Jasper's P.O.V
Chapter 8: Elucidations (Part I)
"She's coming," my sister, Alice, warned from the den. "She's meeting Carlisle at the hospital."
"So, she's alright?" I asked.
"Yes. She's fine, but I can sense that she's suspicious and she wants answers."
"For a moment, I thought I'd killed the girl."
"If Jacob hadn't interfered, she would be," she blurted out.
"How many times have we told you not to succumb to your thirst?" Edward bellowed.
"About a hundred times," Alice answered.
"Yeah, once for each birthday," Emmett chuckled.
"Shut up, Emmett!" I barked.
"If you're going to prove yourself worthy of staying a part of this family, you're going to have to stop this," Edward demanded.
"Don't you think I tried to stop? Have you even come across her scent? It's unimaginable," I argued.
"I know, Jasper. Trust me, I know."
"No! You don't understand. You—"
"She's with Carlisle, now," Alice interrupted.
My family stood, glaring at me. They were most likely determining the most precise position for each member. I guess, if they placed themselves in the correct positions, and something was to happen, one of them would be able to stop me.
Edward shattered the silence by throwing out an interesting suggestion, "Should we invite Jacob? I think Bella ought to know he was involved."
"Oh God, don't bring that filthy, stray mutt!" Rosalie snarled.
"Rose, I think it's best she meets him…again," Edward added.
Alice caught a glimpse of another vision, "They're leaving the hospital."
"How long do we have?" Edward asked.
"About five minutes."
"Alright, then Jasper, you should probably stay near the back of the room." I felt a sting of anger. I didn't feel trusted by my family at all. I didn't mean to hurt her. At that moment, Edward invaded my thoughts. I could feel him sifting through my head.
"What do you mean you 'didn't mean to hurt her?' It was pre-meditated!"
"Stay out of my head, brother!"
Just then, I spotted Carlisle's sleek, black Mercedes and an old red Chevy. I observed Bella's movements as they exited their cars. He had led her here quicker than we expected. My jaw clenched as her scent drifted its way toward me.
"Everyone, this is Isabella Swan, Chief Swan's daughter," Carlisle announced, clearing his throat. "I've welcomed her into our home. As you all know, there has been a recent…accident. I'd like to present her with a proper apology for what has happened along with a much needed explanation," Carlisle smiled.
Bella's cheeks burned a brilliant red. I could see she felt unwelcome, even after Carlisle's introduction that stated otherwise. Edward told me this would happen. He read her thoughts at school, one day after what happened, and the only thing on her mind was finding answers to the accident.
Her scent was overpowering. It was almost too sweet to bear. Once again, Edward barged into my head and flashed me a warning that would've been too quick for the human to detect. He knew I was struggling to stay focused. Carlisle started taking Bella on a small tour of the living room and kitchen, obviously trying to give me a break from her blood's overwhelming aroma.
"Bella, this is my wife, Esme," Carlisle smiled, " and you've met my children, Emmett, Rosalie, Alice, Edward, and Jasper," Carlisle finished, giving me a slight nod. "I assume you'll soon be getting impatient with me if I don't start answering questions?"
The girl giggled, "Maybe."
"First, let me ask you a question," Carlisle said boldly. "Have you solved the mystery yet, Bella?"
"Yes, I have," she answered coolly. Carlisle looked shocked.
What did he mean by mystery? Could he be referring to our…condition? Was he letting her in on what we were? How long had she known?
"How, might I ask, did you decipher it?"
"It wasn't too hard. After watching your family, I did some research. I have to admit, I barely believed anything you said to me that day, Dr. Carlisle."
"Please, just Carlisle," he corrected her. He paused and then fixed his eyes on hers. "Are you frightened of us at all, Bella?"
At that moment, we all realized what he meant by the mystery. He really was talking about our secret. Did she know before? No, she couldn't have known. If she had, she would've never gotten within an inch of me. Or would she?
Her answer obstructed my internal battle, "No."
"You aren't the slightest bit intimidated?" Emmett pried.
"Well…maybe by you," she chuckled, and Emmett acknowledged her pun with a short howl.