"Breathe Bella," Jasper whispered. "I'm going to remove my hand, okay?"
Bella nodded and Jasper pulled his hand away from her mouth. "Why are you here Jasper?"
"Alice saw you deciding to call Rosalie and then changing your mind. After her vision changed a dozen times she decided to make the decision for you, so she sent me here," Jasper explained.
He moved away from Bella to give her some space. He sat in her rocker while she climbed onto her bed. "Where's Rosalie?" she mumbled rocking back and forth.
"She's hunting," Jasper told her. "She will be back in a couple hours. Until then you're stuck with me," he joked. "Bella, I can feel your emotions and you need to calm down before you have a panic attack."
He got up and slowly walked over to Bella. "Breathe Bella," he muttered. He gently placed his hand on her shoulder and sent her small amounts of calm, love and reassurance.
It took Jasper twenty minutes to help calm Bella down. He didn't want to over manipulate her emotions. He wanted it to be more natural so she could, hopefully, be able to calm herself at some point. After everything Bella had been through he didn't want to take away her control of her emotions.
"Thank you," Bella said, leaning against Jasper. It wasn't the cool body she wanted but she felt safe and content.
"Anytime Bella," he promised. "Do you want to talk about it?"
"There were so many people, so many guys," Bella told him. "I couldn't handle it. I wanted Rosalie. I needed Rosalie but she couldn't be there. I went to the beach and one of the wolves, Paul Lahote, found me. He told me an interesting story."
"Did he?" Jasper questioned.
Bella nodded. "He said you saved a Quileute boy," Bella told him.
"I did," Jasper confirmed.
"You're too hard on yourself," Bella said.
Jasper pulled away from Bella and frowned. "What makes you say that?" he asked curious.
"I… you seem so careful and afraid of hurting people," Bella explained. "But you saved a young boy. You're a good guy Jasper. I wish you saw that."
Jasper smiled slightly at her. "Thanks Bella," he said gratefully. "I doubt you will say that after you hear my story. Do you still want to hear it?"
"Yes," she nodded.
"I was born Jasper Whitlock in 1844 in Houston, Texas," Jasper began. "I joined the Confederate Army when I was just before my seventeenth birthday and ended up being the youngest Major. I was on my way back to Galveston when I met them: Maria, Lucy and Nettie. I thought they needed help so I offered my services. But they didn't. Maria sensed something in me. She changed me because the other two couldn't without killing me."
"Did you love her?" Bella interrupted. She blushed in embarrassment. "Sorry I didn't mean to interrupt."
"It's okay," Jasper said patting her hand. "And no, I didn't love her. I was infatuated with her, a lot like you with Edward, but that was it. She played on my emotions to make me loyal to her. I became the deadliest soldier in the vampire world. They called me the God of War. Everyone I went up against I beat. I killed thousands of men, women and children."
Bella hugged him. "It's not your fault," she told him. "She manipulated you. She made you into someone you're not. That's her fault, not yours."
Jasper smiled. "Thank you Bella," he said. "Alice told me the same thing when I told her everything." They were silent for a minute. "How are you feeling?"
"Better," Bella said. "I still want Rosalie though."
Jasper nodded. "I understand that," Jasper said. "We didn't realize how strong your bond would be when you're still human. That ache you feel, Rosalie feels it too. We all feel it when we are separated from our mate. It's twice as painful for Rosalie." He looked sadly at Bella. "I'll call her."
He pulled out his phone and started whispering too fast for Bella to understand. The entire conversation lasted less than a minute. "She's on her way," he told her. "Do you want me to wait?"
"I'm okay Jazz," Bella assured him. "Thanks for coming."
Jasper said goodbye and jumped out Bella's window. Bella laid in bed, pulling Rosalie's sweater tighter against her body. She closed her eyes and waited for the ache in her heart to go away.
Bella wasn't sure when she fell asleep but when she woke up she was in Rosalie's cool arms. "Rose," she gasped, she threw her arms around the vampire.
Rosalie kissed Bella's forehead. "Hello my Bella," she muttered softly. Bella laid in Rosalie's arms, nose buried in Rosalie's neck. The vampire's scent filled her senses and the ache in her heart faded away. "I'm so sorry Bella. I didn't know you would feel our separation that strongly."
"I'm okay," Bella mumbled against Rosalie's neck.
Rosalie tightened her grip on Bella. She too had suffered from the separation. She had gone hunting so she would have something to do. Rosalie had planned on coming here once Bella had returned from her trip to La Push. If she had known Bella's reaction to their separation she would have stayed close.
"How was La Push?" Rosalie asked.
Bella shrugged and pulled away from Rosalie so she could look at Rosalie's face. "You're eyes are lighter," Bella noticed.
"I fed from animals," Rosalie admitted. "I didn't want to be too far away from you."
"Are you uncomfortable?" Bella questioned concerned. She tried to pull away from Rosalie but the vampire wouldn't allow it.
"I'm fine Bella," Rosalie promised. "No matter how thirsty I was I would never hurt you."
"I know," Bella said. She wasn't worried about Rosalie hurting her. She never thought she would.
"Do you want to talk about your visit?" Rosalie questioned, genuinely curious about how it went.
"There was too many guys in Billy's house," Bella muttered. "I couldn't handle it so I left. One of the wolves, Paul, found me on the beach. We talked a little and then he offered to drive me home. He even gave me his number, if I wanted to talk. He knows something happened but he didn't pressure me into telling him."
"That's good," Rosalie said, clenching her fist. "I would hate to kick the puppy for hurting you."
"He's a nice guy," Bella promised. "I like him." Rosalie growled. "As a friend," she said quickly.
"As long as he behaves I don't care if you're friends with him," Rosalie told her. "Just be careful and try not to anger him." Bella nodded in agreement.
"Rosalie," Bella whispered. "Can you stay here tonight?"
"If that's what you want then yes," Rosalie promised, stroking her hair.
"How long will it hurt to be away from you?" Bella asked. She didn't want to cling to Rosalie but at the same time she couldn't be away from her.
"I honestly don't know," Rosalie said. "I didn't realize you would be affected like this. The longer a mated couple is together the easier it is to be away from each other."
"You're hiding something," Bella frowned.
Rosalie sighed. She wasn't intentionally hiding anything from Bella. She didn't want to pressure her mate in any way. "Bella I don't want you to feel pressured," Rosalie began.
"Please, just tell me," Bella interrupted.
Rosalie shifted their position so she could look Bella in the eye. "A mated vampire couple marks their mates with a bite. The bite is a way of warning off other vampires. It is also used for pleasure." Bella blushed. "The point is, once I mark you, your reactions will come down. You won't panic as much when we are separated."
"Then do it," Bella said.
Rosalie didn't expect Bella to say that. "I can't," Rosalie said. Bella looked down. "I want to Bella," she said tilting Bella's face so she would look at her. "I fight the urge whenever I'm with you, but I can't do it. Not right now. I can't do it until you love me," Bella opened her mouth but Rosalie gently covered her mouth with her hand, "I know you don't love me and I'm okay with that. I hope someday you will love me. Marking our mate is extremely intimate."
Bella sighed and leaned against Rosalie. "I'm sorry," Bella told her. "I didn't know."
"Shh, my Bella," Rosalie said. "I'm not upset and I don't expect you to suddenly know everything about our world. I will be here as long as you need or want me."
"I want you close by," Bella admitted. "I like having you close by." Rosalie smiled. "Jasper told me his story."
"Yes he mentioned he was going to tell you," Rosalie said. "What do you think?"
"He's too hard on himself," Bella said honestly. "What he did wasn't his fault. He was manipulated into it. I'm glad he has Alice now. It does explain how he was able to defend that boy from another vampire."
"You know about that?" Rosalie asked in surprise.
Bella nodded. "Paul told me about it," Bella told her. "He said they all respect Jasper because of that."
"That's true," Rosalie agreed. "It's hard not respect Jasper."
"Did he use his gift on them?" Bella wondered.
"No," Rosalie replied shaking her head. "He didn't need to."
"If vampire and werewolves are enemies why are they okay with us?" Bella questioned.
"The wolves have their own version of mating, called imprinting. Imprinting is simpler than our mating, for them it just takes one look, but Jasper says the feelings are just as strong. They understand the strength in a mating bond so they don't get involved," Rosalie explained. She cocked her head to the side. "Charlie's here."
"I should get up," Bella said trying to sit up. Rosalie held her close.
"He thinks you're not feeling well," she reminded her. "You are fine. I'll hide when he comes to check on you."
Bella shifted back into Rosalie's arms. "What's going to happen tomorrow?" Bella asked. "There's going to be so many people."
"Alice is going to work her magic and get her placed in most of your classes," Rosalie told her. "Emmett decided to drop woodshop and join your P.E. class and I dropped auto shop to join. Jasper switched into your creative writing class."
"You guys didn't have to do that," Bella muttered.
"We've all been in school too many times to count," Rosalie said. "We don't mind. Besides Jasper is looking forward to creative writing. He's never taken that class before. I'm already an expert mechanic so I don't need auto shop, same with Emmett and woodshop. Besides, this way you have an excuse to spend time at our house, or us here, since Alice is in all your core classes."
"Okay," Bella agreed.
"Charlie's coming," Rosalie hissed. She was gone before Bella could react.
"Bella," Charlie called knocking on the bedroom door.
"Yeah Dad," Bella replied, sitting up.
Charlie walked into the room and found Bella leaning against the headboard. "Are you okay?" he asked concerned. "Paul said you weren't feeling well."
"I'm fine Dad," Bella promised. "I was just a little worn out. I guess I should have spent more time sleeping and less time playing."
Charlie nodded. "Will you be okay to go to school?"
"Yeah Dad, I'll be fine," Bella told him.
"Okay," Charlie agreed. "Paul wants to know if he can come visit tomorrow after school. He said you have his number so be sure to call him." Bella nodded. "He's a good guy Bella. He's had a hard life but I think he would be good for you, you know if you were interested in dating."
Rosalie growled from her spot in the closet. She wasn't mad at Charlie for suggesting Bella date one of the wolves. He helped her mate and because of that he would have her eternal gratitude. If things were different she would think that Paul would be a good guy for her.
"Paul is a good guy, a good friend," Bella agreed.
"Alright," Charlie said shifting awkwardly. "If you need anything let me know."
"Sure Dad," Bella nodded. Charlie left the room and Bella found herself back in Rosalie's arms.
"So you have no plans to date Paul," Rosalie commented.
"You heard that?" Bella groaned.
"Of course I did," Rosalie said, burying her nose in Bella's hair.
"Being with Paul reminds me of being with Jasper or Emmett," Bella explained. "I can see him as a brother but nothing more."
"If you want him to come over tomorrow then he should come over," Rosalie said. "I can make myself scarce for a few hours."
"You can stay," Bella told her. She didn't want Rosalie to leave her.
"I don't think that's a good idea," Rosalie said. "While they respect Jasper they don't particularly like the rest of us and my eyes are still red. I broke the treaty by feeding from humans, though I highly doubt they would be angry if they knew the reason."
"The treaty?" Bella questioned.
"Carlisle made a treaty with Ephraim Black that said if we stayed off their land and promised to never bite a human they would leave us alone," Rosalie explained.
"But you're going to change me, eventually," Bella said confused. "That would break the treaty and they will kill you."
"There is an exception," Rosalie assured her. "We can change our mates. But only I have permission to bite you. I did bite and kill four humans. They would be well within their rights to kill me for it. It's part of the reason Carlisle is so angry. I broke the treaty."
Bella shook at the thought of Rosalie being killed. "They won't kill me," Rosalie reassured her. "I promise you they won't." She stroked Bella's hair to try to calm her mate.
Bella reached over and grabbed her phone from the nightstand. She dialed Paul's number. "Hello," Paul answered.
"Paul, it's Bella," Bella said softly.
"Hey Bella," Paul greeted. "How are you feeling?"
"Better," Bella replied moving closer to Rosalie.
"Your vampire there?" Paul questioned.
"Yes," Bella admitted. "My dad said you wanted to come visit. You can come by after school if you want."
"Sure," Paul eagerly agreed. "Is she going to be there?"
"No," Bella whispered.
"Okay," Paul said. "She can be there if you want. I don't mind."
"I'll see you tomorrow," Bella said before hanging up. "He said you could be here."
"We'll see," Rosalie said. "Are you hungry?"
"A little," Bella confessed. "I'll get something later."
Rosalie rolled her eyes. "I am not going to force you to cook for yourself," Rosalie said.
"I cook for myself all the time," Bella reminded her.
"Yes but you are a teenager. It's not your job to feed yourself and your parents," Rosalie countered.
"Well you're only… 88." Bella laughed and shook her head. "Man that is weird to say."
Rosalie laughed. "Yes I am sure it is," she agreed. "And I'm the youngest along with Emmett."
"Wow," Bella said. "How old are you physically?" she asked curious.
"Eighteen," Rosalie replied. "I'm also the second youngest physically. Now what do you want to eat?"
Bella shrugged. "I have no idea," she answered.
"Okay," Rosalie said slowly. "How about Italian food? Do you like Italian food?" Bella nodded. "Okay then, I'll go get you some pasta and some breadsticks. Are you going to be okay on your own?"
"I'll be fine," Bella said. "You're not going to be long right?"
"I'll be back as soon as I can," Rosalie promised. She leaned over and kissed Bella's forehead.
Bella watched Rosalie jump out of the window. She sighed. She felt that tug in her heart as soon as Rosalie was gone. Bella decided to get some homework done to take her mind off Rosalie. She climbed out of bed, grabbed her backpack and headed to her desk.
She dug through her backpack and pulled out everything she needed. Once it was all organized she got to work. She stared at her history homework. She had started it before going to Port Angeles with Angela and Jessica. She turned around and glanced at her phone on the nightstand. Would it be wrong to get Jasper's opinion on her homework or would that be considered cheating?
There was a knock on the window and Bella jumped. "Hey Bella," Jasper greeted.
"Not that I'm not thrilled to see you, because I am, but what are you doing here?" Bella questioned, hoping she didn't insult her favorite Cullen, besides Rosalie.
"I'm not insulted," he promised. "Alice saw you had a question about an assignment and weren't sure about asking for my help. Since Rosalie is out she figured it would be a good idea to help you."
"I wasn't going to ask because I thought it would be cheating," Bella confessed.
Jasper chuckled. "The rest of us cheat all the time," he reminded her. "Don't worry about it. What are you working on?"
"We are supposed to do journal articles in the point of view of the soldiers in World War II," Bella explained. She handed him her paper. "I'm not too sure about how I portrayed the soldiers. I know World War II isn't your specialty but I figured you do know soldiers."
Jasper scanned the paper. "This is pretty good," he complimented. "I would add some more fear in the soldier's point of view. Being on the battlefield is terrifying. I would also comment on the how the deaths affect him."
Bella jotted down Jasper's suggestions on a spare piece of paper. "Thanks. Is there anything else?"
"No," Jasper said with the shake of his head. "This is good. With that little extra it will be perfect." He noticed the books and papers on Bella's desk. "Do you need more help with homework?"
Bella glanced at her homework. Math was never her strong suit. "I could use help with my math homework," she admitted. "Other than that I will be fine."
Jasper patted the bed. "Bring it here. I'll help you out." Bella grabbed her book, assignment, extra paper, two pencils and her calculator before joining Jasper on her bed. "Alright what's confusing you?"
"The complex numbers," Bella answered, biting her lip.
Jasper spent the next twenty minutes patiently explaining complex numbers to Bella. He repeated himself as much as needed to make sure Bella understood. "Rosalie's back." He looked toward Bella's bedroom door. "She's going through the front door."
"What?" Bella questioned as the doorbell rang. "Why is she at the front door?"
Bella got off the bed and went downstairs. "Hello Chief Swan," Rosalie greeted her father.
"Rosalie Hale," Charlie said surprised. "What brings you here?"
Rosalie lifted the bag of take out. "Bella mentioned needing some help on homework. I brought some dinner for both of you in hopes of you allowing me to help her."
"That's nice of you Rosalie," Charlie said. "You don't have to bring dinner in order to help Bella with homework. Come on in." Charlie stepped aside to allow Rosalie to step inside. "Bella's upstairs."
"I'm right here Dad." Bella stood on the last step, looking back and forth between Rosalie and her father.
"Oh, hey Bells," Charlie greeted. He didn't expect Bella to come out of her room. "Rosalie offered to help you with her homework. She even brought food. Are you hungry?"
"Yeah I am." Bella led Rosalie to the kitchen and helped her unpack the food. "It was nice of you to bring my Dad some food."
Rosalie hugged her mate. "It's no big deal Bella," Rosalie said. "I'm not about to let you or your father starve. Now I wasn't exactly sure what you would like, other than pasta and breadsticks so I got multiple kinds."
Bella's eyes widened as Rosalie pulled out a tray of fettuccini alfredo, ravioli, ziti and spaghetti. It looked as if Rosalie had gotten a double order of breadsticks. "This is way too much," Bella commented, though she wasn't entirely surprised since Rosalie cooked more than she could eat.
"It can be saved. What kind do you want?" Rosalie dug through the cabinets looking for plates and glasses.
"Third cabinet on the left and the cabinet to the left," Bella informed her. Rosalie pulled out two plates and two glasses while Bella grabbed some forks and serving spoons. "I'll take some ravioli and ziti." She passed Rosalie the serving spoons.
Rosalie spooned a generous amount of food onto Bella's plate while Bella poured milk for her and Charlie. "What's Charlie going to want?" Rosalie gestured to the food.
Bella shrugged. "Give him a bit of everything," she suggested.
Bella added two breadsticks to each plate. Bella took Charlie his food and milk while Rosalie put away the food. "Thanks Bells," Charlie said, taking the plate from Bella.
"Sure Dad," Bella said. "Rosalie and I are going upstairs to eat."
"Okay," Charlie agreed. "Make sure Rosalie gets some food if she's hungry. It looks like she brought plenty."
Rosalie was waiting for her at the bottom of the stairs with her food and drink in her hands. Bella followed Rosalie upstairs to her bedroom. Jasper was still in her room, lounging on her bed.
"You're still here." Bella had expected him to go home now that Rosalie was back.
"Wasn't sure if you still needed help with your homework," he shrugged. "I was also told to warn you about Edward."
"What about him?" Rosalie demanded.
"Alice is having trouble seeing his future. She thinks he is going to try to use the wolves to get to Bella," Jasper informed her. "You need to come clean to Paul before Edward lies."
"Fine," Rosalie sighed. "I will be here tomorrow when he comes over."
"Why is he still trying?" Bella questioned.
"He's still deluded. No matter what we tell him he's convinced you are his mate and he wants to save you from Rosalie," Jasper said.
"What will it take to get him to leave me alone?" Bella wanted to know.
Rosalie leaned against her upset mate. "I don't know Bella. But we won't let Edward win. I promise."
Bella ate while Rosalie and Jasper talked too quietly for Bella to understand. "Bella, in two weeks they are opening a new Civil War exhibit at History Museum in Seattle. I was wondering, would you like to go with me?" Jasper asked.
Bella glanced at Rosalie. "It's fine if you want to go. Alice and I aren't into history. It was Alice that suggested Jasper take you."
"I would like to go," Bella told him. Jasper grinned.
"Great. It's a black tie event so you will need a dress but we can go over the details later," Jasper said. Jasper checked his watch. "I'm going to go. I'll see you tomorrow Bella."
"Bye Jasper. Thanks for the help." Bella hugged Jasper.
"Jasper is really excited you agreed to go," Rosalie said once her brother was gone.
"I am too. I've never been to a museum before," Bella admitted. "Is he right about the black tie event?"
"He is but don't worry about it. Alice and I will take you shopping, and buy you a dress." Bella was ready to protest but Rosalie cut her off. "You're Jasper's date and he invited you. It's only fair he buys the dress."
"You're okay with this? Me going out with Jasper. I know it's not a real date but still…"
"That night it will be like any other date, minus the kissing," Rosalie said. "Alice and I are fine with it. It's not like you love him, or he loves you. I've been Jasper's date a few times for events Alice has no interest in."
"You're sure you're okay with this?" Bella questioned. Rosalie nodded. "Okay then. I'll go with him."
Rosalie kissed her cheek. "Are you done eating?" Bella nodded. Rosalie grabbed the plate and glass.
"You don't have to do that," Bella called. It was useless because Rosalie was already out the door. Rosalie returned moments later. "You know I can do that. I'm not completely useless."
"I don't think you're useless Bella." Rosalie pulled her onto her bed. "I like doing things for you. Even if it's just cleaning up your dishes. So try to get used to it."
"I don't think I ever will," Bella admitted.
Bella walked with Rosalie downstairs. She had to pretend to leave so Charlie didn't notice anything. "Leaving so soon?" Charlie questioned taking his empty beer can to the kitchen.
"Yes sir. Tomorrow is a school day and my mom wants me home." Bella wondered if being a vampire automatically made you a good liar or if it was something they learned.
"Did you get your homework done?" Charlie looked at his daughter.
"Yes Dad," Bella nodded.
"Great. Well Rosalie you are welcome here anytime."
"Thank you sir and goodnight." Rosalie shook his hand left the house with Bella right behind her. Bella hugged Rosalie and went back inside. Since Rosalie was going to be back there was no reason to say goodbye.
Bella headed back inside. She said goodnight to Charlie and went up to her room. Rosalie was already there, lounging on her bed like she had never left.