Chapter Twenty-One

Jasper did not come back when school started. I knew he would not be there, waiting for me to finish the first day of my senior year at Forks High. I had to dim the disappointment to a respectable amount, as I was surrounded by Jessica and the rest of her friends. Alice and Edward were off to the side, though they had no anger in their eyes nor in their attitude when it came to Jessica coming and swooping me out of the vampires' company. If only she knew that she was taking me away from my surrogate vampire brother and sister, then she would probably have left me alone with them. Or she would have though that there was something mentally unstable when it came to me—another added on problem to my list.

Unlike when it was still summer and without our classmates around us, where I could be out and about with those that I cared about more than my actual biological family (yes, that was quite harsh and selfish but it was true) I knew that things would have to change a little bit. I did not need to constantly be in the company of Edward and Alice, though I would have preferred so. I needed to let others hang out with me; I could not let Jessica be rejected. I needed to spend more time away from vampires and more towards humans right now.

I sighed as I sat with my head titled in its propped-up spot on my hand. My elbow was up against the top of my desk. My hair fell in a curtain around me, shielding me away from the eyes that were peering at me. Unluckily I could not stare out at the window that was next to me, knowing that I was sitting on the side of the room where my right eye was facing the window. Only darkness would be what I would be greeted with. No beautiful trees or even the bland cars in the parking lot, just blackness.

Turning my head towards where Edward sat in the back of the classroom, I could not help but send him a soft half-smile, as though I knew his mind was off and away. It was miles away from where it was supposed to be. Who knew how many times he had heard what the teacher was droning on about? I knew it was more than any of the teenagers around me could think of, even me.

"Miss Swan, please stop staring at Mr. Cullen. And please pay attention to me," the teacher commented, enough that my face turned crimson at their comment. Edward merely arched one of his eyebrows up, as though he was wondering what I was thinking of when it came to how I thought about this whole situation.

With my blush still very apparent on my features, I turned my attention away from Edward and back towards the middle-aged teacher in front of me and the rest of the class. Edward did not say anything, nor did he do much other than glance at me every now and then in class.

I knew he was studying me, making sure that everything was all right. I knew he was taking a mental study; he was making sure that he would have something solid to say to Jasper when they would talk next. I knew they talked to each other almost as much as Jasper talked to me.

It would make sense since Alice had run away from Edward near the beginning of their relationship. I remembered being told that she did not think that he would want her because she could not remember anything about her past. She did not want him thinking that she was too damaged for him.

Picking up my pen, I began to write down what the teacher was saying, even though the information was going in one ear and out the other. It was not anything solid enough, important enough, in my mind to truly hear. Besides, I swore that I had already gone through this back in Phoenix when I was taking A.P classes my junior year.

The rest of the day dragged on, allowing me to know that nothing could be anything worthwhile, especially when it came to how the day was going. I wanted something interesting to happen. The Cullens and Hales were interesting, and I would always learn something new about them, but I had been in their company for eight months. Even they were getting predictable.

It wasn't until I was heading to the parking lot, towards Alice and Jasper's car, (they still wanted to drive me to and from school), and I let myself indulge in these rides to and from school. Vampires obviously had better drive skills than humans, though they liked to drive faster than them. Only adrenaline junkies would be at ease with their driving habits.

Jessica and the others were gathered around their cluster of cars that were parked next to each other. Pretty Angela with her glasses and dorky boyfriend were leaning against one of their cars, listening to what Jessica was saying to them. Eric glanced over, smiling and waving towards me. I reached my hand up sheepishly and waved back, having hoped that I would not be caught staring at their little group. I did not want to look like a freak peering at a group of people too long.

Sighing, I turned my attention away from the group only to pause when I saw a car sitting next to Alice and Edward's car. The sleek, deep silver sports car must have been in their collection, but I had not had the chance of seeing the car before. Then again it might be because I was not interested in cars at all. I would not be someone that would be found in a garage, working tirelessly on the engine and other parts of the car.

It was not just the car that left me speechless, the figure that stood in front of the car caught my attention more. Tall, slim, with warm, deep, smoky topaz irises the figure sent me a small smile. His inhuman beauty, and golden waves of hair that cascaded and fell in a wave around his shoulder blades was as striking as his eyes. It matched his hair color perfectly, and the dark denim ensemble he was wearing only highlighted the contrast that his hair and eyes had with the denim. His marble, smooth skin highlighted his muscles that were not the biggest but still delectable nonetheless when it came to my own opinion in muscle mass.

A few tears dripped, cascading down my cheekbones at the sight before me. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, I tried to tell myself that it could be him in front of me. Alice had never told me when Jasper would be coming home. She wanted it to be a surprise for me, she wanted the moment to be something more memorable than just a normal reunion. I did not know if I wanted to cry tears of happiness or of distress because of what she was putting me through.

Then again tomorrow was going to be officially Fall Break, so I would have at least a week with my vampire boyfriend if he decided that he had to go back up to Alaska. I would be saddened, yes, if this were the case but thrilled and content nonetheless since he had decided to come down and see me during Fall Break.

Rushing forward I threw myself into the cool embrace of my vampire. He tightened his arms around me and took a deep breath of my scent before he pulled back some. His eyes were still dark, dark enough to some to frighten, but I could tell that there was less strain in his eyes. Usually he was so stiff and skittish around other humans, but his shoulders were less stiff, and he did not seem as though he was swallowing as hard as he used to.

Jasper's eyes flickered from my face to someone that was behind me. I turned slightly, noting that Jessica and the gang were heading in our direction. I blinked, a little shocked, but a little bit happy that they had decided to come over and say hello to Jasper. Maybe they did not feel intimidated because this was my boyfriend? Or maybe it was because they were accustomed to only two Cullens here right now, instead of all five of the vampire teenagers all at once?

"Hey, Jasper, right?" Mike probed, I knew without a doubt that he would have known that it was Jasper if it were not for him really having to double check mentally and ask Jasper aloud. If it were any else in this school, besides the Cullens, that he was talking to he would have known their name.

Japer merely nodded his head, agreeing with the boy with buzz cut hair (he had buzz cut his hair during the summer and now preferred having it this way). Mike did not show any insult towards the boy merely nodding his head, I knew it was because he was used to me being awkward and doing the same thing as Jasper did. If that were not the case, I was certain he would have been.

"How's college? Where are you going, again?" Jessica was the one who wondered this, "Oxford," Jasper responded. A whistle washed throughout the company, from some of my friends. I puffed out my chest, knowing that no one could be prouder of Jasper than me.

Technically he was right, I did not know until shortly after August that Jasper was in college after all. He was doing online classes. It would make sense for the vampire, there was no way that he could go to Oxford while he was in Alaska learning to control his bloodlust. Carlisle and Esme were elated when they learnt that their youngest son (but oldest compared to the others in vampire years) decided to go to Oxford and get his degree in History of all subjects.

Angela shyly told him, "that's great, Jasper. It is on my list of colleges. Well that and Harvard, along with Cambridge."

Everyone knew Angela would get into all three colleges, she was the smartest out of any of us. I did not know who was the second smartest, but I knew that Jessica was going to college for fashion merchandising (Alice already had accomplished this feat).

In the corner of my left eye, I noted that Alice and Edward were having their silent communication with each other. I still found it as fascinating as I first saw it, they were the most curious ones when it came to the vampire mates that I knew. I could always wonder what it was that they were talking to each other nonverbally about. I would not ask them what they were talking about, firstly because it was rude and secondly it would take away the mysteriousness.

"Anyway, Bella and I need to get going," Jasper informed the humans around us, earning nods from the others. Jasper reached out and wrapped his arm around mine, letting me know that it was time for us to leave. He was just like me, we preferred just being with each other.

He was always polite with leaving, he never was one that showed he was tired of conversing with someone. I always showed the annoyance, or anxiety, after all I was an open book.

Entering his car, I slumped back against the passenger seat. It had been the first time in a long time that I had sat in the front passenger seat. For the months that I had been in the company of the Cullens and Hales I had always sat in the back seats when they were taking me places. One of the reasons I was sitting in the front was because I was with Jasper and the other reason was because there was not a second person, whom would be the one that would take the front passenger seat.

Reaching over I couldn't help but take Jasper's right hand in mine. We both smiled softly at each other, soaking in the company that we had with each other. We had been without each other for four months; it would make sense that I would want nothing more than to memorize this moment for the rest of my life. I had been faithful, supportive and I knew the was the same when it came to him.

"I'm proud of you, Jazz," I broke the silence with this, my voice quiet but strong, nonetheless. I squeezed his hand, allowing him through actions too that I had been true. Jasper smiled brighter at me, leaning over and kissing me on the forehead as though letting me know that he was just as proud of me too.

He began to drive out of the parking lot, and I couldn't help but speak up once more, "how is the training going? Is Eleazar a good mentor?" I craned my head to the side; Jasper didn't turn his head towards me. He knew how I felt about the whole not keeping his eyes on the road thing.

"It is interesting, helpful. When I go back after Fall Break, Carlisle is going to come with me. He wants to help me some before Christmas. We will decide by the end of Christmas if my progression is enough for me to come back. If not, then I don't know when I will come back…"

I shifted in my seat, not knowing how to feel about this. I wanted nothing more than to tell him that I didn't know how to feel. I knew he was analyzing my feelings; I didn't feel as though I needed to tell him to leave me alone. I didn't feel as though I needed to tell him that I didn't want him to probe my emotions. It wouldn't do any good, it would let him know that I didn't trust him at all. Though I was certain that if it became too much, he wouldn't be upset with me if I told him to stop feeling my emotions.

"I'll wait for you, know that? Right?" I couldn't help but probe, knowing that he need to know that I still would wait for him.

He knew that he mattered so much to me, it might be unhealthy. Yet I knew I couldn't help what I felt. Maybe the distance between us during these months would let me grow healthier when it came to our relationship.

"I know, love. I know."

I didn't say anything for the rest of the ride, neither did Jasper. There wasn't anything else to say, truly. I didn't want to talk about him leaving anymore, and it seemed as though he didn't want to talk about leaving either. It would be too painful; we had just gotten back together after four months.

When we arrived back at my house, I took a deep breath and turned towards my boyfriend. It was still surreal that I had a boyfriend now, but not only that my boyfriend also happened to be a vampire. Anyone else would think about sending me to mental ward for even thinking that, but I wasn't ever going to tell anyone that my boyfriend happened to be a vampire.

"Do you want to come in? Spend some time with me? I miss you." I almost expected him to tell me he needed to go back to his house but instead he sent me a kind smile, "of course, Bella. I wouldn't want anything else."

I unbuckled my seatbelt and went to open the door only for it to be opened by Jasper. I jumped out of my skin, my heart racing in my chest. Closing my eyes, I took deep breaths, allowing myself to calm down when it came to what had just happened. No matter the time that I spent with the vampires, it seemed as though I would not be adjusted with the whole vampire speed.

"Sorry," Jasper sheepishly spoke, only for me to roll my eyes and reach my hand out. He smiled and took my hand out and pulled me out, before shutting the passenger door closed behind him. He made sure that he pressed the lock button on the car remote before he turned around and wrapped his arms around me before he headed in the direction of the front door.

It didn't surprise me that Charlie wasn't home. Being the Chief of Police in Forks, no matter it being small, was still time consuming. Besides, there was still vampires that were out there and drinking, murdering innocent people. There were still ever present in Seattle. Murders were close to Forks now, close enough that Charlie was helping the cops near us. Of course, Charlie being one of the best Chiefs of Police that Forks had helped immensely.

The Cullens hadn't told me anything about what was happening, but I could tell that there was tension that was in the air. I was certain if the vampires came close to Forks, close enough that they were dancing on the borderline they were going to confront them. I didn't want to be there when that happened, I didn't want Jasper to be there when it would happen.

As though Jasper sensed this, he turned me and made me look up at him. His golden irises peered into my meek chocolate ones. "What is troubling our mind, darling?" Sometimes when he was truly upset, his southern roots would flair up. I would soak it up, knowing that he was truly worried about me.

"I was…thinking about the murders," I whispered, allowing him to know how much this mattered. I didn't want to think about it, but it would be mentioned eventually. I wanted to be truthful when it came to this too. I didn't want to keep secrets from him. We were built on being truthful to each other, we didn't keep secrets from each other. We were open to each other.

"They haven't happened in months," Jasper responded, but he could tell that I was still troubled. He reached his hand out and pressed it against my cheekbone. I took it in eagerly even though it was quite chilly outside, and his hand was colder than the weather. It conflicted the surface of my skin, leaving goosebumps.

"What if they come closer? What about Charlie?" I couldn't imagine what it would be like if I would find out that Charlie had been drained of all his blood, a carcass to others but a father to me. I didn't want to see the image, how his eyes were glossy and distant, his neck pierced open and no blood within his body anymore. He would just be a body, nothing more.

As soon as we entered the house, I closed it behind us and locked it, despite knowing that no one in their right mind would come into the house if they knew that a vampire was within the said house. It was one thing if he were nothing more than a normal boyfriend but having a supernatural boyfriend that wouldn't hesitate to defend me was something else entirely.

Sighing, I went upstairs so that I could put my backpack against my night stand on the right side of my bed. Jasper made himself comfortable in the living room, sitting on the worn-out couch. I soon was welcomed with my bedroom, where there was a photograph of me and Cullens (along with the Hales) standing out in the garden, looking as though we were taking a normal family photo.

I picked up the framed photograph once I sat my backpack down, smiling softly at the image of my second family. There was nothing more than warmth, happiness, within the said photograph. Though Rosalie was in the photograph I could tell that there something in her eyes that wasn't cold, distant as they normally were. She seemed to show some of her true self, it was still surprising whenever I would look at the picture.

Sitting down the photograph, I turned towards the next item that sat on the nightstand, a small oval shaped silver locket that Jasper had gifted me with for my eighteenth-birthday, in the locket one side was a picture of him and the other side was a picture of us together. I treasured it completely, wishing that he were there to give it to me and not mail it to me.

Curling up on the couch next to Jasper after I went downstairs (I had to not dwell on the locket and how I received it), I leant up against him and felt him wrap his arm around me softly, but surely. I smiled but didn't turn my head towards him. Instead I focused on what was happening right now, knowing that I would only have him for so long before he would go back up to Alaska and keep training so that he could come down here again and not feel as strained as before.

Picking up the television remote, I went through the different movie channels that were available before I settled on a random movie. I wasn't one who had a set genre that I had for movies or music. Sometimes I played a random movie while I would be working on homework, the same as music, so that I would have background music. Phil would give me suggestions for different movies and music. Lately he had given me Linkin Park as a suggestion.

Jasper ran his fingers through my hair, and I closed my eyes. Cool mint waffled in the air; addictive Jasper had said for humans. It was something that he claimed came with being a vampire. I enjoyed it, it calmed me down immensely, enough that everything in me seemed as though it was perfectly normal.

I hadn't realized I had fallen asleep until the front door opened, making me almost jump from the sudden sound. I turned my head, noting that Charlie was entering the house with tiredness wrapped around his features. He hung his coat and turned, noting that I was sitting on the couch with Jasper next to me. He studied the scene in front of him before there seemed to be content with the fact that I hadn't done something inappropriate with Jasper.

"Hi, Dad," I welcomed him, making him smile at me. He came around the couch and bent down so that he could kiss me on the forehead. He turned and reached his hand out so that Jasper could take it, giving it a friendly shake before he went over to his recliner and plopped down.

"So, Jasper, how is Oxford? What did you say your degree is?" Charlie leant back against the recliner; it was obvious that he was trying to wash away all the stress that had happened today.

"It's doing fine, Charlie. I'm going to get my degree in History, I've always had a fascination in the events of the past," Jasper informed him, making Charlie nod his head, taking in what my boyfriend had said.

As they started a simple conversation with each other, I couldn't help but focus on Jasper instead of the conversations that were stirring around us. I only focused on Jasper, knowing that I only had so much time with him before he would have to travel up to Alaska. I could only pray that he would be back for good for Christmas, though I knew I would wait for him even longer if I had to.

Twilight doesn't belong to me