Chapter 5: Deception
The bell rang for the end of fourth period and I made my way to the east side, just outside of the nearest school doors. "What am I doing out here? This is crazy!" I told myself silently. Just as I turned to retreat back to my car, the god-like Jasper Cullen popped up, out-of-nowhere before me, causing me to flinch and my heart to skip a beat.
"Oh, forgive me if I startled you," he said sweetly. He spoke differently from everyone else. He spoke with such experience, almost as if he had been around long enough to witness things others couldn't imagine.
"No, it's fine. I- I was just…" before I could finish my sentence, he flashed a breathtaking smile.
"Here, sit," he said, motioning to the grassy pallet.
What was I doing? I barley even knew this guy. I thought back on what Jessica had explained to me on my first day. She clearly said not to get too familiar with any of the Cullens. C'mon, what was the worst thing he could do; dazzle me to death? On the other hand, why was he making such an effort to get to know me?
Dragging myself away from my internal conflict, I slowly plopped down on the soft bed of grass.
"You must think I'm odd, requesting your presence like this," he said in a bashful tone.
"I'm not going to lie. I was a bit surprised at the fact that you even attempted to converse with me," I answered. The mood was surprisingly calm. It was hard to believe that I hadn't said anything even remotely bizarre. With a boy this breathtaking, my nerves would've normally taken over and caused me unimaginable embarrassment by now. It was as if all of my nerves and worries had been towed away and gone to a distant land.
"Didn't think it would hurt to get to know the new girl, and make her feel welcome. I suppose you know who I am. And you definitely won't soon forget my appearance," he chuckled.
"W-what do you m—"I rambled. Was he bragging or was I just going mad?
"Well, you've stared at me long enough. Don't think I didn't notice."
At that moment, I realized what he had meant and even the cool tone couldn't hide my immediate reaction. My cheeks flushed deep red, and I quickly took my hair down and tossed it over my shoulders to conceal the scarlet tint playing at my cheeks.
When I finally looked up, Jasper was as stiff as a board with clenched fists. "I'm so sorry. Please forgive me," he whispered, sorrow filling his deep, golden eyes.
What happened next took place too fast for me to analyze. One second, Jasper was standing, motionless. Then the next, I witnessed a flash of chocolate brown, and heard a sharp, piercing crack.