Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight, or anything to do with it, however the OC's are all my own. The concept of Jasper being the 'God of War' is something that I've read in a few fics, but I don't know where it originates, so I'm sorry for not giving credit where credit's due! Plus, I have no idea what Louisianna, or Wisconsin are like - I'm from England, so please, forgive any mistakes. Have a great day, and I love you guys!
Camilla POV
October 2020
Madison, Wisconsin
Tuesday came about, and for the first time in God knows how long, I felt my nerves truly settle in. I hadn't performed in a long time, especially in front of a group of my peers. Back home, in Baron Rouge, people didn't even know I played any kind of instrument, let alone eight.
Most of the time, when I told eventually told people about my music, they thought I was a little up-myself, but I wasn't. I loved everything about music. It was like I had an ear and an eye for the subject, and it had always been a passion of mine.
Clyde had his sports, I had my music. When I first started playing - my first instrument being the acoustic guitar, aged 5, - I couldn't sing a lick. It was pathetic. But over the years, my ear had become more refined, and my voice soon followed. Adding bass and electric guitar, piano, flute, drums, cello and violin to the list, and 12 years later, here I was.
I could say, with confidence, that I was a talented, dedicated musician, and I loved it. There was nothing that anyone could take from me while I was locked in my own imaginations. Clyde called it his 'zone', I just labelled it my happy place. That's why, come last lesson, I was going to be performing again for the first time in nearly two years, and I was ecstatic.
First, though, I would have to suffer a gruelingly tedious English Literature class, which was pretty easy, if you penciled in the little detail that I loved everything about modern-day, and contemporary linguistic pieces of English - be it poetry, drama pieces, short stories or prose fiction. It was all fascinating. Apparently though, this year, for our end-of-year finals, we'd be studying the contextual factors of Shakespeare's Henry VI versus the linguistic thematic of the late Arthur Miller's The Crucible, two of my favorite plays.
Before I realized it, the end of class bell was ringing, alerting us that the class was over, and that it was time for gym. Oh Jesus, save me, because I hate this class with an intensity that overshadowed everything else in my life. It was the worst thing to ever be created, and that was a fact.
It took me nearly ten minutes to get dressed and ready for the class, surrounded by other like-minded teenage girls, who liked nothing more than to either bitch, gossip or jus' ogle other girls and complain about their body shapes.
It got mighty annoying, ever so fuckin' fast. I undressed myself, taking care to not overly crease my clothing, and threw on my kit, a simple pair of loose black shorts, and a tight-fitting matching tee, with the school emblem on the back.
My hair had been left down in luscious waves this morning, however I had learned during the first lesson that the coach didn't allow that kind of thing, so to save myself the embarrassment, I braided my hair up in two low pigtails, with see-through elastics at the bottom, then slid on a pair of worn maroon Converse on my feet, and I was ready to start.
It was funny because Alice, Bella, Edward, Clyde and I were all together in this class as we were all juniors, although I didn't really spend a lot of my time with them as the Cullen's opted out of the class and Clyde was usually outside with the rest of the football team, practicing plays or whatever they called it.
Today, though, we'd be playing basketball, and, of course, due to the heavy rain, the guy's would be joining us, inside. Because they would have been doing re-runs of their tactics, the entire football team were here, which included a very heated, animated Danny. He took a second out of tearing his team a new, collective asshole to turn and smile, charmingly, in my direction, and, even though I probably shouldn't have, I couldn't help but grin back. His smile was just infectious like that.
Because our class was smaller than usual, most of the girls refusing to play because of the guy's presences, we split into teams of six on each side, and I was made captain of mine, and Leila of her own. Hank Keelson, another linebacker, whooped at this, as Leila was his girlfriend, and she smiled at him, all cutesy and petite-like. She was absolutely tiny!
Tip-off came about, and my mind set on the game, focusing only on the ball and the next pass. Sure I got hit a few times, but that was part of the attraction of the game. Being knocked on your ass kept you alert and focused, and that's jus' what I needed. I didn't wanna keep looking over at Danny, and that perfect butt of his, but I couldn't help it, and I paid for it.
With a ball to the face.
A very hard, fast-moving ball, to my soft, unprepared face.
Of course, immediately after it happened, the girl who had thrown the offending weapon, Maya Upton, if I wasn't mistaken, apologized, profusely, although, really, she had nothin' to be sorry about. I was an idiot, and I got what I deserved.
Before I realised what was happening, I felt warm hands ensnare beneath my knees and upper back as I was hoisted into the air, and as I glanced up, even though my sight was bleary as fuck, I could make out the faint outline of Danny's head. He yelled back to his coach, who was, also, his dad, "Gonna take her to the Nurses office. Back in a second, Coach!"
He wasn't allowed to call him 'dad' in school, for obvious reasons.
He tutted at me, slightly, and joked, "Maybe next time you'll pay more attention, huh?"
He kicked open the door, leading outside, and we were hit with jus' how crazy the rain here got. The wind was sharp, the rain was sticky, the air was humid and the trees were blowin' like nobody's business. It was anarchy out here, and we were smack bang in the middle of it. He sighed, "This shit really isn't gonna help, is it?"
I shook my head, a little, before finding that Danny had set off in a light jog, with me still in his arms. Good God, was this guy Hercules or somethin'? He chuckled at my expression, and said, "You're light, that's all."
Rolling my eyes, I faced upwards, really seein' the sky for the first time since movin' here almost a month and a half ago. It was an off-white colour, due to the rain, and gave the entire scope of the area an entirely more morbid and depressing feel; somethin' I didn't really like, if I were bein' honest.
-0-
"You're a rambunctious one, aren't you, Miss? Well, there's light bruising around your eye, but beyond that, and a little bit of a headache, you should be alright, just take it easy, sweetie," the nurse said, from in front of me. I heard Danny chuckle from the corner of the room, his hair even darker and dripping all over his clothes. I felt guilty, considering it was my fault that he was soaking wet, but he didn't seem to mind too much.
He shrugged, "I did tell her that she should have been paying some kind of attention, but I guess I'm just.. Kinda irresistible, aren't I, Camilla?"
I felt my ears flush out of pure embarrassment, I rolled my eyes, and answered, as sardonically as I could, considering it was a little true, "Sure, Danny, that's exactly the reason why I got blasted in the face."
He smirked, but said nothing, and he didn't need to, the sarcastic prick. I was issued a written note from the nurse, telling everyone that I had suffered an injury, and that was why I missed the end of gym. As I slid off of the gurney, I felt comforting hands enclose over my elbow and lower back as Danny helped me stay balanced. I thanked him, quietly, as my head rushed, as soon as my feet touched the floor. He asked, "You sure you're alright?"
Shaking my head, as much as I could anyway, he resolved, "Just lean on me if you need it, I'm here."
He led me out of the nurse's office, before trailing the staircases inside, and then, eventually to the loud, intrusive cafeteria. I wasn't even all that hungry, but I knew that Clyde would be worried, especially because my head injury of Saturday. He nudged open the door, taking care as to not jar me any more than I already was, and helped me inside, slowly and carefully, drawing the attentions of everyone, especially Clyde.. And Amber. A very pissed-off Amber, at that. Her face was probably the same colour as my shoes, and she looked ready to burst at the seams. I wondered how long it would take her to, either, explode in a fit of rage, or cry in a flood of tears. I was hoping for the latter, simply because I wanted to see her cry. She deserved it.
"You wanna sit with your friends, or are you not feeling up to it?"
I glanced at him, and whispered, "Can I sit on my own, please?"
He nodded, and led me over to a chair in the corner. I could feel the intense eyes of the Cullen's, or more specifically an outraged, pissed off Clyde, who had joined Alice on their table, and also, seemed ready to haul his hefty ass out of his seat and kick Danny's ass from here to next Sunday.
I didn't see where he got off, being all angry - its not like we're together or anything. Just as I was about to thank Danny for his time, he took the seat opposite my own, and rested his elbow on the table, his chin cradled in his hands. He asked, completely ignoring the glaringly obvious stares we were getting, "You alright?"
Shocked, I answered, "Alright? How can you be askin' me if I'm 'alright'? Can you not see the looks we're gettin'? Maybe you should go sit with your girl, it'd do you a whole hell of a lot more good if you did, sugar."
He rolled his eyes, almost huffily, and answered, "Do I look like the type who cares about what other people think?"
My silence was answer enough for him, and he exhaled, sharply, before resolution blooming in his eyes. He smirked, "Alright.. Friday, 8 o'clock, I'll pick you up, and we can go out to eat."
My eyes widened, and I could almost taste his anticipation. Even though he seemed all confident and collected, there was an acute nervousness in his eyes that made my heart clench in my chest. Quietly, he urged, "What do you say?"
"Uh," I stammered, "Sure?"
His smile was practically blinding. Being the gentlemen that he was, he walked me to my last class, Music, and with a shy smile in his direction, I stepped inside of my safe-haven. Immediately, I felt eyes on me, and I scooted into my designated seat, before paying attention to my teacher, Mr Harris, a mid-thirties, brown-haired, blue-eyed married man who's interest in music rivalled my own. He was the best, and, without getting too ahead of myself, I felt like I was one of his favourite students. And I had only been here a month. Suck on that, guys.
"Alright, guys, so you knew this was coming, and I gave you fair warning, but the time's come. Performance Assessment. We do four of these over the course of the school year, and by your finals, you should be given a grade that parallels how well you score - not your improvement, but your dedication to the craft, your love for the subject and your ability."
"If you feel at all uncomfortable with performing in front of your peers, say so now, so I can make a note of it, otherwise prepare yourselves. We will be going in alphabetical order, of surnames, and first up is.. Michael Andrews. Give him a round of applause, guys."
…
It took a while, but before I knew it, it was my turn, and I revelled in the ferocity of the applause I was given. Picking up my guitar, that I had brought in earlier that morning, I drew a high stool from the side of the class, and reclined on it, one foot firmly steadied on the floor. Vaguely, I felt the door open, but I paid the noise no mind - I was in my zone, and they were going to listen to me. Plucking a few of the strings, just to make sure the instrument was in tune, I jumped, headfirst, into my own heartfelt and emotional rendition of Kiss Me, by Ed Sheeran.
This song had been composed and recorded nearly fifteen years ago, however it held an intense emotional value to me. It was one of my favourite songs - my father said it was my mother's favourite song, so there was even more feeling behind it for me. Closing my eyes, I trusted my hands enough to do all of the work, and not let me down.
Settle down with me
Cover me up
Cuddle me in
Lie down with me
Hold me in your arms
I didn't know why but the thought of Jasper's strong arms encasing my form ran through my mind as I was singing.
Your heart's against my chest
Lips pressed to my neck
I've fallen for your eyes
But they don't know me yet
This lyric made me feel like I was actually missing out on something, making the entire sentiment even more emotional than before.
And the feeling I forget
I'm in love now
I've never been in love - hell, I didn't know myself well enough to actually love anyone. Idly, I wondered how magnificent it must feel to love another person with your entire being.
Kiss me, like you wanna be loved
Wanna be loved
Wanna be loved
I did want to be loved. I really did. To have that mushy feeling encase your heart every time you looked at that one person who meant the world to you. To truly give a damn about someone more than you cared for yourself.
This feels like I've fallen in love
Fallen in love
Fallen in love
I couldn't have fallen in love with anyone. I was damaged goods, I didn't deserve love.
Settle down with me
And I'll be your safety
You'll be my lady
Oh, I wish. It wasn't an option for me, but a girl could dream, couldn't she?
I was made to keep your body warm
But I'm cold as the wind blows
So hold me in your arms
My heart's against your chest
Your lips pressed to my neck
I've fallen for your eyes
But they don't know me yet
Nobody knows the true me, they couldn't. It was too painful when they eventually walked away.
And the feeling I forget
I'm in love now
Kiss me, like you wanna be loved
Wanna be loved
Wanna be loved
How does one kiss like they want somethin'? Does that even work?
This feels like I've fallen in love
Fallen in love
Fallen in love
Yeah I've been feeling everything
From hate to love
From love to lust
From lust to truth
I guess that's how I know you
I've felt lust before, but never strong enough for me to act on it.
So hold you close
To help you give it up
I wish I could let it go, but it just hurts so much.
So kiss me like you wanna be loved
Wanna be loved
Wanna be loved
This feels like I've fallen in love
Fallen in love
Fallen in love
So kiss me like you wanna be loved
Wanna be loved
Wanna be loved
This feels like I've fallen in love
Fallen in love
Fallen in love
My fingers stopped moving, the final chords trailing through the dead-still room, and as I cracked an eye open, I saw somethin' that I could never un-see.
People were cryin'. Like actual tears we trailing down the faces of a few of the girls, and I thought that was gonna choke up right then an' there. It was a sight to behold, honestly. The standing ovation I received was more than I could have imagined, and when I turned to the side, I saw the glassy eyes of an especially proud Clyde, who did nothin' but clap for his baby sister.
He mouthed, "You did great, cher," and I flushed at the compliment, resting my guitar and somewhat sore, throbbing fingers.
Now, that was what I called fun.