Jasper was grinning when Bella opened the door. Bella groaned. Jasper had overheard Charlie and Rosalie's comments. Jasper's grinned widened. "Hello darlin'," he greeted. They were having way too much fun with this. "Are you ready?"
"I am," Bella confirmed. She wanted to leave as soon as possible.
"Jasper," Charlie said. He was attempting to be the stern father when in reality he was amused by the whole thing. "What time do you expect to be back?"
Jasper pretended to think about it. Bella was certain he already had it planned out thanks to Alice. "Well, the exhibit is in Port Angeles," Jasper lied. Seattle was too far for a normal person to go. But for a vampire it was nothing. Bella knew they would be in Seattle in the time it took a normal person to get to Port Angeles. "Does Bella need to be home by a certain time?"
"No," Charlie said a little too quickly. "It's the weekend. You two should have fun. But don't stay out too late," he added.
"Well, we should be going," Jasper announced. "It was nice seeing you Chief Swan."
"You too Jasper," Charlie said. "Have fun you two."
"Good night Chief Swan," Rosalie said before following Bella and Jasper out of the house.
Rosalie walked with them to the car. Jasper got into the driver's seat and patiently waited for Bella. "I'll be running to Seattle," Rosalie told Bella. "If you need me, I'll be right outside."
"Thanks Rose," Bella said gratefully. She was certain she would need Rosalie at least once during the night.
Rosalie kissed the corner of Bella's mouth. "Enjoy tonight. You deserve to have a fun night."
Bella got into the car and Jasper drove away. When Bella glanced out the window, she saw Rosalie was gone. "Where did you get this car?" Bella asked. She didn't remember it from the Cullen's collection of expensive cars.
"I bought it today," Jasper answered.
"You bought it today?" Bella repeated. "Why?"
"I know what you're thinking Bella," Jasper said. "And no, I did not buy the car because of you. I bought it because I wanted it. I've been wanting a car for a while and now was the perfect time to get one."
Bella nodded. She believed Jasper was telling the truth. She trusted him and knew he wouldn't lie to her. "My dad, do you know why he was so calm about us going to the exhibit?"
"He's happy you made friends. Even if that means you're dating me," Jasper said with a grin. "He likes me. He'll be so bummed when he finds out you're not dating me."
Bella shook her head. "You guys had way too much fun with that."
Jasper shrugged. "We've been around for a long time. We need to be entertained somehow." He glanced at Bella before turning his attention back to the road. "There's something I need to talk to you about."
"Is it Edward?" Bella asked tensely.
"Sort of," Jasper answered. "A couple of my friends, Peter and Charlotte, are going to stay in Forks for a while. They're human drinkers, like Rosalie, but I promise they won't hurt you." Jasper paused. "We don't know what Edward has planned or if he's going to attempt something. Peter and Charlotte will be here to help watch you."
"Do you really think Edward will do something?" Bella asked nervous. She didn't want to be anywhere near Edward.
"I don't know," Jasper said honestly. He wouldn't lie to her, not about something that could affect her life. "Edward is convinced you're his mate. We will do anything for our mates. You're not his mate, obviously, but he believes it. I don't know what he will do in his attempt to protect you from Rosalie." Bella tensed up. "Don't worry, he will never get the chance."
"How can you be so sure?" Bella asked. "If he's so determined how do you know he won't succeed?"
"Bella, he may be a mind reader but I'm a trained killer," Jasper said. "If it comes to it, I will do whatever it takes to keep you safe, even if that means killing Edward. Although I do hope it doesn't come to that. Our family is already split and killing him would destroy the family." Bella looked down. It was her fault the Cullens were divided. "Bella, it's not your fault."
"It sure feels like it," Bella muttered under her breath. Jasper still heard her.
"You are not responsible for a vampire targeting you," Jasper said firmly. "If it was another human girl would you blame her?"
"No," Bella said honestly.
"Exactly," Jasper exclaimed. "It wouldn't be her fault, just like it's not your fault." Jasper had a point but Bella still wasn't convinced. He knew it but didn't say anything more. He wasn't going to convince her today, or even tomorrow, but hopefully in time she would learn.
The rest of the car ride was uneventful. Bella was enjoying the scenery as she had never been to Seattle before. The sun was already starting to set which was good considering how sunny it had been earlier in the day. By the time they arrived the sun would be all the way down.
"How do you think Angela will react to Paul?" Bella questioned as they entered the city. They would be at the museum in a matter of minutes.
"Her emotions toward Paul are nothing but positive," Jasper commented. "From what I can tell she will accept him and his world with no trouble."
"What about us?" Bella blushed. "I mean you guys. Will she know about you?"
"Well, we won't tell her. Whether or not the wolves tell her I'm not sure. She is rather perceptive, like you. I wouldn't be surprised if she figured it out on her own, like you did."
"Do you think she will be scared of you guys?" Bella asked.
Jasper glanced at Bella. "I don't think so," Jasper answered. "She is near us and doesn't seem to be uncomfortable despite her natural instincts to run away. Instincts that you don't seem to possess," he added with a grin. "Are you worried she'll be afraid of Rosalie and you won't be able to hang out with Paul because of that?"
"Maybe," Bella answered, though both of them knew she was lying.
"You'll still be able to hang out with Paul, even I Angela isn't comfortable around Rosalie," Jasper assured her. He pulled into the parking lot. "Angela is a nice person. She doesn't have a mean bone in her body."
Jasper was right about that. Angela was the nicest person Bella had ever met. Even if she was scared, she wouldn't be mean. Jasper turned off the car. "Are you ready?"
Dark eyes darted across the parking lot. There were quite a few cars in the parking lot but it was not as many as Bella expected. "Yes, let's go."
Jasper held out his arm and Bella took it. They walked arm in arm to the building where a man was waiting to take their invitations. How Jasper got the invitations Bella would never know, and a part of her really didn't want ask.
"What exactly are we doing tonight?" Bella whispered. She realized she had no idea what to expect.
"Dinner starts in thirty minutes. After dinner is dessert and then we tour the exhibits," Jasper explained. "During that time there will be an open bar and snacks."
"This is a lot fancier than I thought," Bella muttered as they approached the doorman.
Jasper removed their invitations from his jacket and handed them over. "Do you want some help?" Jasper whispered in her ear.
"No," Bella said. "I can handle it."
The doorman handed the invitations back. "Enjoy your night Mr. and Mrs. Whitlock," he told them.
"Wh—" Bella started to say.
Jasper steered her inside. "They wouldn't allow teenagers here," Jasper explained once they were safely inside. "So, I signed us up as a married couple." He pulled an ID from his pocket. It said Isabella Whitlock. "The ID was only made for tonight. After that I'll shred it."
"I…" Bella started.
"Bella, don't worry. Alice and Rosalie know about it and are fine. We all have multiple IDs. You will be getting some in the future," Jasper told her.
"But we have to act like a married couple," Bella muttered.
"Not necessarily," Jasper assured her. "I would never do anything to make you uncomfortable. People will be more focused on the exhibit than us. They won't worry about what we're doing."
"Are you going to eat?" Bella asked curious. Bella could feel his unhappiness.
"Yes," he said with a sigh. He pulled the chair out for Bella. They were the first ones to arrive at their table. It gave them a few minutes to talk in peace. "Unfortunately, it would be too suspicious if I didn't eat."
"Sorry," Bella said automatically.
"Don't be," Jasper said. "I may not like the dinner portion of tonight but the rest is worth it."
One by one couples filtered into the room and made their way to their assigned tables. Each table held a dozen people, or six couples. Bella watched the many people coming into the room. There didn't seem to be a single person in sight. Although now that Bella thought about it, it was likely some of the pairs were simply friends or family, like her and Jasper.
"Are you okay?" Bella whispered to Jasper.
There were currently two other couples at the table with them. Neither couple paid any attention to them, not even for introductions, which suited Jasper and Bella just fine.
"A little uncomfortable," Jasper confessed. "But I'm managing. Alice said I would feel uncomfortable but I wouldn't slip up."
"What about the emotions in here?" Bella asked concerned. She knew Jasper was uncomfortable because of the blood but she was curious if the emotions were making him uncomfortable.
"They're all positive," Jasper answered, a little confused by the question. "Most are excited, a few are hungry and a few nervous." He paused. "You are all of the above." Bella blushed in embarrassment. "Don't be embarrassed. It's a completely normal, and human, reaction. A first for you I believe."
Bella glared at him and Jasper laughed. The others at the table glanced at the two but Bella and Jasper ignored them. Bella felt most comfortable when she pretended the others weren't there. As messed up as it was, she was most comfortable with vampires.
A young couple only a few years older than Bella and Jasper sat down next to them. "Hello," the woman greeted. "I'm Justine. This is my husband, Richard." She nodded toward the man beside him.
"Jasper," Jasper said putting his hand over Bella's in an attempt play the role of the loving husband. "This is my wife, Bella."
Bella shuddered. It was strange hearing those words from Jasper's mouth. If she was being completely honest this was not the cold-skinned vampire she wanted to hear say those words.
"Nice to meet you," Jasper said, oblivious to Bella's thoughts. "You two are younger than I expected. What brings you here?"
"I've been a fan of the Civil War since I was a kid," Jasper answered. Bella choked on her water. Jasper gently patted her back.
"What about you Bella?" Justine asked.
"I love history," Bella answered. "Though not as much as Jasper."
"How long have you two been married?" Justine asked.
Bella mentally groaned. Why did they have to pretend they were married? She wondered. She knew the answer. They did it to blend in. Most of the people here were part of a couple. Jasper and Bella were the youngest people there, most were middle aged couples.
"Six months," Jasper replied.
"Can't you do something," Bella hissed at him. The woman seemed nice enough but Bella was getting tired of the questions. She already missed Rosalie and it was putting her on edge.
Jasper studied her for a few seconds before pushing a wave of disinterest and boredom toward the couple. It worked and they ignored the two for a private conversation.
"You miss her," Jasper muttered.
"I'm fine," Bella said automatically. She would not ruin tonight.
"It's okay to miss her," Jasper said. "I miss Alice." He paused. "Go to the bathroom."
Bella stared at Jasper in confusion. "I'm fine Jazz, really."
Jasper rolled his eyes. "Just go Bella. Trust me."
Bella was still confused but she trusted Jasper. She stood up and made her way to the bathroom. She knew Jasper was listening, just in case, but she was still nervous walking through the museum.
She pushed the door open. To her surprise, and pleasure, she saw Rosalie leaning against the wall, wearing jeans and a t-shirt. "Bella," she greeted. Her normally red eyes were almost black from thirst.
"Rosalie," Bella exclaimed. She threw herself into the vampire's arms. Rosalie held her close, her nose in Bella's hair, inhaling her scent. Bella tried to pull away, not wanting to make Rosalie uncomfortable. Rosalie tightened her grip. "Rose, I know you're thirsty."
Rosalie released Bella. "I'm fine Bella. I would never hurt you. No matter how thirsty I was." She kissed the corner of Bella's mouth. "How are you feeling?"
Bella laid her head against Rosalie's cool chest. "I'm good. I missed you but I was handling it. You need to hunt."
Rosalie kissed the top of her head. "I was going to hunt but I wanted to check on you first. I overheard you talking to Jasper and I wanted to see you first."
"I'm okay," Bella promised. She didn't like being the reason Rosalie hadn't hunted. "Jasper is taking care of me."
The blonde grinned. "How is it being married to Jasper?"
Bella groaned and Rosalie laughed. "Is it too late to get a divorce?"
Rosalie laughed. "It's just one night Bella. We wouldn't have done that but Alice saw that people would be suspicious since you look so young. It's easier for the humans to get past that when they think you two are married."
Bella sighed. "I know. It's just… dumb. We're not married and it's weird pretending."
Rosalie kissed her cheek. "It will be over soon." She cocked her head to the side and sighed. "Someone is coming. I need to leave."
Bella's face fell. "Okay." She hugged Rosalie. "Go, hunt, and don't worry about me."
"I'll always worry about you my Bella," Rosalie said. "If you need me, call me. No matter what. I have to go." She kissed Bella's cheek one last time before disappearing.
A woman walked into the bathroom less than a minute later. Bella wet a paper towel and dabbed her neck with it. She was very careful not to mess up her make-up. She did not want to face Rosalie's wrath if she messed up all her hard work.
Bella took several deep breaths, ignoring the woman that was only there to fix her own make-up. Part of Bella was angry at this woman for interrupting her time with Rosalie. It wasn't this woman's fault, Bella knew. Still she was mad.
"I'm coming," Bella whispered, knowing Jasper was listening. The woman glanced at her but didn't say anything.
Bella left the bathroom and made her way back to her table. When she arrived, she noticed salad and a glass of wine at her spot. She looked around and found salad and wine at all the spots at the table. She slid into the chair beside Jasper. The others barely glanced at her. "Are you okay?" he asked, poking the salad with his fork.
"Like you don't know," Bella replied.
"I was being polite," he stated.
"I feel better," Bella told him. "Thanks." She stared at Jasper stabbing at the salad. "You know you're supposed to eat that."
Jasper glared at her. "I know," he said. "I just don't want to."
Bella laughed. The big, bad warrior vampire was pouting over eating some food. Jasper glared at her again before shoving lettuce into his mouth and chewing. "Happy?" he asked once he was able to force himself to swallow the food.
Bella had to stop herself from laughing at Jasper again. He already knew she was amused by his discomfort but she tried her best to hide it. "What happens when you eat?" Bella asked curious. She had asked Edward once but never got a straight answer.
"Later," Jasper promised. He tilted his head toward the others and Bella understood. They may not be paying attention but they could still hear.
In the end Jasper did not finish the salad. Bella was impressed he was able to eat half of it before giving up. Dinner was the same. They were given the choice between chicken or salmon. Both chose the salmon. Jasper hoped it would go down easier. By the time dessert came around Jasper was determined to never eat human food again.
"Finally," he muttered when it was announced that the exhibit was now open. "Are you ready?"
"Yes," Bella said pushing away the rest of the chocolate lava cake.
Bella took his arm and they made their way through the museum. "This is nice Jasper. Thanks for bringing me."
"Anytime Bella," he said. "I'm glad you're the one that came with me."
Bella glanced at Jasper's face. His eyes were the same light gold that she was accustomed to seeing on the Cullens. "How do you do it?" she muttered. Jasper was confused. "I know you're uncomfortable around all these humans but you're standing close to me and your eyes are still the same shade of gold."
"Being around you, and the other humans, isn't easy," Jasper started. They walked into the exhibit room. "But its gotten easier to be around you. You're family Bella and that makes all the difference. Anytime I feel thirsty around you, I think about the pain it would cause Alice, Emmett, Rosalie… even me. That alone helps me stay in control."
They walked up to the first of many displays. They were a bit slower than the other guests which worked out well for them. It meant Bella could ask questions without fear of being overheard.
"Are these real?" Bella asked pointing to the assortment of guns used by the confederate and union soldiers. Each gun had a label with the name, and who used it, along with any interesting information, if there was any.
Jasper carefully studied all the guns. "That ones a replica," Jasper said pointing to a rifled musket. The label said it was a Whitworth M1857. "Not surprising. The Confederates used it the most and they weren't very common."
They slowly made their way through the many displays. Occasionally, Bella would ask a question about one of the pieces and Jasper would explain. With some things, such as photographs, Jasper would tell Bella stories that she had found fascinating.
They were almost through all the displays when Jasper froze. Bella assumed the human blood, or perhaps just her blood, were starting to get to him. She was going to suggest they go outside for some air but when she glanced at him she noticed he was still breathing normally. Whatever was bothering him had nothing to do with blood.
"What's going on?" Bella questioned.
"Rosalie came by to check on you after hunting," Jasper started. Bella looked around but didn't see any sign of the blood vampire. "She didn't make it inside. She smelled Edward nearby."