Divorcing Jasper

Subject: Re: Divorcing Jasper Sat Jun 13, 2009 4:32 pm

Soon after sending Jasper the text, Christine was rewarded by a phone call. 'AHHH! HOLY FLIP, IT'S THE JASPER RINGTONE!' she screamed to herself as her phone started ringing.

"Hello?" Chris picked up the phone, nearly dying from excitement.

"Hey, Chris. It's Alice Cullen," a familiarly sweet voice greeted her.

"Oh...hi, Alice," Christine felt somewhat dismayed. "What's happening?"

'Why the hell is she calling me?' Christine wondered. 'Not like I told her that I was after her Jasper, oh no, Alice Cullen doesn't get obvious statements like that. What does she want from me? My dignity? My soul? What?'

Subject: Re: Divorcing Jasper Sat Jun 13, 2009 4:40 pm

"Well, Jasper and I are...throwing a formal party sort of thing Friday night, and I really need Joan to be there," Alice explained. "I kind of realized she was with you when you responded so quickly. Can you please tell her that if she's not there, then I'll die of depression? And if she comes to this one last thing, then I'll," Alice tried to contain her sobs, "leave her alone forever, if that's what she really wants."

"Let me talk to her," Jasper said quietly, then took the phone from Alice, "Hey Christine, it's Jazz. As you could tell from Alice, we need Joan to be there, or Alice will flip out, and we're all screwed if that happens. Please tell Joan that Alice absolutely needs her to be there for her."

Subject: Re: Divorcing Jasper Sat Jun 13, 2009 4:48 pm

'Die of depression? That sounds promising...' Christine thought to herself as Jasper began to talk to her. 'Jasper's voice sounds really amazing today, then again it sounds amazing everyday.'

"Sure, I'll tell her," Chris said sweetly, hung up, then turned back to Joan, "Alice says if you don't go, then she'll die of depression, and if you go Friday, then she'll leave you alone for forever, if that's what you really want."

'Ouch, weren't they best friends? What happened?' Chris wondered, 'I....sympathize with Alice...wow, that's a first. I should go over there later and try to help her, maybe I'll see Jasper while I'm there, and he'll see how nice I'm being to Alice, and fall for me! Good plan, Chris!'

Subject: Re: Divorcing Jasper Sun Jun 14, 2009 4:12 pm

Chase shook his head, pulling out his cell phone to check the time, "Sorry, we've gotta get going if we wanna catch our plan. Man, this sucks. They didn't have that Ramones CD I was looking for."

He faked a grimace before tugging Joan along with him. Joan waved goodbye to Eric and Chris before stumbling a bit to catch up with him as they left the store.

As they waited for the light to change, Chase explained, "I think it's a good idea if we do get you back over to the East Coast. And I'll go with you. Adam has the wolves and he can always call for backup but it's no longer safe for the both of us.

"And Chris... She's one of us," Joan emitted a soft gasp before Chase continued, "I mean, she doesn't work for the Council but she... well, I hope she knows what she's doing. I should call the Council and get a background on her and Adam will probably keep an eye on her.

"But she's really the least of my concerns. You, however..." He looked down at her, regarding her with such sincerity and care that she almost looked away, her face a more pronounced red, "You are my top priority at the moment."

Subject: Re: Divorcing Jasper Sun Jun 14, 2009 4:16 pm

Joan felt her heart burst with such intense emotion at his deep cares and concerns for her. 'Forget everything I've said about him before. Forget every pretense I ever made and assumed about him. I love him for who he truly is, who he has shown me that he truly can be.'

The light turned red and they walked across the street, heading for the hotel when a thought popped into her head, "Wait, what about the mission? You can't just give up on your job for me!"

'No matter how much it makes me worry about your safety and well-being,' she reprimanded herself, 'Sheesh, I sound like an overprotective wife.'

Subject: Re: Divorcing Jasper Sun Jun 14, 2009 4:23 pm

Chase shrugged, casually swinging their arms back and forth as he explained, "Well, technically, you are a victim of the madness, tortured mentally by the supernatural and as a protector of the human race and eliminator of the supernatural as decreed by the highest rank of the Council, I have every right to intervene and take you away to help you break whatever hold they had on you.

"And for a while now, I've been meaning to get out of this business," his expression turned thoughtful as he stared ahead, "I mean, last night was probably the worst but I've been having this little emotional spasms throughout my entire career. And yes, I'll admit, at some points I did kill for vengeance but... what am I supposed to do?"

Joan's free hand moved to touch his shoulder in sympathy and he smiled down weakly at her, leaning into kiss her forehead gently. He continued, "I may have been too young or too corrupt to be corrected but as I said before, the Council has been so pleased with my progress and quick thinking that they just assume I'm fine with everything.

"So I try to be reckless and provoke my superiors and screw up purposely, hoping they'll kick me to the curb at some point. But I just can't go all the way; I always have to finish the mission so I know that the people I saved from the terrorizing supernatural can live in a hope and peace that I will probably never see."

They arrived at the hotel when Chase finished, "So, I'm hoping that your victimization will help ease my resignation with the Council."

Subject: Re: Divorcing Jasper Sun Jun 14, 2009 4:26 pm

Joan pulled Chase into a tight embrace, trying to hold the tears in. She told him softly, "I don't believe that. I don't believe it at all. I know you will find that hope and peace in yourself some day. You deserve it more than ANYTHING or ANYBODY.

"And I will help in any way possible," Joan said firmly as she pulled away a bit, "Because there's no way in hell that I'm leaving you alone, even if you try to get rid of me."

Subject: Re: Divorcing Jasper Sun Jun 14, 2009 4:43 pm

Chase smiled broadly at the redhead, touched by her promise. He chuckled softly, pulling her back into a comforting hug, "I don't think I could ever get rid of you even I did try." He rested his face in the crook of her neck, whispering warmly, "Not that I ever wanted to."

"But," he stated sourly as he pulled away from her warmth, "I do have to make a phone call to the Council, to Adam, AND to the airport so we can be out of here by tonight. Would you... uh, this is probably going to sound demeaning but could you go in and get all my crap together and check out while I take care of this?"

Joan nodded, taking his room key, and went into the hotel without another word.

Chase chuckled again, shaking his head as he dialed the Council's number without hesitation. Three rings and, "Chase Specter. Hunter. Class B. Section 113. Mission I89. Requesting victim evacuation, case 76 and resignation from the Council in its entirety."

There was silence for a moment before his general manager, General Grief (ha), replied, "Request confirmed. Good luck to you." And the receiver clicked.

'Shit,' Chase said as he stared agape at his phone, 'That was easier than I thought.'

He shrugged and dialed Adam's phone number, waiting for the dumbass to pick up. He didn't. Big surprise. So he left a message, telling him what he had just told the Council. But before he hung up, he said, "I'm... honored to have known and worked with such a great man. I'll probably never see you again so... I'm sorry for any sh-crap I gave you and I really do have respect for you."

He sighed as he hung up when he heard Joan come outside with his black suitcase rolling behind her. Chase grinned, asking, "Ready to go to the airport?"

Subject: Re: Divorcing Jasper Sun Jun 14, 2009 4:56 pm

Alice's eyes widened once she saw the future yet again. She moaned miserably, "Christine is coming over tonight to comfort me, hoping to see you, and Joan STILL isn't coming to my wedding!"

"Calm down," Jasper hugged the hysterical vampire, "We have time."

"They're going to the East Coast, Jazz."

"Oh..."

"Exactly."

"Shall we wait for Chris? I have a plan," Jasper said, grinning.

"I like it, but....nevermind, I'll see what she says," Alice shook her head dubiously.

Subject: Re: Divorcing Jasper Sun Jun 14, 2009 5:01 pm

Joan smiled brightly, taking his outstretched hand once more as he hailed a taxi. He allowed her to slide in first and she told the driver, "Seattle Airport please."

Chase got in next to her, placing his suitcase on the floor in front of him before shutting the door. He took her hand again and pressed a light kiss to her knuckles. She smiled again, leaning her head on his shoulder.

'Emotional crises always seem to bring the two most unlikely people together. A womanizing, metal head vampire hunter and a skeptical, English lit major who befriended vampires. Huh, and yet, it's turning out for the better for us. We'll be on the East Coast soon, together...'

She sighed happily, imagining the endless possibilities of having Chase at her side.

Subject: Re: Divorcing Jasper Sun Jun 14, 2009 5:06 pm

Chase told the ticket attendant, "Reservations for Flight 688 towards BWI under Specter, Chase?" Joan was watching the myriad of people walking through the bustling airport with fascinating interest.

'Wonder if she's one of those people who find cultures and eccentricities interesting and important to modern day society,' he mused thoughtfully, glancing at her out of the corner of his eye.

The attendant passed them their boarding passes and took Chase's luggage, giving them both a tired smile, "Have a safe trip!"

Chase nodded in thanks, taking Joan around the waist as he led her through the airport security. Once they were cleared through, Chase led her over to the local cafe, telling her, "Our flight's not in for another hour or so. Want something to eat?"

Subject: Re: Divorcing Jasper Sun Jun 14, 2009 5:08 pm

'Life sucks,' Christine thought to herself as she watched Chase and Joan walk away together. 'So much love...Oh, well. It's Jasper- um, comforting Alice time!'

She looked over at Eric, "Hey, do you mind if I go now? Something just came up. Um, I'll see you Friday, then. Sorry for leaving."

Eric nodded, "Sure, Chris. Just be careful, alright? Don't mess with Alice's man."

"Pshaw, like I'd do that," Chris snorted in laughter as she began to walk off to her car. "See ya!"

"Later," he responded.

Christine walked to her car, smiling. 'I might see Jasper! I might see Jasper!' Then her thoughts began to wander as she buckled up and began to drive. 'But what's up with Joan and Alice? I thought they were friends? I'll ask Alice once I get there...'

She drove on in silence, contemplating what had happened between the human and the vampire. 'Maybe Joan found out their secret? But Emmett told me she knew...I'm so lost, its not even my business anyway.'

Pulling up to the Cullen house, Christine prepared herself to comfort Alice while stalking Jasper. After a few moments, Chris walked up to the door and knocked loudly, refusing to show fear, even though she was entering vampire territory.

Subject: Re: Divorcing Jasper Sun Jun 14, 2009 5:42 pm

"I'll get it!" Alice said as she flew down the stairs and answered the door. "Hey, Chris! Are you here to see Jasper or Emmett this time?"

'Like I don't know she's here to see me, and she knows that I know. But does she know that I know that she knows that I know? God, that last sentence was SO confusing...Focus, Alice. Chris isn't here to watch you stare at her vacantly.'

Subject: Re: Divorcing Jasper Sun Jun 14, 2009 5:47 pm

"Neither, Alice," Christine began, "I'm here to talk to you. I, um, noticed some tension between you and Joan, and I was wondering if everything was alright? I know it's not my business, but I wanted to make sure you're okay, and not, you know, suicidal."

'Geez, I sound crazy,' she thought as she waited for Alice's answer. 'Caring about a vampire...who'dathunkit?'

Subject: Re: Divorcing Jasper Sun Jun 14, 2009 6:00 pm

"Come up to my room," Alice said cheerfully as she took Christine's hand in her own and led her up the stairs to her room. She closed the door behind them carefully, and turned to face Chris, her stress and anxiety on her face.

"No, everything's not alright," Alice shook her head sadly. "It wouldn't be so...complicated...if it weren't for that damned hunter!

"You know Chase Specter? Hot guy, fatal for vamps?" Alice began. Chris nodded quietly. "He waltzed into town, all ready to kill us ALL," she gave Chris a meaningful glance, "when Joan came in, saved the day, and now they're running off to the East Cost! She couldn't have told me? Seriously? I thought we were past all the evasiveness! She doesn't even have the decency to come to my wedding one last time before she leaves!"

Alice noticed the livid look on Christine's face when she mentioned the wedding. 'Oh, shit, not smart, man, NOT SMART!'

Subject: Re: Divorcing Jasper Sun Jun 14, 2009 6:10 pm

"Wedding?" Christine asked quietly, ignoring everything else. "You mean that this Friday...IS A WEDDING?"

She put her face in her hands a gave a small moan of despair, 'Jasper...off the market...permanent like...'

Christine reached for her ankle, revealing an ankle dagger stake. She stood up, and approached Alice silently, eventually trapping her into a corner. "I'm sorry, Alice, but if only one of us can have Jasper, then it's going to be me."

She saw the look of hurt on the pixie's face, then separated her conscience from her mind, and brandished the dagger stake, 'There's only one thing left to do...she won't fight...she's too depressed...'

Subject: Re: Divorcing Jasper Sun Jun 14, 2009 7:00 pm

"Wait, Chris!" Alice cried out as she realized she was cornered. "I know how to fix this!"

"Oh?"

"Yeah, we go hunt down Chase and Joan, and we fight him, and you can have him if we succeed!" Alice explained. "Then we're all happy, right?"

"How would you go about this?" Christine asked curiously.

"I'll kidnap Joan, and threaten him with her life," Alice whispered, not wanting to be overheard.

"Sneaky, I like it!" Chris grinned.

"C'mon, there's not much time left!" Alice said as she took Christine's hand, dragging her to the garage, got into her car, made sure Chris was buckled in safely, and began to drive, "We'll meet them at the airport."

"Forgetting someone?" Jasper grinned as he emerged from his crouching position in the back of the car, unnoticed in all the drama.

"I knew you'd be here," Alice sighed in dismay. "I expect you want to help us?"

"Hell yeah," he smiled at the prospect of fighting.

Subject: Re: Divorcing Jasper Mon Jun 15, 2009 5:10 pm

'Oh my damn, IT'S JASPER HALE!' Christine's mind screamed at her as he suddenly popped up from the backseat. Calmly, she said, "Hey, Jazz."

"What's up, Chris?" Jasper smiled.

"Just going to fight people, and help Alice kidnap other people," Chris shrugged apathetically.

"That's cool, sounds like what I'm gonna do," Jasper nodded.

"Cool," Christine was at a loss for words.

"So, Chris, I think you should be aware that Chase is an expert hunter, so as long as you use your youth and flexibility to your advantage, you can take him down," Alice said as she drove on towards the airport.

"Right," Christine agreed. "Can I use my dagger?"

"Whatever it takes," Alice replied. "Wait, no, don't kill him, just create enough of a distraction so I can kidnap Joan."

"We'll need disguises," Jasper remarked. "We stick out like a sore thumb."

"I'll just make-up Chris because she'll be fighting, and she can't fight with cumbersome clothes," Alice explained. "Jazz, I have a bald cap for you, some make-up, and we're going to pose as Christine's parents."

"Wonderful," Jasper replied.

Subject: Re: Divorcing Jasper Tue Jun 16, 2009 3:10 pm

Joan sat down at one of the tables, saying with a smile, "I'd like a green tea, please." He gave her an amused look with his eyebrows raised in which she rolled her eyes and pushed him away. She glanced after him, watching him go up to the counter and order.

Joan smiled lightly, turning to check her cell phone as she thought, 'Why is that whenever I'm with Chase, no matter how perverted or flirtatious he can get, I always feel safe? Like nothing can touch me... And he's just become this warmth, this light in my world of crappy mothers and horny ex-boyfriends and supernatural best friends.'

Chase came back with her green tea, a cup of raspberry mocha and a plate of chocolate cake. As they indulged in the small snack, they just talked about every little thing in their life, every little memory they could recall, every little habit or knack for things they held onto.

Joan had just finished telling Chase about her strained relationship with her mother when the overhead intercom announced, "Flight 688 towards BWI now boarding at gate 8."

Joan stood up to throw away their cups and put the plate in the bus boy's tray when Chase came up behind her, taking her hand in his, and led the way to the gate.

They boarded the plane and Chase got a window seat, much to Joan's displeasure but she smiled as she sat down next to him, his arm wrapping tightly around her shoulder. He pressed a light kiss to her temple and let her lay her head on his chest.

She closed her eyes and listened to the beating rhythm of his heart, lulling her into a dreamless rest.

Subject: Re: Divorcing Jasper Tue Jun 16, 2009 3:18 pm

"Change of plans," Alice said calmly as she made a sharp U-turn and began driving back around.

"What?" Jasper asked, concerned, "What do you mean?"

"We're gonna meet them at the East Coast airport," Alice explained as she drove furiously. "It'll be less....messy."

"Ah," Jasper nodded. "So we're running?"

"You can, Chris and I will drive, probably breaking some speed laws, but whatever," Alice shrugged. "We'll be safe."

"I'm not leaving you, Alice," Jasper said firmly. "Not again."

"Alright," Alice agreed. "So, let's do this!"

And with that, she pressed the gas pedal with all her strength, making the car go faster than before.

Subject: Re: Divorcing Jasper Tue Jun 16, 2009 3:24 pm

'Oh my God, I'm with a suicidal maniac,' Christine's mind raced as she was flattened against her seat. "Alice, why so fast?" she managed to stammer.

"We're trying to beat an airplane going across the country," Alice explained. "Speed is crucial."

"Oh..." Chris decided to shut up and just focus on not dying.

"Don't be afraid, Alice is an excellent driver," Jasper reassured Christine. "Just close your eyes, Chris."

Christine closed her eyes, fighting the nausea that was rising up in her throat.

'C'mon, Jasper's right behind you, he won't let Alice's crazy driving hurt you,' she told herself.

Subject: Re: Divorcing Jasper Tue Jun 16, 2009 3:39 pm

Chase felt Joan's breathing even out and her body relax against his, her face as peaceful and serene as it was this morning. 'Mental exhaustion from all she's learned in the past few days... Though she did say she was used to everything happening so fast 'cause that's just how life was. Maybe, she really is just tired.'

He smoothed back her red curls gently from her face as the pilot informed them they were about to descend. 'Wow, that was... quick.' He glanced outside and noticed it was pitch black, the moon shining brightly at the peak of the skyline.

Chase shook Joan softly, saying, "Hey, Joan. Jo, we're on the East Coast now."

The redhead shifted her head slightly, turning to face him as she blinked her eyes open slowly. Chase smiled at her sleepy face, teasing her, "Hey there, sunshine."

"You are now free to move about the cabin. Thank you for flying with South West Airlines." The pilot said over the intercom. Joan got up first, picking up her bag from the floor before waiting to step out into the aisle.

Chase took her hand as she led them to the front of the plane. The flight attendant waved them off and they walked up the ramp into the terminal.

"After we get my luggage, do you want to get a cab and drive to your dad's?" Chase looked over at the redhead, who was only beginning to wake up. Her hair looked cute kind of messed up like that.

Subject: Re: Divorcing Jasper Tue Jun 16, 2009 3:43 pm

Joan nodded, saying, "He's probably up working on the gallery again so we won't wake him." 'His hand's so rough and warm and strong. When did Vic's hand feel like this? Or Jared's? Or anyone's?'

They made their way over to the baggage claim and Chase quickly got his suitcase off the conveyor belt with ease. He grinned as he wheeled it behind them, walking out to the parking lot. They waited at the bus stop, with Chase's arm now around her waist protectively.

She smiled warmly, leaning against him, 'I think I do love him. More than anyone... Maybe, even my father.'

Subject: Re: Divorcing Jasper Tue Jun 16, 2009 4:03 pm

"Alright, it's go time," Alice said as Jasper, Chris, and her watched from the parking lot. "Go ahead, Chris."

"Yes Mom," Christine answered as she got out of the car after a quick once-over. Alice had done well. Christine's skin was paler than usual, and her eyes were a warm gold color. She could have easily passed for a relation of Alice and Jasper's.

Jasper followed Christine, his hat hiding his face, the stage makeup on his face made him look tanner than usual, but still pale by human standards. Alice turned off the car and got out, her dark hair powdered with grey streaks, stage makeup on her face, making her look older than she really was. 'God, I feel old,' Alice groaned inwardly as the three walked towards the bus stop.

"So, how was camp?" Alice asked, lowering the pitch of her voice, trying to make normal conversation while not sounding like herself.

Subject: Re: Divorcing Jasper Tue Jun 16, 2009 4:10 pm

"Fine, Mom," Christine answered, pitching her voice higher. "Did you guys miss me?"

"Of course we did, honey," Jasper smiled warmly, his mustache tickling his upper lip.

"Thanks, Dad," she smiled back, trying to pretend like this wasn't creepy.

"So, meet any cute boys?" Alice grinned.

"I swear, Cyn, you're so nosy," Jasper chided Alice gently.

"So sue me for being a caring mother, Peter," Alice countered. "I want grandchildren, you know."

"All too well," Jasper muttered as they neared the bus stop.

"Oh, he's cute!" Alice whispered to Christine as she pointed at Chase.

"Mom, he has a girlfriend!" Christine acted horrified.

"So? Surely you can steal him away," Alice replied. "They could be cousins, you know."

"Yeah," Christine acted doubtful.

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