When morning arrived, Edward didn't bother Jasper. His host had been considerate enough to let him borrow his body for the past couple for days, and he wanted to return the courtesy.

Despite Bella's protests, both Edward and Jasper decided to continue staying in the latter's apartment. She was concerned about Rosalie tracking both him down, and possibly harming him, but they were confident that things would be better this way.

After all, Rose didn't know where Jasper lived, and Bella's apartment was just too obvious. Bella made them promise to call her at the sign of any trouble, though, but everything was going fine. Still, everyone was wary of Rosalie.

"Hey," Jasper yawned as he sat up. "You stayed here all night?"

"Yeah," Edward nodded. "If you have a problem with it, I can –"

"I don't," Jasper swung his legs over the bed. "I just figured you'd stay with Bella. You guys have a thing going on, right?"

"Kinda. Nothing official, but I did finally apologize for being such an ass to her. And by some miracle, she forgave me."

"That's cool."

"I do want to spend time with her, but…I dunno. It sounds too much like creeping to me. I want to talk to her, but I need you there to translate." Edward explained.

"And having a third wheel hanging around would be awkward," Jasper surmised. "Alright. Well, we'll see her today, anyway. Just let me get ready, and we'll head to Heaven."

Later, the two sat around the small dining table while Jasper ate his breakfast.

"Hey," he began in between bites of cereal. "I know you're probably sick of hearing this already, but I really am sorry."

"You didn't do anything wrong," Edward shook his head. "Rosalie's the one who has a lot to be sorry for."

"I know that, but that wasn't what I was referring to," when Edward still looked confused, Jasper clarified. "For being the reason why you're a…you're like that in the first place."

"Like I said, you didn't do anything wrong. I should be the one apologizing here; I shouldn't have thrown accusations like that. It was the shock, I guess. It didn't even register in my mind that I was going way past the speed limit that day."

"But still. If I'd watched where I was going, you wouldn't be in this mess. And I've sorta been a douche when I first heard you, too."

"It's an understandable reaction." Edward chuckled.

"And I can't believe I fell for Rosalie's words, either. I mean, evil spirit?" Jasper shook his head.

"Yeah, that allegation was a little far-flung. Nobody would equate me paying your bills and leaving you clothes as evil, anyway."

"That was you?"

"Yep. It's no big deal; honestly it was more for me than for you. This place can be freezing," Edward said. "And I figured paying off some of your notices was the least I could do for possessing you every single day."

"You'll have to let me pay you back." Jasper insisted.

"Dude, don't worry about it anymore. Anyway, I paid with your money, technically." Edward pointed out. "I used the salary I got from Heaven. Plus a ton of tips."

"Yeah, can't leave out the tips," Jasper smiled. "Thank you."

"Um, this is going a little off-topic here, but…I was wondering. When we were in the bus, I remember you mentioning something about being upset that day," Edward leaned forward on his elbows. "If you don't mind me asking…why was that?"

Jasper sighed. "Well, I suppose if you told us all about the gory details of your story, it's only fair I give mine. It's kinda sad, really, but…the day of your accident was Maria's death anniversary. You remember her, right? From high school?"

"Yeah, I do. I'm sorry, Jasper." Edward told him sincerely. His eyes automatically roamed the room subtly in search of Scheduler, and sure enough, he found her sitting on the bed looking sadder than he ever remembered seeing her.

"It's okay," Jasper shrugged then snorted lightly. "You'd think that three years after my ex-girlfriend died, I'd be over it already. But…well, I'm not. Not entirely, at least."

"What happened to her?"

"A shooting incident. In the kids' theatre class she was running," he sighed loudly, standing up. At first, Edward thought he had offended him or something, but Jasper returned eventually with a small shoebox.

"See? This was her," he pointed to a picture of Scheduler on a newspaper clipping describing the incident. She was wearing the same tutu and tights ensemble she had on now.

"It was such a stupid death. And the worst part is, I wasn't even with her then. We broke up months before over some stupid insecurity I had that she was choosing her career over me.

"Just letting her walk away from me is and always will be the biggest regret of my existence. Maybe that wouldn't have prevented that madman from shooting two adults and ten kids point blank, but at least I would have seen her one last time before she left. I've been such an ass.

"That's another reason why I want to help you, I guess. I don't want you and Bella ending up in the same situation as Maria and me."

"I'm so sorry for your loss," Edward told both Jasper and Scheduler, who was now crying silently. "I wish things would have turned out better for you."

"Thanks," Jasper's grin was listless. "God, what I wouldn't give to talk to her one last time. To tell her that I love her. "

Scheduler's sobs grew worse. Edward wanted so badly to tell him that he just did, but he bit his tongue. His effort didn't last long, however, and after a mental 'ah, fuck it', he spoke.

"I know this'll sound unrelated again, but…do you remember the other…spirit I was with?"

"Yeah," Jasper raised his head. "Why? Is he here?"

"He's a she, actually." Edward saw Scheduler's head snap upright to stare at him immediately.

"Edward," she said in a warning tone.

"And yes, she's here."

"Edward!"

"Really?" Jasper looked around. "Guess I can't see her, though. What about her?"

"Well," Edward started, but was cut off when Scheduler appeared by his side.

"Edward, please. You can't," she pleaded. "He can't know."

"You said it isn't against the rules," Edward reminded her. "Please, Sched. Let me do this for you. For both of you. You've heard him; he still loves you."

"Maria?" Jasper gasped as he listened to the one-sided conversation. "She – the spirit…it's her?"

"It is."

"I…I don't understand. How is that…?"

"She's my guardian," Edward explained. "My scheduler. She's been making sure that I'm focused on my mission, and saving my ass in a lot of tight situations, really." He smiled. "She's been my best friend since this whole thing started."

"Why are you telling me this just now?" Jasper asked.

"At first, I had no idea it was Maria," Edward said. "And to be honest, I really wanted to tell you yesterday, to let you speak to her, but she wouldn't let me."

"Because she hates me," Jasper stated.

"No! No, I can never hate you," Scheduler moved to his side, her hand twitching to touch him.

"She doesn't, but she thinks you hate her."

"I don't!" Jasper's tone was filled with emotion. "Is she – can she hear me?"

"She can," Edward nodded. "Go ahead, Jasper. She's listening."

"I'm so sorry, Maria," Jasper stood on shaky legs, his eyes roaming his small apartment. "I know I fucked up…a lot of things, but I want you to know. I-I love you. And I miss you."

"Jasper," Scheduler's voice was breathy as she got on her feet as well. "It's okay. It's all okay now. I'm sorry, too. And I love you. I want you to be happy."

"She says she's sorry, too," Edward told Jasper softly. "And that she still loves you, and wants you to be happy."

A harsh breath escaped Jasper's mouth, but he smiled. "I can feel her here," he said to Edward. "And though I can't see or hear her…I know it is her."

He paused for a long second, his grin never leaving his face. "I can't tell you how grateful I am, Edward. What you've given me…it's priceless."

"I didn't do anything but return the favour," Edward replied. "And you both deserved to speak to each other, even for just one last time. I know you'd rather talk to her without me, but –"

"No," Jasper disagreed. "As long as Maria's here, it's perfect."

"He's right. Thank so much, Ed," Scheduler squeezed his hand. "Just hearing him say the words is more than enough for me."

Edward felt happiness spread through his chest. It pleased him to give back to two of the people who have helped him immensely.

The only emotion that replaced his joy that morning was awe when he saw a second crystal sitting one of the clover-shaped recesses of his cuff.

…

"Jacob? Is that you?"

"Hi, Ma," Jacob dropped his bags to accept his mother's warm embrace. "I missed you."

"Sweet boy, I missed you, too," Sarah Black hugged her son tight. "This is a pleasant surprise, but what are you doing here in Forks?"

"I wanted to come home," Jacob sounded so much like a little boy then. "Everything in Chicago is just so messed up." Memories of sleeping with Irina, then waking up just to collapse in another breakdown after finding she had left without telling him assaulted his mind. "If you don't want me in the house, I can go."

"Don't be silly," Sara held his face between her palms. "You're always welcome here, Jake. Never forget that."

Jacob nodded as he fought back the tears that threatened to come out.

"Come in, then." his mother tugged at his hand until he was inside his childhood home.

Nothing much had changed as far as he could see; it was still the same, old house that had outdated kitchen appliances, and worn couches. Even the smell was the same.

"I wish you would have called first," Sarah spoke from the kitchen while Jacob set his bags down in the living room. "Had I known you were coming, I would've gone to the market first for some groceries."

"It's fine, Ma. You know I'll love anything you make me." He stood in the archway between the two rooms.

"Oh, I know," Sarah laughed. She opened a cabinet, and Jacob couldn't believe how sparse it was. "So, is coffee and banana bread okay? I'll have to tell your dad to stop by Thriftway before he comes home. He'll be thrilled to know that you're visiting."

"Sounds good. Thanks," Jacob's smile didn't reach his eyes. "Ma?"

"Hm?"

"The empty pantry…" he swallowed. "Did you forget to go grocery shopping?"

He wanted to hear a giggle and an 'of course', but he heard silence instead.

"What aren't you telling me?"

"Times have been a little…tough," Sarah admitted. She sighed, taking a seat on a mismatched dining chair. "You know your dad's work isn't exactly high paying, and with your cousin Paul experiencing worse financial constrains than us…we just had to tighten our belts a little, that's all."

"Ma," Jacob's tone was almost scolding as took the seat next to her. "Why didn't you tell me? I would've sent you guys money."

"I know, sweet boy, I know," Sarah said. "We just didn't want to bother you. We know life in the city can be expensive, and you have your own life to live – "

"That isn't important! Nothing is more important than you and Dad. Remember the promotion I told you about? I earn enough to be able to get you a new house if you wanted!"

"We're fine, son. You don't have to worry about us."

"But I want to help you," Jacob looked into her eyes. "The main reason why I wanted to live in Chicago and take a high salary job was so that I can repay you and Dad for everything you've done for me. I know we were never the richest family, but you still supported all my extra-curricular activities in high school, and you made sure I finished college debt-free. Wiring you money for food is the very least I can do."

"Oh, my boy," Sarah pulled him into another embrace. "You're too kind, but you know it wasn't us who paid your university tuition."

"What?" Jacob pulled away.

"It was the Cullens, honey," Sarah told him. "Didn't your friend Edward tell you?"

"No," he whispered in shock.

"His parents spoke to us one day about giving you a scholarship," she continued. "Mr. Cullen said Edward thought of the idea, and when he approached him about it, he thought it brilliant. You're a smart boy, Jake. Your intelligence would have been a waste if you just stayed here, and Mr. Cullen knew that. That's why he paid for all four years of your college education, and he told us not to pay him back."

"I…I didn't know that."

"I suppose they didn't think it was important," Sarah patted his hand. "The Cullens are very good people. I'm glad you and Edward are still close; Lord knows how difficult it is to find people who are true friends these days."

Jacob stayed silent as the guilt and regret slowly took over every muscle in his body.

6 Days to Go.