Disclaimer: All characters belong to Stephenie Meyer.

The First Meeting

On Thursday morning I woke up early and silently sneaked to grandpa's room to see whether he was awake. I opened the door slightly to see him still asleep, but decided to hurry down to the kitchen anyway, to make a healthy breakfast for him. He had caught a cold on last Saturday, and I was staying home from school to look after him. On Monday I took him to the doctor and he subscribed new medications besides his usual ones. He needed supervision to see that his medications would coordinate without serious side effects. But fortunately they only made him very sleepy. I wanted to stay with him all week, but he absolutely refused stating that school was more important.

I made him pancakes because I knew those were his favorites, poured a glass of orange juice and placed his medications on the tray, too. I grabbed the tray and carried it upstairs to his room.

"Good morning, grandpa!" I greeted him when I saw that he was awake.

"Hello, son!" He croaked.

"How are you?" I asked while I put the tray on his nightstand. "I brought you breakfast."

"Oh, pancakes." He smiled, and then started coughing. I frowned. "Don't look at me like that! The doctor said it's a simple cold, and I feel better."

"Sorry! But I can stay home to look after you." I offered gently.

"No, you have already missed school on my account. There is no need to miss more. Go to school!" He said, and then started on the pancakes.

"Alright. If you are sure." He nodded. "Then I go and get ready!"

I went to the bathroom and showered, and then got dressed. I wasn't hungry so I skipped breakfast altogether as I only had a cup of coffee, and went back to check on grandpa. I smiled when I noticed that he had finished off all the pancakes.

"So do you need anything before I leave?" I asked him.

"Yes, help me get downstairs." He said and stood up.

I rushed to his side. "The doctor said bed rest." I reminded him.

"I know, but the TV is downstairs and I want to watch it." He reasoned. I could see why he found it boring staying in his room so I refrained from disagreeing.

Instead I helped him go down the stairs and when I looked at the clock I noticed that I was late already. "Shit!" I exclaimed. "I'm late."

"Then hurry up!" Grandpa urged, and then added with an amused smile. "And watch your language."

When I arrived to school I was about ten minutes late, and I was missing history. Fuck! But at least I knew the teacher wouldn't be too mad at me. He knew that I wasn't in the habit of being late and he also knew how much I loved history. When I stepped in the classroom he immediately looked up.

"Ah, Mr. Whitlock. It's nice of you to finally join us." He said sarcastically. I knew he wasn't really mad, but he had to keep up appearances.

"Sorry, Sir. It won't happen again." I said in an honest and apologetic tone.

At his nod I walked to my usual spot, and as quietly as possible settled in and turned my whole-hearted attention to the class. Mr. Travis made a couple of interesting points on the causes of the Civil War and I made a mental note to check them out at home after work. When the bell rung I gathered my stuff quickly and left for my next class. I usual didn't linger in the classroom as I didn't have friends to talk to. As I made my way to my next class I heard people whispering about the new students. Oh, yeah, I had completely forgotten that new additions had arrived to our rainy town. As I waited for the teacher I listened a bit to the girls' gossip out of curiosity. They were gushing about some guy with bronze hair and his brother, but soon I tuned them out. Two new guys meant that I had a chance at getting rid of Lauren. How nice it would be if she transferred her unwanted affections to one of them!

However, that hope soon evaporated when I saw Lauren eying me in her usual longing way and not so discreetly following me to the library. Oh, fuck! What the hell I did in my previous life to deserve this? I decided to skip lunch period because I didn't want to give her an opportunity to harass me. So I had spent my free period and lunch in the library drawing a couple of sketches. I liked spending time in the library; it was so peaceful and quiet.

When I arrived to Biology it was early and only a couple of students were there so I settled in my seat. I was idly leafing through our book when I felt someone hurriedly sitting down next to me. So I guess I have a new lab partner.

"Hello." She addressed me cheerfully. "I'm Alice Cullen. I just moved here with my family." She continued so looked at her and saw her smiling softly at me.

So I introduced myself. "Hi. I'm Jasper Whitlock." I didn't offer my hand to shake because I wasn't particularly fond of touching strangers or anyone for that matter. A habit that was a result of my unique upbringing, for a long time touch only meant slapping or kicking, and in my mind I associated touch to pain. When she just sat there and looked at me I thought that the conversation was over so I turned my attention to the front of the class hoping the teacher would arrive and I would have a topic to think about beside my father. But it seemed at Alice wasn't done speaking after all. I guess I should be thankful for that at least that would keep my thoughts at bay for now.

"It's really nice to finally meet you. I'm your new lab partner by the way, but you've already figured that out I guess. Anyway it will be fun to finally have someone to do the assignments with. It sucked to be alone." She said this very quickly never breaking her smile. She seemed very nervous about something, but I guess starting a new school and meeting new people could be very nerve wrecking as she was just settling in a new surrounding.

The teacher's arrival saved me from having to answer. I had no idea how to put her ease, and I wasn't the most social person on the planet. After a couple of minutes she seemed to calm down, and I wasn't paying much attention to her until I heard her take in a quick breathe. I watched her from the corner of my eyes and I saw that she was staring at my arm. Fuck! I quickly covered it. Had she seen my scars or just my tattoo? Fuck! Fuck! If she saw my scars she could tell the whole school about it. For all I know she can be like Jessica Stanley. She looked scared and apologetic, but I simply ignored her. I couldn't deal with her now. I couldn't wait for the bell to ring and to be free from this close proximity with her. And when finally the class ended I practically ran away preventing her from asking questions.

During gym class I calmed down somewhat and realized that I was acting very rude to the new girl. Probably she only saw my tattoo. When the class was over I quickly called grandpa to check on him, and then headed to my bike and left for the Diner. Nothing unusual had happened at work.

At home I noted happily that grandpa was really better because when I got home he was still awake and as usual watched some TV show.

"So what would you like for dinner?" I asked after I rested for a while watching the TV with him.

He frowned. "You shouldn't cook anything. It's late and you had a long day."

I smiled at his concern. "It's okay. I'm not tired." He didn't look convinced so I offered a compromise. "How about I make something quick and easy? Like macaroni and cheese?"

"Sure. That wouldn't take too much time." Finally, he relented. I stood up and went to the kitchen.

I was still amazed at the fact that I had a grandfather who liked me and didn't think ill of me. This last year was probably the weirdest year in my life so different from the others. I had finally had a home and it really felt wonderful. It took time to get used to the pleasant atmosphere here and grandpa's affection and supporting presence. At first this whole thing felt odd and awkward and I was just waiting for the other shoe to drop. But it never came. And gradually I became comfortable and started to let grandpa in, but I didn't share everything with him. I thought it would be better for both of us.

After dinner I went to my room to do my homework, but during studying my thoughts turned to the new girl and the fact that she saw my tattoo. At least I hoped that was the only thing that she had seen. I rolled up my sleeve and looked at the tattoo while thinking about my mother. I had often wondered how my life would have turned out if she hadn't had that accident. I closed my eyes and tried to recall her face, but oddly enough I only remembered her gentle smile and the loving way she used to look at me. I really missed her at times like these. My gaze then wandered over the big scar above my tattoo and my momentary peace was broken as I recalled how it got there. I lightly ran my fingertip along it shuddering as I remembered the sound and the pain as my father's belt connected to my skin. I knew that I would have a restless night.

The next morning I woke up earlier than usual as my strange and wild dreams kept me from a sound sleep. As I was up I decided to go to school early, just to make sure that I wouldn't be late twice in a row. However, this time I had arrived way too early. As it was raining lightly I couldn't linger around the benches so I did the next best thing and went to class. As I had plenty of time I decided to draw the remnants of my dream from last night and soon I was absorbed in my work.

Suddenly my concentration was broken by a cheerful voice. "Good morning, Jasper!"

I looked up in surprise, other than Lauren people usually leave me alone. Of course it was the new girl. She was in this class, too? I didn't see her yesterday. I remembered how rude I had been after Biology so now I answered politely.

"Good morning to you, too." I greeted her, and quickly covered my drawing. She had already pried enough in my affairs yesterday.

"Look, I just wanted to apologize if I offended you yesterday by looking at your tattoo." I looked at her sharply. Fuck, she saw it! Did she see my scars, too? The hell if I was going to tell her anything. She was just like Lauren having no regard for other people's privacy. But she continued unaware of my darkening thoughts.

"It… It was just right there, in front of me and couldn't help but look. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to pry." She looked nervous and afraid. I guess my expression must have told her everything, but as I looked into her eyes I only saw apology and sincerity. And I noticed that her eyes were a remarkable emerald color. I had never seen eyes like that, but I didn't let them distract me.

"Relax, Alice! It's okay, you just caught me off guard yesterday." I tried to calm her down with my words and tone. I didn't have to be rude to her all the time. And everything was fine as it seemed that she had only seen my tattoo.

But as the teacher arrived I had other things to concentrate on than Alice.

I hadn't noticed Lauren following me today so I deemed it safe to eat lunch at the cafeteria. Maybe the new guys really distracted her. I went to my usual spot on the far corner of the room and I knew at once that I had made the wrong decision. As soon as I sat down I saw from the corner of my eyes as Lauren stood up and slowly started to walk towards me. Fucking hell! What the fuck should I do to get rid of her? I ran a hand through my hair in sheer frustration.

"Hello, Jasper!" She practically purred. God, that was ridiculous!

"Lauren." I nodded.

"How are you these days?" She asked while flipping her over her shoulder.

"Fine." There was no need to elaborate as that would only spur her on. Not that it stopped her when I was rude. I think she even liked that.

"I'm sure you have noticed that we have new students." She paused whether to wait for an answer or a reaction I had no idea, but I didn't give her either. "Anyway, one of them is Edward. He is absolutely gorgeous…"

I interrupted her because her insane chatter was getting on my last nerves, and the last thing I wanted was to listen to her gush over a guy. I didn't give a shit about it! "Why the hell would I be interested in that?"

She flashed an ugly smile and reached toward my hand, but I pulled it away just in time. "Well, Edward had asked me out, but I told him no because I wanted to give you a last chance." She said sweetly.

"A last chance for what? When the fuck would you understand that I have zero interest in you?" I asked, and for the first time I sensed that I might made my point come through for her. "So I hope you guys will be happy together." I added, and then stood up and left. She got me so annoyed that I wasn't hungry any more. I shuddered at thought of her almost touching my hand. So to clear my head I went for a quick walk around the school. I wasn't in the best of moods today.

My calming down process had taken more time than I had thought and I only made it to class seconds before Mr. Banner arrived. He even saw me dash in right before him and he shook his head in disapprovement. Alice, of course had already been in her seat.

We had to do lab today, and I was pleased to note that Alice was smart so we finished the task quickly. I was thinking what to do next as I wasn't too keen on small talk especially after the incident before History today, and just when I made the decision to simply read a book Alice addressed me.

"So you like drawing?" She blurted out suddenly, and I saw the horrified expression on her face. It was clear that she was embarrassed at being caught prying again. "I'm sorry, I just saw you drawing something before History."

I had to smile at her apology. It seemed at she apologized a lot, and I wondered whether it was her habit or I frightened her that much yesterday and this morning.

"Yes." I said with a reassuring smile. I hoped that I wasn't that scary.

Once her embarrassment passed she continued her line of questioning. "And what do you like to draw?" She was very curious I could see it in her eyes.

"Well, I don't have a specific or favorite theme. I just draw what I'm in the mood for." I replied simply because I didn't want to explain.

"But what do you usually draw? People? Scenes?" She asked sounding a little exasperated like my short answer was annoying her for some reason. I watched in amusement as her eyes widened and she hastily added. "You don't have to answer if you don't want to."

I really had to smile at that. The apology in her tone again. Judging from her body language it was me who made her nervous. I frightened her with my abrupt behavior and I didn't like the thought of being scary. I was too much like him already… But before those thoughts could take over I answered her so I could make her relax and to turn my thoughts away from their darkening direction.

"Yes, sometimes I do portraits or still lives. Other times I just draw something abstract." I saw the question in her eyes and I waited for it.

"Can I… Can I see what you drew this morning?" She asked timidly.

I looked into her eyes to see the reason for her questioning. She seemed genuinely interested in my drawing and for some reason it didn't seem like prying any more. Her expression was so open and honest that I realized that she was simply friendly without any ulterior motives. I had to stifle my chuckle when I saw her open her mouth no doubt to apologize again so I turned to reach for my drawing. I leafed over my sketch book to find my drawing from this morning and silently handed over to her. I felt oddly comfortable sharing that with her, it wasn't that personal. It was just a sketch.

She looked at it for long minutes before saying quietly. "Wow. It's really beautiful. You are very talented."

"Thanks." I acknowledged the complement. "But it's not that good." I said while looking at the picture again. It was true, it wasn't my best work. However, when she didn't say anything for a long time I looked at her again.

"Yes, it is. You are very good at this." She said honestly.

This time I was the embarrassed one. The only other person who had seen my pictures were grandpa and even his compliments were strange, I had no idea how to react to them as I had no experience with them so I simply smiled at Alice. I suddenly realized that I had smiled more during this last ten minutes or so than in the last year. Her influence was dangerous, it made me forget my boundaries, and they were there for a reason. So when the bell rung I quickly got the hell out of there, but as I didn't want to be the scary monster again I said.

"Good bye. Have a nice weekend."

"You, too." She said with a mysterious smile.

After school I went to the Diner to start my shift. Fridays were the busiest day of the week for me, and today was no exception. I was repeating the latest order to Tim, the chef when he laughed suddenly.

"New guests in you sector, man!" He sounded amused.

I sighed deeply. Why did everybody sit in my sector? There were other seats, too. But I chose to see the bright side, it meant more tips. So when I went to the table I was taken aback by the familiar faces I encountered. It was Alice with her family and Bella. I quickly composed myself it wasn't the time or the place to freak out.

"Hello! Welcome to the Forks Diner!" I greeted them politely.

"Well, hello um… Jasper" The big guy addressed me after he none too subtly checked my nametag. "You are going to Forks High, right?" He asked in a cheerful and friendly tone.

"Yeah. I have some classes with your siblings." I told him honestly.

"Hey, that's cool. So what can we eat here?" He asked eagerly rubbing his palms together.

"Here are the menus. I will now take your drink orders." I thought that was the end of the small talk so I went back to business. When they gave me their drink orders was the first time I had actually looked at Alice. It was the first time that I had noticed how beautiful she really was, especially in that emerald green sweater that enhanced those remarkable eyes. I stopped myself short at the direction my thoughts had taken. It made no difference at all whether she was beautiful or not, she was simply my classmate and nothing more. And that would never change…

When I returned with their drink my mind was made up. I wouldn't let her presence influence me here or in school. I would keep my distance from her just like from everyone else. There was nothing special in her to make me want to do anything with her. So I served them in my usual polite, but detached manner.

"So could you decide on the food or do you need more time?" I asked taking out my notebook.

"I have a question." The big guy stated curiously, and then asked. "The menu says big burger. So how big it is?"

"It's the size of two regular burgers." I gave the standard answer.

"Cool. I want two of those with French fries." He said quickly. I wasn't surprised at his order considering his size so I neatly wrote it down waiting for the others to order.

"Make that three. And also French fries, too." Edward said and I wrote that down, too without looking up.

But when I looked up Alice smiled while saying. "I'd like a garden burger, please." I didn't see the need to return the smile as suddenly I became suspicious of her behavior, but I decided to dwell on it later.

"Yeah, me too." Bella's voice broke my concentration.

I wrote that down, too and then left them. After tending to other tables I wordlessly gave them their food and went back to work. I couldn't help, but wonder why they were here. Was this the meaning of her mysterious smile? Did she know that we would meet again today? I wouldn't like if the answer was yes. I really didn't need another girl's unwanted attention or another stalker. But maybe this time the paranoia was speaking as until now she didn't act like she was interested in me that way. The Diner was a popular place and they were new in Forks, it could easily mean that they were just checking out the places here however few they might be. Yes, probably I had nothing to do with their presence here. This thought calmed me down.

The rush hour was soon over giving me a little time to rest. After a while I noticed Edward gesturing for me that they were ready to pay.

"Can I count in one?" I asked slightly indicating Bella with my head. Before she could react Edward answered.

"Of course." I nodded and went to the cashier to get their bill.

Edward paid quickly giving me a very nice tip, and when they stood to leave Alice turned to me.

"Goodbye, Jasper! Have a nice weekend." She echoed my words from earlier with a sweet smile.

"Yeah, you, too." I said seriously.

I really wasn't in the mood for pleasantries. I was too tired and confused. I saw her smile slightly falter at my tone, and it puzzled me. Her actions were too confusing for me to know how to react: one minute she acts simply friendly, and in another she acts like she is interested. I had to figure out which was true because being a little friendly didn't bother me, but the other option bothered me a great deal. I wasn't interested in dating anyone, I was very content alone. Besides if she was really interested in me it was because of my looks that girls for some reason found attractive though I had never understood why. And I knew that she would never be interested in the person who I was. I was too fucked-up for that and I was sure that she could never understand me.


So what do you think of the first outtake?

Any ideas for the next one?