Jared Whitlock; Daughter of Jasper Hale

Chapter 51: The Three Hippies

My Italian friend and his family quickly depart. "Good luck senora," He whispers to me and leaves.

"Ah, Jared, you're awake. I was wondering when you'd find your way around." Aro says in his manic voice. "Uh, thanks." I start to smile before remembering what type of guy he is. My mouth snaps shut. He comes to me and takes my hand, while Marcus and Caius drift past to their thrones. Aro's face goes through a number of expressions, while reading my thoughts.

I remember Carlisle saying he could see practically everything I'd ever done. Every argument with Jasper, every touch and kiss between Reeve and I. He could see it all. I growl softly but resist the urge to pull my hand away. He looks up and releases me. "Interesting," He muses. "It seems Reeve wasn't lying about her relationship." He says to his brothers. I turn to them, looking for their reaction.

"It's digusting," Caius hisses. "Two women in love, they should be killed!"
Aro looks hurt, not pissed. "Reeve is your niece as much as mine, brother. You should be more respectful." He insists.
"Yes, love is love. Leave them be." Marcus agrees in his feathery voice. The helpless romantic. Still mourning the loss of his wife.

I spot a painting on the wall, who I hope is Didyme. "She was beautiful. It's such a tragedy." I murmur to him. He looks heartbroken for a second, completely put off guard. I savour the moment.  But then the invisible mask is back on, revealing no emotion. "Thank you." He says, trying to sound calm. "Anyway!" Caius cuts in. "You should dispose of her now! I knew Reeve was strange, but a lesbian!" He spits. I wince, he says it like it's a really dirty word.

"Brother," Aro warns. I turn to face Caius properly. "Who do you think you are! At least I'm in love. Reeve will be happy with me!" I shout my case, not bothering to worry about consequences. "Reeve, happy? With a Cullen? And why would that be?" He demands. "Because she isn't neglected and locked up in a secure chamber, robbed of love and her rights! Unlike Athenadora, your mate!" I shout back.

He stands up, eyes blazing. "You dare to give me advice on my wife?!" He thunders. "Stop!" Aro calls, calmly, but loud. Caius locks eyes with him. "Sit down," He orders. Caius sits, scowling. God, he and Rose are made for each other. "Jared," Aro interupts. "As Reeve's potential life long mate, we want you to join us. We want you to be a part of the Volturi." He says.

"It's a ridiculous idea. I will not accept her as my niece." Caius growls. "Oh, trust me, I won't be calling you 'uncle' any time soon!" I sass back. Marcus looks almost amused, rare for him. Aro just stands there, out of ideas. He decides to let Caius and I bitch it out.

"I haven't got the time for this! I am not going to sit here and be spoken to like a small child!" Caius snarls. He brushes past Aro and leaves. "Aw, we were having such a great conversation!" I fake whine and I'm sure he heard. "Back on track," Aro smiles softly. "Take a seat. I will find someone who will feed you in a moment." He promises. Ugh...human blood.

"I...actually...I'm not very thirsty, but um..." I trail off as he pierces me with eyes. "It is nine in the morning. It was six in the evening when we arrived. When was the last time you fed?" He questions. "You're not my father." I murmur. "No, I am your potential uncle and all family will be treated like royalty. With essential care." He insists, his madman disguise gone for a moment.

"Ok, ok, uh, a few days." His expression shows he doesn't believe me. "Ok, maybe a week." His face softens with my honesty. "Or two." I admit. His face hardens. "Jane!" He calls. She materialises beside him. "Master,"

"Could you please bring someone, Jared needs to feed." He says lightly, the manic in his eyes, the excitement back in his voice. She obeys immediately.
The madman is back
I think I prefer the other, calm, Aro. The questioning man I witnessed a moment ago. Of course, the fact that he was crazy was somehow reassuring, but you could never tell if you were safe with him or not.

He could be infactuated with you and seconds away from killing you at the same time. It was a dangerous game. How his wife copes I will never know.
"Also, ignore my brother, he's always been the sadistic one." He sighs softly. He stands and glides to a window, but in safe distance from the sun. "Ah, what a beautiful day!" He cries. He does a 360 turn before looking back outside.

"What wonderful weather! Tell me, Jared, do you go to school?" He asks, sitting back beside me. "No, sir. I work in the local sports centre. Stacking shelves." I admit, which sounds quite sad next to a guy richer than Carlisle. He nods a moment, suddenly serious again. "Hmm, is he an idol?" He asks. "What?" I screw up my face with confusion. "Him." He points to my chest. I look down and smile. I'm wearing my Alice Cooper shirt. "He's a rock singer. My favourite." I explain. "Oh, how exciting! Tell me more!" He shifts closer. I swear, this guy is bipolar.

"Well, he sings songs like, Poison, I Am Made Of You, I Never Cry, so on. Why?" I list/ask.
"I am very interested in the modern world. So many new and exciting events and people. Such a wonderful life! " He jumps up once again and spins around. Like a small child, arms held out, laughing to himself like he has a private joke.

Out of instinct, I rush to the only other person, Marcus for protection. I stand in front of his throne. "Aro," Marcus calls. Aro turns, instantly regains control of himself and relaxes. "Forgive me, my child." Aro mutters softly. "Don't call me that." I state quietly. "I am Jasper's child."

Suddenly, my Italian friend comes in. "Senor, we have unwelcome guests on their way." He informs. "According to whom?" He asks while toying with a pen on the desk. "Demetri, our expert tracker. He says they are only a few miles away."

"Thank you, Francesco." Aro smiles. Francesco. So that's his name. "I'm Jared." I walk towards him, hand outstretched. We shake.
"Come with me, senora, I'll take you for some fresh air. Caius will be coming back soon. We'll leave the three long haired hippies to talk." He smiles. His arms goes around my shoulder. I love this man already.