Chapter 45 - Training
Jenny hadn't seen Bella since that night. She'd been so afraid to be near her — to want to hurt her again, as much as she had that night. It took hours of hunting to rid the feeling from her body. Though she could picture the memories clearly in her mind, she felt dejected from them. As if she was someone else then, numb to her humanity. Fulfilling her need had grounded her back reality. Reminded her of who she was.
Carlisle helped her though the week, as he always did. But his mood had slowly dampened as the week progressed and Jenny knew it was because of his injury. He'd been struggling to only use one hand, especially when trying to conduct his medical research. It had also kept him from working. And Jenny knew he was growing restless with being stuck in the house all day.
Everyone in Forks still believed he was in South America with her working in the hospitals they were needed most. Jenny was glad for this at least. She didn't need Forks to know yet that Carlisle had returned with his children. Otherwise, Charlie would begin asking questions. And that meant Jenny would have to speak with him. She didn't know if she could handle that yet.
Jenny knew Carlisle had been worrying about that too. Now that the Cullen's had returned to Forks, Charlie wouldn't believe Jenny's story for much longer. He knew how Jenny had struggled those months without him — he'd never believe she wanted to stay away that long again. They would have to tell him soon. The thought of it pained her. She hadn't even begun to consider the fact that she'd never see him again…
Jenny quickly pushed those thoughts away. She focused on the task ahead of her, the cold breeze whistling through her soft hair.
"Focus, Jenny," Jasper ordered her, his arms folded across his chest. He stood to the side of her, observing with narrowed eyes. "Try and anticipate the attack. Prepare yourself."
Jenny lifted her eyes to meet Emmett's gaze. His golden eyes glinted in the bright light, a smirk pulled across his lips. He stood bowed forward, but his muscles were relaxed, his body giving away no sign of an attack. His lips pulled wider.
Jenny growled playfully, crouching downwards, tensing her muscles in preparation.
Emmett laughed.
"Go!" Jasper ordered.
As Emmett launched forward, Jenny crouched lower, watching as he flew through the air. He held his arms out, ready to grasp her neck. Jenny spun to the side, anticipating his move. But he was quicker, smarter. She heard his feet behind her — he'd moved just at the last second. As she spun to defend herself, his arms locked around her neck, his head dipping forward.
"Gotcha," Emmett announced, his hold an iron grip.
Jenny pressed her lips together, pulling at his grip, trying to dislodge his hands.
Emmett held tighter. His booming laugh filled the air.
Jenny felt Carlisle watching her, his worry radiating from him. He'd been tense the minute her training had started, his gaze locked on her. His expression projected his unease.
"Again," Jasper ordered, pacing up and down. "Adapt. Learn from your mistakes. You're being too obvious."
Emmet released her and moved back to his original position.
Jenny took a deep breath, trying to focus her mind and listen to Jasper's instruction.
"Go."
Emmett launched forward, this time to the right. Jenny moved with him. Her thriving instincts told her to lunge for his neck, but her thoughts kicked in. She feigned a lunge, before launching into the air, spiralling over Emmett's hurtling figure.
He skidded across the ground, as he spun, his eyes locked on her figure. She landed on his other side, crouched low and defensive.
It was the first time she'd managed to avoid his attack.
"Good. You have the upper hand — seize your opportunity."
Before Emmett could launch his next attack, Jenny flew forward, aiming a punch to his face. Emmett ducked, smirking, and jolted away from her second aim. She growled in annoyance, launching fist after fist.
Emmett dodged and ducked, then his eyes glanced downwards. Though he was quick — she caught it. She knew what he was about to do.
He dropped to the floor, aiming to kick her legs from beneath her. Jenny jumped, her knees pulling towards her chest. As she landed with a soft thud, she saw her opening. Teeth bared, she lunged for Emmett's neck.
She was close. So close—
Emmett's hand collided with her shoulder. She hit the ground with a loud bang, the impact of it shuddering through her body. Her muscles ached with annoyance. It was the first time she'd felt something close to muscle pain since her transformation — it was a rather strange feeling.
As Emmett rose to his feet, Jenny remained on the ground for a moment, allowing her muscles to rest. She knew if she'd been human the impact would have snapped her body in half.
"Better. Far better," Jasper commented. "Now try to use Emmett's strength—"
"I think that's enough for today," Carlisle's voice interrupted softly.
He suddenly appeared in her eye-line, holding his uninjured hand out towards her. She looked up at his worried eyes, before grasping his hand. He lifted her to her feet, his arm curving gently around her waist.
It was as if he'd missed his close proximity to her, like he'd been fighting his instincts to be near and protect her when she was in danger. Jenny thought to remind him that they were only training, that it wasn't a real fight. But she knew that if she saw anyone, even the Cullen's, attacking Carlisle, she wouldn't be able to control herself, as he had.
His body pressed into hers and he inhaled her scent.
Jasper frowned. "We have barely begun—"
"She's done enough." Carlisle's voice was firmer.
Jasper remained silent, nodding his head.
Although Jenny wanted to continue her training, she knew Carlisle was right. A strange ache had settled in her muscles. She wondered if Carlisle knew this.
"Tired, Jenny?" Emmett smirked, his eyes glinting.
"You wish."
Emmett laughed. "Maybe one day you'll finally beat me."
"And that day's tomorrow."
Emmett's smirk widened. "In your dreams."
"Tomorrow we will begin training your power, so that you can use it with free will, rather than when you're in danger," Jasper interrupted.
"But how? I don't even know what it feels like. I don't know how I'm doing it," Jenny said with a frown.
"Many others have learnt to expand their ability over time," Carlisle explained softly. "Alice's visions are no longer as random, Edward can hear thoughts over a larger distance."
"How did they do it?"
"We're unsure," Jasper admitted. "Even I don't truly understand how I developed my own power — it's all within the mind."
"Kate could only electrocute other's using her palm but now she can no matter where they touch her. We'll use her example to try and help you," Carlisle said.
"We could call and ask—" Jasper began.
"No." Carlisle shook his head. "The Denali's do not wish to speak with us, they are still upset over Laurent. We will not disturb them."
Jasper nodded. Then his attention turned to Jenny. "We'll train again tomorrow morning. This time we'll go somewhere further from the house, so that you won't be distracted."
Jenny nodded, before Carlisle pulled her back towards the house.
They reached their room within seconds, with Carlisle closing the door softly behind them.
"Do you want to lie down?" Carlisle asked, his expression pulled into a concerned frown.
Jenny opened her mouth to speak, but thought better of it. She knew he would see straight through the words 'I'm fine'.
Without answering, she shot towards the bed and laid flat on her back. Her eyes settled on the marks on the ceiling, studying the fine lines and odd patterns. Carlisle took his place beside her, his body curved towards her. His hand reached for hers.
"Even as a vampire you need your rest," he said softly. "You don't need to over exert yourself."
"I know." Jenny sighed. "I just hate not being good at it. It's been a long time since I've struggled with anything…" She turned towards him, just as an amused smile pulled across his lips.
"You're already doing better than I did. You're hardly struggling," Carlisle pointed out.
"You've trained to fight before?" Jenny frowned. "I can't imagine that."
"Not extensively, but I had to learn to protect myself. I was thankful for the training when I spent time with the Volturi," Carlisle explained.
"Who taught you?" Jenny asked.
"My old friend, Alistair. Once I'd gained his trust, he found my…aversion to violence rather amusing. I eventually grew tired of his sarcasm and he convinced me to at least learn the basics. At the time I didn't believe his paranoia — he didn't trust our kind and always warned that I'd one day find myself in danger. It wasn't until I met the Volturi that I understood his worries."
The thought of Carlisle fighting, the thought of another vampire posing a threat against him, stirred her protective instincts. Carlisle appeared to notice her sudden tension and squeezed her hand gently.
"Did one of them attack you?" Jenny asked tightly.
"No," he said soothingly. "Aro doesn't allow fights to break out amongst his guard. But they had enough of a threatening presence for me to be thankful for the training. Some of them liked to antagonise me to see whether they could break my lifestyle."
"Like Santiago?" Jenny remembered the broad, hooded figure and his malicious eyes. She also remembered Carlisle's on-edge behaviour around him.
Carlisle nodded.
"Now I understand why you were so protective of me around him."
"No, that isn't what bothered me." Carlisle shook his head slightly. "Santiago's role amongst the guard is to…execute those who break the Volturi's rules. When you lost control, I thought—" He paused, pressing his lips together tightly.
Jenny turned to lie on her side, moving closer towards him. She brushed a hand over his sling-held arm in an attempt to soothe him.
"The Volturi will not harm you nor Bella," Carlisle said determinedly. But it was more a vow to himself than to Jenny.
"If only Bella would believe you, then maybe she wouldn't be so determined to be turned." Jenny sighed.
Carlisle remained silent. But he moved to wrap his free arm around her, pulling her closer against his chest. The feeling of his warm skin against her still sent a surge of tingles, just as it had when she was human.
"I know that Bella asked you to turn her."
Carlisle's body stiffened.
She wasn't mad at him for not telling her. She knew he'd been troubled by it ever since he'd been asked. It had been one of the many things that had troubled him the past week. With his broken arm, his inability to work, Bella's request was an additional burden.
"I overheard your conversation with Edward when I'd finished hunting. I wasn't sure if you knew I was there."
"I hadn't," Carlisle said quietly. "I'm sorry, Jenny."
"You don't have to apologise."
"I do. I know how much Bella's decision has hurt you." Carlisle turned his head to press a light, comforting kiss on her forehead. "We should have had this conversation sooner, but I didn't want to add to your worries. This week has been hard enough on you with all the training."
Jenny nodded in understanding. She paused for a moment, before she asked. "Will you do it?"
Carlisle took a long breath before answering. "I have to. My son will not do it, and I will not lose him again."
Jenny remained silent, forcing away the anxious feeling that rose in her stomach. The thought of Bella becoming like her always sent her into a spiral. She'd ignored it for now. But she wouldn't be able to for much longer. Carlisle would have to do it, Bella would go through all that pain, the bloodlust, the spiralling emotions, and Charlie…Her Dad would suffer the most.
"When?" Jenny asked quietly.
"I convinced her that after graduation would be best…that way there wouldn't be panic about her disappearance."
Jenny stilled. Bella's graduation was only months away. It was sooner than she'd expected. It barely gave Jenny any time to learn control, so that the Cullen's wouldn't be burdened with two blood raged vampires.
"How is Edward? I've barely seen him since that night. Have you spoken to him?"
"No. I tried speaking with him when you were out hunting with Jasper and Emmett…but he is still angry with me for my vote and for agreeing to turn her. I think he'd convinced himself that I vote against it because of you and that my vote would be the deciding one," Carlisle answered, his frown deepening.
"I understand why you agreed to do it, Carlisle. And Edward won't be angry forever," Jenny said softly. "After what he did when he thought Bella was dead…" Jenny closed her eyes, forcing away the sharp memories of the Volturi.
Carlisle's hold on her tightened.
But her worries didn't fade. And there'd be something playing on her mind ever since they'd returned home and especially after Paul's attack.
"Carlisle…" She began hesitantly, unsure whether to ask. But she had to know the answer, to ease her anxious thoughts. "If I'd have chosen not to be a vampire, if the surgery had gone wrong…Would you have done the same as Edward?"
Carlisle froze, clearly troubled by the question. His silence echoed around the room, raising her anxiety.
"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have—"
"No," he answered solemnly, interrupting her. "I couldn't abandon my family. But I would have considered it — I did consider it whilst performing that surgery. Leaving you was difficult enough, losing you…The thought of it is unbearable."
Jenny nuzzled her head further into his chest and she heard Carlisle inhale her scent. His body relaxed ever-so-slightly.
"Would you have gone to the Volturi…had Paul's attack been more fatal?"
Jenny flinched at the thought. Her instincts stirred, a burst of adrenaline shooting through her. But she forced herself to relax. The strange, involuntary movement almost made her feel human for a moment.
She couldn't think about it. Couldn't bear to even consider it.
"I don't know," she whispered. "But I would lose myself…become something I'd loathe myself for. And I don't know what could bring me back after that."
Silence fell once more. She held onto Carlisle tighter, and as did he. The excitement of her day of training had diminished and she was left in a far sombre mood. It seemed that her and Carlisle could not get away from the constant danger, worries and sadness that her vampire life had brought. The past few months felt as if they'd been nothing but constant anxieties, moving from one problem to the next faster than lightning. Would that be their life from now on? Would she only get further and further away from the quiet, peaceful life she'd planned for herself all those years ago?
"When was the last time we had a normal, peaceful conversation? It feels like all I've done lately is worry."
"I know," Carlisle agreed. "I suppose it was our trip up the mountain in Denali and then our evening in the trees…before Rosalie's phone call with Edward."
"The calm before the storm," Jenny remarked.
Carlisle's lips upturned slightly. "It's been a rather long storm, hasn't it?"
"When will things finally settle down?" She asked with a deep sigh. "When I don't have to worry about losing control, or a threat against us, or about our family?"
"I'm not sure, my love," Carlisle replied gently. His voice sounded guilty, as if he blamed himself for all the stress. He turned towards her, mimicking her stance, the tips of their noses touching. She felt his sweet breath brush lightly across her skin, before she inhaled deeply. "Your newborn years will pass, as will Bella's. The Volturi will not bother us for at least a decade…and we will maintain the peace with the wolves for as long as possible."
"That just leaves Victoria."
"We will deal with her too."
"So the storm's only going to get bigger."
Carlisle didn't reply. Instead, he leaned forward, brushing his lips against hers. Jenny pressed herself closer to his body, enjoying the comfort it brought her.
"I made a promise to you in Denali. It's one I intend to keep." He kissed the tip of her nose, then her forehead. Something he'd always done when she was human.
She remembered his promise. Remembered the list she'd created of all the things she wanted to do with her new life. Remembered his promise to fulfil them — to give her everything she'd ever dreamed of.
She smiled, a warm feeling building in her chest. Carlisle's compassion is what she loved about him most.
"My arm is almost healed," Carlisle said, in a clear attempt to lighten her spirit.
"Which means that you can take over from Emmett," Jenny said, smirking brightly.
Carlisle shook his head. "Emmett is a far better opponent."
"So you're afraid I'll beat you?"
Carlisle laughed. "Not in the slightest. I'd just rather not be the one attacking you. Would you want to attack me?" He asked with raised brows.
Jenny frowned at the thought. "No, I guess you're right."
"Besides—" Carlisle paused, his brows tugging into a deep frown as his attention was drawn elsewhere. Concentration overcame his features as he listened intently.
Jenny quickly tried to source the sound, drowning out the background noise that buzzed in her ears. She could hear Emmett and Rosalie in the garage, the breeze swirling through the trees, the faint buzz of insects in the spring air…She closed her eyes, drowning it out, trying to piece together what had drown Carlisle's attention. Then she heard the news anchor on the TV downstairs.
Her eyes snapped open and she looked to Carlisle with a confused frown.
A silent agreement passed between them. Then Carlisle quickly moved from the bed, heading downstairs, with Jenny following him. They stopped in the living room, Carlisle's expression filling with concern as he studied the TV. Jenny placed a hand on his elbow.
"Another body has been discovered in Seattle after yet another dangerous night in the City. Police are yet again baffled by the cause of death and there is growing pressure for them to find the culprit before they strike again…"
Jasper sat on the sofa, watching the TV intently. Alice was curled in a bawl next to him, leaning against his arm.
"Another murder?" Carlisle asked, his attention turning to Jasper.
Jasper nodded. "Another body found, drained of all blood. They're not highlighting the details on national news but a few newspapers have picked up on it. People are starting to pay attention."
"How many?" Carlisle asked.
"Three. If the situation gets any worse, there'll be more speculation."
"It's been a long time since I've seen a nomad be this reckless."
Jenny stared at the TV, the shock of it keeping her still. Had this been yet another burden on Carlisle's mind that he hadn't shared with her? How had she missed his conversations with Jasper about this— where had she been? If there was another nomad vampire in Seattle, they could very easily pass through Forks. That would only bring more danger, especially upon Bella and her dad.
"I think it might be time to consider other possibilities," Jasper said gravely.
"What do you mean?" Carlisle asked, his frown only deepening.
Jasper didn't answer. The news anchor's voice echoed through the room, as they moved onto the next latest broadcast. Alice looked to Jasper in concern.
Then Jasper's attention turned to Jenny. His eyes narrowed, his jaw stiffened. "Jenny…Can your whereabouts be accounted for in the past seven nights?"
Jenny frowned, confused. And Carlisle stiffened beside her, his eyes pinned on Jasper.
"What do you mean?" Jenny asked.
"I mean," Jasper continued calmly. "On the nights that the murders occurred, were you with one of us? Or is it possible that you were alone, and lost—"
"You think I did this?" A cold wave swept through her body at the accusation. It stirred the predatory instincts she tried so hard to repress. The rage that was always wanting to overcome her, but also the hurt at such an accusation.
Carlisle clearly sensed the change and grabbed her arm, pulling her back slightly.
"No trained vampire would be this reckless—"
"Jasper, she didn't do this. I would have seen her decide," Alice said quietly.
Jenny gaped at them, unable to comprehend the hurt she felt at the accusation. They believed her capable of the murder — was she? Could she really have done this? She thought back to the numb memories of her previous hunt and how separated she felt from them. Was it possible that she could have forgotten?
No, she quickly concluded. She remembered the hunt, the image was clear in her mind. She would know if she'd have killed a human. She was certain of that.
Nevertheless, guilt and hurt rose in her stomach at the thought of it all.
"No one would blame Jenny for momentarily losing control and going past the Olympic Peninsula into the city," Jasper continued logically, his voice monotone, devoid of emotion. "After Bella's vote, she disappeared for hours before she came back—"
"Alice is right. Jenny didn't do this." Carlisle's voice was firm. His tone left no room for questioning. It was the closest she'd seen him ever direct anger to one of his children.
Jasper appeared slightly guilty. "Carlisle, you see the good in all of us. We have to consider—"
Jenny stepped forward, shaking off Carlisle's grip on her arm. She ensured Jasper's eyes met hers as she spoke. "I didn't do this."
Jasper held her gaze. He paused for a moment, before he spoke. "I know."
"Then why—"
"I had to ask, to see and feel your reaction. We have to consider every possibility," Jasper explained carefully. "I'm sorry for my accusation."
Jenny released a long breath. She understood Jaspers actions, but it didn't diminish the hurt she felt. Alice looked to her apologetically and Jenny forced a small smile.
Carlisle moved to her side, his arm wrapping around her waist. "She will not be accused again," he said in a hard tone. "Jenny is part of our family, we trust one another."
"You understand I had to ask. I know what it's like to be newborn." Jasper's eyes looked haunted as he spoke. "Even Edward and Emmett have skeletons in their past."
"I understand," Carlisle said calmly. "But it will not happen again."
Jasper turned to Jenny guiltily. "I'm sorry ma'am. I hope you'll accept my apology."
"It's okay, Jasper." Jenny nodded to him, forcing herself to relax.
"I'll organise a trip with Edward and Emmett to Seattle. Edward is worried about Bella's safety. I'm sure we can find the nomad behind this."
Carlisle shook his head. "No, it will only cause trouble. If the situations grows worse, then we will go." He placed emphasis on the we.
The thought of Carlisle and her family confronting a nomad about his eating habits troubled Jenny. But she quickly pushed the thought away, not wanting to risk a predatory outburst.
Jasper nodded in agreement.
"You should hunt before tomorrow, Jenny. Ensure your strength is at its highest for your training. You'll need to concentrate," Jasper suggested. "Would you like me to accompany you?"
"It's okay, I'll take her." Carlisle turned to her with a small smile. "Now or later?" He asked.
Before she could answer, her ringtone blared through the room, her phone vibrating in her jeans pocket. Jenny stiffened, knowing exactly who was calling. She looked down to the floor with a deep sigh, before she pulled her phone out, staring hard at the screen. Charlie's name flashed across it in bold letters.
Carlisle touched her arm in concern, his fingers a cooling presence against her skin. "Would you like me to speak with him?" He offered calmly.
Jenny shook her head. "No. We haven't come up with a story yet…We'll let him be for a little while longer. I'll tell him I'm still in South America."
Carlisle nodded in agreement of her decision.
Taking a deep and long breath, Jenny pushed all worries to the back of her mind. She forced a happy smile to her lips, hoping it would elate her mood a little. She couldn't let Charlie hear anything wrong with her.
She pressed the answer button. "Hey Dad."
"Hey stranger! Are you forgetting about your old Dad down there?" He said teasingly.
"I could never forget you," she replied with a smile, trying desperately to hide the serious note in her words.
"How are you, Jen?"
"I'm good. Work's tiring, there's a lot of patients to see. But the scenery is beautiful, I've never seen anything like it," she lied smoothly. "How are you?"
"Okay. Bella should be back any minute, she's been out with Edward all day," Charlie grumbled.
Jenny's resulting laugh was only partly forced. "Are you still giving him a hard time?"
"Always will."
"That's my Dad."
Charlie chuckled down the phone.
"I've spoken to Bella about what happened…You must have been so worried while she was away. Are you sure you're okay? With the funeral, and Bella…I'm worried about you," Jenny said sincerely, a frown tugging at her brows. She couldn't repress her anxious thoughts for much longer.
"I'm doing fine, Jen. No need for you to worry about your old man," Charlie replied warmly. "Works been keeping me busy, and Sue and Billy have been keeping me company."
"Sue Clearwater?"
"Yeah."
"Please send my apologies for not being there at the funeral…If I had known—"
"Don't worry about it," Charlie assured her. There was a short pause, before he asked. "So when are you coming home, kid?"
"I'm not sure yet," Jenny said, forcing her tone to stay even. "Carlisle's already on his way back to Forks, to look after his family. But there's still a lot of work to be done here. I can't leave people who need help."
"I understand," Charlie said, but the disappointment was clear in his tone. "You and Carlisle haven't—"
"No, Dad. We're fine. Please send him my love if you bump into him."
Charlie grumbled a response.
Jenny smiled sadly. "I've got to go now…There's a patient who needs me."
"Okay."
"But look after yourself, say Hi to Bella from me," Jenny said, forcing the brightness back into her voice. "And it's been nice speaking to you…I miss you."
"I miss you too, Jen. Stay safe."
"I will. I'll speak to you soon."
She closed her eyes as she shut off the phone, concentrating on her breathing. Her stomach felt hollow and her chest hurt. As she pressed her lips together, forcing away the turmoil of emotions inside of her, she felt cool arms wrap around her.
She buried her head in Carlisle's chest and breathed in his scent deeply. Alice and Jasper had left the room — leaving them to their privacy.
"Are you alright, my love?" Carlisle asked gently.
Jenny nodded into his chest. She wasn't yet sure she could speak without releasing the whirlwind of emotions inside of her.
Carlisle's lips pressed against her hair. He held her there in silence, allowing her the time she needed to collect herself.
She didn't know how much time passed. But the burn in her throat drew her away from her anxious thoughts about Charlie, and the danger ahead of them.
"I need to hunt."
Carlisle nodded in understanding. He released her from his arms, watching carefully as she allowed her predatory instincts to rise to the forefront of her mind.
All her worries disintegrated. Only one thought remained. She launched from the house, darting towards the trees, Carlisle in close pursuit. She lost herself in her instincts — seeking solace in the storm.
A/N: So this update may come as a nice surprise - I've finally updated after so long! And the world is a very different place to what it was when I last updated. I hope everyone and their families are safe and well in these very strange and scary times 3 I figured I no longer had an excuse not to update now that I'm stuck in the house with my University closed and very little to do. It's taken me a while to build up to writing this and I'm hoping my inspiration to write will last for a little while. But I can't promise any updates, I can only promise to try my best. I hope if anything that reading this chapter and the story will be a small distraction for you all.
So this marks the beginning of Eclipse! It was strange how easy it was to fall back into writing this chapter after so long away from these characters. Even though the conversation between Jenny and Charlie was heartbreaking to write. I hope you enjoyed this chapter and I'm sorry its taken so long. I am hopefully going to publish another chapter in the coming weeks - a certain red-headed vampire may be making her appearance!
For now, stay safe and thank you all for reading.
