All things Twilight belong to the amazing Stephanie Meyer.
A/N - I know I promised a longer chapter but it just didn't end up that way. Due to the natural progression of the story this chapter was necessary to set up what will be coming up in the next and subsequent chapters.
BPOV
The nervousness I would have expected to feel when Jasper first asked me to spend the remainder of the weekend at his house didn't kick in until we were on the freeway headed to my little apartment.
"You're sure you don't mind me dropping you off at home to get your things?" Jasper asked.
It had been his idea to take me home so I'd have a chance to get what I what need for the weekend, and let McKenna know that I'd be away for a couple of days while he went and picked up a few things at the grocery store. He'd admitted that there wasn't a thing in his house fit for human consumption. I had attempted to insist that I could bring my own food, but as expected he'd declined.
"Of course I don't mind. Besides it will save you from Kenna's insinuations if you're not there when I fill her in on our plans." I cringed, already imagining my friend's reaction to our plans.
"I almost feel guilty making you face her alone." He chuckled as he parked next to the curb. "Promise I'll make it up to you though." He crossed over his chest.
"Oh and how do you propose to make it up to me Jazz?"
My imagination was getting away from me as I conjured up all the ways he'd be able to do just that. A feeling of warmth settled between my thighs at the direction of my thoughts and a blush heated my face. I knew Jasper would not only feel the increase in my desire, but smell the scent of my arousal.
"Chocolate of course!" The look on his face pure mischief.
"Tease." I mumbled as I leaned forward and brushed my lips against his before jumping out of the truck. Amazing myself when I didn't trip, stumble, or do an outright face plant in the process.
Jasper waited with the engine idling until I opened the creamy curtains in my living room to wave, assuring him I'd made it inside in one piece. After watching him pull away I darted back out my door to pound on McKenna's.
"Home so early? It's barely dark." McKenna exclaimed.
Could the girl never just say "hi" I silently wondered. Before I could get a word in she continued. No wonder she wanted to be a lawyer, she was exceptional at not letting anyone get a word in edge wise.
"Or is he here?........I mean in there." She whispered loudly, dodging and weaving to see around my form standing in her doorway.
"Kenna settle! He's not here. Now listen to me." My hands grasped her face on either side, forcing her to look at me. "I uhh need your help."
"With?" She stretched out the word.
The moment I was dreading......
"I'm umm staying at Jasper's for the rest of the weekend and I need you to keep an eye on my place." I tried to get the words out as fast as I could.
She......squealed. I rolled my eyes, already anticipating much of what was to follow.
"Oh my god! Seriously? Ok, we need to be calm." She took a deep breath.
Compared to her, I was as cool as a cucumber. And here I thought I was the one that was supposed to be freaking out. Like really, here I was about to go pack to spend the weekend with my new vampire boyfriend, the ex-husband of my vampire best friend, and also the brother of my vampire ex-boyfriend. Ok now I was freaking out. How is it that my life had ended up stranger than any work of fiction?
"Bella sweetie I have to grab something then I'll be right over to help you pack." McKenna shooed me back towards my door.
I headed straight for my bedroom after letting McKenna know I'd leave the door unlocked for her. Grabbing the essentials such as my toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, shower essentials; I threw them all into the purple backpack I pulled out from under my bed. Clothes, now just to pack clothes. I dug out a couple of pairs of blue jeans, as well as my most comfortable non-holy sweats and tossed them in the bag. Two fitted t-shirts in green and black along with my Tulane University sweatshirt and I was packed, with the exception of pyjamas and underwear. The two things I was having the hardest time packing. That was when McKenna came bouncing into my room.
Digging in my bag, she made low noises of approval. "Not taking underwear of pj's Bella?" She cocked an eyebrow at me suggestively.
"I can't decide." I knew I was whining.
"You can't decide if you're going to take underwear or pj's with you?" McKenna was obviously trying to hold back her laughter at my predicament.
"Kenna!" I scolded "I can't decide which ones to take. Besides, it's not like he's even going to see them."
"Wha- What?" McKenna asked flabbergasted.
"We're taking things slow." I explained feebly.
"Ok, let me get this all straight. You're spending what, one......two.....nights at his house?"
"Two or more, I don't have classes on Mondays." I confirmed.
"Alright, two or more nights at his house. The man looks like a god. You've already admitted that he kisses like one as well." She ticked the points off on her fingers.
"Uh huh." I nodded my head in agreement.
"Then Bella honey...." She paused, "I'd bet that charge card my daddy sent me last week, you know the one....that the very fine Jasper is going to be seeing your panties this weekend."
I turned and dug through my drawer with renewed vigour, holding up matching bra and panty sets for McKenna's approval.
"The pink set with the little flower thingies, that lacy white set and the baby blue satin ones." McKenna instructed. "As for pj's, those teeny tank tops with the matching pants........perfect." She smiled a toothy grin.
"I guess that means I'm packed." I added the underwear and pyjamas to my bag.
"Not quite." McKenna grabbed the box I hadn't even seen her set on my bed. "You might need these."
"Oh?" I reached out for the bright blue box in McKenna's hand. "Ohhhhhh." My eyes widened.
There in my small hand sat a box on condoms. Extra large, ribbed for her pleasure I read the label on the box soundlessly in my head. Even through the months I'd been with Edward I hadn't considered needing....protection. It's not like vampires were rampant STD carriers, and was getting pregnant even a remote possibility? It hadn't really been a topic of conversation that had presented itself. Then again Edward had always been to preoccupied thwarting my advances for it to be of any pertinence.
"Don't even consider arguing with me Bella, just put them in your bag."
"I actually wasn't going to argue Kenna." I stated truthfully. There was no way I could even begin to explain to her my probable lack of need for her little gift.
"That's a first!" She wrapped her slim arms around me in a quick hug. "Have fun! I have a date to make myself beautiful for, talk to you Tuesday." Like a whirlwind she was out the door, leaving me to contemplate what this weekend could mean.
I hadn't entirely decided if I was ready to take things to that level with Jasper, after all we'd only reconnected last night. Everything was moving so quickly and the feelings I had for him were so intense. I couldn't even begin to wrap my mind around it all. My fascination with Edward had been instantaneous but this was more than fascination. Everything I was feeling for Jasper was so much more than I'd felt with Edward. Was I ready to jump in head first? I knew that realistically our relationship was progressing at an accelerated pace. But could one really apply the regular rules of relationship etiquette when dealing with immortals? Deep down I knew all the answers to these questions, I'd known since the moment I'd seen him last night.
I pulled out my phone to compose a text, simple words that would completely alter my life once again. I could only hope that he'd grasp their double meaning.
Jasper, I'm ready if you are
JPOV
"It's only a grocery store, piece of cake." I vainly tried to reassure myself as I parked in the crowded Winn-Dixie lot.
I'd seen Esme unload hordes of groceries in order to keep up our charade, it hadn't looked all that difficult. What could be complex about tossing food into a metal basket on wheels? I wondered if Char would be able to give me any pointers. Decided fuck no to that idea, Peter would never let me live it down. That alone gave me the incentive to figure this out on my own.
After a few false starts and stops I managed to get the hang of this whole buying human food thing. I'd filled the cart with bags of fresh fruit and vegetables, a variety of pastas along with jars of marinara sauce, along with a multitude of other items I recalled Esme keeping in the house for Bella. My next stop was the Pharmacy after considering Bella's less than stellar ability to refrain from injuring herself in some form. I wandered through the aisles adding a small hospitals supply of first aid items to my already overflowing cart. All in all it had been a lot less painful than I'd anticipated. I was feeling particularly proud of myself as I followed the signs to the checkouts. Even the overt flirting and salacious feelings smacking into me courteous of the middle aged cashier couldn't hinder my positive mood.
I decided on the way back to my truck that it would probably be beneficial for me to call Peter to let him know that I would be bringing Bella home with me. It wasn't that they would mind, quite the contrary in fact. It was more a courtesy, as smelling a human where one generally shouldn't be could be problematic. Especially when the human in question smells as exquisite as Bella does. Retrieving my phone from my pocket it began to vibrate in my hand signalling that I had a new text message before I'd even had the chance to dial. The name that flashed on the screen on my phone however was definitely not Peter. Although I'd anticipated this was coming, I had no idea what to expect. Taking a deep breath more out of habit than need I read the incoming message.
Jazz I've seen everything. We need to talk!
Flipping my phone shut I contemplated ignoring Alice, fully aware at what a nearly impossible feat that was. "Fucking persistent pixie." I grumbled when the phone vibrated once again.
Don't you even consider ignoring me Jasper Whitlock!
Dammit! There was going to be no way around this conversation. It was difficult to determine from her words which way this was going to go. Alice and I had a complex relationship considering everything. We were the closest of friends, decades spent together had cemented that element of our relationship even after everything else had faced. However, the fact remained that Alice still very much considered Bella her best friend and I sincerely hoped she wouldn't see this as a betrayal. I could only hope that she wouldn't. Deciding I might as well just bite the bullet I rapidly dialed Alice's number.
"See I knew you'd come to your senses." Alice giggled. She seemed strangely......happy.
"Of course you did Alice." It was almost, but not entirely impossible to feel annoyed at what was so typically Alice.
"It's a gift." Her soprano voice full of what could only be described as glee.
"You're not upset." It was more a statement than a question. This had not been the reaction I'd anticipated. Then again rarely did Alice do as expected.
"Of course not silly! This is how things are supposed to be."
"I know." I replied. As irritating as it was at times to be the subject of Alice's visions, there were at times advantages. This was such a time, I didn't have to explain to her how everything had just seemed to fall into place when I saw Bella again.
"You two have a long road ahead of you Jazz, it's not all going to be easy." Alice warned.
"I didn't expect it would be." I answered truthfully.
My conversation with Peter replayed in my mind. There were going to be hurdles to our being together, but in the end if Bella was by my side it would all be worth it.
"You aren't going to like what I have to say next Jazz but you need to listen to me." Alice's usual tinkling voice growing low and serious. "Bella needs to face Edward...."
"No Alice, out of the question!"
"Jasper, this is imperative. The way will never be completely clear for you two if she doesn't. She needs to reconcile her past."
"She has." I insisted, even though on some level I knew that was false. Bella wasn't in love with Edward anymore. I'd sensed that much when she'd spoken of him. The emotional wounds he'd inflicted upon her though were still very much present.
"Jazz, we both know that's not true." Alice knew me much to well. "You have some time. I will block my thoughts from Edward for as long as I possibly can."
"Thank you Alice." I knew this had to be difficult for her in many ways. She was exceptionally close to him not to mention it was no small task to block thoughts from Edward.
"Please bring both of you home to us soon Jazz. We all miss you, and you know as well as I do that this family has been incomplete without Bella." The sadness was evident in Alice's voice.
"That will be up to Bella, the decision is ultimately hers to make as to whether she is ready to see the entire family; including Edward."
"I understand. Do me one favour though please ........." Alice paused. " Tell Bella I miss her."
"Of course." I assured her. "And Alice, she misses you as well." I added. Bella's longing for Alice's presence was something I'd immediately sensed. The bond they shared continued to be strong despite the years of separation.
I heard a long sigh before she spoke again. "Jazz, I need to go before the family wonders where I am. Love you both!" Alice's voice hadn't quite returned to its typical upbeat lilt.
Before I could reply I was left with dead air. Alice never was one to say goodbye. She'd given me a lot to think about , and to discuss with Bella. I felt an overwhelming urge to protect her, but I wouldn't make the same mistakes Edward had time and time again by attempting to shelter her. This was her life, and the path she chose had to be of her making and not due to manipulation on my or anyone else's part.
Yet again the phone I was beginning to loathe made a whirring noise in my hand. Flipping the offending contraption open my impatience rapidly transformed into anticipation as I read the incoming message.
Jasper, I'm ready if you are
Wishful thinking had me reading far to much into her simple message. As much as I yearned for her to be ready to move on with me, I could; I would wait. When you've been alive, or rather existing as long as I have; waiting is something you learn to do well.
Looking around as I settled myself into the drivers seat of my truck, I hadn't realized how much time had passed since pulling into the lot. The sky had darkened significantly, the thick cloud cover making it appear later than it was. I could smell rain. It was one of the many things I missed about Washington. Running through the mountains covered in dense forests, rain pelting my body. It had been refreshing. Bella........she was that for me now. I almost had to groan at what I undoubtedly would have considered quite the corny comparison in the past. I shook my head, chuckling; knowing I'd have to reign this in around Peter or risk never hearing the end of it. Peter.......shit...I was calling him when the whirlwind that was Alice had distracted me.
Pulling into traffic I hit the speed dial on my phone that would connect me to Peter.
"Jazz! No, no, don't tell me.........you ate her!" Peter laughed, ever his sardonic self.
"Go fuck yourself Peter." I growled.
"Now where is the fun in that?" Peter only laughed harder.
This conversation was digressing rapidly. They say hindsight is 20/20, I should have called Char's cell instead.
"Listen Peter, can you not act like a complete asshole for a minute?" My impatience was evident in my voice.
"Sure, but the clock is ticking. Talk fast." I could almost see him watching the second hand on his watch count down to the minute mark.
I sighed in exasperation. " I'm just calling to let you and Char know I'm bringing Bella home with me for the weekend. You know....as a courtesy."
"Uh huh" His grunted reply nearly astounded me. No smartass comments, no lewd remarks, this was a first.
"Uh huh? That's all?" I knew I should just count my blessings and hang up the phone but no, my curiously was piqued now.
"Nuh uh." Peter mumbled. "The minute isn't up yet, give me twenty seconds." He laughed loudly "10, 9, 8...."
Closing my phone before he could finish his countdown I tossed it on the seat beside me where it proceeded to ring.
"Christ, what now?" I cursed aloud. Char this time; hopefully she'd have better luck reigning her husband in.
"Jazz don't worry about Peter, we're going to go round up some........uh dinner." She spoke quickly, hesitating only when referring to their diet of human blood. "We'll be out most of the night. I won't let him bother you, even if it means tying him up." She giggled at Peter's "Yehaw" in the background.
"I owe you Char." I heaved a sigh of relief that Bella and I wouldn't be subjected to Peter's personal brand of humour tonight. No doubt Bella could handle herself, she certainly had last night but Peter could be relentless in his tortuous teasing.
"Yes, yes you do! You can pay me back by allowing me to meet this intriguing girl sometime this weekend." I'd sensed Char's sincerity when she'd talked about wanting to meet Bella this morning.
Pulling up in front of Bella's I said my goodbyes to Char, promising I'd bring Bella over to the main house tomorrow to introduce them. Before I was even out of the truck there she was, hurrying down the steps; my beautiful Bella.
A/N - Ok this time I PROMISE, much longer chapter coming up next. This will be the one where the question of Laurent and Victoria is answered. Also Alice and Jasper's conversation will be addressed. Also considering doing a chapter in Alice's point of view. Let me know what you all think. Thanks again for reading and reviewing as well as to those that added this story to their favourites and alerts.