Bella MacLeod's Twilight Fanfiction

Louisiana Love

By Midnight Dreamer

Chapter 13: To Forgive or Not To Forgive

Day of the Harvest festival, 1895

(Arabella’s POV)

The day of the Harvest festival in town has finally arrived. Jasper was kind enough to bring my packages out of the wagon after my attack. I still have not figured out why it is that I called his name out instead of Peter’s or Char’s. it is rather confusing if you ask me. I barely know him and most of the time all we do Is argue over things that should just be laid aside. I think he just likes to rile me up.

The day that Emmett came over to tell us of Rose’s pregnancy was a shocker also. Peter and Char were arguing in the kitchen hell even I could hear them upstairs. Once Emmett’s voice joined in I had to go be sure it was really him there. I stood behind Jasper until he called out to me. At first his loud voice scared me and I flinched back. But when I finally looked up to him I saw that it was really him. I walked slowly to him, then flung myself at him. I missed him so much. He held me close. When he yelled at peter I flinch again and next thing I knew I was in Jasper’s arms and he was growling at Emmett. I felt safe there. Jasper then lead me back upstairs to lay down. Once in the room I heard whispers from the kitchen. Jasper began telling me what they were saying. I guess he felt my curiosity.

He chuckled at something that was said. Then next thing I know he was growling. Then he was gone. I wondered what made him leave so abruptly. The whispers got a little louder and I could hear Jasper’s raised voice but couldn’t make out exactly what he was saying. Soon my curiosity got the better of me and I headed down stairs.

I got there just as soon as something about a bet was brought up. They bet on something happening between me and the Major. I was pissed and let them know it. Then we went to see Rosie after I found out that Char had won the bet. But needless to say Peter is still staying in the barn.

I was brought out of my thoughts by Char calling for me.

“Bella are you ready yet?”

“Almost Char. Just finishing my hair.”

She came in the room and smiled as she noticed the gown I decided to wear. It was the one that her and Peter had picked out at Christmas time last year when they first came home.

“You look lovely as ever.” Char said. ” Your brother will be so happy to see you wear the dress he picked out.”

“I know Char.”

“Are you ever gonna stop bein mad at him?” she asked.

“I’m not sure Char. First the thing with the Major, then the fight about the harvest, then to find out about the bet. I just don’t know if I can forgive him yet.”

“I understand Bella, but he loves you and only wants what is best for you. You know you too are to much a like, that is why you fight the way you do. He loves you, just think about it.”

“Is this you wanting me to patch this up for my benefit or yours Char?”

“Well maybe a little of both.” she chuckled.

“Alright I will think about it. Now are you up here to plead your husbands’ case or are you here to help me finish getting ready?”

“Both”

“Alright get over here and help. I want the braids on the sides to wrap around to the back like a halo.”

“Yes ma’am.”

We finished getting ready for the festival. It was starting at dusk so everyone was gonna be there. Char and Peter were even coming. Jasper asked to be my escort. I gladly excepted. I don’t know what is goin on with him but it seems like he is someone else lately.

“What are you so deep in thought about there Bells?” Char asked.

“Jasper.” as if that one word said it all.

“Oh I see. Anything you would like to talk about?”

“No not really. Just wonder what has got into him lately?” I felt rather then seen Char stiffen. She knows something. I was about to call her out on it when I heard Emmett down stairs.

“You girls gonna get a move on or what? I would hate to have to leave with out you?”

“Emmett don’t lie to me, I know you would never leave without me!”

“Your right but I may change my mind if you don’t hurry up?”

“Fine we’re coming.”

I stood up and started for the door. As I descended the stairs I could see all of them standing near the door. Once I came into view I saw Jasper take a deep breath and his eyes widen.

“Wow Miss Bella you look lovely.”

“Thank you Jasper.”

He walked toward me and put his arm out to me. I took it and we walked toward the others. Char smiled, Emmett was grinning like a fool and Rose looked as lovely as ever. Peter stood behind everyone with his head down. I patted Jaspers arm and he nodded to me. I walked slowly over to Peter and place my hand on his cheek.

“Peter”

He still hadn’t looked up.

“Peter look at me please.”

He raised his head slowly, but still wouldn’t look in my eyes.

“Peter look at me.”

His eyes snapped to mine.

“What is wrong Peter?”

“Bella I’m so sorry for everything. I don’t know what I was thinking, I let my emotions rule my judgment and tried to control you. Please Bella forgive me please… I’m begging. I didn’t mean to say those things. I take full responsibility for what happened to you, it was my fault for just not letting you go. I’m sorry I went all caveman on you…”

He was rambling now and I could literally feel the hurt and pain waving off of him, even without Jasper’s gift. I had to put a stop to this.

“Peter.”

“I’m so so sorry Bella please forgive me I didn’t mean for you to get hurt. I don’t know what I would have done if anything would have happened to you. I’m so glad that the Major got to you in time…”

“Peter please..”

“I know I fucked up Bella but I can’t lose you and I could never live with myself if..if..if…”

“PETER!” I yelled at him.

He looked at me finally.

“Peter I know you are sorry, I know you didn’t want me to get hurt, I also know that it isn’t your fault that I got attacked. It was those two men on the side of the road who decided to attack me. No one is at fault but them. I’m okay they didn’t hurt me, scared the shit out of me, but didn’t hurt me. Jasper did get there in time so there is nothing to worry about as he took care of them. Now I can’t say that I’m not still pissed off at the way you handled things that day but I don’t blame you for it. I know I said some mean shit to you and you know I didn’t mean most of it. I do forgive you, but if you ever try to tell me how to run my business ever again I will have Jasper hold you while I use a garden till to beat your pitiful ass with. Do we have an understanding.”

“Oh Bella I love you so much…thank you for forgiving me. I promise not to go all caveman again.”

He picked me up then and spun me around in his arms. I was giggling like a school girl before I knew it. Then a throat cleared behind us and Emmett was wearing that Cheshire cat grin again.

“Alright children I think we should be on our way. The night is young and I believe we could all use a little fun.” Emmett boasted as he ushered us all out the door.

I took Jasper’s arm once again as was lead out to the wagon. I got in the back with Jasper, Peter and Char. Emmett sat up front to steer the horses with Rose.

We arrived in town just as the festivities started. We all mingled with the towns people. We seemed to split into two groups, the vamps and us mere humans. Peter and Char were catching up with old friends and giving a fake explanation as to where they were and why they couldn’t contact us. Jasper followed them around shakin hands with the men and kissing the hands of the women.

Emmett, Rose and I all went to the food stands and said our hellos to those we worked with and others that we have know for as long as I could remember. David came up to me and thanked me again for the crops. We chatted for a while and somewhere along the line Emmett and Rose had wandered off. I said my good byes to David and started my search for my brothers. I was nearing one of the pie stands when someone came up behind me and grabbed my arm. I gasped and spun quickly. There stood the stock boy Micheal.

“I’m sorry to have startled you Miss. I couldn’t help but notice you are unescorted tonight. Would you mind sharing a dance with me?”

I got this sudden chill up my spine that told me to pass. I always followed my instincts. This kid was a creep.

“I’m to am sorry Micheal. You are mistaken I have an escort for this evening. We have gotten separated when I stopped to talk to David. Now if you would excuse me I need to get back to my family.”

“Please just one dance.” he asked as he inched closer to me. I could feel my palms start to sweat slightly.

“Sorry but I must pass. I am sure my brothers are lookin for me by now.” I started to back away.

Soon enough Emmett came up next to me.

“Arabella where have you been?”

“I’m sorry Emmett I was side tracked when I spoke with David and then young Micheal here found me and was asking for a dance. I told him I was escorted tonight but he was being rather insistent.”

I swear Emmett just growled like a vampire would.

“Well young Micheal, my dear sister here has an escort tonight and he is a very impatient man, if you don’t mind I wish to get my sister back to him before he becomes worried.”

I could tell that Emmett was improvising. Impatient is not exactly how I would describe Jasper. Scary as hell would be a more appropriate term. But I guess you can’t tell this child that.

“Y..Yeess Ssiirr.” he stuttered. Emmett could be very intimidating himself. He was only a inch or two shorter then Jasper, but built like a bear.

“Come Arabella, your escort awaits.”

He placed his hand on the small of my back leading me away from Micheal. As soon as we were out of hearing range we both broke out into fits of uncontrollable laughter.

“Did you see his face?” I choked out between giggles.

“I thought he was gonna piss his pants.” Emmett howled.

“I know you scared the shit out of him.”

“Yesss ssiirr…” Emmett mocked.

“that was too perfect.”

“Yes it was.” Emmett said settling down and righting himself. “Let’s get you back to your escort dear sister before you find yourself in anymore trouble. I’m surprised he didn’t come running as it was.”

Emmett was right it was strange that Jasper didn’t magically appear out of nowhere like he usually does when I have an overwhelming surge of emotions. More so if that emotion is fear or pain.

“You know Emmett your right. Where is he?”

“He was with Peter and Char near the stage when I came to find you.”

We started walking back the way Emmett had come. It took only a couple of minutes to get through the street and nearer to the stage. When I could finally see Rose and Char standing talking with one another, I scanned the crowd for Peter and Jasper. It didn’t take much to find them. Hell they were both tall as a tree. Peter had a shit eating grin on his face, I looked over to Jasper and he looked…I’m not sure how to explain it. I would possibly call the look uncomfortable. When I looked to see what was makin him that way I saw that Peter had them both over by the local brothel. Two of it’s most popular occupants where chatting up Peter and Jasper. Peter rollin with it cause that was just how him and Char were, and Jasper just looked pissed.

As I took a closer look at who the girls were I could have screamed in frustration. Laurel and Jasmine. I went to school with these two girls. They were what Peter called loose women. I was starting to get pissed. Then when Jasmine placed her hand on Jasper’s arm to get his attention I felt the jealousy rear up inside me. I don’t know why it did but I was not happy that that whore had her hands on him.

He must have felt it really strong cause he stiffened and his head whipped around in my direction. When he met my eyes I saw his confusion on his face. Then a smirk crossed his lips and he turned toward us and started walking over to me ignoring both women and Peter calling for him.

When Peter saw me standing there and Jasper heading toward me, he knew he was in trouble. I whispered to Char who was close enough to hear where as the boys were not. She turned to me and we used our method of communication to talk and she knew what I wanted and the reason why. She spun on her heal and headed over to Peter with an evil glint in her eye. I saw Peter start to shrink back from his wife and he was smart to. As for me I had to focus now cause Jasper was just steps away.

“Is there something wrong Miss Bella?” he asked me as Emmett disappeared next to Rose.

“No nothing at all. You go have your fun. I will just walk back home with Emmett and Rose.” I said lookin him right in the eye.

That smirk disappeared off his face faster then he could run.

“There will be no need for that Miss Bella those girls hold no interest to me.”

“Are you sure you didn’t seem to be minding the attention.”

I could hear the growl beginning in his chest.

“I would much rather be getting the attention from you Miss Bella.”

“Well that won’t be happening. I do not mingle with men who find frolicking with loose women a way to pass the time, especially those who are to be escorting someone else.” I turned on my heal and started toward Emmett.

He didn’t try to stop me and I could feel this tugging in my chest. The tears were starting to well in my eyes. As I got closer to where I saw Emmett and Rose heading I was once again stopped by another young man.

“I’m sorry Miss but I saw your dispute with the gentleman over there and was wondering if you were in need of an escort?”

“What is your name?” I asked

“James. James Daniels ma’am.”

“Well James as helpful as that is I was just going to find my brother and his wife and walk home with them. But thank you for your offer.”

“I insist that I at least walk with you until you find your brother.”

“That won’t be necessary I can see him from here. Thank you again.”

I started off toward Emmett again feeling the boys eyes on me once more. They were following me through the crowd. Once up to Emmett and Rose I stopped and wrapped my arm through his.

“Bella. What’s wrong?”

“Nothing Emmett. Are you and Rose ready to head home. I don’t want to be here anymore.”

Rose was looking at me and nodded. She knew there was more to my wanting to leave.

“Okay I will let Peter know we are taking the wagon. They should be able to find their way home with out the need of the wagon.” Emmett wander off toward where Peter was standing.

I saw Peter look my way and then in the direction I believe I left Jasper in. He looked back at me and nodded solemnly. Emmett was still talking to him when Rose whispered in my ear.

“Is this about a certain vampire?”

“No, I mean yes, I mean, I don’t know.”

“We will talk about this on the way home.”

“Fine” I huffed.

Emmett came back then and took both Rose’s and my arms and lead us to where we had the wagon tied up. He helped Rose and I both climb in the back. Afterward he got up into the drivers seat and took the reigns. Rose turned to me and gave me that “start talking” look. I knew she wouldn’t let it go until I told her what was going on. Hell I wasn’t even sure what was going on anymore.

“I don’t know Rose. I have all these strange feelings and I don’t know what to do with them.”

“Well tell me about them.”

“At first I thought I was just thankful for Jasper saving me that night. But now I’m not so sure. I felt something before all that stuff happened.”

“Like what?”

“Well I always felt safe around him.”

“and?”

“I called for him Rose.”

“What? When?”

“That night when the men attacked me. I screamed out his name. not Peter’s, not Emmett’s, his. What does that mean?”

“I don’t know Bella, is there anything else you can tell me?”

“Well tonight when I saw him at the bottom of the stairs I felt this pull to him. Like I was meant to be with him.”

“What else? What happened tonight?”

“Well when I was cornered by that boy Micheal when Emmett came to get me, usually when I’m scared or frightened, or even upset he usually just appears out of now where and helps to calm me, and let me know everything is alright, but he didn’t show up this time, and I was worried, or I don’t know how to put it. I guess I was upset that he didn’t rescue me. Then when I saw him with Peter and those girls, I was angry. But when Jasmine touched him I was jealous. Really jealous. Then when we argued about it. I started to walk away and I felt this tuggin on my heart and I started to cry. Which is how you found me when I came up to you.”

“Why were you cryin? Because you fought?”

“No I don’t think it was that I think it was because he didn’t stop me from walking away.”

“OH!”

“What Rose?”

“Oh Bella honey I think you are in love with Jasper.”

“am not!”

“You just keep thinking that way and see where it gets you.”

“Rose, I do not, I am not in love with Jasper.”

“you are.”

I huffed and crossed my arms. She giggled and shook her head. It was quiet the rest of the ride home and after they left me at the house and made sure I locked the doors they walked home. It was a long day and evening. I had a lot to think about and I didn’t know when they would be home.

I knew Char and Peter were going to the guest house for some much needed alone time but I had no idea where Jasper was going. Would he come to the house and stay with me like he has lately or would he go to the barn and stay there. I don’t see him going anywhere near that guest house with those two in there.

I made my way up to my room thinking of all the things that Char, Rose and I talked about throughout the day. Once in my room I removed the dress I had on and slipped into my nightgown. Crawling into bed I couldn’t get my thoughts to stop circling around Jasper. I don’t know when it happened but somewhere during my thoughts I drifted off to sleep.