Eighteen

I'd be lying I If I didn't say I wasn't disappointed more didn't happen last night. But I was injured and Major very clearly hinted he wanted me at 100% when it was time. That didn't mean to say we didn't have some fun, fun that another vampire in the home clearly didn't appreciate judging from the pounds on the walls/doors. I was thoroughly distracted enough to where I hardly heard them, Major was careful my…ah…inside voice though. Charlie was none the wiser. And to be honest I would rather keep it that way, he liked Jasper.

The next morning I was extremely relaxed and in a really good mood, happy to be woken by the soft mist of Forks than the blaring harsh sunlight of Phoenix. I had fallen asleep between Jasper's legs my head and upper body resting on his chest. I woke up to his feather light touches dancing along my spine. He smiled down at me as I looked up at him sleepily.

"Good morning," He murmured.

"Mmmm – yes it is." I said snuggling into him.

He chuckled lowly, pulling my face up to meet his in a kiss. When he pulled away he kissed my forehead and his fingertips traced along the straps of the shirt.

"Keep doing that and we're not getting out of bed," I mumbled.

"I fail to see an issue with that," He retorted.

"There's a few kinks in that plan,"

Looking into his eyes they were dark amber, and sent a thrill through my body, one I'm sure he felt with a spike in a certain emotion.

"Easy there darlin', don't start something you can't stop," he teased.

"You started it,"

He gave a half grin.

"Technically Alice did, I'll have to thank her." I said thinking back on the gift.

He pulled me in for another kiss – deeper this time, making my toes curl. He only released me when I was thorough kiss drunk and breathless. His eyes were still darkened and a smug satisfied smirk was on his face when he pulled away.

"Lets get dressed before I change my mind about keeping you locked away here." He grumbled.

He helped me stand, and went to the duffel bag that sat at the edge of the bed. I went over to the closet, but paused when he had pulled the long sleeve over her head, I took a moment to look him over. Appreciate him, he was muscular, boy did he have the body to prove it. He wasn't near Emmett's brawn, but he held so much more muscle that the bronze haired Cullen. I marveled at the dips and planes of his body, remembering how they bunched and flex when he held me. Finally I met his eyes, they nearly smoldered at me. I flushed at being caught.

"You're starin'," He mused.

"Not sorry," I sang as I went to change.

He chuckled and I smiled, while it was easy to be with Jasper, I still had doubt in the reaches of my mind. What happened with James still weighed heavily on my mind, a burden I don't think would be gone anytime soon. The fact that Jasper accept me, ALL of me – my flaws, my burdens, and still desired me - sang truth more about his character. I didn't deserve Jasper I knew that, but I was too far in love with him to let him go.

I shook my head of my musings and changed my clothes. I had changed into a large oversize yellow cable-knit sweater and a black tank-top underneath. I grabbed a pair of fleece-lined leggings and moved back into the bedroom to put them on needing to sit to be able to yank them over my new obnoxious cast. I was fully aware of Jasper's gaze on me, feeling my skin tingle where I knew his eyes were drawn. After wrestling with the stretchy material over my cast I was able to shove my feet into a pair of ankle socks and shove my feet into a pair of ugg-like boots. I ran a brush through my hair and noticed Jasper following my every moment.

"What is it?"

He shook his head, before coming over and kissing me on my cheek holding me close.

"You tempt me without even tryin'." He murmured, his voice low and rich.

I smiled but mock glared at him.

"Oh no you don't, I just got presentable."

His smile turned impish.

"You're the one who came out nothin' but a sweater and underwear," He retorted – eyebrow raised.

"I can't balance very well, and you didn't seem to mind."

His eyes darkened.

"I didn't." He agreed.

I shook my head and brushed the knots and tangles from my hair. My mind wandered to what we were doing today. We were going to the Cullen house, Carlisle was listed as my home MD and so he would be doing an examination to be sure I was healing correctly. We were also to confront Edward as to his behavior towards me. To be honest that second part I could do without. I wasn't good with confrontation and I doubt it was going to end well. Jasper must have picked up on my anxiety.

"Things will be fine, sweetheart." He assured me.

"I hope so, I don't want to cause any further rifts." I murmured.

"There aren't rifts there that you made,"

"I'm the reason for it though," I said unable to shake the feeling.

Calm caressed me like an old friend.

"No fair with the mood changing thing," I whined.

He chuckled.

"Don't worry, I wouldn't be bringing this up if it wasn't need to be said," Jasper assured me

I bit my lip and nodded, I wrangled my hair into a braid. Jasper kissed me and a blink later he was gone, duffel bag with him. Sighing and now alone with my thoughts I distracted myself with the task of going downstairs. Charlie was already in the kitchen making coffee. He smiled when he saw me.

"Morning bear cub," he greeted.

"Morning," I mumbled trying to not fall.

"You sure you don't want your crutches?" He asked worriedly.

"Do you think Jasper would let me fall on my face?" I asked seriously.

Charlie chuckled. He glanced at my left hand, the ring wasn't in your face, but you could tell it was there when I glittered in the light.

"He did good," he mentioned motioning to the ring.

I sat in one of the mismatched chairs and smiled.

"He did," I agreed.

He knew I didn't like traditional jewelry, when I wore any, preferring gemstones for my go to accessory. We talked about it once on one of his many visits.

"You going over there today?"

I glanced at the time on my phone, a little after nine.

"Yeah, Carlisle wants to make sure I'm healing and Esme wants to makes sure I'm eating."

Charlie laughed. He had met Esme apparently when she had come over to bring food while Bella and I were in the hospital.

"She sure does love to cook." He added.

"She's got an army to feed, have you seen Emmett?"

Charlie laughed at that, he had met Emmett too. Charlie was initially intimidated by his size, but after they both talked sports and fishing the two were fast friends. There was a knock at the door, and I opened it 'reveal' Jasper. He looked stunning as usual, dark washed Wrangler jeans, and a dark green sweater adorned his body, with his trademark cowboy boots on his feet. He kissed me good morning before we went into the kitchen where Charlie was reading the newspaper.

"Mornin Jasper," he greeted.

"Chief Swan, good to see you."

Charlie gestured to the coffee pot.

"Coffee Jasper?"

Jasper shook his head but smiled gratefully.

"No thank you, I've already had my limit for day." He said.

"I hear you on that, one is about all I can do, unless it's a late night. She hasn't eaten yet," he said referring to me.

I sent a glare over at my dad who seemed unimpressed with my stare. Jasper gave me a raised eyebrow.

"I'm sure my mother would be more than happy to get some food in her."

Charlie nodded.

"Is Bella up?" I asked.

Charlie shook her head.

"No, she's still asleep. I imagine she'll be up soon." Charlie said looking towards the stairs.

Breaking the silence Jasper turned to me.

"Ready to go?"

I nodded.

"Be safe you two,"

Jasper nodded and we said our goodbyes.

"Do you think he'll bring Bella?" I asked suddenly while we were driving.

Jasper frowned at the thought.

"It's possible."

That didn't sit well in my stomach, the confrontation with her undead suitor would be difficult enough, let alone having my twin sit in on it. Jasper threaded his finger between my own , I smiled at the contact. He glanced down and his smile grew more pronounced.

"What?" I asked.

"I like seein' that ring on your finger. Let's everyone know your mine," he said voice smooth and warm like honey and chocolate.

I shook my head smiling.

"You already knew that," I chided.

He lifted the said hand and kissed the back of it.

"Now everyone else knows it too."

When we arrived at the Cullen's home it had started to rain – ever prepared – popped open a umbrella he had stashed away in the Mercedes and helped me out as we made it to the porch unscathed by the rain. Taking off our shoes by the front door I was instantly hit with the smell of sausage and pepper's permeating from the kitchen. Smiling I hobbled my way to the kitchen where Esme was working her way around the kitchen making an omelet, it had diced red, orange and yellow peppers sausage and cheese.

"Alice mentioned you hadn't eaten yet," She said popping the finished omelet down in front of me as I clambered onto a bar stool.

"You spoil me," I complained.

"You deserve to be spoiled," Jasper countered kissing the side of my head as he helped Esme clean up.

Careful not to burn myself, I dug in. I could tell Esme was watching my reaction anxiously. I had my mouth full and so I gave her two thumbs up instead and she seemed to be relieved.

Her eyes caught sight of the ring glittering on my finger and she kissed Jasper on the cheek, eyes wide and shining with happiness. I'm sure if she was able to cry there would be tears on her face. I flushed. Jasper looked proud and the phrase proud as a peacock came to mind.

After fighting Jasper to let me wash the plate I had used, we settled in the living room. I sat beside Jasper on the love seat my legs draped across his lap, I had a crochet hook and yarn crocheting a blanket. Jasper was reading one of his many novels from his room. Apparently Rose, Carlisle and Emmett were out on a morning hunt before everything started, to curb crabbiness and tempers.

As time wore on I felt more and more nervous. I was - distracted enough when Carlisle and the others came back from their hunt, eyes nearly beaming golden yellow. Emmett scooped me up in a gentle hug and Rose even pulled me in to a hug before Carlisle stole me away to a room upstairs. It was sent up in a corner room, windows on all sides save for the wall against the house. It probably could have passed for a medical examiner's office with all the medical equipment in the room – save for the pops of color and homey touches throughout the room. Hobbling onto the examine table we went through the typical questions and procedures.

"How are you feeling?" He asked me, when all the routine stuff was out of the way.

"Terrified, I don't want to cause a fight," I admitted.

He gave a gentle smile, though his eyes were clinical and serious.

"If this has been on-going Jasper is right, it needs to be addressed and out in the open. You're a part of the family, so it will get explained and addressed by the family. "

I nodded - I was still uncomfortable about the whole thing. Carlisle had the foreboding black binder in his hands, my past and a new white binder, but current injuries. I winced at the sight of both binders, both were unpleasant reminders. Gravel crunching under tires caught my attention, peeking out the window I saw the shiny silver Volvo park next to Carlisle's Mercedes. Edward got out and around to the passenger's side to Bella clambered out as well her leg in a boot. I frowned.

"Did he have to bring Bella into this?" I mumbled.

Looking up at Carlisle's face – it was smooth and unreadable but being around vampires for as long as I had – I had begun to read their eyes rather than their faces. His were displeased. Jasper was at the door of the exam room and helped me down the stairs, we went back to our spots in the living room before Bella and Edward even made it into the house. Emmett chosen to sit in the love seat opposite of us, Rose beside him. Carlisle and Esme were on their own loveseat and the only two reaming sitting spots left were two arm chairs across from Carlisle and Esme. When the door creaked open Carlisle called them into the living room. I could see that visibly Bella was uncomfortable by the gathering, and Edward looked rather annoyed. But they both sat down in the empty chairs.

"Edward you know why were are here," Carlisle said diplomatically.

"Someone's feelings got injured I assume?" was Edward's snarky reply.

Jasper's eyes sharped on the quip.

"Let's not be childish. We have concerns about the how you've been handling things," Carlisle chided.

If Edward could look ashamed now would be the time, but his face was smooth as glass - a poker face. Bella looked confused between Edward and Carlisle.

"What's going on?" Bella asked.

"They think I am being unkind to your sister," Edward informed her coolly.

Awareness lit her features.

"You haven't really been forthcoming and polite to him," She said, looking directly at me.

My eyebrows rose.

"Kind of hard to do when he looks like he'd like nothing more to drain me dry and leave me for dead. He's tried to scare me away a few times."

Bella scoffed.

"I've never ONCE seen him try to run you off."

"Do you really think he'd do it with you around?" I asked curiously.

She opened her mouth to respond, but found she couldn't really answer that. A majority of us knew that Edward wouldn't dare do anything to break Bella's perfect vision of him, including acting petulant or anything other than perfection. I could see the wheels turning in her head and Edward opened his mouth to say something but snapped it shut at Jasper's sharp look.

"Something to say Whitlock?" He asked voice clipped.

"Many things – not too many of them kind," Jasper bit out.

Bella's jaw dropped open slightly, Jasper was usually quiet and polite around her. But then again - this wasn't Jasper…not entirely.

"Aside from the incident at the airport – "Carlisle began.

"Airport? What happened at the airport?" Bella interrupted turning towards m.

"Ask your boyfriend," I nodded in Edwards's direction.

Edward's eyes darkened and jaw flexed as Bella turned towards him her eyes full of questions.

"He failed to report to Carlisle that Lettie was kidnapped and missing before they arrived, and told us to wait." Jasper responded when Edward didn't respond.

"My mind was preoccupied with finding Bella, it slipped my mind." Edward smoothed over.

Jasper moved to get up, I pressed him back with my leg, although I knew in realty it wouldn't really do anything if Jasper wanted to get up. I hoped I would be able to serve as a barrier – something to remind Jasper to settle down. It seemed to work as he glanced at me and I shook my head slightly.

"That was not yours to slip Edward, and we all know full well how remarkable your memory is." Carlisle responded tartly.

It was probably the most impolite tone I had ever heard from the doctor.

"Your 'slip up' caused a lot of pain and injury," Jasper added.

Edward snorted softly.

"Her injuries aren't any worse than Isabella's,"

"On paper," Jasper grit out.

This caused Rosalie's eyes to sharpen at her 'twin'. I felt my throat tighten, and the stitching on my sweater became instantly more interesting than any of their faces. I hid my hands in my sleeves, I felt the anxiety climb slowly at the glimpses, the memories I had done so well to push into the box I never dared open any more. Peeking up at Rose she was studying me, almost seeing right though me - before her face flickered between outrage, shock and disgust. She whirled on Carlisle.

"Tell me that piece of trash didn't!" She growled lowly.

Carlisle didn't respond, and that was all the answer she required, but before she could move Emmett and grabbed her gently and hauled her into the other room sensing an impending explosion. Edward rolled his eyes at her dramatics.

"It's nothing to be aloof about Edward, your poor decision making came at a price," Carlisle reprimanded.

"A price that I was willing to pay." He said coldly..

"At the expense of her sister?" Jasper reiterated.

Not responding to the growly vampire beside me he turned his cold gaze on Carlisle.

"You did do a thorough examination I assume? The last thing we need is the Volturi descending here. "Edward asked.

Now Esme looked affronted.

"Edward Masen! I am appalled!"

"It's a genuine concern." He said though not quite as his usual politeness.

"Why would Scarlett need an examination?" Bella asked no thoroughly confused.

I felt the room spin, a gentle hand on my knee helped wash the fear and anxiety dissipate but only just.

"The vampire that hunted you, that used Lettie as bait, took her against her will while he waited for you to arrive," Carlisle tried to explain.

Bella still didn't get what was going on from any look on her face.

"James raped Scarlett, Bella." Esme said gently.

Her head whipped around to me, and I didn't dare look her in the eyes.

"But no one blaming you," Edward soothed her.

"No, I'm only blaimn' one person," Jasper said lowly.

Edwards's eyes flickered over to the Texan.

"An examination was done yes, there is no evidence that we need be concerned of." Carlisle assured him.

Rose and Emmett had returned from the other room, Rose still looked livid and Emmett wasn't too pleased either.

"You were checking to see if she was pregnant? I thought that didn't happen in your kind…"Bella asked slowly.

"It's impossible for two vampires to conceive a child. There are records of children – immortal dangerous children – being conceived while the mother is still human." Carlisle said slowly.

From the look on Edward's face, this was NOT a conversation he'd like to be having with Bella in the room.

"You won't need to worry about that with me anyways," I mumbled numbly.

I felt eyes on me but I didn't move my eyes from the spot on the couch I convinced myself to stay attached to.

"You're still human," Edward said darkly.

"Mind your tone, boy." Jasper growled.

The tension between the two male vampires was high.

"Page 24 section 3." I mumbled gesturing to the black book,

Frowning Carlisle opened the book to the appropriate page, I watched his face fall as he read. Face returning stony he passed it to Edward.

"Incapability to have children isn't exactly unique to vampires…" I said with a broken smile.

Edward glanced down at the page, it was obviously a homemade put together scrapbook of some sort. He remembered seeing it on Carlisle desk several times. The pages themselves were medical records.

07/16/2003

11:47 PM

Medical Notes:

- Emergency surgery done on patient coming in via ambulance

- Unresponsive

- Drugged with a substance the restricts movement and sound – patient seems to be aware

- Injuries include – deep tissue contusions everywhere on the body, multiple lacerations ranging from shallow to needing stitches

- Major trauma to the reproductive organs of the body

- Forced trauma

- Semen found on and inside the canal.

- Womb damaged beyond repair – no chance of repairing – inhospitable to bear any future children

- Emergency full hysterectomy performed

Edward sat ridged in his armchair. No on made a move, save for Bella who looked at Edward and the black book anxiously. Curiosity shown in her eyes but she made no move to speak. Needing some air I got up and hobbled into the kitchen and out the side door and onto the lawn and down the creek that ran through the property.

It had stopped raining, the air was crisp and clear – the sun probably wouldn't make an appearance but it was bright behind the clouds. I took a deep breath of the air and watched the creek water trickle by, occasionally seeing fish in its waters. I heard footsteps approach, I didn't turn to see who it was, but I was a bubbling mess.

"When your fifteen, you're not even worried about having kids yet. My main worry was getting into high school and if I was going to be bullied or not. "

Sighing the words still hurt, even two years later.

"I always wanted kids, I baby sat enough for people on the reservation, or even around town, and I loved kids. I knew I wanted to be a mom. But…one moment…one decision…to change everything."

They held me close, judging from the blond hair that I was able to see – Rose held me close to her chest, hugging me as I cried – reliving old hurts.

I'm not certain how long we were outside, but we had to return indoors before long as Rose didn't like the temperature I was turning. When we returned in the house, the boys were missing, and Alice. Esme smiled at me softly.

"Hot cocoa?"

"Yes please," I said softly.

"I'll whip some up, Bella would you like some?"

"No thank you." She replied.

Her face annoyed and petulant, almost that of a child's.

"What's that?" she aside suddenly.

Looking at her she pointed to my hand. The same hand that I had my ring on.

Oh boy.

"A ring," I said slowly.

She narrowed her eyes at me.

"You never wear jewelry,"

"Well now I do," I retorted, really not wanting this conversation.

"Who gave it to you? I've never seen it before."

"Dear lord Isabella, what is this, the Spanish inquisition? " I groaned.

She just looked at me expectantly.

"Jasper did a fine job, it's beautiful." Esme said smiling, coming in with a mug of warm hot cocoa.

It was almost comical the way Bella's jaw dropped open like a cartoon character. Esme slipped away almost as quickly and I busied myself with chomping the whipped cream down to a drinkable level. Bella seemed to recover quickly and then looked slightly smug.

"Does Charlie know?"

I nodded.

"Yes, Charlie was in on it," I replied.

Que jaw drop number two. Her face was astounded and flabbergasted all at once. It was almost funny to watch her face go through the range of emotions that we inhabited. She finally settled on displeased anger and refused to look at me, but I could see jealousy and envy reflect in her eyes. It was maybe twenty minutes later when the boys returned. Jasper stoic, there was irritation in his eyes, but it didn't seem to burn as hot as it did before. Carlisle and Emmett trailed behind him, and Edward was last. He seemed the most mussed up out of the quartet. His normally primed and polished appearance had mud stains – rips and tears at his clothes. And entire sleeve of his right arm appeared to be missing and I could see faintly a large silvery crescent shaped scar on his forearm.

Quickly turning my sights back on Jasper he seemed calm as he approached me.

"Hot cocoa?" he mused.

"Yum," I whispered taking another sip.

He chuckled, and sat beside me, I cuddled in close. Edward disappeared for a moment and returned shirt and hair back in pristine condition.

"I'd like to leave," Bella said quietly.

Edward nodded once and they said goodbyes to the family, minus Jasper and I – seemingly avoiding us all together. The tension that once surrounded the house seemed to leave with the pair.

I wouldn't lie though, I was curious…

What happened?