Chapter One

Bella POV

At the usual time, on the usual day, I walked up to the Pine Street Fostering home. Jessica was clutching my hand as I walked her back up the path to the house. Bending down, I gave her a peck on the cheek.
"Here you go, sweetie. Youre back home." I gave the small girl a bright smile. She didnt say anything as normal. As I went to open the door, I heard a small boy from behind it as the door handle moved.
"I got it, I got it!" He said as he pulled the door open. He greeted me with his sweetest smile and bright green eyes.
"Thank you, Sweetie." I beamed down at the little boy. I hadnt seen him here when I was here two weeks ago, so he must have been new.
"Youre welcome, Ma'am." He answered politely as he closed the door back up. "Mr Edward is in his office, Ma'am." He nodded at me, his floppy golden locks bouncing on his head.
"Thank you," I grinned at him as I handed Jessica her backpack. "Off you go, sweetie. I hope you had fun." I leant down to kiss the top of her head before turning on my heel to walk towards Mr Masen's office. Knocking before entering, I walked in and fumbled with my purse, getting the forms out ready.
"Morning, Edward. I've brought Jessica back. Unfortunately, this was just a temporary one again." I walked over to the desk and smiled as Edward grinned up at me. I knew he was happy to see me. As was I with him. I slipped the forms across the desk.
"Didn't click with her either, Bella?" He said with a chuckle. He knew me a little too well. I had been coming here for about two months now, and Mr Masen and I had gotten to know each other. He was charming, and so good with all the kids under his care. I shook my head.
"No, she was sweet, but she didnt speak over the two weeks. I couldn't communicate with her at all." Edward nodded.
"Jessica is very quiet, I thought maybe you two would hit it off. I guess I was wrong. Would you like some more forms?" Edward said as his hand hovered over his desk draw, ready. I was ready to try one more, maybe two more. I yearned for a child of my own, and being a Kindergarten teacher I was constantly reminded about that. I had been fostering in hopes of finding the perfect kid for me. I nodded to Edward and he handed me some more forms to fill in for the temporary two week fostering of another child.

As I filled in the form, Edward pulled up a list of the residents on his desktop computer and started going through them.
"Youve had Emily, Seth and Jessica so far," He paused as he glanced over at me. I looked up and caught his crooked smile. I smiled back at him and continued filling out the form. "Lets give you a boy this time, huh? We've got... Jared, he's hyper active but you can deal with that, right?" He chuckled. I shook my head and wrinkled my nose. Then I remember that golden haired little boy with the green eyes.
"Edward, who is the little blonde boy?" I asked.
"Oh, thats Jasper. He was dropped off here... twelve days ago, I believe. He starts at your kindergarten on Monday. Whitlock?"
"Yes, I remember getting the email. Could I..." I started. That little boy was the cutest darn thing I had ever seen. Edward could see I wanted to try with Jasper. He nodded.
"Write Jasper Whitlock on the form, Bells," He smiled as he leant across his desk and continued. "Right, things about Jasper. His personality, even though I've only known him for less than two weeks, is okay. He can be shy at times. He's very independent for a five year old." I smiled as I listened, signing the bottom of the form before giving it back to Edward as he kept telling me about the boy. "His parents were contacted by one of my social workers in the offices after an investigation. They were forced to give him up. Mother is a hooker, father-figure was an aggressive drunk." I shook my head, almost feeling like crying. I took a shakey breath and nodded before speaking firmly.
"Mr Masen, I want to take him home today. I can get him prepared for Kindergarten on Monday that way." He signed a couple of papers off before getting up and, walking with him, he rested his hand on my hip as he held the door open for me. I smiled, feeling my cheeks warm as I walked through.
"I'll go get his things, Bella. Would you like to find him and ask him yourself?"

I found Jasper in the corner of the playroom, which made me laugh softly to myself. He looked as if he were trying to get away from the other kids. The expression on his face was priceless, almost as if he was disgusted with the childrens behavour. A couple of them waved to me and said hello, but the rest of them were too busy fighting over twinkies and toy trains. Approaching Jasper, his eyes lit up when he saw me. He sat up and smoothed his shirt down, which I found adorable. I bent down and tucked a strand of his hair behind his hair, causing him to smile softly up at me.
"Hey, sweetie. I've come to ask you a question."
"Okay." He said, waiting patiently for me to speak again.
"How would you like to come stay with me for two weeks?" Watching him think, he couldnt hide the spark of excitement in his eyes. The next sentence to come out of his mouth both surprised me, and made me laugh.
"I don't even know your name, Lady! But, if I must." He got up and took my hand, ready. I laughed softly and kissed his cheek.
"I'm Bella. Mr Masen is getting your things ready, okay honey?" Standing up, I walked little Jasper out to the hallway. Slipping his hand from mine, he got his shoes and coat on ready. Without me even asking. I ruffled his hair up as he returned to my side without a word, taking my hand again. Edward walked down the stairs and handed me a small suitcase full of Jaspers things, giving me a smile.
"I will phone you next weekend, Bella." He moved to go open the door, but Jasper beat him to it.
"Talk to you soon, Edward." I hovered for a few seconds before walking out. Leading Jasper down the pathway to my car, I couldnt help but walk with a spring in my step. This little boy, he had to be the one.