Disclaimer. All publicly recognizable characters, settings etc., are the property of their respective owners. The original characters, ideas and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended. I only do this for fun. – Bella'Xo
Chapter 6
(Natalie's POV)
The rest of the week was rather uneventful. I got used to the routine of my classes and by Friday I was able to recognize, if not name, almost all of the students at school. Gym was even getting easier for everyone as they finally learned not to pass Bella the ball and I would just step quickly in front of her if the other team tried to take advantage of her weakness. She was more than happy to stay out of our way.
I was so excited for my date with Jasper tonight and though he never said anything, I knew that he was too. We were getting closer as we talked about the little things together in every one of the classes that we shared. He would also walk me to each of my classes that I had before or after one that we both had, causing everyone to continue to stare.
The questions from other students were really starting to get to me and even started to go as far as trying to pump Bella for information that she didn't have. She was distracted lately as it was by the continued absence of Edward Cullen, who still hadn't returned to school. I still had every intention of speaking to him when he returned if he doesn't fix this himself.
Every day, she would watch anxiously until the rest of the Cullens entered the canteen without him. Only then would she relax and join in the lunchtime conversation. It mostly centered around a trip to the La Push Ocean Park in two weeks that Mike was putting together. Bella and I were both invited and had agreed to go, more out of politeness than desire. Beaches should be hot and dry, not cold and damp. I even asked Jasper if he wanted to go in order to make the trip more bearable for me, but he claimed that he was going camping with his brothers that weekend to some place called 'Goat Rocks'.
I didn't buy the excuse, but I accepted it. There was something off about him and his whole family, but I decided that rather than pursue it due to my curious mind, I would let him come to me about it on his own. I didn't think that I had a right to snoop unwantedly into someone else's business and that if he wanted me to know, then he would just tell me.
It was now around 5:45pm and I had fifteen minutes left before Jasper was due here to pick me up. I was just about ready, only having to finish with my light coat of make-up and put on my shoes and jewelry. My dress was black and perfectly fitted to my body, coming down to just above my knees. It squared off just above my breasts, showing just the perfect amount of cleavage without appearing provocative. The wide belt slipped perfectly through the loops that were placed just under my breasts and my heals were about four inches high and covered in rhinestones. I had my hair pulled out of my face in a half up half down style that made my thick curls look amazing as they fell down my back. After finishing my make up with a coat of clear lip gloss, I put on a pair of large white gold hoops with a necklace, bracelet and ring to match.
I was happy with my overall appearance and I really hoped that Jasper would be happy with it. He was beautiful no matter what and I could only hope that I looked like I belonged with him. But most of all, I hoped that he was able to look at me and think of me as beautiful, because his opinion was the one that mattered the most to me.
The sound of the doorbell coming from downstairs broke me out of my thoughts. I felt my heart skip a beat as I sucked in a deep breath. Right then, a searing pain radiated through out my head causing me to wince out loud.
I immediately left my bedroom in favor of the bathroom and opened up the medicine cabinet to grab the large bottle of Ibuprofen. I popped the lid and poured out a few capsules into my hand and flipped them back into my mouth before grabbing a paper cup from the stack on the sink and filling it up with some cold water. I shot it back into my mouth and swallowed it down, tossing the used cup into the small trash can to right of the sink.
"Natty!" I heard Charlie call from the bottom of the steps. "Jasper's here for ya!"
"I'll be right there!" I yelled over my shoulder as I gripped the edge of the sink trying to gain composure. I only prayed that this was the last migraine that I would be receiving tonight. I didn't want them to ruin the date that I have been hopelessly excited for all week.
(Jasper's POV)
I knew that if I was human that my palms would no doubt be clammy and my heart would be pounding out of my chest as I drove towards Natalie's house to pick her up for our date.
I have been waiting for this for a century and a half and now that I finally found my mate, I didn't want anything to ruin this. She is everything that I could ever imagine my perfect mate to be and I was thrilled to start our relationship.
I could already feel the bond between us as the pain in my chest lessened the closer I got to her house. I was wearing a powder blue long sleeved button down that was rolled up just below the elbows, showing off my Cullen crest that I wore on my leather cuff. My light faded jeans fit perfectly with my black sneakers and tight black t-shirt, deciding to keep it casual for our first date.
I took in a deep unneeded breath as I turned on to her street, driving up a little ways before parking my black Viper in front of her house. I took note that both her sister and the Chief were home due to the cruiser and the girls' Chevy in the driveway.
Shutting off the engine, I unhooked my seat belt and opened up the door before shutting it and approaching the front door. It was a small two story home that was mostly painted white with a forest green front door, matching the deep forest that surrounded the small home.
I straightened out my clothing before taking in a breath and ringing the doorbell. I couldn't believe how nervous I was; not just about our date, but I really wanted to make a good first impression regarding Chief Swan.
I could hear the television on inside as he must have been watching the Mariner's game. The creaking of a lazy-boy alerted me to him getting up to answer the door. Taking a sample of the emotions from inside of the house, I could tell that he was curious about me and most likely what my intentions were with Natalie.
It was then as I continued to scan the house that I felt it. The emotions were telling me that someone was in pain and after honing in on those particular emotions, I could tell it was Natalie. My instincts were literally screaming at me to barge into the house and race up the stairs to check on my mate, but considering the fact that I had already rung the bell and the fact that she wasn't aware of what I was, I knew that I had to keep myself in check. I knew that she wasn't in trouble, because there were no other emotions around her, besides her sister's, but she was in the kitchen cooking dinner for most likely herself and the Chief.
The front door opened before I could think much more on my options and decided that I was better off going along with this as planned than charge into the house and scaring the whit's out of Natalie and her family.
The Chief stood there looking me up and down. I figured that now was as good of a time as any to introduce myself. "Good evening, Chief Swan." I greeted him. "My name is Jasper Hale and I'm here to pick Natalie up for our date."
He studied me briefly for a fraction of a second before he returned my greeting, obviously passing the physical test.
"Evening, son," he nodded before taking my outstretched hand in his own and giving me a firm handshake. Well, for a human, anyway.
He took his hand back, stepping slightly out of the way to allow me inside. I stepped into the heat filled home, noticing the smell of food cooking from inside of the kitchen, as I thought. I made sure to keep my senses and gift trained on Natalie upstairs to ensure that she continues to be alright.
The Chief walked over to the foot of the stairs, yelling up to Natalie about my arrival before turning back and collapsing into his chair once again. "So, Jasper," he said propping his feet up on the foot rest that was elevating out from under his calves. "You go to school with Natty and Bells?"
"Yes, sir," I nodded. "They are both very smart young girls." I complimented, keeping my hands clasped behind my back and showing him respect.
He nodded absentmindedly, agreeing with me before he spoke, "Yep that they are." He studied me for another moment before looking out of the window across from him. "That your car?" He asked motioning to my Viper.
I looked out the window to see where he was looking before turning my attention back to him and nodding. "Yes, sir, it is."
"That's a fast car," he murmured to himself, thinking that I couldn't hear him before he spoke up louder as he returned his attention back towards me. "Well, you just make sure that you don't go above the speed limits and make sure you both wear your seat belts."
"Of course, sir." I nodded.
"Call me Charlie, son," he insisted as he pushed the foot rest back under the seat with his calves. I could feel in his emotions that he had trust for me and admired my respectful attitude.
I felt one side of my face lift up in a grin as I nodded once again, "Alright, Charlie. Thank you."
"Don't thank me," he said waving me off, "just make sure you take care of my little girl and bring her home safely."
"Do you have any specific time that you would like me to have her back by?" I asked, knowing that by asking I was instilling trust.
He shook his head, "No," he said, "she doesn't have a curfew and she has a key. Just don't let it be 3 a.m. or anything like that."
"No, of course not," I agreed. "Out of respect for you and your family, I will have her back by a reasonable time."
He nodded to himself as Bella walked in with a plate for her father that was full of what looked to be lasagna. She froze when she saw me before blushing and walking the rest of the way to give Charlie his plate.
"Good evening," I nodded to her politely, "Isabella, right?" I asked.
"Bella," she corrected me as Charlie picked up his fork from on top of his plate and dug in to his dinner.
"Bella," I smiled, "It's a pleasure to meet you. My name is Jasper."
Her cheeks were still beating red as she answered and I found myself holding my breath to keep her scent from attacking my senses the second that I felt my throat begin to burn. "I know," she said as she began to fidget and wring her hands together. "You're Edward's adoptive brother."
"Sure am," I confirmed, using a little bit of the air that I had sucked in as I heard Natalie begin her journey down the stairs. I turned around and found myself speechless because of how beautiful she looked.
"Hi, Jasper," she greeted me with a small blush lighting up her cheeks.
I shook myself out of my trance and grinned at her, taking her hand in mine and placing a kiss on to her knuckles. "Good evening, Natalie," I answered back. "You look absolutely beautiful tonight."
She bit her lip uneasily as she looked down at her outfit. "Erm... thanks." she said looking back up at me. "So do you; look nice, I mean." She complimented, waving her hand at my own ensemble, feeling a strong sense of adoration, happiness and desire as she looked at me.
"Thanks," I grinned, pleased with her response and emotional climate. I was relieved that she had come down when she did, because I didn't know how much more I could speak without using up my air. I could have held my breath forever, but talking requires air and running out would require me to take another breath in order to speak. Her scent and for some reason that was still unknown to us soothed me and removed the burn as if she poured cool water down my throat and putting out the flames. It was the main reason why I wasn't worried about taking her out in a crowded place, because as long as she was there I knew I would be able to handle anything.
She walked over to the coat closet and opened it, pulling a white button up jacket off of the hanger and slipping it on with a little help from me.
"Thank you," she whispered before looking over at Charlie, "I'll see you later, dad."
"Alright, Natty," He nodded, scooping up another piece of lasagna with his fork. "Have fun, sweetheart."
She made her way over to her sister and kissed her cheek. "Bye, Bella," she murmured softly.
"I want to hear all about it when you get home, so even if I'm sleeping, come in to my room," Bella whispered thinking that I couldn't hear her. I hid a smile at that and waited for Natalie to finish saying goodbye.
She turned around and smiled her beautiful smile and I reached forward for her hand that she placed in mine. We laced our fingers together and headed out the door towards my Viper.
"Wow, this is your car?" She asked in awe as her eyebrows rose up towards her hairline in surprise.
I chuckled at her expression, releasing her hand and placing it gently on her lower back as I guided her the rest of the way to my car. "Yeah, it's mine." I confirmed.
"If you have a car like this, then why don't you drive it to school?" She questioned as I opened the door for her and helped her inside. She gave me a grateful smile, which I returned, before I gently closed the door behind her and ran around to the driver's side.
I slipped inside, pulling to door shut behind me and started the car. "Well, there are five of us and we're all going to the same place. So, rather than all of us driving separately, it's easier just to hitch a ride with either Edward or Emmett. They have the most room in their vehicles."
"That makes sense," she shrugged as I pulled off her street and on the main road towards Seattle.
._.-;'~0~';-._.
The drive to Seattle was filled with light conversation about random topics concerning school and the town of Forks in general and before we knew it, we were pulling up to the little Italian restaurant that Carlisle suggested called Casa D'Italia. (A/N: Yes, it is a real Italian restaurant in Seattle. I have never been there before, so what you read next concerning the restaurant is not accurate, but written by me!) Apparently, according to his patients, the restaurant was very tiny and not very popular, but had an amazing chef that always worked on Friday nights.
I found a parking spot on the street in front of the restaurant and took my time parallel parking as to not raise any suspicions from Natalie about my extra inhuman senses and reflexes. It is usually difficult for the average human of the age that I am pretending to be to maneuver their car very quickly when parallel parking.
I unbuckled my seatbelt and got out of the car, walking around to the passenger side, opening up Natalie's door and extending my hand.
She looked up at me with a slight blush coating her cheeks, a stunning smile lighting up her features as she set her hand in mine. "You really are a southern gentleman, aren't you?"
I felt my smile fade. "You noticed?" I asked, suddenly feeling self-conscious.
She lost her smile as well as worry and concern coated her emotions. She searched my eyes as she spoke, "yes, what's wrong?"
I looked down at my feet as I closed her door, leaving my hand against the top of the door as I leaned on it. "You weren't supposed to notice."
"Why?" She asked perplexed.
I sighed as I continued to look down. "It makes me different; like I don't fit in with the rest of my family or anyone else around her for that matter."
She stepped forward, putting her hand on my chest and the other on my chin to bring my attention to her concerned expression. "You're right; you are different. But that's what makes me like you as much as I do. If you were like everyone else, you wouldn't be you. You deserve to shine, not remain in the background waving a rose with the rest of the chorus. Every little thing that makes you stand out from the rest of the crowd is just one more reason why I'm so drawn to you."
I couldn't hold back even if I tried. I leaned forward, pressing my lips to hers as I reached up placing my hand on top of the one she had on my jaw and the other on the back of her neck. I could tell that I surprised her, but it only seemed to add to the passion along with the electric tingles that I felt when I touched her skin, including across our lips.
She gasped at the feeling, giving me the opening I desired as I plunged my tongue into her mouth. She returned the kiss with vigor, moaning slightly as our tongues danced a phenomenal tango that set my soul on fire.
I slowly pulled back, breaking the kiss before going in once more and gently pecking her lips again. I looked at her with admiration and awe as I couldn't believe that this amazing, beautiful young woman was destined to be mine. Her eyes shown like there were sapphires dancing in her eyes and they sucked me in, making it feel like we were the only ones existing in the whole world.
"Wow," she whispered in utter awe.
I felt a smile appearing on my face, tucking her hair behind her ear. "That would be an understatement."
She giggled, her cheeks tinting a dusty pink color. I began to slightly chuckle as well, completely smitten with this gorgeous creature in front of me.
Composing myself, I extended my elbow in a courteous manner. "Shall we?" I asked, still slightly grinning.
She nodded, linking her hand through my arm. "We shall."
After walking around the car and on to the sidewalk, stopping to put a few quarters into the meter before opening the front door to the restaurant, allowing her to enter in front of me.
A young, blond haired woman was standing at the hostess stand marking off something on the seating chart. She looked up at us as we approached and I heard her heart stutter slightly the second that she laid eyes on me. It was a typical human reaction to those of my kind and I have learned to ignore their lustful emotions and expressions.
"Table for two, please?" I requested, snapping her out of her daze.
"O-oh, of course," she said as she shook her head slightly, looking down at her seating chart.
"Would you mind seating us in a quiet, private area of the restaurant?" I requested kindly as I looked down at my beautiful mate and giving her a soft smile. She grinned in response and gave my arm a gentle affectionate squeeze.
"Yes sir, that would be fine," the hostess nodded as she crossed off a table on her chart before reaching down on the side of the podium and retrieving two menus. "If you would just follow me?" she smiled.
I extended my arm in front of my, gesturing for Natalie to go ahead of me. She grinned before stepping in front of me as we followed the blond hostess through the maze of tables to a small table at the back of the restaurant away from the noisy bar.
The table was decorated beautifully with a candle in the center and a maroon napkin that was neatly folded on top of a side dish that our silverware outlined on both sides. Along with the dimmed lights that slightly lit up the restaurant, I would have to agree that this was the perfect place to take Natalie for our first date. It wasn't an overly dressy place and we seemed to fit in perfectly with the crowd of business men and women who were there for a drink or a dinner meeting with clients.
"You server's name is Timothy and he will be here shortly to take your order," the hostess announced as she placed our menus in front of us. "Enjoy your evening." She smiled before she left us to look over the drinks.
I knew that I wasn't going to be eating tonight and that I would have to make it look convincing, but not overly so, since I did plan on letting her in on the supernatural world. I just planned to do it slowly as to not overwhelm her and allow her to be able to look back and put things together as we went.
"This is a really nice place, Jasper." Natalie complimented over her menu.
"Yeah," I nodded, agreeing with her as I looked up to meet her eyes. "My father told me about this place. A lot of his patients have been here before and had nothing but positive things to say about it, so I figured that we could give it a try." She smiled before returning her attention back to her menu.
Moments later, a young man with dark brown hair and brown eyes approached the table with a basket of bread and placed it in the center of our table off to the side.
"Welcome to Casa D'Italia," he smiled, his eyes drifting towards Natalie as his emotions showed awe and lust. "My name is Timothy and I will be your server this evening. Would you like to hear the specials that we are serving tonight?"
"Sure," Natalie smiled causing his feelings towards her to escalate. I had to bite back a growl as he kept his eyes trained on Natalie, who surprised me by not showing any signs what so ever that she noticed his desire for her.
"Great," he said as he opened up his small leather note pad and began reading off of his notes. "Tonight, we are serving the Salmone Bella Vista, which is a 3 lb. poached salmon filet garnished with cucumbers, served with a dill sauce. If you like pasta, you will love the Pomodoro Primavera, which is Roma tomato mixed with fresh basil, garlic and olive oil tossed with fresh seasonal vegetables and penne pasta and well as the Pesto Tortellini made with cheese stuffed tortellini covered with a light pesto cream sauce. And lastly, we have the Chicken Marsala. It's dredged seasoned chicken cutlets pan seared in olive oil, crowned with a fire roasted mushroom medley and Marsala wine sauce served over linguine." He explained. Even though I don't eat human food, I had to admit that those all sounded very appetizing.
"Can I start you two off with something to drink?" He asked as he picked up his pencil, ready to write.
"Yes, can I please have an iced tea with lemon?" she asked him politely before looking over at me.
"Same," I nodded as he made a mark in his slip.
"Alright," he said placing his pencil inside of the leather pad where his slips were kept before closing it shut. "I will be right back with your drinks."
I studied her as she looked over the menu. The candle light made her glow and I absolutely adored watching her.
She must have felt me watching her as she looked up and me and blushed as she tried to hide her smile. "What?" She giggled.
I shook my head. "Nothing," I said. "You just are so beautiful. I can't believe I'm lucky enough to be out with you tonight."
She brought her menu down further as to get a better look at me before she looked down into her lap grinning. "I'm the lucky one." She murmured softly and looked back up towards me. "You're the nicest guy I've ever known, yet I also can tell that you can be extremely protective over those you love and have a fierce side that no one likes to mess with."
My eyebrows shot up as she hit the nail on the head.
"What?" she asked, still looking at me.
I shook my head slightly before looking back down at my menu. "Nothing," I answered and looked up at her from under my lashes. "I just had no idea that I was so transparent."
She snorted slightly and grinned. "I don't think that you appear that way to most people," she observed, "Just to those who really seem to know you."
"Then how did you figure it out?" I asked.
She pursed her lips before she answered, shrugging. "I guess it's because you're a lot like me."
"How so?" I cocked my brow and head to the side.
She looked at me for a second before setting her menu down in front of her and folding her hands on the table as she studied me for a moment before speaking. "You prefer to stand off to the side and observe your surroundings rather than jumping into the middle of things, yet you're a leader; not a follower. You have a tough exterior regarding most things in your life, most likely due to things that have happened in your past, but you also have a sensitive side that rarely anyone sees. You have a big heart and when you love someone, whether it be family, friends, or a love interest, you put your whole heart into it and will protect them with your life. You don't allow yourself to show vulnerability unless it is in the presence of someone you trust whole heartedly. You are strong in almost every aspect of your life and rarely show weakness because you believe that someone could easily take advantage of it. And lastly, you have a secret; a secret that very few, if any, know about and it is the reason that you are the way that you are."
I stared at her in shock, slack jawed and amazed. God, who was this woman and how is it that she can read me so well? I wasn't sure, but I knew that I would spend the rest of eternity trying to figure it out.
A/N: First kisses are always the best kisses. This is part 1 of their date and I hope that everyone likes it so far! I would love to hear you thoughts on everything that has happened as of yet in the story! Review!
If anyone has any questions or comments, post them in my reviews and I will answer them in my next Author's Note!
Popular question: I have gotten a lot of questions about Natalie's headaches and I wanted to give you all a little something to hopefully somewhat answer your questions. I won't tell you what it is, but I will tell you what it's not. The headaches have nothing to do with her and Jasper being mates, because if you read; she has been having them since before she even met Jasper and will play a big part in the future.
Make sure to check out my other page that I post all of my collaborations with other FF author's on my collab page: Xo Bella's Collaborations oX
Take a look at my two newest Jasper stories posted on my FF page!
One's called 'Never What It Seems'
What Jasper Whitlock remembers from his time in the Southern Wars isn't what happened at all. After unknowingly leaving his mate, Marie, to the hands of her power hungry sisters, he continues on with his immortal life. After 90 yrs with no word about what happened to her Major, Marie is rescued & reunited with him only to find that what he remembers of her is nothing but brutality.
The other has been adopted from I-Have-A-Dark-Side called 'You Promised Me Forever
Edward left resolving in Bella falling into Jakes arms. However, he broke his promise of forever when he imprinted. A certain southern gentleman suddenly reappears in her life causing her to be thrust back into another love story within the supernatural world where both the past and present threaten everything they've built! Jasper/Bella
Check out my other stories!
'Attempting to Covet'
'Dhampir' COMPLETED!
'Far Fetched Realities'
'Mirror Image'
'Other Worldly Beauty'
'Dhampir: Broken Moonlight' (SEQUEL)
'Perplexing Revelations'
'Unimaginable Outcomes'
'Pretexting'
'You Promised Me Forever NEW!
'The Heart's Desire'
'Intricate Beauty'
'Never What It Seems' NEW!
'The Major'
'Twilight ReVAMPed'
Check out my Collaboration Site!
(Xo Bella's Collaborations oX)
'Flashbacks' NEW!
'Unbreakable Faith'
'The Alpha's Mate, Crystal'
'How You Make Me Feel' NEW!
If you enjoyed this story so far, check out some of my other stories on my FanFiction page! Also, I am still accepting Twilight stories that involve Jasper/any female leads or Bella/selected male leads if anyone is looking for a Beta Reader. I will make exceptions on the characters depending on the plot. I am also now accepting Phantom of the Opera FanFictions that include Erik! I will also be accepting Titanic FanFictions featuring Jack, Snow White and the Huntsman featuring Snow White or Eric (the huntsman), The Ghost Whisperer that feature Melinda and Law and Order SVU that feature Elliot. I will accept OC characters as well depending on the other lead character. PM me for details!
- Bella'Xo
Xo BellaItalia oX