Previously…

Jasper walked back over to his family with an uncertain look. Emmett's laugh was booming. "I guess she surprised you a little huh Jazz." He frowned, "She's just trying to play it off. She has no idea she can't win."

Edward slipped his arm around his shoulder, "Well then I guess you will just have to show her."

I was so glad to check out. I had last period with Jasper and really didn't feel like dealing with any more of his crap. I can't tell you how fast news travels in this school. I couldn't even walk down the hall without someone whispering or pointing at me. I will kill him. He just thinks he is dead now. I wonder if the stake thing really works? Arriving at my red Honda Civic I got in tossing my bag on the seat. Yes it was your typical prep car, dance stickers, teenage crap. I have to fit in somehow. I must say I am entirely too good a lying. It wasn't by choice but by necessity. I seem to have hidden myself well. No one sees the real me. Not anymore.

I decided I should go to the dance studio, after all I needed to practice and it was my escape. It was lucky for me I had the key since my mom owned it. She wouldn't be here for another three hours or so. I changed clothes and warmed up, slipping my CD in. I decided on Within Temptation. I was in a sort of mood anyway and somehow Frozen reminded me of my sister. The lyrics were so alive to me it was like glancing in a mirror. I was forever protecting my sister and the one time I should have I couldn't.

Closing my eyes I melted into the music. This was my music, my escape. It was the only time I was whole. I let it take me into a safe place, a place where there were no vampires or evil monsters only love and warmth. The song completed and I suddenly felt cold, unsure and broken. The tears fell and I dropped to my knees. I missed her, every moment of every day. I could trust her with all of my secrets and now I felt utterly alone.

I was still the same on the outside but I trusted no one and if you knew me before then you knew I had changed.

I suddenly got the overwhelming feeling like I was being watched and turned looking around but I found no one. I decided my overactive mind was probably playing tricks on me after all I was paranoid. I made my way to the CD player and flipped through the songs until I found another one to my liking and got lost again.

Jasper stood watching from a distance leaning casually on a tree. He knew he was too far for her to see him and the other trees would interrupt her view. It made him sad to see her drop to her knees and cry. He wondered what happened to make her this way. He knew her tough exterior was an act but he had no idea she was hiding something this painful.

Edward rested his hand on Jasper's shoulder. "What's she doing?" Jasper shook his head, "Dancing, you know I feel like a stalker watching her like this. Do I really have to go through this charade to get information out of her? Why can't Alice be her friend?"

"She won't trust her."

"Right and she trust's me? Alice stands a better chance."

"Not really. I don't know why but she won't let a female that close. Alice said she saw you two talking more. She said this is what you've been waiting for whatever that means."

He looked oddly, "What? It can't be I don't even know the girl. I mean I've never even looked twice at her. I'm not you and she's not Bella."

"What's that suppose to mean? She doesn't even know about Bella."

"Nothing, maybe Bella can enroll in her class or something." He ran his hand through his hair irritated.

"Need I remind you, female…not going to let her close…you're male."

"So you do it, you have this human relationship thing down packed." He growled back. Edward frowned, "Bella isn't human anymore and this will take a lot of time. I don't think I can give her what she needs, I certainly can't fake an interest and you being single will be better at it maybe even come to like her. Not to mention the fact she already finds you interesting."

"I don't have your willpower, kissing her today was almost too much and when she kissed me and I didn't expect it…not a good thing."

"You'll be fine. Carlisle has been extremely overworked and I spoke with everyone and we decided this was a better way to approach it. Jasper, you can do this." He placed both hands on his shoulders now, "We all have faith in you."

"If I kill her it's your fault." He mumbled angrily. Edward laughed, "You won't." He glanced at her once more and turned to leave, "I'll meet you at home, I need to hunt." Edward smiled as Jasper disappeared.

The next day before school I picked up my friend Le. Le and I have been friends forever, he is closer to me then any of my other friend's heck we even tried the dating thing once until he discovered he preferred males. I didn't care he was still my best friend. His parents were close with my family and like mine decided to curse him with an awful name. In his case it was Clovis LeBlanc, can you imagine? I thought my name was bad. There is a reason he goes by Le. I wonder what our parents were drinking when they came up with these stupid names?

Le got in smiling at me, "So rumor has it." Oh No! Here we go. "That you and a certain Mr. Hale are an item now, how come you didn't tell me?"

"I was the last one to know." I said trying not to act disgusted at the thought. He raised a dark eyebrow at me in question, "Well I heard it on good authority that you were kissing at lunch."

"Lisa huh?"

"Yes, so what is the scoop?" He nudged my arm. "You know I won't bash you honey he is quite the catch."

I chuckled, "Yes I am sure he is but you know me Le, not interested."

"But, you did kiss?"

"Yes, he kissed me so to speak. He's very sure of himself." I tried to leave out the fact that I played along. Le smiled, "Well he should be looking like he does. I would be on cloud nine if he were after me, you should totally rethink this no men policy. It really is quite a bore. I need good gossip in my life."

I had to laugh. He always kept me in stitches. "Well Le I promise if I were dating Jasper you would be the first to know." I pulled into my usual parking spot and turned to grab my bag from the back seat. He laughed, "Well it seems mister tall, blonde, and handsome is on his way."

"What?" I jerked around just as he opened my door and kneeled. "Morning sunshine." He smirked. I could really just smack him he is getting beyond annoying. I could hear Le chuckling and shot him a look. He stopped laughing but continued to smile as he got out as slow as possible. Some people as too nosey for their own good.

"What can I do for you?" I asked zipping my bag and trying to act nonchalant.

"I think there is an unsettled topic between us that requires further interaction." I looked at him oddly, what was that a sonnet? Who speaks like that anyway. Geez. "I don't in fact the less contact, the better." I stood only to have him grab my bag from me. Growing irritated I reached for it which unfortunately had me closer to him than I would like. He smiled letting the bag fall to his shoulder and resting his free hand on my waist. "Miss me already?" He asked knowing my answer would not be kind. I could feel Le's hot gaze on my back and I know I was three shades of red already.

"Jazz…please."

"How did you know my nick name?" I looked at him funny having no clue what he was referring to. "What?"

"My nickname is Jazz, how did you know?"

"I didn't. It just came out." I said not moving, I knew if I moved forward I would be closer to him and I can almost guarantee you he wasn't going to budge and give me room. I was torn between dealing with his torture and well…dealing with his torture.

"You can just agree to dinner with me tonight and this will all go away."

My mouth dropped, "I don't think so." He moved closer and I found the hard steel of the car meeting my shoulder blades as I tried to retreat. He was definitely getting amusement out of this.

"I can be persuasive."

"Haven't we had this talk before?" I reminded him. He smiled leaning to me and for a moment I think he was unsure, I couldn't see his face but I did notice he was extremely tense and then as quick as it came I felt him turn and place a cool kiss on my cheek next to my ear.

"We aren't finished love." He whispered moving back and offering me his hand, "Let me walk you to class."

I looked down at his hand like it would burn me and frowned, "I know where the room is. I don't need you to lead me."

"Humor me." He grabbed my wrist pulling me out of the way as he shut my door. I couldn't resist when he started leading me, especially with the firm grip he had on my wrist and I knew he was enjoying all of the looks we were getting. Why? Because he knew it annoyed me. My jacket was long enough that it covered my hand and his and I am fairly certain it looked like we were holding hands.

Walking me into my class I glared at Edward who was leaning back in his chair with a big smile. I can think of so many things to call him at this particular moment. Jasper set my bag on the table and turned, "So I'll see you at lunch?"

"Oh of course Jazz, I am just dying to be in your spectacular presence at lunch why I couldn't live without it." I made sure to add sugar coating as I said it. It was so sweet the guy should have a cavity.

"Would you like coffee with that?" He smarted off. I frowned not seeing Le who had taken his seat behind me and watched with extreme interest.

"No! Actually I prefer cream." He raised an eyebrow and I realized what I said could be taken bad, really bad. Crap! Why did he have to make me look like such an idiot? Realizing the spot he had me in he leaned close until I was backed against the table. "Oh darlin' I can give you cream you have no idea." I heard Le gasp behind me and after I got over the initial shock of what he said I pushed him back, well I pushed and he allowed me to. "Personal space." I explained motioning with my hands.

"See you at lunch." He winked then met Edward's eyes for a minute before walking out. I fell hard on my chair trying to ignore the fact that half the classroom had witnessed our little display. I am so embarrassed. Le leaned close smiling, "Girl, he's got it bad."

"No he doesn't, he is trying to be a pain in my a…" Seeing the teacher next to me I smiled, "anterior." I finished. I heard Edward chuckle and shot him a look that only served to make him smile more. Le drew my attention, "Well for someone who supposedly doesn't like you he sure is paying a lot of attention to you, even if he is trying to get on your nerves."

"So glad you are on the Jasper cheering squad."

"Gabby." He sighed, "I am on your side, I just think he's cute that's all and you should entertain the idea at the very least. You have nothing to lose."

"I have everything to lose." I whispered hoping he didn't hear me but I knew he did when I felt his arm around me. "Love you Gabby."

"Love you too Le." He opened his book to today's lesson and began reading. Class was over quickly and I stood heading for the door and then stopped looking back to see Edward watching me as he flicked his pencil on the desk repetitively. Deciding to take the chance I approached him. "What game are you and your brother playing?"

"I didn't know we were." He responded with a crooked smile. "I can't help it if Jasper wants to be your friend. Perhaps you should entertain the idea a little. He's usually pretty fun to be around."

"Yeah death becomes him." I answered turning. He laughed as he grabbed his books, "I like that about you. I never know what you are going to say, it keeps things interesting,"

"Glad to be of service."

"You should take a chance you know, he is a good guy."

"Yeah, that wants to eat me."

He slid his arm around my shoulder, "What's a little craving between friends?"

"You're such a pervert."

He laughed loudly then. "I didn't mean it like that. Wow is your mind in the gutter." I frowned. Why were these vampires so friendly all of a sudden? I admit I've watched them through the three years they have been here and they don't converse with humans much outside of Alice's dating. I have seen Jasper watching me on a few occasions but I assume that is what he does with all of us, watch and think how mundane it all is. This little fake reality we make for ourselves thinking evil things don't exist.

I moved away from his arm, "No touchy feely I am already fighting the rumor I am dating Jasper, can we please not add you to the mix?"

He smiled resting his arm at his side. "I have very few human friends."

"No? For real?" I couldn't help it, came naturally. He looked at me serious, "I am being serious, just listen for a moment."

"You have 2 minutes."

"Like I was saying I prefer not to have many human friends, cuts down on exposure to the wrong element."

"And the death toll." I smarted off smiling. He frowned, "Jasper has trouble with being around humans so much, I think your relationship would be good for him, help him branch out."

"Right. If he killed me who would notice right? Take me out like my sister?" He stopped walking and a strange look crossed his face, "What do you mean like your sister?"

I realized what I had said. Darn mouth! "I was just saying, you know I am really late and your two minutes is up." He reached for my arm but I was fast enough to move in front of someone and block his attempt. I didn't look back to see what his expression was, I didn't care."

I avoided any further incident by leaving, again. I am such a coward. Knowing my mom was home I headed to the dance studio, changed and danced my little heart out. It felt good to sweat. After an hour of that I definitely needed water. Walking to where I had set my bottle I noticed it wasn't there and looked around for a moment before my eyes settled on a pair of faded jeans and boots. I knew before I looked up it was him. Why couldn't he just go away and not exist like he did before?

Sighing I reached out. He placed the bottle in my hand but not before caressing mine lightly. Snatching my hand away I sat down, "Learning to dance?"

"I might be. I've danced a little in my day. None of this fancy stuff like you do though, I'm more classically inclined. I will say you are beautiful when you dance, and I mean that."

"Glad you improve I'll sleep so much better now." I couldn't help it, being sarcastic to guys was in my blood. He sat beside me, "What do you say I take you for a drink maybe something to eat."

"Your idea of food and mine might differ."

"I meant whatever you want Gabby, I am sure you are quite thirsty." He was clearly getting irritated with me, good. I stood, "No thanks. Wrong species."

I didn't get far before he grabbed my arm and pulled me hard. I am sure for him it was a light pull but to me it was strong, strong enough to pull me directly into him. My mouth gaped and I pushed on his broad chest to no avail. I can't tell you how aggravating this vampire is. He's hard too, he feels like a mountain. I think if I were to slap him the only thing it would hurt would be my hand.

"We need to talk."

"We." I pointed from me to him. "Have nothing to say to one another."

"How do you know unless you hear me out?" I looked up meeting his caramel eyes. I can't stand that look he gives me. You know the one cute guy's give girls to get their way. Those innocent puppy dog eyes as if they are so sweet. Please as if I didn't know better. I certainly don't find him irresistible. In fact quite the opposite. I pulled at my arms until he released me. "Look Jazz I don't plan on telling you anything."

"I like when you do that."

"Do what?"

"Call me Jazz." I sighed, "I had no idea. It was just shorter and came out. Don't get all flattered and stuff. I didn't do it out of kindness. Besides, I am mad at you anyway for making my life hell at school, now everyone thinks we are an item or something."

"I plan on keeping it that way until you give me some answers."

"I don't bend to threats." I spouted back. He smiled, "Then I guess we are dating love. Get used to it."

"I'll tell them you are lying. They won't believe it unless they see us together away from school anyway. I mean if we were dating we would go out right? Hence the I am not going anywhere with you."

"We would socialize as you say. I think they will believe it." He smirked and I was sure I didn't want to know why but I asked anyway. "Really, why?"

I didn't have time to respond before I was against him, my hair in his hand. "Too bad you couldn't just do as I ask and not make this hard on yourself." He said before he tilted his head closer. I held my breath praying he would back off and then the door opened. I saw the shock in Lisa's face. She was supposed to teach the junior class tonight and came early from school probably to check on me. Now she was walking in to me and Jasper apparently making out. This just gets better and better!

"I'm sorry, I can…" She was red and stuttering. I pushed Jasper back and luckily he moved.

"No, no Lisa it's ok come on in." I shot him a dirty look and he smiled knowing he could still manipulate the situation, "Hey Lisa."

She had a look of shock on her face after all they very rarely spoke to anyone. "Hi J…Jasper." He turned to me smiling, "I'll call you later love, have a good class and try not to think about me too much when I am away."

"I'll try but it will be so hard you have no idea." I smarted off. He winked, "Have a good day Lisa."

"Thanks." She answered still staring at him in love, lust, or something of that nature. It made me sick actually, and not in a good way.