Disclaimer: I own only the plot of the story. The names of the characters belong to S.M.

CHAPTER 6 - Jasper

APOV

Ok, so Wednesday was officially the worst day of the week for me. And today was particularly harsh. Not only I had my last class end at seven o'clock, but today was the day that Professor Davis had lost track of time and ended his lecture almost an hour later.

As soon as he dismissed us, my fellow students had picked up their books and fled, while I was the last to leave, since I needed my time to move from the bench to my wheelchair. I flung my bag on the back of the chair and exited the classroom. I got out of the building hurriedly, since I was supposed to meet Bella and the gang at the cafeteria, and I was late, though I had texted her earlier about my being late.

I shivered involuntary, as the cool evening breeze hit me. I glanced around me and I anxiously noticed that I was completely alone, not a soul in sight. I didn't like moving in the secluded areas of the campus, feeling as a sitting duck for danger. Granted, I had never heard anything major happening around the campus grounds for some time, but better be safe than sorry.

I pushed myself forward as fast as I could, trying to reach the safety of the cafeteria quickly. I cursed myself for not asking Bella or Edward to pick me up, and I didn't to linger in the dark to do so now.

"Two more turns and I will be safe," I tried to push my anxiety away.

Just as I turned the corner, there were two men, their backs on the wall, laughing at some crude joke. I tried to hurry past them, when one of them stepped quickly in front of me, blocking the way.

"Hello, sugar," his creepy voice caused me to shiver again in fear. "Don't you know it's not safe for a darling like you to strut around here alone?" he laughed loudly, menacingly, and his friend joined him. They were all around me, circling me, trapping me. I looked around, searching for a way to escape them, but it was futile. I wasn't fast enough to outrun them…I was screwed.

"What …what do you want? Please, leave me alone," I begged, to no avail. They weren't touched by my pleas.

The man behind me snatched my bag and opened it, throwing everything out, taking my money and credit cards, along with my cell phone. Then he looked at his pal, having a silent conversation, before turning their gaze upon me.

I was terrified…They were evil, I could see they had something sinister on their minds. The first one, obviously the leader, leaned closer and took hold of my chin. "How about we have a …good time? I am sure you aren't getting any,,,if you know what I mean?" he said, winking at me. I was disgusted and horrified. "I will show you a good time…baby….You can thank me later," they both chuckled, sensing my fear.

Suddenly, I was in the air, violently pressed against the wall. His hot breath reeked of beer, and blew at my face, making me sick to my stomach. "Mm, you are such a sweet little thing….we are going to have so much fun!" His hand was shoved between my thighs, rubbing and feeling me up roughly. I started thrashing in protest, hitting him as hard as I could on the chest and managing to slap him a few times on the face.

He was not fazed at all, just laughed even harder and gave his buddy a nod. In mere seconds, I was thrown on the ground, my arms pinned over my head, while he got situated between my thighs, his eyes sparkling from lust. "I bet you are still a virgin, aren't you? God, I am such a lucky bastard! I love my women to scream," he said in a low, menacing voice that made my blood freeze and my body go limp. I heard a tearing sound and felt my shirt being ripped open and my lace-clad breasts exposed to his claws.

For a moment I couldn't move, as I slowly realized what was going to happen to me, and was well aware that there was nothing I could do to stop it. After all, what more could I do? I was a four foot ten girl against two grown, burly men. I would never stand a chance.

But I still could not go without a fight. The man in front of me started fumbling with my pants, trying to undress me. My survival instincts kicked in and, once again, I started struggling against their hold, while doing the only thing left for me to do, my last hope; I screamed, as loud as I could.

"HELP! Please, HELP ME!" and then something hit me hard on the head, and I blanked out, with one last thought on my mind.

I am doomed…..

JPOV

I was running late again in the library, doing research for my last project. Bella and our friends were waiting for me at the cafeteria. Today, I would be meeting the infamous Alice, my sister's best friend and roommate. From what Bella and our parents had told me, she was a kind-hearted girl and I really wanted to meet her. My studies were taking up a lot of my time, and I had missed hanging out with the people I loved.

I exited the building and ran towards the meeting point. It wasn't very far, only two blocks away, but this particular spot was one of the worst-lit and desolate places around the campus. I was the only one here, my footsteps echoing in the silence.

As I was passing by the first building, I heard a woman scream, freezing me to the spot.

"HELP! Please, HELP ME!" was all she said, and then I heard a slapping sound. I turned immediately and run towards the direction of her voice, while pressing speed-dial to call Emmett.

Please, I prayed, let me help the poor woman. I could only imagine what would happen to her, unless I made it in time. I stopped momentarily when Emmett answered my call after only two rings.

"Hey, little brother," was all he said before I cut him off.

"Meet me behind the library. NOW!" I barked in a tone that he knew too well not to defy, and hang up. Putting my cell away, I took the scene unfolding right in front of me. A wheelchair was standing alone on the paved road, its occupant nowhere in sight.

I walked silently closer and I noticed movement in the shadows on my left. My eyes widened at the picture unraveling before me; two scums had another person, probably the woman I heard pleading for help, pinned on the ground. I didn't have to have a lot of brain to understand exactly what they were trying to do. I went instantly from freezing to boiling point.

"Bastards! Leave her alone," I snarled, and as my eyes adjusted to the low lights, I took in the woman's state. Her shirt was torn open, and her pants already unzipped and pushed down a bit. I was relieved to see that I had come just in time, before their plans came to fruition. She was hurt, but not too seriously. She would be okay, eventually.

Pretty boy," the leader, situated between her legs, spat at me," leave. It's none of your fucking business."

"Protecting innocent women from dirt bags like you is my god-damned business," I yelled back, seething in anger. The bastard smirked.

"You do realize you are outnumbered, do you?"

"Come and get me, then" I sneered, bracing myself for the attack.

The leader looked at his minion and, with a small nod, gave the order for attack. "Laurent, my boy? Give this prick a lesson."

"I'm on, James," the minion stood up, and came closer to size me up. I was not afraid; adrenaline was flooding my body, pushing my fear away. I was a good fighter, I had a lot of practice with Emmett, and those two lowlifes didn't stand a chance. I was only afraid for the helpless girl still in their clutch.

He lunged at me and I moved swiftly to the side, hitting him hard, shoving him to the ground. He regained his composure and stood up again quickly. He were circling one another, looking for the right moment to strike.

Only a few seconds had passed when he attacked me for a second time. I managed to avoid him, again, and rendered him unconscious with a precise hit on the face. I turned to face the other one.

The leader, James I think was his name, was angry. He, too, was standing now, holding the defenseless girl pressed to his body like a shield. I moved an inch closer, but his cold voice stopped me.

"I wouldn't move if I were you," he said and I saw something silver shine in the moonlight. "Back off, pretty boy, or I will slit her throat," he threatened. At the moment, I was glad she was still insentient, because she would be scarred emotionally for life.

"Touch a hair on her head and you are a dead man. I will hunt you down and I will fucking kill you." I was furious at this excuse of a man. "Put her down gently if you value your life. Leave and never show your face again."

He stared at me through hooded eyes, thinking his options. He couldn't hold his position for long, he had to run and he knew it. He glared at me, his eyes flickering between me and the tiny girl in his arms. He licked her cheek deliberately slow down to her neck, lingering there more. What the hell is he doing to her? I wondered, my mind working overtime on strategic plans to take him down, when he suddenly threw her down, his crouching form facing me.

"She is mine…I just marked my property. You shouldn't have come between me and my prey. You will pay for spoiling my fun, but not today." He paused a little. "Watch your back," were his last words before he vanished into the dark.

I should have gone after him, but I didn't wish to leave her alone. The Laurent guy was still unconscious, so I rushed to her side, still lying on the ground, and picked her up, cradling her in my arms. She was so tiny, I could hold her forever without getting tired.

I pulled out my cell to call my brother, but didn't have to. The sound of an approaching car caused my head to jerk in alarm, when I saw my brother's Jeep screech to a stop near me and him jumping out, coming to my side.

"Jasper," Emmett shouted, "what happened? Are you alright? Are you hurt?"

"Jesus, you scared me! I thought it was him…Why didn't you come any sooner? I really could use your help a little while ago." I noticed his eyes gazing at the girl cradled in my arms. Her face was barely visible, buried in my chest. Her half naked body shivered involuntary to the cool night breeze. I pulled her ripped shirt together, trying to cover her up the best I could, with not much success. I sighed.

"I am here, she is fine. She was attacked by two men. I was just in time. I made her safe. " I was whispering now, my eyes gazing at my angel. "Call the police, and then Dad; see if he is at the hospital now. If he is not in, ask him to come as soon as possible. I want him there for her, I trust no one else." He just nodded and made the call. After he was finished, he spoke again.

"We are lucky. He has the late shift. I have explained everything and he is already waiting for us. The others are coming, too." He scanned the area around us questioningly.

"Where are the men who attacked her?"

"The leader just left, pissed off about losing his prey. The son of a bitch threatened me that I will pay for spoiling his fun," I used the air quotas to mark his words. "If we don't get at him first…" I whispered, mostly at myself, but Emmett caught me, his eyes opened wide from worry. We could hear the police coming closer.

"No, brother, don't even think about going after him. You don't even know who he is! Let the police handle this, ok?" he pleaded. I nodded, just to get him off my case, and explained to him where the other assailant was laying, still out like a light. Emmett walked over and showed the semi-conscious man to the policemen, explaining what had happened.

They took over and grabbed the man, shoving him into the back of the cruiser. They wanted to question us about the incident while we were waiting for the ambulance, and I tried to answer the basic questions. I gave them all the information I could about the two men, including their names, but begged them to leave me alone until the girl was checked by a doctor. They left me alone, after I promised to go by the police station for a more detailed deposition.

I couldn't explain the feeling, but I was drawn to her, I needed to protect her, to keep her safe. As I held her in my arms, I didn't want to let her go. She stirred a bit from time to time, whimpering in pain, her face still hidden, and every time my heart twitched for her.

"Who is she?" Emmett came closer to get a better look. As soon as his eyes fell on her face, he was confused at first, and then he gasped in horror.

"Oh, my God! Alice!" he cried, falling to his knees next to me, taking hold of her cold hands.

I was startled. This small girl was Alice, Bella's best friend? I glanced further behind my brother, and there stood a small wheelchair. I pointed at it.

"Go bring her chair." He did as I asked and put her on the back of his car. At this moment, Edward, along with Bella and Rosalie, came in his car. My sister hurriedly came to me, to see Alice with her own eyes, and burst in tears.

"It's my fault, it's my fault….I should have insisted to pick her up, since it was getting so late…If I had come, she would have been happy and unharmed," she wailed. I tried to comfort her.

"Bella, you couldn't possibly have known something like this would happen. This kind of crime has never happened here before. They were outsiders, common criminals. I wonder how they managed to evade security."

Bella was still crying softly, so I turned to distract her. "Help me get her in Emmett's car. Dad is already expecting us. Come," I nudged her softly," we have to take her to the hospital."

I relaxed a bit and let my eyes gaze upon the frail girl cradled in my arms. She was a sweet little thing, her black hair and fair features resembling a pixie fairy. I hoped there was nothing wrong with her and, with Bella's help, I managed to get into the Jeep, and sped to the hospital.

She suddenly stirred, her eyes fluttered opening slowly. She stared at me confused.

"Alie!" my sister cried in relief from the front seat. "Thank God, you are alive."

She turned her head slowly, wincing slightly at the movement. "What happened? I …I don't feel so good…nausea… I can't remember a thing." She eyed us cautiously for some time, and her eyes opened wide when she saw me.

"I know you!" she stuttered, "I have seen you…You attacked me?! And then you said you loved me??" I looked at her incredulously. What the hell??

Bella reacted quickly. "No, Alice, NO! He is Jasper, my brother. Two men attacked you on your way to the cafeteria, and he fought them both to save you!"

Her eyes were dancing around the speeding car, seemingly unable to focus. Her fingers moved, feeling the skin through her shredded shirt. "Why is my shirt open?" she asked weakly.

I glanced at my sister, wondering how much I should tell her about the attack at the moment. I took a deep breath.

"Alice," I started, "these men, well…they tried to…rape you." Her face was paler now, her breathing labored, ragged, her body suddenly was jerking violently.

"She is going into shock!" I yelled at Emmett. "Hurry up!"

"We are here," he replied immediately. He stopped his car in front of the ER doors, Carlisle already waiting outside with a gurney. I got out of the car fast and ran to him.

"Put her on the gurney. I'll take it from here. Since you are the one who rescued her, you can come with me. The rest of you are kindly requested to stay at the waiting room. I will try to come to you as soon as possible." He nodded to us and turned to leave, me hot on his heels. I had to make sure she was fine.

APOV

I wanted to open my eyes, I really did, but I just couldn't find the strength to do so. I was feeling so tired, my body ached, like I had been running for a long time. Running? But I can barely walk! I wondered, my mind having a coherent moment. I was dizzy and foggy. Where am I?

I could feel being lying down on a bed, but it wasn't mine. It was a bit hard and uncomfortable, but strangely familiar. A hospital bed? Why am I in a hospital? What happened to me?

I searched my mind trying to remember what might have happened to land me in a hospital, with not much success. I vaguely remembered last class ending late in the evening. Me moving to meet with Bella at the cafeteria. Me in a dimly lit area….my breathing hitched.

Suddenly, last night's events, which I had subconsciously pushed them back to avoid the pain I had felt, came crashing back at me, causing me to shake and whimper.

I remembered, all too clearly, the two vile men blocking my way, snatching my bag. I saw them, again, dragging me out of my wheelchair and oppressing me against a wall.

I was shaking harder, remembering their hands on me, tearing my shirt, grabbing me in disgusting ways. I could recall every obscenity they had spat at me, while they had me pinned down on the cold ground, trying to undress me completely, to follow through their sick little plan.

I could see myself terrified, crying for help and then…nothing…

No…it can't be….No, God, please! Tell me that my worst fear has not become real…Please, don't tell me…I was…raped? I was screaming in my mind, my body shaking, and the horror I was feeling caught up with me.

"No!" I screamed again, as I felt two strong hands grabbing my arms, holding me down. "No, let me go! Let me go! Don't hurt me…." I cried hysterically. I had to fight, I had to. I wouldn't let them hurt me, not again. I struggled even harder, to no avail.

"Alice!" a kind voice called at me, "Alice honey, calm down. You are safe, you are in the hospital. It's me, Carlisle."

I went limp instantly. Carlisle? He is here? It's okay, he loves me, I kept telling myself to calm down, he will protect me, he will keep me safe.

I slowly opened my eyes, trying to adjust to the blunt hospital lights. Carlisle's face was in front of me, staring at me with concern. He smiled at me, a bit more relaxed now.

"Hi, sweetheart. Thank God, you have opened your pretty eyes. We were all so worried for you." He released my arms and started checking my vitals.

"Carlisle," I asked him warily, "what happened to me? My head hurts, my body is in pain, and….I remember almost everything about last night, up to some part that is." I closed my eyes, afraid of the question I had to ask. "I was attacked," I winced. "Was I…raped?" I blurted out, cringing for the incoming blow.

A strong hand took hold of my small one, startling me, and a husky voice answered me, instead of Carlisle. "No, you were not. I would never allow it."

I opened my eyes to see who the person that answered me was, and I found myself staring at the god-like man of my dream. My face blanched and my heart was beating faster. Is he real?

I instinctually pulled my hand out of his grasp, an irrational fear of him taking over me. He wasn't expecting this reaction, I could tell, and his handsome face took a hurt expression on, though he composed himself quickly, and pulled away, too, staring at his feet.

"I am sorry for making you feel uncomfortable, Alice. I just wanted to make sure you are ok. I will leave to let you rest." He smiled shyly at me, and left the room. Carlisle followed soon behind, puzzled, muttering "I will be right back."

As soon as I was alone in the room, I couldn't help but feel bad for my behavior towards him. I could remotely recall myself waking up in his arms inside Emmett's car, and Bella telling me his name. Jasper….I was mortified!

Jasper, as in Bella's brother? He was the one saving me from my attackers? That's great, Alice, I scolded myself, nice way to show your appreciation for his chivalry. He had risked himself to protect me, someone he didn't even know, and that's how I was repaying him? By treating him like he was the one trying to harm me? How messed up I was?

But, it wasn't completely my fault. My imagination got mixed up with reality, and I confused him with the man from my dream. I thought of my dream, going over every little detail of it in my mind.

I could remember that, in the beginning, he seemed to be attacking me, but then, my dream self realized that he wasn't holding me against my will. I was the one who couldn't leave him. I had felt a strong connection to him, a powerful sensation surging inside me. And lastly, I remembered the declaration of his love for me, and his farewell, telling me he would be waiting for me.

I shook my head, trying to clear my mind. It was a strange dream indeed. How was it possible to dream of someone that I hadn't met before, and then bump on the person in reality? Maybe it wasn't a simple dream, maybe it was some kind of vision? Maybe fate had decided to give me a glimpse of my future. But why was I afraid of him in the beginning? Why he seemed threatening?

I spent a lot of time in deep thought. Finally, realization hit me. I wasn't afraid of him. I was scared of what he was meant to be for me. He was the man to mark my life and my existence forever. He had stirred my cold lonely heart and sparked emotions inside me that I always prayed for, but never hoped I would feel.

He was everything I would ask of a man; tall, handsome, gentle, kind, caring, the list could go on forever. I had heard so much about him that I felt like I had already known him.

My train of thought was stopped abruptly as I realized something. I was in love with Jasper! I had fallen for him, before I even met him in person. How more pathetic can I be, I chuckled darkly. As if it was possible, such a perfect man like him, to see me as something more than his sister's friend. Yeah, I am quite the catch for him, being tiny, child-like and wheelchair-bound. Sure, Alice, sure, keep saying that and maybe you even believe it.

I sighed dejectedly. I tried to be positive about the whole situation. At least, I was lucky to even taste the feeling of loving a man. It didn't matter that he didn't feel the same. I would be content just to be near him, even as a friend.

I realized now that those were the things I had to do; first, keep my feelings for Jasper a secret, and second, apologize to him for my behavior earlier and thank him properly for rescuing me.

Right on cue, the door opened, and Carlisle, along with Bella, came inside the room. She smiled and rushed to hug me.

"Alice! I was so worried. Dad says you are fine, apart from some cuts and bruises." She showed me a small duffel bag. "I have brought a change of clothes for you, to get you out of here. Edward is bringing your wheelchair up as we speak."

"Just take it easy for a few days, will you? You are lucky to escape with only some bruising," Carlisle said casually, as he was handing me my discharge papers. I looked at him, and realized what he really meant, causing me to shudder. If Jasper hadn't intervened…I owed him, big time.

I turned to Bella. "Ok, Bella. Help me get dressed, I can't wait to go home and put this ordeal behind me." I smiled at her. "I hope the clothes are decent." She mock-glared back. "I have better fashion taste than you and you know it." We burst out laughing and, in a few minutes, I was dressed and waiting for my transportation.

But it was Jasper bringing my wheelchair, not Edward. I was surprised to see him, especially since I was so rude to him earlier. I had to apologize and thank him properly now.

He brought my chair next to my bed and pulled away, giving me space. Ok, I thought, this is awkward. His eyes flickered between me and the wheelchair.

"Do you need any help from me?" he asked me politely.

"No," I snapped at him, a lot harsher than I should, "I can manage."

I took hold of my bed rail, and put my feet slowly on the floor. I stood up, feeling the familiar excruciating pain through the lower half of my body, but ignored it as always. I walked the first baby step I needed to maneuver myself and plopped on my chair.

I exhaled loudly, aftershocks of pain coursing through me from moving. I closed my eyes to catch my breath, and after a few moments, I was calm enough to open them again.

He was looking at me intensely, like he was trying to see right through me. I remembered how I had treated him twice in a day and blushed in shame.

I wheeled closer and raised my hand, taking hold of his wrist. "Jasper," I started, staring at his hand, "I am sorry." He shifted on the spot, probably feeling uncomfortable.

"Why?" he asked.

"For everything. You have saved me from the worst fate for a woman, and I never thanked you properly. You were only kind and caring, and all I ever did was being rude and hurting you." I paused, taking a little breath. Looking up at him, I got lost into his deep blue eyes that seemed to burn like fire.

"I usually am better behaved," I added weakly and he chuckled, causing the tension between us to evaporate instantly.

"I believe we haven't been properly introduced," he said, his eyes sparkling with humor. "Jasper Cullen. You are Alice Brandon, Bella's friend and my parents' newest daughter." He took my hand and pressed it against his lips. I felt a tingling sensation where his lips were touching my skin.

Oh, my God…I was a goner! I was blushing like a fool. And when I looked at him again, his cheeks were a pretty shade of pink. I could not believe what I had just witnessed. Did Jasper Cullen, god among men, really blush?

A small cough brought us out of our little bubble. We jerked and turned to Bella, who had an innocent glint in her eyes. "Mmm, if you are done, can we leave? Edward is waiting downstairs."

"We are leaving," I moved hurriedly to the door. Jasper was already there, holding it open. I bit my tongue not to snap at him, but he spoke before I could say anything. "A gentleman always holds the door open for his lady."

I blushed again like crazy, for the millionth time. Did he just call me his lady? I arched an eyebrow questioningly at him.

"Let's go home. I miss my bed already," I said and pushed myself to the exit.

JPOV

Things between Alice and me had improved a lot since that fateful day. We fell into a comfortable form of friendship, and I found myself spending every minute of free time I got with Alice, Bella and Edward. I recently realized that I liked Alice. She was a strange little thing. She was wary of me at first, although she was grateful for being her knight in shiny armor. But the first time I touched her arm absentmindedly, she flinched in fear.

I have to admit, I was hurt, but she couldn't help it. After all, she was abused and almost raped not so long ago, it was only expected from her to be afraid of men touching her. She was the same with Edward and Emmett, and she loved them both like her brothers.

Thankfully, after Carlisle's insistence, she had a few sessions with a therapist to help her deal with her attack. She struggled to come to terms with the events of that night, and with the fact that she had escaped unscathed. She relaxed around us at least, but we still were careful at our interactions, not wishing to make her uncomfortable. She wouldn't have any of that, though.

"I swear to God, guys," she screamed so loud, I think the whole university had heard, "I am not a fragile china-doll. I know you are worried for me after…the attack…but, really, I am fine now. Treat me like you used to, I am not going into hysterics any more." She paused, her eyes glazing a bit. She refocused after a while and stared teary-eyed at us. She shook her head.

"Not all men are evil," she muttered, as if talking to herself.

My heart ached in an unfamiliar way for the small girl in front of me. I hated seeing her in pain. Her sad eyes were glued on me now, and she looked like a lost puppy. Her gaze was haunted, mesmerizing, waking emotions in my long dormant heart.

I wanted to put my arms around her and take her anguish away. I wanted to caress her face and whisper that she could lean on me, that I would always protect her, even from myself. I wanted to kiss her, to love her…

I instantly froze, my heart speeding up as I realized what had just passed through my mind. Do I really want all that, I wondered and looked at Alice once more. She was an exquisite young woman, one I had come to respect and care for deeply. Well, not just care, my heart reminded me. I felt butterflies in my stomach, like a teenager again, and found myself swimming in a warm grey sea.

A smile appeared slowly on her face, making her glow like the sun, and then she blushed and tore her gaze away. My eyes never left her, I was mesmerized. And I quickly noticed that she was glancing at me often, smiling and blushing every time I caught her. God, I love her blush, she is just too cute for her own good…

We also had the same taste in books, music and beliefs. We were a perfect match and, as Bella once teased, we were soul mates. I couldn't agree more to that.

Oh, I love her. But she doesn't feel the same, does she?

APOV

Oh, Lord, I love Jasper! I couldn't help it, he was too kind, too gentle, too giving. I couldn't help but love him. He was everything to me, he had so many qualities that it was inevitable for me to fall in love with him.

My eyes would steal glances of him, as he would talk and joke with our friends. I could feel my heart jump when I would see him smile. He was tall and handsome, a Greek god walking on earth. He made me wish I could walk, so I could launch myself into his arms and pepper his face with kisses. I wanted to touch him, to kiss him, to love him. I wanted to be with him every single minute of the day.

My eyes caressed his face, my soul tingling with happiness. I had tried to be sneaky but failed miserably. He caught me staring too many times, but never laughed at me. He just gave me a breathtaking smile, that made me feel lightheaded, and I blushed like a fool.

There was a small problem; he was my best friend's brother. He couldn't feel the same. He probably thought of me as a sister, someone he had to take care of and protect. I just had to keep my mouth shut and never say a word about my feelings. It would be humiliating to admit my love for him. As if he would ever look at me any other way, little crippled me. I couldn't give him what he wanted and deserved, I was only a burden. I should just be glad we were friends…

"He will never be mine…I am just a friend to him." Right?

BPOV

These two are idiots! I wanted to smack them both, so that they might see the obvious attraction between them.

Whenever Alice would look at Jasper, her heart was practically shining through her eyes, conveying everything she was feeling for him.

When Jasper would look at Alice, his eyes were full of love and adoration, always ready to cater to her needs.

How could they not see it? How could they be so obtuse? I could take a wild guess at the reason why she would think that her feelings were not reciprocated; her being on a wheelchair and not counting as a "whole" person.

But Jasper? Why in hell he couldn't man up and make his move? I could see clearly that they both were hurting, since they were in love but thought it was one-sided. I couldn't just stand by, letting them suffer silently. I had to act, but how?