The Black Swan: Jasper & Bella Pairing

Chapter 35 – A Parent's Sorrow

Swan Residence

Charlie was watching ESPN when Bella and Jasper walked in. It had been a stressful day. There had been reports of giant wolves in the national parks and neighboring forests. One hiker insisted he had seen giant wolf like dogs. Well, the hiker was from out of town and admitted he was an inexperienced hiker. Figures. He probably got spooked by a bear. And then on top of that, the parents of a missing teen had come into the station. They were from Seattle, but they had heard reports that their son had been spotted in Clallam County. He had no news to give them. He hated cases like these. Their heartbroken expression still haunted him. God, if anything ever happened to Bella . . .

He heard the sound of the key in the door. He checked the time: 9:59pm. Amazing. Punctuality must be a family trait among the Cullens. Just then he offered up a silent prayer in thanks that in this day and age, he didn't have to second guess his daughter. She never complained about when to be home even though she was 18. And she was careful. He was lucky. Bella was a great kid. Not like Leah, Sue's daughter. What was up with her? Dear god! He had to reassure Sue over and over again, that there was no report of Leah being in a gang. Small comfort. Even Jake wasn't quite the sweet kid he used to know. Maybe that's why Billy was getting surly all of a sudden. Sigh.

Kids are growing up so fast these days. But they're still kids.

"Oh hey, Jasper."

Charlie was surprised that Jasper accompanied Bella inside of the house. Charlie thought about the grand entrance Jasper made when he carried Bella inside of the house on Thanksgiving evening.

Well, that's Jasper, I guess. Hyper chivalrous. He makes Edward look like a boy scout.

"Thanks for bringing Bella home on time. I appreciate that."

It took Charlie a few moments to realize that Jasper had no intention of turning around to leave. Some instinct told him to turn off the TV. He looked at Bella and Jasper. "Is there a problem?" He asked tentatively, terrified of receiving a "yes" answer.

Jasper led Bella to the armchair across from the sofa where Charlie was now sitting upright instead of the reclining position he was just in before they arrived and interrupted his TV viewing. Jasper was holding Bella's hand. She was biting her bottom lip nervously. Jasper's expression was serene.

"Um, Dad, I-" Jasper bent his head and whispered something in Bella's ear. She nodded in agreement. Jasper put his arm around her shoulder, and with his other hand he clasped hers tightly.

"Charlie, I have asked Bella to marry me, and she has accepted. We wanted you to be the first to know and to give us your blessing."

Charlie went numb. His mind went blank and for a moment he didn't know where he was. He could feel a pain in his chest that made him clutch his hand to his chest.

"Dad, are you okay?" Bella's voice brought Charlie out of his momentary catatonic state.

Charlie blinked and then looked at the glass of water Jasper was holding out to him. Jasper was holding Charlie's shoulder to provide support. Jasper's icy touch startled him. With trembling hands he drained the glass and handed it back to Jasper. Out of nowhere he felt a wave of calm.

"Thanks," Charlie said meekly.

"You're welcome. Are you all right now?" Jasper seemed genuinely concerned.

"I'm fine. I mean at least physically." Charlie took a deep breath, and then once again swept his gaze from Bella to Jasper. Then it hit him.

Oh my god. They're telling the truth. They're serious.

Jasper walked back to the chair Bella was sitting in and perched himself on the armrest. He resumed clasping her hand. Charlie swallowed back the bile rising in his throat, and directed his attention solely at Bella.

"Are you in trouble, Bella?"

"I'm not pregnant, if that's what you're asking, Dad." Bella's eye roll and slightly exasperated tone did little to assuage the anxiety that was battering him.

"Then, I don't understand. Why in heaven's name would you two kids want to get married? I mean you just started hanging out with each other. What happened?"

"What happened, sir, Charlie, is that Bella and I love each other very much. Sometimes it can just hit you like lightning that you are in love with someone. We want to get married and build a home and a life together. We have set a date for January 1st."

Bella's cheeks were red, but her eyes had the same kind of quiet determination as Jasper's. Charlie started to laugh, maniacally. He covered his face with his hands shaking his head.

"This can't be happening."

Bella stood up, letting go of Jasper's grasp and walked over to her father, perching herself on the armrest of the sofa.

"Dad, it's true. I have an engagement ring."

She held out her left hand so Charlie could see the ring. Jasper could feel the anger surging in Charlie, and stood next to Bella in solidarity.

"You son of a bitch!" Charlie said in a controlled voice.

"Dad, don't speak to Jasper that way," Bella said with reproach.

"Honey, three months ago your mother and I were terrified we might have to have you committed when Edward left. Maybe you forgot those early days, but I haven't. How could you go from being desperately in love with Edward, and then agree to marry Jasper? It doesn't make any sense at all. I think Jasper is taking advantage of you. He's dazzling you with his money."

"Don't be angry with Jasper. He's not trying to dazzle me with anything but himself. Besides, you should know me better than to think I would choose someone just because they have money."

Bella slipped from the armrest to the cushion next to her father and draped her arm around his shoulders.

"Charlie, despite what you may think of my methods and my money, I really do love Bella. And I want to be right beside her when she hits all of her milestones in life. Getting married is not going to stop her from going to college, from having a career or seeing the world if that's what she wants. But more importantly, I'm not trying to come between you two. Bella loves you very much. Getting married is not going to change that. You'll still see her as much as you want."

"Don't patronize me, Jasper," Charlie spat out. Then turning his attention to Bella, he grabbed her shoulders, shaking her lightly. It was all Jasper could do not to rip Charlie's arms off. Typical mate behavior among vampires.

"Bella, you're just a kid. Marriage is a huge responsibility. What happens when things get tough? When hard decisions have to be made and you run away? Or he runs away?"

"Dad, Jasper is the same age you were when you married Renée. And I'm the same age as she was when she got pregnant with me and married you. You knew what you wanted when you were 22. You didn't cut and run. She did. You're not the one who walked away from grown up responsibilities when things got tough. She did. You're not the one who walked away from love. She did. I love Renée with my whole heart. But I'm not my mother. I know my own mind, and I can make decisions and stick to them."

"But that's my whole point, honey. Why do you even have to make such a huge and life changing decision. What's the rush?"

"Do you realize if I get in to Vanderbilt, a good 60% of the women there will be scoping out their future husband. Yeah, they go to college and may even get fantastic jobs when they graduate or go to graduate school. But they never lose sight of finding the right mate – and most of these women, not much older than I am, are rich as hell. No, Dad. I found my man. And I hope and pray you will support me and be right at my side when I walk down the aisle. People are going to talk and say all sorts of vicious things about me. You're my Dad. I need you to believe in me and trust that I'm doing the right thing."

Charlie's resolve was weakening. Or maybe it was that he was fighting so hard to swim against the current, and instead of moving forward he was being pulled backwards and struggling just to keep his head above the water. He could hear the strength of conviction in Bella's tone, and he knew it wasn't some crazy impulse. She'd obviously thought a lot about it.

"You have always been such a stubborn little thing. But this is so messed up, honey." Charlie took Bella's left hand and took a real good look at the ring. He thought for a moment and then asked a question that caught her off guard.

"Bella, did Edward leave because of you and Jasper?"

"I don't understand, Dad."

"Bella, right up until your birthday, Edward was as besotted with you as Jasper. Hell, I wouldn't have been surprised if he proposed marriage to you too. That's what I could never understand about that night he left you alone in the woods. That was completely out of character for him to leave you vulnerable. So I wonder now, did something happen between you and Jasper on your birthday to make Edward want to leave?"

Bella looked to Jasper noting the pained expression in his eyes. Then she looked at her father and answered as best she could.

"I didn't betray Edward, and I didn't behave inappropriately with anyone."

"But Jasper, you did, didn't you?"

"Yes," Jasper whispered.

"And I forgave him immediately," Bella interrupted.

"You got hurt that night, I remember, Bella. Jasper, was there a fight between you and Edward?"

Bella and Jasper both thought about how Edward flew at Jasper to stop him from attacking Bella. She got hurt when Edward pushed her out of the way. Their eyes winced at the memory."

"Yes, Charlie, Bella got hurt when Edward pushed her out of the way and she fell against some glass." It was an accident.

Charlie looked at Bella with sadness. He was clenching his fists.

"Damn it, Jasper. You and your family are nothing but trouble. Billy Black was right. "

"Billy Black should tend to his own business and keep out of mine," Bella said defiantly.

"I'm not going to apologize for lashing out at you, Jasper. This is messed up. But I appreciate you are man enough to talk to me straight up without the bullshit." Charlie sighed heavily in defeat. "I get the feeling there is more than you're telling me. But honestly, I can't handle anymore tonight. Fine, you win. I can see your mind is made up Bella. So, I guess I have no choice but to back you up. God help me. But if you change your mind, even while we're walking down the aisle, just tell me. Don't worry. I can muster up enough adrenaline to help you make an escape. Just wear some flat shoes under that dress."

Charlie's dry wit masked the inconsolable grief rising within him.

"I'll remember that." Bella kissed Charlie. "Have I told you that you're an awesome dad and that I'm proud to be your daughter?"

"I wonder," Charlie muttered.

"Charlie, I know you're really unhappy about this, but will you please give us your blessing? I mean actually say the word. I know you know you don't have any choice in the matter. But we, and in particular Bella, need your support and your blessing."

Jasper reached out his hand toward Charlie. Bella put hers on top of Jasper's. Charlie hesitated then put his hands on top of Bella's, saying, "I give you my blessing. Happy now?"

Thank you, Dad. It means a lot to me." Bella leaned towards her father and kissed his cheek.

"Thank you, Charlie." Jasper reached over and shook Charlie's hand.

"You're going to have to tell your mother, Bella." Charlie almost smirked at the thought of Renée's reaction. "Good luck with that."

"Thanks."

The tension in the air had finally dissipated. Charlie was resigned. Jasper and Bella were feeling hopeful, and the excitement they felt at Jasper's house was returning.

"So, are we still on for fishing tomorrow?"

Charlie looked at Jasper, then back at Bella. "Sure thing, kid. Jasper, are you joining us?"

"Actually, I promised I would go visit this little boy in the hospital I've gotten to know. But I would like to maybe come over for dinner tomorrow night, or afterwards, if you don't mind. I think we have some details to sort out."

"Great," Charlie grumbled. "Well, I'm burnt out. I'm calling it a night. Bella, we have an early day tomorrow, if you still plan on fishing with me in the morning."

"I'll be up in a few minutes, Dad. I just want to say goodnight to Jasper."

"Okay, then."

Jasper and Bella watched Charlie walk upstairs, dejectedly. Bella was struck by how old he suddenly seemed.

"Well, that went reasonably well," Jasper said, laughing softly and kissing her forehead. Jasper could hear Charlie quietly tiptoeing upstairs, straining his hears to hear their conversation.

"I guess you're right," Bella sighed.

"Are you having second thoughts?"

"Would it matter if I did?" Bella challenged.

"No."

"I thought so." She laughed. Jasper laughed too.

"I love you so very much, Isabella Swan."

"I know." Bella was rubbing noses with Jasper. He rained kisses all over her face. She was sighing with pleasure. Jasper was purring.

"So that's it? No, 'I love you too, babe' or 'I adore you?'"

"Nope."

Jasper started tickling her. She was breathless from giggling and wriggling in Jasper's arms.

"You love me, Bella?

Bella's cheeks were turning red in embarrassment. Her heart was beating wildly.

"I love you, Jasper Whitlock. You make me very happy."

"That's my girl. Okay, I better go. I hear your dad pacing upstairs. I'm not sure how much longer he's going to last."

Jasper stood up and pulled Bella up with him and started walking towards the front door. "Come on, walk me to the door."

Jasper opened the door and stepped out. Bella was holding the door.

"Good night, Jasper." Bella looked sad, already missing him.

"Good night, my darling."

Jasper pushed himself up against the door, pulling Bella by the waist and closed his mouth over hers, filling her with his breath. His hands were sliding up and down her back, keeping her pressed tightly against him. The night air was cold and biting. She was dressed in her ruffled top and skirt. No coat. Yet, every fiber of her being was burning hot in response to Jasper's caresses and the rollicking and rhythmic thrusts of his pelvis against hers. The only coherent thought in her head was "So good." They continued, lost in each other. And then Jasper pulled away, reluctantly.

"Okay, I'm really going to go now. But I'll watch over you until you fall asleep," Jasper whispered in Bella's ear.

"You'll stay with me?"

"No, honey. I'll just stay until you fall asleep. As much as I would love to hold you in my arms, I don't really want to sneak around in your father's house. I'd much rather have you all to myself in my house."

"All right. Later."

Jasper kissed the palm of Bella's hand, which was wearing the engagement ring, then closed her fingers. "Take care of my heart and soul."

Bella watched as Jasper ghosted to the truck, got in and drove away. She walked back inside and locked the front door, shutting the hall lights and going upstairs. Charlie's light had just switched off, but she called out softly, "Good night, Dad," and then opened the door to her room where Jasper was waiting.

La Push

Sue Clearwater had just straightened up around the house. She checked in on Leah who was actually home for a change and fast asleep. In that moment of sleep, she saw vestiges of her beautiful daughter with flowing silky hair and soft sweeping lashes. Her princess. Sue sighed.

Leah had been through so much: the breakup with Sam, the death of her father and whatever it was that was rattling her lately. She had been delighted to see Leah take an interest in hanging out with Bella and Emily for their girls' nights. She was getting back to her old self. And then pouf! Out of nowhere, she started literally creeping around at all hours with no explanation. And that mysterious musky smell . . . Just as she was going to check in on Seth, her cell phone rang. It was Charlie. She smiled.

Note : Thank you to my readers, my beta reader Galxychld and to the wonderful Twilight characters created by Stephenie Meyers.

The Black Swan: Twilight FanFiction – July 2012 GEMSeer