Chapter Thirty One

Bella

The others had obviously heard the conversation between dad and Carlisle because they relaxed and Jasper smiled at me.

"Your dad is quite a man Bella. I didn't expect him to take the news so calmly. I think he's going to give us a chance."

"You mean now he knows everything?"

"It seems like it."

He looked at Alice which immediately made me jealous but his arms were firmly around me as if to say don't worry Bella, I'm with you.

Alice grinned,

"I think everything will be fine. There's just Edward to sort out now."

Jasper stiffened at his brother's name but Alice grinned,

"She has a right to know Jazz, besides I see Edward with Josie for a long time. He just isn't ready to accept she's the one, once he sees Bella with you."

"Are you crazy? You expect me to take Bella somewhere he's likely to be."

"Jazz it will be fine. Josie will keep him from doing anything stupid besides don't forget we'll all be there. Christmas I think."

Before I could ask what Edwards problem with me was Esme called me down and taking Jasper's hand in mine I went down, still apprehensive despite Alice's reassuring words. Charlie sat with a mug of coffee looking very relaxed despite knowing what his hosts were but I guessed he worked on the principal if they'd wanted him dead it would have happened already. He glanced at our joined hands but didn't say anything until we sat down next to him on the couch and I waited, my heart thumping loudly in my chest. Esme leaned across and patted my hand,

"Bella don't worry so much. Your father knows everything."

Charlie smiled ruefully and rubbed his wounded shoulder which didn't seem to pain him any longer.

"It's a great idea having a doctor like Carlisle Bella. Look, good as new."

He stretched his arm above his head without a grimace.

Thank you Carlisle."

Jasper's father got up at that.

"It's the least I could do. Now Bella, I've asked your father to give Jasper a chance with you and he's happy to do so. We have also invited him to come with us for Christmas in Denali, to meet the rest of the family and again he's accepted. I do hope you feel the same way."

The relief that flooded through me was enormous, not only could Jasper and I keep seeing each other but we would be together for Christmas too. I wondered what a Cullen Christmas entailed, presumably no turkey or huge meal. Would they exchange gifts? What would I get Jasper? As the questions built my stress levels went up again and Esme looked at me concerned,

"Of course if you'd rather not come I'm sure Carmen would understand."

No, I'd love to, thank you for the invitation."

I would talk to Jasper about this later but for now I was happy to sit with him while Charlie went on a guided tour of the house with Esme.

Carlisle

I thought it only right that Bella should be made aware of Edwards feelings with regard to her and doing it while Jasper was with her seemed the best time. I didn't want to scare her unnecessarily. Jasper could see where I was going as soon as I started to talk and put his arm protectively round her shoulder.

"Bella I think there is something you should know before you decide whether you want to go with us at Christmas and I will understand if you decide against it. Edward finds the draw of your blood very strong, that's why he left when he did. He knew if he stayed in Forks he would try to harm you."

"He wants to drink my blood? But he's an animal hunter like the rest of you isn't he?"

"Yes he is, but sometimes, rarely, we meet a human whose blood draws us to them and its very difficult not to be overtaken by the temptation. We call them singers because their blood is like a siren call which is incredibly strong. You are in less danger now, with Jasper beside you and Edward has found his mate which also helps but you do need to be aware that he could be a threat to you. If you decide to come it would be wise to ensure you are never alone with him. We will of course do all we can to keep you safe but all the same."

She looked at Jasper weighing things up then turned back to me,

"If Jasper thinks its safe then I would like to go with you at Christmas."

So she trusted him so completely she was willing to accept his recommendation, It was wonderful to see our most troubled son find his mate in such a girl.

"Jasper?"

"You know I will keep Bella safe and I think it would be good for the family to meet Bella and her father, two very courageous humans."

I agreed with him and went to ring Carmen and Eleazer and explain the situation.

Charlie

The house was wonderful and all designed by Esme it turned out,

"My place could do with a little of your magic Esme."

"I'd be delighted to come and give you a few ideas Charlie any time. Thank you for being so understanding about things and for making our son so happy. Jasper is very fond of Bella. He's been alone a lot and its good to see him come out of himself".

"So what's the deal with your other son Edward? Bella told me he had disappeared from school. She thought it was because of her, was it?"

Esme looked a little embarrassed but carried on,

"I'm afraid so Charlie. Edward was drawn to Bella's blood, it's a strong pull sometimes so he left to ensure her safety but since getting to Denali he had met his life partner so he's less of a threat to her and of course Jasper would ensure he was no threat to Bella if you did come with us, as would we all. We don't have many friends, none in the human world and it makes a refreshing change to have someone new to talk to. I hope you don't change your mind about us Charlie."

"Why should I?"

"Oh I think your friends on the reservation will have something to say about the friendship."

"I'm sure they will but I wouldn't let that influence me Esme. I have to go with what I see and feel. Trust my own decisions."

I looked at my watch,

"I should be getting back soon, I think Eddy's coming over later just to fill me in on what's been happening while I've been away from things. Still I'll be back at work a lot sooner now thanks to your husband. There was one thing I was curious about though, how does he do the job he does? He's around humans all the time, and more importantly their blood."

"Carlisle is a very extraordinary man Charlie. He finds helping people brings him satisfaction and peace and he long ago found that more important than their blood. My husband has never killed a human Charlie, not purposely in any case although he has lost them to disease or injury and every death tortures him."

"And you?"

"No I haven't either, Carlisle was a very good teacher besides I love him and I know if I were to give in to my desires it would hurt him terribly so I keep then well under control."

"It must be hard sometimes."

"It is but he gives me the strength to resist. Now let's get back to the others so you can get back for your meeting with your Deputy."