Freedom of Choice 5

Bella was on the phone with her dad. Carefully explaining that Amelia was going to help her do SAT prep, and with the crappy year she had last year she wanted to make sure that she did well. It took a little convincing, but her father could hear in her voice that this was important. Bella always wished that her father liked Edward, but perhaps that he didn't make her request so much easier. Anyone that could get her attention away from him even for one night was a win in Charlie's book.

Pulling up to the Cullen's, Amelia looked over at Bella, "You ready to do this? It's OK to back out, cause he will not like you taking control." Amelia was ready for the shit storm, she was honestly looking forward to it, but wanted to make sure that Bella was ready for this. This train wouldn't stop if Bella got the ball rolling.

Bella was biting her lip the entire way here. From the moment they hit the road from La Push she has been running the scenarios in her head. Was she scared, absolutely, but she needed her freedom. Letting Alice and Edward take control of her life, while some of it couldn't be helped, but the stuff that she could have stood up for, she didn't. She became so compliant.

"Honestly, it's not that I'm not scared to do this, because I am. But if you can help me take control of my destiny. I'm willing to do anything to get away, so to speak." she breathed out.

Turning off the truck, Amelia looked at Bella, she could see it in her eyes, that she was determined to get her life back. Amelia couldn't help but chuckle, if it wasn't for the tension from the Cullens coming home from school, she wouldn't have asked Bella to leave with her. Honestly she would have made small talk and either hid in the guest room or taken the truck herself to grab some food. Fate? Maybe. Char was all about fate. Perhaps living for over a hundred years seeing how things eventually intertwine, it was making her realize perhaps she should pay attention to these things.

"Let's do this." She rallied herself. Keeping her face calm, she didn't want to give any indication to the Cullens that things with Bella were different. Her main focus was to get everyone on board with her and Bella having a girl's night, and missing a day of school, getting Peter and Char in the loop was essential, they were trained and could help get Bella to safety. The wild card was Jasper, he was so whipped by his wife, he could cause a huge problem, he's the one who trained the Whitlocks.

Walking into the house, Amelia could feel something had changed. It unsettled her. Grabbing Bella's forearm, turning Bella to her, she mouthed "stay by me, Peter or Char."

Her eyes were huge with fear, but she trusted Amelia. She nodded her understanding. So far the girl has been nothing but honest and willing to help. She followed behind Amelia like she was a second skin, especially since she saw how she handled Paul.

Entering the living room discreetly, with her eyes trained on the room, she looked for Peter. She found both her brother and sister. THANK GOD! "I'm glad that you're here Char, Peter was moping around, it was sad. I considered putting him out of my misery." Making her way towards Char. Being in her sister's arms, she felt complete.

Char wrapped her arms around Amelia. She was glad that they were together again, but she was anxious, she didn't know what the Cullens were going to do now that Jasper was no longer locked inside himself. She knew Jasper, both sides of him, neither was a heartless monster, but for the first time in several decades he was finally working as one. As much as she loved the Major, but she wouldn't let him harm Amelia. She was a sister and daughter all rolled into one.

Looking at the girl behind Amelia. "I'm sorry sug, I'm Charlotte, friends and family call me Char. I'm finally glad to meet you." Extending her hand out.

Bella gently shook her hand. "You too. My friends call me Bella."

Looking around the room Amelia clocked Edward, he looked like he was about to have a panic attack. Making eye contact with both Char and Peter, there was an underlying conversation of we need to talk. Taking note, Amelia gently nudged Bella, indicating it was time to start getting things in motion.

Edward couldn't hear anyone in the room but his family, the Whitlocks and Bella were silent. He really hated them, nothing being able to get inside their heads, limited his ability to manipulate the situation around him. Looking at Bella, he noticed that she was sticking very close to Amelia. Needing to put a little space between them, he walked over to them, calmly standing in front of Bella.

"Did you have fun love?" he questioned.

Looking into his eyes, it took her self control not to scream at him for using her, but she was going to stick with the plan. "Yes we did, we are planning on continuing it later tonight. I guess I'm having a slumber party." Bella breathed out.

He stared right at her, almost like she was speaking another language he didn't understand. "Bella," he started, "it's a school night, you can wait until tomorrow night since it's Friday. I'm sure Charlie wouldn't want you to have your friend over keeping you up all night." Looking down at Bella, he knew that she would fall into line, as she should.

"Edward, ummm I'm actually going to have Amelia stay the night tonight, I actually had a really good time, and it's really hard for me to make friends. We are even planning on taking the day tomorrow. I might even show her my favorite book store." Stammering out.

Edward was floored. She's wanting to spend time with this uncouth woman. That couldn't happen. Taking a moment to center himself, he would let her think that she actually had an option. "Bella, love, you have school in the morning, and Charlie isn't going to let someone you barely know stay the night, and he wouldn't allow you to take the day off." he said ever so smuggly.

Amelia bristled. It took every ounce of control she had not to send him flying. However, she knew that Bella needed this. If she would stand her ground now, in front of the others, then she would do everything in her power to help get Bella the life she wanted. But all of that was solely depending on Bella. This was her defining moment. Come on, you got this.

Squaring her shoulders back, she lifted her head. The rest of the Cullens took notice.

"Actually Edward, I already spoke to Charlie, he thought it was a great idea. He thinks that making a new friend is important. So that's what I'm going to do." Slightly turning towards Char. "I'd actually really like you to come as well, if you want. Amelia said you were from the Civil war era, I have like a million questions."

Amelia felt proud, she found that kind of silly, but perhaps seeing someone finally take some control of their life was something to be proud of.

Edward couldn't believe what was happening. He weighed his options, making a decision not to make a big deal for now. His dealings with Bella have taught him one thing, if he pushed too hard on things that weren't too important she would fight him, normally he would use the vampire compulsion to get her under his control, but with what happened with Alice, the family was on high alert. He would make a tactical retreat. For now.

Walking over to her, and gently placing his hands on her shoulders, "OK Love, you're right, you and Ms. Clayton should have a good time." He looked over at Charlotte. "Mrs. Whitlock, I trust that you would keep my Bella safe?" he asked condescendly.

Peter had just enough with Edwards attitude. "Don't worry little man, my wife, she'll keep your human very safe."

Some of the tension in the room was lifted by the light ribbing that Edward received from Peter.

Amelia looked over at her brother, "Please, Char is deadly. She makes grown vampires cry!"

Peter chuckled, "You're correct. Sexy, Deadly. Just the perfect mate for me." The two gravitated towards the other. Looking at each other like it was the first time.

Amelia looked down, while she had a great first relationship in highschool, he was kind, sweet, and gentle. There wasn't any moment that she could remember that he looked at her like she was the only person in the world. It was young love, it wasn't meant to last, and that was OK. She was grateful that she could see what love could be like in a mated pair. It gave her hope in her undead life.

Looking around the room Amelia needed to go up to the room and grab her stuff. "Bella, I'm gonna grab some clothes for the next day or so, I'll be right back." She saw that Bella was secured near Char, which made her feel better.

Running up the stairs to the third floor, she opened the door and grabbed her backpack. Reaching into her suitcase she grabbed a couple jeans, shirts, and underwear. As she stood up and turned towards the bathroom, looking up to find one Jasper Hale leaning against the open bay doors.

Not understanding why he was here, and having things to do, "Is there something I can do for you Jasper?" Not really having the time to stop and chat, she moved towards the bathroom, in search of her toothbrush.

Entering the bathroom, she grabbed her things, turning around she found him standing in front of the doorway, essentially blocking her in. "Umm, are you going to move?" she asked. Keeping her feelings in check, dealing with an empath she didn't want to give away her nerves or fears.

"Darlin, you are absolutely beautiful." his southern twang coming out. Relaxing his stance, he stared into her sea glass colored eyes. He moved towards her, impressed that she never made a move to back away. Taking his hand he brushed the loose hairs from around her face, he tucked them behind her ear.

Her breath was caught in her throat. This was not the same Jasper she has seen the last couple days. The man in front of her was different. The clothes were still the same, but the way he was carrying himself. A nanosecond passed, she realized that THIS was the Major. He eluded confidence, commanded attention. Being momentarily stunned by this information, she quickly got her barings back. She didn't know this side of Jasper, she didn't know what to expect.

Keeping her eyes focused on his, "Isn't it customary for a gentleman to ask permission from a lady before he touches her?" she quipped.

OH I like her. Chuckling darkly, "I never said I was a gentleman." he crooned. Stepping into her space, he crowded her, his eyes were roaming over her body, he had no shame in this voyeuristic preclusions. Settling on her chest, he smiled, her breasts were full filling out her shirt perfectly. "I'm definitely not a gentleman."

She watched in fascination how he blatantly undressed her with his eyes. A part of her was excited, this no nonsense Jasper had sex appeal, and confidence. However, no matter how sexy a man is, she wouldn't fuck with a married man. "No, I guess you're not, look are you done eye fucking me? Cause I have plans with Bella, and honestly I don't screw around with married guys. So. If you'll excuse me." She quickly grabbed her things, and was out in the main bedroom.

She felt him behind her. Turning around he was staring at her. She almost felt like she was going to be his next meal.

Following her into the bedroom he watched her grab her things, he moved behind her, he could sense when she noticed him there. O, I am going to enjoy chasing you. Staring into her eyes, he could see that there she was feeling some attraction, but she was guarded, he was looking forward to finding out what was behind those walls. "Alice isn't my mate." He figured that would knock a few things down, giving her a chance to open up.

Rolling her eyes at that statement, "Yea, I figured that out, but she's still your wife, so my previous statement still stands."

In all his years after Maria, but before Alice he never met anyone so forthright. She's perfect. His desire for her went through the roof, she wasn't going to give him anything, until he met her standards. It was humbling that she wasn't throwing herself at him, he knew that any further interactions with her, he would need to be worthy of.

Lifting his hands to her cheek, he gently caressed her cheek with his thumb. "Well, my beautiful dove, I guess that is something that needs to be handled. Isn't it?"

She stared into his honey colored eyes, in combination with his cold thumb on her cheek, she enjoyed the contact. Although she wouldn't allow him any further liberties until he was no longer emotionally, physically, and legally with Alice Cullen.

"Look, Jasper, I get you're going through something, but I do not have dreams of being the other woman or the woman you fuck to piss off your ex. When you get your shit together, then we'll talk. Until then, figure your shit out." With that she walked out the door and double timed it down the stairs. She wouldn't admit it out loud, but this version of Jasper definitely made her pay attention.

Entering back into the living room, she could see that everyone with vampire hearing heard the conversation. "For people that have lived longer than sliced bread, you all could at least pretend to not pay attention."

Peter and Char smirked, they were at least engaging in a conversation with Bella. The Cullens however had the decency to look ashamed. Well Edward, he looked like he sucked on a lemon. Honestly Amelia didn't have the brain power to deal with his dumbass right now. She needed to get Bella home before her dad got home, throw some books around after dinner, study, call the wolves, go to sleep, and handle the venom inside Bella's bite. FUCK. IT.

Bella was confused, obviously something happened upstairs with Amelia. But of course the Cullens would never tell her anything. It truly made her upset. Did any of them really respect her as a person? Or did they all think that she was so delicate that any information would cause her to fracture? Hopefully, Amelia would answer the question when they were heading out. She made the move to stand, Edward of course followed her every movement. Wanting to get some space as quickly as she could. "Amelia, are you ready to go, I need to get home before Charlie, and get dinner started."

Smiling at her, "Yup. Let's boogie." Looking over at her family, "Luv you. See you later tonight Char. But not too soon, Peter needs his wifey!"

Amelia opted to follow Bella in her truck, so that they could use hers tomorrow. Plus with how slow her truck was, Amelia couldn't even think of the drive to La Push in that, but Bella loved that truck, so Amelia wouldn't tease the truck too much.

Pulling into a small driveway, parking next to the orange behemoth. Amelia clocked the cute white house. White, dark shutters. It felt like a home.

Following Bella inside, it was a modest home with modest furniture, nothing was new, but nothing was broken. Used. Walking into the kitchen, a pale yellow was over the walls, white cabinets with a little paint missing. Just like the rest of the home, used.

Sitting at the table in the kitchen, Bella put her SAT prep book in front of Amelia. "So I'm making some biscuits and gravy for dinner. While I'm doing that, let's actually do some studying so that at least it's not all a lie."

"Let's get it done then."

For the next thirty minutes, Amelia read, questioned, and Bella answered. It was the sound of the front door that caused the girls to stop the quiz session.

A tall man with dark eyes, and a moustache. He entered the kitchen and saw that Bella was finishing up dinner, and the young girl had a SAT book in front of her. At least she wasn't lying about that. Ever since her zombie stage when the Cullens left, and her running off to help Edward, he sometimes doubted her. Ever since Edward entered his daughter's life, she became someone that he would never have expected. Changing his train of thought, "Hey Bells, is this your friend, Amelia?"

Looking up from the stove, "Yea, Amelia this is my Dad, Charlie, Dad this is Amelia."

Standing up from the table, Amelia extended her hand, "Pleasure to meet you sir."

Taking her hand, "You too. So how do you know the Cullens?"

Luckily Peter set up a new identity for this trip. So she wouldn't burn her Whitlock ID. "Actually, I just met them, I'm related to Jasper's cousin's wife. Charlotte. Peter is Jasper's cousin. Charlotte wanted to do some travelling, so instead of her having all the fun, I decided to tag along."

Charlie nodded. "Jasper he's the blonde haired one right?" he asked.

"Yeah, he is. Meeting him today, he is nice, like most of the Cullens." she retorted.

Sensing that she didn't like all the Cullens, he was curious if she would be honest with him. This would be a determining factor if he was going to let her stay the night, as well as letting Bella take the day off tomorrow. "Most of the Cullens, which one wasn't your favorite?"

Looking at Bella, she saw Bella give a slight nod. It was time to start putting things in the heads of people that mattered most. "If I'm being honest sir, Edward." Looking over at Bella again, "Sorry sweetie. He seems, I don't know, kind of self absorbed. Definitely not someone I would spend time with if I had a choice."

Charlie smiled, good, at least this was someone else on his side against Edward. "He's just immature."

Bella felt it was time to start her part of the plan. Letting out a long sigh, "That is something I am starting to realize," looking over at her dad, "he was kind of rude to Amelia because I asked her to help me prep."

Shrugging her shoulders, "Hey I've done the highschool thing, he's still doing it, I got close to a perfect score. I think I know how to help someone study."

Charlie actually laughed. "It would do that boy some good to learn some humility."

Sitting down at the table they all sat down for a nice home cooked meal. It was nice for Amelia, while she loves Char and Peter, being able to sit down and have a family dinner was nice. Not understanding how Peter's knower works, she was pretty certain that this moment right here is what sent them to the Cullens. There were probably several more things that needed to be handled, but this moment was something that she hopefully will keep with her forever.

Hours after dinner, Charlie went up to bed, and the girls camped downstairs. Char came by about an hour or so later.

They stayed up for a while longer, making plans, Char shared her history with Bella, Amelia explaining her gift, Char even broke down what happened with Alice after they left.

Bella was horrified. "Jasper actually did that?"

Solemnly Char looked over at both of them. "Yes. I know it's horrific, but real vampires are vengeful Bella, while I can respect how the Cullens live, but that's not normal for covens. There is always one leader, occasionally the mate of the leader will help run the coven. The thing is, Carlisle should have known, he is a mated vampire, and for him to allow it to happen in his home for as long as he had, Jasper is well within his rights to challenge him for leadership."

While hearing that made Bella feel scared, she could understand somewhat, even Edward in his unwillingness to provide information, explained that the Cullens do not live like most vampires. It was something that she really had to consider, how she was going to live her life after the change. Char explained how her and Peter lived, how they hunted, it was something that she would need to consider. She knew that no matter what, she wasn't going to live with the Cullens. It scared her. Was she just going to wander the world alone? That was something that perhaps she would talk about later. Right now, she just wanted to get clarification on Alice.

"So what happens to Alice now?" she questioned.

Amelia turned towards Char, it was definitely something that she was interested in. It also explained why Jasper's confidence was boosted. He was finally in control.

"Well Sug, that will be entirely up to Jasper, he is well within his rights to kill her. Right now she is to be left in her room, fed once every other day. Esme is allowed to see her, no one else. Outside of me and Peter." Char didn't want to scare Bella, but she wasn't going to hide the truth.

Both Amelia and Bella sat back and absorbed this information. Amelia wasn't completely surprised, she just hoped that Bella wasn't going to get cold feet, tomorrow was going to be busy.

As if reading her mind, Bella looked at her, "That is a lot of information, and thank you Char for telling me the truth." Yawning, "I think I'm going to crash out, tomorrow is going to be intense."

Char and Amelia both chuckled, "That's true. Let's get some sleep."

Settling down into the couches they both relaxed into a decent sleep.

Char, the protector, stayed into the early hours of the morning, only leaving when the Chief was on the way down for his morning coffee. She left a note for Amelia, then headed off to Peter, they needed to discuss adding Bella to the family.