Chapter Forty Five

Esme

When I saw Peter and Jasper come into view I knew it was over, despite everything, being like his mother all these years, he was going to kill me.

"So this is it? You come slinking in here like a couple of snakes to kill me like the cowards you really are. A fine pair and what a role model for your little boy. I knew I should take him away from you before you tainted his innocent mind with your bloodthirsty ways. I just hope in years to come when he asks you what happened to me you can look him in the eye"

"Esme why don't you just shut the fuck up. You asked for everything you get. Stealing a baby from his parents, kicking your son and Bella out when they both needed you most, didn't you learn anything from Jaspers departure? Are you really such an evil bitch that you don't see anything wrong in what you've done?"

Jasper put a hand on his shoulder and shook his head,

"There's no point in arguing with her Peter. She only sees what she wants to see. You know what upsets me about all of this Esme?

I laughed at that, Jasper upset? That was a joke!

"No, why don't you tell me, give yourself some justification for what you're about to do."

"Carlisle. He's a good man if a little blind when it comes down to you. I hate the idea of hurting him but you left me no choice. It's almost as if you want us to kill you, is that what you want Esme?"

"You have no idea what I want Jasper or how I feel. I hope one day you find out what its like to live the life I have, playing pretend parent to children who come fully grown with their own ideas on life. To watch your child die and not be able to do anything about it. Stand in my shoes for a while Jasper Whitlock before you dare preach to me. Just get on with it, then go back to Carlisle and tell him what you've done. I think you might be surprised by his reaction"

"Meaning?"

"It doesn't matter any more. I'm tired of trying, tired of living this excuse for a life."

Peter

She was one crazy woman and I really felt she meant everything she said, she was a demon in a woman's body and I was glad to help The Major send her back to the hell she'd come from,. She just stood, there not even trying to defend herself, and as we attacked she smiled at us, a smile that gave me the shudders. We walked back slowly once the fire was out and the smoke cleared.

"What are you going to tell Carlisle?"

"The truth, he has a right to know."

"What do you think he'll do? Are we going to have to take him out too? That could be awkward, Jamie is very fond of him"

He turned to me,

"Yeah I know, but if I have to I will and hope Jamie will understand or at least forgive me eventually."

I wondered if this wasn't Esmes last throw of the dice, by destroying her had he ensured his son would see him as a murderer? Not if I could help it. We went back collecting Mr Blue on the way and walking him beside us. I swear that horse knew of The Majors torment, he walked with his head leaning on his owner's shoulder as if to comfort him.

Bella

When Emmett got back I took one look at his face and knew what was happening. He didn't want to talk about it, just went upstairs with Rose not even looking in on Jamie and Carlisle first. All I could do was wait for their return and offer my support. What they had done was the right thing, the only thing to keep us safe but it must still have been hard. I saw Jazz walk Mr Blue into the barn and Peter carried on up to the house. He didn't speak just patted my shoulder as he went in looking resolved. I was torn between trying to get him to talk or going to Jazz but my feet were already moving towards the barn as I thought about it. Jazz sat in the gloom stroking Mr Blues flank, head down. Hearing me he looked up and tried to smile but somehow it wouldn't stay on his face. I went to him, taking him in my arms and holding him. He was hurting even though he knew he'd done the right thing and we stood in silence comforting each other in the quiet of the barn.

Carlisle

Peter came in and smiled briefly at Jamie,

"I'd like to talk to Grandpa in private Jamie. Would you mind getting me my boots from the bedroom and telling Auntie Char I'm back. I'll be out in a few minutes and we'll have a ball game OK?"

Jamie was always ready to play and ran out eagerly. Peter watched him go then turned back to me,

"Carlisle I need to tell you something."

"Its Esme isn't it? Did you kill her or was it Jasper?"

"Does that make a difference?"

"No, not really. Did she have anything to say before..."

"Yeah she had a lot to say as a matter of fact but most of it was just spite."

"Nothing about me? No message for me?"

He shook his head,

"No, all she said was that we might be surprised at your reaction. That she was tired of trying. Does that mean anything to you?"

I nodded although I would never explain her words to the man standing before me.

"Why didn't Jasper come to tell me? I thought better of him"

"He doesn't know I came to speak to you, cut him some slack Carlisle, it was hard on him too."

I believed this, I'd seen Jasper the real man behind The Major and I knew all the deaths he'd participated in hurt him to a degree. I was only surprised it had taken him so long to act, Esme was a threat to his family, especially his son and I had hoped that by holding my tongue perhaps he would forget some of the things she'd done, maybe at least understand why if not forgive, but it wasn't to be. Well at least the lie was finally at an end.

Peter

I waited, but Carlisle just sat there not speaking.

"I thought you might want to say something to me about it"

"No Peter. I understand why although I can't forgive or forget. Esme and I were together a very long time and it hurts to lose her. I think I'll go for a walk."

He walked past me as Jamie came back in like a whirlwind, my trainers held in his two hands,

"Auntie Char said you should put these on if you're going to be kicking a ball about."

I smiled,

"She's right. Come on then Cowboy let's go"

"Is Grandpa OK? He seemed sad when he went out. I didn't upset him did I?"

I picked him up and swung him on my shoulders,

"No Jamie you haven't upset him but I think I have and I'm sorry for that. I may not be a great fan of your Grandpa but I think deep down he's a decent man. Anyway come on lets play."