A/N: Okay, so here is an actual chapter for you all to enjoy:) Again, I am so sorry for the delay, but computers and their networks are conspiring against me, so I had to struggle for a bit. But enough chit chat! Read the chapter and let me know what you think at the end. REVIEW!

Chapter Nine: The Party

After that day in the woods, Jasper hasn't left my side. He almost hovers over me, really. In public, he remains like his usual reserved self, but when it's just me and him, he becomes someone else, his true self. It's like I'm the only person allowed to see past his wall.

Cole hasn't been talking to me for some reason. It's weird, he's usually always nearby , but after leaving with Alice, he's ignored me and if I try to talk to him in class or in the halls. He gives me this look, like I'm a bug he wants to squish under his foot.

Jasper seems to think it's a good thing that Cole's not around me so much. I'm not sure why.

Now that Jasper is practically attached to me, I've been spending less time with Bella, not that she minds, I think. After all, she's too busy with her own vampire at the moment.

It was Friday and after a week of curiosity of Cole's sudden shift in demeanor, I was going to get to the bottom of it.

"Hey,"

Turning my head, Bella and Edward walked towards me. I smiled and shifted my books in my arms from their weight.

"Hi…"

Noticing my lack in enthusiasm, Bella asked, "What's wrong?"

I shrugged, "Nothing…it's just, Cole. He's been acting strange lately."

Bella looked confused and her eyebrows furrowed together as she looked between me and Edward, "That's the new guy right? The one who was home schooled ."

I nodded.

Edward linked his fingers with Bella's as he looked down the hall, his attention drifting towards something before saying, "You shouldn't be too concerned with him Remy. I'm sure it's nothing."

I blinked and crossed my arms, "Why shouldn't I be? He's usually so happy and lately, he's been…broody."

He looked back at us and gave me a look of warning, "you may want to stay away from Cole at the moment."

"Why?"

He shook his head, "I can't say."

Bella looked up at him, "But, you can read minds, why can't you just, hear what's bothering him?"

He rubbed her hand between his fingers and looked torn with confusion, "I have only been unable to read an individual's mind twice. The first, was you Bella."

He looked down at her with a soft smile, a look of love in his eyes before he turned to me, "The other, is you Remy."

Both Bella and I were shocked. I had learned that Edward had been able to read minds and was a bit embarrassed as I wasn't too comfortable with someone able to just hear what I was thinking.

"Are you serious? Why didn't you say anything before?" Bella asked as she looked up at her boyfriend in shock.

He shrugged slightly, "I honestly didn't take it into consideration for worry. Look Remy, for some reason, I am unable to read Cole's mind as well. It's like, there is a barrier that prevents me from reading his mind. No matter how many times I attempt it, it's like I am thrown from his mind forcibly."

"Like he knows your there, in his head?" I asked as I listened attentively to Edward's confession.

He nodded, "Yes. I don't know why or how he's able to expel me from his mind. It's like he's been taught how to. Just, be careful around him Remy."

He suddenly smirked and said, "We wouldn't want a wrathful Jasper on our hands."

A sudden chilled wind rubbed against me and I found Jasper standing next to me, looking at Edward with concern, "Why is that, Edward?"

He shook his head, "Nothing, Jasper."

Edward looked down at Bella and said, "Are you ready to go?"

She nodded, smiling up at him as he wrapped his arm around her and guided her down the hall, leaving me and Jasper alone.

I turned my complete attention to him and smiled, "Hi…"

He offered me a small smile before we started walking towards the exit. He brushed against me as we did, letting no space exist between us as he looked around protectively. I giggled, causing him to look down at me, "What?"

I shook my head, "Nothing, it's just, you're like a bodyguard. All you're missing is a suit and an earpiece; you've got the stone-face look down, and you're always so close when we're walking."

He wrapped a cold arm around my shoulder and pulled me closer. I wrapped my arms around his hard waist and rubbed my cheek against his chest. I felt the vibration of his voice as he asked, "Close enough for you, ma'am?"

I smacked at his chest, "What did I say about calling me ma'am?"

We exited the school and walked through the parking lot until I saw my bus. Releasing myself from his protective grasp, I was about to say goodbye when I was lurched back towards him.

Looking up at him, I asked, "What? My bus is over there."

He held my hand in his and seemed to be studying it, "I am aware, Remy. But, wouldn't you rather ride in the comfort of that?"

He twisted me towards the direction of a black mustang that was parked near the exit of the parking lot. My mouth fell open and I turned to him, "You got a new car?"

He followed me as I ran towards the vehicle. As I reached it, I circled the car in wonder, "What brought this on?"

He leaned against the passenger door and shrugged as I stared at him with excitement and surprise, " Well, if I'm to keep you out of trouble,"

I arched an eyebrow and his smirk widened, "I thought it might be beneficial if I had a car to drive you. I'm at your service."

I rolled my eyes as he offered his hand to help me into the car as he opened the passenger door, "Thank you."

Despite the sarcasm in my voice, he nodded politely before he reached over me and pulled the seatbelt across me and buckling me into the car. Shutting the door, he was sitting next to me in a flash, bringing the car to life.

Jasper dropped me off at home and despite his desire to remain at my house, I ordered him away. He needed to feed and I didn't want him to starve because of me.

He was reluctant to leave but did as I asked, saying he would be back later in the evening. I watched as he took off in his new mustang and closed the door. Grandma Elsa was out at La Push again, visiting the Clearwaters.

I had yet to meet them but wanted to so I could thank their son for finding me in the woods all those weeks ago.

As the evening progressed, I ended up in the living room, watching TV and doing homework. But, as I looked down at the history book in my lap, my mind kept creeping back to Cole.

Why couldn't Edward read his mind? Why was he avoiding me and being hateful towards me?

The vibrations of my phone caught my attention and I dug it out of my bag that lay on the ground by the couch.

"Hello?"

"…Remy."

I nearly dropped the phone, "Cole?"

"Yeah, uh, it's me."

I frowned and stood from the couch, beginning to pace back and forth. "Hey."

"…look, um, I'm sorry that I've been…standoffish around you lately. It's just I've had a lot on m plate."

"Really? Standoffish? How about a total ass? What did I do Cole?"

"Nothing! You did nothing wrong. Look, things haven't been…the best for me lately, okay."

"Cole, I'm your friend. Why didn't you just say something to me?"

He sighed over the phone and was silent for a moment, "…I am now, aren't I?"

I stopped pacing.

"Could you meet me later? There's this party I'm going to tonight; it's just up the road from your house; some kid's parents own it and their out of town, so…"

I bit my lip and sat back down on the couch, "Sure."

"Great! Um, the address is 1211 N. Greenleaf Road. I guess I'll see you later tonight then."

I sighed, "Yeah, later."

Hanging up, I tossed my phone on to the seat next to me and ran my fingers through my hair. Looking at the clock that hung over the fireplace, I saw that it was nearly nine o'clock. Jasper said he was going to come by later, but that was at like five.

But I just promised Cole that I'd meet him at this party. Maybe I could make it back before Jasper got here.

I would wait until nine-thirty or so before I left, in case Jasper did show up.

I ended up walking up to the house that was having the party as it was only up the road. I could hear the music before I could even see the house.

As I got closer, I saw a number of cars parked on the side of the road and some in the lawn. I didn't recognize a majority of the young people that were there. They were probably from Port Angles or were college kids looking for a good time.

I began to feel nervous as I walked up the steps of the house, a very affectionate couple were making out against the wall of the house and I blushed as I walked into the open door.

It was loud and crowded inside the house as I squeezed past people, searching for Cole.

Walking into the kitchen, I brushed past a boy who was nursing a aluminum can and grinning at me. I rolled my eyes as he winked and pushed my way out into the backyard.

I found Cole surrounded by a group of people cheering him on as he raced against someone in a drinking contest. Crossing my arms, I stared at him in shock. What was he doing?

Crushing the can in his hand, Cole let out a loud whoop and lifted his arms in victory. The group took turns patting him on the back, one of them handing him another beer. He took it happily and stumbled out of the encirclement when he saw me.

"Remmm! You made it!"

He leaned against a chair for support as he made his way towards me, holding up the other hand, motioning for me to wait a moment. I rolled my eyes and let my arms fall to my side.

"Cole! What are you doing!"

He looked up at me and smirked, "Right now, I'm looking at you baby."

I did a double take and stared at him in disbelief. Did he just call me…baby?

"Excuse me?"

He stood up slowly, regaining his balance. "Huh?"

I scoffed and yanked the can from his grip, "I was on the phone with you only half an hour ago and you're already drunk? Cole, what's the deal?"

The happy, buzzed look on his face disappeared and was replaced with a look of annoyance. "I'm not drunk, I'm tipsy."

"Really? Because the lack of motor skills tells a different story, Cole! You're the one who wanted to talk to me, and here you are, totally pissed!"

He took the freshly opened beer from my hand and gulped it down before throwing the can to the ground absently, staring at me. "You're right, I did want to talk to you."

Nodding, I crossed my arms.

"But not here."

My head tilted as he grabbed my hand and pulled me into the house. He pulled me through the crowd of people until we reached the stairs, and Cole led me to the second floor, stumbling slightly as he did.

He pulled me into an empty room and shut the door, locking it.

"Why'd you lock the door?"

He shrugged, "So no one will interrupt us."

Feeling uncomfortable, I took a step away from him, "Why wouldn't you want to be interrupted?"

He groaned and said, "It's not like that, Remy! Geez!"

His attitude changed into one of anger as he began to pace the room. I sat down on the bed, careful not to say anything as I was unsure of how he would act in his drunken mindset.

"I don't know why I thought you'd be different! I told them you would be but no, here you go, becoming involved with one of them!"

I furrowed my eyebrows at his rambling, "Them?"

Cole stopped pacing and looked down at me hesitantly, "My…parents. Those Cullens think they're so perfect, doing they?"

"They're good people and my friends."

He laughed and looked at me with mockery, "Really? They're your friends. Oh goody! Please Remy, do you think I'm stupid? They think they're so much better than everyone else with their money and fancy crap!"

I let go of the breath that I had had in my chest. I was afraid Cole was talking about their vampire nature, but he was just jealous of their money.

"Cole, why are you so jealous? It's not like I'm friends with them because they're rich. Alice is my best friend and J-"

"-and Jasper has practically claimed you. It's sick! It's like he owns you or something."

I shot up from the bed and glared at him, "Jasper does not own me! He's just protective is all!"

"He looks like he's going to pee on your leg, Remy! Every time someone so much as look at you, he looks like he's going to rip their throat out. What's going on between you two anyway?"

I crossed my arms, "There's nothing going on between us, as you put it. He's a friend Cole. A friend. Like you're suppose to be, not an ass!"

He looked away and took a deep breath, calming himself. "Remy, he's not…who you think he is, okay. Stop whatever it is you have with him before you're in too deep. Please, for me."

Looking confused, I stepped closer to him, worried about his behavior. "Cole, I'm safe with Jasper. He's not going to hurt me, okay?"

He just shook his head. "Don't say I didn't warn you."

Backing away from me, he gave me one last look before turning around and exiting the room with difficulty due to the alcohol in his system, slamming the door behind him.

Why was Cole so against my friendship with the Cullens? It's not like he knew they were vampires. He couldn't know. Surely, Alice would be able to see him, right?

But, Edward couldn't read his mind; did that mean that Alice might not be able to see the future that involves Cole?

By the time I got back home, Grandma Elsa was home and already in bed. The poor woman got so tired these days.

I noticed that Jasper's car wasn't in the driveway. Maybe he decided not to come by after all. His trick to take my scent further from Forks seemed to be working, but it had been a while and I'm worried that this vampire may be coming back any day now. Having Jasper with me made me feel safe and calm; although I'm sure he had a hand in the calming part.

Yawning, I turned on my light and pulled my jacket off.

"Gah!"

I felt my heart jump in my throat when I turned around and came face to face with Jasper's chest.

"God Jasper, stop doing that, seriously!"

"Where have you been? Do you have any idea what I thought? You can not be running around unattended, especially at night, Remy."

I sighed and shrugged my shoulders, "I'm sorry okay? Cole called me and said he needed to talk to me. I was only up the road."

Jasper followed me as I walked towards my dresser and pulled out a pair of pajama bottoms and a t-shirt. "It doesn't matter where you were, Remy. All this vampire needs is a second. In a second, you could be dead and I wouldn't have been there to protect you!"

I laid my hand on the crook of his arm, trying to calm him. "Jazz, I was fine."

He shook his head, "No, you're not fine Remy. You won't be fine until I kill the vampire hunting you."

I looked at him in wonder and said, "Why are you so set on protecting me? I'm just some human."

I looked down at the ground before looking back up at him, his face void of any visible emotion. I shook my head and made to walk around him, "Forget it."

Walking out into the hall, I made my way into my bathroom and changed into my pajamas. I threw my dirty clothes to the ground, not caring at the moment where I left them.

I brushed my teeth and pulled my hair into a messy bun before returning to my room. Jasper hade made himself comfortable as he sat down at my desk, looking at his hands that laid in his lap.

"I don't understand it myself, really. It's like, I'm connected to you, somehow. I can't help it, can't control it. I don't want to."

I stood on the doorway, watching him carefully as he rose from where he sat and walked towards me until he stood right in front of me. Close enough that I had to tilt my neck back just to see his face.

His cold, shimmering hands took mine and he said, "From the moment I saw you, I wanted to be near you. I was afraid I would hurt you or kill you. But not anymore. I know that I will never hurt you, ever Remy. I will do everything, anything you ask me to, because I want you to be happy and safe. I promise."

I couldn't breath as he said his confession. "You'd do anything I'd ask?"

Nodding firmly, he said, "Anything."

I looked down at our clasped hands, "Okay then,"

Gripping his hands tightly, I looked back up at him, taking a deep breath. He looked so beautiful and angelic it was hard to think he drank creatures blood for survival. The idea of a vampire left such an evil and demonic image, it was hard to think Jasper could ever be in the same category.

"What is it Remy?"

I gave a shaky smile. "I'm just nervous."

He smiled tenderly, "Nervous of what, darlin'?"

I giggled and said, "Is that what you're calling me now? Darlin' I mean?"

"You won't let me call you anything else."

I bit my lip and said, "I think I like that one."

He nodded, "Good. Now, what did you want to ask of me…darlin'?"

The nerves came back and I began to fidget. Breathing heavily, I looked up into his golden hued eyes and said, "Take me on a date."

He seemed surprised as he eyebrows rose to his hairline, "A date?"

I nodded quickly, "Yeah."

He cleared his throat but kept his grasp on my hands, "Is there a particular…reason, you wish to go on a date?"

I looked away and mumbled under my breath. He leaned closer, a smirk on his face, knowing perfectly well what I said. "I didn't catch that."

My head snapped in his direct and I said clearly, "Because I like you! As if you couldn't tell with your fancy emotion powers."

He chuckled and brushed a loose curl away from my face. "Alright then. I'll take you on a date. What would you like to do on this date?"

I shrugged, "Surprise me Jasper. But it better be good."

He nodded, "But of course ma'am."

"Hey!"

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