I know, finally right? Real life got in the way, as usual. I've got a couple more I'll post between now and the New Year. My goal is to finish this story for 2013. :)
Enjoy.
Chapter 53
BPOV
"Jasper, will there be time to study this weekend?" I asked, while zipping up my overnight bag and began to pack my running stuff in a separate one.
"Yeah, I've got that stuff in the car already," he said as he leaned against the door frame. "Is this bag ready to go?"
I nodded when he pointed to my overnight bag. "I'm nearly ready, just wanted to get my running stuff separated since it will be sweaty and probably stinky afterwards."
He chuckled and grabbed the bags once I was done. Together, we walked out of our house and into the garage. Within minutes we were heading down the road, on our way to Austin.
"You alright, baby girl?" Jasper asked as his fingers laced with mine.
"I'm good. I just can't believe it was just last week that we were heading back from our Italy trip. As much as I was sad to leave, I'm glad we did. I needed to decompress before school started up again. It almost feels like my schedule is running on vamp speed," I grumbled. "Well, maybe not quite that fast, but it hasn't been slow."
"Is it too much? Should we turn back around?"
"No!" I gasped out. "I mean, it isn't overwhelming but knowing I'm going to be turned soon, things feel like they're moving faster. I don't want to push things back if I don't have to."
"Alright, I am not trying to rush you either." He kissed my hand. "Speaking of which, I filled up one of the vials with venom last night."
"Oh," I replied and turned towards him. "During your feed?"
"Yeah, I was glad I thought ahead and brought it along too. I never really saw my venom in glass before, it was kinda freaky."
"How... where is it?"
"Here." I watched as he reached down into the map pocket of his door and pulled out a rolled up rag. I reached for it and peeled back the fabric to reveal the glass.
"Oh, it is sort of iridescent and translucent. Hmm, a part of me thought it would look bright green or something."
Jasper's head snapped quickly in my direction, surprise painted on his face. "Bright green? I'm not a lizard, Isabella," he grumbled and made a face.
I laughed at his expression. "It had been a while since I thought of it, to be honest. I think it was after Phoenix that I imagined it to be that color." I looked at the vial and then at the scar on my wrist.
"Since some sci-fi films show poison as being green and if you associate it with the Phoenix incident, I guess I could see why you imagined it being that color. I never realized it was iridescent before."
"So how many more vials will you fill up?"
"Probably a couple more just to be safe. I want to have at least one with me at all times now just in case something happens. Not that I'm anticipating it, but it makes me feel a little better."
I reached over and patted his thigh. "No, I'm glad you're thinking ahead. I know I'm safe with you."
The next hour or so, I started to work on a couple assignments. It wasn't until he nudged me to look at the Austin skyline that I put my stuff away and leaned back in the seat to enjoy the rest of the ride. Unlike our drive over Thanksgiving, this was daylight and it was nice to see the city get closer and closer. We made a slight detour to pick up my race packet before we got to the Driskill Hotel and checked in, ending up with the same room as our last trip.
It didn't take us long to get settled in and once again, I opened up my laptop and worked on my Criminal Law report.
"You know, if I wasn't going to turn, I'd probably go into Forensic Science," I mentioned when Jasper sat down next to me.
"Yeah? That is a big change from when I first met you, Mrs. Whitlock," he teased.
"I know, right? Bella Swan, the girl who nearly fainted during blood typing." I laughed thinking back to that memory and shook my head. "We've both come a long way from back then. It's almost like another lifetime for me." I looked up and smiled at him as I laced my fingers with his. "My memories during my change, I don't want them censored. I want them all, the good, bad, ugly... the whole gamut."
"Alright, I am not really keen on you remembering how you were in love with my former brother," he said and growled.
"I know, Jasper, but I wasn't the strong person I am when you saw me again. Besides, he dumped me and I fell madly in love with you." I reached over and ran my fingers through his hair and enjoyed the sigh of pleasure that escaped his lips. "Besides, I married your sexy ass."
"You have a point there," he said and kissed my wedding band. "I won't let it bother me as much. Thank you for reminding me. You almost done with your homework for tonight?"
"Yep, I have a bunch of stuff you can look over tonight when I am asleep. Wanna walk around?"
"Sounds like a plan," he replied and pulled me off the couch. "You might need a jacket since it feels cool."
I nodded and grabbed my leather jacket that sort of matched his and together we walked out of the hotel. Like last time, we headed onto Sixth Street and found a Tex-Mex place that sounded good. We had a table by the window so we could people watch.
"Hmm, I guess I never realized how many tattoo places there are here," he murmured as he played with some of the tortilla chips.
I looked out the window and nodded. "I definitely wouldn't have had a problem finding a place if I had waited to get it done out here."
"How did you find a studio to get your design?"
"I looked up places in Port Angeles and since a few were in the relative vicinity, I just figured I'd go in and see which one had a good vibe. Of course, it sort of helped that I had watched a marathon of some tattoo reality show the night before. From what I saw, talking to the artist was a key thing." I looked out the window again. "I want another one. This weekend."
"You do? Really?"
"Yeah, after what Heidi said, I'd like one that is simple. Our initials on my hip. Does it sound hokey?"
I saw his eyes light up at the idea. "No," he replied and grinned. "I don't think it is hokey at all. You got a pen?"
I nodded and fished into my purse. I watched as he took the pen and started drawing on the drink napkin and within minutes he showed me a drawing. It was a 'J' and a 'B' intertwined in a way that it was artsy and really cool looking.
"This is beautiful," I said. "I love it."
"Really? I used your shoulder tattoo as the inspiration."
"I want to use it and then maybe add some sort of background to it. I'd want to get it done after the race though. Would you be able to go with me or would that be too much to ask?"
"I'm good and if it gets to be too much, I'll step out. Should we go and visit some of the shops then?"
"Sure," I replied as he dropped some bills onto the table and we headed outside.
Three tattoo studios later, I met an artist who seemed really cool and liked the initial design Jasper had come up with. He took the napkin and added a few swirls before showing it to us.
"That is awesome, if you end up using blues, I'd want it to sort of match the color on my shoulder, if possible," I said and watched as Jasper nodded in agreement. He looked relatively calm but he was feeding me his excitement and it spurred me on.
"Sure thing, we can definitely do that. Did you want it done today?" Tom, the artist asked.
"Not today, but Sunday afternoon? I've got the race in the morning but later in the afternoon before we head back would be great," I replied.
"I'm free any time after 2."
"How about 2:30 so we can get the car packed and stuff before walking over here?" Jasper suggested.
"Yeah. Will that work for you, Tom?"
"Sure, I'll see you Sunday. You sure you don't want one too?" He asked Jasper.
"Nah, I'll pass this time, I'm a little squeamish with needles," he replied and actually looked embarrassed for the tattoo guy in front of us.
"No problem, but if your wife gets this one, don't be surprised if you find yourself wanting one or two."
"If I do, I'll know where to go," Jasper replied as we headed out the door.
Once we were outside, I couldn't hold back my giggles anymore and Jasper, knowing his little fib was the reason, picked me up and threw me over his shoulder. I was carried by my caveman husband for nearly half a block despite my shrieks of laughter and ineffective protests. He finally let me down and I pulled him into a heated kiss before we walked together, back to the hotel.
"I've requested a late checkout tomorrow," he mentioned as we waited for the crosswalk to turn for us. "That way, after the race, you'll be able to relax and shower before we head to the tattoo place. We should have time to get you something to eat beforehand too."
"Good plan, you'll be there at the finish line for me tomorrow?"
"Silly girl, why wouldn't I be?" The hotel staff opened the doors for us and we stepped inside. "I'll be there when you start the race and when you finish. In fact, you might not see me the whole time but I'll be close enough if you need my help, not that I anticipate any danger."
I pressed the elevator button to our floor. "There hasn't been anything, has there? Ever since we left Forks?"
He shook his head and when the elevator door opened, he held it open to let me out. We walked silently down the corridor and didn't continue the conversation until the door to our room was shut. "Nothing, but I am still looking. I even talked to some of the Volturi guards when we were there. They knew Victoria from Peter when we were both in Forks, but they haven't heard anything unusual either."
"I guess that is good. I mean, it isn't like we've been living in seclusion all this time." I went to the bathroom and changed into some more comfortable clothes before joining Jasper in bed. "You know, it just occurred to me, if my change will be in Italy, we'll need to find a place to stay."
He put his arm around me and pulled me against his body. "I thought the same thing."
"I don't think the house in that village would be a wise choice, maybe something along the countryside?"
"I was thinking the same thing. It would give you the space to run around and slowly assimilate back into the world."
I reached over and grabbed his hand. "You're not going to believe this, but what if I said I wanted one of those places with lots of land?"
"You mean like a villa?" he asked and playfully put his hand on my forehead. "Are you feelin' alright, baby girl?"
I stuck my tongue out at him. "Maybe something more modest." I thought for a moment. "You know, how about the ones we saw that looked like a farmhouse and the fields?"
"You mean a vineyard? Hmm, I think we could find something. Would you be comfortable with a large piece of property?"
"I think so. I mean I won't need to worry about much of the comforts like a kitchen or toilet you know? Well, only for the short time I'm human. Should we email our friends out there to help us look? Should we wait?" I blurted out, excited that our plan was coming along.
"Let me get your laptop," he said and in a flash he was back. "I'll need it for later when you're asleep."
"Thank you for checking my homework when I go to sleep. I'm glad you offered to help me and I took you up on it." I propped up some pillows before sitting back up. "I'm also glad you're not just correcting my mistakes, but you're showing me the reasons why." I leaned over and kissed him, running my fingers through his hair.
We decided to send messages to Heidi and Felix asking for them to help us find some places. Within minutes, we were in a chat with them and with Demetri who said Renata was in the room as well. They were all excited about our decision to come out there and also understood that the actual change was going to be private. We spent time talking about what we were looking for and in the end, they knew the perfect place for us.
Before we knew it, Aro had joined in the conversation since he owned some land which bordered a farmhouse that was on the market. He was more than ecstatic we were going to relocate to Italy for a while and confirmed the house was indeed for sale. He sent us pictures with the promise of more to come.
As we ended the chat session, a new one started up with Jane and Alec. It seemed the news of our upcoming arrival had a lot of folks excited. The twins were happy in their own way and both were looking forward to hanging out with us. By the time we were done with chatting, it was near midnight and I got up to get ready for bed.
"Why are Jane and Alec excited to see us?" I asked as I brushed my teeth.
"I am not quite sure, but they were both drawn to us while we were there. They all were. My best guess is we didn't treat them like they were kids. If they were turned today, I think there would be questions to the ethics of it because of their age. SInce they were changed before the Middle Ages, they were considered adults back then. You saw how they were the youngest there in appearance, I think it is more difficult and awkward for them to interact with other folks. Also, because of my gift, I can sense their emotions and while they are professional, there are times, much like when we were at the nightclub, it reminded me of high school."
"I can see that. They just want to fit in and while they could intellectually, it is sometimes hard because of their appearance and adolescence, right?" He nodded as I stripped off my clothes and climbed into bed. "Can you wake me up at 6?"
"Yep, anything for breakfast?" he asked as he settled pulled me against him.
"No, probably not until we get back. Night, Jasper. I love you."
"Night, baby girl."
"Isabella," Jasper whispered against my ear.
"Mmmph," I mumbled and turned so I was on my back. "It's race day, isn't it?" I took a couple deep breaths before opening my eyes.
"Here," he said and handed me a glass of water. I gulped it down and then got up to get ready for the race.
We left the hotel about a half hour later. We decided to walk since the starting line wasn't that far away and it was strange seeing Congress Avenue completely blocked from traffic. I kept doing my deep breathing as nerves started to settle in when I saw the large crowd looming ahead. I had known it was a huge race, but seeing the crowd of people just cemented it for me.
"You'll do fine, baby girl," he whispered and handed me my headphones. "I'll be close by if you need me, otherwise, I'll see you at the finish line."
I held onto him as I stretched before hugging him to go join the race. The crowd felt even bigger when I was in the middle of it and when I turned to look behind me, my eyes bugged out at seeing people spanning across the whole bridge. Finally, the horn started and the crowd slowly moved towards the starting line, slowly at first and then moving into a faster walk until I was through and the race began.
It was cool to run up towards the state capitol building but I realized I had to keep my eyes alert so I didn't run into people. I saw to the left of me, a couple people collide because they weren't paying attention. As I wove my way through the crowd, I kept reminding myself to keep a steady pace.
One mile down and then another, I was feeling good about this as I grabbed a cup of water at one of the stations. There were people cheering along streets and holding up signs. A couple times I was almost certain I had seen a glimpse of Jasper before he was gone. I wasn't even surprised if it was him. I was heading to my fourth mile when I finally walked a little to catch my breath and then I was running again, but at a slower pace.
By the time I reached my fifth mile, I wanted to be done. I was walking a little more but never actually stopping.
"Come on, Bella," I breathed out to myself as I jogged over to another water station. "Almost there."
I followed the crowd, going over one more bridge and I saw a gathering there. I was close and knew Jasper was near. Whatever energy I had left, I used it and ran towards the finish line. There were loud cheers but my only goal was ahead of me. I moved my legs faster and felt the sweat run down my face. I was breathing even louder now as I pushed myself just a little faster, not slowing down until I was across. I slowed down enough to scan the crowds until I found my blond vampire husband, wearing a hoodie to hide from the sun and sporting a huge smile on his face.
"You did it, Isabella," he said and whisked me into his arms. "I'm so fucking proud of you."
I was still breathing hard and only managed to nod.
"Here, drink this," he said as he grabbed a sports drink from a volunteer. "Let's get you some fruit."
He let go of me and we walked towards the snack area where I grabbed a banana and looked for a place to stretch my tired muscles. As always, he helped me stretch out and then pulled me up to my feet.
"Want to get back to the hotel and wash up? I'll order you some breakfast and stuff."
"Sounds great, yeah let's go."
I was surprised I was still able to walk after all that, and we made it back to the hotel in no time. He even ordered breakfast before we got to the elevators so it would arrive faster. I was soaking in the tub when I heard the knock on the front door.
"Coffee?" Jasper called out before bringing a small tray into the bathroom.
Before I knew it, I was leaning against Jasper's chest with a mug of coffee in my hand. He was slowly massaging my leg muscles. I moaned after taking a gulp, enjoying my drink and also the way he was working on the knots in my legs. Even after drinking nearly the whole pot, I found my eyelids growing heavier and drifted off for a few minutes.
When my eyes opened again, I was in bed, on my stomach with Jasper working on my hamstrings.
"There are some pastries to your right," he murmured as I felt his lips on the base of my spine.
"Thanks, how long was I out?" I asked as I grabbed what I hoped to be a chocolate croissant and poured some coffee and water.
"Just a couple hours, you feeling better now?"
I nodded and turned around so I could face Jasper.
"We need to pack and stuff, and then my appointment?" I nearly hopped out of bed but Jasper held onto my legs and pushed me back down.
"We've got plenty of time. Relax and eat, your breathing was a little labored in the tub, but the sleep helped."
It was a good thing this wasn't our actual bed because having breakfast while laying on my stomach was not easy. After spilling some coffee onto the duvet for the second time, Jasper let go of my legs, clearly having felt my frustration. I got out of bed and gave him a kiss before getting ready for the rest of the day.
It didn't take us long to get everything packed and checked out. Since the weather was nice I wanted to walk to a couple food trailers that were nearby before heading to the tattoo studio.
"Did you look at my homework?" I asked as we headed down Congress Avenue once again.
"Yep, just a couple missing commas here and there was all it needed," he replied. "What about the other stuff, are you ready for classes tomorrow?"
I nodded. "I have most of the morning to study so I'm good."
I found a truck that served burgers. Judging from the crowd, it must have been good so I went up and placed an order. As we sat and waited for my food, Jasper was running his finger along my hip, right where my tattoo would be.
I looked over at him and smiled before leaning in for a kiss. "You're about excited about this as I am," I teased as my lips grazed his.
"Will you let me clean it for you like before?"
I grinned wrapped my arms around his neck. "That, Mr. Whitlock, is a definite yes."
Our moment was broken as my name was called, letting me know my order was up. It didn't take long for me to finish my burger as we people watched. Once done, we headed back up to Sixth Street and waited at the studio for our turn.
NOTES:
Just wanted to say thank you to JamesRamsey for beta'ing this bad boy and DarkNnerdy for helping me on some parts. JaspersWoman, who so graciously preread much of the story so far has stepped back so I have a pre-reader role that needs filling - someone who can catch initial errors would be great before it goes to beta. Hit me up and let me know if you're interested.
So back to the chapter - Did you enjoy the weekend with Jasper and Bella? I've participated in the Cap 10K for 2 years now and yeah, it is crazy crowded. This year, I think I was weaving left and right while running straight ahead so I wouldn't get run over or run people over. :)
Oh, I have a nonstory related item – any of you need an invite to Archive of Our Own (it is another place to post stories). I've got 4 more invites available.
Thanks as always! ~ sushi.
