Disclaimer. All publicly recognizable characters, settings etc., are the property of their respective owners. The original characters, ideas and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended. I only do this for fun.
The Chronicles of the Fallen
A/N: This story is written as a collaboration by both oXx Bellisma Italiana xXo (my new pen name) and dramaqueen1917. If you have any questions or comments, post them in my reviews and I will answer them in my next Author's Note. We hope that you enjoy the story and look forward to reading your reviews. – B
Chapter 17
(Isabella's POV)
Jasper was gone when I woke up and in his place lay a note with a white rose that he had no doubt gotten from Esme's garden. Butterflies filled my stomach at the familiar sight that lay before me. It was something that my Jasper – my Ares – had done for me more times that I can imagine. He always said that red roses were fine, but didn't compliment me like the delicate petals of a white rose, resembling me in every form because it meant purity, innocence, silence, secrecy, reverence, humility, youthfulness and heavenly. He would only give me one because it meant utmost devotion as he would forever be to me.
I picked up both of the items up in my hand and brought the rose to my nose, smelling it's delicious fragrance. I then held the note up and read the words that were written across the page.
My Dearest Isabella,
I'm sorry that I couldn't be there when you woke this morning. I know that we still have a lot that we need talk to about, but Edward, Emmett, Carlisle and I have taken off for the day to hunt. We should be back by late afternoon or early evening, but the girls and Peter are still at the house if you would like to go over and visit with them. You know that you're always welcome, my darlin'.
I count the seconds until you're in my arms once again.
Always,
Jasper
I smiled to myself as I reread the words on the letter over and over again. It was like we were almost picking up from where we left off as he quoted the phrase that he had always said before closing each and ever letter. 'I count the seconds until you're in my arms once again'.
I sighed in happiness as I forced myself up and out of the bed from under the covers and padded my way over to the door, turning the knob and allowing it to creak open. I could tell from the silence and lack of heart beats in the house that I was home by myself and that Charlie had already made his way in to the station for work this morning.
I headed over into the bathroom and into the linen closet as I pulled out the two towels that I needed for my shower and displayed one on the floor and one on the top of the toilet seat after closing it down. I then flitted back into the bedroom and into my closet to pick out my outfit for today, deciding to go with a pair of light blue fitted jeans and a white long sleeved top. I couldn't help it, I was still in the habit of dressing in the same Angel assigned colors that I had been wearing for centuries to come.
I glided back into the bathroom and turned on the water in the shower, reaching my hand in to adjust the temperature and making sure that it was a temperature that was comfortable for my skin.
It didn't take long for the water to warm up to the right temperature as I stripped my clothes down and stepped inside.
The ride over to the Cullen's was peaceful and calm as I reveled in the peace that came with being back with my mate. Regardless, I still felt the pull in my chest that pulled me in the direction in which he had run off to with the Cullen men for his hunt.
I knew that I needed to sit down and talk with Alice today, because the thought that I had taken her husband from her still made my stomach drop and a knot to tighten in my throat. She was such a nice person and didn't deserve anything less then the truth and a piece of hope for the future.
I sighed, letting my thoughts fly away with themselves as I passed through the main part of town before I passed over the bridge at the Calawah River. The road was winding northward and the houses that were flashing past me were growing fewer and farther apart, getting bigger and bigger. And then I was past the other houses altogether, driving through the misty forest.
I kept my eyes pealed for the unmarked, hidden, unpaved road that came abruptly and was barely visible among the ferns. Spotting it, I slowed slightly, turning easily as the forest encroached on both sides, leaving the road ahead only discernible for a few meters - to a human eye - as it twisted, serpent-like, around the ancient trees.
And then, after a few miles, there was some thinning of the woods and I was driving across their front lawn that could easily be mistaken as a small meadow. The gloom of the forest didn't relent, though, for there were six primordial cedars that shaded an entire acre with their vast sweep of branches. The trees held their protecting shadow right up to the walls of the beautiful glass house that rose among them, making obsolete the deep porch that wrapped around the first story.
I sighed as I looked over the mansion. It was absolutely timeless, classic, graceful, and probably a hundred or so years old. The three stories were tall and was rectangular and well proportioned. The windows and doors were either part of the original structure or a perfect restoration, probably the later, knowing Esme and her love for designing, redecorating and architecture.
I put the car in park and turned off the vehicle as I stepped out of the driver's side door, closing it behind me. I took a breath and made my way up the porch steps to the elegant front doors, letting myself in as I had been told to by the patriarch and matriarch of the household.
I took a minute to take in the insanely beautiful interior of the home. It was obvious that this portion of the house had once been several rooms, but the walls had been taken out in order to create one large open floor plan.
I could see Esme in the kitchen baking and I couldn't help but to smile at this. I approached her and leaned casually against the counter and she looked at me with a very maternal smile.
"Hello, dear. How are you doing today?"She asked sweetly, making me assume that neither Jasper, Peter, Char, Edward nor Alice had mentioned the developments that had occurred between yesterday night and today.
"I'm doing very well, thank you." I nodded my thanks. "Though, I am curious as to why you are baking? It's always been my knowledge that vampires don't eat human food because of the extreme taste from their enhanced taste buds, not to mention having to regurgitate everything back up that you have eaten?"
She chuckled lightly with a sweet smile, reaching over and placing a hand on my forearm. "Yes, sweetheart, you are right and haven't been led astray in your teachings. Human food doesn't appeal to us in because of those specific downsides, though, I will admit that small tastes here and there are more or a treat as long as the flavors are not too rich."
My brows scrunched together in confusion down in a 'V" on my forehead. "Then what is with all of this baking?" I asked her in befuddlement as I gestured around the kitchen at the many trays and varieties of muffins, cookies, cupcakes and pastries.
She gave me a knowing smile as she spoke. "Baking is a guilty pleasure of mine. Though I may not be able to enjoy them as thoroughly as a human or certain other mythical creatures," She gave me a pointed look as she continued. "But a small taste here and there won't cause too much of issue. As a matter of fact, there are some sweets and human foods that aren't the kind that need digesting like Cotton Candy or Lollipops."
"But isn't all of this a little bit much? What are you planning to do with them all, anyway?" I wondered.
"Actually, the hospital that Carlisle works at is having a bake sale for the incurable diseases research society as well as help for those who don't have insurance and need the medical care. So, I like to do my part in helping the world, just as the rest of my family does." She explained.
This caught my interest. "What does that rest of the family do?" I asked intrigued.
An affectionate smile graced her fairy tale like features.
'My gosh, this woman was like meeting Snow White in the flesh!' I thought to myself
"Well, as you know, Carlisle works at the hospitals around the countries and does many Pro Bono cases for those who do not have medical insurance or for those who can't afford the treatments. He and I also both donate money towards medical research and studies as well as any other helpful charities.
"Rosalie helps rape victims as well as donates money towards the orphanages and woman's shelters so that they receive all of the care of help that they need.
"Alice donates clothes to homeless shelters and helps send clothing, shoes and necessities to countries around the world that can't afford those things and are struggling to survive.
"Emmett donates money to the children's ward at the hospital and goes down to visit frequently and brings toys and games and plays with all the deathly ill children to make their life just that much better. He also plays Santa every year and delivers presents to all of the children who are stuck there on Christmas. Not just the Fork's Hospital either, but all of the hospitals in Seattle, Port Angeles any other ones along the way.
"Edward gives free music lessons to families who can't afford it and puts on benefit concerts to raise money for the Red Cross, the Salvation Army and many other charities and then adds a large amount afterward. We all have plenty of money and what better thing to do with it than to make the world a better place?"
"What does Jasper do?" I asked.
She gave me a knowing smile. "You'll just have to ask him that, won't you?" She winked.
I thought about that for a moment and then nodded, fully intending to do so.
I peeled my ears for a moment and realized that there was only one other vampire in the house.
"Where's Rose, Peter and Char?" I asked her as I pushed out my senses and shield, looking for the three of them.
"Oh, they just ran into town for me for a moment. I need an extra bag of flower, sugar and eggs, so they all agreed to go and do that for me." She explained.
I snorted, a very unladylike gesture. "Peter agreed to go to the grocery store?" I asked having trouble believing that.
She looked at me from the corner of her eye as she kneaded the dough for the cut out cookies that she obviously intended on making. "Well, he didn't want to go, but Charlotte pulled him out of the house by his ear. My goodness, that little mate of his sure is one heck of a spit fire!"
I chucked at this, having known this all along. "That she is, but she keeps him in line and he'd be completely lost without her." We exchanged an amused smile.
It was then that Alice danced down the steps and entered the kitchen. "Hey Bella!"
I turned to see the pixie-like vampire leaning at the arched entrance to the beautiful chef's kitchen. "Oh, hey Alice!" I greeted her anxiously.
She glided forward and reached for my hand. "I know that you came to talk to me and I know the reason why and there is no reason to be nervous or upset. I promise. So, let's go up to my room and we can talk." Her high pitched voice chimed and echoes throughout the large mansion.
I bit my lip and nodded, allowing her to pull me back through the archway and up the stairs from the way that she came, preparing myself for the talk in which was about to come.
A/N: Hehe, another Cliff Hanger! So, how do you think Alice and Bella's talk will go? Any ideas on what they will say to each other? Also, how will everything go with the wolves in the future chapters? Any ideas? I'd love to hear em! Review!
If you have any questions or comments, post them in my reviews and I will answer them in my next Author's Note!
MoonPrincess623: You just left me hanging! Noes!
I can't wait until you give Jasper his memories back. I want to see Ares in all his glory.
I do have a question: I know Angel vampires get their memories back when their mates bite them, but do they stay a vampire?
Answer: Hehe, I guess you'll just have to find out! ;-) Thanks for the review and keep reading!
To see more, go to me and my Co Author's pages: oXx Bellisma Italiana xXo or dramaqueen1917
If you enjoyed this story so far, check out some of my other stories on my FanFiction page! Also, I am still accepting Stories that need beta'ing. I will accept OC characters as well as other Fan Fiction stories aside from Twilight depending on the other lead character. PM me for details!
- Bellisma -
oXx Bellisma Italiana xXo