Chapter 30

It was the day before graduation. We were at school for a graduation ceremony rehearsal. I sat in the second row, because my last name started with a C. Jasper's last name, that he used, was Hale. During the whole rehearsal, I felt his eyes on me. I sat next to Alice in the row and she was next to Edward.

Our row was next to go up to the stage. My heart was pounding. Did I really have to get on stage in front of many people? Why could not they just mail me my diploma?

"Don't be so nervous." Alice whispered to me.

I felt her hand on my shoulder as we stood up. I turned my head and saw Jasper looking at me. He gave me a reassuring smile that made my nerves relax.

Returning the smile, I faced forward and then walked in a line with my classmates. It was bitter sweet, this whole graduation thing. I am happy it is over, but I am sad it is over. It is confusing.

"Lori Crowe." I heard my name called.

I walked up the stairs and a man in a suit, nothing too fancy, greeted me. He shook my hand and gave me an envelope. Inside the envelope, there was a letter from the principle saying how much he enjoyed having me. Of course, every student had the same exact letter with the same words, just a different name to each letter.

I was sitting in my seat, watching Jasper walk in line with his row. When they called his name, he walked up the stairs, greeted the suited man with a handshake and a charming crooked smile, and walked off stage when he received his envelope.

Jasper really did have a charming smile. Every one of his smiles, smirks, and grins were charming in their own specific way. I really liked how he had that crooked thing going on.

Once we dismissed, I found Jasper right away and gave him a warm smile.

"Did you have fun walking across the stage?" He asked me while embracing me with a strong arm.

"I did, actually. Tomorrow will be a different story. I'll be in heels…" I made a disgusted look when I thought about the damage I will be doing in those shoes tomorrow.

"Don't worry." Jasper said as he led me out of the school. "I won't let you fall."

"So, you're going to teleport up on stage and save me in front of a lot of people?" I questioned.

We made our way to his car when he responded to my question. His voice was gentle, too gentle. It made me wonder if he had something on his mind.

"Well, you're on your own there Darlin'." He grinned at me and opened the passenger door open.

I waited for him to appear in the driver's side of the car. Once he started the engine, he drove out of the parking lot.

"Is something on your mind, Jasper?" I asked when he turned out of the school's parking lot.

He straightened the wheel of the car and put a hand on my hand. "You." He said simply.

"What about me?" I asked and accepted his hold.

"You'll see sometime later."

I squinted my eyes as I tried to figure him out. "What are you on about?"

"I don't want to tell you yet, Lori. Please drop it?" He then sighed out. "Sometimes I hate how you know me so well."

"What do you mean?"

"You always know when something is bothering me. You always know what to say to me. You always know what to do with me." He raised an eyebrow and tilted his head a bit before straightening his neck. "It's interesting though."

"Well, you know me inside and out." I replied. "Plus I love you."

"That's true." Jasper said and squeezed my hand.

I sat in my row again during my graduation ceremony. Jessica Stanley was up on stage giving her speech. I swallowed as I fiddled with my graduation robe.

It was yellow and definitely not my color. It did not match my dress one bit. It did match my heels, but then again my heels are black.

The dress I wore was a lilac color. It was short, mid-thigh length. It was flowy and the top had a lace look to it. Alice helped me pick out the dress.

I picked out the shoes. They were black, one to two inches for a heel, and were peep toed. They were plain, but I loved them with the dress.

My hair was down and curled. My left shoulder covered by part of my hair while the rest of my hair was covering my back. Rose did my hair while Alice did my makeup.

"When we were five they asked us what we wanted to be when we grew up. Our answers were things like astronaut, president, or in my case a princess." Jessica began her speech. I had to admit, I do see that being true. "When we were ten, they asked us the question again. We answered rock star, cowboy, or in my case a gold medalist. However, now that we have grown up they want a serious answer. Well, how about this? Who the hell knows! This is not the time to make hard, fast decisions. This is the time to make mistakes, take the wrong train and get stuck somewhere, fall in love…a lot." I shook my head slightly. Not me. There is no one I want more than Jasper. "Major in philosophy, because there no way to make a career out of that. Change your mind and change it again, because nothing is permanent. So make as many mistakes as you can, that way someday when they ask what we want to be we will not have to guess. We'll know." Jessica gave the audience a smile as we all clapped for her.

It really was a moving speech. One that made me think of certain things. Was I rushing into Jasper and I?

I was happy when it was all done and over with. Jasper and my mother were talking while I was standing with Alice, Bella, and Edward.

"So the graduation party starts at five." Alice said to Bella. "And don't forget!"

"I'm not going to forget." Bella said as she put her hands up in defeat.

"I practically live there, so you'll know I won't forget." I said with a laugh.

"Lori?" I heard my mother call my name.

I turned around and saw my mother wiping away a tear. What was wrong?

I walked over to her and she gave me a big hug. "I'm so proud of you, Lori." My mother said.

"Thanks, Mom." I replied.

"Would it be alright if we went out to dinner?" She asked. "Jasper can come too if he wants."

I turned to Jasper when he started to speak. "It's fine, Ma'am. I'll be busy with the graduation party. Alice won't be too pleased if I'm not there helpin'."

I felt slightly disappointed when I heard he wasn't coming. I knew the real reason. He can't eat human food. If he does, he will have to throw it up.

"Okay, Hun. We'll drop her off at…" My mother looked at me.

"The party started at five." I answered my mother's unspoken question.

"Then we'll drop you off ten minutes before." She said.

The dinner was awkward the whole time. I loved my mom, I really did. However, I felt like I could not be me when I was around my stepdad. I always felt like he judged me.

When they drove away after dropping me off, I waved at them. I am going to miss my silly mom. I do not think she will be too heartbroken if I did disappear though.

I turned my attention to the house and spotted Jasper waiting on the deck. He was leaning on the railing with a small smile playing at his lips.

I know that look. He has something planned…but what?

A/N: Can anyone guess what he has planned for Lori? :D So, someone was fired at my work. I have to cover his shift too. I'm getting unwanted overtime. :/ Needless to say, I will be busy now until we find someone to fill his hours. :/ I'll be updating less often, but don't worry…when I'm back to my regular hours I'll be able to update more. :)