HopePOV

We'd just returned from hunting and I had decided on a shower. I went into the bathroom, showered and washed my hair which had been cleaned yesterday but mostly just for the sake of getting the blood out. I get dressed and went to the mirror to brush my hair and the sight of my eyes was like a fist to my stomach. They were a violent shade of red. They'd been darker just a few days ago and now, they were back to suck a startling shade of red. It was obvious what I had done.

I brushed my hair and walked to my bedroom. I sat on my bed and stared out the window. I wished I could go home to my family but that could not happen for a long time, if at all. I wondered how the Cullens put up with me, when all I did was brought messes for them to clean.

A knock on the door brought me away from my thoughts.

"Hope, can I come in?" Jasper asked from outside my door.

I opened my mouth to say yes but he'd already opened the door. He was staring at me with a look of understanding beyond the others. He sat down and pulled me into his lap. I could feel that he was sending positive emotions into me.

"How are you doing?" he asked.

"Don't you already know?" I asked, frowning. I could feel him shake as he chuckled for a second.

"Yes, but it's only polite to ask," he said.

"I don't understand how you guys can tolerate having me around. I've brought you nothing but trouble since I've arrived. I have been here how long and you've already had to cover two deaths, shift your whole schedule and now you've had to move just to keep me from killing. How is that fair for you? To have to give up so much for me when I bring nothing but work and pain," I whispered.

Jasper sighed and ran a hand through my hair.

"I can't tell you how many times I've asked that after slipping up, especially to Alice and do you know what she said?" he asked me, as he hugged me close.

I shook my head and turned so I could look him in the eyes.

"When you love someone, you take them with their good and their bad. When she said that, I didn't understand until I met you. You're the closest thing I've ever had to a daughter and I would do anything for you. So, yes, you've brought some changes upon us, even some challenges but I would not give up on you for anything in the world because when I look in your eyes, you know what I see?"

"Red." I answered bluntly.

"No, I see Hope. I know you'll get stronger and soon, you'll be able to resist blood and before you know it. But, I'll be completely honest, it won't be easy, it's going to take work and I don't see that happening anytime soon. Right now, you're a newborn, you still don't have the control to even try to resist blood. But it'll happen and until then, we'll be there to try and help you through the storm. Just remember, you're not alone," Jasper finished.

"It's so hard!" Hope cried, and Jasper just held her tighter.

"I know, kid, I know. I still slip up occasionally and it's still hard for me to be around people but, I got stronger and so will you."

"How can you be so sure?" I asked, frowning.

"Because I've seen it," Alice said putting her arms around Jasper. "The length of time changes. In some paths, there are more slip ups than others but they all end with you, finally earning gold eyes and seeing your family again."

"More slips?" Hope asked.

"Right now, you're all instinct; no thought and that's normal. Thirst is powerful but as your mind settles, it'll become easier for you to try and control yourself. But, if you should slip up again, I want you to call us and we will drop whatever we are doing and come to you because we love you and we care about you. This isn't an easy change that's been pushed onto you and we want you to to be able to come to us and ask for help. Unfortunately, yes, there will be more slip ups but each time, you will get stronger."

SO sorry for taking too long. I just wanted to add this bonding chapter.