A/N: I am so sorry if I have not responded to your reviews for chapter 20. The end of the school year is upon me, and I have been running around like the proverbial headless chicken. THEN, the laptop on which I write… and create the slideshow for graduation… crashed! THEN, I broke my wrist while my kid was teaching me to box. Hallelujah, all is getting better now!
Don't own Twilight, but I do own my story. Since FFn is having some issues with randomly pulling some stories they deem inappropriate, I am taking precautions. Though I will continue to post updates here as long as FFn allows, I am also on The Writer's Coffee Shop under the same pen name. If I disappear from this site, I want you all to know that you have boosted my ego, encouraged my writing, and convinced me that this was a worthwhile risk. Thank you all so much for all of your kindness!
"Holy shit! I fuckin' love cucumbers," wheezes Jas as he releases his hold on my hair.
I look up at him from my position between his legs, wipe my bottom lip with my thumb, and move forward to lean on his belly. Smiling. Both of us.
"See! Didn't I tell you? You should never underestimate the value of diligent practice," I say, a little smug, listening to him trying to catch his breath, feeling his stomach muscles expand and contract with the effort.
"Never doubt you again. Fuck. Did I get too loud?" he asks, suddenly concerned with propriety now that his dick is no longer in my mouth.
"No, Jas," I giggle, climbing farther up his body to rest on his chest and trace the thick black lines of his infinity tattoo. "You do owe me a pillow, though. Did you rip it with your hands or teeth?"
"I have no damn clue, Babe. I don't remember doin' it! I was just tryin' to be quiet. That was so good, I think I blacked out for a second there," he chuckles, playing with the lace straps on my pajamas.
"I'm so glad you enjoyed it. Now put on some pants and get some sleep. Long day tomorrow."
"Yeah. Tomorrow's your birthday, Babe. I will definitely be returning the favor."
"That better be a guaranteed promise, Whitlock."
"All my promises are guaranteed, Bella," he says softly, leaning forward to kiss me lightly, slowly.
"I know," I whisper when he lays his head back down. "I believe you."
"You better."
I spend the night with my head on his chest, my arm thrown across him, my legs tangled with his, my breaths matching his own. It's foreign to me, having someone sleeping in my bed. Oh, I've slept in a bed with a guy - Paul used to like me to stay a while, you know, after - but he never stayed here. Even my liberal-minded parents wouldn't allow someone they hated that much to stay over with me. But Jasper in my bed all night? It's new and a little uncomfortable, too warm, crowded. But I wake up thinking that this is how I want it to be all the time.
I also wake up thinking I wish whoever is banging on my door would cut it out.
"Bells!" Bang, bang. "Bells!" Bang, bang. "Dad says to get J's ass up! We're leaving in less than an hour!"
Jake. Why is he so very loud all the time? Like, really, all of the time!
"Oh. And happy birthday!"
"Thank you for the afterthought, Jake!" I yell as I roll away from Jas to face the door.
"No prob!"
"Why the hell is everyone yelling?" Jas mumbles sleepily. He sounds groggy and grumpy, but he rolls onto his side behind me and grabs me around the waist, pulling me toward him. I like spooning. He's a very good spooner. He's also still very naked. Awesome.
"You have to get up," I tell him, hoping he won't.
"Don't wanna. Gonna stay right here. With you. We can spend your birthday in bed." Not going to lie; that makes me smile, especially when he leans into my neck, nuzzling. He's a good nuzzler, too. A good, spooning, naked nuzzler.
"Jas, you need to get showered and dressed, baby."
"Can't you get undressed and we'll shower together?" he suggests as I peek at my alarm clock. Even earlier than I thought. Dad must be chomping at the bit to catch every single fish in the Pacific Northwest today.
"As much as I like that idea, I think not. We just don't have time, Jasper. We have only been together a week - don't piss my dad off already. He hates to be kept waiting. It's a cop thing, I think."
This makes him roll me over toward him, leaning on his elbow as he looks down at me, a look of resigned disbelief on his face.
"Jesus, Babe. I'm lying naked in his teenage daughter's bed after having spent the night - and gettin' the most incredible head ever, by the way - and me makin' him wait is what's gonna piss him off? People would never believe me if I told them this shit. Never," he says shaking his head, close enough to me that his hair is brushing my face. "And happy birthday, Babe. You are definitely not an afterthought to me."
He kisses me fast and hard and jumps out of bed, heading for my bathroom, his gloriously obvious morning wood leading the way. I can only think what a waste. Well, I thought I only thought it.
"You're the one who said we don't have time," he calls out toward my suddenly lonely bed. I swear I can hear the smirk.
By the time Jas makes his way out of my bathroom, playing hell with my resolve to not jump his bones by wearing those fuck hot low-slung jeans he favors, I've pulled on some sweats and a hoodie, throwing my hair in a messy knot. All kinds of sexy, right? I head downstairs to the kitchen with him, hoping to have a cup of coffee with him, Dad, and the boys.
"Happy biiiiirthdayyyy to you," they croon; Dad, Jake and Seth. "Happy biiiiirthdayyyy to youuuuuu," not a tune held between them. "Happy biiiiiiirthdayyyyyy, dear Belllaaaaaaaa," warbling with sincerity, the three of them. "Happyyyyyy biiiiirthdayyyyyy tooooooo youuuuuuuuu!" Three part disharmony while wearing pink party hats. Thank God Mom is up and has the presence of mind to take pictures. I never, never want to forget this.
I launch myself first at my brothers, the best gifts ever given to me, the first people I ever chose to love.
"Thanks, guys. That was disturbingly beautiful," I sniffle, refusing to admit even to myself that I might possibly kind of be tearing up a little. I hold them both in a hug, wedged in between them, one arm slung around each of their necks. "Love you."
"Gosh, Bella. Emotional in your old age?" asks Jake. His attempt at nonchalance might be more believable if he wasn't currently clutching me as tightly as I am clutching him.
"Love you, too, Bells," says my Seth, very quietly, his voice the only small thing about him.
Dad next. Throwing my arms around his waist, I hang on tight as he bends backwards, lifting my feet off the ground.
"Thank you, Daddy," says the little girl inside who will always be his vision of me.
"Happy birthday, Bells."
Sappy time over, my four favorite boys all grab the jelly slathered toast my mom has prepared for breakfast and rush out the door. Jake and Seth toss their party hats and bolt for my dad's truck before Dad has a chance to force them into the squad car. No. Just no. All of us kids refuse that particular embarrassment. Don't really think they were in much danger; the truck is suspiciously full of fishing gear. Dad and Jas are close on the boys' heels when they simultaneously realize they are about to create great heaping piles of trouble for themselves, turn in comical unison, and walk quickly back to their women. Jas and I pretend not to notice Mom and Dad smooching as he plants one on me. Pretty sure they're blocking us out, too. Kissy time over, they bang out the door, jump into the truck, and speed toward the beach to fish. I mean, set up my picnic.
"Mom?'
"Yes, Isabella?"
"Dad was still wearing the pink hat," I say with a completely straight face.
"Yes, dear. I know. But he doesn't!" She breaks into rich, deep, loud belly laughs, and I can't help but join in. Poor Dad.
"We're so mean," I say, wiping tears from my eyes.
"Bella, happy birthday." She reaches out and grabs hold of me, clutching me tightly but tenderly in the type of hug only your mom can give. "I can't believe your age has finally caught up with your mind. You've always been such a responsible adult, more so as a child than many grown ups I know. Certainly more responsible than I was at your age. I'm so proud of you, baby, even if I don't tell you often enough." She kisses my cheek and lets me go, wiping her eyes.
"Thanks, Mom. And stop it. No more crying or mush. I can't handle any more." We both grab a cup of coffee and sit down at the table.
"Ok. So. How was your night?" she asks with a twinkle in her eye.
"Nope. Not discussing that, either. Um, do I need to worry about Jasper being alone in a relatively secluded area with Dad and the boys this morning?" I can feel my forehead crinkling in concern.
"No, Bella. Calm down. Everything is fine. Your Dad knew he was staying over. He gave permission, remember?"
"Yeah. I told Jas the same thing. It's just… weird, I guess. Boys have never been off limits - thank you, by the way - but having one stay over in my room is… weird," I sigh, unable to articulate my feelings to her. "In theory, I knew it would be fine, that you guys would be fine, but…Sex has been an open topic, but having a guy stay over in my bed… I'm not surprised you are fine with it. I am surprised Dad is as cool with it as he seems to be, that's all."
"Isabella, Dad and I both still agree that the only way we learn in life is to make our own choices. That goes for you and your brothers. Now that you are officially an adult, most of our power over your decisions is gone anyway. Just continue to think things through and you'll be fine. And we'll be fine, too. But don't be shocked if your dad briefly forgets that from time to time. It's a Dad thing."
"Ok. Thanks."
"Anytime. Now. What are we going to do for the next few hours?"
"I say we make some really creamy and decadent hot chocolate, grab a sinfully fluffy blanket, huddle on the couch, and watch The Breakfast Club followed by Letters to Juliet. I can't decide between the Brat Pack or a chick flick."
"Perfect," my mom smiles. "When in doubt, choose both." And we follow the plan exactly.
After our perfect morning of mother-daughter bonding, we pack up my truck and her car with presents I told them all not to get me, refrigerated side dishes packed in coolers, and a store bought cake. It's beautiful but not as yummy as one I would make, I have to say. Whatever. They won't let me bake my own birthday cake.
"Mom? I have an idea. Let me make a call before we leave."
We arrive at First Beach around 11:30 and park next to Dad's truck, still the only other vehicle in the lot. I'm trying to help Mom get the stuff out of her car before heading down to the beach. I guess I'm a little impatient to get to Jasper, as evidenced by my tapping foot.
"Bella, just go. Send the boys to help us unload," she laughs, shaking her head.
I'm doing my very best not to run. I'm trying really hard to just walk down the steps to the sand. I am unsuccessful. Running off the bottom step completely without grace, I am rewarded. There he is. Shit fuck damn, that man is fine. He is also colossally bored and in need of rescue.
"Bells! Glad you're here, honey. The guests should be arriving soon. Pull up a bit of sand and dip a line in the water until they get here," yells my dad gleefully. This is his element: sand, sea, sun, and bait.
Chuckling, I answer, "Sorry, Dad. No time. Mom needs the boys to help unload. You and Jas can keep fishing for a while, though." This draws possibly the most hostile look Jasper Whitlock has ever sent in my direction. I laugh openly. Silly Jasper.
"No, I'll help, too. Um, Chief, where do I put the pole? How..?" He's so confused. He's so adorable. I will never tell him that, but he is. I hurry over to him, taking pity on his fine ass non-fishing self.
"Give it, Jas," I snicker, taking the pole and reeling in the line.
"Oh, thank God. I have no idea how much longer I coulda taken this," he breathes gratefully as I lean the gear against Dad's tackle box. At this moment, I hear Seth's happily confused cry of Jane!
"Did you?" Jas asks,
"Yep. Felt like we needed one more new person this year. What the hell? Just listen how happy she makes him," I sigh.
Slipping his arms around my waist, he bends his knees and kisses me deeply. "You're amazing. Happy birthday, again, Babe."
"Jas, my father is right there," I giggle, not really caring.
"After the things that man made me do with a worm, he deserves to see me defile you thoroughly." He is totally serious.
"Well, we can be more thorough after the picnic when you whisk me away on your badass Harley and lure me into the privacy of your apartment -"
"BELLA!"
The sound of my name being screeched across the beach is followed by the sound of bare feet stomping through sand as Ali makes her hurried way to me. She's wearing shorts and a hoodie, just like me, and she's kicked her flip flops off. Temps will reach about 70 degrees today, but it's September in Forks. It's chilly.
"Happy BIRTHDAY!" she yells as she throws her arms around my neck and jerks me away from Jasper. We do that girl hug thing - you know, the jumping, swaying, hugging thing - and then I am pulled into another, less girly, hug.
"Happy birthday, Bella," says Mike, like a normal person. I have so few of those in my life.
"Thanks, guys."
Jas and Mike do their thing and go help my dad start the burgers. The grill is ready, and the food won't take long. Carlisle and Esme both kiss my cheek and wish me happy birthday before dropping a suspiciously money-envelope-looking gift onto the growing pile of gift wrapped boxes under the marquee. As I'm eyeing the totally unwarranted mountain of presents, I am lifted off my feet from behind.
"Non-Yoko! You're totally legal now, girl! Woo!"
"Well, she still can't drink, Dude."
"UB, you still look like a little girl. Get taller already."
"Happy birthday, Bella!"
"Thanks for inviting us, Bella."
I'm being passed from one set of man arms to the next, receiving a kiss from each of Jasper's friends, each one guaranteed to piss my man right the fuck off. Love these guys. But being lifted above their heads and spun like we're in the WWE is too much.
"Sketch! Brian! Put me down! Welcome, welcome. Why don't you guys go help Jas. Go meet my dad, Chief Swan. He's a cop."
"No shit?" asks Pete. "Jas grilling with the chief of police. This shit I gotta see." And with that they jog toward the smell of food. Ali and I watch them go, giggling. We fall together to the ground and wrap our arms around each other, heads resting one against the other.
"Gangs all here," Ali chirps, a little too brightly.
"No, they're not."
"I know," she responds much more subdued.
"Two of the most important aren't here," I tell her sadly.
"Two? Edward, yeah. Who's the other?"
"Em. It doesn't feel right without him, either. I mean, I'd love it if Rose could be here, too, but Em should be with us."
"You're right." I hear a sniffle and reach out to wipe Ali's cheeks as she reaches to wipe mine.
"I miss them both, Alice."
"Me, too. Em stays away far more than he has to. Ed has just removed himself completely. He's right there, one door down from my room, but it feels like he's farther away than Emmett. I hate this. I don't like change. I miss my brothers."
"Me, too."
I look over to see Jas staring at us, concern etched on his perfect face. I smile, kiss Ali on the cheek, and pull us both to our feet. This is a celebration, and I'm not going to ruin it. The burgers are done quickly and we all eat. The conversation flows smoothly and there is so much laughter that more than one piece of food is spit unintentionally. Seth and Jake feel the need to regale Jas and the boys with Bella-was-so-dumb-when-she-was-a-kid stories (thank God no training bras are mentioned). I, of course, retaliate with Seth-in-diapers stories that have Jane glowing bright red. The band shares many of what I am guessing are their tamer gig experiences.
I open my gifts, and there is much oohing and aahing. My parents give me a pair of diamond stud earrings. Mom explains that on my first adult birthday, they wanted to give me my first adult jewelry. "Important" jewelry, she calls them. My brothers pooled their money and got me two tickets to a Kings of Leon concert in Seattle next month. Golden Circle seats. Sweet. Carlisle and Esme bought me a plane ticket to New York along with tickets to the Rockettes and The Lion King. Looks like I'm going on the Annual Girl-Cullen Christmas Shopping Trip this year. I've always wanted to go with Ali, but it's a thing she does with her mom. This year, Esme and Mom inform me, it's a girls' weekend - all four of us. Ali gives me a black leather mini skirt and a gauzy, long-sleeved top to go with it. Jasper loves this; Dad does not. Mikey gives me perfume that I am positive Alice picked out. The guys each got me a gift card from different stores in the Angeles Mall. Totally didn't have to - they spoiled me yesterday. Jane even came up with a sweet little card with a twenty in it.
That leaves Japer's gift. I hold it in my lap, a little apprehensive. What could he possibly get me? It won't be sappy. That's just not him. Besides, we haven't been together that long.
"Gonna open it, Bells? Or you gonna guess?" Dad is looking at me weird. Better rip the paper off already.
"Oh, Jas! I love it!" It's perfect. I lean over and give him just a little smooch. A hint of things to come, so to speak.
"Yeah, well, the radio in the truck sucks. A mechanical magic trick like that truck needs a kick ass system. The better to hear my music with and stuff." Cute. He's bashful. The guys, including Seth and Jake, notice, too. He will pay hell for that little bit of public sweetness, I'm sure.
Dad, Carlisle, and all the guys start a little we-won't-tackle-too-hard football game. Yeah, right. The good citizens of Forks should probably just stay home tomorrow; their police chief and their best doctor will be kind of sore. Mom, Esme, Ali, Jane, and I start cleaning up when we hear an unexpected splash.
"Pete! Pete! Get out of the water!" At least that's what I think Jas said. He's laughing much too hard to form clearly enunciated words.
Sketch is floating, shirtless, on his back in the breaking surf, bobbing around like a whale threatening to beach itself. That in itself is quite funny, but the bandana on his head, the sunglasses on his face, and the football in his hands is a sight to see.
"J, hell, man. You said to go long! Man, it's cold in here! Why did I think this was a good idea?" Sketch pulls his shivering ass back onto the beach, spikes the ball, and stands with hands on his hips. "Touchdown. We win, Chief," he smirks merrily. "I probably should've brought a towel."
"Ali, Jane," I say, "meet Sketchy Pete."
"You were right," breathes Ali. "He has to be seen to be believed."
A/N: Hope you enjoyed! It's been difficult finding the groove.