I own none of the characters, only the plot is mine.

Big Thanks to sue273 for being my beta

Chapter One

I was a young woman of eighteen living in Leeds at the time my life ended. I had been at the peak of my social and academic life: a straight A student, and a dutiful daughter and friend. I had so many dreams spread before me, but my main goal in life was to become a doctor like my father, so I was studying human biology and chemistry in college. I was expected to get married and settle down, but there was no way that was the life for me. I had always been independent, even as a child. I loved my mother dearly, but although she was content with the stay at home life, she knew that I would not be. She was supportive of my choice, but not as much as my father was. I think he was secretly proud that I wanted to be just like him. I'd always been fascinated with how the body works and all the different things that could be detected from a little sign or symptom. Doctors coped under immense pressure and had one of the most rewarding jobs, but it could also be painful, especially when they lost a patient. I would be doing something I loved, while saving people's lives.

I enjoyed an occasional day out with my friends, and the odd evening out with my boyfriend. I only ever saw him in the evenings and it had gotten boring. I didn't want to hurt him, but he was not what I wanted. Besides, he wanted a stay at home wife and wouldn't support me in my choice to become a doctor. He said that it wouldn't happen because there were so few female doctors that could handle the life. However, I was determined that I was going to make it. He also didn't like the fact that I wouldn't drink. I never saw the point in pouring alcohol down my neck when all it did was turn people into raving violent lunatics. I know that would never happen with Edward, he hardly ever drank, but when he did, he held it just fine, but I was weary nonetheless. You just never knew when something could set someone off.

I got home after a grueling day at college and walked in to find my father sat with one of the other doctors from the hospital, and Jasper, from my college. I could only assume that the doctor was Jasper's father. I played the dutiful daughter and asked if anyone wanted tea. Father just looked at me. He knew that I knew how he took his tea. Jasper asked for black and two sugars and father's doctor friend that he had tea with nothing in it.

I wandered off to the kitchen, filled the kettle and as I turned to put it on the stove, I found Jasper standing in the doorway smiling at me; he did have a lovely smile.

"Can I help with anything?" he asked.

"Yes, could you get the milk out of the fridge, please?" I answered.

He turned to the fridge and reached for the milk. It was as he was reaching and leaning slightly forward that I noticed what a lovely bum he had, all round and firm looking. I'd love to dig my nails into that! Whoa? Where did that thought come from? I shook my head to clear the images that were forming in my mind. I made the tea, put the cups on the tray and headed back to the living room with Jasper trailing behind me. We had quite a spacious living room, all decorated with calming, pale colours that made you feel peaceful the second you walked into it.

"Father, would you mind if I sat in on this conversation?" I asked as I handed out the cups.

"Not at all, dear. I know how keen you are to learn!" my father chuckled. "This is Carlisle. He works with me in the hospital." He smiled, nodding towards his doctor friend.

Carlisle took my hand lightly and shook it. He was quite a handsome guy: blonde, hazel-eyed, tall, slim figure and a small smile. I had never met nor had Jasper mentioned his mother, so I had no idea where he got his pale skin and deep blue eyes. They were almost black as the night sky. His hair was blonde, almost like the colour of straw..

I listened intently as Carlisle spoke to my father about a patient who had been admitted earlier. He had severe burns on his tongue and throat. Carlisle said he was certain they were chemical burns and not caused by a cigarette or something that had exploded in his mouth, but he just couldn't work out what the chemical was. He was sure it was his mother's doing. She had been reported on more than one occasion to social services. As I listened, my mind wandered back to the day I had taken my friend, Leah, to the hospital because she had accidentally swallowed ammonia. Then it hit me. Her mouth, tongue and throat had been badly burnt and the skin had been peeling!

"Carlisle! Sorry to interrupt, but does your patient have the skin peeling from his mouth and tongue? Is he really struggling to breathe in fits and bouts, like he's trying to breathe around air pockets stuck in his throat?" I said quickly.

"Why yes, Bella. Why ever do you ask?"

"I had a friend, you remember her, father? Leah? She accidentally swallowed ammonia and her mouth, tongue and throat were severely burnt, and she struggled to breathe at times like she was trying to breathe around air pockets or had a really large burp stuck!" I was practically shouting by this point.

"Of course, Bella, I had totally forgotten about Leah's incident and I was the one who treated her! Carlisle, let's get to the hospital and see if we can try and help this patient of yours," my father said.

I looked on as they left in a rush. I prayed that social services would now see what a horribly evil mother this boy had, remove him from her care, and give him a decent start in life. How long would it be that he would end up permanently disfigured, or worse, dead? I glanced at Jasper and noticed that he was staring at me in what I could only guess was wonder.

"What, Jasper? Didn't think a mere girl like me would be able to help?" I snickered, but not unkindly.

"No, I just... I guess I just never noticed how smart you are," he grinned sheepishly, "but you might have actually just saved that poor boy's life. You're studying to become a doctor, aren't you?"

"Yes, it's always been something that I have wanted to do, and now I know for sure this is what I want."

"Wow, you are amazing, Bella, so bright and loving. You were made for this kind of job," he chuckled.

I looked at Jasper and wondered... Perhaps I could be myself around him, and not have him look at me as if he was ashamed of me and what I had dreamt of doing all my life. I guessed my father would also approve! I held back my snicker as I thought of my father's face if I ever told him I wanted to court Jasper. Not that it was a bad idea but... well... perhaps some time to myself would be nice.

Chapter Two

I went to college the next day as normal and noticed my boyfriend waiting for me by the gates. Edward, my boyfriend, was always waiting there. Like I couldn't get into the college myself, or as if I needed an escort or bodyguard because I was hardly ever sought after. People knew how seriously I took my studies and anyone who wanted any kind of "other" relationship had no chance. I didn't have time for frolics behind the science building. I looked up into Edward's face and realized... I did not love this man at all. In fact, I had come to hate him. Always mothering me and fussing as if I was a china doll. Even my own father never treated me that way, and I was his daughter for Christ's sake!

"Edward, we have to talk. I don't want this anymore. I won't become a stay at home wife. I will always pursue my dream of becoming a doctor, and as you will stop at nothing to hinder it for me, I can't see you anymore. It's over. I'm sorry." I cringed, waiting for a sad look and was shocked when I looked up to see pure anger and hatred emanating from him.

"Nobody dumps me," he hissed."You'll regret the day that you ever chased a stupid dream and dumped me, you bitch." And with that, he turned on his heels and walked into the college.

I had never seen anything like it! I was shaking and really scared at the dramatic change I had just witnessed from Edward. It was as if he was someone else entirely. One minute, he was fussing about me, and the next, he was calling me a bitch! I had never been called that by anyone. I was still shaking when Jasper arrived at college and he saw me starting to cry because of what had just happened. He pulled me into his arms, no questions asked, and no pushing for information. He held me as he let me cry out my hurt, fear and anger and the way I had just been treated.

"Whatever it is, Bella, it's not worth this amount of crying. It'll right itself if it's meant to and if not, well, you'll find a way to carry on," he smiled softly.

"I don't want it to right itself, Jasper. I just broke up with Edward and he was horrible to me. Saying that I was going to regret it and be sorry. He even called me a bitch!"

"He did fucking what?" I had never heard Jasper swear so either he was really pissed or he just never swore when I was around.

"Leave it, Jasper, he's not worth it. I haven't wanted to be with him for some time now. I just never noticed what a dark side he had," I muttered.

Jasper said nothing more, and gently pushed me forward. We headed to Chemistry together. I was so grateful that he turned up when he did, and on the plus side, Edward was not in any of my classes - or stupid lessons for stupid people with stupid dreams as he called them. Edward was interested in anything that could make money and give him a comfortable life. I wanted so much more. Money was of no interest to me, it was material and only that. It wasn't the foundation on which you started a relationship, or the way to get a patient to trust you, or make sure that you found the right cure or treatment for what a patient needed.

The rest of my day went by in a blur. Although I was concentrating, a part of my mind kept wondering whether Edward was simply angry or if he really meant to make good on his threat. I resolved that I would not talk to him and he could go to hell for all I cared. No one had any right to speak to me in the way that he did. As the final class for the day finished, I found Jasper waiting outside the room for me.

"I'll take you home to make sure that creep doesn't try anything," he offered.

"Please, Jasper, if you wouldn't mind just for today. My nerves are shot."

I didn't realize just how scared I had been all day, that I might bump into him and a confrontation would start. I was not very adept at handling that type of situation, as I had never been in one before. I would probably end up crawling off to hide under a desk somewhere so as not to be made to face it. I wasn't a coward; I simply hated being forced to do something that made me uncomfortable. I was not about to have a slanging match with my ex just because he had his panties in a bunch.

I walked behind Jasper to his car. I didn't even know he drove. I assumed that someone picked him up. The Cullen family came from good money, everyone knew that his family was rich, but no one ever knew the professions of his parents. I now know that his father is a doctor, a consultant no less. I found out earlier in the week, but there was still never any mention of his mother.

We arrived at the driveway to my house and Jasper asked if he could have my number. I had no issue with this so gave him the number from memory. I had a funny feeling that I would be getting a text later in the day once he made it home himself. Thanking him for the lift, I waved goodbye as he drove off. I went in, said hi to my mother and father and went to my room as I had studies to be getting on with. My father chuckled and said something about having my head screwed on right; I knew he was proud of me.

As I reached the top of the stairs, I heard my mobile bleep and almost giggled to myself, no telling whom that would be! Dumping my bag on the bed, I sat down as I took my phone out.

I meant what I said - you'll be sorry, bitch.

Holy fuck, Edward! Oh God, what was I going to do? Maybe he would calm down after a while. He was just angry at being dumped as most lads his age were.

My phone bleeped again.

Check your bag, you bitch. I left you a little present.

Chapter Three

With my hands shaking violently, I opened the clasp on the retro handbag. It had one of those old magnetic clasps and two straps a little like a backpack. As I peered inside, I saw what Edward had left me: the mutilated body of a cat. My father burst into the room and I wondered why. I could suddenly hear screaming and I realized it was coming from me. He must have run up the stairs when he heard me screaming like a banshee.

"What on earth is all the screaming about, Bella?" he said.

I pointed to my phone and then my bag while I sobbed hysterically. I was terrified. How could Edward do that to some poor defenseless creature? It was insane. Cursing a blue streak, my father took my bag and phone downstairs. I could hear him on the phone to the police. I was too shocked to do anything. I didn't care what happened. There was no way that I could study now - my books and papers were covered in blood and guts. I ran down the hall to the bathroom and threw up. I stayed until I was left dry retching and my stomach was empty. I felt a cool cloth placed against my forehead. I looked through the tears in my eyes to find my mother gazing sadly at me; she knew that I had been unhappy in my relationship with Edward, but had hoped it would work itself out.

"I am so glad that you ditched Edward now and not later in life, honey. I had no idea he could be like this," Mother sighed.

I figured this was her way of apologizing for trying to get me to stay with someone I didn't want to be with. I wanted Jasper. The thought rang out in my mind clear as day. I didn't know if it was trying to tell me I wanted him now while I was scared and upset or if I wanted him for my own. I brushed it aside; I had other things to deal with. Like a neurotic ex-boyfriend. I heard my father coming back up the stairs. He scooped me up into his arms and carried me downstairs. He placed me on the sofa and came back with a cup of tea. It was sweet, but I knew he had given it to me for the shock. After a shock like that, the best thing was a strong hit of sugar.

"The police have said that they will be round in an hour to take a statement, Bella. You'll need to tell them everything that caused this. Your mother tells me you've dumped Edward." I nodded silently. "Well, I can't say I'm upset at that. I never liked the boy anyway," he muttered.

"Daddy... I'm scared."

My father smiled at the endearment I used as a small child. I hadn't used it since I was ten years old. I think he had missed it a little. He stroked my cheek saying everything would be fine and to sit tight while we waited for the police to arrive.

The doorbell rang to announce their arrival.

"Isabella? I'm Charlie Swan, the Chief of Police. I need to take a statement of what happened today," he said soothingly.

"I felt unhappy with my boyfriend so I told him that I wanted to end things. He's just not right for me. Anyway, I expected him to be sad, hurt even, but the anger was vengeful. He said that I would rue the day I dumped him and he would make me sorry. Then he called me a bitch. I got a ride home with my college friend, Jasper, gave him my number in case I wanted picking up in the morning and when I got upstairs, I received a message from Edward saying he meant what he said and another message saying to look in my bag, as he had left me a present. The texts are still on my phone."

I could see Chief Swan making notes and nodding through my dictation, but he didn't actually say anything. I knew that he was concentrating on getting everything written down. When he looked up at me confused, I told him that was everything. He looked even more confused.

"I have to ask this, Bella, but have you been seeing anyone else while seeing Edward? Any reason for him to fly off the handle like this?"

"No, Chief Swan. Apart from our age-old argument that I won't be a stay at home wife and that I am going to do my best to become a doctor. He doesn't approve. He thinks that we would have gotten married and I'd stay at home raising his children. I've dreamt of being a doctor since I was a child," I cried.

"A doctor, huh? Good for you. Did you give him any indication that you wanted to get married in the first place?" he queried.

"No! I haven't even had sex with him!" I shouted. "The furthest he has got with me is a kiss."

I was mildly embarrassed at having to mention sex in front of my parents, but I knew that Chief Swan needed to know everything. The truth was I didn't really have any answers for him. There was no reason I could think of that would have caused Edward to behave the way he had.

"I'll need to take your phone, Bella, but I can get your friend, Jasper, was it? I can get his number from it for you, in case you need that ride in the morning," he chuckled.

I think he knew that I had told a minor white lie and that I had not mentioned Jasper to my parents yet and so, thankfully, he had kept my little secret hidden for me. He wrote down the number from the phone and gave me it on a piece of paper from his notepad. He also packed up my bag and papers and so on for examining. I said that I didn't ever want them back as all I'll see is that poor dead cat. Chief Swan informed me that as they had solid proof he had committed the crime, they were going to go straight round to his place and take him in for questioning. I gave out a small sigh of relief. I doubted I would be seeing him at college tomorrow.

Chapter Four

Once the Chief had left for the night, my father came into the room and handed me a bag. I peered inside and saw that he had gotten me a new phone. I smiled softly and thanked him. He said he had put it on contract so that I could text all I wanted. He winked at me and I knew he knew about Jasper. I jumped up, hugged him for the phone, and whispered that I loved him. He was my Daddy and I loved him so much right then. I dragged myself upstairs and tapped out a quick text to Jasper.

Can I have a ride to college in the morning please? I need a friend x

The reply was almost instant.

Of course, Bella. Pick you up at 7am? x

My heart stuttered slightly at the kiss on the end of the text. I quelled it, saying he probably did it to all his friends who were girls. But was I only a friend, my mind whispered at me. I scolded it and quickly tapped out one last text before I drifted off exhausted.

Thanks Jas, you're an angel. See you in the morning. I'm going to sleep. Will tell all in the morning. Night. x

I heard my phone bleep but I was too tired to look and drifted into a fitful and nightmare-filled sleep. I dreamt of dead cats and mutilated bodies. I saw Edward holding a heart and realized it was mine; he had ripped it from my chest saying that I didn't deserve to have a heart. I saw Jasper crying silently as he looked on at us caught in this horror scene of violence. I woke with a start, shaking and covered in a cold sweat. I remembered that my phone had bleeped before I fell asleep.

Angel, huh? You're the angel, Bella. Goodnight and sweet dreams xx

Two kisses! Oh my God! And he called me an angel! I was on cloud nine as I fell back to sleep and I had a peaceful sleep filled with angels and Jasper smiling and leaning into fridges.

I had decided to let Jasper make the first move. I was too emotional and scared to be concerned over a new relationship. Mine with Edward had just come to a radical and rather abusive end. I was still stunned at the language he had used at me. Don't get me wrong, I'd heard and used worse, but never towards Edward, or he to me. It was as if he had a personality transplant in a matter of seconds.

I woke up in a much better mood and went downstairs to get my breakfast. I still had plenty of time before Jasper came to pick me up. Seven o'clock was rather early but I wanted to talk to him before my school day started. I arrived at the kitchen to hear mom and dad talking.

"I really don't think she should be going to school today, Emmett," my mother pleaded.

"Esme, if Bella wants to go to school, I am not going to stop her. It would probably be good for her and take her mind off everything that is happening. The chances of Edward being there are slim to nothing. He'll either be at the station or be too ashamed to show his face at the college," my father returned. I knew he was fighting my corner for me, as he always had done.

I gently cleared my throat as I entered the kitchen and they knew that I had heard everything. I smiled at my mom to let her know that I understood her concerns, but that I would do as I pleased.

"I'm going to college today. Jasper will be here at seven to pick me up so I won't be alone. I don't want to be cooped up here and thinking about everything that has happened. Like daddy said, it's best that I keep myself busy. And the chances of him being there are small," I told them both.

They both nodded at me, and my father gave me an encouraging smile. I busied myself with the coffee pot and toaster. They were usually what I had for breakfast. I looked at the clock and saw that it was ten to seven. I threw two more slices in the toaster and buttered them. After wrapping them in paper towel, I headed out to the drive. I shouted bye to my parents and opened the front door to see Jasper, hand raised, about to knock on the door.

"Morning, Bella," he grinned.

"Hiya, Jas. I made some toast for you. Thought you might be hungry after setting off so early to come to collect me," I smiled back.

Jasper smiled at me affectionately and took the toast. I heard his belly rumble and we both laughed. Clearly, he'd skipped breakfast. I shouted bye one last time and let my father know that I had my phone. We headed to the car while Jasper scoffed his toast.

"Thanks, Bella. You are such a mind reader. I was starving. I slept late as I switched my alarm off, figuring I could steal five minutes more sleep, and, well, I fell asleep properly!" he bellowed out his laugh.

I chuckled to myself and could just imagine Jasper moaning at having to get up so early. Then I felt guilty. I was the reason that he had to get up so early.

I frowned. "I'm sorry, Jas. I should have never asked you to come pick me up," I muttered.

"Hey! Bella, I chose the time to pick you up, so it's my own fault. I like coming to pick you up. It's good to see you first thing in the morning, so wide-eyed and all smiles," Jasper said.

I smiled at Jasper but he was all blurry, then I realized that I was looking at him through tears. I felt the sob rising in my throat, but there was nothing I could do to stop it. My sobs broke free and I felt Jasper's arms close around me as he hugged me tight, stroking my hair, letting me cry to my heart's content.

It took me a few minutes before I calmed down. We got in the car and set off. I had no idea what we were going to do. It was only seven thirty and neither of us had a class until nine thirty. We had two hours to kill. Kill! Bad choice of word. My brain started conjuring up all sorts of images, including the dead cat that Edward had so kindly left in my bag for me. My tears began to fall again and I wasn't about to stop them.

"Bella, it's ok to cry. You've had such an emotional ride over the last day or so, it's no wonder you're all over the place. Just let it out," Jasper whispered.

I felt so much better knowing that he was sitting next to me in the car; so safe that he was behind the wheel, that he was so patient with me, and waiting for me to calm down. He was a true friend, and I knew that my heart wanted it to be more. He was such a wonderful person. Anyone would snap him up in a second, and I felt jealousy spread through me. I wanted no one else to have him; I wanted him all to myself.

So, what's going to happen between these two huh? Keep reading and I might just cave in and tell you ;-)