Disclaimer: I am not in any way, shape, or form SM. She owns Twilight and all the glorious characters that go with it. I'm simply here to have fun with them. Second, I did not create the original story. It was created by Deer-in-headlights Oo. I just took over…
The majority of this story will be in Alice's Point of View. If You Ask For Certain Parts In Jasper's POV, I Will Gladly Comply!!
Hope You Enjoy The Story… If You Don't, Just Don't Review… Keep Reading Though!!
Chapter 1: Wanted
Come live with me, and be my love, and we will all the pleasures prove.
--Christopher Marlowe (American Poet)
APOV
I sat at my kitchen table, surrounded by bright, early morning sunlight and pieces of newspaper. It was approximately seven-thirty on a Saturday morning, and I had nothing to show for my late night activities except for the numerous coffee mugs and fingers that cramp every time I look at my scissors or glue.
I had been up since late Friday night, locating, cutting, and pasting numerous WANT ads in The Olympian, our local newspaper. I was trying to find myself a new place to live. Trying to find myself a place to live that was closer to my job. Trying, but failing. Miserably.
My apartment isn't horrible. In fact, it's nothing to scoff at. It's just that it's a pain in the butt to get up at four every morning just to get to my glamorous job as a hotel secretary. So, this is what sparked my long quest to find an apartment complex closer to my job at The Governor Hotel.
Several ads have indeed caught my eye. There's a lovely one bedroom apartment for rent on the north side, about twenty minutes from my job and likewise another on the south side. Both in equally good neighborhoods, both looking for just one renter. There's another ad that calls to me. It's from the north side too. It's a two bedroom apartment and has a lovely view from the master bedroom. Of course, this is what I'm getting from the ads. I haven't visited any myself. Not yet, anyways.
The last one I really want to see is only a few blocks from my job. According to the ad poster, the apartment is a two bedroom, two bath apartment with a small office. It's located on the top floor of the building. The ad poster also said that they weren't looking for a renter, but a roommate. I not exactly thrilled about sharing my apartment, but in this case, it isn't exactly mine. I have to get used to the fact that if I even want to check out this apartment, I should prepare myself to meet the actual owner.
I flip through the little book of ads that I successfully put together last night and review each and every ad. Some of them clearly show how tired I was when I was doing this, and still others seem pretty reasonable. No matter what I do though, the one ad I keep going over is the two bedroom, two bath, roommate apartment.
I decide to go ahead a call the owner, hoping they'll answer the listed phone number so we can set up a time for me to view the apartment.
I grab my cell phone and dial the number on the small clip of newspaper I have in my hand. I wait and listen as the phone line rings for exactly four rings before a voice answers.
"Hello?" A warm, sweet voice asks on the other end. I forget why I'm calling, forget what I'm even doing when I hear the voice. I can't think, my train of thought totally derailed. "Hello?" I hear the voice again and jump, suddenly remembering the tiny piece of scrap paper I have clutched in my hand.
"Uh, hi. I'm calling about the apartment? The one listed in The Olympian?" I manage to get out, holding my breath and waiting for the return of the warm, sweet, mind-melting voice.
"Yes, of course. Were you interested in coming to take a look at it?" The voice, which I've pretty much identified as male, asks.
"I was hoping I could come and take a look later today actually." I say, holding my breath, waiting for him to say maybe another time would be better, because that is something that would happen all to commonly in my life. People cancel, reschedule, re-
"Of course. That'd be great. Can I request a time, or is there a certain time you would prefer?" He says it so calm, so collected, almost as if he's a pro at this.
"Um, I was hoping I could swing by to see it early. I have quite a few other places I want to check out." I release my breath, why did I mention the other apartments? I'm pretty sure I'm only going to want to visit this one, and I'm pretty sure I'm going to only love this one.
"Sure. Let's see… it's eight now, so if you stopped by in maybe an hour and a half, at nine thirty, that'd work. Okay for you?" He asked. Of course it works for me. Of course I'll be able to make it then. Where else would I be?
"Yeah, sure, of course. That's great and", and why can't I stop my rambling?
"And?" He laughed, a low, chuckle that could've been sugar coated and it wouldn't have made that much of a difference. "I'll see you soon then. Good bye."
"Bye", I choked out. The line went dead as he hung up. I sat with the phone pressed against my ear for a few minutes until I finally realized I needed to get ready.
I hurried down the hallway and darted into my small bathroom. I stripped down and turned on my shower, hoping the water heater was quick this morning.
I took a quick shower, fifteen minutes compared to my usual twenty, and dried off quickly. I went through the motions of my usual morning routine, but my thoughts were preoccupied. The voice on the phone, the warm, honey sweet, with the sugar coated laugh burned through my mind. I couldn't wait to get over to see the apartment.
Who was I kidding? I couldn't wait to get over there and: see the owner of the glorious voice. He had to look as good as he sounds, right? It's like a law or something. Except for in certain cases. But this one? It has to follow the law.
I headed down the hall, clad in my bath towel, and turned into my room. I had to find the perfect outfit to meet this guy. This guy I know nothing about. Nothing except for the fact that he has the singular, most perfect voice on the Earth.
I decide on a simple white lace bra and panty set. I put on my favorite pair of Boyfriend jeans and a sky blue layered tank top with an unbuttoned dark blue cardigan over it. After checking (and double checking) my image in the floor length mirror that hangs on my closet door, I decided I looked okay.
I put on some eye shadow and eye liner (careful not to overdo it) and some blush and a little lip gloss (not lip stick, because that would be overdoing it).
I left my room and hurried out of my apartment, grabbing my purse and keys from the table by the door and checking the time. It was nine fifteen. This gave me exactly fifteen minutes to get there. Perfect.
I drove to the apartment building and let my car idle in the parking garage while I sat still. I watched the people exiting and entering the building, trying to get a feel for this place. My mind was not put at ease. The people who lived in this building were obviously a bit higher than hotel secretaries. I took another look at the exterior of the building. The large double front doors, the beautiful gardens flanking the front and sides of the building, and not to mention the numerous flower boxes adorning the upper balconies were just a few eye popping traits.
Who was I kidding? I'd never fit in here. This place is too beautiful, I knew it was too good to be true.
But I was going in there. I was going to meet the guy with the mind melting voice. And I was going to see the apartment, even if it's way too good for me.
I get out of my car and lock it, mentally laughing at myself. No one here would bother to even look inside my car, let alone take anything. As I got closer to the building, my confidence soars. I can't explain it, I just feel so much better. Maybe this is a good sign.
And just as I step through those huge, solid glass doors, just as fast as my confidence manifested itself, it disappears. Leaning against the receptionist desk in the front lobby of the building, talking animatedly to someone behind the counter, is the most handsome, most perfectly molded human being ever. From his shoes all the way up to his tousled, sandy blonde hair, this guy could only be described as a son of a god.
I tried to look away, I really, really tried. I look over at the small couches and coffee table that seem so inviting. And then I look back over at him. I tried looking at the beautiful crystal chandelier that hangs in the middle of the ceiling. And then I look back. I stare down at my feet and peer at the rug I'm standing on. It's pattern is so complex, so mesmerizing-
"Are you here to look at the apartment?" The warm, sweet voice from the phone asks. I continue to stare at the floor, noticing that my shadow, the one cast by the beautiful chandelier, has been joined by another.
I look up slowly and see the same guy, the son of a god, standing mere inches from me.
"Uh, yes. How'd you know?" I sputter. What is this guy doing to me? I don't even know him. But I wouldn't mind getting to know him…
"You just seemed rather lost. Most people who aren't familiar with the lavishness of these apartments are quite taken aback the first time they visit." He says with a smile, his ice blue eyes twinkling. "Then again, it's nine thirty and you're the only other person in the lobby."
"Right." I agree quietly.
"So, are you ready? It's at the top, so we might want to take the elevator, unless, of course, you want to climb twelve flights of stairs?" His tone is joking, but his eyes are serious. It's as if he wouldn't mind climbing the stairs if that's what I want to do.
"No, the elevator is fine." I nod. He gestures with his right hand to the shiny metallic doors that line one wall.
"After you." He says and I'm thrown off by his hospitality. I walked over to the doors and press the 'UP' button. He said it was at the top…
We stand in a sort of awkward silence. I have no idea what to say, and it seems he's just waiting to show me the apartment and get this over with.
"So, what do you do for a living?" He asks as the elevator dings and we walk inside.
"I work as a secretary and receptionist for The Governor Hotel." I say, praying he doesn't see anything wrong with it and hoping we can move off the topic of what I do.
"That's interesting. Do you enjoy your line of work?" He asked as he pushes the button for the top floor.
"It pays the bills." I say with a small laugh, hoping that all-too-common response works for him. The elevator doors closed and we started are ascend.
"Any job that does that is worth keeping, huh?" He smiles at his own little joke.
"That's what jobs are for, right?" I say. There has to be a better topic.
"Not always. You have to get out and have a little fun now and then." He says seriously.
We ride the rest of the way to the top. I counted, and there are twelve floors. An obvious conclusion with him having previously mentioned twelve flights of stairs. The doors opened and he led the way to a single door way.
I watched as he turned the door handle and opened it.
"Ladies first?" He motions again with his hands. I step inside and immediately wish I hadn't come.
The living room is probably half the size of my whole apartment with more technology items than all of mine combined. The huge leather couch and chaise look dominating and inviting at the same time. The walls are a light beige color, perfectly complimenting the deep, coffee brown of the leather. The coffee table, in tables, and entertainment center are a beautiful mahogany.
"Wow. This is impressive." I manage to say as he walks up and stands next to me.
"Glad you like it. You're actually the first one to call about it. I don't think people are so keen on rooming with people they don't know anymore."
"Well, it's closer to my work, and that's what I've been looking for." I say, glancing around the living room again.
"I think we need to back track a little bit, if you're okay with that." He says as I turn to look at him. I take in once again, his gorgeous blonde hair, his ice blue eyes, his perfect shape.
"Yeah, of course." I say, not exactly understanding why we have to back track.
"Well, I just thought since we are possibly going to be living together, I don't want to jump the gun, but I think we need to have a first name bases, okay?" Oh, right. First names. Names in general. How could I forget that?
"I guess it's as much my fault as it is yours", I say with a shrug of my shoulders. "I'm Alice. Alice Brandon."
"I'm Jasper. It's a pleasure to meet you." He says so formal, so cordial, as if we hadn't been in each other's company for almost thirty minutes. He slowly extends his hand for a hand shake, and I take it.
When I reach out and touch his hand, even for as brief a thing as a handshake, I feel a warm, tingly sensation that starts with my fingers and travels all through my body. I can't tell if he felt it too though.
"So, can I take a tour of the rest of the apartment? Or are we going off of the living room?" I ask with a smile.
"Follow me", he says as he turns and leads the way into the kitchen. All stainless steel, state of the art appliances, mahogany and black marble counter tops.
"It's breath taking." I say as I look out of the sliding glass doors and onto the balcony.
"I'll say you are." He says so quietly, so muffled, I almost didn't hear him. I shake my head, trying to convince myself he didn't say that.
"Can I see the rest of it?" I ask as he nods. He walks out of the kitchen and leads me down a hallway.
"Here's the family room. It's mainly just a hangout place right now. That door there is a bathroom." He points out. I nod, looking over the mismatched couches and the old tables. He catches my gaze and responds, "I know this isn't the prettiest room, but trust me, it serves its purposes well."
"No, I think it's cute." Cute? Cute? Wow. I actually do not find it cute. In fact, I find it kind of ugly, but I'm sure, in time, I will learn to love the mismatched furniture.
"Well, it's never been called that before, but okay." He laughs. "Now, over here is another bathroom and right next to it is the linen closet. I have a smaller one in the bathroom. Over here is the office I have mentioned. And this, well, this would be the room you're looking to rent." He walks over to the door next to what he pointed out as the office and opens it. "Care to take a look?"
I step cautiously over to the open door. I know I'm falling in love with this place, I know I'm not going to want to look at any other place, and yet, I'm trying to avoid it. I'm avoiding it because I know I'm not going to fit in here and Jasper's just being nice.
However I don't stop myself. As I enter the room, and Jasper flips on the light, it's love at first sight. Screw the other apartments, I want this one.
The walls were white and the carpet was a beautiful light blue. It was simple and plain, but I liked it.
"I like it." I said, turning around to face Jasper. He was leaning against the door frame with his arms crossed over his chest.
"Are you sure? We could always paint it a different color if you decide you want to move in." He says. I nod slowly. This room would need a little make over, but nothing terribly big.
"I think I could get used to it." I nod again glancing over the room.
"Of course you'll need to bring your own furniture. You can probably fit the majority of your clothes here", he pushed himself off the door frame and walks over to a door on the left side of the room. Opening it, he reveals a beautiful walk in closet. The kind I've always dreamed of.
I step over to it and walk inside; relishing in the fact that it was probably the size of my bathroom. I look around at the previously installed rods, hooks, and built in drawers. Yep, just like I've always dreamed of.
"So? What do you think?"Jasper asks motioning around the room, my room and out of the door to the rest of the apartment.
"I think I like it a lot. I think it's perfect." I say honestly, but still unable to convince myself that I can actually fit in here, that I can actually live here.
"But?" His face displaying no emotion, but his eyes showing the slightest bit of disappointment.
"But I just don't think it's going to work. Believe me, this place is like my dream apartment, but it's just not my place. I don't think I'm the right type of person to be your roommate, and I highly doubt that I could live in a place with a chandelier in the lobby." I say, trying to explain as best as I can.
"Alice, if you are worried about fitting in, which by your previous statement, seems to be your problem, I can assure you that you'll be fine. Everyone has their insecurities, trust me, I have some of my own, but I can't force you to do anything you don't wish to do. If you don't want to live here, I can understand. It can't be easy to move in with someone you don't know. Especially when that said someone is of the opposite gender. But trust me. I will treat you like family and I'd never do anything to make you feel uncomfortable. However, if you still do not wish to move in, then I'm sure I can rerun the ad and you can check out your other apartment possibilities." His eyes are so intense, his words so sincere, that I don't think twice.
"Where are the papers? I'm sold."
So? Did you like it? Please review and tell me honestly. Thank you so much for following this! BTW: If you would like this chapter in Jasper's POV, let me know. Same for any other chapter coming up. Just let me know!
3 Aly 3