~I'm not a superhero who can protect you all the time~

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN - FALLING

Going back to Phoenix was a whirlwind experience. From dad's panicking, mom's sobbing on the phone, the fastest flight I may have ever been on, and the headache from the lie that had to be told, I was ready to sleep for at least a week.

Jasper held steady next to me the entire time. Well, except for when I visited Bella in the hospital. She really did only have a broken leg and while I was upset she didn't come out completely unscathed, I was overjoyed that the story did change.

She actually listened to me and didn't go to the ballet studio, therefore she wasn't bitten by James. Sure, some may think it's a small thing, but for me? It felt like the chains of the story loosened and the freedom that came with it was liberating.

Dad now had the largest aversion to Edward after everything since he thought it was all his fault Bella bolted from Forks. His disdain was on full display as his dark eyes glared at the vampire by Bella's side.

Bella looked completely uncomfortable as everyone fretted around and over her. Luckily, her discharge was quick. The downside was that Bella of all people now had to use crutches—it was like watching a baby deer learn to walk.

Jasper was extremely patient the entire time we were in Phoenix as I tended to my overbearing mother and my stressed father. He would wander off to meet the rest of his family but always came back to see me.

Dad of course had a few questions and the look in his eyes told me his thoughts were zipping all over the place. He almost choked when Jasper asked if I wanted to share his hotel room with him while the three of us were on the plane. Something I hadn't taken him up on by the way, even if every other part of me screamed to say yes.

I ignored dad's gaze the best I could after that and smacked Jasper in faux anger—only to feel like I may have slapped a brick wall so really I lost on all accounts.

I still suspect Jasper did that on purpose because we both knew he didn't mean it like that. But my dad didn't know anything. Pretty sure he still thought Jasper and I were getting up to no good behind closed doors.

Returning to Forks was a different adventure altogether. Before we left, mom cornered me and begged me to watch over Bella because she thought that her teenage daughter was looking too much like herself at that age–getting involved in a serious relationship far too young.

I promised I would look after Bella but never promised to keep them from each other. Besides, mom needn't worry about Bella becoming like her because that would never happen.

Watching Bella hobble around on crutches was more worrying than amusing and I only teased her a little about it. She in turn ruthlessly teased me about Jasper's nearly permanent presence–which I still had not elaborated on.

I felt on edge when Bella forced me into her room the second night back, my mind flashing through everything she could possibly say but the last thing I expected to hear as I barely sat down was, "Did you and Jasper actually…you know…have sex?"

I choked on my saliva as my eyes started to water. Leave it to Bella to catch me off guard as always. She watched on with focused eyes, not letting a single reaction I could possibly give out of her sight. I waved my hand and felt my cheeks heat up, "No. We did not."

Her eyes narrowed but she let it go as she launched into details about how she ended up in a hospital bed in Phoenix. I could once again only hope Edward wasn't lurking outside her window listening in as Bella spilled every detail of her vampire encounter—yes, she said the word vampire.

Not only was she dishing out every detail but my heart nearly stopped when she mentioned another person who I had no memory of. A man, a vampire, a nomad. One who had recognized James as he was passing through the area.

Bella then went on to say that the nomad seemed nice enough and that Edward told her that he held a grudge against James but knew he was too weak alone to ever try and fight the older vampire. He used the situation to his advantage, offering his help to get rid of James, who he deemed a dangerous nomad.

"Aren't nomads all…" I trailed off but decided to ask anyway, "kind of dangerous?"

"Edward said that he only went after bad people. You know criminals and such." Bella informed me as if it was something normal. I held in a sigh as she continued on with recounting the events.

"And so when I went to check on the house, James was there waiting for me. Luckily, my broken leg was the only damage I received. If it weren't for Edward…" she trailed off, her voice breathless.

I groaned and shoved the heels of my palms into my eyes, "Bella, why are you a magnet for these types of things. I'm not a superhero who can protect you all the time."

She rolled her eyes at my statement, "Edward is doing the job just fine. Feel free to retire early."

The silence that followed was broken by the soft thudding of a pillow making contact with Bella's body as I gently threw it at her.

"Speaking of retiring…" she mumbled, her eyes and hands focusing on fiddling with the pillow she now clutched to her chest. Her eyes make their way up my face before she asks, "Have you decided what you're going to do after you graduate?"

Just like that, the tidal wave of anxiety crashes through me. It was something I had been avoiding thinking about. I still had no passion to pursue any specific path for college but that wasn't the main issue—no, now my past words are coming back to haunt me. 'After graduation' plays on an infinite loop that won't stop.

Was I truly ready to meet the rest of Jasper's family? Was I ready to commit myself to the journey that road led to? To be honest, I wasn't sure. But I was sure that I had an unhealthy addiction to Jasper Hale at this point. And meeting Carlisle and Esme did not mean I was turning into a vampire. I was just meeting my more than best friends parents. Totally. Normal.

But I didn't want to worry Bella or even push my problems onto her so my simple answer was, "No. But I think traveling for a little while could be pretty cool."

Her brows pull together as her lips form a small pout, "You'll leave me here?"

I snort and shove her lightly, careful of her leg, "I'm not leaving you. I just think I need some time away. And I don't know if I'm even going anywhere."

Her eyes playfully glide over my figure, "You do look worn out. Like you need a vacation."

"Says the girl who has a broken leg…" I mumble. I did want to travel. It wasn't a lie. And maybe if I started traveling, Jasper would follow. Meaning he wouldn't be here for Bella's horrendous birthday experience at the Cullen home. It was something I would put more thought into another time but for now I focused back on Bella as she regaled me with tales of the fancy hotel room she stayed in.

She also said that Edward told her the nomad who helped them seemed interested in their lifestyle and so Carlisle took over from there.

I felt wary with an unknown person coming into the story. Even more so that Bella didn't seem to know, remember, or care about his name. I may not remember perfectly but surely I wouldn't have forgotten someone new joining the coven. Perhaps he just moved to the Denali's in Alaska. Maybe he was such a minor person, maybe I just forgot.

I never brought up the change in my relationship with Jasper. It was more than clear to anyone who saw us that our dynamic changed. Similar, yes. But also different. That underlying spark of it being something more. The extra touches, the lingering stares, and the sneaking smiles were dead give away that had caught Bella's eye.

But my sister was smart enough to only joke lightly, giving me space to tell her on my own when I was ready. And to be fair, we weren't official. So until that happened, I wouldn't be bringing it up.

Weeks blurred together as graduation grew near. The weeks brought Jasper and I even closer. Though there were still some boundaries with physical contact, he had been kissing my forehead when saying goodbye. The more primal part of me wished for those lips to descend upon my own but I was not so lucky.

Prom was this Saturday and the hallways were already decorated as many students were abuzz with excitement. It was clear that nobody was paying attention in class as the week went on and I would bet hard money on most of the senior year skipping Friday.

I, on the other hand, felt more stressed out. With prom already approaching it meant graduation was just around the corner.

Jasper and I sat in my room cross legged on my bed as Days in the Wake by Palace Brothers softly croons from the record player. It was a recent purchase on our outing—date—two weekends ago. As I sat writing out a list of places I wanted to visit, my mind was hooked on having Jasper come with me.

Ideally, I'd like to be gone during Bella's birthday. But May to September seemed a bit too long to be gone if I was staying in the states. As much as traveling out of the country was calling to me, I wanted to be somewhat close just in case anything were to go awry.

I have yet to ask Jasper if he'd join me on my adventure and part of the reason I hadn't yet was due to the small fear of being rejected. Though, a larger part of my brain argued there was no possible way Jasper was going to reject the offer to travel with me. Alone. For weeks to months. Alone my brain repeated. Speaking of the man, he was doing a fantastic job at pretending he was not interested in whatever I was writing away from his view.

Deciding it was now or never, I set the notebook down and shifted closer to him. Dangerously close as I untangled my legs to scoot over on my knees before swallowing and staring into his beautiful eyes, "Jasper."

I didn't really need to say his name, his attention was already completely focused on me but he hummed as his fingers brushed my hair out of my face. "I plan on traveling for a bit after graduation. You already know I'm taking time off before deciding on a college."

His face muscles twitch and if I wasn't so close I would have never caught it. "Alone? Or have you and Bella planned a sister vacation?" He questioned and it sounded genuine. Maybe it was because I was so unsure of what I wanted to do that Alice wasn't able to see my future regarding traveling so Jasper was also caught off guard.

I grinned mischievously, "Well, I had thought about asking this super amazing guy to go with me but I wasn't sure what his schedule was looking like…"

His eyes flicked away as his lips tugged into a small smile before his eyes settled back on me, "He might be available."

"Hmm…well if that's the case, I'll definitely need to ask him. I've already started making a list of places I'd be interested in." I reach to the side and grab the notebook, scanning over the options I wrote down. Most if not nearly all, were places that Jasper would be able to visit during the summer.

I hand him the notebook which he takes with ease. He reads it quickly before noting, "They're all places the sun isn't shining often." I hum in response and it tickles me a bit that it's an unsaid fact that I know a bit too much.

"We can go to some other places too. If we stay in the hotel most of the day and only go out when the sun goes down you can still explore some different cities." He suggests as his hand twirls a piece of my hair and his eyes connect with mine.

"I didn't want you to be uncomfortable." I murmur.

The rest of the evening was spent with Jasper assuring me that we could go wherever I wanted and me testing our boundaries as I laid my head in his lap. He was quicker to relax after my surprising action, letting his hands glide through my hair and massage my scalp as we added some more places to the notebook to visit.

Jasper had named some crazy locations such as Scotland and Croatia. Even though I had said we would be staying in the country, he continued to list more international locations and shyly mumbled that they were places we could take our time visiting in the future.

Him thinking of a future with me in it made the butterflies go wild again and my cheeks flush. He only chuckled as his thumb brushed over my heated skin and forced me to name more places.

Before he left, he asked what I wanted to do Saturday as we both were aware of Edward's plans to surprise Bella by taking her to prom. Gosh, I was so glad Jasper was sane enough to not spring such a hellish surprise on me.

We both decided that we would do a movie night as dad had to work and Bella would be getting tortured. He offered to bring a movie this time and I was anxiously anticipating his choice.

The last movie he picked was Troy and I had to fight everything in me to not let my emotions leak out too much as the blonde haired Brad Pitt made his shirtless appearance. It felt like utter torture and I wasn't sure if Jasper was doing it on purpose. In my defense, Achilles reminded me of Jasper in terms of looks. And that made my mind galavant into the fantasies of Jasper shirtless.

I hope I don't have to sit through such an awkward time again.

Saturday arrived far faster than I was ready for but I had made Edward promise to get me some photos of Bella all dressed up—boot on her foot or not. It was my only sister's first school event. I needed photos to commemorate it.

Jasper did not disappoint with a movie, though the choice did surprise me. The Notebook. And not only did he surprise me with the movie choice but he also surprised me with the bag of groceries in his other hand.

"I'm going to make you dinner." A confident smirk tugs at his lips and it was a new look I've been graced with. One that made my lower belly tense and tumble.

Overall, Jasper's entire date night plan made me want to drag him to my bedroom and keep him there for hours. But I was better behaved than that and so I just stepped aside and watched as he moved around the kitchen.

I enjoyed seeing Jasper do such simple tasks. I liked it even more that despite the somewhat open secret, he still moved at a human pace so I could clearly see everything he was doing.

He gestured for me to sit down before gifting me with a shy smile as he set the plate down, "Seared salmon with a red currant glaze, sautéed broccoli, and steamed rice."

My mouth has been watering just smelling the food but seeing it in front of me made my stomach rumble—embarrassing. I glanced at him, "It looks and smells amazing, Jasper."

He sat down opposite of me, gesturing for me to start eating as he spoke, "I practiced."

My eyes flick around his face and I'm certain a cute blush would be adorning his cheeks if it were possible. The meal was fantastic and Jasper seemed elated that I finished the entire plate.

The rest of the night was spent relaxing as we cuddled on the couch as the movie played. My mind whirls with how I was feeling. Our hands stayed connected as his free hand twirls and plays with my hair.

It was comforting being surrounded by Jasper. His scent and bonfire-like heat made me feel comfortable and safe. It was a feeling I had never truly felt before. Like I knew I could trust my life in Jasper's hands.

When he left for the night I felt empty, hollow. Like a part of me was missing too. But who could blame me after such a thoughtful and tender date?

By the time Bella got home I must've been passed out because I didn't even hear her. But the next day, she did inform me that Edward surprised her by taking her to prom.

Of course, I bombarded her with question after question. She answered them dutifully, but did say that she didn't wish to really experience it again. She was also upset that I didn't go. She said the other Cullens were there too but they didn't interact much. She complained that I could've strong-armed Jasper into going if I really wanted but I gently reminded her that I really didn't want to go. She let it go after that.

As graduation grew closer, Jasper and I had narrowed our choices down for traveling. We decided to go to New England. Our ideal scenario would be to travel to multiple states and check the weather as we went. Jasper said he would handle accommodations and the flights. I can admit that it was nice having someone else help with the planning.

While I didn't love hiking, Jasper assured me that the state parks and hiking trails would be beautiful and I could take some photos for Bella. He even suggested that I could make a photo album to give her for her birthday.

As we extensively planned out our summer adventure together, I noticed Bella and Edward were joined at the hip. Not that I had any room to judge when it felt like Jasper and I had become glued together in whatever free time we had.

I couldn't help but smile as Jasper and I wrote down the initial plan for the first two weeks of our trip. We wouldn't be flying out until the end of June and we'd be gone until the weekend after Bella's birthday.

Jasper asked about that because he was curious why I didn't want to be home for her eighteenth birthday but I said Bella doesn't love a huge celebration and I could take up her whole weekend instead of just having her time after school. The little lie seemed to be convincing enough or at the very least Jasper didn't care to dig any deeper—and I was thankful for that.

Breaking the news of my summer vacation plans to my dad seemed to be the hardest task. Sure, dad expected me to do some light traveling while I took time off from school but I doubt he was expecting Jasper to be accompanying me. Or even me to be gone for a couple of months. I figured I would tell him after graduation.

After graduation seems to be a recurring thing for me.

Bella and I finally made our way to Seattle the weekend before graduation. She had no fashion sense but demanded I buy a new outfit for graduation day and also some new clothes to pack for my vacation.

I had finally told Bella about my travel plans but swore her to secrecy until Jasper and I could break the news to everyone else.

I didn't have the heart to tell her I didn't need any new clothes when I still had perfectly good clothing in my closet. It also wasn't often Bella wanted to go out somewhere.

Of course, we weren't alone on our little Seattle trip. Edward practically enforced his presence while Jasper at least asked if he could come along. And while I did want to say no in order to spend more time with just Bella, a little voice in the back of my head whispered Victoria. And that was how we found ourselves on an odd not—but kind of—double date in Seattle.

As it turns out, Bella could have some fashion sense but truthfully I think she was just picking up similar items she'd seen the Cullens wear. Edward seemed tense the entire time for whatever reason but my guess would be that he was worried about Jasper's control—not that he needed to.

Jasper was eagerly holding up or pointing out different items ranging from hats to clothes to shoes, all of which he said I would look beautiful in. His behavior had thrown Bella off since she usually only saw him as stoic or tense in school and if she was lucky slightly relaxed around me at home. Even Edward had seemed surprised by Jasper's change but if he said anything about it, I never heard it.

By the time it was time to leave, I did end up purchasing a few too many things.

It was here. Graduation day. Dad and Bella both are seated in the crowd of people behind all of the graduates and I was just hoping the event moved quickly. Jasper had taken some extra coercing to go to his seat with Rosalie when he realized how far apart our seats were. They truly weren't that far. How could they be with a graduating class of like one hundred—if that—kids.

The ceremony was lightning fast and I was thankful. At the one in my previous life, I attended a fairly large school with a class of three hundred forty some people. You can imagine how long that took to get through.

Jasper found me with ease and led me to dad and Bella. He leaned down, whispering he'd be over with his family to give me some time with mine. I grinned up at him before promising to come find him when I'm finished.

Bella hates taking photos but begrudgingly stood next to me for a few. She then forced dad to take a few as well and it was times like these that really solidified how alike they were. Dad was just as uncomfortable getting his photo taken as Bella and I openly laughed at them but as I hugged each of them I reminded them how much I loved them.

His eyes looked a little misty as smoothed down the sides of my hair, "My baby girl. Graduated."

I could feel the tell tale sting of my eyes and joked before I could turn into a weeping mess, "Come on, dad. You still have to do this again next year. You can't fall apart now."

"Don't remind me…" Bella grumbles from my side as her eyes linger on a spot in the crowd. I assume it's the Cullens.

I'm correct as I spot Jasper glancing over at me as he stood next to two blindingly beautiful people. Gosh, being a vampire really wasn't fair.

Carlisle was breathtaking as always and it wasn't a surprise women at the hospital made fools of themselves in his presence. The one time I got to meet the man I thought I was looking at an angel—well not really but you get the point.

Esme held a beauty that was timeless. Classic. And it was like she could be modeling in one of those old paintings that cost way too much money.

Dad must've noticed them as well since Carlisle nodded at him. I felt Jasper moving closer before I even saw him and once again I was reminded how unusual that was but I brushed it aside to stare at him instead.

He looked tense but he always did when surrounded by a crowd such as this. "Congratulations, Jasper." I murmur as he steps closer to me after he greets dad.

His whiskey colored eyes are bright today and I casually think to myself that he must have hunted before the ceremony. Those same eyes are looking at me with complete adoration even though I'm dressed in this gaudy yellow gown.

"I'll take your guys' picture." Bella speaks up, turning our attention to her.

Jasper looks awkward to be forced to pose for a photo but I grab his hand and hold it before smiling up at him. I hope it conveys that he can relax. He seems shocked and perhaps that's because we've kept hand holding to the privacy of my home or our alone time but it was okay now. Especially since everyone else's attention was elsewhere.

After everyone dispersed, dad had taken us to eat at the diner while also handing over a gift bag to me. It was something I really wasn't expecting, but when Bella said she helped him pick it out I was even more shocked.

When I opened the gift I nearly cried. It was a vinyl record I had secretly been on the hunt for and the only person I had mentioned it to was Bella. And that was in passing.

Feelin' by Anri. And in beautiful condition.

"How did you guys…" I sniffled to hold back my tears as my throat burned.

"I remember you mentioned it and dad thought about getting you something to do with your record player. So it was a joint effort but dad knew a guy from work so viola." Bella explained as dad awkwardly blushed.

I didn't care that we were in public. I threw my arms around them, "I love you guys so much. Thank you."

"Congratulations, big sis." Bella chimed.

"I'm so proud of you, Vega." Dad's voice was gruff and it nearly sounded like he was on the verge of crying. Not that I blame him. My parents probably thought I'd never graduate with all the events from the past I went through.

The day after graduation, I found myself laying with my head in Jasper's as he read off different activities to do in New England to me from my laptop. It was becoming a new normal for us and I didn't hate that.

"Esme wants to invite you over." His voice broke the soft crooning of the music.

It was now or never. I could feel the nervous smile tugging at my lips as the words tumbled out, "Of course. It would be lovely to meet her."

He glanced down, his eyes full of caution before he admitted, "I also want to invite you over."

I giggle and shove my face into his stomach to hide my blush. Though I don't know why I try when Jasper could easily tell.

After graduation, it still repeats in my mind and I slowly sit up, drawing Jasper's attention. He sets the laptop aside as I reach my hand out for his.

"Jasper…these last few months have been nothing short of amazing. Actually, amazing doesn't even cover it." I wet my lips, a nervous habit, and forced my eyes from the bedspread to lock into his.

I could feel my heart thumping wildly as I nervously bit my bottom lip before the words spilled out, "I want us to take this trip together as a couple."

Jasper didn't move for a moment and if he wasn't already a vampire, I would have thought he died. His fingers twitched against mine as his eyes soften and a nervous smile pulls his lips.

"I would love nothing more than that, Vega. But are you sure?" His question is valid. I feel like I've been trying to run away from the idea of eternity that I almost missed the present.

"I've never been more sure of anything in my life." I murmur as I shift closer, bumping my nose into his.

"Vega…" His icy breath fans across my face and I let my eyes drift shut as his hand cups my cheek.

After a very awkward moment of nothing happening, I peek an eye open to see what he's doing. His eyes are tracing over every feature on my face and I can feel the heat rise in my cheeks, "Jasper…" He hums in response.

"You're taking too long." Is the only warning I give before I bring my lips to his.

And just like that I swear fucking fireworks go off.

I always thought it was a lie. Or something cheesy written in books and movies. But as it turns out those fireworks are very real and they shoot through my entire body causing my skin to tingle. The air pulses and I feel like I can't breathe. I don't want to pull away so I only move back a bit and rest my forehead on his.

My eyes lazily blink open and I nearly giggle in elation over the awestruck look on Jasper's face.

Yes, the kiss was a little awkward. And yes, it could have been done in a better position than us awkwardly sitting side by side on my bed. But I wouldn't change anything.

Because Jasper Hale and I just kissed. For the first time. Mouth to mouth. And I wanted to do it again and again.

"Jasper, will you be my boyfriend?" I nervously giggle.

His darkened eyes are locked onto mine as his smooth voice deepens, "I'd be anything you'd ask me to be, darlin'."

Gosh, what that voice does to me.

Both of his hands were on my jaw, fingers drifting down into my hair to hold the back of my head. His eyes asked the silent question and as I let my eyes flutter shut again and move toward him. Ever so gently his lips caress mine.

Both kisses were chaste, tender and unsure touches on both of our parts but the blazing inferno it fed was running rampant inside me.

That night in bed I could only think of Jasper Hale and his cool lips that felt like smooth silk. I wondered how they would feel gliding down my neck and the more scandalous my thoughts became the more I wiggled my toes and giggled into my pillow because I felt like such a teenage girl all over again.

As sleep continued to evade me, my thoughts would drift to his eyes. Those beautiful expressive eyes.

His eyes told me everything he couldn't form into words. His eyes alone made me want to do crazy things and it took all my willpower earlier to not climb onto his lap and shove him back on my bed.

The more my thoughts swirled and tangled the more I couldn't convince myself that I could ever leave Jasper Hale. My heart was already far too attached to the man.

Simply put, I was falling in love. It was exhilarating but also terrifying. Because for the first time, I could see a real future with him.

Note:

I hope you all enjoyed!
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I was feeling a bit of writer's block recently but honestly a lot of your comments, favorites, and follows helped motivate me so thank you to everyone
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