The Sweetest Addiction

by Maddie Grey

Dear Jacob there are a million things I want to tell you. I think I'm in love with you. I think you're messed up but so am I. And lastly I feel compelled to protect you from everything. Even yourself. Jake & Edward. AH. Slash.

21. Bruises, Part I

AN: It's one in the morning and I'm posting this, so all I can do is pray that it's coherent lol. But THANK YOU so much guys! In my eyes last chapter had to be a big. I was nervous because that was my first slash sex scene, but your feedback was really rewarding, and made me feel like I accomplished my goal. I can't believe last chapter made some of you cry...that really touched me. And I also know that some were wondering about Edward...since it may have seemed that he didn't have an orgasm at all. I assure you that he did...it was just not as obvious since everything was from Jacob's point of view. So I'm not sure how you guys will feel about this chapter, because it doesn't focus on Jacob and Edward as heavily as the last few chapters. Now that they're back in school, they will be interacting with everyone again. Last semester was about getting Jacob and Edward together, and this semester will be more plot, and character driven. This chapter is from Jasper's POV, third person, and Edward, first person. This will be a two-part chapter. I know there is something else I want to say, but my mind is too tired to function properly right now. But as always thanks again to the new reviewers, the faithful ones, and everyone who bothers to drop me a review. Ya'll are the best.

–Maddie

Disclaimer: All things Twilight belong to Stephenie Meyer, and 'Where the Sidewalk Ends' belongs to Shel Silverstein.

Chapter 21- Bruises, Part I

The world through the eyes of a child can be a mystical place, filled with love, rainbows and never ending song. But for the unfortunate, the world can be dark, endless rainy days, and the sweet hope for innocence returned. Love, that's all they need. To grow and flourish. Love. Keep the innocence because the world is filled with many dark things...that will come soon enough.

Jasper's POV

---

Cassandra Whitlock gently stroked her son's honey blonde hair. He was tucked underneath the covers and listening faintly as she read, "Where the Sidewalk Ends" by Shel Silverstein. Her voice was soothing and velvety, but there was an urgency in her voice that prevented Jasper from falling asleep. He opened his eyes and studied her concerned profile closely. Cassandra's eyes were big. She looked sad, but Jasper wasn't sure why. When he asked, "What's wrong mommy?" Two hours ago. His mom told him not to worry about it. Because little kids shouldn't worry about certain things.

So he laid in bed and felt sad because he knew something was wrong, but he didn't know what. Cassandra planted a soft kiss on his cheek. The kiss warmed his skin and traveled through his body. Jasper felt loved. He wanted to wrap his arms around her, and hold her in place. Love me forever mommy. Please? But he said nothing. Jasper kept his eyes tightly closed and his shallow breaths echoed in the still silence. The wooden floorboards creaked as Cassandra stood and walked in the direction of the bookshelf. Jasper peeked open an eyelid and watched as Cassandra rested her hand on the wooden frame. She seemed to be gathering her strength. After a few seconds she placed the book back in place. Cassandra looked over her shoulder at Jasper's bed. She placed her shaking hand to her cheek, and then left.

Jasper slowly pulled back the covers. He snuck out into the dark hallway after his mom. Her shadow fell across the door as she disappeared into her room. Jasper noticed that a few suitcases were packed by the front door. A dim light illuminated the small space. Jasper walked slowly towards the bags. His eyebrows furrowed and he felt a sinking tragedy permeate through his body. For a second he felt like he couldn't breathe. Jasper sucked in a few calming breaths. Where was his inhaler?

Jasper started to walk again. Everything was so quiet. He bent over and opened one of the bags. Jasper saw his mom's clothes stuffed inside. He swallowed. His eyes welled with tears. She was leaving again? Where was she going this time? Every time she went away it took longer for her to come back. He didn't want to stay here without her. Did she not love him anymore? Was that why she always wanted to leave?

Jasper's lips trembled. He knew that little boys weren't supposed to cry but he couldn't help it. Tears gushed down his cheeks. In a blaze of determination he ran to the closet. Jasper tugged as hard as he could and pulled his rain jacket from the hanger. After he pulled his arms into the sleeves he yanked on his rain boots. Jasper went back to the pile of bags and took a seat on one like stowaway luggage.

Cassandra emerged from her room wearing a black trenchcoat. Her pale blue eyes rested on Jasper, sitting on top of her bags, looking so small. Cassandra took a step back clearly startled. "Jazz, sweetheart what are you doing out of bed?"

"Can I come with you? Please."

Cassandra blinked twice and then looked around.

"I won't get in your way I promise. Can I please just come?" Jasper unzipped one of the suitcases, "I can even get inside one of these." He tried to fold himself inside. The space was tight, and it hurt, but he wouldn't mind the discomfort if that meant not being left behind.

"Jasper baby." Cassandra crouched down on her knees so she could be level with Jasper. "Love, you...you can't come."

"Why not mommy? I can fit. Look I can fit." He brought his knees closer to his chest.

"No you can't." Tears welled in Cassandra's eyes. "Now please go back to sleep. Your father will be back soon."

"Mommy please." Jasper begged. "I'll be good. I won't have any more asthma attacks, and I'll eat all my vegetables, and I'll do anything, just please, I miss you when you're gone. Please?"

Cassandra swooped down and picked Jasper up in her arms. She cradled him to her chest like a baby. He breathed in and out, his breaths ragged and uneven. She settled into a seat and wrapped him up even tighter. "I love you so much." Cassandra kissed his forehead. "Don't you ever ever forget that."

Jasper clung onto her blouse with tiny fingers. "Don't leave," He whispered.

Cassandra rested her chin on top of his head. "I'll be back."

"No," Jasper said holding on tighter.

"I'm going to fly on a plane. You hate planes."

"I can be brave."

"And then I have to get in a car and drive, really, really far."

"I can be even braver." Jasper promised.

"I have to go Jasper. Mommy needs you to be a good boy and go to sleep."

"No, please."

Cassandra stood up. Jasper kept his tight grip on her. Cassandra gently pried his fingers free. "Jasper go to bed."

She went to grab her bags, but Jasper picked up one, and dragged it into a corner. He stubbornly wrapped his arms around the bag. "You can't have it back. Not unless you take me with you."

Cassandra looked at her five year old son with wavering sadness. She turned away as if he was a golden dream, tragically fading into dust. Cassandra walked briskly through the front door without acknowledging her son huddled in the corner. His eyes widened. He waited a few moments. Jasper was certain that his mom wouldn't just leave him here like this when he was begging. Every breath he took dug him deeper and deeper. The waiting was driving him insane.

The engine suddenly roared to life and the headlights sliced like white knives through the blinds. Jasper jumped up. His rain boots echoed against the floor as he ran out into the pouring rain. Pools of mud created craters in the earth. Breathlessly he raced towards the car. Cassandra swerved wildly from the lot.

"Jasper go back inside!" she screamed. "Please."

He was getting closer, close enough to reach out, and touch the car. But she sped away, digging up damp earth, and splattering his brand new rain jacket, and boots with mud. No. Please. No. "Mommy!" Jasper started to run. He was breathless, and his body ached. The wind lashed against his little body, and the rain beat down on him hard. The car was disappearing, becoming a tiny dot in the distance.

Jasper ran for as long as he could. But then his lungs started to close up. He couldn't run. Not anymore. He started to shiver and shake. He was scared. Mommy? Mommy? Please come back. I'm lost. Please come and find me. Rain trickled down his cheeks. Jasper fell onto the ground and started to cry on the side of the road.

A blinding light roared towards him. Jasper pushed himself out of the road before the truck could flatten him. He laid in the grass, barely breathing. He was scared. He was so scared. So he closed his eyes, and eventually everything went black.

There is a place where the sidewalk ends

And before the street begins,

And there the grass grows soft and white,

And there the sun burns crimson bright,

And there the moon-bird rests from his flight

To cool in the peppermint wind.

Light eventually poked through the blackness. The hot morning sun beat down on his body. The air was ripe with the perfume of flowers and yesterdays rain. He didn't feel cold anymore. Jasper felt okay, but his heart still ached.

"Luckily for you I scared away the crows. They were trying to make a feast of you. But I thought you were alive, so I've been waiting...waiting and keeping the ugly birds away."

Jasper groggily picked himself up from the ground. He heard someone talking to him, but he barely remembered where he was. Last night had been so dark, so he ran after his mom's car, following her vanishing lights to an unknown place.

"Coordination seems to be normal. Reflexes?"

Jasper was pushed back onto the ground. He gasped, and was flipped onto his back. He looked up with wide eyes. A young boy, probably the same age as him, was staring down at him with goggles that seemed to magnify his eyes.

"Are you infected?" The little boy asked.

Jasper coughed violently. What?

The other boy placed his hand underneath Jasper's chin, and stared into his eyes. "Are you with me or against me? The mutants are coming to take us away...they love no one but themselves, but I'm part of the rebel infraction. You look scared? Why are you scared. I won't hurt you if you're good."

Jasper was confused. "Who are you?" He whispered. "And where am I? Is this Heaven?"

The other boy tilted his head up towards the big blue sky, and then pulled his goggles back. "No. Heaven has tons of chocolate and everyone gets a golden retriever. God made that a rule. So this isn't heaven." He reached in his pocket for a water pistol and pointed it at Jasper's chest. "The journey ahead is long and tedious young soldier but gold awaits for us at the end. We have to go through the jungle, and battle the snakes, and then we can finally be happy."

Jasper looked down at his muddied rain boots. "I need to get back home. I don't want to go through the jungle, or battle the snakes. I just want to go back to my bed."

"You can't go back home." The blonde kid said as if he was surprised that Jasper wanted that.

"Why not?" Jasper asked confused.

"Because they'll make you sick." The other boy pointed his water gun at Jasper's face, and pulled the trigger .

"Hey!" Jasper exclaimed as he wiped at the water. "Why'd you do that for!"

"You had mud on your face. I was trying to help. Sorry." The kid pulled off his goggles and looked around. "The sun is positioned at the highest point in the sky. We have a few hours before darkness. We need to start moving. Make up for lost time. I had to make sure no one hurt you, so that slowed me down."

Jasper huddled his legs close to his chest. "I just want to go home."

"Then go." The other boy stood up and walked towards the street. "The infected are back that way. Big houses, with tall people, and greedy eyes. They'll eat you alive, while claiming to love you."

Jasper breathed in and out slowly. His chest felt tight. "Where are your parents?"

"Somewhere. Where are yours?"

Jasper looked around with difficulty. The sun was bright, and the trees were vibrant and green. A gentle breeze wafted across the field, tickling his cheeks. After all the rain yesterday and the darkness, the sun was finally out.

"When's the last time you ate?"

"Am I dead?" Jasper asked considering the isolation he felt, and the strange boy.

"No they're dead."

"Who is dead." Jasper asked with wide eyes.

"The people that hurt you. The ones that make you cry. They die." The little boy spoke casually. "Their wickedness killed them. But you're alive."

Jasper blinked his eyes a few times. He expected the other kid to disappear into the ether, and the rain to return, but the kid remained. He was dead. He had to be. Because this couldn't be real. This was Heaven? But if this was Heaven, then where was his mom?

Butterflies flapped their colorful wings as they zipped past. Jasper watched carefully as the other boy pulled a sandwich from his book bag. The butterflies flapped around them. "Hello," The boy said to the butterflies. "This sandwich isn't for you. You can't eat human food." He took half for himself, and gave Jasper the rest.

"Eat," The little boy instructed. He took a bite and smiled brightly "I hope you like peanut butter. I love peanut butter. Especially when it gets stuck in the back of your teeth."

Jasper bit into the sandwich. He didn't expect to taste it because he still felt like he was dreaming, dreaming or dead. His friend sat down. Jasper studied him even closer, now that the boy wasn't looking at him. He wore mismatched shoes, a sweater that was way too big for him, and shorts. "Are you homeless?" Jasper asked.

"No I have a home. It's huge. My parents are doctors. They love surgery. All the surgery they can get. Surgery buffets. They work at the hospital all the time, and leave me home. But it's good. It's really nice." The boy pointed down towards Jasper's house. "No parents just me and the maid. I wish she was my mom."

"Isn't anyone looking for you?" Jasper asked wondering if his parents were doing the same.

His friend looked upwards at the sun. "I don't think so. I'm like a stray dog." He took another bite of his sandwich. His face was expressionless. "I come and go as I please. Besides people need them at hospitals. Every second they're home, that's a second wasted, a life that could've been saved. Other people need them more than me. I'm not sick. At least I don't think so. I had the Chicken Pox once. It felt like I had fleas. Do you think doctors are heroes?"

"When I have asthma attacks I have to go to them sometimes."

The boy nodded slowly. His grey eyes were curious. "And did they fix you? Did they give you a lollipop and a pat on the head? I like lollipops, my favorite kind is blueberry. Blueberries are delicious." His eyebrows creased as he stole a look at Jasper.

All Jasper could do was stare at the boy like he was an alien. Strange but yet kind?

"As long as the sun is still shining there is hope." The little boy reached in his bag for a canteen of water and took a sip. "We'll have enough food for a few days. Do you have air for your asthma?"

"Air?" Jasper asked.

The little boy simulated an asthma attack and then he used his hands to mimic an inhaler. "You need air. I can't take you on a journey unless you have that. "

"I can't go anywhere, I have to go home. My mom will be back."

"No she won't. Once they get sick they don't ever come back." The other boy started to walk. He signaled for Jasper to follow behind him. "I'll take you back to the houses. But I can't stay too long. I'm going to get a happy meal from McDonald's, play in the playground, and then I'm going to Neverland, Peter Pan says kids like us would like it there."

"Peter Pan is a Disney movie."

"My favorite," The boy said. "Now we should go. If you have an asthma attack, and you don't have air, then you'll die. And that would make me sad. And kids shouldn't feel sad. Life should be cotton candy and Power Rangers. I'm the red one, which one are you?"

***

Edward's POV

---

"Okay what book do you want me to read?" Elizabeth Masen asked.

"I can read." Alice volunteered heartily.

Elizabeth smiled. "Alice why on earth would you want to revoke me of my duties! Am I that horrible of a storyteller."

"No," Alice wrapped her arms around Elizabeth and gave her a tight hug. "You're the best. Better than daddy."

Elizabeth's mouth dropped. "Oh...just don't tell your dad that. He puts a lot of effort in his different voices."

Alice giggled and placed her hand over her mouth. "Shh,"

Elizabeth smiled warmly. "Dr. Edward Cullen, what do you say? Oh." She adjusted her arm underneath me. "He's out cold. Poor thing. He's been running errands all day."

"Everyone loves Edward around here." Alice said softly. "Everyone asks him to read to them. They think he's really smart. No one asks me to read though, but I'm smart too."

"Well then they're missing out." Elizabeth stated. "You really want to read to me don't you Alice?"

"Yes."

"Well then go for it." Elizabeth said.

I was awake. I was listening to everything but I was so tired. It was exhausting reading five different books, and changing my voice like my dad's. It took a lot of effort to do that. I heard Alice reading. It reminded me of when we used to sneak into each other's rooms at night and read our mom's romance novels to each other. The books never made much since.

But we giggled anyways. Because some words were nasty.

Alice was reading Shel Silverstein. She stumbled over a few words but Elizabeth patiently corrected her, without stopping the flow of Alice's reading. After Alice was finished Elizabeth jumped into praising her.

"You would make a really good teacher." Alice said. "Like my mom."

"Thank you Allie."

"Miss Elizabeth can I ask you a question?" Alice asked.

"You can ask me anything beautiful."

"Where are your parents? Why don't they come and visit you?"

I peeked open an eyelid. I had been wondering that question for a while now. If I was sick, I knew my mom and dad would visit me everyday and hold me in their arms. I imagined that I could get through anything with their love, a few kisses and chicken noodle soup.

"Hmm," Elizabeth's pale skin creased with difficulty.

"Can we call them?" Alice asked.

Elizabeth coughed and then she let out a weak laugh. "That would be an expensive phone call. They live all the way in Texas."

"The state with cowboys?" Alice asked.

"Yes that state."

"I like cowboys." Alice said smiling brightly. "And so does Edward. He wants to kiss a cowboy on the cheek...but that's nasty...kissing...kissing people you don't know."

"It will seem nasty until you get older. One day you'll meet someone Alice, and you'll think he's the most beautiful boy ever, and it'll be like magic."

Alice stuck out her tongue. "Did you ever meet a boy that made you see magic?"

"Oh you're asking the tough questions today."

"Sorry, Edward wonders the same things, but he won't let me ask you. He says it's rude, but you're my friend and I love you, so it's not rude right?"

"No Alice. You're too sweet to have a rude bone in your body." Elizabeth clicked her tongue. "Well let me see, there was a boy who I fell in love with."

"Then call him. He can come and bring his magic to fix you. Because Edward and I are trying." Alice said softly. "We're trying to heal you, but it's so hard. That's why Edward is reading to everyone here, he thinks he can heal them all. He can right?"

There was a moment of silence.

I watched Elizabeth closely. My heart thudded against my chest. I knew that people died in hospitals...everyone couldn't live, but reading helped. It made people feel less alone. It warmed them up, and made them happy.

"This hospital is the best in Savannah, because we have top rate doctors, and you guys. Children have a way of making the world bright and happy. There is innocence and so much love. I feel so happy when I get to see you guys. I feel hopeful, and for a second I forget that I'm in a drafty hospital room...right now we're in Jamaica. Sipping martinis...no, I'm a sipping a martini, and you guys are drinking orange juice. The waves feel nice, and the sand is hot. I'm happy. I feel loved, and if that's not one of the best cures, then I don't know what is."

"Until they come. Your family or the magic man. Edward and I will keep trying to heal you. It's exhausting. But we're doing our best."

Elizabeth looked down. I thought I saw her eyes water. "I'm going to page your father now. The weather is nice. You should go outside and play Alice, run on the beach, fly kites, and Edward should be sleeping in his bed. This hospital is too cold for him."

I opened my eyes. "We're in Jamaica."

Elizabeth let out a startled breath. "Edward. I thought you were sleeping."

"I'll sleep when my dad sleeps." I boasted. "There is so much work to be done."

"Kids," Elizabeth said gently. "Do you know what I was doing when I was your age? I was riding bikes, and watching Disney movies. Believe me everyone in this hospital loves to see you guys. But you're children! Go play! I demand it. Esme would faint if she heard you guys talking about sleeping the same time as your dad, and taking shifts to heal people!"

"I would go and take you to the beach myself if it wasn't for this weak body of mine." Elizabeth scoffed with a smile.

"You'll be strong soon." Alice said rubbing Elizabeth's arm.

Elizabeth remained silent.

I knew that look. It was the same look my parents gave me when I asked for a puppy on Easter. Elizabeth didn't believe that she was going to get better. But she had to.

***

I felt arms wrap around me. I was disoriented and lost. Where was I?

"He was naked! I saw him! Naked! Get back here you nasty little fuck. Disgusting ass teenagers. They get to college and lose their fucking minds! Get back here you nasty little shit. You're not going to get one over on Penelope T. Stewart. I'm the new RA, the HBIC, and I won't stand for public nudity. Get your little dick back here!"

A door slammed.

Who was talking? Why did she sound so scary and why was she yelling? The lights were bright. I was so dizzy. Huh?

The voice was getting louder. It was coming closer.

"I'll get you kicked out of this hall. Hell I'll get you kicked out of this university! I don't know what kind of shit your last RA let you get away with. But I've worked with hardened criminals. I've been shanked by a big gap toothed woman, and I survived. And I've had more death threats than Spencer and Heidi combined but I'm still here. So no, I'm not scared of some bad ass college students. I'll fix ya. Show yourself!."

Someone was dragging me. What? I heard something swish into place. I vaguely made out the bathroom. The sinks, the lights, the tiles underneath my bare feet. He was breathing fast behind me. The door opened. The voice was louder. Everything was coming into view. The bright light. The voice I didn't recognize, and then hot water fell onto me. I gasped and then he clamped his hands over my mouth.

I could feel him behind me. He was strong, and he wrapped me up tightly. I was suddenly scared. I still didn't know what was going on. Through the blinding water. I turned around expecting to see Jacob, but instead I saw Emmett. My eyes widened in horror. I backed him against the wall ready to beat the shit out of him in my confused state. But he wrestled me to him. His expression was worried.

"If you want to get in serious trouble then keep fighting me." He warned

I was furious. How did this happen? How the hell did I end up in a shower with Emmett. I looked down. And I was naked! Oh no. Oh fuck no! Fuck! What the hell was going on? The last thing I remembered was losing my virginity to Jacob. Something was horribly wrong here.

Emmett pulled off his damp shirt. I could feel his cold skin against mine.

No. This was so wrong.

He pulled back the curtains. "What can I do for you sweetness?"

"I saw a naked boy. He was walking, naked as Matthew McConoghuey playing the bongos, where is he? Where is that filthy whore. I saw him with you. You picked him up. You were too fast. I didn't see his face. Just his legs as you dragged him away. He's in there isn't he? The naked ho is in there."

"Grams, sorry to kill your buzz. But the only in here is me. Man that must be some good weed." Emmett snickered.

I backed against the wall. Things were slowly starting to fall into place. I must've been sleepwalking again. And I was naked, because that was how I went to sleep, with Jacob. I closed my eyes. God. This was so embarrassing. I looked at Emmett's muscular back, red now, where the hot water was running down his flesh.

This was not good. Not good at all. How did I conveniently sleep walk to Emmett? Why was he here anyways? He didn't live in Cambridge. What the hell. I was so fucked.

"What's your name young man." The woman sneered.

"My name is Dick, ma'am."

"Dick?"

"Yeah like Richard. My parents named me Richard. But my friend's call me Dick."

"And why do I get the feeling that is all you are. A big, obnoxious, dick." She growled. "Let me tell you. The last RA on this floor was an old harlot that spread her legs for any college student that would hit that soggy fanny. But me, I'm not scared of worthless, pieces of trash like you. In fact, I eat washed up frat boys, with no future for breakfast. So bring it on Van Wilder. I'll grind you like ground beef and scarf you down like cheerios. Got it."

"Lovely. I prefer my cheerios with a little extra sugar, suga." Emmett said. "And I'll only let you grind me like ground beef if you promise to toss my salad."

The woman barked something that sounded demonic and then stormed away. Her footsteps echoed like Godzilla's. If she was our new RA, then everyone on this floor was in some serious trouble.

I heard a loud slamming sound and then there was silence.

Emmett looked after her with a smirk, and then his face went serious when he looked at me. "God, what's up with them hiring psychos on this floor. That woman said she worked with hardened criminals. Fuck, she looks like one. I'd even bet that she used a stone to carve that jagged face. Lookin' like Medusa. And Cullen what the fuck?"

I closed my eyes. "What are you doing here."

"Um me...hmm. Just the usual. Having a stroll, walking my miniature schnauzer, and wondering why you're giving the whole floor a sneak peak of your twig and berries " Emmett turned off the shower. He looked down at me and his jaw went slack. The smile disappeared. His cheeks reddened.

"Stop."

"Stop what." He asked licking his lips.

"Staring at me. Stop."

"Well you are naked. And I am insanely attracted to you. This whole problem would be solved if you grew a uni-brow, and lost a few IQ points so you could be to um...Jake's level, and then we might not have this problem."

I quickly picked up his damp shirt and used it to cover myself up.

Emmett smiled crookedly. "That shirt looks better on you, than it ever did on me. So when you give it back, don't bother washing it. Actually I would prefer it if you didn't."

"Is she gone?" I asked shakily ignoring all of Emmett's come ons.

"Your RA? Busted chopped up Leatherface? I think so. Good thing she didn't catch you, or else she might've made some stew. Kill the college students, take their souls, she'll probably need fifty to stay young." Emmett paused and his face reddened again. "Do you always sleep naked?'

"That is none of your business." I looked right outside the curtain. My arm slid across Emmett's skin. I quickly pulled back like he was the apple in Eden. On top of sleep walking nude, the last thing I needed was for Jacob to catch me in here with Emmett. He would never believe that I was innocent. Because this looked so fucking guilty.

"Bells and I were hanging out." Emmett informed me.

I looked at him confused.

"The reason why I was here Angel Face." Emmett bit his lip. "When I was about to leave, I saw you, looking high and heading towards the stairs. Naked. I thought you were high so I grabbed you and had full intentions of taking you back to your room. But then that banshee of a woman rolled out with everything but a machete, and hair curlers. I would've given you back to Jake, but if we went back to your dorm room she would've known it was either you or Jake. And I think she saw your great legs man."

My eyebrows furrowed.

"Which means she would've known it was you. Jake's too tan to have those pale legs." Emmett looked down at me again and then closed his eyes. "Sorry," he breathed. "I know this looks about as suspicious as me in a church, but I didn't have any diabolical intentions for tonight. I'm saving that for tomorrow." Emmett gave me a small smile. "But are you high?"

"No Emmett. I'm not high."

"So you were sleepwalking then?"

I felt so embarrassed.

Emmett smiled softly. "Like a little kid." He tapped my cheek. "Even when he's legal, he's still kiddie porn."

I bowed my head.

Emmett cleared his throat. "You should get back to him. And for both our sakes, put on some clothes. I don't want to have to bail you out of jail tomorrow, or go hunting after that freak woman if you go missing." His voice lowered. "Okay?"

His breaths filled the cramped shower when I didn't say anything. "I won't tell anyone. I can keep secrets. At least I can keep yours. Goodnight Edward."

I watched as he stepped out of the shower.

"Emmett?" I said feebly.

"Yeah Angel?"

"Don't call me that. I'm dating Jake. We're together. So you can't call me that."

Emmett blinked. "Yes?"

"Let me at least get you a shirt. It's winter and you can't go outside like that."

"This is summer. I'm from Alaska remember?"

My cheeks warmed.

"And anyways, you don't want to risk Jacob finding you with me. I prefer not getting caught when I'm on my missions, but tonight doesn't count." Emmett's voice was shaking. "I'll just get a shirt from Bella. I'm sure she has something small enough to squeeze into." Emmett laughed. "That should be fun."

***

The Next Morning

Jacob's kisses were soft and tender. Gentle reminders of the passion that had escalated last night. My body was wrapped up securely in his. I felt safe like this. As if I had been here in his arms all night. His chest rose up and down in a steady rhythm against my back, and I could feel his breath gently tickling my ear. I snuggled deeper into the contours of his body. He murmured something sleepily and then I felt his lips brush my cheek light as a feather. I smiled and closed my eyes. Last night was slipping further away. I decided to split my thoughts between Jacob and the first day of school.

I already knew that I would have trouble staying awake so I hoped like hell that my professors kept it simple. I didn't feel like introducing myself, or telling strangers that I had a twin, I liked 80's music, and I was a Biology major. I just wanted a syllabus, a quick speech on expectations, and then a one-way ticket back to Jacob. The thought of sex in between classes didn't sound like a bad idea either. I was tired, but I craved sex more than sleep.

It was strange how so much could change in one day. Yesterday I was on top of the world. Jacob took me to his house and he showed me how much he cared. I didn't think it was possible for him to show me anymore of his love than he already had. He cooked dinner for me, let me teach him how to swim, and told me some of his secrets that I knew he wouldn't share with anyone else. I thought he was so beautiful. He had gone through more that most eighteen year olds, but when it came to tackling his demons he did so with amazing finesse.

When we sat by the campfire and he burned the fear box and his dad's sweater, I could see his scars. The pain in his eyes made me want to cry. I found myself wishing that I could've had his life in exchange for mine, if that's what it would've taken to fix him. I never thought it was possible to love him anymore than I already did, until yesterday.

He was kissing my back now. His hands traced soft circles against my skin. I let out a soft moan. Sex. With the exception of his boxer briefs, which I was wearing, we were both naked. His skin was warm against my cool flesh. I could feel his morning wood poking my ass. I was all too tempted to ask him to fuck me again before class. I was still a little sore though. Jacob was gentle last night, but regardless, I expected pain and pleasure, and in the beginning it hurt like hell, but by the end of it, I didn't want him to take his dick out of me.

I wiggled underneath the covers turning my body towards his. His eyes, drops of dark roast coffee in the dull light were trained on mine. I smiled when I saw him bury his face in the pillow so all I could see now was his eyes. Not his full lips that made me sated with love and sex whenever I sampled them. This felt so good. Waking up to him, wrapped up in his arms like a tourniquet. I was looking forward to doing this for the rest of the semester. If he would have me for that long of course.

"What are you doing Jake?" I asked him.

"Morning breath is not the sexiest thing in the world."

I smirked. "I don't care about your morning breath."

"Well I do," He threw back the covers. "I'm going to brush my teeth and then we can lie in bed all sexy and naked."

I licked my lips. "What time is your first class?"

He was standing over me now. His cock was sticking straight up.

"Breakfast looks good." I said eyeing his erection. Apparently I was extra horny this morning.

Jacob's cheeks reddened as if he was embarrassed.

My whole face warmed. I couldn't help that my hormones were jumping all over the place.

"My first class is at ten."

Mine was at nine. We still had some time. I watched as Jacob jumped onto the floor. He slipped on his white Jockey's, grabbed everything he needed to brush his teeth, and then put on his flip-flops.

"I'll be right back. Don't you go anywhere." He winked. His voice was sexy and rough. And I liked the way his dark hair was matted and unkempt.

Mornings. I was going to love mornings.

I figured that I would join him as well. Back to the scene of the crime. I grabbed Jacob's green mesh shorts, slid them on and grabbed my toothbrush. Unlike Jacob, I waited a few minutes for my morning wood to go down, just in case anyone else was in there besides us. A few minutes later I joined him at the sink. He was bending down, his ass was full and perfect, and I could see his crack from where the boxer briefs sagged a little.

"Oh shit," I stared back at my reflection. I looked horrible. My skin was pale as a ghost, and the darkest purple bags I had ever seen were under my eyes. The lack of sleep I got last night was showing, and damn was it ugly. In addition to the horror that was morning me, there were a collection of hickeys on my neck and face. I was surprised that Emmett hadn't said anything about them. Jacob wiped tiredly at his eyes and stifled a yawn.

"I want to do nasty things to you before class." He sung. Jacob met my greenish-blue orbs in the mirror. His eyes widened for a second. "Fuck. Did I do that?" Jacob placed his hands to my cheek and turned my face to his. His thick eyebrows knitted together. "Why didn't you tell me I was hurting you?"

An embarrassing silence lingered in the air. Jacob was looking at me like I was porcelain now, as if one kiss, or touch of his hands might make me shatter into a million pieces. Damn. I knew I had sensitive skin. But I didn't know it was this sensitive.

"Jake it's not a big deal. I'm fine."

"It doesn't even look like hickeys on your neck. It looks like I bit you...like I bit you with the intention to hurt." He looked really upset. "Fuck."

Why was he taking this so hard? I'd been in fights before. Guys got in a few punches. I got bruised. It was no big deal because I usually ended up on the better end of it. "I bruise easily."

"And if you tell Alice that..."

My mouth dropped. "C'mon Jake. No one's going to think that you're abusing me. That's the most ridiculous thing I heard of, ever." I took the toothpaste from him and layered some on my toothbrush. As I brushed my teeth, he still stood over me, I was sure he was eyeing my neck as if he had drawn blood only a few hours ago. "Jake seriously." I said as I spat into the sink.

He left me alone in the bathroom. I heard the door swing shut behind him. I looked in the mirror analyzing the bruises that would surely fade with time. I sighed and joined him back in the room. He was sitting on his bed and tossing a football up into the air. I took a seat beside him. I had a feeling that he was bothered by something more than the hickeys.

I swallowed. There was only one other thing I could think of. Was it the sex last night? Maybe he didn't enjoy it as much as I thought he did? He seemed happy when we woke up together, but maybe that was a front, and I was too preoccupied with sleepwalking naked, and being dragged into the shower by Emmett to realize that.

My heart rate quickened. It would suck like hell if he regretted sleeping with me. Even if I didn't have that much experience, I wanted to make him feel good on some level. A barrage of worried thoughts attacked me ruthlessly.

"I'm going to go to the gym before classes." Jacob said.

I almost nodded, but then I reached out and circled my hand around his wrist. "You can't go yet."

Jacob seemed a little shocked by my response. "Okay?"

I blinked with difficulty. "The hickeys will go away. I'm not so breakable."

"Of course they'll go away." He traced his fingers lightly against my cheek. His eyes gave away nothing.

"Then why are you being distant with me now?"

Jacob licked his lips. He dropped his hand down to his knee, and opened his mouth as if he wanted to say something, but then he promptly closed it. "I don't want to talk about it now."

But I did.

I let him go. "If you try to leave I'll tackle you to the floor." I tried to smile to suggest that I was joking, but a part of me was serious as hell. He just started letting me in, so I wasn't going to let him push me away, just because we were dating. I was still his friend above everything.

"I was irresponsible." Jacob finally spoke up. He stood and went to his closet. "Very irresponsible."

"Irresponsible? How?" I asked my heart hammering against my chest. I stopped breathing for a second.

"I was irresponsible with you." Jacob clenched his jaw. "We shouldn't have..." He paused.

I forced myself up. I could hear the words lingering in the air. Shouldn't have. Please don't say it. Please don't tell me you regretted sleeping with me. I could think of few things that could break me. But I knew that confession, would. Last night was so important to me, it was more than just the physical aspect of sleeping with Jacob, it was also the emotional intensity that we shared.

"Come here baby," He said with the utmost tenderness. I could see that his face was creased with pain as if he didn't want to hurt me. But I let him pull me towards him. He wrapped me up tightly in his arms. I grabbed onto his shirt holding him tightly to me. Breathing in his scent. Desperately, maybe even a little foolishly.

What did I do wrong? I didn't have any pride left when it came to Jacob. I was stripped and stupid. He was the most important person to me, and we had come so far together, that I couldn't imagine building my walls back up. No one could tear me down like he could.

"Edward stop thinking you did anything wrong. I can see it all over your face."

"Well I'm going to think that until you tell me what's going on."

He closed his eyes and pressed his nose against mine. "There is only one thing that I would change about last night."

I looked into his eyes trying to keep my expression calm and collected.

Jacob took my hand and we took a seat back on his bed. He brought his knees up to his chest. "You trust me too much."

I gave him a small smile. I tried not to think about where he was going with this, until he said it. Jacob never let me forget how much I trusted him.

"Last night was good." Jacob said with a nod. He stared straight ahead. "I felt closer to you than I ever felt to anyone, and I honestly never wanted it to end. I fucking love you Edward, so much that I stayed up all night asking myself why I didn't just go to CVS or something and buy condoms."

I looked down at my clasped hands. He was upset about condoms. I wasn't stupid. I would've used condoms with anyone else.

"I know my history. But you don't."

"Yes I do." I spoke up stubbornly.

Jacob frowned. "I thought about it briefly before we did it but then I got carried away. I just wanted to have sex with you so badly." Jacob looked into my eyes. "I don't deserve that much trust from you Edward, at least not yet."

"Then we can use condoms from now on."

Jacob stared deeply into my eyes. "That's not my point." He caressed my cheek with his thumb. "Before you got to know me I was a habitual liar. I did it without realizing it. Lying was how I saved face, but still you think the best of me."

I swallowed.

"And now I've told you every truth there is to tell about me. You know me like a book Cullen, the ugly, the good, the embarrassing, you know it all. But that doesn't change my history. I love you enough to protect you from me." He laughed feebly to himself. A tortured chuckle. "All I'm saying is that I feel like I still need to work for your trust and love, and that I don't deserve that much trust."

My lips thinned as I looked back at him. I knew that he had every reason to feel this way, but the same argument could've been made for me. What if I lied and told him that I was a virgin, while I secretly liked to fuck and suck every guy that looked at me the right way? He couldn't be absolutely sure of that. So if he wanted to blame himself, then he needed to turn around and blame me too.

"I might be younger than you by a few months but believe me I'm very aware of my decisions. If I lost my virginity to anyone else, I would've made sure that the guy used a condom, but for the last time you're not just anyone. You're you."

"You're all I got." Jacob said sounding far away. "And I don't want to mess up. If Alice sees all those hickeys on you she's going to know for sure that you're having sex. Believe me Edward she's going to ask you if you're being safe, and if you say no. She's going to think you're an idiot."

I got down on my knees in front of him. "Alice doesn't need to know everything. And what I do with you behind closed doors is our business. " I wrapped my arms around him and pressed my cheek against his chest. "So stop trying to find things to worry about Jake."

Jacob rubbed my back and kissed the top of my head. I heard him tell me that he loved me a few times in my ear. I could tell that he was still bothered about the hickeys and having unprotected sex. But I wasn't. And at the same time, I wasn't going to go running to Alice to tell her that, because I knew she would kill me.

***

"Jake's not joining us for breakfast?" Bella asked as I met her at the diner.

"No, he went to the gym." I said.

"You look exhausted." Bella bit her lip. "I take it you didn't get any sleep last night either."

"Not really." I racked my hands through my hair.

Bella stared at me silently. "You okay Edward?" She playfully bumped into me.

"I am. How was your break?"

Bella moved her mouth to the side thoughtfully. "Hell. I visited my dad in Forks. That was uneventful, and my mom came up with her husband, and that was just awful. Charlie and Renee still have feelings for each other, but not the kind that make married couples work." She waved her hand. "It was just a mess."

"Oh," I said.

"Now it's your turn. I missed you guys." Bella admitted. "Especially you and Jake. How is the hot man love going?"

I looked down at my Converses. "How do you stop the people you love from hurting?" The question just fell out of my mouth. Luckily I threw that question out at Bella, because she wouldn't look at me like I was crazy for going from mute to random in a second.

Bella lost her smile. She obviously was caught off guard. "You can't."

All I was in the mood for was cereal, so I helped myself to some Frosted Flakes.

"First day of classes." Bella sighed attempting to change the subject. "At least I don't have Math this year. I barely got through last semester with a C-, because Emmett McCarty has the patience of saint."

I couldn't imagine that I was being the best company right now, moving alongside Bella like a zombie. We grabbed a table over by a window. I took a few bites of cereal as I thought over last night. Bella wasn't looking at me anymore, as if she respected the wall I had up right now. "I'm sorry Bella. If you want to make a quick escape now. I would totally understand."

"Nah, I'm good right here." She poked at her eggs as if they were alive.

We sat in silence for a little while longer. "Jake came out to his family."

Bella stopped playing with her eggs, at first the faintest smile crossed her face, and then she looked concerned. "He was so scared about telling them. I can't believe he...wow, I thought it would take a while before he felt comfortable enough to do that. Is he okay?"

"Sometimes." I rested my hand against his cheek. "On one hand I feel like he's coming to peace with some of his past, but there is still a lot of shit he needs to deal with. It's not fair that he has no one to turn to besides me." My eyes drifted to hers. "Us,"

"You make him happy." Bella said. She pushed away her tray. "Just remember that he came out for you. God, he was so scared about telling me. So I can't imagine how frightening it was to tell his family."

"I know he is still scared." I added. "He never told me that he wasn't. But he has been doing everything he can to let me in. He was so perfect yesterday. I found out things about him that I never knew, and I feel like we're so much closer because of it."

Bella smiled. "You always have to go through a ton of shit before you can get your happy ending. But you two are meant to be. Jake wouldn't risk all of this for just anyone. You're it Edward. I just know it."

I saw Jasper sit down at a table with a blonde girl. She was significantly shorter than him and she wore a sunny smile. I watched as she pulled the sunglasses from her head and placed them over Jasper's eyes. He smiled, but his smile looked like more of a frown as he took her sunglasses off. I watched him out of habit.

I noticed that one of his eyes was swollen.

"What are we looking at?" Bella asked curiously. She followed my gaze towards Jasper. "Who is she?" Bella shook her head. It was funny that she noticed the girl before his swollen eye.

"Look at his eye." I said.

"Ouch," Bella commented. I could tell that she was still trying to figure out who the blonde girl was. "He's in ROTC, and Alice told me he's also into martial arts. Either he got that black eye from a mean street fight, or insert any physical activity into the mix. What do we really now about Jasper anyways besides the fact that he is a good fighter and wants to join the army?"

"All I know is that Alice likes him." I said. I stole a piece of bacon from Bella. She smiled and then measured out the food on her plate into two separate halves.

"I got more food than I needed. Eat." Bella stood up and took the seat beside me. "I want him to know that we're watching him. He can't make Alice like him and then traipse across campus with some blonde whore." Bella shoveled some eggs into her mouth. "He better be careful or he'll find his eyebrows missing like Paul's."

"She could just be his friend." I said motioning to the blonde.

"Could be, but she obviously likes him." Bella pointed out. "Look at the way she laughs, fake as hell. And look, she just touched his hand." Bella shook her head. "I wish Rosalie was here because you know she would walk right over there and demand answers with a skillet pan in the other hand."

"In that case I wish Rosalie wasn't here." I said. "If Jasper still likes Alice then it's up to him to let her know that he's still interested. I never got any bad vibes from him whenever we all hung out."

Bella snorted. "If you did then I'm pretty sure you would've chased him away by now."

"He doesn't come around that often, at least that's what Alice says. But I think it's because she makes him nervous. Jasper seems like he's confident with every one but her, like Alice is his flaw."

"So then you think he's scared of love, like every other person we know around here." Bella commented dryly. "Totally cliché."

"I can't say. But I can say that he's not into that girl he's with. At least not romantically." I tore my eyes away from Jasper. "Thanks for the talk...and the food."

"Anytime." Bella said looking away from Jasper and the blonde girl.

The girl turned to look at Bella and me, her smile faded, and turned into a glare.

***

Jasper's POV

---

"This is my home." Jasper said. He dipped underneath the flower plant by the door and felt around for the key. From the corner of his eye, he saw the blonde boy, open the window and crawl in. "Hey! You can't do that."

A few minutes later the front door opened.

"I can do anything." The boy answered. "I hope you don't mind if I stock up on more food. Where is the refrigerator?"

"You can't. My parents wouldn't like that. I can't even take food without asking for it." Jasper walked into his room. The boy followed behind him, his goggles were on again, as if he was using them for protection. Jasper wasn't sure why the odd boy was still with him, but he didn't feel compelled to tell him to go away. His company was nice in a very strange way. Jasper crawled onto his bed. He would just wait here for his mom to come back.

"What are you doing?" His friend asked as he searched around Jasper's room.

"Waiting." Jasper said.

"Waiting for what? Love, hope, a gigantic air balloon to take us to space?"

Jasper closed his eyes. "I'm just waiting."

The other boy took a seat on the floor. He crossed his legs and looked around. "Where's all your toys?"

"Dad took them away." Jasper said.

"Where did he put them? I'll get them back for you."

"My mom can't even get them back. They're in his room. He locks it."

"Wow," The boy said. "I bet there are all kinds of secrets in there."

Jasper wrapped his arms around his body. The seconds ticked by painfully slow. He stole a glance at the kid on the floor. He was lying down on his back with his arms folded, and he was staring up at the ceiling. He had an awed look on his face. "What are you doing?" Jasper asked curiously.

"Watching a movie."

"What movie?" Jasper questioned.

"The one in my head."

"Oh," Jasper said deciding to leave it at that. He crossed his arms after a few more minutes of silence. "I don't even know your name."

"I don't like telling people my name. Because to give your name is to share your soul. But I'll share with you."

Jasper tilted his head to the side.

"My name is Riley. Riley Brière." He extended his hand to shake Jasper's. "I have a feeling that we'll be good friends."

"But you barely know me." Jasper pointed out.

"No one really knows anyone." Riley answered. "We're all actors. Some are just better than others."

"I'm not an actor." Jasper said. "I'm just a kid."

Riley smiled brightly. "Me too. But I'm also a dreamer."

Jasper looked down. "What do you dream about?"

"Flying like a bird, swimming like a shark...a vegetarian shark, I say no to killing dolphins, I think they're pretty, and I dream about love, it could save us all. And kill the sickness." Riley pointed to his heart. "Right here," And he pointed to mine. "And there. I wish I could give you all my love, because you have sad eyes."

The front door opened. Jasper heard heavy footsteps.

"Jasper. Cassandra?"

"My dad." Jasper said jumping off of the bed. He ran into the hallway leaving Riley on the floor. His heart thumped a little uneasily as it always did, whenever he was close to his dad.

"Jazzy." Victor Whitlock stooped down and wrapped his arms tightly around his son. He smelled of whiskey and oil. His face and arms were stained black with grease. "Where's your mama? We're going out to dinner."

Jasper looked down. He was silent for what felt like a few minutes.

"Son I asked you a question." Victor's smile wavered.

Jasper looked up.

"Jasper." He gripped onto the little boy's arm loosely. "Where. Is. Your. Mother?"

He couldn't will himself to open his mouth. He didn't want to say that she left, because he knew that would make his dad upset. No. He didn't want to make him mad. Jasper thought about lying.

"Did she leave again?" Victor stood up. His lips were thin and angry. He balled his fists and paced around the room with fire slowly building in his eyes. "That fucking slut. Good for nothing idiotic bitch." He took in a rattling breath. "I knew she would pull this shit again. I just knew it."

Jasper folded his arms behind his back. His chest rose up and down. He watched as Riley emerged from his room, the little boy with the goggles, mismatched clothes and shoes. He stood behind Jasper and placed his hands over Jasper's ears.

"Fuckin..." Victor paused and looked at his son and then at Riley. "Jasper who is this?" Rage still burned in his eyes.

"My friend." Jasper spoke up shakily.

"Tell your friend he needs to leave. Because we have to find your mom and drag her back here by her fucking ponytail. She's not going to get away from her responsibilities. She's your mother even if she is worthless."

"You're worthless." Riley spoke up.

Jasper bit his lip. And looked at Riley shocked.

Victor narrowed his eyes. "What do you say to me?"

Riley remained his ground. "She's probably on a journey. Trying to find somewhere better. Like a town where they have fountains of chocolate. That would be really sweet."

Victor crouched down in front of Riley. His face was purpling with ire "Kid, where are your parents?"

"Saving lives and ignoring mine. But that's good because at least they can't mess me up with their bad UV rays." Riley said with a smile. "You have the same thing as them. So leave Jasper alone. You can't hurt him. I won't allow it. Bad UV rays man"

Victor arched an eyebrow. His expression had shifted from rage to amusement. "You think you're so smart don't you? You think you know me kid? You rude little son of a bitch."

"You'll be okay," Riley pulled off his goggles and slid them on my head, and then over my eyes. "I'll stick around. The journey can wait. Friends never leave friends in the heat of battle. You go down, so do I. Power Rangers."

Victor chuckled sarcastically and then he ripped the goggles off of Jasper's head and flung them against a wall. "Look kid, my wife is fucking missing. Get the fuck out of my house!" With a sudden explosion of anger Victor grabbed Riley by the arm and jerked him towards the door.

Riley suddenly kicked Victor in the shin and held out his hand to Jasper. "We should go! Let's go!"

"You little fuck!" Victor yelled and ran after him. He lunged forward but Riley ducked underneath him and then out the door.

Jasper watched with a sinking feeling as his peculiar friend ran away. Probably to somewhere better than this. Victor slammed the door shut. Jasper watched as his dad's fists clenched and unclenched. "It's okay Jasper. It's okay. I'll bring your mom back, she'll be back. That fuckin' bitch will be back."

Jasper wanted to tell him not to talk about his mom that way, but he was scared.

"Things would've been different with Elizabeth." Victor grunted. "I wouldn't have to put up with this shit every few minutes." He sucked in a mouthful of air. His back was facing Jasper. "Now do you understand why I get so angry with your mom? Look at what she does to me. She leaves us. She leaves you. I could kill her for that. I could kill her."

***

"Hey Jasper," Bella Swan chirped as she walked past with Edward Cullen.

Jasper snapped out of his daze and looked to his right surprised to see Bella. Edward gave him a tight smile, but kept walking, obviously not wanting to make conversation.

"Hey," Jasper said waving but they had already walked past. He stared after them for a while and then turned back around.

Jane was looking after them crossly. "That was rude."

"What was rude?" He asked. "They said hi."

"Are they your friends?"

"Sort of,"

"Well she only said hi to you so she could stare up in my face. And her little boyfriend barely wanted to say anything at all." Jane scoffed. "They didn't even ask you what happened to your face."

Jasper's lips thinned. "And why should they?"

"Because one of your eyes is swollen shut, Jasper." Jane swallowed. "I hope you kicked his ass, the guy that did that to you, because if you didn't then I wouldn't mind going against him in the boxing ring." Jane gave Jasper a small smile. "I'd fuck him up properly for messing with you. This little girl packs a mean punch."

Jasper's expression remained stoic. He didn't want to think about Edward or Bella, or his bruises. He just wanted to get through the day with little questions. But it was kind of hard when Jane kept asking him about it, even though he already told he already fed her the lie. Jasper suspected that Jane knew that he was lying. He had been fighting since he was thirteen, so he was skilled enough to walk away with few injuries. But there were some fights he just couldn't win.

Ice ran through his veins at the thought of feeling helpless. Never again. This was it. People didn't change. He wasn't going to give him any more chances. Fuck that. He was never going back home. Ever again. Jasper's lips tightened and he suddenly had the urge to pick up his tray and throw it across the room. He was so angry under his cool façade. He hated everything and saw beauty in few things. And he hurt all the fucking time, but no one would know that, because he kept it concealed under an unshakable calmness.

A strand of golden hair fell in front of Jane's wide cinnamon brown orbs. She looked extremely worried. Jasper looked at her. Their eyes locked. Jane didn't dare look away and neither did he. She was his friend, which meant that he should be able to tell her everything, but there were some things he just couldn't share. Jasper was too ashamed to say anything about this.

"Did someone do that to you Jazz?" Jane asked. Her expression was neutral now. Completely unreadable. Jane had a way of concealing her emotions, he could read her about less than half of the time, and this was one of the moments when he couldn't.

"Someone did. But I already talked to you about it." Jasper gritted his teeth. "Now drop it Jane." He thought of Riley, and allowed himself to slip away into a dream. The world and the people in it are just here to amuse us. Riley used to say. Jasper filled his head with that whenever he got to close to sharing what was under his skin.

Jane arched her eyebrows. "The only reason I'm asking you is because I know you're lying Jasper. With anyone else I would let it go, but I care about you so I can't." Jane stood up and grabbed her purse. "Next time I see you I'm going to ask again, and I'm going to keep asking you until you tell me the truth."

Jasper felt like yelling at her. He wanted to tell her to mind her own fucking business, but he couldn't talk to a woman that way. He swallowed it down. "Bye Jane,"

Jane rested a hand on his shoulder, "When you keep things inside the pain eats away at you like acid. Your skeleton's starting to show. You don't fool me Jasper Whitlock. No one fools me."

***

Jasper stepped into his first class of the day. The lecture hall was packed but luckily there were a few seats in the front. He always sat in the front. He was paying for college on student loans and money from his pocket, so he couldn't afford to fuck up. Jasper drummed his hands on the desk and filled his head with one of his favorite songs 'Sweet Home Alabama' That was another way of tuning out the looks and the voices that greeted him the second he walked in the door. Even though he was mentally trying to send himself somewhere else he came back down the second he saw her.

She was an unexpected flash of color, gold and red, dark blue and purple. For a few seconds he forgot everything that had been bothering him before. She was so beautiful. He swallowed down the thickness in his throat as he felt himself stand up to wave her over. He shouldn't have done that because it took time to get a hold of his nerves around her. Alice Cullen made his insides quiver and he had no idea how to rectify that.

She smiled brightly, sunshine effortlessly flowed from her. God she took his breath away. Jasper felt a surge of warmness when Alice hugged him. He felt like a child in her arms, a child that just wanted to be loved. Jasper squeezed his eyes shut forgetting about everyone in the classroom, and held Alice tightly to him. His heart ached like a drum slowly beating. He didn't deserve this much affection from her, because he had been hot and cold all of last semester.

She was always pushing some cause. Every time he looked at her he thought about Dylan, and how she had worked tirelessly to raise money from him. Alice Cullen didn't seem to belong in this world. She was happy. Happy like Riley. Jasper would fight anyone to the death who tried to take away their happiness, and because of that, he knew that he loved Alice. In his heart. Filled with hate. He loved her.

"You smell nice." Alice chirped. He was holding her so tightly. Jasper let go, his hands touched her chestnut hair, which she was growing out. "Very sexy cologne."

Jane had brought the cologne for him as a Christmas present. Jasper didn't usually wear cologne, but he knew he was seeing Jane today, so he wore it only to distract her from the bruises. Jasper felt a wave of relief at knowing that he would have an entire semester of sitting next to Alice. He would have a reason to be near her, a reason that didn't make him feel like he was dragging her down.

"Honey, what happened to your eye?" Alice delicately brought her hand to his face. She turned his head so she could get a better look. "Ouch."

Usually Jasper would've pulled away from anyone who tried to get a closer look, but it was okay for Alice to touch him.

Jasper smiled gently, "Battle wound."

"From where?" Alice asked still wincing.

Jasper opened his mouth to tell her from boxing, but then the professor came in, and he allowed that distraction to keep him from lying to her. Alice was still looking at him though.

"Why do boys insist on being so tough?" She said. "Right after class I'm going to put some ice on it..."

"Alice,"

"And you're going to let me," She looked away and smiled softly. "Unless you want another black eye." Alice teasingly wagged her fist.

***

Jasper sat down on the steps right outside the Art-Sociology building. Alice had left him a few minutes ago to get ice. She told him not to leave, and basically threatened to handcuff him to a pole, if he even thought about leaving. Now he was watching as students shuffled past him, all in a hurry. But he barely noticed their faces because he was looking for Alice, and all her colors. Jasper finally spotted her, in her purple tights, with sunglasses. The wind whipped her chocolate tresses around her face. Jasper rested his hand on his cheek and watched her in silence.

Alice skipped up each step towards him like a giddy child and then took a seat on the steps. She took her purse from around her shoulders and placed it on the step below them. "Relax," she said.

"I am relaxed." Jasper responded putting on a smile.

"No you're not relaxed. You have an Edward expression on. A mean serious mug." Alice giggled. "But just like Edward, the people closest to you know that you're a softie,"

Jasper looked down and licked his lips. Alice was co close that her necklace made of tiny silver discs and suns touched his arm. Her fingers grazed his skin. He shivered.

"Lay down," Alice patted her lap.

Jasper swallowed, "What?"

"For a guy that wants to be in the military you sure are squeamish." Alice narrowed her eyes at him. "Jasper my nickname isn't Jaws. I don't bite."

"Now you're just being cruel." Jasper breathed.

Alice tilted her head to the side. "Cruel to be kind,"

He took in a few shallow breaths. "Are you sure?"

"Positive."

Jasper eased his book bag off of his shoulders and positioned his body to rest his head in Alice's lap. His whole body was shaking like a leaf. He really needed to get a hold of himself. Jasper closed his eyes and for a moment everything went dark.

"Not so bad huh?" she asked

"Not so bad." He repeated.

Alice turned her hand over and caressed his cheek. She then placed the ice on his eyes. He felt a soft sting, but it felt good. Alice hummed quietly to herself. Jasper allowed himself to drift away. He was flying in the sky. And he felt happy.

Let us leave this place where the smoke blows black

And the dark street winds and bends.

Past the pits where the asphalt flowers grow

We shall walk with a walk that is measured and slow,

And watch where the chalk-white arrows go

To the place where the sidewalk ends.

***

Edward's POV

---

I took a seat at one of the desks arranged in a circle. I could already tell that this class wasn't going to be fun. The professor was up front writing on the board. She wore bright colors, that all clashed, and her hair was a mess. I needed a Dr. Pepper or Coffee stat to wake me up.

Since there was five minutes until class officially started I took off my sweater and made a pillow on my desk. I closed my eyes and tried to drift off. But then I heard music, loud rap music, and a distinctive voice singing along to it. Emmett. Why did he insist on bringing a soundtrack with him wherever he went? I considered sitting up to say hi to him, but then I thought darkly about last night. Naked. Sleepwalking. Showers. He stopped singing. I guess he spotted me.

I opened my eyes, but didn't sit up.

Someone took a seat next to me. I knew it was him because his cologne was distinguishable.

"The hickeys gave you away." Emmett commented with amusement in his voice.

I frowned and sat up to look at him. "Hi Emmett."

"Looks like Jake had a feast last night. Your skin must taste delicious."

I went to put back on my sweater, but Emmett took it away from me.

"Emmett?"

He wrapped my sweater up in his arms. "How badly do you want it."

Was he seriously playing games with me after last night? What the hell?

"I'm not going to play games with you." I said.

"What will you do for it?" He repeated.

"How about kick your ass."

Emmett smiled wider. "You wouldn't kick my ass."

"Wait five seconds and see."

"I have a theory. I've been thinking about it since last night. Do you wanna hear it cutie?"

"How about no."

"You like me."

"No I don't."

"Why not? I like you."

My eyebrows furrowed. "Are you even in this class."

"Maybe? Maybe not."

I made a grab for my sweater but Emmett took my hand.

"Emmett, I will punch you."

"Then hit me. I won't hit you back. You know that."

I looked down at my hand in his. "I don't want to play games Emmett. I'm serious."

"You looked scared about something last night? Why were you scared." I could still see his asshole smile, but there was something in his eyes, that I was too scared to pick up on.

"I wasn't scared. I was just sleepwalking."

A few students came into the classroom. Emmett was still holding my hand, and I wanted to punch him in the face, I wanted too, but I couldn't. I tried to wiggle my hand free, but he held on tighter. I thought he understood that I was with Jacob. He said he understood that.

"I think that you care about me." Emmett finally said before letting me go. He smiled sweetly. "And you know why I think that?"

I held out my hand for my sweater.

"Jake has always hated me, but despite the fact that I've been as ass, since we first met you keep letting me come around you." Emmett handed me back my sweater. "All you have to do is hit me. Fuck me up really good Cullen. And I'll leave you alone."

My eyebrows furrowed. I would never touch him. "Jake doesn't hate you." I looked away from Emmett's eyes. "He just doesn't understand you."

"And you do?" Emmett asked. He was whispering now.

I was careful with my words. "I understand that Rosalie loves you, and Bella has defended you since the first day I called you an asshole. If Bella sees something human in you, then I guess I do too."

"So then kiss me Edward and see just how human I am."

"No," I said looking at Emmett seriously, "And what part don't you understand about I have a boyfriend. I refuse to be your recreation or whatever the fuck you want to use me for. I love Jacob. You know that. I love him, okay."

Emmett took my hand and balled it into a fist. "How long have you been sleep walking?"

"I just started."

"Your nose is growing Pinocchio." Emmett teased. "I know that you're with Jake. I get it. You two are fucking epic. The wedding invitations have already been decorated by your twin. I get it to the point of nausea."

"Then what are you doing here Emmett?" I asked looking into his eyes. His thumb stroked mine. He still had my fist curled into a ball. Like he was begging me to hit him.

"Stop this." I told him.

"I can't." Emmett moved his mouth to the side. "There is a line, a line that I shouldn't cross. I was good last semester, but I don't know if I can behave myself this semester. Halos were never for me anyways."

I arched an eyebrow.

Emmett looked at my neck again and then he cursed under his breath. It was as if he was possessed for a second and then realization jolted him back to earth. "Don't worry. I'm probably going to drop this class anyways." Emmett let go of my hand. "I'm putting myself in time out," He said with a smile. "Bad behavior."

He stood up and crossed the room.

When Emmett was sitting beside me I heard everything he said. I was trying to push it down and play stupid, but I heard him, clearer than ever. He obviously wanted me to push him away, how many times did he ask me to punch him? I watched as he started talking to a guy next to him. Emmett looked so unaffected across the room. And he was ignoring me, like he used to do, randomly during last semester.

But I was affected by it. I was affected by him and his feelings.

I didn't want to hurt Emmett...I believed that I could love him if I tried. Maybe I did in some deep dark repressed corner of my soul, but I couldn't tap into that. And I wouldn't. My feelings for Jacob were stronger than anything I ever felt, and we were connected in a way that I could never be with Emmett. But I couldn't will myself to tell Emmett that, if he needed me to break his heart then I would let him down.

I felt someone staring at me. On the other side of the room was a boy with brunette hair, and cinnamon brown eyes, his expression was dark. I looked around to make sure that he was staring at me, and not anyone else. His eyes didn't waver. I stared back at him. Was he trying to intimidate me. Finally he looked away. What the fuck?

"Welcome to Introduction to Theatre." The professor sung. She literally sung it. She walked briskly around the room, her billowing clothes flying, around her thin frame. "Actors! We are all actors! Every day we step into the role. Teacher. Lover. Parent. Sexual Deviant." She chuckled at the last part. "But we all have roles. Some darker than others." She looked at a few people in the classroom and then snapped her fingers. "Someone, please volunteer."

The dark haired boy who had been staring at me stood up.

"Ah wonderful. An A for participation for you. Tell me your name dear."

"Alec Ambrosio."

"What's your role Alec?" The professor asked with an encouraging smile.

"Pretender. He's pretending that he doesn't love him, when it's painfully obvious that he does."

"He? Ah. Who are you playing?" The professor said.

Alec looked at Emmett, "I'm not playing me."

Even though Alec was looking right at Emmett, Emmett ignored him. Staring straight ahead as if he could go to sleep at anytime.

The professor smiled at Alec, "Unrequited Love anyone."

"What?" Alec said with his mouth agape. "I don't love anyone. Especially not him. No I..."

"Sweetheart. I didn't accuse you of liking anyone. We're driven by different motives. Our lives are shaped by the people we encounter. We change, we grow, we love, we get hurt. It's a cycle. But in order to live we must know. So we're going to do introductions a little differently since this is an acting class."

"I've paired you up in teams of twos, and I want you to spend fifteen minutes getting to know your partner. Ask questions, really get to know them, and don't be shy. Because once the exercise is finished I'm going to give each group a scenario and they'll have to act it out...but the catch is, they'll have to act out the scenario as their partner. Confused? Need an explanation? Well too bad, you should've been listening." She waved her hands in the air. "Now young lovers of the circles. Doves of the last dying rays. Peace children dancing the Macarena with flowers. Listen out for your names."

I stared back at the professor utterly confused. What the hell was she talking about?

"Alec Ambrosio and Edward Cullen."

I instinctively raised my hand when I heard my name.

After everyone was paired up, I watched as people went to go find their partners. Alec Ambrosio was mine. Oh fuck. Of course I got paired up with the weird boy that stared at me like he had an attitude. Just fucking great. Alec didn't bother coming to me so I forced myself up with much effort and walked over to him. He was writing something down. I took a seat beside him. Not necessarially in the mood to feign kindness.

Alec looked down at his sheet of paper and then up at me. "If you want we can ask the professor to pair us up with other people."

I shrugged. "I'm fine."

Alec's eyebrows furrowed. "Well I'm glad you're fine. But I don't want..." He sighed. "I don't want to work with you."

I looked back at Alec in disbelief, not quite sure how I should respond to that. What did I do to offend this guy? I scoffed but said nothing else.

Alec rolled his eyes as the professor started to circle around the classroom listening in on conversations. "Fine, let's just pretend. This is my A class. I heard this class is an easy A, which is why I'm here. I'm on academic probation and I need easy A's or else I'm going to have to go back to New York."

I remained silent as I listened to him. I even looked down at my nails. Purposely trying to show him that I didn't give a fuck.

"She's probably grading us." Alec said with a scowl.

I still ignored him.

"Fine, you want me to start. I'll start."

"Sure you can start, but I'm not going to listen to you." I said simply. "Or even bother to participate."

Alec narrowed his eyes at me. "What?" He looked at the professor again. "Why not?"

"Since I stepped into this class you've been looking at me like you have a problem. And I'm not going to pretend that it's okay. You don't know me, you don't know anything about me." I spoke to him calmly. It wasn't worth it to get upset over nothing.

Alec's eyebrows knitted together. His lips thinned and he glanced at the professor again. She was getting closer. He closed his eyes. "Fine." I watched as he looked at Emmett. "I like your friend and I just wish he gave me half the attention he gives you." Alec shrugged as if he had just admitted something he was terribly ashamed of.

I daringly glanced at Emmett. He was doing some crude gesture with his hands as he explained something to his partner.

. "And that's not your fault. None of this is your fault. But it's always easier to blame someone else, than find fault in yourself, and fuck...I think I just gave you too much of an insight into me."

Alec bit his lip and looked down. "I don't even know you and I hated you. Isn't that pathetic." He frowned. "Saying it aloud really justifies everything I already knew. Fuck. No wonder, he won't even look at me twice. But once again that isn't your fault. It's mine."

I sat across from Alec unable to say anything.

"I'm sorry." Alec apologized clenching his jaw.

"I'm not sure what you want me to say to any of this?"

"I don't want you to say anything. Because I know there is nothing nice to say." Alec took in a deep breath and then he looked at me apologetically. "I think I needed to say all that to you, but now I desperately want to take it back. I'm really sorry."

"Alec, I don't want to talk about Emmett with you."

"That's fair, because I obviously set myself up to be a raging lunatic." Alec bit the inside of his cheek. "So the least I could do for making this whole experience awkward is make sure that you get an A. And you'll get an A. If you overreact to whatever scenario you're given, and pretend to be confident, when obviously your esteem is shit. That's me."

The look in Alec's eyes told me that he really did love Emmett. Love him enough to go crazy, and misdirect his despair onto me and turn it into hatred. I could understand that to an extent, because last semester I didn't really like Leah, and that was for the sole reason that she was with Jacob. But there were limits. And Alec did cross the limits by showing his anger to me.

"Alec," I said.

He looked at me but didn't say anything. His expression was worried.

"Your issue is with Emmett and not me. I understand that you might want to blame me for his inability to give you whatever you want, but glaring at me, or harboring a grudge isn't going to change anything. I don't know what to say besides you can't make someone love you. They do or they don't. And hating me won't change anything."

Alec nodded slowly. "I know."

"How are we doing darlings?" The professor asked placing her hand on my back. "What have you learned so far?"

"I've learned that he's a saint, because he didn't kick my ass the second I gave him the stank eye." Alec spoke up.

I gave Alec a small smile.

"Alrighty then." The professor clapped her hands. "A few more minutes and then let's start the scenarios."

"You aren't wheat bread. Your tops." Alec said with a guilty smile after the professor walked away. "Tell your quarterback that I'm sorry for making that comment, because unlike you, he will kick my ass if I step out of line again."

Jacob knew Alec? How come he never told me about him.

***

After class I found Emmett sitting outside on a ledge. I shoved my hands in my pockets as I walked over to him. The sun had disappeared behind a few wisps of cotton, and the day was gradually turning to ash. I felt something in my chest I wasn't sure if it was pain or sadness. But I knew that no matter how much I wanted to ignore the fact that Emmett liked me, I couldn't. I guess I knew it all along. He didn't know how to deal with his feelings, and neither did I. A part of me felt like I should end our friendship, because he obviously wasn't so tough. Despite his crude humor, obnoxious remarks, and seeming inability to care about anyone but himself, he did care, he cared a lot.

I knew Emmett had a lot of love in his heart; he just had trouble sharing that love with others. I stopped beside him, and crossed my arms. I wanted him to know that I was beside him without actually saying anything.

"What's up?" Emmett asked reluctantly.

"You just look a little lonely. That's all." I said.

"Its not your fault green eyes. You don't need to feel bad for anything."

"Emmett I'm with Jake." I said it again. Because the only alternative to hurting him was ending our friendship, and I couldn't imagine not knowing Emmett anymore.

"I know that." Emmett flashed me a smile showing his dimples. "This would probably be the fifteenth time you told me that."

I licked my lips, "But we're friends, you and me, and I don't want this to get in the way of us."

"Us," Emmett repeated. "Watch your words kid."

I nodded.

Emmett looked towards the gently rolling clouds. "Do you want me to turn it off. I could try if you want. But it'll be hard."

"I want..." My eyebrows knitted together in consternation. I couldn't find the right words. So naturally I changed the subject. "Who are you waiting for?"

"The Easter bunny." Emmett smiled and tilted his head to the side. "I've been a good boy, so he has Peeps for me. Peeps and Hershey Kisses."

I would give anything to just catch a glimpse of the Emmett that didn't seem to care about anyone or anything. The Emmett who couldn't be shattered, or broken into a million pieces. Life was less complicated that way.

"Rosalie's going to meet me here. We're going to get lunch at Stamp Student Union." Emmett racked his hands through his dark hair. "I'm cool Cullen. You don't need to babysit me."

I remained beside him anyways. Masochistically.

"What else do you want from me Edward? I've given you all the signs that if you gave me the slightest bit of leverage, I would take it and keep running. I'd run anywhere with you. Anywhere. I would break up your happy home, if you even gave me the time of day, and I wouldn't care about Jake. I wouldn't care that you make him smile, and that your love is his suicide, but he'll love you even if everyone else turns their back on him. And isn't that just wicked. To want the one thing that Jake would gladly trade his life for." Emmett looked away. "I would run away with you," He repeated.

It sounded like he was purposely trying to make himself the villain here.

"No you wouldn't Emmett." I said quietly.

"Why not?" Emmett asked. "Why not?" His face was red.

A gentle gust of wind whipped though my hair and brushed my cheeks. He looked so tortured that I just wanted to hug him. But I backed away from him like he was poison. Some kind of beautiful poison that would initially taste good, and then kill me. Kill me without mercy. Just because I refused to have my heart ripped in two.

Something deep inside of me told me to punch him. Make him stop. Make him stop looking at me like that. I backed away some more.

Emmett was silent for a second as he watched me. "I love you Edward. And the truth is that even if you punched me, cut me, or told me that you hated my worthless fucking guts. I would still love you." Emmett pressed his tongue against his cheek. "I guess that's what happens when you live fast and steal from others. You get fucked in the end." Emmett looked up as a raindrop fell on his forehead. "We can't be friends. Because I don't think I can pretend anymore. And once the act's up, Emmett has to go home."

I stood in place as I watched Emmett walk away from me. The sky turned a darker color, and the rain started to pick up. I didn't feel relieved.

Yes we'll walk with a walk that is measured and slow,

And we'll go where the chalk-white arrows go,

For the children, they mark, and the children, they know

The place where the sidewalk ends.

***

Edward's POV

---

"Come downstairs cowboy." Jacob said into the phone.

He sounded like he was in a way better mood. "Okay Jake just let me get dressed."

"Hurry it up."

I tossed my cell onto my bed and hurriedly got dressed. I changed into a pair of jeans and a navy long sleeved polo. After lacing up my Chucks I was out the door. I walked quickly towards the hallway and passed Bella's door. I paused, and knocked quickly. I felt like I owed her an apology for my moody morning.

"Come in!" she called.

I opened the door, "Hey Bella."

"Hey, what's up?"

"Are you going to be up for a while?"

"Sure, Chelsea Lately is on tonight." Bella smiled. "And I have a date tomorrow so..."

My mouth dropped. "You have a date?" I waited for Bella to smirk or tell me that she was just joking, but she didn't.

"Alice set it up, more like went behind my back, made a profile for me on OK Cupid, and posed as me. Your twin knows no limits. But anyways the guy is into Debussy, he goes to Towson, and I'm mildly excited. It'll give me something to do."

"You'll tell me about it later right?"

Bella tilted her head to the side and nodded. "You and Jake got a sexy date?"

I smiled.

"Oh la la." Bella sung. "Well don't let me hold you." She waved at me.

My cell phone vibrated in my pocket. Right Jake. "I'll come over later." I promised Bella right before running down the hall. I went through the backdoor where Jacob told me to meet him, and I was stunned to find him leaning against The Rabbit.

"We got wheels baby. The Rabbit is juiced and ready to go." Jacob did a little dance in the street. The moonlight shined down on him. It looked like he was doing the salsa. "Wanna ride shotgun Edward or do you want to drive?"

"I can't believe it's finished already. I thought it needed a lot of work." I said breathlessly as I took the stairs down to him.

"It did." Jacob slung an arm around my waist pulling me to him. He kissed me softly. His lips tasted like mint and wintry air.

I brought my fingers to his face, caressing his skin, and as I held his body to mine, I kissed him again. It felt like days since we last saw each other. He wrapped me up in his arms, and brushed his lips lightly against mine. I held onto his shirt. I could stay like this for a long while.

"Earnest cheated. He worked on the car and then had the nerve to try and lower the price! He's the best. With everything that's been going on I forgot to tell you about the Rabbit. And Mabel told me to let you know that we could both come down whenever we wanted." Jacob ran his hands through my hair. "But on the condition that we warn her, because apparently the house has to be spic and span."

"I wouldn't mind that." I said honestly. "I really like them."

Jacob let me go. "I want to take you somewhere."

"Anywhere?" I asked.

Jacob smiled softly. "Anywhere after I take you there." He opened the door for me.

***

"Don't be nervous okay." Jacob said clasping his hands together.

I looked around. The walls were stocked with literature on Abuse, Pregnancy, and Sexually Transmitted Diseases. Um. Jake? I swallowed and looked at him. "Do you think you knocked me up or something." I managed a weak smile. That would be the best alternative, even if that meant he was losing it.

Jacob grinned. "Yeah, we need to get you the morning after pill, and fast. I'd be such a horrible dad. Thank god, it's impossible to knock up a dude." He looked at me. "And while we're at it I don't have an STD. Oh, and I'm not being abused. I just want to do something for you, that's the only reason we're here."

He was talking so fast. I bit my lip. What did he want to do for me then at the Maryland Health Department?

"Mommy." A little boy said. He tugged at his mom's legs. "Play with me. Play with me."

I took my eyes off of Jacob, because he was looking at the kid. And then it clicked it to place. Jacob's worrying. He wanted to give me extra assurance that I could trust him. He was getting tested for me. Even though he already knew he was clean.

"Mama, mama, wake up, play with me." The boy begged.

"I'm tired Andrew. Just give me a few minutes and then we can play." She gave the kid a kiss on the head and then closed her eyes. "We'll play soon."

The kid sulked and then he looked at us. He looked at his mom and then at us again. The child walked over. He held out his hands. In them he had two toy trucks.

"It's boring in here. Do you want to play race tracks?" He wasn't looking at me. Only at Jacob. "Please?"

"Err...sure?" Jacob said giving me a shrug.

The little boy grinned. "Sweet."

Jacob sunk onto the floor with the little boy. He was given a truck.

"Follow me. We have to deliver a shipment to Utah. The cops are chasing us and we're on the run." The kid looked at me. "Can you make cop sounds? I'm sorry I don't have my cop car that makes noise."

I smiled. "Sure," I did the best cop siren I could manage.

The kid took off across the floor driving his car in a wild zig zagged pattern. Jacob followed behind him.

"Stay with me Agent # 7. Stay with me!" The little boy said.

Jacob glanced at me, and my heart stopped. He looked so cute on the floor, playing cars with that kid. Carefree and young. Happy even. Giddy. After everything he had been through in the last few weeks Jacob needed this. An escape, one moment where life didn't have to be so serious.

"Jacob Black," A woman called.

Jacob stopped playing. "That's me." He said to the kid.

The kid nodded and accepted his truck back.

"Edward come with me." Jacob took my hand and led me into the room.

We both knew what the outcome would be, but still I was moved that Jacob felt that he needed to get tested for me. Before we stepped into the room I threw my arms around him and gave him a kiss on his flushed cheek. How many different ways could he prove that he loved me? Obviously the ways were infinite.