A/N We've breached the 500 barrier. Well how about that? It's awesome, guys. THANKS! A THOUSAND THANKS!

Without any delay, here is the next installment.

Enjoy!

Chapter 20 It was just a dream, right?

Bella POV

The first few weeks after Edward had left me in the woods, I'd experienced the same dream over and over again, causing me to wake up screaming at the top of my lungs, scaring my dad half to death every time. But I haven't had this dream for quite some time now. With time the intervals had become larger … and I had been able to deal with the aftermath a little better.

I know right away that I am dreaming … oddly I always seem to know when I do. I don't know how this is possible, but I just know, even though everything else isn't quite as clear and obvious.

The scenery is completely different this time … this much I can tell at once. No green, endless woods, me chasing after someone … someone very familiar and important to me … I am not able to catch up to, my feet simply not able to move fast enough … than suddenly it feels like I am rooted in place almost like I am treading quicksand, the more I push the harder it becomes to move forward at all … I hate it.

This time … for the first time I am in the desert. I am wearing a reddish-purple, sleeveless sundress, made of some beautiful, silky fabric. I feel light and happy … simply enjoying the warmth of the sun, as it caresses my bare, pale skin. There is nothing but sand and cacti as far as my eye can see. I like it here. It reminds me of Arizona. It feels like home …

Suddenly, I feel a hand in mine, almost as warm as mine but not quite. However, I'm not startled because it feels very familiar, and definitely comforting. I look up and see the most beautiful eyes I've ever seen, piercing into mine.

"Jasper." I breathe out in relief. I beam up at him, enjoying the feeling of genuine happiness and unadulterated love washing over me. I know this is all his doing.

"Hello, my darlin'." My own personal vampire greets me with a huge smile on his face. I can see the love he feels for me in those pretty eyes of his. Then he leans down, kissing me softly on my lips. "You look lovely in that dress." He complements me. "I love you, Isabella."

"I love you too, Jas." I reply, trying to catch my breath. It doesn't seem to matter how he kisses me, or how softly his touch is. Jasper is always able to take my breath away … merely with his presence.

We silently walk through the desert, holding each other's hand tightly, for quite a while. Or at least it feels like that. Time really does work differently in a dream than in reality. I watch the effects the sun has on Jasper's skin with interest. He sparkles in the bright light. Of course, he does. It isn't a surprise, since he isn't the first vampire I have seen in the sunlight. The scars on his skin are more visible now … even to a human eye … but still … he is beautiful, just perfect in my eyes, not damaged or ugly like he thinks. I smile.

Then all of the sudden Jasper vanishes from sight and I am alone in the desert. At least I think I am alone. My hand aches from the loss of his touch. I feel empty and lost, afraid even. I turn around … and around … desperately searching for my one true love. But all I can see is sand … nothing but sand and cacti, and the occasional withered tree. The sun goes down quickly, and then it is dark. The place doesn't seem to have the same effect on me now. The scenery hasn't changed much, but the atmosphere. A shiver runs down my spine. Not from cold, but from the unknown. Where is Jasper? Why did he leave?

I begin to run. I always run in my stupid dreams. And trying to run doesn't do me any good; it never does, not in my dreams or in real life. I stumble quite a few times, but I don't fall. Panic begins to rise in me.

"Where do you think you're going, love?" An ominous voice startles me. I recognize that voice immediately. I stop in my tracks and turn around.

There he is, as beautiful as the day he'd left. Edward.

"I am looking for Jasper. Have you seen him?" I ask, a little out of breath from the running.

He smiles at me … his trademark crooked smile that used to have a certain effect on me once upon the time. But it doesn't make my heart beat faster anymore. Sure he is still beautiful, but he doesn't even have a tenth of charm on my Jasper.

"Why are looking for him?" He requests. His voice is musical like I remember, but he doesn't sound like the Edward I'd used to know. I ignore the nagging feeling in my chest for the moment, because all I want to know is where Jasper is.

Edward takes a deliberate step forward, and for the first time I can see him completely. My eyes go straight to his. I gasp in shock. They aren't golden, but blood red.

"Edward, what happened to you?" I exclaim in horror. Of course, deep down I know what this change means. He must have been back to feeding on humans. But why?

"What are you talking about?" He counters smoothly, although I am pretty sure he knows exactly what I am referring to. He just smiles, taking another step closer. I want to reach out for him, but quickly think better of it.

"Your eyes …" I whisper.

"Oh, that. Well, I am a vampire after all, and that's what we do." He answers my question, in a nonchalant kind of way, like it is nothing out of the ordinary, nothing to worry about. But it is, at least for me. Why would he go back to feed on humans after all this time? After all that he'd told me about his constant struggle for hanging on to his humanity, his remorse for taking all those lives in his rebellious era all those years ago … I don't understand this change.

I may not be in love with Edward anymore, but I still care about him to some extent. "Let me help you." I offer at once.

He just laughs at me. I shudder, because his laugh sounds an awful lot like the sound James had made right before he'd tried to kill me.

Edward's demeanor entirely changes. He glares at me, his face contorts in rage. "I don't need your help. Even if I did, I wouldn't take anything from a slut like you." He spits in my face. I visibly flinch. I've never heard Edward use that kind of language with me. I feel sick to my stomach, and I am actually very afraid of my former love. What is wrong with him? And where is Jasper? Why isn't he here to protect me? He promised.

In a futile attempt to get away from him I step back, but Edward reaches out, grabbing my upper arm, pulling me closer to him. "Did you actually think I wouldn't find out?" He scoffs, looming over me.

'Stay calm, stay cool, this is Edward, he will not hurt me.' I chant to myself, still hoping.

"I leave you, and you hook up with my brother? And you think you are safe with him. How foolish of you, you stupid little girl!" He sneers. His face is so close to mine, I can smell his sweet, familiar scent. I want to vomit. "You are nothing but a blood bag to us!"

"Edward, please stop it! You are scaring me." I plead, tears running down my face. His grip is tight, very tight. And it starts to hurt pretty bad but I don't want him to know how much, and thereby giving him the satisfaction that he is getting to me, so I don't say anything, but suffer in silence. I still believe in my heart that Jasper will come. And I will bravely endure anything until then.

"Like I care, you worthless bitch." He snorts. His words cut me more than the physical pain ever could. "And he doesn't either. Otherwise he would be here, wouldn't he? To protect you from the big bad vampire." He taunts me further, clearly enjoying the anguish that is unmistakably visible on my face.

"Jasper loves me and I love him." I state with full conviction. There is no doubt in my mind about the truth behind my words.

Edward seems to sense that, and he obviously doesn't like my answer. He growls maliciously. "You are mine!" And then he forcefully grabs me by my hair, tilting my head to the side, thus exposing my neck. Before I can say or do anything, he sinks his teeth into my throat …

I woke up with a start, desperately trying to catch my breath. My entire body trembled from the drama I've just experienced … in my dream.

A dream, it was just a dream …

I sat up, and in a sort of reflex reaction I immediately checked my neck for any sign of injury. My hand was still trembling. And of course there wasn't anything to find. This whole episode had been just a dream after all, like I'd already known while I was still sleeping. But it had felt so real and it had made a real impact on my nerves … apparently … more than any dream before.

Did I scream again? I couldn't remember.

Before I was able to gather all my thoughts, the door to my room burst open and I found myself encircled by a set of strong arms.

"Shhh. It's alright, I'm right here." Jasper cooed into my ear, after he'd pulled me into his lap. Hearing his soft, soothing voice broke through my wall of angst, and I collapsed into Jasper's embrace, more than willingly. I felt exhausted, but utterly safe … and loved. Jasper was drowning me in waves of calm.

"I'm okay." I sobbed into his chest. I hadn't even noticed before that my cheeks were wet from tears. I must have cried for real, not only in my dream. "It was just a bad dream." I tightened my hold on him, not ready to let him go just yet. He didn't seem to mind, quite the contrary, he was continuing to murmur reassuring words into my hair, stroking my back in soothing circles. I couldn't make out the actual words, but in truth it didn't matter what he said. His presence was enough.

At last my breathing evened out. I was feeling so comfortable, and sort of distracted by Jasper's gentle ministrations, that I hadn't noticed until then that Jasper's back wasn't covered by any clothe. For the first time I was touching his bare skin. Well, except for his face and neck, I hadn't had the chance to feel the texture of his skin. I was excited to finally be able to feel him, to discover him.

My fingertips ghosted over the foreign terrain, like they were having a mind of their own. It wasn't smooth like marble, like I'd first expected it to be. I knew I shouldn't be surprised though to ascertain the unevenness on his skin, his scars. I easily recalled parts of the talk we had last night, him mentioning something about his training newborn vampires, and how they had been quite difficult to control. He hadn't told me much in detail, but since I've already known … thanks to Edward … that vampire teeth and their venom were the only thing able to leave behind such marks it was clear that Jasper had received many injuries during his time with his sire.

But to tell the truth I hadn't expected that he'd suffered quite that much. As far as I could determine without actually seeing them with my own eyes, Jasper's entire backside seemed to be covered with scars. He must have been bitten countless times. My heart went out for him again.

I could clearly remember the unimaginable pain I'd had to endure when James had bitten me. I shuddered at that memory. And that has only been one single bite. To experience this kind of pain over and over again … well I couldn't imagine how anybody … even a vampire … could survive this suffering, without any kind of repercussion on body and mind.

I wasn't disgusted, far from it, because in my opinion this was just further proof for Jasper's strength. He'd managed to survive living in hell. Every scar of his was a testament to that. He should be proud of himself. But I knew he didn't, couldn't see it that way, because of the atrocities he'd committed. His words, not mine.

Suddenly I realized that Jasper had stopped everything he'd been doing. No more muttering, no caressing of my backside. In fact he'd stiffened in my arms, like he was preparing himself for whatever reaction he thought I might have. I was sure my emotions were easy for him to read, but I couldn't be sure. I didn't even know how I was able to block his gift in the first place. Maybe just the mere wish to keep them to myself was doing the trick. Who knew? But anyway, I felt nothing but love and admiration for him, along with a certain amount of curiosity and not to mention some desire. The opportunity to touch his bare skin at last … was pure bliss. The familiar tingly feeling went right from my fingertips through the rest of my body, setting it on fire.

However, I feared that he was uncomfortable by the fact that I was exploring his body without his verbal consent. But he didn't pull away, which I was more than glad about. Instead I could make out a low growl that seemed to originate from the depth of his chest. It actually vibrated through his entire body. First I was a little mystified, not sure what to make of it. I've never heard a person … human or vampire … make that kind of sound.

He was purring. Like a cat.

"Jasper, are you purring?" I giggled.

"No, I'm not." He mumbled, nuzzling my neck.

"Yes, you are." I insisted, laughing, trying to free myself from his tight hold.

Jasper chuckled into my shoulder, placing a quick kiss on the same spot before he finally let go of me. He only allowed enough space between us, still keeping his hands on my hips, so that he could look into my eyes. "Does it bother you?" He asked in earnest.

I smiled at him. "No, I like it. You sound like a cat." I said, still giggling slightly. "Like a big cat." I amended quickly, when I saw the frown on his face.

Not a second later I found myself flat on my back trapped underneath the weight of his body, my hands pinned down by his. I'd barely felt him moving at all. Damn vampire speed. I still wasn't used to it.

I probably never will be, until … I stopped the thought right in its tracks. This clearly wasn't the time or the place for that kind of contemplation.

"So, you think I sound like a big cat." Jasper growled in a playful way. I didn't try to fight him off, just lying there underneath him, not moving but staring into his eyes, which were still golden for the most part. I could see a little bit of black in them too. But it was pretty obvious that he was amused not the least bit offended. And he was just as excited as I was, in the sexual sense. Even if his eyes weren't prove enough, a certain part of his autonomy, currently pocking into my upper thigh, was definitely all the evidence I needed. I couldn't help but moan. Jasper leaned in, kissing me passionately, thus swallowing the sound.

He didn't hold back. He never did. I liked it. More than liked it, actually, I appreciated it, because he made me feel cherished and wanted for a change. He didn't treat me like a fragile human, more like an equal.

Jasper let go off my arms, but pressing his body closer to mine, carefully though. Of course, he couldn't let me feel his whole weight in order to avoid hurting me in the process. I wrapped my arms and legs around his well-built frame, clinging to him. I wanted, no needed, to feel him closer. I pressed my pelvis into his lower region. He growled again, louder this time, grinding his erection into my center. I felt myself getting wetter. When I was out of breath, he started kissing down my neck, across my collarbone.

"Oh, Jasper …" I moaned, burying my hands into his hair. I tugged, trying to pull him back to my mouth. He didn't comply, though, continuing to taste me. His hands were traveling over every inch of bare skin he could find. I was on fire, and I didn't want him to stop … ever.

I wanted him. Right now.

"I'm sorry, darlin'. I want you, too." He groaned into my skin. I hadn't realized that I'd voiced my desire for him out loud. Jasper nipped my skin along my neck, until reached my ear. All the frenzy was gone. "But I'm afraid, we can't. There isn't enough time for all the things I want to do to you." Then he pulled back, disentangling himself gently. He kissed my pouting lips once more, before he sat up. I was still trying to catch my breath, to calm myself. He was such a tease. But somewhere deep inside my mind I knew he was right. I didn't want to rush this either. Damn hormones …

I still lay on my back, blinking twice, before I fixed my eyes on my vampire again. That's when I saw what had escaped me before.

"Why in the heck are you wearing my apron?" I asked without actually expecting an answer, because it was pretty obvious. It was stained what God only knew what.

He looked down at himself. "Oh, that … I hope you don't mind borrowing it … well considering you held my shirt hostage, I had no other choice." He chuckled, looking around us. He reached behind himself, retrieving his shirt. It was wrinkled, very much so. I blushed when I realized that I was responsible for its condition. But he wasn't angry with me, just winking at me, before he quickly changed his outfit.

Too bad … I sighed. I loved him in this half-naked state, even though my apron kinda looked silly on him.

"You was making you breakfast." He announced, confirming my suspicion. Was that pride I heard in his voice?

"Really? That's so sweet of you." I replied, allowing him to pull me off the bed. I quickly rearrange my top. He smiled down at me, looking slightly embarrassed.

What the hell is that about?

"How about you take a shower and get dressed, and then come down." Jasper offered. It was an obvious excuse. Was he actually thinking that I wouldn't see right through him?

Smiling at him, I said, "But I don't want to wait. I'm hungry now." I swiftly pushed past him, making my way downstairs. He didn't try to stop me, but I could hear his desperate groan. This reaction made me even more curious.

When I entered the kitchen, I got all my answers. No wonder he wanted me to take a shower first. There was a thin layer of flour covering most of the surface, a broken egg in the mist … simply put it looked like a bomb went off in here. Even my Dad hadn't been able to create this kind of mess in this kitchen whenever he was in here. Jasper should have said that he was trying to make me breakfast.

"Oh my God!" I exclaimed, clapping a hand over my mouth.

I sensed Jasper moving behind me. "I'm sorry! I wanted to surprise you. But cooking is a lot harder than I'd thought it would be." He hung his head in defeat. At this moment he looked so forlorn. A lesser person would have cheered to discover that a strong fearless creature could fail at such a petty task as making breakfast. But wasn't that small-minded. It wasn't really a surprise to me that he hadn't succeeded. Why should a vampire possess cooking skills? They didn't need it. Suddenly I wondered why Peter possessed such a skill. His scrambled eggs were to die for (no pun intended).

I pulled Jasper into a comforting hug. "It's the thought that counts." I said, kissing his lips once. He smiled sheepishly. "I think I'll take you up on that offer now. I'll take a quick shower and get dressed, while you clean up this mess. I think I'll stick with the usual cereal for breakfast and a cup of coffee." I said, winking.

"You do that." He replied with a huff, letting me go.

I went upstairs with a smile on my face. The mortified look on Jasper's face was hilarious, but cute. It was making him look like … like a human.

I took a quick shower, even washing my hair again. It was much easier to disentangle the knots in it, when it was wet. After drying my hair I went back into my room. I put on some plain underwear, but then I stood in front of my closet for some minutes, deliberating what I should wear.

This was a first. I usually didn't give much thought about what I was wearing, because I didn't really care. As long it was comfortable it was good enough for me. Shopping for clothes was one of my least favorite pastimes. So, that explained the lack of choice when it came to dressing up a bit. I wasn't even sure why I even thought about at all, but somehow today I was in the mood to change things up a bit. I finally picked one of the only two skirts I owned. It ended mid-thigh, and it was black. Pretty simple, nothing special. I added a t-shirt and a sweater, and a pair of knee socks and my outfit for the day was set. I left my hair open. After that I packed my bag for school, which didn't take long. I quickly made my bed, smiling when I remembered that I hadn't spent the night alone.

And then I finally made my way back downstairs. When I came down the kitchen, it was as clean as nothing had ever happened. Not a spot left. Not that I'd expected anything less what with the vampire speed and all, but I was still a little amazed. Jasper stood with his back to me, washing the last of the dishes in the sink. I went over, wrapping my arms around his waist. He shuddered delicately, sighing in contentment.

I walked over to the table, taking a seat. Jasper had placed a bowl, a spoon, the box of cereal and the milk, right next to a steaming cup of coffee. There was also a plate with fresh fruit, cut into mouth-sized pieces. "Thanks … for cleaning up and making me breakfast." I said. "Why don't you join me? Well … keep me company, while I eat. You know what I mean."

"You're welcome. It's the least I can do. Give me a sec; I'll be right with you." Jasper said, and then pulled the plug, releasing the water. He dried his hands with the dish towel, and then took the empty seat on my right. He leaned back, watching me fixing my breakfast.

"So what are you going to do today, while I'm at school?" I asked, adding milk to my cereal.

"Well, I have some business in Seattle. I think Charlotte will accompany me on that trip. She wants to return her rental car. I don't know how long it will take, but I hope I'll be back by the time school ends." Jasper answered. He kept his eyes fixed on my mouth, making me a little uncomfortable. He seemed to sense that and diverted his eyes to the table.

"Bella, can you do me a favor?" He asked cautiously. Oh, oh … what now?

"Sure." I conceded.

Jasper fixed his eyes on mine again. He looked serious. "I don't want to sound condescending. I won't tell you what to do … not like my brother." He muttered the last part, but I heard it. I smiled to myself. But then his look turned pleading. "But please, take care of yourself today. Don't go into the woods on your own. Not until we've figured out this whole thing with the wolves and Laurent. I called Rose last night. She and Emmett are on their way …" He stopped midsentence, taking in my reaction to this news.

"Oh, they are coming here … well that's good, isn't it?" I commented, sounding rather pathetic. I wasn't really sure how I felt about it.

"Yes, I think it is." He replied, cocking his eyebrow. "Are you sure you're okay with that?"

"Yeah, why wouldn't I be? They are your family. I'm sure they've missed you just as much as you've missed them. I'm glad that they are coming." I answered honestly.

"But …" Jasper pressed. Damn, he knows me well …

I chuckled. "Well, I don't know. Did you tell them about us?" I was kind of afraid of his answer. What if they didn't like it?

Jasper moved too quickly for me to actually see him moving, pulling me into his lap. "Shhh, darlin'. No need to get upset." He cooed, caressing my back. I loved when he did that. Well let's face it; I loved whenever, wherever he touched me. I seemed to crave his touch, badly. And this desire seemed to increase with each passing moment. How would I be able to go through my day without him with me?

"I haven't told them anything about us … yet." He declared. "I wanted to tell them in person, preferably with you by my side. But I'm sure they will be happy to see us both together." He sounded sincere enough, but his eyes told a different story. He was just as unsure as I was.

"I'm not so sure that they will be pleased to hear that we are an item now." I voiced my opinion.

He nodded in acknowledgment. "Maybe, maybe not. We'll see. But even if … I will never leave you. You know that, right?" He asked, glaring at me.

"I know." I said, meaning it.

"I love you, Isabella." He said, cradling my face.

"I know. And I love you, Jasper Whitlock." I leaned in, and we shared a soft, loving kiss. When we broke apart, he leaned back, smiling.

"You know, this is one thing I will take care of today." He said, playing with a lock of my hair. I frowned, not following. He chuckled. "Changing my name … well actually retaking my name more likely." He explained, smirking.

"Ah, well … good luck with that." I joked and Jasper laughed. I was curious how he was going to accomplish that task, but I didn't ask. When I took a look at the clock, I knew there wasn't enough time left. "Damn, I really need to go now. I don't wanna be late." I grumbled. Jasper sat me on my feet. He cleaned the table in a blink of an eye. "Wow, you are handy." I observed, and he just chuckled again.

He pulled me towards the front door, helping me into my coat. "You do look really lovely today. Almost too good to let you out … around other males." He growled possessively. God, I love it … and hate it …

I turned around. "Thanks for the compliment. And just so you know I was dressing up just for you." I snapped.

His whole face lit up, and the sight mollified me, because he looked like an angel. "That's good to know." He said coolly, opening the door. I picked up my bag, and followed his lead. He walked me to my truck, opening the driver's door for me. I threw my bag on the passenger seat, and turned around.

Jasper immediately pulled me into a tight embrace, and I went willingly. I could almost taste the bitter flavor of departure on my tongue. "Have a nice day, darlin'. And when I get back, I'll show you how much I enjoy your outfit." He promised, with a husky voice. Before I could reply, he planted a toe curling kiss on my mouth, without using his tongue. God, he was so good at this. I was gasping for air, when he released me, barely able to stay on my feet. I really wanted to wipe the smug expression off his face, but I didn't know how. Smug bastard …

I jumped into the vehicle. "Later." I said casually, closing the door behind me. I put my key into the ignition, and started the car. I waved a last goodbye, trying to smile despite the ache in my chest that was starting to get stronger … already, and I haven't even left. I knew Jasper felt the same. I could see it in his eyes. We both had no other choice … for now, so we put up a brave face. I watched Jasper through the rear mirror, as I drove off the driveway. He stood there like a statue, looking lost, almost desperate. I couldn't bare the sight any longer, so I diverted my eyes to the front, avoiding his gaze. It was probably for the best anyway, with me being only human.

A/N Well, what about Bella's dream? I always wondered about the dreams Bella experienced in the books. They were sort of prophetic, weren't they? So will this one come true also?