darn blasted internet was down again. oh well, thems the breaks.

anyways...please enjoy.

Chapter XXXVII

(Bpov)

I was upset for the rest day. I couldn't even enjoy the movie we went to go see after we ate. Stupid Edward. He ruined my day. I went in bathroom with him after him and his girlfriend, well, ex now I guess, had their little thing. I was going to in there to help because I saw her pour all that stuff on him and I knew it would. Out of nowhere, he starting telling how he thinks Jasper is using me. Why would he say any of that? we were all having such a good day and he goes and say something like that. Well, I thought I went there to help him. I think I might have because I want to talk about Jasper.

I mean, I asked him if I could talk to him about it. if he didn't want to hear it, he could've just said no. I might have been selfish and insensitive. Then I called him shallow, but I didn't mean to. He just made me so mad. And him lumping every guy up like that, he clearly thinks like that, right? Still, it didn't get him the right to say anything he did. He really hurt my feelings. So far to the point where I purposely spilled the club soda I was using on his pants, which was getting the stain out like the guy said. I didn't want to give him any help. He had all the answers. He could figure it out his own.

But just because I was mad, it didn't mean I didn't think about what he said. I mean, Jasper hasn't made a move towards moving further. I didn't know how any of this work. This could be the normal speed of things. in fact, if it was going faster, I probably should be worry. Or we could be going slower than normal. Was because we weren't the reason Edward said that? Here's a better question, did he really think it was true? And if he really thought that, why is he just now telling me? And better, was Jasper capable of doing that?

"Okay, you're home." Jasper said on the side of me. When we got out of the movies, we went to get ice cream. That made me feel a little better. But who can be upset when eating ice cream? Anyways, after we did that, Emmett brought us to Rosalie's and Jasper's house. I had to go there to get my bag and clothes I left over there when they picked me up from the school. I though Rosalie would take me home because I didn't have my truck, but for some reason, Jasper insisted and Rosalie didn't put up much of a fight.

I didn't care. "Thanks for the ride." I mumbled. I was just ready to get out of the car. Since I was still upset, I didn't talk to Jasper. We rode from his house all the way to mine in nothing but silence. I wasn't in the mood to talk. Besides, if I was, he would be the last one, next to Edward, that I wanted to talk to. "I'll see you at school."

"Bella, wait." He stopped me when I reached for the door. "Are you okay?" he asked. Without looking at him, I nodded. "I asked because you seem a little off since lunch, a little distracted at the movies. I thought you would like it." she said.

I turned to him. "I did like it." I told him. it was truth, I did like the movie. I just didn't like that I sat next to him the whole time. If stupid Edward hadn't put the thought my head, I would have love it. Like I said, he ruined my day.

"So are you okay?" he asked again.

I nodded. "Yeah." I expressed to him, trying to fool him. Was I trying to fool him or myself? All day, I've been telling myself that Edward didn't mean what he said. That he wasn't necessarily lying to me, but more stretching the truth; taking his anger out on me for some unknown reason. But maybe he was. I mean, everything he said was true. I thought I made my feelings for Jasper pretty clear and I thought his were too. But shouldn't have something happened by now? Maybe it was time for an actually answer instead of I shook my head. "Actually no. I've been a little distracted today and I have to say something." I told him. I didn't look at him because I know what I was about to say will already make me uncomfortable. I didn't want to add to it by looking at him. I might end up not saying exactly what I was thinking. I took a deep breathe to steady myself. "When I was in the bathroom with Edward, he said something and it got me thinking about some stuff." I started.

"What?" Jasper asked.

"Well, he told me about the conversation you two had on the trip when I left the room." I told him.

"I told you about what we were talking about."

"I know, you said you guys were talking about me." I stopped him before he could go any further. "But what you didn't tell me is what he said to you. He said when he asked about the kiss and asked where we stood; you told him we were having fun." I told him.

"Are we not?" he asked. We were, until what Edward said.

I gave a nod. "We are, but he said when he asked if you meant sex, you didn't say anything." I continued.

I heard him give a slight sigh. "He told you that." Jasper stated. It didn't take me long to realized he didn't deny it.

"So that brings me to this next thing." I stopped. I didn't want to say anything. it could ruin what we had, whatever the heck it was. But wouldn't it be better to know then not to know. I know sometime the lies are better because the truth hurt too much. Now could be one of those times. However, I think I had to know. "Jasper, he said guys think about sex, like a lot; like it's all you think about, a lot. He said that's what you are trying to get it and as much as you can." I sighed. I looked at him on the side of my eye. "Jasper, are you using me just to get what you want?" I pushed out. When I did, he fell silent. From when I was looking, I saw him look away, as if he didn't want to make any kind of eye contact with me. Moments went by, and still nothing came out. It might have been only a few minutes, maybe even seconds. The silence that filled the car felt like it dragged on for a few hours. Was he going to admit it? I wouldn't know because he wasn't saying anything. "Why are you hesitant?" I pushed. He had to answer me sooner or later.

He gave a hard sigh. "I'm trying to think of a way to say this without saying like a tool." He answered, still not making eye contact with me.

"By that you mean…" I stopped because it didn't want to say it. There it was; the signal. I should have known he wasn't going to tell me. I suppose he didn't need to say the exact word because that's was all I needed. If he said more I would have broken down. I think I was on the vogue of doing so anyways. It was just hard to think that Jasper had a one track mind. Of course he did. He was a nice guy, but the operative word in that statement was guy. And as much as I didn't want to admit it, Edward was right. And why wouldn't he be? He not only knew Jasper better than me, but he knew the male mind better as well. That was twice as bad. I don't know what was worst. The fact I didn't see it earlier or the fact that I actually thought Jasper could like me the way I like him.

But I knew this would get a lot worst if stayed in the car. "I have to go." I told him before reaching for the door.

Before I could open the door, Jasper placed his hand on top of mine. "Maybe I should explain what I meant." he said when he stopped me.

I gave a head shake. "You don't have to." I said before opening the door. Before I could step out, he out powered me and closed it.

"I think I do, because I didn't mean what you think." He said.

I couldn't help but to look at him. When I did, I saw we were closer than before; inches apart from each other. Any other time, this would be great, but now, of course not the same case. I swallowed back the feeling. "So what did you mean?" I asked.

He let go out the door and leaned back in his seat and we were at the originally distance. He ran his hand through his hair. "How do I say this?" he mumbled. He let out a deep sigh before looking at me. "I will admit, I have thought about it." he finally said.

As soon as he did, I felt a tear threaten to come down. If I didn't cry in front of Tanya, I wasn't going to do so in front of him. "So that's what you want to tell me, that it's true." I said. I could have done without it. I turned to open the door again.

"No Bella." He said as he again reached over me and closed it.

Then I saw the door unlock. Did he really just lock me in here? I turned to him. "Unlock the door." I snapped. That was first time I snapped at him. I never really had a real reason to. But he had to know it was coming. Why the in the world would he lock the door so I couldn't get out? it was borderline kidnapping.

"I will when I'm finish." He said. "Like I was saying, I've thought about it. Bella, I'm an eighteen year old guy. Edward was right; as teenage boys, we don't really have a deep thought process." He said with a chuckle. Was this a joke to him? He stopped and looked at me. "And have you seen you? You don't exactly make it easier."

Don't blush, Bella; don't you it. You're supposed to be mad, don't let that little comment get to you. If it did, at least it was dark so he couldn't see. "So that's your excuse?" I asked; using that to keep the angry there and the blush away.

Jasper shook his head and turned away. "No. It was an out loud thought, really." He answered. He looked at me again. "But that's all they are. They're thoughts, Bella. Everyone has them." he was right. in fact, I had one or two day when he took his shirt off at the beach. I tried not to stare, but I stole a few looks when I knew he wasn't looking. "It's when people put those thoughts in action where it's something different." He continued. "Tell me honestly, have I acted out anything you think I'm thinking. Have I ever done anything to make you feel pressured or uncomfortable?" he said.

I looked away. "No; I never felt pressured." I told him honestly. He didn't pressure me. I didn't finally kiss him because I thought he would stop liking me or talking to me if I didn't. It wasn't like I didn't want to either. I did, I just didn't think I was ready to do anything. I wanted to be more comfortable around him to do it because I didn't want to embarrass myself like I did on the ski left. But when he kissed me again today in the diner and my heart jumped and the beat sped up like the very first time, I realized there was no such thing. I knew my reason. What about his? "What about all those times you tried to make me kiss you?" I challenged.

"I didn't mean for you to take that I as pressure. I told you the reason I wanted to do it again and I keep wanting to do it. Bella, I find reasons to touch you and to kiss you and anything else because…" he stopped in the middle of his sentence and closed his mouth tight. He quickly turned away from me and stared straight. Then he did something odd and placed both hands on the wheel. He gripped it tightly. He gave a few deep breathes. What was that? It was as if he was trying to stop himself because he was trying to hold something in.

What was he trying to hold in? "What?" I asked. He shook his head as if to say nothing. That wasn't 'nothing'. "Jasper what? " I urged. What was he so afraid to say? Could he be falling over his lie that he might be telling me?

"I can't." was all he said.

He didn't go into it, so I pushed it out of him. "Why not?" I said angrily.

"Because…" he stopped. He gave a groan. "I don't know how you would respond." He finally said.

"Just tell me." I pushed. He was making me nervous again. again he said nothing. "Tell me or at least unlock the door so I can leave." I told him. if he wasn't going to tell me, there was no reason for me to stay in the car.

"Fine." He sighed hard. "That…I do all that because…it's how I show how much I really like you." He said.

Like me? "Wait…What?" I asked.

He gave another groan. Then he closed his eyes and loosened his grip on the wheel. "I said I really like you." He repeated before opening his eyes and looking at me. "As in more than a friend." When he said that, all I could do was stared. Di-did he just say what I think he did? He couldn't have. I had to be hearing things. Or maybe misunderstood him. Something had to be wrong with me because Jasper Hale, my crush for six years and who've I been in love with, did not just say he liked me like that way. It was hard to believe. It was hard to believe he wanted to kiss me more than once let alone he did it because he liked me. Did he always feel this way; was Rosalie right all this time? Man, I will never hear the end of that. "And I didn't say anything before because like I said you didn't say anything first and I didn't know what you were thinking. I didn't want to freak you out." he went on. Still nothing came out. "Like I'm pretty sure you're doing now." and…nope, nothing. He gave a sigh. "Right." he looked away. He closed his eyes and shook his head. "I'm sorry." He said before unlocking the doors. "We can just forget about this conversation." He said, not looking at me.

And my trace was broken. "No!" I said. He looked at me. It wasn't until a moment later when I realized how loud it actually was. Louder than I wanted or that it should have been, I will say that. I shook my head. "I mean, I wasn't freaking out. I was just… shocked." I looked at him. "Jasper, can I ask you something?" I went on.

"Sure, I guess." He answered.

"Uh…when people ask about us, about what we are, what do you tell them?" I asked. Jacob wasn't the only who wondered. Girls in school came up to me and asked too. They wanted to know how far we've gotten. I just told them the same thing I told Jake when he asked and walked away. I wanted to know if people were going up to Jasper and what he said if they did. Was the same thing I did?

He chuckled. "I say we're having fun. Just two people who enjoy each other's company and hanging out. I thought anything more was personal and none of their business." He answered. So it was the same thing, in so many words. "But I'll tell you something." I nodded for him to go on. There was nothing he couldn't now. "When all those guys were asking you out before, I was kinda getting jealous. I knew it was childish and I had no right to, but every time I saw some dude talk to you and give you his line, I couldn't help it." when he said that, I couldn't help but laugh, so much, I had to cover my mouth to keep it from being rude. He gave a smile. "I said I know it's silly." He repeated.

I smiled and shook my head. "That's not why I laugh."

"Then wh…"

"Jasper, why do you think I never said yes to any other guy, but when you came, I didn't think twice?" I interrupted him. He gave a shrug. "Because I didn't want to go out with anyone else. I didn't like anyone else. It was because I like you too, the way you like said you liked me, I mean." I told him. I figure I should tell him the rest. "You were the guy I was trying to impress." I finished.

"Really?" he said.

I rolled my eyes. "Don't tell me you didn't know." I replied.

He ran his hand through his hair. "I guess I kinda figured. I just thought you forgot about the guy." He turned away. "I don't see any other reason why I shouldn't to do." He mumbled. it was more like he was talking to himself. He turned to his body to me. "Okay, Bella, I know you just said what you did, but I understand it's the end of the year. You might not want something right now because we're going to college in a few months. I understand that no one want things from high school to keep them from living a college life or something. It's one of the reasons I didn't this before." he sped out.

He rushing out so much, I barely understood him. "Jasper, slow down." What was he so nervous about?

"I need to do this before I lose my nerve." He answered. "Bella, wi…do…I…" after every word he would stop. It was like he was changing his thought in the middle of it. He gave a nervous chuckle. "I can think of a way to say this without sounding cheesy." He mumbled to himself.

"What is it, Jasper? You can just say it." I urged him. Was this the question I was looking for? Is that why he was nervous?

He looked at me. "Bella, will you be…" he cleared his throat. "Will you be my girlfriend?" he asked. When I didn't hear the word I wanted to hear, my heart dropped. I was sure he would ask me. This was the perfect moment. Wait…wait, what did he say? I replayed the question in my head to see what I missed. I heard it, but I didn't get it until now. He didn't ask me to prom. He asked me something else, something that might be better.

He asked me to be his…"Girlfriend?" I questioned. He nodded. Whoa. My head was spinning. What the heck just happened since he pulled into my driveway? First I was mad, now I was being asked to be his girlfriend. And I didn't answer. Say something! I opened my mouth and nothing came out. So I nodded. "Yes." I finally choked out. "Yes. My answer is yes." I said. Okay, now shut up. I covered my mouth so nothing else will come out.

He gave a chuckle. "Damn you're cute." He commented. I gave a smile behind my hand. Once again, it was good thing it was dark. "I guess now it as good time as any for the real reason I insisted on driving you home." he said. There was an actually reason? And it wasn't last thing wasn't it? He turned the light above the dashboard on. "Do you mind?" he asked. I shook my head. He looked behind my seat. He reached behind me and grabbed something. When he pulled his arm back, he had something in his hand. "This is for you." He said as he placed a shiny silver bag on my seat.

"What is it?" I mumbled behind my hand that was still on my face.

He chuckled. "Why don't you open it and see for yourself?" he replied. I made sure nothing that might make sound stupid was going to come out of my mouth as I took my hand away from it. I opened the bag to look inside it. When it did, I pulled out what was in it. I pulled out a stuffed turtle in a tuxedo. It was so cute; I couldn't help the long and girly "awe" that came out of my mouth. "A little birdie told me you like turtles. Read the tag." He told me.

I did what he said and opened the small paper tag on the toy's hand. "'I turtle-ly fancy you'." I read loud. I giggled. Wow, that was lamer than anything my dad could have picked out.

"I know. It's what came with it. I mean the other side." He instructed. I flipped it over to see what was on the back of the tag. It was something written in handwriting. It looked like Jasper's. I read what is said. When I did, my mouth dropped and turtle almost dropped out of my hands too. "Belle, will you accompanying me to prom? –Jasper." was written on the back. There it was. The question I've been waiting for. But now that it was here, it didn't seem really. I would pinch myself to see if this was real, but if it wasn't I would wake up. I was going to live this as long as I could, real or not. "Belle." Jasper called me. I looked at him. "So, what do you think?" he asked.

What did he think my answer was? "Yes. Yes, of course." I told him.

He gave a wide grin. "Good, because after the first question, you kinda had no choice." he teased.

I gave a smirk back before punching in the arm. "Be quiet." I replied.

He chuckled. "I suppose we should talk about colors and transportation and everything." He said.

I looked down at the tag. To make sure it was still there, to make sure it wasn't a joke, I don't know. But then I thought about it. We would have to do all that. Wow. My head started swimming with the thought of all the choices. Rosalie had her dress and colors and everything planned since before spring break. But she knew for sure who she was going with. I literally just found out. What if I could make a right the decision soon enough? I didn't want to think about that right. I wanted to enjoy this moment first. I looked at Jasper and smiled. "Can we talk about it later?" I asked.

"Sure."

"Okay." I couldn't stop myself, not I wanted to or thought I should, as I reached over and hugged him around the neck. "Thank you for asking me." I told him in his ear.

He chuckled. "Thanks for saying yes." He replied.

We stayed like that for a moment until I remember we were in front of my house. My parents might wonder whose car this was sitting in their drive way and might look out the window and see us. I didn't want them to find out that way. I pulled back. "I should probably go in the house." I told him. He nodded. "Thank you, again." I said before placing the turtle back in the bag. I grabbed the bag and turned to open the door.

"Bella, wait." He said before I could step out. I turned to him. "One more thing." Before I could ask what, he leaned in and pressed his lips to mine. It did take long for my heart to start jumping like a super ball. It also didn't take much for me for smile and lean into him. After a few seconds, maybe more, he pulled back. "Now it's official." He said with a smile. Our first "official" kiss. Wow. That one seem slightly better. "I'll see you tomorrow." I nodded before finally stepping out the car. I walked up my driveway to my door, careful not to trip or anything. That would be more than embarrassing.

XXX

The next morning, I woke up thinking last night was a dream. No way Jasper admitted he liked me, asked to be his girlfriend and to be his prom date in the same night. It was just too good to be true. When I woke up and saw the stuffed turtle he gave me sitting on my nightstand, I knew it was nothing but real. I smiled.

I took a shower and got dressed before going downstairs to wait for Charlie. It wasn't until I walked into the door and my parents asked me whose car in the driveway where I came down from my Jasper high. I told them Jasper gave me a ride home. When Charlie asked why, I told him I left my car at school and I told him why. Like I thought he would, he flipped. He said he never understood ditch day for seniors and it was no reason for us not to go to school. He said seniors are the ones that shouldn't miss since we had so much to do before graduating. I let him rant before telling him I needed a ride to school. He gave a hard sigh before agreeing.

"I'm going to grab something to eat Bella." My dad said when he came down. He didn't make eye contact with me or ask if I wanted anything, which told me I do not think he's gotten over it yet.

"Okay. I'll wait in the car." I told him before grabbing my coat and bag and going towards the door.

When I opened it and stepped out, I saw a car next to my dad's. I smiled when I saw the person leaning against the hood. He looked up from his phone and smiled at me. "Good morning, girlfriend." He greeted.

I gave a blush. That was going to take some getting used to. "Hi, Jasper." I replied.

"I was just going to text you. I guess I don't have to now." he said as pushed his phone in his pocket. He pushed off the car before walking towards me. When he was in front of me, I wrapped my hands around his neck. I figured we could do a little more than the friendly hug we usually give each other. He was thinking the same thing, but different. He wrapped his hands around my waist, like I wanted him to. Then he tightened his grip and pulled me to him, pressing his lips to mine. I thought he would just hug me; the kiss took me by surprise. Were we going to be one of those couples? I don't think I had a problem with whatever couple we were going to be.

I was first to be pull away. "What are you going here?" I asked.

"I came to say good morning."

"You came all the over here just to say good morning?" I asked, finding it hard to believe.

He shrugged. "Plus, I remembered you didn't have a ride to school. I thought I could give you one."

Aw, that would be nice. "Thanks, but I kinda already have a ride." I told him.

He gave a confused face. "Really?"

"Yeah, her father." A male voice said. As soon as it did, Jasper dropped his hands from me, quickly backed away from me and placed his hands behind back. He looked like a child that got his hand caught in the cookie jar.

I looked at my dad. "Are you ready?" I asked him as if he didn't just see Jasper's and mine embrace, and probably (but hopefully not) more. I figured it I ignore the obvious, it would last embarrassing. No real luck. Charlie, however, had his eyes set on Jasper. it was as if he thought the longer he looked at him, maybe Jasper would get in his car and leave. On the side of my eye, I saw he had one holding his coffee cup and the other on his gun. Geez, a little much dad.

"Bells, aren't you going to introduce me to your…friend." My dad said. I didn't miss that he said my nickname; okay a little embarrassing. I also didn't miss how he said the word friend.

I don't know. The whole hand on gun thing was making me worry. "This is Jasper, Rosalie's brother." I told him, hoping short-sweet-and-to-the-point might get over with faster.

"Good morning Chief Swan." Jasper said with a nod.

"You're Rosalie's brother." Jasper nodded. Charlie gave a small hum as he looked Jasper up and down. "Are you ready, Bella?" he asked me.

"Actually, sir," both me and Charlie looked at Jasper. I gave him a look, wondering what he was doing. Jasper looked at me then shifted his eyes back to my father. "I was thinking I would give Bella ride to school to day." Jasper spoke up. Brave. Charlie's expression didn't change. Apparently, he wasn't impressed. "If it's okay with you, sir." He added.

"I don't think so. I think I am perfectly capable of taking my own daughter to school." Charlie answered.

"Actually dad, I think I should go with Jasper." My dad shifted his eyes to me. "It only makes sense since we're going to the same place. It would save gas and you don't have to rush to get to work." I told him.

He looked back at Jasper then back at me. I could tell he was looking for another reason not to let me go. But he knew as well as I did that he didn't have one; at least not one that would make a lot of sense. "Fine." He finally said. He looked at me. "You have a nice day at school. And be safe." He said before kissing the side of my head. I nodded. "You." He pointed at Jasper. "You better keep both hands on the wheel."

"Yes sir." Jasper said, nodding,

"We don't want an accident with my only daughter in the car, do we?"

"No sir." Jasper answered.

"Dad, you should go before you're late." I told him, hoping it would make him stop harassing my…boyfriend. I never really had a reason for him to stop or to use that word. That really is going to take some getting uses to. Charlie gave another hum before walking to his cruise. He stared at Jasper until he pulled out the driveway and away.

I gave a chuckled when I saw how tense Jasper still was, even as Charlie drove away. "You can relax now." I said when the car was out of sight.

He gave a breath of relief. "I forgot you were the Chief's daughter." He said. I laughed again. It seem like a thing to major to overlook, but understandable since it never came up or the fact he hasn't really met Jasper. "That was not the way I wanted to meet your father." He added.

"You wanted to meet him?" I asked.

"I knew I would have to sooner or later, but I didn't think it would like that. Is he always that way?" he asked with a light chuckle. He was nervous, it was cute and satisficing. I was glad to see both us of were nervous about something.

Edward might have been right about my father; however, it might not have been as personal as he thought. come to think of it, Charlie might be off putting like to any guy that comes over, no matter who he was. He's seen firsthand what the male attention can do to a girl. She might end up with a child at seventeen and might even know who the father is. He wants nothing more for me not to be like my mother. I know he loves her, for reasons I don't quite understand, but if he could keep that from happening to me, he would probably do anything. I guess I never really thought it. Honestly, I never had a reason to.

However, I couldn't help but laugh. I'm sure seeing me hugging a guy wasn't a great start of his day, but I'm sure that wasn't the complete reason he was short with Jasper. "He's still a little ticked about yesterday." I told him.

"So you did get in trouble?" Jasper said. I nodded. Considering that they laughed at me yesterday, I'm pretty sure they thought I was joking when is said I would get in trouble. "I'm sorry we got you in trouble." Jasper said.

That was actually a funny way of putting it, now that I think about it. I don't think I was in trouble. I feel my father was more disappointed in the way I crushed under peer pressure than angry. However, I'm sure he would be over it by the time he gets home, well, maybe a little later since he had to start his day seeing some guy with his hands around me in his driveway. As bad as I knew it was, I don't think I minded him being a little steamed, considering. "It's okay. It's was worth it." I told him with a smile. He smiled back. "We should go before we have another day off." I joked.

"I think I'm okay with that." he answered.

I gave a chuckled before walking to the passenger's side of the car. He opened the door for me and stepped in.

When I got out of one of my classes, he was there waiting again. He was doing it all day for the past two days. It was nice because we don't really cross paths until lunch. I wasn't complaining that I got to see more him. if that was one of the benefits, I think I will gladly take it. as we walked, my books kept slipping and I had to catch them. I had more than usual because I actually had to carry one back to my locker and not to Rosalie's like I usually do because I needed for my homework and I didn't want walk back and forward at the end of the day. "You want to carry your books for you?" he asked as we walked. I guess he noticed.

I smiled at him. "Thank you, but I'm fine." I told him.

"Belle, I don't mind." He said. it was nice of him, but it was nothing I couldn't handle.

"I got it." I told him. we were almost to my locker so it was fine. We kept walking and his hand bumped mine. I didn't pay any attention to it. It happened a second time. Then the third time, his fingers intertwined with mine. I slipped them out, thinking it was a mistake. Then his hand loosely wrapped around mine. "What are you doing?" I asked. we stopped at my locker and I removed my hand to open my locker.

He chuckled. "I was trying to hold your hand." he answered.

"Why?" I asked. Usually when he did it, it was because he was leading or taking me somewhere. He didn't do it for any reason. Why did he start now?

"Because…" he stopped and thought. "Hum, I don't know. I never really thought about the reason; it's just something couples do." He answered. "Why are you acting like we never done that before?" he added.

Couple? What did that have to do wi…Oh, now I understand why he was doing all that, waiting for me, walking with me, even asking to hold my books. He thought it was something a boyfriend should do. That made sense. Once again, it might take some time for me to get to the idea that we are no longer just friends. A normal girl would have been over the shock by now. however, I'm sure I was passed the "normal girl" thing because I'm sure a "normal girl" would've had a another boyfriend before getting with her crush and knew what to expect. "You don't have to do that, you know." I told him.

"Do what?" he asked as he leaned on the locker next to me, the same thing he did anything he was waiting for me. waiting for me…it sounded as if I was somewhat of a burden. Another reason I said what I did. everything he was doing was nice, but I didn't want to be a burden.

"Carry my books, wait for me after class or at my locker with me." I clarified.

"I don't mind." He told me.

"But you're not required to." I reminded him.

He laughed. "I know that, Belle. I'm not doing those things because I have, I'm doing it because I want to. It gives me an excuse to spend a little more time with you. Do you want me to stop?" he asked. It was sweet that he went out his way or risk being later for class just for me. And well, since he didn't do it because he felt he had to…I shook my head. "Good because I wasn't going to anyways." He answered. "Besides, I haven't done it yet, but walking you to class also gives me an excuse to do this." He said before leaning into my lips before I had a chance to ask what. I see he was going to have a habit of doing that, not that I really minded. Maybe the more he does, the less it will surprise me and maybe, just maybe, my heart with stop acting like I'm being chased. But then again, probably not.

While our attention was focus on each other and our lips, I heard some girls giggle. "What is exactly with them?" one of the said.

"Who really knows?" He's probably just humoring her because he's bored." The comments made me remember that no one in the school knew about us, not the full thing anyways. Not even Rosalie. I haven't exactly gotten around to telling anyone yet. And because of that, it sudden made me feel self-conscience about us interacting with each other like this. Like everyone was paying attention to us.

I pulled away from. I wiped my lips with the back of my hand. "Uh…do you mind if we don't parade our status for a while?" I asked him.

"I wouldn't exactly call it parading." He replied.

"You know what I mean."

He chuckled. "Yeah, I do. Okay; sure, I guess. But can I ask why?" he asked.

"It's just I want the chance to tell people so they don't hear and believe any rumors that might float around." I explained to him. I don't want people to jump to conclusions because they saw or something they didn't fully know about. We don't need another thing like the situation with Maria or the situation between Rosalie and me to happen again.

His face went to understanding. "I get it. Do you still want me to walk you class?" he asked.

I gave a smile. "If you don't mind." I answered, putting my book in my locker. I know it was selfish, but I'm always helping and caring for other. Sometimes, I think I deserve the right to be every once in a while.

He shook his head. "Not at all. But we should probably go so I will not be late for my own." He commented. I nodded. I closed my locker before he walked with me to my next class.

I told Jasper I wanted to tell people, but really there were only two. One I haven't really seen. I haven't seen Edward today, he wasn't even at lunch. I wanted to tell him since the fight we had was about Jasper, he should know. Edward was the one who helped me with Jasper, allowing me to get this far; he should know that everything we did and planned worked, better than wither of us thought.

And I was sitting next the other. I should tell her as soon as possible. The last time I didn't tell her something important happening with me, she was mad and didn't talk to me for two day. how long would it be if I didn't mention dating her own brother to her? I could only guess way worst. Better now than later.

I texted Jasper, telling I was going to walk with Rosalie and that he didn't have to wait for me. He asked if I was going to tell her. I told him yes and I wanted to do it alone. He replied okay before I put my phone back in my pocket so I wouldn't get caught texting in class.

"Rosalie, wait up." I told her when class was over and she was leaving the room. she probably figured out the pattern of the day and thought she didn't have to wait for me.

She stopped and waited for me. "Hey, where's your shadow?" she teased as we walked out the room together and she didn't see her brother.

"I told him I wanted to walk with you." I replied.

"What, I finally get you presentence?" she joked. Ignoring that. "Any particular reason he's been attached to your hip today?" she asked.

"Uh, maybe. I have something to tell you." I answered.

"Important enough where I finally get to talk to you?" she asked.

"Okay, if you keep up this tone, I won't tell you." I threatened.

She laughed. "Relax. I'm just joking. So what's the big news?" she asked.

I didn't know I would tell her; how I was supposed to tell her. I figured the best way was to let it out. get it off with so she could get the squealing and excitement and "I told you he liked you" and anything else she might had planned over with.

"Okay, the reason he's been waiting for me and I've been walking with him because…uh…Jasper and I are…together."

She stopped and turned me. "What?"

I turned to her and tucked a piece of hair behind my ear. "We're together. You know like, you and Emmett are together; like Edward and Tanya…were. Together." I told her. Did she get it? I was hoping she would get it because I didn't want to say it out loud because I didn't know how it would sound coming out of my mouth.

"Shut up!" she exclaimed.

I gave a smile. "He asked me when he took me home after Ditch day."

"Bella, that was two damn days ago, why the hell am I just hearing about this?"

"I never really got around to telling you, I guess." I answered, telling her the half, truth. After my dad and his thing, I took a shower and went to sleep.

"That's a lame excuse." She replied. She was right, it was a lame excuse. It was more liked I was getting over the fact and making sure it wasn't some kind of joke or something.

"Whatever, I'm sorry. Just don't tell anyone. I kinda want to do it." I told her.

"Hey." Alice stop by us. "What are you guys talking about?" she asked, looking back and forward between Rosalie and I.

"Jasper and Bella are dating." Rosalie told her excitedly, without a second thought.

"Rosalie." I said hitting her in the shoulder. Did she not just hear what I said?

She turned to me. "What?" she said. Guess not.

"You are?" Alice said. I looked at her and nodded. "Since when?" she asked.

"Since Wednesday." I answered

"On Senior Ditch Day? Damn it, I missed everything." She said in an upset tone.

"Don't worry, Alice, I just found out too." Rosalie said glaring at me. I rolled my eyes; get over it. "So did he ask something else?" she said.

"Uh…"

"Bella, I already know what he was planning which was why I didn't put a fight when he insisted on taking you home. You might as well tell me." she said before really giving me a chance to answer. That explains a lot. I wondered how long was he planning on doing that.

"Oh, you mean about prom?" I assumed. It was the only other thing I could think of that she would be interesting in knowing.

"Duh, I mean prom. He told me was going to ask you. So did he?" she asked. All I could do was smile and I'm pretty sure I was blushing. "He did and you said yes." She correctly assumed.

"Yes and yes. And thank you for giving him the information on the turtles. It was cute." I told her.

"What…I didn't tell him you like turtles. In fact, he didn't even tell me until the night before. by then, he already had his plan." She replied. But there were only two people who knew about them, is she didn't tell him,

"So you're going to prom with Jasper?" Alice said, breaking my thoughts. I turned her and nodded. "Have you told Edward?" she asked. She knew I should tell him too.

"No, but I will." I told her. I don't know I will see him over the weekend or on Monday or something. I might tell him then.

"It's great, Bella." Rosalie said. I turned her. "You two are dating and going to prom. Next thing you know, he will be proposing and you will get married. You're growing up so fast." She teased as she wiped away a fake tear. :But if you keep that from me for two days, I will hurt you." She threaten. I rolled my eyes. She was getting a little ahead of herself, didn't she think.

"I have to get to class. I'll see you later." She said before walking past us.

"Alice." I called after her. She turned to me. "He should probably hear it from me, so don't tell him, please." I told her. she gave a small nod. "We should get to class too."

XXX

The weekend came and went. I went to the track meet. After it was over, I looked for Edward to talk to him, maybe even talk about what happened between us in the bathroom. But I couldn't find him. it was because, for some reason, Edward wasn't there. I wondered where he was. I don't think it was like him to miss something like a meet or a game after he went on about how important his football game.

On Tuesday, I still haven't seen Edward because he wasn't in school. He didn't even text me on Monday to say he didn't want to meet with me. When I texted him, he didn't reply. I wondered where he was and worried if he was okay. Was he just ignoring me? Was he mad at me? If so what would he be mad at me for? I was the one who should be mad, for what he said. I don't know if it because of Jasper or because of the days I haven't seen Edward, but I was over it. I just wanted to tell him before someone else did. I didn't want him to get upset because he thought I was hiding something from him. By the end of the day, I realized that I was thinking about someone I haven't even seen.

During my last period, Jasper texted me and said he would meet me at my locker when he was done getting his things form his locker. I told him okay.

I was in my locker getting all my things together, when all of a sudden…slam! My locker door just closed. It was odd. I put in my code again, before I could try to open it, a hand with freshly painted navy blue nails was placed over it. I didn't have to look up to see who it was because I could tell by the polish; she was known for wearing darker colors on her nails. And by the judge of her skin tone, I knew it wasn't Tanya. There was only one other person who would mess with me. "Oops." She said on the side of me. I looked at her. "Sorry." She said with a smirk that said she wasn't at all. "I didn't get your fingers, did I?" she asked with false sweetness.

What did she want? "Hello Maria. And no, you didn't." I greeted her, simply out of politeness because I was not happy to see Jasper's ex.

"Hmm, maybe I've should try harder." She mumbled. Then she gave me another fake smile. "I mean, Hello, Isabella." she answered.

"Bella." I corrected.

"Right. New clothes, new style, new name. New girl; so I've heard. Sorry I guess I forgot. I tend to do that with things I just can't seem to care about. No offense." She said. Some taken. Actually, a lot taken.

"What do you want?" I asked her.

She laughed. It reminded me of something I would hear from a children's movie villain. "Calm down, I just wanted to talk to you. I wanted to talk about a certain person who's about six-three or so. He has gorgeous wavy hair and the body…well, lean and nice to the normal girl; he has a swimmer's body, but I've seen better." she said with a shrug. "But not really the point. Can you guess who I'm talking about?"

"Jasper." I answered. The only thing common between us and worth talking to her about.

"Very good." She said, petting my head. I didn't think twice before knocking off. She laughed "I usually see him around his friends; but lately, I hear he has a different company. That would be you. And by different, I mean." She said and smiled. "Well, you know." she said waving it off with her hand." she said. I think I could guess. "So…" she said as she leaned against my locker so I couldn't get in. "I've been missing lot. Busy, you know. So why don't you catch me up? I heard you two are quite cozy. What I want to know is just how cozy you two are."

"What are…"

"Come on 'Bella'," she said my name with more attitude than I would like. It was as if she was making fun of it by just saying it. "You know what I mean. How far have you gotten with him?" she asked.

"I don't think that's any of your business." I snapped. How dare she ask me that? She had no right to do so.

She did nothing, but laugh. "I mean I hear the rumors, but I thought it would be best to get it from the horse's mouth. But the way you snapped like that made me think…wait, you're not a virgin, are you?" she asked. I couldn't do anything but blush. I wasn't ashamed, but coming from her, I knew it was nothing but an insult. She gave a laugh. "Well, that explains it. That's so cute. I knew those rumors were crap." She said. Rumors? What rumors? There were no rumors. She was lying. "Anyways. When do you plan on doing that?" she asked.

"Again, none of your business." I snapped again. I really wish she would stop. "Now can you move?" I said.

She crossed her arms, telling me she wouldn't. "I'm just trying to help. You know what they say; guys will only keep their hands to themselves for so long." She stopped and gave a smile. "On second thought, maybe you don't."

"I'm sure you do." I answered.

"Oh, I didn't expect for Miss Bella to have a comeback. I just wish it was more originally. What are you going to say next, I'm a slut, I crave attention? As if I haven't heard it all. But I will say the same thing to you I say to everyone else. My dad didn't leave me or something and I dot crave male attention or some cliché BS like that. I do it because I can. Boys are like chocolate. I believe someone should try them all to see what they like. Why not, right? Actually, never mind, you wouldn't know." she said. Seriously, would she stop? "But I didn't come here to talk about me. I want to talk about you and Jasper." she said.

Oh, now I see what she was doing. It was the same thing she tried when we came back from break. It turns out that Tanya was behind it the whole time. And it seems like she was at it again. Why can't she just left me alone? I sighed. "Look, whatever Tanya told you to do…"

She interrupted me with a loud and hard laugh. It was like she found something I said so funny, she couldn't control herself. "Tanya? Please; that back flipping, pom pom waving wannabe doesn't tell me what to do." She replied. So that's why she laughed. I almost wanted too. I never heard Tanya being described as that. I guess even she had someone who thinks she was below them. "No. I am here for more personally reasons. And the reasons are simple. Earlier this year, I gave him option of me again. He declined. I didn't quite know the reason so I waited while he cleared his mind and come back to me like the sad, but dependable puppy he is. Now I see why he never did. You're somehow blocking his view of me. I don't like that. So here's what you need to do; you're going to step aside and leave him alone. Then he can be back with me and all with be right in the world again. Kay? Thanks. Bye." She said rolling her eyes. she pushed off my locker and started walking away.

I know what she was saying. She wanted me to stop talking, stop dating Jasper so she could have him. I worked too hard to get his attention and I don't like her. did she think I would let her have him. She was rude and been with every guy in the school, she didn't deserve Jasper. "No." I told her.

She turned to me. she looked at me with a somewhat shocked looked. I had to say, so was I. I didn't think I would ever stand up to her. But If I could stand up to Tanya, Maria would be nothing different. "What?" she said.

"I said no."

She walked back over to me and stand in front of me. "I'm sorry, I couldn't quite hear you. Sometimes I have trouble with that. you mind repeating that?" she asked crossing her arms..

I gulped. I didn't except her to be so close to me. but no backing down. "I said no."

"No?"

"Why do you even want him? do you still like him?" I asked.

She laughed. "No. I'm not the girlfriend type. I don't like being tied down. But I don't want him to not have because of you. talk about a damn downgrade. I'm really trying to him." she answered. wow, that was…some answer. At least she was honest.

"Well, I do. I'm not going to step back and let you have someone I want and you don't. And I think you leave him alone." I told her.

She laughed. "And who hell exactly are you to tell me something like leave him alone?" she replied, clearly not taking me seriously.

"I'm…I…" It sort strung me that she didn't just glare and storm away like Tanya does. I didn't expect that so I was having a hard time getting it out. I'm starting to think why should she. "I'm his…" she lifted her eyebrows as if she was saying "Hurry up and out with it".

"She's my girlfriend." I heard him say as he wrapped his arms around my waist from behind. Jasper to the rescue. "I'm sorry I'm late, I had to talk to my teacher something." he said to me. "Are you okay?" he asked in my ear. I gave a nod.

Maria laughed. "So how long did you two plan this? She plays as if she's in trouble and you come to save her." she made fun before laughing again. "Jasper Hale, always the knight in his shiny Leatherman's jacket." She said.

He removed himself from me to stand next to me. "What do you want, Maria?" he asked.

She gave a smile. "To talk to you, actually. Don't you want to give us another try?" she said, touching his arm. He moved it out the way before she would rest it on there.

"Didn't you hear what I just said. I'm with Bella now." He answered.

"I heard, I just don't believe it." she said with a shrug.

"Well, I really don't give a damn what you believe." He replied.

"Aww, baby. Don't be that way." She said in condescending tone. She said as she tried to place her hand on his chest. He stepped back, far enough so he was out of her reach. She dropped her hand. "Stop playing so hard to get when I know you're not." she answered.

"Care before you slip on you hypocrisy." He answered.

"Ouch." She played hurt as she touched her heart. "It something you never got, right? maybe you should try again and your luck might change." She said stepping towards him.

He stepped back before she could touch him again. "Maria. Stop it." He warned.

Her smile dropped when he said that. she placed her hands on her hips. "You haven really given me a reason to." She answered.

"What?" I asked.

She turned to me and smiled. "Some proof that this…" she gestured to me then to Jasper. "Is real should be enough."

"We don't have to prove anything to you." I told her.

"Oh, but you do. I am many things, but I try not to be home wrecker. I don't go after someone else property. But that doesn't mean it doesn't come to me." she said winking at Jasper. I looked at him and saw him rolling his eyes. She laughed. "Anyways, I will leave Jasper alone, but I just want to make sure he's not just saying that. So prove it. How about…a kiss. And not one on the cheek. A real one." she looked over my shoulder to Jasper. "Like mine. Remember how good mine were, Jazzy?" she said.

"Don't fucking call me that." he snapped. Whoa, I don't think I ever heard him snap like that before.

She laughed again, like all this was a game to her. "Oh stop it. Go ahead and kiss Bella here."

"I'm not going to do that." he answered.

"Why, isn't she your 'girlfriend'." She replied.

He looked at me. Then back at her. "Like she said, we don't have to prove a damn thing to you. "

"Wait. I know what the problem is, you guys haven't had your first kiss yet, have you? Let me guess, you just started dating yesterday and she isn't ready for that yet." She said looking at me. "Geez, is there anything you are ready for? How will you spend the weekends, playing chess and solving brain teasers together?" She said laughing.

"Shut up, Maria." Jasper said.

She laughed more. "I'm sorry, you're right. it's insensitive of me. It's just so funny. And what's funnier is that you're the one saying no." she said.

"What does that mean?" I said.

She looked at me with a smirk. "You don't know? Of course not." she walked around me and to Jasper. She placed on his shoulder and leaned on him. "Your 'boyfriend' here loves him the PDA. Isn't that right Jasper?" she looked at him. I looked at him to for his answer. He moved his shoulder so her arm would fall. She looked at me. "So if you really are dating him get ready for kissing you in front of his friends and hugging you in front of people. And let's not forgive…" she grabbed his hand. "Holding hands when he can or…" she placed it on her waist "his famous hand on waist whenever you guys are walking." she said. He yanked his hand from hers. "He will be all over you like a bad rash. However, I think a rash would be less annoying. At least it subsides and not text you in the middle of the night. 'Hey, I just want to say good night', 'Hey babe, I was thinking about you', 'Hey, can I call you so I can tell you about this crazy dream I just had'." She said in a mocking tone. She turned to him. "Remember that, Jazzy and you couldn't get back to sleep." She said, calling him that name again.

"I told you not to call me that."

"Why, you acting like you don't like your nickname? You use to love. Is it because your new 'girlfriend' given you a new one? How can you just forget about me, baby?" she said, touching him again. Again, he moved out the way. That was getting really old and really annoying. I wish she would stop touching him and calling him her little names. I wanted so bad to pull her away from him. I don't think I ever felt so upset. I think I figured out why I hate her so much. I was jealous. They had history. She had her hooks in him and I don't know how deep they actually were. There was nothing I could about. And I was jealous of it.

I couldn't change their past. But I could stop whatever future she was trying to make. "Okay." I said.

They both turned to me. "I'm sorry, what?" Maria said.

"I said okay. You want me to prove we're dating, so sure." I said as I walked pass her to Jasper. I wrapped my arms around his neck.

"You don't have to do this, Belle." He said to me.

I gave a smile. "I'm not doing it because I have to, I'm doing it because I want to." I repeated his words to me

"You sure?" he said. I nodded. Maybe it will make her leave him alone. If it doesn't, I will just channel my jealously into pure rage and handle her myself.

"Hello, I'm not getting any younger here. If you going to do it, then quit stalling and do it." She said from behind me. Before she could say anything else, I reached up and placed my lips to his. It was one of the only times, I kissed him. When he noticed I wasn't going to pull away, probably not until I heard her walking away, he wrapped his arms around my waist and pulling me closer. "Uh…I guess you two desperate losers are together. You deserve each other. Have a good life, Jasper." she said. Then I heard her heels walk away from us.

I pulled back an inch. "I think she's gone." I said to him.

"Good. Now I can do this without an audience." He turned me and backed me into my locker. He smiled at me. "That's wasn't so bad, was it?" he teased.

"So you do like PDA?" I asked in return, referring to what Maria said.

He gave a shrug. "I like showing my affection and I don't really care who sees." He answered. "So…" he said before leaning back in to my lips. As he kissed me, I sort of forgot we were still in school, but it was the end of the day and the halls were emptier than earlier. Still, I can maybe see why he likes it.

"Ew!" I heard someone exclaimed. I remembered why I didn't like it. I didn't like the comments that may come with it. I couldn't help but to still care about what people think about me and him. I pulled away and saw Rosalie smiling at us, with Emmett on one side and Alice on the other. "You guys better not be one of those couples. I don't think I can handle it if I see this everything I turn around."

Jasper laughed as he backed away from me. "Should you really talk? I had to literally pull him off you at one point. "

"You so didn't. besides, we've been dating for four years. You two are a little too soon for all that." she said, sounding like something a parent might say.

"Hey, Bella, have you talked to Edward?" Alice said. right, I forgot about him.

I shook my head. "I haven't really seen him." I reminded. "Is he okay?"

"He's been sick." She answered.

So that was he was missing?

welcome to the bottom of the page.

i just want to say i probably won't be done by the end of 2013, but i will be done before the 12th of Jan. keep up the everything you do because it helps me. keep R & R-ing. love you all so much.

Luv & Rockets.