I do not own Twilight or any of its characters. It all belongs to Stephanie Meyer.

Civil War

The story of Jasper Whitlock

Chapter 1

There I was, sitting at the table in the kitchen of my parent's home. It was a small home with just the necessities; a two bedroom with a living room and a kitchen. I was surrounded by my family having supper, corned beef hash tonight. My father sat at the head of the table with his aged, tired eyes from a long day in the field. My mother, sat at the other end readying herself to thank the lord for the supper we were lucky to have that night. Her long blond hair was pulled back in a braid. She had on a worn cotton dress that had seen it better days. My brother sat opposite from me. He was tall for his age, still gangly though. I was tall for my age too, blond hair, light blue eyes, and a tan from working in the fields.

We bowed our heads to pray. My brother watched me as I rolled my eyes at what my mother was praying for. She wanted this war to end. I wanted nothing more than to join the Confederate Army. My family knew of this desire. My mother said I was too young. I was almost seventeen. I knew what I wanted. Why couldn't they see I was old enough to make my own decisions? I needed a plan. I was going to find a way to join. I knew once I did, great things were in store for me.

All my thoughts were on trying to find a way to join. After supper, as we prepared for bed, I began to plan. First, I had to get away from the people who loved me. Then I had to convince the recruiters I was old enough to join. A thought hit me... my dad always said I had a way with people. He said it was charisma. I could use this to my advantage. I decided I had to run away. I would go to the recruiters and lie about my age. I could pull this off. I was always told that I was old for my years. "This is going to work" I told myself, "This has to work". I knew this would break my family's hearts; but, this something I had to do.

Running away was easy. I left after I was sure everyone had fallen asleep. Quietly, I crept out of the small cottage and headed for Houston. Of course, I had to pass through one town on my way. Too many people there knew me there and knew I wasn't old enough to join. So, it had to be Houston. I arrived around supper time but my mind wasn't on food. I headed strait for the recruiters.

There were two dirty, unshaven middle aged men who I knew to be recruiters sitting at a table in front of the saloon. I walked up to a soldier who looked me up and down. Guessing my age I suspected.

"What's your name boy?" his deep voice asked.

"Jasper Whitlock, sir. I want to sign up."

"How old are you, son?" he commanded.

"Twenty." I said, hoping he could detect the uncertainty in my voice. I held my confidence as he looked me strait in they eye, the whole time chanting in my head 'believe me, believe me'.

"Alright, make your mark here boy." I can't believe it worked. I was now a part of the greater good. My heart soared.

Having found a new confidence in myself, I decided to test my limits and went into the saloon to celebrate. I walked right up to the bar and ordered a whiskey. The whiskey took my last piece of silver, but it was well worth it. I looked up and saw one of the saloon girls sitting on a man's lap. She was looking strait at me with a smirk on her lips. She began to excuse herself from the man and walk over to me. I realized what she had in mind and quickly gathered my things, stood up and began for the exit. I tipped my hat to the lady and left the saloon. I could hear my mother's words echoing in my head, "You must always be a gentleman, son."

As I walk down the street, I think back to the reason I decided to join in the first place. I mean I had just signed up for war. I knew this was the right thing to do. My father would have been off in war if it wasn't for the accident a few years back. He was out plowing the field and his ass got spooked by a rattler. The animal took off for the woods with my father in tow. The doc couldn't save his hand. We managed around the farm though. My brother was yet to be a man and still needed at the farm; so, he couldn't stand in my pa's place. Much to my mother's dismay, I was the only one left to honor my family name in the war. I knew this would break my mother's heart. I was ready for this. I had to kill me some Yank's. That's all there was too it.

I was so lost in thought that I jumped at a gentle touch on my shoulder. A quiet voice whispered "Are you ok sir?" I looked up to see the most beautiful emerald green eyes staring back at me. Her thick auburn hair was parted down the middle, pinned back and covered with a snood. Her skin was pale and covered in freckles. The smile on her full pink lips was warm and sincere. "Um… Sir? Are you ok? I I didn't mean to startle you."

"Uh, yes, ma'am. I am fine I was just… I'm Jasper Whitlock" God that was a dumb response.

"I'm Sher- um… Sheridan O'Brian; I have seen you in town with your folks. My pa owns the general store."

I remembered her. She helped Ma last month when we were in town for supplies. I saw her then though I had my mind elsewhere. I had been thinking about the war, of course. Wow, those O'Brian's could really reproduce. "Jasper Whitlock" my mother's voice chided me "how dare you think of a lady like that? Where are your manners? I raised you better than that." Darn.

"Sure. I remember you." Well, if that didn't right my previous dumb response.

"Oh well, um… I was wondering…. Never mind. Sorry I bothered you." What, huh, Wait. "N-no go ahead, what were you going to say?" What was I doing? I couldn't believe I was talking to such a beautiful lady. I had never had such courage before. This must be the whiskey talking.

"Well," she continued "I overheard you talking with some of the boys in town that you were going to enlist. I had this made hoping that I would see you again before you did. I was hoping you would take it with you." In her hands was this small rectangle object. It was a tin-type of a lovely lady; her. I looked up at her hopeful eyes. She seemed to have some sort of affection for me. I smiled back at her. "Sure darlin', I'd be honored to hold this picture while I am gone." I held out my hand. Her beautiful smile grew wider as she handed her picture to me.

"Can I be expecting some letters?" I asked, hoping for something else to look forward to during my months ahead. I was no dummy. War was a hard thing to go through and if you didn't have something to keep you grounded. You could find yourself loosing your mind. I, of course, didn't want any of that. I hoped fervently that she would consider sending me letters. Much to my relief she smiled again. "If that would please you, then I will. Will you be returning letters?"

"If I could have your address, I would write you as often as I'm allowed." I figured I would return the favor since this might bring more letters. "It is on the back of the picture" she said. So, she had this all planed out. I see now that this lady was no dummy either. I tipped my hat. "Thank you, ma'am." She had just offered to help me retain my sanity. I wish there was a way to spend a bit more time with her before I had to leave. As if reading my mind, she hesitantly asked "Jasper, have you eaten supper?"

I had thought of supper, but I didn't have the money for it. "Not yet, darlin' I was thinking of grabbing a bite on my way out of town." I lied.

"Well, you see, I was so busy at the store tonight that I haven't had a chance to eat yet. Would you… um… like to join me. My ma made stew and cornbread and there is plenty left… if you're interested."

I hadn't eaten anything since supper last night. I was so excited to leave that I forgot to grab some biscuits. Maybe she heard my stomach growling. I was too hungry to refuse though; not to mention I wanted more time to visit with Sherri. "Sure, darlin', I would love to join you."

She was beautiful. Her green eyes glittered as I accepted. I offered my arm to her and she laced hers through. Sherri led me slowly down the street back toward the store.

The walk back was quiet. Mostly my mind was on her. She glanced up at me occasionally and all I could think of was how mysterious her eyes were. I would like to have unlocked the secrets they held. Maybe the letters would help. My mind went from her eyes to her delicious lips. How I would like to kiss her just once before I leave.

We arrived at the store. She guided me through to the back where the kitchen was. There was one small table with three chairs up against the wall on one side. I sat down and waited for my bowl. I hadn't had stew in months not to mention cornbread… She brought our bowls over and sat next to me. We said a prayer of thanks and began to eat. The food was amazing. I ended up having two bowls. We didn't talk much. I suspected she was shy much like me.

After the supper, I collected my things to go. I didn't know how long I would be allowed to stay, but I wouldn't over stay my welcome. I began to head for the door. Sherri stood up and followed me. Once we were outside on the porch, I stopped and turned around to face her. We were alone; interesting.

"Thank you for supper. It was delicious." This was the truth. Best supper I had eaten in a while.

"You're welcome. I am glad you liked it." She said.

We stood there for a few minutes not saying much, just standing together. I looked down into her big green eyes for a moment before asking "Sheridan, darlin'… May I kiss you? I I mean… um…. Because I will be gone for so long…. I was wondering if I-"

She reached up and pushed her soft, pink lips against mine for more than just a moment. It was my first kiss. She was so soft and yet firm against me that I raised my hand to the back of her neck and held her there. She finally pulled back, smiled and walked back into the house without another word.