Disclaimer:Twilight does NOT belong to me. This story is inspired from the show "Sunny Happiness". I don't own that one either.
Thanks to my Beta, Ninkita 3
Previously:
Helping me in, he started driving towards Forks. That was the start of my friendship with Jasper.
Chapter 5
"So normally, how long does it take to reach this 'Forks'?" Jasper asked.
"About three to four hours. It depends on the traffic," I explained. I was worried about my dad's health. I just didn't understand. With broken hips and legs that were still mending, why did he have to go on a fishing trip in the first place?
"Hey, don't worry he'll be fine," Jasper tried to console me, awkwardly. I just nodded at him in answer but don't say anything.
About two hours into the journey, the car started to stutter and then it stopped completely. "What the fuck?" Jasper muttered angrily. We got out of the car and he looked into the engine. With a huff, he slammed the bonnet down and kicked the tires.
"Is everything okay?" I asked softly.
"Something happened to the engine. I don't know how to fix a car. Usually I send mine to the mechanic," he replied in a defeated tone.
"If you don't mind….can I check it?" I ask with a convincing smile.
"Why?" he gave me a suspicious look.
"Because I can fix cars. I have an auto-mechanic certificate, if you want proof of my ability."
"Really?!" he frowned in wonder.
"Do you have a doubt?" I asked, with my hands on my hips.
He raised his hands in surrender, muttered a "Go on," and started pacing beside the car. The ringing of his cell phone broke his pacing session. Answering the phone he rudely asked, "What is it, Alice? I'm busy."
"What?... I promised?!" he looked confused. "I…um…I'm out of town at the moment…meeting a client. I won't be able to make it to the dinner." He rubbed his forehead, agitated. "Bye." He hung up, grimacing.
I got out from under the car, where I'd been working. "It's done. Try it," I asked him. He kept looking at me with doubtful eyes. "Try it!" I insisted.
As he keyed the car, it started flawlessly. He laughed in wonderment. "It really worked!" he exclaimed.
"Did you have a doubt? I told you I can fix it," I stated smugly. Jasper just looked at me with a soft smile on his face. I titled my head asked, "What?" He handed me his handkerchief and gestured towards my forehead and nose. When I wiped them, the handkerchief had smudges of black on it. I chuckled at that.
"When I see how serious you are about your work, I really admire you. Even though what you do doesn't carry a status, you still do it with complete honesty. You inspire me to give my best on my work," Jasper said with a smile.
"I love what I do. In fact, I enjoy what I do. That's the secret of my enthusiasm," I nodded in reply.
"Okay. Now get in. We have to go."
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When we reached Forks General, the doctors informed me that Dad had fainted because of staying hungry all day and taking his pain medicine without food. I scolded my father and his buddy for not looking after him. Jasper left around ten at night, saying he had an early meeting the next day. I was so exhausted that when I reached my father's house, all I wanted to do was go to sleep. I pulled my phone out and saw that it didn't have any charge left in it and it had shut down. I placed it on charge and fell on my bed to sleep without even changing my clothes.
I was quite late arriving at the hotel the next day. The bus was delayed. Edward's assistant told me that he was in a meeting and would arrive around 1 pm. So, I thought I should clean the Vice-President, AKA Jasper's office first as a 'thank you' for yesterday. When I knocked on his door, I could hear yelling from inside. "Come in!" Jasper said from inside. I opened the door slowly and found his fiancée Alice was there and it seemed like they were arguing once again.
"GET OUT!" she screeched.
"Alice, she's here to clean the room. Let her do her job. And I'm done talking to you," Jasper sighed.
"You're taking a maid's side?" she screeched again. I wondered what was wrong with her normal speaking tone.
"Alice, will you please calm down. I said I'm sorry. And I'm NOT taking anyone's side. I'm asking you to let her do her job," Jasper stated through clenched teeth.
I didn't want to cause trouble, so after informing Jasper that I'd clean later, I ran away from the war zone.
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That afternoon, when I arrived at my husband's office, I found him sulking around in front of the huge window for some reason. "I'm sorry I'm late this morning."
"Why was your phone off last night? I was waiting at the amusement park and thought I'd call you there and surprise you. But all I got was voice mail," Edward sounded angry.
"My dad fainted while he went fishing with his buddies, and I was so anxious that I forgot to charge my phone in a hurry to reach Forks," I explained. "My bicycle broke down. Thankfully Jasper helped me and drove me there."
"You asked Jasper for help, and not me? I'm your husband. Even though it's fake, I'm supposed to be the one you ask for help in case of trouble." He was angry.
"I didn't ask for anyone's help, Edward. When my bicycle broke, Jasper was in the parking lot, getting ready to go somewhere. He saw me struggle with my bicycle, so he helped," I explained, trying to calm Edward down.
"It's okay. Is your dad alright? What happened?" he asked, sounding much calmer than before. So I informed him about my dad's incident.
"I'm really sorry that your surprise was ruined, Edward."
"Whatever," he muttered as he took his seat. "Actually, it's good that you didn't go. When I reached there I realized that I don't like amusement parks much. So I left soon after trying your phone," he said almost too casually, but his slouched shoulders were telling another story.
"I'm still sorry," I replied softly.
"It doesn't matter. It's not like I waited the whole night for you or anything." He shrugged. "Anyways, if there's nothing else, I've work to do," he stated as he started going through files.
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A few days later, around noon, Edward received a phone call from his panicked mother. I was in his cabin, having my lunch, like I had done for the last two days. His mother informed him that Anthony had locked himself in his room and was not coming out, nor was he answering anyone. As soon as I changed into my normal clothes, Edward and I started for his house. When we reached there, we found his mother Esme knocking on Anthony's door and calling his name.
"Mom! Did he answer?!" Edward asked his mother.
Esme turned around and saw me with her son. She offered me a kind smile and said, "I'm glad you're here too Miss Swan. Anthony had said that you were his nanny a few times and he really liked you. Can I impose on you again? He hasn't eaten anything since morning. I've tried everything, but nothing is working," she explained sadly.
"Let me try then," I assured her with a smile. Edward nodded in agreement.
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A few minutes later, armed with the spare key, I entered Anthony's room. He was hiding in his closet, which he closed as I called for him. He didn't realize that I knew where he was hiding. "Hmm…it seems Anthony really is not here and he wants me to clean this room alone. How heartless! He didn't even offer to help clean up the mess he created," I said dramatically as I took a seat in his small chair by the coffee table. There were a few photos that were cut up. "Why are these photos cut up like this?" I asked myself as I started examining them.
The closet door burst open and Anthony ran out from there yelping, "Don't touch my things!" He snatched the photos out of my hand and held them to his chest.
"There you are! You've been hiding in your room to do… arts and crafts?!" I asked him, a little confused.
"This is not arts and crafts," he huffed. "I'm making a family portrait," he added as an explanation.
"Impressive! Can I see?" I asked, holding my hand out for the diary in his other hand.
"No! I've not finished it yet," he stated, looking through the photos. He sat down beside me and said, "I want to enlarge this photo of mom and dad. After that I'll paste my picture between them. Only then it will be finished," he informed me joyously. "And then I'll show this portrait to my grandparents and dad. To let them know that I have only one mommy and dad has only one wife." He seemed smug.
I finally understood his emotions. The poor kid wanted his parents together. "You do have only one set of parents. Why are you saying such things?" I asked curiously.
"Because I heard grandma telling grandpa that they want dad to go on dates," he replied sadly. "Miss Bella, aren't dates for finding dad a wife?" he asked, frowning.
"So that's why, because grandma wants to find your dad a new wife, you're refusing to eat?" I asked softly. "Where have you learned this method of protest?" I teased him.
The kid blushed a deep red and grumbled, "I don't want a new mom. I already have one."
"Let me tell you a story about my childhood friend. Like me, her mom died too. So her father got her a new mom."
"And she forgot about her mom," Anthony interrupted.
"No silly! She always had her mom in heart, like you'll too," I try to explain.
"I won't forget either. I'm just worried that dad will forget mom," Anthony sulked.
"Alright. If you really don't want a new mom, I'll go with you when you tell your grandma and dad. I'll be there with you." I truly supported his desire of having his parents together. I had wanted my parents together too.
"Will they listen to me?" he asked, clearly worried.
"As for that… I'm not sure either. Why don't we go out and eat first. After eating, we will have the energy to negotiate, right?" I suggest.
"But…I'm not hungry." The poor thing looked puzzled.
I look around the room, smirking. "I can hear something rumbling. Whose stomach is that?"
"That's because you told me to eat! That is why it's rumbling," Anthony pouted, knowing he was hungry, but not ready to accept defeat.
"Yes, young master Anthony. It's all my fault. Are you ready to eat something now?" I ask smirking.
"Alright, then." He pouted some more, making me chuckle.
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"So that's why you were refusing to eat and locked the door?" Edward sighed. "I promise, I won't go on dates. Just don't behave like this again. Do you know how worried we were?" he explained himself patiently.
"You were the same when you were his age. Like father, like son," Esme smirked. "How's the food?" she asked Anthony, who was gulping down the spaghetti and meat balls greedily.
"Miss Bella makes the best food. You want to taste?" he asked as he offered a spoonful to his grandma.
"Mmmm… delicious!" Esme sounded surprised.
"Here's your milk." I placed the glass down beside Anthony's plate and ruffled his hair. He beamed at me in response.
"Miss Swan, if it's not too much trouble, can I have some of your spaghetti too?" Esme asked.
"Mom?!" Edward was shocked. But not as shocked as I was.
"Ever since our housekeeper retired, I have not eaten such a great home-cooked meal. You know I burn water," she pouted. "Miss Swan, you seem to be multi-talented. You cook well, and Anthony listens to you. I heard from Edward that you're a cleaning expert as well."
I blush at the complement. "It's nothing. They're all trivial things. I just have to put some effort in doing them," I explained.
She looked thoughtful for a moment. "Then, could you put some effort into our home?" she asked suddenly. Edward and I looked at her shell-shocked. "What I mean to say is, would you be willing to work at our home? As our housekeeper?"
I was thrilled with the new job. The pay alone was beyond satisfactory. Edward was happy for me too. He knew money was important for me to take care of my ill father's house and medicine bills. After all, when all was said and done, I would need the money. At the moment we didn't know that it would be that step that would finally bring me closer to his family.
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The next day, with a heavy heart I quit my job at the hotel. I said my goodbyes to my bosses and colleagues and with a smile, headed for my new job. I was a little scared at first to work at the Cullen residence. But I soon realized, life in the Cullen residence wasn't as scary as I had thought.
"Dr. Cullen, your tea," I announced, as I placed the mug on the coffee table. My dear father-in-law didn't even look up from his paper. I wanted to know if he had seen me or not. So, I waved my hand in his direction, but received no reaction. As I turned around with a sigh, and saw in the reflection in the mirror opposite from me, that he did look up from his paper and give me a curious look. Doctor Cullen was way too serious towards outsiders. It was only when I was at the house that I realized where Edward got his personality from. I chuckled at that and went off to do my work.
Days passed and everyone started getting more comfortable with me; especially Jasper. Often he would come to the kitchen looking for food and get scolded for stealing. He had become like a brother to me, with whom I could banter easily.
However, Anthony was my main reason for coming to work in this house. With me there, he had a friend to spend time with him when his dad wasn't home and his grandparents were busy.
Esme remembered that I had played the piano at Jasper's engagement party, and gave me permission to play whenever I wanted. After a long while it felt like God was finally watching over me. Charlie's house filled up the emptiness of my desire for a home. But my current family helped me learn what it meant to protect one's family.
I would think that one day, if I would have my own child, and my own family, I would definitely make sure that this love continues, so that they have the most stable and warm home.
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"They waste so much food," I shook my head before I took a bite of pancakes. Suddenly, the taste and smell of it felt too much and I went to the sink and started throwing up. It felt like my insides would come out.
Jasper came to the kitchen at that moment and watching me puking my guts out asked, "Are you alright? What happened?"
"Nothing. Just my stomach hurts," I explained. "I was so busy that I forgot to eat." I tried to calm his worry.
"You're a person of many abilities and yet you don't know how to take care of yourself." Jasper sounded angry.
"This is the only time you have seen me unwell. Calm down, will you?" I joked. He sighed and nodded reluctantly.
"JASPER!" Alice came to the kitchen and finding me there with Japer she grimaced and faked politeness. "Oh, you're here."
"Yeah. I was just talking to Bella. Weren't you with our dads?" Jasper offered her a kind smile.
"They keep talking about business, so I came to find you. Remember we have to go for the tasting for the fashion show?" she reminded him.
"Miss Brandon? The fashion show you just mentioned… is it something like what is usually shown on TV?" I asked curiously.
"Yes. It's the next season's bridal gowns," she explained. "But seats are limited. I can't invite you there," she added rather rudely.
"I wasn't asking for an invitation. I was just thinking. Miss Brandon, the gowns you've designed for this show must be really pretty."
"Why? Are you interested in seeing them?" Jasper asked with a smile. I shook my head in the negative. I didn't want to provoke Miss Alice. "Come along with us," Jasper offered. "Alice, that's okay, right?" he asked.
"Oh...um...uh...yeah, sure. That's okay." Her smile was so forced, she looked like she was in pain.
"I can really go? Thank you Miss Brandon."
"You can call her Alice," Jasper said, laughing at my formality. After saying their goodbyes, they left. At the time, I didn't know that this show was going to change my life again.
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That afternoon, I was putting dirty clothes in the washing machine. "Bella, did you see my water colors?" I heard Anthony asking before he entered the laundry room.
"I didn't see them. Did you look properly?" I ask him.
"It's all your fault. You must have misplaced them," Anthony nodded self-assuredly.
"Did I now?" I and sprinkled him with some water from my bottle.
"Hey!" he yelled and ran out. I ran behind him as he grabbed another water bottle and attempted to throw water on me. We ran through the house, chasing after one another until we reached the backyard.
I was winning, when Anthony shouted, "Dad, come and help me!" and ran to his dad, who was just walking out. I turned around and saw his amused face.
"Anthony, enough playing for now! You'll catch a cold. Go change your clothes. You're going to stay at your mom's tonight. Remember?" Edward said affectionately. As Anthony ran inside, I started heading for the laundry room.
Edward followed behind me. "How are you liking working here, Bella?" he asked softly.
"I'm having a blast, Edward. Thank you for this opportunity," I smiled up at him. He nodded in answer. Sudden, a spluttering noise grabbed both our attention, and just like that, the washing machine broke down. "I don't think this will run again," I said, looking at Edward for a solution.
"Let's go buy a new one," Edward suggested with a mischievous smile.
"But Esme isn't home. How can we buy something without asking her?" I replied worriedly.
Edward raised his eyebrows, pulled out his phone and in three minutes, he had permission to buy a new washing machine.
"There are some other necessities we need to buy. For instance, toilet paper and salad oil has run out. And Anthony's stationery should be replaced. In a few days, some of your father's co-workers are coming over for dinner, I need to buy fresh ingredients too."
"Okay, okay. I got it. Make a list. I'll go along with you tonight to buy them," Edward said, smiling.
"You'll… come with me?" I asked, oddly pleased.
"Why ever not!" He wiggled his eyebrows up and down and left.
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It was 11 pm and I was still standing in front of the grocery store waiting for Edward. He had asked me not to go in alone, that he would accompany me. He was supposed to be here two hours ago. I thought about just doing the shopping alone, but he had wanted to do this together. So, I moved around a bit trying to lessen the ache in my feet. It had started raining quite heavily too. I wondered if he had gotten stuck in traffic, maybe. I called his phone but it was switched off.
"Sorry! I'm late!" I heard him before he appeared in front of me. I was rubbing my hands together to get rid of the chill. "It's so cold out here. Why didn't you wait inside?" he asked, removed his jacket and placed it around my shoulders.
"I agreed to meet you outside," I mumbled. "I was afraid you wouldn't be able to find me inside."
"I'm really sorry. Anthony wanted me to tuck him in before he slept and then I had a few things to sort out too. And I'm only two hours late…" he teased.
But I was kind of upset that he was late because he was in Tanya's house. Anthony didn't take that much time to fall asleep. So what was he doing there so late? "Edward, the world doesn't revolve around you, you know? My time is precious too. King of lateness!" I grumbled.
"How about this? As compensation, tomorrow I'll give you a day off," he offered me a childish smile, melting my heart. Stupid heart-melting jerk that he is!
"Oh really! Then, who will do the work tomorrow? Because let me tell you, I'll be the one doing it all the day after. I don't want your stinky day off." I crossed my hands over my chest.
Edward laughed. "I'm giving you a day off, and you don't want it? Okay, how about this, I'll treat you to dinner."
"I don't want that either. My stomach's still hurting and if I even think about food, I throw up." I pouted as I recalled my all-day puking session.
"Stomach ache! Did you go to the doctor? What did he say?" Edward asked worriedly and he held me by my shoulders and started looking over me, as though for injuries.
"I'll be fine. Now let's finish our shopping. It's already so late." I dragged him behind me, and as I was going to enter the store, I noticed something. "Hey Edward, did you notice that whenever we meet the rain stops?" I asked curiously.
"Like it did the first time we met," Edward stated with a smile. "Shopping!" he suddenly exclaimed and pushed me inside the store.
That night, a knock on my door broke my precious sleep. The studio apartment I stayed in had an annoying landlady. Sometimes she came around to ask random, stupid questions. I was in my red pj shorts and white cotton camisole. I thought it was her, so I didn't cover up. When I opened the door, I found Edward standing there.
He stared at me with his mouth open and took in my bare legs, the few inches of skin between my shorts and camisole, and braless chest. I saw him gulp and his eyes darkening. I snapped my fingers in his face and asked what he was doing there. He then shoved a few medicines in my hands, saying they were for stomach ache and to take care. He hightailed it out of there... but not before I saw his straining erection.
"Ohkaaaayy!" I said, as I closed my door.
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The next day, I accompanied Jasper to Alice's show. When we arrived there, the pre-show rehearsal was going on. Every gown was different and uniquely beautiful in its own way. Jasper asked which one I liked the most. I started counting on my hands when Alice joined us.
"How was it?" Alice asked her fiancée excitedly.
"I'm not a fashion expert. I mean to me, all of them looked like white gowns. Ask Bella. She can tell you better," Jasper chuckled.
"It was awesome and every single one was gorgeous," I replied grinning widely. Alice gave me a fake smile. No matter how much I tried, for some reason, she hated me.
"I appreciate your opinion," she gave me a dry smile and turned to Jasper. "You didn't bring me any flower to wish me luck? How heartless!" she pouted.
"I'll get you some then," Jasper patted her back and left. I tried to make conversation with her about how graceful she looked walking the stage but every answer I got in return was a thinly veiled insult.
A man suddenly rushed towards us, and panting, he informed Alice that her showstopper had broken her ankle and had to be taken to the hospital.
"What about the others?" Alice asked worriedly.
"Everyone else is ready with their timing and everything. We only need someone as a showstopper," he explained. "That person also needs to be our previous showstopper's size," he added.
Both Alice and that man started thinking for a solution. The man looked around, sighing, when his eyes fell on me. Alice noticed it too, and she got a 'you-can't-be-thinking-what-I-think-you're-thinking' look on her face. "You're kidding right?" she shouted in shock. "Her?"
"She looks like the same size," he clarified. That's how I ended up in Alice's bridal gown show as her showstopper.
A/N: Thanks for being patient. Remember to leave a review to let me know what you think about Alice and Jasper.