I know that the first week at school seems to be going by slowly, but after this chapter, it moves on to when Edward comes back and the events that follow after. So, I've decided to give a little snippet of the future parts of the story to everyone who reviews to show how much I appreciate it. All you have to do is leave a review and at the end, put the book you want a snippet from: Twilight, New Moon, or Eclipse. If you don't leave a book at the end of the review, I'll assume you don't want me to private message you, and that is understandable.
I don't own anything you recognize, and I did borrow a line from the movie 'Now You See Me'. Hope you enjoy!
Bella convinced Blair to ride with her the next morning, citing that Charlie would be hurt if she didn't use the truck at least a few times a week. So, there she was, riding in the monstrosity of rust and metal. Blair had to use both hands to close the passenger side door. She sighed sufferingly as Bella went five miles below the speed limit. Her sister's poor lip was being chewed and Blair knew she was wondering if Edward was coming back today.
She didn't want to break it to her that that probably wasn't going to happen. Not today at least. Then if Edward decided to get to know Bella, she'd have to sit back and watch as their love story unfolded. Everyone would find out what she knew, and the dominos would fall. It sounded like an extremely dramatic road that Blair didn't particularly want to deal with.
Less eyes were on them as they pulled into the parking lot. The novelty was wearing off just like Blair said it would. Bella had already retained a shy, slightly frigid reputation, while Blair was just rumored to be a bitch. It was no doubt disappointing to the Forks populace, who rarely had new students.
Her sister decided to walk by herself to class, leaving plenty of time for Blair to get to class. She used the time to flip through her history book, slightly pensive as she passed a chapter on the Battle of Little Big Horn. She vaguely remembered Peter mentioning that Garrett was a part of it. The man had apparently been a part of every American battle in the country's history. She wondered if it was because of his patriotism or the fact that battlefields were easy feeding grounds.
Her musings were interrupted when the chair next to her was pulled out and Adam sat down. Blair ignored him and continued through the chapters. He cleared his throat, hoping to gain her attention. She internally sighed and looked over at him.
"So, there's a dance coming in a few weeks," He started. Blair lifted an eyebrow, knowing where this was going, "I was wondering if you wanted to go with me."
"We've barely talked," She replied. Adam nodded. It wouldn't have really mattered to her if they had talked. She just wasn't interested.
"I know, but maybe if we went to the dance together, that would change." He smiled confidently. Blair frowned.
"Thank you for the compliment, and I understand how much courage someone has to pluck up to ask someone out; but I'm going to have to say no." Adam deflated, his face turning red and his expression relayed his disbelief. He'd been under the impression that she was just off-putting because being new could be overwhelming. He'd thought she'd jump at the chance to go to the dance with someone, and no one had ever turned him down. He knew he was good-looking, but this girl didn't seem to care.
"Why?" His voice was tinged with anger. Blair's eyebrows rose.
"I don't have to explain why. My answer is no." He huffed angrily and Blair swore she heard him mutter 'bitch' under his breath. She rolled her eyes. At the very least, it got him off her back for the rest of the period.
At lunch, she ignored Bella's pleading look and headed towards an empty table. Her patience had sacrificed enough for the day. She put in her earbuds and began eating her lunch. Edward wasn't at the Cullen table, just as she predicted. He'd probably arrive sometime next week, and Bella would be awestruck once again.
Charlotte had once explained to her that their beauty was a way to draw in prey. It was slightly contradicted by the aura that screamed predator that kept most people away. A rabbit could recognize the beauty of a wolf, but that didn't mean they were any less aware of the danger they were in.
Jasper was grinning at something Rosalie was saying. It was laced with a sinful smirk that seemed a permanent fixture on his face. He was a man used to being in control, ahead of any and every threat that could come at him or his family. Would he consider her a threat? The idea made her stomach roll. She doubted he would hurt her, but he seemed like a man who didn't tolerate liars. Technically, that's what she was. The idea that he'd cut off contact with her made bile rise in her throat. Blair tried to reason that if Jasper didn't like her, it would lead to an extremely awkward conversation when he discovered she'd be changed by Peter or Charlotte. She was already lying. She could lie to herself too.
Calculus passed without much conversation between the two. Jasper was trying to figure out what the girl had been thinking about that caused her to feel so much dread, while Blair was trying not to panic about the upcoming test.
"See you at 4?" She asked on her way out. He nodded silently, wondering where her witty banter was.
In Computer Science class, Rosalie looked like she wanted to say something to her but was restraining herself. The blonde beauty almost reminded Blair of Charlotte: fierce, beautiful, and married to someone goofier than herself. It comforted her just being near her. She had an inkling that if given the opportunity, they'd be great friends. Just like her and Charlotte.
Blair's personality was closer to Peter's. Their dark humor and love of adventure meshed well together. But she loved Charlotte, who was always good for a late-night talk and calming Peter's hilarious temper tantrums. At times, it was like the couple was one entity, and Blair could only hope she'd find that one day.
/
Blair told Bella to stay in her room on the way home. While her vampire friends had always said that her scent was mellow; Bella seemed to be the exact opposite. She wasn't going to make Jasper any more uncomfortable than he had to be. Blair put her books at the kitchen table and pulled out some carrots. (She wasn't completely unhealthy)
There was a knock at the door at exactly four o'clock. Apparently, Jasper's punctuality had never rubbed off on Peter. Her breath caught slightly at the sight of him. He stood with his hands in his pockets. It had started to mist. The dew drops sparkled against his hair, giving him a slightly angelic look. A fallen angel, but an angel all the same. He was so fucking beautiful. A small smirk came to his face, pulling her out of her reverie.
"I'm surprised you came, in all honesty, considering how reluctant you seemed. I'm touched." He lifted an eyebrow.
"You should be." So that's where Peter got his smartass mouth from.
"Well, I didn't say where I was touched." His eyebrow joined the other one. Give as good as you got, "In all seriousness, thank you for coming." He nodded as she led him to the kitchen. Jasper took in her humble abode that was probably significantly smaller than his own.
"Where's your sister?" His southern accent was slightly strained as he pulled out his books.
"Up in her room. Probably listening to classical music and pondering the complexities of high school," Blair said with an eyeroll. Jasper grinned at her, "Where do you want to start?"
"Probably at the beginning, considering where you're at." She shot him a glare.
"Don't be rude."
"Interesting coming from you." Blair gave an overexaggerated look of shock.
"I'm the epitome of politeness." He snorted before opening his book. For the next hour and a half, they went over the material for the test. Blair would never admit that she was struggling to concentrate.
He was wearing another sweater, which didn't sate her desire to see his scars. Unfortunately, that didn't mean she didn't have plenty to distract her. He was bigger than Edward, but lankier than Emmett. His broad shoulders strained against the sweater, and his Adam's Apple bobbed as he swallowed. Was it possible for an Adam's apple to be sexy? Apparently so.
Reign in your hormones, she thought to herself. He definitely wasn't going to want some teenage girl falling all over herself, and she wasn't the type to desire someone who would never want her. If the knowing grin that had curled over his teeth was any indication, he could definitely feel it. Damn. Damn. Double Damn. Blair forced herself to concentrate.
By the time six o'clock rolled around, she almost felt prepared for the test on Friday. She stood up and stretched, cracking her neck.
"You're a pretty good tutor," She commented as she began to put her stuff away.
"Thank you." He looked around after picking up his own stuff, seeming almost awkward in his surroundings. If Blair didn't know any better, she'd say he was reluctant to leave. Catching sight of the book at the end of the table, he gingerly picked it up.
"This yours?" Jasper asked, holding up the book: "Wuthering Heights".
"Oh no. That's Bella's. I can't stand it."
"Why?" Blair busied herself by making a cup of coffee, knowing Jasper would deny if she offered him one. She did anyway, just to be polite, and was wholly unsurprised when he shook his head. She took her cup and sat back down since he didn't seem in a hurry to leave.
"I like the premise of it. It's one of the few books I've read that shows that love isn't always pure. Catherine and Heathcliff's relationship wasn't healthy by any means, but it was love. It was defined by the fucked-up things they did to each other, instead of empty poems and sonnets."
"But you don't like it?" He inquired. She shook her head.
"Nope. Too self-sabotaging. I'm not a fan of most classics. Nor do I condone abusive relationships, no matter how even the playing field is."
"Why don't you like the classics?" He looked genuinely curious and she tried to ignore the thrill that went through her.
"Language barriers. Not a curse word in sight and it disappoints me." Jasper chuckled at that. It was a warm, throaty sound that made her wish he wouldn't stop.
"So, what do you like? Romance novels?" He was teasing her now. She threw her head back and laughed, and for a second, he looked stunned.
"I don't like those either. I just don't agree with the "all-consuming" passion bit. I do believe you can't help who you love, but I don't believe the whole "I couldn't stop myself from being with him" stuff. We always have choices." She paused, "But I also don't like the stigma that just because you read the classics, you're somehow deeper than those who prefer romance novels. I've met plenty of people who read them that could fill an ocean with their thoughts, and some who read classics who couldn't fill a puddle with theirs sometimes." She glanced at the stairs and Jasper wondered if she was thinking of her sister.
Their relationship was a complex one. The sisterly love was there, but both girls always had a healthy amount of exasperation for the other mixed in whenever they were near each other. It wasn't that hard to understand, considering how glaringly different the two were.
"What do you like then?" She pondered for a moment.
"I love fantasy novels like Harry Potter or the Mortal instruments. I love hockey. Red Wings all the way. My father loves the Bruins, so it's always fun when they play each other. Shopping, although I rarely have the money to go. Stuff like that, I guess. You?"
"I love war movies and books. Although none of my siblings like to watch them with me, because I point out how things could have been done different." Blair smiled. She could have guessed that.
"You seem like you'd be a strategist. What else?"
"I love being outside and fast Cars," He continued.
"As seen by the Jaguar in my driveway." His returning smile was slightly cocky.
"Maybe you could take me for a ride sometime," She paused at the slight sexual innuendo she hadn't meant to make before continuing, "To see one of those war movies you like, since you're siblings won't go with you." He looked at her from under his lashes, a wicked smile on his face.
"I might just do that." Blair grinned. Jasper's body then went rigid. She felt confused until she heard a creak at the stairs. Bella's face peeked around the corner. He inhaled sharply and clenched his fists. Her assumption that Bella's scent was opposite of hers seemed to be correct.
"Bella, go back upstairs. We're studying," She said, her eyes never leaving Jasper. His eyes were shut, and he seemed to be concentrating hard.
"I have to start dinner," Her sister argued, coming into view completely.
"I'm ordering pizza. Go back upstairs," Blair replied sternly. She'd no doubt hear about it from her later, but Bella huffed and disappeared. He let out a breath.
"I'd better go," He said, standing up suddenly. Any moment they might have been having was ruined. Blair nodded understandingly before walking him out.
"Thanks again for today." He nodded sharply before heading to his car, attempting to keep his pace within human limits. Blair watched as he sped away, damning her sister to the pits of Ohio. Hearing his leave, said sister came down the stairs.
"What was that about? You can't just tell me what to do just because you have someone over," She began with her arms crossed.
"Not now, Bella." Blair had to tell herself that Bella wasn't aware of what she had just done.
"What? You guys didn't even have your books out. You give me hell because I'm curious about Edward, and here you are making a play for his brother?" Blair ignored her and went to the phone to call in the pizza. Her sister followed, an expectant look on her face.
"Bella, get out of my face. Yeah, hi, can I have a medium cheese pizza and a medium meat lovers delivered to 23 Sycamore Lane? 20 minutes? Great. Thanks." Bella was still standing there when she hung up. Blair walked past her and into the living room, turning on the tv. Sensing she wasn't going to get any answers, Bella stomped back upstairs.
She tried to reason with herself. Her younger sister had terrible timing, but she hadn't been aware that she was interrupting. Not that Bella was right about her making moves on Jasper, but her comparison to her slight obsession with Edward and her tentative friendship with Jasper was wrong. At least she'd actually talked to the man, unlike Bella.
She had been enjoying her time with him until her sister's scent had hit his nostrils. Blair had no doubt that she really had wanted to start dinner but had a nagging sense that Bella's curiosity of meeting Edward's brother had been the deciding factor. Her scent had snapped Jasper into awareness. He was alone in a house with two human girls, one of which who smelled particularly appetizing.
Blair ran a hand through her hair, wondering if any progress she might have made was ruined. Her father opened the front door and looked around suspiciously.
"He's already gone, Dad." Charlie sighed.
"I would have been here sooner, but I had to respond to a domestic disturbance. How was your study session?"
"Fine. I'm better prepared for the test on Friday. I ordered pizza, and hockey is already on." Charlie lifted an eyebrow at her aggravated tone.
"Everything ok?" She nodded. No point in exploring her petty anger. The pizza came, and Bella came down long enough to get two slices of cheese pizza, before returning to her room. Charlie looked between them, sensing the tense atmosphere. He thought it best not to interfere, knowing they would work it out on their own. They were sister, after all.
/
Peter grinned as a familiar name popped up on his phone screen. He'd been expecting this call.
"Char! Jasper is calling." Charlotte appeared from the bedroom in the hotel they were staying at.
"Think he's calling about Blair?"
"Only one way to find out." Peter clicked 'accept'," Hey, Major," He crowed, "Char's here too."
"Hey, Jasper. How's life in Washington?"
"It's…interesting. Unfortunately, this isn't a social call." Jasper's voice was slightly strained, although he was happy to talk to them.
"Sounds serious." Peter kept as much smugness out of his tone as possible, sending Charlotte a knowing grin.
"I don't know how serious. Two girls moved to Forks, and they're both immune to Edward's gift." Thankfully, Jasper couldn't see the fist pump Peter gave.
"How so?" Charlotte asked, capable of being more composed than her mate.
"Well the youngest is just silent, but the oldest…her mind gives off a high-pitched sound that hurts his head whenever he focuses on her." Peter's eyes met his mate's. He hadn't known that, "And she's got a bite mark that looks like it could only come from human teeth."
"Do you think she was attacked by a vampire?"
"No. She invited me to tutor her alone. I doubt she'd do that if she were attacked by one of us. It's just strange though." His sly little princess, Peter thought.
"Then what's the problem?"
"You remember William? The shield that Maria had us recruit?"
"The one that got himself killed before he could be of any real use? You think they're like that?" Neither Peter or Charlotte had ever considered that Blair and Bella might have similar gifts. They were so different that it had him wondering if it was a family trait.
"Maybe," Jasper replied contemplatively.
"Well you wouldn't know unless they were vampires," Charlotte pointed out.
"That's the thing; Alice sees Bella, the youngest, as one of us. Apparently, she's Edward's mate."
"Poor girl." Jasper chuckled at the obvious dislike in his friend's tone, "What about the oldest?"
"Blair…she's…a pain in the ass." He started to snort while Charlotte had to smother a giggle. He might have been worried that Jasper didn't like Blair, if it hadn't been for the well-hidden affection that creeped into his sire's voice.
"I meant Alice's visions, but that works too. What do you mean?" Jasper sighed and they both could imagine him running a had through his hair, a trait he'd had since the wars whenever he dealt with something really frustrating.
"Alice doesn't see anything of substance in concerns to her yet. She's just fuckin' confusing. Her emotions are all over the place, and don't match what she's sayin' or doin' half the time. She seems to completely ignore any warning feeling that most humans have with us. She's constantly mouthing off, challenging me." Jasper began to mutter under his breath. Peter shot Charlotte a gleefully entertained look. His mate rolled her eyes, knowing he was enjoying this a little too much.
"Sounds like my kind of gal."
"Of course, it does," His sire replied sourly.
"Well, we'll be coming that way in a few weeks. Maybe I'll get one of my feelings when I lay eyes on her."
"Might be a good idea."
"Good. We'll see you then, Major." Peter hung up and looked at Charlotte.
"Tell me again why we can't just tell Jasper about Blair," Charlotte questioned disapprovingly.
"Because, then we'll have to explain why we saved her and how I knew. Then, he'll want to know what else I know. I want him to have no doubt that he loves her for her, and not because my power convinced him he does," He paused, "And you know how Blair feels about fate. She'll fight it every step of the way, because she'll never accept that he loves her for who she is if she thinks he only wants to be with her because of one of my feelings." Charlotte supposed that it made sense.
"And when they find out we knew the whole time?"
"Better to ask forgiveness than permission."
"You're playing with fire, Peter. I'll rip off all of your appendages if Blair gets hurt in this."
"I'd never put her in harm's way. This is the Major we're talking about," He defended.
"This had better work out." Charlotte's voice was a low hiss.
"It will. I know it."
/
Blair didn't talk to Jasper much the rest of the week. She eventually apologized to Bella, who had more questions she somehow managed to avoid. She didn't want to admit that she was actually enjoying spending time with Jasper and was really angry at Bella for interrupting. She was cheered up when Charlotte called and said they'd be visiting the Cullens in a few weeks, planning to meet them in Port Angeles before they left.
The Calculus test came Friday, and Jasper watched as Blair nervously tapped her pencil. She felt relieved when it consisted of everything he had gone over with her. She saw him smirk slyly out of the corner of her eye as she scribbled away, not erasing once.
"I know you're all nervous to get your test results, so I'll try to get them graded by the end of the day. Stop by after school to see if I've graded yours." Jasper gave her an encouraging look before heading to his next class. The rest of the day passed with anxious energy, and Blair quickly walked back to her Calculus class after the last bell. Her teacher looked up as she entered.
"Miss Swan," He greeted, "Here for your test?" She nodded, biting her lip. He shuffled through some papers before plucking hers out and handing it to her, "Good job." A big red 'A' was at the top of the paper.
She made an elated noise in the back of her throat and handed back her test, before taking off towards the parking lot. Jasper was about to get into his car. Alice, Rosalie, and Emmett were beside him.
"Hey, Hale!" He looked in her direction, and she jogged up to him. Blair didn't pause to think about what she was about to do. She wrapped her arms around him in a hug. Jasper stiffened in shock before her calming scent caused him to relax enough to return the hug lightly. Alice gasped from beside him before her face went blank. When she came back to reality, an excited smile overtook her face. Blair pulled back and grinned at him.
"Thank you," She said sincerely. He smirked.
"I guess you got your test back." Jasper hadn't bothered checking his own, already knowing what he had made.
"I got an 'A'," Blair said excitedly, "I owe you one." He grinned and responded playfully.
"You definitely do." She glanced behind him. His siblings were standing, frozen. Alice looked happy. Emmett's eyebrows had risen, and Rosalie's expression was a mixture of anger and reluctant curiosity.
"You guys have a great weekend," Blair said with one last look at Jasper, before skipping off towards Bella's truck. She felt their eyes on her the whole way, and for the first time, felt excited about a possible friendship.
The weekend passed by quickly, and Blair would never admit that she was excited to go back to school. Monday morning, as they pulled in, she spotted a silver Volvo in the parking lot. Edward Cullen was back.
Hope you enjoyed. If you're wanting that snippet for reviewing this chapter, let me know which book and I'll private message you. Next chapter will have more interaction between Blair and Rosalie. I'll try to get it posted by the end of the week. Thanks!