A/N: own. nothing.
Bella woke to the sound of her alarm and hit snooze almost immediately. Groaning to herself, she stayed in bed, half asleep, half awake, reviewing the night before. Having shifted back before eventually heading home, she remembered most of the night very easily.
My feelings seem to have gotten away from me, though, she reflected. Jasper didn't exactly say he liked me back, but I know there is something between us. Caught up in the memory of stargazing by his side, she wasn't prepared to hear the sound of the alarm sound what felt like moments later. Heart racing at the sudden sound, she turned it off and stretched before tossing her blanket aside.
Bella turned on the light in her room and proceeded to gather clothes to change into after a much-needed shower. The girl let the hot water run while she brushed a few pieces of grass from her tangled hair. Stepping under the flow of heat felt incredible on her muscles, so the girl took a few minutes to close her eyes and just relax before starting in on the rest of her body.
Feeling calm and collected after her shower, Bella blow-dried her hair– which turned out much less nicely the blow out magic Jasper had performed. It will have to do, she thought with a sigh. A few moments later, a knock sounded from below.
"You can come in, I'm just getting dressed, then I'll be out of the bathroom," Bella spoke in a quiet voice, knowing that if it was Jasper he would hear her, and if it wasn't, whoever it was would knock again. Another knock sounded, much to Bella's disappointment. Yanking her shirt over her head and jamming her legs through her jeans, she took to the stairs, skidding down the last two roughly. She grumbled in frustration before opening the door, only to find Jasper frowning guiltily at her.
"Sorry, a neighbor was out walking and your door was locked," Jasper started. "I could have gotten in through a window if I tried, but if I had been standing right here then suddenly not...well, we do try to not attract attention."
"Yeah, you all blend right in," Bella rolled her eyes and smirked. "Well, come in Mr. Whitlock. I've been expecting you," she finished with a wink. "We have a bit of time; I just have to get lunch together and grab my bag."
Her stomach grumbled and Jasper's brow furrowed, "Perhaps you should eat breakfast as well?"
"I suppose," she allowed as she led the way to the kitchen and pulled a packet of instant oatmeal from the cupboard. She poured it into a coffee mug and added the specified amount of water before stirring. Placing it in the microwave, she set it for two minutes and opened the fridge to consider her options. "What do you think: turkey and cheddar sandwich with lettuce or a peanut butter and jelly?"
"I honestly couldn't say," Jasper answered, looking slightly uncomfortable. "I've never had peanut butter."
Bella's eyes widened in shock, as she realized he couldn't have possibly had it. The girl smacked her forehead, "Duh, of course, you haven't. I'm sorry."
"Nothing to be sorry about," he chuckled. "Just part of the package, I suppose."
The microwave went off, giving Bella a chance to think as she pulled it out to give it a stir. Miraculously, it had cooked perfectly. She let it rest on the counter before opting for the peanut butter and jelly.
"Though, at one point in time, Rosalie and I convinced Emmett to try a strawberry pop tart. We told him that the filling tasted a bit like blood, that it must have been something in one of the additives," Jasper told her with a mischievous grin.
Bella laughed as she pulled the loaf of bread from the cupboard and removed two slices. "What did he do after he tried it," she asked curiously.
"Well," Jasper smiled sheepishly, "he had to – erm – bring it back up. Food can't digest in our bodies."
"Not at all?"
"Not even a little," he answered honestly. "Though, if we drink a lot of alcohol, we can get drunk; not that I'd recommend it for someone your age, however."
"I'm not big into drinking or drugs," Bella offered. "Though I've tried a few things."
Jasper looked at her with a raised brow. "I'm shocked to hear of such naughty behavior, Miss Swan."
"Oh, I'm sure. I bet in the past 160-something years, you've never partaken in illicit activities," she winked.
Jasper looked troubled, and Bella wasn't sure what exactly she had said that would create such a reaction. "Sorry, I seem to have put my foot in my mouth."
"Don't be sorry," he covered quickly. "It's just that my story is quite long, and filled with many illicit activities."
"Oh, right. You used to feed from humans?" Bella posed it as a question but knew the answer was yes, as just the day before, he had explained that he became a vegetarian only after Alice found him. "I take it that feeding doesn't end...well."
"It does not," he confirmed, face growing haunted. "Murder is only one of the many crimes I've committed."
Bella thought for a moment, taking a bite of her oatmeal to pass the time. Chewing and swallowing carefully, she answered him, "You can't help what you are, Jasper. I am willing to bet you didn't ask to become this." He said nothing, so she pressed on, "Seems to me, based on the scars I have seen, that you had a very rough start to your second life. I'm so sorry for the pain you have felt," she offered, tears welling in her eyes.
Jasper reached for her then, cupping her face gently with his palm, thumb wiping the tears from her cheeks where they had broken free. Bella's eyes fluttered shut, as she slowly breathed in the scent that was uniquely Jasper, and calm washed over her. She took comfort from the fact that he was in one piece and in front of her. A moment later, she was stepping forward to close the space between them to embrace him.
Jasper wrapped his arms around her and sighed softly into her hair. "I can't feel you what you feel, Bella, but I long to. Your emotions seem to run very deeply." She nodded as he took one hand and smoothed her hair; the other rubbed slowly against her back.
"It makes me so angry that someone hurt you, Jasper. I can feel that you have a kind and gentle soul. I might not be an empath, but I know that much," Bella murmured softly. "You don't have to talk about it, but understand that whatever happened before isn't now. I do not, nor will I ever, judge you for your past."
Jasper pulled away to gaze into her eyes, no doubt attempting once more to get a read on her emotions. "How can you offer me redemption so easily, Bella. You barely know me."
She refused to look away or feel embarrassed when she finally answered him, "I know enough, Jasper Whitlock." Bella took one hand and grazed her fingertips along his cheek, nearly mirroring his own gesture. "You're good, and that I know," her hand slid down to his chest, placing her palm against the space his heart would have been beating. "I can feel you." Without thinking, she leaned forward.
Jasper took a ragged breath and withdrew slightly, closing his own eyes for a moment before whispering, "Bella?"
"Jasper?" she answered, trying not to feel rejected.
"If we don't leave in exactly one minute, we're going to be late for school."
Reality sunk back in quickly as Bella turned to face the clock in horror. "I can't be late, Jasper! I can't afford to get into trouble."
"I know. Go brush your teeth and I'll put your sandwich in your bag and make sure you have all of your books."
"Thank you!" she called back as she ran towards the bathroom. She brushed as quickly and as thoroughly as she could before splashing a bit of cold water on her face. Bella dashed for the front door where Jasper was waiting for her, backpack held with one hand, lunch bag and house keys in the other.
Slipping on a pair of flats and grabbing her keys from Jasper to lock up with, they headed out the front door. The two got situated quickly in Jasper's truck, and were on their way. "You remember what I said about speeding, right?" Bella asked her vampire companion.
"I remember everything," he answered in a matter of fact tone.
"Well, forget it, just go."
"Miss Swan, encouraging me to break another law? So soon? Here I thought you were going to be a good influence on me," he teased.
"You are simply impossible, Mr. Whitlock," she answered him in a half frustrated, half amused tone.
Jasper didn't bother hiding his grin, "Something tells me you enjoy it."
Bella didn't hesitate with her answer, opting for honesty over teasing, "Yes, quite."
Jasper grew quiet as they pulled into the parking lot, a mere two minutes to get to their respective classes. "My locker is closer to the front, if you give me your lunch, I can store it for you so you can run to class," he offered.
"Deal," Bella answered with a laugh as the two launched themselves out of his truck and rushed towards the brick building.
Jasper reached the door seconds before she did and reached for the handle to open it for her. "Oh, and Bella?"
"Yes, Jasper," she answered, passing her lunch bag to him as the two crossed the threshold, getting ready to part ways.
"I really think that, at some point, we should finish what you started in the kitchen," he whispered with a wink.
Butterflies fluttered to the beat of a hurricane inside her as she turned right, and Jasper turned left. She somehow made it to class with a minute to spare, unable to speak once at her seat.
The next thing she knew, the news had flickered on, meaning the bell had already rung. The capped end of a pen was jammed gently against her side, "Earth to Bella," came a whispered voice from her left. Jessica was staring at her, wide-eyed. "Dude, what's your deal?"
Feeling confused, Bella could only ask, "What?"
"I've been trying to talk to you for like three minutes," Jessica explained with a roll of her eyes. "You off in la-la-land?"
"Something like that," the still dazed girl muttered back, trying to appear attentive.
"So," Jessica began, unwilling to let her off the hook that easily, "what's going on?"
Bella looked at her hands and pressed them to her face. "I think you were right, Jess."
The sandy blonde-haired girl grinned and answered, "I usually am. You'll have to be specific, I'm afraid."
Bella groaned quietly, "I think you were right about Jasper, Jess."
After being hounded for more information by Jessica in the only other class they shared that morning, Bella was dreading lunch, which was due to start in ten minutes. Ten very short minutes, she amended in her mind. Why did I even say anything, she chastised herself. He could have meant our conversation, right? He could have meant anything other than implying that we are going to kiss, right?
Bella realized she was only working her nerves up and spent the remaining minutes of class trying to calm down before having to share a table with her excitable friends, and the vampire she almost kissed in the kitchen of her father's home. Did I seriously do that? The more time passed, the less real the memory felt. I touched his face, I had my hand on his chest. Her heart was racing as she retraced her steps. I leaned in. I definitely leaned in...but...
The bell rang, alerting students and staff that lunch was now upon them. Gathering her book and binder, Bella proceeded to slowly pack her bag. She could feel Jasper's eyes on her from the doorway causing the girl to blush.
She let out a breath she didn't realize she had been holding and stood, momentarily dizzy, and made her way to the vampire that had occupied her thoughts for the majority of the morning. "Hey," she whispered, finally meeting his gaze and with a tentative smile. "How has your morning been?"
Jasper escorted her down the hall towards the lunch room, once again, causing other students to stare in apparent wonder. "Too long," he answered with a sly grin. "I may have been a little distracted."
"I am absolutely shocked, Mr. Whitlock. Your poor teachers must feel their tutelage awfully wasted on you."
Jasper snorted, "Come now, Miss Swan. I doubt very highly that you were not also likewise preoccupied."
"It's possible," she muttered back, blush spreading higher along her cheeks as they entered the cafeteria.
Seemingly pleased to hear this news, Jasper's lips quirked, as though to avoid breaking into an actual smile. The two took seats at what had become their usual table and waited quietly for Jess and Angela to join them. Jasper passed the girl her bagged lunch and stood. "Your friends are heading this way and I think I'm going to leave you to deal with the emotional storm that is Jessica. Milk?" he asked her.
"Traitor," she joked, but nodded her confirmation for milk, and Jasper set off for the lunch line.
Jessica and Angela approached the table and took their seats. Not even three seconds ticked by before Jess launched into a clearly planned speech, detailing why the other two girls deserved to know what was going on. "First off, Bella, you can't just drop a bomb on me and go all mute again! It was borderline cruel! My brain hasn't been able to shut off thoughts of what exactly you could have meant all morning. I almost forgot to ask Mike to come to the beach earlier because of you!" She drew a breath before continuing, "Secondly, I made a fool out of myself in French because I couldn't remember the word for cat. Cat, Bella! Kindergartners know the French word for cat!"
Bella had to work to hold in a laugh before she could answer, "Sorry, Jess. It has been a little difficult for me to keep my focus as well," she smirked at the antsy girl.
"Bella Swan, Ang and I have been here for you, devoted to your friendship, and you can't even tell us what's going on?"
Angela sighed and rested her face on her hand, "Jess, don't be so dramatic. Bella doesn't have to tell us anything about whatever is going on between her and Jasper."
"Don't you turn on me too!" Jessica nearly exploded in exasperation. "Honestly, woman, you're not helping our case."
Angela rolled her eyes and faced Bella, "You don't have to tell us anything. You are allowed to think and feel things without projecting every single thought for everyone to hear."
"Thanks, Angela," Bella smiled gratefully at the dark-haired girl and turned to Jessica. "To be honest, Jess, I need time to work through the feelings, you know?"
Jessica brightened immediately with this information, "So you do have feelings for him," she latched on. "Well, that's something, I guess. Which is more than you shared last week when you called him – what did she call him, Ang?"
Angela grinned guiltily at Bella and played along, "I think she used the word delectable, Jess."
"Oh, yes, delectable," Jess continued their banter. "Which really only expresses what you thought of his outside. What kind of man is he on the inside?"
Bella was blushing furiously as she picked at a piece of celery. Silence filled the table as the two girls waited for her to either dish or refuse to answer. "He's a wonderful person."
Angela flashed a genuine smile her way as Jessica rolled her eyes. "He's coming back, so let's put a pin in this."
Jasper took his seat next to Bella and handed her a carton of milk. "What did I miss?"
"We were just talking about our trip to First Beach down at La Push this weekend," Jessica covered smoothly. "I invited Mike Newton and Eric Yorkie. You in?"
Jasper frowned slightly before answering, "Sorry, I'll have to pass. I have plans this weekend."
Bella didn't comment but furrowed her brows at the mild rejection she was once again feeling. Jasper casually dropped one arm from the table and brushed his hand discreetly along Bella's own, offering her reassurance. Fighting a shiver of pleasure at his touch, she grasped his hand with her own to give him a squeeze of thanks before letting go to turn to her lunch.
"That's too bad," Jessica answered. "Maybe next time."
Jasper nodded, "Yeah, maybe, just let me know when."
"So, Bella," Angela opted to changed the subject, "How is your truck doing?"
Bella was grateful for the opening. "Well, Rosalie, Jasper's sister is working on it for me. She works down at Al's."
Jessica raised a brow as she studied Rosalie sitting in the distance with Emmett and Alice, wearing tight jeans, heels, blouse and leather jacket. "She doesn't really seem like the type."
"Rosalie is quite good," Jasper countered. "She's been working on cars for a few years already and is the only person I trust with my truck. Rose does work for the whole family, actually."
"Wow," Jessica breathed. "That's kind of cool."
"Definitely," Bella grinned, knowing Rosalie would see. "She was nice enough to put her other projects aside to work on it after school."
Jessica looked thoughtfully at Bella before grinning deviously, "So you've met Jasper's sister, Bella?"
Bella blushed, hearing the girl's unasked question: have you met the rest of the family?
Jasper saved her from further embarrassment at the hands of her friend, "Yes, Rosalie and Emmett went over to her place last night to tow the truck."
Bella finished her sandwich and milk and collected her trash, "Well, if it's okay with you all, I think I'm going to head to my next class a little early to finish up some homework."
"See you, Bella," Angela smiled kindly.
"Later," Jessica answered stiffly, apparently annoyed that her remaining questions would go unanswered.
Jasper stood as well. "I'm going to talk to Emmett and Rose for a bit, but I'll see you after school, Bella."
The girl nodded and with a departing smile, left to throw away her garbage and head to class, as promised. She made it down the hall and took a seat on the floor. Only a few minutes had passed before Jasper rejoined her, sliding down the wall to sit beside her, closely enough that they were brushing shoulders.
"I didn't want them getting suspicious and bothering you later," he explained.
"That was very thoughtful of you," she said as she closed her book. So fluidly, she wasn't sure who had initiated it, the two were holding hands. Closing her eyes, she sighed softly at the comfort she felt engulf her. "Are you absolutely positive you can't influence my emotions?" she asked quietly.
"Why do you ask?" Bella wasn't sure how to answer so he continued, "I can test it again, if you'd like," Jasper offered, amusement in his tone. "How does rage sound?"
"Different enough from what I'm feeling for me to notice. Give me your best shot."
The two sat in silence, as Bella's thumb traced soothing patterns into Jasper's palm. "Are you even trying, Mr. Whitlock?" she asked with a quirk of her lips. She opened her eyes to study his face, to find his brows drawn together in concentration, his normally soft eyes darkening with the exertion. A moment later, his face shifted to its usual soft expression, a chuckle falling from his lips.
"Yes, Bella, I was definitely trying."
"Hmm," was all she said in response, as she processed her own emotions carefully. The vampire and shifter sat silently, hands still clasped together. "I don't know how to explain what I feel," Bella murmured softly.
"The bell is about to ring, anyways. Another time?" Jasper released her hand to brush a lock of hair from face.
"Sounds good to me," she grinned. It'll give me time to think.
Jasper waited for the girl to repack her bag and helped her stand just as the bell echoed down the hallway. "I'll see you after school, darlin'."
"See you, Cowboy."
Jasper smiled crookedly and walked down the hall, glancing back once before turning the corner. Bella's heart felt strange in her chest. It was beating at a normal pace, but much more strongly than normal: full to the point of bursting, almost heavy in her chest. She walked slowly into the classroom and took her seat, once again falling into a deep reflection.
Heading into Biology, Bella was pleased to note the television at the front of the room, indicating it would be a video day. Apparently, some students were still struggling with the phases of cell division and instead of rehashing the lesson entirely, Mr. Murdoch had found a video and worksheet combination.
"Alright, class, we have a limited number of worksheets due to an issue with the office copier, so we're going to need to share at each table," the teacher explained quickly. "Now, Angela, Bella, I'll have you two share for today seeing as how both of you have missing lab partners," he finished.
Angela smiled at Bella and joined her table quickly. "I'm so jealous of your window seat," she joked quietly as Mr. Murdoch rewound the tape from his last class.
"I think it's cursed," Bella answered solemnly. "All who sit here are doomed to only ever sit alone."
"Where is Edward, anyways?"
Uh-oh, I don't know the cover story.
"I'm not too sure, actually. Jasper and I never really talk about it. Edward isn't my biggest fan, to be honest," she explained, hoping it would quell the other girl's curiosity.
Luckily, Angela was much more easy going than Jess and accepted her statement without question. "I don't want to embarrass you, but I saw you two at lunch. I think it's great that you found something in each other – and no, I won't tell Jess."
Bella blushed softly at having been noticed. "I appreciate you not saying anything. We aren't anything officially, but I really enjoy his company."
"He hasn't ever shown an interest in anyone," Angela noted. "He never really interacted with other students and seemed really shy. He has smiled more this week than I've seen in the past two and a half years. Whatever you two have, this is a good thing."
Bella beamed under the girl's approval as the lights went out and the video started to play. The two listened quietly to the lab film, taking turns answering worksheet questions along the way, until finally, it was over, with mere minutes left before class ended.
"Now, I'll have everyone make sure their teams have labeled their papers with names and pass them forward. I'll make copies tonight or tomorrow morning, providing the copier is functional, and get them back to you tomorrow," Mr. Murdoch droned.
The sound of papers rustling and being passed around filled the room before he continued, "Now, all of these questions, along with a few others, will be on your test. The test was initially scheduled for Friday, however, due to circumstances, I'm going to give you the weekend to prepare. Please, take the time I'm giving you to study."
The final bell of the day rang throughout the school, followed by the scuffing sound of chairs being pushed back and footsteps pounding through the halls. Bella took her time, knowing Jasper would likely meet her at the door. She wasn't disappointed, when a moment later, he appeared, a broad smile on his face.
"Are you ready for me to escort you home, Miss Swan?"
"That would be lovely, Mr. Whitlock," she answered, slipping easily back into their usual banter.
The two walked slowly towards Jasper's truck, their hands finding each other along the way. He opened the passenger side door for her, and still holding her hand, offered his own as a support while she climbed in. Students were definitely staring, but Bella hardly noticed as she waited for Jasper to join her. Moments later, they were headed towards Bella's home, each consumed by the bubble of togetherness that had formed between them.
Once again, Jasper offered his hand to help Bella down from the truck, and walked her to the front door. "Would you like to come in?" she asked sheepishly, hoping he would.
"I would like that very much," Jasper whispered softly, tracing circles into her palm once more.
Feeling slightly jittery from his touch, Bella almost dropped her keys, but managed to open the door moments later. She led him through, closing the door behind them and offered him a seat on the couch. Dashing up the stairs to stow her backpack and use the bathroom, the girl took a few human moments to splash water on her face, feeling refreshed and a little more collected. Taking care not to trip on the way back down the stairs, that would be embarrassing, the girl joined him on the couch and played with the fringe on one of the throw pillows.
"Do you mind if I check the bruising on your arm, Bella?"
She looked up at him through a thick fringe of lashes and smiled, "Go ahead." She shifted her body so she was facing him, and set the pillow between their knees.
Jasper gently folded the sleeve of her shirt up, exposing the still plum colored flesh and frowned. "You're still bruised, though it's slightly less dark than it was yesterday," he analyzed.
Bella watched his face for signs of his anger and preemptively stroked his hand with the tips of her fingers, waiting for him to meet her gaze. When he didn't, she spoke, "I thought about how to explain what I was feeling earlier – what I feel now."
Dark topaz eyes met her own as his fingers laced through hers, waiting for her to continue. "It's almost as though I'm at ease around you. Not all the time, I mean, you can certainly make me feel excited, or nervous, or bashful, but then there are times like this where-" she cut off and held up their entwined hands. "Everything feels right with the world. Like nothing bad can reach me here."
He rested her arm back against the pillow as he answered, "I know what you mean, Bella."
The girl studied his face to better understand him. "Are you saying you feel the same way about me, then?"
Eyes softening to amber under her gaze he released her hand to trace the outline of her face. "The entire world disappears when I'm with you. So, yes, I would say I feel the same or at least similar."
Bella waited for him this time, letting Jasper close the distance between them. His hand once again cupped her face, encouraging her to tilt her chin slightly upwards. Heart racing, lips nearly touching, Jasper let the anticipation build before pressing his cool, firm lips against her soft, warm ones.
Her body's reaction was instantaneous, limbs filling with electricity, heart flooding with a contented warmth. In the next moment, her arms were lacing around his neck, her fingers curling into his hair as she instinctively sought to be closer. Jasper's own hands slid slowly down her sides, resting firmly at her waist preventing her from pressing too closely. Bella finally broke the kiss, gasping for air. He pulled gently away, giving the girl time to loosen her grip on his hair. Sliding one hand behind her back, he trailed his knuckles along Bella's jaw, and ran his thumb along her lower lip causing the girl to tremble with excitement. "You're incredible," he breathed softly.
"Funny, I was going to say the same thing about you," she whispered back, leaning back in for another kiss. Jasper obliged.