Chapter Twelve, Birthday Blues

The summer had past rather quickly, and during that time dad had been filled in on everything by Billy and Harry about the Quilette's and by Jasper about him and his family. He had been shocked to say the least, but after everything had been explained he seemed to take it rather well. After it had all sunk in, they explained everything and answered his questions. Everything from how Jasper and his family were turned, Billy and Harry explained how the they turned into wolves, Jasper explained their diet of animal blood not people, about mates and how it worked. Exposing that I was Jasper's mate and Embry had imprinted on Willow, but for now it was just protector and could remain that way.

Jasper had explained why they hadn't initially told him due to the law by the Volturi and he had told dad the reason why he was being told, was because I didn't want to lie to him and neither did Jasper as he had come to care greatly for dad. Billy and Harry told dad they didn't normally tell outsiders of the reservation but they trusted him as they had been friends for thirty years, they told him why I was told sooner as I was at greater risk due to being around the boys so often. They also told him that as his granddaughter was an imprint he deserved to know and they wanted him to know.

Dad had sworn he would keep both secrets and take them with him to his grave. After asking a few more questions, dad seemed to take it all rather well. I guess I take after him in that regard. He even told them it all made sense now, why the boys grew so quick and why Jasper never ate, but what he didn't understand was Bella and Edward's relationship, but then no one did. In dad's eyes, Jasper had gained more respect from him as he had told him the truth, even if the truth was hard to believe. Dad respected that, he hates being lied to and he was glad he was told the truth. Their bond seemed to become closer because of it, which I was glad for, as all tension, even if it was only a little bit, seemed to be non existent between them now.

***

I woke up with a start in the early hours of the morning hearing my daughter crying. Running into the nursery attached to my room, I saw my five month old daughter sat up crying, her cheeks a bright red and she was covered with spots. Quickly picking her up I tried to soothe her while I looked through the draws one handed for the thermometer gun, finally finding it I turned it on, sat in the chair,  pointing the gun at her head.
"Shit!" I cursed softly seeing it read 38.6c. "It's okay baby. Shhh, it okay." I soothed rubbing her back while rushing to dad's room.

I hated waking him up at 2:30 in the morning after his long shift, but Jasper was hunting and Willow was sick.
"Dad! Dad! Dad!" I called frantically. Thankfully he woke up by the third call and no doubt due to Willow's crying.
"Anna? What's wrong with Willow?" Dad asked rubbing his eyes.
"She's covered in spots and she has a fever." I said frantically wanting to cry myself with how much pain my daughter was in. At that dad quickly climbed out of bed rushing over to Willow and I placing a hand on the back of her neck.

"Okay, I'll take you both to the hospital let me just throw something on. Don't worry princess she's going to be fine." Dad assured with a tight smile. Nodding my head I brushed away my tears before they could fall, heading back in to my room I set Willow in the middle of my bed. Before throwing on some underwear, deodorant, black leggings, a white jumper dress, throwing my hair into a messy bun while slipping on some black plimsolls.

Picking Willow back up I rushed into her nursery changing her nappy and pyjamas as they were rather sweaty, before making sure I had everything she would need in the changing bag. Throwing that over my shoulder I picked Willow up who was still crying even when I tried to slip a dummy in her mouth to try to soothe her, before trying her song but even that didn't work. I grabbed my phone and headed downstairs to wait for dad.

Not five minutes later dad came running down the stairs pinning a note to the fridge for Bella, while I placed Willow in her car seat. Once I was sure she was secure we headed out to dad's car speeding off to the hospital.
"Shhh baby. It's okay Mama's here. Shhh." I soothed running my hand through her hair while I waited for Jasper to pick up. On the third ring he picked up.

"Hello Love what's wrong?" Jasper's concerned voice came through the phone.
"Hi Jazz, dad and I are taking Willow to the hospital she has a really high fever and she is covered in spots. I can't soothe her no matter what I do!" I said in panic before I started crying feeling completely helpless as I couldn't help my daughter, still running my fingers through her hair, not that it seemed to help.
"It's okay darlin', just calm down. I'll be there soon, I just need to change then I'll leave. I love you." Jasper said over the phone I heard him rushing around no doubt running to his room.

"Okay, I love you too." I said before hanging up turning back to Willow who had cried herself to sleep.
"It's okay princess we're nearly there." Dad called from the front seat looking at me through the mirror, I just nodded concentrating on my daughter.

Jasper's P.O.V:

After hanging up the phone with Anna I quickly changed out of the clothes I hunted in, slipping my phone into my pocket as I raced downstairs.
"Is something wrong?" Dean asked concerned stopping me in the living room where everyone was gathered.
"Yes, Willow has a fever. Anna and Charlie are taking her to the hospital. I'm meeting them there." I said impatiently.
"Well, Charlie better be there to wish Bella happy birthday and Anna better be here for Bella's party." Edward sneered.

Growling angrily at him I lunged at him before he even contemplated my thoughts, holding him up by his neck.
"What did I say about speaking ill about my mate! If I wasn't in a rush to get to them I would rip your head from your body faster then you could contemplate! Do. Not. Test. Me!" I growled giving his neck one hard squeeze sending cracks running across it like spiders scattering, nearly enough to decapitate him, before I dropped him to the ground. As he went to attack me Dean grabbed him holding him by his neck this time, Emmett holding his arms.

"Do you seriously think that's going through their minds right now?" Dean growled.
"No one cares about Bella." Rosalie joined in. "She is not part of this family. Get it through your thick skull that she is your Blood Singer not your mate. There is a difference. The party Alice put together is for both of them not just Bella." Rosalie snarled.
"Go Jasper, I'll follow behind you." Carlisle ordered before he turned to the others but I didn't stick around to find out what was said I sped to the garage and jumped into my car peeling out so fast the tires squealed.

I arrived in record time, just seeing Anna and Charlie walking into the hospital, Willow held in Anna's arms. Quickly parking and getting out of the car I raced into the hospital at human speed catching up to them as they waited at the reception desk.
"I may have gone over the speed limit." I admitted to Charlie's raised eyebrow when he saw me walking up behind them. Charlie just shook his head a small smile playing on his lips before it dropped back into a frown at a sleeping Willow on Anna's shoulders as Anna spoke to woman behind the desk giving Willow's symptoms before we were directed towards the children's unit.

Annalyssa's P.O.V:

"Your here." I sighed in relief spotting Jasper as I turned around leaning into his embrace soaking up the comfort he offered as he wiped away my tears.
"Of course I would be darlin." Jasper said kissing my forehead before we headed towards the children's unit where a nurse was waiting. She led us to a room, took Willow's temperature and gave us some medicine to hopefully bring down her fever.
"Carlisle's on his way." Jasper said sitting on the bed opposite me with Willow lying between us on the bed, dad sat in one of the chairs.

"That's good." Dad sighed in relief running his hand through his hair. "Is something wrong Jasper?" Dad asked noticing Jasper's tense shoulders.
"Just Edward." Jasper almost growled but stopped when I clasped his hand in mine which he brought up placing a soft kiss to my knuckles.
"What's he done now?" I asked angry at Edward for making Jasper this tense.
"His usual." Jasper scoffed. Dad and I dropped it for now as Carlisle arrived asking questions in regards to Willow before he inspected the spots covering her.

"It looks like chicken pox to me." Carlisle said doing Willow's pyjamas back up. "I'll give you a cream for them Anna which will clear them up in roughly two weeks, and she will be fine once her temperature comes down. It's been going round, possibly someone at your school was a carrier, it's nothing to worry about. I'll come back and check her temperature every half an hour." Carlisle assured smiling softly before he left.
"She'll be okay princess." Dad said getting up to hug me kissing my head. "I know it's scary when your child is sick. I remember when you got sick, I was absolutely terrified. But she'll be okay don't worry."

For the next few hours we sat trying to soothe Willow and cool her down, Jasper's cold temperature seemed to help in small bursts. He didn't want to cool her down too rapidly and cause her more harm. Carlisle soon came back checking her temperature again that had come down a little bit and with the cream that Jasper and I put on her, she was not impressed.
"Why don't you have a nap sweetheart?" Jasper asked brushing some hair behind my ear. "Willow's asleep right now, your dad and I will wake you up if something happens." He said leaning over our daughter kissing me softly on the lips. But we soon broke apart as another yawn slipped through my lips. Giving in I nodded my head still yawning before laying next to Willow knowing we were safe with dad and Jasper watching over us.

I didn't sleep for long though, probably around an hour max but it was broken sleep, half an hour when I first went to sleep and then I woke up for two hours, then had another half an hour before finally waking up around half six. Willow's temperature had gradually come down and we were finally allowed to leave at around half seven in morning. I felt bad for dad as he had work soon and had only had power naps like mine which left us not as refreshed as we'd like.
"Willow's temperature is back to normal and I've just given her some more medicine. If it goes back up and won't come down then bring her back, but I highly doubt it will. You're free to go home." Carlisle smiled handing some more cream and her medicine.

"Thank you Carlisle." I said gratefully.
"You don't need to thank me Anna." Carlisle smiled. "Go home and get some rest no school for you today and I'll let Alice know you won't be coming to the party tonight, she'll understand it's the least of your worries right now. But happy birthday, when Willow is better we can celebrate it then. Jasper I've phoned the school telling them you won't be in today." Carlisle bid us goodbye and started his rounds, I had completely forgotten it was mine and Bella's birthday today.

"Sorry sweetheart. Happy birthday." Dad wished kissing my temple.
"Dad you don't need to be sorry I forgot it was too. I was more concerned about Willow." I assured hugging him tightly. He held on to the cream and medicine while Jasper and I strapped Willow into her car seat. She emitted a soft whine, when Jasper picked her up but she didn't wake up, she was too exhausted.
"Now we know our daughter is okay. Happy birthday darlin' I have your present in the boot of my car, I put it in there after wrapping it." Jasper said giving me a sweet kiss before taking my hand in his free hand and following dad to the exit after we had signed the papers.

"Thank you babe." I said leaning up to kiss him.
"She's still asleep." Jasper assured noticing where I was looking to, nodding my head in relief it had been a rather long day and it's already just started. But I was glad that Willow would be okay.

We soon arrived back home and I noticed the truck was gone so Bella must have left for school already. Just as I was about to open the door to dad's car Jasper opened it for me helping me out while dad got Willow out. Grabbing the changing bag by my feet and slipping my hand into Jasper's I let him help me out of the car.
"I'll be in, in a moment." Jasper said kissing my cheek.
"Okay." I followed after dad into the house leaving the door open for Jasper while Dad took Willow up to bed bringing down the mobile along with some presents in his arms.

As dad was half way down the stairs Jasper came in closing the door behind him as he carried a present bag in his other hand.
"Come on princess open your presents I had put Bella's in her room this morning." Dad said leading the way into the living room, once I had sat down he handed me seven wrapped presents.
"Did Mum coordinate you again?" I teased making dad roll his eyes.
"No she didn't. Enough of the cheek and open your presents." Dad said chucking a pillow at me a smile gracing his face that he tried and failed to stop.

Sticking my tongue out at him giggling I opened his present first, it was a Harry Potter quill set, the quill looked like the one in the films. "Thanks Dad, I love it." I exclaimed happily hugging him tightly before opening mum and Phil's presents. From mum I got a camera and from Phil I got a photo album.
"Your welcome sweetheart, I'm glad you like it." Dad smiled happily I set the gifts on the table along with the cards.

I turned back to the gifts opening the ones from the boys and Leah. I let out a loud laugh at their present. I got a photo frame of all of us together in a frame saying, 'HAVE YOU SEEN THIS WIZARD?' From Emily and Sam I got a dream catcher that Emily had made for me. From Kristen, Amelia, Sam and Chloe I got a Slytherin bath hamper and from the guys I got the deluxe edition of the Sherlock Holmes hard back books.

Once I had set all the presents onto the coffee table Jasper kissed my cheek handing me the bag he had. "I hope you like them darlin'." Jasper said pressing a soft sweet kiss to my lips which I happily returned. Inside the bag was a card and two presents, one smaller than the other. The card was so beautiful I could see Jasper spent ages picking it as it was from 'funkypiegon' and was covered in photos of us together, before and after Willow and had a very sweet message inside, that Jasper had written which brought tears to my eyes. Pulling the small parcel out of the bag I opened it revealing a beautiful silver necklace that was both our names mixed together spelling, 'Janna'.
"Oh, Jazz it's beautiful. I love it, thank you." I gasped hugging Jasper tight around the neck giving him a passionate kiss.

Jasper smiled into the kiss, kissing me with just as much passion before he pulled back smiling in happiness and what appeared to be relief. "I'm glad baby. I'll put it on if you'd like?" I smiled handing him the box turning my back to him slightly as he slipped the necklace on, placing a soft kiss in between my neck and shoulder. Smiling I looked down at the necklace happily for a moment, just admiring the thought that had gone into this before turning to the bag once more. Pulling out the larger present that was more heavier than the first, I carefully unwrapped it revealing a triple photo frame. The first photo frame was of me and Jasper before Willow was born.

I was stood in his arms that were around my waist as we stared lovingly at each other. The second photo was of the three of us the day Willow was born, Jasper had the two of us in his arms sat on the edge of the bed. And the last picture was of me and dad, it was a few months ago when we had a picnic in the garden in the summer both of us were laughing after I had smeared ice cream on dad's face and he had got me back. I felt Jasper's cold hand on my cheek wiping away my tears, I didn't know I was even crying.
"Oh honey I love it. Thank you." I kissed his lips giving him a cuddle, turning the frame around to show dad.
"I'm glad darlin' but why were you crying?" Jasper asked concerned.

"They were happy tears babe." I assured kissing his cheek. Jasper nodded kissing the top of my head as we snuggled into each other on the sofa.
"I'll take these upstairs and I'll be right back." Jasper said.
"No, you stay there Jasper. I'll take them I need to use the bathroom anyway." Dad said stretching as he stood from his armchair placing the cards on the mantle piece in between the photos, one of Bella and I when we were younger, two more of me and dad, one of them when I was eight and he had travelled to Phoenix just to see me in my ballet performance, one of me in my cheerleading outfit after a competition and the last one of dad and Willow.

He had photos dotted all around the house capturing Bella and I as we grew up and now Willow was adding to it. He had other photos as well some of him with Waylon and while they were fishing, some when he went fishing with Waylon, Harry and Billy and one of dad and mum's wedding day and when Bella and I were born.

Once all the cards were up dad scooped up the presents and went upstairs, I quickly phoned everyone thanking them for my presents and talking for a moment before snuggling into Jasper.
"Happy birthday again baby." Jasper said kissing my forehead. "I think Rosalie might bring you your presents round later."
"That's okay they didn't have to get me anything." I assured resting my head on his chest.
"But we wanted to darlin." Jasper argued softly, I kissed his chest where his heart lay thanking him softly as I relaxed in his arms curled up on the sofa.

Once dad came back down I quickly made some pancakes for dad and I, syrup pancakes for dad and blueberry for me. Once we'd finished I quickly brushed my teeth while dad washed up before we put a movie on Netflix relaxing in between caring for Willow as dad had called in to have the day off as he was too tired and would do his paperwork at home. He deserved a break, he really worked himself too hard.

Even though it started off as a bad morning it worked itself out in the end and Willow's temperature didn't rise again which we were all glad about but we still kept a close eye on her. Later that night, Bella came storming in going straight up to her room completely ignoring us, I didn't really care at this point she was too childish. But what I did get mad about was her slamming all the doors waking up Willow.
"I've had enough!" I growled to Jasper who was trying to soothe Willow in the nursery, pulling my pyjama top on, throwing my towel onto the bed I stormed out of my room and into Bella's.

"What the hell is your problem?" I shouted at her. "Willow is sick and you just woke her up storming around and slamming doors like a petulant child! Grow the hell up Bella! Your eighteen years old, not eighteen months!"
"Get out!" Bella shouted. "It's all your fault."
"My fault? What the hell have I done? I haven't seen you today until you came back from the party!"
"Edward threw me behind him after I got a paper cut making me land on the table breaking all the plates making me cut myself more. He was protecting me!" Bella shouted.

"And how is that my fault? Or Jasper's before you think to blame him. He has been here all day since I called him when we went to the hospital. If it's anyone's fault it's Edward's. Unless... tell me you didn't Bella?" I asked but I could see her cheeks had tinted bright red and she stared at the wall next to me, but her arms were crossed across her chest defiantly. "Oh my god. Are you really that desperate to change that you would deliberately hurt yourself so one of them would attack you and you'd have to be changed? What the hell is wrong with you Bella!?" I asked her shocked and appalled at how far she'd go.

"Well obviously Edward was under the impression you and Jasper would be there and threw me behind him in case you came in. We all know how poor and lacking he is in self control. Why do you let him.." I slapped her around the face so hard she fell to the floor holding her cheek that had a bright red hand print on her face.
"How dare you!" I seethed at her shaking in anger. "How dare you speak about Jasper like that! You have no right! Jasper would never hurt me or Willow who is his daughter by the way! And he can hear you! He is not poor or lacking in control! His gift is Pathokinesis which means living in house full of other vampires isn't the best idea as he constantly feels everything they feel, including their hunger!

How do you think that feels to constantly feel what other people feel? Most people would give up, but not Jasper. Jasper is strong and brave and he has more will than anybody. To constantly feel that every second of every day and is still able to carry on! And for your information I trust him more with Willow than I will ever trust you!" I raged at her spinning on my heel seeing dad stood outside the door. I bid him goodnight entering my own room as dad entered Bella's. As I was shutting the door I heard dad shouting at Bella. Resting my head on the door taking deep breaths to calm myself down more until I felt waves of calm washing over me and Jasper pulling me into his arms.

"I'm so sorry Jasper. I'm so sorry for what she said. I can't believe her." I said looking up at him tears running down my cheeks from my anger and frustration. Jasper rubbed my back pressing a kiss to forehead before grabbing the hand I slapped Bella with kissing the red stinging palm.
"It's okay darlin, but thank you. Willow's asleep I sang the song to her." Jasper said smiling at me but I could see the hurt in his eyes.
"Jasper I want you to listen to me." I said pulling him to the bed seating both of us on the bottom placing both my hands on his cheeks.

"I don't want you to listen to a word she said. None of it is true, okay? None of it. She is a spiteful girl who is not happy unless she's upsetting someone. I don't care what she says to me anymore but I will not let her upset you like this! I won't Jasper! I meant everything I said to her. You are so brave and so strong to go throughout your day feeling everyone's emotions and I know it's not easy on you. But I am so proud of you and I admire you baby and the strength you have. You are stronger than you think you are. I've seen it. And I don't want you to let her or Edward's poisonous and toxic words get into your head and make you doubt yourself.

You are the best thing to to happen to me and to Willow and we both love you so much Jasper and I believe in you even when you cannot do it yourself." I said passionately wanting him to believe Bella's words weren't true. Jasper didn't say anything before he lunged forwards pinning me to the bed as he kissed me hard and passionately, running his hands up and down my sides as I clutched to his own pyjama top. After a few moments Jasper pulled back so I could catch my breath but started kissing down my neck leaving love bites in his wake causing me to let out little moans.
"Thank you darlin'." Jasper said kissing just behind my ear before pulling back completely, laying back down and pulling me into his arms as he ran a hand through my hair.

"That means so much to me my love. More than you'll ever know, but I want you to know how you feel more me I feel that way for you. I admire you. The strength you have to carry on after what you had gone through, it is truly amazing. You could have hated Willow for how she was conceived but from the moment you found out until now you have loved her so fiercely and I have no doubt you'll continue to do so. I didn't see you in Arizona but I know since you arrived here you have come a long way and I am so proud of you." Jasper said pressing a kiss to my hair line.

"And don't worry, I won't let what Edward and Bella say affect me again. Though about you...well that's a different matter." Jasper said making us both laugh. "I love you so much Anna." Jasper said cupping my cheek running his thumb across my cheekbone lovingly. I could no longer see the hurt in his eyes as it was replaced by love, which I was glad about I hated seeing him hurt.
"I love you so much too Jasper." I kissed him lovingly for awhile before we pulled apart and climbed into bed. "Good night Jazz." I yawned as Jasper pulled me close, my head resting on his chest.
"Good night my love." Jasper bid and that was the last thing I heard.