(Bella)
Carlisle was much more composed as he laid the folder on the table next to the crest and the identification.
"All the properties and accounts that were in your name." He said simply.
Jasper looked through the folder. There were maybe a dozen property deeds in there and just as many bank statements. He separated them into two piles. One he set on the table, the other he left in the folder. Only a few documents remained in the folder.
"When I declared Jasper Hale dead, anything with Alice's name on it reverted to her." He pointed at the larger pile on the table. "So those aren't mine anymore. The rest I already had transferred to my new identity. I just needed the original deeds for the properties." He closed the folder around the few papers left in it and handed it to me to hold.
I sent him curiosity and he nodded at me. I opened it and peeked inside. There were deeds to two houses. One worth nearly two million dollars, the other just under two hundred thousand.
There were also three bank accounts. The first one I recognized, JPMorgan Chase, and it had a balance of $703,843.41 in the account. I could feel my eyebrows raise at the figure. I flipped to the next page, this account was for a bank in Singapore and the amount was for five million dollars. The next page was from the same bank, but this account had seven million in it.
I sent my shock to Jasper and he sent me back amusement. I wanted to ask him about it, but he sent me patience back. I closed the folder and decided we had other issues to talk about that were more important at the moment than his status as a millionaire. I eyed the much larger pile he abandoned, realizing Alice had just gotten a fortune handed to her.
Jasper took the folder back, winking at me before folding the papers in quarters and sticking them in his back pocket. I wondered if he intentionally handed it to me, knowing I'd want to look. He knew I was uncomfortable about money. I sent him a bit of suspicion and he smiled back.
"Do you need to retrieve anything else from the house?" Carlisle asked.
"No, the things I wanted were left behind when we moved from Forks." Jasper said sounding slightly annoyed. "I retrieved them already. Anything here you can do what you want with."
"I won't sign for a divorce." Alice said stubbornly.
"I don't need you to Alice. Jasper Hale is legally dead. You never married Jasper Whitlock, remember? You're a widow now, technically." He told her.
There was some commotion from the outside. Jasper picked me up, carrying me with him as everyone rushed out the french doors to see what the yelling was about. He set me on my feet just as a very muddy Emmett, just barely ahead of Edward, was tackled to the ground just outside the tree-line in the back yard. Rosalie and Esme weren't far behind, both screaming at him to stop running.
Emmett flung him off, jumping to his feet and barreling straight for me.
"Sissy!" He yelled, scooping me up and swirling me around in a bear hug, getting some dirt on me in the process.
"Emmett!" I wheezed. "Put me down! Can't. Breathe." I gasped out.
"Sorry." He said, not managing to look even a little apologetic as he beamed at me. "I missed you so much Belly Bear!"
"Missed you too." I laughed at his enthusiasm, trying to wipe off some of the muck he got on me.
I looked up, taking in the new arrivals. They all looked varying degrees of shocked to see me. Rosalie in particular looked like she had seen a ghost. She kept looking to Alice, as if expecting an explanation. Knowing she was in on my supposed death explained that. Esme looked somewhere between anxious, overjoyed, and her ever-present miserable. I let my eyes drift to Edward and my blood ran cold.
His eyes were jet black and he was completely stiff. I wasn't the only one watching him, Jasper was also watching him closely, his hand on my arm urging me behind him. I let myself be pulled back, keeping my eyes on Edward. I was peeking around Jasper's shoulder, I didn't want to take my eyes away, sensing the danger.
Edward dropped into a crouch, growling like a feral animal. I gasped, terrified.
"Mine!" He hissed, tensing and preparing to leap at me.
Jasper stayed in position in front of me, using his body as a shield. It was Emmett who reacted first, diving toward Edward. His large form may not have been as graceful as some of the others, but he made up for it in sheer volume. He pinned Edward to the ground, flipping him onto his stomach and holding his face into the ground. At the same time, Peter and Char flanked me, keeping me locked in between the three of them, making sure nothing could get to me.
"Not happening Eddie!" Emmett shouted, keeping the struggling boy from getting up. He hissed and fought on, refusing to give in.
"Captain, protect Bella." Jasper ordered, walking forward to where Emmett had Edward pinned down.
"Yes sir." Peter replied, moving to take Jasper's place in front of me.
Jasper looked back at me from over Edward's writhing form. His face held no expression at all, a blank mask, but his eyes were pitch black. I could tell it wasn't from thirst. He was beyond angry. Furious. He paced around Edward a few times, apparently using his gift because Edward had stopped struggling and was now completely still.
"Nice takedown Emmett." Jasper praised. "You can move now." It was phrased as a suggestion, but there was no mistaking it as anything but an order. Jasper's whole demeanor was one of authority and command.
"Thanks Jasper." Em replied, moving off quickly and standing with the Cullens.
No one dared speak as Jasper paced, Edward seemed to be playing dead on the ground. I wondered what the Major was sending to him to cause such a reaction. I didn't think it would take much to cause Edward to become afraid. He was too pampered to fight for anything, not even for me, I thought angrily.
"Get up." Jasper finally said. "And don't even think about going near Bella. She is not yours and I better not hear those words from your lips ever again."
Edward slowly got to his feet, sending me a quick glance before Jasper stepped between us growling. He dropped his gaze quickly, and started straightening his disheveled clothes.
"I have something for you Edward, from Charlie Swan." Jasper said.
Edward looked up, confused. Jasper smirked before punching him square in the jaw, knocking him on his ass. Edward cried out, holding his face as a small crack appeared, healing back up seamlessly before my eyes.
"Jasper!" Carlisle called out. "Was that really necessary?"
"Don't shoot the messenger. The girl's father asked him to pass that along." Peter said. "Can't deny a man the right to wanna clock the boy who broke his daughter's heart now, can ya?"
"I won't have violence in my house!" Carlisle said, offended.
"Go hunt Edward." Jasper said in a cool tone. "But before I leave, you and I will have words. Don't take too long, because if I need to come find you, it will be worse on ya." He started to turn away. "And Edward, stay outside until we leave. We wouldn't want another misunderstanding. I would hate to have to do anything serious in front of Carlisle." The two locked eyes and I could see a silent conversation was going on.
Edward looked like he was sucking on a lemon as he turned on his heel, his nose in the air, and stormed off the property.
With Edward gone, I felt relieved. I hoped I wouldn't have to see him again but knowing him, he wouldn't let it go that easily. I resolved to stay close to the Whitlocks, knowing they would keep him away from me. Emmett smiled at me as we all filed in and sat on Esme's white furniture, getting mud on it.
"Alice said you were dead." Rosalie said bluntly. "When we checked your mother's house in Florida, she was getting rid of your stuff and removing you from her accounts. How are you still alive?"
"Rose!" Esme scolded. "How could you be so cold about such a thing? And both you and Alice thought something had happened and didn't tell us? How could you keep that from us?"
"It's my fault, Mom." Alice tried to look innocent. "I told her not to tell anyone, but I was only trying to protect the family. I was afraid it would cause problems for us."
"That wasn't your decision to make!" Esme shouted. "I had a right to know if another of my children was possibly dead because of me!" She sobbed, leaving the room.
I felt bad for Esme. I could tell how much the news hit home for her.
"Is she alright Jasper?" I whispered to him.
"No, she's thinking about her lost son I suspect." Jasper paused, concentrating. "She is in her bedroom now, but she can still hear us speaking. For now, it's best just to finish what we need to do here. I'll talk to her afterward."
"Okay." I said, holding his hand and sending him my concern. "I don't want to talk about Edward leaving again, would you mind telling them what happened?"
"Sure." He said, sending me some comfort as I settled back into Peter's side, hiding my face.
Jasper started with telling the family how I felt about the birthday party. How I wasn't frightened by him, like Edward had been telling them. How it was Edward's reaction to my blood that had scared me more than anything else that night.
"Something still doesn't add up to me about the situation." Jasper said, staring at Alice. "Why do you feel so guilty Alice? Before the party, I could tell you were up to something but I dismissed it. Now I feel your guilt. Explain yourself." His tone increased in anger as he spoke.
I pulled my face away from Peter's shoulder and watched. Alice looked apprehensive, almost like she wanted to bolt from the room.
"I don't know what you mean." She said defensively.
"Out with it. What did you do." He demanded.
"Do? I didn't do anything! It was you who tried to bite Bella, not me!" Alice yelled.
"He didn't try to attack me." I defended. "He had control the entire time. Do you really think Emmett's hand on his arm could have held him back if he really wanted to attack me? He's a warrior, a fighter. He could have taken you all out if he wanted to get to me, but he didn't." I said, pointing out the obvious. I could see I was getting through to them.
"I did wonder about that." Emmett said. "I mean, you didn't fight me at all when I pulled you out of the house. Edward was a snarling mess for hours, but the kid can't fight worth a damn so it wasn't so hard to get him out of there."
"I think the only reason he didn't go after me himself was he was too afraid of disappointing Carlisle." I said, looking at the man. "If it wasn't for you looking on, I think he'd have killed me."
"I don't know about that." He answered. "Edward has very good control, I can't imagine him hurting anyone, especially you."
"Were you asleep earlier Doc?" Peter said dumbfounded. "Didn't you see the little prince dive at Bella?"
"Well yes, but he was probably just being protective. After all, from his point of view, she was surrounded by red eyed vampires. I don't believe he'd have hurt the girl." Carlisle smiled proudly.
I couldn't believe the level of denial Carlisle had when it came to his son. I wasn't the only one who's jaw was hanging open either. All the Whitlocks and Emmett copied my expression. Even Alice and Rosalie were looking at him like he was delusional.
There was a smashing sound from within the house and Esme came out, blurring with speed.
"I can't believe you Carlisle! What does that monster have to do before you admit that he isn't your perfect son?" She spat. "I'm so sick of you defending him!" She screamed, throwing a vase into the wall, shattering it into a million pieces.
"Shit." Peter muttered. "She's finally going to break."
"Dear, please calm down." Carlisle stepped toward her.
"Don't come near me." She said, stepping back. She turned her glare on Alice. "Why don't you tell them what you've done. I'm not as blind as you think I am Alice. I've seen how you manipulate all of us to your every whim. Tell them how you engineered the accident at the party!" She demanded.
"Mother, how could you say that?" Alice said, feigning shock.
"Don't call me that! I'm not your mother. My child is dead and nothing will bring him back! I'm done pretending!" Esme screamed so loud it hurt.
Alice's mouth thinned into a line, her face petulant.
"Answer her now, or I'll make you." Jasper growled out, standing up.
"Fine." Alice huffed out. "I knew Bella would cut herself, but I did it for her. I knew Edward would never change her. He was just stringing her along. He was just fascinated by the fact he couldn't read her mind and entranced by her scent. Bella was meant to be my sister though, and she wanted to be a Cullen! I did it for her!" Alice defended.
I couldn't believe what I was hearing. Alice would have gladly doomed me to eternity with a boy that didn't love me just so she could play Bella Barbie forever? I could have died! What was wrong with her?
"Please don't be upset with me Bella. I love you, you're my favorite sister!" Alice pleaded.
"Really?" Rosalie said, examining her nails as if she was uninterested in what was going on. "Is that why you let 'your favorite sister' get away from you in Phoenix Alice? Pretty careless considering how much you love her." She sneered out, emphasizing her jealousy towards me.
All eyes shot back to Alice, her guilt apparent on her features.
"That was a mistake. I didn't have time to plan, I thought it would work out, but Carlisle ruined it by telling Edward to suck out the venom. I mean, who does that?"
Everyone shared a look, too stunned for words.
"Alice, I should have left you a long time ago." Jasper said dangerously. "You will do anything, step on anyone, to get what you want. The only person you care about is you."
"No!" She denied. "I love Bella, that's why I did everything! I wanted our family to be complete. She was perfect, we'd all be paired up and happy if only things worked out right. It's not my fault!"
"Shut up!" Esme demanded, slapping Alice in the face. "This family is a farce. It was never perfect. It was an illusion built to keep Carlisle's dear son Edward happy."
Alice whimpered and curled up against Carlisle for protection. The family patriarch looked completely at a loss. His wife had gone off the deep end, but refused to let him near her. His so-called children were fighting amongst themselves, Jasper already leaving the family earlier in the day. His favorite son banished from the house for trying to eat the daughter he left behind.
The only one not involved in the mess so far was Emmett, which was unusual in itself as he was usually the cause of trouble around the house. His usually cheerful expression was gone now, replaced with one of pain and confusion. I noticed he subtly shifted himself away from the rest of the Cullens to his own armchair during the argument, watching the goings on from a distance.
People underestimated his intelligence because he was such a joker. Just because he lived life to the fullest, always looking for the humor in things, didn't mean he wasn't able to reason or appreciate things going on around him. He may think the best of people, but he wasn't a fool. He may not have wanted to consider that these things were possible of his family, but seeing them brought to light, he wasn't denying the truth before him.
I met his eyes briefly, both of us sharing a look of shock and sorrow. There was no good way to spin this situation, no joke on Emmett's tongue for this situation.
"Go on Jasper, I'm sure you had more to say." Esme said, sitting down in the other armchair, away from everyone. "I want to know what led Alice and Rose to believe Bella to be dead."
Jasper looked at me for permission and I nodded to him to continue.
"I'll get to that part, but first a few things. Edward never gave Bella the letters you wrote to her. That's why she never contacted us, not because she didn't want to."
Emmett simply nodded, already knowing this from the phone call.
"Why would he do that?" Carlisle asked confused.
"I'll get to that, but keep that in mind." Jasper said. "Because she could have used our help when Victoria was trying to kill her for causing James' death." He went on, ignoring the gasps and looks that passed between them. "Luckily, Bella had some help from an old friend of ours and Victoria was destroyed before she could carry out her threats."
I noted that Jasper was careful not to mention the wolves or Laurent. I was glad he was keeping them out of the story. I didn't want the Cullens to know that the pack had grown even more than they last knew. They didn't need to find out how much more aware the pack was now about the vampire world either. As for Laurent, he was better off not getting involved in this freak show if he could help it. Jasper was doing him a favor.
"I'm so sorry Bella." Esme said. "We should have listened to Jasper when he said not to leave her alive."
I noted that she didn't apologize for anything else, only for the risk to my life. It was all I could really expect from her. After all, I wasn't her family. She had made it clear that no one here was. Any decent person wouldn't wish another to be killed by someone like Victoria.
"I survived." I said simply.
"Edward took Bella into the forest the day he left her." Jasper continued in a subdued voice. He told them the details of how Edward led me into the forest and the exact words he said to me when he left, his recall as perfect as my own. I listened, trying not to let the words effect me. Jasper sent me positive emotions, which helped me keep my composure. It also helped that I wasn't the one having to say it this time.
When he got to the end of the story, he simply told them that I passed out on the forest floor and was found by a member of the search party Charlie organized, again hiding the presence of the Quileutes. I sent him my gratitude.
"Why couldn't I see her after that?" Alice said before anyone else got a word in.
"I didn't make any decisions for a long time." I answered, thinking fast. "I was catatonic for a little while, my mother wanted to put me in a mental hospital. I came out of it, but it took me a long time to recover." I hoped that would satisfy her, that she wouldn't figure out the true reason for the holes in her visions.
Emmett roared, flinging the chair he had been sitting on through the window. He stormed out through the opening it created.
"I'm going to go find that asshole!" He yelled, disappearing off into the trees.
"I hope he leaves some for the rest of us." Peter griped.
Charlotte patted his arm. "I'm sure there will be plenty left to go around honey."
"Bella, I'm sure Edward didn't intend to cause so much damage. You must have misunderstood him." Carlisle said. "Maybe you didn't remember correctly?"
Esme threw a lamp at his head.
"Ignore him. What that boy did was horrible. I hope you have sense enough not to forgive him for it." She told me.
"I don't. I'm not here to take him back. I wouldn't put him out if he was on fire." I assured the angry woman, my tone completely serious.
She gave me an approving nod. Before getting up, brushing some debris off her clothes from her earlier tantrum.
"Can I get you a refreshment dear? A snack perhaps? Carlisle insists we keep human food in the house, even though you are the first one we've ever needed it for."
I considered her carefully, a bit wary she was about to start throwing things again before deciding to go with her. This new Esme was interesting, I liked seeing her say what she was thinking instead of doing what was expected.
"That would be nice." I agreed. "Char, would you mind coming with me?" I asked, knowing it would appease Jasper.
Charlotte got up, following me to the kitchen with Esme, sticking to my side like glue. I think Char was a bit relieved to get out of the destroyed living room. It was a bit tense in there and although we were accompanying the cause of most of the destruction, I could tell she was more comfortable with the smaller grouping.
Esme sat down at the kitchen bar stool, looking overwhelmed. I reluctantly turned my back on her as I helped myself to the fridge, making a ham and cheese sandwich and grabbing a bottle of water.
"I'm not sorry for what I said in there." She finally said as I started eating. "I don't know what to do now. I don't think things can go back to how they were."
"I'm surprised it lasted as long as it did." I told her honestly. She looked at me in shock. "You've always looked like you were trying so hard, something had to give. I'm sorry, in a way, that my coming into your life is what finally broke things." I said frowning.
"Don't be." She said flatly. "I should be thanking you."
"Is there anything I can do?" I asked her hesitantly.
"No." She said after a moment. "Carlisle is my mate, I'm trapped in this never-ending hell."
She didn't speak any more except to tell me to leave my plate in the sink. Char and I returned to the living room to find the scene much as we left it. Esme drifted in behind us, staying in the doorway just watching. Jasper and Carlisle had been arguing about Edward. The man was still trying to defend his son. I was glad I missed most of it or I'd have broken my hand trying to hit him.
Rosalie looked livid, not just at Carlisle's reaction, but at Alice as well. She didn't stop there, she spread the hate to our party. I didn't think anything could please that girl.
I slid in beside Jasper and he calmed down, shooting me a small smile.
"Everything okay here?" I asked him.
"Yeah, it's fine." He told me a bit tightly. The dreaded "fine". I sent him some disbelief and he chuckled.
I could hear what sounded like thunder coming closer to the house. I was confused until Peter whispered to me that it was Emmett and Edward.
"Oh!" I said, realization coming to me from the few times I had seen the Cullens messing around. The noise was from their stone flesh colliding. I hoped Emmett was okay. I started to get up, but Jasper held me back.
"Just wait, we don't want Edward getting near you if he comes in first." He warned.
It wasn't long until the two burst through the trees. The source of the thunder was Emmett using Edward's own arm to whack him over the head as he ran for the house.
"Father!" He cried out. "Help me!"
Carlisle rushed toward him, using the opening Emmett made, the glass crunching under his feet.
Peter shrugged and we all followed. I was carried again, by Peter this time, both because of all the glass and to keep me away from Edward.
I started laughing as I got a better look. The expression on Edward's face was priceless. It was even funnier that instead of defending himself he was running to his Daddy, crying all the way. Jasper spread my amusement around until all of us were laughing. Even Carlisle was, albeit against his will.
When Edward saw Carlisle's reaction he turned on Jasper, using his only remaining arm to point at him. "You!" He gasped. "Stop that this instant!"
"What's the matter, Eddie?" Jasper taunted. "Don't like it when people use their gifts against you?"
The artificial emotions shut off abruptly. Jasper was still smirking, as was Emmett while he held Edward's arm like a baseball bat, ready to swing.
As soon as Carlisle recovered from Jasper's influence, he darted forward, retrieving Edward's limb. Emmett looked shocked at the angry expression on the older vampire's face, retreating back a few steps as Carlisle growled at him. We all watched as he mended the arm, holding it in place carefully so that it would attach properly.
The whole time Edward whined and moaned, acting like he was dying. I was sure it was an act. Not that it didn't look painful, but he struck me as the type that went for sympathy when he was injured and Carlisle was eating it up with a spoon, cooing comfort to Edward as he worked on him.
"Oh enough already." Esme finally said, cutting off Edward's complaining. "It isn't that bad, you can stop your whining now."
"Esme, this is a serious injury. Show a little compassion." Carlisle told her sternly.
"No." She said in a dead tone. "You need to choose. Your mate or your son. I refuse to put up with him anymore. Not after what he's done and how you continue to ignore it. I may not have a choice about being your mate, but I don't have to accept him anymore."
Esme began breaking apart the chair Emmett had thrown out the window earlier, making a pile of the pieces. I understood what she was doing, she was making a pyre. My eyes felt like they were going to pop out of my head in shock.
"What?" Carlisle said, unable to believe what he was hearing. "I can't send him away, he's my son. And we can't be apart, you're my wife. I can't choose between you. Stop this right now."
Carlisle wasn't getting it. I poked Jasper, looking at the pile of wood and upholstery with question in my eyes. He nodded, confirming my suspicions. I reached in my pocket, pulling out the lighter I had brought from home and slipping my hand into his silently, making it look like I was just taking his hand in comfort.
His eyebrows shot up as he recognized the object I had slipped into my palm and his eyes darted back to the pile.
"Are you sure?" He asked me.
"Yes."
"Even if?" He asked, nodding toward Esme.
"If it's what she wants." I said sadly. I couldn't judge her for wanting to finally rest. She had lived a full life twice over, had enough heartbreak. If she wanted a chance to reunite with her son, it wasn't my place to stand in her way.
Peter and Char were close enough to see our exchange, though the Cullens were all involved in their own drama and weren't seeming to watch us very closely. We all leaned in together for a moment, touching each other, gathering strength for what was going to be no doubt a grisly scene.
"Choose!" Esme screamed, drawing our attention back. Esme had finished making her pyre now, the armchair would burn quickly when lit.
"I can't! I won't!" Carlisle screamed back, holding Edward to his body tightly.
"You already have." She replied, eyeing his position with scorn. "I've always known you put that horrible boy ahead of me, I just never wanted to admit it. I wanted to die and you wouldn't let me. I wanted to be with my son and you made me raise yours. I'm done Carlisle!"
I stepped forward, closer to Esme, Jasper following a pace behind me the whole way.
"Esme." I said, her head whipping my way. I held my hand out to her, palm up with the lighter resting in it. "I'm so sorry. I hope you find him."
Tears were leaking down my cheeks. She carefully took the object from me, caressing my hand as she did so. She gave me a beautiful smile, the first one I had seen that reached her eyes.
"I know I will. Thank you."
Jasper pulled me back swiftly, almost shoving me into Charlotte as he projected his anxiety.
"Hold her." He muttered to Char under his breath. To me he said, "Sorry, this is a lot for me to take. Are you alright?"
"I'm okay, Jay." I told him, understanding he must be getting bombarded right now by his gift.
Even if he didn't think of Esme as a mother, he had still lived with the woman for a long time. This could't be easy for him. From my position in Charlotte's arms, I focused on sending him calm, reversing our roles. Usually he was the one helping people to calm down. I wished I could hold his hand, but he was too far away and Char had a solid grip on me.
"She gave you a lighter?" Edward said, shocked. "Why would Bella have a lighter?"
"Way to miss the point." I mumbled.
Esme didn't waste any time, lighting the furniture on fire. She darted to the tree-line, adding wood to the flames until it was a huge roaring bonfire in the middle of the lawn.
"Esme?" Carlisle asked, finally appearing to catch on. "What are you doing?"
"Finishing what I started on that cliff." She said. "Goodbye Carlisle."