Chapter Fourteen

It was one of those classic movie moments. The ones where time slows down and the lovers lock eyes and can't look away. The world around them goes fuzzy and nothing else matters except that the person across from them is staring at them as though they needed you to live. When everything else is just forgotten except the love they have for each other. Forget pain. Forget hardships. Forget time. Forget the past. All that matters is that he's looking at you like you're his only reason for existing, as though nothing could matter more. And you probably look exactly the same.

"Edward," I whispered again as I took another step closer. He matched my hesitant step, his arms held wide, and a look of pure longing on his face.

And then I was in his arms, his hand brushing my face, combing back my hair, inhaling my scent. I raised a trembling hand to his own face, feeling his perfect, marble skin, and he leaned into my touch. His tousled bronze hair, his strong jaw; all that my memories had failed to engrave correctly. And his scent, his spicy blend of perfection that only served to make me weak at the knees.

His perfect lips, looking so soft and welcoming. And getting closer. Inching slowly closer as my eyes fell shut. "Bella," he sighed. And Jasper's face crossed my mind.

I pulled back sharply, stumbling out of his grip and into Jacob's arms. I stared at Edward again as my world slowly realigned and I assessed the situation. I gripped Jake's hand painfully tight but he didn't flinch. "Edward?" I asked again, confused. "What-why-how…?" I shook my head, closing my eyes again. Maybe this was just a terrible dream come to haunt me; why else would Edward be standing in my room, staring at me like I was the love of his life?

But when I opened my eyes he was still standing there and still staring at me with such affection that my head hurt and my heart ripped open once more. I pressed my free hand against my heart and tried to take deep breaths. "E-Edward?" Something hot was burning my eyes, my cheeks, dripping onto Jacob's large hand. When did I start crying?

"Bella." It was a whisper, full of concern and love, and suddenly Jasper was at my side, wiping my tears away with his thumbs, cradling my face in his cool hands. I stared up at him blearily, just able to make out his dark eyes and set frown.

"Jasper," I whispered back, warring with myself on whether or not I should just throw myself into his arms and cry my heart out. I didn't know I still loved Edward this much.

"It's alright, darlin'. I'm here, Jacob's here, don't you worry," he murmured, pulling me into an embrace. There was a muffled cry behind me and I looked over Jake's shoulder to see Alice holding her hand to her mouth, her face crumpled in agony.

I bit my lip and took Jasper's hands in my own, removing them from my face and giving them a squeeze before releasing him. I could do this; I had to do this. For Jasper's sake and my own.

I took a deep breath before looking at Edward and was once again taken by surprise at the look of pure longing he wore. I disentangled myself from Jacob's grip and stood up awkwardly. I glanced at the three other mythical creatures in my room then back at Edward. I tried to speak and my voice came out in a squeak. I cleared my throat before trying again.

"Why don't we go for a walk?" I asked him. My mind betrayed me and flew back to last September, driving another nail into my fragile heart. Jasper shot me a worried look but I smiled at him, or tried to. I was going to be strong.

I allowed Edward to hold onto me as he jumped from my window, landing softly on his feet. Once my adrenaline faded a bit we walked out to the edge of the forest while I silently tried to brace myself for what was to come.

At long last I stopped and faced Edward, looking a lot more brave than I felt. "Hey," I said lamely.

He half-smiled at me. "Hello, Bella."

God did his voice have to be so wonderful?

"Edward-" But I didn't get to finish as the next moment he stepped forward and wrapped his arms around me once more, inhaling my scent and sighing as it burned his throat. And I let him. I was conflicted with emotions, but there was one truth I couldn't deny; I had missed Edward with all my heart, and my body and mind seemed more than willing to conspire against my efforts to be strong and independent, and just fall back into Edward.

"Bella," he sighed. "Did you know I miss you? Oh god I miss you," he murmured into my hair, his grip tightening around me.

I struggled out of his grip as the words started to register and my mind attempted working once more. Somehow Edward seemed more than capable of making all thought processes stop.

"You're here?" Did I have to sound so pathetic? "I mean-why are you here?"

Edward stared at me, his hands still on my waist, and against my better judgment, I let him keep them there. "Alice had this vision," he told me, his face pained, "of Laurent attacking you. And then your future going blank. So she called me and I came rushing home. I just-I couldn't believe it. I had to see for myself."

I shook my head, not quite understanding. "Why would it matter if I was dead or alive? I thought you weren't going to bother with my ever again."

Edward stared at me incredulously. "Not matter? Bella, you are the only thing that matters to me."

I stared at him, my mind trying to accommodate his words. "You don't love me," I told him.

Edward stared at me for a few moments, a confused expression etched on his face before it was marred by guilt and pain. "Bella, I thought…" Edward tried but his voice faltered. He looked steadily at me and searched my eyes. "You don't honestly believe I don't love you?"

I meant to sound indignant, but the sincere look on his face had my tone faltering. "I just thought you made that clear last September," I whispered as my heart throbbed in response to the memory.

A look of fury crossed Edward's features for the briefest moment, and for once he looked precisely as dangerous as he was. I stepped back in alarm.

Edward's face softened when he noticed my fear and he held up his palms. "I'm sorry Bella. I was just angry with myself. I shouldn't have been so…convincing last September. Bella, I don't know how I can ever forgive myself or ask you to forgive me for those things that I said. But I just want you to know that none of it was true. After all that we've been through, all those times I told you I love you. I just never thought you'd be so easily convinced."

I interrupted Edward's tirade. "I'm no good for you." How could someone as ungraceful and awkward as I ever match up to his perfection. And yet I longed to believe him; his arguments made sense; and a large part of me did believe him. Because he did love me, whether before or now, I knew for sure that he loved me.

Edward looked tortured again and, bewildered, I reached my hand up to his face. He cupped my hand and held it against his cheek as he stared into my eyes. "I'm not too good for you," he said quietly. "It's you who is too good for me. I wish you could see that."

My heart accelerated as I stared into his eyes; after all this time I was still in love with him.

I shook my head in denial. "Bella," Edward sighed. "I will spend however long it takes to convince you of that, and to get you to trust me. Just don't take too long," he told me, inching closer, "I don't know how much longer I can stay away from you." And he leaned in for just long enough to give me a chaste kiss.

Even as my heart went into cardiac arrest, I couldn't help but think of Jasper. Of his smile, his voice, his arms around me. I placed my hand on Edward's chest and pushed away gently. He stepped back but kept one of my hands.

"I need some time to think," I told him. It was entirely too impossible to do that when he was in front of me.

Edward brushed my knuckles with his thumb. "Okay."

"Can you call Jake down?" Edward hesitated and surprisingly this annoyed me. "He's my best friend. I love him. He would never hurt me."

Edward still seemed reluctant but it didn't matter. Jasper and Jacob broke through the line of trees and stood next to us. I locked eyes with Jasper, who was troubled and looked just as confused as I did. Seeing him like that hurt me. I wanted to tell him "I love you", scream it, and write it all over my room. But I couldn't. Instead I just felt it, let it wash over me and extend to him. And after a moment a genuine smile broke the morose look on Jasper's face. I had to leave before I lost myself.

I walked up to Jake and took his hand, leading him away. We walked for a while in silence, and when Jake let out a big breath I knew we were alone. We wandered along the edge of the forest for a while and I found myself missing the beach and our driftwood log to sit on. At last w found a large stump to rest on, and Jake wrapped his arm around me, as I leaned against him. He was silent while I warred with myself.

Edward coming back and proclaiming his love was unexpected. It left me in a position of decision making that I didn't want to be in. Alice I could handle better. It would be up to Jasper, and I would have to live with whatever he decided. But now I had to answer some questions of my own.

Do I want to be with Edward?

Undeniably.

But do I want to be with Jasper?

More than I'd like to admit.

And then there was Alice. She'd always been a friend to me and I certainly didn't want to lose our friendship. Being with Jasper would break up the Cullen family. And besides, why would Jasper choose me over Alice? Of course we said we loved one another, felt it, but in comparison to all the love he and Alice shared it all seemed very foolish.

What Jasper and I had was perfect, but it was a dream. A dream of stolen moments and wishful thinking; a total separation from reality. It had to end sometime. The hard part was that it just seemed to be ending earlier than either of us anticipated.

"Hey Bells, don't cry," Jake said softly as he wiped my tears with his large hands. That only made me cry harder. Alarmed, Jake pulled me up on his lap and rocked me back and forth, rubbing soothing circles on my back.

Jake was too good for me. Here I was crying to him over other guys not three days after he told me he was in love with me. And yet here he was comforting me not 100 feet from his mortal enemies. He was definitely too good for me. Jake, Jasper, Edward-certainly they deserved someone not so pathetic.

I suppose I finally calmed down enough for Jake to attempt conversation again.

"Do you know what you want Bells?" he asked mildly, doing his best to keep me calm. I shook my head. I definitely did not know what I wanted. "Do you know what Jasper wants?" Again I shook my head. "I think you should talk to him. See if you guys can figure this out. Work things out, I don't know." Jake cupped my chin and forced me to look at him. "Because if you're not with me, I'd prefer you with him. As much as I hate to admit it, when you're with Jasper, you glow. You're happy and beautiful, and you smile." Jake looked at me sadly. "I miss your smile," he said softly.

I tried to stifle another sob. I was hurting everyone.

"Shhh, Bella. It's all right," he murmured, stroked my hair. "You know that I love you more than anything. And I will support you in whatever you do. Whoever you want to be with. Even if it takes me a while," he said with a slight smile.

I nodded me head and wiped my face on my sleeve. I have Jake the best smile I could muster and squeezed him around the middle. "Thanks Jake. I don't know what I'd do without you," I told him earnestly.

Jake just shrugged his shoulders and helped me stand. "Sure, sure. Now come on, lets get you back there before they come looking." Jacob held my hand the entire way, a comforting and natural gesture for us, but one Edward didn't appreciate in the least. I'd forgotten that Edward didn't exactly know about Jake and I's friendship. Luckily Jacob didn't spare Edward a second glance but instead led me straight over to where Jasper and Alice were speaking in low tones. Jake cleared his throat loudly and gave Jasper a meaningful look. Jasper ended his conversation quickly and came over to us.

He didn't say a word but lifted me in his arms and set off at a brisk jog towards the forest.

"Jasper? Can we go to the mountain?"

"Of course." I hid my face against Jasper's shirt as he broke into a sprint. Once the air around me slowed down I peeked around me again. "We're here darlin'," Jasper said softly. He walked up over to a large boulder and sat down. I tightened my grip around him and Jasper responded in kind. I pressed myself as close to him as I could, willing the tears to stay where they were.

"Some day huh?"

I let out a choked laughed and pulled back, wiping my face on my sleeve. "Some day," I whispered.

Jasper sighed, playing with the ends of my hair. "What are we going to do?"

I bit my lip and focused on the to button of Jasper's shirt. "What do you want to do?"

Jasper looked down at me in surprise. "I—what do you mean?"

Jasper really was making this hard. "Who do you want to be with?" I asked carefully.

"Oh." There was a short silence in which I'm sure Jasper was able to feel the melting pot of emotions I was at the moment. "I'm just surprised," he said eventually, "because I was going to ask you the same thing."

I looked up at him sharply, fully intending to tell him he was absurd and of course I wanted to be with him, but the words died in my throat. I did want to be with Jasper, but I wanted to be with Edward. Seeing him here solidified that fact for me. And Alice wanted to be with Jasper, of that there was no doubt. But I wanted Jasper too. As foolish as our love had seemed a few short minutes ago, when I was here, with him, in his arms, it didn't seem frivolous at all. It felt real and it hurt.

"I guess I don't know," I said at last. Jasper looked at me hopelessly and I tried to explain. "I want to be with you, but so does Alice. And I'm afraid that if we stay together we'll both lose her forever and it'll break up the family. And I-I still love Edward. I don't think I could bear to lose him again, but I don't know if I'll be able to survive losing you."

Jasper smiled at me sadly. "This isn't going to turn out well, is it?"

I shook my head. "Probably not." I still hadn't heard what he wanted and told him as much.

"I'm not entirely sure either," he told me. "Every time I see Alice I remember how much I love her, but I never forget how much I love you. I don't want to lose her or Edward for that matter, and I love my family. But god, Bella, if I lose you, I don't know what I'd do." Jasper traced my cheek with his finger, dragged it slowly along my jawbone, and I felt myself melt. "I don't know how you do it darlin'," Jasper sighed as he leaned in, his sweet breath confusing my senses in the most amazing way, "but whatever it is, I just can't seem to stay away from you."

I reached up to close the gap between us, though it wasn't very far, and sighed when our lips finally met. All over I felt the completeness, the perfection that Jasper inspired in me and I knew I wouldn't want to give it up. The kiss wasn't passionate, but sweet and loving, and it ended too soon. Jasper pulled away and leaned his forehead against mine, his eyes closed.

"As right and as wonderful as this is," he said, his voice hitching, "I don't know if we can keep it."

I nodded my head, tears welling in my eyes. Of course he was right. "I know," I said, my voice wavering. "I know." We couldn't do this to Edward and Alice, to the rest of the Cullens. Our dream had to end. I squeezed my eyes shut against the flow of tears; I didn't know if I'd have any left after this was all over. Over. What a terrible word.

"Bella, sweetheart, could we at least have one more day?" Jasper begged.

A little sob broke free and I nodded my head. One last day would make the hurt so much worse, but if I didn't have it, I wouldn't have the strength to see Jasper ever again. "Of course." I buried my face in the crook of Jasper's neck and he did the same, his body trembling against mine, matching my own sobs, minus the tears. It was hard to fight against the despair clawing at me, but I fought through it to pull up another emotion, my favorite emotion. I focused on it and forced myself to forget all other feelings so that Jasper would feel it too.

When he held me tighter and kissed my neck I knew he did. "I love you too darlin'. Always."

**

I didn't remember what exactly happened afterward or the jog back down the mountain. My mind was entirely focused on what was coming. Jasper set me down when we reached the edge of the forest and took a moment to kiss my forehead and comb my hair with his fingers. I probably looked horrible anyway; a messy hair wouldn't be such a big deal. I interlaced my fingers with Jasper's and we walked through the last line of trees together.

I can do this. I can do this. I can do this.

I repeated the mantra through my head the entire time, up until the moment I looked up into Edward's face. I looked around for Jacob but couldn't find him.

"Jacob just went home. He asked for you to call him later," Edward told me. I nodded my head, taking a deep breath.

I can do this. I can do this. I can do this.

I looked at Jasper for the briefest moment, and he mirrored my actions. I gave him a watery smile and nodded my head. He was going to talk to Alice and I was going to talk to Edward. I squeezed his hand and let go, walking towards Edward, who was waiting anxiously in front of me. Jasper and Alice disappeared into the forest and I felt the tension settling in around me.

"Edward—" I choked before I could say more. How exactly could I say this? I repeated my mantra once more before I went on. I took in Edward's face, his body language, the way his jaw was set. Of course he expected the worst. I stepped up to him and threw my arms around his neck. He pulled me close after a moment, inhaling deeply.

"Edward," I began again. He looked down at me, his face worried. I wanted to smooth it all away, and brought my hand up to his face to do so. "Don't look so sad."

"I don't want to lose you," he told me, his voice heavy.

"You're not," I said. We were both surprised by my words, but then a slow grin split across Edward's face, and I felt my heart melt. I love him, I really do. Edward gave me that crooked smile and I felt my resolve lessen even more. God I missed him. But I had to continue.

"But I want one more day with Jasper."

Edward's smile faltered. "One more day?"

I nodded my head, hating to see Edward look quite so upset. I can do this. I can do this. "One more day," I reiterated.

Edward struggled with himself for a moment but then brushed some hair behind my ear and kissed my forehead. "I can wait one more day," he said.

I hugged him and stepped back. I had some questions now. "Are you all going back up to Alaska?"

"No. Alice and I contacted Carlisle and we decided to move back down. After a little chat with Jacob I learned some very disturbing information," Edward said, his nose scrunching.

For a moment I panicked. What on earth could Jake and Edward have to talk about other than me? "W-what?"

Edward sighed, hugging me to him again. "Bella, my danger magnet, you seem to have quite a few vampires after you these days."

I nearly cried in relief. Of course that wouldn't be the most natural response, so instead I just sighed. "I know. They just can't seem to stay away," I said lightly. I definitely didn't want to think about this.

Edward frowned down at me. "You aren't scared?"

"Of course I am. But for now I'm happy. I just want to focus on right now." And right now wasn't so bad. I missed Edward, missed his smile and his voice. It felt like the part of me that had a hole drilled straight through it was being filled up every moment that I spent with him. Never mind the other two holes that were already drilled in my heart. At least Jake's was healing; I wasn't sure Jasper's ever would.

"Edward, we should help the family pack so we can move back down here," Alice said, startling me. She was the only one I hadn't yet talked to, and now that she was here I didn't know what to do or say. I felt incredibly awkward.

Edward nudged me forward and I forced myself to look at Alice. It would be better to get this over with now rather than later.

"H-hey Alice," I stuttered. Great.

But a small smile graced her lips and Alice greeted me back. "Hello Bella." Her voice was the same beautiful tinkling as ever, her features graceful and refined. No wonder Jasper wanted to stay with her.

Stop it. I listened to the voice inside my head and dropped that line of thought. I smiled back at Alice and felt Edward squeeze my hand.

"We'll be back tomorrow," Edward explained. "The family will be here several days after us."

I nodded my head, suddenly anxious for them to leave already. Every moment we stood here was another moment I couldn't spend with Jasper. Mercifully, Alice turned to say goodbye to Jasper, giving him a quick peck. I turned back to Edward, who gave me a small smile despite the look on his face.

"What's wrong?"

"I just hate to leave you again so soon after I get you back," he told me.

I stood on my tiptoes to give him a peck. "You'll see me soon," I said. Alice came up then and stood next to Edward.

"Be safe," he implored.

"You too," I responded. Edward gave my hand one last squeeze before he let go and set off with Alice. Jasper and I watched them as they disappeared into a shiny silver Volvo parked at the end of the road. I hadn't noticed it there before. Then they were gone.

Jasper came up behind me and enveloped me in his arms. "What do you want to do today?"

"It doesn't matter," I said. "Anything. As long as we can do it together."

"Well then, we better set up an alibi for Charlie," Jasper said, lifting me into his arms once more.

In all the excitement of the morning I had completely forgotten about my father. It almost seemed insignificant now, but I couldn't let Charlie worry. I didn't want to bother with dragging other friends into this, so I decided on a lone trip up to Port Angeles for the day. I wrote out the note quickly then took the quickest shower of my life. I didn't want to waste any more time than need be.

After toweling my hair and throwing on the first pair of clothes I could find I ran downstairs and grabbed a granola bar. I left the note on the fridge and managed not to kill myself in my haste to find Jasper outside. He was standing next to the driver's door, waiting for me.

"I think maybe you should drive," I told him.

Jasper walked to the other side of my truck and held open the door for me. "In that case, do you mind if we make a quick detour?"

I shook my head and buckled in while Jasper came around. We headed down a familiar road until we pulled off into the hidden driveway of the Cullen house. I hadn't been back here since that fateful birthday and I noticed the little changes. Weeds were growing up through cracks and attempting to take over the house. We pulled up to the garage and Jasper parked my truck inside, next to an unfamiliar dark blue car.

"I decided to rent this for the time being while I made my reappearance," Jasper explained. "I haven't had the time to buy a real car yet."

I smiled at him. "It's a beautiful color." And it really seemed to fit him.

Jasper reached behind me and grabbed a bag from the back of my truck. "I hope you don't mind, I brought a change of clothes for you for later," Jasper said, looking a bit embarrassed.

"Oh. Thanks, I think," I said, laughing.

Jasper seemed relieved and held the door open for me before climbing into the driver's seat. Jasper driving was in ways new and exciting. I'd only ever seen him drive my own vehicle but the car we were in now seemed to fit Jasper just right. He was very mindful of my anxiety about speeding and never went over 90 mph. The whole time we held hands and I felt entirely peaceful. Peaceful enough to have fallen asleep, I suppose, because when I woke up next the clock read 11 am, two hours after we had first set out.

I stared at my surroundings for a while, trying to figure out exactly where we were. At last we pulled into a large driveway and followed it up to a large house. Jasper went inside for a few minutes while I watched the raindrops race across my window. At last Jasper returned with several baskets, but wouldn't answer my questions, just smiled and said, "You'll see."

Jasper parked the car in a little clearing about a mile away from the house. Jasper opened my door for me and then helped me into a raincoat. As we walked closer to the greenery that surrounded us I realized where we were and what we were doing.

"Strawberry picking?" I asked surprised. I didn't know how much fun it would be for Jasper who was quite unable to enjoy the sweet treat.

"I hear you talking in your sleep once," Jasper explained. "You and your mother once went strawberry picking and you really enjoyed it."

"We did, a long time ago. I was ten and my mother was going through a fruit craze. Apples, oranges, strawberries, you name it. But somehow I always loved strawberries after that."

Jasper smiled at me, taking hold of my hand and leading me over to the strawberries. We decided to forgo the nearest strawberries for the ones deeper in. It was a good choice. The strawberries were a mix of bright to dark red and incredibly sweet. We had fun competing to find the largest strawberry then the smallest, and very soon our baskets were full. We stopped to rest in a picnic area, and Jasper set up an umbrella to shield me from the ongoing drizzle.

"Is this why you use strawberry shampoo?" he asked me while I snacked on our bounty.

I paused to consider. I hadn't really given much thought to the whole thing, but unconsciously I did seem to prefer things strawberry. "I suppose. But I know that now it will be," I told him, ducking my head shyly.

Jasper smiled, his happiness seeping through the barrier to his powers to affect me as well. While I ate Jasper moved to sit behind me and ran his hands through my hair. "I'm going to miss this," he mused aloud.

I could barely find it in me to respond; I absolutely loved the feeling of someone playing with my hair. "You're going to miss my hair?" I asked.

"Yes." Jasper proceeded to trying to braid it and failed miserably, so he went back to running his fingers through it. "Your hair is so soft and long," he sighed. "It's absolutely wonderful."

I leaned back into his touch and closed my eyes. Edward had never played with my hair, other than brushing it off my face or tucking it behind my ear, and I was definitely going to miss Jasper's soft touch. I forced myself to focus on what he was doing rather than the fact that this was probably the last time he'd be able to do it.

After a while the rain started to pick up again and Jasper asked if I wanted to leave. I agreed, beginning to get chilled and slightly damp, and we packed up and made our way back to the car. Jasper handed me a towel and carefully placed the strawberries in a cooler while I attempted to dry my hair. I made sure Jasper was turned the other way before I changed into the extra shirt he brought me.

"You seem to be prepared," I observed.

"I've actually been planning this for a while," he told me.

But then things got messy.

Jasper turned on the heat once we started driving again and set out for the road. "Do you have any direction in mind?" I asked after we had driven for fifteen minutes.

"None at all," he replied.

"Let's just drive then," I replied. Time seemed to be running away from us.

"Tell me about your childhood," Jasper asked.

It was kind of a tough subject. "Well, there's a lot I guess. Um, I think one of my favorite memories is having tea parties with my mom. I used to have this pink tea set and she would fill up the pot with apple juice and she'd make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and we'd dress up my dolls and stuffed animals every Saturday and have a little party."

Jasper smiled at my anecdote, rubbing little circles on my palm as we coasted along the ocean. I spent much of the next hour reliving some of my favorite memories with Jasper, until at last he turned and began to head back to Forks.

As we entered the town limits Jasper turned to me with a nervous smile. "I've been thinking," he began. "I'd still like to make dinner for you and Charlie. And since I don't think I'll get another chance…"

I squeezed Jasper's hand. "That would be lovely."

"I was thinking I could call over and leave a message for you via Charlie, since you're gone in Port Angeles for the day anyway," he told me. "And as much as I hate to leave you for even a moment, I'd need a couple hours to get things ready. That would give you enough time to get home and ready too, wouldn't it?"

"A couple hours," I repeated reluctantly. I hated to be separated from Jasper for any amount of time, but this was important to both of us. "I'm sure I'll survive," I said at last. Jasper smiled, brining my hand up to kiss.

"Thank you dalin'."

Jasper pulled out his phone to call my house and ended up talking to Charlie on the phone.

"Hello Charlie, this is Jasper Hale. We met the other night down in La Push," he greeted. "I'm doing fine, thank you."

I knew my father was always awkward on the phone and reverted to asking platitudes. I smiled imagining his face now.

"I was just calling to invite you and Bella over for dinner at my house. Yes, that sounds fine. Please just have her call me when she gets in. Goodbye Charlie."

I looked over at Jasper expectantly. "So?" I prompted at last.

"You're not in yet, but dinner sounds like it would be great. But he has to check with you and you'll call me when you get in."

I grinned. "Well I better hurry home then," I said.

I was excited and nervous all at the same time. I knew Charlie wasn't exactly happy with the Cullens, but I was glad he was making the effort to make amends with Jasper. We pulled into the Cullen driveway soon after and Jasper helped me out once again. But before I could move to get in my own car Jasper placed a hand on either side of me, trapping me between him and his car.

"Bella," Jasper said his gaze intense. My heart rate accelerated and I found myself unable to breathe properly. Jasper slowly lowered his head, brushing his lips against mine. The dark of the garage made everything else besides Jasper invisible to me though he wouldn't have the same problem. The dark also intensified my feelings, fueling the fire that was beginning to build inside me. I reached up to kiss Jasper again and he responded in kind, pressing me against his car as he returned my kiss. Things were beginning to get out of hand fast.

Jasper kissed along my neck and placed a cautious hand on my hip. I urged him on, reaching behind him to knot my fingers in his hair and pull him closer. Jasper's hand moved slowly from my hip and crept up to the edge of my shirt, pushing it away as he lightly traced my side. I pulled his mouth back up to mine and moaned when Jasper's other hand began its own exploration of my other side, ghosting over my ribs.

"Jasper," I panted as he pulled me closer and growled in response. It was amazing and I didn't want him to stop. But there was something off, something that was bothering me. "Jasper," I tried again, pulling away. "Your phone is ringing."

Jasper paused, his mouth hovering over a spot on my neck where I was sure he had already left a mark. "Damn," he swore, a growl immediately following his words. He glared at the caller for a moment before answering. "What?" he growled. I could hear the sound of another male. "Yes, she's fine. She'll call you later. Alright, but you have thirty seconds."

Jasper handed me the phone and I said hello. "Bells?" It was Jake. "You didn't call, I was really worried."

"Sorry Jake," I said. He sounded so relieved to hear my voice that I felt bad. "I just got busy. Is it alright if I talk to you tomorrow? I promise I'm all right."

"If you don't call me tomorrow I'm heading over to your house," Jake threatened.

"I promise Jake. I'll call you tomorrow."

At last I appeased Jake and hung up, though I was afraid to give the phone back to Jasper, because he seemed liable to break the poor thing. I reached up and kissed his jaw, watching the tension melt away.

"I guess you should go home," he relented. "The sooner you go the sooner I can see you again," he said aloud as an incentive for both of us. He stepped back from me and opened the door to my truck. "I'll be ready at six," he told me.

"We'll be here," I responded, closing my door.

It was hard to leave Jasper, even for that short little time. Charlie was waiting for me when I got home but thankfully didn't ask about my trip.

"Jasper Hale called," he told me. "Invited us over to dinner. But I told him I'd ask you first," Charlie said gruffly.

"That sounds great," I replied, and my enthusiasm must have spilled over because Charlie smiled a little.

"Right, well, I reckon you should call him back and let him know we're coming," Charlie said.

I headed to the kitchen and picked up the phone, dialing the number Jasper had written down for me just before I left. He picked up on the first ring.

"Hello Bella."

I smiled. "Hello Jasper. I was just calling to let you know that we'd love to come over for dinner."

"Well, I'm certainly glad you can join me," Jasper responded. "Six o'clock?"

"Six o'clock."

"See you soon darlin'," Jasper said, his voice lowering.

"Not soon enough," I replied. I walked back over to Charlie to let him know dinner was going to be at six and that I was going to take a shower and get ready. I took time to shampoo my hair, finally appreciating the scent. I toweled off and did my best to dry my hair before I gave up and just blow dried it. I didn't bother with makeup, knowing I would botch it anyway, and went to find something to wear.

I stared at the contents of my closet for a good five minutes. It was fairly scant and I could see everything that it held, including the shirts and jeans that Jasper had bought for himself so many weeks ago. I lifted one out and held it up to my nose. It smelled like him, and I felt tears spring to my eyes. I took my time folding the clothes and placing them neatly on the shelf. I rifled through my closet again before alighting on an article of clothing I'd all but forgotten.

It was the dress Jasper insisted I buy that same day. Without really knowing why I pulled it down and slipped into it, enjoying the soft feel of satin. I glanced at myself in the mirror and decided I looked decent enough. After deliberating for a moment I walked over to my bedside drawer and pulled out my camera. Lastly I put on some lotion then headed downstairs to where Charlie was still cheering on a game.

I glanced at the clock. 5:15.

"Dad, don't you want to get ready?" I asked. Charlie turned around but paused when he saw me. I fidgeted self-consciously, shifting awkwardly. "What?"

Charlie shook his head and cleared his throat. "Nothing. You look beautiful."

I flushed slightly at Charlie's comment and then pushed him towards the stairs. "Don't take too long," I instructed. I was already getting anxious to see Jasper again.

The next half hour seemed to drag on forever. I heard Charlie wash his face and shave, then spend about fifteen minutes trying to decide what to wear. At last he crept back down in a nice dress shirt and slacks. I grabbed my jacket from the hook on my way out and jumped in my truck. Charlie climbed in beside me, not knowing the way to the Cullen house by himself.

"So, you and this Jasper good friends?" Charlie asked after a couple minutes.

I tried my best to hedge the question, not inclined to profess my love for Jasper to Charlie. "You could say that. We're very close," I replied.

"Huh."

Luckily Charlie didn't ask many more questions the rest of the way. At last I pulled up to the house, parking in the driveway. A quick glance around told me that Jasper had pulled most of the weeds. Jasper opened the door before Charlie had the chance to knock.

"Good evening Charlie," Jasper immediately greeted, shaking his hand. Then he turned to me, his eyes raking me over then widening slightly. "Bella!" he greeted, his voice an octave higher than usual. Jasper cleared his throat then smiled at me charmingly. "You look absolutely stunning, darlin'," he told me.

I blushed, feeling too self-aware from his praise and the fact that Charlie was still standing next to me. Not to mention that Jasper looked pretty good himself in his own formal wear. I decided then and there that Jasper in a vest was one of my favorite things ever.

"Hi Jasper," I squeaked out.

Jasper invited us in, taking our jackets, and led us to the dining area, still conveniently furnished for its lack of real use anywhere else. We were all silent as we settled in, though Charlie kept shooting furtive glances between Jasper and I. I wanted to kick him under the table, but that would have been too suspicious. Instead I clicked a picture of him, to which he grumbled.

Jasper returned form the kitchen carrying two plates of salad. "The main course isn't quite ready yet," he informed us. "But please enjoy this for now."

I nearly giggled at Jasper's formality and server-esque attitude and stopped myself by taking a forkful of salad. Caesar, my favorite. "Jasper, can I take a picture?" I asked, fiddling with my camera.

"Anytime," he responded before smiling for the camera.

Jasper sat down across from me and watched Charlie taste his salad. He glanced at me once more then made an uncomfortable face. I mouthed "what?" while Charlie questioned him.

"So how are Dr. and Mrs. Cullen doing in Los Angeles?" Charlie asked.

Jasper frowned. "I'm afraid Esme doesn't quite like such a big city. I'm almost certain they will be moving back down here very soon," he responded. Jasper then glanced at me and rubbed a spot on his neck.

Confused I raised an eyebrow at him and he pointed to the same spot on my own neck. It took a moment but then I realized what he was on about. I had a hickey.

I choked back my expletive while I excused myself to go to the restroom. On the way out I heard Charlie asking, "But I thought you were here to pack up a few more items."

I rushed to the bathroom and shut the door behind me, going straight to the mirror. I touched my neck gingerly in the place Jasper had indicated, feeling a thrill run through me. I'd never had a hickey before. And apparently I had two, I noticed as I looked higher up my neck. It's a wonder Charlie didn't notice before now.

I hadn't brought any concealer or powder with me, so I was left to make do with brushing my hair to the side, in front of my shoulder. It worked well enough; as long as I didn't accidentally brush my hair back, Charlie would never have to know that I had any hickeys. I smiled slightly as I made my way back toward the dining room, where Charlie was sitting, waiting for the main course.

Jasper returned moments after I did, carrying another two plates. The aroma permeated the room and I saw Charlie sit up straighter in anticipation. Jasper smiled as he set down Charlie's plate then walked over to me. Filet mignon with mashed potatoes. Jasper ought to open his own restaurant.

He timed it just right so that while Charlie was busy cutting his filet, he could place my plate down and kiss one of the marks on my neck while he whispered, "I missed you."

I smiled at him as he returned to his own seat.

Charlie looked up from his meal and frowned at Jasper. "This is great," he complimented. "Aren't you going to eat?"

"I'm a vegetarian," Jasper responded. I choked back the urge to laugh. "And I'm enjoying playing the host."

Charlie shrugged after that. Edward had never eaten with us at dinner either. The rest of the evening was spent in light conversation, ranging from a Forks update to the supposed bear problem; I knew better than to think they were bears now.

Desert was a pleasant surprise. Chocolate dipped strawberries. "Fresh picked this morning," Jasper informed us. It was perfect to see Jasper walking in carrying the silver tray laden with fruity goodness and I clicked another picture.

After dinner Charlie excused himself to the bathroom, giving Jasper and me a few moments alone.

"Bella," he sighed, brushing his hands through my hair before pulling me into a hug. "God, you look gorgeous darlin'."

"You're one to talk," I mumbled.

"I must say, Bella, I like what you've done to this side of your neck, but the other side looks quite bare," he teased in a low tone.

My heart began to pump faster at his suggestion, but I played along. "Oh, well, it's not a one person job," I informed him. "I'm afraid I need someone to help me decorate the other side too."

"I'd be happy to volunteer," he told me, bending down to place a kiss on my neck. I was about to respond in kind but then Jasper released me and walked halfway across the room. I was confused until I heard Charlie's footsteps approaching. I brushed my hair over my neck once more and fought to calm myself.

"Well Jasper," Charlie started awkwardly. "That was a fine meal."

"Thank you Chief," Jasper responded.

"Dad, would you mind taking a picture of Jasper and me?" I asked, handing Charlie the camera. I went to stand by Jasper, who reached around to place a hand on my hip, drawing me close to him. I smiled at the camera just before being blinded by the flash.

"I'll get your coats," Jasper said after the photo. He topped it off with a nice wave of calm, and Charlie's awkwardness disappeared instantly.

"Thanks again," Charlie said on his way out.

"My pleasure," Jasper responded. "See you tonight?" he asked me quietly as I followed Charlie.

I nodded, my throat constricting. Our last night together.

A/N: Let me cower in fear for a moment while you all take our your rage that Jasper and Bella are splitting up. Now...hopefully that's over and I'll move on. I'm terribly sorry for the delay; I thought summer would give me the leisure to write as much as I pleased, but in fact I seem to be fighting for the time to write. But I hope you guys enjoyed the chapter, it's longer than usual and I cut it short to switch POVs.

Please don't think this is the end, there are many more chapters to come I'm sure, but this is a necessary path that they must walk down. To leave things short I hope you all enjoyed the chapter, and I wanted to give a thanks to AlyNiki for her awesome shout out in her story All's Fair. And of course, so much love to the wonderful JaspersBella for reading my rants.

Thank you both and thanks to all my reviewers! I really appreciate all your encouragement and comments!