Chapter Three

Jasper

I knew as soon as I arrived at college that she was here. I felt it deep inside and I was excited, after all I'd waited a long time for her and now she was almost within my grasp. I checked out my class schedule but of course I had no idea when I would actually set eyes on her or what her name would be. I was used to being considered "hot" at college, it had happened often enough but I really wasn't interested although I tried to be polite about it.

It wasn't until Thursday that I got my first look at her, sitting at the back of the class where she couldn't see me tucked in a corner at the front. She was beautiful with long dark hair and an interesting face, looking a little awkward and shy.

I usually avoided the meet and greets at college but this time I made an exception hoping she would be there and I could finally get to talk to her. Spotting her little group I sat where they couldn't help but see me and waited. Of course I heard the conversation and when the girl Toni came over I was ready.

She looked surprised when I agreed to join them, but then the guy Lee had already told them I wasn't very sociable. I chose a seat between two girls, one who I was sure was my mate and her friend and started talking to Clarissa, the girl I recognized from my class. She was nice, she didn't try to hit on me or ask too many questions.

I could see why Bella might be drawn to her, like a younger sister and I thought they would be good for each other. Even now Bella was looking out for her, listening in cautiously to make sure I wasn't trying to get into Clarissa's bed.

When I finally allowed myself to focus in on Bella I could hardly believe my luck, she was beautiful and, it seemed, highly intelligent. I made sure to involve everyone in our conversation which as with everyone in the place concentrated on classes and first impression of college. I had to smile to hear their varying thoughts and wondered if I would have been nervous going to college for the first time if I were still human. If they had known they had a vampire in their midst I think they might have found college just a little less scary than their companion.

I didn't push things with Bella although I could feel she was interested in me. Instead I asked all four if they would join me for coffee the following afternoon. I'd learned to pretend when it came to food and drink after all these years. It was nice to be looking forward to something other than lectures although I could probably do a better job than most of the lecturers and professors here. After all I'd lived through much of the history.

By the end of the evening we were all friends and I walked Clarissa and Bella back to their room much to the delight of their friends and the envy of others who saw us walking together. I left them with a courteous goodnight after watching them go inside then wandered back to my own apartment off campus. I needed a break from the heady scent of human blood and changed into old jeans and a tee shirt and went to hunt reminding myself to ring Alice and thank her for being, as always, right.

As I ran I thought about the conversation I'd had with Alice when I was deciding where to go to college this time or even if to go at all.

"I think you should Jazz."

I looked at her, something in the tone of her voice had caught my attention

"Oh? Why?"

She smiled mischievously,

"Oh I just think it would be good for you."

"Really? Don't you think I've attended enough colleges?"

"But this one will be different."

"How?"

"Well I think this time you might just find what you've been looking for."

"Looking for? Talk sense Alice."

"Your mate Jazz, I think your mate will be there."

I eyed her suspiciously although I could tell she was speaking the truth.

"Really? Tell me about her."

Alice's smile dimmed,

"I can't, that's the thing. I can tell she'll be there but I don't see her."

"Why not?"

"No idea, but I can't see her at all, just you very happy at last."

My sisters gift of seeing the future wasn't infallible and there had never been someone she couldn't see before but was I going to take the risk? Or go to college and just see what happened? It was a simple decision that had led me here to Seattle and Bella Swan.

When I got back after feeding on a small group of deer in the forest just outside town I found four messages on my cell phone from Alice, each asking the same thing,

"What's she like?"

Knowing there was no point in ignoring Alice, she would only bombard me with calls and texts until I answered I sent one back,

"Beautiful, thanks Sis xx."

It wasn't enough but it would keep her quiet for a day or two but then I'd better be more forthcoming or risk her turning up here to find out for herself.

I was in the coffee shop waiting when they turned up, all except Lee who sent his apologies but said he had a mountain of work to get through. Of course the only person I really wanted to see was Bella but I was gracious to all the girls and we spent a pleasant hour talking about our families, or at least they spoke and I listened.

Toni was one of four girls all now in college and set to join the family printing business when they graduated. She liked fast cars, tennis, and opera. Clarissa was from Texas, my own home state and I enjoyed listening to her accent as she spoke. She only had her father, her mother having died some years back after a long illness, she wanted to be a teacher and loved reading, horses, and traveling. Then it was Bella's turn and she blushed at being the center of attention.

"There's not much to say really. I was brought up by my mom after my parents divorced although I spent the last two years with my dad back in Forks Washington. I like books, the theater and travel. This summer I'm going traveling in Yellowstone park with my mum and step-dad and I'm really looking forward to that. Your turn now Jasper."

"Well I hail from Texas, both my parents died a long time ago and I was raised in a foster family. I like motorbikes, books, history, and like you Clarissa, travel."

"Have you done any traveling Jasper?"

I smiled at Bella,

"My friends call me Jazz and yes I've done some but I've never been to Yellowstone. It sounds like fun though."

After coffee, I left mine but no one seemed to notice, we walked across campus taking advantage of the weak sun. Bella walked on one side of me with Clarissa and Toni walked the other side. I found myself really wanting to take Bella's hand but it was way too soon so instead I made do talking to her about the places she'd visited, her mom sounded like a real interesting person and I wondered if I would ever meet her. That was a long way and some difficult discussions away but I had hope, Bella was interested I felt it more strongly today, did that mean she recognized me for her mate as I recognized her for mine?

Bella

It seemed Jazz was interested in me although why I had no idea. I had thought his focus of attention was Clarissa but she merely smiled when I told her so.

"Bella it's you he wants not me. I like him, who wouldn't? He's handsome, he's got a great looking body and of course he's from Texas what more could you ask for? There is something just a bit strange about him though, don't you think?"

"You mean he's very pale?"

"Well yes but don't forget those weird colored eyes, they're almost gold colored. Do you think he's a kind of albino?"

I shrugged, it didn't matter, nor did it detract from his appeal, I could sit and listen to his soft drawl for hours and even when he wasn't talking to me I got the feeling he was aware of me.