Chapter 138
Bella
I wanted to leave straight away, but I understood Jasper had a few loose ends and had been asked to stay for the executions although at least Charlie didn't ask Jasper to take part in the killing, that would have been the last straw. I kept to our suite because I didn't want to bump into Charlie or his "wife" but of course they both knew where we were and the first time I heard a knock at the door tensing to find them there it was actually Charlotte and Peter.
They filled me in on what had happened before the attacks including the fact they had found a mole in Volterra. But I was far more interested in how the project was going. They had brought some photo's which I looked at keenly and when I finished I was smiling so broadly my jaw ached.
"It's perfect. How much longer do you need?"
"We're leaving later today. Give us a couple to get back and put the finishing touches to the masterpiece, say a week tops."
"That works well because Jasper has to stay for the executions, he feels he should."
"What about you? Are you gonna hide in here until you leave? They'll come looking if you don't show yourself."
Charlotte was right, but I just couldn't bring myself to leave our suite and try to act friendly with all those who had deceived me.
Of course, my luck couldn't hold and when Jasper went to see the new guard in action on the training ground I got another visitor and this time he was definitely unwanted. I opened the door slowly to find Charlie standing there looking nervous. Knowing I owed him thanks for shielding Jasper I stepped aside so he could come in, but I didn't offer him a chair hoping he would get the hint I didn't want to have a nice cozy chat.
"Bella, I've been waiting to see you, but I guess you didn't want company."
"I have Jasper and Peter and Charlotte called to see me."
"Yeah, I meant family."
"Oh, I'm family again now am I? Funny that I wasn't when you got married so why the change of heart now. I understand I owe you my thanks for saving Jasper. I didn't think you'd listen to me, but you did so thank you."
"Not necessary, I know how I would have felt if it had been Chloe in danger."
I ignored the reference to his "wife" and waited arms folded for him to state his business or leave.
"Bella, will you at least let me explain why we didn't involve you in the wedding. I understand now it was wrong, Esme and Rose told me that much at the time and I know you haven't spoken to them either. Please don't take it out on them, I swore them to secrecy."
"I'm not interested dad, you explained already."
"I don't want to lose you Bells. Not after everything that's happened."
"You haven't lost me. I'm still here and I'm sure you will always know where I am. I just choose to keep my life separate just like you."
He sighed and turned away as if ready to leave and then turned back,
"Won't you at least meet Chloe?"
"Why? She didn't want to meet me before so why now? Besides I already met her at the party remember? When I found out she was your wife."
"Listen, none of this is her fault, it's mine but please just meet her, you'll like her."
"I don't want to like her, I don't want to see her. I just want to leave here and hopefully never hear her name again."
I could see how much that hurt him, but I couldn't help how I felt,
"Bella, it shouldn't be like this. You're all I have..."
"No, because if I were all you had we wouldn't be having this conversation. I'm sorry dad and I really hope you are happy with HER but for now I just need my space. You have to respect that."
He finally left after giving me both their cell numbers knowing I wouldn't use either but making the effort and once I was alone again I sat and thought about what had been said. I did want him to be happy with HER I just didn't want anything to do with HER right now and I would never forgive either of them for cutting me out of their special day.
At the moment, I just wanted to get away from this place and home but I knew it would be a few more days before that came to pass. Deciding now my dad had confronted me he wouldn't do so again I left our suite and went down to the courtyard taking a book with me. To my relief, it was empty and I found a spot by the fountain and opened my book. About an hour later Darius seated himself beside me smiling.
"Sorry to break into your reverie but I come bearing news from our mutual friends."
I put my book down nervous and expectant,
"Is everything OK?"
"Better than OK they have worked their tails off and your nest is now ready for you."
I heaved a sigh of relief at hearing that,
"Then we can leave straight after the executions?"
"I had a word in The Major's ear about that, Charlie's too and we decided his presence wasn't necessary. I have the Volturi jet standing by as soon as you are ready."
I jumped up kissing Darius in my delight and ran back to our suite to pack only to find Jasper already there and doing it.
He turned to me with a smile that seemed a little dimmer than I expected.
"We can leave now."
"I know, I spoke to Darius, the jet is waiting for us."
He took my hand and led me to a chair sitting me down and kneeling beside me,
"Bella, I have to know now it's over. Are you really happy about settling down with me?"
I was dumbfounded,
"Of course, I love you, Jasper. Why would you need to ask me that?"
"Because every house we looked at you seemed to find fault with. I guess I expected you to be as keen as me to find a home."
I smiled leaned in and kissed him,
"I am Jasper, in fact, I have a surprise for you when we get back."
"You've been looking while I've been busy and found somewhere?"
"Kind of, wait and see."
His mood lightened considerably at hearing this and I was sorry I'd put him through such worry but it was a surprise I hoped he would love and it was now ready at last. We left a couple of hours later without seeing anyone except Rose who was coming in the entrance as we left. Remembering what Charlie had told me, how she had argued my corner about the wedding I smiled and said hello to her and could see how relieved she was.
"Are you leaving already? I wish we could have spoken Bella, but I didn't think you would let me explain."
"No need Charlie did and thank you for trying. Maybe we'll see you again soon."
She gave me a hug and we left, but Jasper was giving me a strange look.
"What?"
"You said we might see her again soon. Are you thinking about revisiting Volterra?"
"Not exactly no. Please don't ask me any more questions, just till we get back."
"OK, but I'm now officially getting nervous Bella."
I kissed him and he opened the car door for me,
"I know but not for much longer I promise. Now drive, I want to get out of Italy and back home."
He looked at me again as I said the word home but I wasn't giving anything else away, it would be a surprise for him.