Chapter 16: A not so Happy Birthday

~Filled with Sorrow, filled with Pain…Knowing that I am to blame…for leaving your heart out in the rain~

"So now…tell me just how you so much about imprinting?" he sat and crossed his arms. How was I going to explain this to him? Vampires weren't supposed to imprint. Well, here goes nothing…

"If I tell you, you promise me you won't freak out or anything?" I asked Jacob and he looked at me funny.

"You want me, some stranger, to promise you something?"

"Please…just, hear me out?" I sat in the corner of the waiting room in the emergency room. His friend and the girl had already been taken back.

"Fine." He mumbled.

"I don't know a whole lot about imprinting…I do know however that I have been imprinted on." I stated as calmly as I could. He didn't say anything at first. I thought he would laugh at me or even get mad. But, he looked concerned when I told him.

"I think someone might be pulling your chain doll…because as far as I know, there have only been two people who have imprinted around here, and sadly, you are not that girl in either of those scenarios. And, it wouldn't be kept secret…because we all know one another's business." He looked at me seriously.

"Well, the person it happened to…he isn't like you. He's kind of different…" he still wasn't getting it "how can I put this? You remember that day in the clearing?" I asked him and he smiled. Obviously he did. "And, you thought I smelt funny I guess?"

"Well, it was only because I thought you were a…." he trailed off when it hit him. I could see his hands begin to tremble a little bit…which I don't think that was a good sign.

"You're telling me…that a leech imprinted on you?" he said, his voice very strained.

"Hey!" I stood up and looked down at him "that is my family and my friends you're talking about…don't call them something so cruel." I smirked, but then realized that I should have got on Edward's case to the day he called them 'dogs.' "I don't know how it happened, and I don't really know what I'm supposed to do…but, if I could just talk to that girl…I think I could figure some things out."

"No, you can't talk to her…" he yelled and I jumped back. "wait, wait…I'm sorry…it's just that, she doesn't know that she's his imprint. Not at the moment anyways." He reached out and grabbed my arm, pulling me back closer to him until I eventually sat back down.

"What? Why hasn't your friend told her? She's what fifteen?"

"Well, I think that this situation is a little different than yours."

"How so?"

"Well you see Quil, that's my friend…he imprinted on Claire, the girl he was carrying, when she was like four years old."

"What!" I looked at him stunned. "how is that possible?" I couldn't envision this boy having such romantic feelings on a girl when she was a mere child.

"We don't really know. But, ever since that moment…his world has revolved around nothing but her. He loves her deeply and he is just praying that one day she will finally love him back…at the moment though, he is just her best friend. The one who is always there for her. When she was younger, he was just her babysitter…until she gets older…we won't really know for sure what is happening between the two of them."

"And he is just going to wait…and just hope for the best?"

"He will always love her…it's just the matter of if she wants to be with him in that sense. If she chooses not to, then he will remain a friend for the rest of her life."

"Hmm, well that didn't really help me…those are the exact same things Jasper told me. But, I think hearing it from you…and knowing about your friend, it makes more sense to me."

"Jasper the imprinter?" He smirked, looking down at the ring on my hand "looks like he's already staked his claim on you."

"Yes, and I don't know what to do to be honest…he says he's loved me from the moment I met him. Do you think that's true?"

"Probably…that's what usually happens. Guy sees his soul mate and no other girl will ever matter to him again…"

"But, I'm not going to live forever…and well, he will."

"Aw, I see what you're getting at now…look…I'm sorry what was your name again?"

"Natalia…"

"Right, well Natalia…take Quil and Claire. Claire isn't going to live forever. And well people like me and my friends, we will sort of never get old…we'll always sort of be around. But, he tries to not let that stop him. It just makes every moment he spends with her even more precious. Because, he knows that one day she won't be here anymore…and he will continue living probably…I hope."

"That's so sad Jacob!" I whispered.

"Life isn't fair sometimes Natalia…but, if you're lucky enough to find someone who loves you so much, you're better off hanging on to them, cherishing all the small and big moments the two of you have together instead of freaking out about the future all the time…because if you keep doing it, one day you're going to wake up and realize it's too late…that you've let so much time slip through your fingers. I don't personally know this Jasper person…but, if it's like the other imprinting experiences, then he will always love you no matter what…and he will stay with you until you're no longer here."

Oh God he was right! How much time had I wasted worrying so much about the future that I hadn't had the time to just fully enjoy the time I had at the moment with Jasper. I probably looked like I was going to freak out…then something hit me.

"But, there's always the chance of me staying with him forever…"

"You wouldn't give your life up for that would you?" he looked terrified for me.

"I don't know…I don't really want to. But, I also want to be with him as long as possible…I would love nothing more than get to wake up to see his face every day…for a hundred years."

"Well, that seems like a choice you have to make Natalia…because I'm sure that if it was up to Jasper, he would have made you into one of them already…but, since you're his imprint, he's going to let you decide and if you say no, he will respect if even if he doesn't accept it." That was an interesting way of putting it.

"Thank you so much Jacob…you've helped me understand things…more than you probably know." I stood up and I hugged him I was that happy. It was then I noticed how tall he was. He was huge! He was taller than Jasper, he had extremely warm skin, skin that was darker than mine, and pretty eyes. I just laughed and shook my head.

"You know, it's too bad this Jasper guy imprinted on you." He mumbled.

"Excuse me?" I backed up from him.

"No, no…I mean too bad because I would like to ask you out on a date. But, I see that can't be the case…so, can we just settle on being friends?" I blushed.

"I think that would be a safe road to take…" I laughed. Before we could cay anymore, the doors from the Emergency room opened and Jacob's friend was helping the young girl walk out.

"How is she?" he walked over to his friends.

"Just a bump on the head thankfully. Dr. Cullen says she'll be fine in a day or so…just make sure she doesn't fall asleep in the next eight hours and he gave her some pain meds." The boy rambled, a smile on his face. He was probably feeling relieved that she was okay…he probably couldn't bear to see her in any type of pain.

"Come on Claire…we'll stop and get some ice cream before we head back. What do you think?"

"I'd like that. Thank you." She said quietly, as she leaned more onto him for support. Even if she didn't know she was his imprint, she sure seemed quite fond of him already. It put a smile on my face, to know that they were just living in the moment…and Jacob's friend was cherishing every moment with her.

"Oh guys, this is Natalia…" Jacob motioned for me to come over to his friends as he introduced me to them.

"Um, come on Claire…let's see if we can get a hold of someone who can give us a ride." Jacob took hold of the girl as me and his friend looked at him oddly.

"I want to thank you for helping us earlier…I appreciate it."

"It was no problem…I can tell that she's a very special person to you." I smiled and he seemed a little uneasy. "I know you'll always take care of her…she's very fortunate, even if she doesn't know yet, to have someone like you in her life…someone who will always protect her."

"I take it Jacob told you about my situation?" he frowned slightly as we walked outside after I waved to Carlisle quickly as he was making his rounds.

"He didn't have to…I figured it out. I know what it's like let's just say…" I giggled. "Well, it was nice to meet you. I hope to see you all again sometime!" I left, leaving him pondering my response.

"I'll come visit you one day Natalia…I know where you live remember?" Jacob laughed as I got in my car.

"I'd love for you to." I waved as began on my way back home, pretty content. I sighed in relief when I pulled in the driveway and saw that neither Jasper nor Edward's cars were there. I quickly got out and ran into the house, getting odd looks from Esme and Alice who were sitting in the living room.

"What's the rush sweetie?"

"It's a long story…but, I need to take a shower." I laughed.

"Okay then." She sighed "Alice and I left you an early birthday gift to change into when you're done."

"Aw, thanks you guys! I'm sure it'll be amazing! I'll be back…" I continued up the stairs until I was in my room. I took an extremely fast shower, but made sure that I didn't have any smell on me that would freak my brother of Jasper out. I didn't need any of that on my birthday. When I was good enough, I walked into my closet and smiled at the outfit that was hanging there. I slipped on the undergarments no doubt Alice had picked out and slipped the black skirt next. I was about to reach for the purple silk shirt when I heard my door bust open and someone rush in. I didn't have time to process it all before I realized I was on the floor in my closet, a pair of arms tightly holding me against them. I looked up and met Jasper's gaze. I went to open my mouth to say something but he covered it with his hand.

"Shh, don't say anything…" he said and it looked like his eyes were scanning the room for something. I for a brief moment thought that this was another one of Jasper's games. He liked to mess with my head sometimes. Like, telling me he heard a noise when there was nothing at all or saying he saw something move in the corner just so I could get closer to him. But, when I heard the growl come from his chest, I knew this was no game.

"I think someone's been in your room…someone who shouldn't have been." He whispered, his lips moving against the side of my head.

"Who?" I said, my voice I'm sure shaking by now. Not only because I was scared somewhat but also because he had me pressed against him and I wasn't wearing very much clothing. He kept looking into my room, pulling me closer to him until it was at the point where he was hurting me.

"Jasper, I can't breathe." I choked out against him but he didn't move. Then I heard more people entering the room, talking loudly.

"Where!" I could hear Edward yell and I saw him and Emmett in my room now, the same looks on their faces. What in the world was going on? What were they looking for?

"I don't see anything…are you sure Edward?" Emmett's big voice filled the room now too.

"Can't you smell it?" he hissed. Oh, no…this is exactly what I didn't want to happen! But, the scent was still lingering in my room I suppose. OH! I was so stupid, my clothes from earlier were still in the bathroom…that's where the smell was coming from. It smelt like one of them…the people that my brother referred to as 'dogs.'

"Jasper, get off of me…this is one big mistake." I mumbled, pushing him away from me slightly. His tight grip loosened on me as he stood both of us up right. I walked out of the closet and both Emmett and Edward's heads snapped towards me, both of them holding a puzzled look on their faces.

"Natalia, what were you doing in the closet…" he stopped when Jasper joined me "with him??" he looked bewildered. I then remembered that I wasn't wearing a shirt or anything. I blushed deeply and grabbed the shirt from off the hanger and put it on quickly.

"I didn't really have a choice…you all sort of just barged in here." I sighed.

"I thought there was someone in here…I was just trying to protect you." Jasper explained, taking my hand.

"By throwing me in the corner of my closets and cutting off my air supply? I think you overreached just a little bit." I frowned "And you too Edward…you need to stop freaking out every time me and Jasper are together…we weren't doing anything anyways."

"Why do your clothes smell Natalia?" Edward asked me, totally disregarding what I had just said.

"I just helped these two guys today. I gave them a ride to the hospital…and I got to talking with one of them. It was nothing really." I shrugged, trying to play it cool but, that was sort of impossible in a room full of vampires. I foolishly thought back to Jacob and how he helped me understand more about imprinting.

"You talked to that boy about imprinting? That's what this is all about! You're convinced he is that thing you saw in the clearing that day don't you?" Edward's voice was cold.

"I'm not convinced…I know it was him. He wouldn't lie to me…stop talking to me like I'm stupid Edward. I don't know why you both are getting so upset about all this." I looked at the two of them. Emmett had wisely chosen to not say anything, just stepped back and watched. Alice chose the perfect moment to walk in.

"Come on you fools…stop giving her such a hard time. It's her birthday…she was just getting information she deserved. She's an intelligent girl." She smirked, wrapping an arm around my shoulders and walking with me downstairs.

"Thanks Alice."

"No problem…you look amazing by the way." She winked. Well, obviously…she and Esme had impeccable taste. After a few moments, Emmett, Jasper and Edward all made their way downstairs.

"Are you three going to behave yourselves now?" Esme frowned. Even though she wasn't Jasper's or Emmett's mother, she still acted in that motherly way towards them.

"Don't bring me into this, I didn't say anything…" Emmett laughed and went to go join Rosalie.

"Well Natalia…I think it's about time you got your birthday cake." Esme smiled as Alice brought out this big cake and set it on one of the tables. I just stared at it. It was pretty big. Considering, I was the only one who was going to actually eat it.

"Why such a big cake?"

"Well, that way you can enjoy it for a week…here, you get the first and only slice." Alice beamed, cutting me this huge piece and handing it to me. It was the most delicious cake I had ever tasted, with raspberry filling on the inside.

"Oh my god you guys…this is so good." I moaned slightly, which caused a huge laugh to come out of Emmett's mouth.

"What's so funny?" I frowned.

"Nothing love, just enjoy your cake." Jasper patted my hand, shaking his head at Emmett when he thought I wasn't looking. Obviously I had missed something. We were all having pleasant conversation with one another when the doorbell rang.

"I'll get it." Carlisle stood and walked over to open the door. "Oh, hello there may I help you? Yes, yes she lives here…oh really? Well come on in son. I'm Carlisle by the way…It's very nice to meet you." I turned my head towards the door and I felt Jasper instantly tense beside me as we both saw Jacob walk inside my house. A house full of vampires and one human.

"You didn't tell me it was your birthday, I would've brought you a gift." He stood in the living room as both Jasper and Edward glared at him.

"Hey Jacob, what are you doing here?" I stood and walked over to him.

"I told you I'd come visit you one day…I just didn't know you were having a party."

"Oh no, no by all means…you can help me eat this huge cake Esme made me…it's so delicious!" I beamed.

"Good thing I eat a lot…oh here Natalia…" he leaned towards me a little and placed his thumb on the corner of my lip and moved something off of it. "You had a little bit of frosting on your face." he winked and I rolled my eyes as he ate it off his finger. "it's quite tasty."

And that was it…next thing I knew, Jasper was there, standing between me and Jacob.

"I think you should keep your hands to yourself." He said harshly.

"I take it you're Jasper…" Jacob smirked. "Otherwise you wouldn't be acting all paranoid…you need to calm down man, it's not like I was going to take her away from you. We're friends now…friends can be flirty with one another can't they?"

"She's mine…" he snipped at him. "not yours." The two of them glared at one another.

"Yea not like you gave her a say in that choice." Jacob got back in his face. I didn't understand what Jacob was trying to do here. I mean, I had barely met him a few hours ago and now here he was, pretty much defending me to the one person who loved me more than his own existence. Is this how he treated all of his friends?

"Okay, you two…" I stepped in between the two of them…it was sort of intimidating to be between these two very tall guys. "Jasper, that was uncalled for. You didn't need to react like that…and Jacob, I appreciate you defending me but, Jasper is just very protective of me…I think you two just need to calm down." If anything, my statement made them even more upset with one another. Well, Jasper was the one who was more upset.

"I'm sorry doll, I didn't mean to make you upset. I'll be on better behavior from now on when I'm around you." Jacob apologized and moved a piece of my hair behind my ear.

And that…that's when Jasper lost it. With one swift movement, Jacob was on the floor, with Jasper hovering over him, his hand around his neck.

"Don't you ever come near her again you understand…" he growled at him.

"Jasper, what are you doing…" I choked out, trying to approach them but I felt someone hold me back…it was Edward.

"Don't Natalia…you could get hurt. Besides, now you can truly see what monsters we can truly be." He said and I could hear Bella smirk from the back of us. She wasn't very pleased with his statement.

"Shut up Edward…none of you are monsters…make him stop before he kills him…he has done nothing wrong…" I stared at all the people around me. They weren't making any attempts to stop Jasper. Maybe they were afraid he would attack them back? Was this just normal for them?

"Oh for God sakes Jasper, let the dog go before Natalia has a heart attack…I don't think she'd appreciate it if you killed her new friend." Bella finally spoke up, getting her brothers attention. His eyes snapped back at us and he let go of Jacob and Carlisle rushed to him, making sure he was alright.

"Let her go Edward." Jasper's voice was low and demanding. I suddenly didn't want my brother to let me go. I was beyond shocked when he let me go and Jasper grabbed my hand, bringing me towards him.

"Why…"he looked into my eyes "why would you mess with my emotions like this Natalia?"

"What are you talking about?" I could feel my body starting to shake somewhat out of fear.

"You think that just because I will never love anyone but you gives you the right to just use me like that? You think that just because my heart doesn't beat, it doesn't feel pain when I see you acting like that with another person? If you expect me to compete for you, especially with someone like him, know that I would kill him before I ever let you go…you belong with me." He hissed at me and I was stunned. With my eyes still locked on his, I raised his hand that was still holding mine and placed it against my chest.

"You feel that Jasper? You feel how my heart beats…no one else makes it feel that way. It belongs to you Jasper…not to anyone else…I cannot believe you would actually threaten Jacob like that. He respects the fact that you have imprinted on me and that I love you…and no one else. I just met him for god sakes…I don't know why you are acting like such a jerk." My voice cracked as I dropped his hand out of mine.

"Oh God, I'm so stupid! Natalia please…." He began a few moments later but I stopped him.

"I think you should leave…I don't really want to see you right now." I said, my voice so strained because I didn't want the tears to come out just yet. I turned towards everyone else who was just watching me.

"I'm sorry you guys…but I can't be down here anymore. Thank you though…all of you." I smiled weakly before I made my way up the stairs, and into the bedroom. I could hear Edward mumbling something to Jasper, to which Bella came to Jasper's defense. I could hear Esme helping Jacob up and apologizing profusely for what happened. He just sighed and said it was okay and that he would come check on me when there wasn't so many crazy vampires around. Rosalie and Emmett were talking amongst themselves and Alice and Carlisle were just silent, taking in everything.

As soon as my head hit the pillow…the tears flowed out…I couldn't stop them and the wracking sobs that attacked my body. I knew they could all hear me and I didn't really care.

I never thought that Jasper would be so jealous…so dominant over me.

Is this how he was going to treat any other person who came into my life?

I knew there was no way that I could love another person other than Jasper but, was that enough for him? What more did he want from me? I had even promised him I'd marry him one day. I stared at the promise ring on my hand and I know it was immature of me but I took it off and threw it at my window, hearing it clink loudly against the glass.

I had every right to be upset right now…I felt like he didn't trust me or something. He had actually accused me of messing with his emotions…using him like he didn't even matter. When in fact, he was the only one for me…

I don't know how long I had been crying before I finally cried myself to sleep, tears spilling over onto my pillows…my voice hoarse from sobbing for so long.

One thing was certain: I needed Jasper so desperately at the moment. But, at the same time, I didn't even want to see his face. He had caused me severe pain, pain I never thought I'd be experiencing. Pain caused by the one person I thought could never hurt me….

*Oh, DRAMA!!! If you leave me a good review, I'll give you a heads up of what'll happen in the next chapter…lol..*