Reservations: A Twilight Fanfiction
Disclaimer: I do not own Stephanie Meyers 'Twilight'. If I did, there would be a spin off series depicting the life of the renowned Hunter, Charlie Swan.
Charles Swan had seen it all; had heard it all. In his forty-odd years of existence though? This took the cake and fucking begged for more. He was speechless, he was confused; he was beyond furious. He'd read, reread and Hell: by now he could quote the journal word for word to anyone willing to listen but for the life of him he just couldn't understand. In some alternate world: his daughter was destined to be the catalyst of a serious, deadly chain of events. In some twisted dimension: Isabella Marie Swan would be hit by a car, attacked by a group of drunkards... That sounded all too familiar and the realisation hit Charlie like a freight train. She knew; Carter knew what would happen to Bella and, despite the differences between the story she was familiar with and her new reality, still put herself in the situations leading up to them in order to save his daughter. But why? Charlie wasn't ignorant: he knew Carter, for lack of a better word, hated his daughter and, quite frankly, understood to a certain degree, especially considering the preconceptions her book had given her.
The book. He closed his eyes, thinking back on what he read. Carter had tried her best to rewrite the story and what a story it was. It was unbelievable, the shit that went down after his daughter moved to town. Causing trouble for Vampires, causing trouble for Shifters, causing trouble for herself: trouble, trouble, trouble. He wondered where he went wrong with Bella; his sweet, caring little Isabella. Was he that bad of a parent? Did she actually hate him? From the sounds of it, all she wanted to do was get away from him and from Forks, so much so that she gave herself to a Vampire. His arms were crossed. A fucking hybrid granddaughter and the royalty of fucking Vampires and the killing of hundreds of innocent people in Seattle, and for what? All for that fucking brown-haired, little shit named Edward. What in the Hell was his daughter thinking?! Was her life so terrible that she'd willingly and eagerly give it all up?! For fucks sake: the boy didn't even fucking love her!
"Fucking Hell." He cursed under his breath, inhaling deeply and trying to reign in his anger. "Okay. Okay." He flipped back to the beginning of the journal. "Now," he said, running his finger along the words on the page, scanning for the right entry, "it should be here." He turned the page, once, twice and found the heading 'Undisputed Facts of the World'. Paul's name caught his attention and he followed the dotted line to a name: Rachael Black. He closed his eyes again. This is what had her acting like an idiot. According to her version of the story: the man she was in love with was destined to be with someone else. He was starting to understand what Carter was thinking now. Billy had called him the previous week to tell him they had to cancel their upcoming fishing trip because his daughter would be returning home. If Rachael was back on the reservation, if she met with Paul, Carter obviously assumed it would negate any feelings the man had for her and be immediately redirected towards his original Imprint. If that were to happen, Carter would be crushed. He'd read the original circumstances that Samuel Uley had imprinted and he wasn't able to fully grasp how the man had so easy been able to replace his high school sweetheart, his soon-to-be fiancée, so easily, and with her cousin! Maybe... maybe Carter had a point. He really hoped, for her sake, that it wasn't the case, but the fates had fun messing around with this young woman's' life and it wouldn't surprise him if it remained ongoing.
"Jesus Christ Carter." He rubbed at his face as he looked out the window. His hand slammed the table and, in doing so, he'd knocked something onto the floor. He picked it up. It was the second journal that had come down with Jacob Black that afternoon, courtesy of Billy. There was a simplistic, little lock on the edge, binding it together to ensure no-one got in. He debated for a moment but ultimately decided that, as long as she didn't know, which she wouldn't, Charlie would be safe to have a look inside. He knew it was morally wrong, but the life he saved all those years ago, the girl he saved all those years ago, was hurting and he needed an insight into how she thought; needed a better understanding about the world she once knew, the world she did know and about the future she perceived would eventuate from her world deviating from the original script. If he could understand her better, he could help her.
''
Dear Reader,
This is, well, surreal and completely and utterly insane. First thing's first: my name is Carter and I'm not from this world. I know: say what? I suppose a better way to put it: I'm not from this reality. Where I'm from: the characters and happenings in this world are all part of a fantasy novel that, to be honest with you, I didn't like. This will sound weird but I woke up in this world, several years younger than my actual age and in the Twilight Saga. No, not Twilight Zone, but Saga. See: Journal #1 for clarification.
The man who saved my life five days ago is, as coincidence would have it, the father of the protagonist in the story. His name is Charles Swan but I call him my Guardian Angel. I thank whoever I need to that he is in my life. I, uh, I have some serious bad luck which always turns into some odd kind of good luck. You see, I was...I was kidnapped by some psychotic murderer the moment I woke up here pretty much. I didn't think I'd make it through the first night but Charlie, he came in, he found me and he saved me. He stepped through the basement doors and I don't think I'll ever be able to repay him what I believe is owed but I know of a way I can at least start making it up to him.
I know of some future events that his daughter will be involved in. I think I can, maybe, hopefully, be able to make the course of the story run a little smoother than what happened in my version of this world. Damn, it's weird trying to distinguish if this place is just a dream or not. I can't remember my last moments in my world and I have no idea what I'm supposed to be doing here. The Cullen's won't be in Forks for another four years so I'm not entirely sure what to do with myself. Argh! This could have happened to literally anyone on the planet but the Fates have decided it was gonna be me.
I'll stop writing for the moment. Charlie's called me over to some building down the street.
Write soon,
Carter.
She managed to gloss over their first meeting rather nicely, he thought to himself. That brought back memories though. Seeing that little girl standing there, her screams and her cries for help echoing around the dark room: it would haunt him for years afterwards and, truthfully, it still did. He was thankful to get there in time. He shook off the memories and turned to a random entry further in the journal.
Dear Reader,
I need to rant, so be prepared for teenage angst and the like!
Isabella Marie Swan is now at the very top of my hit-list. She was here for spring break and did nothing but awkwardly go about the house. She didn't try and engage in conversation and that one time I was there, she did nothing but look at me funny! Charlie, he was hoping for us to get along, I just know it. That's never going to happen though and I'm not sure I can pretend to like her either. He'll know and...
I guess I just don't want to disappoint him. He's already my Hero and I guess I just want to make sure that he's happy. His daughter left three weeks ago, since school started back up again, and I don't understand what her problem is. I hoped, prayed, for Charlie's sake, that she'd be different in this world; that she'd appreciate the amazing man that is her father and not just blow him off as she did in the original series. It really does piss me off. She has parents: parents who love her! Charlie has bent over backwards and contorted himself further to make sure that she's happy. He takes his vacations to ensure he's home every day that she's over; spends no time for himself and she has the gall to say that he doesn't really care about her.
That man is the most selfless being I've had the fortune of meeting. He's put up with me, some stray kid, for months, just to make sure I didn't end up in the Government's care…. Yeah, it's been quite a while since he found me. There was a whole bunch of legality that he had to sift through in order for me to live with him. I don't understand why he'd do all of that but you can bet my life that I'm grateful.
He stopped reading the entry, teary-eyed at the feelings that Carter had written on the pages of the book. He turned a few pages, scanning the lines, and a frown formed on his face as he read the next entry.
School? It's been pretty different. The education system is freaking weird over here in the States. It's a good experience for the most part. Some of the kids are decent, I suppose. Confession time: Uh, if you're reading this, don't tell Charlie but, I haven't made any friends. The kids here are scared of me. They think I've killed a bunch of kids or something like that. I've tried to befriend them but even Angela Webber, a super shy but sweet girl, won't even say 'hi' to me. I'm a little disappointed really. I guess their parents are wary of me too and I don't blame them. I was caught up in some messed up shit storm…excuse my language. It's just, well, I don't know. I've tried, again and again and again, but I don't belong here. I'm not even meant to exist in this world. I've a feeling things would have been better had Charlie come in a few moments later, rather than when he did. I mean, it wouldn't have been all that great for me, but at least things would be normal for everyone here.
I'll admit: I'm struggling a bit. I don't know if I'm doing anything right. I'm afraid I'm just failing and disappointing Charlie. He asked me if I wanted to invite a friend over the other day and it broke me a little to see the understanding in his eyes. He's not stupid and I know he hears what the rumour mill has to say about me. I think I'm going to just have to leave…
Forks seemed to be the stereotypical 'small town' when it came to gossip and, what they dubbed, 'outsiders'. When Charlie had officially become her guardian, during the first months she was with him, it was clear that Carter was different. He sure as Hell didn't know just how 'different' she was though but she had told him her story eventually; well, the basics of it anyway. She had been absolutely terrified as she told him the truth about herself. She'd gone and packed a bag full of necessities because she thought he would kick her out, or worse: send her off to an asylum somewhere. However, as crazy and impossible as what she told him seemed, he didn't doubt her because there was nothing but truth in her eyes and a vulnerability that had him wanting to protect her from the world. He wanted to protect her like he wanted to protect his own daughter.
Dear Reader,
I think I can officially say that I have minions. Haha! The pups are so freaking cute and so carefree. It's a shame they'll have to grow up fast... then again, maybe if the Cullen's were aware of the effect that they have on their surroundings, things may go a bit differently. I'm sure, though, that Quil Jr (that made me laugh so hard calling him that at first) and Embry will end up shifting no matter how much I meddle. The other three though? I might be able to spare them the pain and responsibility. Charlie's aware, as are the Elders, that Samuel Uley will be the first to undergo the transformation and that it'll happen in less than two years' time.
It's flying by! I can barely keep up with everything but I'm sure that my plans won't be detrimental to the actual plot.
Charlie, again, skimmed over many of the entries but decided to stop and read her thoughts and feelings about the Cullens and the Shifters.
...He's quiet, but what would you expect? He's also got a heart-warming smile. Seriously, I knew there was a reason for him being my favourite. I just can't believe that he doesn't realise that I know about him though. Or that I know about his Coven. The shifts in my emotions should be pretty damn suspicious but as far as I can tell, Jasper d-
Charlie physically pulled back from the journal, holding it at arm's length.
"Wait, what?" He was confused, admittedly. Reading the first few lines, he'd immediately assumed that he'd been reading about Carter and Paul's first meeting. This sounded, and he was shaking his head now, like a teenage girl with a crush.
-doesn't know. There's something else: I don't think Edward can read my mind either, and, judging by the glares and the constant stalker-like behaviour: Alice can't see my future. Which means, at some point, I'm going to have to answer to the patriarch of the Cullen Coven and I really don't want that, at all actually.
He understood, completely, what the consequences were of Humans holding knowledge of the Vampiric World. He'd met with Carlisle Cullen on numerous occasions during his occupation and was reasonably convinced that the Coven Leader would be sympathetic and wouldn't damn an innocent, young woman to either death or a damnation. At least he hoped. He turned the pages once again after finishing the entry.
...and he took it well enough eventually but when you hear the words 'You're a Shapeshifter Sammy', you're not inclined to believe it. Now imagine trying to explain that situation to the new love of your life who was your ex's cousin. Yeah, that went over well. It actually did though, despite the minor hiccup along the way.
Okay, so it was a slight bit more than minor but it's all good now. To sum it up: Good news is that Emily Young is scar-free! Oh, and I have some wicked new, uh, tribal markings on my back? Yeah, that sounds pretty diplomatic. Sam's been kicking himself and hasn't stopped popping up randomly to apologise. It wasn't even that bad. It was a few scratches and Sue Clearwater fixed me up good and proper so what's there to really say? Jesus, Charlie would go off his head if he was ever told about them. He'd go off about a lot of things in this journal if he found about them. Yes, Reader, that was a subtle threat directed at you: if Charlie suddenly becomes knowledgeable about all things Carter, I will find you and I will skin you and turn you into shoes.
Reading this journal seemed like a safe, logical thing to do but as he progressed through the pages, Charlie realised that his sanity was slipping and his need for vengeance was rising. He was almost certain he had turned a permanent shade of red and that he more than likely was sporting a full head of grey hair. He wasn't sure he wanted to keep going; wasn't sure that he should keep reading so he locked the journal and placed it back on the table top in the kitchen.
He reached for the phone soon after, hoping that his best friend would give him the information he sought.
"Hey, this is Charlie. Look, I know it's late but this is about Carter. No, no she's, well, look, could you just answer a few questions? Please Billy?"
''
"Isabella." His daughter looked his way as an acknowledgement before heading straight out the door and to school. He sighed. He wouldn't give in. This time, he was going to put his foot down. He was sorely disappointed as the days went by and she still hadn't talked with Carter. It was the least he should be expecting of her after what happened all those months ago.
Unfortunately, his daughter was unsympathetic and believed she was at no fault for essentially abandoning Carter and quite frankly Charlie had reached the end of his tether. He had talked with Renée, booked a flight and talked to Bella about her departure from Forks and the girl had not reacted kindly to that at all.
"Oh, what? So you're shipping me off? You're the one that always said you wanted me to live with you. What happened to that? What happened to always having a place here? Huh? Is it because Carter's the perfect daughter; the one you always wished you could have had?"
Needless to say, she was unimpressed.
"Do you really think she's going to stick around in this Hell hole too? She'll leave you eventually as well. Then what are you going to do? Call up your actual daughter and hope she forgives you? Well, I won't! I see now why Mum left you. It wasn't just Forks: it was you! I hate you Charles. Have a nice life."
It was awkward when she came back from school that afternoon. In her angry tirade, she had forgotten that there was still another five days before she actually left Washington. Needless to say Charlie didn't even attempt to talk with his daughter and allowed her to avoid him as much as she damn well pleased.
"Uh, Charlie?"
"Huh?" Charlie was pulled from his thoughts. Carter was standing in the loungeroom with a sheepish expression on her face.
"I'm sorry for before. I just, I'm on edge at the moment because of what I know, from the other world, and I-" Charlie held up a hand to silence her.
"It's okay kiddo. How was your walk?"
"Oh, uh, about that..." Charlie rubbed at his forehead when the pale figure of Jasper Cullen made his way into the room.
"You picked up a stray?" He questioned. He was too old for this. Seriously. He sent a look Jasper's way, a warning of sorts, having caught the look the boy had directed at Carter and kept sending to her when she wasn't looking. If, no, when Paul found about this, he was going to murder the Vampire.
"Hello Chief Swan, it's a pleasure to meet you. Your daughter is one of the only people who has welcomed my family and I since our arrival." He held his hand out and Charlie shook it, as was expected of him.
"Yourself and your family managed to keep out of trouble and your Uncle was an asset to this town. It's a shame they moved so suddenly. If you don't mind me asking why did they leave?"
"Uncle Carlisle has family in Alaska that need him and his medical knowledge."
"Then why did you stay if someone in your family's in hospital?" Charlie asked.
"My Uncle and I had a disagreement Sir. My two adopted siblings did something I gravely disapproved of but I've never really been a favourite of the family." Charlie just nodded, really not wanting to deal with this right now.
"I'm ready." They heard Bella call down to them as she descended the stairs. She wheeled her suitcase to the door before turning around. She stopped when she saw Jasper, her eyes widening with hope. "Jasper? Wait, I thought you all left? Why are you here? Is Edward still here? Do you know where he is?"
"The rest of the family left town permanently. He's not here." Bella had tears in her eyes and both Carter and Charlie were confused as to why she was so emotional over someone she didn't really spend time with.
"Then, why are you?" Jasper looked down at Carter then back to Bella, placing an arm around the older girl's shoulder. Bella's eyes widened a fraction more. Jasper Hale was here because of Carter. Jasper Hale was here to protect Carter. "You stayed for her?!" It was a harsh whisper littered with venom. Charlie intervened before this could get any more awkward and before someone got hurt, namely his daughter.
"Okay, that's enough. Carter, I'm dropping Bella off at the airport. Feel free to stay the night but I think going back to Paul would be the best option right now. He knows how to cheer you up, and if he fails, then the other boys will. Especially the Troublesome Trio." He then nodded briefly to the blonde male. "Jasper." He simply said as a way of acknowledging the boys existence. "Come on Bella."
"He wants me dead." Jasper said once the door was closed.
"Shame someone beat him to it, aye?" There was a moments silence before they both laughed. "Thank you for redirecting me back home Major."
"The only place I want you lost is in my eyes, Darlin'." She laughed again.
"Smooth, Major, real smooth."
"If you run your hands under my shirt I'm sure you'll find somethin' smoother."
"Okay, okay, enough. Now what are you doing for the rest of the night?"
"I'll find something to do." He said with a smirk and then he was gone. Carter shook her head. That man had been trying to flirt with her their entire walk back and she was surprised that the Major had such a mode. It took her completely by surprise. She let out a sigh. Charlie was right though, she needed to go back to the Pack, back to Paul, if not to explain herself, then to just let him know that she was unharmed.
''
"Jesus Carter! We've been looking everywhere for you!" Quil exclaimed.
"We caught the scent of the blonde Vampire by the border, mingled with your scent. Want to explain that?" Sam said, his voice nothing but demanding.
"I went for a walk and got lost."
"In the middle of the night? You think we've been worrying about you? You should see Paul. He's going out of his Goddamn mind Carter! Do you not think? Seriously, is this a game for you? There's more out there than just the Cullen." Carter shrunk back, obviously not having expected this kind of a reaction.
"Hey, Sam, chill. You're scaring her." Quil attempted to reign Sam in.
"Scaring her? Fucking good! She should be scared." Okay, Carter was officially becoming terrified. What had Sam so frantic? "Now get. Back. Home!" He roared and Carter bolted as fast and as far away as she could.
What the Hell had happened?
''
Authors Note: Hi! I know it's short, and I know it's been a good what, year maybe (?), but here's a little Chapter for you! Hope you enjoyed.
