Chapter 2
When I got home, Charlie's cruiser was missing. I assumed he had probably gone over to La Push for the Saturday game. I took the stairs two at a time and threw myself on my bed, feeling hollow and empty once again. I turned my head and saw a folded note on my bedside table. Confused, I unfolded the paper.
Bella,
If you would like, come to see me. I don't blame you, and some company might be nice.
Your friend, Jasper
I frowned, uncertain as to why Jasper would want me as a friend after everything I had done. I glanced at the clock. It was only 12pm. I could either lie here alone, or go visit Jasper now. I dashed back down the stairs and clambered into my truck.
On the journey my stomach twisted into knots. I had never disliked Jasper, yet nor had I ever really got to know him. He had always been careful to keep his distance. I had no idea what I would say to him, how to even begin…. Before I knew it I saw the large white house. He was waiting outside the door, his arms by his sides, eyes wide.
I took a deep breath and got out of the car. He looked like a God, as all vampires do, although surpise was written on his countenance. I wondered why, after all, he was the one who had asked me to come over.
"Hi," I said, smiling awkwardly.
"Hello," he replied, equally as uncomfortable.
"I, er, got your note."
"I didn't expect to see you so soon. Please come in, Bella."
I followed him in to the house, realising that it looked bare. Most of the furniture was still there, but lots of the paintings, vases and ornaments were gone. It felt like a ghost of the home it once was.
"Would you like anything to drink?" Jasper asked politely.
"Er, sure," I mumbled, hoping a soda would ease the twisting in my gut.
He appeared almost instantly with a can of cola, and indicated to me to sit on the sofa. I sat down, and opened my soda, looking at Jasper warily. I wasn't exactly sure what to do or say, so I thought as he had asked me here I would let him start the conversation.
"Bella, I saw what you did in the car today," he said, weakly for a vampire, "It really hurt me, seeing you do that to yourself. I didn't come over for obvious reasons, but please, please tell me what I can do to help."
He looked at me with pain and desperation in his eyes. This surprised me, I hadn't expected him to have still been watching me, and I certainly hadn't expected him to care quite so much.
"Jasper, I- you can't… it's my way of…. coping," I stammered, feeling completely mortified.
He looked at me, pleading with his eyes. I tried to look nonchalant, but soon felt the familiar hot rush of tears down my face. As I cried, my pain rose. Soon I was sobbing hysterically. Suddenly I felt icy arms wrap around me.
"Shhh, Bella, it's okay."
Wait a second, Jasper was comforting me? It should be the other way round. I was the one who had ruined his life, took away everything he ever had. I didn't know what to say to him. And now he was having to comfort me. I felt horrible, selfish.
I lifted my head, looking into his golden eyes. The air in the room seemed to stand still, I felt my stomach flip. I realised I wasn't breathing, nor was he. Our noses were almost touching, his arms around me. We stared at each other for what seemed like hours. After an eternity, Jasper suddenly moved away from me.
"Bella, I'm sorry, I don't know what I wa- you should go."
Ok, now I was really confused. He was ordering me to leave? Suddenly, I realised. Of course, he finally understood what a monster I was. Shame reddened my cheeks. I turned and started for the door.
"Bella…."
I turned around. Jasper was still standing where he was, looking at me with a mix of pain and wonder.
"I'll… I'd like it if you came back. You shouldn't feel shame, I don't blame you."
I nodded and headed for my truck.
