It was cold at First Beach as I sat on the driftwood tree. Clutching my jacket close around me, I tried my best not to stare at Jacob by my side, focusing instead on the water. The atmosphere was brittle, neither of us being all too willing to speak first. But what exactly was there to say?
Clearing my throat, I peeked over at him, seeing his dark eyes focused intently on the ground. Like before, he was wearing only a pair of cutoffs, shirtless and his feet bare. Even though the air was chilled, you would believe that the sun was high in the sky and boiling down just by the look of him.
"Jake?" I whispered, figuring that we would have to start speaking some time today.
I had not wanted to leave Jasper earlier. The day had been the best I've had in a long time, for once, nothing hurting. I hated having to say goodbye once I parked at the border, Jasper taking off for a quick hunt. I was now terrified Jacob was about to make up for the lost pain immediately.
"You wanted to talk," he muttered, nodding his head.
My eyes narrowed exasperatedly. Yes, but he could have at the very least made it easy for me! I didn't know whether or not he had become a killer wolf due to all of the stories I have heard. My father was currently out and about, searching for wolves to kill. But Jacob acted as though... he just didn't care.
"So you're a werewolf now," I awkwardly started, shuffling where I sat. Why couldn't he just smile like he used to, and pretend that none of this ever happened?
"Yep," he curtly replied, his muscles tense. I watched as his jaw locked while his dark eyes stayed on the sand.
"Is there some rule involving that to where you can't be my friend?" I snapped, my irritation building. He could at the very least try!
He jolted, startled. Blinking furiously, he stared at me as if I were a crazy woman. "You don't care?" Hope twinkled within his eyes, along with shock.
Now it was my turn to be confused. Was that what he thought? "You know that I'm friends with vampires. Why would I care? Do you... kill people, Jacob?" My voice wavered, it obvious that I was terrified of his answer. What would I do if he did?
His expression hardened to stone when I mentioned a vampire, his hands uncontrollably shaking. But when I asked if he killed, the shaking slowed until he was once again still.
"No, we don't kill people. Not like your friends," he spat, causing me to flinch.
"Jasper doesn't kill people."
Yes, it was true that Peter and Charlotte did. But it would probably be better not to mention them at the moment.
Letting out a deep sigh, Jacob's lips became a hard line. "I guess I can say that I'm glad he's the only Cullen that is back," he murmured. "Do the others plan on returning?"
The familiar throb within my chest came back with a vengeance. "No. Just Jasper. He's the only one who has stayed in contact with me," I whispered, my head hanging. I had ached to talk to Jasper about this before—only now I knew I was secretly glad to have a reason not to. Now that reason didn't exist.
It was odd to see his expression grow immediately brighter once I was finished speaking. Was Jacob that thrilled that he wouldn't be coming back? Pulling my jacket tighter, I returned my attention to the waves.
"Good. At least he's concerned about keeping you safe, unlike the rest of the bloodsuckers," he snorted. "Does he plan on staying?"
"Until Victoria is gone." Those words were like broken glass in my mouth. I couldn't even look at Jacob's smile growing even larger.
"Even better. The redhead doesn't have a chance, then."
Well, it was clear that Jake was going to be even more adamant to kill Victoria knowing this. I should have just kept my mouth shut. Swallowing thickly, I noticed the thin sprinkle of rain that began to fall from the sky. "Jasper wants to talk to Sam about a few things involving her. Could you possibly get him to come by later?" I asked, bending down to pick up a small piece of driftwood so I could draw in the sand.
"Sure, sure."
Silence returned as I doodled in the sand, although I could tell that Jacob was much more at ease after our conversation so far. It wasn't long before he spoke again.
"So you really don't care?" he asked, the disbelief within his eyes not fading. Did he think that he would scare me away?
"No, Jake," I chuckled, while his smile grew bright.
I could see my Jacob again as he pulled me forward, wrapping his arms tightly around me. The heat emanating from him would be startling if I didn't know the reason why it was there. Still, the wave of relief that flushed through me made the day even better.
For the rest of the afternoon, I threw each question I had about the wolves to Jacob, unable to help but be curious. I was startled to find out that he was the reddish brown wolf that looked at me—that had gotten so close. It worried me learning that a vampire's venom was fatal to them, yet their teeth were strong enough to rip them apart.
I suppose I just attract the abnormal. In fact, I was beginning to wonder how people lived in ignorant bliss when so much happened around them each day.
Things finally felt back to normal as I pulled myself into my truck, waving goodbye to Jacob after the long day. Well, as normal as they could possibly be. Pulling out my phone, I called Jasper before slowly driving down the road.
"How did things go?" he answered, barely after the first ring finished.
"Better than I expected." I let out a deep gust of air that felt as though it had been waiting. "He avoided me because I wasn't allowed to know the truth... But since we figured it out, there isn't any reason to," I chuckled, finding it to be silly. He could have just told me he was addicted to steroids—that would have been more believable and the questions would have dropped.
"He wasn't angry with you because of my presence?"
I knew he had expected this. By the tone of his voice, he would either be content or infuriated, which was sweet in its own way.
"No. Well, he wasn't ecstatic about it. But when I told him that he wasn't coming back, Jake didn't seem to care anymore."
"Of course he wouldn't," Jasper grumbled lowly. Before I could ask what he meant, he continued, "Are you on your way home now?"
"Yes—I'll be at the border in a few minutes."
"I'll see you there."
The line went dead as I smiled, trying hard not to accelerate on the gas. Continuing down the road, it wasn't long before I saw Jasper standing by the road, his hands shoved into his pockets. There was something different about him, I noticed, while my eyes scanned over him. Instead of the usual sweaters, he was wearing a dark plaid shirt—and jeans. Now that was something I never thought I'd see on him... but it was fitting. I'd be lying if I said he didn't look good.
Pulling the truck to a slow stop, he was beside me in an instant, his lips tugged up into a tight smile. I could see he was tense for a moment, getting used to my scent like I knew he would have to. After a few moments, he relaxed, cracking the window like always.
"Why were you shocked?" he asked, raising a brow.
My cheeks flushed as I uncontrollably allowed my eyes to run over him again. Damn it. I had already known that Jasper was handsome—how could he not be? But him switching up his clothing style just drew even more attention to the perfection.
"Um... you look good," I shrugged, mimicking a tomato now as I began to drive. It was pure agony keeping my eyes on the road instead of on him—especially since I could see in my periphery that he was looking at me, confused.
"I guess I'll just take that as a compliment," he chuckled, making me rethink my words.
"No—I've always known you looked good—I mean... ugh." Well, my words were just a jumbled mess, my embarrassment swallowing me into a deep, dark hole. "You look different," I managed to mumble, hoping that was enough of an explanation. Even worse, I knew that he was enjoying every second of this, otherwise he would have calmed down my emotions immediately.
Daring a peek over at him, I saw I was right, just by the smirk on his lips and the twinkle in his lighter eyes.
"Thank you, ma'am," he drawled, his chest shaking as he silently laughed. Bastard. When I felt the wave of calm wash away my discomfort, I saw him shrug out of the corner of my eye. "Found some old clothes in my closet. Figured I'd wear them."
"Alice wouldn't let you wear them?" I guessed, immediately knowing I was correct.
"In her opinion, the same outfit can't be worn twice. I don't give a damn if it's worn over and over—it's just a waste of money if you don't. I'd rather be comfortable and not make it a big deal," he frowned, a small twinge of pity sprinkled within me.
"Might as well enjoy the freedom, then," I giggled, turning on the windshield wipers as the rain got heavier.
His smirk returned. "Damn straight. By the way, I brought you something after I was done hunting—I left it at your house." My nose shriveled. He knew good and well I didn't like gifts or anything in that nature. "Don't you give me that look," he snickered, "I stole it from Rosalie actually—not like she'll need it. Found it in the garage."
"In the garage?" My voice was wary, my hands gripping tighter onto the steering wheel. At least I knew it wasn't a car; he couldn't have fit that into my room. That soothed my nerves at least, as I pulled up my driveway, parking beside Charlie's cruiser.
"Mhmm. I'll sneak around back," he nodded, about to open the door.
I hated knowing he would have to wait in my room until I was done making and eating dinner. Not to mention Charlie would find it odd if I immediately ran into my room. But it was either that, or he'd be outside in the rain.
"You... could always come in. Charlie still knows I talk to you," I offered, pursing my lips.
He froze for a moment, his brows furrowed. "...What would be my excuse for being here?" he asked, reminding me that he was supposed to be in college at the moment—I even told Charlie that.
I jingled my keys in my hand absentmindedly. "It's the middle of March. You could tell him that it's spring break—that you decided to visit," I shrugged, finding that to be a good enough explanation.
Jasper nodded his head. "He wouldn't find it strange that I wouldn't be visiting my family instead?"
I shook my head. "When he found out that I was still talking to you, he was wondering if I was trying to talk to him," I shrugged, Jasper's eyes hardening. "I told him that you didn't really talk to them much. So he wouldn't find it odd," I explained.
It was silent for a moment as he thought things over. Giving a short nod, he tentatively smiled. "Alright."
I prayed I wouldn't slip as I hurried out of my truck, rushing to the front door as the rain fell. Of course, Jasper was already there, almost appearing nervous. Was it because he would be in the presence of another human, without any backup if he lost control? Sucking in a deep breath, I knew that I trusted him. It would help his self-control, not to mention he just hunted.
Opening the door, I stepped inside to hear the usual sound of the TV blaring in the living room.
"Hey, dad," I called, shutting the door after Jasper stepped inside.
"I got pizza," he replied, much to my relief, before stepping out of the living room. "Where've you-" His voice clipped, his back straightening when he noticed Jasper. "Oh. You're Jasper, right?" he awkwardly grumbled, shifting where he stood.
"Yes, sir. It's nice to meet you, Chief Swan," Jasper replied, holding out his hand before the entire room was filled with a blanket of calm. I felt it, and seeing Charlie's stiff shoulders relax, I knew he did, too.
"Charlie," he murmured, quickly shaking Jasper's hand while my jaw dropped. "You visiting?"
I threw Jasper a look, knowing good and well that he was cheating with Charlie's emotions. He pretended not to notice.
"For Spring Break," Jasper nodded.
I didn't know whether to be entertained or not as I followed the two men into the kitchen, sitting next to Jasper.
"Where are you going to school?" Charlie asked, opening up the pizza box.
"Dartmouth," Jasper swiftly replied, while Charlie seemed to choke on his own breath.
"That's... impressive," he muttered, while I got out a few plates.
Feeling a tad evil, I placed one in front of Jasper. "You can have a piece, if you'd like," I sweetly offered as Charlie stole a couple.
Jasper sent me an unamused glare as he unnecessarily shifted in his seat. "I already ate. Thank you, though."
Shrugging my shoulders, I poured a few drinks, setting one in front of Jasper that he could pretend to sip. Just like I thought, he lifted the glass to his lips, although I could tell not a drop of water entered his mouth.
"So what are you studying?" Charlie asked while I let out a deep sigh.
I should have been expecting this. Even still, Jasper was prepared. "History and Philosophy." He threw me a wink while Charlie wasn't looking, and I couldn't help but smile.
As the influenced calm faded away, I noticed Charlie didn't stiffen up like I feared he would. The two men continued on, Jasper's answers firing back right as the questions were asked. It was almost like watching an entertaining movie while eating, glad that Charlie was being civil. Once he was done eating, he stood.
"Well, I'll leave you kids be. Don't be a stranger, Jasper," Charlie nodded, before leaving the room.
"You are a cheater," I snickered, collecting the plates to wash.
Jasper's smirk grew, his gold eyes glittering. "I don't know what you're talkin' about."
"You are already calling the man Charlie," I scoffed, shaking my head as Jasper appeared beside me at the sink. It took everything within me not to jump from surprise, or drop the plate I scrubbed and rinsed.
Taking the washed plate from me, he began to dry. "Hey, I only helped him be comfortable around me. Unlike you, most people are not," he reminded me, flashing a small grin.
Rolling my eyes, I laughed beneath my breath. "Whatever you say," I replied, handing him the last plate to dry. "How was it? Being around both of us?"
Peeking over at him, he still seemed relaxed as he dried the plate within a second. I knew that since he stayed here last night, he has technically been around both of us already. But not up close, having to talk and appear normal.
"Good. Wasn't that bad," he smiled softly, which I quickly returned. Perhaps things would get better without two monitors focused on him. "Come on, I'll show you what I brought now," he added, starting for the stairs.
Scowling, I followed after him, not eager to accept any kind of present. Still, I at least knew that he didn't pay anything for it. Entering my room, however, I was surprised.
A smile ripped across my face when I saw what was waiting on my rocking chair. Laughs burst from my throat as Jasper picked up the helmet, chuckling beneath his breath.
"A helmet?"
"Well, I figured since you'd be talking to Jacob again, you'd more than likely want to ride your bike some more," he smiled.
"Yes!" I beamed, looking over its smooth, black surface. "Rosalie rides motorcycles?" I couldn't help but ask, not expecting that at all.
Jasper nodded, twisting the helmet within his grip. "She'd take mine out every now and then. I guess that's why she didn't take the helmet—it was more for appearance anyway. But for you," he snickered, lightly poking the scar on my forehead, "It'll prevent your head from cracking open again."
My smile was warm, along with the spot he poked on my forehead. It made no sense, due to his hand being ice cold. "Thank you, Jasper."
His lopsided grin sent a shiver down my spine as he plopped the helmet on top of my head. Part of me ached to hug him—but now just wasn't the time. The day had already been wonderful, and I most certainly didn't need to push it. Instead, I sent him all the gratitude I could muster.
I could see his eyes soften, but before either of us could speak, his phone began to ring. When he pulled it from his pocket, I could see Peter's name across the screen.
Jasper sighed, putting it to his ear. "Yeah?"
I could barely hear Peter's voice as he quickly spoke, unable to understand exactly what he was saying. But once he finished speaking, my heart stuttered within my chest, fear engulfing me when Jasper turned to stone.
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