Chapter 3

Esme didn't mention Maria again the next day, and we spent most of our time together otherwise occupied. But when I came to say goodbye as I left for work, her goodbye kiss was longer than usual. I returned with an extra long hug.

The clouds drifted across the sky during my drive along the back highway, sending sunlight reflecting off the road. The staff parking lot was undercover, but I had to walk the long way around to enter the hospital while remaining in shadow. It took me through a lower level used by visitors.

It was there I came across Simon's mother, standing beside an aging blue ford, and struggling to cut a strip of duct tape while preventing it from curling back on itself. She startled for a brief moment when I walked up beside her, and then looked down at the concrete, clearly self-conscious about her situation.

"Hello, Mrs Woodson." My gaze shifted to the rear side window of her car, which was marred by a large crack. "I see life is conspiring against you lately."

She smiled for a brief moment. "Tell me about it. Something came off the back of a truck overtaking me on the highway."

"May I assist you?"

"Oh, only if you have time ..."

I took hold of the tape, careful not to touch her hands. Sharing the work between us, we quickly had the window securely taped. She didn't look at me while we worked, and I could see she was a little embarrassed to accept my help.

"Are you on your way to see Simon now, or are you leaving?" I asked as I passed the tape back.

"Just arriving. The receptionist let me borrow this tape, which was nice of her, as I wasn't all that pleasant yesterday." She fidgeted with the tape. "I ... uh, I want to apologize for asking you about shifting Simon to a different room. I realized during my drive home yesterday that I was overreacting, and then I found out this morning the other boy was being discharged today anyway." She shook her head. "I can only imagine what you all must think of me here."

"We understand how stressful it is having a child in hospital." I walked beside her as we entered the main building. "How is Simon?"

She sighed. "He was supposed to be discharged tomorrow, but his doctor wants to keep him under observation a bit longer ... I know he's in the best place for him right now, but ... I want to be the one taking care of him."

"I understand."

"Do you have any children?"

"Yes." I refrained from mentioning how many. That would start a conversation longer than I could invest in right now. "It's a worrying business, being a parent," I added.

She nodded. "And just when they get past one thing like having tonsils removed, there's a whole new set of things to worry about just around the corner. He's not even a teenager yet." She shook her head. "My cousin, in America … her son has just turned eighteen and had to register for the draft. If he gets called up, he could be in Vietnam in six months."

"Having a child fighting in a war would be a hard thing for any parent. I can't imagine it myself."

Or could I? It wasn't too hard to imagine how I would feel if the message I was giving Maria tonight was a little different. If Jasper did choose to go with Maria to fight in some territorial vampire war, I would be an anxious wreck until he was safely home.

I pushed away the thought, knowing Mrs Woodson needed some positive words right now.

"I try and remind myself of all the wonderful things about parenthood, whenever the worries seem overwhelming. The rewards outstrip the pain."

She nodded in agreement. She started to ask something, but then changed her mind and looked away.

"I hope Simon is feeling better today," I said, stopping by the door to the stairs.

"Thank you, Doctor. And thanks for your help with the car."

I nodded, and took my leave.

The familiar sound of a rustling newspaper met me as I entered my office.

"Good afternoon, Reg."

He mumbled something in response. Half an hour later, after I had made decent headway on the stack of paperwork on my desk, he actually asked me a question.

"So what's this about you being visited by an exotic young woman yesterday?"

I stared at his paper for a few seconds, wondering if I'd just imagined him speaking.

"Have I been a feature in the staff gossip circle?" I asked lightly, hiding my concerns.

"Six people have asked me for details."

I smiled. No wonder Reg was annoyed.

"If they are hoping for a sordid scandal, I'm afraid they will be disappointed. She is a former acquaintance of one of my sons, and was seeking my permission to visit him."

"Is that what your daughter was upset about?"

"Yes. She was worried my son was going to do something reckless. We had a family meeting and harmony was restored."

"It's nice your kids still take you seriously. My youngest just turned thirteen, and she communicates with me solely by rolling her eyes."

Reg rarely talked about his kids. I smiled at the image.

"I do get my own fair share of eye rolling at times."

He lapsed into silence again. I had just returned to the paperwork, when his phone rang. He left it ringing four times before he reached around the paper to pick up the receiver.

"Doctor Stanz speaking. All right, I'll come down now."

He hung up the phone, and turned a page in the newspaper. I glanced at him, wondering what 'now' meant in Reg's mind, and found myself looking at a headline.

I read it out, a question in my voice. "A protestor set himself on fire?"

"Yes, outside the Pentagon. Brought his baby along too, the madman. At least he had enough sanity to pass the child to safety."

"Thank God for that."

"I bet you're glad you moved here, for your sons' sake. I can see a lot more from your side crossing over if this war continues."

Reg would never notice my pause, as it only took a second, but I had to consider my reply. Sometimes, when dealing with the daily business of pretending to be human, it was helpful to imagine how I would feel if I was actually the human I pretended to be. Human charade Carlisle was indeed pleased with his decision to immigrate to Canada, and told Reg as much. But, in reality, I knew I may have to return to America before the war was over, but it was no matter. We had found our way around the draft before.

It was a quiet shift, giving me plenty of time to be alone with my thoughts. A feeling of calm had settled over me as I returned to my car. It was a source of gladness that I was on my way to tell Maria that Jasper did not wish to see her.

Gladness was an understatement. Inexplicable happiness. And relief.

As I drove along the back highway beside the forest, my thoughts turned once again to the subject of Jasper's entrance into the vampire world. Not for the first time, I wondered how he would be different if I had sired him. Sometimes I was certain I was seeing glimpses of the human he used to be. Playing with Emmett, laughing with Edward, teasing Rose. Rolling his eyes at the mountains of shopping bags filling his bedroom.

I shook my head, wondering how someone so innately sensitive had survived one day in the midst of so much violence, never mind decades.

We couldn't ignore the results of his decades spent with Maria. The sight of him flinching away from Esme's hugs, because he didn't like having another vampire's teeth too close to his neck. The times when something was causing him to suffer, but he refused to talk about it, because to have a problem was to have a weakness. His struggle to bond fully with his family, as bonding required trust, and trusting too much was to leave yourself vulnerable.

If to be once bitten meant being twice shy, it was amazing Jasper had been able to navigate life with his new family as well as he had.

But, perhaps in an overly optimistic fashion, I believed time could heal all wounds, even ones as deep as Jasper's. Time … and love.

Edward's car was already waiting in the parking lot when I arrived. But the vampire who was leaning against the vehicle was not Edward, but the son who had taken up so many of my thoughts today. My surprise must have been obvious to him, because it was certainly filling me.

"Change of plan?" I enquired as I stepped out onto the loose gravel.

Edward popped up from the other side, where he'd been crouched down beside the tires, probably taking the time to check the tread.

Jasper ducked his head. Edward looked from him to me, but didn't say anything. Eventually, Jasper spoke, in a quiet, hesitant way. "I'd always be wondering if I didn't find out what she wanted. Alice agreed as long as you came with me. Edward can be close by, but not close enough that she'll know he's there. She won't show herself if there's three of us. She'll think it's an ambush."

"That sounds like a good plan."

He gave me a searching look, probably trying to discern why my feelings didn't match my words. The truth was I would rather not have Maria near Jasper, but expressing that thought would not make this any easier for my son. I could see he was nervous already, though he did his utmost to hide it. I felt ... protective.

"I'll come at the first sign of any deception from her," Edward said, coming to my side.

I nodded, patting his shoulder.

"Let's go, then."

Jasper ran ahead, and Edward and I followed.

We broke into a run as we left the road behind. We were all familiar with this area, having hunted here many times in the last three years, and took several shortcuts to shorten our journey to the lake. We left Edward beside the river fork, and then followed the bank. It was muddy this time of year, and it was fortunate these were far from my only work clothes.

Jasper slowed down as we approached our destination, and I could see him scenting the air.

I stopped next to the water, and listened carefully. If Maria was here, she was hiding well.

"She's not here yet," Jasper confirmed. "I'd feel her."

"How close does she have to be before you will sense her?"

"With Maria, further than most. Unless ... the time apart may have dampened the effect." His head swiftly turned towards the other side of the lake. "She's here."

She slowed to a walk as she came within a hundred feet of us. Her face lit up as she recognized Jasper, and she sped up. I steeled myself against the urge to stand in front of him. Jasper, for reasons I could only guess at, moved closer to me.

But Maria didn't acknowledge my presence. I don't think she was even aware I was there. She brought her hands up to either side of Jasper's face, staring intensely into his eyes. He allowed this until she moved to kiss him, at which point he shied back and offered a handshake instead.

She eyed his hand in confusion for a moment, and then her head snapped up.

"You look different." Her voice was full of suspicion.

Jasper didn't reply. He clasped both his hands behind his back, standing still and straight.

"Unnatural eyes ..." She reached out and fingered his shirt. "Fine clothes."

Her hand trailed down his chest.

"You feel happier."

Her voice had grown more curious.

Jasper looked aside for a brief second, and then focused on Maria. "Why are you here?"

"Ah, you wound me with your coldness, my army general." She stroked his chest again. "What have I done to deserve this? You are the one who left without so much as a goodbye."

Jasper ducked his head slightly, and I felt a vague feeling of shame.

"Perhaps it might have something to do with you planning to kill him," I suggested.

She laughed. "A misunderstanding." She pointed at Jasper, touching his chest with her finger. "You obviously changed your mind, and you are no longer suffering from those intolerable moods you'd get yourself into. Can we call a truce?"

"I have no argument with you," Jasper said, his tone less strained.

"Yet you've never come home."

"That life never appealed to me. You know that."

She raised her hands in exasperation. "I don't understand you. What wasn't to like? You had it all, Jasper. Humans for the taking, fighting when you wanted, occasional mating. What more does a vampire want?"

His pang of embarrassment made me cringe.

"I even let Peter live so you had a friend. What a mistake that was. I suppose he lured you here with talk of some Northern promised land, and now I find you drinking animals. What type of vampire drinks from animals?"

Jasper was still too embarrassed to talk. I felt the need to defend him. "Perhaps one who absorbs the pain and suffering of human prey."

"It never bothered him before. He and Peter used to bet on who could drink the most humans, and Jasper would always win."

Another sharp stab of embarrassment. Maria reached up to cradle his cheek.

"There was nothing you'd like better than celebrating a victory with nice warm human blood. Someone has twisted your mind." She frowned at me for a second, and then her head whipped back to Jasper. She leaned up to his neck, and I started forward, thinking she was going to bite, but she only sniffed around his collar. He shifted uncomfortably, and she leaned back.

"What is that scent? Is that another vampire?" Her face broke into a smile, showing her teeth. "A female vampire?"

Jasper was nervous now. His obvious discomfort only confirmed Maria's words.

"Is that why you're living like this? I should have known ... you always would do anything for a woman." She nudged him in a playful way.

It was a very good thing Alice was safely at home. I had a fair idea how she would react to her relationship with Jasper being compared to the one Maria had enjoyed.

Maria's grin became sly. "Can I meet her?"

Jasper sighed. "Why do you want to?"

"I could give her some tips." She ran a finger down Jasper's arm.

It then occurred to me that Alice had perhaps spied on this conversation through her visions, which were finely tuned when they involved Jasper. Then again, perhaps not. If she had, I would expect her to be here right now, ripping Maria's head off.

Jasper took a step back, moving away from her touch.

"Besides, I'm curious about the type of woman who would actually put up with your moods."

"An extraordinary one," Jasper said. "And I would rather you kept your distance from her. Do you plan to leave this area tonight?"

"I will if that's what you want. But at least take a walk with me. I have things to tell you about the South, and I want to hear more about your life here." She looked at me. "Alone."

Jasper gave me a quick glance, and then looked down. I reached out to touch him, using his gift to communicate my uneasiness at leaving him alone, and then my willingness to do so.

"If it's what you want," I added.

He didn't look at me. It felt like he was trying to send me some calm, to indicate it was fine for me to leave, but instead I was receiving shame with a shade of calm on the side. It was an unpleasant feeling, and I removed my hand.

"I'll wait for you by the car," I said gently. "Take as long as you need."

It took all my inner strength to willingly turn and leave Jasper there with Maria. I took heart from the fact that Edward would be here if there was any possibility of her turning violent.

Instead, he was sitting cross-legged on a tree stump right where I'd left him, scratching in the mud with a stick.

"It's all right," he said, casting the stick aside. "She has no plans to harm him, or any of us."

"Did you learn anything of her real purpose?"

"It's exactly what she said. She was curious, and wanted to see for herself what had become of Jasper. He's important to her … more so than Jasper ever knew."

This didn't make me feel any better.

"Is Jasper all right? He seemed uncomfortable."

Edward shrugged. "Well, it may take him a few weeks to be able to look you in the eye again."

"What? Why?"

Edward didn't reply.

Thinking back over the conversation, I remembered the things Maria had said that had triggered shame in Jasper. Of course he wouldn't want me hearing about the less than civilized aspects of his life in the South. I would have to reassure him later. There was no need for shame.

"What did she think about Alice?"

"She's curious as to whether it's serious, or just a passing relationship. Jasper has no plans to let her see how much Alice means to him, but I don't see how he can keep it secret. Especially if he gives in to her desire to meet her."

"That isn't a good idea."

"I know. And you only heard what she said out loud. She was actually hoping that … well, she was hoping Jasper might be willing, for old times sake."

I raised an eyebrow. "Don't tell Alice."

"Didn't plan on it. Apart from that, she's curious about how you control the coven. She's questioning Jasper about it now."

I wondered what he was saying.

"Do you want me to give you a running commentary?"

As much as I would like to know what Jasper would share with Maria, I had to decline.

"Eavesdroppers seldom hear good of themselves."

Edward smiled. "I hear good things about me all the time. Last week, Rose thought my new composition was beautiful. It's what she says to my face that isn't so nice."

"I don't think the saying refers to mind reading vampires. Perhaps eavesdroppers would hear more good of themselves if what people said out loud did match their inner thoughts."

"Well, Jasper thinks a lot and hardly says anything, so I wouldn't worry. Next time Maria sees you, she might treat you with a bit more respect. He told her you know the Volturi."

I shook my head. "It's a sad commentary on vampire society when knowing the Volturi gains one respect."

"Now they're talking about life in the South. Some covens have gone, some are still strong. Sounds like things are quieter there. She wants to know if he misses it."

I knew I should let them have their privacy, but I didn't ask Edward to stop.

"He says he doesn't miss the constant violence. She can't believe he hasn't died of boredom. Without even humans to provide a distraction."

Edward suddenly looked back up the river.

"The others just arrived in the parking lot. They got tired of waiting and talked themselves into coming."

I chuckled. "Even Rose?"

"Rose is driving."

"Will you still be able to hear any trouble if we go back?"

Edward frowned. "I think so. As long as they don't go much further out."

"Then we should go and provide some reassurance."

Edward nodded. He listened for another moment, and I guessed he was checking to ensure nothing was amiss with Jasper, and then followed behind me.

When we arrived back at the cars, there were indeed far more vampires waiting for us than there had been earlier. Alice was cuddled in Esme's arms. Emmett was pacing up and down, flexing his arms. He was probably disappointed there wasn't a fight going on.

Emmett turned to face me when I emerged from the trees. "Where's Jasper? Is he with her?"

I nodded. "Maria wanted to talk alone. She seems harmless enough. For now, at least."

I moved to Esme's side, placing one hand on her shoulder, and the other on Alice's back. "He's fine," I assured them, seeing Alice's worried face.

Edward came to join me, and Alice peered out over Esme's arm, looking for confirmation of my words from her brother.

He nodded. "Maria wants to meet you," he said. "She keeps bringing it up. He's reluctant, but she's wearing him down."

I raised an eyebrow. I never thought I'd see Jasper be worn down on the issue of protecting Alice.

"It's Maria," was all Edward said in response.

I looked at Alice. "Do you want to meet her?"

"Yes ... to tell her to stay away from him. He doesn't need her."

Edward met my eyes. "Jasper thinks that if she meets Alice, she might go on her way. He wants to ask you what you think. He's coming this way, and he doesn't know the rest of you are here."

I looked around at my family. They were still and serious, with none of the smiles normally reserved for guests.

In the distance, the hum of a car traveling down the highway echoed in the night. What would the locals think if someone recognized me and my family, standing around in the parking lot in the early hours of the morning?

"We need to go somewhere else," Edward agreed.

"All right. Here's what I propose. I drive Jasper and Maria to the house, and we will all meet her there."

Edward nodded, handing Emmett his keys. "I'll stay with you and Jasper. Em, mind taking my car home?"

"Sure. But is this a good idea? Esme might be mad if the house gets all busted up because Alice and Maria have a go at each other."

"I'm not going to fight her!" Alice protested.

"Yeah, you say that now."

Alice broke away from Esme and shoved Emmett. It resembled a kitten trying to push over a big dog.

"You can't even control your temper with me!" Emmett laughed.

"All right, that's enough teasing, Emmett," Esme said, gently moving Alice back. "Let's go home. We'll see you soon, Carlisle."

I nodded, trying not to feel too concerned about what I had just witnessed. Emmett did have a point.

Edward gave me a sideways look, and I could see some amusement in his expression.

I sighed, patting him on the shoulder. "Come on, let's find your brother."