"I know something is going on. Suddenly I had to go on a vacation, which I did enjoy, thank you very much kids. I had to leave my family, there was a day where no one answered their phones, and now you have new furniture. I'm not a moron, what is going on?"
"Dad?" Bella squeaked out, I could feel her fear, I can only assume it's because she doesn't want him to know. Didn't realize he was as observant as she was.
Taking her hand and looking over at Peter and Charlotte, we really didn't think he'd notice the new sofa, it's exactly the same, well close enough most people wouldn't have noticed.
"Listen, I know you kids are well… different. I know more than you give me credit for, I think. But I have to ask… Are you all okay? Are you in trouble?"
Even though he didn't know what he was talking about, what he was asking, everyone's nerves spiked at his concern, he was too close to the truth. We were in trouble, we weren't okay, but everything is fine now. How do you say that without giving too much away? Or without seemingly ignoring the seriousness of the question. He's very concerned, I haven't felt anything from him like this since I first met him.
"Charlie," I start but hesitate. It seems more real if I say anything with everyone in the room. Normally we have these chats in a one on one setting. I look around and everyone seems to be taking their lead from me. Bella is almost trembling with trepidation at what is going to happen next and though I loath to do it, I turn off my ability to feel all the emotions in the room including hers. I'll never get through this otherwise.
"We are fine. We appreciate your concern, and things were a little harry for a couple of days. We appreciate that you were willing to go on the vacation on such short notice and leave us to deal with our own problems. Yes, we got a new sofa, the other one… had an accident," I couldn't help but give a knowing smile to Bella and when Charlie noticed he paled a little. I let his emotions seep back in and he was horrified and disgusted, but it didn't really show on his face. Not sure what he was thinking happened.
"Well, I guess I'm not going to get much more of an explanation than that. I just hope that if you kids need help with something you'll come to me. I may not be able to help but I can understand."
We all nod emphatically at his statement. Bella was leaning into my side while I held her hand and other lightly stroked a scar on my arm.
"Jasper?" Charlie asked while watching her fingers on my arm, which suddenly stilled when she saw where he was looking. "I know I said I don't want to know too much, but I need to know. Are you safe? Is Bella safe with you?"
My eyes narrowed in confusion, and a bit of anger, wondering where this question was coming from. I just assured him everything was fine, didn't I?
"Dad?" I asked, maybe if I knew more about what he was asking, I could give a better answer. And there's no shame in playing the dad card, because that's exactly how he's acting now, the concerned and loving father.
Charlie's chocolate eyes made eye contact with everyone before settling on me, he was making a decision, I could feel his emotions swirling between concern and determination.
"Okay, Jasper, Peter, Charlotte, Bella…" he again made eye contact with us as he said our names. "I know things are different with you three and I know that whatever that difference is you are pulling my baby into it. I love you all." I felt his love burst forth as his expression softened for a moment before he returned to his determination.
"I need Jasper, for you to tell me a few things. I know my daughter is disappearing in a year with you. When we had that talk last year it seemed like that was the best thing, you brought her back, you showed her love, you healed her, when I couldn't." His eyes rested softly on Bella's whose own chocolate orbs had filled with tears.
"Dad…" she gulped around the knot in her throat, "…don't."
"I'm sorry, baby girl. I did enjoy my vacation, but my heart was terrified when you didn't answer the phone last week, when none of you answered your phones. I was sure when I got back that you'd all be gone. And there was nothing I could do about it. If you hadn't answered the phone and let me know you were okay the next day… well I was already heading for the airport when I spoke to you."
Bella nodded unable to speak and I hugged her to my side. It was Char that answered the phone when he called the next day, but he didn't know that. He really was concerned we were just going to disappear.
"Charlie, we…" I didn't know what to say. He couldn't know the whole truth. "I won't endanger you, you can't know more than you do."
"And that is what I'm talking about. What kind of danger? If Bella knows this information, then is she in danger? Jasper, I'm sorry but I am worrying more everyday and knowing that you'll all be leaving soon, well I can't help but wonder how much danger my daughter truly is in?"
Bella and I looked into each other's eyes and I let her emotions back in, she was scared, worried, confused, and sad. I sent her my love and she gave me a watery half smile. Charlie's emotions softened as he witnessed our exchange and Peter and Charlotte slipped away, going into the backyard, giving us some semblance of privacy. Charlie glanced at them but paid them no mind, this was between the three of us.
"See, I know you love her. I just worry that you aren't the best thing for her." He was still determined but it wasn't as strong now.
"I am, Charlie. I couldn't leave her ever. I'm tied to her in ways that I can't explain," I gave her a crooked smile and she returned it wiping her eyes as she sat up straighter.
"I'm not worried about you breaking her heart, Jasper. I'm worried about her safety. I know you're different, you don't eat, you're all beyond super model gorgeous and pale, and I don't know what that means. But I also know you are covered in scars…" Bella's head whipped to look at her dad and back at me, her eyes as big as saucers. I was shocked too but was able to control my reaction.
"Yes Bella, I noticed. You can't watch a young man walk around your house for four months without a shirt on and not notice. I know they're difficult to see and frankly son, I felt real bad for you knowing you were adopted, made me think you were badly tortured as a kid."
I grimaced and looked away. I had no clue how to explain this and I didn't want to even hazard what Peter and Char were thinking, Bella's heart was racing and she was starting to freak out. Charlie had never given any sign that he noticed my scars. And it finally clicked. I had said things were harry earlier, I said we took care of our own problems, and he already knows we're different, now he's acknowledging that I'm full of scars.
Why did I insist on parading around like a peacock without a shirt on? Oh ya, because Bella liked it and like a damned peacock I was doing it for her attention.
"Charlie, all I can say is that this past week had nothing to do with my past. The scars are old, healed, and in the past. How I got them is not important and that threat is no threat to your daughter. She is my life and my love and I will protect her with my own life…forever." I looked at her again lovingly, but most of my attention was focused on how Charlie received my explanation. He was fearful but acceptance was slowly creeping in.
Bella gave me a small smile and I could feel the apprehension behind it. Her features were that of someone who was comforting and loving, but her emotions were spiraling towards worry and fear.
Apparently, Charlie just wasn't going to let this go. His determination filtered back in.
"Jasper, son, I truly care for you but those scars. Well… I never wanted to say anything before. I was trying to believe that was in the past, but those are bite marks son. Lots of them. I've been a cop for a long time and even in the sleepy little town of Forks things happen now and then. I noticed Peter has some too…"
Despite my desire to look at Peter and Char and see how they were taking the turn of this conversation, I kept my eyes firmly on Charlie and his emotions, locking down my own reactions.
"Well, I guess it makes sense since you're brothers but then I noticed a few on Char too. Now I haven't seen any on Rosalie, Emmett or even Edward. But Jasper, I am… concerned. I can't let my little girl go with someone who will get her hurt. Bitten?" he wanted it to be a statement but it came out sounding more like a question.
I looked down at my own arm, the scar that Bella had been stroking. It wasn't anything special, just a newborn from an opposing army that had gotten a bite in before I was able to kill it.
I remember the day well, Maria wanted to try to get a southern quadrant in Mexico that was being overrode by another vampire Warlord, Domingo. Not one of Maria's biggest rivals but he was trying to grow, and she wanted him disposed of before he could.
I had taken about 40 newborns and went to get the territory. We lost half our newborns but succeeded since he only had 50 of his own. I ended Domingo and got bit by one of his newborns in the process of trying to get to him. It was an easy victory; my newborns were more controlled and better trained thanks to me. I was rewarded well that day in Maria's bed.
As I traced the scar lost in my memories, Bella spoke up, "Jasper?"
"Ya, sorry." I gave her a contrite smile before focusing back on the topic at hand, "Charlie, I'm sorry but I can't tell you anything about my past or what has happened to me, Peter, or Char. Bella would never forgive me. But as I have assured you before, she is well informed and is making her own decision to be with me. I know it's not an explanation, but it is the end of the discussion."
I stood leaving them sitting there and walked out to Peter and Char who were sitting on gray loungers in the shade.
"Well that could have ended a little better," Peter stated as I took a seat on another lounger.
Charlie began with a sigh, "I suppose I deserved that. I'm sorry, Bella. But I am just having a difficult time with the idea of you leaving me next year. Will we not ever be able to be in contact? Ever? What about your mom?"
I could hear Charlie asking and though my back was to them I know one moved to sit next to the other.
"Dad, I'm sorry. I think you mentioning that the scars are bite marks was a trigger for Jasper. He doesn't like to talk about them. I am happy with him scars and all." I smiled a little at her acceptance. I always knew she accepted me and my looks but hearing her defend it to her father made my heart swell a little.
"I am not in danger, please believe me when I say that. As for staying in contact, well we'll have to see, if we did, it would only be by phone or email. As for mom, I haven't talked to her since Christmas. I don't think she'd even notice. She's into her new life and her new husband now. She doesn't need me anymore."
Hearing Bella say that her mom doesn't need her and feeling her sadness was hurtful but we both new it was for the best. But it hurts her to acknowledge that they've grown apart.
"Bella, you know I love you right? With all my heart I love you. I may not be great at saying it all the time, but I truly do. I don't want to lose you, any of you. You're all my family. I was hoping that if we were all a family that you wouldn't have to leave. That you wouldn't forget about your old man."
I looked over at Peter and Charlotte who seemed to have their focus fully on the conversation inside also. Leaning back in my lounger I put my arms behind my head.
I had walked off like a sullen teenager from that conversation. Peter's right, it could have ended better, better than me talking like a parent saying this conversation is over. But Bella needs this with her dad and I can't interfere. She'll know we're all listening. She needs to do this though. I'm sure it is one of many conversations they'll have about this situation.
Bella's love flowed from the house. "I love you too, dad." I could hear her say and knew they were hugging by the rustling sounds and little exhales of breath that happen when people hug, literally squeezing the air from each other.
"I could never forget about you and I'm not sure exactly what the future holds. This week Jasper was offered a very big job if he's willing to take it. We haven't had much time to talk about it and it wouldn't start for another year or two but that's all this was, some very… important people came to town to discuss the job offer with Jasper."
Well she certainly has gotten better at lying, of course, it wasn't really a lie, that did happen but that wasn't the intended reason for the visit. Peter, Char and I all gave each other small smiles that she was able to come up with a viable excuse.
"I see," Charlie finally answered, "and where is this job offer, what kind of job?"
"Da-ad," Bella sighed, "I can't tell you. It's in Europe, it's a very very big deal and let's just leave it at that. Okay?"
"He's just a kid, why would anyone want to offer him a job that's a very very big deal, in Europe. Who does he know in Europe, Bells?"
"You know for someone who says they don't want to know things, you really are asking a lot of questions. Jasper, has some very good computer skills and people know about him, okay? The Cullen's recommended him for a job to some people in Europe. He hasn't decided to take it and that's all I'm saying. Please dad, can we drop it?"
I heard Bella stand up and head towards the back door where Spirit was waiting for her. She pet his head on the way out the door and he went in to see Charlie. She collapsed in my lap, she wasn't tired physically, but emotionally she was exhausted and worried. I'm guessing because Charlie wouldn't stop asking questions.
"You did good," I said dropping a kiss to the top of her head, wrapping her in my arms.
"Thanks, I hate lying, or fudging truths, I hate that he moved all the way out here and we're going to up and leave him soon. He left his home and friends for us and we're just going to abandon him."
Her tears came quicker this time and she cried softly into my chest. I just held her. There was nothing I could say because she was right. We were happy to have Charlie here, but in a year, we'd be gone, and he'd be alone. His house sold to the guy who took his job, retired from his job, living in a place where the only people knows are us. And now I understood that he was basically trying to follow us. To have the family to have more time. But it didn't work that way. It couldn't. Bella would be completely transformed physically when she changed, and she couldn't be around humans for at least a year.
Peter and Char watched with sad eyes as Bella fell apart in my lap and her despair overrode me.
I wish there was another way. I gave an almost beseeching look to Peter, did he know anything that could help?
"You could take the 'job'," he used air quotes when he said job.
I looked at girl in my arms, I would do anything for her. I just know that being a Volturi king wouldn't solve the problem.
Peter, as though he knew what I was thinking began, "If you run the world, you make the laws, you can change them."
I was aware that Charlie was inside moving around, sounded like he was playing with Spirit.
"Peter, I can't just change the laws, and I wouldn't be running the world…" the door opened as I said trailed off what I was saying.
"No, go ahead, I'm interested in this conversation… How would you run the world?" Charlie asked, Bella flew up and out of my arms landing flat on her ass on the cement. I was too shocked at Charlie and her quick movements to catch her, without moving abnormally quick and Charlie was already seeing too much that was clear.
"Dad! What? No!" she was nearly yelling as she scrambled to her feet, brushing herself off, and gave me a dirty look, either for not catching her or for being overheard by Charlie, I wasn't sure.
"No kiddo, I've been doing some thinking. I want to know what is going on? I want to know you are going to be okay? I want to know what world domination Jasper is offered? And I don't want to lose you.
"I have nothing left other than you. It's always been you and now I have a family that I am going to lose in a year. I can't just let that go. I won't lose you again. I didn't fight your mom when she ran off with you. I hated that we only saw each other in the summers. I missed so much, Bella. I don't want to miss anymore." He looked around and took a chair from the table and faced it towards us, taking a seat.
Char and Peter keeping decidedly silent turned their big eyes towards me for guidance. Bella settled back into my lap as I sat up straighter, wrapping my arms around her waist while she wiped her eyes with her fists.
"What are you asking, Charlie?" I spoke firmly, this was it. If he asked for the truth would I give it to him?
"I want to know, Jasper. I want to know everything. I want to be a part of this family. I always thought you were a part of my family, but I realize now, it's the other way around. Peter and Char and Bella and even Emmett and Rose look to you. You are the leader of this family. It suits you. I want to be a part of this family too, of your family, if means I can keep you all in my life."
"No, dad. You don't know what you're asking. You can't. This isn't right." Bella was trying to think of something to say. She didn't want him to be forced to change or die. She didn't think he'd like the idea of killing people, not that we do, well most of us do.
"Isabella, you do not tell me what is right. What is right is that you are my daughter, you are all my family," he said looking at us and then back to her. "If you are making a choice to do this, then I should be allowed the same choice."
I placed a hand on Bella's clenched fist that rested on her leg.
"Bella, look at me." She slowly turned towards me, afraid of what I was going to say.
"He probably knows too much already, Bella." The tears began forming again in her eyes. "You won't always be around everyone that knows Charlie; to protect them. Emmett and Rose. They aren't here. Edward. Even Alice. Maybe especially Alice. If we do this, it wouldn't change things for us. I'll always love you. And Charlie can have the choice to keep his family. To be a part of this family." I acquiesced as I looked over at Charlie who nodded.
"But he doesn't know what it means, what he'll be giving up!" she cried and looked imploringly at Peter and Char for back up.
"Bella, what would he be giving up?" Peter asked, sitting up and turning to fully face her, looking over the top of Char who was on the lounger in the middle.
Bella's nose scrunched and her eyes stopped watering as she sniffed and looked over at me. Her feelings were going between love and fear. She loved her father but feared for him. I knew this. She needed to make a decision. I had already made mine.
"Dad…" she started but then looked at me and I nodded, she could say whatever she wanted.
Charlie was not oblivious to the silent conversation. He was waiting extremely nervous, a little scared and a little excited.
"Sweet pea, he lives here with us now, he retired from his job, he has no other family to speak of and his only friends are back in Washington," Peter voiced exactly what I had been thinking.
"Bella, I learned a long time ago, that life doesn't turn out the way you want it to, but you can do things to make you happy. Please Isabella, all I ever wanted was a family. You brought me that, you and Jasper. Please don't take it away," He was almost ready to cry and his eyes filled with unshed tears.
"Bella, you get to decide. But if I could vote, I vote to tell him," Char added softly.
Bella looked to Peter for his unspoken vote who nodded and then she turned back in my arms to look at me again and I gave her a soft smile. "Anything," I stated reverently. I would do anything for her.
She took a deep breath and looked at Charlie.
"Dad, you have to understand something, once you know there's no going back. You can't decide you don't like it, you didn't know about it, you get a choice but the choices are limited. Forgetting you ever knew the truth isn't a choice. Are you prepared to accept that? It's either you know and you accept it or…" she trailed off and looked away. I knew her heart clenched at the idea of him being killed or choosing death.
I guess that was the best warning she could give him. But I already knew his answer, he was now determined and hopeful since we had all given our permission.
My phone beeped in my pocket with an incoming text and I knew without looking at it that it would be Alice. Peter snorted and Char rolled her eyes but Charlie just waited while I fished my phone from my jeans pocket and looked at the message:
Alice: Tell him- it'll turn out ok
I showed the message to Bella who nodded. Charlie remained silent but he knew it was about him and his eyebrows rose in question.
"Okay, I guess everyone is in agreement," Bella huffed.
"Is someone watching us?" Charlie asked and looked around the patio for cameras.
Everyone giggled.
Bella explained, "No dad, that was Alice. She can see the future…"
And so it begins, explaining the world of Vampires to yet another human.
AN: Well some wanted Charlie to join the family others not so much... Now what? Do you think he'll believe them, accept them, want to be one of them?