Chapter Fourteen

Jasper

The rest of the week was no less stressful with Edward hovering too close to Bella for my liking especially as I felt I was fighting the urge to drink her blood too. The ache in my chest seemed to get worse when we left school, and got away from her scent which was weird, I would have expected to feel it less strongly then because Edward seemed less edgy when away from temptation. Alice told me they had been invited to the beach barbecue and as it wasn't on the reservation land Edward had accepted for them both which meant I was going too. I didn't relish a day on the beach with the same idiots I was at school with but I had no choice, as Bella was also going. I guess idiots was a little harsh but they were typical teenagers and I was getting too old to enjoy High School kids any longer, I didn't think I would be going back to school when we moved away from Forks, Id go to college instead, I enjoyed learning but not the company. I tried to persuade Emmett and Rose to join me on Saturday and though Emmett was up for it Rose vetoed the idea which I guess I should have seen coming, she hated school and the kids in school even more than me.

I found Edward sneaking off on Thursday evening and side tracked him, persuading him to go hunting with me which should help the Bella situation as he wouldn't be so thirsty although Emmett insisted that he wouldn't be able to control the need eventually. So I watched Friday at school but Edward, with a little help, seemed to be controlling himself pretty well then Bella broke her routine after school by leaving her truck in the parking lot and walking to Newtons store so I followed at a distance curious as to why. Listening in I understood that her dad had arranged an interview for her, a Saturday job, so maybe she wouldn't be at the barbecue after all or at least not all day but then after giving her the job Mr Newton gave her this Saturday off to meet the rest of the youngsters in town and get to know everyone so I was still on for a day of torture. I wasn't concentrating as I walked away and met Bella coming round the corner almost knocking her over. Only my quick reflexes saved her from falling onto the huge puddle that had collected in the kerb.

"I'm so sorry, I wasn't concentrating, forgive me"

She looked up and smiled a little shyly,

"Its OK I'm clumsy anyway I should have been looking where I was going. You're Jasper Hale aren't you?"

"Yes and you're Bella Swan, the new girl"

She stood awkwardly as it started to rain.

"I should go"

"Of course"

I stood aside and she passed me although I wanted to ask her to stay, to talk to me and had no idea why but she turned after a few steps,

"Do you have a lift? I saw your sister drive off and I remembered you usually go home with her. I could give you a ride if you like"

I hesitated then thought what the hell,

"Thank you that would be great"

I followed her back to the red truck walking faster now as the rain got heavier.

"Dad was right, it does rain a lot here. I wonder if the barbecue will be rained off"

"I think its going to be dry tomorrow so you should be OK"

She started the engine and eased out onto the highway,

"You'd better give me directions, I have no idea where you live"

"Sure"

I could feel she was nervous but didn't try to put her at her ease artificially, instead I talked to her

"So how are you finding life in Forks?"

"Great, I love it here."

"Good, so you're off to the barbecue tomorrow. Its a good way to meet people."

"Yes...are you going?"

"I think Alice is trying to rope me in."

"Oh, of course she's going with Edward isn't she?"

"They go most places together, it will mostly be couples I think."

"I was afraid of that. Its always nerve racking turning up on your own isn't it."

What made me say it I have no idea to this day, it just came out,

"You could go with me, just as friends, but it means you wouldn't turn up alone..."

She looked at me a little startled and I realised what a stupid idea it was

"Of course you probably have someone to go with...a friend I mean...it was a dumb idea..."

She shook her head and turned to smile at me self consciously,

"No its a nice idea, very kind of you, besides I don't even know where the beach is, I was going to ring Angela Webber to ask her for directions but if you don't mind travelling with me"

"Sure, I'll pick you up tomorrow, what time?"

She shrugged,

"I think it starts about two but whenever its convenient. I have some food to take."

"Fine, I'll see you at two tomorrow. You can drop me here if you like, its awkward turning in the drive."

She looked then pulled over,

"You sure?"

"Yes thank you, the rain is stopping anyway. Until tomorrow"

I watched as she turned around and headed back to Forks before sauntering down the drive ignoring the still falling rain. Again I felt that nagging ache which had disappeared when I was with Bella, it was strange.

At the house I found Alice alone in the lounge reading a magazine,

"Where is everyone?"

"Rose and Emmett have gone to Portland for the weekend, Esme and Carlisle are at a convention in Seattle and Edward has gone to pick up some new CD's in Port Angeles so its just you and me brother. Now tell me, how did it go?"

"How did what go?"

"You and Bella? You did get a ride home after all"

"You saw that?"

"Of course and you're taking her to the barbecue. One would think you were interested in her yourself Jazz"

"I just thought if I took her it would give me an excuse to be there so I can make sure Edward doesn't do anything stupid seeing as you made me his guardian"

"Her guardian actually. She's nice isn't she? Its so sad"

"What's sad?"

"Her life until now, I think she had a really hard time with her mum. From what I saw Renee was a bitch to her."

"Were you watching her before she came here? Did you know about her and Edward that long ago?"

"I had a feeling nothing more so I just peeked a few times."

"Well peek into tomorrow and tell me what happens little pixie sister. Am I going to knock Edward flat on his backside?"

She laughed a tinkling sound that always made me smile,

"I don't think so Jazz but I think you'll enjoy it more than you expect to."

"Really? Well I guess I'll soon find out. Why didn't you go with Edward anyway?"

"He said he wanted a little peace, I guess we've been watching him pretty closely since Bella arrived haven't we all"

I got a bad feeling suddenly, Edward was alone somewhere between Forks and Port Angeles, he could be merely shopping or he could be going to Bella's place.

"Look for Edward Alice. Where is he?"

She started then closed her eyes for a few seconds,

"He will swing by Bella's but I don't think he'll do anything, he just can't help wanting to be close to her."

I didn't wait to hear any more just raced out of the house and back towards Bella's hoping I would find her home with Charlie and Edward sitting in his Volvo hidden from the house or get there before he did. I'd been stupid to assume he was with Alice although I thought she'd been stupid to let him go off alone under the circumstances.