Author's note: I don't own the characters, I just play with them. Please let me know what you think of the story. I'd love to hear your thoughts.
The ride to Jasper's house was magical. It wasn't sunny of course but him driving my truck down the road while holding my hand produced sensations I couldn't identify let alone examine. He was only a mile and a half away from my house but we were surrounded by trees. I almost asked him to stop so we could look for the little magical creatures that called this place home. Everything was green, which used to bother me, but now caused me a sense of peace and belonging. When had that changed? I watched as his chiseled profile and quick reflexes moved us closer to our destination. Could it be true that this man, this quirky, deep, caring man was truly mine? To my potential heartbreak I had begun to believe it.
We pulled into a green wonderland. The trees guided us down a dirt track and lead us through a curvy drive that came out to show a rambling ranch house with gray siding and blue shutters. It had to be two thousand square feet and felt like a hidden oasis in the middle of the green surrounding us. I was awed by the outside. He pushed a button on his key ring and the garage door raised to allow us entry. My heart beat faster. What would I find inside a place that belonged to Jasper alone. Would he have the perfection of the Cullen house or would he have the masculine furnishings and dark perfection of the single male's getaway.
"You like it then?" Jasper asked quietly.
"It's perfect, Jasper. I can't wait to see the inside."
"My lady's wish is my command. Let's go let you explore."
I took his hand as we got out of the truck. Walking to the interior door in the garage. He opened the door for me and I stepped in.
To my left I saw a kitchen done in Cherry wood and granite counter tops. For a space that would never be used it definitely had every convenience. Stainless steel dishwasher, double oven, cook-top and sink drew the eye. I wanted to cook.
To my right I saw a dining room, but instead of the usual gigantic table this space held only a four person table. The rest of the room was taken up by a black baby grand piano and two guitars. If I was guessing, I would say one was electric explaining the wires running to and from it and an acoustic. There was also a small table of electronics I couldn't identify and a microphone.
Walking forward I was greeted by the main living room. Instead of flashy furnishings it had deep comfortable couches surrounding a TV that had to be inspired by a movie screen. Game consoles sat ready to play on a table underneath and a large hutch that must hold movies and games for the room.
Continuing down the hall I found a bathroom. It too had cherry cabinets and granite counter tops with sinks that looked like works of art set atop them.
The next door on the left was the Master bedroom. The bed was huge, at least king sized and it was four poster with red hangings to enclose the space tied back at the corners. I didn't go further in, not wanting to invade Jasper's privacy.
The door on the right opened to a room filled with shelves and two leather recliners. The shelves were filled from top to bottom with books. My hands ached to touch. The books looked like first editions for the most part but there were newer titles mixed in as well. It was a magical place.
"Come on. You can come back and choose a few to take back home, you haven't seen the last room yet." Jasper chided.
It was done in various shades of purple from dark purple on the walls to a softer shade on the quilt. The furniture was an antiqued off-white. The bookshelf was empty but a laptop sat ready for use as well as an iPod. The bathroom attached was done in unrelieved white with stainless steel accents and knobs. I'd gone to the spa. The tub looked big enough for three and the shower for four.
"Jasper it's stunning. All of it. How did you get it ready so quickly?"
"I'm glad you like your room. I was unsure about the color but you wear it frequently."
"My room?"
"Yes Bella, your room. I wasn't sure you'd be ready to share a bed with me so I furnished your room too."
"Wow. My room."
I walked out holding Jasper's hand and almost walked into Peter and Char who had been watching us quietly.
"I pick the first video game" I declared, heading to the living room. Mumbles of "No fair," and "I wanted to pick" followed me.
It was good we had no neighbors with Peter's loud exclamations and swearing we were all cheating him. He had quite the mouth on him. I only laughed and continued kicking his butt at every game he chose. Char helped, distracting him at important moments and Jasper was fighting to keep a straight face as he won the last round.
Jasper's Point of View
Bella loved the house. Everything about it. I'd remember the parts she liked best so I could recreate them in our next home. I had been worried she'd find it too casual expecting something more grand like the Cullen mansion. I should have known better. I could have done far less with the house and she still would have loved it, but I liked it the way it was. Perhaps I had been spoiled by the Cullen's expensive tastes and extravagant lifestyle but the house had been perfect for Bella.
Watching her talk back to Peter and letting all of his profanity roll of her back was a sight to behold. Her and Char were a dangerous team and I might not find it as amusing when they were teamed up against me, but for now life was perfect. I had my family together, my mate by my side and hope for a bright and loving future.
Feeling the emotional climate of the room Peter wasn't really angry he was just cutting up and letting off some steam. Char was feeling mischievous and as Bella met my eyes she was feeling truly happy. Peter insisted on another game, and I knew the girls wouldn't let him win but we let him have his moment of hope. I was having mine. For the first time in a long time I could see a life full of happiness. Sure there were challenges, but even normal relationships had their share of trials. Hers just included homicidal vampires. I'd dealt with enough of those over the years to be able to dispatch them and stop for a snack on the way back home if Bella was waiting for me.
If Bella was waiting for me. She hadn't declared herself yet. We hadn't shared our feelings but I was pretty sure she wanted to be mine. She had to want to be mine. The world would be a cold, dark place without her.
A few hours later everyone had their fill of video games and Bella had to cook dinner for Charlie so we headed back down the drive to return Bella back home.
Bella's point of view
The drive back felt like a journey from fantasy back to reality. To a world where vampires wanted to kill me and schoolwork and nightmares. I felt like Jasper and my new friends would disappear. As we pulled into the drive that feeling was eclipsed by blind terror. Laurent was jumping from my bedroom window. I sat frozen in my truck as Jasper's snarl ripped through the quiet and confirmed the truth.
I saw Peter then Charlotte's form zip past the truck. Jasper sat stiffly with me, still holding my hand.
It was only minutes though it felt longer before both of them broke back through the trees. I fought my way past the terror to release my grip on Jasper's hand and get out of the truck.
Char stayed with me as Jasper and Peter went to check the house to make sure there were no more unwelcome surprises waiting for us. I wanted to join them but I was still fragile, still breakable, and still relearning to breathe from the start seeing Laurent had given me.
When Jasper and Peter reappeared I ran into Jasper's arms not caring who saw me. My tears blinded me and Jasper sat on the stairs to comfort me. Eventually we went inside and I was told to check for anything missing. I couldn't see anything right off. My bedroom was as I'd left it but who could tell if one item was missing in a whole house?
I decided to heat up the lasagna I had made for occasions just like this when I didn't feel up to cooking. I put it on warm and by the time Dad came home you'd think I'd done nothing with my day but make dinner and putter around with my homework. I knew I had to act. He couldn't learn the truth; not about today or Jasper, Char and Peter.
Jasper was somewhere in the house to protect us. Peter and Char were back on perimeter patrols. I felt bad they were working this hard to keep us safe but I was grateful too. What would we do without them, besides die, I mean.
I had to do my part. Before, acting normal was a simple matter of keeping people happy. Now it was much more important with much more to loose. My performance could have won an award till I got back up to my bedroom after dinner. I had done so well and I had intended to continue but I fell apart. Today was close. So close... What if Jasper hadn't been with me? What if Laurent had hidden in the house instead of jumping. He might just have caught me alone for a moment and a moment would be all it might take for there to be no more Bella Swan.
