Work Text:
Goodbye My Heart For Now
She was taking a big chance; this was going to be her leap of faith! Nobody but her saw the signs, how nothing in her relationship was normal. Nobody queried how she was not allowed to make any decisions in that relationship. Edward was obviously not her mate, well obvious to Bella! But she had begun to see who very well might be; he was much closer at hand than even she would have guessed. But Edward and Alice were pulling the strings, her much more than him. He was being used as greatly as she was in this three-ringed circus of Alice's. Was it really worth it, causing everyone around her pain, just so she could be what she thought was happy?
Bella guessed it might be and that was so sad, but she had been slowly putting so many spanners in Alice's plans. The first real one had been her birthday, she didn't want a party, but she did want to celebrate her eighteenth with her dad. So she broke ranks and spoke to Esme and Carlisle, rather than Edward and they put paid to Alice's manipulations and guilt trips. That was when she realised Edward spent more time in Alice's head than he did in the real world and he was trying to force her to do as Alice wanted. He liked the look of Alice's future for them and never saw it wasn't real or what Bella wanted. College was the other thing, he kept telling her where to apply, but none were her choices.
So with Seth Clearwater's help, she applied to Universities she wanted and Seth posted them off. Her father and Sue were getting close, so hanging out with her future step-brother was deemed acceptable by Edward, not wanted by him at all, but acceptable! She also sat her exams early without anyone's knowledge under his watchful eye. She wasn't trying to keep her father in the dark but had to, to make sure Edward would never know. Thus bringing her to now, she had accepted a place at the University of Texas, to study Library Sciences. So all the English courses Edward was signing her up for were his idea and of course, not what she ever wanted to do at all.
That was why she was doing her exams now because she had gained early entry dependant on her results and was leaving any day now. She had tried to discuss her plans for the future with her father, but he couldn't grasp just how much she wanted to get far, far away. Bella was sure he still harboured the idea she would marry Jake one day and never leave Forks. But this was her life and no, she would not be doing her dad's way or Edward's! Bella was only interested in one man's opinion and she prayed that her leaving would shake him out of the complacent stupor the Cullens had him in. She knew a bit about mating, gleaned from Emmett and Esme, so she expected this to hurt him, unfortunately, more than her!
Because Edward and Alice would never leave her alone with Jasper they had never been able to connect properly, but Bella knew how she felt and to a degree him to because he tended to emote more around her than them. So she was doing the only thing she could think of, getting away from them and hopefully drawing him after her! It was a scary thing; she prayed she was right that he was her mate and not Alice's. Her dreams were full of him and had been from the beginning, at first it embarrassed her she dreamed about her boyfriend's brother all the time. But eventually, her dreams of him were what kept her sane, his passion counteracted Edward's coolness and disdain!
Seth had agreed to take her towards Texas in exchange for the truck; he knew he would get hell for it. But Bella was his new big sister or would be and she needed his help! So he listened when she told him everything and agreed that Edward was not likely to be her mate. Mainly because he never considered her feelings or did anything she wanted! Hell, even Seth himself knew he was more attentive to Bella than Edward. They discussed mating and imprinting, seeing the similarities and the vast differences too. So he agreed to take her as far as they got before Jasper came for her, he was sure he would come for her. From the little he knew of him, he did think he was an honourable man or vampire!
So a couple of days before Christmas, they were ready to go. Bella needed to sign her paperwork in person before the new admissions administrator finished for the holidays. She wouldn't need to stay there or anything until the new semester began unless she had a permanent residence by then. She was truly banking on Jasper reacting as she expected and was a little scared. She would end up alone in Texas with no one to help her and no place to stay. So on the morning of their departure receiving a letter that said all would be well and to be positive was a relief. She smiled to herself when she saw the signature at the bottom of the short and to the point missive, Captain Peter Whitlock (your future brother-in-law).
Seth was happy to drive since Bella was a little distracted. She'd left a letter for her father, explaining she had to get away from Edward's controlling attitude and Jake blatant disregard for her right to have a life outside of Forks. She was starting college after the New Year and she was studying what she wanted, he could check with the school she had done the work and passed with flying colours. Once she was settled she would tell him where she was but not until then. Also if he told Edward or Jake where she was, she would never return to Fork ever again. He wouldn't be happy, but she was sick of other's making her decisions for her and as an adult, the choice should be hers and hers alone!
Stop The World, I Want To Get Off!
Jasper wanted to know what would cause this sudden pain and why the hell was his chest hurt so badly. He had a slightly painful pulling sensation, which was increasing with every hour that passed. Emmett had just returned from dropping off Christmas presents at the hospital and the local churches for orphans and homeless children ready for the upcoming big day. He was happy to do this for Esme, but Rose normally went with him. So he complained to her about the pain of being apart and he'd rather not do that again without her. Jasper's head shot up as he felt the echo of the pain Emmett was talking about. One he's never felt with Alice, but was feeling now. One she said was an over-exaggeration from Emmett in the past!
But one he, Jasper was beginning to understand! Alice looked terrified, refusing to meet his eyes and he knew! Knew she'd lied to him for all these years saying their bond was different. Different because she had no memories of relationships and he'd been so broken. Jasper surged to his feet, wishing everyone a Merry Christmas when it came but he was leaving. He turned to his wife and told her she'd receive her present of divorce papers in the mail, as soon as he reached his lawyer. Everyone was shocked at his words and anger at Alice, something they had never seen or heard before from him towards her. Esme realised Jasper was rubbing his chest in an all too familiar way. Whoever his real mate was, she was moving away from him.
He of course needed to follow the pull, before the pain became unbearable. Edward was relaying what was going on in only Alice's mind because Jasper's was closed firmly against him like a steel trap for the first time. Telling everyone how she'd lied about them being mates, how she knew his real mate hadn't been born when they met in Philadelphia. About how she had tried to never let him find her as she grew up, but fate kept putting her in his way! Finally sending her here from Phoenix of all places. Rose hissed hearing this, making the connection and Carlisle was outraged. Saddened as to why she would do that could do that! Her own mate was dead Edward explained.
James killed him for changing her, his singer all those years ago. Alice didn't want to be alone for eternity. Edward roared at the next thought in Alice's head, Bella she believed was gone from Forks, going by Jasper's reaction. Because she was Jasper's mate, not his! The phone rang as they all stood there staring at Alice. It was Chief Swan, asking if Bella was there, but he didn't sound like he thought she really was. She had gone off to college early; he said sadly, she just didn't tell him which one! She had left Forks after breakfast and he had no earthly idea where to or why it was such a big secret. Edward shook his head no, Alice didn't know, but he guessed she really didn't want him following her.
Which meant a wolf was with her, but who? The next call came when Jasper was packing up his stuff, just enough to fit on his bike for now. Sam Uley demanded to know where Seth Clearwater was, Carlisle explained they had no idea where he or Bella were. Sam spat back if Bella was Edward's mate he should know. Carlisle told him that Bella was not and never had been Edward's mate, so no he didn't know either as she had left him to attend college somewhere out of state. Nobody mentioned Jasper and he was happy about that. Coming back down the stairs he handed Carlisle his Cullen Crest and thanked him for all his help, but he would not be returning to them ever again.
He would be rejoining his brother and sister once he hopefully found Bella. Esme was sad but she truly understood that Alice's behaviour was untenable for him and Edward would be a complication they didn't need. Jasper had just hugged Rose and Emmett goodbye, kissed Esme on the cheek and climbed onto his bike when his cell vibrated. His brother, of course, telling him to just catch his girl up and he'd deal with the lawyer for the divorce papers. In fact, he told him it would be his pleasure to rid him of Alice forever. Jasper knew that was Peter's way of telling him, 'I told you so'! He apologised and said he'd never ignore his warnings again.
With that Jasper pulled on his helmet and roared down the drive, missing Rose punch Alice in the face. Then Esme made everyone sit down and told them there would be many changes to how things went from now on. First Alice and Edward would no longer be getting a free pass about anything. High School was now banned, college would be under advisement and no repeating degrees they didn't need. Their time of dictating how this coven was run was over, Esme held eye contact with her mate as she said this! He bowed his head, knowing she was right and he had allowed them to do as they pleased. He had expected them to act like responsible adults, but neither Edward nor Alice was either responsible or an adult!
Meanwhile, Jasper just gave himself over to the feeling in his chest, the sensation was strong and because he was listening to it now it wasn't quite as painful, but it was still pulling him in Bella's direction. He knew they only had about six hours' head start on him. Once he hit the open road he ramped up his speed and took off after his girl. He was playing it over in his mind how to explain everything to Bella. She had run from Edward obviously, but now things had changed beyond recognition, thanks to her decision. Would she accept him as her partner instead? Could he convince her that he was the right choice? Would she believe him, that he had always felt something?
But that he had pushed it aside because of all Alice's lies and Edward's obsession! But out here on the road, his head was clear and his heart was willing to listen. She was and always would be worth it in his eyes. Now the blinkers were off and they were both free agents, he could see all the things he'd ignored. How he was happier when she was at the house, how they gravitated to be near each other. How they had way more in common than they ever had with the other two. How he hated when Edward tried to keep her away from them all. But he'd been happy with how she insisted on spending time downstairs, saying it was rude to ignore his family.
Whereas Edward wanted her locked away in his room, where only he could enjoy the smell of her blood. Jasper wanted her to have fun with the whole family and not just him. The two were polar opposites when it came to Bella's wellbeing. Jasper wanted her to have things she wanted, Edward wanted her to do as he said. One wanted to treat her like a grown-up, as his equal. Whereas the other wanted her to be his possession, his pet or plaything. The saddest thing about it was the others only saw the massive gulf between Jasper and Edward, man versus boy. Not how wrong he was treating Bella and how much she disliked it, well except Alice she knew all along.
Jasper hadn't seen just how much she was manipulating everything to suit herself and not him or the others. No, everything was about what Alice wanted for Alice and if it coincided with their wants she was neither sad nor happy about it. But bringing them to Forks had been a snide, malicious dig. But she didn't count on Bella returning to the town of her birth while they were there. Alice had spent so long playing fast and loose with fate, she never saw that it was fighting back with random decisions! Sending Bella back, so she and Jasper could finally meet and Alice tried to push Edward on the poor girl. He prayed she hadn't wanted him to kill her, because that would seal her own fate as far as he was concerned!
Merry Christmas Darlin'
The open road was being eaten up by the wheels of Jasper's Ducati. With every mile, he could feel the pull easing more and more. The only worry was as the pain decreased his nerves increased, he had never felt like this before. He was praying that the wolf with Bella would stop for the night at a motel or at least for a few hours so they could eat and stretch their legs. He also worried about the young wolf, would they want to fight him? Would they try to come between him and Bella? He was feeling so wound up, so tense. But thoughts of a future with Bella kept pulling him along towards her. He imagined showing her their world, going places he'd always wanted to see, but Alice sneered at them. So many red flags he ignored!
Bella sat up in the diner, her chest pain was easing off slightly and her mood now lightening. Something was coming, something good, not Edward that's for sure! She and Seth were surprised to find this little diner open on an evening so close to Christmas. But by the looks of the customers, these were lonely people who had nobody to share their days with. The owner bustled about making sure everyone had food and a drink and Bella realised that she also was in the same boat. They all came together here, so as not to be alone in the run-up to Christmas day. All the food was less than half price, like a Christmas special. This ensured those who couldn't normally afford it were able to join in.
Staring out the window, watching the snow falling once again made Bella glad she was inside. The sky was darkening as the night set in and the stars struggled to be seen in the heavy sky. She watched as the large black bike pull up in the parking lot. But the driver never got off; he sat still, too still! Seth's head whipped around as someone else opened the diner door, knowing a vampire was out there. Jasper took a deep breath and pulled the helmet from his head, praying Bella would be happy to see him. Jumping to her feet she rushed to the door and ignored Seth's warning shout. Jasper, Jasper was here, he came, he found her and then she realised her pain was gone. In fact, she had never felt better, lighter or more whole.
Everyone in the little diner watched as the young woman threw herself into the open arms of the tall blond man. She wrapped herself around him like a second skin and he kissed her, he kissed her with so much love and adoration they could have sworn they felt it inside the diner. Only Seth knew they could and this was the only reason he sat down once again. He had a tear of happiness running down his cheek, Bella deserved to be loved unconditionally. He now could see that Jasper would give her that, give her what Edward never had. The diner still watched while the man repositioned her into a bridal hold, after wiping the snow off of her face and hair. His every action towards her was one of care and comfort.
He walked with confidence towards the diner, holding her gently to his frame. If his heart still beat it would be pounding as fast as hers. She did want him, she accepted him without question and he needed her desperately. He needed her in his life not just for today but for all eternity. As he approached the young wolf, Jasper set Bella down on her feet. Praying Seth wouldn't cause a scene in front of all these strangers. But he just nodded saying he was a definite upgrade from Edward. Jasper wasn't sure if that was a compliment or not but held his tongue in front of Bella. They were all stunned when the owner Miss Jessie came over and asked him if he was Jasper. He nodded and she held out keys and a letter to him.
After he scanned it smiling she pointed to the large truck in the corner of the lot. It looks like his brother Peter knew more than he was saying and had dropped it off a few days ago. Bella sighed, much as she loved his bike, in this weather she'd freeze to death. There was no question in her mind that wherever Jasper was heading she'd be going with him now. Seth would head back to La Push and Jasper asked Bella to go back home to Texas with him. As the three left the diner to shout's of good luck, Jasper went to put the truck over so he could load up his bike. He wasn't even surprised to find an envelope addressed to Bella inside it.
New identities for her if she wanted them. A decent cell phone for Bella which she'd always refused before. Just a few things to make the move easier for her. She took them without fuss or argument and Seth smirked. Jasper wrapped his arms around her shoulder and kissed the top of her head. He was happy she felt at ease with him, he knew what she was trying to say. That it was her way of telling him she wouldn't argue with him about things like she did with Edward. But then Jasper had no intentions of trying to buy her love or company. So with lots of hugging and a few tears, it was time to part ways and get on the road. Cell numbers were exchanged and promises of keeping in touch no matter what were made.
Jasper lifted Bella up into the new truck and quickly secured his bike, laughing when he pulled out a well-worn Stetson from the back seat, his Stetson that Peter had kept for all these years. He put it on and turned to the window of the diner, giving Miss Jessie and the other ladies inside the time-honoured gesture of tipping his hat. It never failed to amuse him how much that single act affected women of all age's heart rates. Whereas to him it was just good manners, taught to him so long ago. He hauled himself up into the truck and both he and Seth took off into the night. He and Bella would drive south until their new lives would begin.
Bella cuddled up into Jasper's side and nodded off to sleep. He was so happy she trusted him that much and vowed to do nothing to break that trust. He scrolled through his contacts list as she slept and removed anyone he felt was neither important nor relevant to his new life. This meant Alice, Edward and the Denali sisters. He didn't need or want their drama anymore. But added Seth's, he owed that boy big time for helping Bella break free. He had no idea what she wanted for their future, but he was prepared to give her anything she wanted. So he just drove, singing softly along with the radio, to lots of cheesy Christmas songs.
He had never been happier, never been more content and the feeling of being whole was heady in the extreme.