Chapter 22

"God, I'm tired." Somehow, Jasper manages to look more beautiful than ever, adjusting the nape of his neck against the headrest in the passenger seat next to me, closing his eyes and uttering a small sigh. "Dog tired."

"Look, Jasper, maybe I should take you to the hotel? To get some rest, instead of being verbally attacked by my parents? 'Cause I know that's exactly what they'll be doing to us."

With his eyes still closed, Jasper reaches in my direction, his hand feeling the air for my leg. His palm finally rests on my thigh, very close to my manly bits, burning through the fabric and yet so pleasant.

"Why, in the first place, did you come up with the idea of taking me to your home? Meeting them, tonight?" He asks in a small voice.

That's easy.

"Because I love you."

Now he opens his eyes and fixates me with his sleepy gaze.

"And...?"

"And… Isn't it obvious, Jasper? If we're going to spend the rest of our lives together, of course you will have to meet my parents. I mean, you know my father already, but only formally, and you need to get to know them... I thought, why not tonight? There's a guest room, you can spend the night there, but before that, we're going to tell them what happened, assure them we're both fine-"

"Whoa! Edward" He's staring at me, wide-eyed. "Did you hear what you just said?"

I only know I've been blubbering. And I cannot stop.

"Yes, we're both fine. Well you are hurt but you're going to be alright pretty soon-"

"Edward."

"...I promise you. You're going to be as good as new within a week-"

"Edward."

Now I register there's a strange vibe to his voice. It's trembling. As if he's going to start sobbing, any moment now.

"Yes, baby?" I'm trying to guess what's wrong with what I said.

"You want to spend the rest of your life with me?"

Oh, that.

"Well… yes. Don't you?"

There's this awkward silence they use in the movies to make you nervous.

Jasper rests his head back again, and looks up at the car ceiling. He takes a deep breath, holds it for a while, and exhales loudly.

"Edward." He gulps. "I'm not going to lie to you. I don't understand you." His arms are now crossed over his chest, the index and middle finger on his right hand digging back and forth on his left biceps. "Your feelings, they can't be real. You don't know me, at all. Besides, I'm a criminal. You can't love me."

The emotion boiling inside me makes me snap at him. "Really? Is that right? I can't love you? Or maybe you don't want me to love you! Are you telling me this, Jasper?"

"Christ, Edward." He hides his face in his palms. "It's not like this. I'm saying, you shouldn't love a worthless person."

"Who we should love, has nothing to do with who we really love. I'm sure you can't point out a single person who can give orders to their heart! And, you're not worthless!"

"How do you know, Edward? You know nothing about me! What is my favorite colour? What do I like to eat, or drink? What am I like in bed? Huh? What if I disappoint you? What if I'm disastrous?"

"Ha-ha. Like that is even possible."

"Edward, are you out of your mind? How can you… shit. This is useless. You've made up your mind, haven't you."

"Right, baby. You finally get it. Now, are we going to my place, or what?"

"We can go, I'm ready," he finally growls.

It's a short ride - I'm unlocking the door in almost no time.

Mom and Dad are standing near the Grand piano; we're obviously interrupting a heated conversation - Mom's face is flushed while Dad's hands are clenched into fists.

"Edward!" My mother is close to shrieking. "We were so worried about you!"

She comes closer and hugs me briefly. Then she outstretches an arm toward Jasper.

"This must be young Mister Hale, I presume."

"Nice ta meet ya, Ma'am." He surprises me with a sudden appearance of a drawl. "You can call meh Jasper."

"Okay, Jasper, I'm Esme, nice to meet you too." Their joined hands shake, and now she's scolding at my father over her shoulder. "Carlisle, come say hello."

Dad stands rooted to the spot.

"Esme, this is ridiculous. He can't bring him here."

Ah, he's not even talking to me.

"Dad, look at me. Please, I'll explain," I say in hopes he can suddenly become friendly.

Well, he's not friendly but at least he makes eye contact.

"Dad, listen…"

"I told you, you're making a mistake, Edward. You have a career ahead of you. Messing up with this man will ruin your life."

"But, Dad. Whatever you have planned for me, it's all insignificant. Fate has the last word."

"What does Fate have in common with your whim, Edward?"

My whim? My whim? Shit. Shit, shit, shit. I'm sick of people not taking me seriously.

Fuck them. Fuck them all.

I rush upstairs to my room, not giving a damn about any of them. I'm sick of this all. I don't even care what they are going to do with my guest.

Back in my room, where I dreamt about a future for me and Jasper. Where I imagined his immaculate face, peacefully sleeping in that hospital room. Where I got aroused by the thought of making love to him.

Where I wondered how he had disappeared.

Where I decided to contact Chief Swan, and search for my love.

Oh my god. Was it only last night when I dialed the precinct number? Was it only this morning when Emmett and I waited in front of the Chief's office?

Was it this afternoon when I saw a person die? Was it even in this life?

A soft knock on the door makes me wipe my tears and my running nose with the back of my hand.

"Who is it," I bark, and I am not at all surprised to hear my Mom's voice behind the door.

"Come back down, Edward. Your Dad has talked with Jasper. I believe you're next."

"Mom, I can never reason with Dad", I shout.

"Reason with Jasper, that's what I meant. Uhm, may I come in?" She asks, but no, I don't think she should see me like this.

"No, I'm coming down in a minute."

I stand and fuss with my shirt, which is now crumpled and ugly.

I've had enough of ugliness.

I need a new shirt. I also need to find my balls.

A/N: Love me some Loopy Lou :)
P.S. This is an unbetaed chapter... Let's all send some positive energy to Nancy Harrytwifan this week.