Chapter Thirty Seven
Peter
We'd decided that going home wasn't an option while the Cullens were sniffing around so we ended up at a small cabin in the woods that the Major had owned forever. Bella thought it was magical although that isn't exactly the word I'd have used. In fact, the words shit hole came to mind!
It was sparsely furnished with an open fire and a well, not exactly the height of luxury but we made do. I chopped wood and lit the fire and stove to get some hot water while the Major, after getting Bella safely snuggled up on the couch with a blanket, brought in the supplies we'd picked up and made her something to eat.
I did a perimeter check and it was clear no one had been near the place in a long time, only a family of bears and even they had turned their noses up at the shack. When I brought more logs in I found Bella was asleep again and the Major was sitting opposite, watching her.
"Don't worry, Major. I don't think she's going to do a vanishing act again."
"No, she isn't, and I'm making sure of that."
"Fair enough. So what has she decided about daddy dear?"
"She's going to call him later as she promised. I guess it was inevitable but she decided we have to tell him something."
"So? Tell him any old crap and then disappear. Problem solved."
He shook his head and grimaced.
"Bella wants to see him."
"What? Is she fucking crazy?"
He ignored my outburst. Was I the only sane person here right now?
"We talked about it and decided the safest way would be for someone to pick him up and bring him here."
"We? No one asked for my opinion, but then they never do. So, someone will pick him up? And just who is that someone?"
"You."
"Yeah, I guessed as much. Great, I can add chauffeur to my list of talents. What's he like?"
"Stubborn like his daughter."
"Wonderful! What if he starts asking me questions?"
"Just act dumb like you usually do, Peter."
We heard a giggle and turned in unison to see Bella smiling at us.
"You two sound like an old married couple."
"Yeah well, as long as I get to wear the trousers I don't mind. Now excuse me, I have manly things to pursue before I become a fucking childminder."
I joined her on the couch as she curled up to make room and took her hand in mine.
"Are you sure about this?"
She sighed and shook her head.
"I'm not sure about very much anymore Jasper, but I can't just leave my dad hanging. It's too cruel. Peter thinks I'm mad, doesn't he? I guess he's right, but I have to do it."
"I understand, Bella. You do what you have to."
Carlisle
I wasn't sure how little would satisfy Charlie, but whatever I chose to tell him would cause problems further down the road. I was walking a tightrope over flaming coals without a safety net!
I nodded, "Very well. Let's all sit down and I'll tell you what I can."
Alice and Jake exchanged glances but sat down and Charlie perched himself on the edge of his chair and looked at me expectantly.
"Go on, Carlisle, I'm listening."
"Very well, Charlie. However, until you speak to Bella again I can't tell you very much more."
"More? You haven't told me shit so far!"
"I'm happy to wait here until she calls again. Then I can tell you anything she wants me to, but I warn you Charlie it won't be enough for you, and I can tell you that it will not answer your many questions."
"Well, let's see. Is Jasper involved in this trouble? Is he responsible?"
"Only by association. He had nothing to do with the fake accident and as he told you he knew nothing about Bella's survival until a few weeks ago."
"But he found her?"
"Yes, he did, with some help from Alice."
"But if Alice helped her to run away why would she help him find her? Why did you tell her to leave Alice? It doesn't make any sense."
Alice looked down and I carried on speaking.
"I think it was an unfortunate slip of the tongue Charlie that informed the Major of Bella's fate, but a lucky one as it turned out."
"Lucky? Why?"
"Bella was very unhappy with her situation, Charlie. I think she was seriously considering ending it all."
"Are you telling me that my daughter tried to commit suicide?"
"Yes Charlie, but the Major reached her in time and she's in good hands now."
"Yeah, the same ones she was in when she went missing the last time."
"It wasn't his fault, I assure you."
Charlie
Someone was yanking my chain and it was frustrating the hell out of me.
"I've got a good mind to arrest you all for faking a death."
"As I said Charlie you could never prove it without putting Bella in danger and I really don't think you want to do that."
"Right, I get answers now or I swear to God I'm getting my gun."
"That won't help you, Charlie, trust me," said Jake, no longer grinning which was just as well for him.
The phone rang then and I snatched the receiver up.
"Bella?"
"Hello, dad. I'm sorry I couldn't speak more earlier. I know you have a thousand questions but please don't try to force Carlisle or Alice to answer them. I… I'll try to explain but face to face. It's not the kind of thing I can discuss over the phone."
"Great, come on home and we can talk."
"I can't go back to Forks, dad. How about you come to me?"
"OK. Where are you? I'll come now."
"You have to agree not to tell anyone about me and you have to come alone."
"OK, if that's the way it has to be. Where are you, Bella?"
I'll give you instructions to get here."
"OK. I'm listening."
"Fly to Eugene and someone will pick you up from there."
"You're in Oregon? Why can't I bring Jake and Alice with me? They're both worried about you."
"No, dad. I want to speak to you alone, please."
"I don't like all this cloak and dagger stuff Bella, it's ridiculous."
Her voice broke and I heard Jasper talking to her gently before she whispered, "Love you dad", and he took the phone from her.
"Charlie it's Jasper."
"I wondered when I'd hear from you. I hope my daughter is OK. They told me she'd tried to kill herself. Was that your fault?"
"Charlie, I'm not having that conversation with you over the phone. Just do as Bella asks, you're upsetting her."
"Yeah well, I've been pretty upset myself recently."
"I understand that, but she wants to explain in person and she's not up to a lot of company. Our friend, Peter, will pick you up at the airport. I've reserved an open ticket for you. All you have to do is confirm the flight."
"I don't need your charity, Jasper Whitlock."
"Hey, I'm doing this for your daughter, not you. Ring with your ETA and Charlie, come alone. If Peter sees anyone else he'll walk away."
Peter
Bella had gone to shower and the Major was out hunting so when the phone rang again it was left to me to answer and much as I hoped it would be Charlotte, the way my luck was running it would probably be Aro fucking Volturi!
"Jasper?"
"Nope, you drew the short straw."
"And just who the hell are you?"
Oh good, an irate human, just what I needed!
"I'm your worst fucking nightmare as it happens and I'm to be your chauffeur when you land so I suggest you don't piss me off before then."
He was silent and I wondered if he'd put the phone down but I wasn't that lucky.
"I'm arriving at four tomorrow afternoon."
"I'll be there."
"How will I know you?"
"Oh I'm real easy to pick out and I'll be able to spot you so no worries, see you then."
Charlie the ass-hole, brilliant! It was going to be a long fucking ride from the airport to the shack!
Bella
I'd heard the phone ringing and wondered if it was Charlie with his flight details then cringed. I knew Jasper had gone to hunt so Peter would be answering and while I liked him he did seem to rub everyone else up the wrong way. I just hoped he could get along with Charlie because it was quite a journey from the airport. I'd make sure that Peter had hunted before he left although I didn't envisage him snacking on Charlie it might mellow his mood a little.
When I came back in he was in the kitchen heating up soup and toasting bread. He turned and smiled and fleetingly I saw the man behind the vampire mask he usually showed to the world.
"You ready to eat Bells? I warn you, I'm a bit rusty."
"Yeah, I can see that. The toast is burning, Peter."
He grabbed the flaming bread and blew the flames out cursing loudly and I fought hard not to giggle out loud.
"I'll do you some more."
"It's OK, I'll have bread with the soup which seems to be about ready."
It was about to boil over the top of the pan onto the gas ring and he whirled around picking it up just in time to avoid more mess.
"Fuck me, I never realized how hard cooking was."
I laughed and squeezed his shoulder, leaning over to peck him appreciatively on the cheek before realizing I had done something wrong as he tensed up.
I backed away and sat down at the table while he ladled out the soup and arranged the thickly buttered bread on a plate and put both down in front of me.
As I started to eat he took the chair opposite me looking unusually serious and cleared his throat.
"Ah, Bella. Do you mind if we talk while you eat?
I shrugged, trying to appear relaxed and taking a mouthful of bread.
He struggled for a few seconds before beginning.
"This is a bit difficult for me, but I think someone should explain things to you and as I'm the only one here, I guess I get the short straw."
"OK. Is there a problem?"
"Well, there is the potential for a problem. Remember back in the motel?"
The question threw me and I took a mouthful of scalding soup to give me time to think. Eventually, I shook my head wondering where he was going with this.
"When the Major came back I mean."
The penny belatedly dropped.
"Oh yes, and you went flying out of the door. I know he thought you were hurting me, but we set him straight."
"Yes, well... it wasn't just that he thought I was hurting you."
"No, he thought maybe you'd bitten me."
"Yeah that too, but just listen will you. Jeez, I'm too old for this shit!"
As I watched Peter I realized he was embarrassed. So this was to do with sex, was it? I would watch him squirm and play along.
"OK, I'm listening."
"Well, when vampires find their mate they become very possessive so..."
"Oh, did I make you uncomfortable? I was only trying to get up when I was wriggling around."
"No, no, not that. You belong to the Major and I'm far too sensible to get between him and his lady. I like all my appendages too much to piss him off."
"Oh! So what do you mean?"
I could see him getting frustrated and couldn't help laughing. If he had been human he would have been bright crimson by now.
"OK, Peter. You're telling me that Jasper is jealous. I get it but what made you bring it up now?"
He heaved a sigh of relief then scowled.
"Bitch! You like to see me struggle. You just touched me and kissed me."
"Yes, it's called a show of affection for a friend."
"Yeah, well let's pretend we aren't friends then because he wouldn't like that one bit, Bella."
"Oh come on, it was just a peck on the cheek."
"I'm just warning you, Bella, be careful. You're playing with fire and if you don't get burned I sure as hell will."
I could hardly believe that a peck on the cheek was a hanging offense, but I'd try to remember.
He could tell I hadn't really got it, but before he could say any more Jasper walked in. He came straight over to me and pulled me into his arms for a kiss then frowned and I realized he had caught Peter's unease.
"You OK beautiful? Has Peter been behaving?"
"Yes, he got me dinner and we talked."
He frowned at me, "Talked?"
"Yeah just things in general," Peter jumped in quickly and I grinned at him over Jasper's shoulder and mouthed coward.
I nestled under a blanket by the fire closing my eyes and listening to the guys talk.
"You ready to pick Charlie up, Peter?"
"Yeah, I'll be picking the bundle of joy up tomorrow afternoon. I guess I should leave early and hunt first unless you want me to make the problem disappear that is."
"He'll probably try to grill you Peter but don't tell him any more than you have to. A part of the reason Bella ran was to keep him safe from our world, but I have no idea how to do that now Jacob Black has dragged him back in."
"Want me to make him the late Jacob Black?"
"Not yet. We'll see what happens first, so what did you and Bella talk about?"
I grinned hiding it under the blanket as Peter tried to sound casual and failed miserably.
"Cooking mostly. It's harder than it looks."
"Right, cooking?"
Jasper sounded suspicious but he didn't push things.
I fell asleep on the couch but woke up in bed and knew that Jasper had carried me through earlier. I was feeling better, stronger although very nervous at the thought of facing my dad later in the day. I could actually concentrate and didn't feel I was about to burst into tears at any moment.
I got up stretched and peered out the window to see Jasper watching Peter drive out of sight. He had gone to hunt before picking Charlie up so we were all alone out here. It was a lovely thought and I rushed to wash and dress, I wanted to make the most of our time together, it could be all too fleeting.
When he saw me he smiled and held out his hands, an invitation I was only too eager to accept.
"It's a lovely morning. Would you like to go for a walk? Not too far but the fresh air might be good for you."
"I'd love to and I promise to let you know when I get tired."
We walked hand in hand for a few minutes in silence and it felt good, but I still had things on my mind.
"Jasper, what am I going to say to Charlie?"
"As little as possible if we're to keep him safe, darlin' although that's not going to be easy. Don't worry though, I'll be there at your side."
"I know, and thank you for that. You're intent on keeping me safe too aren't you?"
"Of course, I love you."
"Why don't you ever mention changing me then? I'd be safe and you wouldn't need to protect me."
He stopped and turned to look directly into my face.
"You don't know what you are asking, Bella."
"Yes, I do. Edward explained things to me and I know I love you. I want to be with you for always. Isn't that a good enough reason to change me?"
"It would ensure I had you at my side forever, but you should remember that staying with me has its price. Not just the fact you'd be a vampire, drinking blood and killing people to feed but there's all the baggage I carry. I'm a monster even in the eyes of other vampires and there will always be someone who wants to make a name for themselves as the man who killed the Major. Life won't be easy on the road with me."
"Are you trying to put me off?"
He raised one eyebrow at me as if to say, really? That's what you think I'm doing?
"No, I'm just giving you the full picture. I'm not an Edward Cullen or Jacob Black and you need to understand that. I'm a vampire killer Bella. I kill humans to survive and I have killed many just because they were in my way. Speak to your father, and think about it, then tell me what you decide. It makes no difference to me. I'll never leave you, human or vampire."
I knew he meant it and he was right about not being like the Cullen's who lived on animal blood and never hurt a human. Jasper was a vampire in the raw and I would have to accept that or stay human, it was quite a decision but not for now. First I had to get through my meeting with Charlie.