Bella's POV
As a little girl I always dreamed of a storybook, fairy princess life. I wanted a white knight to sweep me off my feet and carry me off in to the sunset on his white horse to his kingdom. I was such a little diva then. My room had a giant mural of a fairy tail prince one his pure white stallion carrying a princess with flowing brown hair off in to a gorgeous purple sunset toward a castle that was off in the distance. I had a twin 4 poster bed dressed up with pink and white lacey bedding. I had a shelf full of Disney Prince, their horses and Princess Barbie Dolls. I had the fancy castle that went with them too. I had to dress as a proper princess would, in fluffy pink dresses and my hair had to be braided. I would tell dad I was going to let it grow out like Rapunzel in that fairy tail about the tower. Did I mention I was spoiled? My dad indulged my every whim, partly because my mother passed away soon after my birth. I was daddy's little girl. My father was that guy you see sitting on the front lawn next to a giant purple unicorn with a pink tiara on his head while holding a tiny pink and white teacup with a pinkie in the air having a tea party with his little girl. He has also been known to act as a back-up cheerleader to a pint sized "head cheerleader" dancing like a fool just to see his little girl smile. I am blessed to have such a wonderful father. My dad was my white knight then.
Every Sunday after church we would always cook out with my father's best friend, Carlisle and his Family who lived just across the street. Their kids Jasper and Bree would play with me in my room. Bree was my age and Jasper was a year older. He adored Bree and we took full advantage to talk him in to playing with the dollhouse. He was always the prince on the white horse and we took turns being the princess he rescued. Once a year on the 4th of July Dad and Carlisle would rent a huge boathouse and put on a BBQ and invite both of their families. I always looked forward to those because Gran would come down and stay for the weekend. There was food, games, and then we would watch the town's fireworks display.
Carlisle's wife Victoria watched me while dad was at work as the Chief of Police. Bree quickly became my best friend since we were after all both princesses. Jasper always played with us. He was her white knight. I thought it was sad that Bree's dad rarely played with her like my dad did but Jasper filled that void. I noticed Bree's mom Victoria wasn't nice to Jasper like she was to Bree. She would send he and I off to play outside a lot while she spent time with Bree. At those times Jasper would read to me or if I was at home he would come play with dad and I. Sometimes he seemed so sad. He told me once he didn't think his mother loved him. I was sad for him. He was always so nice to Bree and I. I also noticed he would go out of his way to try to gain his mother's approval but she never noticed anything he did for her. I would see him hang his head and walk away sadly after she shooed him away instead of praising him for helping her sometimes I would find him crying by himself so I would snuggle in to his side and do the only thing I know to do. I hugged him tight and cried with him. I wanted to talk to my dad about it but I promised Jasper I wouldn't. It was so sad to see my friend carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders.
There were times Bree would have dance class or a pageant and Jasper was left with a sitter. Jasper and I got along well and the sitter was great. She baked cookies and played with us. One day she even showed us how to make mud pies that made Jasper more enthusiastic about having tea parties with us. We kind of looked forward to the sitter after that. She would read to Jasper and I. Jasper fell in love with 'Treasure Island" and he and I would reenact the story. I quickly traded in my frilly dresses for blue jeans and ponytails. Jasper showed me how to climb trees and swing from a rope. Bree hated our new playtime activities. We did still have tea parties it's just most ended in Jasper and I swinging from the trees and Bree whining and stomping off into the house.
Once Bree and I got to grade school, we were inseparable. On the weekends I either stayed with her or she stayed with me, unless she had a pageant then Jasper and I would get to go camping and fishing with our dads.
Just before school ended Bree and I sat on her bed watching Victoria packed for another pageant I wondered how long they were going to be gone because Victoria had packed nearly everything Bree owned. I had asked Bree and she said, "Mom said this time would be really long. She says it's a new beginning." I worried over that statement all day. That evening I told my dad I thought Bree wasn't coming back. He smiled softly and said, "Sweetie I know you miss her when she's gone. She always comes home!" It put my fears to rest for the night.
The next day I hugged Bree good-bye for what I feared was the last time. She and her mother drove off and disappeared with out a trace leaving Carlisle and Jasper alone. Dad and Carlisle had searched everywhere but never found them. They were just gone. Jasper and I always wondered where they were.
Dad and Carlisle hired the sitter that Jasper and I loved and things slowly fell into a routine. Wake up, school, sitter and bed and on the weekends we would camp, fish, and hike. When Carlisle worked the weekend Jasper would stay with us. He had claimed the guestroom as his be the end of the summer. My cousin Emmett would come over to the house to play with us. Jasper and Emmett soon became friends too. A new family moved in next door to me and they had a girl, her name was Rosalie Hale. She was Jasper and Emmett's age and she thought Emmett was cute. I was so jealous of her long blond hair and eyes the color of her blue jeans.
We were all inseparable from then on. When we weren't in classes we were together. I was happy to hang out with them and saw no need to make friends in my own grade. It was great until Emmett, Jasper, and Rosalie started high school; I was alone again in school. We still hung out after school but it was lonely at school. That was the longest year ever!
I was never so glad to start school again as when I started high school and we were back together again but it wasn't the same with Emmett and Rosalie. Jasper had started playing baseball and Emmett started playing football. Things had changed so much. Jasper had a new girl friend, Maria. She was a softball player that I knew from my team. The baseball and softball teams hung out quite a bit so Jasper and I remained close. Emmett and Rosalie had started hanging out with a group of kids that drank and threw wild parties. Unfortunately for me Dad had asked his brother to have Emmett take me "under his wing" so I became Emmett's shadow. I hated being dragged to those parties. There were always drunken fights, and party girls crying throwing a fit. Emmett and Rosalie would inevitably sneak off to be alone and I was left to sit and listen to my ipod over music that was way too loud and not my style and what ever random guy was trying to convince me that sleeping with him was a good idea.
There was one day in particular that will always stand out in my mind. Emmett had dragged my to a party at one of his friend's houses. I didn't know anyone there except for Emmett and Rosalie but they quickly disappeared into the partygoers.
I sat by the window watching for Emmett's car to pull up trying to avoid an older boy named Tyler, who kept trying to get me to leave with him. It was then that Jasper walked in franticly searching the room for someone. I walked up to him his face softened from the scowl he was wearing into a relieved smile, he pulled me into a hug and tucked me in to his side and said in a tightly controlled voice, "Hey, Bell's! Where's Emmett" I could tell something was wrong I just wasn't sure what.
I said, "I'm not sure where he went. What's going on Jaz? Is something wrong?"
"Yes, there is something wrong! Emmett brought you to this party and left you alone! You shouldn't be here in the first place!" He growled then softened seeing the look on my face, "I'm sorry Bells, I'm not mad at you. Let's get you out of here. Would you like go bowling with me? Both our teams are there. You know Maria. She's there too."
I nodded and he dialed Emmett's cell number, "Hey Em, I'm getting Bella the hell out of here! You are outta your mind bringing her here." he walked me out of the party to the drivers side of his truck with his arms protectively around me. I could see Tyler trailing us to see if I was going to be left unattended out there. He ushered me in and locked the door before walking over to Tyler. I couldn't tell what Jasper said but it enraged Tyler.
"What about Maria? I thought you were with her!" Yelled Tyler.
Jasper said something I couldn't hear.
"Well, we'll just see about that!" Tyler screamed.
Jasper replied and Tyler backed away quickly. I thought about asking him what was said but I thought better of it because I could see he was struggling to stay calm.
"Have you had supper?" he asked me.
"No." I said hoping it wouldn't make him even angrier then he was.
"Pizza or burgers?" He asked.
"Burgers and shakes sounds great!" I said.
"Alright." He said.
We ran into our favorite little dinner and took a booth by the window and waited for our waitress. I fidgeted in my seat wondering why he was so mad at Emmett.
"Something's on your mind." He observed.
"Well, kinda but it's not a big deal." I tried to evade the inevitable question.
"What is it Bells." He asked and watched as I shook my head, then he asked me softly taking my hand. His eyes were so kind as they pleaded with me to talk to him,"You know can talk to me about anything, right?"
"I just see that you are still so mad and I want to let you calm down." I whispered, hoping he wouldn't push any further.
"Bells, are you afraid of me?" he asked dejectedly with a hurt look in his eyes.
"No, Jasper you have never givin' me a reason to be afraid of you! You're my best friend! I just… hate when you and Emmett are mad at each other." I said.
"It will be alright. I promise." He said.
"I just wondered why you were so mad at Em." I said
"Emmett gambling with your safety just pisses me off. If my little sister were still here I would bust my ass to take care of her. If I were the one watching out for you I would never put you in danger. Tyler, the guy that was stalking you to the truck, Bella he's dangerous." He said.
"I'm not his sister, Jasper. I'm his cousin he seems to always get stuck with me tagging along weather I want to or not. And I know to never leave with anyone and get my own drinks and to never ever, ever let my drink out of my sight" I started.
"It doesn't matter Bella. That guy drugged a friend of Maria's and then took advantage of her. He intimidated her so she didn't go to the police. He's a predator and your lucky you weren't his next victim. I don't go to those parties because of that Bella. When I heard that Emmett took you there, I was livid. That is the sole reason I was there was to get you outta there. Bella you're safety should come before anyone else having fun." He interrupted
The waitress came to take our order giving me a chance to think. After we ordered I was back in the hot seat.
"Next time you find your self in an uncomfortable situation like that promise me you'll call me." He insisted and when I hesitated answering him, "Bella!" he prompted sternly.
"Ok, I promise!" I said.
After that we just visited. It was an easy conversation between two friends and I felt comfortable. By the end of dinner Jasper and I realized that we both tolerated Emmett's rap because it was easier then listening to him whine, we hated the wild parties that Emmett loved but we often got roped into going because Emmett would pout and no one would have had any fun. Everything was Emmett's way or no way. Now it was time that the two of us teamed up and started doing stuff that we liked to do. On the way to the bowling alley Jasper popped in a CD that we had been discussing. We sat in comfortable silence all the way to there.
At the Bowling Alley we saw our friends and joined them. Maria greeted me warmly and then hugged Jasper, "We put you and Bella's names in." She handed him a can of coke and his shoes then turned to me and handed me my shoes and a can of Dr Pepper. We chatted happily until it was her turn. She ended up with a strike, and then it was Jasper's turn. He gutter balled the first and got 7 pins his next try. Everyone started heckling him. Then it was my turn. I got 2 pins on the left side. Maria met me at the ball return.
"Bella if you will follow through you will strike every time. You start off great but then you kinda let your wrist roll to the left. Shake hands with the middle." She coached.
"Thanks!" I said determined to put her advice to good use.
I lined up and let the ball go and executed a nice follow through and the ball struck the pins. I had gotten a spare. Maria cheered as I came to sit with her and Jasper. "That's my girl!" She said giving me a high five. Maria won that game and I did well too. After three games we were getting ready to go and Jasper's phone rang. It was Emmett and he was frantic. He hadn't received the voice mail and thought he had lost me.
"Jasper, I can't find Bella!" I could hear Emmett's panicked voice shouting into the receiver. Jasper let him go on and on about where he left me and how now that he returned I was gone. Jasper was livid. I had been "missing" for three hours and Emmett was just now noticing.
"Did you check your voice mail?" Jasper growled.
"What does that have to do with anything? Emmett growled exasperated, "I only left for a little while and I couldn't find her when I got back! Come help me find her."
"There's no need! I heard you took her to that party and so I went and got her three hours ago. Tyler was hassling her, Emmett and even tried to get me to let him take her home. Emmett, she has no business being there at those kinds of parties. Neither do you for that matter. If I ever hear of you dragging her to one of those again I will talk to Charlie! And Emmett. Stay there! I'm going to come drive you home. You're drunk. If you aren't waiting there in your car I will have a chat with your parents. I would hate for you to lose you car." Jasper threatened angrily.
It was a long ride to Jasper's house to pick up Maria. I was afraid of what Jasper was going to do to Emmett. I had never seen him this mad. Jasper kept flashing me a reassuring smile and telling me everything was all right that he was mad at Emmett not me. I knew that and I wasn't afraid of him but I was afraid for Emmett.
Maria dropped off her car at Jasper's house and slid into the middle of Jasper's truck. Jasper boiled on the way to get Emmett. He anger was almost tangible. I looked over and saw that his jaw was tense, he had a tight grip on the wheel, he was visibly shaking he was so pissed. I saw Maria running her hand over his. "Jasper, calm down." She whispered several times.
He finally took a deep calming breath and made eye contact with me from across the cab of the truck and asked, "Bella, where are you supposed to go tonight?"
"I am staying at my house tonight with Emmett. I can take care of him. Dad will be home around three in the morning from the station so it will be fine." I said trying to quell his anger.
"Bella, I'm going to stay with the two of you tonight if that's alright or we can all stay at my house." He said.
"You can stay if you want but you don't have to. I'll just put him in the guest room." I said angry with Emmett for causing all this fuss.
"Bella has this happened before?" Maria asked.
I nodded meekly.
"Did he drive home?" Jasper roared.
"I couldn't get him to give me his keys so I had to ride home with him." I squeaked uncomfortable with his harsh tone.
"Jasper!" Maria warned.
"Bella, I am pissed at Emmett, not at you! I'm sorry! I didn't mean to scare you. Remember our talk earlier about your safety? This is what I was meaning. I want you to ride home with Maria. I need to talk to Emmett." Jasper said.
I nodded terrified at what Jasper was going to do, Maria put her arm around me and said, "It's gona be ok, Bella. JASPER is going to calm down before he talks to Emmett. Everything-is-fine! You don't need to worry!" She soothed, shooting a pointed look at Jasper. My nerves where shot and I could feel the emotions fighting to surface I fought to stuff them back down. Jasper took a deep breath and smiled. "Bella I promise everything's going to be fine!"
Maria and I drove slowly along behind Jasper and Emmett. I could see Jasper and Emmett gesturing wildly. I could tell that they were arguing. Maria distracted me as best she could. By the time we reached my house I had plans to go with Maria and Jasper to the Bluff's this coming weekend.
Maria parked Jasper's truck in his driveway and we crossed the street. Emmett had passed out on the way home and wouldn't wake up. Jasper sent us to get his dad. Carlisle took Emmett straight to the hospital. He told Jasper to take me to their house. Esme, is father's new girlfriend, was down since her son was staying with his father for the weekend. He was calling my dad and Emmett's parent's. My dad was on the phone with Esme when we walked into the house. He wanted to talk to Jasper. I finally reached breaking point and tears trickled down my face. Esme engulfed me in a hug. I was stressed and afraid for Emmett so I crumbled. Esme sat me down and held me rubbing-soothing circles on my back. I sat listening to Jasper recount the events of tonight as well as our talk and what he found out. What he told Charlie next astonished me.
"Mr. Swan, I am afraid Emmett's priorities are all screwed up. I don't think Bella is safe with him. I would be happy to look after her for you when you need me to. Just please don't leave her with Emmett anymore until he gets himself together! It's not safe. Maria and I are going to the Bluff's this weekend and we wanted to know if Bella can come with us." There was a long pause then Jasper said, "Yes! I'm sure! I like being around her. It sorta reminds me of what it would be like to get hang out with Bree." He finished and thanked my dad. He came to sit on the coffee table in front of me. "It's gonna be fine, Bells." He said pulling me into a hug. "I need to drive Maria home. Why don't you come with us?" breaking the hug and pulling me off the couch. With that I had a new protector! And what a fierce protector he was.
Emmett had alcohol poisoning and had to have his stomach pumped. He had to stay overnight in the hospital. The district attorney also filedcharges for under aged drinking. He received community service and had to pay a fine. Dad was pissed at him, so was Jasper, and his parents. I was just sad. I wasn't allowed to go anywhere with him anymore. I was able to go see him in the hospital. When I walked in he looked so sad. Everyone was angry with him.
'Bella, I'm so sorry!" He said softly. I walked over and perched on the edge of his bed and threw my arms around him.
"It's ok Em." I said.
"No it's not. I lost you at some stupid party. When I think of what could have happened to you. It scares me Bell's. I messed up." he said.
"I am fine Em. I'm not mad at you. I am sad that we won't get to spend as much time together but I'm not mad at you."
"Yeah, I heard about that. Jasper's your chaperone from now on, huh. Mom told me about that. Uncle Charlie's really pissed! Who brought you to see me?" He said.
" Maria. Jasper refused. He's not happy about Maria bringing me but Esme got the ok from dad so he didn't get a vote." I said sadly.
"When I get home I won't be able to go anywhere other that school and straight home. Mom has arranged for Jasper to drive me. Is he driving you too?" He asked hopefully.
"He will be driving me to school but I have softball practice after so Maria is going to drive me home since she's on the team too." I said. "But I can still come see you unless Aunt Carmen has grounded you from having visitors. When do you get your car back?" I asked.
"Mom's talking about selling it." He said sadly.
It took Jasper and Emmett six months to become friends again. There were more then a few awkward rides home for Emmett. The second week I rode with them it seemed to get easier because I was there to buffer between them. Finally it took me coming unglued and yelling and both Jasper and Emmett. Emmett was still mad at Jasper for ratting him out and Jasper was still angry with Emmett for acting so stupid. I finally had enough of their bickering and yelled "STOP IT! I swear I'm going to see if Maria will start giving me a ride to school or taking the bus! Just stop! Emmett, Jasper saved your life by calling his dad. Dr Whitlock was the one told everyone what Jasper told him. Jasper filled in the blanks for dad because dad asked him straight out. Get over it! And Jasper, Emmett knows he screwed up. He's paying for it. He doesn't need you to remind him. He feels bad enough. You know I am safe now. Please, can we just get back to being friends?" I finished softer then when I started.
The weekend before my sophomore year in high school started Jasper broke up with Maria. I was so pissed at him. There was never an explanation given that evening and I asked repeatedly. He had insisted I go to the movies with them that night then he kept me in between them all night long. After the movie he took us to eat pizza. He chose a round booth and again sat me between them. After that he dropped her off and when he walked her to her door I saw him say something and then her go in to the house crying. I was so mad. She never told me what he said and out of respect for her privacy I never asked. We kind of drifted apart after that. We were still friends but something had changed between us.
When school started a mutual friend told me Maria said that Jasper used me to push her away. In a way looking back I could see that I just didn't have a clue as to why. She said didn't blame me but she thought that Jasper was in love with me. I tried to talk to her and tell her that Jasper wasn't in love with me. She told me that she knew neither of us realized that he was in love with me but that she believed that he started falling in love with me when Emmett put me in such danger. She also said that while she was my friend she just needed some time and space to get herself together. The whole school thought Jasper and I where dating and there were a lot of people pissed at us. Jasper and I hung out more now then ever because with everyone angry with us we had no one else to turn to but each other. This was the case until I sifted through the frogs and I thought I found my prince.
My schedule was so screwed up! I had English, algebra, biology I, chemistry, reading, study hall and biology II because that was the only other class I could hake besides home economics and I despised the home economics teacher so biology II it was. Plus Emmett and Jasper were in it so we could all hang out together. James was in my biology II class as well. He was Emmett and Jaspers age and I was head over heels in love. Mr. Banner became my favorite teacher the day the assigned lab partners and James was mine, much to Emmett and Jasper's dismay. I was pleased and surprised by the fact that James seemed pleased with the arrangement as well. James was charming and we got along wonderfully. He flirted with me shamelessly for months. During nine weeks tests we finished early and had an hour to really talk and he finally ask me out.
Emmett and Jasper threw a fit when dad agreed to let James drive instead of asking one of them to drive. I sat on the stairs and fumed listening to them arguing with my dad.
"I don't like it! What if..." Jasper started.
"I've met him. Jasper, you remember when he came over you sat on your porch until he left and then sprinted over to see what I thought of him. As I recall I have already heard your arguments against him. He's a nice guy!" dad said.
"But…" Emmett started.
"You two need to quit being so over protective of Bella. I swear you would think she was your daughter! Geez! You're going to have to accept that she isn't a little girl anymore." I grinned when I heard dad's next words. "Guys! I don't want to hear of you all interfering with Bella and James! Is that clear!"
"Yes sir!" They both sighed.
Our first date was to dinner and a movie. We got to the small dinner and were seated. I sighed when I saw Emmett and Jasper sitting glumly in our regular booth. James followed my gaze and gave me a sympathetic smile.
"They are protective aren't they?" he asked.
"You have no idea." I replied.
"Well, I had heard about the whole deal with Jasper last summer. He seems more protective then Emmett. When he and Maria broke up everyone thought it was because of you. I was afraid you two were together at the beginning of school. If I had known that you where available, I would have asked you out sooner." He grinned.
"So everyone thinks we are together?" I asked incredulous.
"Well, not now. There are a few speculating on weather I stole you away for him. By the way he's acting there are quite a few people inclined to believe that story." He said.
"Oh great! Something else for everyone to gossip about." I said sarcastically.
He laughed, "Gotta love livin' in a small town!"
"Yeah, I guess! If I forget what I'm doing all I have to do is ask someone and they can remind me." I said with a wistful sigh. I cast another glance and Emmett and Jasper who were blatantly staring at us and sighed.
"How about next weekend we do something and include them too. Maybe that will smooth their ruffled feathers." He asked.
"Yeah, I'm not sure that's a good idea. They threw a huge fit when you were assigned as my lab partner. When you asked me out Jasper beat me home and was telling my dad you were not someone that I would be safe with." I said doubtfully, "They threw a major fit when dad decided to let you drive us. They were lobbying hard to chaperone our date."
"That explains a lot of the conversation I had with your dad." He chuckled, "He asks me all sorts of questions about if I partied and did drugs nine million different ways. I think he was trying to trip me up. I would hate to be in an interrogation room with him." He grinned.
"Sorry about that!" I said.
"Oh, its ok! Your dad is great!" he said, "And although it is annoying to see them glaring over at me wishing looks could kill me right now you have to know that they care about you. They aren't sure about me yet. I see it's killing them not to be near you when they aren't sure you are safe." With that James picked up his drink and grabbed my hand, "Let's go sit with them!"
I glared daggers at them over pizza that James sprung for. I was so kicking their Asses later. As we ate James made quite an effort to be social and the two buffoons across the table were barely civil. Jasper was silent as he sulked. Emmett knew that he had better try to be nice so he started talking about a party that he had heard about. I think he was trying to dig up incriminating evidence on James so he could snitch to dad. I visited only with James and refused to make eye contact with either Emmett or Jasper. I was tempted to call dad but I wasn't about to leave them alone with James. So I sat and fumed. After dinner we headed to the movies and James chuckled. "It seems we are being followed!"
"Ugg! I otta call dad and have them arrested!" I fumed.
"Bella, I don't think they can arrest someone for being annoying!" he laughed, "Why not invite them to sit with us through the movie? I'll even buy the popcorn!" he offered.
"If I had wanted to bring them on our date I would have invited them. It's bad enough that we sat with them through dinner." I muttered under my breath and then said, "If that's what you want."
So we parked and walked over to Jasper's truck and waited till they got out.
"We were just wondering if you would like to sit with us through the movie." I growled, "It's far easier to eavesdrop if you are with us!"
"I uh… We aren't going to see that movie." Emmett said as he and Jasper got back in the truck.
"Wow! For such a tiny little thing you are very intimidating." He laughed, "And I know were you get it. Kitten's got some claws."
"They make me so made sometimes. Don't get me wrong I am grateful that they are protective sometimes but then others I would just like to knock their heads together." I said.
"I understand that." He said draping an arm around my shoulders and leading me to the theater. "So what do you want to see? I hear the romantic comedy in alright I forget the name of it though."
"Ah…actually I'm not that girl who likes all that sappy mushy-mushy crap!" I said.
"Great! Action it is then." He grinned looking relieved.
As we got our popcorn someone walked up behind me and said, "Well, well, well, look who's out with out her body guards?" my blood ran cold as I recognized the voice. It was Tyler.
"Back off Crawly she's with me! That makes her off limits to you!" James said cheerfully. He and Tyler visited as we waited in line. I wanted to get away from him so bad. I was relieved when we got our popcorn and sodas and entering the theater. Tyler and his friends sat behind us. James seeing my discomfort moved us forward a couple rows. When the movie started the group started pelting us with popcorn. The movie was good but I was so wary of Tyler and his group of thugs that I really couldn't enjoy myself.
On the way home James looked over and smiled knowingly, "This was an awful first date huh?"
"Well it would have been better if it had just been the two of us. At dinner it was Emmett and Jasper and then at the movies it was Tyler and his friends. That guy just creeps me out." I said.
"How about we call a do over?" He asked.
"I would like that." I said.
"The party that Emmett was talking about this weekend will keep Tyler busy and I'm sure we can handle Emmett and Jasper." He said.
"I think I can come up with something to keep Emmett and Jasper busy." I said thinking about asking for dad's help.
"Bella, if you get them in trouble over tonight it will just make things worse." He said.
"I know!" I said.
James and I dated until a couple days before school ended for the summer. He had tried to get me to sleep with him but as naïve as I was I wasn't ready for that. It wasn't long after that that he broke up with me for a girl named Lauren it seemed he had found a girlfriend that would sleep with him. So my Knight in Shining Armor turned out to just as idiot in tin foil. I was hurt. Emmett and Jasper hated James and celebrated the day James and I broke up. I began to wonder if there was a prince charming out there.
Over the Summer Jasper's dad had finally married Esme. She and her son had moved in with Carlisle and Jasper. He son Edward was depressed and moody and sulked in his room. Since he and Jasper now shared a room Jasper escaped him by coming over to my house. He invited him to come with him several times but he never would. I used to see someone staring out the window with the hood of his sweatshirt pulled up. Jasper said he did that all day long.
I finally did find my prince charming my Jr. year of high school. It was the day Emmett got his car back and I had been given permission to ride to the Bluff's with Emmett. He picked me up in his Sporty Electric Blue Dodge Viper and we raced down the back roads to The Bluff's the place were we "cool" teenagers hung out. I made my way over to Jasper's truck with the ice chests but was distracted when I saw someone sitting dejectedly on the tailgate. My curiosity about the incredibly hot guy sitting there over took my thirst. I thought to myself, 'There's my Prince!'
"He's having a pity party. He just moved here and isn't interested in making new friends. He just wants wallow in self pity. Don't bother! He's being a loser." Rosalie said forming an L on her forehead with her hand when she saw me heading for him.
"Well, too bad! He's going to make a new friend weather he wants to or not!" I countered as I continued undeterred.
"Ok, fine! Go be a loser too." She rolled her eyes and giggled then waved as she walked off with Emmett to take her turn on the Bluff's main attraction. Someone had put up a rope that we swung out and dropped seven feet into the deep end of a ten ft deep pool of crystal clear water and then climbed up the tree roots back onto the cliff. Usually I was the biggest fan but I was determined to find out more about the guy brooding on the tailgate of that truck. As I walked up to him, he looked up at me then quickly dropped his gaze in an attempt to signal me to go away. So I leaned over the tailgate and started rummaging through the nearest ice chest deliberately taking my time. I could almost feel the annoyance rolling in waves off of him. It was obvious that he just wanted me to go away but I climbed up on the tailgate and began fishing in the next chest deliberately taking my time.
Finally I heard him mutter, "What are you looking for?"
"Hum?" I innocently asked as if I hadn't heard him.
"I said, WHAT," he started to shout but stopped and sighed then said in a regular tone "What are you looking for?" he asked with a resigned sigh.
"Oh, I was looking for a can of Dr Pepper." I said plopping down beside him. "I heard someone say that you're new here. I'm Bella and you are?" I prompted.
"Not in the mood for a chat." He said coolly.
"Well in that case, I suggest you tell me about yourself so I can be bored and walk away." I said hoping my prying would have the desired effect.
"Is there any chance you will just go away!" he said exasperated.
"Nope." I said settling comfortably on the tailgate.
I saw Emmett and Jasper exchange a look and laugh. Jasper shook his head as he and Emmett made their way over to the truck.
"Hey Bells! Edward, this is Bella and Emmett." Jasper said then turned to me, "Go easy on him, Bells he just moved here. Esme's his mom. He's not thrilled about the move." Jasper concluded.
"Really, I couldn't tell. He hides it so well." I said sarcastically out of the corner of my eye I saw Edward grin for the first time since I had been sitting there.
"You really are stubborn you know that?" Edward asked me as Jasper and Emmett burst into a fit of laughter.
Emmett snorted, "Oh man! You have no idea."
"Emmett, I'm not that bad!" I growled.
"Oh, No, Who was it that argued for three hours about song lyrics and then called in to the radio station to ask who was right? You're like a pit bull with a bone! You don't let go!" Jasper chuckled.
"Who was right and who was wrong?" I goaded.
"I don't believe I like your tone." Jasper evaded my question sheepishly.
"I'm gonna say Jasper was wrong." Edward chuckled.
"Oh yeah! You should have seen him. He was mad as hell! All because he got shown up by a girl on a radio station!" I giggled.
"I'll have you know I was humiliated. Maria was pissed at me." Jasper glowered at me.
"Well, may I suggest you learn the words to the song you that you tell someone that it's your song!" I quipped as Jasper glowered at me.
"I take it she's going to be a lawyer too." Edward said to Emmett.
"Nope. She's just a woman! There is no way to win an argument with her but Jaz always tries. He gets so pissed at her. It's hilarious to watch!" Emmett informed him.
"Jaz when are you going to learn there are only two ways to argue with a woman, neither of which work!" Rosalie said as she came to stand beside Emmett. We all started laughing at that. Edward and I became a couple later that evening.
When school started we had a few classes together. We studied together after school. We hung out together to the point, Jasper and Emmett sometimes complained about being left out. Jasper and Emmett were a pain but not as bad as they were when I was with James. They still crashed our dates regularly. Edward and I would always sneak off to the Bluff's. There was a massive Weeping Willow that had thick foliage that reached the ground. We often hid there from them. It became our regular spot. Jasper and Emmett never discovered it.
The year Jasper and Emmett graduated was a carefree summer until August. Emmett and Jasper left for college. Emmett was Business Major and Jasper was Pre-Law. We missed them but we were now able to go on dates that weren't crashed and turned into a group outing. Emmett came home for the summer before our senior year. Jasper took a full load of summer classes. He was eager to get into law school. He did call home a lot. We teased him mercilessly about being a book nerd. Emmett and Rosalie got engaged just before they went back to school. We where all so excited for them. Jasper came home on Christmas break. We all got together but something was off with him. Jasper seemed different. He seemed to avoid Edward and I. Edward said it was normal at home so it must have been just a bad mood.
The next several days he still avoided me and I had finally had enough. I knew Jasper well enough to know something was bothering him and I was going to find out what. So I cornered him the evening before he left. I saw my opportunity when we were leaving Emmett's house. Edward had gotten the flu and had stayed home and so I had caught a ride to Emmett's with Rosalie. I figured if my plan didn't work it was only a half a mile to walk home.
I waited till Rosalie left and asked Jasper for a ride when he was getting ready to leave he agreed to give me a ride home. We walked silently out to his truck.
"Hey, Jaz?" I ask opening the door.
"Huh?" he replied.
"You have been upset all week long. You have been friendly with everyone but me. Did I do something to upset you?" I asked.
"No Bella, It's just me." He said softly reaching over to give me a one armed hug.
"You are avoiding me though." I said sadly.
"Because you see to much. You can read me like no one else can. I was trying to hide it. I just miss home. I'm sorry!" he lied.
I knew he was lying but I let it go. One look into my eyes and he knew that I knew. He sighed.
I sighed and said, "I'll let it go. Just please don't avoid me. Jasper, you are still one of my best friends. Now it seems like you don't want to be around me."
He smiled and said, "Next time I come home I will make sure I don't avoid you. Ok?"
"Ok." I said still had my doubts but I hid them. I still wondered what was up with him. The next day he left early without saying good-bye to anyone. Leaving a note saying he has to get back and hit the books. I did find a note addressed to me in my car and once I read it my anger was gone. Jasper was so sad and I just wanted to help him but he wouldn't let me.
Bella,
I know you are pissed at me for leaving like I did. I know you didn't buy me missing home as to why I have been upset. I hated leaving like that but I knew I couldn't face the disappointed look in your eyes for me not telling you what was wrong and what if you called attention to the fact that something was wrong. I really could not face the look of hurt and disgust on everyone's faces if they knew. This is my problem and I will deal with it. Just please don't hate me! I am sorry if I made you feel like we aren't still friends. You have always been my best friends it's just right now I don't feel very good about myself. I'm sorry Bells.
Jaz
Jasper POV
As I was driving back to school thinking of her, my phone rang and I knew who it was before I even looked at it. I knew I was about to lose a friend. I rejected the call hating what I was doing, knowing I deserved the scathing voice mail that Bella might leave. I thought back on the break. It went fairly well in the beginning. It was nice to see everyone. I started seeing Bella differently though. She had grown out of that wobbly knees and elbows phase and she was beautiful. Edward kept Bella by his side tucked securely in his arms. She would lay her head on his shoulder and would press a sweet kiss to the side of his neck and he would lovingly kiss her temple. I don't know why but it bothered me. At first I chalked it up to me being protective but then I found myself I wanting to be by her side. I wanted to be the one to run my fingertips up and down her arm and be rewarded with a loving gaze. I had avoided Bella after that but Bella being Bella and knowing me as well as she does. She noticed something was wrong. I managed to avoid her all break until the last night. I stayed at Emmett's too long. Just knowing I was in the same room as her was enough to keep me there. Part of me stayed hoping that she would ask for a ride. I hadn't thought of the fact that I would have to face her once she got in my truck. I had no right to want her but I did and I tried hard to fight it!
I heard the voice mail chime go off on my phone so I picked it up and listened to Bella's voice say, "Jasper- I am confused. It's like I chased you away from your family and I feel terrible! You said that what ever you where upset about was you problem and that you were afraid everyone would be hurt or disgusted with you. I am scared for you. If you're in trouble Jaz please let someone help you!" She sniffled I felt like someone punched me in the gut. I had made her cry. She continued in a tight voice, "I just wanted you to know 2 things. 1- I will always be here if you need to me and 2-I could never hate you, Jaz! You are one of my best friends in the world and I am worried about you! Please, call me back! I need to know that you're ok! I won't hassle you by calling you a million times like I want to but I will be waiting for you to call. Talk to ya later Jaz, bye."
How could I not call her back but then again how could I? What would I say to her? What was there to say? What if I told her how I felt and she didn't feel the same way? What if I told her and she did? What then? If she picked him over me I would be devastated. If she chose me over Edward then there would be problems. I was so conflicted! There is no way Bella can ever know how I feel. I just needed to get over it. I just don't know how to begin to get over her. I felt like I had lost her!
Edwards POV
We didn't hear from Jasper until May. He called mom to let her know he was coming home for the summer. We were all happy but I didn't know what to expect. I didn't know what was wrong but there was something. Bella was still worried about him although she never said so. I was glad we had graduation plans to keep us busy. Bella started avoiding my house when Jasper came home. We started going to our old hangout at the Bluffs. We weren't alone though the Bluff's was still as popular a place as ever. We watched people swinging into the water and reminisced about he day we met. When we were alone I hopped off the tailgate and asked Bella, "Come for a walk with me." She followed me under our giant Weeping Willow. I turned to face me and got down on one knee. "Will you marry me, Bella?" I asked my voice cracking with excitement. She opened her mouth but no sound came out. I saw the tears well in her eyes and was terrified. My entire future hung on what that tear meant? Was she about to break my heart? Was it a happy tear? I was frozen in fear. I stood to my feet my eyes locked on hers and then I felt the sweet relief when she nodded her head more tears flowing down her cheeks.
She finally cleared her throat and said the most beautiful words I had ever heard, "Yes! Edward, I would love to marry you!" as I slid the engagement ring on the left hand. She melted into my chest and I folded my arms around her. We stood under the tree just holding each other until it started to get dark. Finally Bella realized what time it was and we flew into town.
Esme met us at the door. "You are late," she scolded gently.
"Sorry mom!" I said holding up Bella and my joined hands showing her the engagement ring.
"Oh my god! Congratulations!" she said dragging us in to the dinning room. "Tell everyone! Come on! Oh let me! They're engaged!" Esme beamed. Everyone was happy.
We ate dinner and during dessert and mom had news of her own. She was pregnant. She and Carlisle were pleasantly surprised. Everyone had a great time all but one. I noticed Jasper was quiet at dinner. When he congratulated Mom and dad smiling genuinely happy, then Bella and I his smile never quite reached his eyes seeming like he was in pain. I wasn't the only one who noticed. Bella ask to leave as soon as she helped mom and Rosalie clean up. Mom had noticed too. I took Bella to a movie after dinner.
After the movie on our way home I mentioned Jaspers strange behavior.
"I just don't get it. We used to be such good friends. I see that he's still friends with Emmett and Rosalie. I don't know what I did to upset him." she said sadly, "He doesn't think I'm good enough for you that's the only explanation!"
"I doubt that!" I said as she slipped out of my car. "Good night!" I called after her. Then I pulled in across the street and stalked in the house with the intent on cornering my brother and after beating the hell out of him making him tell me what was wrong. I couldn't take Bella being upset because he wanted to be an ass.
When I got home I cornered Jasper. He was in our room working on his laptop. I strode across the room shutting the door behind me.
"What's going on with you?" I fumed, fighting to keep my anger at bay, "Something has been wrong for quit awhile. Bella is convinced it has something to do with you not wanting me to marry her. I don't care what the hell it is! Whatever this is it's hurting her. You are friendly with everyone but her. Whatever she did it can't be worth all this shit."
"Edward, I'm sorry! My mood has nothing to do with Bella. Well kind of, but it's nothing she did. Emmett and I always protected her. We never thought anyone was good enough for her. I guess I'm just having a hard time with the fact she's grown up now and doesn't need my protection, least of all from you." He said hanging his head, "I guess need to talk to Bella now."
"Yes, you do!" I said handing him his jacket.
JASPER'S POV
I shrugged on my jacket and I headed across the street. I really didn't trust myself to go talk to her. She was so perceptive and I was afraid that she would see right through me. Never the less I was hurting her and that was unacceptable. I rehearsed what I would say on the way out my door. I saw her sitting on her porch swing reading a book. I smiled to myself thinking of all the times I had teased her calling her bookworm. She looked up at my when I stepped on her porch.
"Hi." She said in a low sad voice.
"Hey." Was my brilliant response as I sat on the end of the swing, "So it turns out I'm an ass." I said attempting to make her smile.
"Jasper? I just don't know what I did to upset you." She said setting aside her book and tucking her feet under her. I could see the hurt in her eyes and it killed me to know that I put it there. I looked away, straight ahead.
"Bella, I … Well, Ah… You know how Emmett and I always protected you and never thought anyone was good enough for you?" I could see her nodding out of the corner of my eye, "I guess I'm just having trouble stepping out of that role." I said avoiding her eyes, "I'm sorry. I have been such an ass. Please forgive me and be patient with me while I come to terms with the fact you are grown up." I finished my partial truth.
I felt her shift on the swing. "There's nothing to forgive, as long as I get my friend back. I've missed you!" she said leaning into my side giving me a hug. I hugged her back and then she said, "So, we have some catching up to do.'
We visited but I was still conflicted. After an hour Edward came over and sat on one of the two wicker chairs and the conversation turned to our younger days. It was comfortable talking about the past. I was able to get lost in the stories.
"Well," I said standing up to go, " I'm gonna head home!"
"Hey, Jasper! I wanted to ask you something!" Edward called stopping me in my tracks.
I knew what the question was. I couldn't say no although I would rather take a beating then to say yes. Please don't ask this of me Edward. I thought to myself but as I turned around he did and it was like a knife in the gut, "You are my brother and I can think of no one else I would rather have with me than you. Would you be my best man? If it weren't for you, I would probably never have ended up with My Bella!" Edward asked.
"Of course, Edward! As long as I'm not in class, I will." I smiled hoping that 1 my smile looked genuine and 2 that I would be in school.
"Great! Bella and I haven't talked about a date but you have the summer off so, Babe, I was thinking, why not get married over the summer. That way Jasper can be there." Edward said.
Drat! He had thought of every thing.
"That sounds great! How about the 4th of July? We always have a big BBQ anyway and all the family will already be gathered and there will already be a party planned. What do you think?" Bella asked.
"That sounds great. Good night!" I said hoping I sounded happy, as I quickly walked away.
I walked in the door and my mother was waiting for me. She put her arm around my shoulder a led me out to the garden where she always took us to talk when Edward or I was upset.
"I think I know what's going on with you but I have been waiting for you to come to me. I tried to be patient but I can't take watching you punish yourself any longer." She said, "You're in love with Bella." I froze at her last statement.
"I hate it mom! I have no right to want what I do but I can't stop myself from wanting her. I'm in love with her. I have tried to just stay away but that just hurt her. She's going to be my sister-in-law! What's wrong with me? I keep asking myself what if she was supposed to be my soul mate? How do I smile and pretend that I'm happy when I know I won't ever love and one as much as I love her? Part of me wants to tell her and try to win her heart but a bigger part of me loves my brother enough I could never do that to him." I whispered to ashamed to even meet my mom's eyes.
"Jasper, there is nothing wrong with you! You have been in love with her for years. You are just now realizing that you are in love with her. Your father watched you two for years knowing you were in love with each other. You were the reason she and James broke up. She constantly compared him to you and he could never quite measure up. Then you talked Emmett in to hating him and you two ran him off. You always ran all of Bella's would-be boyfriends off until Edward. I think, you thought of Edward as just a placeholder. I almost talked to you about it and warned Edward that you loved her but Carlisle told me not to interfere. I am happy for Edward and Bella but I know this is hard for you and my heart is breaking for you." She said tears welling in her eyes as she hugged me tight.
"They set a date tonight." I croaked miserably. "They are getting married of the 4th of July and Edward has asked my to be the Best Man."
"Oh, Jaz!" She whispered, " You know you don't have to."
"I do have to do this. It will make them happy. I can get through this but I'm going back to college before they get back from their honeymoon. I have to make up some excuse why I have to leave early and I am going to try to start thinking of her as if she were Bree." I croaked, "Bella and Edward deserve to be happy."
Esme pulled me into a hug and said lovingly, "You deserve to be happy too."