Chapter Nine

Jasper

Both Bella and Caden were excited at the thought of spending the afternoon with Chief Swan but while Bella was quiet and thoughtful Caden was driving us all crazy rushing around the place like some kind of tornado. Charity knew he was going out without her and had gone off to hide which she always did when she was upset. Alice found her hiding in the attic with her favorite doll Daisy, a rag doll that Charlotte had made her along with a wardrobe full of tiny clothes, shoes, and accessories that matched some of Charity's own that Charlotte had also sewn. As soon as Caden understood how upset his cousin was he quietened down and promised to ask Uncle Charlie if she could go with him next time. Knowing how persistent my son could be I thought it quite likely she would be going along in the near future.

We aimed to arrive about two as Chief Swan hadn't given Bella any specific time and I saw him peering around the curtain as we pulled up which was a good sign, or so I hoped. He was on the porch ready and waiting when Caden opened his door and scrambled out running up the steps before remembering his manners and coming to a halt putting out his hand and introducing himself very gravely,

"Hello Uncle Charlie, I'm Caden. It's very nice to meet you."

Looking totally confused Chief Swan took the small hand and shook it then smiled,

"It's very good to meet you too Caden."

Bella had caught up to him by now and when she too held out her hand he pulled her forward to give her a quick hug,

"It seems odd shaking hands with my niece."

She hugged him back and I knew everything was going to be fine.

We were invited inside where Chief Swan said "Hell, call me Charlie, Jasper. Chief Swan is much too formal"

He smiled and handed Caden a bag,

"I thought you might like something to play with. I don't have any toys here so I got these for you."

Caden thanked him in his usual way, with a bear hug and then tipped the bag upside down to reveal a remote control police car and some colored pens and a sketch book. He and I took the car outside to try it out while Bella and Charlie stayed in the lounge to talk. The car was brilliant, it could climb a small step and on the flat picked up a good speed but of course Caden was more interested in the siren and flashing lights.

Bella

At first talk was a little stilted, we were both on edge but once he started telling me about the little he remembered about my mom, silly little things that had us both laughing, I relaxed and when he offered to make coffee I went through to the kitchen with him so we could carry on talking. He was interested in my experiences on the street although he never pried and when I explained how I had suggested presents for those less fortunate than me as my Christmas present from Jasper he wanted to know everything we had done. The boys weren't back when I finished telling him the miracles we had performed or rather the Cullens had performed although we could hear the siren from time to time.

"I'm not so sure that was a good idea. Carlisle might well never speak to me again after listening to that for a few days."

"He'll cope, they have Charity too and she's equally as noisy."

"You know I always knew there was something special about the Cullens but what you've told me is amazing. Your thoughtfulness and all their hard work, we underestimate him. I always tell people we are very lucky to get someone of his standing working in a little place like Forks."

Caden came back in at this point with Jasper holding the car,

"Batteries finally died."

"There are more in the bag."

"Those too Charlie, but I don't think your neighbors will be too sorry, that thing has quite a volume."

"I'm hungry Uncle Charlie and I could I please have a drink?"

Charlie got up,

"Sure Caden, you like soda?"

He looked at me knowing soda was a treat but I nodded and he grinned,

"Do you have Dr Pepper Uncle Charlie?"

"I think so, I got a selection. Shall we go see?"

Caden followed him like a little shadow and when he came back he was holding a plate with a sandwich filled with what looked like cold cuts and jelly and a huge cookie with icing on top.

While he sat quietly eating I told Jasper I'd been explaining about the miracles the family performed and Charlie asked him about the rope tricks he had done at the concert.

"We have a show here once a year, the proceeds go towards the kids Christmas party and one for the older residents. I just wondered if you might be willing to show us a few of your tricks Jasper. Might as well use my new family I guess."

"Sure Charlie and I'll see if Edward would be willing to play the piano."

"That would be great, we tend to get the same thing happening every year, new blood is a little lacking in Forks as you might have realized."

"Then leave it with me and I'll see what I can rustle up. I'm really glad you accepted Bella. I know she was very eager to meet you."

"I haven't had any kin to speak of in many a year and to find I have a niece and grandnephew is...well, it's great."

Caden who had now finished eating and taken his plate back out to the kitchen spoke up as he came back in,

"Uncle Charlie, would you mind if I brought my cousin to meet you next time?"

"Caden, you haven't been invited back yet."

Charlie looked a little sheepish,

"Actually he has, in a way. He saw my fishing tackle by the back door and asked me about it. I promised to show him how to fish so I guess that counts as an invitation. Sure you can Caden. I'd like to meet Charity."

"She was really upset I was coming without her, she thinks she's my sister."

"Well, it's nice to have a sister."

Caden made a face,

"Sometimes, but sometimes she can be a pest."

"Come here Caden, let me tell you a secret."

Caden went over and climbed onto the arm of Charlie's chair to listen,

"Little sisters are supposed to be pests. It's to get us used to them being pests when they grow up. But there's nothing as important as family Caden and Charity is family. You have to look after the little ones."

Caden looked into Charlie's face, very serious now,

"I will Uncle Charlie I promise.,"

We finally left about seven, after Charlie offered to make dinner. Caden and I would have been OK but I didn't want Jasper to feel the odd one out so I declined making some excuse.

"When can we come again Uncle?"

Jasper hushed Caden but Charlie just smiled,

"I'm home until Monday afternoon so you come whenever you like, I'll be pleased to see you any time."

Caden turned beseeching eyes on me,

"Can we come again tomorrow mommy please? Uncle Charlie said we could, please."

"Maybe you could come for lunch, I'm not much of a cook but I can rustle something up."

I was about to refuse for Jasper's sake when he touched my arm to stop me,

"Bella and Caden would love to Charlie but unfortunately I can't. I promised to help Carlisle with something."

"Well that's a pity but Bella? Would you come? You can bring Charity with you if you like.

"I'll see what her mom says but we'd love to Charlie and thank you for making us so welcome."

"I look forward to seeing you tomorrow then."

Caden handed Charlie the car,

"I'll leave it here and then I'll have something to play with. I can bring my Lego and show you how to build a fort if you like."

"Sounds great. I'll find a box to keep your car in so it's safe."

He looked at me and winked, we both knew Caden was leaving the car here so we had to come back, as if anything could keep me away now!