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Play list suggestions: Old Enough by Nickleback; Leaving on a Jet Plane by John Denver; Say Okay by Vaness Hudgens; Violin Concerto 3 by Motzart; Green Eyes by Coldplay; All I want by Staind
Chapter 16: First impressions are the worst
When I woke up this morning, Alice's leg was curled around mine. Her hand was on my stomach and her head on my chest. I knew I wanted to get out of there before her parents came over, but I couldn't leave. When I first got up she rolled over and whimpered reaching out to where I was. I leaned down to kiss her gently, telling her I would be right back.
I quickly brushed my teeth, laughing to myself at the fact that she had insisted I keep my bathroom supplies here as well. I went back to her bed to wake her and let her know I was leaving. The minute I kissed her she wrapped her arms around my shoulders and plans changed.
We went from innocent kissing to practically dry humping like fucking teenagers. I'm not complaining though, I get to fucking touch her and listen to her moan when I nip at her skin or trace my tongue down her abdomen and that's enough for me. Well, enough for my ego at least.
Ed is a different story. Of course I should have known the fucker was up already. He stood in the foyer glaring at me as I grabbed my keys off the hook. I briefly remembered Alice asking me to bring Bella to the park with me.
"So I'll bring Bells and we'll see you there?" I asked double checking the plan.
He nodded, looking at me over the rim of his coffee cup. "That is Alice's plan isn't it?" Something about the way he said it made the hair on the back of my neck stand on end and my fist clench.
"Sure is, just wanted to make sure you didn't waste your time getting Bells when she already has a way there." I retorted as I walked out the door.
"Sure is mighty kind of you," I heard him sneer as I shut the door. Once I heard the dead bolt lock, I spun around and flipped him off, praying the prick was watching me through the damned people hole.
Jesus, I hope she gets her personality from her parents and Ed's fucking adopted. I thought as I headed to my car.
----
"Bells!" I yelled from my closet, "Where's my hat?!" I could hear someone walking into the room, but my head was buried in the back of the closet looking for my baseball cap.
"Why would I know?" She asked. I looked back at her and laughed.
"Seriously Bells, you don't even play. Why are you wearing a Cubs jersey?" I asked in between my fits of laughter. She rolled her eyes and leaned against the door frame.
"One, I want to try playing today. And two, I like the Cubs." She pouted slightly. I looked her over again and noticed the jersey was a bit bigger then she is. My eyes narrowed at her, just as hers got wide.
"Is that…?" I started to ask. She made a squeaking noise before turning around to run away. That's when I had my confirmation. The back of the damned jersey said 'Cullen'.
"Traitor!" I hollered after her. I could care less if she was wearing the pricks shit. She had already told me that she was going to marry him. But come on! She's team Whitlock-Hale for crying out loud!
Finally I found my hat, slipped it on and headed down stairs. Everyone was already in the Jeep waiting for me. As I jogged towards them, I stopped mid stride and looked up at my sister with my eyes wide, the thought occurred to me;
Holy shit I'm about to meet Alice's parents…
Emmett stood up to look at me over the roll cage of his wrangler.
"Jazz, you coming man or what?" He shouted at me. Rose tilted her head at me and raised an eyebrow. Slowly, I started walking towards them, feeling as if my feet weighed a ton each.
What if her parents hate me?
"Jazz they'll love you. They'll see how much you love their daughter and how much she loves you. Don't worry too much about it." Rose said as I climbed in behind her.
Shit, did I ask that out loud?
"I can't be sure, but I'm fairly certain Ed hates me." I reminded her. I heard Bella groan besides me.
"Whatever you do J.T. Do not do anything to embarrass Alice or myself. I will handle Edward."
------
We reached the park and I was glad to see God had let the sun out to play today; otherwise Alice's family barbeque idea would be an utter mess. As soon as Emmett parked, Bella jumped out and ran to Ed, stumbling a bit but laughing when he caught her from making out with the grass. I was getting ready to help Emmett grab the baseball equipment from the back before he slapped me away.
"You have to go meet the folks. It's the job of every boyfriend to do introductions first bro," he shook his head at like I was supposed to know this shit. "Oh! And whatever you do, don't tell her dad you can milk anything thing with tits." He added, chuckling as he went to join the others.
Again, I was getting hit with nerves. When I met Maria's parent's that was no big deal. Shit, our mom's were both a part of 'Fort Stockton's Daughter's of the Civil War'. But now I was meeting Alice's parents and only God knows what shit Ed had told them about me.
I shoved my hands in my pocket. It's now or never Whitlock, I told myself as I walked towards everyone. I looked up just in time to see a flurry of black come flying at me.
As soon as I registered that it was in fact Alice, burling at me like a freight train, she had knocked me into the side of a white Sorrento.
I chuckled as I wrapped my arms around her, "Did you miss me?" I teased. She nodded before placing a kiss on my cheek. She pulled back to smile at me.
"Are you ready to meet mom and dad?" She asked. Her green eyes were alive with excitement, making me transfixed as I noticed hints of gold sparkle in them.
She started to walk away, tugging on my hand to make me follow. Those damn eyes had me stumped. I've seen them before, but I couldn't place it and I know it was before Alice.
We walked hand in hand to the barbeque area where I could see two people who were obviously her parents. As we got closer, the woman whom I assumed was Alice's mother, smiled brightly and touched the man's arm next to her.
Her mother, like Alice, was simply beautiful. She had the same reddish hair as Ed, thus squashing my hopes that he was adopted. She also had a warm smile and big bright eyes like my Alice.
Alice's father was completely different. He was a taller man with short wavy blonde hair.
His eyes seemed to sparkle with a mischief that could rival Emmett and were a piercing blue.
Huh, I never knew Ali's dad was like me and Rose.
"Princess, you've been picking up strays again?" her father grinned and winked at her. I tilted my head in her direction.
Sure, he can call her princess.
Her mother smacked him on the arm, while giving him a playful glare. "Hello, we're Mary's… I mean Alice's parents. This is my husband, Carlisle, and I'm Esme." Both she and Carlisle held their hands.
I removed the cap from my head, "I'm Jasper, nice to meet you both." I shook Carlisle hand first, not too surprised by his grip and then did the same with Esme's. "Ma'am" I added tilting my head some. I could hear Rose and Bella snickering at me.
Well excuse me for not wanting to have momma ream me about improper manners.
Lucky the Cullen's didn't seem to pick on me for the way I greeted them.
Esme looked over at Alice, "Well," she glanced at me while smiling, "now that we've met your boyfriend, can I call you Mary again?" I watched in amusement as Alice's eyes got wide and she looked as if she was trying not to say something to her.
"Well," Carlisle started, "you want to help my little girl get the stuff out of the car?" He asked looking at me as he pointed at the white Sorrento she had just tackled me against.
"Of course sir," I nodded, grabbing Alice's hand. Her mother didn't miss this and smiled wider at us. Half way to the car Alice stopped me.
I looked at her to see her chewing her lip. Why was she nervous? "Thanks," she finally said, pulling me down some so she could kiss my cheek. "Sorry about them. They still think I'm sixteen." She shook her head.
I pulled her in front of me and wrapped my arms around her walking her to the car.
"Don't worry about it baby, you want embarrassing, wait until you meet my momma." I joked. I heard her giggle, telling me that she had relaxed.
It took about three trips to get everything out. Alice was trying to help, but I wouldn't let her carry half of the things she wanted to carry. By the time we brought the last cooler over, we were just in time to see Emmett trying not to make a fool of himself.
"Jazz, you forgot the lighter fluid." He chided as he sorted out the charcoal. I rolled my eyes at him as I helped Esme pull out the various foods to be cooked.
"Did you read the bag of charcoal before you placed it in, you baboon?" Rose asked, causing Carlisle and Ed to chuckle.
"Why? I know how to start a fire" Emmett looked at her clearly confused.
"Tent fires don't count," Bella added, snorting with laughter. Ah, yes the infamous camp out of two thousand and seven, when Emmett set his tent too close to the fire pit.
"Damn, Bells, I was drunk…not my fault the fire spit at me," he said defensively.
"Em," Alice tried to talk between giggles. At this point everyone was laughing at Emmett and his confused expression. "They are pre-treated charcoal pieces, just add fire."
His face flashed from embarrassment to amusement, causing mostly everyone to clutch their stomachs from laughing. "I knew that. I was just testing the blond over there." He said pointing the barbeque tongs at me.
"Riiiight." Alice, Rose and Bella all said in unison. I just shook my head at him, wondering who the hell agreed to let him cook.
Once the food was finally cooked, of course with the help of Carlisle who stepped in to prevent Emmett from getting third degree burns, we all sat down at the picnic table to eat and talk.
It was rather relaxing to be here with everyone. I looked around to see Carlisle, Ed and Rose in a discussion about cars, whereas Bella, Esme and Alice were talking about photography. I gently rubbed circles onto Alice's back, causing her to smile up at me. She looked so happy to be here with everyone, and I was just glad to be a part of it.
"So when are we gonna get to running bases?" Emmett asked me from across the table.
I shrugged, pulling my hand off Alice in time to see Ed's glare lock on me. "I reckon we could throw the ball some and if ya'll want a straight game we could do that." Carlisle turned his head in my direction.
"You play baseball son?" I nodded.
"It's been a while since we've played."
"Daddy," Alice started. I smiled and saw Ed smirk at her. "Jasper was scouted by The Astros when he was in high school. Isn't that cool?" She looked up at me, her face showing nothing more than adoration. I smiled down at her, feeling my neck heat up.
"Aww, little Jazzy wazzy is blushing like Bells does." Emmett teased, managing to dodge away from the flying potato salad that was aimed by Bella.
"Well, what happened son?" Carlisle asked with genuine interest. My eyes snapped at Rose's direction as she looked down at her hands. She still blamed herself for that shit.
"Well, sir…" I sat up a little straighter. How was I going to explain this in a way that wouldn't make them think I was a dangerous person? I felt Alice grab my hand a squeeze it, reassuring me, helping me to relax. "Honestly, I was a dumb kid that made a very unwise decision."
He nodded, "Well, we've all been there before, haven't we?" He chuckled but it didn't escape my notice that he gave a look to Ed.
"Well, it was for the sake of his family and I think that's very noble." Alice added, as she rubbed my arm with her free hand. I saw Ed roll his eye at her remark.
Christ fucker, chillax while you're at a family event, fuck.
Both Carlisle and Esme smiled at me. "Indeed," Carlisle seemed to agree as he nodded a little. I could see Ed scowling out of the corner of my eye, no doubt muttering about me, judging by the scathing look Bella just gave him.
"Well," Emmett said, smacking his stomach to emphasize that he was stuffed, "I say we work off this food so we can come back and eat some more!" The girls started laughing, as Carlisle looked him over. I bet he was checking to see if Emmett had a hallow leg or something.
----
We decided Rose, Carlisle and I would be on one team, and the other team would be Ed, Emmett and Esme. I was genuinely surprised when Esme jumped at the chance to play. I'm not saying that she seemed like she was above it or anything, I was just figured Alice got her distaste for sports from her.
Well, remember what assumptions lead you to. I thought to myself as I warmed up my swing with the bat.
Ed was going to pitch and since we were way short on players, a few local kids came to help out. Esme was helping Ed warm up, and I stood off to the side.
"Hey Jazz, show Alice your bat skills!" My sister yelled from the other side as she was talking with Carlisle about the line-up. I smirked over at Alice who was sitting on the grass with Bella. Both girls looked at me expectantly, waiting for me to put on my show. I shook my head, but began to flip the bat around, end over end, side to side. I did that a few times, swinging the bat faster and watching as Alice covered her mouth as her eyes got wider, causing Bella to fall over laughing.
Wonder why she looks so frightened?
"Batter up!" I heard Esme call. Carlisle was first to bat, and I had to keep from laughing as he pointed to the outfield like he was Babe Ruth.
"I'll be easy on you. I know you're getting on in years, old man." Ed said from the plate, smirking at his dad. Carlisle chuckled, as he took a practice swing.
"Bring it little boy," he teased back. Ed lined up for the pitch, straight down the center. Even I was impressed with his skill.
Crack!
Carlisle's bat made contact with the ball sending one of the local kids to hightail after it. I laughed as Alice and Bella jumped up and down, yelling at Carlisle to slide home. I knew it wasn't possible but I wasn't going to spoil anyone's fun. Apparently Carlisle knew it too as he held onto position on the third base.
"You're up Jazz" Rose told me. I nodded as I walked to home plate. I picked up Carlisle's bat to put it aside, I saw Alice get onto her knees and slowly begin to remove her jacket. I smirked at her as she winked placing it in her lap. Jesus Christ, her tank top was made of barely there fabric and lace.
Just a few more days Jazz. You can do this. She wants to wait. You can do this. I reminded myself.
"Jesus Christ Mary Alice, stop acting like a slut and put your damned clothes back on!" Ed snapped at her. I dropped the bat some.
He did not just say that in front of his parents did he?
"Edward Anthony," I heard Carlisle scold, and I saw Esme's eyes go wide at Ed's remark.
Yep, he did fucking say that in front of his parents.
I looked back over at Alice, who was putting her coat back on. Bella was trying to calm her down as the tears started to form.
Fucking pencil dick bastard!
Seriously, it wasn't like Alice wasn't old enough to make her own choices. I smirked, suddenly getting a song stuck in my head. I decided to sing it out loud. I promised Bella I'd be good and singing never hurt anyone.
"She's old enough.
She knows enough.
She's throwin' up so throw her out to me.
And I'll treat her like she was mine.
Not my belief, you got your way and I'll get mine."
So apparently I was wrong about singing, because the next thing I knew I was being shoved hard into my stomach as my back collided with the earth. I looked up to see a very pissed of Ed in my face.
"What the hell asshole?" I spat at him. His left hand grabbed the collar of my shirt as his right fist made contact with my mouth.
I was able to spit the blood out of my mouth as he pulled his fist back, preparing to hit me again.
"You just want her for the sex!" He growled as his fist made contact with the side of my jaw.
"Fuck you," I spat, managing to knock him back. It was my turn to lay a few good punches on him. I had managed to get him in face, pissed that I didn't break his fucking nose again.
I could hear the others yelling at us to stop, but I was lost in the noise as one by one our fists collided with each other's face. Somehow he had me pinned down again.
Fucking resilient fucker.
He got down into my face, "You're worse than James. You know why? Because she almost fucking died because of you," he said before his fist connected with my mouth again.
His words stung worse than the fact that he'd knocked his knuckle against my teeth. I just stared up at him, his green eyes wild and full of hate. I dropped my hands to my sides, giving up.
Right at that moment, Carlisle managed to catch Ed's arm and keep him from swinging again, as he pulled him off me. Emmett reached his hand out to help me up but I just waved him off, pulling myself up to sit.
"Emmett, could you come here son?" Carlisle called over, still visibly holding Ed back.
"Jasper, are you okay?" I looked to the left and saw Bella looking down at me. I tried to smile but it fucking hurt. I went to say something but the blood was pooling in my mouth.
Keeping eye contact with Bells, I pointed to my mouth and then motioned for her to move. She understood and got out of the way so I could spit the blood out.
I felt something cool against my jaw, as someone placed their hand on my shoulder.
Instantly my body relaxed to their touch. I looked to my right, where my beautiful, caring, loving and naïve Alice looked at me. Her beautiful eyes dancing across my face, no doubt assessing the damage, were wide with worry.
"Dad, come here please," she called out not even taking her eyes off of me. I moved my head to spit again. I traced my tongue along my teeth, pleased I didn't find any damage and decided to try my lip. The instant the tip of my tongue touched the inside of my lip I knew that was a bad idea.
Before I knew it Carlisle was looking me over. That's right…Alice said he was a medic in the Navy.
"Well," Carlisle sighed, "It looks like the only damage is going to be bruising on the jaw, a swollen lip and of course the gash on it as well."
"Do you want to fuck up his chance to get Jordan, Edward?! Is this your idea of playing alpha dog?" I could hear Bella yell at Ed from across the field. I glanced over at Alice and watched as the worry crossed her face. Carlisle raised an eyebrow, leading me to believe that they didn't know I have a daughter, but didn't say anything.
"Just, take some Motrin for the pain, and take it easy." Carlisle resumed his doctor speech. "I'm sorry son, but it's going to be sore for a while. So eating is going to be difficult." I nodded as Esme came over, a sad smile on her lips. She handed Alice some napkins. I watched as Alice opened the water bottle and poured water on it.
She started to dab it gently on my mouth but I pulled away. Yeah, that fucking hurt but I had to apologize. I just fucked up their family picnic and Esme's birthday.
"Uh, Mrs. Cullen, I'm really sorry I didn't me-" Esme held her hand up, cutting me off.
"This isn't your fault. I thought I raised my son better than this." She smiled sadly.
"But ma'am, this wouldn't have happened if I didn't get so arrogant. I believe we're both to blame and I'm very sorry I behaved this way." Sure the prick was off base to fucking attack me, but I didn't have to goad him on like I did.
She bit her lip, a lot like Alice does when she's trying to fight back a smile, "I don't blame you, but thank you for the apology." I nodded and turned to face Carlisle, to apologize for my behavior and thank him for his help. He was already on his feet.
"Mary Alice, can I speak to you for a minute?" He asked, looking directly at her. I took the wet napkins from her and watched as she nodded and joined him.
I wondered what he was saying. No doubt telling her how much of a fucking low life I was and that she needed ditch the 'deadbeat dad', that I am, as soon as possible.
"Are you alright?" Esme asked, bringing me out of my thoughts. I tried to smile but wound up laughing at the pain.
"No," I answered honestly. She smiled slightly at my response, before kneeling besides me.
"You know, if it was about you, my husband would tell you directly." She said, I looked up at her and saw the honesty in her eyes. I just nodded. She didn't remove her gaze from mine as she asked the next question. It should have knocked the wind out of me.
"Do you love my daughter?" Well, fuck, I can't lie to her. It would be like lying to my own mother.
Odd, you've only know her a few hours and you feel like she's your mom.
"More than anyone could imagine," I told her honestly. "I just wish I wasn't such a chicken shit to tell her." I added and then blanched at my words. "Erm, I mean too scared to tell her." I can't believe I just swore at Alice's mom.
Dumb fuck!
Esme looked back over at Alice and Carlisle, "Well, she is quite the little beauty isn't she?" She looked back at me nodding. "You're a good man. As long you treat her right, you're okay in my book."
"Yes ma'am," I said simply. Well, fuck, I guess Mrs. Cullen approves.
She leaned closer to me and whispered, "Just so you know, I want grandbabies." I turned my head to see her grin, as she chuckled. I felt my cheeks grow warm.
"Well, I would love to promise that, but I think I need to discuss it with Alice first. I'm sure my daughter Jordan would love you as a grandma." I offered.
"At least that's one," she grinned. "You do realize it's only proper that I meet your mother sometime?"
I nodded, "Yes ma'am. If you don't mind though, I would like momma to meet Alice first." I had to resist the urge to bit my lip.
She waved her hand chucking, "Yes, fine, if she must." She winked at me as she turned to see Alice and Carlisle coming back over.
I pulled myself up to my feet, and offered my hand to Esme, helping her up as well. I held my hand out to Carlisle and was relieved when he took it.
"Thank you again for helping me with the jaw and such." I said. He smiled warmly at me.
"No problem. I hope you don't think less of us because of our son. He can be a bit …" he stopped as he thought of a word to use, "brash." I smiled in return. He looked from me to Alice and back. "Now if you don't need anything else, I have to attend to my son."
He hugged Alice's shoulder, "I'm sure my little princess here, can tend to your wounds." I saw Alice blush a little.
Carlisle nodded and took Esme's hand as they walked towards Ed and Bella. Rose and Emmett started to head our way.
I looked down at Alice and smiled. She looked up at me, "Would a kiss make it better?" I nodded, like I was gonna pass up on a kiss.
----
Once Carlisle had looked over Ed's battle scars, Alice and I tried to help with clean up. Her mother wasn't having any of it. She told Alice to get me home so I could take some pain medication and get some rest. I was grateful I didn't have to spend too much longer with Ed, and pleasantly surprised that Alice was coming back to my place with us.
Once Emmett dropped us off, Alice insisted I go up stairs to take a shower and get ready for bed. When I tried to protest against it, she simply declared "doctor's orders," so I did what she said.
I was lying on my bed with my laptop, getting some last minute songs added to my iPod as she came in with a bowl of something steaming.
"Baby, I'm still pretty stuffed from the barbeque." I informed her smiling. She smiled as she put the bowl of liquid on the table beside the bed. She took my laptop off my lap and placed it on the chair.
"Yes, but you shouldn't take pain medication without food. Now hold out your hand." I did as she asked. She placed two tablets in my hand. "For the pain," she said simply.
"Baby, it doesn't hurt that much anymore. I'm okay." I protested. She placed her hands on her hips, while raising an eyebrow at me.
Well, apparently I wasn't going to win this one. I popped the pills in and dry swallowed them. She smiled and handed me the bowl.
"It's chicken broth. I figured it would be easier then chicken noodle soup." She shrugged.
"Good thinkin' Lincoln." I teased as I sipped on the broth. She laughed and shook her head. I watched her as she moved around my room, changing into her new favorite night shirt. I'll be honest; there was something about seeing her wear my old baseball jersey that was very sexy.
Once she was dressed and ready for bed, she went to my DVD cabinet and pulled out a movie. She popped it in and grabbed the remote.
"What are we watching?" I asked her. She stretched before climbing in.
"The Notebook," she said almost in a bored tone. I smiled at her as I threw the covers off. "Where you going?" She asked.
"I'll be right back, go ahead and start without me." I kissed her forehead as I headed to the bathroom.
Once I was in there I grabbed a bag out of the cabinet and began the process of taking my contacts out. I was grateful that I had the extended wear contacts, but I could feel the pain killers making me woozy and decided to give my eyes a rest. I slipped the black rectangle framed glasses on my face and flipped the light switch.
"Hey babe, what in the hell did you give me?" I asked as I crawled into bed. She was sitting up against the headrest staring at me. I smiled at her; it amazed me how comfortable we were with each other like this.
"Vicodin." She smiled, "you look really cute." I laughed, lying on the bed so my head was in her lap. She began to run her fingers through my hair.
"I'm a giant geek, watch out or I'll be forcing to go to Comic-con conventions and play D & D."
She shrugged, "Only if you want the other uber geeky guys to check out my ass in my Sailor Moon costume." I scowled at her as she said that. She leaned down to kiss my nose. "On you, geeky is sexy." I wrinkled my nose at her.
"Yeah, well the only geek that gets to see you in a Sailor Moon costume is me. And this geek doesn't mix well with Vicodin. It makes me…" I yawned causing her to laugh, "Tired." I finished lamely. She smiled and nodded at me. "So incase I pass out before then, good night Ali."
I love you.
"Night sexy."
---
I still couldn't believe how I acted yesterday. What a great first impression on the parents I made. Granted Ed did throw the first punch, but fuck, it was uncalled for. I didn't have to fight back.
I wouldn't be surprised if Alice was mad at me. I looked to my right, where she was standing as she looked at the vendor's display cart. I watched as she started to giggle, her ears turning red.
I cocked an eyebrow up, knowing full well that Alice just had a dirty thought. I grabbed her hand, tugging on it some. She giggled more as hid her face in my chest.
"What's so funny?" I whispered to her.
"Number thirty-six" she giggled. I leaned forward, scanning the decal display for the number when I found what made her react the way she did.
Number thirty-six was a decal that read, "Save a horse, ride a cowboy", which circled around a cowboy hat. I snickered and asked the man how much that decal was. I felt Alice bite my chest through my shirt, obviously trying to dissuade me from buying the decal. I couldn't help it though.
After my purchase, I slipped it into the bag with the other things we had bought, and slid my hand back into Alice's. She smiled up at me as we continued to walk and browse around the mall. It was strange, in the five years that I've worked in this very mall, I never really knew what was in here.
Just as I looked at my watch to see the time, I heard Alice's stomach growl. I chuckled as I pulled her towards a Cinnabon Store. I loved this place; warm, fresh cinnamon rolls and enough sugar to give you a rush for hours. Lord knows I needed it. For some God awful reason I was taking the red eye to Texas tonight.
"Can we get coffee too?" Alice asked shyly from behind me, as she wrapped her arms around my stomach. I felt her lean her head on my back.
That's why I'm taking the red eye, I reminded myself. I wanted to spend as much time as possible with Alice.
"Of course baby, if that's what you want." I answered her as we walked up to the counter.
I ordered us one Pecan bun, figuring we could split it. As I walked her to the table I gave her a quick kiss, telling her I would be right back. She gave me an odd look but nodded as she split the bun in half.
I ran next door to Starbucks, making sure to get her the triple shot mocha I knew she loved, and my triple shoot white mocha. As I carried the drink back to Alice, I laughed at the fact that we both liked damn near the same things.
I honestly don't know if Alice had intended to torture me while eating her half of the bun, but every time she would suck the sticky caramel off her fingers, it was the cruelest form of torture.
Once we had both finished the sticky goodness and cleaned up, we decided to look for something we could give to Jordan from the both of us.
"Oh! I know build-a-bear!" Alice said excitedly as she pulled me in the direction of the store. I knew the concept behind it but was blown away when we walked in. The store was huge, with a wide variety of stuffed animals and accessories to choose from. Alice and I agreed to make Jordan a little cowgirl bear.
I had to hold back a laugh when Alice insisted on getting the bear Hello Kitty panties. As we were looking at the hats, I found a Texas A & M hat that looked a lot like my old one. I pulled it off the shelf, looking at it.
"You really shouldn't hide" I remembered her saying it, but who was she?
"Huh," I said softly. Alice turned to look at me then looked at the hat.
"That's a big college in Texas." She informed me, giving me a look that questioned my sanity. I laughed lightly, shaking my head.
"No, I know that. I have… erm… had a hat just like it."
She shrugged, "I think a lot of people do." I nodded. I didn't know if I could explain to her what was going on, because I didn't even know. But there was something from my past that was tied to this hat.
"I'm going to look for some boots okay?" She asked. I smiled and nodded at her.
She came back a few minutes later smiling wide, obviously finding what she was looking for. When we went to the register to pay, she started to get stubborn with me.
"Baby, it's my daughter let me pay." I said, starting to feel frustrated. She sighed and gave me a puppy dog face before throwing in the towel. Damn woman drives me crazy some times.
I looked at my watch again, it was almost nine and I knew the stores were closing but I wanted to hit one more store on the way out. I took the box that Jordan's bear was in from Alice, and replaced it with my hand. She started to head in the direction the car was in.
"No baby, one more store then we'll head back to the house." I pulled her towards The Pet Palace. I thought it was odd that they had put a pet adoption center in the mall, but now, as I took Alice towards it and watched her eyes lit up, I understood.
The closer we got to the adoption center the more we could hear dogs barking.
Alice squealed, "Puppies! Can we go into the pet store? I love looking at puppies." She turned her big eyes to mine, her smile wide across her face as she held my hand in both of hers. I nodded at her and smiled. If it were possible, she got even more excited.
When we went inside, Alice immediately went to the area where the Corgi puppies were. I watched her as she reached down to pet them all, laughing as they licked her hand. I put down our bags and wrapped my arms around her.
"Would you like one?" I whispered in her ear. She turned slightly to look at me and her eyes got wide.
"I would love one, but Double D would shit a brick."
"Well… the puppy would be welcomed at my house. Besides, I asked if you wanted it. Not Ed."
She smiled and blushed, "Would you be my puppy's daddy?" I smiled and kissed her cheek.
"I would love to be," I watched as she bit her lip, obviously trying to fight back the grin she was having.
"Okay," she turned back to the puppies, just as a brown and white one stood on its hind legs and started to lick her hand. "I like this one"
I let go of Alice to pick up the puppy. I looked it in the eyes. "Hello little one, do you want Alice to be your mommy?" I asked it. Sure it was a silly thing to do, but the puppy yelped happily and licked my face, causing Alice to giggle.
"Aww, look her little stubby tail is going crazy! She's so cute!" Alice said excitedly. I handed her the puppy.
"We need to think of a name you know," I informed her as I picked our stuff up. Alice nodded as she cooed at the puppy.
We walked to the counter where the clerk was smiling. As she got a 'new puppy care package together', she explained that they often give out a 'Certificates of Adoption' for the puppies.
"It was an idea the owner's may or may have not stolen from the cabbage patch dolls." She joked as she put the baby blue leash to match the collar in the box. She shrugged. "Kids like 'em. Would you two like one?"
I looked at Alice to gauge her reaction. She looked up at me and blushed slightly, before kissing the top of the puppies head.
"So, this is like a birth certificate?" I asked the clerk. She nodded, and gently removed the collar that was on the puppy's neck. She scanned in the code that was on the collar.
"Your puppy here was born March 21st. She was the runt of her litter." She smiled up at us. "On your certificate we will give you the date of adoption as well as her date of birth, her name and her new mommy and daddy's name."
I looked back down at Alice who was chewing her lip again. I could tell that she wanted the certificate, but wasn't going to say anything.
"Well baby, is she gonna be a Cullen, a Whitlock, or a Cullen-Whitlock? We should figure that out before we fill out the certificate."
She blushed, "I'm a traditionalist remember?" Her cheeks tinged brighter, "Whitlock."
This time I bit back a grin as I leaned down. "What about you coconut, you like Whitlock?" Again the puppy yelped excitedly and licked Alice's face in response.
Alice grinned while giggling, "She likes it."
Once we had the official paper work that declared us the rightful parents of Coconut Whitlock, we were headed back to my house. I had about half an hour to get into the shower and make sure I had everything I needed.
On the ride back to the house, Coco, as Alice was calling her; curled up on Alice's lap and slept. I watched Alice out of the corner of my eye as I drove. It was obvious that she was sad.
"What's a matter Ali?"
She leaned her head against the head rest, looking straight out the windshield. "I'm going to miss you. And I can't take Coco home."
"Alice, I'm gonna miss you too, but it's only three days. I'll be back on the fourteenth." I said. "Look at this way, you get three whole days to bond with Coco, I bet she won't even remember me when I get back." I teased trying to get her to smile. I looked over at her as she moved her head to look out the window. "And about you taking Coco home, you know I was thinking about that. If you want, you and Coco can stay in my room while I'm gone. I know the girls would love having you there. They love you too you know."
Shit, I just confessed my love there didn't I?
She nodded her head slightly, "That might be a good idea. Double D is out of town anyway."
"Baby, you can always stay at my place. You never need to ask." I informed her as I pulled into the drive way.
"And same here, once I get my own place that is." she grinned up at me. I raised an eyebrow at her as I turned the car off.
"Is there something you need to tell me?"
"I talked to my dad. He thinks I should be in charge of my money again." I nodded, I could agree with that. "And after yesterday," she looked at me briefly, her eyes darting to my mouth, where my lip was split. "I don't wanna live with Double D anymore," she smiled at me.
Good job jackass. No matter how much you may despise the warden, you managed to fuck up her relationship with him.
"Maybe we should talk about this when we have more time to talk." I hedged, suddenly feeling guilty.
She smiled and nodded, "Okay." She gently picked up Coco. "Coco," she cooed, "do you want to wake up and give daddy kisses?"
I chuckled as I got our things out. As I walked by Alice she made a "hmph" noise causing me to stop and face her. She smiled as she walked up to me. Standing on her toes she leaned up to give me a kiss on my jaw, making me smile.
"Thank you for the puppy" She said softly as she headed into the house.
----
"Flight twelve-thirty from Seattle to Dallas/Fort Worth will be boarding in fifteen minutes." The voice said over the intercom. Alice, who was currently sitting on my lap, hugged my neck tighter. I rubbed soothing circles into her back, trying to calm her down. I could feel the warm tears puddle on my shoulder.
"You know what this kind of reminds me of?" I asked trying to cheer her up. She shook her head.
"This reminds me of Armageddon. More specifically the good bye before he leaves to save the world." Okay maybe this is a bad idea.
"All my bags are packed I'm ready to go" She started singing weakly. I shifted her in my lap so I could see her face. I cupped her face in my hands as I wiped the trail of black her tears were leaving.
You didn't wear the water proof stuff silly girl, I teased in my head.
"That's the part. More specifically the chorus though." I smiled as she tilted her head.
"So kiss me and smile for me" I sang as she gave me a small smile kissing the corner of my mouth, obviously afraid of hurting me. I'll have to change that in a second.
"Tell me that you'll wait for me
Hold me like you'll never let me go
Cause I'm leavin' on a jet plane
Don't know when I'll be back again
Oh babe, I hate to go"
"Now boarding rows forty-five through forty for American Airlines flight twelve-thirty at gate four" She climbed off my lap, allowing me to stand, knowing that my row would be called soon.
I pulled her close to me, peppering her bare shoulders with kisses, before leaving a lingering kiss on the side of her head. She held on to me tighter, making me want to say fuck it and not leave at all. But I knew I couldn't do that though, I needed to go to Texas. I needed to show my baby girl she was loved and wanted by at least one of her parents.
"Do you want me to call you when I have my lay over?" I asked her softly.
She nodded, "Yes." I lifted her head up to look at me.
"Baby, please don't cry." she bit her lip as fresh tears spilled from her eyes. I leaned down to kiss her. She was being gentle with her kiss.
Damn it woman this is not going to be my goodbye kiss.
I growled against her lips slightly, pushing her closer to me. "Either kiss me properly woman, or the kind folks at Seattle International are going to get a nice show, staring us" I playfully teased, as I slid my hand down her back side and squeezed.
Thank God she fucking giggled. She twisted her fingers into my hair, still trying to be gentle with me as our kissed deepened. I felt her finger nails drag on my scalp, causing me to moan into her mouth.
"Now boarding rows thirty-nine through thirty for American Airlines flight twelve-thirty at gate four." I groaned against Alice's lips, as I started to pull myself apart from her.
I picked up my bag, watching her as she wrung her hands together.
"Alice I…" She looked at me her eyes wide. I wanted to tell her everything I was thinking.
I love you.
Love me.
Marry me.
Let have lots of babies.
Come with me.
I can't do this without you.
"I'll miss you," she gave me a sad smile as she held out her hand and I placed my keys in her hand. "Please be safe." I nodded giving her one last kiss goodbye.
"I'll be back as soon as I can." I promised.
-----
I seriously need to consider paying the extra cash to take first class next time I fly out. The seats on this plane were not intended for someone over five and a half feet tall, that's for fucking sure.
I tried reading but believe it or not the civil war book was pissing me off with the inaccuracies. I tried writing some lyrics only to find out it was damned near impossible without my guitar or keyboard. I started to play solitaire on my laptop and got bored too quickly. When the flight attendant came around asking if I wanted head phones to watch the movie, I said no, just to kick myself in the ass because the movie seemed like it would have put me to sleep.
Finally the six hour portion of my trip was over. Honestly, I was beginning to think it would have been faster just to drive. But hey I was in my home state finally. If it weren't for the fact that my mother insisted she pick me up from the airport, I would have driven the six hours from Dallas to Fort Stockton.
I now had two hours to kill before I had to board for the flight to San Antonio. I slung my bag over my shoulder pulling out my cell phone as I headed outside of the airport.
I scrolled down to Alice's number, briefly looking at my watch. Shit! It's two in the morning and she has finals.
You're the dumbass that wanted to take the red-eye!
I hit talk on the phone, just as I stepped outside. It rang twice and didn't even finish the second ring.
"Hey baby," she purred into the phone.
"That's my line."
"I can't call you baby?" she teased back. I could picture her lower lip pouting slightly.
"Coco says 'Hi daddy'." She added. I was so fucking happy I got her that puppy.
"I have no problem with you calling me that, and give our baby girl a kiss for me."
"Okay baby. Was your flight okay?"
I scoffed, "I think the Umpa Loompa's invented the seating arrangements in the damn flying tin cans."
"You should have gone first class. I hear they give you heated blankets to sleep with and everything." I could hear the smile in her voice.
"Yeah, well next time I decide to fly I'm doing that, or just not going. Hey did you put my iPod in my bag or is it in my luggage?" I knew she had it last, so I figured I would ask.
"It's in your carry on. I also put something for you in there."
I smirked as I put my bag down to look. "Did you now? Is it something I want to see outside in public or in the privacy of my room?"
"Well the thing in your carry on can be looked at anywhere." She said as my fingers touched the fabric of a shirt.
How did I not notice that?
"There's an envelope in your luggage. I suggest you open that when you have some alone time." She giggled.
Envelope? What could be in… oh!
"Speaking of 'alone time' gifts. Did you get my gift that was in a pretty little box on your bed?" I asked, as I lit a smoke.
Jesus Christ, six hours in a tin can is too long without nicotine.
"Yeah," she said shyly. I bit my lip imagining her face when she saw it. I thought it was funny at first, a vibrator, remote controlled by a phone call. I imagined the possibilities that 'little friend' could hold for us, with me being in Texas when I decided to buy it for Alice. Whether or not we would use it while I was gone was up to her.
I also knew my Alice would probably be very embarrassed about said gift, so I made sure to label the card I left with it as "READ FIRST".
"Baby you did read the card first right?" My luck she would have opened that in front of Bella or worse, Ed.
"Yeah, I read it." That's all she's gonna give me about it?
"And?" I hedged.
"Ummm… Well, I like it. Hang on," I heard her put the phone down and what sounded like her getting off the bed. I could faintly hear her talking to Coco before she picked the phone back up. "Okay. What did you want me to do with it?"
Wait, is she asking me how to use a vibrator?
"Baby, that's a conversation I can't really have outside of the airport."
Shit, I didn't offend her did I?
"Okay, I know what to do with it and I get how it turns on," she held it against the phone so I could hear it vibrate, causing me to fucking blush. "Umm, like did you wanna talk to me while I do it?"
I cleared my throat as the images of the other nights activities flooded my thoughts.
"Well see baby, there's a trick to it. It's programmed to my phone," Shit, how was I gonna explain this. "And…well…if you wanted to, we could use that feature sometime while I'm away…" There I go feeling like a damned, horny, teenaged boy again.
"That could be hot and fun." She purred to me. Damn I need to change to subject before I do some degrading shit.
"We'll have to save that for another night," I cleared my throat, "how's Coco doing?"
Yes, talk about the dog, nothing wrong or remotely sexual about that.
"Okay," she sounded slightly disappointed. "Hang on a second." Again she put the phone down and I could hear her talking to the dog again.
"She's good. She's so soft baby! And warm too! She's a good cuddler. I'm going to take her shopping after finals tomorrow and before I go to the studio." Damn, I forgot there was work still to be done. "How's your cigarette?"
That was new.
"Does it bother you?"
"Um, no. I was just asking. Your flight seemed to suck so I was asking about the next thing. What did you want me to ask, 'is the stewardess hot?' Cause really, I don't want to think about that." She said the last part with anger.
How in the hell did we get back to this?
"My cigarette was great, thanks. I was just asking that because you've never mentioned it before. And they are called flight attendants now Alice. I was too busy trying to find something to put me to sleep, that I didn't even notice them. Why are you getting jealous all the sudden?" I know this was probably gonna cause a fight, but this wasn't like her.
"Nothing," she sighed. I almost believed her until I heard her groan, "fuck it. You're always fucking goo-goo eyed over fucking Maggie. What the fuck is that shit?! You fucking remember shit about her I barely know."
"Jesus Christ, Alice are you kidding me? Are we really having this fight? I remember details; it's a fucking neurosis for me okay? A down side of being a fucking ranch hand growing up. I thought it was fucking obvious that out of any women I know, you're the one I want to be with? What the fuck do you want from me?" Fuck she picked a great time to start this shit. "You know what, this has got to stop."
She was quiet, I could hear something that sounded like muffling crying but wasn't sure.
"Alice, just hear me out. We need to stop side stepping the issues. Obviously, this whole fucking ridiculous fantasy you created about me wanting a married woman has been bugging you for a while. Please, from now on just fucking tell me what the hell is going on!"
"I'm sorry," she whispered. "It just hurts me and it shouldn't. I want your attention and the only woman who has your attention." She laughed sadly, "Your family doesn't count. Well, unless you want me to make a southern man joke."
I sighed, kicking myself mentally in the ass. "Baby, are you crying?"
She sniffled, "no…"
"You're a terrible liar Alice Cullen. And baby, you are the only woman I ever see."
"I know. I'm stupid sometimes." I wanted to bash my head in at that statement.
"No Alice, you're not. You are far from stupid. This is new to both of us and we're learning together. Do me a favor, when we get off the phone, I want to you get your iPod and go to the playlist titled 'Forever'. Just listen to it, please?" I figured if I couldn't say that I loved her verbally, that I wanted to be with her forever, then maybe the music could tell her for me.
"Okay, I will. Umm…you want something to put you to sleep?"
"I would love you forever if you could help knock my ass out" I teased, well slightly.
"Okay, so listen to the Mozart I put on yours; it's the song I used to listen to when I was younger to fall asleep too. It's pretty. Think of me when you listen to it. But before that... listen to Say Ok...I know it's all 'thirteen year old pop princess' but it's a good song."
I chuckled at her defending the song. "Fine if we're gonna play that game, on my playlist you must listen to either 'Green Eyes' or 'All I want', deal?"
"Yes, deal." She agreed. I looked at my watch and realized it was time for me to head back in.
"Baby, you need to go to sleep, you have finals. Do you want me to call you when I land in San Antonio? It'll be eight o'clock by then."
"Yeah, please. I'm not gonna go running tomorrow. I've got to figure out what to do with Coco while I'm taking tests."
"I believe Rose is home while you're doing finals. I'm sure she wouldn't mind taking care of her niece while Coco's mommy works hard."
"I'll ask her in the morning. I miss you already, but hey good news."
"Well, I love good news, what's up baby?"
When you get back it'll only be two more excruciating days until the best sex of your life." She reminded me. I could hear her grin.
"Well, baby, every time with you, is the best sex of my life." I said suavely, trying not to laugh as an elderly lady glanced me over.
"No pressure huh?" she laughed then sighed sadly. "I really do miss you."
"I miss you too Ali. I seriously don't know how I'm gonna go three days without holding you."
"Me too"
"Go to sleep woman, I'll call you when the tires hit the tarmac in San Antonio."
"Okay Jazzy, night." She made a kissy sound into the phone, adding to the huge fucking grin on my face before she hung up.
Once on the plane and in my seat I rummaged through my bag to find my iPod. That sneaky little Alice hid it inside of her shirt. I almost laughed when I saw she had put the yellow bunny shirt in there.
I put the ear pods in and scrolled through the playlists. "Surprise" was a new list and I knew it was from Alice. I went directly to the first song she mentioned, wasn't this the chick from that stupid movie Disney is making bank on?
"It's a good song" I remembered her saying, so I gave it a chance. As I shrugged out of my jacket and balled it up to use as a pillow, I listened to the song. If it weren't so poppy sounding it would have been a good song. Then the bridge came on:
"Let me know if it's gonna be you
Boy, you've got some things to prove
Let me know that you'll keep me safe
I don't want you to run away so
Let me know that you'll call on time
Let me know that you'll help me shine
Will you wipe my tears away
Will you hold me close and say"
I stared at the iPod and yellow shirt that were sitting in my lap. If I knew my Alice, there was an underlying message from her. I just prayed I understood her correctly, as I switched to the Mozart song, drifting off to sleep.
Kristin: grabs the oreos offers them to Robs So since that was one hell of a cliffy you think we should tell them a secret?
Robin: grabs an Oreo and twists open Hmm maybe we should... First off it's JPOV again next chapter.
Kristin: nods That it is... O.o are you practicing?
Robin: Always winks
Kristin: snorts You think Jazz is gonna practice while at his momma's?
Robin: shrugs maybe... giggles
Kristin: smirks I think it's up to the readers...
Robin: Always... and because we're review hoors... if we get I dunno....
Robin: I'll say 50 reviews combined, we might just post 17 early.
Kristin: ^_^ I'm game
Robin: ^.^ good.
Kristin: Until then! waves and runs
Robin: blows a kiss and runs away
