That night with Charlie and Bella was quiet. Bella and I worked wordlessly together to cook supper for the three of us. I got many experience points for cooking, of all things. It felt pointless so I ignored the notices of the experience gained.

When we finally sat down, Charlie seemingly realizing there was tension, said, "So…how was school?"

Bella pursed her lips, looking like she wouldn't like to talk about it. I shrugged at Charlie. "Went pretty well. Had fun slaughtering everyone in PE."

Charlie looked up from his food in surprise. "You what?" He had his fork in his hand, but the food was falling off it without him realizing in his shock.

I rolled my eyes at him. "No biggie, dad. We just played dodgeball. A girl and I teamed up against the rest of the class and I helped her be the last one standing. It was fun." I took another bite of my food, humming as I chewed.

"Huh, I never would have guessed." He mused, cupping his chin in thought. "Who'd you team up with?" He asked curiously.

I swallowed before answering. "Veronica. She's been great. She led me to a few classes and gave some great advice. Pretty sure we're besties now." My voice was dry at the end, because I had a feeling Veronica wouldn't let me have it any other way.

"Veronica…Peters?" Charlie's words were almost concerned as he looked at me causing Bella's head to come up from her food and watch the two of us.

"Yeah…" I paused and tilted my head at him. "Problem?"

He shook his head. "No. Glad she is a good friend. Just…make sure she doesn't convince you to do something you shouldn't, like late partying, speeding or skipping classes. She's a fairly good girl, but I have heard that she's a bit – weird." He said it almost apologetically and I snorted at his words.

"No, she's pretty weird. I love it, actually. I'll be careful, but thanks for the warning, dad." He nodded at me and went back to his food. "I also met a few Cullens, they were super nice and helpful. Jasper and Alice walked me to my next classes different times. Honestly, I think living in Forks is going to be fun."

"That's great, Mia!" Charlie said happily at the same time Bella blurted, "You met the Cullens?" Charlie turned to look between the both of us.

I frowned at Bella. "Just two of them. They're great people and whatever those annoying 'cool kids' told you about them is just wrong, Bella, you should know better than to listen to gossip." I shook my head at her, seeing her look of betrayal before I went back to my food. I was still somewhat hurt over her telling me I was unkind towards Edward.

My words got Charlie to come up from his food again a red fury overtaking his face. "Who's gossiping about the Cullens?"

Before Bella could speak, I replied, "Just some kids Bella was hanging out with today at lunch. They tried to make it so scandalous and dramatic." I waved my hand in dismissal. "I don't have time for that crap."

Charlie shook his head angrily. "Those kids. I swear." He hissed. "Just because someone is different doesn't mean they deserve that kind of treatment." He went on to do his Cullen rant, which I knew he would switch up somewhere down the line after Bella got mixed with the Cullens, but I happily let him rant away as Bella took in his words with almost wide eyes.

After supper while Bella and I tried to clean up the dishes while keeping Charlie away, I called to his retreating back, "Hey, do you think I could have some money for some home improvements?" I asked, ideas swirling in my mind.

Charlie looked surprised, but said, "Yeah, sure." He pulled out his wallet and handed me some bills, double checking they would be enough. For what I had in mind, it would. I felt a little evil with what I had in mind, but I couldn't deny myself the opportunity.

"Hey, would the hardware store be open yet today?"

Charlie frowned, a crease in his eyebrows. "I think they close in an hour. You'd have to be fast." I dropped the last dish I dried onto the counter carefully and ignored the experience for cleaning – cleaning – of all things. I nodded and swiped the truck keys.

"Sweet sauce," I joyfully said, "I'll be back in a few." Charlie yelled warnings to be careful, but I had been driving for a long time before I was reincarnated, so I wasn't concerned.

As I settled into the truck, I realized how fast the day went, how I had come to terms with this new reality quickly. The popups were still freaky, I still somewhat worried over my sanity and I still wasn't sure what was up with Jasper, but I was starting to realize this was real whether I liked it or not.

I needed to learn more about these gamer powers, the pop ups and whatever "gift" I have. The whole Jasper thing – I unfortunately had an idea of what was going on. I just didn't want to admit it. It was weird to think, and I didn't want to be wrong. I wasn't a homewrecker.

I came upon the store and pulled up, sighing as I locked the car door and headed for the entrance. "Not sure why I locked the darned thing." I murmured to myself. "Not like anyone would want to steal it."

I wandered into the store before going through the aisles and ticking off boxes in my mind of the things I was grabbing and what I needed.

Nails, light motion detectors and motion detectors that made noise were definitely on my list. I held the motion detectors in my hands, trying to choose whether the cheaper option was the best option when I heard a throat clearing behind me. I whipped around, seeing Jasper there with his hands full of samples of wood, tiles and paint.

"Mia?" I heard the southern drawl.

"Jasper?" I asked in surprise. I looked down at what I was holding before shoving the items behind my back like he hadn't seen what they were already.

"What are you doing here?" He asked with a curious tilt of the mouth.

I forced myself to not stammer, his presence once again feeling like electricity and the overwhelming urge to touch him. I stared into his eyes as I tried to find the words to speak. As our eyes met, I could feel the heat in his gaze and I clenched my thighs together as the heat traveled down to my core.

The words were caught in my throat before I finally managed to speak, although making a fool of myself as I shouted, "Please don't tell anyone what I'm buying!"

Jasper's curious tilt of the mouth turned into a small, amused smile. "And what are you buying?"

My hands twitched from behind my back. I sighed heavily before bringing them up to his gaze. "I'm creating some…defense systems?"

He frowned at my words. "Why would you need defense systems?"

I bit my lip as I looked at him from under my eyelashes. "I don't trust your brother?"

A mixture of concern and amusement lit up his features.

Before he could say a word, I tacked on, "Please let me booby trap my house and let Edward get caught?" An ungraceful snort came from Jasper at my words.
"Fine," He said grudgingly. "I won't tell anyone what I saw today. But you have to tell me if you catch Edward, though." He said seriously.

I nodded along with him. He grabbed the supplies from my hands and threw them in my basket, then throwing his in there as well. I watched in confusion as he grabbed the basket then and held his elbow out for me to take. I did so reluctantly, still confused.

"What are you doing?" I asked.

"Let me pay for your supplies to trap my brother. My apology for him scaring you." His words were said jokingly, but I could hear the sincerity as well.

I pursed my lips together to fight back the smile that tried to pull at my lips. "Okay."

Okay: I'm trying to decide something and I need help. Should I make it Edward/Bella, or Bella/Alice? I would do Edward/Bella because I like messing with him. I would do Bella/Alice because it's just easier. But I would really like some opinions. Because I didn't want to just post this question, I wrote a quick short filler chapter to go along with the question. So, please help?