Chapter Seven: First Dates and Departures
APOV
She found as the meal progressed that they had quite a few things in common, barring the obvious one of being a single parent, they both loved literature and while she loved shopping a lot more than Jasper, he took an interest in the talk of her work and how she managed both the design side and the shop. He loved hearing about her ideas and he shop, the new designs she had recently thought up. They both had a love for romantic comedies as well as action movies. She wasn't surprised to hear he taught English at the high school; he seemed like the type who should be involved in shaping young minds, and from the way he talked about his students; he truly cared for the subject and them. He loved his little girl with all his being; she was very important and precious to him.
The evening drew on, the food was wonderful and she found she was having a great time.
"So who has Violet tonight?" she asked as she scooped up some of her apple pie.
"Edward although he was a little distant about it at first, he's still a little crazy about the new baby but Rosalie got a new job and had to stay late" said Jasper.
She nodded remembering what it was like to have a new baby in the house "How is Bella doing?"
"Bella's doing great, back on her feet and loving having a little girl; it's Edward I'm worried about, poor guy is planning out everything for her even the poor girls wedding day" laughed Jasper. She chuckled Edward did seem to be the control freak type "I think he will settle down in a couple of years" said Jasper laughing again, causing Alice to giggle.
JPOV
She giggled and chuckled as he described his neurotic brother. He asked for the check as she popped off to powder her nose.
They walked back to the car; he quickly opened the door for her and helped her into it, before walking around to the other side and started the journey home. They pulled up quietly to the house. He walked her to the front door, his hands dug into his jacket pockets nervous about what he should do next.
He didn't need to worry though as Alice lent forward on her tip toes and kissed him lightly on the mouth.
"Thank you for a lovely evening" she said her eyes bright.
"My pleasure ma'am" he said a southern drawl entering his voice after her confession of loving western movies because of the accents, he grinned as he saw the faint blush touch Alice's cheeks at the accent.
"Goodnight" she said and opened the door, waving goodbye as she closed it.
He slowly walked back to the car a wide grin splitting his face.
He drove down the roads slowly noticing a light frost had settled, his mobile rang shrilly from his pocket, he carefully pulled over and picked up the call.
"Hey Jasper" said Edward on the other end. He smiled he had called a lot later than he thought he would wanting all the gossip most likely.
"Hi Edward" he replied.
"So I was thinking as it is so late Violet can just stay at my house and I'll drop her off at school tomorrow, besides it's been a while since I had a chat with mom" he said.
He nodded that would help a lot "Thanks Ed, that will be a huge help to me, and Violet was hoping she would stay so she packed some extra clothing just in case" he said chuckling.
Edward laughed as well "well of course she did, she gets to go to school with her awesome Uncle Edward, not her fuddy duddy dad"
He laughed shaking his head "thanks again, I will head home now and pick her up from school tomorrow, tell her I love her" he said.
"So how did it all go? You know Bella is dying to know"
"Yeah sure, it's Bella that wants to know which is why you called me" he laughed.
"Whatever, just spill the beans, you know I have Rosalie waiting on the other line to discuss this with her" said Edward exasperated.
"It was perfect Edward; she was perfect and she wore this green dress that just complemented her colouring and her laughter sounds like bells I just know she's the One" he replied his mind flying back to their evening together.
"The One, Jazz you've had one date with this women" replied Edward, although he could hear the smile in his brother voice.
"I know and one date was all it really took to tell me", he could practically see Edward's eyes roll with the sigh he heard over the line.
"You're a hopeless romantic" said Edward "but I guess she has to be pretty special to bring this side out; I'm happy for you".
"Thanks Edward, tell Rosa I love her and I'll see you all on Sunday.
"Of course Jasper, sleep well" he said.
"You too" he said before hanging up.
He finally pulled into his drive way and entered the dark house. He quickly got ready for bed and gently laid down, memories of the evening and Alice's beautiful laughing face helping lull him into a deep sleep.
APOV
She woke with a start, quickly looking at the clock she saw it was already 9.30 shit she thought Ollie's late.
She quickly got dressed and ran downstairs to grab some breakfast for him before they would have to haul ass to get him to school.
She saw the note as she pulled the cereal box down from the cupboard.
Alice,
Thought you could do with a lie in, you looked exhausted so I have taken Ollie to school this morning and will open the shop.
See you when you get there.
Love Emmett and Ollie xxx
Alice smiled and placed the note back on the counter; her big brother was the best.
She made herself some toast as she had the time, popping the radio on while she ate her breakfast and cleaned up before leaving the house.
She walked through the door, the small bell ringing in her entrance "hey Emmett" she said smiling to her brother who was helping one of the customers out.
"Morning Alice" he said before turning back to the lady in front of him.
She headed into her office, switching on the computer to see how the new designs were coming along.
She heard the bell above the door go, as she was replying to one of manufacturer's emails.
"Hey" said Emmett sticking his head around the door frame "hope you didn't mind about this morning" he said.
She shook her head "of course not, thanks I really did need to sleep in" she hit send and looked up properly.
"So how was the big date?" asked Emmett coming in and sitting down opposite her.
"It was great" she replied a large grin spreading across her face "he was such a gentleman".
"Damn right he was" said Emmett, she rolled her eyes but smiled all the same.
"He took me out to this little restaurant, and we had dinner and talked all night long, it was so nice. We have things in common, but it's what we don't have in common that really made the evening talking passionately about fashion with him and he actually listened to me, he spoke of the children he teaches, he really cares about them. He's just wonderful Em" she said beaming.
EmPOV
He couldn't help the smile that wormed it's way onto his face. Alice's happiness was infectious.
"Then he drove me home and dropped me at the front door" finished Alice, a light blush dusting her cheeks as she recalled the end of the evening.
He frowned at that but didn't say anything. He only raised an eyebrow at the blushing which caused her to flush deeper, luckily the bell above the door rang and he left her to her memories.
APOV
"Hi Esme" she said in greeting as they walked through the door, slightly late but she didn't think Esme truly minded anymore. It gave them a chance to talk and she honestly liked hearing the gossip from the older woman.
"Hi Alice, Emmett" said Esme looking up from her chair.
"Bella" said Alice smiling widely as she saw the brunette girl sitting there "it's so good to see you".
Bella smiled "hi Alice, it's good to see you as well", the way she said it made her really believe that Bella was happy to see her.
"How's the baby?" she asked
"Nessie's great, do you want to see her?" asked Bella, Alice's eyes grew wide nodding her head, she couldn't resist seeing babies and holding them.
Bella bent down and picked up the white car seat which had a sleeping little girl in it, her bronze hair a dead give away.
"Oh Bella she's beautiful" she whispered looking down at the little girl sleeping peacefully.
Bella blushed "you don't need to worry about being quiet, she would sleep through a bomb going off" laughed Bella, gently placing her down again.
"She looks so much like Edward but definitely has your nose" she commented as she took a seat with them.
"Thankfully it's only his looks she inherited. She's not made a fuss about anything, where I wonder if Edward will have a minor stroke if she looks at him a little funny" replied Bella, stroking the soft hair.
She and Esme laughed hard with Bella at the comment picturing Edward easily enough.
Emmett walked over Ollie laughing on his back and the two others asking for rides.
"Oh Bella, you haven't met Emmett yet, Bella this is my brother Emmett Brandon, Emmett this is Bella Cullen Jakes mom and Jasper's and Rosalie's sister-in-law" she introduced.
"Nice to meet you Bella, and congratulations on the new baby" said Emmett gently placing Ollie on the floor.
Bella smiled "nice to meet you as well" said Bella "and thank you", her smile softening as she turned back to the pink bundle in the seat.
"Mom can I play with Emmett?" asked Jake a smile on his open face.
"If it's OK with Emmett then yes" replied Bella
"Can I have a piggy back please?" asked Jake, Emmett laughed
"Of course you can" he crouched down allowing Jake to jump on his back.
Violet smiled and came to sit next to her while the boys ran around the room. The young girl kept sneaking glances at her, "Is everything OK Violet?" she asked a little worried at the girls behaviour.
"Did you go on a date with my daddy last night?" asked Violet.
Alice looked around at the two other woman's faces who looked just as intrigued in her answer.
"I did" said Alice smiling down at the dark haired girl.
Violet nodded "do you like him?" She blushed at the attention she was now getting from Esme and Bella and wished the world would open up and swallow her, being interrogated by a six year old had not been on her agenda.
"Very much so" she replied quietly, and Esme smiled soft and happy as did Bella, before Violet could ask anymore questions, Nessie woke up from her nap, garnering all the female's attention which she was very grateful for.
The outer doors opened, drawing their attention as the newcomer ended the room "Hey mom" greeted Jasper, walking fully into the room, a smile on his face as soon as his eyes met her own.
"Hey Bells, Eddie let you out of the house?" asked Jasper laughing a little as did Bella even Esme looked like she wanted to laugh.
"Funny Jasper" replied Bella, grinning all the same, Jasper smiled leaning down to kiss Esme and Bella on the cheek before doing the same to Alice, who blushed a little as did Jasper, the look on his face telling her he only just realised what he did.
"I would love to stay and chat but I have a ton of homework I need to grade tonight" said Jasper picking up Violet's things and helping her into her coat before he practically ran from the room.
"See you soon guys" shouted Bella, laughing, and she could only wave to the retreating figure still a little embarrassed by the questions and the peck to her cheek.
"We should get going as well" she said looking up to see Emmett still giving rides to Jake and Ollie.
"Of course" said Esme, standing up a small smile playing around her lips "see you tomorrow".
"Emmett are you sure you have to go?" she asked again, as they tidied up from their late lunch.
Emmett laughed "I'm sorry sis, you know I wouldn't if I didn't have to but I have to get back home and back to the shop at some point" he said hugging her quickly.
She nodded, she knew that but she really didn't want him to go "well if you have to please have a safe journey back and call me when you get home?" she asked
"Of course I will" said Emmett giving her a big bear hug.
"Bye Uncle Emmett" said Ollie standing next to Alice, his whole demeanour sad.
"Be good little man OK, and take care of your mom for me" replied Emmett.
Ollie nodded and then he was locked in the tight embrace of Emmett's large arms.
They waved until they couldn't see his car any longer and came in closing the door behind them, Ollie went to his room, and she knew it would be a while before he came out to see her and a little longer before he smiled that evening. She sighed and went back into the kitchen listening to the now deafening silence.
JPOV
It was ringing again, but before the call was picked up he quickly hung up this is ridiculous he thought she's just a woman I can ask her out again. He re-dialled the number waiting for her voice to come on "Hello" came the voice and he noted the annoyance lacing her greeting and felt a flush start to rise.
"Hi Alice, its Jasper Cullen, Violet's dad" he said almost smacking himself she already knows that idiot he thought.
"Hi Jasper" said Alice a laugh in her voice.
"Alice I had a really nice time on our previous date and I was just wondering if you would like to go out again some time?" he asked.
"I would love to Jasper but Emmett has gone back home so I don't have anyone to look after Ollie" replied Alice.
"I know my mom would love to look after him, how about this Friday evening; that way my mom can just take him home after school with Violet and I can take you over to pick them up on the way back to yours" he offered, hope alive in his tone.
"That sounds wonderful" replied Alice; he could tell she was smiling.
"Excellent, so I'll pick you up at five on Friday and we can catch a movie and dinner" he said.
"Sounds Great, See you then Jasper" said Alice hanging up.
Jasper sighed with relief as he placed the phone back in his pocket a smile on his lips.
APOV
"Now Ollie, remember Mrs. Cullen is going to be taking you back to her house today, so I want you to be on your best behaviour" she said as they drove towards the school.
"I know mom; Mrs. Cullen is looking after me so you can go on a date with Violet's dad" he said.
She looked over at him as they pulled into the car park, parking quickly she turned to him "are you OK with me dating Jasper?" she asked, needing to know, if it truly upset him she would call it off.
"Of course mom" replied Ollie a big smile on his face which made relief sweep through her system.
She dropped him off in the classroom a quick kiss to his forehead "Thank you so much for tonight Esme" she said smiling brightly as she stopped to talk to the older women.
"My pleasure my dear" said Esme "I am just glad to see you and Jasper happy".
Alice blushed, quickly saying thank you again before she waved goodbye and quickly dashed off to work, her mind already on the evening and she knew the day was going to drag.
She looked at the clock nervously it was ten past five and Jasper wasn't there yet maybe he had second thoughts said the traitorous voice in her mind, causing panic to settle in, there is probably traffic on the road it is Friday came her logical thought.
She passed the living room again, her boots making indents as she went, she almost jumped when the door bell rang, and glancing at the clock she could see it read five fifteen.
She ran to the door purse already in hand and opened it to see a very nervous Jasper standing on her porch.
"I'm so sorry Alice, traffic was a nightmare" he began, flustered.
She smiled forgiving him then and there because he looked so cute when he got like this.
"Let's go" she said closing the door behind her "or we'll be late for the movie".
Jasper nodded and quickly opened the door for her, before getting in his own side and heading off towards town.
She took his offered arm as they walked out of the cinema, small talk about the movie on their lips as they walked to the little Italian Restaurant for dinner.
They ate slowly, talk filling up their time, she loved that they always found things to discuss. They never stopped talking or looking at each other.
Jasper slowly took her hand as they left the restaurant, both full of good conversation and pasta as they made their way back to the car.
"I have to admit, I thought you had gone off me" she said as he slid into the driver's seat.
"What?" asked Jasper as he started the drive to his parent's house.
"Well we went on a date over a week ago and baring a couple of brief conversations when we have met at the school we haven't really spoken since" she said.
"Sorry" said Jasper "I'm new to this whole dating thing really" he said sighing "well maybe new isn't the right word but it has been a long time since I have dated anyone, the last person was Violet's mother and well it didn't work out so well".
"I'm sorry Jasper" she said regretting starting this conversation "I was worried, that you didn't feel anything for me".
Jasper slowed the car down; she hadn't even noticed that they arrived until she looked around.
"Alice please don't think that, I like you a lot, I want to take this slow and do things right but please never doubt how I feel about you" he said unable to look at her.
"Oh Jazz" she whispered, causing him to look at her, he slowly moved forward, his hand cupping her cheek as he gently pressed his lips into hers, the kiss becoming heated as she kissed back, hands clasping in front of his shirt.
They both pulled back reluctantly but the need for oxygen was too great, "wow" she breathed her eyes bright and lips slightly swollen in the moonlight.
Jasper leaned in again for a softer kiss; they broke apart as the porch lights were switched on.
Jasper laughed "I feel like I am back in high school".
She laughed with him "me to".
They got out of the car and headed up the front steps; Jasper opened the door, and walked inside.
"Mom" Jasper called, "Dad".
Ollie came racing around the corner Violet hot on his heels, both laughing with each other.
"Hey monster" she picked him up, his weight hitting her all at once definitely getting to old for this she thought. "Did you have fun at Mrs. Cullen's today?" she asked as Esme walked around the corner.
Ollie nodded "yeah Mrs. Cullen let us help her bake cookies and watch TV and I got to see Dr. Cullen and he showed us his doctor things" he said excitedly.
"What about you, Violet did you have a nice time with Grandma and Ollie?" asked Jasper, Violet nodded her head eye lids dropping a little.
"Thank you so much Esme" she said as she put Ollie down so he could find his shoes.
"Anytime Alice dear" said Esme coming over and giving her a big hug and kiss on her cheek, "I loved having them both this evening".
"Thanks mom" said Jasper kissing her cheek "say hello to dad for me".
Esme nodded and stood in the front door jam as they got the kids settled in the car "Jasper" she called, Jasper quickly headed up the stairs again while she got herself settled in the passenger seat watching their conversation.
They drove back to her house on the other side of town, talking quietly with one of the children chiming in something about their day.
They pulled up behind her car, and Jasper opened the door for her, smiling, she hopped out and went to the back for Ollie, he was sound asleep in the back, body slightly curled towards Violet.
"I'll bring him in" said Jasper, nodding for her to open the door, and she directed him to Ollie's bedroom where he gently laid him down on the bed.
She watched from the doorway as Jasper ever so gently placed him on the bed, the tenderness he used was heart warming and she knew without a doubt she was in love with the man that had rushed into her life.
They walked back down to the front door, he tenderly kissed her goodnight "Alice would you like to come to lunch on Sunday at my parents house?" he asked suddenly.
She stared at him "yes" she replied smiling and kissing his lips quickly.
"I'll pick you up at eleven" he said before dashing back to the car and backing out of the drive.
She stood waving at him until his tail lights had disappeared around the bend.
She made her way back upstairs and gently changed Ollie into his pyjama's before getting herself ready for bed. She lay there for a while staring at the ceiling and replayed the whole evening over, stopping on their kisses and the gentle caring way he had held Ollie, and soon sleep carried her off.
Authors Note: As I will be away for most of next week I will be posting on Monday and Tuesday instead of Tuesday and Friday.
Thank you to everyone who is reading this and took the time to review the previous chapters. I hope you enjoyed this one, and of course thank you to my lovely beta brokenfromthepast.
Disclaimer: all the adult Cullen's, Brandon's, Nessie and Jake belong to Stephanie Meyer; the other kids are all my own imagination