𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐎𝐍𝐄:
New faces and companionship
(1950)

BY ALL MEANS, Corazon is not a stranger to unfamiliarity. She tried to embrace it instead. It's one of the things Aika always reminded her about when she turned. That the constant and unwavering companion of immortality is change.

It's been six years since she's moved to America. It's a country that's not particularly great at all. Corazon expected too much when the American troops boasted about how great America was, how civilized the people were, and how their country was full of liberty and freedom.

Freedom? Corazon scoffed at the word; she had just read the morning paper that African-Americans spoke out against inequality and injustice. It has been that way for centuries.

Segregation and violence towards African-Americans and Southern Whites resisted the Brown ruling. They used violence and intimidation to prevent Black people from asserting their rights.

Speaking of Southern Whites, Jasper Whitlock is Southern and a white man if it isn't so obvious. When Corazon asked about the issue in the morning paper, he surprisingly understood. Much to Corazon's relief, she thought he was a racist—she was a bit judgemental, okay? It's an attitude that she needs to get rid of.

Jasper Whitlock was a Union soldier during the Civil War that started in 1861 and ended in 1865. Corazon knew about it briefly. Of course, they studied it in History in college—which she only had a year left before she disappeared. Their professor was a white man.

Jasper joined the Union army in 1861 at 17, rose through the ranks, and became the Major General two years later without seeing real battle. He'd risen through the ranks because he became a spy for the Union. He became the mole in the Confederate army, who informed them where and when the attacks would occur, where they camped, and where they hid the supplies. Jasper was the most respected soldier of the Union Army.

It was a significant loss when he suddenly disappeared in Galveston. He was evacuating women and children and on his way to the Confederate's new base, ensuring he had not left anyone behind.

It was the night he made a grave mistake; he was too kind and heroic, leading to his demise. He stopped by to ensure the three women he saw that night were evacuated and protected.

Maria, Nettie, and Lucy were their names.

Jasper recalled how stunned he was with their beauty. It wasn't like anything like he'd seen before. Their beauty was unnatural, purely ethereal, and a sight for sore eyes.

Then, the coven leader, Maria, turned him into a vampire at the age of 19. As he recalled, Maria is a selfish and manipulating woman with so much anger from what happened to her last Coven. Jasper said that Maria had used him for her selfish gain, for his powers that helped her manipulate the New Born Army they created. They fought ruthlessly and endlessly for decades until he gained the courage and left in 1938.

It was too much. Corazon recalled what Jasper answered when she asked why he left. Jasper's gift of Pathokinesis affected him greatly and drove him into depression. He said he mainly used his gift at the time to control the newborn vampire soldiers better, making him Maria's favorite. He could constantly sense the pain of those he killed. This experience made him emotionally damaged.

It enlightened Corazon on why Jasper acted and moved as he usually does. He exudes an air of enigmatic reserve, a quiet mystery, a little intense, with a hint of stoicism. His aura commands respect, and his movements are filled with discipline that Corazon secretly admires. His charming allure draws people towards him like moths to a flame—she'd seen him use his gift before. It was pretty impressive.

Jasper carries the burden of his past actions, seeking redemption for the innocent people he killed and the vampires he used during the Southern Vampire Wars. Corazon saw the scars; it was obvious where they came from. Besides, she has scars too, but unlike Jasper's, hers weren't visible anymore. Who is she to judge someone's past? Everyone has their own demons that haunt them.

It made Corazon think, should she seek redemption as well? She hadn't felt guilt for what she had done; it was the right thing to do, she reasoned.

"Mind if I join you?" Alice asks as she sits beside Corazon, who is holding a letter. The afternoon sun bathed the cozy living room in a warm, golden glow, casting long shadows across the polished wooden floor. Alice had rented a house in the suburbs for the week. She was waiting for a particular vision to show the so-called vegetarian family that Alice was so assured that she would welcome them with open arms.

Corazon asked Alice to wait. They were supposed to look for them six years ago, the moment Alice asked Corazon to join her and Jasper, but Corazon wasn't ready to be thrust into an environment of another unfamiliar territory. So Alice respected her decision, and they traveled around America for six years.

But it was time, Alice told her, when Corazon asked to extend their travels across the country. Corazon didn't want to deny Alice again, not when Alice had been so kind and generous with her. Alice helped her adjust to the foreign land, truly changing her perspective that there are still good people on this earth. Alice helped her trust again; she was never overbearing nor pushy; she let Corazon come to her at her own pace, and when she did, she listened with an open mind, all ears, and full of understanding.

Corazon gained a sister in Alice.

"My mother." As Alice looked at the letter, Corazon started, "She said that the Philippine government made a statue of me at the Department of Justice to commemorate me. It's just a statue of a woman with a scale and blindfold, like the Lady of Justice in every DOJ establishment, but it's my honor." Corazon chuckled, looking at the envelope postmark bearing the name of her small town in the Philippines.

The scars on the land may fade, but the memories remain etched in our souls like a haunting melody. Corazon recalled reading from her mother's letter. It's been five years since the Japanese surrendered, and her mother had been telling her about the current events back home. The Philippines was granted complete independence by the United States in 1946, much to Corazon's relief.

Now, she wondered where Aika was.

With a sigh of contentment, Corazon folded the letter again and held it close to her undead heart. Corazon told her mother to burn the letters she had sent after she had read them so no one could know that she was still alive. Alice reached out and squeezed her hand, offering silent support and understanding. Outside the window, a gentle breeze rustled the leaves of the trees, mingling with the faint aroma of blossoms that wafted in from the garden outside.

"Your family is alright. I've been watching over them. They've been healing." Alice informs her, and that makes Corazon's heart swell. It's what her family deserves after everything that has happened, after how much devastation her disappearance caused them.

"Thank you, Alice." Corazon softly smiles at her and hesitantly asks, "Are you sure about this?" Of course, Alice was sure of it, confident of her vision; their clothes were packed, and they were set to go where the Cullens resided. But she understands how Corazon needed assurance that they'll be accepted. After all, their pasts always follow.

Corazon has controlled her hunger since she changed to the animal blood diet. Her eyes are now the color topaz instead of ruby red. She wants to be committed to this diet but finds it difficult. Aika assured her before that killing was a means to their survival; she learned to accept that, but it doesn't mean that Alice and Jasper shared her sentiments.

Alice changed diets because she wanted the Cullen Coven to accept her; she longed to have a family since she had turned alone without a single memory from her human life in 1919. and Jasper had a completely different reason. He changed diets because he didn't want to feel the pain and suffering of the people he would kill for their blood and his own gain—to satisfy his hunger.

Alice said the Olympic Coven isn't the same as any other Vampire Coven. They were tightly knit and had a close bond, like a family, while other covens still sought out independence but needed numbers, more of an agreement than companionship, and Corazon wanted a family more than anything because she missed her own back home.

"All is set," Jasper enters the room, dressed neatly with his navy blue open-neck collar short-sleeve polo shirt, brown chino pants, and black chelsea boots, his hair fixed in this array of golden curls that matched his eyes. He's always been so handsome, the way he presented himself with discipline, always dressed neatly, looked so clean.

Alice wore a short-sleeved sundress with a sweetheart neckline, the white, daisy floral dress that reached past her knee; she added a bit of her fashionista touch with a slender belt that highlighted her petite figure, paired with white ballet flats with a slight yellow ribbon decorated on top.

Corazon's dark green dress has front pleats and lines of mocked buttons at the front, a contrast collar, and trim along the skirt. The dress's bodice is perfectly tailored, featuring a modest yet flattering neckline with capped sleeves. A pleated A-line skirt that flares out from the cinched waist. Her silky black hair, which she usually wore down, is tied into a high ponytail paired with a dark green ribbon. She wore white kitty-heel shoes.

They were dressed to impress. To showcase the Cullen, they are civilized vampires in contrast to the rest of the nomads. Of course, they are far from nomad vampires; they were too well-acquainted with their cleanliness, way of clothing, and, of course, their way of living.

"Yup!" Alice exclaimed enthusiastically as she stood from the plush velvet couch. Her airy movements were poise and elegant as she exited the bedroom, leaving Jasper and Corazon in each other's presence.

"Are you alright?" Jasper politely asks with a Southern drawl. He didn't move from his spot beside the door. His hands were now clasped behind his back. Standing at around six feet, his tall frame that Corazon envied, she looked small when she stood beside him. His shoulders are perpetually relaxed yet exude a subtle air of readiness.

"Yes, I'm fine, just a bit nervous, is all," Corazon answered softly as she stood up from her seat, smoothing the fabric of her dress. She sighed. "I just hope all goes well."

"It will," Jasper answers with certainty and a firm tone.

"You sound so sure," Corazon remarks with a chuckle as she walks towards him confidently, with grace and fluidity. She was only a step away from him, yet she was peering up at him. Their height comparison was visible. She only stood at 5'6 height while Jasper stood with his 6'3 height.

"I am sure," Jasper replies with a deep voice, "If they don't accept us, I would like to think it would be their loss, not ours. We've been together for six years, and I think us as a coven is fine for me, but you know how much Alice longed to be part of a big family." Jasper looked down at Corazon with pure adoration, but behind that adoration was also longing.

Longing because what made him go with Alice in the first place was her promise that he'd find his soulmate—that she had a vision of them being content, fulfilled, expressing their pure love to each other, full of understanding, acceptance, and familiarity. But Alice told him, reminding him that it won't be a fast process. She'd inform him that his other half has been through so much pain and suffering and that her heart is filled with bitterness.

He'll wait, he waited before, and he'll wait again.

"That she does," Corazon says while Jasper offers his arm. It took only a second for Corazon to wrap her hand around his arm. In the past six years, she'd grown to trust Jasper. He was the epitome of a gentleman. He'd respected her boundaries, understood her silence, and listened to whatever she was saying.

Oh, Jasper Whitlock is the bearer of a honeycomb heart of how sweet he can be. He reminded her once again that not all men are cruel. Though Corazon always managed to avoid his adoring looks, how sweet and gentle he could be towards her, or the fact that she just didn't know, she was clueless. Clueless of the affection he held for her, clueless with his pinning, clueless with every gentle action, Corazon Cecelia Salvador was just oblivious because she had never been treated rightly before. She had no idea of the concept of any of it, really.

As far as she knows, courting someone starts first with asking permission to be courted. Well, Jasper never really asked. Hence, Corazon needs to be more knowledgeable about such notions.

For Jasper, he really needs to gain the courage to ask Corazon permission to properly court her.

•| ⊱✿⊰ |•

"HOW CAN I HELP YOU?"

The man with blonde collar-length hair wore a white long-sleeve collar shirt with black slacks and black shoes with a white cloak folded neatly on his right arm. He's tall and well-toned. He looked like a doctor, so Corazon knew this was the man they were looking for.

Carlisle Cullen.

The Olympic Coven's leader, doctor, and husband of Esme Cullen adopted Edward Cullen, Rosalie Hale, and Emmett Cullen into their Coven. Alice hopes that they'll be adopted, too. She desperately wants to be part of their Coven. She's been waiting for this since 1919.

Alice smiled gleefully, stepping forward on her tiptoes like a fairy gliding along, "We've heard of your diet, and we'd like to practice the same," Alice informed with a cheery voice as she looked at Carlisle confidently, showing her topaz eyes.

"My name is Alice," She introduces, then she looks towards Corazon and Jasper, "These are Corazon and Jasper. You're Carlisle Cullen."

Carlisle nods, a smile coming to his face, impressed and slightly surprised. He then glances to Alice's side, far away from the cheery girl. Jasper and Corazon had let Alice do the talking. After all, she had seen this happen before with her vision.

Carlisle can see Jasper and Corazon's apprehension, yet he gave them a polite smile. He opened his front door wider, stepping aside with a hand guiding them, "I'd like you to come in. Let us talk about this matter further inside."

Corazon let out a mental sigh of relief. Jasper then glanced at her. She knew Jasper was using his gift towards Carlisle so that he would feel at ease with them. Alice stepped inside, already comfortable with her surroundings. Jasper let Corazon lead the way, with him following behind her with a guarded stance.

Alice timed their arrival without the two protectors of the Coven because they knew they'd be greeted with animosity by three strange vampires in their territory. She knew Carlisle was the one in charge and would welcome them with open arms without doubt. Because he believed in the strength of unity that a family can give.

The house wasn't just a display house. It was the definition of a home. It was filled with family portraits, living plants, and even a large aquarium in the living room. It also featured plush, tufted velvet sofas and armchairs in deep, jewel-toned colors. A grand piano sat in the corner, and antique Persian rugs covered the polished hardwood floors, adding a touch of opulence.

After telling Carlisle their reason for wanting to join his Coven, it didn't take long before he agreed. His family is expanding. It's what he has always wanted since the beginning.

"I'll take Edward's room," Alice announces, and Carlisle's surprised expression doesn't stop her; she opens the door of Edward's room and begins placing all of his belongings outside the door. Carlisle's expression is something in the words of oh, well, what could he do?

"I'd like to apologize for Alice's behavior." Corazon finally spoke up. Carlisle looked at her, shaking his head with a grin, "No matter. I find it endearing,"

"Thank you for accepting us to your coven," Corazon tells him, "It's not every day that one learns that a coven of vampires prefers animal blood over human blood." Corazon looks around, observant, another uncharted territory.

"I find it curious how you did find out that our family prefers a different diet?" Carlisle guided them towards the plush sofa. Corazon sat hesitantly while Jasper remained standing. Carlisle sat opposite of them. It didn't escape Corazon that Carlisle preferred referring to them as a family over a coven.

"Alice has a unique gift that I feel like it is not my right to tell," Corazon answers his question as she begins fumbling with her fingers. "May I ask where the others are?"

"My wife, Esme, and my son, Edward," Carlisle starts, and with the mention of his wife, content spread through his demeanor, "Are out to the market, buying new seeds for our garden," Corazon nods along as he continuous, "My daughter Rosalie, and her husband, my son, Emmett, are out hunting for the day, perhaps you'll meet them tonight."

"Are you going somewhere?" Corazon asks Carlisle, looking at his newly ironed and fresh clothes.

"Oh, yes. I am," Carlisle chuckles as he shakes his head. He stood up from his seat and said,

"But first, I should guide you to your bedrooms first, so you can arrange your belongings,"

"That would be nice. Thank you, Carlisle." Corazon gave him an appreciative smile as they followed Carlisle towards the second floor. Leading them into one spare bedroom, a bare room with white walls, and a balcony.

"Esme is still renovating this floor. There's only one bedroom available. If that's no trouble, that is?" Carlisle asks them. Corazon smiles, "No trouble, we don't sleep after all." Corazon then looks over her shoulder, eyes connecting with Jasper.

"Will that be alright with you, Jasper?"

"More than fine, thank you, Carlisle." Jasper gives him a curt nod while Carlisle looks between them, "My question may seem personal, but are you not together?"

Corazon couldn't help but release a soft laugh, "No," she answered, then looked at Jasper apologetically, "Goodness that came out rude. I'm sorry, Jasper," Jasper shook his head in response. He didn't mind; he heard her laugh, which was enough for him.

"No, we're not together," Corazon answered again. Carlisle nodded thoughtfully.

"Well then, I have a shift at the hospital in about thirty minutes. If it's alright to leave you by yourselves?" Carlisle politely asks, and Corazon smiles, "We'll be alright. Thank you again, Carlisle."

But before leaving, Carlisle said that he'd return in a few hours to introduce them to the family members, and the sound of his car engine began to fade. Jasper and Corazon entered the room with their luggage and plopped it down the floor. Corazon frowned at the bare white walls,

"Mind if I do the decorating?"

Jasper leaned against the wall, crossing his arms to his chest that accented his muscles. He said with a knowing tone, "I told you it'll be alright," Corazon smiled at him, which made his undead heartbeat.

"That you did,"

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

━━ I am establishing a new rule that I won't update any chapters until the previous chapter I posted isn't receiving the amount of attention/hype (comments & votes) I would have preferred, so this time I know that ya'll actually want to read my updates. This might get a weekly update if I am satisfied with the feedback!

━━ Also, opening and closing GIFs are made by my love, aurunium

━━ For the love of god that is good no more, "Pls, update." Comments! At least add & rephrase it into, "Omg! I love this chapter! Thank you for updating! Can't wait for the next one!"