Hope - Jasper Hale

Hope - Chapter 14

-14-

I can’t stay in the tent with Edward and Bella since Bella’s scent becomes overwhelming in the confined space the three of us share. So when Jacob, who is apparently a werewolf, and one of Bella’s childhood friends comes to keep her from freezing I decide to guard the tent from outside. 

I don’t think I’ve ever seen a blizzard in my life, but as far as blizzards go this seems pretty strong. The snow is basically falling down in sheets - there are so many little moist flakes that are close together. The snow level on the ground is rising, but the tent is sheltered under a rocky den. Bella was turning blue, this is a rare moment where I am glad to be a vampire. Edward was so lost that he couldn’t do anything to help Bella; thankfully we had a werewolf to help keep her warm. 

I heard Edward and Jacob talking from inside the tent and I decide to wander a little to give them their privacy. I look in the distance off the mountain we are set up on to see the clearing where the battle will take place tomorrow. 

I worry about tomorrow. The Cullens have been so nice to me and I just wish I could help them fight. Jasper didn’t teach me much about self defense, I was mad at him about that - did he not want me to help? After this was over I would be forcing him to teach me how to fight. 

Thinking of Jasper made me think of another thing. Why was he the only person I could project my visions on to? It didn’t work on Bella or any of the Cullens and I didn’t understand. Esme’s theory about Jasper’s venom turning me wasn’t completely out of the question, but if it was true that could mean that Alec Volturi could also see my visions. 

I begin to head back for the tent as I see the sun beginning to peak over the horizon signifying that it is almost time to fight. I catch some of the wolves waiting in the forest, but I can’t spot any of the Cullens. I worry about all of them. Esme is so sweet and kind and motherly and Carlisle is so caring and fatherly. Rosalie and Alice are like sisters that I never grew up with. Emmett is like a protector or big brother. And Jasper... well he is just Jasper. I guess he is a friend -  strictly a friend - who has helped me through the first day of my new life. He was there for me after I tried to kill myself, after I killed a human. Jasper didn’t judge me like I know so many other people who have, or at least they would have not ever treated me the same way ever again. 

I heard footsteps. Jacob exits the tent and I poke my head through to see Edward in the corner looking at Bella who is still shivering. “They are here.” 

Edward nods, “I know.” 

“I-”

“You have to stay here,” Edward says. 

“But-” 

“You are an inexperienced fighter, if you go down there you get hurt and whoever has to save you will probably end up getting more injured or die,” I cringe at his words, but I know that they are the complete truth. 

“I just want to help,” I sigh. 

“I know, you will be better help up here. Besides the Volturi will be here after the fight and if they see you...” 

“Where will I go?” I ask. 

“We haven’t decided yet-” 

“WHAT!” My eyes bug out. 

“Relax,” He says, but he doesn’t have the calming effect Jasper has on me so I practically explode. 

“How can I? Without some plan they will find me and will probably come after me which means they will come after you guys too!”