Disclaimer: Stephenie Meyer and affiliates owns all that is Twilight. No copyright infringement intended.

Friends We Choose

Part Twenty-Two

"Life is partly what we make it, and partly what it is made by the friends we choose." — Tennessee Williams

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Jasper's POV – 9 September/ Wednesday

Damn, some people could just be so grouchy, I thought as my shift ended. It wasn't my fault that their catheter was inserted the wrong way, and their bowel movements were now soaked into their bed. It also wasn't my fault that their private parts were now chafed. It was on days like this I ever wondered why I wanted to go into medicine.

I made my way out of the locker room and out of the hospital. Carlisle wasn't on call today, so I had already ringed Bella to come and save me from the evil, old goat masquerading as a patient.

Twenty minutes later Bella arrived, with my car being fine. I let out my breath and realized that maybe Bella did have a point about 'men and their damn cars,' but then again my entire family – sans Esme – loved their babies.

Bella stopped before me and I made my way over to the driver's side. I was ready to reclaim her. My angel looked at me when I opened the car door as if I were crazy. This was one war she wasn't going to win.

"Come on, little one, it's my turn," I coaxed as she gave me a sad face.

"But, Jasper, my girl and I have already bonded; you want to take her from me." It was my turn to give her the crazy look.

"My girl?" I asked, incredulously.

"Well, that is her name, or what you called her earlier. I guess it just got stuck in my mind. But she is beautiful, though, and when she hits about a hundred and ten . . . oh, she purrs." She had better be jesting me. Bella was pregnant and had no reason to even reach those speeds.

"Bella, if what you just said . . ."

She erupted in giggles. I let the indulgent smile overtake my face. I loved to see her happy. "Okay, angel, very funny. But I had a hard day: some mean, old goat wanted to claw my eyes out, and it was really busy. So please, have a heart and allow me to drive my pleasure." I pulled my puppy-dog eyes.

"Jasper, you have got to stop with the eyes. You always get your way." Exasperation colored every word she grumbled. She allowed me to help her out of the driver's seat, but I inwardly puffed up and smiled at getting my way.

"Thanks, little one, I will find some way to make it up. I promise." I shut the passenger door, but could still hear her muttering about me and keeping my promises. I had every intention, and I already knew what I was going to do. Bella did have a birthday coming up.

After getting into the car, I turned on some Dashboard Confessional, letting the music and Bella's presence sooth me. They were a lethal combination, so by the time I arrived at Bella's, I was feeling better.

She was hesitant to get out of the car. I looked over at her; she had fear written on her face. I wondered what had caused this sudden dread. I reached over, taking one of her hands that were fidgeting in her lap into mine.

"What's wrong? And don't tell me you are fine."

She fidgeted before laying it on me, "I'm just feeling overwhelmed about going into my apartment. I was remembering what happened last night, and I got scared."

She intertwined her fingers through mine, giving my hand a little squeeze. Heat spread through my body as I savored it for a few seconds.

"It's completely understandable, Bella. I don't want you to be scared. I'm here for you, but if it makes you feel better, you can sleep at my place."

Bella looked at me; her cheeks became pink. I could feel her embarrassment and wondered what she was thinking. Then I realized what she must have thought, my dirty little angel. "I have more than one room. It was also just a suggestion. I can stay here if you like." I capitulated.

"Just let me know what you prefer."

Bella covered her pink cheeks with her hands, trying to hide the evidence of her bad thoughts. I laughed and she rolled her eyes, which made me laugh even more.

After two minutes of her silent debate, I could feel her answer. "Thanks, Jasper, I really appreciate the offer. I just don't want to stay at my place tonight. I hope I'm not being an inconvenience."

I faux-growled at her.

"We've discussed this, little one, there is no inconvenience. You are always welcomed at my place: day or night, twenty-four seven. You could even move in for all I care." I could feel her happiness and her appreciation. "It's not a problem, and you're welcome."

"You know, Jazz," she said as she glared at me. I wondered what I had done to cause her beautiful face to scowl. "That little gift of yours can be quite annoying. Has anyone ever told you that?"

"Perhaps a few people . . ." She looked at me to see if I was lying. "Fine, most people who know people who know about my gift. Happy?"

"Very!" And I could feel the truth of her statement.

I brought her small hand to my lips, kissing the pulse on her wrist, making sure she was truly alive and sitting next to me.

I gave her a small smile, one more kiss on her wrist and made my way over to her side. I helped my little friend out of the car, up to her apartment.

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The packing didn't go so easy. We argued about what to pack: I thought she packed too little, and she was of the opposite; I had my reasons, but I wasn't ready to divulge yet.

"Jasper, what is your obsession in packing me so many clothes? I'm only going to be staying at your house for a while. Well, until I feel more comfortable to come back to my place."

I held in the laughter that wanted to escape my lips. I loved watching Bella in all of her glorious moods. She could switch from happy to sad with the blink of an eye. It intoxicated me.

"I simply want to be prepared. Isn't it the Boy Scouts' first rule or something, 'Always be prepared'? I'm not sure on the exact wording." I gave her an award-winning smile. My angel of course rolled her eyes at my more than valid question.

"Seeing as I am neither a boy nor a scout, I couldn't say for sure what their motto or any credo of theirs may be. But my father liked to say 'a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush'. I'm still not quite sure what that means either, but seeing as it isn't important and doesn't pertain to our situation, I also ignore that advice." Bella finished with her stubborn chin in the air.

I found myself more confused than when we began. I simply took a page from her book and rolled my eyes.

"Are you sure you aren't a boy?" I asked, knowing full well that Bella looked anything like, excluding her pregnant tummy.

"Jasper," she whined in exasperation. I added my laughter to her voice. She was beyond cute when tongue-tied or flustered. "Why do you like to play with me so?" she asked, a small smile playing on her lips.

"Because you bring out the naughty boy in me; and there is nothing more fun than riling up his playground chum. There is also the added bonus of watching your beautiful face become candy-apple red."

At the mention of her hated reaction, her cheeks turned a delicate pink on my behalf. "Exactly as I was saying, angel."

Bella tried to swat me with her little hand, but my reflexes were too fast. She just giggled and the packing commenced.

After getting her to settle for a few days worth of cloths and bringing some of the food she insisted would go bad from her fridge, we finally made it back to the car. I knew Bella was hungry because I could hear her tummy rumbling over the heartbeat of her child.

We got her some take out and argued about that. She wanted a hamburger and fries, and I thought she should have something healthier. I didn't want to deny her, but I also wanted her to be healthy.

After a short debate and my never-ending supply of puppy eyes, I won out. We stopped at Panera Bread. She ordered her meal and some sweets, to my consternation. In the car she limited my 'I can get my way' look down to only three times a day, making me promise to obey the new rule. I figured she had given in to me a lot, so I could oblige her.

"Hungry, angel?" I questioned over the rumble of Bella's stomach.

To my sensitive hearing it sounded like she could have ate a whole cow and then maybe another. Her cheeks flushed at her embarrassment, but I overlooked it. I grabbed her hand, bringing it to my lips. I placed a light kiss on her soft skin, and marveled at her in my life. I didn't think I could ever tire of her.

We pulled into my apartment building, and after giving my code to the gate, I drove to my apartment before parking in my garage. I helped her from the car, took her things from the trunk and lead her to the door.

I lived in a pretty nice place, on the south side of town, in walking distance to the DHMC (the hospital where I worked). It was a new construction and pretty modern. I could have purchased a house, but I wanted something different. It was a three-bedroom, two-bath apartment with fifteen foot ceilings. The walls throughout the house were white, grey and an icy blue.

The future was modern, yet comfortable. I thought about my kitchen with its Granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances. Thanking my lucky stars, I had some food in the fridge and cupboards, for appearance-sake. One never knew when someone would stop by, or a neighbor would ask for sugar; at least that's what Esme claimed.

It was a building filled with young professionals which suited my needs.

Bella's reaction was quite funny. Her huge, brown eyes became even bigger. But I could also sense her feeling of safety, which made me smile. Her eyes looked like they were about to pop at any moment. I gently nudged her with my shoulder. She turned to me with her mouth slightly opened, and her food hanging in her hand.

I gave a quick wink before moving into the living room. Bella meekly followed behind, taking in more of her surroundings. My place was very different from hers, and I think that is what shocked her the most.

"Come, angel. Welcome to my home – and now your home for the time being. You are welcome to anything and don't be afraid to go anywhere. I'll show you to the dining table where you can, unless you rather just eat in the living room."

"Dining room is fine," she whispered, following me like a little lamb. She really was too cute.

I pulled out the chair for her, got a plate from the cabinet, and a bottle of water from the fridge. I sat down across from her and watched her eat.

"You don't have to watch, you know. I can entertain myself for a little while."

"I worked that out for myself, but I like to be in your company." She gave me a shy smile, but continued to munch on her healthy food.

When a few minutes passed and she was almost finished, I started to talk to her, "So what do you think of my house, angel?"

"It's really nice, Jasper. I feel blessed to stay here and even more so to have a friend like you." My heart rejoiced at her words of my friendship to her.

"It's alright, mostly a place to live," I reasoned with her, trying to ease the tension, "If not a little cold. But your friendship is special to me, also."

Bella finished her meal and after I cleaned up, not allowing her to help.

I showed her around my apartment, giving her a tour of the bedrooms, her room, the music room/office and the rest of the place. Most was neutral and comfortable for my eyesight. I saw more colors than humans, which were more vivid. Soft colors were easier to live with.

Bella loved every room and made me promise to play my Cello for her. I was a little nervous at the request. It was different playing for my family, then her. I knew she wouldn't judge me too harshly, but I always wanted her positive approval.

I put her stuff in her room and unpacked her clothes, not touching her unmentionables, as per her request.

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After the angel was fed, washed, unpacked and ready for bed, she found me in the living room waiting for our talk. She came out wearing fuzzy pajamas and blue slippers; she was the picture of innocence. Even her baby bump couldn't take away from that image. She sat next to me on the sofa, letting out a sigh of pleasure because of the softness.

"Jasper, your place is great, and don't even get me started on that shower: a rain-head shower with six different sprays is unbelievable. I would steal your shower if I could and take it home with me. And don't even get me started on my king-sized bed. I sat on it for a moment and almost feel asleep. Even this couch is trying to lull me to sleep," she finished her ramble with a crooked smile.

I picked up my hand and moved her wet bangs behind her right ear. Bella lowered her head into the back of the couch as turned to face me. I gave her a smile of my own, but became lost in her eyes. They were always so expressive, and held all the secrets to the things I wanted to know.

My eyes continued to look into hers; her stare was just as intense. Different emotions were spinning in the room, incasing us in our own vortex of feelings. The moment was silent, beautiful, intimate.

I was confused by some of the emotions, who they were coming from. The only thing that kept my full attention was her eyes.

When things became too much for me, I ruined the mood by opening my big mouth and not using my brain. Bella looked at me with surprise and disbelief. I guess I asked her, "Do you want to move in with me for good," too quickly. I would have had that exact look on my face if someone blurted that to me.

I felt so imprudent in that moment. I didn't want to scare Bella and give her the wrong impression. I had a speech planned out, weighing the pros and cons to the decision; and I was going to present them to her in a well controlled, mature setting.

But while looking into her incredible eyes, I realized I had verbal diarrhea.

Bella had that same look of shock as when she entered my apartment. She had yet to blink. I waved my hand in her front of face, for a lack of anything else. She hadn't showed any sign of anyone being home.

"Bella, listen. I'm sorry for scaring you. I never meant to just blurt it out so ineloquently." She finally blinked, and I felt a little better that she was still with me.

"Jasper, are you . . . could you . . . are you . . . what?" I could feel her doubt, her curiosity at my question.

"Yes I am serious. I couldn't be anything else. I meant every word: just not the way I asked. Please don't feel scared of me. This is all so crazy, but I really mean it. I promise I would never hurt you; I just want to protect you, little one."

I could feel my own anxiety starting to take over. I hoped with everything inside of me I hadn't ruined my friendship with her.

"I promise that . . ." Bella placed her small fingers over my mouth, effectively silencing me, but not my doubts. They were (after all) of my own making.

"Shh, Jazz." I felt better just at the use of my nickname. It meant she wasn't afraid of me and I was still considered a friend.

"It is crazy, Jasper, only because it seems a little fast. But you have to remember we have known each other since I was ten, turning eleven. You are the reason I'm even here speaking with you. I could have easily died in those mountains with no one knowing where I was."

I winced at her words, but she continued.

"We may have only reunited, but you have always been with me, you have always been my friend." I placed a kiss on the warm fingers that still covered my mouth. Bella removed her hand and placed it on my own.

"Bella, what I meant to ask was if you would prefer to live in this apartment. It is a lot safer than your place, and it could have anything you would ever need. It is a lot closer to the hospital for you and baby. There would be no need to pay for rent or utilities."

I could feel her anger start to rise at my last comment so I backtracked.

"Let me make this quite clear, angel. This isn't charity! This isn't a hand-out. And even if it were, you are my friend. What would you have me do? I can feel your fear of your apartment."

She quickly turned away from me.

"I know you probably are fighting your loneliness too, like I do. You are pregnant, angel, and whether or not you realize it, you need some help. There is never any shame in having someone help you. It is a lesson that I have learned so very well! It is now ingrained into me!" I couldn't have been more emphatic.

"I promise I still ask my father for help and advice when I need it. That's what family and friends are for. I choose to help my friend in her time of need. You cannot ask me to leave this be. I want you safe, Bella. I want your child safe. I want you to feel comfortable going outside, taking a walk, or even going to the local shops. You would be able to save money for your future and the baby's. I could only imagine what the hospital bills are like from your . ."

I could even think about that, but I pressed on. These were all the sound reasoning I had built up in my mind.

"And you aren't going to be working after the end of the week. If it would make you feel more comfortable, I would be willing to leave and you could keep the place. My family doesn't live too far. I could always check in on you. But please, just tell me you will consider moving in, regardless of where I live." I really pleaded with her.

I needed to know she was taken care of, and this was one of the ways I could help.

"Jasper . . . are you . . . are . . . serious?" she finished, not being able to phrase the complete sentence due to her shock.

I had laid a lot at her feet.

"Every word I said, I meant, angel."

I looked into her perplexed face, waiting for some kind of answer.

Then tears started to gather in her eyes, and I immediately felt bad. Tears made her eyes even more beautiful, but I hated to see them. The salty-water droplets fell from her face. I caught one on my hand. I looked at her liquid as I let it roll from my finger.

I didn't feel the courage to look at her. My angel leaned forward, bringing me into the comfort of her tiny arms. My chest touched her rounded stomach, and I listened to the sound of her child.

She leaned her mouth near my ear and started to answer me with whispers, her bottom lip touching the lobe of my ear.

"Okay, Jasper, you win. I don't want you to feel any pain or worry over me. Your offer is very generous and means so much to me. I truly don't know how I survived these years without you and your friendship. I love you."

She placed her lips on the temple by my right ear. Her breath caressed the side of my face, her scent surrounded me. I felt like I was in the middle of a field of freesia. When she pulled back (a grin gracing her face) I knew there was more she wanted to say.

"But . . ." I started, waiting for her to finish.

"But, I refuse to live here alone. This is your home, and I am the guest. I could never ask you to leave, nor would I feel comfortable doing so. With that being said, if you stay then I'll stay. Deal?" She extended her hand to seal our agreement.

"Deal, little one, and deal baby," I jested while shaking her hand and placing my other hand on her tummy.

Beauty/Butch kicked, allowing me to believe all parties involved were satisfied; that was until the next thing I wanted to discuss with her.

"So, when do you want to move your stuff? I know you have to work for the rest of the week, and so do I." I was thinking over my schedule for the next few weeks.

"I already had my day off, yesterday. Since it is Wednesday and I don't have off until next Wednesday, we could do it then."

I could have probably gone myself and had everything done within a day, but there were aspects of my nature she didn't know about me.

"Or, we could go over a few nights this week and start. We could even higher movers. The only thing you will really need is your clothes . . . and the things you already bought for your child. I have everything else. You could donate the rest of the things or we could put them into storage." She had that stunned look again, as if I was saying too much, but I wanted to continue.

"I want you to know, no matter what happens with us and however long we remain friends, you are always welcome in this house. No one will ever turn you out. I give you my word, angel, as a gentleman. I know it may seem archaic, but I am kind of old-world (and then some). What would you like?" I finished my long-assed monologue.

Bella chewed on the inside of her cheek, her left dimple appeared again, so faint but visible.

"I would probably feel more comfortable doing it myself, or you doing it. It's not that I have anything of worth, and my furniture is junk, but I do have some things that are sentimental to me. Would it be alright if we did it ourselves?" She gave me a shy smile.

"Sure. We can go over in a couple days and start then. I would like for you to rest here. Become comfortable with your surroundings. I can clear out the third bedroom and turn it into a nursery; move my stuff into the never used dining room. That can become my new office. I should also caution you my family will want to meet you soon." Again she quickly turned from me.

"I have never really mentioned you before, so it will come as a complete shock."

I tried to smile at her, but it soon faded. I could feel her sadness at my words.

"What have I said to upset you, Bella?"

She looked down, refusing to answer me. I gently raised her chin with my finger as I silently asked her to tell me.

"It's stupid, Jasper. I was just wondering why you never told your family about me, but then again, I'm nothing special."

I was hurt by her words. Not for me but her. A single water droplet fell from her right eye. She muttered under her breath about pregnancy hormones.

"Angel, that is not true!" I murmured swiftly. "You are so very special. You have always had a unique place within me! Please, I beg of you, if there is anything you ever believe from my lips, know that you are so extraordinary to me. Nothing could or ever would change that, please don't doubt that!"

I laid the absolute truth at her feet, "The only reason I never told my family about you was simple fact: I didn't want to share. Your memories are very beautiful to me, and I cherished each of them. I never wanted to destroy or even voice them out loud." I could feel her sadness start to wane.

"You were my special secret and the miracle which touched my life. You're so unique, and I love you, my friend. Damn, that sounds entirely too sappy, doesn't it?" I asked in a joking manner.

The angel rolled her eyes, but became serious.

"I believe you, and I'm even sorry to have doubted you."

"As long as you believe me now it's all that matters."

"I do! And I won't make that mistake again; at least I will try not to," she rephrased her comment. All I could do was trust her.

Now for the other bomb shell of the evening, and I wasn't sure how she was going to take it.

"Angel, there is one more thing I would like to discuss, then, we can rest for the evening. Or just relax and watch a movie."

I was nervous about bringing this up.

"Sure, Jasper, what do you want to tell me?" she asked with a smile in her voice, as she removed lint from her night shirt which hung off one shoulder.

"I think I am going to give up my internship and help you with the baby," I sputtered out quickly. I wanted to get it out into the open.

Her reaction was different than what I had expected. She simply laughed while rolling onto her side.

I looked at her obliquely, waiting for her to finish.

When she realized I wasn't laughing, she immediately stopped before gasping. She brought her hand to her mouth.

"You're serious?" I nodded to the affirmative.

"Jasper, no! Absolutely not. I'm sorry, but that decision is out of the question. There is no way in hell I would ever allow you to give up your Medical career and eight years of schooling to help me with my child. I could never ask that of you!"

She was cute when trying to be fierce, but I still remained somber, her answer only spurring me on.

"Luckily, Bella, this isn't your decision." Her posture became stiff, but I wasn't too deterred.

"I respect your impute and your thoughts, but the ultimate decision lies with me. There are some things you don't know yet, and anything I ever did for you would never – ever – be a waste." I was emphatic, passionate.

"Nothing in my life could even compare to you, except maybe my family, and even then you are about even." Her healthy cheeks flushed.

"Please believe me this wasn't an easy decision. I thought about it all day, and I believe I am making the correct choice. You see, Bella, I will never have the opportunity to have a child,"

Her eyes filled with tears at my confession. I wiped the flow that fell down her skin.

"So this may be my only opportunity to see and live the miracle that a child is. I want to be there for you and Beauty/Butch. I want to love every moment with you. Please, don't ask me to miss anymore of your life and even one moment of the child's life. I need this, angel, and I ask you to understand."

I looked into her eyes, begging her to listen to my reasoning's. I withheld my dog eyes, not wanting to cheapen this decision. Bella stopped crying as she started to laugh again. I couldn't understand what she found so funny about this situation. I was starting to get a little upset myself.

I wanted her to take me seriously. When she finally settled down, Bella gave me the answer I was looking for.

"Why are you calling the baby Beauty/Butch? And where did you even come up with those silly names?"

I playfully bit my lip, taking her question in turn.

"Well, beauty is easy. If she resembles you in any way, I know she will be beyond beautiful," Her cheeks flushed hot-red. "And then that got me thinking, if it's a boy, I could embarrass him. Thus, we have the two names: Beauty for her mother, and Butch because it could be a boy."

"Good one, Jazz." The redness started to recede into a rosy pink.

"But, I still don't want you to give up everything for me. Please, just take a little more time to think about your decision. Think about your family and your parents' reaction. They may blame me for your decision, and I don't want them to hate me just yet, Jasper." As if Carlisle and Esme can hate you.

"So please, I ask, just take a little more time to reconsider."

I could understand her reasoning, but it still wouldn't change my mind. I wanted to be there; end of story. If my family had reservations, then it was their problem.

There was no fucking way I would ever allow them to blame Bella or take their anger out on her.

"I understand your point of view, and I respect that. I will make you a deal, yeah." She looked a little relieved, but also curious. She nodded as she waited for me to continue.

"I will stay on at the hospital until you have the baby, and if I still feel the same, then no arguments and no trying to further persuade me. You have to respect my choice. Do we have an accord, angel?" I asked while holding my hand out, waiting for her answer.

"That's all I could ever ask of you. And thank you for even taking my opinion into account."

She grasped her hand and mine together. We shook on it before I ever so gently pulled her into a hug of reassurance.

I let my respect and love for her flow around us, and into her little body. I was careful of her child. I didn't want to overwhelm.

"Anytime, angel, all you have to do is say something," I murmured into her hair.

"And for the record, I would never allow my family to hate you. But I already know they never could. Just look at yourself, little one. You love so much and ask for so little in return. Who could never love you?"

She turned her face into my shoulder. I could feel the heat coming from her cheeks. Her face must have been flaming from my compliment, but it only endeared her even further to me. If that is even possible . . .

"That's enough from you, mister! And please tell me there is no more big news for the evening. I don't think I could take anymore." I poked her in the side, adoring her cute squeak.

"Fine, no more. How how about a movie, or are you too tired?"

"A movie sounds delightful. What shall we watch? I'm thinking a comedy." That was the perfect answer.

"Great answer, angel. I should probably get you used to Emmett's antics anyway," I said more to myself.

Bella gave me a bewildered look, but chose not to say anything.

"That sounds good?" she said more as a question.

I gave her a little grin before asking, "How about I pick the movie, make some popcorn and get a blanket for you while you sit there and look pretty for me?"

Bella rolled her eyes and tried slapping me, but I was too quick. I retrieved the blanket from the hall closet, finished the popcorn and grabbed the DVD of my choice.

I made sure everything was ready, placed a pillow on my lap and wrapped Bella in a blanket. She laid her head on my lap as she put the popcorn in front of her. I pushed play and waited for the movie to begin.

I unconsciously started to run my fingers in her thick, beautiful hair, letting my hands run the length.

"So Jasper, what movie are we watching?"

A smirk broke my face as I replied, "American Pie."

I could feel her confusion at my answer. "What has you baffled, Bella?"

"How does this remind you of your brother?" she asked, but I held in my laughter; not wanting to give anything away.

"All in good time."

Bella shrugged her shoulder and settled her head more comfortably in my lap to watch the movie.

The rest of the evening was filled with Bella's and my laughter as I continued to run my fingers in her hair.

I marveled at the angel (my friend) in my life.

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Author's Note: Hope you liked. Thanks for all the reviews and feedback. It really does help! Much love!

Posted: Friday, 27 August 2010

Edited: Thursday, 25 July 2013