Chapter 9:

*Six Months Later*

One thing was for sure: A LOT had changed over the past few months. First of all, I was growing quite used to life here in this constantly cold and wet place. Second of all, which I'm pretty sure is the main reason as to why this place has grown on me, I've become friends with a group who is like me in so many ways. People who I don't have to put a front…well in front of. After the initial shock of it all, I grew to love the Cullens as if they were my own family. Even my dad, Benjamin and Carlisle put aside all their past differences and became really good friends again. Even my mom Rebecca and Esme, the woman who "stole my man" according to her, were close to one another. They were always planning trips or parties at all times. It would make sense that all of us would grow closer together. Then, there was reason number three. And, I'm not quite sure how reason number three happened, it just did. I have fallen in love once again. Making it a grand total of two times. But, this love is different. I can feel it. Ironically enough, I have fallen in love with Jasper. The very thought of his name brings a smile to my face. I had grown used to all the moodiness by now. It was just something we dealt with on a daily basis. Some days were obviously better than others. But, that's how our love for one another worked apparently. I really couldn't see my life without him and vice versa. And now, here we all were, all like one big happy family as it were.

"Do you even know how to cook?" Jasper laughed as he helped me bring in the bags of groceries I had picked up on the way over to the Cullen house. I had been spending a lot more time here these days. My parents didn't mind though. Most of the time, they were out on double dates…to who knows where, having a good time.

"I should be offended by that but, I promise you…once you've tried it…you won't make fun of me anymore." I smirked and his face fell a little.

"Um, Nadia?" He called and I stopped looked back to at him for a second before it hit me.

"Oh...crap, I'm sorry Jasper…" I said feeling bad. It was sometimes easy to forget that you were dating a vampire. I tried not to think about it all the time.

"It's okay." He said, a sudden wave of assurance and forgiveness washed over me.

"Yea…and thanks for that too." I smiled, waving my hand towards him. I had gotten used to his "talent" just how he had gotten used to mine. We could have conversations with one another without saying a word.

"So back to my original question?" he raised his eyes as I began taking out things to cook.

"Look Hale." I giggled looking at his stunned face "I've been around for quite some time okay? So, I think I can manage making some pasta for the guest you guys are having."

"Do you always call people by their last name when you're mad?"

"I'm not mad…" I smirked at him.

"Good, because I was about to make you happy."

"How about you help me make this dinner for Bella?" I said and his face grew a little stiff.

"Or maybe you should go out and you know?" I asked, grabbing his hand and looking into his eyes. They weren't that dark but they weren't their usual color. It had taken me awhile to get used to his, and the rest of his family's eating habits if you will. I remember the first time I happened to be around still when he came back from one of his hunting trips. He wasn't dirty or anything, he just smelt a little funny. It took me awhile to get used to that smell…of blood. Me and the smell of blood didn't really get along. Ironic, I know! But, I figure, if Jasper could get used to the smell of me eating "human" food, then I could grow to get used to his diet.

"Are you saying you think I won't be able to control myself around her?" his eyes narrowed at me.

"It's always better to be safe than sorry." I smiled, reassuring him that I did trust him, we just had to be prepared.

"Maybe you're right…I'll go ask Emmett…I'll be back soon" He replied kissing my lips gently before running to find his brother. I settled back into the kitchen and started working on dinner. Bella would be here in two hours for dinner. And, being the only "human," I was the one who was to cook. That was another thing that had changed drastically. After Edward initially wanted to kill Bella, he got a hold of himself and ended up falling in love with her. I told him so! This did not sit well with the rest of his family though. Rosalie was so upset when she heard about them she actually smashed the windows in Edward's car. I couldn't blame her though. Bella wasn't like them; she could easily be killed in an instant by one wrong move. Most of the time, they worried about Jasper. He was the one who had a hard time with his self control. But, from what I've witnessed and felt, he was pretty in tune. Nobody outside the Cullens and my Parents knew Jasper and I were together. Keeping it a secret was actually fun. But, that meant that Bella would probably freak when she came tonight. We had become pretty good friends…but, I was told not to tell her anything. I'm really not sure why though we had to keep it a secret. All anyone would need to know was that Jasper Cullen and Nadia Morgan were going out. That was all the teenagers in this town would want to know. They wouldn't want to know our innermost secrets. I think the main reason keeping it from Bella was because Edward was so protective of her, she told me herself. And, he probably figured is she knew about me and Jasper, then she would think it was safe to be more 'closer' with Edward. Which, it made sense. She did love him madly. I stayed in the kitchen alone for about forty five minutes before I heard Alice saunter in, her feet barley making any noise as she entered the kitchen.

"Are you having fun?" she asked in that sweet voice of hers.

"I guess you can say that. Bella better appreciate it." I joked.

"I'm sure she will." She shook her head, sitting on one of the chairs at the counter.

"Where is everyone?" I asked, finishing up sometime later.

"I was just upstairs with Rose. I've been trying to calm her down…I don't know if she'll be able to keep her mouth shut when Bella is here. Carlisle should be coming home from work in a few moments. Esme is going around the house making sure it's perfect. Edward's already at Bella's house. And, Emmett and Jasper are out hunting. They should be back in about fifteen minutes." She rambled things off her list. I was pretty sure the images were floating thru her mind when she said the.

"You really think Rose hates Bella that much?" I asked Alice.

"Right now she does…and, it'll be a long time she will feel that way."

"Oh. I just don't understand it. She and I get along pretty well now."

"You're different Nadia." Alice was quick to remind me.

"I'm not that much different than Bella…or Rose or you Alice. I'm right in between." I corrected her.

"Humph. You've got me there." She sighed. She hated being defeated sometimes.

"Hopefully things will go good tonight." I looked up at Alice. All she could do was shrug.

"From what I see, things are going to be just fine. A little awkward…but fine." It was cool that she could see the future but, things were always subjective. They could change just as quickly as the person changed their mind. I mean, she specifically told me in the beginning that nothing was going to go on between me and Jasper. Well, apparently someone changed their mind. We spent the rest of the time having meaningless girl chat. I had to be honest; being such good friends with Alice was still a little tough. After all, she had been with Jasper all this time and now here we were, talking as if I wasn't the one with him.

"So, how are things with you and Jazz?" she suddenly changed the subject.

"They're fine…why?" I eyed her. She must've seen something that made her ask me that.

"No reason really…I was just wondering." I see what he plans for the both of you for later on…so I take it things are more than fine. I cannot complain though…I'm happy for the two of them. They were destined to be together. And, I am not one to mess with the fates.

"He has something planned for later?" I asked, a little nervously.

"What?" her eyes widened at me.

"You forgot again." I laughed, trying to brush off the nervousness.

"Oh, yes I suppose I did…and yes, he does have something planned for later. I don't want to get into too many details…I don't want to ruin the surprise." She giggled quietly.

"Alice!" I moaned, embarrassed by whatever it was that she had seen.

"Oh Nadia, I thought you two were past the whole lack of total self control issue?"

"I am…I mean, at least I think we are. Nothing has happened that would make me think otherwise."

"So why are you so afraid?"

"Afraid?"

"You love him don't you?"

"Yes, yes of course I do."

"Then there's nothing to it…"

"I don't think I'm ready for something like that…" I blurted and she looked like she wanted to laugh but she didn't.

"And why not? You want to be married first?"

"No, nothing like that…it's just that…well, I've never been with anyone like Jasper before." I sighed, having no other way to put it.

"A vampire you mean?"

"Yes."

"There's nothing to it really." She repeated. Of course she would say that!

"Um, hello! You're a vampire Alice…"

"Oh yea that's right…well would you like me to tell you what it's like."

"Out loud!" I squeaked.

"Well, of course not…I could always think it to you…Edward is preoccupied with Bella so you won't have to worry about him hearing me." She said, trying to comfort me.

"Hmm, well I guess you can tell me some things…but I need to set the table. So, come help me and we'll talk." I shook my head. Was I really ready for something like this? She followed me into the dining room and silently told me the basics...and I just took it all in as I set the table. By the time I was done, she was done telling me and I was pretty nervous. What she was telling me, I didn't know which parts of it were normal or just the vampire aspect of it.

"We're back!" I heard someone yell before I had a chance to say anything.

"What were you two talking about in here?" Jasper smiled, walking into the room looking at me and Alice.

"Oh, I was just telling Nadia how she and I should take another shopping trip very soon…I heard about this new shopping area that I think we'll love…right Nadia?"

"Um…yea…you know me? Can't ever get enough shopping in…" I smiled, looking back at the table, rearranging the stuff.

"Well, I better go make sure everyone is ready for the big arrival." Alice smiled, and walked out of the room. When she left, jasper just eyed me.

"Have a good time?" I asked him.

"Yea, I suppose so…" he shrugged, still watching me.

"Nadia?" he called and I looked up at him. He crossed the room and slid his arms around me, bringing me into his embrace. He smelt a little of blood, but that was nothing compared to everything else now on my mind.

"Are you going to tell me what Alice said that has you so nervous?" he said, inhaling. Oh, crap. This was the one time I really wish he couldn't tell what I was feeling.

"Nothing really…we were just talking." I shrugged. He was about to say something when we heard the door open.

"She's here." I said quickly pulling out of his embrace. He eyed me funny.

"Don't think I won't forget." He laughed.

"You never do." I muttered under my breath as I walked out of the dining room and into the living room where the rest of the Cullen family was gathering, awaiting the arrival.

Nadia, maybe you should stand by Jasper…just in case.

I looked at Alice and then back to Jasper. I didn't think he would do anything…would he?

"Here comes the human." I could hear rose snicker to Emmett but only loud enough that everyone, minus Bella would hear.

"Bella, I want you to meet my family…" I heard Edward said and saw poor Bella standing next to Edward, looking a little bit scared. If I were her, I would be too. I mean heck, she was in a room full of vampires. She looked around at everyone, took a deep breath and finally said "hello."

"This is everyone Bella…my dad, Carlisle, my mother Esme, my sisters Rose and Alice, and my brothers Emmett and Jasper." Edward eyed them all, but his gaze lingered the most on Jasper. Control Jasper…please don't do anything stupid. Edward sort of threatened but there was no point, Jasper couldn't read minds, only emotions.

"God Edward, can't you at least give him a little more credit? He's trying his hardest can't you see that? Just trust him". My gaze looked up straight into Edwards and he just nodded, as to signify that he was apologizing. It was then that I noticed Bella Swan's intense gaze on me.

"Nadia? What are you doing here?" She blurted.

"Oh you know, just visiting." I smiled at her.

"But why? I didn't know you were such friends with Edward's family now." She stated more than questioned. I knew she hadn't forgotten how she had to come to my house for two weeks because I was "sick." I really hoped that she wasn't jealous or anything. That I got to hang out with the cool Cullens and she didn't. But, I had my fair amount of time around teenagers and I know how they could be. Especially when one of them was your boyfriend.

"Shall we go into the dining room? Nadia made you dinner." Carlisle broken the silence and Bella looked up at me, speechless.

"You knew I was coming?" she asked. Wasn't really the reaction I was looking for but oh well.

"I'm not psychic Bella. Edward called and asked me if I'd help him out and make dinner." I tried to keep friendly with her but until she knew the whole truth, she wouldn't understand.

"She's the only human I trust." He said and she just stared at him "I mean, besides you of course." He smiled and she bought right into it!

"I see. Well, I'm not really that hungry…I know that you guys don't eat so I don't want to impose."

"But Nadia just spent hours in the kitchen cooking for you!" Rose sneered, stamping her stiletto on the ground. She scared the crap out of Bella who took a step closer to Edward.

"It's okay rose…if she doesn't want to eat that's fine…I can um, always take it home to my parents."

"But Nadia…" she started and I shook my head.

"It's okay rose…really." I smiled and she smirked.

I don't know why he had to pick her of all people…he would've been much better off with someone like Nadia. Rose whined and I just rolled my eyes. I really couldn't ever see myself with Edward. He was too protective, for lack of a better word.

"So, shall we just sit around and chat for awhile?" Esme asked. She was so cordial.

"That would be nice." Edward grabbed Bella's hand and took her over and sat her beside him. His parents soon joined him, followed by the rest of us. The whole time they talked, I could feel Bella staring at me. It didn't help that I was sitting in between Jasper and Alice, with Jasper a little too close to me and an arm draped across my shoulders. I could hear her every thoughts:

I don't get it. Why is Nadia here? Why is she sitting in between Alice and Jasper? I thought Edward said they were in love? And WHY is his arm draped around her so casually…I thought he had hard self control. And, Nadia is a human…she should be just as tempting to Jasper as I was to Edward. Every time Bella said the word tempting, I couldn't help but get a smile on my face.

"What are you smiling about?" Jasper whispered in my ear as Bella was being asked some type of questions.

"Bella keeps trying to figure out why I'm here…and why I'm sitting so close you. Because, I am just as tempting to you as she was to Edward." I looked at him and he paused in thought. A sly smile came across his face and I didn't even need his response. But, he gave it to me anyways.

"I think we should tell her you're my singer…then she'd know just how tempting you really are" He whispered so quietly that I could barely hear him. I should've found that dazzling but Alice's earlier conversation with me suddenly came back into my mind. I just mouthed a "no" to him.

"Very, very tempting." He said again, placing his lips slightly against my neck and lingering there for a few moments before pulling away, a wide grin on his face.

"So much for self control"…I shook my head. No one seemed to mind this kind of affection in front of one another. Well, everyone except Bella. I didn't even have to look at her to know she was about to flip out on Edward and me probably.

I don't believe this! How is it possible that Jasper could get THAT close with Nadia without so much as biting her…and Edward won't even let me stay too close to him. And he CAN control himself… I didn't really appreciate her bashing on Jasper like that. It wasn't very nice.

"Edward, Bella's about to flip her lid…so be ready". I looked over at him and his eyed widened.

"Edward…I need to ask you something." She spoke suddenly and everyone stopped.

"What is it love?"

"Can you please tell me what is going on here? I thought you told me that Alice and Jasper were all in love with each other? But yet, here they are, with Nadia sitting in between them…and he's basically making out with her on the couch!"

"Bella, honey…what they do is not my business. They are capable of making their own choices. And, if Alice and Jasper have chosen to not be together like that anymore…who am I to object? As long as they're happy…that's all that matters to me."

"And Nadia?"

"What about her?" he looked down at her.

"You yourself told me about Jasper's self control issues…but there he sits, practically inches from her and he isn't sucking the life out of her…how is that possible!"

"Whoa, that human is sure worked about you and Jazz." Rose laughed in her head.

She's just jealous that you and Jasper can well…you know...Edward won't give it to her. Sucks for her. Emmett laughed as well.

I eyed Emmett; his face froze a little before Rosalie hit him across the head. I quietly thanked her for that. Emmett couldn't go a whole hour without thinking about sex or anything close to it.

I knew things were going to get a little awkward Nadia…but, I swear, I didn't see this coming. Please forgive me. Alice begged, not looking at me. I grabbed her hand lightly and squeezed it. She knew then I wasn't mad at her for anything.

Should I calm her down? Jasper asked me, I shook my head no.

"No, she has every right to be upset. I knew I should've told her." I said, eying the rest of the people in the room.

"This isn't fair Edward…"

"Bella, love there are things that you wouldn't understand…" he tried to reason with her.

"But JASPER!" she cried looking at him.

"Bella, could you please calm down for five seconds." I finally snapped at her. She was making such a big deal about this and I didn't want her coming up with all these crazy stories in her mind. This, this was going to be a long night.

*I've had this chapter written for like two weeks now and I've been waiting for you to finally be able to read it! The next one is great, I promise! It's a flashback…and that's all I'm saying! Reviews would be loved as usual!*