Waiting For My Real Life To Begin
by Laura Spudzmom
Chapter 08
"Rise and shine Miss Isabella! 'Tis past time that you were out of that bed! You'll sleep the whole day away if you stay any longer!"
Bella groaned and pulled a pillow over her head to block the light that was rapidly filling the room as Emily methodically pulled back all the heavy drapes.
Mumbling out her displeasure under the pillow, she gasped as said pillow disappeared, Emily looming over her with a bright smile.
"What were ya saying Miss? I couldn't quite catch it, what with this pillow bein' in the way and all."
Bella shot a glare at Emily whose smile just seemed to widen, a wicked glint entering her light blue eyes.
"I said that you are entirely too chipper this early in the morning. It's not natural Emily, didn't anyone ever tell you?"
"Early Miss? Why, it's nigh on half past six! I was told by your father that there's a young man that's due here at eight. I thought ya may be wantin' to be there to greet him."
Emily grinned as Bella's eyes widened, the sleepy haze clearing from them completely as she shot up.
"Oh lord Emily! I nearly forgot! What will I wear?!"
Emily moved to the massive wardrobe. "You just let me worry with that Miss while you take care of your morning ablutions. We'll have ya fixed up for your young man in no time, we will."
An hour later found Bella outside wandering in the garden. She was entirely too anxious to eat anything and she found that an early morning walk in the garden surrounding the estate seemed to relax her, allowing her to quiet her mind from the constant tumult that seemed to plague her since their arrival in this time.
Emily, who had accompanied her was sat on a bench in a shady alcove quietly reading a novel as Bella absently meandered the pathway that lead to the front of the estate.
She had picked a yellow rose, one of a buttery color that matched the dress she wore, and was staring down at the path while taking in it's delicate scent when she nearly collided with a well dressed gentleman with very strong hands.
Hands that were now holding her, keeping her from sprawling gracelessly on her backside.
As she unclenched her eyes and opened them, it was to see her hands lying against a strong chest.
Taking in his scent, she nearly moaned in longing. God! To be this close to her mate and not be able to do as she wished….it was agonizing to say the least.
Peeking up through her lashes, her breath caught as she became trapped in that grassy green gaze that was currently filled with conflict.
"Are you alright Miss Salvatore?"
Her breath left her as those dulcet tones washed over her from the luscious lips that were so close to hers…...too close.
Her eyes dropped down to those lips and then back to his eyes.
She licked her lips just a tiny bit at the thought of a kiss from him and was gratified to see his eyes follow the movement before shooting back to hers.
"Miss Salvatore?"
His hand came up to gently stroke the backs of his fingers on her cheek.
"You are so very beautiful." He whispered out.
She leaned into his touch, closing her eyes to savor the feel of his skin against hers.
The moment was broken however, at the sound of her father's voice coming from the sun porch off the family dining room.
"Isabella? Come inside now. Young Mr. Whitlock will arrive any moment and it would be rude to keep him waiting."
The effect was immediate as Jasper gently but firmly set her away from him, looking down as a blush heated his face.
"You should mind your father Miss Salvatore. I'll be present shortly."
He tipped his hat and she dipped in a small curtsy.
"I thank you for saving me once again Mr. Whitlock."
She turned to go, but not before noticing the small smile on his face as he made his way to the stairs and the front entrance.
~o0o~
The knock sounded on the door at eight sharp.
Damon was impressed with the kids' punctuality.
He smirked to himself. He knew of their little meet up in the garden, even going so far as to keep Emily engaged in a quiet conversation while keeping one ear tuned to the interaction between his daughter and her mate.
With this kids manners and breeding, they needed every opportunity they could get to form their bond. He was determined to see it happen, but it needed to be done carefully.
Too much, too soon could see the kid thinking his daughter forward. Never a good thing in this time period.
Conversely, if the bond was not formed quickly enough, the war may lure him away and if he joined the army, this whole mission will have been for naught.
He rose from his seat to greet the kid as his butler announced him and showed him in.
"Good morning Mr. Salvatore. I thank you again for seeing me today."
"It's our pleasure Mr. Whitlock. Isabella and I welcome the company. Please, won't you be seated?"
Taking the chair indicated, he looked at Bella and inclined his head.
"Miss Salvatore."
She smiled at him. "Good morning Mr. Whitlock."
For the rest of breakfast, Bella was able to quietly observe Jasper as he and her father lost themselves in an in depth discussion about business and local politics that would have had Bella yawning if the scenery wasn't so delicious.
Just getting to watch him for a prolonged period of time without having to worry about someone watching her was a treat.
She could let her mind wander as she focused on those delectable lips or his strong yet refined hands that she could still feel holding her around her waist.
She was so focused on her thoughts that she was caught off guard when those green eyes locked with hers, one brow slightly cocked in question, a tiny smirk on his lips.
She blinked and looked to her father who was also smirking just a bit.
"I'm sorry father, did you say something?"
He nodded. "I did. I asked if you would like to attend the theater this evening. Mr. Whitlock has been kind enough to invite us to share their family's box."
She felt her face heat once again and cast her gaze down.
"Yes, that would be lovely. Thank you for the kind invitation Mr. Whitlock."
"It's my pleasure Miss, not to mention my sisters will be thrilled to have your company."
She felt a stab of disappointment that she couldn't quite explain and met his gaze as she nodded.
"Your sisters, yes. I should be happy to spend time with them again."
She looked at Damon. "May I be excused Father?"
He frowned a bit but nodded. "Of course Isabella."
Both men stood as the butler held her chair for her and she made a quick escape to her rooms. Jasper frowned as he retook his seat.
"I hope I have not offended her in some way."
Damon studied young Whitlock for a moment before speaking.
"May I be frank with you Mr. Whitlock?"
Jasper met his gaze levelly and nodded. "Yes sir, I would prefer it if you were."
"Very well. Women are very mercurial Mr. Whitlock. Sometimes something that seems inconsequential to a man holds great significance to a woman."
He pinned Jasper with a serious look.
"Would you like me to share with you what just happened Mr. Whitlock?"
Jasper nodded. "I would sir, so that I may avoid making the same error in the future."
Damon laughed quietly. "Oh the naiveté of youth. You'll never gain enough knowledge to avoid offending the delicate sensibilities of a female son. You just have to master the art of the graceful and irresistible apology."
He smirked at Jasper's raised brows.
"Now, as for what just happened, she was thrilled with the prospect that you wanted her company for yourself, however, when you mentioned your sisters, well, she took that to mean that you didn't and that her presence was wanted merely for your sisters' benefit."
Damon watched in amusement as realization dawned and the kid shook his head as his eyes widened a bit.
"But that's not what I meant by it at all! I covet her company for myself, but it's not proper for us at this point!"
Damon watched a blush suffuse the kid's face and held up a hand to stave off the apology he knew was forthcoming for the kids' forthrightness.
"Mr. Whitlock…"
Jasper interrupted him, holding up a hand.
"Please pardon the interruption sir, but please call me Jasper. I feel that we are beyond the formalities at this point."
"Alright then, Jasper, we both know why you're here today. You would like to court my daughter, correct?"
Jasper nodded. "Yes sir, I would." He met Damon's gaze straight on with a glint of determination in his eyes.
"What are your intentions if this courtship is successful Jasper?"
Again, Damon was glad to see that the kid's gaze never faltered. "I intend to ask for her hand in marriage sir."
"You're awfully sure of yourself for having just met my daughter Jasper. I won't stand for her affections to be toyed with. I will watch you carefully because I love my daughter very much. She is most precious to me."
Jasper nodded. "I would expect no less sir, and I welcome your scrutiny. I will be more than happy to prove myself to you and your daughter."
Damon held out a hand and Jasper grasped it in a firm shake.
"You have my permission to court my daughter."
Damon sat back and smirked. "Now, I believe that you needed a bit of advice on the art of delivering a graceful and irresistible apology."
~o0o~
Previously:
Edward shot from his seat, holding his mending arm close to his chest and Carlisle stopped him from rushing at Stefan.
"What is it Edward? What's happened?"
Edward looked at his family members, lastly coming to Jasper. "She's gone." He snarled. "They destroyed her."
~o0o~
There were several gasps heard around the room as Edward's words registered with the rest of the Cullen coven.
Jasper, who had been feeling a nagging pain in his chest since they had left Forks, didn't know quite what or how to feel. He smirked at the irony of that; the empath not knowing how to feel.
He could feel the shock and disapproval rolling off of Edward, most likely due to his current inner monologue.
Jesus, what the hell was wrong with him? He literally felt like laughing and he knew that he should be feeling devastated by the news of Alice's permanent demise but for some strange reason, he just didn't give a shit.
He reached up with a hand to rub at his aching chest for what seemed like the millionth time when he noticed something that perplexed him very much; the ache was fading and he was feeling much… lighter was the only word that came to his mind.
Just as he was pondering these curiosities, he heard Edward's raised voice call out his name in alarm causing everyone in the room to focus on him, looks of horror and disbelief on each and every face in the room.
He furrowed his brow. "What's wrong? Why are you all looking at me that way?"
Carlisle approached him slowly, still looking shocked.
"Because son, you are fading!"
Jasper then looked down at his hands and arms and sure enough, he was actually becoming semi-transparent.
He heard Stefan speak up then and everyone in the room turned to look at his brightly smiling face as he locked his gaze with Jasper's.
"She's been successful. Jasper Whitlock is falling in love with Isabella Salvatore in the year 1859, Houston, TX."
Jasper's eye's widened as all the Cullen's gathered around him in silent shock.
Stefan continued. "I suspect that once that relationship takes a permanent statu s, you will fade completely, never to have been known as you are.
Carlisle reached out to try and touch him and found it was like trying to touch a cloud that would reassemble itself after the disturbance was through.
"How do you feel son?”
Jasper looked at him, shock still clear on his face.
"I feel light, everywhere. Physically, emotionally…...everywhere. Like I don't have a care in the world."
Edward scowled at him. "Even considering Alice's destruction?" He growled out.
Jasper glanced at him, now looking very peaceful.
"Yes, even considering that. I feel that nothing matters, but in a very positive way. Like I'm letting go. I feel none of the guilt that was a constant burden for me. No sadness, no anguish, just a lightness of spirit."
Stefan was still smiling. "Bonnie said that this part should not be painful or stressful for you and it seems that she was right. I'm happy that is the case."
Edward threw up his hands and growled. "Are we not losing sight of a major issue here? Carlisle, they destroyed Alice! They ripped her apart and burned her!"
Carlisle looked at Stefan and Stefan nodded. "She came here and was irate, calling my niece, Isabella, all sorts of foul names and vowing to stop her. She then threatened to kill her and she was planning to kill our friend Bonnie in order to stop our plans from going through. You see, Jasper is Isabella's true mate…." A scoff was heard from Edward while everyone else gasped.
"…..and my brother Damon, who is Isabella's father did not approve of her being with a cold one, so Bonnie sent Isabella and my brother back in time so that she could meet and marry her true mate as a human. That is what you are witness to as we speak.
Because Alice had threatened lives, his daughters in particular, he didn't feel it was safe to let her live and so we made the decision to destroy her. While I am sorry for your loss as a family, she really left us with little choice in the matter."
Carlisle nodded. "Sadly, I agree with you Stefan. We will miss her, but she brought this on herself, especially trying to keep true mates apart the way she did."
Edward weighed in again. "You cannot be serious Carlisle! You simply take their word for it?! Alice is gone forever and they are responsible! And Isabella is my mate, not Jasper's!"
Carlisle wrapped his arms around his grieving wife, hugging her close as he looked at his first son.
"Edward, you see the proof before you. What more do you require? Add to that the fact that you left Isabella voluntarily and have experienced no ill effects from doing so and you have your answer to the true mate issue. As far as being responsible for what happened to Alice, I believe that I made myself clear there too just minutes ago if you had cared to listen. By coming here and threatening lives, she brought her destruction on herself. She left them no choice. End of discussion."
Edward scoffed and threw himself into a chair scowling around the room until his gaze fell on Jasper who was fading out quickly now.
"You….." he sneered out, "….you and I will meet again someday Jasper Whitlock and when we do, I will get my mate back. You wait and see. It's a vow and a promise."
As soon as Edward's venomous words rang through the room, Jasper faded from their sight, not a wisp or a shadow left behind.
"Rise and shine Miss Isabella! 'Tis past time that you were out of that bed! You'll sleep the whole day away if you stay any longer!"
Bella groaned and pulled a pillow over her head to block the light that was rapidly filling the room as Emily methodically pulled back all the heavy drapes.
Mumbling out her displeasure under the pillow, she gasped as said pillow disappeared, Emily looming over her with a bright smile.
"What were ya saying Miss? I couldn't quite catch it, what with this pillow bein' in the way and all."
Bella shot a glare at Emily whose smile just seemed to widen, a wicked glint entering her light blue eyes.
"I said that you are entirely too chipper this early in the morning. It's not natural Emily, didn't anyone ever tell you?"
"Early Miss? Why, it's nigh on half past six! I was told by your father that there's a young man that's due here at eight. I thought ya may be wantin' to be there to greet him."
Emily grinned as Bella's eyes widened, the sleepy haze clearing from them completely as she shot up.
"Oh lord Emily! I nearly forgot! What will I wear?!"
Emily moved to the massive wardrobe. "You just let me worry with that Miss while you take care of your morning ablutions. We'll have ya fixed up for your young man in no time, we will."
An hour later found Bella outside wandering in the garden. She was entirely too anxious to eat anything and she found that an early morning walk in the garden surrounding the estate seemed to relax her, allowing her to quiet her mind from the constant tumult that seemed to plague her since their arrival in this time.
Emily, who had accompanied her was sat on a bench in a shady alcove quietly reading a novel as Bella absently meandered the pathway that lead to the front of the estate.
She had picked a yellow rose, one of a buttery color that matched the dress she wore, and was staring down at the path while taking in it's delicate scent when she nearly collided with a well dressed gentleman with very strong hands.
Hands that were now holding her, keeping her from sprawling gracelessly on her backside.
As she unclenched her eyes and opened them, it was to see her hands lying against a strong chest.
Taking in his scent, she nearly moaned in longing. God! To be this close to her mate and not be able to do as she wished….it was agonizing to say the least.
Peeking up through her lashes, her breath caught as she became trapped in that grassy green gaze that was currently filled with conflict.
"Are you alright Miss Salvatore?"
Her breath left her as those dulcet tones washed over her from the luscious lips that were so close to hers…...too close.
Her eyes dropped down to those lips and then back to his eyes.
She licked her lips just a tiny bit at the thought of a kiss from him and was gratified to see his eyes follow the movement before shooting back to hers.
"Miss Salvatore?"
His hand came up to gently stroke the backs of his fingers on her cheek.
"You are so very beautiful." He whispered out.
She leaned into his touch, closing her eyes to savor the feel of his skin against hers.
The moment was broken however, at the sound of her father's voice coming from the sun porch off the family dining room.
"Isabella? Come inside now. Young Mr. Whitlock will arrive any moment and it would be rude to keep him waiting."
The effect was immediate as Jasper gently but firmly set her away from him, looking down as a blush heated his face.
"You should mind your father Miss Salvatore. I'll be present shortly."
He tipped his hat and she dipped in a small curtsy.
"I thank you for saving me once again Mr. Whitlock."
She turned to go, but not before noticing the small smile on his face as he made his way to the stairs and the front entrance.
~o0o~
The knock sounded on the door at eight sharp.
Damon was impressed with the kids' punctuality.
He smirked to himself. He knew of their little meet up in the garden, even going so far as to keep Emily engaged in a quiet conversation while keeping one ear tuned to the interaction between his daughter and her mate.
With this kids manners and breeding, they needed every opportunity they could get to form their bond. He was determined to see it happen, but it needed to be done carefully.
Too much, too soon could see the kid thinking his daughter forward. Never a good thing in this time period.
Conversely, if the bond was not formed quickly enough, the war may lure him away and if he joined the army, this whole mission will have been for naught.
He rose from his seat to greet the kid as his butler announced him and showed him in.
"Good morning Mr. Salvatore. I thank you again for seeing me today."
"It's our pleasure Mr. Whitlock. Isabella and I welcome the company. Please, won't you be seated?"
Taking the chair indicated, he looked at Bella and inclined his head.
"Miss Salvatore."
She smiled at him. "Good morning Mr. Whitlock."
For the rest of breakfast, Bella was able to quietly observe Jasper as he and her father lost themselves in an in depth discussion about business and local politics that would have had Bella yawning if the scenery wasn't so delicious.
Just getting to watch him for a prolonged period of time without having to worry about someone watching her was a treat.
She could let her mind wander as she focused on those delectable lips or his strong yet refined hands that she could still feel holding her around her waist.
She was so focused on her thoughts that she was caught off guard when those green eyes locked with hers, one brow slightly cocked in question, a tiny smirk on his lips.
She blinked and looked to her father who was also smirking just a bit.
"I'm sorry father, did you say something?"
He nodded. "I did. I asked if you would like to attend the theater this evening. Mr. Whitlock has been kind enough to invite us to share their family's box."
She felt her face heat once again and cast her gaze down.
"Yes, that would be lovely. Thank you for the kind invitation Mr. Whitlock."
"It's my pleasure Miss, not to mention my sisters will be thrilled to have your company."
She felt a stab of disappointment that she couldn't quite explain and met his gaze as she nodded.
"Your sisters, yes. I should be happy to spend time with them again."
She looked at Damon. "May I be excused Father?"
He frowned a bit but nodded. "Of course Isabella."
Both men stood as the butler held her chair for her and she made a quick escape to her rooms. Jasper frowned as he retook his seat.
"I hope I have not offended her in some way."
Damon studied young Whitlock for a moment before speaking.
"May I be frank with you Mr. Whitlock?"
Jasper met his gaze levelly and nodded. "Yes sir, I would prefer it if you were."
"Very well. Women are very mercurial Mr. Whitlock. Sometimes something that seems inconsequential to a man holds great significance to a woman."
He pinned Jasper with a serious look.
"Would you like me to share with you what just happened Mr. Whitlock?"
Jasper nodded. "I would sir, so that I may avoid making the same error in the future."
Damon laughed quietly. "Oh the naiveté of youth. You'll never gain enough knowledge to avoid offending the delicate sensibilities of a female son. You just have to master the art of the graceful and irresistible apology."
He smirked at Jasper's raised brows.
"Now, as for what just happened, she was thrilled with the prospect that you wanted her company for yourself, however, when you mentioned your sisters, well, she took that to mean that you didn't and that her presence was wanted merely for your sisters' benefit."
Damon watched in amusement as realization dawned and the kid shook his head as his eyes widened a bit.
"But that's not what I meant by it at all! I covet her company for myself, but it's not proper for us at this point!"
Damon watched a blush suffuse the kid's face and held up a hand to stave off the apology he knew was forthcoming for the kids' forthrightness.
"Mr. Whitlock…"
Jasper interrupted him, holding up a hand.
"Please pardon the interruption sir, but please call me Jasper. I feel that we are beyond the formalities at this point."
"Alright then, Jasper, we both know why you're here today. You would like to court my daughter, correct?"
Jasper nodded. "Yes sir, I would." He met Damon's gaze straight on with a glint of determination in his eyes.
"What are your intentions if this courtship is successful Jasper?"
Again, Damon was glad to see that the kid's gaze never faltered. "I intend to ask for her hand in marriage sir."
"You're awfully sure of yourself for having just met my daughter Jasper. I won't stand for her affections to be toyed with. I will watch you carefully because I love my daughter very much. She is most precious to me."
Jasper nodded. "I would expect no less sir, and I welcome your scrutiny. I will be more than happy to prove myself to you and your daughter."
Damon held out a hand and Jasper grasped it in a firm shake.
"You have my permission to court my daughter."
Damon sat back and smirked. "Now, I believe that you needed a bit of advice on the art of delivering a graceful and irresistible apology."
~o0o~
Previously:
Edward shot from his seat, holding his mending arm close to his chest and Carlisle stopped him from rushing at Stefan.
"What is it Edward? What's happened?"
Edward looked at his family members, lastly coming to Jasper. "She's gone." He snarled. "They destroyed her."
~o0o~
There were several gasps heard around the room as Edward's words registered with the rest of the Cullen coven.
Jasper, who had been feeling a nagging pain in his chest since they had left Forks, didn't know quite what or how to feel. He smirked at the irony of that; the empath not knowing how to feel.
He could feel the shock and disapproval rolling off of Edward, most likely due to his current inner monologue.
Jesus, what the hell was wrong with him? He literally felt like laughing and he knew that he should be feeling devastated by the news of Alice's permanent demise but for some strange reason, he just didn't give a shit.
He reached up with a hand to rub at his aching chest for what seemed like the millionth time when he noticed something that perplexed him very much; the ache was fading and he was feeling much… lighter was the only word that came to his mind.
Just as he was pondering these curiosities, he heard Edward's raised voice call out his name in alarm causing everyone in the room to focus on him, looks of horror and disbelief on each and every face in the room.
He furrowed his brow. "What's wrong? Why are you all looking at me that way?"
Carlisle approached him slowly, still looking shocked.
"Because son, you are fading!"
Jasper then looked down at his hands and arms and sure enough, he was actually becoming semi-transparent.
He heard Stefan speak up then and everyone in the room turned to look at his brightly smiling face as he locked his gaze with Jasper's.
"She's been successful. Jasper Whitlock is falling in love with Isabella Salvatore in the year 1859, Houston, TX."
Jasper's eye's widened as all the Cullen's gathered around him in silent shock.
Stefan continued. "I suspect that once that relationship takes a permanent statu s, you will fade completely, never to have been known as you are.
Carlisle reached out to try and touch him and found it was like trying to touch a cloud that would reassemble itself after the disturbance was through.
"How do you feel son?”
Jasper looked at him, shock still clear on his face.
"I feel light, everywhere. Physically, emotionally…...everywhere. Like I don't have a care in the world."
Edward scowled at him. "Even considering Alice's destruction?" He growled out.
Jasper glanced at him, now looking very peaceful.
"Yes, even considering that. I feel that nothing matters, but in a very positive way. Like I'm letting go. I feel none of the guilt that was a constant burden for me. No sadness, no anguish, just a lightness of spirit."
Stefan was still smiling. "Bonnie said that this part should not be painful or stressful for you and it seems that she was right. I'm happy that is the case."
Edward threw up his hands and growled. "Are we not losing sight of a major issue here? Carlisle, they destroyed Alice! They ripped her apart and burned her!"
Carlisle looked at Stefan and Stefan nodded. "She came here and was irate, calling my niece, Isabella, all sorts of foul names and vowing to stop her. She then threatened to kill her and she was planning to kill our friend Bonnie in order to stop our plans from going through. You see, Jasper is Isabella's true mate…." A scoff was heard from Edward while everyone else gasped.
"…..and my brother Damon, who is Isabella's father did not approve of her being with a cold one, so Bonnie sent Isabella and my brother back in time so that she could meet and marry her true mate as a human. That is what you are witness to as we speak.
Because Alice had threatened lives, his daughters in particular, he didn't feel it was safe to let her live and so we made the decision to destroy her. While I am sorry for your loss as a family, she really left us with little choice in the matter."
Carlisle nodded. "Sadly, I agree with you Stefan. We will miss her, but she brought this on herself, especially trying to keep true mates apart the way she did."
Edward weighed in again. "You cannot be serious Carlisle! You simply take their word for it?! Alice is gone forever and they are responsible! And Isabella is my mate, not Jasper's!"
Carlisle wrapped his arms around his grieving wife, hugging her close as he looked at his first son.
"Edward, you see the proof before you. What more do you require? Add to that the fact that you left Isabella voluntarily and have experienced no ill effects from doing so and you have your answer to the true mate issue. As far as being responsible for what happened to Alice, I believe that I made myself clear there too just minutes ago if you had cared to listen. By coming here and threatening lives, she brought her destruction on herself. She left them no choice. End of discussion."
Edward scoffed and threw himself into a chair scowling around the room until his gaze fell on Jasper who was fading out quickly now.
"You….." he sneered out, "….you and I will meet again someday Jasper Whitlock and when we do, I will get my mate back. You wait and see. It's a vow and a promise."
As soon as Edward's venomous words rang through the room, Jasper faded from their sight, not a wisp or a shadow left behind.
DISCLAIMER: Twilight and its inclusive material is copyright to Stephenie Meyer. Original creation, including but not limited to plot and characters, is copyright to the respective authors of each story. No copyright infringement is intended.