I was the definition of glee when I went into the house after school.

I was going to the dance with Jasper Hale.

The most beautiful and god-like man I have ever met!

It was surprising, honestly, that I was so obsessed with him.

I mean, I never felt anything for anyone back in Phoenix.

But then I saw his leonine body, his thick honey curls, and those eyes!

His eyes are so deep, like they have seen more than enough for his eighteen years of life.

Though now that I think about it, I am positive they were black before.

Black, golden, either way they made my heart flutter.

I jumped when the phone unexpectedly rang.

Picking up the cordless I answered cheerfully, "Charlie and Bella."

It was my mom, "Hey, Bella! It's been four days and I've only gotten one email from you, how is everything?"

I sighed, "Wonderful."

She sounded surprised, "Really? So, your liking it with your dad?"

"Oh yeah, we really have a system going, actually."

She laughed, "That's great! How's school? Are the other kids being nice to you?"

I thought of Mike, my golden retriever.

Angela, Jessica, Ben, and Eric; my self-imposed friends.

Alice, my source of fun in this town.

And Jasper. The person I constantly think about, and stare at more than it should be healthy.

"Yeah, everyone is really great."

So, we talked for the next two hours. I had just hung up when Charlie came through the front door.

I frowned, "I haven't started dinner yet, sorry. I just got off the phone with mom."

He smiled, "That's okay, Billy Black invited us down to his house. We can pick up your car."

I smiled, "Great, let's go!"

I loved my truck! It didn't go that fast, but it was sturdy and reliable.

I roared into the school parking lot, having called Alice and told her I wouldn't be needing a ride anymore.

I was barely out of the car before Jasper was at my side, smiling hugely.

"Hey, Bella."

His strong voice made me flush happily.

"Hi, Jasper. Where is everyone?"

Emmett's insanely large truck wasn't here today. Nor was the Jaguar or the Volvo.

I have no idea what Jasper drove to get here, but there he stood.

Staring at me with beautiful golden eyes and the most adorable smile I have ever seen.

He answered promptly; "Emmett and Rosalie are hiking with Carlisle until Friday."

I asked, "Alice and Edward?"

He frowned for a moment, "Well, they're in Alaska."

Alaska! I had just spoken to Alice fourteen hours ago!

He chuckled, "Don't be so surprised, Bella, we did move down from there you remember. We have family there."

I frowned, "Is everything alright?"

He looked away and sighed, "Well, no. Edward is a bit ill; actually, that's why you haven't seen him since last Thursday. Carlisle thinks the air in Alaska will be best for him for a while, and Alice insisted she go too."

I asked, "When will they be back?"

He gently stroked my cheek, "On Friday."

I decided it wasn't my business to ask questions, so I changed the topic.

I smiled, proud, "Look at my truck!"

He glanced at the worn-out red senior citizen behind me and chuckled.

"It's very nice. How fast can it go?"

I shrugged, "55 comfortably, probably ten miles faster if I needed it to."

He glanced warily at the sky and asked, "Will you take me for a ride?"

I blinked in disbelief.

"School starts in like, five minutes?"

He wrapped his arms around me and leaned in close, his smoldering golden eyes looking deeply into mine.

I felt lost in the depth.

He whispered intensely, "Please?"

I couldn't look away from him as I felt my brain melting.

How the hell does he do this to me?

After a second he asked cutely, "Pretty please? I'd love to see what it's like. It's nice to take it slow sometimes. I'm used to speed."

He gestured to the most beautiful car I have ever laid eyes on.

How did I miss it?

It was a deep burgundy color, a rich shade, like blood. The convertible top was up.

He smirked at my expression, "It's a Corvette, 2003 model. It's good and everything, but this looks much more fun."

He leaned on my truck, his eyes drifting to the sky yet again.

I looked up this time. I didn't see what he kept looking at.

The clouds were thin, even, as the wind blew them north.

We might actually get some sunshine!

I collected myself and huffed, "Did you suggest I skip school to take you for a ride in my truck?"

After a second he nodded.

And for whatever ungodly known reason I grinned, "Okay."