A/N: Sorry it took a while to update! This isn't really a very long chapter either, but I hope you like it anyway! Thanks to all reviewers! I really appreciate it!

Bella's long lost twin: This chapter is dedicated, yet again, to you! In fact, there wouldn't even BE a chapter if it wasn't for your help! Thank you so much! You rock!

Disclaimer: IT IS NOT MINE!!

Chapter Ten

I ran home in a daze; my heart soaring! I couldn't, no matter what I did, get that kiss out of my mind! The way his body warmed mine as we kissed was like nothing I'd ever felt before!

I slowed my pace once I came up on the porch, and, lost in my thoughts, automatically rushed inside.

Two pairs of angry golden eyes started to bring me back to earth.

"Where have you been?" Dad asked furiously; getting up from his spot on the couch. I automatically masked my thoughts from him like it was second nature, and smiled.

"Out," I answered pleasantly.

"Oh, out! Why didn't I think of that?" He replied, sarcastically. "Do you realize how worried we were about you?" He gestured to my mother who was still sitting on the sofa; glaring at me.

"I guess not, Daddy," I replied lightheartedly, and walked over to him; planting a dainty kiss on his cheek. His expression softened as I did, but then, as if he caught himself before making a mistake, his jaw tightened.

I yawned; realizing that I'd better get out of there soon, and said, "I'm tired…so I'm going to go up to bed!" He looked as if he was going to say something else, but I ran upstairs before he got the chance, calling, "'Night Dad!" on my way up.

Once about five minutes had passed, and no one had entered my room, I breathed a sigh of relief, and climbed into bed.

I wanted so badly to revel in my night! But with my father right downstairs, that just wasn't an option. I grimaced insolently, like a child being told "no" to having a cookie.

Now what? I thought. There was no way I was getting to sleep anytime soon!

The door handle rattled, interrupting my thoughts, and I immediately went back on guard. Then, the last person I expected to see walked into my room.

"Jasper?" I whispered, confused. He closed the door silently behind him, and walked over to me; switching on the lamp on my bedside table. Guilt was completely evident on his face, and I instantly felt bad for causing it.

"I'm sorry!" We both blurted out at each other. Now it was his turn to be confused.

"Why are you sorry?" He asked.

"Uh…well…I…you go first!" I stammered.

"Well," He began. "I shouldn't have let you go! I mean, if I'd just stopped you, it would've saved you a lot of trouble with Edward! And, what if you got hurt or something? Edward would've-"

"Stop!" I cut him off. "First of all, it was my decision to leave! You have nothing to do with that. Second, I'm not hurt! I'm fine, and Dad, by the way, can just get over it!" I took a couple of deep breaths before continuing. "And lastly, I….I wasn't really mad at you."

"What?" He asked incredulously. "But…I-I felt it! Clear as day! Pure anger." I shrugged.

"I'm a good actress." He exhaled sharply.

"I'm sorry," I said quickly, and he shook his head in disbelief.

"Mel…why would you do something like that?" He asked. "I mean, were you really that desperate to get away from us?"

It took me a while before I answered. Should I tell him? I wondered. I debated this for a while, but ultimately decided against it.

"Jasper," I said finally. "I-I really wish I could tell you why I did it, but I just…can't. Okay?" He nodded slowly, but didn't really seem to understand.

"I'll, uh, let you go to sleep then," He said quietly; heading for the door. I nodded, and let him leave.

This was becoming way too complicated. I knew I would probably have to tell him eventually. I owed it to him after tonight. But when? That was definitely the question that would keep me awake all night.

A/N: I hoped you liked it! R&R please!