A/N: So I'm here with my boyfriend today, Danny. I've had a really weird day. I almost sprained my ankle, I scraped my hand on the front gate trying to flip my brother off, broke a toe, etc. Plus I've had a bit to drink tonight... Dans came over to hang out and we've been trying to download some Placebo for like two hours now, but iTunes is being insanely stupid! So we're listening to rap right now. It's interesting. My redneck boyfriend cannot rap! Anyway. I'm not sure if Danny's presence will cause more typos because I'm not paying attention or if they'll be fewer because he might point them out as he reads over my shoulder, but here's the next chapter, lovelies! Enjoy! Hopefully the spell check will help me with any typos, lol.

Chapter Twenty-Five: Preparation

LPOV

I had fallen asleep on the couch waiting for Jasper to return. All I wanted, needed, wished for was his presence and his happiness--could it truly be that simple? Could I wish and receive so easily?

Nothing was ever so easy.

Now I was afraid it would all end.

Too good to be true.

Was this what they meant when they say true love lasts forever?

I kept waiting and waiting and waiting for the catch to come.

It never did. Not yet at least.

Jasper arrived sometime in the night and he put his cold arms around me. Even in my subconsciousness state, I knew he had come.

My sleep was more peaceful after that, unhesitating and he was there the whole time. The rise and fall of his chest rocked me back to sleep. The sound of his breath was like a lullaby to me, and he was singing it all night. His arms were shields against any and all nightmares.

He protected me from phantom dangers, real or unreal.

The best part was always waking up and there he was. He would smile at me, so much strength there and the pain was almost gone. It lessened each day, though I wasn't sure why.

Black to topaz, his eyes changed over night, but not every night. There was a small pattern there, and I was waiting to figure out what it was. It was a sign, a warning of some type. What good was a sign of caution when there was no threat shown? His eyes were telling me to be afraid of something and as far as I could see, that something did not exist.

Jasper ran his hands along the veins in my arm in a thoughtful manner. Something told me blood was significant for him for an unknown reason.

I had come to so many conclusions, but there was no explanation to go along with them. I was left to guess. I never questioned that. Time answers all questions. They were my words and they would be entirely useless if I didn't believe them and trust that they were true.

I did believe it; it was just harder than that.

Nothing was ever so simple.

Life was hard.

Death was complicated because you always leave something behind.

It sucked in a way.

I closed my eyes, fingering the zipper to his midnight blue hoodie. I loved the way it smelled, just like him. The color made his marble skin seem even more pale, but also it softened the hard look to the skin. I loved the way it looked! He seemed more human this way.

I let out a content sigh, molding myself further into his powerful arms. How could something so strong be so gentle? It fascinated me.

I could have spent eternity there in his arms, but my stomach growled softly.

Human duties!

Jasper lifted me up, still holding me as he walked to the kitchen. He smiled. He set me on the counter then. I laughed, no hesitation. Happiness had never been so perfect and it would never be perfect without him, my only.

Jasper stroked my cheek once, then he turned to the fridge. I should have known he would rush to feed me immediately. I watched how gracefully he moved, a dance without the notes or music. He glanced back at me once the coffee was started and the eggs were frying. "You nervous?" he asked, a hand on mine suddenly.

Of course I was! I'd just gotten my cast off and now the bigger challenge came. I had to meet his family as a whole and make a good impression. I had no idea what to expect. They could have been the type of family to welcome me with open arms or they could torture me with pranks and demanding questions. Well, I would find out soon. We would be leaving in an hour or so. I got to spend the entire day over there, which caused even more nerve problems.

I took a deep breath. "I'm gonna go take a shower, okay?" I told him.

By the time we got to his house, I wanted to appear as relaxed as possible. I was never good with such things, but I'd met Edward, Emmett, and Carlisle already. The boys weren't my biggest worries though. Esme, Rosalie, MaRai... Well, they made me nervous. Women were always much more out going about such things and I had to live up to the mother and sisters he saw daily at least.

Jasper stopped me from leaving the kitchen and he smiled. "Don't worry so much," he told me, but his voice made it sound like he knew the request was pointless. I was scared out of my mind; no one could change that until I got to his house. I wanted to speak to a few people privately if I could. Edward and Carlisle were at the top of my list. Carlisle because I knew Jasper looked up to him and Edward because he was one person whose respect I wanted and I also had the urge to lecture him about the way he treated Jasper, but I swore I would resist! I could tell Edward disapproved of my presence at Jasper's side each night at school; it was obvious! From my point of view, the reasons looked selfish, but I was trying so hard not to judge him. First impressions were often as wrong as second ones.

I knew that as well as anyone.

Waiting like this was pure torture.

Jasper picked out my outfit while I was in the shower. A pair of simple, yet thick blue jeans. I noticed they were tough, like the kind I wore out horseback riding at home. I began to think we would be doing something like mountain hiking, but the tank top he chose for me would never last. A frilly collar with a corseted waist and three buttons in the center of my chest. He added a feminine jacket, tight on my wrist and waist, to keep me warm. A finished look with a simple pair of fitted flats that could be ran in if necessary, but not for long.

I slipped into the clothes in my closet, Jasper just outside the door. He was so polite! Instead of watching me, he looked the other way awkwardly and stuffed his hands in his pockets.

I smiled to myself, trying not to laugh. It was tempting to seduce him then and there actually! He was one man who I wouldn't have scolded if he followed me into the closet. The door was open if he changed his mind, but I half expected him to start whistling innocently instead. He was quite the gentleman. He was respectful and respect was one of the most attractive qualities anyone could have!

I came out of the closet, hopping on one foot to put on my shoe. Jasper grinned, handing me my second cup of coffee and my keys. It was almost time to leave, but not quite. Another few minutes spent brushing my teeth and I pulled my hair into a ponytail. Jasper smiled again, taking my hand to pull me from the bathroom.

"Stop worrying, Alice!" he instructed firmly, trying not to laugh at me. "You look more beautiful than ever, love. Please?" I hated the tone he was using! He pleaded with me and I couldn't turn him down. He won too easily! But I promised to do my best in not worrying. I would find out soon enough if they would like me or if this would only cause problems.

I nodded. "All right. I'll do my best."

Jasper pecked me on the forehead. "Then let's go," he said.

We took his Jaguar and he drove as fast as it would go the whole way there. Time flew by. Then we entered Essex. His house was on the other side of town. Jasper smiled at my nervous sigh, squeezing my hand gently. "You'll see, my Alice, there is no reason to be nervous."

I glanced at him, the inside of my lip raw from chewing on it for so long. "Well, what if they don't like me?"

Jasper shook his head in disbelief and there was a look of amazement on his face. He didn't understand my fears. It was easy for him to relax apparently, even as he would his way up the street. Seriously! They were his family. To me, they were a bunch of incredibly good-looking, intimidating people who meant a lot to Jasper and could quite possibly hate me!

Finally, we stopped in front of a huge house--almost mansion-like. It was white with green shutters, classic, and a huge front porch.

Jasper parked in front of the walkway to the door.

I hadn't blinked, but he was at my side suddenly, holding the door open. My shock could not have been hidden; my recovery was quick though and I took his hand with an amused smile, forgetting my nerves. His move had been for that purpose. It worked. He was there!

This was it.

Sorry for the slight cliffy, and I have no idea why I originally ended it there in the hand written version. I think it MIGHT have been because I wanted to switch to Jasper's POV then, but whatever. I hope my typing wan't too bad, lol. Please review!