I'm going to get this story moving after this chapter. Next chapter will be Bella's birthday party, and possibly Bella's first patrol. I'll see how I can work it all in together with Edward's mate.
CHAPTER 15
I spent the remainder of my night reading my book after Alice's friendly intrusion on my quiet time. I slept soundly and heavily, waking to a smiling Jasper and a snuggle, then him excusing himself to make my breakfast while I showered like every other morning has been these past few weeks. It was still quite early, too early to call Charlie and announce Alice's plans for my birthday, and it was raining cats and dogs outside. But, I wasn't going to let that deter me from my training, so after a brief arrangement with Garrett, and the all clear from Esme, we re-arranged the lounge room to accommodate for our training session. I planned to keep it short today. I had a few things to do and arrange for my up and coming birthday. I knew Alice had seen my decision, as she squealed from the top of the stairs, bouncing up and down on the spot. I saw Garrett smile at her from the corner of my eye.
"Come on Garrett, let's get an hour in so I can get some time with Alice, then she's all yours." I said. He tore his goo goo eyes reluctantly away from Alice to me, giving me a slight nod.
Today, we both were bearing swords, and concentrating on me blocking his advances. I must say I did well. We got so caught up in what we were doing, I didn't notice the whole family had gathered to watch our session. I'm sure Garrett noticed, but he didn't show any indication that he knew they were there. Even Edward made an appearance, but disappeared before we brought our session to a close. Everyone left just as quick as Edward Once we finished up. I made a pit stop to the fridge for a drink and broke off a few cubes of chocolate that I found in there, and made my way out to the front porch where Jasper, as usual, had a lit cigarette waiting for me. I smiled and whispered a 'thanks' as I pulled out my phone to call Charlie.
"Hello?" Jake answered the land line.
"Hey Jake. Is Charlie there?"
"Hey Bells! Yeah he is here, I'll just fetch him." I waited briefly before I heard some shuffling and Charlie's gruff tone.
"Hey Bella, what's up?"
"Nothing dad, I was just ringing to tell you that Alice has planned a little gathering for my birthday next week, so I'm just ringing to formally invite you and the pack, if they wish to come."
"Of course I'm coming!" I heard Jake's bellowing voice through the phone. I let out a short laugh.
"Well, as you just heard, Jake is coming, and of course I'll be there, but I can't speak for everyone else. I'll call you back tomorrow and let you know."
"Thanks, dad. I better get going, I've got some preparations with Alice to make." I said, rolling my eyes.
"Sure, Bells. I'll talk to you later." Said Charlie, and he disconnected the phone. Always short and sweet. Jasper put his arm around me and planted a soft kiss on my cheek. I leant into him, enjoying the silence and peace, knowing that the next hour or three with Alice were going to be a whirlwind.
"Just yell out if you need me, I know she can be a little over bearing at times." Jasper whispered in my ear, sending shivers done my spine.
"Later." He whispered seductively in my ear. I swear he will be the death of me.
Alice didn't keep me too long, she was eager to get back to Garrett, thank god! I'm glad i did my meddling with those two yesterday. I reminded her to get plastic cutlery, plates and cups to which she rolled her eyes and told me she already had it covered. She had Esme and Rose measure me up for a dress that Esme was going to make for me. I protested and said I could wear the one I wore that night at the club, but of course she was having none of that. We organised for Carlisle, Emmett and Peter to organise the food, because there were no places that stocked any fresh meat, they were to source out where the best places would be that they would find it. I tuned out after that, I couldn't imagine them chasing around cows, chickens and pigs, and slaughtering them. After an hour, I made my way down to the kitchen for lunch. I worked up quite an appetite dealing with Alice's antics. Jasper was already there, presenting me with a bowl of pumpkin soup and a toasted roll.
"Have you got an extra freezer or three full of food?" I joked, sitting at the breakfast bar.
"Well, yeah. Esme went shopping once a week when we moved here to keep up appearances. At first she donated it, but then started storing it once we met you." Jasper said.
"That's handy. Thank you, once again." I said, digging into my lunch.
"Your welcome." Jasper said with a warm smile, giving me a chaste, but sweet kiss on the lips. I wonder of I'll ever get tired of this? I pushed that thought aside. How could I not? After lunch, it was still pouring outside. Garrett was tied up with Alice, so I couldn't train anymore with him. Then it occurred to me; I hadn't spoken to anyone from school since graduation. I decided to ring Angela, I did miss her. My only real human friend. I made my way out the front and pulled my phone out to call Angela.
"Hello?" Angela answered.
"Hi Angela." I said, not being able to stop my smile.
"Bella! Oh my god, how are you!?"
"I'm fine, what about you?" She paused for a beat.
"I'm ok, terrified with what's happening, but I'm ok. It's so surreal, like something out if a horror movie." She said.
"I know what you mean."
"I do feel better about having the military on the perimeter of town, though." I suppressed a snort, I knew all too well that they were only picking up the slack that the pack and vampires had missed, which was barely anything at all.
"I went for a drive the other day and saw them guarding the the town. It is good they're here." I tried to sound convincing.
"I agree. My dad was in the military for 15 years before I was born. He has been corresponding with them. The town took in 150 survivors in the first two weeks, but the last two weeks haven't been so good. Only five or so..." She trailed off.
"Only that many? Let's hope there are more than that. How many other places are secure?" I asked.
"I'm not sure. I think Port Angeles, Seattle and Texas as far as I know, but my dad hasn't really talked about it. There could be more." Wow. I need to pull my head out of the sand. I'm doing it again; being blissfully ignorant.
"I hope so, too." I muttered. Just then, Jasper popped his head out the front door.
"Alice said to invite Angela and Ben." He said before retreating back inside.
"Who was that?" Angela asked.
"Oh, that was Jasper. I've been staying with the Cullen's since this epidemic broke out." I stated.
"How are you and Edward?" She asked.
"Non existent." I said casually.
"Oh, I'm sorry." Angela said sincerely.
"It's a long story, so before I delve into it, I was wondering if you and Ben would like to escape the harsh reality that is this apocalypse, and join us for my birthday celebrations next Friday?" I asked.
"Sure. It's not like I've got any other plans. I'd love to come. What time?"
"Six o'clock. At the Cullen's. Don't bring anything. Esme and Carlisle have that sorted."
"Great! We'll be there. So, what's happening with you and Edward? Are you ok?" Angela was so caring. I jumped into telling her, leaving certain details out. Tweaking the time line slightly, and telling her about Jasper. She was genuinely happy for me, and never once interrupted me or questioned my sudden relationship with Jasper. I'm going to miss her the most once I'm changed.
After half an hour of catching up, we said our good byes and promises of seeing each other next week. I felt wonderful, like a breath of fresh air after being able to tell Angela. Even though I had to leave things out, it still felt great to be able to talk to someone normal. I lit a cigarette and dragged on it like it was oxygen. It was still raining, though not as heavy as before, it was enough to stop me from going out in it. I supposed Jasper and I could train some more until it was dinner time. I had everything pretty much mastered, but it wouldn't hurt to keep at it. With that thought, I made my way inside to find Jasper. I wanted to be ready within a week. Just a few more sessions with Charlie and Garrett, and I was ready to get out there and help my family. Maybe we could even try a rescue mission. See if we can find anyone stranded and in need of rescuing. It was worth a shot, but i needed to be on my game if that was to happen. All the more reason to keep going...