Chapter 12
When I awaken in the hospital, I am not alone. A nurse is checking my vitals and in the corner is Jasper, just sitting in a chair staring at me. I glance down at my body, momentarily concerned about blood. Every injury is stitched or bandaged. I let out a sigh of relief which the nurse takes as pain, "Sorry dear, it's good to see you awake though. The doctor will be in soon okay? Can I get you some water? Your doctor says it's alright for you to drink and eat."
I smile at her, though my face never meets hers. "Uhm, water would be great, thank you." I feel anxious for her to leave, to be alone with my visitor. Though it isn't uncommon that his family would know about the accident, his father is a well-respected doctor but I can't help but feel his son's presence isn't simple politeness.
As the nurse leaves the room, there is a moment of pause between me and Jasper. A small moment where neither of us does or says anything. His face is grim, hard but there is something there, something caring.
"Welcome back." His words hold cold and distant humor to them, like a dry joke which even the teller dispises.
"Thank you.... Where is everyone?" I ask hesitantly, I don't know why I asked it. It wasn't relevant and frankly, I don't really care where everyone else is. But I don't want him to stop talking to me so a two-word answer wasn't enough. He is angry, I just don't know why. Is he upset he had to come here? Though I see no reason he'd be forced to make nice, nor have such concerns about it.
"Carlisle is your doctor. He got the call after your crash and took control of the case."
"Why would he do that?" I ask, genuinely confused.
"Because I wanted him too. I know you know."
About vampires. That is what he is referring too. He knows where I'm from. Why would they do this? It doesn't make sense. My mouth becomes a hard line, unsure of what is safe to say. This expression of mine must have done away with any doubts he had because he continues.
"I have a special talent. Your emotions are very similar to some I've felt a long time ago. When I met you, I could feel your uneasiness, your fear, your...persiverance. Your strength was, to me, endearing... and angering. I once fought for something cruel and wrong, but I've learned much since then and to see you required to be so strong against something so vile..it was sickening. I didn't know how far it went, exactly what caused such....a reaction. I had Carlisle interact with you, ask you to a family dinner, though you beat him to it with that concert. My brother Edward was able to confirm everything for me. I was worried that night, your feelings were...different than before. You didn't have any hope in you. I had planned to ensure that you stayed the night. I wanted my sister, Rosalie to talk to you. figure out what changed, if this man had something dangerous over you, blackmailing you or something more than what I could deduce. We couldn't do anything until we knew exactly what our actions would do. Of course, you refused to stay, something I didn't anticipate. It made me wonder if I was wrong, if something else was tormenting you. My family was discussing it when he got the call. He took the case and he found a lot of scars on your body while cleaning you up, deep scars from whips, chains, and...some claw marks. We can't know what you have gone through, but I won't let it continue."
I don't know what to say, but I see him staring at me, his eyes a sea of golden brown. I feel that little spark in my chest, hope, trust...something else. Gratitude perhaps. I'm alive. I'm getting out. This man, this tormented and beautiful man, is going to help me. I'm going to be free.
"There it is...that wonderful strength. I won't let him or anyone else take it away again." His promise echoes in the silence that follows, a smile sending shock waves through me. As I lean against my pillow, a small knock sounds and the nurse has returned with my water.