~ Hello, people! Just a few words on how I came up with this story:

I was rereading "Midnight Sun" when I got to the part where Jasper is 'very dangerous' and dreams of drinking a girl named Whitney. Alice's words "Her mother invited Esme to that garden party, do you remember?" ignited my imagination, first of all because Esme is an amazing and underrated character, second because I really do love the entire 'cover story' subplot and long to read more about the Cullens interacting with people from Forks or any other city they move in. So here we are.

This was supposed to be a One-Shot, but since it came out longer than expected I turned it into a Two-Shots plus a brief final chapter.

I hope you enjoy! -

Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight, all characters and settings belong to Stephenie Meyer.

March 2003:

We were still new in town, Carlisle was highly valued and respected at work despite many being skeptical about his apparent young age at first. The kids were doing great at school and Alice also told me about some dramas: apparently the boys attracted a lot of attention and Rosalie had been no exception, with the whole football team at her feet, Emmett, however, had destroyed all their fantasies by making their relationship clear after a few days. This caused some gossips among the teens.

Certainly this life of theirs was not as exciting or rewarding as mine or Carlisle's, the results of this kind of cover story were always the same: Edward was bored, Alice was repressing her desire to meet new people and make friends, Emmett had failed a class 'just for fun', Rosalie was almost happy knowing we would have been able to stay in Forks and play human for at least a decade and to me that was enough, but Jasper... He had asked several times to play the part of the homeschooled kid before we officially moved, but Carlisle did not accept and I could see why: we had been in Alaska with the Denalis for a while, far from any kind of human interaction and, if some of us sometimes spent the day out among people, he had remained recluted in the house the whole time. His control over thirst was already fickle, he more than anyone else needed to be among humans and this was a truth that never failed to break my heart because I knew how hard it was for him and the pain it caused. I had tried to convince Carlisle to accept his request this time and let him stay home, but I knew that a decade away from the temptation of human blood would do more harm than good. So there he was, pained once again and I hated it.

It took us a while to understand that Jasper was used to behave differently depending on who he was with: he could be a true southern gentleman when it came to Rosalie and me, a lovely and overprotective husband for Alice, respectful and obedient towards Carlisle, but, most of all, he was a cheerful and kind young man when it came to wrestle with his brothers or doing any kind of game Emmett proposed him, he could be reckless, but always committed to the house rules. This was my favourite part of his personality: seeing him coming back home laughing with his brothers after an hunting night, and, unfortunately, it now happened more and more rarely, especially with Edward who at school was tasked with controlling his murderous thoughts.

I've always known that, if not for Alice, he wouldn't have stayed with us: he would probably come in visit often, but won't be more than a nomad close friend, not because he didn't love us, on the contrary, the fact is that he has always felt more like a burden than a son, as if he was a necessary condition for us to be able to keep Alice and being the 'weak link' of the family, as he called himself, never helped him getting over it. Point is he will never call me 'mom' and will never consider Carlisle more than a father-in-law, but that doesn't matter, he is my son exactly as the others and I was worried seeing the change in his behaviour since the first day we arrived in Forks. That's the reason why I decided to bring him shopping with me, no Edward reading his mind, no Alice watching every single decision of his, no Emmett ready to restrain him if things were to get bad, just the two of us. He needed to be trusted.

We were in a big grocery store in Port Angeles, it was Friday and there were more people than I expected. Jasper was following me, not breathing. As I recognised some faces from Forks I needed to make everything look and sound natural: I was the mother of five teenagers, my grocery bill had to be huge and if I could also fake some stress over dinner it would have been perfect.

"Do you want anything in particular for dinner?" I asked "I have enough time to prepare something special."

He shook his head staring at the crowd.

"Jasper?" his eyes back at me "You have to breathe." I whispered, he started moving his shoulders and chest. I sighed, I didn't want this to became another torture "Go back to the car."

"No." he mumbled "I can handle this."

"You don't have to if-"

"I can." he stated.

"Ok." I wasn't completely sure, but, as I said before, he needed to be trusted. I raised my voice to resume that little scene of mine "I think Emmett might like some chicken, can you please go get it? It's right there."

He nodded and slowly reached for the fridge. I went looking for some canned food for it being easier to give to charity as I saw a woman approaching Jasper:

"Hi, I'm sorry to bother, can you please help me reach the tomato sauce? It's too high for me." she smiled kindly, Jasper turned at her and nodded without spilling a single word. "Thanks, you're a savior, I really don't understand why they keep making the shelves so high."

"Which one?" he asked pointing at the different tomato sauces.

"The one with basil, it's my daughter's favourite."

As he gave her the can she started looking at his face and I panicked thinking the led light might have shown her his scars, but the moment I moved to reach them she spoke:

"Oh, I know you. You go to Forks High, right?"

He nodded.

"I'm Whitney's mom, Whitney Jameson, you must be one of the Cullens, right?"

"Jasper Hale." he said spilling the last bit of air he was still holding.

I grabbed my son's arm trying to figure out a plausible excuse for my interruption: "Jasper, this chicken will never be enough for us all." I chuckled.

He looked down at the package he was holding and smiled softly: "Yea, I guess so."

"Sorry, I'm the one who interrupted." the woman said holding out her hand. "I'm Samantha."

"Esme."

"Doctor Cullen's wife, am I right? He really is amazing, my youngest broke an arm two months ago, dr. Cullen's been the best."

"He's got a soft spot for children." I said lovingly.

"Oh, if you're looking for chicken there's a family pack in the other fridge, right around the corner."

I smiled at her kindness and turned to my son: "Jasper, would you?" he nodded firmly, I knew he needed to put some distance.

"You are so lucky." I raised an eyebrow at Samantha's words. "To have a big boy who helps you with the groceries, I always have to do the shopping alone."

"That's just Jasper, he was born a helper, the others are more reluctant." I holded back a laugh remembering Emmett's expression the last time I brought him with me.

"Still lucky." she stated with a knowing glance.

My son was soon back, he looked more relaxed and this made me feel better about what I was going to say: "Well, today you too can have a big boy for the rescue."

"Oh, there's no need to-" I stopped her before she could even dare to finish the sentence.

"Jasper, honey, would you mind helping Samantha with her groceries?"

He froze for a moment, but then shrugged his shoulders: "No problem."

Once in the store's parking Jasper was quick to put all the bags both in mine and Samantha's car: "All done, ma'am." he said. The lack of people and fresh air made him even more comfortable and I couldn't help but be proud at how well he was dealing with that kind human.

"Thank you so much."

"Any time."

I was already in my car when Samantha came to me: "Esme, thanks once again for the help."

"Don't thank me anymore, you had a lot of bags to carry, anyone would have offered you a hand." I stated.

"About the several bags... most of the stuff in there is for a garden party I'm giving tomorrow afternoon. I know it's a bit last minute, but I'd really want you to come. There will be other stressed moms who need a break from their chaotic teenagers." she smiled hopefully, holding me a sheet of paper. "This is my address; you don't have to tell me now and neither to call me. If you are free just ring the doorbell and come join us."

If I still had a heartbeat it would have stopped there. "That's very kind of you, thanks, Samantha."

"Don't mention it, see you in Forks!"

"Bye."

"You should go." Jasper said after half an hour of silence. We were still heading home, I never liked driving too fast.

"I'm not sure."

"Esme, you've always wanted to take part at something like that. I felt your excitement, you should go."

"It's a garden party, I won't be able to hide inside without getting too much attention if the sun comes out."

"Alice will warn you."

"I still am not sure... they might ask some indiscreet questions about our family."

"And you'll be perfectly able to handle that. Why do you sabotage yourself like that?" His question caught me off guard.

"I'm not sabotaging myself."

"Yes, you are." He looked at me with that intense gaze of his. "You are dying to go to that party. I can feel it."

It took me a minute to nod and sigh at his statement. It was true, of course it was, all I've ever wanted was to feel and be treated as any other mother in town, but I couldn't risk our cover story just to get into the 'stressed moms society'.

"I want to have a talk with the family before taking any decision."

He gave me an understanding nod.

"Jasper?"

"Yes?"

"Sorry for today. You weren't feeling comfortable and I've put you even more into it."

"No need to apologize." He lowered his eyes and gave me an uncertain smile. "You actually helped me. I can't keep running away from this kind of situation. You knew I could make it, thank you."

My heart melted at his words as I took his hand in mine: "You will always make it, honey."

The route continued in a pure and warm silence. I couldn't stop thinking about what had happened at the grocery store and a very selfish part of me I didn't even know I had was screaming up to my ears telling me to just go to that party and do something for myself, because Jasper was right: it wasn't usual for people to invite us to their house and I couldn't miss this occasion.

I hadn't even parked the car yet when Alice had already run into her husband's arms: "Jazz, you did amazing!" she shouted kissing him on the cheek.

Jasper didn't answer and the three of us entered the house: Emmett was staring at the chessboard while Edward played the piano in the background. Rosalie had clearly just finished working on a car and was now sitting on the couch waiting for something to happen. Carlisle was standing by the front door, ready to kiss me still in his hospital gown. My three beautiful children turned at us and now I realized that it wasn't only Rosalie who was waiting for something, they all were:

"Alice said you had to talk to us." is the answer my first daughter gave to my surprised look.

Emmett suddenly got up and gave Jasper a pat on the back: "Bro, you did great today."

"Yes, son," added Carlisle putting a hand on his shoulder "well done."

Our newest son moved away from the grip and headed for the stairs.

"Jazz, that's not what they meant." claimed Edward answering at his brother's thoughts.

"What?" asked Emmett.

"I'm not a child to cheer up. I hadn't murdered anyone today, there's nothing to be proud of." he was holding back from shouting and went to his and Alice's room locking the door.

"Jazz..."

Edward shook his head: "He wants to stay alone for a bit."

"I told you not to say anything." murmured Rosalie.

"He'll get over it. He always does."

"Maybe I should talk to him."

"No, Carlisle, let him be. After all, Esme has something important to ask us and Jazz already knows what it is."

"Right." Carlisle didn't seem convinced, but listened to Edward's words. "What is that you wanted to tell the family, love?" he asked, holding me in a warm hug while our children were sitting on the couch. Alice, of course, already knew what was that about and so did Edward, but they both were curiously looking at me anyways.

"Today at the grocery store we met the mother of one of your schoolmates. We talked for a bit and Jasper helped her with her bags." I sighed. Everything had gone great that day.

"Go ahead." Alice said with an excited smile on her face.

"She invited me to a garden party tomorrow afternoon."

"That's great, dear, what's the matter?" Carlisle smiled.

But Rosalie shouted soon after: "You can't go. It's too risky."

"Alice?"

"Cloudy all day." she exclaimed happily.

"It's not a matter of weather, Carlisle!"

"Rose, love, why are you mad? I don't see the problem." Emmett tried to calm her down, but he too knew it was a battle lost from the beginning.

"A bunch of town moms ready to ask tons of stupid questions just to have new gossips to spread around, that's the problem."

"It actually might help our cover story." Edward was thinking out loud. "Esme can add some details and explain those blood relationships that are still not clear. People will believe what she says."

"You are right, bro."

"I too agree on that."

Emmett and Carlisle were both on my side.

"You'll do an amazing job, Esme."

And Alice too, of course.

But then my first daughter's sharp sarcasm came in: "Yea, perfect, do what you want. We'll move again if anything goes wrong, that's perfectly fine."

"Rosalie-"

"Jasper won't be happy with that."

"Jasper was the first to tell Esme to go." Edward stated without leaving room for further discussions.

"I don't have to go." I said, talking for the first time "I know it might be risky, that's why I wanted to ask the family before taking any decision."

"And that was very thoughtful of you, darling." Carlisle's tone was now stern, directed at Rosalie. "But you didn't have to."

"And in any case that's six out of seven." Edward stated.

"I'll make sure everything goes just fine, Rose, you don't have to worry."

"But you can't see everything, Alice! You know what? Do what you want. I made it clear what I think of this situation." and she left closing herself in the garage.

We all looked at each other in silence for a minute.

"You sure these two are not actual twins?" Emmett smirked trying to relieve tension.

I turned to Carlisle: "I didn't tell Samantha I'd go, with five teenagers at home, I won't even have to look for an excuse not to show up ."

"But you will go, my love."

"As Edward said before, it's six out of seven, the majority wins. And I'll call you if I see anything dangerous coming." Alice smiled aiming for the front door.

"Where are you going?" I asked.

Edward pressed her: "Jasper went hunting during our discussions. He couldn't stand Rosalie's emotions."

"Yes, and I saw that now is the right time to talk to him." She said hopping out of the house.

"Don't worry, for Rose." Emmett caught my attention "She'll get out of it in an hour or two, earlier if I talk to her."

"Emmett, please, keep your thoughts for yourself."

"Not my fault, mindreader." he smiled "But really, mom, don't worry and just enjoy the party."

I nodded hoping my lack of words wouldn't overshadow the love I felt for my children and the gratitude for their support. Then I woke up from that state of pure adoration for my family: "I should bake something, I can't show up at someone's house empty-handed."

"I can help you." I heard Jasper's voice behind me. "Only if you want me to." I looked at him: his gaze on the ground, Alice by his side. I gave him a soft smile:

"Of course I want you to help me, honey."

"Yes, please, Jazz, help her, I still remember the last time I used the kitchen." Emmett begged him, cringing at the memory.

Carlisle patted him on the shoulder: "We all do, son, we all do."

"I want to apologize for my reaction. It hadn't been fair of me. I'm sorry."

"There's no need to apologize, Jasper, you've made it clear several times that that kind of attitude bothers you." Edward spoke before anyone could even dare to answer.

"I still shouldn't have reacted that way."

I approached the newest of my children making him look up at me: "Apologies accepted, but now we have work to do." I started opening the shopping bags "I'm quite sure to have brought some flour today. We can make a cake."

He was now staring at the three poor lemons on the fruit bowl: "What about a lemon cake?"

"Go for the lemon cake." I rolled up my sleeves and took out a baking sheet. "Now, everyone out of my kitchen except for Jasper." My tone became solemn, almost militaristic, which made everyone laugh as they scattered around the house. Edward holed up in his room, Emmett tried his luck by going to Rosalie in the garage, Carlisle went to his office, but not before giving me a soft kiss on the lips and Alice sat on the sofa browsing through fashion magazines.

Everything was perfect and I wished for that moment to never end.