The Black Swan: Jasper & Bella Pairing
Chapter 36 - The Vampire Bride's Funky Guide to Wedding Planning!
Act One: You Didn't Really Think Your Father Approved, Right?
Bella
The fishing trip with Charlie ended up better than I expected. At first Charlie refused to talk to me during the entire drive to the river. In fact we each went our separate ways taking parallel paths: his towards the river, mine towards a small clearing near the river's edge where I could get in some target practice.
Charlie wasn't having much luck with the fish – probably because he was tense. I, on the other hand, was a having a stellar day in terms of hitting my target. It was a way of not having to deal with the tension between me and Charlie.
Finally after an hour of stony cold silence, I put away my archery equipment, and waded into the river towards Charlie.
"Damn, Bella! You're mixing up my line!"
It wasn't too often that Charlie swore at me. In fact I couldn't remember when he ever used that language with me. Or maybe it was just his tone. He was so angry. I didn't need Jasper's empathic abilities to see that I had ripped a hole in my father's heart.
"Dad, we need to talk," I said, while gently tugging his arm. "Let's go over and sit on the rocks over there."
Charlie reeled in his pole and held it as he followed me back to where the rocks were. He kept his head down to avoid looking at me.
"Dad, I'm going to make this brief. I understand why you find the idea of my getting married to Jasper right now seems absurd, if not downright insane. I really get it. And nothing I say is going to make it easier for you to understand. But what you can do is trust me."
Charlie started to roll his eyes, mentally listing all the times I had tripped, stumbled or injured myself. It was as if I could read his mind. I certainly understood the way he thought. I put my hand on his shoulder to quiet his thoughts.
"Dad, look at me. Whatever mistakes I have made in the past, I have never done something to make you ashamed of me. I'll still graduate from high school. I'll still go to college, and if I'm lucky, I'll figure out what kind of career I want to pursue."
"Bella, I'm not ashamed of you. Damn it, I'm scared. This is your life we're talking about. Your future. I'm your father. I'm supposed to protect you. How much do you really know about Jasper? He's strange, Bella. "
I sighed, heavily.
"Yes, I can see why you think that. But I'm pretty strange too. Really. But that's not what's important. What's important is that I'm happy when I am with him. And I trust him to be grown up and responsible about things. If we fight or have a disagreement, I'm pretty sure we can move past it. Isn't that what a marriage is all about?"
"But Bella, how can you be so sure that Jasper is the right person? How do you know you won't fall in love with someone else three months from now? Three months ago, did you even imagine you would want to marry Jasper?"
"You know what, Dad? Love doesn't have a whole lot to do with my decision."
"Honey, that's what I'm saying. You're still reeling from that break-up with Edward. What could you possibly know about love?"
"No, Dad. What I mean is that you loved Renée, and I'm pretty sure she loved you even when she left you. The point is, love was not enough to keep you together. I love Jasper. I think it's possible to fall in love with many people. But there aren't too many people who you feel really get you, who see you for all of your faults and still want to be with you. Who are committed to making you better. That's rare. So, sure, Dad. I could easily meet some other guy and fall in love. But there aren't that many people I would trust as completely as Jasper. Even if Edward had asked me to marry him, I probably would have refused. I would have lived with him gladly and had sex with him, but I would have resisted marrying him. Jasper is offering me a life that I want, that I never knew I wanted until he offered it to me."
"I don't know, Bella. Maybe you two should have sex and see if you're really compatible," Charlie said glibly.
"Dad, do you honestly believe there's a compatibility issue between us?"
Charlie looked down in utter embarrassment.
"I promise you, if something really bad happens between me and Jasper, I will leave. If he turns out not to be the person I think he is or could be, I will leave. I just want the chance to enter a relationship with hope. And I need help from my family and friends to make this relationship with Jasper work. So are you going to walk me down the aisle? It's not too often a dad these days will actually get to walk his virginal daughter down the aisle."
I said the last line teasingly.
"God, Bella! Cut that out. You two really haven't…"
"No. I think that's why Jasper wants to speed up the wedding date. He can't hold out much longer." I smiled. Charlie rolled his eyes in exasperation.
"Well, honey, if I have to gamble, then I will place my bet on you. You have never let me down. Just be careful, okay? He's not who you think he is. He's scares me, Bella."
"I will be careful."
Charlie and I reached a détente. He wasn't happy with the situation, but he was committed to helping me and supporting me. That meant a lot to me. The rest of our trip went better. Charlie caught a few fish, and I experimented with hunting fish with my bow and arrow. We both laughed at my endeavors. In the early afternoon, we decided to quit and go drop in on the Quileutes. Charlie went to see Sue Clearwater, while I, not finding Jake anywhere, dropped in on Emily.
I waited until Emily led me inside to her kitchen before I announced my news, and showed her the engagement ring. Emily let out an impressive dog whistle.
"Holy mother, look at that ring! You could finance a year's tuition, including room and board at University of Washington with that ring."
Emily grabbed my hand, and examined the ring like a gem expert.
"I know. It's a bit much," I muttered.
Emily started to laugh.
"I guess he wants to make sure no one messes with his woman."
"Apart from the size of the ring, you don't seem surprised about the engagement."
"Why should I be? I told you, didn't I? I told you he cares about you a lot and you should watch yourself. No man has a $20,000 engagement ring of diamonds and rubies just lying around," she said smugly.
"Stop! I don't want to know how much the ring costs. I'll be sick."
"We'll, honey, if you're going to wear it, you may as well get used to the speculative comments."
I was biting my lips, nervously.
"But the point is, he was ready to plant that sucker on your finger without any advance warning on your part. He's been waiting. You gave him an opening and he took it. Smart man." Emily was laughing at my red cheeks. "He wants you for keeps, honey."
"Yes, he does," I whispered.
"Is that what you want?"
"I'm wearing his ring, aren't I?"
"Yeah, well, let's hear you say it. I'm sure he insisted that you say the words to him. It wasn't enough that you let him put the ring on your finger. He wanted to hear you tell him that you loved him and that you want to be his woman. His wife."
"What, are you psychic too?"
"No, I just understand that deep love connection when true mates find each other. By the way, did you know your aura has changed?"
"What?"
"I'll explain another time. Where was I? Oh yeah, so, do you love him?"
"Yes, I really do."
Finally, someone I could confide in who didn't make me feel bad for loving a man who happened to be a Cold One.
"And you're okay with this even if he's a Cold One?"
"I told you before, I don't get involved with all of that crap. I'm about people. If you love this man, and you want to share your life with him and he wants you so much that he will marry you first, then hell, invite me to the wedding. I'll be in the front row holding up your parents so they don't faint."
We laughed.
"The wedding is January 1st."
"Eager, isn't he? What's the rush? I mean the engagement ring gives you some kind of cover."
"That's the point. We don't want cover. We want to be together. It's not like we have to depend on our parents. He has a home already. I'm going away, hopefully to college in a few months. Why wait?"
"I still think it's a little rushed. I mean what kind of wedding are you supposed to throw together in a month? Over the Christmas holidays no less. You're crazy."
"But, you'll come to the wedding?"
"If you invite me, I'll come. Even if you don't, I might just crash the wedding. I wouldn't miss this for anything."
Emily stood up suddenly, and was peering out the window.
"What's the matter," I asked?
"I see Charlie's car, but I don't see your truck. Do you need a ride home?"
"Um, yes. That would be great."
"Good. Let's go now. Once Charlie breaks the news to the whole lot, well, you do not want to be here when Sam, Leah and Jake find out. Let's go."
She was grabbing her coat and her keys.
"We can talk wedding themes on the way to your house, and I'll sketch out some ideas for you, and then you're on your own, kid."
I went up to Emily and squeezed her tight, peppering light kisses all over the scarred side of her face.
"I didn't realize you could be so exuberant, Bella," Emily said with a cheerful chuckle.
"Thank you for having faith in me."
"I don't need to have faith in you to see very clearly that you know your own mind. Okay, really now, we need to go. I get the feeling Sam is going to bust in on us if we don't leave right now."
I grabbed my bag, and followed Emily out of the house and into her car. Sam appeared out of nowhere as the car sped down the road. Emily honked. He looked like he was going to explode. I noticed Emily tightened her grip on the wheel and the car accelerated.
"Is everything, okay, Emily? Have I started a feud?" I asked, not hiding my concern.
"Don't worry about it, kid. Remember, you're family. Sam is like the big brother you wished you never had," she said glibly.
I looked at her profile. Something was up, but I also knew she wasn't in the sharing mood - at least not about Sam.
Emily started talking about wedding themes, and I put Sam out of my thoughts. By the time I got home, Emily had filled my head with all sorts of ideas about Gothic weddings, Celtic gowns and handfasting rituals, colors, themes, party favor ideas and honeymoon destinations. Honeymoon, Good grief! I hadn't even thought about that. Besides, the wedding was scheduled right before the start of the second semester of my senior year in high school. Could I take time off for a honeymoon?
Instead of launching into my English assignment as I had planned, I found myself Googling all the ideas Emily had shared with me. My head was spinning.
I downloaded a wedding checklist – it was hard to find a generic one that wasn't based on a 12 month countdown. I had only four weeks, maybe less, since I had exams and SAT's to get through. I was especially grateful for the notebook and printer Peter sent me. There was no way I could have researched all the information I needed on the old computer. As I reviewed the checklist I realized there were a few people I still needed to tell: Renée and someone to perform the ceremony. I also wondered whether Jasper would invite the Cullens. Would they even come?
Act Two : The Vampire Groom's Ex. Has a Say...
Forks Hospital
Rémy was delighted when Jasper showed up unannounced and assured his mother he would keep him company for the day so she could go home and check in with the family. Jasper and Rémy took a stroll around the atrium. There was a wonderful view of the mountains. They flirted with the nurse sitting at the nurse's station. Her name was Aimee Flanders.
"The trick Rémy is that you have to gaze directly into a woman's eyes"
"Like this?" Rémy was scrunching up his eyebrows and making a ridiculous grimace. Aimee was giggling mercilessly, and not getting much work done.
"No, little man. Ease up. Pretend she's the most beautiful flower, and you just have to touch it. Relax. Like this. Watch me."
Jasper turned to face the Aimee, leaning slightly forward.
"Oh nurse, my little friend here is in dire need of some fresh cranberry juice. Do you think you can go fetch some for him?"
Jasper was dazzling her, not in the full way he would if he needed to, but enough so that she was visibly affected by his charm.
"Oh, now that's not fair. You're bigger than I am and you have an accent."
"Well, I'm just using my natural attributes. Be creative."
Jasper bent down and picked up Rémy, and perched him on the counter. When Aimee returned with the juice, Rémy tried again.
"Oh, thank you so much, nurse Aimee."
"You're welcome."
Aimee sat down at the desk and was looking down.
"What are you working on?" Rémy bent his head and touched her hand slightly.
"Oh, just patient files." Aimee was looking at him now directly. Rémy softened his gaze, remembering Jasper's demonstration. He was smiling at her.
"So, am I your favorite patient?" Rémy didn't have a Southern drawl he could fall back on, but he was channeling his mother's Cajun accent, and serving up a heaping dish of boyish charm and innocence.
Aimee smiled back at him, and reached up to ruffle his hair. "Of course you are."
"Rémy reached over and kissed her cheek and jumped off the counter with some help from Jasper."
"Will you stop in to see me before your shift ends?"
"You bet."
As Jasper led Rémy away, he whispered: "You rascal. You're a natural."
"Pretty good, eh?"
The boy and the man, poked and ribbed each other. Aimee watched from behind, marveling at the joy the little boy radiated from being with his new friend Jasper.
.oOo.
Denali, Alaska
At the last minute Rosalie decided to give in to Emmett's amorous advances and didn't go hunting with Alice after all. Alice considered asking Irina, but she was moody lately, ever since Laurent announced he needed to attend to some business and left suddenly.
Actually, her favorite among the Denali clan was Kate. But she had left a few weeks ago to travel to Ireland. So Alice was hunting by herself. She caught the scent of a caribou a few miles away and gave chase. She caught the animal and drained it quickly without spilling a single drop or ruining her Schouler Proucenza shoes that complemented her brown palazzo trousers and silk paisley blouse.
Her eyes went blurry and she dropped the carcass, throwing her head back, and gave herself over to the vision. It was late in the day. The ground was covered in snow, and there was a crowd gathered, dressed in medieval costumes in front of a tent.
A Renaissance fair?
Jasper was wearing some kind Viking tunic and wool pants. Bella was wearing a white Guinevere dress with a wreath of flowers in her hair. Bella was hugging someone and Alice caught the sight of an exquisite red jasper stone and ruby diamond engagement ring coupled with an eternity ring.
The blurriness went away quickly. The vision was gone.
"Oh no, I have to stop this! This is awful! I can't let them get married like that. It's all WRONG!. They've mixed Edwardian style with medieval style and thrown in some kitschy Goth stuff. They need my help!"
Alice quickly dialed Jasper's number. Her call went directly to voicemail. She stopped herself before she hurled the phone against the nearby tree.
"Wait, calm down," she told herself. She ghosted a few hundred feet and then back again to the spot she formerly held. She texted Jasper. "Need 2 talk 2 u NOW!"
.oOo.
Forks Hospital
Jasper was playing chess with Rémy . It was Rémy 's move. Jasper heard Alice's ringtone, but let the call go to voicemail.
"Do you need to get that?" Rémy asked.
"Concentrate on that move. I can call my friend back later."
Rémy finally moved his rook and took out Jasper's queen.
"Good job," Jasper said.
"Well, you're making it awfully easy."
"Or maybe you're just a quick study."
Jasper's phone vibrated. He quickly looked at the display screen.
"I guess she couldn't wait," Rémy remarked dryly.
"How do you know it's a she?"
"Am I wrong?"
"How did you get to be so smart, kid?"
"I don't know. But is Bella going to be mad that you need to talk to your friend?"
"You're awfully curious, young man.
"You're awfully evasive, Jasper."
"Okay." Jasper moved his bishop which, if Rémy was paying attention, would result in Rémy announcing checkmate. "Your move."
Rémy looked at the chessboard and then back at Jasper. Then he proceeded to take out Jasper's king, leaving him defenseless. "Checkmate."
"Good. Now I need to call my friend back. How about you start that movie, and I'll join you when I'm done."
Jasper handed Rémy the Charlotte's Web movie which Rémy put in his laptop DVD player. I'm just going to step out for a moment."
"No, I mean why don't you just sit in that chair by the window. I promise I won't listen."
"All right, kid."
Jasper walked over to the window and dialed Alice back, bracing himself for Alice's wrath. He knew he could not keep his proposal to Bella secret. He was preparing for Alice's jealousy, understandable, but still uncomfortable.
"Alice?"
"How could you?" Alice intoned, indignantly.
"Alice,"
"Don't Alice me! After all the years we have spent together, after all of my investment in you, how could you consent to be married in some cheesy Renaissance Fair?"
"Alice, what are you talking about?"
"I'm talking about my vision of you wearing some cheap imitation Viking tunic and Bella wearing some online catalog version of a Guinevere maiden dress. It was soooooo tacky! I think I'm going to throw up."
Alice was so worked up, she was actually hyperventilating.
"I don't know what to say. I mean Bella and I haven't worked out any of the specifics. Renaissance theme. Interesting. I wouldn't have thought she would go in that direction."
"Well, you have to put a stop to it. This is your wedding for heaven sake! You're still a Cullen. You have a reputation to uphold, and Bella had better get used to it," Alice said in a huff.
Jasper's anxiety had given way to rueful amusement.
"Alice, this is about Bella. If she wants a Renaissance-themed wedding, and it makes her happy, what's the big deal?"
"You owe me, Jasper. If you really love me, you will talk sense to Bella ,and make her see that she cannot mix the Edwardian style with Goth or Steam Punk or whatever they're calling it these days. The wife of Jasper Whitlock has to learn to live up to high expectations of elegance, quality and style."
"So what pray tell are your suggestions?"
Jasper's voice held humor, but he soon regretted his indulgence as Alice launched into a long exposé of every single wedding detail, including the gold engraved invitations. He could feel his eyes glazing open, which he had to admit was a neat trick for a vampire.
"Well, what do you think?"
Jasper groaned and dropped his head into his hand. "Maybe we should just elope."
"Do that, and I will make your life a living hell for all eternity. Bella is just a child. She doesn't know any better. When she becomes a vampire, she will barely remember any of the sordid details. But I will, and so will you. Every last dreaded detail."
"Well, at least there's good news in this tongue lashing you're giving me." Jasper was laughing.
"What?"
"She's settled things with her father. She's not backing out."
"You doubted her?"
"Maybe I doubted myself."
"Well, for what it's worth, you two look blissfully happy. The whole crowd does too. Maybe that's why they don't notice or care about how tacky the whole affair is."
"Alice, this is about Bella."
"And you too. You have a say in this. These are modern times."
"Truthfully, I'm kind of open to a bit of whimsy. The more I think about it, the more I think we might be able to strike a balance. Why don't you quit your yapping, and put together a proposal and send it to me. It has to be simple. You know Bella."
"Are you still set on January 1st ?"
"Yes."
"You don't give me much time to come up with a plan to make this a spectacular day."
"I'm sure Apple has a wedding planning App. But otherwise, the Keynote App is pretty good. The wedding doesn't have to be spectacular. Having Bella become my wife is spectacular enough." He paused for a moment, checking his tone. "Sorry darling, I don't want to hurt your feelings."
"No, I understand. More than you realize. Okay. I'll send you something in an hour. By the way, is it okay if I start spreading the word?"
"For now, just tell Carlisle. He'll know how to tell the others. Have you heard from Edward?"
"No. And I haven't had any visions of him, lately. He's still stuck in his own private hell. This is going to devastate him, when he finds out." He could almost see the little frown lines gathering on Alice's forehead.
"Babe, when the time comes, we'll help him through it. I know Bella still loves him very much. I know she wouldn't be able to marry me unless deep down she believed there would be a way for all of us to reconcile."
"Yes, that sounds like Bella. I hope she's right. All right, darling, I'll get started on that proposal."
"Thanks, Babe."
"I love you, Jasper. I love you both, really."
"I know. I love you too. Bye."
Renaissance theme, huh. Go figure.
Jasper shook his head and chuckled at the thought of Charlie walking Bella down the aisle wearing a Viking tunic. He walked over to Rémy 's bed and sank down on a spot next to him.
"What did I miss?"
"Wilbur is finally meeting Charlotte the spider. He doesn't see her at first but hears her say 'Greetings and Salutations.' Now she's explaining how she eats the insects she catches in her web to drink their blood. Wilbur is kind of grossed out."
Jasper turned his attention to the movie. Charlotte the spider was explaining to the little pig Wilbur that spiders, as blood drinkers, were very useful to the natural order. But ultimately, she promises she will feed later when Wilbur is not looking, so he doesn't get upset.
"And this is supposed to be a children's movie," Jasper muttered.
Now Rémy was singing along with the movie about the pig and the spider having lots in common "where it really counts." Oh joy.
Rémy fell asleep before the end of the movie. Jasper stayed through the end, uplifted by the message of enduring friendship. He bent down and kissed the boy's forehead while tucking him in. His parents would be coming soon. They were planning a surprise for their son: an assisted therapy dog. Jasper suggested it to them, and they loved the idea. He made arrangements for the dog, Kano, to be delivered to the hospital within the hour. When he'd seen the picture of the golden dog with his soulful gold eyes, Jasper knew he was perfect. It would almost be like he himself was watching over the little boy through those golden eyes.
He felt his phone vibrate and saw Bella's text: "I'm home. Come over."
Act Three: OOO! Mystery and a Red Wedding Dress!
Seattle, Washington
Ben sat nervously waiting for his turn to audition. The Pink Floyd tribute band was looking for a lead vocal/guitar. Angela was with him, squeezing his hand in sympathy.
"You can do this, Ben."
"I know, but my singing…"
"is great."
"Ben?"
The manager called Ben's name and escorted him to the soundstage. Introductions were made. Ben took his place with the guitar section.
"Um, you know what Ben? Let's hear your vocals first. "
"Oh."
Ben pushed back his glasses. Angela bit her upper lip, nervously.
"Okay."
"So, we were thinking about starting with 'Echoes.' We've been hired for a 60th birthday party and the guest of honor has requested this song. Up for it?"
"Uh, sure."
The complicated intro with the ping sound followed by an ethereal choir mixed with vibrating guitar strings was reproduced. The manager cued Ben to begin.
Overhead the albatross hangs motionless upon the air,
And deep beneath the rolling waves in labyrinths of coral caves
The echo of a distant tide comes willowing across the sand
And everything is green and submarine, and no one showed us to the land
And no one knows the where's or why's, But something stirs and something tries
And starts to climb towards the light
.oOo.
New Brunswick, Canada
The black bear stood on its hind legs. A predator approached. The bear's heart pounded, furiously. It began to run.
"Woo!" A loud yell rang through its ears. What manner of beast could this be? The bear wondered.
The bear smelled the mixture of musk and sweet spice tinged with earth. It kept running. The forest was ahead. Maybe it could lose itself, perhaps hide itself in the trees. A flash of light blinded it, and then it felt a weight bring him down. A sharp piercing pain paralyzed him, and then stillness took over. The last image it remembered as its eyes closed for the last time was of a human with blood on his face. Then the curtain of darkness blocked out everything forever.
"Whoa, that was fun!" said Victoria. She sampled the blood. "But the blood is putrid. How can you stand it? And the beast stinks!"
Laurent wiped the blood from his mouth on his shirt.
"I need to keep up the charade, chérie. If I go back to Denali with the telltale ruby eyes, they will kick me out. And then where would I be?"
Victoria laughed.
"You could join me."
Riley growled. Laurent laughed. Victoria signaled to Riley to disperse. She wanted to speak privately with Laurent.
"Go round up someone yummy for me to enjoy. Go!"
Riley looked at Victoria, sullenly, and then disappeared.
"So, what can you tell me?"
"I don't have much information. The human has not been in direct contact with the coven. But the clairvoyant has been behaving strangely. She's on the phone a lot lately and is alone. I think she knows something."
"That's it? I thought you would have more to tell me."
"Chérie, I have to be careful. I can't arouse suspicion."
"You're pathetic , Laurent. You can't even control a freak-eyed vampire. Why would she even question you? She should be helping you. That's what I did for James. He involved me in everything. You're a coward. You're a stinking coward. Tu es lâche devant la guerre! Minable! Un vrai lèche-cul! If you had helped us instead of running off with the yellow-eyed freaks, my James…"
In seconds Victoria was in a crouch ready to pounce on Laurent and decapitate him. The venom was dripping from the corners of her mouth. Riley stepped in front of Laurent, thwarting Victoria's attack. Victoria growled and snarled ferociously.
"It's okay, baby. Focus. Remember? You said Laurent was an important link. We have to cover all bases so we can kill the human and her mate. Focus, baby. "
Victoria growled again. Riley slowly approached Victoria as she snarled and snapped at him.
"Shh, it's going to be okay. I promised you I would help you capture the human. Trust me, okay?"
Riley pulled Victoria to his chest and let her howl with grief. Laurent watched the scene with relief.
Without turning his head, Riley spoke."Do your job. You are much closer to the human than you let on. If you value your pathetic life and that poor excuse of a mate, Irina, then help us capture the human. Understand?"
Laurent was livid.
How old is this vampire? Just barely out of the newborn stage. How dare he speak to me, a 300 year old vampire from France during the great reign of the sun king. Americans, they have this disordered sense of grandeur. Look what happened to James. Ha!
Laurent stormed off in the direction of Alaska. He would reach Denali, before dusk. For once he relished the thought of hunting an animal, not that he would expect to find many humans along the way. But he needed the release of a wild chase.
.oOo.
Recording Soundstage in Seattle, Washington
The sound of percussion instruments filled the studio. Ben's voice was still audible through the heavy keyboard .
Strangers passing in the street by chance two separate glances meet
And I am you and what I see is me, and do I take you by the hand
And lead you through the land, and help me understand the best I can
.oOo.
Jasper
Bella ran to the truck to greet me when I parked the truck in front of her house. I picked her up and swung her around, kissing her jubilant mouth. She was exuberant about seeing me. Me!
"Now that's what I call a welcome, darlin." Bella grabbed my hand when I put her down. She led me inside her house and to the kitchen where I sat down, pulling her onto my lap with her arms draped around my neck.
"Jasper, can we talk about the wedding? I have been thinking about this all afternoon."
"What's on your mind, then?" It was refreshing to see Bella so animated and flush with ideas and brimming with energy. My fingers were threading through her hair, twisting it around my hand. I buried my nose in her hair to inhaling her sweet fragrance.
"Getting married is going to be a huge deal for me and for my parents. I think we all need some kind of marker to help transition. So, I don't want to elope. But I don't want a huge fussy wedding."
"Well, sweetheart, what do you want? It's your wedding. I'll do whatever it takes to make you happy."
"Well, that's just the thing. It's not my wedding. It's our wedding. I want to be surrounded by family and friends who really know us and care about us. And I want our wedding to reflect something about us as individuals and as a couple."
"You want our wedding to make a statement," I said amused, waiting to see exactly where she was going with this.
"Well, if you put it that way, yes. I want our wedding to be warm, simple, elegant, but just a little edgy."
"Edgy."
Bella pulled out her phone and showed me the results of her Goth/medieval weddings searches. Ugh!
"Well, what do you think?"
I started nibbling on her ears to think. I didn't know what I thought. That was a first.
"I don't know sweetheart. It could still be very elegant, but simple and edgy. How about a red evening gown? It's a very auspicious color and non-traditional."
"A red wedding gown? Isn't that kind of obvious?"
"Well, I think you would look fabulous in red."
Bella was knitting her brows.
"I don't know Jasper. That seems over the top."
"Well, just how small do you want the wedding to be?"
"Oh, I figure about 30 people should do it. My parents, Esme and Carlisle and the others if they will come. Peter and Charlotte, my Quileute friends. Angie. Mike and my friends from school. Maybe Angie's dad could perform the ceremony."
"Okay," I said a little uncertainly. From my perspective that was a downright crowd. I was hoping her idea of small was less than 10 people including us. "What else?"
"Well, you know how we talked about setting the date on January 1st? Well, maybe we can actually start the party on New Years Eve and then begin the ceremony at the stroke of midnight."
Bella was scanning even more sites on Google. Oh god! Bella Bridezilla…
"It looks like that's what a lot of people do anyway. We could have it at your house, and hire a caterer or maybe have a potluck to save money. And then I was thinking we could do a medieval Celtic theme to pick up on Renée's heritage. I think she would love it. And it probably wouldn't cost that much…"
"Bella, I am 100% in your corner about simplicity, but I do not want you to make decisions about the wedding based on saving money. I promise this does not have to be an overly extravagant affair, but I don't want us cutting corners. I don't want a tacky wedding."
I hadn't realized how strongly I felt on the subject. Bella looked a little offended.
"And I don't want to throw away good money on unimportant things. This is a wedding, but it's a party too. I don't want to spend thousands of dollars on flowers and decorations, when we could order them online for tens of dollars rather than thousands of dollars. I don't need a $20,000 designer wedding gown that I'm only going to wear once. I could probably just order something off of Ebay or Etsy. You know? The people coming to the wedding will be our friends and family. I'm not trying to show off. I just want everyone to have a good time."
"We'll compromise. I get the basic idea on the concept. I kissed the corner of her mouth.
"Jasper, do you think Alice would come?"
"I know for a fact that she wants to help plan the wedding."
Could I be any more subtle?
"Oh, I see. She had a vision, right? She thinks my idea is tacky, doesn't she?"
"In Alice's defense, I think she assumed you would want a straight up traditional wedding. She's never really experienced a human wedding before, and perhaps she's looking forward to living a little vicariously through you."
"She would help plan our wedding even after I took you away from her?"
"Bella, you didn't take me away from her. But yes, I keep telling you: Alice loves you."
"So why doesn't she or why hasn't she tried to contact me?" The old insecure Bella was surfacing.
I think she's just waiting for the right moment. You know how she is always guided by her visions. I reckon the timing of her reunion with you is probably tied to one of her visions.
"If you say so," Bella said dubiously.
"You know Bella, you haven't actually tried to reach out to her even through me. Are you still angry at her for leaving in the first place?"
"Not exactly."
"What exactly, then?" I prodded her.
"I feel guilty. I don't know how to face her now that I am with you, and know that you two still care for each other."
"You're not jealous, Bella, are you?" I was holding her tight nuzzling her neck.
"I don't know. Maybe? I wonder sometimes if you will leave me and go back to Alice. I wouldn't blame you, though. Am I being silly?"
I lifted my head so I could look directly into her doe eyes.
"Bella, you're not being silly. This is new for all of us, the change in our relationship. But my job is to make you feel secure and to remind you how much I love you and want to be with you." I kissed her softly.
"So, should I call her?"
"Truthfully, I wouldn't be surprised if she wasn't already making her way here already. But, sure,why not call her? She would be really happy to hear your voice. But I leave it up to you."
Bella glanced at the clock in the kitchen.
"Charlie should be home in a couple of hours or so. I need to get dinner started. Why don't you go upstairs to my room and start coming up with a checklist and some ideas. I'll come up and join you once I have thrown something together for dinner."
Bella and I exchanged a quick peck on the lips and then I stood up, setting Bella off my knee.
Act Four: Sex and Bloody Details
Jasper
Bella was lying on her bed face down, concentrating in front of her laptop screen. I was lying next to her.
"Okay, Bella. We'll spend 15 more minutes on the wedding plans, and then you need to buckle down and get that English assignment done. I don't want my future wife flunking out of high school, you know."
"Okay, okay. Jasper, how are you going to break the news to the Cullens? I mean, I guess Alice must know by now, but you're not going to depend on her to spread the news, are you?"
'No, I think I will have to go and see them. I'll fly out to New York on Friday and I should be back Saturday. You have your SAT's and I figured I would try to minimize any distractions for you by going away. It might also be a good time for me to get that blood test."
"Oh, right, SAT's, my period – that's a good time for you to leave."
I rolled my eyes.
"Well I invited Charlotte and Peter to come out and celebrate. They'll be here already Friday night, but you might want to stay away from them until Saturday, when I come back. But feel free to call them if you need anything, while I'm gone."
"For heaven sake, Jasper, I'll be fine. I don't need babysitters."
"I know you think you don't, but it kills me to be away from you. I'm always afraid something will happen to you, and I won't be around to protect you. I'm afraid you'll have to get used to that, Bella. That's standard behavior between mates."
"So are we mates, already, huh?"
Her heart always did a funny fluttering kirplop at the word 'mate'. I lay my hands on either side of Bella's cheeks and pulled her face close, so I could press my lips lightly against hers.
"Sort of," I said pulling my face back, and looking at her tenderly.
"Sort of?"
"Well, we haven't quite sealed the deal yet, darlin. I haven't claimed you."
Bella smiled, shyly. "Hmmn, I guess. Are you okay with that? That we wait?"
"Oh, well, you know me, darlin. I love a challenge. I'll just..." I kissed her nose. "Find," I kissed the corner of her mouth, "different ways to arouse you." I was nuzzling her neck and caressing that sweet spot on her throat. Oh, maybe she would consider giving me a taste of her blood. But could I control myself? We were lying on our sides supported by our elbows. Bella reached over and stroked my back languorously. Oh, I could feel the warmth of her arm through my clothes.
"What are you thinking about, Jasper?"
I smiled and kissed her lips, lightly.
"I was fantasizing about tasting your blood. Are you okay with that?"
"Taste or drain?"
"Darlin, I thought we were past that. I'm not going to drain you or change you."
"But you want to taste my blood." Bella went silent for a moment, going off in her head. And then she focused her attention back on me. "I understand." She actually did. "But is it safe?"
"Sweetheart, I was fantasizing about your body and your blood. I mean I do have the ability to control the amount of venom I can inject. Remember, I was very practiced at creating newborns. With practice I could probably release trace amounts no more than you get by kissing me. But, I don't like the odds."
"Oh, well, maybe…"
"Don't worry, baby. We have time to practice and rehearse and find our rhythm. I'm actually looking forward to it."
"Yeah, yeah, yeah."
"But for the record, if it's a choice between your blood or your body, I pick your body hands down." I slapped her butt and chuckled at her radiant smile. "Baby, it's not just the act. It's the gesture of taking pleasure in you and from you and satisfying my deepest desires. You too will take pleasure from me and satisfy your deepest desires." I was back to nuzzling her neck. God, she smelled so good. I could eat her.
"Jasper?"
"Hmmn?
"I don't think I have any deep desires."
"Sure you, do. That's why they're called 'deep' desires."
"No, I'm serious, Jasper. I don't know what I desire, and I wouldn't begin to know how to satisfy yours. I mean, you nibble my ears, and I'm pretty content. I don't think that would be enough for you."
I stopped my nuzzling, and looked intently at Bella.
"No, it would not. But like anything else, you can prepare. I can help you."
"I don't understand, you mean like "sex rehearsals?"
"Leave it to me. Don't worry your pretty little head about it. I promise your wedding night, our wedding night, will be blissful."
"I don't know, Jasper. I've heard a lot people say first time sex, especially on the wedding night, isn't that great. What if I suck?"
"Oh well, if you suck, that should bring about a certain amount of pleasure for me." I laughed and resumed my playful caresses. Bella colored.
"You know what I mean."
I sighed. The delicious cuddling had come to an abrupt stop. We were now sitting up fully on her bed.
"Don't worry. But what you should worry about is getting your homework done. And the rest of the week focus on getting some study time in for the SAT's and finishing your college applications. I have some thoughts about putting the final touches to your essay to give it some interest."
"Oh, I hate when you go into that father knows best mode. It's so creepy."
She vexed me. I immediately assumed a crouching position ready to pounce on her as if to attack.
"Who's your daddy?" I growled softly.
"Ew! Stop it. Stop it."
I started to sing as I unzipped my jeans and placed Bella's hand inside. I was doing a raucous rolling of my hips.
Hey little girl is your daddy home?
Did he go away and leave you all alone?
I got a bad desire.
Oh, I'm on fire.
"Oh my god!"
Bella jumped off the bed, spastically. I was laughing. She didn't find this kind of love play amusing in the least. Too bad.
"Well, blame Bruce Springsteen. I didn't write those lyrics, he did. Besides, you're the one always calling me, Dad. But baby, if you're on fire, I can cool your desire."
"Okay, change topic," Bella said abruptly.
Charlotte's words came back to me. Hmmn, yes, I would have to explain the man woman thing to her. My sweet Bella got the love connection part down pat, but she had no idea what it meant to get down and dirty between the sheets, against the wall, on the floor… Sigh. Patience. And so I sat on the bed, and worked on the laptop. Bella sat at the desk and worked on her school assignments.
Truly, this must be love.
Shortly before seven Charlie's cruiser pulled up in the driveway.
"Your dad seems subdued, so we should all be able to talk," I said reassuringly.
"Bella?" Charlie called out as he entered the house.
"Up here, Dad."
We listened to Charlie's heavy footfalls as he came up the stairs. He poked his head in through the crack in the door of Bella's bedroom.
"Dinner should be ready in about 15 minutes. We're having meatloaf. Hope that's okay," Bella said.
"Yeah, that's fine. Actually, I'm not that hungry. Sue insisted I have some of her pot roast, and I, um, may have overdone it a bit. But you two should go ahead without me. What are you working on?" Charlie was looking at the laptop.
"Jasper is putting together a wedding plan, and doing some research while I try to finish up some homework for tomorrow."
"Oh really?" Charlie said, timidly. So unlike Charlie.
"Bella," I said, "Do you mind if Charlie and I go downstairs and have a private conversation about you behind your back?" I was smiling.
"Oh, all right. But I will be down soon to get dinner on the table."
I bent down and kissed her forehead and followed Charlie out the door. He led me through the kitchen and out the door to the porch. It was cool, as it was not insulated, but Charlie didn't seem to mind.
"Funny, when I saw your truck my whole body tensed up. But as soon as I walked through the door my body relaxed. And, I don't know, even though I'm still sick about the whole thing, when I walked into the room and saw you both sitting there working quietly, I felt happy. And now, standing with you alone, I feel like I want to punch you in the face. Weird, huh?"
"No, this is coming at you hard and fast. Just because I'm thrilled, doesn't mean Bella's father should feel the same way. I get it."
"So what do you want to talk about, Jasper?"
"I just wanted to talk to you about some of the plans. Or at least get a conversation going. First of all, I wanted to invite you to my house next weekend. It's going to be Bella's home, and I want you to see it for yourself so you can put your mind at rest. You are welcome to come anytime of course.
"I appreciate that."
Next, I wanted to talk to you about the wedding cost. Bella and I want a small wedding with just family and friends, and we agreed to have it at my house."
I handed him two sheets of paper.
"What's this?"
"A preliminary estimate," I said. I marked down things you might want to contribute towards. But don't feel obligated. Or, if you prefer to do something else that I haven't indicated or you want to switch, let me know. I think by next week I will have a clearer idea of what the true costs will be."
Charlie was studying the paper, completely bewildered. "What the hell is a Moroccan tent?"
"Trust me, you will appreciate that much more than the medieval tent we were going to go with, especially since I expect it to be really cold on that night. Anyway, I'll send you a picture."
"So you're going to get married at night?"
"We decided to marry at the stroke of midnight on New Year's Day. We'll have a New Years Eve party first and then start the ceremony at midnight to start our married life with the New Year."
"This is for real, isn't? It's not a nightmare?"
"Sorry, Charlie. It's for real. But you can start helping out by giving Bella a list of people, besides Renée and Phil, who you might want to invite. I know she wants Jake and Leah and Emily there, but we're not sure if you wanted the other Quileute members there. Just whoever you invite, I suggest they be someone who can provide moral support. You're going to need it."
"You're a piece of work, you know that, Jasper."
"Am I?"
Charlie shook his head in defeat.
"What are you, 21? 22? And you have the arrogance and swagger of a CEO my age. How is my little Bella going to survive being with you? You're going to eat her up whole."
I stiffened at Charlie's words. Of course they rang true.
"What I can swear to you right now is that woman upstairs has me wrapped around her finger. I would do anything for her. I mean anything. Yes, she will change after becoming my wife. For the better, I think, but that spirit, that stubborn loyal spitfire that is Bella Swan will always flourish."
"Okay, break it up guys. Dinner." Bella had opened the door and poked her head in. She took in the tense air and eyed us with concern.
I walked into the kitchen first and Charlie followed behind.
"You know, Bella, I'm really not that hungry right now. Just make me a plate and maybe I'll eat a little later. I think I'm going to upstairs for a few minutes."
"Dad, do you want me to get you some Tylenol or something? Charlie's expression clearly troubled her.
"I'm okay, honey. Like I said, I think I overdid it at Sue's, and it's catching up to me. Is there any ginger ale in the fridge? If there isn't any in the fridge, sometimes I keep a little stash in the fridge outside along with the beer."
"We'll take care of it. You go upstairs. Okay, Dad?"
Bella opened the refrigerator and confirmed there was nothing.
"I'll go," I said and quickly went out the kitchen door to the shed where Charlie kept his fishing gear and deep freezer. There was also a small mini refrigerator where I found a can of ginger ale. I ghosted back to the house and opened the door quietly handing her a can of the soda.
"Thank you. She walked up the stairs and I heard her knocking on her father's door and then handing him the can. "Feel better, Dad."
"Thanks, honey."
I sensed the pangs of heartbreak in Charlie. It would only get worse as the time of the wedding approached. I would have to navigate very carefully my relationship with the daughter and father. Bella, I was sure, more and more with each passing hour, was committed to me. But her father had the power to undermine her resolve.
"Jasper what happened back there?" Bella demanded, when she returned to the kitchen.
"Why don't you sit down and eat and I'll talk. I promise. Now eat."
I pulled the chair for her to sit down and picked up a fork and fed her a morsel of her meatloaf.
"Talk," Bella ordered me.
"Yes, ma'am. I handed him a copy of the worksheet you and I worked on. By the way, I promised to send him a picture of the Moroccan tent. Anyway, I don't know Bella. I think mostly just having a conversation about wedding plans finally made him realize this is serious. We're going to get married. This is a nightmare for him."
" How do I help him?"
"Eat, Bella. You need your strength. By the way, I hope you keep up your running schedule with Newton. It will help you deal with the stress. So how do you help him?"
"Yes."
"Well, let's take one step at a time."
"Brilliant," she sighed.
Bella took a few more bites of her food, and then pushed her plate away. She was anxious. I could feel it.
"Come on."
We cleaned up the kitchen together. It was my way of helping to calm her, to feel me, my presence. The slow pace gave me time to think. I took her hand and started walking towards the living room. I stopped and turned her around to face me.
"Have you called Renée?" I asked.
"Oh, right."
"Maybe before we do anything more, you call Renée." Bella reached for her phone and dialed her mother.
Bella
The advantage of planning a rushed wedding is that it is rushed. There's no time to dwell on things. You just wind yourself up and go. I called my mother.
"Oh hey, Bella. This is a surprise. What's up?"
"Well, um I had some news I wanted to share with you."
"You got into that school of yours, Vanderbilt?"
"I wish. But no, that's not it."
"Edward came back?"
I shot a look at Jasper, and he didn't betray any emotion. Thank god.
"No, mom."
"I don't know, then. Judging by your voice this is huge. Aside from getting married, I can't imagine what it could be."
That was my mother. Out of the mouths of babe…
"I'm getting married, mom. We've set the date for New Years."
Renée snorted in laughter.
"You can't possibly be marrying Jake. He's a baby. .. Wait. . . Jasper? You're marrying Jasper?"
"Yes, mom. Jasper proposed last night, and I accepted."
Jasper moved to my side and took my hand.
"Bella, I won't be able to come and see you until after Christmas. But Phil and I will be there for you. A month doesn't give you a lot of time to prepare, though. I'll try to help you in whatever way I can, honey."
"That's it? You're not going to pitch a fit?"
"If you had told me you were marrying some guy from school, yes, you would hear from me. If you had told me you were marrying Jake, hell yeah. I would personally come out to Forks, and snap you out of it. But honey, I've met Jasper. Even though I didn't spend a whole lot of time with him, I feel like I got a glimpse of his soul. Both of you are kind of old souls. You know each other in a way no one, not even me or Charlie will ever know you. If you feel that pull so strongly, that you're willing to commit, then who am I to interfere?"
Go figure.
"Bella, so did you and Jasper have sex yet? Was it incredible?"
Jasper looked at me with a devilish grin. He slapped my butt.
"Oh, god mom, please…"
"Bella, you mean you haven't?"
She started to laugh.
"Well, baby, I better send you a special care package, pronto."
"Mom, please stop it."
"Jasper's standing next to you, isn't he? Well, it's a surprise for both of you."
"So, what was all that about?" Jasper asked when I ended my call with Renée. "You know what it is, don't you? Ooo, keeping secrets from your man, already?"
Jasper was pawing me and tickling me.
"Are you going to tell me?"
My face was hurting from the laughter. My barely there dimples were probably in full evidence. I was breathing hard. Jasper's beautiful topaz eyes were like candle lights.
"Oh, well, um, I have no idea."
"Liar! But I admire your spunk. I'll let it go, Isabella. This time."
I laughed. He smiled and kissed me.
"Bella?"
"Hmmn?"
"Don't you have to call someone else?"
"Oh, yeah, right."
Jasper was kissing my neck, and teasing this spot close to my jugular. Oh, I could barely stand still. How was he managing control?"
"Yes, Bella I want it, but I want your body more. Sure you won't come back home with me, and jump start the rehearsal?" he murmured in my ear.
Oh, my belly was flip flopping. Wait, I was supposed to do something. Angela. Call Angela. I wriggled out of his grasp. Okay, he let me go. Jasper followed me back upstairs to my room where I called Angela.
"You know Angela, this came as a complete surprise to me. One minute we're talking and the next he's proposing."
"Bella, if you're happy, and this is what you want, then I'm with you one hundred percent. But I have to ask, I mean, uh, where does Edward fit into this? And what about Alice?"
Jasper was sitting on my bed next to me. He flashed me a look and nodded, whispering: "Alice knows. She's happy for us."
"Well, Alice knows, and she's happy for us. Edward, well, we don't know where he is exactly, so we can't tell him. But I know where you're going with this. All I can say is that the time I had with Edward was beautiful, but it is in the past. Jasper is my present and my future, and I'm happy."
I felt Jasper's arms wrap around my waist and he started nuzzling my neck. I had to really concentrate not to let the sigh of contentment escape my lips while I was talking to Angela.
"So, New Year's day is your big day? Doesn't give you much time, Bella. Let me know if I can be of any help, okay?"
Jasper whispered in my ears.
"Oh, well, maybe one thing you can do is ask your father for me if he would officiate at our wedding. We want to get married at Jasper's house rather than the church. We think it's going to be a small wedding, 30 people max, and of course you and your family including the twins are invited.
"Well, thank you, Bella. I accept! And I will talk to my dad. You should know that he usually expects couples to go to pre-marriage counseling. There are usually two or three meetings. He's pretty flexible about a lot of things except that. So you're forewarned."
"Great!"
"All right then. I guess that's one item off your to do list. And you know you have to apply for a license and get a blood test. Right?"
"Right." I looked at Jasper and shrugged.
"Not that it's your problem, but you know Mike is going to flip. I mean really flip in a bad way. And Jessica is certain to spread all sorts of rumors about why you're getting married."
"I know. We know. And well, I can't stop people from thinking or feeling what they do. What matters to me is that I have friends who will stick by me."
"Bella, you know I got you covered. Just get plenty of rest tonight. You're going to need it tomorrow. See you in the morning, okay?"
"Yep. Thanks, Angela. For everything."
As I was about to end the call, I remembered.
"Oh, I almost forgot. How was Ben's audition?"
"You know, there was a while there I thought he would pass out from nerves, especially when the first thing they asked him to do was sing the lead vocal on Pink Floyd's "Echoes."
"Oh, I don't know that one."
"Well, it's pretty esoteric. Anyway, he just kind of went into his little zone, and performed perfectly. They loved him. The gig is just after Christmas. Good timing, Bella."
And then like magic everything was falling into place. I had an exotic theme, complete with a red dress, as soon as I could find one. Jasper talked me into it. A pastor to marry us and the blessing of people I loved best – well almost.
.oOo.
La Push
Sue Clearwater was about to tiptoe into her son's bedroom when Leah stopped her.
"Mom, what are you doing?"
"What do you think I'm doing? I'm checking in on Seth. You know if you were home more often, you would know he's been running a high temperature. I'm nervous. It's over 104 degrees. It's dangerous."
Leah understood her mother's distress, but a part of her just looked at her with pity and annoyance.
"Mom, he's fine," she sighed. If only she could explain why Seth had a fever ...
"You're not a doctor. There's only so much we can handle here. Sometimes it's necessary to go to a regular hospital.
"Daddy died in a hospital."
Sue's eyes watered. She bit her lip.
Leah moved past her mother to open the door. I'll look after him. He's my brother. Why don't you get some sleep, mom. He's just going through a growth spurt like, like Jake. Like me."
Sue looked at her daughter and felt even more anxious.
"Go, mom."
Leah was tempted to make a snarky comment about her mother spending a lot of time with Charlie Swan, then she remembered her father's words.
"Mom, Seth is fine. Why don't you call Charlie and check up on him. He seemed pretty worked up about Bella and the wedding. "
Sue nodded. And then turned around and walked back to her room.
Leah walked into her brother's room, sat on the bed, and watched as her baby brother stirred in his sleep. Sweat poured from his brow.
"I'm here, Seth. It's Leah. You're going to be okay.
She felt a hand on her shoulder. She looked up and smiled.
Recording Soundstage in Seattle
The sound engineer was putting the finishing touches to the audition demo tape. As he played back Ben's vocals on the Echoes song he was struck by the ethereal beauty and clarity of his voice. He remembered well the live Pink Floyd concert in Pompeii. Ben's voice had the same haunting quality.
Cloudless every day you fall, Upon my waking eyes
Inviting and inciting me to rise, And through the window in the wall
Comes streaming in on sunlight wings, A million bright ambassadors of morning
And no one sings me lullabies, And no one makes me close my eyes
So I tore the windows wide, And call to you across the sky
Note: Thanks to my readers. Thanks to my awesome Beta Reader Galxychld who got me this far in the story. Thanks to the marvelous characters created by Stephenie Meyer. Without them I would have no story. A special remembrance to Kano, a wonderful dog who was part of Galxychld's family.
On to the next chapter!
The Black Swan: Twilight FanFiction – July 2012 GEMSeer