Thank you so much for your reviews. I'd like to congratulate the winner of the "name a character" contest, Casedeputy! The character is named Colin Black, and he will be a prominent figure in the story starting with this chapter. :) Read at the bottom for the next contest. Enjoy!

CHAPTER SIX

I stared incredulously at my angel, and he stared worriedly back at me. "My father?" I asked in disbelief, while turning my gaze back to my supposed patriarch. Those eyes… Even just peering at them via picture was conjuring up insecurities and pain. I tried to swallow the lump in my throat and turn back to Jasper.

"Yes Bella. We searched the news for stories of accidents or disappearances in the area. We came across this story. The man on the right was found dead about half a mile behind where Edward found you- motorcycle accident." I gulped at this new information. It was clear to me that I had been involved in this man's death. Jasper took my hand and continued. "Because of this, people have been looking to the chief of police to console the town. The officer was very well beloved. The chief of police, Charlie Swan, is the man on the left. We looked into his home life a little, and he has one daughter- Isabella Swan. She's been "home sick" from school the past few days."

"How do you-"

"It's a small town Bella, people talk." He winked and flashed me a smile that I guessed was supposed to lighten the mood. I swallowed heavily, and returned my gaze to my presumed father.

"So, you mean my dad is still alive? What about my mom?" I asked, quickly realizing how close I was to any information about my life at all. "Are you going to send me back?" I asked, grasped in fear. Not only was I afraid of the man in the picture, I was also in fear of losing Jasper before I really got any answers on who he was.

He looked at me steadily. "Yes, he's still alive. Your parents are not together…"

I absorbed the information, trying to be brave. "Okay…"

"That's not all Bella." He murmured. I looked at him expectantly. "Your mother died when you were very young."

My head snapped to face his. "What?" I asked, choking on my words.

His expression softened and I was filled with overwhelming support and encouragement. It was like an emotional blanket that found its way from Jasper to me, and wrapped itself around every hurting part of my body. I couldn't figure out how he did that, always making me feel secure in the midst of such a confusing time in my life. I appreciated it nevertheless, for hearing that my mother was dead caused sadness unimaginable. It did not matter that I didn't remember her, because I knew now that even when I regained my memory I would not have a mother to go back to.

"She fell down a flight of stairs when you were three years old and hit her head. That's all I've been able to find online…" He trailed off, and took me into his strong arms. "I'm so sorry Bella." And he was. I could feel his sorrow for me rolling off of him in waves, and I was wrapped up in the cocoon of feelings he gave me. I looked into his eyes with tears in my own, and reveled in the feeling of hopeless safety. What an awful person… You just found out your mother is dead and you're splitting the attention with Jasper. Some daughter you are.

I tried not to listen to my inner demon as I let my guardian angel comfort me. I stayed there in his arms for a while, knowing he had more to tell me but knowing it could wait. All I needed was to know he was there, protecting me. His personality thus far was fascinating. My entire life, I had known him as a sturdy type. Almost as if he were in the military, firm but I always knew he was looking out for me. I never saw him as a sensitive soul, but the tangible man holding me was not hiding from any feelings. This contrast was very confusing, especially in light of the things Esme mentioned briefly in passing earlier in the morning. What past was he trying to recover from? Would I help him or deter him?

"To answer your last question, we will never send you away Bella."

I didn't meet his eyes as I responded without hesitation. "Don't."

"Don't what?"

"Don't feel like you have to keep me here as a patient. I don't want to be an inconvenience or burden your home."

"Bella-"

I cut him off. "Tell me more about the dead officer. What do we know about him?"

He looked at me with furrowed brows and sighed. "His name was Colin Black. I believe he worked very closely with your father for many years- probably most of your lifetime. I know you can't remember, and I don't mean to pressure you in any way. But if any of this information begins to ring any bells at all, it could help us figure out what happened in the woods that day. And maybe if we get closer to the truth, we can possibly figure out our familiarity."

"So I definitely had a hand in his death then?"

"Nothing is certain right now. Let's not worry about it right now darlin', because that would be all for nothing. Maybe we can dig into your thoughts instead? Can you tell me what comes to mind when you look at this picture of the two men?"

I closed my eyes, trying to conjure up a proper response to his request. Picturing the men, I tried to focus on something other than the pain they provoked. Their eyes became the sole focus yet again in my mind, and my reaction was not one I expected- terror. Sheer, utter terror. I let out a blood-curling scream, overcome by the anxiety and fear that gripped my soul inch by inch. I felt the urge to run, to hide, to weep in a corner alone somewhere. The sensation was only dulled when my angel firmly put his hands around my waist and I was filled with drowsiness. Okay, really, how is he doing that? I looked up at his face to question him, but I was struck by the shift in the man holding me.

He no longer looked like the sensitive man I had begun to know, but had instead been taken over by my protective soldier. I felt safe. As he lifted me off of the couch and carried me upstairs, I sensed the familiar pull he had on me to call me to sleep. It was very confusing, being carried by an angel and sensing him in another consciousness. I didn't mind though, because I knew he would be there as long as I needed him to be.

"Isabella, do not feel any fear. I am with you and I will protect you from their evil. I have never failed you."

"Of course you haven't, and I'm sorry if my fear projected any doubt. But who are they and what is their evil? Please help me. I can't remember anything." I dropped my head and admitted my weakness.

"That isn't my place to remind you, but trust that you will be protected. And you will soon remember," my angel assured me.

We were silent for a few moments. We were alone again, in a dark room with distant noise coming from the other side of the door. He stood guard, facing the door with preparation to protect me if necessary.

I knew I wanted to ask him about my recent meeting with him in coherency, but I didn't know how to do it. "Jasper?"

He turned his head slowly, facing me with an unbelieving look. "How do you know my given name? I don't believe I've ever told you."

I was a tad fearful, because I didn't want to cross any lines or offend my angel. "What would you prefer me to call you?"

"You may call me Major Whitlock. Jasper is acceptable in casual conversation… But I also enjoy your name for me." He smirked.

My mind raced. What nickname did I have for him? Certainly none that I had shared.

"Need I remind you? I'm your angel."

I felt my face dye itself red in a fierce blush. "How did you-"

"It's me. I know everything about you, Isabella." He paused. "Don't worry. I don't mind being your guardian angel."

I had about half of a second to smile shyly at him before the door burst open, allowing two figures to stumble into the room. I tried to peer around my angel and get a glimpse of their faces. However, my move was cut short by a loud and strong growl from him accompanied by an advance towards the forms.

One figure spoke in a voice as deep as the pits of hell, and pointed to me. "Just give us the girl, Major."

No sooner did the words leave his mouth than my angel leapt towards the speaker and his friend. I saw nothing but a blur of movement for a short while, swept up in fear for my guardian's safety. Suddenly, I saw a whirl of two faces being spun up against the wall. My heart sank, as I recognized whom they belonged to. My father, and officer Colin Black were my attempted captors. They both seemed to find me as I found them, and looked me straight in the eyes before I watched in alarm as Jasper sunk his teeth into the neck of Charlie. My father was soon followed by Colin, and I watched as the life slowly drained out of their eyes. It was a mind-boggling sight. Did he really just do that? It was almost as if he was another creature than an angel.

Was it wrong if it excited me?

He rose up from his post on the ground, shut the door back of the room, and slowly stalked towards me. He was watching my face, carefully judging my every move. But none of those things were what caught my attention. While his brilliantly white skin was dripping blood, his eyes were shining a shade of red that rivaled any crimson I had ever seen. I couldn't look away. As he reached me, he simply pulled me close to him. He leaned down to close proximity with my face, and bent his head to mine with closed eyes. I could feel that a kiss was coming, and I wasn't prepared for it, but I certainly wouldn't deny this angel who saved my life anything. He was just about to touch his lips to mine, and then he released me back to consciousness with a simple, "Goodbye, Isabella."

As I drifted back to coherency, I saw a rapture of time and history. Pictures of my life floated through the air, and it snapped into place. Everything came back to me.

"Bella? Are you awake darlin'?" I heard the frantic call of Jasper before I even opened my eyes.

"Jasper…"

"I'm right here. Did you see me again in your dreams?"

I opened my eyes and shot up. "Yes… I saw everything. I remember now. Jasper, what are you?"

Review review review! My next incentive is that in your reviews, you may ask me any question at all you want to about the plot of the story. I will choose five people at random to answer in complete honesty, including spoilers if needed. :) Your thoughts and opinions mean the world, so give me all you got. Much love,

-loverunknown