Bella POV
Thoughts raced through my mind, but they couldn't compete with the speed of my heart. Jasper's arm was firmly wrapped around my shoulders as he directed me out of the college corridors and into the parking lot. He moved quickly and efficiently and I found myself skipping every few steps in an effort to keep pace.
I glanced up in a weak attempt to work out what was going on. We need to talk. The words written across the card echoed in my mind. Truth was, I didn't want to talk to him. In fact, I didn't want to be anywhere near him. My heart was most palpably a ticking time bomb and was no doubt waiting for the first opportunity to betray me.
Jasper's face was a smooth facade. I couldn't identify a particular reaction from his expression, which was extremely frustrating considering he could directly reach into my emotional reserve and dismember me at a moments notice. The decent thing to do would have been to give me a hint— Jeez, even just a smile or a frown to give me some idea of what was going on.
Jasper had plagued my thoughts over the weekend. Emmett was gracious enough to let it slide, but I knew he'd also like answers soon. I wasn't doing a terrific job of convincing Emmett that I was okay after my freak out marathon of fainting sessions, or when I kept staring out the window for extended periods of time, oblivious to the world around me.
I kept thinking back to Saturday in the bookstore. I still felt guilty about the situation; Jasper had no doubt reacted to my emotional position after I had violated his space with my incessant desire. Our union had become the single most erotic, profound and downright embarrassing situation of my life. I didn't have a clue what it meant to him.
When we reached Jasper's bike, I gulped. He wasn't expecting me to ride with him, right? I looked to Jasper for guidance on the matter, and a small smile played on his lips. He handed me the helmet without a word and sat his ass on the bike. Get a grip, Swan. This isn't rocket science; it's just Jasper. I took a deep breath and attempted to explain my thoughts. I can do this. It's just Jasper. Just Jasper. Just Jasper. It became my mantra, as I pulled myself together and onto the bike.
Unsure of the social aspects of riding with someone else, I didn't know if I was sitting too close or to far. I had only ever driven a bike by myself, and I was a little unsure of how I felt with someone else in control. If Jasper noticed, he didn't say anything.
Obviously aware of my hesitation, Jasper reached behind and slowly ran his hands around my outer thighs. He firmly grasped and pulled me closer to him. Unaware of his moves, I slipped and fell flush against his back. We were joined at every conceivable point, and I thanked the heavens above that he couldn't see my face right now. Shock and embarrassment was splashed across my face. I realized this wasn't, unlike the fantasies. I mentally kicked myself.
Jasper had not uttered a single word since he introduced himself to Ben and I, while I might as well have not shut up for all the talking my emotions were doing. Jasper's cold hands made me jump; in my daze, I hadn't realized he had now moved my arms around his waist. To onlookers we must have looked like the epitome of motorbike romance. I was now leaning deep into his shoulder, breathing in his scent.
He leaned backwards slightly. I could feel his cold breath on my neck, as he no doubt could feel my warmth on his face. I looked deep into his eyes; they were dark, intensely black. I wondered if I had the courage or insanity to move forward less than an inch and thrust my lips upon his. I could see he was as hungry as I was, but I didn't know if it was for my blood or my body. I could feel the electricity flowing freely, and knew that Jasper's lack of control it would probably end up both.
"Hold tight, little lady," he grinned.
He snapped his head away from mine and hit the gas. I didn't have time to respond but, thankfully, once again Jasper was in charge. He had secured my arms to his chest with one of his and, within seconds, we were out of the parking lot and flying along winding roads.
I was grateful for the drive and the time to think. I truly had to collect my thoughts as Jasper seemed to be leading this merry dance and that idea didn't sit well with me at all. I haven't gotten through the last three years at someone else's wheel. I wanted to take the proverbial bull by the horns and stop thinking in cheesy analogies.
We pulled into a small car park, where a comprehensive National Forest sign was hidden behind wild growth. Fantastic; he's taken me out for his dinner. I couldn't blame him, though. I hadn't even asked him where we were going or thought to stop him along the way. I hopped off the back of the bike and handed him his helmet back, my legs still a little uneasy from the ride.
He didn't let go for a few moments, and looked as though he was fighting an internal battle. Jasper must have come to an agreeable conclusion as he swung his legs off the bike and smiled at me politely.
"Isabella, I would like to take you to a small river nearby. It's somewhere I like to go to think. I know I should have asked you what you would like to do sooner, but I was wondering if you would like to come with me and enjoy this pleasant surprise?"
He looked, dare I say, hopeful? Did he think I would say no?
"Sure," I said, hesitating for a moment at his cordial tone. "I mean, I'm not hurting you, am I?"
The thought that I could hurt a vampire was laughable, down right ridiculous, even, but I didn't know how else to delicately ask if my blood made him hungry or if he found ignoring my tempting veins trying.
"No, that's something I wanted to talk to you about. I am in complete control right now, although I do understand if you don't trust me."
He looked down to the ground, fidgeting with his hands. I had never seen Jasper nervous before; he glanced in to the trees as if to ignore my answer nonchalantly.
"I trust you, Jasper," I stated clearly.
His face turn to mine and I could see he was trying to find a flaw in my emotions. I told no lie, and he stepped forward, arms stretched out.
"May I?" He asked.
I nodded. The thought of Jasper touching me again was enough to hitch my breath. He lifted me onto his back, and we took off into the woods. I closed my eyes and breathed in pecan. It was warm and sweet and comforting. We ran for a few minutes before I found myself back on my feet. I opened my eyes and gasped. It was beautiful; we were in a small seclusion with a scenic landscape view of the city. The cliff's side was a safe distance away from my clumsiness, and the trees caved rising above us like a shelter. Jasper had moved and was now sitting at the edge, his feet dangling into oblivion.
"Come," he held his hand out, and I walked to him.
I took Jasper's hand in my own and edged closer, accepting the help to set me down beside him. We both took a moment to collect ourselves. I looked out across the city, which was now surrounded by green, mountainous land. I wondered if Jasper felt the same connection when I touched him. It was like losing control of my body, and my thoughts, movements, my everything, it felt like everything revolved around Jasper. I had heard people describe him as charismatic; maybe this is what they meant?
I could see in the corner of my eye that he was watching me, but I didn't move. If he wanted to say something, then he was going to be the one to start, as I sure as hell didn't know what I was going to say.
"Bella, first and foremost, I wanted to apologize." I turned to face him, surprised. "The night of your birthday, I acted in the most despicable way. You were a member of the Cullen family, and I tried to kill you."
I snapped my neck up. He wanted to talk about that? Of all things.
"Jasper, I forgave you a long time ago. You're a vampire. I'm human, and I happened to be bleeding, it's really not a big issue. Please don't make it one," I begged, embarrassment resurfacing.
"I spent the last few years working on my control. For you, Bella, in your name, you've been my strength, and for the first time, I'm proud of myself. I never thought I would be as strong as the others." He paused, looking out over the city. "I have to say that I'm sorry, Bella. If it wasn't for my actions, things might be different now. It was a selfish sacrifice on my behalf."
He was still looking out over the city, the sun was beginning to turn. I felt perfectly at ease. I could see why he liked to come out here. We sat in a comfortable silence for a long while, letting Jasper's trueness resonate.
"Can I tell you some of the things I thought about after you left, Jasper?" He nodded. "It felt like I died. After Edward left me in the woods, Sam Uley found me in an awful state. Thankfully, I contracted pneumonia and spent a week in hospital. I don't know what would have—" I started rambling, trying to get all the information out as fast as possible.
"He did what?"
I looked at Jasper, who was livid and shaking. Rage and anger were sketched across his face.
"Listen, Jasper. This isn't a happy tale. He broke my heart. If you want to know what happens, please let me explain, okay?" I tried to smile to convince him that I was okay.
He simply nodded, allowing me to continue.
"He told me he didn't love me in the woods and ran off like the coward he was. He told me I was no good for him and that he was bored with playing human. He told me it would be like he never existed, but yet he took everything, Jasper: the photos, his music, my gifts, my heart. It took me almost a year before I found the strength to leave the house, and the next year I spent in therapy trying to hold myself together. I felt like an addict. I'm finally clean and out of love with Edward and the Cullen's. Sometimes the need to be around your kind comes back, but I know it will only kill what's left of my sanity."
I tried to determine Jasper's response. He was still holding my hand firmly. From what I remembered of him in Forks, he was a man of few words. The most I had ever heard him speak was during the chase from James and even then, it was organized and compact, not conversational. He had remained quite silent in the hotel room, although it was a comfortable silence. He seemed to be analyzing everything I was saying and matching it to my emotions. His smile was both calming and encouraging. I knew that he could feel how hard it was for me to talk about the past, but I wouldn't let it consume me.
"It's taken a lot of hard work, heartache and time to get to where I am now, Jasper. I've grown up. I've learned from my mistakes. It's okay for me to admit the problems in our relationship. The control, the power play, it wasn't right. We didn't have anything in common, and we were always fighting. I thought that just because I loved him it would be enough. It wasn't."
Jasper's smile increased, and I could feel a trickle of pride. I wondered if he knew he was projecting?
"Edward still loves me, doesn't he?"
It was the one answer I didn't need to hear. I knew deep down inside that Edward was stubborn enough to believe their leaving would be for my best interests. It didn't take long to think back to a conversation in Phoenix where Edward told me he would leave if I wasn't safe and I'm pretty sure that Jasper launching himself at my blood constituted as a red fucking flag.
"In a sense, yes."
I let out a deep sigh.
"It doesn't change anything, Jasper. I don't love Edward anymore. He's made too many mistakes, he never asked me what I wanted, and I took it upon myself to tell him instead. Edward said I was being stupid and couldn't possibly understand what I'd be giving up by becoming an immortal."
"He might be right about that," Jasper mused."But then, the Cullen's were never the same without you, and I think they underestimated what they would be giving up by leaving you. Your love and acceptance for what we are, well, it gave us back a bit of our humanity. You were the glue that held us together. I had no idea you were at Dartmouth, let alone the bookstore — it's like fate has destined you to be in our lives, one way or another."
I couldn't help the blush that appeared at his casual reference of the bookstore incident. Thankfully my belly saved the day and gave a short grumble.
"It's getting late, we should get you home and fed."
He stood gracefully, lifting me with him. I realized we had been holding hands throughout the entire conversation, but I didn't want to let go. For the first time in years I felt relaxed, and I was pretty sure it wasn't because of Jasper's ability, but Jasper himself. We were now stood facing each other, almost flush.
"Isabella," he spoke softy, brushing a stray strand of hair from my face. "I was wondering if you would allow me an opportunity to get to know you? I never spent much time in your company, but I have always considered you a friend. My control is much better now, and I'd like to get to know the new you."
I smiled. Slow and steady. I could do with that. It was strange how we had never spoken more than a few words in the past, and here we are, running out of time but not things to say. There was still so much more we need to talk about, so much I don't like to think about it. He shrugged off his jacket and placed it around my shoulders. Once again we were face to face, and my thoughts were consumed with Jasper. I wondered if he tasted as sweet as he smells?
Before I had time to move, Jasper had picked me up, and we were running back to his bike. I curled into the crook of his neck. The sun had set, and the sky was littered with stars. It was pure joy running with Jasper. He held me tightly to his hard chest, and I could almost fall asleep under his graceful bounds. Opening my eyes slowly, I took in my surroundings. We were back in the parking lot next to his bike, which was now parked next to a large white jeep.
"Jeez, Bella, I leave you alone for a few hours and you steal my brother to have your wicked way in the woods. You're a real wildcat!" Emmett's booming laugh echoed around the woodlands.
A fresh rush of blood made its way across my cheeks as Emmett wrapped me into a bear grip.
"Can't. Breathe, Em" I choked out.
He released me from his assault, and I could now see that that Jasper was standing with the blond vampire from the bookstore and both were watching our interactions intently.
"Bella," Jasper said, "I'd like you to meet Peter."
Emmett's POV
I knew Peter and Charlotte were hunting, and Rose was in town shopping. Jasper was collecting Bella from college, and yet here I was, stood with my hands in Bella's underwear drawer. Nice, I thought sarcastically, trust me to draw the short straw. I grabbed a few lacy pieces, gulping and put them in the bag on the bed. I tried not to visualize what it was I was touching or where it would be going.
Rose had told me to pack an overnight bag; we were kidnapping Bella. Peter told us there was gonna be some freaky rainstorms coming, and college would be closed for a few days. I wanted to spend time with my little sister but not at this expense. I was tired of Edward telling me to "leave Bella alone" and to "get off Bella" or simply, "No, Emmett". Like I'd hurt her any more than he has. Bastard, I growled. I slammed the drawer shut. Why couldn't Rose do this? I don't want to touch these.
I glanced through the closet trying to figure out what to pack next. I decided to take a pair of jeans; I was sure Rose would have extra clothes anyway. Well, well, what do we have here? There on the floor, behind an abundance of shoes, was a leather-bound book. I looked over my shoulder to the bookcase in the corner. Hmm, there's plenty of open space, so why's this on the floor? I picked up the volume and flipped it over in my hand. It looked, well, old. I opened it up. There was no writing on the cover but inside was handwriting.
I slammed it shut. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Please tell me it's not Bella's journal. I opened it up again to check the handwriting, arguing that otherwise I wouldn't know if it was Bella's or not. I opened it the last page. It didn't look like Bella's writing. It looked like, Jasper's? Why would Bella have Jasper's journal? What the hell was going on with those two?
I started reading. I knew it was wrong, but I wanted to find out what Jasper had been up to and why his journal was in Bella's closet.
The bookshop reunion had been entertaining, but then things started to get all crazy. It was like they were the only two people in the room. All gooey eyes and touchy feely. Peter told me to leave it, but there was no way Jasper was gonna make a move. His reputation for control wasn't just limited to blood. Ever since his divorce, he's been juggling woman left, right, and center. The lucky bastard.
A quick peek can't hurt, right? I started skipping through pages and found some pencil drawings. A few faces, pretty girls. I kept flipping. Jasper was a brilliant sketcher, but he rarely showed anyone his work. Why would he be sending Bella his sketches, of other girls? I kept flipping. Pages of writing, pages of writing—, Holy Fucking Shit!
Holding the book sideways, I was greeted to a detailed sketch of a woman lying on a bed, spread eagle, touching herself. Nice. No! Wait a minute. What the fuck? Does Bella know she has this? Oh Jesus, she hasn't seen this, has she? She's doesn't touch her—, Oh Jesus, stop thinking. Think of something else—, anything.
I looked back to the book and saw a handwritten index next to the drawing. I read the first few points—oh fuck. I found the Major's own personal kama Sutra. The book was a legend amongst the Cullen men, boasting positions and techniques never even considered before. Apparently it teaches you everything.
Oh fuck. I dropped the book. I needed to have a fucking chat with Jasper. Or not. He'd tear me a new one if he found out I've been rooting through his secret lover's closet. But. Bella. Oh shit, what have I done? What has Jasper done? Has he been tutoring her? Don't answer that!
I grabbed the bag off the bed, replacing the book back in its hiding place as best I could. I ended up spending ten minutes trying to pace it exactly right. Please, please please don't let Bella notice. It's better for everyone if we just ignore this ever happened.
I went out to the Jeep. Peter was going to meet me at Jasper's bike. We thought it would be best that Bella meet Peter somewhere neutral. I mean, I know she's all-fine with vampires, but well, Peter feed from humans. It's a bit different. Then we planned to tell her about Charlotte yada yada yada, and then I get to rematch her to level 13! Score!
Twenty minutes later, I stood with Peter in the parking lot. My mind raced through 101 things it shouldn't. Was Bella okay? What the hell is going on with Jasper, are they together? They sure looked cozy in the bookstore. Peter said something, and I thought I heard him say that they were before, but it made no sense. I looked up and saw Jasper place Bella down on to her feet.
Shit, shit— cover your tracks. Don't just stand there, man. Say something!
"Jeez, Bella! I leave you alone for a few hours and you steal my brother to have your wicked way in the woods. You're a real wildcat!"
I immediately regretted my words. Remember, next time, think then speak! I instinctively grabbed her into a hug. Grasping at the dream she's still my baby Bella. Sweet innocent little Bella. I shot Jasper a death glare over her shoulder. He stood with Peter. Wise choice. I'll work out what to do with him later.
"Can't. Breath. Em"
"Oh shit, sorry. Forgot you were there, squirt." That was when Jasper interrupted.
"Bella, I'd like you to meet Peter."
Jasper's POV
I didn't need to be an Empath to feel the waves of excitement coming from Peter. I was unsure of how Bella would take his lifestyle, or him for that matter. Peter was an arrogant bastard, and his enthusiasm seemed to be focused solely on Bella. I made a mental note to keep a tight reign on his emotions fearing mischief may make an appearance. If Emmett was the joker, then Peter was most certainly the prankster. The thought of the two of them continuously together was a dangerous combination.
"Hi, Peter. It's nice to meet you," Bella replied sweetly.
"It is, isn't it." He puffed his chest out, plastering on his most charming smile.
I inwardly groaned. Yep, he's in one of those moods.
We made our way in to the jeep, and I mumbled to Emmett about how I would collect my bike later. There was no chance I was letting Bella ride alone with double trouble. I helped her in to the back and tried to shake off the idea of how warm her hand was against my own. She slid over the seats, and I shuffled in beside her. We exchanged slightly nervous smiles in recognition of our new found friendship.
"Well, Bella. You've just been kidnapped. Could have put up a better fight!" Emmett remarked.
Bella looked shocked for a moment, then I felt her warmth and anticipation as she worked out that she was coming to stay with us. I couldn't suppress my smile; she truly was looking forward to spending time with us. I had to say, my faith in Bella wanting to see the rest of the family had been knocked for a minute after she told me the heartbreak she had suffered after we left.
I knew it would be difficult. I could feel how much love she had for each of us. Even me. I was humbled by that notion. No one had ever accepted me so easily. The loss of the whole family would have no doubt been devastating, and I know we all took a piece of the blame. I paid close attention to her emotions during our talk, and although she seemed to be telling the truth, I believed she has gotten over Edward. I didn't feel any sympathy for him when she spoke, just acceptance. She was always so forgiving. After he left her like that, she still looked back on their time together with mild affection.
Emmett piped up again, "I don't know if Jasper told you, but we're staying with Peter and his mate Charlotte." He looked almost stern for a moment and, without missing a beat, added, while looking straight at me, "and I want everyone on their best behavior."
What the hell is with Emmett? His emotions were all over the place.
"Okay, cool, who else is going to be there?" Bella asked, clearly not minding Emmett's weird behavior.
"Well, there's me and my mate Charlotte who's dying to meet the human." He shot Bella a wink. "Emmett and Jasper, Oh, and Rosalie as well. That's it. We're keeping you for a few days, got some shitty weather coming in, you'll be safe with us."
Peter gave Bella a moment to fill in the fact that Rosalie was waiting at home. I felt, fear, rejection and longing emanate from her. Not the feelings I was expecting. Then again, Bella never did do what we expected her to do.
I overheard a few conversations between Peter and Rose since we arrived last week. I wasn't sure what Rose was planning; she had been quiet on the situation since we found Bella was in Hanover. I knew Rose felt guilty since we left, it consumed her some-days. I hoped the girls would be able to come to an agreement of sorts.
I didn't have time to consider any further; we were pulling into Peter's driveway. Charlotte and Rose were waiting by the porch, gossiping away. A giant smile appeared on each face, and what ever they were taking about abruptly ended as we pulled to a stop. In vampire speed, I collected Bella's over night bag and made my way to open her door. Once again, I took her hand and helped her out. I spotted Rose's smirk. We made our way around to the front of the house, and Peter introduced Bella to Charlotte. Without hesitating, Charlotte wrapped Bella into a tight hug.
"It's so nice to you finally meet you, sweetheart, I've heard a lot about you," she winked.
Oh shit. Bella was going to die of embarrassment. Neither of us had mentioned the bookstore incident, and I sure as hell wasn't going to bring it up; maybe she thought I had. It was a colossal fuck-up, and we both seemed to have reached a unspoken agreement to forget the whole thing altogether.
"All good things, I hope," Bella replied without missing a beat.
"Of course! Come, let's get you settled in. Did the boys tell you're staying for a few days?"
Bella nodded and looked over to Rose. Well, here goes nothing. Rose hesitated for a moment before making her way over to Bella. Neither knew what to do, and after some nervousness from Rose, she finally decided to lean in and hug Bella quickly. Emmett shot another look my way. What the fuck is his problem? He needs to reign that anger in a little.
"It's nice to see you again, Bella. You look wonderful."
"Thank you, Rose. You haven't changed a bit. I mean, you look perfect, as usual." Bella blushed, but then decided to laugh at her own stiff reply. "It must be that eua de venom working for you again, hot stuff."
We all joined in laughing. The new Bella had some balls, but I could tell she hadn't lost her charm.
Rose and Charlotte took no time to swoop in and steal Bella. Something about getting her settled in her room and the girls wanting to spend some time together. It was only then that I realized I was still holding Bella's hand. I let go quickly and handed her purse to Charlotte. I wished my goodbyes to the girls as they made their way upstairs to their bedrooms. I decided to make my way to the kitchen and cook some dinner for Bella.
Rosalie's POV
I snapped the phone shut and launched it across the wall. The whole point of us coming to stay with Peter and Charlotte was to get away from the Cullens, seeing as how Edward wouldn't leave the fucking house, or us, alone. It had long gone past being a joke. His whining and bitching was enough to drive anyone to insanity, and we'd been in a sustained argument ever since Emmett, and I left. I wondered round the house daily, screaming at him in my head, telling him to wake the fuck up. He got what he wanted. He asked for this, yet he has the audacity to brood in public parts of the house and make everyone else suffer.
Emmett and I finally decided to run our own way and left the Cullen's sometime thereafter, but Edward would try to call or email on occasion. I knew he was only looking for information, information which he would not get from me.
"You couldn't understand. You still have your mate," he wined.
Yeah, well, Eddie boy, whose fault is that?
"She wasn't your mate anyway," I scowled.
Edward didn't like when I told him that. His anger was out of control. He smashed up his car, his piano, his room, and Esme was desperate. She tried to care, but the truth was, I could see Bella's absence was hurting her. She was grieving, going through the loss of her child and family. Edward was just too selfish to see it wasn't just him that was hurting, but that the family had fallen apart.
Things were never the same between Alice and I. Normally we were +close but since the move we hadn't spoken. After her random stunt with Jasper, I wasn't terribly happy with her, either. Something wasn't right. She packed and left one morning in a song and dance and said she'd be back soon and that we were going to have a lot of fun and to enjoy ourselves. The looks on our faces must have unparalleled, each of us more stunned than the next. I knew they weren't mated, but they were married, for Christ's sake, and for her to walk out on him when he needed her was awful. Jasper hadn't been the same since. The anguish and shame he felt attacking Bella was heartbreaking, and of course, Eddie just loved that.
I was tired of it. All of it. The family needed to get their priorities straight. Well, Alice and Edward, anyway. The mollycoddling Edward thought Alice was doing, well, that only made the situation ten times worst. He thrived on sympathy, and the two of them would leave for days at a time and wallow in their pity. It wasn't an easy decision to make, but Cullen's didn't mean family to us anymore.
I spoke with Em about Bella. His depression broke my heart; it took three months before he finally admitted to me how much he missed her. I was taken aback. I knew he genuinely liked her, but loved her? That was a bit of a shock. I locked myself out in our new garage for several weeks trying to get a grip on what was going on. We had all fallen apart, and it was becoming clear this wasn't something that would get better with age.
Charlotte reached down and patted my shoulder. I gave her a weak smile, and we headed out to the front porch. It wouldn't be long till the boys would be back and we wanted to welcome Bella. Charlotte was telling me about the new color in the living room, and I was nodding anxiously not truly listening.
"It'll all work out fine," she spoke softly and gently.
I looked up. I had to give it to her; she had Peter's spooky shit down to a tee.
"I hope so," I agreed. I +didn't know what Bella's approach would mean.
Em and Peter had left an hour ago to go and fetch her, while I finished preparing dinner. The Jeep came round the corner and pulled up to the front porch. Emmett looked like Christmas had come early and I couldn't stop the smile on my face.
It had been so long since he had been happy, things between us are almost back to normal, but it looked like he had his missing piece back; and what a sight she was. She'd certainly grown up, Bella looked fabulous.
I watched Jasper carefully as he got out of the Jeep. He rushed around to meet Bella, and they seemed to be caught up in their own little world. I wasn't sure how much of an exaggeration the boys had made of Jasper and Bella's reunion. Peter had made some joke about Jasper coming in his pants like a schoolboy, and I couldn't help but laugh. He wasted no time after Alice, and the idea of someone putting him in place was hilarious. Even more so at the idea of nervous and blushing Bella.
Jasper thought he was God's gift to women, I swear, and Peter was no better, but they meant well. I laughed at the two of them. Thinking of the story Em reconciled that Bella made them tongue-tied in the bookstore. I was looking forward to meeting this new and improved Bella.
Charlotte was quick to move, perhaps forgetting that Bella may have been a bit apprehensive about a human-drinking vamp and all the while, Bella held Jasper's hand, but neither one seemed to care. Then, after a somewhat awkward squeeze on my behalf, we made our way up to the bedroom.
I couldn't help but stare. She certainly wasn't the shy little girl Edward left behind and held herself in an entirely different way. I genuinely did mean it when I said she looked fabulous. She had grown in to a beautiful young woman, and I could see what all the commotion at the store was about. She chatted away happily to Charlotte. She looked extremely happy.
I didn't know what I was expecting to see; Part of me thought she would have had a breakdown or that she would be staring at walls professing her love or writing poems about how misunderstood she was, but Bella had never been the selfish type now that I thought about it.
If this was the difference already, well, I could only begin to imagine how the next few days were going to go. I made a mental note to keep my eye on Jasper. I waited for a lull in the conversation and decided to ask Bella if she had a moment. I was nervous; I wasn't sure what was going to happen next, but I asked her if we could talk.
"Sure Rosalie, what's up."
I smiled at her nonchalant response. If only Edward could see her now. I scrapped the idea from my mind; I honestly couldn't give a shit what he thought.