Chapter Thirteen

Bella

I unpacked my sweats and took a quick shower then climbed into bed with my book again but again I didn't read it, Jasper filled my thoughts again. I had no idea why he was affecting me so much but I missed him as soon as he was out of sight. I dreaded the very idea of our journey ending, would I ever see him again? I doubted it and that really upset me. I hadn't thought of Edward or Jake since I left Forks which was a good thing but the space in my head they had filled now had a new occupant, Jasper Hale. My sleep was interrupted time after time as every sound woke me, I sat up hoping it would be him but the room was empty every time and by morning I looked like death warmed up! He called for me at 8.30 and took me straight over to the café across the road for breakfast, this time scrambled eggs and wheat germ toast. I drank my coffee and his orange juice to wash the toast down them handed him the keys.

"Are you OK Bella?"

I nodded,

"Didn't sleep well again. Noises woke me up."

"Noises?"

He sounded worried,

"Car doors, traffic, the usual stuff"

He nodded and I fell asleep on his shoulder again, and again he woke me up for lunch. As I was eating I saw he was working himself up to say something,

"You're leaving aren't you?"

I blurted the question out and he looked taken aback,

"Leaving? No. I hadn't planned to but I did want to ask you something and I need your word that you'll answer me honestly"

I put my fork down and looked at him seriously,

"OK I promise"

"This problem with sleeping, is it because of me?"

I nearly choked on my food,

"Because of you? What do you mean?"

"Is my presence disturbing you? I mean are you afraid of me?"

I took a deep breath,

"I'm not afraid of you but I think you know that."

He shrugged,

"You confuse me Bella Swan. I'm not sure what I read in your emotions but you didn't answer my question."

"Well you asked for honesty so here goes. I guess I'm worried about getting to Florida"

"Worried? I thought that was your plan, to go there?"

"It was, it is. This is embarrassing but...I'm not looking forward to you saying goodbye."

The last came out in a tumble of garbled sounds but I think he got the idea because he took my hand again.

"I'm here for as long as you feel comfortable with my presence."

"Then you could be here for a very long time Jasper Hale"

He laughed,

"You'll get fed up with my company I guarantee."

"We'll see."

Jasper

Bella drove this afternoon and I missed her head on my shoulder, I was becoming very attached to this human, the only one who wasn't afraid of me. I remembered Alice's words again. She thought Bella needed protection but she hadn't told me why or who from. I was working blind but it was work I was happy with. The only thing that worried me was her broken sleep, humans needed their sleep and Bella was losing out for some reason. I was sure she hadn't lied to me but I was equally sure that she hadn't told me everything. We sang along to country songs and talked about our favourite singers agreeing on Clay Walker but disagreeing on Garth Brooks, she liked him but I felt he was a little too commercial for my liking. It was nice to find someone who didn't take things too seriously and we laughed a lot which was good for both of us. That night Bella went to ring her father while I ordered dinner and when she came back she wasn't smiling,

"Problem Bella?"

"Sort of. Charlie knows you're with me and he was upset I hadn't told him."

"Who told him? No let me guess, Edward?"

"Yes but how he knew is beyond me, unless he's following us."

"No I don't think anyone is following us. It's probably a shot in the dark and you responded. What did he say?"

"He didn't think you were suitable company for a young woman travelling alone."

"Did he say why?"

"No I think it would be the same whoever I was with. I'm glad you're with me though."

"Anything for a lady."

Bella

Jasper once more walked me to my room, a small hotel this time and handed me the key,

"Hunting?"

He nodded but I wasn't sure I believed him. I almost asked him to stay but hesitated just too long and he was gone. This night followed the same pattern as I thought about the conversation with Charlie, as soon as he picked up I knew something was wrong, he sounded angry,

"Hi dad, just to let you know I'm still OK and I've stopped for the night".

"Yeah well I guess I shouldn't be worrying too much as you aren't travelling alone."

"What?"

"I hear you have company Bella."

"Oh, who told you?"

"Does it matter? Who is he?"

"It's Jasper Hale. He was travelling south too so he's sharing the driving with me."

"Is that all he's sharing?"

I was stunned by the question and didn't answer.

"His brother is quite upset Bella and I don't blame him. Is that why you broke off the engagement?"

"No, it's not like that dad"

"Yeah well I guess its none of my business anyway, you're an adult now, you make your own decisions. Just be careful Bella."

I cut the call short cursing Edward Cullen. Even now he wouldn't leave me in peace. I dreamed of him pursuing me across our meadow with Jake and although they couldn't catch me nor could I escape them. When I woke up I was exhausted and I must have been late getting up because Jasper was knocking on my door,

"Bella are you OK?"

I opened the door not caring that I was still in my sweats,

"Hi Jasper. Sorry I'm running late, come in"

He came in and took my hands looking into my face,

"Bella what's wrong? Is it your dad? Do you want to go back?"

I shook my head but I was so tired and so stressed that I started to cry and he pulled me in for a hug. He stroked my hair and calmed me using his gift until I could speak coherently again.

Pulling me down beside him on the edge of the bed he tipped my chin up to look into my eyes,

"What's wrong Bella? I don't like to see you this way."

"I'm sorry. I had a bad dream last night and it kept waking me up, I'm so tired, I'm fed up with everyone telling me what's best for me, Edward, Jake and now Charlie. I just want to get away from everyone, I'd like to run away where no one knows me, find somewhere peaceful and isolated where no one can see me or tell me what to do, who to see. I'm sick of being someone's doll or baby. I'm a woman and I need my space."

My voice got a little hysterical and then I felt embarrassed,

"I'm sorry Jasper, I shouldn't take things out on you. You're the only person who's never tried to tell me what to do. Did you know that? Everyone thinks they know what's best for me and I'm sick of it."

I dried my eyes on my sleeve and took a few breaths to calm myself, enjoying the feel of his arms keeping me safe.