A/N: I hope the last chapter was enough to "wet" your appetite and hold you over until this chapter. All my love to my slashbian crew K&B/A!

Disclaimer: I don't own anything Twilight; I just dream and write about some of the characters.

Chapter 21: No Words

I wake up Monday morning and commence with my morning ritual: get out of bed;, take care of my bathroom needs before I let the dogs out to do theirs, and jump into the shower. I round out my bathroom routine by shaving and brushing my teeth before I let the dogs back in, making sure to give them both a treat for doing their business, finish getting dressed and finally grab some snacks for the day as I head out the door to work.

Such is my life, boring and predictable.

What I wouldn't give for a little bit of change or just something different.

Be careful what you ask for!

Whatever! I'm a change embracer, I can handle change.

Uh-huh, keep telling yourself that.

I pull into work and head to my office, passing by the mailboxes to check for any new mail. As I approach, I notice Jane is whispering at a rapid pace with another co-worker and abruptly stops her conversation. The subject of their discussion must have something to do with me because she looks at me with wide eyes and then quickly walks away in the opposite direction. As she departs, I notice that she has a magazine in her hands she is trying to roll up and keep me from seeing. The other woman she was chatting with heads down the hall towards me; she briefly meets my eyes and then her gaze swiftly shifts back down to her feet as she passes by me.

What. The. Fuck?

I grab my mail and head to my office, sit down and turn on my monitor. I open my email and start checking my voicemail messages while scanning through the new items in my inbox. I'm about halfway through my voicemail messages when Paula walks into my office and stands in the doorway. I motion that I'm on the phone but she silently forms the words, "I will wait."

Hmm, this must be important if she is willing to interrupt me while I'm checking messages on the phone. I guess the rest of these messages will have to wait.

I hang up the phone and motion for her to sit down in the spare chair in my office. She pauses for a moment, closing the door behind her and for the first time, I notice that she has something in her hand. She sits down placing a magazine face-down in her lap and hesitates. She opens her mouth a couple of times but nothing is coming out.

I tell her, "Paula, just spit it out! What has you so pensive all of a sudden?"

She tries to give me a smile but it quickly fades and she flips over the magazine and I see the title, "The Scoop".

I chuckle a bit and say, "When did you start reading that garbage rag?"

She shakes her head and finally says, "I…I normally don't read this kind of trash but when I…overheard a couple of girls in the office talking about an article they had just read and your…name was mentioned, I had to see what they were talking about. I know this is none of my business and if you want me to stop, just let me know." I nod for her to continue and she opens the magazine to an article that she has marked with a yellow Post It tab.

"There is this article and there are a couple of pictures in it…pictures of you and…Edward Cullen."

My jaw drops as she turns the magazine around. I can see the photograph of Edward and I having dinner at Ruth's Chris Steakhouse. I have a flashback to the amazing dinner that we enjoyed and try to theorize how a photo of the two of us got into this salacious waste of ink claiming to be 'news'. It takes my brain a few seconds to process the memories and I recall when those two girls came over to our table to take our picture. This is the same picture that Rose threw in Edward's face from the "National Enquirer"! Only this time it is accompanied by additional photos - one of Edward and I at what appears to be a grocery store and finally one of Edward and I leaving a coffee shop.

How in the hell did all these photos end up in a single magazine?!?! Who sent them?

I glance at the title of the story under the first photograph and gasp loudly, "Mystery Man – Friend, Family or Secret Lover?"

Paula leans forward and places a hand on my knee and says, "It was Edward Cullen that sent you those chocolate flowers, wasn't it?"

I continue to stare at the magazine, horror-struck, unable to tear my eyes away from the title that is screaming back at me. She gently squeezes my knee.

"Jasper, I know it is none of my business but I want you to know that I don't have any problems with you being gay and I don't care who you're dating. It just pissed me off to overhear some of the gossip hounds in the office talking about you behind your back."

At this point I'm shocked out of my trance when I hear the words, "…talking behind your back." I look up at Paula and ask, "They are talking about me? What are they saying?"

Paula leans back in the chair and sighs, "I wasn't actively listening in on their conversations but I have heard Jane make several remarks about you and believe me, they weren't very complimentary."

Fucking Great! Now I'm going to be the center of office gossip, led by none other than that harpy, Jane "I want to be the fucking Mrs. Edward Cullen" Volturi. That bitch is going to be major pain in my ass!

So, how are we doing with that change you wanted in our life?

Oh, shut the fuck up!! I don't want to hear another word about this and if you even think the words "I told you so" I'm going to find a way to give myself a lobotomy and remove your sarcastic ass!

Atta boy, embrace that change!

Fuck my life!

Paula stands up and says, "Jasper, please know that I hope you consider me enough of a friend to feel comfortable talking with. I really don't want to see you get hurt by this vicious gossip. I have never seen you happier than when you received those wonderful roses. Please don't let some jealous pack of bitches ruin your happiness."

I force a smile and say, "Thank you Paula. That means a lot to me, but this is a lot to process right now." She nods her head, opens the door and closes it behind her.

I look back to the article and begin reading through it. I feel like somebody has just stolen my diary and published it on the Internet for the entire world to read. While most of the article is a complete fabrication--"What will Edward's girlfriend, K Stew think of him having an affair with the 'other man'?"

Like he would even date somebody like that shrew?!?!

Looking a tad green there, eh? Jealous of a rumor that isn't even true?

Shut it!

I continue reading and one particular line causes me to panic, "We sincerely hope that this 'Mystery Man' is just a friend or possibly a business partner of his because there is no way somebody as gorgeous as Edward Cullen would be willing to jeopardize his career and alienate many of his loyal, female fans. It would be such a waste and tragedy."

Jeopardize his career…

I…Could I cause Edward's career to suffer?

My phone rings and shakes me out of my dismal thoughts. I don't even glance at the caller ID and pickup the receiver, "Jasper Whitlock speaking, how can I help you?"

A high pitched voice responds to my greeting and I mistakenly take the caller for a woman until he introduces himself. "Good morning Mr. Whitlock, my name is Eric, Eric Yorkie and I wanted to know if I could ask you a couple of questions?"

I don't recognize this joker's name and I am certainly in no mood to talk to a salesperson on a cold call. I pause and then inquire, "Questions about what?"

He continues, "I wanted to ask you how long have you and Edward Cullen been dating?"

WHAT IN THE HELL?!?!?!

I yell into the phone, "WHO IN THE HELL ARE YOU?"

He calmly replies, "I told you already, my name is Eric Yorkie and I work for "The Scoop".

I can feel my face begin to burst into flame.

"How in the hell did you get my phone number? I don't have anything to say to you and don't ever fucking call me again!" I slam the phone down and let my head fall into my hands.

Oh my fucking God, this is not happening to me! Why is this happening to me?!?

I spend the rest of the morning trying to pull my head out of the tailspin it has been spiraling in. I need to calm myself just enough to so I can attend the team department meeting and present the timeline for one of my projects that goes 'Live' starting next week. As I'm delivering my update at the meeting and have everybody's undivided attention, I cannot help but wonder…

How many of them know about Edward and me? There can't be that many that read that piece of shit rag! But what if Jane opens her vile mouth and tells others about it?

SHIT! Where was I?

I stutter and quickly try to refocus my thoughts on the project timeline, finish my explanation and take a seat. I see Paula sitting across the room from me as she gives me an expression of encouragement and silently mouths "Great Job!" I have to laugh at myself because I know that was probably one of my worst presentations ever.

I have no clue where the rest of my day goes as it is a complete blur but I miraculously make it home without wrecking my car and find myself sitting on the couch with my hands in my lap as I mentally go numb. I'm not sure how long I just sat there but I'm jolted out of my lassitude when a cold, wet nose is gently pressed up against my arm. I look down and see Hershey. He seems to know that something is bothering daddy and rests his head in my lap. I rub behind his ears and a smile forms on my face. It is truly amazing how pets know when their human companions are ill or experiencing sadness or stress. All it takes is their simple presence and unconditional acceptance and love to bring a little bit of happiness to help lift a darkened mood.

I let the dogs out one last time and check to make sure they have enough food and water in their dishes as I head into the kitchen. I open the refrigerator in search of something to eat but absolutely nothing looks appealing. I grab an apple and bottled water, knowing I need to at least get something in my system. Hershey scratches on the back door, letting me know they are ready to come back in. I give each of them a treat and decide that I really don't want to watch any TV and head to the bedroom to try and get some sleep. Diva jumps up on the bed and settles herself between my legs while Hershey is stretched out along my side.

I awake the next morning and repeat my daily routine before I head off to work. I get to work and I'm feeling extremely wound up and tense. I realize that my angst is centered on the events that took place the previous day and I wonder what I'm going to do. I finally decide that I need to call Edward and tell him about the article before he reads it himself, or even worse, if somebody on set reads it and brings it to his attention.

I call his cell number but he doesn't answer. I figure he is probably busily working on a scene and doesn't have the time to answer his call. I leave him a message, "Hey Babe, I hope your day is going well for you. When you get a chance, could you please give me a call? I have something that I…you should know about."

A couple of hours later, my cell phone rings and I see that it is Edward. I close my office door as I answer his call.

He says, "What's up, Jay? I got your message and was a little worried so I called you back as soon as I finished shooting my latest scene." I pause for a few moments, not knowing where to begin the conversation.

"Jay? Is everything okay? You are scaring me."

I sigh and say, "Babe, you have you read" The Scoop" lately?"

He laughs. "Oh please, tell me you are not reading that trashy rag, hon?"

I continue, "Well…normally I never would read it but a co-worker of mine brought it to my attention. There is an article in there and it is about…you…and me." I can imagine his brows furrowing at my last comment.

"Huh?"

So I continue, "The article is titled, 'Mystery Man – Friend, Family or Secret Lover' and there are pictures of you and I from that night at Ruth's Chris along with a couple of others from when we were grocery shopping and at the coffee shop."

His voice is laced with panic as he asks, "What do you mean there are pictures of you and I…Mystery Man? Secret Lover?!? What are they saying about us?"

Alarms start going off in my head as my trepidation increases. Words begin to tumble out of my mouth as I frantically try and explain.

"Well, they um, are not coming out specifically calling us lovers, but they are speculating about: who I am; if you would be foolish enough to jeopardize your career by getting involved with a man; how upset your girlfriend will be to find you cheating; and how scores of women will hate me for 'turning you gay'." I am practically panting as I finish summarizing the sordid story in a single sentence. Breathe, Jasper, breathe!

He cuts me off, "What? Jeopardize my career and who in the hell is my girlfriend?"

I try and muster a laugh, "Well, they think you are dating K Stew from your previous movie and they are calling me the 'other man'."

My hysteria is reaching epic proportions when Edward blurts out, "What the fuck am I going to do? This cannot be happening to me. Where are these leeches getting this kind of shit? What is my agent going to say when she finds out about this? We have got to keep this covered up…Fuck! It is already printed. I know, I will have my agent make a statement, something about you being a business associate of mine and we were having a dinner to discuss an up-coming film."

I sit there dumbfounded and repeat the phrase, "Business associate?"

BEEP, BEEP, BEEP! I jump up in my bed and realize that my alarm clock is going off and I'm covered in sweat and my heart is about to burst from my chest.

Oh fucking no!!! It was just a dream right? There is no way in hell I'm going to call Edward and talk to him about this. What if he really freaks out like that? What if he doesn't want to be with me anymore? What if…

What if you step back from the cliff and try and take a deep breath? You know that Edward would not react that way, so just try and calm the fuck down.

Yeah but…"Business Associate"

I jump into the shower and turn the water on, letting it get as hot as I can possibly stand, hoping that the water will scald away these haunting memories. I finish my shower and thank God for autopilot because I have zero recall on how made it to work.

I walk into the office building and head down the hall towards the mailboxes and I'm jolted out of my stupor by the sight of Jane who is there busily chatting with yet another co-worker, next to the copier.

Is that bitch setting up an office in the middle of the hall? Since when did the copier become a meeting room for her own private entertainment?

She sees me coming, nods her head in my direction and gives me a disgusted look as she turns to walk in the opposite way. I grab my mail and head back to my office, falling into my chair and just sitting there for several long minutes.

Paula steps into my doorway and asks, "Jasper is there anything I can do to help?" I look up at her, force a smile and shake my head.

She says, "How about I stuff Jane's skinny ass into the copier and have it shipped to another country?"

I chuckle and I say, "That would be wonderful – perhaps an island inhabited by cannibals. Thanks so much for putting a smile on my face, I really needed that."

She returns my smile, "Happy to brighten your day, even if for just a brief moment."

The next couple of days follow the same repetitive pattern as those before them. I'm finding it harder and more difficult to haul myself into work each and every day. The weekend arrives and all I want to do is lock myself away in the house, cuddling up with a good book or maybe watch a good movie. I scan through the various movie channels and come across one on Logo called "Latter Days" starring Steve Sandvoss.

The movie is almost over when I start watching. It is the climatic reunion scene where a desperate Aaron enters Lila's restaurant and is chatting with her as Christian walks in, carrying the platter of food. A startled Christian sees Aaron and drops the tray as they rush towards each other to embrace. I completely lose it at this point. My eyes blur as tears are beginning to streak down my face and I can feel the sobs working their way up inside my chest.

Of course, it is at this most inopportune time that Edward decides to give me a call. I glance at my phone and if it was anybody other then Edward, I would have ignored the call. However, I click the answer button and put the phone up to my ear and hear, "Hey hon, how is your weekend going?"

I sniffle and try and silence the sobs that are in my throat by this point, "Umm…I'm good sniffle." I can hear the deep concern in his voice.

"Jay, what is wrong? Why are you crying? Is everything all right?"

I take a deep breath, trying to calm myself down and reply, "I'm fine Babe, I was just watching a movie on Logo. You called right at the scene where the two lovers see each other for the first time, after thinking that they would never see each other again but there they stand, right before their very eyes. I was a bit overcome and started crying. Everything is okay. I'm just a little emotional right now."

He asks, "What is the name of the movie?"

I tell him, "'Latter Days' with Steve Sandvoss."

He laughs a little, "Steve who? I don't think I have ever heard of that movie before."

I chuckle and tell him, "Google Steve Sandvoss and you will see." I hear Edward shuffling around and I assume he is grabbing his laptop and hear him typing away on the keys.

He says, "Whoa…he is fucking hot looking!"

I laugh a little and tell him, "I would love for the two of us to watch this movie when you get back. It is a great story and the crying was out of happiness so I think you will enjoy the movie as much as I did."

Some of the concern seems to have left his voice but he still asks, "Are you sure everything is okay, hon? Is there anything else bothering you?" I pause a moment…

Should I tell him about the article? What ifhe reacts the way he did in my dream?Better to let it ride and not bring it up. I don't want to ruin his day and give him any opportunity to not want to see me next weekend.

"Nope, I'm fine, just enjoying a quiet evening at home with the babies. How was the rest of your week of shooting?"

His tone lifts as he happily goes into details of the various scenes that he worked on; some of them for nearly 4 to 5 hours, just to get the right emotional impact. I'm truly happy that he is diving head-on into his work and it appears to be something that he is really energized about. He finishes telling me about the intricate details of a particular scene involving special effects and says, "I'm going to let you go for the evening but I can't wait to see you next weekend. I really have missed you a lot and I don't know if I'm going to let you leave my room, the entire time you are here."

I softly moan into the phone, "You have no idea how wonderful that sounds right now. I can't wait to see you too, Sweetness. Please know that I'm anxiously counting the days." He laughs and wishes me a good night and hangs up the phone.

The rest of the weekend passes by uneventfully and Monday rolls around all too quickly. The weekly cycle begins once again. I make it to work, grab my mail and for once, I'm thankful that Jane is not in the hallway letting her verbal diarrhea ruin my day. My happiness is brought to an abrupt halt as I sit down at my desk and see a newspaper sitting in my inbox atop my desk. I slowly pull the paper towards me, flipping it over and see the title; "The Enquirer" sprawled in inky blackness across the front page. There is a red arrow pointing to an article on the lower left-hand part of the front page. The arrow has block letters written upon it "BASTARD".

I read the article headline, "Edward Cullen – Are you next?" I should have thrown the snot rag in the trash right then and there but it was like watching a train wreck, you can't look away all the while knowing you are about to witness a horrific tragedy. I flip through the pages to the full article and begin reading.

"James Hale died at the young age of 26 years. His death was ruled a suicide but what would drive a man noted as being "the life of the party" to kill himself? A source very close to James reveals that it was none other than his boyfriend, Jasper Whitlock. Yes, the same man that has been snapped in photographs with Edward Cullen. Our source also reveals that James was madly in love with Jasper but felt crushed that the love was never returned. On numerous occasions, James would tell Jasper how much he loved him and how he wanted to spend the rest of his life together with him. However, Jasper never could commit and share that same love.

One evening, after what must have been a heated argument, James drove off to bury his sorrows with a couple of drinks. Once he had a chance to calm down, he was driving back to see Jasper once again, when he lost control of his car and slammed into a construction pylon, killing him instantly.

Our readers want to know: Edward Cullen, is this the type of man you want to be associated with? Do you want to be next?

V~"

The paper silently slips from my fingertips and falls to the floor. I sit there stupefied in horror at what I just read.

What? How? Who even knows about James and me? Where in the hell did they get this bullshit story from? That wasn't how it happened at all!

I hear a gasp from my doorway and I turn around in my seat to see Paula staring at me. She says, "Oh my god, what happened to you? You look like you just walked out of a grave! When was the last time you ate anything?"

I cringe as her reference to a grave, as it brings back painful memories of James and his funeral. She notices the paper lying at my feet and bends down to pick it up. She flips to the front page, noticing the arrow and flips to the article deeper within. She quickly reads through it and then stares at me aghast.

"Who in the hell printed this shit? Why was this put on your desk? What the fuck is with the arrow?"

No words can escape my mouth, I am completely numb. I can barely register that she is talking to me when she finally steps forward and places her arms around my shoulders.

"Oh Jasper, I'm so sorry that you had to read this crap. I don't know who could be so vile to print such hateful words. Who is this V person?"

I open my mouth and close it. I have no words.