Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight.

Please excuse my spelling or grammar mistakes, I'm dyslexic and even after double and triple checking I still tend to miss things here and there.

Chapter One

Finding Her

I never really felt like I truly belonged with the rest of the Cullens. I had the least amount of self-control, I was the only one without a mate, and while they considered themselves a family, not just a coven, I never really felt like I fit into that mold. I cared about them, especially Alice, who showed me that there was another way. I didn't have to take lives to survive. For years I had hoped for a more personal relationship with Alice, she was amazing in so many ways, she was my light that showed me out of the dark, and while I knew we weren't mates, I did believe we could make each other happy. Sadly Alice didn't see it that way.

"We'll find our other halves soon enough, Jasper. I promise you." That was all she would ever say, she never elaborated or explained, but she did that a lot, and while not knowing who and when I would find my mate was frustrating, I trusted Alice completely. So, I simply waited.

We joined the Cullens in 1953 when they were living in Canada. I had known all about them from the stories Alice had told me through her visions, including Edward, the ever-brooding mind-reader. I didn't however, know he was the one she was destined to be with until the day we joined them and she all but melted into his embrace. I had been more than a little upset at her secrecy, but she said she had her reasons, and so I left it at that. Though, as petty as it may seem, part of me would always resent her for it.

While Alice joined the Cullen's wholeheartedly, I never found myself able to do so, however for the most part I put up a good front. The only one who might have been onto me was Edward, but he didn't really seem to care one way or another as long as I stayed away from his mate. Being a mind reader he had known I once had feelings for her, and while he also knew I would never attempt to take her away from him, he still seemed to resent me for it.

Aside from Alice, the one Cullen that I really found myself able to connect with was Esme. Perhaps because she reminded me of my own mother, at least what I remembered of her. She was always kind, supportive… comforting. I knew she truly felt like I was a son to her. Esme was really the only reason I stayed. While I would never go back to feeding from humans, there were times when I considered going out one my own, hoping to find my mate. I doubted I would ever find her living among humans. For the meantime, however, I stayed.

We currently were living in Forks, Washington, it was an ideal environment for us. It was constantly overcast and rained more than even Seattle. We were playing the parts of high school students, which was typical. When we moved to a new town we came in as 'freshmen' and 'sophomores' in high school, and left after we graduated college. We never stayed in a town more than a seven or eight years, as people would start to get suspicious.

It was mid January and the day started like any other. It was drizzling as I pulled up to school on my Ducati Motorcycle. Edward had one that I had admired for years, not that he would have let me ever ride the damn thing, so finally I just broke down and bought my own. After parking I grabbed my back pack, slung it over my shoulder and headed to my first class of the day, Art. I had been hearing rumors of a new girl starting that day, the Police Chiefs daughter no less. Apparently, Eric had just seen her and was telling Ben and Mike how amazing she looked.

"She was gorgeous, long dark hair, dark eyes, beautiful." Eric sighed, a stupid love-stricken grin on his pimpled covered face.

"That's great Yorkie," Mike huffed, "but what about her finer qualities? You know, her ass and tits."

Stupid hormone driven pubescent adolescents and Mike was one of the worse. He had started a rumor about Alice letting him feel her up a few months after we started school here. While Edward forced himself not to react, I wasn't so restrained. Okay, so breaking his arm in two places probably wasn't the best idea, but it got the point across. Even if I was suspended for a month, he never looked at Alice ever again.

Walking into class I made my way to the back of the room and sat in my usual spot. Pulling my portfolio and notebook from my bag I placed them on the desk. As I reached into the front pocket to take out my pencils, the most amazing scent filled my senses, it was lavender and freesia, it was… intoxicating. Slowly lifting my gaze, my eyes were met with a sight that had I been human, would have taken my breath away.

She was enchanting, long dark hair, dark wide eyes, just like Eric had described, but oh so much more. She was beyond beautiful, she was… enchanting. The girl handed the teacher a slip of paper which he signed and then returned, he then told her to take a seat next to me.

As she grew closer, our gazes met. My lips pulled into a crooked grin, which she returned and while it was hardly noticeable, a small blush crept to her cheeks. She stopped as she reached the table we would be sharing, and then looking down, I noticed my bag was in her seat.

"Oh sorry," I quickly moved my bag setting it on the floor beside me.

"That's okay, thanks."

Although her words were few, her voice sung like an angel, each syllable played like a hymn.

As she sat down beside me her intoxicating smell all but permeated me. It was the first time I could ever remember smelling something so magnificent and not wanting to eat it.

"I'm Bella," her perfect lips pulled into a soft smile as she extended her hand.

"Jasper," I replied, letting my southern accent slip out little more than usual, and then sliding my hand into hers. Her hand was so small, so warm, and it felt so perfect in my own.

She gave a small laugh as our hands slowly pulled apart, "You're cold," She said softly.

I cleared my throat but then nodded. "Bad circulation," I responded, "my apologies."

"It's okay," She said letting out a long breath, "So, you, um, sound like you're from the south."

"I am, Texas to be exact. I hear you're from Arizona." I replied switching the topic of conversation away from myself. Truthfully I wanted to know more about her, I wanted to know everything about her.

"I am, mostly anyway. I was born in Forks, lived in California for a couple of years and then moved to Phoenix with my mom when I was six and have lived there ever since."

"So what made you decided to move back here?"

"My mom got remarried and well, living with honeymooners can be… annoying."

I let out a snorted laugh, knowing exactly how she felt. Aside from blood, sex was the only other thing most vampires lived for, so living in a house with three sexually active couples was enough to drive anyone bat-shit crazy, especially when you can actually feel the lust coming off them.

"So, I decided to come here and finish up school," she went on, "give my mom and Phil some alone time and of course to have some quality time with the old man."

"Okay class," the sound of Miss. Manchester's raspy, smokers-cough, voice abruptly ended our conversation, "if everyone could open their portfolios to yesterday's assignment we will go ahead and have a peer evaluate them before turning them in. Miss. Swan, obviously you won't be graded on this particular assignment but if you would be so kind as to critique Mr. Whitlocks."

"Sure, no problem," Bella offered politely.

Opening my portfolio to our last assignment I scooted it over to Bella. I am a loner by most accounts, even during class, so when I'm in a class or doing a project where a partner or group is required I normally still work alone. Since my grades are always at the top of the class, the teachers didn't usually mind.

Her beautiful dark eyes scanned my penciled sketch of Esme. The assignment had been to sketch a family member. I had drawn Esme sitting in her favorite chair reading her favorite book.

"This is amazing. She's beautiful… who is she?" She asked her eyes drifting up to my own.

"Esme, my adoptive mother."

She smiled and looked back down at the picture. "She looks quite content. She enjoys Hemmingway?" She asked pointing to the cover of the book which clearly showed the title, The Old Man and the Sea.

"She does, he's one of her favorite authors, followed by Fitzgerald and Steinbeck."

"Your mom has good taste. The Great Gatsby is one of my favorites, though I'm partial to Charlotte Bronte, myself. I think I've read Jane Eyre like fifty times."

I was more than a little shocked at her declaration. Most girls this day and age didn't even know who Earnest Hemmingway and Charlotte Bronte were, let alone read and enjoyed their works.

"Okay class, lets wrap this up," Miss. Manchester's voice once again interrupted, "I'll give you two minutes to finish up your critique. As usual write your thoughts on a separate piece of paper and it will be handed in with the portfolio."

Bella pulled out a piece of binder paper, quickly writing down how she thought I did an great job with my shading and that my detail was outstanding and handed it to me. "Here you go."

"Thanks," Folding the paper I placed it in my portfolio and closed it.

After handing in our portfolios we were then given an in-class assignment to do a colored sketch of something in the classroom. It hadn't been difficult to decide what to draw.

Her eyes.

They were the most beautiful shade of brown I had ever seen.

I was careful to include every tiny detail in my drawing, from the length of her lashes to their almond shape, even adding in a tiny freckle on the corner of her right eye lid. When the bell rang and the class ended, everyone turned in their drawings to the teacher as we exited the class.

"Bella, do you know where your next class is?" I asked as we headed down the hall towards the lockers.

I found myself extremely reluctant to leave her company, I was completely mesmerized by this beautiful, amazing, enchanting, little human, whom I only just met. I had just spent the last forty-five minutes in her presence, yet it wasn't enough, it wasn't even close to enough.

"American History, I think," She replied, pulling her schedule from her pocket. "Yep, room 115."

I grinned so widely I could literally feel it in my eyes, I didn't have to leave her yet. "Me too." This was working out perfectly. "I can walk you, if you would like."

"Um, okay."

Her blush returned, this time deeper than before, and I found that I quite liked seeing it. I could sense her feelings of course, she was attracted to me, but not in that hormonal lustful way a lot of girls at school were. It was much more innocent, wishful almost. I could sense curiosity as well but that wasn't unusual when it came to my kind. We were unnaturally beautiful and while people felt compelled to be in our presence they often felt anxious or fearful as well.

What was normally a rather frustrating forty-five minutes for me, ended up being the best history class of my life. Normally I find any high school American history class rather mundane. Unless in was pre-civil war I'd lived through it, and even then I was a wiz at the subject, it was, after all, a passion of mine. Once again I sat next to Bella, and so while Mr. Hanger droned on about the war of 1812, we sat in the back of the room passing notes. It started with a simple scribble from Bella on her notebook.

I learned this last year.

Compelled to reply I added under her note: I already know the material as well.

Is it just me, or is the teacher swaying a bit? She added laughing under her breath.

I couldn't help but smirk at her question. Mr. Hanger was at least in his eighties, and by all accounts should have retired several decades ago.

His nickname is Mr. Hangover because he always walks around like he has one.

Bella snapped her hand over her mouth attempting to muffle a boisterous laugh, though she wasn't doing a very good job of it. While the teacher didn't notice her snickering, several of the other students had. Taking a deep calming breath, she quietly apologized, then picking up her pen she added.

Maybe the reason he teaches history is because he's so old he remembers most of it personally.

It was my turn to laugh, partly at the irony of her statement, though unlike Bella I didn't even try and cover it up.

"Do you find something funny about an American casualty rate of over 15,000, Mr. Whitlock?" Mr. Hanger glared at me; I could feel his annoyance and a bit of anger too. He hasn't liked me very much since I proved him wrong on a fact about the Battle of Gettysburg.

Clearing my throat I shook my head, "Of course not sir."

"Then what exactly is it that you find so amusing?" He asked as he slowly made his way towards the back of the class.

Oh shit. While I could care less if I got in trouble I didn't want Bella taking any of the heat for it. I was the one who couldn't keep quiet. Turning to her I could see her brown eyes widen in worry as they fixed on the approaching teacher. Using my notebook, I shoved it against her own, pushing it more in front of her. She took the hint and closed it shut so our notes were no longer visible.

As Mr. Hanger reached my desk his dull eyes narrowed in irritation. He glanced at my notebook, before picking it up and flipping through it. It was mostly blank except for a few notes and small drawings in the corners of the pages. "Not taking very good notes are we Mr. Whitlock."

"I have most of it memorized sir." What I said was true, though I knew well and good he didn't care in the least.

I had assumed he would give me a zero for the day, or threaten to call Carlisle about my 'lazy behavior' he had done it before. Unfortunately, what he did next was totally unexpected. His gaze suddenly drifted to Bella, who unfortunately was as easy to read as an open book.

Fuck!

"Miss. Sawn, may I see your notebook please."

"She didn't do anything," I hissed, my hands gripping into fists. I wasn't going to let that vindictive old geezer punish her. I would protect her!

"Miss, Swan." He ignored me completely and held out his hand.

Bella sighed, as she handed her notebook to the teacher. I thought she would be mad at me, or at least annoyed but the only feelings that were coming off her were disappointment, but they weren't directed towards me. I didn't understand it at all, why would she be disappointed in herself? I was the one who couldn't stifle a laugh, I was the one that drew out Mr. Hanger's attention.

The old man sighed and shook his head as he closed her notebook handing it back to Bella. "You both have Saturday detention."

And with that the bell rang.

"I'm sorry, Jasper." She said with a sigh as we left the class. Her words were so soft had I been human I probably wouldn't have heard them. Her beautiful eyes diverted to her feet, as she shook her head. She was sad, and mad at herself.

But why?

"I don't understand Bella, I was the one who got us caught."

Her eyes slowly drifted up to meet my own. "If I hadn't started the notes in the first place none of this would have happened."

Oh.

"I know It's not a big deal," She said sadly, "I mean it's not like a detention is going on our permanent records or anything, still I feel bad."

She blamed herself, it was much more my fault then hers, at least the getting caught part, I couldn't believe how amazingly selfless this girl was.

"You shouldn't blame yourself Bella, we were both goofing off. Beside, extra time with you, even if it's in detention, couldn't possibly be a bad thing."

Her blush returned, and I found myself lifting my hand then running my cool fingers gently across her cheek. Her heart rate picked up at my touch, a small gasp escaped her pouty lips.

"Bella," her name fell from my lips like a prayer.

"Jasper!"

It wasn't Bella's sweet voice that called out my name, but that of Edward, and his tone was far from pleasant. I could feel his anger radiating off him from down the hall.

"I have to go," I sighed dropping my hand, "That's my brother."

Bella looked down the hall at Edward, her brow scrunched in confusion. "He looks mad. Why is he mad?"

I just shrugged. "I may have replaced all of the materials in his pencil pouch with my sisters make up." It wasn't a lie, I did do that, just not that day.

She giggled and shook her head. "Yes, I can imagine his frustration when he goes to grab a pencil to take notes and he comes out with a tube of mascara.

I let out a burst of laughter. She had gotten me to laugh twice in one day. Amazing woman!

"Yeah, well I better go face the music. Maybe I'll see you at lunch."

"I'd like that."

With a final good bye she headed to Literature and I headed to my mind-reading 'sibling'.

"What the hell do you think you doing?" He hissed.

"Going to my next class, now move." I purposely bumped his shoulder as I shoved past him.

"She's human," he had said it so low that no human ears could pick it up.

I knew what he meant, that I should stay away from her, that it wasn't safe to associate with her. He was very clearly angry but I could feel his fear as well. It was rare but sometimes people did realize what we were, or at least close enough for it to become a problem and we would have to move; once the situation became so detrimental that we had to eliminate the problem.

"I know what she is, Edward." I answered simply.

I knew, and I didn't care. I would see her again; I didn't think I could stay away from her if I wanted to. I had never felt like this about anyone before, not even when I had feelings for Alice. The thought had entered my mind the very moment I laid eyes on Bella, that I had finally found my other half, my soul mate. There was one person I was positive knew for sure, and rest assured I would be speaking to her soon.

I finished the test the teacher handed out in Chemistry in five minutes, after that I just sort of day dreamed, mostly about Bella. I wondered if it was too soon to ask her out on a date. Perhaps we should be friends first? Should I ask her father's permission… no too old fashion, though I should introduce myself to him, right?

When class ended I made my way to my locker putting away my books and notebooks and getting out the ones I would need for my next two classes. I then made my way to the cafeteria. While the rest of my family wasn't there just yet, Bella was being dragged by Jessica over to a table with her group of friends, one of which included Mike Newton.

There was no way in hell my Bella was going to be anywhere near that pervy little twerp.

"Bella!" I called out rushing over to her. As soon as she spotted me a sudden wave of relief washed over her. It was clear she wasn't exactly thrilled about being accosted by Jessica Stanley.

"Jasper," she let out a long breath and smiled, "Hey."

"Hey, we're still having lunch together, right?"

"Absolutely, I was just trying to tell Jessica that."

Jessica looked more than a little shocked, her hand dropping from Bella's arm. She had always had a thing for me, Edward had mentioned that her thoughts were as impure about me as Newton's were about Alice. I had shown her nothing but distain yet here I was offering to have lunch with the new girl. Yeah, that hurt her ego, maybe if we're lucky it will take it down a peg or two.

"Sorry, Jessica, maybe another time," Bella gave her an apologetic look, though she wasn't at all sorry about having to leave her.

"Yeah, sure." Jessica mumbled heading over to her regular table.

"I was thinking we could eat at the picnic tables outside", I suggested, "They have the portable heaters out there so it shouldn't be too cold."

She smiled, nodding at the idea, "Sounds great."

Just as we headed out the side door into the corridor my eyes caught the sight of the rest of the family heading in through the door adjacent to the main hall. Thankfully they didn't say anything, at least not anything I could hear.

No one else was outside, which was nice. It was chilly but not so cold that it would be uncomfortable for Bella, as long as she kept her coat on.

"So where's your lunch?" She asked picking up an apple from her tray.

"Oh, I have major food allergies so I normally bring my own lunch. Unfortunately I forgot it today."

She felt bad for me, and I wasn't surprise when she asked me if there was anything on her plate I could eat.

"Sorry," I said shaking my head, "But thanks for the offer."

"You're welcome. So, Jasper, I've heard a little bit about you from some of the other kids, but weather it's all true or not, I'm not exactly sure." She smirked at me before taking a bite of her apple.

"Hum, well what exactly have you heard?" I asked leaning in closer across the table.

I found myself watching her mouth as she chewed her piece of apple. I couldn't stop myself from thinking how amazing it would feel to press those soft, pliable, lips against my own.

"Well," Bella continued after swallowing her bite, "to start you're Dr. and Mrs. Cullen's foster kid, and that you have two brothers and two sisters."

"That is true," I said leaning back slightly, "Alice and I we're with the same foster parents for about six years, but when they moved out of the country they couldn't take us along, that's when the Cullens took us in. They took in Edward and Emmett first, they're brothers, then Rosalie and then Alice and I."

Oh course it was all a lie, but it was a very good and believable one.

"That's very kind of them, to take you all in like that."

"They're good people." Carlisle and Esme were amazing parental figures, it was just kind of frustrating to be forever stuck with the image as a teen/young adult. Sometime I just wanted to, well, grow up. "So what other rumors have been sprouting about me?" I asked.

"Let's see. You're a rebel who rides a motorcycle. You also apparently almost killed Mike Newton, something about you fighting over a girl." She was amused at the stories clearly not buying into them.

I chuckled and shook my head. "Rebel no, more of a loner, but I'm okay with that and yes I do have a motorcycle. Now as for Mike Newton, while I didn't try and kill him I did break his arm and yes it was over a girl but not over the reason your thinking I'm sure. The little vermin was telling anyone that listened that Alice let him feel her up. It was a lie of course, but people in this town…

I trailed off shaking my head, just thinking about it made me want to walk over to Newton right that second and punch his face in.

"Wow." She breathed, clearly surprised.

I thought, knowing what I did Newton and why might have upset her, even if slightly, but once again, I was incorrect in my assumptions about her feelings. I knew how she felt before the words even left her mouth.

"Well, then he deserved it." She was proud of me.

Woo. She was proud of me for kicking his ass? No, more likely for standing up for Alice, still she was proud of me.

"Not that I condone violence or anything", she elaborated, "but sometimes people need a little extra kick in the butt to put the fear of God in them, or at least that's what my dad always says."

I nodded in complete agreement, "Sounds like your dad's a smart guy."

"Well he is the Chief of Police; I would hope he didn't earn that title by being an idiot."

"Good point," I replied with a chuckle.

We spent the rest of our lunch simply chatting, a little about me, but mostly about her. I already knew she had good taste in literature, but we also shared similar interests in music and movies. Who knew a girl born in the late eighties could be into sixties rock.

When lunch was over, I decided to make my next move. I knew we didn't have any more classes together and so that moment may have been my last chance to see her for the day.

"Bella, I was wondering, can I have your phone number."

I wasn't surprised that she blushed. "Sure."

I pulled out my cell and she rattled off the number. I then sent her a quick text.

Can I call you tonight?

Looking back up at me she smiled and replied, "I'd like that."

"Great," And before she could leave I pulled her into a gentle hug. I had been afraid she would shutter as my cool embrace, but instead she sighed contently. This was a great sign and I couldn't wait to talk to her later that evening.

A/N: Trying out a new pairing. What do you think?