MELTING MOON

/O;\\

CHAPTER THREE

CRASH AND CALM

/O;\\

"I don't even know what to say to that…" I stated as the music coming through the radio faded out. Bella blinked, "What's wrong with the music I listen to?" It was my turn to blink. I cleared my throat, tugging on my suspenders, "I'm not even going to honor that question with an answer." Bella pouted as I cautiously exited the truck. I eyed the snow around the truck as I tip toed forward, heading for the school building (s). I resisted the urge to glare at Edward once I spotted him across the lot.

"Bella! Let's go on inside!" I called, looking over my shoulder to look at my twin.

Everything fuzzed together then. The squealing of a skidding van hit my ears first, then the actual van coming towards Bella. Words died on my lips as I darted forward, satchel forgotten in the snow. I was inches away from the front of the van as an arm wrapped around my waist. I let out a screech, my body moving away from the truck too fast for my eyes to process. I was back where I was to begin with, too far away from Bella to do anything.

I looked up, expecting to see blood and bones everywhere only to see Edward crouched over Bella, hand against the van. Bella's mouth moved as she sat up, people beginning to crowd around them. I furrowed my brows as I looked down in relief. 'What just happened?' I thought, spotting an unfamiliar shoe print in the snow. The print rested right beside one of mine, turned in the same direction.

I pulled out my iPod, quickly snapping a picture of it as I stood up. I walked forward to the truck, shoving past everyone. I marched forward, jerking Edward away from Bella.

"H-hey!" Bella protested as I bent down next to her. I glared at her, "You bitch. You scared the fuck out of me." I hugged her, "I'm so glad you're alright." Bella stuttered, a blush covering her face as I released her. I turned away from her, standing up to confront Edward. The sound of sirens hit my ears as I shoved a finger in his chest.

"What the hell was that? You were across the lot; how did you get to Bella so fast?" I hissed, jerking back my hand. His expression turned hard as his eyes smothering me. It was like he was trying to seduce me with his eyes. Edward lowered his voice, "Arianna, I was standing next to Bella the whole time, I pulled her out of the way."

"The hell you did." I snapped, turning my back to him. "Watch yourself, Cullen. Your secret is slipping." I muttered, shoving back through the crowd to grab my satchel.

The EMTs began to load Bella on to a stretcher, putting a neck brace on her after Edward informed them that she had hit her head. I scored a blackmail picture of Bella in the brace before Dad arrived, fluttering around Bella like a chicken with its head cut off.

My suspensions towards the Cullens increased as I noted that none of them came forward to check and see if Edward was okay. Their expressions ranged from disapproval to outright fury. I had told Charlie that he could return to work, that I'd take the truck home and take care of Bella once he dropped her off.

I waited till the amberlamps (ambulances) left. I nearly doubled over laughing once I saw the (most likely) entire school leave to see if Bella was alright. I flicked a piece of my hair over my shoulder as I gazed around the school, noting in distaste that the Cullens still populated the area. I turned my nose to them, spotting one of my notebooks in the snow. I sighed, jogging over to grab the black composition notebook.

The crunch of snow hit my ears as I turned my head, my eyes meeting Jasper's. "Lovely morning, isn't?" I asked, placing my notebook back into my satchel, walking towards the truck. Jasper fell in step with me, "In a way." I rolled my eyes, Jasper walking a little in front of me due to his long legs.

I opened my voice to say something but began to slide backwards on a sheet of ice. An arm stopped my fall, catching me and setting my back up just as I caught a glimpse of his foot print. I blinked in shock as his footprint matched the one I had taken a picture of.

"Are you alright, ma'am?" Jasper asked, raising an eyebrow. I straightened my (*cough*his*cough*) beanie and smiled, "Never better." I patted his back and stepped around the ice, prancing to the car, questions on the edge of my tongue. I pulled the car keys out of my back pocket and hopped into the car, cranking the car and rolling down the window.

"What can I do for you, good sir?" I asked, holding up my pinky. Jasper shook his head slightly, a small smirk gracing his face. "Would like me to drive you home, ma'am?" I blinked then looked at the wheel of the hunk of metal. "Are you comfortable with that?" I asked, knowing he usually preferred to keep his distance from me. I didn't know why but rolled with it.

Jasper nodded and I slid across the seat to the passenger side. I smiled, "Hop on in, soldier!"

The car ride home was filling with random outbursts in songs that came on the radio. I tipped my head backwards as Jasper onto the street I lived on, "How will you get home?" Jasper turned his head to look at me, "I'll walk, as I did yesterday."

"What are you?" I blurted, nearly slamming my head on the dashboard to punish myself. Jasper pulled into my drive way, not looking at me. "Pardon me for answering you question with a question," Jasper said, stiffly. "but what exactly are you asking me, ma'am?"

I looked at Jasper as I spoke, "You're different but not in the same way I am." I took a deep breath, gripping my necklace. "You're not…human, are you?" Jasper turned his head, his eyes a shade darker than before. "My apologies, Arianna, but I cannot answer your question."

I shrugged, "If you don't want to tell me, so be it. I don't know you well enough to really care so…" I trailed off. I dropped the subject and nodded towards the house, "Would you like to come inside?" Jasper shook his head, a curl falling in his face. "I'm needed at home today."

I hid my disappointment with an award winning smile, "That's fine. Thank you for driving me home." Jasper nodded his head and slipped out of the truck without another word.

/O;\\

The next month Bella still held everyone's attention believe it or not. Tyler followed her everywhere and Bella was barely able to keep me from cussing him out his third week of following Bella around. Bella and I had been completely ignored by the Cullens, Alice cancelling last minute. My hate for Edward Cullen spread to an increasing hate for all the Cullens (and Hales). I still wore Jasper's beanie every day, whether it was on my head or in my pocket. I had still managed to keep my lunch table in the corner mine and no one else's.

The Girls' Choice Spring Dance was coming up quick and I about peed myself because I was so excited when I spotted the flyer. It had been a while since I had gone dancing. In Arizona, I was known widely around the school as 'The Girl Partying in the Wrong State' or 'The Cali Girl'. I had had the cops called on me several times because of some of the wild parties I threw. I remembered overhearing Renee telling Charlie about my 'wild partying problem' as mother dubbed it. As soon as Bella mentioned leaving to Seattle instead of going to the dance, Dad flipped out and began warning me about my 'partying problem'.

My followers had stopped stalking me once the (true) rumors about my partying problems leaked out. Bella had been cornered several times but she turned down the poor souls each time.

I shook my head as Bella pulled into a parking spot. I yawned widely as Bella hopped out of the car, dropping her keys. I watched as Edward suddenly appeared next to Bella. Annoyance immediately marked my emotions as he snatched the keys off the ground and handed them to Bella.

"You Cullens just can't stay away, can you?" I snapped, glaring at the bronze haired teen. I grabbed my saxophone and shoved open the door, slamming it shut so hard the truck groaned in protest. My fingers were curled tightly around the handle of my saxophone case, my nails threatening to break skin as I stomped into my first class, history.

The teacher was absent from the room and I had successfully gained everyone's attention. My heels clicked heavily against the ground as I walked to my seat in the back of the classroom, perfectly content with my partner-less table. There were an odd number of students in the classroom and I had convinced Ms. Daubs that I was perfectly fine with not having a partner.

I set my saxophone in the empty seat and plopped down in my seat. I glared at every set of eyes I met and snapped, "Last time I checked, I'm not a circus attraction so down the hell around." I smirked as almost everyone's eyes left my figure; the only remaining eyes on me were Jasper and Alice's.

"Good morning, Ari!" Alice chirped and I looked over at her, a little surprised. "What do I owe this honor?" I said, sarcastically, bowing in my seat, mockingly. Alice cringed as the teacher walked into the classroom. I turned my head, feeling a little bad for being rude to the small teen.

'Remember-' I reminded myself. '-she's the one that's been ignoring you for the past month.'

Ms. Daubs quickly took roll before making an announcement that almost made me cry, "Alright, class, I'm changing the seating arrangements." I instantly began to shrink down in my seat and stared at the door, hoping someone would come in and save me.

Ms. Daubs looked down at her list then back at me, "Arianna, you'll be sitting with-" 'Please don't be-' "-Jasper." '…fuck my life.'

I reluctantly set my saxophone down beside me, not turning my head an inch as Jasper sat beside me. The beanie in my pocket suddenly felt very heavy as Jasper sat down beside me. I tried not to look at the curly haired man as I focused on the table below my slender fingers. Ms. Daubs continued to call out new seating arrangements as Jasper spoke softly, "Arianna…please listen for a moment."

The beanie grew another ounce as I kept my eyes trained on the table, counting the small minerals in the granite. Jasper called my name again but his sentence was cut off by Ms. Daubs beginning to her lesson. Throughout the rest of the class, Jasper would try to gain my attention whenever he could but I dismissed him every time. It was petty, yes, but if he had the audacity to ignore me, I'd do the same.

I jumped as the bell rang, jerking up all of my stuff quickly. I managed to weave through everyone and get out of the classroom first, heading in the direction my next class. I slammed my body against the door that led outside, the door flying open as I stumbled out the doorway. I shifted all the things in my hands so they wouldn't be hit by the rain. I jerked back slightly as someone grabbed my jacket. I spun on my heel and, on reflex, my leg shooting up in a roundhouse kick. My ankle was caught a good foot and a half away from his face.

I flicked a piece of hair out of my face, processing the face into front of me. "Jasper?!" I nearly shrieked, "The fuck, man! I almost nailed you in the face with my fucking stiletto!" I cursed, more worried than pissed as I jerked my leg out of his grasp. "What do you want?" I asked as the rain continued to pound.

"I'm sorry." Jasper said, trying to meet my eyes. "I had no right to offer you friendship then ignore your existence." I felt my cheeks begin to get hot as I was put on the spot. My hair was plastered to my cheeks, covering the uprising pink on my cheeks. I nervously shoved my hand into my pocket, my hand meeting the softness fabric of Jasper's beanie. I looked at Jasper, a slight pleading look in his eyes.

I cracked a smile, "Damned puppy dog eyes. Your brother still owes me a happy meal, ya know?" I indirectly apologized since coming straight out and saying it just didn't work with me. Jasper's body sagged slightly and I realized we were both soaked to the bone.

"Jasper…" I said, glancing at my soaking stack of books. Jasper met my eyes, showing me he was listening. "…is there any way you'd like to drive me home to change?" Jasper cursed in realization, jerking a jacket out of his bag and wrapping it around me in one smooth motion. I blinked as Jasper was suddenly behind me, a hand on my waist turning and beginning to lightly push my body towards the truck.

My feet decided to walk and I struggled to keep up with Jasper's pace. We quickly loaded in the truck, the rumble of the engine hitting my ears before I could put on my seatbelt. I clicked the seatbelt into place as Jasper smoothly maneuvered the truck out of the parking space. I looked him, grinning; thrilled by the sudden batch of attention I was getting since attention was something I had never had much of.

"I don't know how to respond to how fast you moved back there." I said, wrapping Jasper's jacket tighter around my body in a search for warmth. "All I know is that it was frickin' awesome." Jasper smirked slightly, "I'm happy you've been impressed by my speed." I held my hands against my head then moved them a few inches away, "Plus 10 ego points."

Jasper rolled his eyes as he drove past the turn off for my house, "Do you mind if we go to my house?" I shook my head, "Dad could be home and if I came home earlier he'd know I skipped. Unless I lie but I'm too tired to come up with a convincing lie." I babbled, eyes wandering as they landed on the speedometer.

"Why the hell are you going so fast?!" I shrieked looking at the needle as it came close to passing over ninety. I grabbed Jasper's arm in panic, my other arm latching onto the door handle. Jasper looked at me, raising a smug eyebrow, "I thought you were an adrenaline junky."

"I am!" I protested. "But do I look like fucking Speedy Gonzalez?!" Jasper snickered lightly, slowing down the creaking vehicle. I relaxed my grip on Jasper's arm then poked his arm, curiously. Jasper looked down at me, questions in his eyes. "Eyes on the rode!" I nagged, teasingly. Jasper sighed, mockingly, but turned his eyes back to the road. I poked his arm again and looked at the blond.

"Is there a reason your skin is so hard?" I asked, poking random spots on his body to test my theory. Jasper was silent for a moment, "There is a reason but I'd prefer not to share yet." 'Yet…' I hummed in curiosity but didn't push him as he turned the steering wheel.

I poked Jasper's arm again, eyeing the cloth covering his arm. I lifted up his sleeve and gaped, "Why have you been hiding this from me?" Jasper looked at me, confused. I pointed to his arm, "You've have this beautiful arm muscle all this time and haven't bothered to show me! What's wrong with you?" I asked seriously. Jasper dipped his head, "My apologies ma'am but the subject of how muscular I am has had yet to cross a conversation between us until now." I took a moment to process what he said.

"…Hey! I speak sarcasm here, not you!" I protested smiling as Jasper smiled slightly. A comfortable silence fell around us as Jasper pulled up to a large house. I could barely make out the outline through the windshield. I moved to open the door but it was already opened and Jasper was holding it open, rain drops splashing against his face. I stumbled out of the car, slightly awed by how handsome Jasper could be.

My heart instantly went to the house in front of me. It had a slight Victorian theme to it, glass walls beaded with rain. Flowers surrounded the white house, adding to the beauty of the house. It looked to be older, not had modernly built as other house I'd seen. It was something that looked to be something that came from the storybooks I still read.

Jasper grasped my waist gently tugging me forward. I came back from my own world and looked up at Jasper, "Is anyone home?" Jasper dipped his head, "Esme." His eyes didn't meet mine as I noted the darker shade of golden.

In the time the Cullens had ignored me, I had come to the conclusion that Jasper reacted my scent. He'd only stand close when his eyes were a brighter shade of golden than they were earlier. When I would flip my hair back over my shoulder, his eyes would darken a shade.

I zipped up Jasper jacket around me, trying to mentally will my smell to disappear. I inwardly laughed at myself as I continued to will my smell away. Jasper snapped his head down to me, eyes fading back to the gold they were before. I shrunk back slightly at the gaze he was giving me, his entire demeanor changing. He stood straight; his aura was that of a soldier.

"Jasper?" I called, fright chilling my voice. "How did you do that?" He asked. I furrowed my brows, my hand clutching the necklace around my neck nervously, "I didn't do anything." I felt overexposed as Jasper ran his eyes over my face. Jasper's eyes look its hardness and his posture relaxed, the tighter grip on my waist disappearing. I grimaced, knowing bruises would remain in the morning.

"I apologize if I startled you, ma'am." Jasper said, sincerely. I shook my head, walking up the steps to the porch of the glass house. "No harm, no foul." I said, smiling falsely. My façade had been perfected over the years as I pulled happiness for a small section of my body, trying to spread it over my face like peanut butter on a slice of bread. Jasper sent me a smile as he stepped up the steps as well; opening the door and holding it open for me.

My suspicions increased as I stepped into the house, perfection reflecting on the house. I inwardly frowned, wondering just what the Cullens were hiding from the world.

From me.

/O;\\

A/N: I hate how Stephenie Meyer almost literally describes every little thing that goes on in the book. It kinda pisses me off because it's so hard to find what I need in the book for reference.

I hope you enjoyed. Please be kind enough to review. Or leave a favorite. Or follow. Thanks!

Yours Truly,

Veila