-1Ramble #4

Haha. If you guys haven't watched the Ask a Ninja things you really should. They're hilarious! I especially dig the minjas. Good stuff good stuff…

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4. Check up

Finally Monday came. My heart raced with anticipation and suspense. Today I would receive my nomination for honor student. No matter how many times I was a nominee, I always felt giddy on the inside.

"Ed must've picked Bella up…" I mumbled to myself as I drove past the flashy convertible. My Trans Am was a legend. How could a convertible of all things possibly beat it?

"I don't think your car has a hemi or a BMW price tag," a guy said as he walked past. Once again, I freaked at the kid's inquiry to my thoughts. Were they all mind readers here?

Happily, I let the worries slide off and skipped off toward English. The rain did not damper my spirits though it did make my clothes cling to me unnecessarily and made my hair droop.

"Good morning boys!" I called out to them before sliding into my seat beside Jasper.

"Why are you so happy?" Edward asked that same annoyed look showing like before.

"Honor Society is today. I'm all excited! Hey, you guys are in a good mood today too!" I commented.

"How can you tell?" Edward challenged while Jasper gave me a puzzled look. I had them reeled in. All I'd have to do is set the hook. Maybe the secrets would spill then…

"Both you have color changing eyes. When Jasper is in a bad mood, they are like murky water and yours turn black. I wish my eyes changed color."

"No you don't." Jasper stated rather quickly. I looked to Edward who was nodding in agreement.

"Why so?" I challenged hoping to start an argument I could win. For a Monday, I was very feisty.

"Because…your eyes are more sensitive to light." Jasper said while staring at his open book. Even though he was looking down, I couldn't help but stare at him. Both he and Edward were so beautiful. They couldn't possibly be human. With a giggle, I turned to the front and rearranged my books to match Jasper's. Casually, he moved his books to a different location. I matched his movement exactly and even held my hand under my chin while staring at the teacher like he did. This is fun, I thought with a smile. Jasper gave out a small chuckle. Edward looked sideways suddenly as if caught off guard before shaking his head with a smile.

"Another project? Don't we already have at least five others going now?" I griped once class was over. Even though it was a simple book analysis report, it killed my current mood. Quickly I pulled on my raincoat and marched outside. So much for a good day.

"Hey," A familiar voice said from behind me, "What class do you have next?" I knew it was Jasper before I turned but looked anyway. I noticed that he was wearing my favorite outfit today. A dark green turtle neck and khakis that emphasized his blonde than blonde hair donned his slim figure.

"Environmental science. You?"

"Psychology."

"Why are you walking this way then? Isn't your class that way?"

"I'm walking you to class. For all I know Edward could pop out of the bushes and kill you."

I almost fainted laughing. It was sad that he actually would do something like that to me. Jasper looked at me as if appalled, but soon let a smile spread across his unmarred features.

"I was being serious." He said calmly while pursing his lips. Suddenly, my laugh got the best of me and I gasped for air. I was well aware of the eyes on me but it was just too funny!

"It--it's just …hehe…he actually wo…would. Haha!" I managed to get out between breaths. In my mind, I could visualize Edward crouching in the shadows just waiting to pounce, kill me, and then go ditch me somewhere off the road. What a relationship we shared. "Sorry. I'm better now." I stated regaining my serious face.

"I like your laugh," Jasper commented surprisingly, "it's honest and heartfelt." This statement must've taken me by surprise for I didn't realize we were in front of my class until he nodded toward the door.

"See you at lunch then?" he said as he walked off to his classroom.

Throughout science, my mink kept wondering toward Jasper. He did just invite me to lunch…right? The thoughts flowed freely until someone spoke up in class.

"Ma'am! Can I go to the nurse's office? There is a buzzing I can get out of my head." Mrs. Brigham let her leave and continued to teach class.

An overwhelming calmness came over me after the girl left. The feeling felt somehow artificial, but I ignored that minute detail and finished my class work. Lately I'd been feeling sudden mood swings. They came and went, but usually helped.

While leaving class, I yanked on my raincoat and headed out the door without looking anywhere but straight ahead. If Jasper's theory of Edward jumping out of the bushes and killing me was true now was his chance. I was too preoccupied anyway.

"I came all the way out here to pick you up and you don't even acknowledge me? How disappointing."

Instantly, my head swiveled around. Jasper was standing behind me yet again. Oh God, I thought, why did I put on the raincoat? Jasper chuckled a bit as I pleaded to the heavens.

"You really are something. You go from plain to vain, laughing to serious, and even content to aggravated. Just which exactly are you?"

I stared blankly at him as I replied, "Uh…we--well a little of everything smashed together in a blender." With a small smile, Jasper held the door to the cafeteria open, long enough for me and another group of girls to pass. I thanked him and started to head toward Bella and Edward's table. Suddenly, a cold hand found itself upon my shoulder and rounded me toward the line.

"I know you weren't thinking about bypassing lunch. Aren't you hungry?" he demanded pushing me into the lane.

"No." I stated simply. It was a lie but I would rather die than eat cafeteria food. For all I know the chicken could be made of cardboard and the pizza out of soy. I would rather not take my chances.

"You're lying are you not?" he said. I gave him a look of confusion but he continued, "I know you're hungry. Your eyes actually get a darker shade of blue when you're hungry. It's quite fun to watch you eyes go from baby-blue to navy in seconds." This comment brought me back to a conversation about color-changing eyes. Was that why I saw so well at night?

"You must be hungry…" I said as I watched him pile a ton of food on his tray.

"No. Not at all. This is for you. You can't defeat Edward on an empty stomach," he said with his mini-smile, "Plus, I don't trust cafeteria food. There could be gerbils in those burgers for all I know."

"Thanks for the encouragement. Are you trying to poison me now?" I challenged taking the tray.

"No. Well at least not yet."

I let out a small chuckle as we got to the table. As usual, Edward was twirling a bottle cap and looking at Bella as if trying to read her thoughts. I noticed the eyes on us and shrunk into my scarf. Between glares to Edward and glancing between Bella and Jasper, I felt the awkwardness growing. Bella must've felt this too for she was the first to speak.

"Hey, Edward, didn't you make honor society?" Bella inquired.

"Yeah, so did Jasper, Emmit, Rosalie, and Alice." he replied flatly although he was enjoying something about it.

"Really!" I stated turning to Jasper, "That's so cool! Your family must be geniuses!"

Jasper chuckled to himself as if he was told a joke. I was sure I wouldn't understand so I didn't ask. However, I noticed the loathing glare from Edward and knew what was coming.

"Don't even start!" I warned, "You guys are exceedingly brilliant." I stated without telling them that the "brilliant" part not only referred to their intelligence, but their abnormal perfect-ness. I rambled a bit more like I did when under pressure. When Jasper and Bella chuckled, I felt somehow reassured. What a weird group we are, I thought, two Plain Jane's and two gods. It occurred to me that it was weird for the Cullen's to be with anyone but their own family. Were Bella and I special?

As I snuck a glance sideways, I saw the most beautiful thing yet: Jasper's smile. It was a soft smile, brilliant in every pretense of the word. Totally abnormal. I must've been staring in awe because Ed gave me the "Never-Seen-It-Before?" glare.

Letting my inner child out, I pulled down my eyelid and stuck out my tongue. Bella giggled happily from across the table. It made me happy to see her happy. But why did I feel so empty?

-

Things between Jasper and me were the same for the next few days even. He'd pick me up after English; take me to Science, Lunch, and even Calc. I did notice glares from the Cullens' table. However, instead of scaring me, as was intended, it piqued my interest.

I also noticed they were outdoorsy. At the mention of sun, they said they were going camping. Although it was still raining the day they left, the following two days were filled with a miracle called light.

Another factor that worried me was the reoccurring dreams and the sudden lust to touch…blood. No matter how many times I saw this dream, it still freaked me out. In my dream, the Cullens were huddled around a pool of the mystifying crimson liquid. They looked more like animals than humans did as they lapped at the blood in the pool.

When I woke up, I could only think "Vampires". Why this word was already burned into my brain though? I had never thought of it intensely up until now.

Finally Friday. The lingering cold I had caught up to me. Unfortunately, that was the day the Cullens were due back. Just my luck.

Dan Man became worried when I began to run a temperature of 103 degrees. That was nothing! It would only fry a few thousand brain cells. So long Honor Society! When we arrived at the hospital, they promised to get to me soon. Fifteen minutes with a fever is not soon.

Hurriedly, she ushered me into a room and told me to wait "just a minute". The minute had slowly turned into five and so on until I grew quite exhausted. As I curled into my blanket, I heard a knock on the door. Before I had a chance to realize it, a beautiful doctor had walked in and was introducing himself. In my daze, I failed to catch his name, but I could tell from the moment he walked in he was special.

The check-up only took three minutes. Why did I have to wait so long for a three-minute check up? Note to self: Don't get sick. You get cranky. The doctor told me I just had a bad cold and a slight case of pneumonia. Oh, joy. He also told me that he was going to put me on some antibiotics and get some rest.

Lazily, I rose carrying my blanket and prescription with one hand. My slippers never left the floor as I made my way to the front counter. Next thing I know, everything goes black and I hear familiar voices.

"Just like her to run into something…" someone mumbled almost inaudibly.

"Still, I hope she didn't hit her head." A second voice stated melodiously. Upon opening my eyes, I felt two things: pain and embarrassment. Here I was, laying on a gurney in the middle of the hall. Jasper was standing directly over me while Edward was off to one side. I'm sure I looked like a dead body to pedestrians, but they would have to deal until this killer headache vanished.

"Ah, good to see you are awake now," Jasper started in as I opened my eyes all the way, "I was afraid Edward accidentally killed you." I felt the heat in my cheeks rise, but I knew better than to blush while Edward was around. A few seconds later, a cold hand landed on my forehead.

"You're actually running a higher fever than I thought. Are you OK?" Jasper asked as I sat up.

"Why are you here?" I questioned as I rubbed the back of my head.

"Our dad is the doctor. Of all people I thought you would figure it out." Edward jeered. Jasper gave him a warning glare before lifting me off the gurney and back on my feet. Even as dazed as I was, I could feel his cold hands and smooth, muscled arms lifting my tiny body effortlessly out of the bed.

"Uh…well…uh…got to go!" I stated quietly as I grabbed my other slipper.

"What's the rush?" jasper asked unexpectedly. I looked at him, confused. "When Edward and I were out in the lobby, your brother had noticed Edward and asked if he could drive you home. He had to go to work. I figured Edward would drive out into the middle of nowhere, and ditch you before you got home so, therefore, I will be escorting you tonight."

All I could do was think, why did it have to be such an ungraceful meeting? Why did I look like this of all times? Blushing, I drew the blanket closer to me and walked toward the front desk in silence.

After picking up my meds, a brilliant plan came to me. All I'd have to do is run to the bus stop. He couldn't possibly be beaten that way! However, the moment I left, I was thwarted.

"Just where exactly are you going?" Jasper demanded from behind with a chuckle, "Come now. This way." Rapidly, he herded me toward the car eliminating all chances of escape. After he opened the door of the Volvo, I glared at him. "If you don't get in, I'll have to use force that I don't want to use."

I looked up into his eyes and saw they were the light purple I enjoyed so much and jumped in voluntarily. Within seconds, Jasper was in the car and we started toward my house.

The soft pitter-patter of the rain made me drowsy, but I couldn't help but feel something was wrong. Something had changed. The butterflies had disappeared and now an air of seriousness filled the car with its stale breath.

"So…" I started in to break the silence, "What was the real reason you wanted to take me home?"

Jasper let out a sigh and clutched the wheel a little tighter before replying, "We need to…talk."

"About what?"

"A lot of things. Mainly you." This comment made me look at him somewhat dejectedly. It's my eyes… I thought sadly ready for something honey covered that was horrible underneath.

"No, it's not your eyes. Your eyes are beautiful. Don't pay any attention to anyone who thinks different." once again, jasper had answered my thoughts. Despite my cool disposition, I was blushing inwardly. My heartbeat grew and I felt the butterflies return all over.

"What I really meant was how come I feel like you're somehow connected to me? It's a completely different feeling than what I get around the rest of my family yet it is the same. How is this so?"

I looked from his face to the floor, "I don't really know. I've always been different, but for some reason, I feel connected to you too."

Silence filled the car and for the first time I noticed, we were already in front of my house. Jasper chuckled a bit before giving me one of his dazzling smiles.

"Funny. That's the same thing I feel…" He kept looking forward as if gazing through my house. It almost seemed as if he was avoiding my gaze. "Tell me," he whispered, "that when I tell you who and what I am, that you won't run away?"

Although the way he said, "What I am" scared me, I found myself nodding. Gently, a cold hand pushed some hair out of my face.

"You know, I like it better when you smile." I gave a weak smile and flushed crimson before whispering my good-byes and stepping out onto the wet earth. By the time I reached the door, the Volvo was gone. What kind of man had I fallen in love with?