On My Way
Chapter 7
"Bella, thanks for all the goodies you've been sending. The guys are loving it and complaining at the same time, we're having to run extra laps because of all these sweets. I'm enjoying the letters, thank you. I know you don't get mine until months later and I'm sorry; I'm usually in the field where I'm most valuable. I've Skyped with mom and dad a few times and they've filled me in on you and Alice and graduation, I don't know if I'll make it home for that, please don't be upset. Mom told me that Edward gets out around the same time you graduate, please be aware of your surroundings, I don't trust him. Dad said there will still be an injunction in order, but that might not stop him. Again, please be safe. I'm hoping to Skype with you soon, once this year was not enough and always getting your voice mail is not my ideal of a conversation either. I know you've got classes, finals, and a life, but I need to hear your sweet voice. I miss you. You have no idea how much. Until next time. ~ Jasper"
"Oh, my goodness Alice, I can't believe how sweet he is!" I was gushing over the letter Jasper wrote and the simple little moon ring he sent, with its own little note attached."
"He's got it bad." Alice laughed.
"Whatever. He said it's because he's always thinking of me and he wants me to remember that we're always both under the same sky."
"UGH!" Alice made a gagging noise. "I think Jasper needs to write greeting cards now. Does he know you've been going out on dates?" she bitch browed me.
"Hey! HE told me to live my life. All I've done is go out to movies or dinner with friends! Nothing else." I threw back.
"See, guilty conscience. You feel bad for doing it, because you like Jasper too." She shrugged.
I flopped on my bed.
"I can't wait until we graduate! Then ALL my free time will be taken up with baking. Speaking of which, I can't believe your parents are going to help me buy that little bakery. I'm beside myself!"
"Well, they know that you're going to do great and it'll be a great investment. You have the one in Forks running smoothly, you've shown them that you can run that and go to school. You've done it for the last two years since your grandmother fell too ill." Alice concluded.
"I'm nervous and excited all in one. I can't wait to start looking for places and fixing it up."
"You do understand why they wanted to wait until after graduation though, right?" Alice asked.
"Well now. But not initially, hell neither of us did when I took them my business proposal; and I'm so excited that you're going to help decorate it."
"No, I'm making the curtains and table clothes and anything else like that you may need. I'll design your uniforms, etc…, Mom will come up with the design with you, that's not my cup of tea." Alice wrinkled her nose.
Graduation day was upon us, I was nervous, yet excited.
"Heard from Jasper?" I asked Alice.
"No. Mom and dad said he's been dark." Alice gave me a sad smile.
"Oh, OK. Well, I hope it's a safe mission." I put on a fake smile and finished getting dressed.
Walking across the stage, I heard my dad's signature whistle and smiled.
I'd did it! Graduated and I'd be starting the next phase of my life, opening my bakery and moving out on my own. Alice was going to New York for an internship, Rose was staying in Seattle, she was going to work with Esme and be her intern.
So Afterward all the speeches and diplomas, everyone scattered to meet their families.
We'd played it smart and had a meeting point at the big tree by the ponds edge, made for beautiful pictures as well.
Alice and Rose took off towards the tree, wanting to get pictures right away so we could eat, I took my time, not a big picture taker and not in any huge hurry; I was feeling pretty down today.
"Congratulations Bella." I spun on my heel and saw Jasper standing there with a huge bouquet of wildflowers and in his dress blues.
"I thought you were off on a mission?"
"I was, a mission to get here." He pulled me towards him and looked at my hand. "You're still wearing it."
"Always." I smiled brightly.
"I hope we can go on an actual date now that you're actually 18." He intertwined our fingers.
"I think that can be arranged." We walked hand and hand towards our families.
Jasper rode with me and my dad to dinner, after posing for a million pictures.
After dinner Esme invited everyone over to the house for a family celebration, we talked about what we were going to do and where we were going to go.
"I've got a fantastic internship in NYC and they're going to let me use some of my own designs." Alice was bouncing. "I can't wait to go and meet some of these fantastic people and gorgeous guys." She gushed.
"I'll be staying here in Seattle interning for the wonderful Esme." Rose sang. "And as far as relationships go, we'll have to see." She winked at Emmett.
"Bella, have you found a shop yet?" Jasper asked.
"Yes, your mom and I actually stumbled across it last weekend by pure accident." I smiled. "It needs lots of work, but it has a studio apartment above it, so I don't have to worry about finding a place to live too. It has a huge kitchen, the inside has just enough space for a few tables and a small bar in the front window, perfect for computers, lots of windows." I was beaming.
"I can't wait to see it. I'd love to help any way I can while I'm here." Jasper offered.
"Well, your mom has contractors doing everything. We have to make sure it comes in on time and cost." I shrugged.
"OK. Well if you need anything." He smiled.
He walked me out to the car and said he'd call later.
"I've got to pack my stuff at the dorm if you'd like to help, I'll be living on the third floor this summer." I smiled.
"Y-You what?" He stuttered.
"We'll practically be roommates." I whispered.
He stood there looking at me with a goofy smile on his face.
Jasper and Emmett helped us pack up our dorm, on the way out I was waved to the courtyard.
"Where are you going?" Jasper asked looking upset.
"To say goodbye to some friends. I'll be right back." Alice and Rose were laughing.
"Calm down bro. She's a big girl." I heard Alice laugh as I walked towards my friends.
One of my friends Alec who I'd went out on a few dates with before picked me up and swung me around and kissed my cheek. We talked for a few minutes and he told me he'd miss me this summer, he was traveling Europe with his family, but he'd be back to work with his dad and he'd stop by my shop. He gave me a hug and another hug and kiss before I walked away.
"Who was that?" Jasper rounded on me when I got back to the group.
"Excuse me?" I snapped.
"I asked you that was kissing and hugging on you."
"Alec. A guy I went out with a few times." I shrugged.
"You dated him?" he looked hurt.
"No. We were just friends. We went out as friends." I stated clearly.
"Looked a lot friendlier than that." He stomped back towards Emmett's Jeep with only room left for one left to sit.
"Unfuckingbelivable!" I shook my head and walked to the moving van with the girls.
"I told you he'd be pissed." Alice admonished.
"He's the one who told me to live my life for the past two years! It's not as if I fucked anyone! I didn't even grant any of them so much as a kiss other than on my cheek!" I ranted.
"He's a big boy Bella. He needs to realize that you weren't a couple and were free to do whatever you wanted while he was away and he should be happy that you weren't doing the things his baby sister was doing." Rose burst out laughing at the end.
"Fuck you Rose." Was Alice's retort.
When we arrived at the house moving was quick and efficient; Alice's boxes were first, Rose's second and mine were last.
Most of Rose's and mine were going into the basement since our stay was temporary.
"I'm going to the shop later today; can you drop me off when you return the truck Rose?"
"Yeah. Emmett and I are going on a date after, how will you get back here?"
"I can walk. It's not that far. My dad is taking me to look at cars next week; a graduation present from him, mom and Phil."
"Finally." Rose and Alice laughed.
"Alice why don't you come with us?" Emmett asked.
"Sorry, I've got a date of my own. He's in Port Angeles." She ducked into her room to get ready.
Jasper was nowhere to be found.
"Seriously, I'll be fine. I've walked it before. No biggie."
"Alright. You call us if anything seems off." Rose made me promise.
"I will."
And with that we all went to our rooms for a bit, since the others were all getting ready for dates.
Rose and Emmett dropped me off at the site of my soon to be bakery and there was a small crew there.
"Hey, I'm Bella Swan. Owner." I smiled.
"Aren't you a little young sweetheart?" asked one man.
"To some, maybe. But I already own one shop in Forks."
"Well Princess" the man spat, "what can we do for you?"
"I just wanted to see the plans and to get a timeline." I smiled.
"Timeline this early?" he laughed.
"Look! I know if Mrs. Cullen were standing here you'd be showing her respect. So, you'll show me the same respect, I'm her business partner." I snapped.
"Calm down. We've just started the demo. Mrs. Cullen said she wanted to keep as much as the old charm as possible, is that right?" he asked.
"Yes, I'd like it to maintain the charm, same with the studio above. I want chair railing, crown molding and if the glass door knobs can be saved, please save those, I'd like to use those throughout the interior for things like hanging coats, hats, etc… and I want them in the studio apartment for that extra charm." I smiled.
"Well Ms. Swan it sounds like I miss judged you." He reached out to shake my hand.
I thanked him and he showed me a few more things before I headed back to the Cullen's.
Walking back, I felt like I was being watched or followed, but I didn't see anything or anyone.
Feeling nervous, I stopped at the post office and called an Uber to take me the rest of the way.
Pulling up to the Cullen's I thanked the driver and got out.
"Why did you need an Uber?" Jasper snapped behind me.
"Shit! Would you stop sneaking up on me! And why do you care?" He looked good in all his sweaty shirtless glory coming back from a run.
"Because Rose and Emmett took you, I thought you'd ride back with them."
"No. They had a date. I went to the shop to look at the progress and was walking back, but felt like someone was watching me."
"Damn it Bella. Why didn't you say something? I would have gone with you."
"Maybe because you're pissed at me about living my life in college!"
"I'm a jealous man Bella." He stalked towards me. "I don't like to share." There was a gleam in his eyes.
"You're the one who told me to live my life. So, I did. I went out on a few dates. I didn't sleep with anyone, I didn't let anyone touch or kiss me unless it was on the cheek. I'm not ready to take that next step with anyone after what I went through!" I poked his chest.
Jasper grabbed my hand and saw a flash of panic in my face and let go. "I'm sorry, but I was pissed yesterday, OK? I didn't like seeing that guys hands on you. I want to date you, I'd like to see where we can go."
"But you're going away again, right?"
"Yes. My last enlistment, I signed on for eight more years. I have six of those left."
"So, I'm supposed to wait around for six years?" I questioned.
"I'm not always overseas. I'm home a lot. I'm stationed here or I should be." He corrected.
"Should be?" I asked.
"There's always a possibility that I could get stationed in Hawaii, Florida, Alaska, anywhere." He threw his hands up.
"Oh, all of those places make for great relationship helpers." I laughed.
"So, you'd rather give up before starting?"
"What's there to start Jasper? It's already working against us." I started walking away.
"I'm not giving up." He yelled after me.
AN:
The opening of Bella's shop…
A visit from Edward… And…
Will she and Jasper get together this time?
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