Chapter 21:

"Breakfast"

"Falling in love is not a choice. To stay in love is."

"In dealing with backstabbers there's one thing I've learned. Those bitches are only powerful when your back is turned."

BPOV:

"So, what do you gals have planned for the day?" Jasper asks, swallowing a large bite of pancake that has been drowned in maple syrup. A hint of his southern accent is clear when he says 'gals'. The Hales moved to Forks when the twins were five, and they often went back to visit family, but neither of the twins sounded like they were from Texas unless they were feeling very happy, very angry, or just plain emotional. He must be in a really good mood.

"Shopping!" Alice squeals before either Rose or I could respond. In my head, I am shaking the pixie repeatedly, but outwardly, I make no response known.

Jasper snorts at her, and a chuckle follows. Laying down his cutlery and turning to face the short woman, he asks "You think you're going to get my Izzy to go shopping after making her go out to a club last night?"

He snorts again.

"What? She's a girl Jazz, what girl doesn't love shopping?" Alice questions in response, completely baffled.

"A girl who cares more about people, relationships, books and animals than about material goods. Bella hates clothes shopping and cares very little about fashion. And nobody but Bella, my parents and myself call Jasper 'Jazz'. Lets keep it that way, shall we?" Rose chimes in, an annoyed smirk graces her beautiful face, and yet, it doesn't impede on her beauty at all.

Typical. The most beautiful woman on the planet is not capable of looking ugly.

Ever.

Sometimes I wonder if being best friends with a woman with super model good looks has a negative effect on my self-esteem. Then I remember that Rose is one of very few people that I know that doesn't believe in lying. Or in twisting the truth to lighten the blow. She is blunt, honest and often, a little rough around the edges – these qualities are often mistaken for bitchiness.

It's a pity really, Rose is one of the best people I know, which is exactly why I ignore any ill thoughts I ever have about her beauty, because she deserves to be blessed with her looks.

Her outside beauty matched the beauty she hides within.

"You don't like shopping? Is that natural? Did your dad drop you on your head as a child?" She joked but I didn't laugh.

Jasper did.

"I don't like shopping. If I need something, I go out, I get it. I come home. I like to cut to the chase. I don't really have much patience for dilly-dallying or time wasting. Shopping usually consists of looking, searching, determining if you really want that particular item of clothing, then determining if it looks good on you and then there is the inevitable 'How much does it cost?'. Quite frankly, I find the entire process to be completely redundant." I mutter out between bites of delicious bacon.

Bacon is great, isn't it?

I really love bac-

"That's not strictly true Bells, is it? I mean, you and I go shopping together fairly regularly. Do you not have a good time?" Rose interrupts, genuine sadness evident in her eyes.

My loving thoughts about bacon are cut off by her worried question.

"I love you Rose, and you love shopping. Therefore, I go shopping with you. It's simple, sometimes you have to do what you have to do. I enjoy spending time with you, even if that time is spent browsing through racks of clothing."

"Really?" She asks softly. I chew the chunk pancake that I had tossed into my mouth slowly, pondering the meaning behind her tone and words. What did she mean 'really'? She knows I don't lie, therefore she needs me to reassure her of the enjoyment I feel when in her presence.

Interesting.

"Of course," I reply smiling at her, "why else would I hang with you?" I wink and laugh as her smile lights up her face.

"So, shopping?" Alice interrupts our little moment with a pout.

"I'm in!" Rose smiles and turns to be, her eyebrow arched in question. I nod my ascent. I'll go because it will make Rose happy.

Maybe I could pick up a few books while I'm out...

I do need some new jeans...

Yes. It's a worthwhile venture, I decide.

Jasper smiles at all of us as we finish our breakfast in unison.

"That's great! A bonding day!" He laughs. We all smile back because Jaspers' happiness is infectious.

"I'm going to take my own car" I chime in before any plans are made, "I'm going to head back to my apartment as soon as we leave the mall".

I'm going to be dead tired by the time we finish, I'm sure.

"Aw! Leaving so soon? We haven't had a chance to hang out and get to know each other yet!" Alice pouts.

It's disgustingly cute.

I can already feel myself warming up to her.

I'm not sure how I feel about that, I think to myself.

"Okay, plan of action: Tidy the kitchen, shower, dress and go shopping" Rose interrupts while smiling, obviously pleased at the thought of abusing her credit card.

Shopping always did make her smile in this weird, almost manic way.

Well, I might as well just allow the torture to begin and not to comment. Commenting only ever brings boredom and more often than not, usually results in Rose shoving me into crowded dressing rooms and forcing me into uncomfortable clothing for her amusement.

I can't wait.

A/N: This is just another quick update, it wasn't beta'd. Please review.