Chapter 9

Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight, Stephenie Meyer does. Chapter title is song lyrics from Never Too Late by Three Days Grace.

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The rest of the car ride remained silent, each individual mulling over his and her own thoughts. Jasper remained rigid, unmoving, grieving over yet another mistake. Alice contemplated her options, determined to make sure the future she had seen would come true, soon. It was so frustrating for her as she continued down the highway, grasping the chance to burn off the anger by speeding. It was the middle of the night, after all.

The blonde man felt all of Alice's wrath and mistook it as being livid for him to mess up, unable to realize that she was only mad at herself. He spiraled down to another level of depression as he blamed himself for every wrong doing he had done in his life.

Hundreds of questions occupied his mind as well. What was he to do now? Would they still come together and find Carlisle's family? Jasper recognized this confusion: one of the few emotions he held onto in the previous years.

Alice cleared her throat and he immediately snapped his head up, wondering what she was up to now. He glanced around his surroundings, a natural defense mechanism, taking in the abundance of trees. They seemed to be heading for a clearing several hundred yards away, where a small little cabin stood.

"I decided that this would be best for us, in the middle of nowhere. To get you some control, you know?" Alice grinned, obviously proud of the tiny house. "And when you're fully committed to the animal blood, I'd say we test out how far you can resist and wander about the city."

Jasper shook his head in disbelief, unable to let her words sink in. Traces of her anger remained, but hope once more was the dominant emotion. "Aren't you angry with me?"

Irritation appeared on her face. "Let's not talk about it, okay? Just learn how to move on."

He shook his head again. "I don't know how to do that," he whispered, his eyes now looking at the house not ten feet away from the car.

"I'll teach you," came Alice's soothing voice. She turned the car off and walked out, Jasper following suit. Her hand gestured to the small, wooden house ahead of them. She was at the door now, turning another key in the lock and opening the door. Dust danced in the breeze of the night, the house finally awoken from what seemed like a long slumber. "Welcome to your new home, Jazz." She started to mention all the different rooms but he barely paid attention.

For some unknown reason, Jasper was thrilled at the nickname Alice gave him. It made him feel, feel more humane. The corners of his face lifted as he smiled to himself, resuming attention on the minuscule girl a few inches ahead of him.

They stopped in front of one of the last rooms in the hall. She opened the door, and immediately he was shocked. Rows and rows of books filled this library, topics ranging from Ancient China to the Great Depression.

Jasper's eyes were immediately drawn to the Civil War books, clearly fascinated by the abundance of literature this tiny room held.

"You know, don't you?" He asked as he drew out one of the books, glancing over the table of contents. The union army, the confederate army, General Stonewall Jackson... Those were only a few of the many chapters inside it.

But no answer responded. Jasper turned around, only to be greeted by an empty doorway. Now he could hear the footsteps shuffling around the floor above him, and he quickly set the book down.

He wanted to hunt. For animal blood. As he walked up the stairs, he thought about what the future held for him, and for Alice. Did he want to go off on his own? No, his mind quickly said. But he was obviously hurt her, making the mistake that he could have avoided. Jasper knew it was wrong, but he couldn't resist the temptation. He hadn't fed in nearly three weeks, and the rain fortified the scent... He pushed these thoughts out of his head and began to think about him and Alice. She seemed forgiving enough, although the feeling of grief was evident. Nonetheless, the sweet girl was just that, sweet. She was so positive, able to forgive, and able to unconditionally love.

Could Jasper do that? He would try. Every part of his mind wanted to love like that, to be able to share that kind of joy. But could he? Could he leave the life of misery behind him, and embrace a new lifestyle? He didn't know.

Another part of him thought about Maria and he winced mentally at those memories. The manipulation he dealt with, her lies and deceit; he never wanted to feel only those emotions again.

Jasper shook these thoughts out of his head as he knocked on Alice's door. He heard a rustling of what seemed like cloth before the door opened. She had changed into what seemed like a much more casual dress and nodded.

"Let's hunt," was all she said.

As they ran into the forest, Jasper couldn't help but marvel at the grace of her movements. It was like a dancers, fluid and beautiful. She seemed at ease even while running, and he couldn't help but admire her. She was perfect in many, many ways.

Maybe, someday, they could love each other unconditionally... Jasper immediately pushed that out of his head. If they were perfect for one another, Alice would have seen that, wouldn't she? And she would have told him; she would be honest and sincere about it.

Her voice shook him out of his head. "Do you see and hear the two bears inside the cave?" She said in a low voice, her eyes flickered a hundred yards ahead of her.

He nodded and looked at her, waiting for further instructions. She was rather pretty, beautiful in her own way...

"Just follow me."

Alice started to run again, pouncing onto the bear in less than two seconds. Before the animal could register what was happening, it lay limp and dead in front of her.

Jasper did the same, his mouth eager to taste the bear blood. He fought back a choke as the smell and taste of it was nothing compared to a humans. However, that human had not satisfied him. He needed more blood, and the animal blood muted his thirst for the time being. He finished quickly, although the job not as neat as Alice's.

She giggled once he raised his head to show that he was finished. "You've got a little something there," she pointed at the spot, and he quickly wiped it away, embarrassed. She laughed quietly. "No, other side, silly."

Jasper stiffened as she licked her thumb and rubbed away the stain on his chin. But she froze as well, for the shot of electricity running through his body ran through hers as well. She quickly slumped her arm down and looked away in embarrassment.

"Let's go," she said, and they started to run back to the house.

Alice knew that sooner or later, they would have to admit what seemed like their feelings for one another. Goodness, she just didn't know when or how to expect it. Would they be friends first, and then fall in love? Or would it be love at first sight? These questions seemed kind of late, though, since she already met him. The only word to describe her now was confused.

As they entered the house, Jasper walked towards the room that Alice introduced as his. She seemed to be following him until she turned to the library.

He sighed in frustration as he wanted to talk to her about the young boy. He wanted to apologize to her, for her to forgive him, although he knew she already had. Nevertheless, all these reactions from her puzzled him. She was angry for only the smallest second, redemption being easily achieved. She seemed so guilt free, so compassionate.

How could she be so loving towards a monster? How could he himself be so stupid and selfish? He was a trouble in her life, a constant annoyance.

Jasper made up his mind. He would leave tonight, never to bother her again. Even if she didn't want him to, it was for the best. He could adapt to her life without her and maybe, one day return as a better person.

As he reached for the door handle, it opened and on the other side was Alice. Shocking him, she wrapped her arms around him tightly.

"Don't leave," she whispered into his chest.

"I'm sorry Alice, for everything," he responded, attempting to push him off her gently. She held on tightly.

"No, you can't," she begged. "I know we've got to be in this forever, Jasper."

"It's too late," he said acidly.

"No it's not!" Her head raised to look him in the face. "It's never too late!" She hissed, authority apparent in her voice.

"But-" Alice stopped his next words by shaking her head vigorously.

"No, shhhh. Trust me." She put her finger to his lips and gazed deep into his amber eyes.

Instinctively, their heads leaned closer and closer, lips only centimeters apart. Alice closed her eyes and raised her tip toes to reach the tip of Jasper's chin. The coolness of his breath felt so good on her face. They were so close to contact now that all she had to do was tilt her face forward.

It felt so surreal.

All of a sudden, an image of Jasper in a suit and Alice in a stunning wedding dress flashed in front of her eyes. She then realized what they were about to do and gasped. Apparently his eyes had closed as well because they flew open as she suddenly backed off.

"I'm sorry," she whispered, before running all the way down the stairs.

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AN: Well, I felt that this chapter needed some awkward romance (just because Alice and Jasper just met...) Haha!

Anyways, right now I am suffering from Writers Block. God, I am so mad, cause I know where I want to go with this story. I have got it all planned out.

I promise the next chapter will be amazing and awesome!!

Reviews would be AWESOME, hehe.

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