A/N: You guys are amazing. 100 reviews and just as many followers. Thank you for everything. I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas. Here is the next chapter in the story. Review if you get a chance. (:

Chapter 20 – Human Decisions Are Made

Jasper didn't let Bella out of his sight after that minion of Victoria tried to kill her. In fact, he hadn't been alone. The wolves had found two more that same day and were able to stop them before they got too far. Jasper wasn't going to take a chance. Even when she was at school and Edward was there to watch her, he was in the woods watching and making sure nothing happened to her. The only time he was not near her and watching her is when he had to hunt, and he made sure that it was when she was at home or at his home and someone was with her all of the time.

Nobody questioned him or his methods. Nobody thought he was paranoid because if they were honest with themselves, it was when they were least expecting it that Bella had found herself in danger. Everyone knew that there could be more out there and Bella was their priority.

Bella didn't buck at the security measures that were being taken to make sure that she was safe. She did not want a repeat of what had almost happened. She may have been ready to enter the vampire world, but she was not ready to die permanently. She wasn't ready to leave Jasper or the rest of the Cullen family. She held onto Alice's vision that said she would become a vampire; it said nothing about her dying an eternal death before that happened. No, she had too much she wanted to do in life before she turned to ash. Besides, as long as Jasper was by her side, she believed she could withstand a lot of things.

Bella still had a major issue to contend with, there was still the little problem of her humanism. Bella knew that they could not put it off forever and she honestly didn't want to. Besides, it would be safer to be turned for her sake and the rest of the family's sake. The Volturi wanted the deed done and the sooner it happened, the better it would be. However, waiting until she graduated would be ideal.

Bella wondered who would be the one to change her and when it would happen. Did they need to consult with the wolves before it happened? She didn't want the Cullen's to be in trouble for breaking the treaty, but she wanted this and due to certain circumstances, she needed this to be done. She decided to set up a meeting with Sam to tell him what was going to happen. She decided to contact the pack leader the following day so that she could talk to Jasper about her thoughts first. He wouldn't like the idea, but she didn't think he really had a say in the matter, well not much at least.

Jasper was there to pick up his favorite girl after school that Friday afternoon. They were going over to his house that afternoon and Edward had volunteered to take Bella home, but Jasper had nixed that idea. He wanted to be the one that drove her and protected her. She brought out protective instincts that Jasper thought long dormant. When she hopped into the truck, they both leaned in and gave each other a quick kiss. "Good day at school?" Jasper asked when he pulled out of the parking lot.

"Yah, it was. Not too much longer and I will be graduating, just two more weeks. I can't wait!" Bella said.

Jasper chuckled, "I am sure that you are, but think about how many times we have all graduated from high school and college."

Bella laughed, "I didn't even think about that!"

"Oh the things you have to look forward to," Jasper said smiling. He knew it was inevitable that Bella be turned and so he chose not to ignore it or redirect. The last time he tried to shut down that conversation Bella had blown a gasket and accused him of being like Edward. He shuddered at the thought. He loved his "brother", but he was nothing like him.

Bella started to laugh some more, but soon the mirth died down. She turned and studied her boyfriend for a minute before taking a deep breath and diving in with both feet, "What is going to happen when I graduate? When can I be turned?"

Jasper felt the change in her attitude. It had been bubbly and joking, happy; and quickly faded to determined and sober. They had discussed the fact that she would be turned, but not when and he knew the time was drawing near. "Well darlin' when you graduate, you dress in this funny looking cap and gown. Then you sit in a crowd for a couple of hours before you walk across a stage," he joked trying to lighten the mood.

Bella chuckled, "That is not what I mean and you know it Jasper Whitlock!"

Jasper smiled at the use of his real name. He liked the sound of it on her lips, "We will stick around here after you and Edward graduate for a time, but I am not sure how long. As for changing you, we need to talk to Carlisle and decide when the best time would be. I do think it best to wait until after graduation though."

"I agree," she said in response. She took another deep breath, "I want to talk to Sam and explain the situation to him. I don't want any of the Cullen's in trouble for breaking the treaty."

"I don't know if that is such a good idea. They don't like us and I honestly think they are just looking for an excuse to say we broke the treaty," he said as he took her hand in his.

"Jasper, please; I think this is the best way. I think we need to at least try to explain everything instead of just assuming that it will lead to a fight. Please?"

He couldn't resist the plea in her voice and sighed, "Ok fine, we will talk to them, but don't get your hopes up about how this will turn out. Ok?"

She gave him a smile and leaned over to peck him on the cheek, "I won't. Thank you."

He smirked at her. The giddiness was back, "I will ask Carlisle to set up the meeting, but I will be going with you. If you don't like that, then the meeting is off."

"Deal! I expected that to be part of the agreement anyway," she smirked back.

He couldn't help it, he laughed at her and her audaciousness. He had truly never met anybody like her and he was grateful and happier than he had been in a while now that she was with him.

The ride to the house continued as they talked about school and normal everyday stuff. She knew that she was going to his place so that he could do a bit of hunting and not worry too much about her. She would miss him, but it would only be for a few hours and nothing like it was over a month ago.

They made it to the house and both sought out the paternal figure of the Cullen family. They found him in his study getting ready to head to the hospital. "Bella, Jasper what can I do for you?" He asked when they entered the room.

"A couple of things Carlisle, first can you call Sam Uley and set up a meeting for Bella? Let him know that I will be attending also. She wants to talk to him about her impending change. Second, Bella wanted to know when she could be changed," Jasper explained while holding Bella's hand.

Carlisle looked at the couple in front of him. If someone had told him that Bella would have ended up with Jasper three months ago, he wouldn't have believed it; however, seeing how they grew together through tragedy, he could see their new but unshakable bond. "I will call Sam before I leave for the hospital. As for the change, I think it best to wait for graduation. I know that you and Edward had discussed saying that you were going away to college in Alaska and doing the change like that. It is still a good way to go about it. When did you want it to happen, Bella?"

"Thank you Carlisle. I actually wouldn't mind it happening as soon after graduation as possible, but I guess I need to be able to say my good byes. How about a month after graduation? That will let me say good bye to my mom and dad. It also doesn't look like I am rushing off and leaving everyone behind," Bella said.

The older man smiled at her, "That sounds like a good plan. We will make arrangements to change you a month after graduation."

Bella and Jasper smiled and thanked him again before walking out the door so that Carlisle could make his phone call and get ready to leave. They walked into Jasper's room and sat down on the couch.

"A month after graduation, so that is about six weeks. Are you ready?" Jasper asked.

Bella grinned, "You know, I really am. It feels good to have that decision made and to know that I will be joining you in your world permanently."

"Yah, it does. I can't wait," Jasper said as he pulled her close to him and gave her a kiss that she soon was demanding be deepened. He pulled back when he heard someone walking towards his room and smiled when she pouted for ending the kiss. She lost the pout though when someone knocked on his door and he had to laugh at her, "Come in."

Carlisle entered the room, "I just wanted to let both of you know that Sam has agreed to meet you tomorrow at 10am near the treaty line at the small clearing in the woods." After he delivered his message he exited the room so that he could make his shift at the hospital.

"I hope you are ready to make your pitch tomorrow. I will be with you every step of the way, but you are going to have to be the one that does the sellin'. Are you sure you want to do this?" Jasper asked concerned.

"Yah, I am," Bella said quietly. She felt sure that this is what had to be done, not that she was ready to face the wolves literally. She felt Jasper pull her a little closer and she appreciated his strength. She would need him tomorrow to get through the ordeal.

After sitting there together for another hour, Jasper pulled away and set her away from him. "I have to go hunt. Are you going to be alright here? Everyone else should be here somewhere if you need something."

"I will be fine. Go wrestle up your dinner and I will see you in a few hours," Bella said giving him a small kiss before he made his way out of the room. She pulled out her notebook from her backpack. She decided that she would organize her thoughts for tomorrow so that she could make sure Sam understood her position.

Jasper had returned about four hours later and found Bella in his bed sleeping. He wondered if she had eaten dinner yet since it nine in the evening. He noticed her notebook with her list and read it before he woke her up. He smiled when he realized what it was. He shook her awake, "Bella it is time to wake up." He repeated that a couple of more times before she woke up and looked at her surroundings. He smile she gave him made him want her here and now, but he only leaned down and kissed her temple, "Have you eaten yet?"

"Hmm, no not yet. I fell asleep and think I missed dinner," she grumbled.

He grinned at her, "Ok do you want to see what we have here or do you want to pick up some fast food?"

She slowly sat up, "What time is it?"

"Nine."

Bella's eyes widened, "Crap, I promised Charlie I would be home by 8:30."

Jasper noticed her panicked look and sent her calming waives, "Don't worry. When I left a little later than I had intended for the hunt, I called Charlie and asked if I could get you home by ten. You are safe."

She let out a deep breath, "Thank you. Here, let's see what you have here to eat."

They made their way down to the kitchen where Bella fixed herself something to eat. When she was done, Jasper took her home and soon enough they were both in her bed lying down. When she started to yawn, Jasper convinced her to sleep so she would be ready for the meeting. She complied without an argument.

At 9:50am Jasper and Bella found themselves at the clearing awaiting Sam. Bella was a bit nervous and Jasper tried to calm her down by pulling her into his embrace and by using his empath powers. He knew it worked when her shaking stopped and she told him "thank you". He also knew that at least a couple of wolves were already there and watching them, but didn't know if Sam was one of them.

Sam arrived a few minutes before them and observed the couple. He could tell that they truly cared for each other and wanted to be together. He would hear them out. Bella was a friend to the pack and he would do that for her, but he could not make any promises. He walked out of the trees to stand about 15 feet from the couple, "Carlisle said you wanted to talk to me. What is it?"

Bella pulled herself away from Jasper, "I need to talk to you about the treaty."

Sam nodded. He knew it this conversation was coming sooner or later, "What about it?"

Bella gulped, "I want you to understand some things. I not only want to be changed to a vampire, I need to be changed."

"Continue," he said keeping a straight face.

"I don't want the Cullen's punished because of me. I want to be a vampire. I landed in their world by mistake and find myself drawn back in time and time again. I feel like I belong more in their world than any other place I have ever been. I love Jasper and want to stay with him, but there is another reason…. Just as the tribe and the pack have rule and laws they have to follow, the vampires do also. One of the rules is that humans are not supposed to know of their existence. The Cullen's have been ordered to change me by the ruling body of the vampire world," Bella explained trying to keep the tremor out of her voice.

"You don't have to be changed. We can protect you," Sam argued.

"I want to be changed though and I want to do it after I graduate. If someone told you that you couldn't be with Emily, would you fight to be with her?" Bella countered, "I want to be with Jasper and the Cullen family. I want to be a part of their world and I want to be changed. Jasper has experience with newborn vampires and he can help me. We will make sure I am changed far away so that no one here is hurt. I will adopt their lifestyle choices and drink the blood of animals."

Sam thought about it. He wouldn't want to lose Emily and he wouldn't want someone telling him that he could not be with her. He had imprinted on her and he would do what he could for her. He understood where Bella was coming from and in all honesty, he was looking for an excuse to grant her request before she spoke. She had guts to come to him and argue for the sake of the Cullen's. He would honor her courage and give her what she wanted, "You will make sure that you are turned away from forks and that humans are safe?"

"I will personally make sure that everything is handled properly," Jasper said speaking up for the first time.

Sam studied the blood sucker in front of him and knew him to be honest and protective of Bella. He nodded, "You have my permission. She can be changed without it affecting the treaty as long as no one else is bitten or hurt."

Bella let out the breath she had been holding and sagged against her boyfriend. It was over and the Cullen's would be safe. With tears in her eyes she said, "Thank you."

Jasper held the small woman in his arms and kissed the side of her head, "Yes Sam, we owe you. We are very grateful for your understanding."

"Just make sure you keep your end of the bargain leech," Sam said as he walked towards the woods and disappeared.

"I am very proud of you," Jasper whispered in Bella's ear.

She turned in his arms and gave him a kiss. When she pulled back she was grinning, "Thank you. Now can we get something to eat? I didn't eat breakfast because of my nerves."

Jasper laughed a full and hearty laugh, "Ok, let's go feed the human." He swung her up in his arms and ran towards his house. He was relieved the meeting was over with and that it had turned out in their favor. He had not expected that, but he was not going to turn away the gift. The treaty was still intact, Bella was going to become one of them, and she was going to be with him for what he hoped was a long time to come. It was turning out to be a very good day.