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Post by charlotte on Jun 21, 2008 22:20:06 GMT -5
The Jeep rolled gently to a stop just beyond the opposite side of the house Charlie Swan called home. Trees spread their branches over the roof that was ever-covered in dry pine needles. The right, mud-covered tires of the car stopped on the unpaved shoulder while the other side remained on the broken asphalt, making it lean slightly downward on the east side. Dark purple clouds created sinister shadows into the woods; creepy, smirking faces of black peering from behind the moss-covered pines.
A squirrel bolted under the cruiser in the driveway. A soft, golden light glowed from behind the drapes in the front window, continuously interrupted by the blue flicker of the t.v. The sensitive ears of the passangers in the silenced truck picked up a man's voice cursing under his breath. Cheers erupted from fans, and booing from fans of the contenders. A whistle blew, and the game was on again.
Releif swelled inside of Jasper. Charlie was here, and he was safe. He met Emmett's eyes, unbuckled his seat belt, and exhaled deeeply. The few minutes it had taken them to reach their destination had been days to him. All the worry of a heartbeat still present in Charlie's chest had made him weary, and now all he had to do was keep a weather eye, and be prepared for what we would, or wouldn't see. It wasn't often he was jealous of Alice's power, but now he was green with envy. When he had learned of the wolves' internal communication, he saw only embarressment and grief, but now he saw the advantages. He longed for information, he wished with all his heart he could just now who's favor the fight was in, or if there still was a fight.
Jasper's mind began to race. What would happen if Bella had died at the bite of a crimson-eyed monster? It was obvious what Edward would do, he would race to meet her, by way of Italy. It was obvious it would crush the family, himself included. He saw Esme weeping, Carlisle with his head hung low with a black satin tie. Alice would be holding pictures in her shaky hands, the prom, her birthday, the pictures in bridal magazines she had cut out that she thought Bella would like. Emmett would be cradling a guilty Rosalie, wishing she had accepted Bella to their family, perhaps she thought it may have changed this grim fate. Then, he saw himself. He saw himself unable to cope, unable to cope with the emotions in the room, and in his breaking heart. Jasper loved Alice first, but he found protection in Edward and Carlisle. With Edward gone and Carlisle broken, he would have no shoulder no cry on. He would have to be strong for Alice. Who would tell Charlie? Would Carlisle sneak her into the hospital so there would be a corpse to bury? Or would it be too much to bear?
Bella was always guilty for putting the Cullens in danger but what Jasper knew she hadn't realized is that the members of his family who weren't fighting for her were fighting for Edward, and themselves. It was a domino effect. Of course, everyone now was fighting for Bella, except maybe Rosalie. He knew in his heart she was fighting for something, and however selfish it may be, she was still fighting.
---Jasper Hale, prepare yourself. Never in your days have your ever thought it would come to this, but remember it will be different than before. These are not innocent people, they are menaces. These are not helpless newborns, they are hardened killers. If you have to, you know what to do. You can do it if you need to . You will do it. I just hope to whatever God there is if there is one that there will be no need.---
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Post by eve on Jun 23, 2008 10:10:06 GMT -5
Rosalie watched as Jasper unbuckled himself quickly. Then, still looking forward at Charlie's home, she unbuckled herself, then opened the door. She stepped outside and inhaled. She looked up and saw the clouds. They were very weird today; a purple color. and would be very creepy and scary, if Rose hadn't seen them before and just totally ignored them. The breeze was slow and came in quick gasps, and moved her hair around her head slowly. Rose sat back in the car, but let her legs swing outside. She laid back and put her head on Emmett's lap and looked up at him and smiled. Then she put her hands behind her head and laid back down.
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Post by charlotte on Jun 23, 2008 16:59:26 GMT -5
Out of the corner of his eye, Jasper saw Rosalie leap out of the Jeep. He had thought earlier of doing the same thing, but decided it would be best for him to stay inside. He put his feet up on the dashboard and crossed his legs at the ankles, careful not to get mud on Emmett's car. Arms folded across his chest, his eyes scanned over the landscape like a radar, watching closely for any movement. Tension built up again inside his chest. With Emmett and Rosalie in the backseat, he climbed over the arm rest into the driver's seat; if Charlie was called out, they would have to follow him. While Jasper hated driving the bulky contraption that seemed to him more like an armoured car than a vehicle suitable for driving around a small town, he knew he might have to.
Jasper again rearranged himself. No matter how he tensed or relaxed his muscles, how tight or loose his shoes were tied, or the sudden dose of confusion that came over him when he realized the shirt he was wearing was Edward's, his fingers itched with a tingly sensation that he needed to be doing something. He hated waiting for something he hoped would never come. Shaking his head again, he busied his wandering mind with superficial topics. Why was he wearing Edward's shirt? Alice had bought him plenty for himself. He saw how muddy his black hiking boots were, and counted the pine needles stuck in the patterns in the sole. He dusted off his black jeans and adjusted the rear view mirror.
His own eyes first reflected in the mirror, then he saw Rosalie laying her head on Emmett. Contentness emminated from her previously tense body. Exhaling slowly, Jasper decided not press her for any answers now. Who knew when the next time she would have the oppritunity to simply lay on her love with no fear of who or what may interrupt. He returned his gaze to the house across the way. At that moment, he felt like he was the only one who could never be normal.
The silver phone in his pocket buzzed loudly, making him jump. He looked at the caller ID, and flipped it open...
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Post by emmett on Jun 23, 2008 19:33:38 GMT -5
As the jeep pulled up to Charlie’s house, it was much to quiet to be normal. Yet, as they waited nothing had happened. He sighed quietly, turning to look out the window. He could see how fidgety Jasper was getting, Em sighed watching Rose get out, he did the same. He wasn’t about to let her get drug down with him near her to help her. He saw Jasper switch to the drivers side, before getting back in the car, he sat down seconds later Rose laid her head in his lap. He ran a few gentle fingers through the blonde hair that occupied most of his lap.
His eyes never left Jasper though as his fingers trailed through her hair. He continued to watch Jasper move about, Em bit down hard on his lip feeling guilty that he could do much for his brother. Edward at least was able to get into his mind and soothe him a bit, Alice of course could reassure nothing from happening. Em did nothing but stand there and tower over him. He watched as Rose made herself into a comfortable position with her hands behind her head. Em then looked back up to Jasper. He set a huge hand on his brother’s should, shaking it softly.
“Don’t worry, everything’s panning out, I’m sure Charlie is just fine, thinking he’s the protector of the world in the tiny cop car. Personally nothing looks even a bit out of place” Em replied looking back around the house. Carlisle just wanted them to check it out, Esme and Alice at home alone left a slightly uncomfortable feeling though, and same for the small secret that laid upon Roses head. Another thought soon enough fluttered into his mind. What if there were too many of these visitors what if they possibly drug all three down, Bella was like snapping a toothpick. Edward had trouble thinking clearly when Bella was in danger, then Carlisle he was already looking wrecked enough in the house as it was.
Em soon stopped himself, turning to look at Jasper, he probably wasn’t helping. Em sighed to calm himself the best he could, Jasper didn’t need any extra emotions to try and deal with. He looked back down to Rose, continuing to trail his fingers through her hair. He looked back up to Jasper to then hear the buzz of Jasper’s phone, which caused both to jump. Em laughed softly to himself, what mighty vampires, it was insulting to jump at a small buzz of a mere mortal phone. He waited none the less, waiting to see an expression cross Jasper’s face that meant trouble, safety or anything else on the matter.
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Post by charlotte on Jun 23, 2008 22:02:34 GMT -5
Jasper turned his head to look back at Emmett. His brother had the uncanny ability to make the most complicated of problems look so simple; if he didn't know better he would have thought he had the same power he had. Jasper gave a faint smile, and looked hard into his eyes. His shoulders lowered slightly, deeply grateful for Emmett accompaning him. Jasper then realized he had to contain his struggles physically as well. It wasn't fair to them. He turned his head back to the house and his eyes caught sight of the cruiser.
At Emmett's comment he gave a slight chuckle, something he hadn't expected to occur on this trip. "Funny isn't it? How someone can feel so secure, so knowing, and yet be completely oblivious to all the dangers that surround them." Charlie's voice bellowed out a string of curse words; his team couldn't be doing very well. He saw a figure get up off the couch and head toward what he assumed to be the kitchen. "Nothing out of place." he added after the obsenities.
Another laugh escaped from Emmett when the phone rang. Jasper fumbled around his pocket, but his jittery hand lent no coordination. He finally flipped the phone open when 'Missed Call' flashed across the screen. "d**n" he muttered. It wasn't often that he wasn't utterly coordinated. He didn't like it. Jasper suddenly knew what Bella was always talking about...
"Blocked number. Can't call them back. Probably a wrong number." He closed it again and slumped into the seat. Gazing at the shadow moving back to the couch, his heart lurched. An unfamiliar voice came from inside the house. Panic flowed through the Jeep; it could no longer be contained. Eyes widening, he turned around again.
"Emmett, stay here, keep your eyes out for any movement. Rosalie, do whatever Carlisle told you to do, I'm sure it's for the best." In a flash, Jasper was out the door and crouched low to the ground being careful not to be seen from the windows. Crossing the street in record time, he walked on all fours, sniffing the ground. Then he found a track...
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Post by eve on Jun 24, 2008 10:13:12 GMT -5
Rosalie heard the conversation lay before them. Then as the unfamiliar noise arose, Rosalie jumped. She laid back down on Em, and then Jasper told them to stay there. Like a blow in the stomach, Rose remembered what Carlisle had said. If anything happens here, do not let Emmet or Jasper out of your site. This was difficult not to tell Em or Jasper about what Carlisle had told her. There was no use. Rosalie opened the door of the car and jumped outside with the ut-most grace, though very quickly. "Wait, Jasper. I have to tell you something," Rose only hoped that she wasn't letting down Carlisle. She gestured for Em to come outside of the car, "I need to tell you what Carlisle told me to do. He told me not to let you two out of my site." Rose just let the words flow quickly from her mouth.
Rosalie sighed after she told them. "So, I have to come with you; and so does Em," Rose wasn't sure how Jasper would take this. He would probably be against it, just like Em would be.
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Post by charlotte on Jun 24, 2008 21:31:33 GMT -5
Jasper stopped at Rosalie's words. Anger rippled through him; why didn't Carlisle trust him and Emmett? He turned around slowly to look into her shocked eyes. His glare bore into her very core, he felt his golden eyes narrow and grow dark with fury. Just as he was about yell into his sister's face, his silent heart plummetted. Carlisle didn't trust him. He whipped his head around to face the forest once more, then dropped to his chest. If tears were possible for this broken soul, there would have been a downpour. He ran his hand through his hair, and said "Can I be trusted enough to walk around the house on my own?" He knew his words would sting. Anger returned. He turned on his heels and walked toward Rosalie. "You see those tracks?" his ivory finger pointed to two parallel indents in the damp soil leading up to the house. A wheelchair had been wheeled from the back of the cruiser to the passenger door and up to the stairs. Billy Black was the other shadow behind the window.
"Charlie's fine. Why didn't you tell us about your babysitting job, hm? Do you know what withholding that information could have done? What if something had happened while we were here? How do you expect me to devise a plan when Emmett and I can't even cross the street without you? Do you have any idea what you may have done???" Jasper stormed off, heading back the way they had come. He knew how devastated Emmett would be, and he only hoped that they would focus their attention on the house. He had to get away, to be alone.
He then mentally changed his course from the white house in the woods to the clearing that was ever-peaceful. Betrayed by Carlisle. Lied to by Rosalie. Jasper knew that Carlisle was aware of his struggle to resist human blood, but it seemed that all he saw was him fighting against his instincts, not how well he was doing despite the challange. It seemed no one was giving amu credit for how long he had resisted, for so long he had worked against the temptation. It was almost as if he was only seen when his weakness was in the open.
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Post by eve on Jun 25, 2008 10:31:34 GMT -5
Rosalie watched as Jasper became madder and madder by the second. Everything seemed to happen in slow motion. About halfway through this process, she recognized tears spilling out of her eyes and onto her cheeks. After Jasper stormed off, Rose was tempted to just sit down on the muddy ground and cry. Cry her golden eyes, that were getting darker by the minute, out. She couldn't remember a time that Jasper had seemed so angry. And the worst part was, she had caused it.
So instead of sitting on the ground, she ran back into the car and sat down. She made herself comfortable by putting her head into her hands and watching the drops of salt-water began dripping down from her eyes onto the car. Rose began to rub her temples as she had seen Carlisle do earlier. She began to think quickly. How could I have done this? I shouldn't have told them. They'll hate me now. Rose was on the verge of sobbing. Her two closest friends had never been this mad at her. How could she ever forgive herself? More importantly, how would Em, her one true soul mate, and Jasper, her one true friend, ever forgive her???!!!! Carlisle will be so disappointed in me... Against it was a very subtle word compared to how Jasper felt.
Rose sat up, still crying, and wiped her tear stained cheeks with the back of her hand. She swiftly pulled her compact mirror out of her pocket and flashed it in front of her. Her face was a mess. There were mascara streaks all over her cheeks and her eye shadow and liner were drooping off slowly. Her hair was pulled back where her hands had been just moments earlier. She decided not to be vain for once, and an idea came to her.
With out warning, Rose jumped out of the car and started running after Jasper, leaving a shocked Em behind her. "WAIT! Jasper! Please understand!" Rose quit running after him, and tears once again began to stained her cheeks. She found a spot that was not muddy and sat down. She leaned her head back against the tree, as if to stop the tears from leaking out of her eyes. Rose hadn't experienced a worse day in her life.
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Post by charlotte on Jun 25, 2008 17:56:56 GMT -5
Jasper tried with all his strength to keep his head straight, to keep from looking back at Rosalie. Just as he was about to run at full speed, his weakness overpowered him. He silently cursed his ability for his sister's sadness overwhelmed him with guilt on top of his own sadness. Who knew what had happened in Port Angeles? This could very well be the last time they see one another in one peice, and he would never forgive himself if the last thing he had said to her was as cruel as the words he had said. He knew that she couldn't help what Carlisle had asked of her and all she wanted to do was to prove herself to him as he was. While Jasper had his thirst for human blood that made him seem weak, Rosalie had her vanity. His gate stopped, and slowly he looked over his shoulder.
Salty tears carried with them all of Rose's eye makeup, her hair was askew, and she looked at him with glassy honey eyes that opened directly into her sorrow. Jasper couldn't forgive her yet, but he could stay with Emmett, and watch over Charlie and Billy. He was ten feet from the back of the jeep when he spoke. "Look, Rosalie, I know how hard it is to try to impress Carlisle so I didn't want you to get in trouble with him if I take off." He kept his face hard as stone, but one day, he would tell her. What he had to do now was leave Emmett and Rosalie alone to talk.
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Post by eve on Jun 25, 2008 20:24:22 GMT -5
Rosalie watched as Jasper began to run as fast as he could then stop abruptly. He looked at her, though his eyes filled with sympathy, Rose could see anger around the edges. Rose nodded as Jasper spoke to her. She wiped her eyes, and then slowly got up, looking like a beaten child. Rose walked over to the jeep, suddenly remembering he Em was still in the car. Rosalie's pace got slower, and then she reached the car quicker than she wanted to do. She opened the door reluctantly, and sat in gently. Rose looked at Em, and couldn't read the look on his face. Rose sighed and then put her head in her hands again, and felt the last tear drip off of her face. But she didn't know that there would be more tears in her future...
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