Chapter Ten

Safe

Bella sat still and quiet as Jasper told her of vampires. He told her of the basic facts, how he sparkled in sunlight (promising to show her sometime), of how a vampire was changed, that they never slept, and other myths that Hollywood and purposeful misleadings had conjured. He also told of his history and of his family. She was fascinated, hanging onto every word that he said, not wanting anything to be held back, not being overwhelmed at all. He was not used to having an attentive audience, much less an audience at all. He was never one to publicly speak or to be the center of attention, but he relished it then, because her eyes were on him, as burning as her touch. It thawed him.

"Where are they now?"

"Carlisle and Esme are in New York, Alice is living near them. Emmett an Rosalie are in Africa." He never mentioned Edward. He feared that a simple slip of a name would bring back her memories and she would spiral down the abyss she had been in.

"They sound nice."

"They are. I couldn't have asked for a better family."

She stood from the floor they had settled on and climbed into her bed. "Thank you, Jasper, for telling me everything."

He kept his features smooth as he avoided what could've been a lie. "I'm glad you wanted to know. It was nice, sharing this with you."
"Tell Jacob goodnight for me when he comes in," she yawned.

Jacob was out at the store for groceries. He left at twilight, the easiest time for vampires to control their thirst. Jasper appreciated it, but he would never admit it to the dog. There had to be a level of trust between them, and the threat of murder if they stepped out of their designated line.

The last contemplations of her day flickered and ceased, replaced by sweet sleep. Her figure under the blanket moved only to match the rhythm of her breathing wisps of breath perfumed by her sweet cherry flavored lips.

He let his imagination run, blaming it on the elation he felt at her happiness, her ready acceptance. He imagined those lips on his, the feel of her body pressing into him as he innocently explored her neck and hips. He felt his jeans tighten uncomfortably. Typically, all imaginings vanished when Jacob came striding through.

"Bella's okay?"

"Yes," he answered shortly in a wheeze meant for dying men.

He plopped on the floor taking out a hunk of wood and a short knife from his jean pocket. He began widdiling, the wooden shavings gliding to a pile on the floor. They mad a small mountain at his bare feet as he carved something that looked like it had an ear. He worked silently for hours, much to Jasper's liking. It was quiet aside from the scratching and Bella's occasional muttering of "who" and "Jasper." Every time he heard his name it was like he was soaring, lighter than he'd ever felt, and the other inquisitorial things faded as background humming.

Of course, the dog had to ruin it.

"What do strobe lights do to you?"

"What," he asked of the random question.

"They don't make you a disco ball, do they?"

"No, only pure sunlight can do that. Is there a reason for your inquiry?"

"I'm taking Bella out to a club."

"You can't, you're underage."

"Fake i.d."

That could work. The mutt was six-eight approximately, childish roundness of his face grown to a mans. He would have no trouble of convincing bouncers.

"Why a club?"

"Don't you vamps have friends?"

"Get to the point."

"What if your best friend forgot who you were? I want to make new memories for her. She listens to music now. She's not much of a club person, but it'll be good for her to get out and act like a college student."

He thought of Alice. It was difficult to conjure her with no recollection, the same girl who could see the future. That vision of her, without her visions, it made her vulnerable. All of the years they spent together being lost... No matter how impossible it was, there was a lot they continued to be unaware of in their species. If it was somehow to happen...

"I see where you're coming from. She will remember soon though."

"But this time she'll be happy. She won't be thinking of him every second, or trying not to think of him." It was clear that the spatting of the word "him" was referring to Edward, a taboo name in the presence of Bella, whether or not she was in the realm of dreams.

She stirred and moaned, her foot kicking out from under the blanket. It was as though she knew that they were talking about him, and Jasper ignoring that last unwanted thought leaned forward covering her again.

***

The embrace was ice, but it molded to her, the chiseled chest against her back. Goosebumps traveled up her arms but it had nothing to do with the cold. Popsicle lips trailed from her ear down her jaw resting on her chin. She moved slightly, and the lips let out a hiss. She felt the corners of her lips stretch out into a smile worthy of a proud cat.

"I love you Bella," a sweet voice breezed, velvety smooth next to the announcer on the television in Charlie's living room.

"I love you too..." She had forgotten his name. What was his name? It was familiar, she said it over a thousand times and thought it over a million. It was so close, it was there. Who was he?

She looked up into the face but it was blank, gone. There was nothing and she screamed.

Bella shot up in bed, her breath ragged, her lungs heaving. Out of the shadows of her room Jasper and Jacob took positions like comrades beside her. Their hands grasped hers, and a hand - a hot one - gently pushed her back down on to her pillows. A cold palm rested on her head, her hair soaking the trickling sweat. It felt good on her hot face and she sighed contentedly.

She was safe. Jasper and Jacob were there with her and nothing could harm her. She was okay... She was safe... She slipped off to sleep once more, Jasper's hand on her cheek, cooling her.

In the distance she heard them speaking. She wanted to answer, to tell them that she could hear them, but she was too tired to talk, too far gone.

"Think we're causing the nightmares?"

"No. Bella's always comforted by us. She's not scared of us."

"Do you think she's dreaming about him?"

"Maybe... No one can know for sure."

Who was him?

***

Jacob pulled out a drawer beside him when Bella moved and blink rapidly up at the ceiling. There was a moment of confusion before she took notice that her drawer was open, Jacob's hand coming down.

"What're you doing, Jake?"

"Get dressed. We're going out to a club."

She glimpsed out the window, gold light leaking through the blinds. She groaned, rubbing the tired out of her eyes. "It's too early, not to mention you're too young."

"They're called fake i.d.'s. Now, get dressed."

"You shouldn't be using a fake i.d.!"

"Come on, you don't think I'm mature enough for dancing?"

"I have nothing to wear," she said next in her argument.

"I'll take you out."

"Jasper?" She looked to him worriedly, almost pleading with him to aid her. It was tempting, but so was the plan he had over the night...

"It's okay. Go and have fun. I'll come with you tonight." That, he certainly intended to do...

With bad trepidation she stood, yanking the band out of her hair, it falling down her back. "Fine," she snapped.

Jacob's spirits rose, and then descended slightly. It was one of those annoying times that Jasper wished he had Edward's ability. It would have been helpful to know what the dog was thinking.

"Do you remember what you were dreaming last night?"

She pulled a frustrated face. "No. I can't seem to remember anything. Why? I wasn't... Talking in my sleep again, was I?"

"A little, nothing of coherence," Jasper assured quickly to save her embarrassment.

She was thoughtful, apprehensive, but nodded. "That's good." She grabbed random pieces of clothing out. "You owe me, Jacob," she seethed.

Jacob only grinned at the bathroom door slamming shut, and Jasper's phone rung.

A/N: I apologize for this being later than what is common for me. If you check my Twitter you know that I've been very sick and unable to update. Thank you for all of your patience!