A/N Thanks for all the reviews. I can see that most of you are quite impatient for the reunion of Rose, Emmett and Jasper, and of course Bella.

I promise you soon, very soon.

Let's just get Bella and Jasper through their first day apart from each other, alright?

Slight warning: there is a tiny (semi)lemon in this chapter. Just a little appetizer for what's to come *snigger*.

Enjoy!

Chapter 21 Back to Real Life Part 1

Jasper POV

I was frozen in place, watching Bella's truck leave the driveway. Our eyes met once more through the rear mirror, before she returned her gaze back to the front, concentrating on the matter at hand - driving.

Every fiber of my being was screaming at me to go after her. But I knew I shouldn't, better yet that I couldn't. Even though Bella was the most important thing to me now I knew that I couldn't spend every minute of the day with her. Today I had plans, important plans. And Bella had school.

Why did I allow her to leave in that skirt? Ah, yes, because I'm not Edward … I groaned, when I envisioned every boy in school drooling over my woman today, Mike Newton being on the top of that list. She probably wouldn't even notice it, but even if she did I knew Bella could stand her own. Still, I didn't like the prospect of her being ogled and fantasized about. Possessive much? Yeah, and proud of it! And she'll get used to it …

I stayed until I couldn't see her truck any longer. Then I finally made my way back to the Cullen mansion through the woods. Peter and Charlotte were already waiting impatiently for my return. They sat on the couch in a lover's embrace. I sighed. I envied them for being able to spend every single minute with each other. I longed for the day I would be able to do the same with Bella. Soon …

"Finally … Daddy is home." Peter greeted me, using a childlike tone. I rolled my eyes at him. "What? You told us to stay put, like a human Dad telling his children that they are grounded …" He reasoned, smirking like an idiot.

"Whatever makes you feel better …" I grumbled, but otherwise ignoring his comment. I truly wasn't in the mood for his occasionally twisted but mostly immature sense of humor. Sometimes he was worse than Emmett.

If he decides to push this issue further, I'll show him what a father does to naughty children … I thought, evilly. Actually, he wasn't so far from the truth. I was his creator. This was pretty close to the term 'father', although I've never acted as one, like Carlisle did. We thought of each other as brothers, not son and father. And I would like to keep it that way.

"I'll be back in a minute. I really need a shower. And then we can go." I turned around, quickly making my escape to the bathroom on the second floor, across the hall from my study.

"Did you finally get some? Well, good for you, bro. It was about time." He yelled after me, snickering. Peter knew exactly that I didn't have sex with Bella last night. He would have smelt it. And above all I would have been in a better mood. But as it was, my dear brother simply loved it to mock me, just like Emmett has done with Edward so many times. But in contrast to my virginal brother I had another reason to stall. The right timing …

A loud thud thundered through the house. "Ouch, what was that for, woman?" I heard Peter exclaim.

"Like you don't know." Char chided, smacking him again. I chuckled under my breath. Rose and Char were so much alike, as were Emmett and Peter … at least with regard to certain elements in their relationships.

There was no doubt that I wanted Bella, very much so. And once I'd had her, showering would be the last thing on my mind. I would want to smell like her for days. Of course I would want her to do the same, but considering that she was still human … well … I doubted that she would agree to any such proposal.

Anyway, I was pretty sure I would be able to keep myself in check when we actually did the deed. From personal experience I knew how fragile human women were. She wouldn't be the first human I'd have sex with, but the first one who actually would mean something … no would mean everything … to me.

By now, I paid no more attention to their little banter downstairs, which lessened in volume with each passing second. I could sense the shift from annoyance and anger to lust. It was classic Peter-Char-behavior. They used to have a lot of angry make-up sex. Another thing they had in common with my other siblings. This was getting old. I tuned them out as best as I could.

I quickly discarded all my clothes and stepped into the shower. I turned the hot water to its full capacity, groaning in pleasure at the first contact. It was a nice feeling, like fire over ice, but it still had nothing on the feeling of Bella's soft and warm skin on mine.

Peter's little comment didn't miss its (probably intended) mark. Unsurprisingly, it had brought all the memories from last night … and this morning … back to the forefront of my mind. And the vibes I was getting from the two vampires downstairs in this moment weren't very helpful either. Peter was just lucky I hadn't snapped before. I was so on edge already. I missed Bella like crazy. That fact was plain and simple. But on top of that I was sexually frustrated. More than six months without it will do that to you …

I knew that this condition of mine wasn't Bella's fault. Well maybe a little bit … her little stunt … coming out of the bathroom wearing nothing but a towel … I allowed, smiling at the memory which was imprinted into mind forever. Even without this little unsuspected surprise, she had no problem whatsoever to arouse me.

I'd been semi-hard all night, not to mention the three times my cock had stood up to full attention, and yet I still had denied myself any form of release.

What was wrong with me? Why was it again that I did stop from taking it further? She wanted me, of that I was certain. Maybe I should have just given in? No, you did the right thing … the timing wasn't right …

I had to admit that I was a little surprised, but very glad seeing her behaving so uninhibited, so carefree. I shuddered in delight remembering Bella's enthusiasm and curiosity, her finger caressing the bare skin on my back, following the patterns of my scars. For the first time … ever … I'd purred because of someone's touch. It was a natural response in our kind. But Alice has never been able to trigger such a reaction in me. Interesting detail …

I closed my eyes, completely succumbing to the feeling of the hot water running over my naked body. I blindly reached for the shower gel, and slowly began to soap my body. I moaned, when my hands lightly grazed over my growing erection. I really needed some form of relief.

The image of Bella standing in front of me in nothing but a towel reappeared again behind my closed eyes … easily fueling my vivid imagination. I just wished she could be right here with me. But as it was, I was alone with nothing but my fantasies. They would have to suffice for now …

Bella lets the fluffy white towel slip slowly but deliberately, smiling coyly as she exposes her goods underneath it. I grin at her, and she blushes, but only slightly. She knows what she is doing to me. A second later I am finally able to see the whole beauty of her naked body. She is perfect, slim, but still curved in just the right places. Her breasts are round and just the perfect size, not too small, and too big either, just a handful (my hands full). Her nipples are already erect, begging to be licked and bitten.

I continue to devour her with my eyes, itching to touch, to taste every inch of her luscious body. But I do not make a move … yet.

I placed one hand against the shower walls, thus steadying myself. The other one was wrapped around my throbbing erection, moving up and down in a steady rhythm. I kept my eyes closed the entire time, fully engaged in my fantasy …

"Can I join you?" She asks, purring seductively. Without waiting for my answer … like I would say noto such an appealing offer in my dreams or in real life … she steps into the shower. I finally can't take it any longer and reach out for her, pulling her swiftly into my arms. I press my entire body against hers, letting her feel how much her presence influences me. We both moan loudly at the sensation of our bare skin touching. Her tiny hands wander over my body, setting it on fire. I reciprocate at once, exploring every inch of her. I lean down, kissing her with all the passion and love I feel for her. Our tongues battle for dominance. Finally her hand reaches the one place I need her the most …

"Hmm … Jasper." She whispers into my ear, nibbling on my lobe. I nearly lose it, when she bites down harder. "Need some help with this?" She asks bluntly.

My whole body began to tremble uncontrollably, and I stroked myself harder, envisioning Bella's hand on me instead of my own. I could feel the familiar … and long missed … tightening in my lower abdomen, announcing the imminent approach of my orgasm. It only took three more firm strokes, and then I exploded.

"Urgh … Isabella …" I moaned, almost growled, as I came hard in my hand. I shot my load against the shower wall, and wave after wave of raw pleasure rocked through my body, making me feel alive. I've almost forgotten this wonderful sensation. It really has been too long since I've experienced this kind of pleasure. To tell the truth, this organism has been way more powerful then I was used to, almost making my knees buckle. I was pretty sure it wasn't because of my long period of abstinence, but because of her.

Imagine how it will be when Bella is actually doing the deed … I mused, with a sly smirk on my face. I can hardly wait to find out … it's probably good though that I took care of business just now … this way I'm prepared of what to expect … maybe … hopefully … we'll see …

After my little dirty but completely necessary indulgence I quickly finished my shower, and then I went into my old room to find some fresh clothes. I made a mental note to clean out this room later this day. I really didn't want to come in here ever again. This part of my life was over, and I didn't need any reminders … visual or otherwise. Not if I can help it …

I pulled on some worn-out leather pants, grinning. I was sure Bella would like seeing me in these, as much as I liked seeing her in a skirt today. Easier access … I chuckled. Me and my dirty mind … I added a simple black shirt to complete my outfit for the day. I didn't need to dress up to see my lawyer, since this was far from an 'official' visit.

After making sure I had everything I needed on me, I finally made my way downstairs again. I was prepared for some more taunting, but Peter just shot me a dirty look, but otherwise refrained from making another cynical comment this time. Thank you, Charlotte. From the looks of it, they both had a nice time as well. Peter's hair was disheveled, and Charlotte's shirt was missing a button. Well, glad to be of service …

I sat down on the chair across from them, quickly filling them in on everything I'd found out last night, during my long talk with Bella. Well, at least the official version. I told them nothing about our little share-time.

It was very obvious, that they both were very relieved about Rose's and Emmett's positive reaction, and were looking forward to their arrival. I estimated that by this time tomorrow my family was finally back together. As much as I still dreaded their reaction concerning my relationship with Bella, I too was very happy to welcome them back into my life.

They didn't say anything about the werewolves, understandably though, since I didn't have enough information to go with. This problem could be dealt with later, when Rosalie and Emmett would be here.

Peter agreed to get the necessary equipment to repair the damaged wall, but yet insisted that we both do the work together. "It was as much my fault as it was yours." I couldn't agree more.

Minutes later we all departed. While Peter took his truck to buy the material we needed, Charlotte and I rode together in her rented car to Seattle. She planned to return the car, and to look for a new car at one of the many dealerships around the city, while I was doing my business with J. Jenks.

She offered to go with me, but I'd declined. Not that it would be a problem. Jenks knew Charlotte and Peter, of course. But they both had used his particular service not as many times as any of the Cullens, but often enough. They usually stayed away from the human population, and therefore they were hardly in need of any papers, apart from the usual update of their driver's licenses.

I stared out the window, watching the scenery flew by. My mind was far, far away … with my beautiful angel. I wondered how Bella was doing, cursing myself for not giving her my cell number. How could I forget such a simple thing like exchanging phone numbers? But on the other hand, it was probably better this way. I probably would be checking up on her, constantly, and I was sure that she wouldn't like that very much. Sure, I wouldn't do that to control her. I wasn't Edward. But I dearly missed her, and I just longed to hear her voice.

Charlotte suddenly broke the prolonged silence between us. "I promise it will get better." Her voice was soft, and had a very sympathetic undertone to it.

I turned my head to face her. Her eyes were a deep brown almost black color today. She wore contacts, thus allowing her to walk around freely, and interact with humans … at least a couple of hours until the venom would disintegrate them. Wearing sunglasses on a cloudy day might be a little suspicious. "What?"

"The pain." She said, smiling gently, but also knowingly.

I was completely lost. "What are you talking about?"

"Oh, honey. Not only are you projecting your feelings right now, but it's written all over your face. You miss her." She clarified.

"Of course, I miss her." I snapped, glaring at her.

Charlotte held one hand up in defense, glaring back at me. I saw a flicker of pain in her eyes, but I mostly felt her irritation. "Hold your horses, Jasper. I didn't mean to upset you or anything. But I think it is crucial to make you aware of this. For one you don't seem to realize what you're doing. And more importantly I can't handle this extra burden right now … because it's hard enough to deal with my own pain." She said with a certain edge in her tone of voice. I didn't know if it was because of my rude reaction, or because of my pain-sharing. In the end the reason didn't matter. She had every right to be upset with me.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to snap at you." I apologized sincerely. She had her eyes back on the road, almost like she was avoiding me. But she was probably just waiting for me to continue. "You feel it, too? My pain of not being with Bella … I'm sorry, I didn't know. Wow, my empathic abilities are completely useless …" I huffed, slumping back into the seat, staring at the ceiling of the car.

She laughed softly. "I wouldn't say they … or that you are useless, just out off balance. And no one blames you for anything. We all just want to help you … Bella, Peter and myself. You've been through a lot … so many changes in such a short time. And you know how our kind responds to those." She said, sparing me a significant look. "And as far as I'm concerned you are handling it far better than anyone else would in your situation, especially with the extra burden of your gift. Just give it some time and you will be back to your 'normal' self … eventually." She sounded very sure, but I had my doubts.

"Normal? Yeah right." I exhaled loudly. I had no idea what or who the real me was. The person I had been with Alice? The person I had been with Maria? Or was I someone else entirely? I shook my head, taking in several deep breaths, in order to center myself. "But thanks anyway, for your words of confidence and your help, Char."

"Anytime, big brother." She said, patting my arm reassuringly. Charlotte smiled at me, and I returned the gesture.

"So … it will get better?" I pressed. It was more a plea than a question of sheer interest. I hoped for reassurance, because right now this ache I was feeling in my chest seemed more than I could manage … at least on a long term basis. Was Bella experiencing the same thing at the moment?

Charlotte hesitated for a moment, before answering my question. She seemed to look for the right words. "Well, yes … sort of. I don't want to sugarcoat the truth, just to make you feel better. It's more like you get used to this feeling, learning to deal with it. Most of the times I can suppress it." She explained, winking at me. "But will take some time … for you and Bella … to get the hang of things." She sounded a little sad at the end, but at the same time tried to comfort me.

I only nodded in response. My mind was busy processing all the information she's just given me. It was very hard, to say the least. I felt so consumed by my own fears, by my pain, to acknowledge anything else. It made me sick to my stomach that according to Charlotte my sweet angel was probably going through the same thing. I didn't like it, mostly because she wouldn't understand the reason behind this feeling. It was more than just missing the company of a dear friend or a family member. It burned deep inside, almost making my entire body ache. I felt a constant pull in the opposite direction, towards Forks, towards my Bella. And the fact that she had to get through this without me, without the information I had, made me feel even worse.

I realized that I really needed to fill her in on the whole 'mate' issue, as soon as possible. At this moment I wanted nothing more than to call her, making sure she was fine. I couldn't bear the knowledge that she was in pain, and there was nothing I could do about it.

Charlotte seemed to sense my growing anxiety. "She'll be alright. She is very strong … especially for a human." She assured me, patting my arm again. It wasn't enough to reassure me, but it would have to do at the moment. For a split of a second I wondered if the fact that Bella was still human, would make a difference. But I was pretty sure that it didn't. She already felt everything so strongly.

Not helping … Just a few more hours and then I'll see her … feel her again … I reminded myself. This knowledge gave me some peace.

I drew in a ragged breath. "Well … let's hope that my being an empath won't stand in the way of the recovery." I sighed, diverting my gaze back outside the side window. For now at least, this particular subject was closed.

Charlotte dropped me off in the centre of city, in front of one of the tall business building. This was where J. Jenks' official office was located. Fortunately the day was overcast. Therefore it would be safe for us to be outside during daytime hours. This would make things a little easier. Without the aid of my former wife's special ability, we had to rely on the human weather forecast. But so far it seemed to be working just fine.

"I'll call you when I'm done." I let Charlotte know, as I was leaving the car. I wanted this part of my agenda for today to be over as soon as possible.

"Have fun!" She replied, winking at me. I could feel the mischief behind her statement. I chuckled. She waved at me once, and then she drove off.

I'd barely made personal contact with Jenks in the past. Usually I would just call or email him, giving him instructions and transferring the money onto his account, and he would mail me the finished documents. I didn't think it would be necessary to call him in advance and notify him of my personal visit today. I knew that even if he was out of the office, he would be back here as soon as humanly possible. I was his best customer, so to speak, and he would not let me wait. In fact, he was more than intimated by me. I thought it helpful to keep it that way. I was purposely refraining to use my power on him, to calm or reassure him. People like him worked best under pressure … and a certain amount of fear. That was why he was very reliable … for a human.

Of course he didn't know what we were. But I knew he suspected that we were anything but human. But he wasn't a fool, and like any other human (with the sole exception of Bella, of course) he had a healthy sense of self-preservation, and didn't ask any unpleasant questions that would get him into trouble. He was very professional.

I entered the building. Jenks' office was located on the fifteenth floor. I used the elevator, even though it would have been quicker to take the steps.

A young blond woman sat at the front desk. She was around twenty five years old. I couldn't remember her being here the last time, but then again it has been a couple of years since I've paid Jenks a personal visit. She would have been still in school then. The woman looked up from her work when she heard my entrance, and gasped audibly. I felt a wave of lust coming from her.

Here we go … I sighed, mentally rolling my eyes. I tried my best to ignore her emotional chaos. Even with my gift slightly out of balance, as Charlotte had called it nicely, I was able to pick up some of woman's emotions. Curiosity and awe were the most prominent apart from the obvious lust.

"Wh … what can I do for you?" She stuttered, giving me a quick glance over. I wanted to growl at her, thus putting her in her place. Bella was the only one allowed to look at me that way. But I thought better of it.

"I'm here to see Jenks." I said, using my all-business voice, sounding rather impatient. And I was. Impatient and annoyed.

"Do you have an appointment?" She asked politely, checking her calendar.

"No, I never do. Just tell him Jasper is here to speak with him."

She looked a little flustered by my choice of words or my demanding tone, I didn't know nor did I really care. My best guess was that she wasn't used to clients using their first name instead of their surnames. But Jenks knew me as Mr. Jasper, not Mr. Hale or Mr. Whitlock. And I was probably one of the few who didn't make appointments to see her boss.

"Alright." She said, pushing her chair back and getting up. She was still confused but professional enough to forget about her qualms. I watched her walking over to the second door. She knocked once.

"Come in." I heard Jenks' deep voice answer.

She spared me a last fleeting look, before walking into the other room and closing the door behind her. I grinned. Of course I was able to hear every word that was spoken in the other room.

"There is a young man outside. He doesn't have an appointment." The young woman explained, awkwardly.

"And? You know what to do." He replied curtly. I could feel his disappointment. For a split second I felt bad for her, but the sympathetic feeling was gone just as fast as it had appeared. When did I become such a pussy? Caring about strangers …

"He said his name is Jasper." She added, sounding defensively.

His reaction to her dropping my name was totally unsurprising. Racing heartbeat, accelerated breathing, and all that. "Send him in. Right now." He sounded very anxious, borderline afraid. I grinned.

This will be fun.

Charlotte POV

My new ride was a used, two year old Mercedes, black and sleek. I was lucky to find something with dark tainted windows on such short notice. I knew Peter would give me grieve about my choice, but I didn't care. I fell in love with this vehicle on first sight. He should relate to that feeling …

Jasper hasn't called, so I made my way back to Jenks' office to pick him up. I spotted him, sitting on the steps, waiting for me. From his posture I knew immediately that something was off. He looked … defeated.

I honked, unlocking the passenger door. He looked up, and sighed. A second later he sat beside me, and we drove off. I noticed him clutching a thick envelope.

"What happened?" I asked, cautiously, expecting him to just ignore me. Anger and disappointment were rolling of him, polluting the atmosphere around us. He simply tossed the envelope in my lap, saying nothing. Although it wasn't really necessary I pulled over, cutting of the engine.

"Go ahead." He said curtly, looking at of the side window.

I opened the envelope and pulled out some papers. I quickly scanned them, getting the cliff-notes. "That bitch!" I cursed under my breath, knowing he could hear me quite well.

My grip tightened around the divorce papers. Alice must have sent them to Jenks, guessing that at some point Jasper would make contact with him. The date on the paper told me that the pixie has sent this to J just a month after they've split. She hasn't given him time to cool down and go and find her, to talk this out. I stuffed the papers back into the envelope, tossing it onto the backseat.

"Well, at least that's one less thing you have to worry about. Now you are officially a free man." I stated, hoping to cheer him up a bit.

"Yeah, at least there is that." He huffed, running his fingers through his blond locks. "I don't wanna talk about this right now. Can we please change the subject?" He pleaded.

"Sure, honey. Did you get everything else in order?" I asked.

"Yes, I'm finally a Whitlock again." He sounded truly elated by that fact. Retaking his name might have seemed just a simply thing to an outsider, but to him and us (Peter and I) it meant the world. We were back being a family, name and all.

"So, what do want to do now? Shopping?" I offered, starting the car.

Jasper thought about my proposal for a moment. "Well, I think I might be in need for a bed … that couch of mine isn't working so well." He said, grinning. Although I knew that a bed wasn't really a necessity for us, I could see his point.

"For you or for Bella?" I inquired, only slightly teasing him.

He laughed. "I guess for both of us."

I didn't say anything inappropriate. I wasn't like my mate, knowing exactly when to stop probing.

"Well, I don't really think that shopping for that piece of furniture is actually necessary. I've checked the rooms while you've been gone … with two exceptions, of course." No power in this world would make me go into Alice's or Edward's room of my own free will. I was pretty sure that Jasper knew that. "They are all still partially furnished. The only things they've seem to have taken when they've left are books, clothes and personal items.

"Remember that small room across Carlisle's and Esme's room?" I reminded him, with a smile in my voice. Of course, he would remember, we vampires didn't forget anything, which sometimes was more like a burden than a blessing. "There is a queen size bed in there. I think we can easily put it in your new room." I proposed. I still believed that this would be a temporary solution, us staying in Forks. I wasn't that I didn't like it there, or God forbid, that I had anything against Bella … far from it … but somehow I felt compelled to leave this town sooner rather than later. In my opinion this place was cursed, tainted with too many bad memories.

"Yeah, one of the guest rooms … sure I remember." He grumbled, more in thought than in irritation. "I guess we can just remove my couch … that might work."

"Okay, that's settled then. Anything else, you need? Clothes, shoes …" Dare I say condoms. I added in my mind. I giggled.

"Nah, I'm good." He declined, apparently not picking up my mood. Or simply ignoring it. "Let's just go home."

I didn't like the term he used, but refrained from making any comment. "Alright, as you wish."

I directed the car towards the interstate. I could almost taste the relief in the air surrounding us … his as well as mine. We both couldn't seem to wait to see our mates again.

A/N And how was your day? Bella's day will be up pretty soon.

Leave me some love (or hate if you must)! Thanks!