Over 100 reviews in seven chapters!? That made my week. :D Thanks everyone! You all get cookies and a Jasper-In-His-Confederate-Uniform plushie for this! *snugs*

I went over to Jacob's house on Sunday, but I was very excited to see Jasper and Alice again today, Monday.

Maybe even Edward today, too.

I pulled into the parking lot and waited impatiently for gym.

When it finally came around, I bounced eagerly over to my two best friends.

I was instantly wary when I saw Jasper.

His eyes were closed and his face was twisted into a ferocious scowl. His arms were crossed on his chest and he was breathing so shallowly I couldn't even see his chest moving!

I glanced at Alice curiously.

She frowned, "He has a really bad headache, that's all."

Jasper was excused from the class, and so I partnered with Alice for the first day of badminton.

Alice and I got lunch, and then went over to the table with everyone.

As usual, Rosalie acutely ignored me, and Edward sat on the farthest end of the table, speaking only to Emmett.

Jasper still looked like he was hurting.

I suggested, "You should eat something, it might help."

He breathed, "It won't help."

I scooted my chair closer and pushed my tray towards him.

"Are you sure? We can share!"

He closed his eyes and ignored me. His sudden frostiness was surprising; he's been very welcoming- to me at least- ever since my first day here.

I frowned, "Just an appl-"

I didn't get to finish that suggestion.

He snapped his head to me, glowering at me with fierce black eyes.

Black eyes.

The table fell into an instant, tense, silence.

Jasper clenched his jaw and practically growled at me, his words slow and deliberate for emphasis, "It will not help, Bella, so do not ask me again."

I was unable to stop my mouth from falling open as fear clutched at me.

I fought to suppress a shiver and managed to whisper, "O-okay. I'm sorry."

Our eyes stayed connected for a long time, his blazing with something between anger and longing.

He drifted a little bit closer to me, then Edward's sharp voice suddenly broke in, "Jasper!"

I snapped my head to the side to glance at the mysterious Cullen brother.

His golden eyes were narrowed as he glared.

Jasper suddenly looked away, "I have to go home, I think."

He was out of the lunchroom before I could figure out what just happened.

I was both confused and a little upset by his sudden mood swing.

Angry Jasper was just slightly less then terrifying, but I was still more hurt then scared by his attitude towards me.

Alice frowned slightly, "Don't mind him, Bella, he's just having an off day."

I nodded, trying to find my good mood.

Then I had Biology.

Turns out, I sit beside Edward. He was a little jumpy and the definition of anti-social during class.

I suffered my Trig class in silence before heartlessly shuffling over to my truck.

Alice was waiting for me. She waved as I got close enough to hear her.

"Hi, Bella! I have a note for you."

I lifted an eyebrow as she handed me a paper. I read the small, careful handwriting looking back at me.

Bella,

I'm extremely sorry for earlier, it was inexcusably rude of me to speak to you so harshly. Can I make it up to you? I won't be in school tomorrow, but we're off Wednesday this week. Would you like to do something with me? If not I understand, but I hope the answer is yes. Please tell Alice what you decide.

I hope to see you in a few days.

Affectionately, Jasper.

I smiled at Alice, "Tell him I would love to do something, and maybe he can come pick me up."

My truck probably isn't up for a trip.

Alice grinned, "Of course."

She hopped down from the back of my truck and closed the hatch.

I asked suddenly, "Hey, when was Edward adopted? When he was seven, right?"

She shook her head, "Emmett was seven, and he was six."

I was close.

I glanced behind me to make sure we were alone and then I frowned.

"His real parents… They didn't hurt them, right?"

I never met a person who was abused as a little child, but I have heard they become very secluded and everything. Emmett might have just suppressed the memories, which is why he's so happy.

I am not great friends with either brother, but the idea of them being abused made me very upset.

Alice looked honestly confounded for a second, but then she connected what my question was to what I meant, and her tinkling laugh filled the air.

"Don't worry, Bella. It's very nice of you to care, but the Masens' were very loving parents, I have been told. Edward is.. not usually like this. You'll have to excuse his cold behavior. He'll come around once he gets used to you."

I relaxed and smiled, "Okay. I have to get home to start dinner."

She hugged me and promised, "I'll give Jasper your message. See you tomorrow, Bella!"

Yes, I would see her tomorrow.

And I would be doing something with Jasper the day after!