Disclaimer: Stephenie Meyer owns the Twilight universe. The title of this chapter and opening quote belong to Van Morrison.

Synopsis: Esme and Jasper begin their friendship. (Takes place soon after chapter 16 of this story)

"When all the dark clouds roll away and the sun begins to shine, I see my freedom from across the way and it comes right in on time. Well it shines so bright and it gives so much light and it comes from the sky above. Makes me feel so free makes me feel like me and lights my life with love." - Brand New Day by Van Morrison

Brand New Day

The pain had subsided. Right on schedule, just as Alice predicted, it all became manageable. He could breathe again. The razors in his throat had grown less and less painful, had been reduced to little more than an annoying itch. He knew his ordeal wasn't over, that it would only take a human stepping too close to throw him back into that dark place.

But for now, he felt solid.

He laid on the bed, staring at the ceiling in the exact position Alice had left him in when she kissed him goodbye before school. Thunder rumbled loudly and he turned to see the rain outside the window, watched it sluice over the gutters to run in persistent rivulets down the glass. Jasper turned his head again, this time to glance at his meager collection of books, irritated with the very thought of reading any of them again.

He listened as Esme moved downstairs, as she worked on the household chores and hummed along to her radio. Feeling better than he had in weeks, he sat up and swung his legs over the edge of the bed. He waited for the dizzying nausea, for the sharp pain in his head. But it didn't come.

His feet found the floor and with no effort, with no pain, he was standing. Carlisle had theorized that so many years of instant gratification had made Jasper's body even more dependent on human blood, that Jasper could not possibly feel close to normal until all of the human blood in his system had been replaced by animal blood.

Jasper moved to the mirror and sucked in a stunned breath. His eyes were golden. He leaned close, touching his cheekbone with trembling fingers, somehow certain the mirror was betraying him. He opened his eyes wider, looking for any vestiges of the telling red. But it was all gone. His eyes were clear proof of his milestone, of the hurdles he'd cleared. He watched as the reflection's lips curved, as that strange new face melted into a contented smile.

He glanced at the clock on the bedside table, anxious now to see Alice. He wanted to share his good mood with her, to apologize for being so trying when the pain was at its worst. He scowled at the clock. She wouldn't be home for hours.

The mirror caught his eye again and he could only smile and shake his head. Who would have thought?

He moved to his bookshelf and ran his finger over the titles, wishing he had something new, something that would make the time fly. There was nothing appealing, nothing he could get lost in. Carlisle had thousands of books. His study was lined with floor to ceiling bookshelves and every inch of every shelf was crammed with books.

Jasper longed to explore those shelves, to learn new things and discover new worlds. But he didn't feel comfortable helping himself. He still felt like a guest in the house, like a stranger amongst people that were supposed to be his family.

The noise of Esme's radio drifted up and Jasper gave his books another fleeting glance. With a resolute mind, he strolled out of the bedroom and down the stairs. He moved through the family room and into the foyer. Esme was watering the tall plants that flanked the front door. She was lost in her music, singing lightly and worrying the plants with gentle fingers.

"Uh, excuse me."

Esme jumped, whirling to face him, her watering can sloshing audibly. "Oh, Jasper," her hand was pressed to her chest as if her still heart was suddenly racing. "I didn't hear you," she said, gesturing to the radio.

"I'm sorry."

"Oh, don't be." She smiled, her dimples winking prettily. "I'm so used to being home alone during the day. I even forget when Carlisle is working nights." She settled the watering can on the delicate little table and folded her hands together. "How are you feeling today?"

He felt a slow smile creep across his face. It was such a novelty to be able to say he felt fine, to be able to share his victory. "I feel better."

"I'm so happy to hear that," she said with another smile.

"I uh – I was wondering if I could borrow a book." He pushed his fingers through his hair, feeling suddenly dishevelled. Esme always looked so put together and he looked like...well, like he just got out of bed.

"Of course." She moved past him, touching him on the arm to indicate that he should follow. She started for the study, leading him back through the family room and up the stairs. "Are there any subjects you're particularly interested in?"

Jasper shrugged, "I don't really know. Just something new."

She opened the mahogany doors of Carlisle's study. "Most of the books are in here." She flicked on the light, illuminating the rich wood and stunning collection of books. "Edward has some in his room and there are more in the den."

Jasper stepped forward, overwhelmed by the selection, by the sheer volume of choices. "I don't even know where to begin," he murmured.

She laughed lightly. "The collection has gotten a little out of hand." Esme trailed a hand over a nearby shelf, her fingers hovering over the embossed titles on the cloth bindings. "We can't bear to get rid of books."

He smiled, feeling even lighter with her serene emotions taking over his unease. "I'm glad."

Jasper turned back to the bookshelf, trying to take in all the titles, all the subjects and languages and stories and histories. He pulled a philosophy book from the shelf, flipping through the pages with a careful eye. He felt a tiny spike of annoyance from Esme and he quickly reshelved the book and glanced over his shoulder.

She crossed to Carlisle's desk, clucking her tongue as she walked. "He closes the door hoping I won't notice the clutter." She shook her head, a gentle smile creeping across her face as she started making tidy stacks of his papers and recapping pens. "You'd think, after all this time, he'd just tidy up his own desk."

Jasper grinned and turned back to the books. "Do you mind being alone so much?"

"I like keeping the house and...I'm content with the quiet." She slid a stack of files in a drawer.

"Alice tells me you have an interest in architecture and design."

"Yes." She pointed to the corner. "And my books are there."

He looked over at the two huge shelves stuffed with a mixture of technical books and glossy picture books. "You must have more architecture books than most libraries."

She chuckled. "That's Carlisle's doing. As soon as I expressed an interest, he made it his mission to make sure I had every book ever written on the subject."

"It looks like he did a good job."

Her smile was soft as she leaned against the desk. "As soon as you're up to it, we can go to the book store in town if you'd like."

He swallowed, suddenly nervous at the idea of strolling among humans. "I think all of these will keep me more than occupied." Jasper pulled down an interesting looking history book and opened it to a random page, trailing his finger over the words. He closed it and held it up. "Would Carlisle mind if I borrowed this one?"

"Jasper, this is your home now. You can borrow any of the books. You don't have to ask."

"I'm uh – " he smiled softly. "You're very kind."

She tucked her long hair behind her ear. "I think it'll be nice to have company during the day for awhile. Until you feel like going to school."

He ducked his head, his smile fading. "What if that doesn't happen?"

Esme lifted her shoulders in a gentle shrug. "It'll happen, Jasper. It might take awhile but it'll happen."

He smiled and stepped toward the antique chess set by the door. He ran his fingers gently over the pieces, clutching his book to his chest. "I didn't know it would be so hard."

"Well," she stepped close, "the eyes suit you."

He glanced up with a smile. "Thank you. I'm not used to them yet." He pushed his fingers through his hair and glanced again at the chess set. "This is beautiful."

"Do you play?"

"I played with Peter some. I can't play with Alice. She cheats."

Esme laughed. "Would you like to play? I'm not great but...I won't cheat."

Jasper fingered the pages of his book. "You wouldn't mind?"

She settled into the chair and grinned up at him expectantly. "Jasper, I really am content with the quiet but – well, I love the company." She tucked her hair behind her ear again. "You're probably going to be sick of me before long."

He sank into the chair and felt her excitement and warmth and genuine enthusiasm wash over him. He could only smile softly as she moved out a pawn. "I doubt it."

Note: Just a sweet little Esme and Jasper scene. I realized they must have had a lot of free time together when everyone else was at school during those early years. Thought it would be nice to look at the genesis of their relationship.

I know it's been awhile since my last update. I'll try to be a little better about it but life is CRAZY. To those of you that were patient, thanks so much. And to those of you that weren't so patient, please realize I have rl stuff going on.

Thanks so much for all the reviews and recs and PMs and emails and faves. I so appreciate it.

Please review!

- Brynna