Thank you to everyone who reads and reviews. I appreciate your support so much!
Big thanks to Fran, Monica03 and Mr G and Me for all of their help with this story. (Any mistakes you see are my own.)
SM owns everything Twilight.
Won't be back to drive you home from school. You'll have to find another ride home. Sorry.
"Great," I sigh, throwing my cell back in my bag.
I'm not angry at Rose; I understand the need to get out for a bit. I do wish she would have arranged another way home for us, though. Walking that far isn't something I enjoy.
Jasper comes moments later, his cell phone in his hand. His eyebrows furrow together as he types out a response, looking up every so often to make sure he doesn't bump into anyone.
When he reaches me, he shakes his phone in my direction once before pocketing it. "Did you see Rosalie's message?"
"Yeah."
Slowly, his head tilts and his eyes narrow. "You okay? You look a little upset."
"It's been a long day."
"Wanna talk about it?"
I shake my head. I don't want to get into it; I just want to go home and close myself off for a few hours.
He says nothing; he simply stares for a moment, his blue eyes penetrating mine like he's trying to read my mind. An icy, trickling sensation slithers from the middle of my forehead, slowly trailing to the back of my head, leaving behind a dull numbing pain.
Pressing the heel of my hand to the center of my forehead, I hope to push away the pain. Surprisingly, after a moment, it does.
"Bella, I know you're not doing well," he murmurs, leaning close to me, so he's not overheard. "It's obvious; plus, I know you go downstairs in the middle of the night."
I blow out an annoyed breath. I had thought I was stealthy in my late-night crusades for a distraction from my nightmares, but I guess I'm not. I suppose I could just bring some snacks up before I sleep, but after I wake from a nightmare, the last thing I want to do is stay in my room.
I'll have to come up with some other plan, so he doesn't come out when I'm down there. I'm not ready to talk about my dreams yet and to be honest, I don't know if I'll ever be. I hate to think about them, much less talk about them.
"Jasper, please," I say, trying to convey how much I don't want to talk about this. "Not now."
Thankfully, he takes the hint. "You want a ride home? We can give you a ride … or you could come with us. It would be a great distraction."
I raise an eyebrow in question, following his line of sight to see who the "we" are.
He's staring at Alice as she leans against Tyler's car, chatting with Angela. No doubt sensing our stares, she looks up and beams, waving energetically before returning her attention back to Angela.
I huff a laugh, amazed that he's going somewhere with Alice. Sure, as of late, they seem comfortable around each other, but his actions still surprised me.
"'We'? As in you and Alice?"
"No," he immediately interjects, a little too quickly, in my opinion. "I'm going with Ben and Tyler to the arcade. Alice and Angela are coming too."
Looking back, I see he's right. The others have joined my friends, in a loose circle, putting a bit of distance between themselves and Alice. Only Angela seems to be comfortable enough to stand a foot away from her.
"Ah. So it's a group thing." I snicker to myself, wanting to say it's a group date, but I know that won't go over well. "No thanks; you go and have fun."
A harsh sigh leaves him, and he frowns, knowing the direction of my thoughts. "It's not like that. She's coming with Angela to discuss something. Plus, she's kind of cool."
"I'm glad you're giving her a chance."
"Are you sure you don't want to come?" he questions after a moment. "It'll be fun."
"No, thanks. I've got homework."
Alice comes over before he can reply, tentatively smiling. Her fingers twist together in front of her, her thumbnails scratching at the cuticles. "Hey, Bella. Are you coming with us?"
"No, I need to go home. But while you're here …" I place a hand out to Jasper, telling him to remain where he is. He nods and watches through narrowed eyes as I lead Alice a few feet away. "I wanted to apologize about earlier and I—"
She places a hand on my arm, her eyes wide as she rushes through her words. "There's nothing to apologize for. "
For a moment, I simply stare, wondering if I was misreading something or looking into things too much. But deep down, I know I'm not. There have been too many coincidences for my suspicions about Alice to be anything else.
Knowing she doesn't want the subject brought up again, I smile. "Have a good time at the arcade."
"You sure you don't want to join us?" Alice questions again, looking between Jasper and me as he rejoins us. She bites her lip as she stares at him, a hopeful glint in her eye. I wonder if she sees this as something more than he does.
I'm tempted to say something because I don't want either one of them getting hurt, but my mother's words fly through my head, and I know I can't. This needs to be handled between them, and them alone.
Moments later, Jasper catches Alice's stare and clears his throat, his gaze dropping to the ground as he steps backward, scuffing the heel of his sneaker on the ground.
Sympathy washes through me as I see my friend's face fall and the light in her eyes dim a bit. She smiles at me, though there's no warmness to it; it's a smile of someone trying to appear brave and put together. I wish I could give her a hug, but I'm not getting in the middle of this.
"I'm sure," I reply, hoping to break the sudden tension. "I'm walking home. A little exercise will be good for me. I think. But, listen, if you don't see me tonight, that means I died."
Jasper rolls his eyes and starts to speak, but I cut him off, placing a hand on his shoulder.
"If that should happen, I want you to have … nothing. Don't touch my shit. Seriously, don't touch anything."
Jasper breaks out in a loud burst of laughter. "What will you do about it?"
"You underestimate me. I will haunt your ass."
"I believe you. All right, I'll see you later. Be careful!
Alice waves, her steps slow as she walks backward. "Can we … can I call you tonight, Bella?"
"Of course. See you later."
They both wave, heading toward Tyler's beat-up blue minivan and jumping inside. I wave as they pass, heading in the opposite direction from home.
Knowing I have no other option except walking, I head out. It'll be at least twenty minutes until I'm home because I'm a slow walker, so I better get going.
As I turn onto the road, a black car pulls up beside me, and I look over, gritting my teeth. Edward's in the driver's seat glaring at me through the passenger window. I roll my eyes and pick up my pace, keeping my gaze studiously forward.
"What are you doing?" His voice is harsh and scolding, which only pisses me off more.
"Swimming," I deadpan.
"You're walking home after you were recently injured?"
"One, it's none of your business, so fuck off. Two, it's none of your business what I do. Three, Royce is in jail, and four, I repeat for emphasis: it's none of your damn business. Fuck. Off."
Tires screech against the asphalt, and a second later, his car door opens, and he stalks toward me, his feet pounding unforgivingly on the concrete.
"Get in the car."
Scoffing, I step around him, fully intending on breaking out into a sprint as soon I'm clear, but his hand grasping my elbow halts me. His skin touches mine, and I shiver, a string of reprimands flying through my head at my reaction.
What is this? Hormones? It has to be hormones.
I spin around, glaring. "Do not touch me," I grind out through tight lips. "You don't get to tell me what to do, and you certainly don't get to touch me."
He removes his hand but doesn't step back. "I can't believe Jasper let you walk home after everything that's happened."
There's a muted ticking sound echoing in my ears, growing in intensity with each passing second. It takes me several moments to realize the sound is coming from me, as I grind my teeth together.
Taking a deep breath, I relax my jaw and focus on breathing steadily. "Jasper doesn't let me do anything. I'm my own person, and I don't need permission from anyone except my parents on what to do. And for the record, I don't live that far, so if you'll excuse me."
As I step around him again, I feel his hand grip my elbow once more. Wide-eyed, I look from him to his hand on my arm. Quickly, he snatches it away, shoving it in his pocket.
"You … you can't walk home."
"Why don't you take your own advice and keep your nose out of my life? After all, it was such a bad idea getting close to me."
He sighs, running a hand through his hair. "It's not … it's complicated. I didn't mean it like that."
"It's pretty cut and dry, Edward. There was no mysterious hidden meaning."
"It's just … you … you're different, and I don't know how to deal with that," he reluctantly admits.
"What does that even mean?"
"I can't explain it. Just, please … get in the car. I'll take you home."
Crossing my arms over my chest, I step back, my hip cocked slightly to the side. "No. You've given me no reason to do what you ask or to trust you. You've treated me like crap since I met you. So, thank you, but no. I'm not going anywhere with you."
Spinning around, I continue down the street. My footsteps falter as the low rumble of thunder meets my ears.
No. No, don't rain.
My silent pleas are ignored as the sky opens and drenches me within a matter of seconds.
"Of course," I mumble to myself. Tilting my head up toward the sky, I blink through the water falling onto my face. "Of course this has to happen, right?"
Even though I don't want to walk home in the rain, I still trudge on. It's not like I'll melt.
"Bella, this is ridiculous," Edward calls over the heavy downpour. Looking over my shoulder, I have to stop myself from gasping.
His hair is flattened and dark, almost black-looking as it hangs down on his forehead and temples. His long fingers push it back, giving him a slicked-back look that surprisingly suits him well. His shirt clings to his chest like a second skin, and I bite my tongue to make sure it's still in my mouth.
Oblivious to my drooling, Edward continues. "Please, let me give you a ride home and I'll … explain. Or try to, anyway. Please. You might get sick if you walk home in the rain."
I contemplate his offer for a moment. I want to tell him to go to hell and make a mad dash home, but he's right; I don't want to get sick. Plus, there's another part of me that really wants to hear what he has to say. My curiosity is a real bitch, sometimes.
Marching over to the passenger side of his car, I throw myself into the seat like a petulant child, even going as far as crossing my arms over my chest.
Because I'm nothing if not thorough.
Fluidly, he slides in next to me, and out of the corner of his eyes, he looks toward me. At my staring, he focuses his gaze straight ahead, cracking his window as he tenses and swallows audibly. I turn my head to the passenger window, watching as it fogs slightly with each exhale.
Edward drives carefully, his hands gently gliding over the steering wheel like a fine caress, maneuvering the vehicle easily through the wet streets and minuscule traffic of Forks. Thanks to the small town, Edward pulls into my driveway a few minutes later, letting the car run as he sits still, his hands in his lap.
"So? What's your explanation?" I inquire when it's obvious he's not going to say anything.
He turns to stare out of the window, sighing harshly.
"I'm not sure how to … It's just …" He blows out a huge breath, resting his head against the headrest, his eyes boring holes in the ceiling of the vehicle. "I can't explain it."
"You don't seem like an inarticulate person. I'm sure you can find the words."
"That!" he explodes. "You're sarcastic, and quite frankly, you're rude. I don't know how to speak or act around you."
"I'm only going off your attitude! And as for the other, how about you speak to me like … oh, I don't know ... like I'm a person! When I first met you, I was nice, if I recall. I apologized and tried to make light of the situation, but you were the one who was rude! Not to mention, ever since then, you've glared at me like I killed your dog or something. The only time you have ever been nice to me is when we've been alone. Do you know what that says to me? You're a jerk! That's what it says to me!"
Edward huffs, his eyes narrowing. "Why can't you be …?"
He trails off, but I know exactly what he's going to say. I've heard it enough times from Rose in the past.
"'Why can't I be' what? Normal?"
I wait for his answer, it's clear in his eyes.
"Normal according to whose definition?" I continue. "Yours? Our peers? Rose? I don't want to be normal. I like who I am and if you can't accept that, then tough. I'm not going to change myself to please anyone. Yes, I admit I can be a huge pain in the ass sometimes, believe me, I know. But that doesn't make me a horrible person. It makes me real. It makes me a real person with faults and problems and issues, just like everyone else. I've never been the person to filter my thoughts or stand down from a bully or let someone walk over me. I've always stood up for myself and my friends when the occasion calls for it. And yes, I am sarcastic and sometimes hard to be around, but that's just me. That is who I am. Just because you don't get that or like it doesn't mean I'm going to change the way I am so you'll like me. You don't like me? Fine. You don't have to; we," I say, pointing between the two of us, "don't have to be friends. The person I'm friends with is your sister; and speaking of, I really don't appreciate your comments earlier, either."
"I have to protect her and my family." His voice is hard, matching his steely gaze perfectly.
I match his gaze, never taking my eyes away from him as I speak.
"I get that," I reply softly, admiring his fierce need to protect his loved ones. "But don't be a jackass and make assumptions about me. I know we don't know each other that well, but if you have a concern about me, ask me. Alice is a good person. Have I noticed a few odd things about her? I have, but I wouldn't say a damn thing because it's no one's business outside of your family."
"I didn't think you'd—"
"Oh, please," I say with a scoff. Vaguely, I notice how close our faces are; if either one of us were to move, we'd definitely be kissing.
Grudgingly, my eyes flit down to his pouty lips, and I lick mine, my eyes darting back up his as I catch myself mid-action. Surprisingly, I notice his gaze on my lips, watching with rapt attention.
Clearing my throat, I continue, leaning back a little. "Don't lie. That's exactly what you thought I'd do; you thought I blab about it to anyone who would listen. And FYI, you're really not good at keeping secrets. Normally, you plaster on an innocent face and deny. Work on that, okay?"
His nostrils flare as his eyes narrow. "You have no idea what you're talking about. You don't know a—"
"I know plenty," I firmly interrupt, raising an eyebrow.
"You …" he says, growling out the word. Again, I lick my lips and shift, feeling a strange vibration surge through me at the sound. "You are so stubborn and so pigheaded!"
A frustrated bark of laughter flies from my lips as I turn once more, moving as close as I can without touching him. "Me? I'm stubborn and pigheaded? You're the one who—"
My rant is cut off by Edward's fingertips sliding over my cheeks and diving in my hair, his cold palms cradling my jaw. He stares at me for a second, his intention clear before he pulls me toward him, planting his lips on mine.
For a second, I'm frozen, eyes wide and unblinking as I stare at him.
Is Edward Cullen kissing me? The person he hates? The person I hate?
Slyly, I pinch my arm and gasp against the sting. Edward takes the opportunity to gently slide his tongue against mine, his lips never relenting.
A strange tingle spreads down to my toes as my face heats, and I find myself gripping his shoulders tightly in my hands, meeting his bruising kiss with one of my own as my thoughts run wild.
How dare he kiss me first?
How dare this frustrating creature be the best kisser I've ever experienced in my short life.
Honestly, I wouldn't mind doing this again.
Before I know what's happening, he pulls himself away and pushes back against the driver's side door, his head knocking lightly against the glass. His chest rises and falls rapidly, his eyes dark and wide as he attempts to speak, but nothing comes out.
Belatedly, I realize I look similarly crazed as I catch a glimpse of myself in the rearview mirror.
Slowly, I fall back into the passenger seat, watching him from the corner of my eye.
"We kissed," he says, his head tilted to the side. He repeats this several times, confusion and astonishment laced in every syllable.
"Yeah." My voice is skeptical and slightly breathy. "We … we did … kiss."
"You kissed me!" he explodes, the look on his face not matching the tone of his words.
"You kissed me first!" My reply isn't very mature, but it's all I've got. "Why did you kiss me?"
"I don't …"
"You don't know? How can you not know? Do you just go around kissing unsuspecting girls for your 'shower time' or what?"
"It was either kiss you or kill you. You infuriate me."
"Yeah? Well, right back at you!"
He scowls and looks away. Looking out the passenger window, I bring my fingers up to my lips. They're still tingling, pulsing with the matching rhythm of my heart. Despite my fury over his actions, the only thing I want is to experience it another time.
"It seems like you enjoyed it more than you let on." Edward's voice is cocky, and I just know he has a stupid smirk on his stupid face.
"You weren't exactly fighting me off either."
I turn, ready to tell him off and maybe smack that cockiness out of him, even though I know that's not the best option. Those plans go out the window, however, when I see the look on his face.
"No, I definitely wasn't," he murmurs.
Lust and desire are painted clearly there, and the feelings are definitely contagious.
My belly tightens, and my entire body tingles. The air in the car thickens once more as his hands clench the fabric of his black jeans, the seams straining against the force. My own hands become clammy as I stare at him. A feeling of intense need churns in my stomach, and before I know it, I'm leaning toward him again, pulling Edward by the front of his shirt as my lips are once more glued to his.
His hands frame my face, his fingers cupping my jaw tenderly as his lips furiously work over mine. I give him as much as he gives me, pouring everything into the kiss. My anger, my frustration, and the desire that he's lit within me.
Stupid hormones.
I push him away when my chest begins to burn, and we stare at each other with wide, shocked eyes.
"I'm gonna … go," I breathlessly inform him, quickly unbuckling myself and rushing from the car. I want to get out of here before anything else happens.
I barely hear his muttered words of approval and something else I can't decipher before I slam the door shut and race inside.
Mom meets me at the door, brushing hair our of my face, her fingers tracing along the healing bruises.
"How are you feeling?"
I hesitate, the truth almost spilling from my lips. To be honest, I'm not doing too great. I'm sore and tired, but I don't want to tell her that. I don't want her to feel guilty or fuss over me. There's nothing she can really do besides what she's doing already.
"I'm okay."
She frowns at my vague answer and heaves a low sigh. "Be sure to take your medicine," she murmurs, nodding toward the kitchen.
I do as instructed, swallowing back the pills with a glass of milk.
"Who brought you home?" Mom asks, peering out the window near the door. Her face is a mixture of curiosity and glee, which doesn't help my mood. "What's wrong with your lips?"
Instead of answering, I change the subject, trying to get my mind off Edward's lips. "I, uh, pulled the skin off them. They're chapped as hell. Have you heard from Rose?"
"Yes, she called earlier and asked for some time off from school. Other than that, no, I haven't heard from her."
"She was upset earlier."
Mom hums sympathetically, curling an arm around my shoulders and squeezing. "She's going through a lot right now, but she'll be fine once all this with Royce goes away. You and I both know she's tougher than nails. Now, answer my question. Who brought you home, and why do you look flushed?"
My nose wrinkles and my shoulders slump forward. Shit. I thought I had her distracted.
"No one, and it's nothing."
"Don't you lie to me, Isabella Marie. I saw someone sitting in the front seat. Who was it?"
"Edward," I reluctantly admit.
"Did you punch him?" She looks back out the window at the sound of tires squealing.
"No," I reply, somewhat shocked she would jump to that conclusion. "Why?"
Mom smirks. "He was touching his lips."
I tingle from head to toe at the revelation, and I have to bite my tongue to stop the satisfied and cocky grin that wants to curl itself on my lips.
"I didn't punch him."
She hums with a knowing grin. "It's really nice he brought you home," Mom says. "He must like you. Otherwise, he wouldn't have bothered. So sweet."
I snort at her words. Yes, Edward and I may have shared a kiss—okay, two—but there's no way we could ever like each other. I'm too much of a free spirit for him, and he's too uptight and demanding. But I will admit the chemistry between us is so good; my lips are still tingling, and my heart is still pounding away in my chest.
Realizing my mother is waiting for a response, I tell her the same thing I've been telling her since I met him. "He doesn't like me. He's been rude to me since we've met and told me Alice shouldn't be my friend."
"Why?" she questions, confused and somewhat deflated.
"No idea." I shrug. "I'm not going to worry about it though."
"But why would he take you home if he didn't like you?"
"I don't know, Mom. He's an enigma."
She mumbles something under her breath, and I quickly make my escape upstairs, shouting back about the homework I have to do. Once in my room, I change into a pair of yoga pants and a long-sleeved shirt, burrowing down in my nook and cracking in on my homework, trying not to think of Edward's kiss and how his lips felt against mine.
8*8*8*8*8*8
A couple of hours later, Mom breezes into the room, a small cooler in her hand.
"Your father has to work late, so I'm going to bring him some dinner. You're all on your own tonight, okay?"
"Sure," I mumble, trying to get a math problem that doesn't make sense, no matter which mathematical formula I use.
Ten minutes later, my cell rings.
"Hello?"
"Hey," Alice's subdued voice comes through the line. "Are you … okay?"
Clearing my throat, I start to speak, but nothing comes out. What do I say? How do I say it? For the first time in years, I feel apprehensive about how this conversation will go. I don't want to say the wrong thing and upset her, nor do I want to make her feel uncomfortable.
Realizing I'm being stupid, I shake off the wave of nervousness and remind myself that this is Alice. She's a little weird, but she's my friend, and she's a good person. Anything beyond that is trivial.
"Yeah," I reply, my voice surprisingly strong. "Just doing homework. You?"
She makes a sound of disgust that thoroughly fits my thoughts on the subject before replying.
"Taking a break, actually. I thought I'd call you. To be honest, I forced myself to call you. I didn't know if you'd want to talk to me." She pauses for a moment, her voice tentative when she speaks for a second time. "Listen, I found out what Edward said to you. I'm sorry about—"
"Don't apologize for your brother," I interrupt. "You're not in control of his behavior."
"I wish I was," she mutters. "Anyway, he's just being difficult right now. Give him time."
Time? For what? I don't need to give him time because I'm not waiting for anything. Except for graduation, and that can't come soon enough, then I can forget all about him.
I release a breath, feeling guilty about that last thought. I know Alice probably wants her brother and me to get along, but I doubt it'll ever happen. We're too different.
"Anyway," she continues, "I told him not to worry about anything. He blew everything out of proportion."
Briefly, I pause, wondering if this is the best time to bring up my assumptions. I don't want to make her uncomfortable, but I'm also dying for answers and reassurance.
Well, I suppose she can just say no.
"Are you …"
Before I can continue with my question, she changes the subject, her voice now chipper and carefree.
"You know what would be fun? If we had a girl's day! What do you say? We can ask Rosalie. Do you think she'll join us?"
I pause, wondering if I should press the issue, but it's obvious she doesn't want to talk about it.
"I doubt it, but you can ask her."
"I will," she replies firmly. "Before long, she'll be putty in my hands."
"I'm sure." I laugh.
My stomach grumbles, reminding me of the time, and I sigh, relaying my need for food before murmuring a goodbye.
Downstairs, I snort a laugh as I hear Jasper snoring from his room. Through the kitchen window, I look out toward the driveway, for Rose's car.
She's still not here yet and has yet to send a message on when she'll be home, but I'm sure she's okay. If she wasn't, Jasper would be the first to know.
After all, he was the first to know something was wrong when she was attacked freshman year, so I have every bit of faith he wouldn't be sleeping if she were in danger.
I stare out, my mind drifts to where Edward and I sat in his car, sharing a bruising kiss.
My lips tingle as the scene plays out in my head, my cheeks filling with warmth as I recall the heady sensation I felt. My fingertip grip the cool sink, the joints and muscles protesting at the action. My body floods with heat and my breathing deepens.
Shaking my head, I push the incident from my mind, feeling foolish.
It was obviously fueled by hormones. That's all it was, and I need to find a way to forget about it.
Besides, it was nothing special; I've had better kisses in the past.
Okay, not really. But I can try to convince myself.
"I'm hungry."
Spinning around, I see Jasper stagger into the kitchen, his curly blond hair a mess on his head. Absently, he scratches his stomach with a loud yawn, his jaw popping.
"There's nothing to eat," he complains, closing the fridge with a huff.
"There's a full pantry and freezer, liar. Just admit you're too damn lazy to cook something."
He touches his middle finger to his nose, not denying my statement. "How was your walk home?" he asks with a teasing smirk. "I see you survived."
"Barely. And I didn't walk. I got a ride."
"Oh? From who?"
"Edward." As soon as I say his name, my lips start tingling again, and I curse myself for acting like a girly-girl who got kissed by the most popular boy in school.
Edward Cullen will pay for this. Mark my words.
He laughs roughly, coming to stand by me and bumping his shoulder into mine. "Don't sound so excited. You'll show how you really feel about him."
"I know. I'm an open book."
"Yeah, control that shit," he replies with sarcasm. "Did you two talk or anything?"
I frown. What is it with everyone wanting to know what happened between Edward and me?
"Uh, sort of."
He gives me an expectant look, and I roll my eyes, continuing with the least amount of information I can.
"He said I infuriate him."
"Well, duh. Anyone can see you two piss each other off. What did you say?"
"Nothing. I left."
"Good for you," he praises, patting my head.
I knock his hand off, scowling. "Don't pet me like a dog, asshat. How was your afternoon with Alice?"
A choked cough leaves him, and he glares, trying to regain control of himself. "It wasn't just with Alice; Tyler, Ben, and Angela were there too."
Slowly, I nod. "Right," I reply, drawing out the word. "So? How was it?"
"It was … fine. She's a lot of fun," he trails off, a small smile pulling at the corners of his mouth. "She super competitive, though."
"Mmm. Sounds like you're growing fond of her."
Unamused, he shoots me a hard glare but jerks a shoulder upward. "I don't know. I'm trying to give her a chance. It would be easier if I attempted to get along with her since I'm friends with her brothers. Besides, she's not all bad when she's not staring at me all weird-like."
I nod in understanding, and before I can change the subject, he speaks again.
"Speaking of weird, what was going on earlier today at school? Between Edward, Alice, and you?"
I shrug, not wanting to get into this. "No idea."
"Really? It definitely looked like something. Maybe I should talk to him."
"No. Just leave it alone, it's fine," I tell him, waving a dismissive hand.
He's silent for a long moment, a pensive look on his face. When I see he isn't going to give up, I level him with a look. I would hate it if he got in the middle; even though I hate to admit it, Edward has been a good friend to my cousin. I don't want him to lose that.
"Let me handle it."
"Fine," he says with a heavy sigh. "Where's Uncle Charlie and Aunt Renee?"
I quickly relay Mom's message and Jasper nods, looking around the kitchen. "Well, what are we going to eat?"
"I'm fine with sandwiches."
"Fine with me too." He collapses into one of the chairs at the kitchen table. "Make me one, will you?"
"You can make your own. I'm not your maid."
A disgruntled noise sounds out behind me as I rummage through the fridge. I ignore him, making my own before escaping into the living room. Jasper takes his sandwich into his room to play video games, leaving me in control of the television.
An hour later, Rose comes staggering in, her eyes red-rimmed and her face pale.
"Hey," I greet, muting the movie. "You okay? You were gone for a long time."
"I-I'm fine."
Any idiot can see she's anything but fine; her voice is cracking and hoarse, but I don't press the issue. I watch as she sets her things down near the stairs and pulls two Styrofoam boxes from her bag. Taking the seat next to me, she hands me one container. "Here. I brought you home some fries and a dessert. Where's Jasper?"
"In his room."
"Jasper!" Rose yells, her regaining strength as she clears her throat. "Get out here!"
Jasper's grumbling can be heard from his room, making Rose and me snicker. When she hollers again, he comes storming out, looking less than pleased.
"What?" His voice is irritable and grouchy, which makes us laugh. Even though he's trying to remain annoyed, I can see the humor in his face. "Yeah, it's very amusing, shitheads. What do you want?"
Once she's calm, Rose points to the other box that on the table. "I brought you some fries and a piece of coconut pie."
His eyes widen, and he licks his lips, immediately opening and devouring the contents.
"You're welcome," Rose says after he shoots her big smile.
"Where did you go?" I inquire, munching on my fries.
She shrugs, pulling her knees up to her chest. "I went for a drive. I ended up at the beach, actually."
"Did Emmett go with you? He left after you did."
"He did," she hedges carefully. "We spoke about … what he did. With the videos; how he got them to the police." She pauses for a moment, collecting her thoughts. "He told me he found the videos on one of Royce's computers; apparently, he went to his house. He found the encrypted files and sent them to the police."
Jasper and I exchange wide-eyed glances.
"How did he even get in?" Jasper questions, astonished.
Rose shrugs a single shoulder, looking down at her fingers as she picks at the skin around her nails. Her next words are hesitant and slow. "No idea. He probably pretended to be a friend of his, and one of the maids let him in."
"Wow," Jasper breathes.
I nod in agreement; simply amazed that Emmett had risked himself like that to help Rose and all of the other girls Royce hurt.
"After we had a long, in-depth discussion, I left him and met up with Vera. I got some things off my chest."
Jasper and I exchange a look when we both see the small frown on her face.
"Did it help?"
Rose wrinkles her nose, and sighs heavily, her nails making a rough scratching sounds as she rakes them up and down her legs. "Kind of. I told her what happened with Royce. I'm not completely okay, but I will be. I will be," she repeats the last three words to herself like a mantra, nodding with each completion of the sentence. "Everything will be okay. It will."
Silence settles around us, and we drop all heavy discussion, eating our treats while watching mindless television until it's late and we can no longer keep our eyes open.
That night, instead of crying, the bloody, faceless people that have haunted me, vanish into nothingness. In their place, I dream of vivid swirls of gold and copper and kisses that leave me breathless. In the background of my dream is a haunting melody that brings me peace and breaks my heart all at once.
There's a little bit of progress ... yay!
I hope you enjoyed the chapter!