older. I am another year older while you stay frozen," I hissed.

"You are still younger than me," he pointed out. "I am technically 19, so what's the problem?" he chuckled.

I shrugged. "Actually, you're 168." I smiled slightly at him.

He rolled his amber eyes, continuing on ahead. We pulled to a stop in front of his home, as I took a deep breath.

"You don't like attention, do you?" he smirked.

"Just now picking that up?" I sarcastically mumbled.

He laughed, getting out of the car. He was instantly on the other end of the truck, opening my door for me. I took his hand, as I shut the door behind me. We walked into the brightly lit house, as Jasper continued to calm me down. Might as well just get this over with. We walked inside to see everyone standing there, waiting for us. Emmett was instantly in front of me, engulfing me in one of his bear hugs.

"Happy birthday," he laughed, as I struggled to breathe.

He pulled back, his dimples shining. I peeked around to see Rosalie frowning in the corner, avoiding looking at me completely. Peter and Charlotte hovered near her. They made no move to approach me, and I knew why. They were just now on the animal blood diet… and I knew it was hard for them to be around me. Charlotte gave me a sweet smile, and Peter nodded, smiling slightly. Esme hugged me next, her motherly affection something you have to love.

"Happy birthday, dear," she smiled.

She pulled back to stand beside Carlisle once again. Jasper took my hand once again, leading me over to the table. Three presents sat there, along with a cake that was far too big for just me.

"That's far too much," I mumbled, blood flushing to my cheeks.

"C'mon, it's your birthday," Jasper smiled, reassuringly.

Jasper reached forward, about to pick up one of the presents, but Emmett cut in front of him.

"Nope. Mine first."

Emmett handed me a box that was extremely light. I shook it, trying to hear if there was really something in there.

"It was a new radio for your truck. I already put it in there," he grinned, winking at me.

Jasper rolled his eyes, as I sat down the empty box. Jasper handed me the next. I fumbled with the wrapping paper, trying to find the edge so I could rip it off. My finger suddenly slipped, sliding across the edge of the paper. A small drop of blood was now on the tip of my finger.

"Ouch," I hissed, "Paper cut."

I looked up at Jasper to see his eyes wide. I followed his eyes to see him staring at Peter and Charlotte. Peter's eyes were locked on my finger, as the small bead of blood grew in size. Before I even realized it, Peter lunged forward. Jasper was in front of me instantly, pushing Peter back. Emmett pulled back Peter's arms, as he fought with them. Peter reared back, kicking Jasper in the chest before pulling away from Emmett. Jasper pushed me out of the way, therefore crashing me into the table. One of the vases broke; the glass slicing my arm.

Every vampire in the room looked at me. Emmett had Peter's arms behind him, as Peter's eyes dilated. Charlotte was gone from the room in an instant, not wanting to do the same as Peter. Rosalie was gone as well. Carlisle was beside me, concerned for my arm. Jasper was standing over Peter, his eyes filled with anger.

"Emmett, get Peter out of here," Jasper hissed.

Emmett nodded, dragging Peter away.

"Esme," Carlisle said, helping me up, "Go with Rosalie and Charlotte while I fix Bella's arm."

Esme nodded, retreating upstairs. Jasper stared at me, his amber eyes mixed with different emotions. Carlisle walked me to his study, while Jasper followed behind. My arm was throbbing, small glass fragments still stuck in it. I could feel Jasper try to wipe away my pain, and he did help… but not entirely. I somehow knew this was how my birthday was going to turn out.

A complete disaster.

Jasper's Point of View

Fury radiated off of my body. I understood that Peter was new at this life. But he knew better than that; he had to! If I was not here for Bella's sake at the moment, I would be screaming at him. Charlotte was smart at least; she ran from the spot. Bella suddenly looked up at me as Carlisle worked on her arm. Her eyebrows were furrowed, as she looked at me. I realized that I had pushed some of my anger on her.

"Sorry," I whispered.

"Jasper, why don't you go talk to Peter. I know he must feel horrible," Carlisle murmured.

"And I don't want you to be uncomfortable," Bella whispered, her eyes flashing down to her bloody arm for a moment.

"I am not uncomfortable," I reassured her. It was partly a lie, my throat was burning. But it was bearable.

"But still Jasper, I think you should talk to Peter," Carlisle repeated.

I paused, before standing up once again. I looked down at Bella one more time, before heading out the door. I was about to give Peter the talk of a lifetime. I'm not going to let him be a threat to Bella. But then again, I have to remember that no matter what, we are all a threat to Bella.

My very existence puts her at risk…

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