Peter stared at Jasper expectantly. He could stand there and stare all day. It wasn't going to change the fact that Jasper hadn't told him about Lexi. Unless he thought Jasper to spill all the details about her now. That wasn't going to happen either.

He must've realized this as well, because Peter continued, "So, that was your big thing you gotta take care of, huh? Your girlfriend you can't tell Peter about."

"Peter-"

"Your best friend Peter about…"

"Peter-"

"Your brother Peter…"

Jasper groaned, "For God's sake Peter we only just started datin'. Esme's even only met her once!"

Peter looked disappointed in Jasper. He glanced over at the family and leaned in, his voice low but still clearly audible, "Don't you think I'm a little more important than Esme?"

Thankfully Esme was good natured, even laughing along with a few others at the joke.

"This is gunna be a damn long weekend with you ain't it?"

Peter laughed, clapping Jasper on the shoulder as he led the man towards the rest of the group, "You'll be lucky to hear the end of this."

~.~

Hensley was not excited about school on Monday. Jasper hadn't told her over the weekend that he would be gone, so she was a bit panicked at lunch. She hoped he wasn't hurt or dead or something. She considered skipping, especially at the pain she put on herself, but if the agency found out, she'd be dead along with Jasper.

Thankfully, her day did look up a little when Emmett asked to join the humans at lunch.

"Hello Lexi, and surprisingly, friends of Lexi. Mind if I join you?"

The humans looked rather stunned, but no one disagreed, and they made room.

"Why do you say 'surprisingly, friends of Lexi'?" Hensley asked, ready to smack Emmett around if needed. She had done that once or twice to him and Cooper already. One would think they would learn.

Emmett shrugged and pushed his food around, "I'm just surprised you have friends. You throw so many hands." That was Emmett's given phrasing to Hensley smacking the boys around when their teasing went too far. Of course, it wasn't anything overly violent, just a couple smacks on the arms each. But Emmett was dramatic.

"I don't throw that many hands." Hensley stressed. She hadn't even full-on fought someone at that school, which could not be said for others.

"Really? I distinctly remember you punching my little brother in the face."

A few of the boys at the table snickered. Ben grinned, "So that was true!"

What? Hensley had definitely never punched anyone in the face. She glared at Emmett, "That is not true. What are you, starting rumors?

"Maybe." Emmett winked at Ben, trying to keep his rapport going with the humans.

"Keep talking and I'll demonstrate an actual punch to the face for them."

Emmett's face fell as he looked at Hensley, deciding that she could be mean. Joke was on her though, because he talked to multiple people during lunch and she didn't hit him twice.

She did hit him once, because apparently he couldn't figure out that he couldn't talk to people about her and Jasper's lack of physical relationship. Clearly, they needed to talk about what was on the table and what was off. Sex was off…both in this case and in her and Jasper's relationship.

"Hey, we were thinking about going dress shopping tomorrow night if you were still interested." Jessica took the heat off of Emmett by distracting Hensley.

"Oh," Emmett brought the heat right back, "Can I come?"

"No." Hensley said instantly causing Emmett to whine. She sighed, "Do you even know the first thing about fashion?"

Emmett perked up, "Of course I do! Have you seen the way Rose dresses?" Emmett made the "nice" sign with his fingers, "Hot. Guess who gives her fashion advice? Me."

"Does she take your fashion advice?" Angela asked, genuinely curious.

"No." Emmett deadpanned, earning a few laughs, "The other day she asked me what scarf she should wear, the one in her right hand or the one in her left and I said the one in her left, so she wore the one in her right."

Hensley snorted while the rest of the table erupted in more giggles and laughter.

"Maybe another time, Emmett." Angela attempted to let him down easy. She was too nice. "How about you Bella? Are you in?"

"Yeah, actually. I'd like that."

Color Hensley impressed. She didn't think Bella would actually agree to go dress shopping. But then again, she didn't think Bella would ask her to hang out that night. Yet, in biology, she did.

Bella was a little awkward about it and Hensley was a little nervous about it, but nevertheless Hensley was hoping it would be fun. It would be nice to have a friend outside of Jasper and his family. Not that she didn't enjoy hanging out with the Cullens, but it'd be nice to break it up a bit too.

Emmett's presence at lunch also made Hensley hopeful for Jasper's in biology, but that was too much to ask for. She couldn't have her cake and eat it too.

She learned in gym that the rest of the family was staying home to converse with the guests they had from out of town. Jasper was worried about her going to school by herself and therefore Emmett offered to attend to 'keep an eye on her.'

"So why did you offer to come?" Hensley asked when they were in the cafeteria for study hall. Much easier to talk secretly when not on the volleyball court.

"I don't know them very well," Emmett explained, "They're Jasper and Cooper's best friends though, so it made sense for them to stay home and spend time together. Edward and Rose were just excited for an excuse to get out of school."

Hensley couldn't help the influx of pain that hit her in the chest. She tried not to be bothered by the fact that Jasper didn't want her to meet his best friends. She also tried not to be bothered by the fact that he told her it was a family thing he was gone for on Sunday but said nothing about being gone from school. But she was a little bothered.

"You look upset." Emmett said quietly.

Hensley rolled her eyes and shrugged. Trying to pretend it wasn't a big deal made it easier to not be a big deal…she hoped. Besides, maybe she was just being crazy. They had only started dating….

Going to work made her no chattier with Emmett. She still wasn't sure how to feel about the whole situation. The only thing she could do was just forget it now. Jasper made his decision, and she was sure he had his reasons.

~.~

"Like why lie about it?! Why not just tell me that your friends are over, but you don't want me to meet them yet?" She ranted to Bella in Bella's bedroom, pacing around the room. She definitely wasn't over it, as much as she tried to be.

Bella was on her bed snacking on pretzels while nodding along. "That makes no sense. What a dumb thing to lie about. Especially when you guys just started dating. Lying about plans isn't a good way to start a relationship."

Hensley turned to face Bella, extenuating her words with her arms, "Right?!"

"I would call him out on it. Be upfront about it."

That was all the motivation Hensley needed. A good relationship wasn't based on lies. Even small ones. She wished she had a way to talk to him. Unfortunately, that conversation would have to wait.

"We could go over there and give him a piece of our minds." Bella offered, not being serious, of course. "I could even catch Edward while we're there. Two birds with one stone."

"Okay," Hensley plopped down on the bed in front of Bella and took a few pretzels, "give me the scoop on that."

She was extremely curious. Hensley had heard no more of the situation other than that Bella had argued with Edward about him being nowhere near Bella during the van accident. She'd seen the pair talk a few times, so she wasn't sure if they made up, if Edward broke down, or if Bella gave up.

"He's been really stubborn about it. I just want to know the truth. I don't care what it is, don't care if it's a big secret I'll have to keep, whatever. I just want the truth. You I think I have figured out, but him I can't put my finger on."

Hensley's stomach dropped significantly. Pretzels were suddenly sickening. "You have me figured out?"

Bella chewed on her bottom lip and nodded, "A few days before you came to school, a couple guys in suits came here and questioned my dad. It was pretty harmless. They asked about the school system, the crime rate, how long my dad's been chief and whatnot. Charlie told me they were from the military and conducting some research. Word around school was that the school was also questioned about their testing, average grades, graduation rate and whatever. Well, the only reason they'd care about that is if someone pretty special to the military was showing up. And then you came. So obviously, you got some serious military technology to either a) tell you the future so you knew I was going to get hit by the van or b) make you run fast enough to get to me."

Bella peeked up at Hensley when she was finished before becoming interested in her comforter, re-biting her bottom lip. Hensley contemplated Bella's theories while she slowly chewed on another pretzel. Bella wasn't wrong per se….

"B." Hensley whispered finally.

Wide brown eyes flashed up to her face for just a moment. A small smile played at her friend's lips, "That's pretty awesome."

"It's not all it's cracked up to be."

Tuesday was almost just as boring as Monday had been. Emmett was the only one to show up to school again. Hensley tried not to be super disappointed.

At lunch Jessica discussed what type of dress she was looking for that night. Hensley had asked for the night off of work for the occasion and was excited. Not only did she finally get to buy a fancy ballgown dress, but it was so nice to feel normal. Going out with the girls, giggling down the street at an inside joke, giving each other opinions, and the excitement of finding the perfect gown. She might actually feel like a girl tonight.

Hensley played with the end of one of her low pig tale braids. A nice night meant she had to have a nice hairstyle. Typically, she wore it for training since it kept her hair out of her face. Hensley was never one for doing her hair or makeup because anything fancy would just get messed up. She still wasn't in on the makeup department but playing with hairstyles was entertaining and made her feel more like a typical human.

Emmett nudged her and started his own side conversation while Jess yacked everyone else's ears off, "You and Jasper chill?"

"No. I haven't been able to talk to him."

Emmett frowned but didn't say anything. Was it appropriate to give her Jasper's number? He really didn't want Lexi to be upset with his brother. But he also didn't want to breach Jasper's privacy or whatever reason Jasper may have had for not giving Lexi the number himself.

"What kind of dress are you looking for?" Bella asked Lexi before Emmett could respond. Hensley wasn't sure what made Bella ask. Bella didn't seem like the wear-dressses type either.

Hensley shrugged, prepping a bite of salad, "Honestly, I've never worn a dress."

Jessica's jaw hit the table, "What? Never?"

"Nope. So, totally relying on you two tonight." Hensley pointed between Jessica and Angela.

"I can't believe your mom never bought you a dress or anything." Jessica shook her head in disbelief. One would've thought Hensley had told Jess that she didn't like cheese or something.

"My mom isn't around anymore."

"Your mom is dead?"

"Jess!" Angela scolded her friend, looking embarrassed for her with light pink cheeks. Emmett thought it was hilarious, but Jessica was unfazed.

"What? I didn't know that about her."

"Well, I get it, but it's not the kind of thing you blurt out."

Emmett turned to Hensley and shook her hand, "Hi, my mom is dead."

Angela gestured to Emmett. Jess rolled her eyes.

"So, how'd your mom die?"

Angela's head snapped over to Jess again, "Seriously! Someone needs to teach you social graces."

The table erupted in soft laughter while Jess shrugged it off.

"It's cool," Hensley saved the girl from Angela's scolding. Angela was what she'd heard was called the 'mom-friend,' "My mom died from complications of delivery. So, I guess you could say I killed her."

Em nearly spit out his milk.

"I'm going to start telling people that. 'How'd your mom die?' I killed her."

Jessica squeal/screamed while Angela and Bella half-heartedly laughed.

"Emmett, if we don't come to school tomorrow…call Bella's dad because Lexi killed us."

Hensley drove to Bella's after school so the girls could ride together. A little bit of a waste for Hensley since she lived in Port Angeles and would then have to drive home from Forks instead of the dress shop, but she didn't want to miss a single event. Driving to and from the town was considered an event.

Jessica picked up the girls after grabbing Angela and off they went.

The drive down was fun, but not as much fun as dress shopping. Hensley was positively giddy when they walked in the shop. Her eyes raked the room. There was so many choices, so many color options, so many cuts.

She had no idea what dress size she was, so the three girls scanned the ranks in multiple sizes for whatever caught their eye. Hensley loved a few different colors: mint…maroon…army green…periwinkle.

Mint and army green were a little difficult to find dresses for. Probably for the best. She wasn't sure how Jasper would feel about a bright, standout color like mint and army green probably didn't bring back any fond memories for him either. Though, were military outfits even green back then?

Bella bailed partway through to go to a bookstore. Hensley didn't feel particularly good about letting her go by herself, but also was half naked in a lavender dress when Bella decided to go.

Jess found a dress first. It was bright pink and really showed off her boobs, giving them a great pushup. Hensley was a D cup and needed no push. Jess was a little jealous, but Hensley told her she could have them.

Hensley tried on seven dresses before she found the one. It was a one shoulder, maroon gown. Not poof-y at all but accentuated the waist nicely with it being more form fitting in that area, and in that it had a band of sparkling gems like a built-in belt. It had a slit in the right leg even that went up just above her knee, though you couldn't tell when Hensley was standing due to how the dress flowed.

It was perfect. Not cheap, but perfect.

"Hey, can I throw this in your car? Bella isn't back yet and I wanna go check on her."

Jess and Angela had no complaints. They agreed to meet at the Italian restaurant Hensley and Jasper had first gone too. Perfect choice because Hensley actually knew her way there.

Hensley carefully laid the dress in Jessica's trunk and then headed off in the direction she had seen Bella going. She thought she caught a glimpse of the girl leaving the bookstore, but it was dark and she wasn't quite certain.

She was almost to maybe-Bella when she saw a group of drunken men following the girl. Hensley darted into an alleyway to climb and use the rooftops as a better vantage point.

For once, she was glad she had military training. Scaling brick buildings was probably something she wouldn't have learned otherwise. The brick was pebbly on the tips of her fingers and didn't provide much confidence that it would hold. Though, if Hensley was fast enough, it wouldn't matter.

It was windier up on the roof and she was grateful for her braids. Thankfully she didn't need her sight to located Bella anyway. The shouts of the stupid guys were plenty.

Hensley jumped from rooftop to rooftop until she was close, landing on the ground near Bella with a soft thud. It was loud enough that Bella whipped her head around, breathing heavily from her attempted escape. Just as fast as she had with the van, Hensley moved to Bella's side and gently pushed the girl behind her. She located her knife and flipped it open.

"Hey beautiful…" One of the boys greeted her, "Glad you could join us."

"We won't be joining you anywhere." Hensley said firmly.

Another boy oohed. "A feisty chick. Hot damn."

The front man stepped closer, and Hensley tightened the grip on her knife. "Take another step and I'll use your toes for your new teeth." She pointed the knife at them then, so they knew exactly what they were messing with. For legality, it was better they see the knife.

"Armed.. Even hotter."

Right as Hensley went to push Bella back farther, a pair of bright ass headlights nearly blinded her. Tires squealed as the car skidded to a stop next to them, lights pointed directly at the group.

Edward got out of the car demanding the girls get in. Bella complied, but Hensley had other ideas.

I got this Edward. I'm just taking them to the county station.

He gave her a quick nod and started back to the car. She heard Bella protesting, commanding Edward to make Hensley come with and 'how dare he think about leaving her'. Hensley chuckled. If only Bella knew….

Once Edward was out of sight Hensley turned her full attention back to the boys. They were thrilled Hensley choose to stay with them…until she let them have it. All three boys were unconscious and on the ground in less than 30 seconds. Not her best time, but all things considering. At least she didn't have to use her knife. But, also, too bad she didn't get to use her knife.

"What the hell?" Jasper came out of an alleyway, and he was hot. Not physically hot…well, he was physically hot. But in this moment, he was more emotionally hot, like mad.

"What are you doing here?" Hensley breathed. She was trying to keep her breathing and emotions in control.

It was damn-near painful to not run over to him and hug him. It had been three whole days since she'd seen him, and she missed him. Yes, she had known him for about four weeks and yes, they'd only been dating for not even one and yes, they'd never even kissed yet, but still.

Jasper looked between her and the three men on the ground as he came closer, "He left you here? He took her and left you?" His voice was becoming more and more strained as he spoke.

"I asked him to."

"He knows better."

"I'm perfectly capable-"

Jasper grabbed her arms, "You are far too important."

"I can handle myself."

He crushed her in a hug, "I can't lose you."

She was silent at his statement. How could she argue when she felt the same way about him? The thought of losing Jasper had caused them both pain before.

Finally, she spoke, "I'm happy to see you. I thought maybe you were dead when you didn't come to school."

Jasper sighed. "I know, Darlin'. I felt it. I'm sorry. Had some people over this weekend."

"Friends? Or enemies?"

He didn't exactly want to answer that question, but he couldn't lie to her either, "Friends. Not animal drinking friends, though."

"Oh. I still wish you had told me."

She wasn't wrong. He had been overly protective again. "I know. I'm sorry, Darlin'. I just worry about ya."

"I know you do. Unnecessarily. Kind of like right now."

Jasper wasn't so sure about that. But he couldn't be upset, not when she was with him. Not when she was in his arms, and she was safe.

He pulled away after a few minutes, much to Hensley's frustration, and looked around at the situation he found himself in. With a shake of his head, he turned his focus back to her, "You're amazing."

Amazing. That was the word he used for this situation. Not the first part. Hensley figured he'd use any other word to describe that. But the second part. The part where she knocked out three grown men and they fell to the ground around her feet. Amazing.

"You wanna spend forever together?" She stared into the dark orbs above her. She tried to force her emotions on him, even if he didn't need it. But, he had to know she meant every word.

"Doesn't sound nearly long enough."