Bella paced the room she shared with Edward slowly, even by human standards. Her long wavy chestnut hair was twisted up in a messy bun, a distinctly worried look in her golden eyes. Bella stopped suddenly and turned her head toward the window to peer outside, trying to locate something, or more specifically someone. She saw nothing but the beautiful scenery, trees surrounding a placid mountain lake, it 's beauty was normally enough to keep her attention for hours at a time, but not today. Bella shook her head slightly and resumed pacing. Hearing soft footsteps approaching her door, Bella ceased pacing again this time facing the door. She knew by the scent of spring rain and earthiness that it wasn't going to be Edward, but instead one of her best friends, Jasper.
She didn't wait for him to knock but whispered, "Come in Jasper."
It was all she could manage, but with his vampire hearing he heard her perfectly, as if they were standing next to each other. The door opened slowly and Jasper peeked around it, his shaggy, blond hair looking like honey in the sunlight that was streaming in through the window.
"Bella, honey, your emotions they're all over the place...do you want to talk about it? 'Cause I'm here if you need me..." he said just as quietly, the sincerity and concern evident in his voice, with just a hint of his southern accent shining through.
"Thanks Jasper, but I'm ok. I'm...It's- it's just that...well it's not like Edward to be late..." Bella trailed off. She looked up at Jasper and offered him a weak smile, worry marring her usually beautiful visage. Bella hesitated, biting her bottom lip, before adding in a barely audible tone "especially not today".
Jasper studied her closely, and he was surprised to find that if she could, she would have been crying. He held out his arms and Bella fell into him shaking and sniffling, while he rubbed her back soothingly. Bella took what comfort she could from his strong arms, all the while wishing they were Edward's. After a few minutes of Jasper holding her she felt a wave of calm confidence and love descend upon her. Bella usually wouldn't like Jasper to use his gift on her, but there were times like this that she was happy to accept his influence on her emotions. Bella pulled back and smiled at Jasper, a real smile that lit up her face.

"Thanks, I needed that."
Jasper returned her smile with a stunning one of his own.

"Anytime Bella, you know that. Can I suggest something that might help?" He paused long enough to catch Bella's slight nod encouraging him to continue.

"Well, um" Bella watched Jasper with a slight smile on her face. She had never seen him seem so timid, almost embarrassed, it was endearing. Noticing her look Jasper gazed at the floor boards, his hair falling slightly in his eyes, definitely embarrassed now. "When I need to really sort something out for myself I write. I have this journal that I've kept on and off for years. I've also written fiction and history essays, but I'm getting off topic now... The point is... I have something for you." Bella watched him with obvious curiosity as he darted out of the room at vampiric speeds and was back by her side in an instant, his hands behind his back hiding his surprise.

"Alice Saw that you would need this so I thought I'd help out and make sure you had it when you needed it. I just finished it last night, looks like my timing couldn't have been better." Jasper pulled a rectangular package from behind his back and held it out for Bella. She took it from him and pulled the wrapping off eagerly, long since over her dislike of receiving gifts. Bella gasped and ran her finger tips over the most beautiful wood carving she had ever seen.

The design was simple, but extremely beautiful, a lone swan floating among a pond full of Lilly pads. Behind the pond was a stately magnolia tree whose presence completed the picturesque scene perfectly. When she had thoroughly examined the exquisite detail of the carving she noticed that not only was it a wooden carving, but the cover to a book. The book looked to be hand made and was bound in a dark, soft, mahogany toned leather. Bella opened the front cover and found all the pages blank with the exception of the first, which had a small message written upon it in a bold slanted script. It said: ' For your hopes, fears, and dreams. May it guard them well. ~ J'

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Let me know what you think...R&R....I've never written fan fiction before....