Chapter 27

JPOV

Most of my things were taking residency in Emmett and Rosie's garage while my clothes stayed at Bella's apartment. Between work and spending time with Alice, I forgot about looking into either extending the current lease on the apartment or finding a new one. In fact, that was the farthest thing from my mind.

While things seemed to be going well between Alice and me, I could still see the hesitation and worry in her eyes. I knew she had every right to worry when I would leave again, but this time was different. I wasn't going to leave her.

"Did you ever think of maybe starting things over with her?"

I looked up from the paper to see my sister standing there with her eyebrow raised. "How do you mean?" I asked.

She sighed and shook her head. "You're just diving into this with Alice, Jazz. She's been through a lot because of you. You need to pace it."

I put my pen down and leaned back against the chair. "You mean take it slower?"

She nodded then shook her head again. "Yes and no, I mean," She sighed again and sat at the table. "Don't be like you were before. You kept secrets from everyone. You were like this creepy stalker guy with her and when you two did have a relationship it was all about the sex."

"It was not."

"Name one time you two hung out and didn't fuck in some way," she challenged.

"Emmett's eighteenth," I smirked. "We didn't do anything that night."

She rolled her eyes. "That's not what I meant and you know it."

"Yeah, yeah. I hear ya. Honestly, Rose, I was thinking of starting over with her."

"You mean no more random fucks against a wall?" Rose laughed as she headed back into the kitchen. I knew telling Emmett about that was a bad idea.

"Exactly. I'm gonna do what I should have done all those years ago. Actually be in a relationship with her."

"You weren't before?" Rose asked, the confusion clear in her voice.

"No, I mean we were... in the sense that she was the only one I was sleeping with. But I mean, I'm not gonna hide it this time. If Edward wants to break my nose over it, so be it," I shrugged.

"Oh come on Jasper! Do you really think he would have turned to violence all those years ago if you just told him how you felt about Alice?"

Yes. "I don't know," I lied.

"Seriously.” I could imagine her rolling her eyes. “It was obvious that you two were together. Even when you tried like hell to pretend that nothing was going on, we all saw it. Edward actually saw it first, but gave you the benefit of the doubt." She came back to the table and placed the plates down. "You hurt more than Alice by being stupid, you know."

"I know."

"No, I don't think you do Jasper," Rose said shaking her head as she set the table. "Alice was a wreck. It was like you took the best parts of her and left us nothing. Bella was confused about why you didn't trust us enough to tell us what was wrong. Emmett..." she sighed. "He was a different person Jazz... it was almost like with him, you took away his sense of humor." She looked up, her blue eyes locked with mine and they looked so heartbroken to have to hash this out again. "But Edward..." She shook her head. "I'm genuinely surprised that he had you come out here," she said honestly.

"You forgot one person," I pointed out.

She looked up at me and gave me a small smile. "Well, I kind of understood why you left. I would have to, given the situation."

"Don't hold back Rosalie."

"Alright, I thought you were a selfish, self-centered prick. How could you say you loved us then just leave without a good-bye? You didn't even tell us where you were going, didn't bother to tell us how to find you. You know you weren't the only one whose life was turned upside down. What Greg did... that affected me too, you know."

"I'm sorry Rose..."

She just shook her head and went back to the kitchen. I heard Emmett's motorcycle pull up and chuckled at the nineteen-fifties vibe these two had with their domestic life.

"You know," Rose called out just as Emmett stepped through the garage door. "Edward was on to your little game back when you two went to the concert."

"What? How?"

"Oh come on. Linkin Park tickets... in California. Yeah, that wasn't obvious at all."

~*~*~February 22nd, 2002~*~*~

Alice hadn’t stopped bouncing since the moment we left home to come here. I knew she'd love the concert tickets and truth be told, I was just glad to get her something that we could both enjoy together.

Rose and Emmett gave me shit for the last week, saying that this qualified as a date, since I was taking her out of state, overnight. While I would have loved to agree with them, I tried my best to maintain a friendly distance.

The opening bands, were loud and obnoxious, but did their job. They had the crowd hyped and ready for the main show. The minute the boys from Linkin Park crossed the stage, the intensity in the air changed.

Half way through their set, Alice removed her hoodie and tied it around her waist, as she bounced around and sang along. The minute I saw the little white top she was wearing, I knew I was in trouble. If I noticed her, I was fairly sure the other boys around us did as well.

Sure enough a few minutes later, some kid tried pulled her over and with the intention to dance against her. I quickly wrapped my arms around her, placing my hands firmly against the skin of her stomach and pulled her closer. The kid gave me a quizzical look, to which I answered by kissing the crook of her neck.

She pushed herself closer to me and seemed to like the attention I was giving her, letting out a small approving sound. I kissed her once more, content on just holding her for the rest of the concert.

When it was over, we went to a nearby motel. I felt bad that I couldn't get something nicer, but I knew Alice wouldn't care. She stayed in the car while I checked in. Once I was done, I went back to the car, tossed the key over to Alice and grabbed our bags and her pillow.

She took the pillow from me, tucking it under her arm before taking my free hand in hers. Silently we walked up the back staircase to our room. I started chewing on my lip nervous about what she’d think when she saw only one bed in the room. It's not like we haven't slept in the same bed before... just not without the risk of someone barging in on us.

She sat on the bed, bouncing slightly as I placed her bag near her. "It's springy," she said smiling.

"I bet... so um check out is at noon and seeing how it's almost midnight, we should probably get to bed soon so we don't miss it."

She pulled her hoodie off, tossing it towards the chairs by the window. "This is part of my birthday gift, right?" She asked. I nodded in response. "Well then, don't you think there's a tradition we need to uphold?" She asked biting her lip while adverting her gaze.

I moved to sit next to her. "I don't know what you mean," I teased, slowly kicking my shoes off. I felt the bed shift and looked up as she moved to straddle my lap.

"I think you do, Nerdy Boy," she said as she wrapped her arms around my neck.

"Hmm... traditions huh? Well, I already said happy birthday..." I wrapped my arms around her, moving one of my hands along the exposed skin of her lower back. "And there was the customary party..."

She twisted her fingers in my hair at the base of my skull and pouted a little at me, "One more tradition, that's just ours?"

"Just ours?" I teased, knowing exactly what she meant. She nodded and bit her full bottom lip. I smiled as I placed my hand on her cheek and gently removed her lip with my thumb. "I can't kiss it if you're biting it," I joked.

Her breathing hitched as her eyes locked with mine, "Please?" she whispered. I obliged, moving my hand to cup the back of her neck as I softly kissed her.

The kiss started off gentle and slow, but quickly turned passionate and deep. The more our tongues and lips moved to together the more of her I wanted.

My hands slid up along her sides and under her top, my fingertips brushing against the side of her breasts, making her gasp. I took the opportunity to move my lips to her throat as my hand cupped her soft breast. She gasped again and wiggled a little, making me pull away just in time for her to pull the short white top over her head.

I watched the movement of her chest as her breathing picked up, before rubbing my thumb over one of her hardened nipples. "Oh God, Jasper..." she breathed, her hands making their way under my shirt, running along the taunt muscles above my jeans.

"Hold on," I said softly, kissing her once before yanking my shirt up over my head and tossing it to the side. I wrapped my arms around her again, holding her to me as I moved us so she was under me on the bed. "Better?" I asked.

"Yes," she was breathing hard. "Nerdy Boy... Are we?"

I shook my head. "Not yet," I said softly against the skin of her collarbones. She wiggled again and moved her hand lower, dipping her fingers into the side of my jeans.

"We're all alone," she whispered in a somewhat naughty voice.

I looked up at her as I kissed lower. "Uh huh..." I agreed.

"We can do stuff... If you want," she looked at me imploringly.

I smirked at her before moving to kiss her sternum and stomach. "Do you want to?" I asked.

"Yeah," she said so quietly I wasn't sure if I was supposed to hear it. "I want you..."

I moved back up, kissing her passionately again. I wanted her too. I was just an idiot and didn't think this was going to happen. She wrapped her legs around my waist and pressed herself harder against my chest, smashing her soft breasts against me.

My hands traveled to the waist of her jeans and I moved slightly to pop the button, pulling away to smirk down at her as I pulled the jeans down. Christ on a crutch, she's wearing a thong.

She sat up, her hands going for my belt and shakily began removing it. I cupped her face in my hands. “Relax Ali Cat,” I said softly before sucking her bottom lip into my mouth. I slowly took the lead in the kiss, using my own lips to part her mouth before touching my tongue with hers.

It was what she needed to calm down. The nervous trembling of her hands subsided, as a new found confidence took over and she managed to undo the belt and the fly of my jeans.

I laid her back onto the bed, never once breaking the kiss as she used her feet to push my jeans down. I kissed my way down her jaw and neck, nipping and sucking on her sweet, soft skin, making my way to her breasts as I kicked my jeans the rest of the way off.

I slowly ran my tongue around her nipple, watching her reaction, before sucking it into my mouth. She mewled as one hand fondled her other breast and my free hand made its way down the flat of her stomach.

Just as my finger tips made it under the waistband of her panties, she tugged my hair, making me move back up where she hungrily took my lips with hers.

It was my turn to moan as I touched her slick folds, teasing her as I ran the tip of my middle finger up slowly between them.

“God baby… you’re so wet,” I breathed as I kissed the skin beneath her ear, desperately trying to control the urge to just take her.

"You make me that way," she purred, her hand tracing my muscles lightly before dipping into my boxers.

I bit my lip as I felt her fingers brush against my cock. I slowly pumped my finger in and out of her as my thumb drew lazy circles against her clit.

“Oh God,” she gasped, her hips bucking into my hand as she closed her eyes, her mouth forming a small ‘o’ shape.

I pumped a little faster, stopping at one point when I felt her hand wrap around me and pump in rhythm to my movements.

“Tighter baby,” I practically begged, whimpering when her hand tightened around me.

Our hands pumped faster as each one of us made the other moan and pant harder. I wasn’t sure about her, but having her stroke me like she this, was making it easier for me to imagine what it would be like to move inside her.

Just the thought alone made me lose it as I felt my hips jerk into her hand my balls tighten as I came onto her hand.

I slowed the movement of my hand, watching her as she removed hers from my boxers to lick the cum of it.

Holy fuck, that’s hot!

"Not as bad as I expected," she said with a blush.

“You’re so fucking hot,” I told her, kissing her hard as I pumped my finger into her faster. She gasped into the kiss but quickly returned it. Her hips began rocking into my hand, causing more friction on her clit as we moved faster.

She moved her head to the side as she started to pant my name, my lips running along her neck, feeling her heart race through her vein. The one hand she had on my shoulder, dug its nails into me and I knew she was on the edge.

I stopped playing with her clit, using my just my finger to please her, waiting for the right moment.

“Jasper… please…” she moaned arching her back, pushing herself against me. With a quick roll of her clit between my thumb and forefinger, I felt her cum around me.

“I want to taste you so bad,” I admitted, licking the bit of sweat from her chest that had formed, as I slowly pumped inside of her, letting her ride out her orgasm. “Feel you cum and shudder around my tongue…”

She moaned louder at that, followed by quick, shallow pants. When I knew her climax was over, I removed my hand and brought it to my mouth where promptly sucked on my finger, moaning at the taste of her.

She stared wide eyed at me. "Did you like that?" she asked in a breath.

I nodded. "Oh yeah," I said moving to grab the blanket and pulling it over us. "Was that what you had in mind?" I asked her.

She smiled a little, her cheeks flushing as she looked at me. "Yeah, it was nice."

I chuckled wrapping my arms around her. "Just nice huh?" I teased.

She smiled a little bigger, "No it was more than nice... this was the most amazing day of my life... Thank you N.B."

"You're very welcome Ali Cat. Thank you for letting me spend it with you," I smiled before kissing the tip of her nose.

"There's no one who I would want to spend it more."

"Not even you're be-eff-eff, Rosie?" I teased.

She shook her head with a grin.

"Well good. She probably would have bitched the whole time anyway," I laughed. "We should get some sleep. Long day on the road tomorrow." Back to reality, I added silently.

~*~*~*~
Leave a review at Fanfiction.net by clicking here

Chapter 25

Jpov

Kelly's blue eyes got wide as she looked at me. "Talk?" she asked.

"Yeah, things have changed."

"I can see that Jasper. Why are you getting rid of your comics?"

I sighed and shook my head. "I'm not getting rid of them. I'm sending them to a friend so he can take care of them until I get a place."

"You've got a place Jasper, you're in it right now."

"I'm moving."

Her jaw went slack and she gawked at me. "But what about the department? You always said you wouldn’t leave the department."

"I was offered a transfer to a new department. Let's face it Kel, the only thing keeping me here was the job."

"Your job?! That's it?!"

Bad choice of words... "Yeah. Kelly, we're not in love with each other-" I quickly halted my words when I saw her hand cover her mouth.

She took a moment before speaking, her eyes showed the sadness and hurt. "You're leaving me?" she whispered.

I looked down at the box in my hands and started to fold it closed, ready to tape it shut. "Yeah... I'm sorry."

She sighed. "No, I get it. I knew I never really had you to begin with. I just wish..."

I looked up at her and watched as her face changed from sadness to anger. Oh shit… "Just wish what?" I asked hoping to find out why she was suddenly angry.

"Forks, Washington?!"

"Yeah, that's where I’m transferring to," I told her.

"You're doing this for her aren't you?!" She balled up her fists angrily.

"If by her you mean Alice… then, yes and no." I got up and headed to the kitchen for something to drink.

"What the fuck?!" she bellowed as she stomped after me. "I thought you weren't good enough for her?"

"I'm not!" I shouted back. "We're gonna try being friends again," I said a bit calmer. "Emmett's dad pulled some strings to get me to stay. That's why I'm going. Better pay and my family are there."

"And her," Her tone clearly a mix of hurt and angry. "Did you...fuck her?" she asked quietly.

I sighed and put my palms on the counter. "Yeah, I did," I admitted. Better to tell her the truth, I reminded myself.

I looked over to see if she was still in the kitchen just as she pulled her hand back and it collided with my face. "You fucking bastard!" she screamed, slapping me again. "You fucked that... that whore? How could you do this to me?!"

"Goddamn it Kelly!" I shouted grabbing her wrist to keep her from hitting me again. "She's not a fucking whore."

"Oh please, I've seen the fucking videos Nerdy Boy, " she seethed.

"Don't call me that Kelly," I dropped her hand. "Why the fuck are you going through my stuff?"

"Because I'm your girlfriend and I can," she said indignantly. "I can't believe you fucked her... and you're fucking leaving me for her! She has got to have some serious issues to take you back."

"A locked foot locker generally means stay out of it." I just rolled my eyes at her. "Think what you want Kel, but you're the one with the fucking issues," I spat and pushed passed her to get out of the kitchen.

"You can't leave me!" she screamed just as I felt air whoosh past my right ear and heard something shatter against the wall, I spun and saw her picking up some of my grandmother's china to throw. "I dyed my hair for you. I offered to let you tie me up..." I could see the angry tears forming at the corners of her eyes as she threw a teacup.

"I never asked you to do any of that Kelly!" I dodged out of the way of the passing cup. "Stop taking it out on my Nana's stuff!" I shouted at her as the matching plate came flying at me. "Damn it Kelly, did you ever stop to think that maybe I wanted you ‘cause you were who you were!?"

"But it was never good enough was it?" she asked with a small sob, before kicking the island cabinet.

"Kel..." I sighed. I shook my head. "I don't know what you want me to say. I tried."

"No you didn't," her bottom lip wobbled. "I love you Jasper... why can't you love me? Why can't you forget about her and just love me?"

"I can't Kelly... I'm sorry." I whispered the last part.

She gave an enraged roar and began chucking things at my head again, bits of porcelain, glass and china flying all around me.

Jesus Christ! I thought as I grabbed her and pulled her out of the kitchen. "Stop it!"

"Fuck you," she screamed kicking my calf as hard as she could.

"God damn it!" I limped out of the way. "What the fuck Kelly?!"

"I hate you! I hate you and your fucking small dick and your stupid stuff and your freaky fetishes!" she screamed, taking some pictures off the walls and throwing them at me as I jumped out of the way.

"Whatever Kelly," I muttered reaching into my pocket for my phone. I needed her out of here if I wanted to keep my stuff in one piece.

"You limp dicked bastard," she screamed as she threw a vase at me.

Fuck, that was my mother's, I thought as I sent a text to her partner at work to come get her. "Knock it off Kelly," I warned heading to the closet where the cuffs were. Shit, I might have to use her own damn stun gun on her.

"What are you gonna do freak? You're too fucking weak to do anything."

I got to the closet and grabbed the cuffs. "I don't get it Kel, why are you talking shit? I never once called you a bad name."

"You've treated me bad this entire time, and I fucking let you cause I thought that maybe," she shook her head. "You just don't have a fucking heart."

"Over two years Kelly? If I was as bad as you say, why the fuck did you stay with me for over two years? And I do have a heart Kel, it just never came to Tennessee with me."

"Because I fucking loved you, and I thought you loved me but just didn't know how to show it..." she clenched her fists again. "That's right it died when your momma did."

I opened my mouth to say something to her just as there was a pounding at the door. "My sister was right, you're a fucking crazy whore," I seethed pulling the door open roughly.

~*~*~ December 20th, 2008 ~*~*~

I unlocked the door and held it open. "Well, this is home..." I looked at my sister and her new husband nervously. "It's not much," I shrugged.

Rose shook her head and walked past me, followed closely by Emmett. "It's fine Jazz. I'm just happy I get to actually spend a Christmas with you."

Way to lay on the guilt Rose. I closed the door. "I know Rose. I'm really glad y'all are here."

Emmett looked around, "It doesn't look too bad."

"See," Rose said definitely directing the comment to Em before turning to me. "Bathroom? Long flight," she laughed.

I pointed her in the direction to go. "Can't miss it, it's the only door open," I laughed and looked at Em. "Beer?"

"Sure," he said with a smile, settling down into the couch.

I nodded and headed towards the kitchen. This should be an interesting week considering Emmett hadn't been speaking to me since I left home.

I grabbed two beers before getting the wine out. Odds are my sister would like a glass. “So... how are things?" I asked as I got Rose's glass ready.

"Good, I'm a motorcycle cop for Seattle now," he informed me.

"I heard, congrats man," I handed him his beer.

"Thanks," he took the beer and cracked it open before taking a long pull. "So what about you, what have you been doin’ down south?"

I shrugged and opened my own bottle. "Not much… spending my days locked up in a lab doing the forensics thing."

"And fucking some girl," Rose said from behind Em.

"She's my girlfriend Rose." I defended lightly.

"Uh huh," she said taking her glass from the counter. "Thank you."

"So... I'm guessin’ you ain't planning on coming back then, huh?" Emmett asked with a slightly sad expression.

Rose gave me an amused look as I sighed. "I don't know man... I'd probably do more harm than good."

"Right," Rose said sarcastically.

"Rosie," Emmett leaned his head back to look at her before looking at me. "So... tell me about your new girl?" Rose rolled her eyes and muttered something about needing to call the girls.

"What do you want to know?"

"What's she like?" Emmett waggled his eyebrows at me.

Nothing like Ali... "Blonde and beautiful?" I laughed. "I dunno man. She's different."

"Sounds different than your type," he smiled and took another drink. "So what is it about her you like?"

I leaned against the counter and thought it over. "Can I be honest with ya and you won't pound my head in?"

"I ain't here to pound your head in," he reassured with a small smile.

I set my beer down and scrubbed my face over my hands. "The best thing about Kelly is she ain't Ali. Kelly is tall, blonde, can't dance worth shit. Her voice is a bit on the whiney side and her laugh can grate on your nerves. And I like it."

Emmett gaped at me, "So you like her 'cause she ain't Ali-baby?"

"Yeah..." I said softly. "Pretty shitty huh?"

"Can I ask you somethin' without you getting all pissed off?" Em asked, looking at me sideways. I nodded in response. "And have you give me a honest answer?" He added as I looked up to see Rose leaning against the wall watching us. "What did Ali-baby ever do to you?"

"Nothing," I shook my head before taking a long pull of my beer. "What happened between me and her, that was all me. All she ever did was love me."

"And you loved her," Rose said sadly. I nodded in response.

"She..." Emmett paused, he and Rosie exchanged a look. "She's doin' good in school."

"Yeah... and happy with that Gavin guy..." Damn it hurt to know she moved on.

“Garrett,” Rose corrected.

“Whatever,” I muttered.

"You know she broke up with him for about a week around her birthday... I fucking hate the douchebag." Emmett said before he took another drink from his bottle.

"She did? Edward didn't tell me that." I looked at him confused. "And why do you hate him?"

"Probably didn't tell you cause you don't call often enough," Rose said giving me a pointed look.

"Yeah, she did... I dunno why though. And I hate him because he thinks he's so much fucking better than everyone else, fucking walking around in his Armani suits and driving his fucking Mercedes... the way he talks to Ali-baby you'd think his shit don't stink."

"Oh... So he's got money huh?" Never thought she'd go for that...

Rose snorted. "No, just a small pecker." Clearly Rose isn't his biggest fan.

Emmett shrugged, "Who gives a fuck, frankly I'm disappointed that she went with the first dick who gave her attention since-" Rosie shushed him.

"Since? Me?" I offered to fill in the blanks before tossing my empty bottle in the recycle bin. "So let me get this straight. You, Rose, don't like him ‘cause he's got a small dick. And Em, you don't like him ‘cause he acts like he's God's gift to the world? Hate to think what y'all thought of me."

"You don't have to be a bitter asshole to us Jasper Alexander. We never told you to leave." Rose snapped.

"I'm not being bitter. It just seems like y'all don't like him ‘cause he's an outsider. The only outsider I've ever seen y'all take in, no questions asked was Bella, but hell she's family."

"We took you in didn't we?" Emmett asked.

"Did you really have a choice?" I countered.

"Yeah, we did. We could've been horrible little shits to you, but you were cool, you didn't talk to Ali-baby like she was a piece of shit even when you were tappin’ it." Emmett defended.

"What?" I asked but was cut off by Rose's scoff.

Rose rolled her eyes. "Now I see why you shouldn't drink. You're a dick sometimes."

"How am I being a dick? It's just a simple fucking question." I looked at my sister who rolled her eyes at me again as she leaned against her husband. "Whatever, now what do you mean he's talking to her like shit?" I looked at Emmett.

"Just the shit he says to her..." Emmett shook his head. "He's not good enough and he fucking knows it, so he's trying to bring her down or some psychological mumbo-jumbo."

I raised my eyebrow at that. "And Ed hasn't killed him yet?"

"She won't let him. She ignores the shit we say cause 'she's happy'," Emmett said the last part with finger quotes.

I sighed and shrugged. "As long as she's happy, right?"

"Right," Emmett agreed, picking at the label on his beer probably realizing it was a lost cause.

"I'm sorry man," I sighed.

"So, are we getting the tree tomorrow?" Rose asked, clearly changing the subject.

---

We got a tree and decorated it and as usual, Emmett ate the popcorn Rose had intended to use to make as garland. Really I didn't see the point of the popcorn garland, especially when Emmett ate most of the supplies, yet Rose insisted on the tradition. But somehow we managed to not kill each other. I was grateful that Rose brought Emmett with her. I missed him and honestly, he kept Rose's snark at minimum and attitude in check.

Kelly came over a few times. She was anxious to meet Rose and I knew there was no way to avoid it. Emmett was kind to her, cracking jokes and just being Em, while Rose... well she was being Rose.

It was Christmas Eve and Rose wanted us to have the Christmas dinner tonight. She tired to justify it as being a new tradition for us, truth be told I just think she didn't want to cook after she got her gifts. Almost as if she was expecting something big.

"So will trailer trash be here?" Rose asked as she pulled the ham from the oven.

"Rosie," Emmett said in a warning tone.

"Yes, Rose, Kelly is going to be here. She doesn't have family and since she is my girlfriend, I included her." I explained.

"Fine, I'll be nice. But don't expect me to like her, 'cause I don't."

"I know. And I'm okay with the fact that you'll never like anyone I date from here on out ‘cause of one simple reason."

"Oh yeah? Why's that smart ass?" She asked.

"'Cause it ain't Alice," Emmett and I both said together before laughing.

"Oh shut up. And you feel the same Em don't deny it!" She laughed.

"Yeah, it's true... you two belong together... " Em said with a small smile.

I rolled my eyes and started to set the table. "I tell you what. If there is ever a chance for that again, I'll be on the first flight home. Just don't hold your breath, okay?"

"Sure dude, you know I'd much rather you for a brother-in-law... in law," he smiled a bit. "Then that piece of trash."

I laughed and nodded just as the door opened. "Hey Kel, we're in the kitchen!" I called out.

I heard the sound of high heels against the hardwood floor, a sound I now recognized thanks to my sister's habit of wearing them around the house, before hearing Rose gasp and Emmett mutter something under his breath. I turned to see why they both look so shocked only to be faced with someone who looked like Kelly... only not.

"Kel?" I asked.

She smiled in response. "You like it Jasper?" she asked as her hand went to mess with her short and now black hair. I just gaped at her in response. "I thought it would be a good Christmas gift. Makes me look sexy, doesn't it?"

I could see Emmett cover his mouth with his hand as Rose excused herself from the room.

"Kel... what did you do?" I asked, finally taking in the rest of her appearance. Not only had she cut and dyed her hair like Alice's used to be, but she had also tried to copy the way she used to dress – in high school.

"I got a makeover," she smiled brightly but fell slightly as she studied my face. "You don't like it?"

God no I don't. "It's just... different." I lied with a shrug.

She looked over at Emmett before coming over to me and wrapping her arms around my waist. "I figured if I could be a little more like her…" she said softly.

"Jesus Kelly," I sighed. She chewed her lip and excused herself just as Rose returned. I heard the bedroom door close and I waited for the inevitable shit to hit the fan or whatever was coming my way from Emmett and Rosalie.

"Well, I guess she ain't that much different than Ali-baby now," Emmett said, not so subtly stifling a laugh.

"Wow... what the hell Jazz? Won't fuck her or something?" Rose asked, not even bothering to hide her giggles.

"Oh my God," I breathed just staring at the direction of my bedroom door.

"I don't know whether to call her a whore for being the white trash version of my best friend or just call her crazy," Rose said shaking her head. "Oh I know!" She clapped happily. "Crazy whore!" She chirped then laughed mischievously. "I can't wait to tell the girls."

I just shook my head. What have I gotten myself into?

~*~*~*~
Leave a review at Fanfiction.net by clicking here

Chapter 23

Disclaimer: We do not own the twilight saga or any recognizable characters and such. Just this plot and variations of the canon characters.
~*~*~*~*~*~

JPOV

I was grateful that my sister asked me to Ali's to return the damn casserole dish. When I told her I would do it later, she insisted that I had to do it immediately.

When I got to her condo, I could clearly hear her struggling with someone. Naturally my training kicked in when I noticed the door was left open. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't relieved that it was only Garrett, but that seemed to make me even more pissed.

I wanted to deck him when he hurt Alice with his words, but I was stunned honestly. I've never liked the guy, but for him to throw out his infidelity and admit to using the wedding as a way to get her to warm up to him, that was low.
But I had no room to talk. Here I was hoping that their marriage wouldn't happen, after I left her when she needed me the most.

She loved him, I know she did. She even told me so, but to hear the pain as she cried, it tore at me from the inside out. I wanted to run after him and kick his ass, or call Edward and let him do it, and comfort her all at once.

I gave her the one thing I knew she needed the most; stayed to care for her.

I laid with her all night and held her as she cried. I tried making her laugh, succeeding several times, but the tears always won out.

In the morning she called into work, using the excuse that she needed some personal time. I didn't want to leave her, especially now, but I had to complete my work before leaving.

I had expected the day to go much slower than it did. But before I knew it four in the afternoon came and I was heading back to Ali Cat's condo.

I decided that tonight I was going to show her that I still loved her. Sure my timing was off, but I figured if she wanted to try to get things back to how they were when I got back, I should show her that I want it too.

I pulled my bike up in front of the sushi place in town that Bella and Rose claimed was Ali’s favorite, when I saw him. The Armani prick was already out, parading some blonde woman around. I was honestly shocked he had moved on so quickly with this chick I could only presumed was his assistant, Kate.

He looked over at me and I saw him tense up. Good, I thought as I got off the bike. "Garrett! Funny seeing you so soon, " I taunted.

He rolled his eyes at me, but didn't say anything. "Oh, I'm sorry did I interrupt something?" I asked, focusing my attention on his companion.

"No, we were just heading to the museum," She smiled at me.

"Where are my manners? I'm Jasper," I held my hand out to her.

"Kate," she responded, shaking my hand as Garrett glared.

"Pleasure meeting you." I glanced at Garrett before looking back at Kate. "Do you mind if I speak to Garrett real quick? I forgot to tell him something the last time we spoke and it's important."

She smiled and shook her head. "No, of course."

I walked to the side of the building where there was an alley and waited for Garrett to follow. "This better be good," he snarled.

"Oh it will be," I said before shoving him against the wall, holding him up with my forearm pressed against his neck. He tried to fight back and talk shit which only made me laugh. "Don't say a word prick, the more you do that, the more pressure my arm will place on your esophagus aiding in your asphyxiation, so if you have plans to continue fucking your secretary I suggest you stop and listen to me."

He stopped struggling and looked at me, his eyes showing signs of panic.

"Good, now listen carefully. You never deserved her. I may have hurt her and left her when she needed me, but I never made her self-conscious or joked to her brother about fucking someone else. You come anywhere near her again and I will release the hounds. Believe me… You don't ever want to cross Edward and Emmett when it comes to Ali Cat." He glared at me in response and I applied a little more pressure as I leaned in to whisper in his ear. "And as far as her being a fridged bitch... you couldn’t be more wrong," I pulled back to see the confused look on his face, making me smirk.

"I just have to say, nothing feels better than when she cums around my cock especially like she did a few weeks ago. I guess you just didn't know how to get her hot," I taunted, letting go of him.

He leaned against the wall gasping for air. "You fucking asshole," he rasped out.

I laughed. "I'm the asshole? Right." I rolled my eyes before pulling my fist back and hitting him square in the face which made a sickening crunching noise. "That's for hurting Alice in ways you'll never understand." I saw the blood on his face and smiled before leaving him in that alley.

"He'll be back in a few moments. So sorry to keep you," I said politely to Kate before bidding her farewell.

----

When I got to Ali Cat's condo, I entered the code to get into the building before making my way up to her place. I called her to let her know I was coming over with dinner so she said she would leave the door unlocked.

"Ali I'm here!" I called out as I closed and locked the door.

"Be right down!" she called back from her office in the loft. I made my way to the kitchen to unload the bags of sushi I picked up. "Oh my God, did you get me sushi?" A.C.'s happy voice drifted over to me.

"Oh my God, I did!" I mimicked her enthusiasm.

She scowled at me playfully. "I would've jumped on you and said thank you, but now you ruined that."

I snapped my fingers in disappointment, wincing slightly. "Damn that hurt..." I muttered. "Anyway, I figure sushi would be a good comfort food."

"Thank you," She smiled, giving me a kiss on the cheek.

"You're very welcome. Thank God for California rolls or I'd starve," I teased before popping one in my mouth. "Table or living room?" I asked, picking up a few of the plates.

"Doesn't matter, where are you most comfortable?"

"Uh huh, your dinner surprise, you pick. Otherwise we'll eat right here in the kitchen," I teased, knowing how much she hated that.

"Living room... We can watch movies," she suggested.

I nodded and started heading that way. "By the way, there's Sake in the bag."

"Tryin’ to get me drunk?"

I laughed and shook my head. "Of course not. I just thought wine with dinner... and since Sake is Japanese wine I figured it’d go well with sushi."

She laughed a little. "And getting me drunk so you could take advantage of me didn't cross your mind?" she asked with a small smile.

I smirked, "No, why would I do something like that? You know I like you sober."
"I like you when you're drunk," she winked.

I laughed, setting the plates down on the table. "Well... lucky for you, your computer is upstairs."

"Why, you planning on taking me over a desk again, Nerdy Boy?"

She keeps purring like that I just might, I thought. "Actually, not right now... we have to talk."

"Okay..." She looked a little nervous.

"It's not bad, I promise," I gave her a smile. "It's just I'm leaving for Tennessee tomorrow and I wanted you to know that I'm coming back... but... I just... I wanted to know your thoughts... about us..."

She finished chewing the piece of sushi she had in her mouth before answering, "I’m still in love with you."

I couldn't help the grin on my face. "I’m still in love with you too, Alice..."

"So... what do you wanna do about that?" she asked, chewing on her lip.

"Well... I want to try again. But do things differently though." I took her hand in mine. "If you want to, that is."

She smiled, "Yeah, I do. I mean, it might seem kinda soon, but... I want it if you do."

"We don't have to jump into it. I just want to be yours again, you know? I missed you."

"I want to be yours too, I feel like I never really left you, you know? Like when you left, you took a part of me."

I nodded. "I think I left a big part of myself here as well... and it took me coming back to realize it."

"Did you miss me while you were away?" she asked, lacing her fingers with mine.

"I did." I admitted. "I even tried to forget you... but I couldn't."

"What did you think about?"

"Everything... at times I would think I could hear you laughing when I did something stupid at work. I would remember the way you'd let me cry when I had those dreams about my parents. I would miss the way you'd kiss me when you thought I was going to say something embarrassing, or even just to shut me up when I rambled."

The corner of her mouth curled up into a smile. "I missed you so much too."

"I'm sorry I left Ali... I want to make it up to you."

"How do you plan on doin' that N.B.?"

"Honestly... I don't know." I looked down at our hands. How do you fix something like that?

"This was a good start," She smiled. "Are you sure when you go back Kelly isn't gonna figure out a way to keep you there?"

I nodded and leaned my head against the couch. "Yeah I'm sure. That's why I'm leaving so early tomorrow, I want to have time to pack up all my stuff before she gets home from work."

"When are you coming back..."

I rubbed my face with my free hand and sighed. "Uh, I’m hoping three days tops. I'm driving back though so could be longer could be less, depending on the weather and roads."

"I'll miss you," She blushed. "That's kinda dumb huh?"

I shook my head. "No, not dumb. I was toying with the idea of taking you with me, but I didn't want you to be exposed to the crazy ex."

"Soon to be ex," she corrected. "I could handle her."

I laughed. "I'm sure you could Ali Cat."

"But?"

"But nothing. I just think it's easier for me to go out there, do what I got to do and come back," I shrugged.

"Okay... If you really don't want me to protect you from the she-devil..." she teased.

"Oh, you think you can protect me?" I looked at her amused.

She sat a little straighter. "I may be little, but I'm fiesty."

I laughed and smiled at her. "You're beautiful you know that?"

"You really think so?"

"I do. Even when you're in PJs you’re beautiful." I tugged on the leg of her flannel pants.

She blushed and smiled before looking at our joined hands. "Did you want to stay tonight?"

"I'd like that."

She smiled and took another bite of sushi. "Can I ask you a question?"

"Of course."

"How did you go from dating someone like Kayla to dating the crazy trashy version of me?"

I spit my sake out in surprise. "Kayla?" How the hell did she know about Kayla?

"Um when I went to Tennessee... I met her," She chewed her lip.

"What? When? Why? How come no one told me?" So many questions ran through my mind.

"About two years ago..." She chewed her lip nervously. "I wanted to ask you why you left, I wanted to confront you... but compared to her I looked frumpy and fat and gross... she was really nice to me though."

“Yeah, she's a sweetheart. Too good for me. Wait, you met her?" I was seriously confused.

"Yeah, at Applebees...she saw me sittin’ by myself so she came over to talk to me..."

I shook my head, what was it with the women leaving me out of things? "Wow," was all I could say.

"Answer my question," she said impatiently.

"Alright, Alright... relax..."

~*~*~April 16th, 2008~*~*~

"Jasper! You're still here?" A female voice asked from behind me. I spun in my chair to see Detective Morgan leaning against the door frame.

She was attractive, but not my type. Not like my type had been working for me lately. I knew she had a thing for me, hell, the whole department seemed to know this. I kept passing on her obvious attempts to get me alone. Why? She was a tall, leggy, blonde... the pantsuits she wore made one think that she could quite possibly be Hugh Heffner's next girlfriend if he saw her. She was also quiet, and a people pleaser.

Everything Alice isn't. A voice said in my head. Jesus, almost three years and I still can't get her out of my mind.

"Jasper?"

"Oh sorry. Yeah still here," I gave her a tight smile.

She looked at her watch and smiled. "I know Amber doesn't want to pay overtime so you, my friend, need to hang the coat up."

"I'm just finishing up in here. You know, procedure."

She nodded. "You're a good guy, Jasper." No I'm not, I thought as she turned to leave. "Oh, we're all going to O'Mally's for a celebratory drink. You should stop by, since the case would still be open if you hadn’t found the paper trail..."

I shook my head. "Just my job and thanks... I'll think about it."

----

I don't know what made me go to the pub, but I did. Drink after drink, I found myself relaxing and talking to Detective Morgan - Kelly - more and more. Innocent flirting turned into more and before I knew it she was in my bed.

When she asked me out to dinner the next night, I told her I wanted to keep things casual, see how things go.

That was my first mistake.

I used work as an excuse for why we couldn't be serious, much like using Edward as the excuse with Ali-Cat. As time progressed I found myself comparing Kelly to Alice. Kelly swore, drank and smoked. Alice only swore with reason, didn't drink as much or smoke. She got me to talk about my past, wanted more information about my friends and family, but every time Alice came up in a story, she'd roll her eyes or groan. Even Kayla tried to warn me. She said the attraction wasn't normal. I just laughed it off and told her it was fine.

I tried my hardest to not think about Ali while I was with Kelly. After all, she moved on and according to Rose she was happy with her newest beau. I deserved the same right?

A month later, Kelly had managed to move into my apartment. It bothered me because this was my space, it held my secrets, but I suppose it made sense, she spent more time here than she did at her own place.

“You know, I think we should have sushi tonight," Kelly suggested as she sat on the couch.

"No," I stated plainly.

"Why not? It's delicious."

"It's raw fish, fish that live in bacteria filled waters. It’s disgusting."

"Awww... but Jasper, I want sushi," She pouted.

"Then go eat it, just do not bring into my house." I rubbed my hands over my face pushing my glasses up.

She laughed. "God, you're a dick. If you don't like raw fish then get California Rolls, those are cooked."

Yeah, I know because that's all I‘d eat when Alice wanted sushi. I snapped back in my head. "No, I don't want that shit in my apartment!"

"Our, Jasper… Our apartment," she tried to correct.

"Until your name is on the lease, it's my apartment. If you don't like it, there's the door," I pointed at the front door and immediately felt bad when I saw the hurt flash across her face.

She got up and made her way to me, straddling my lap. "Is my poor lab tech stressed out?"

"I don't want to do this right now Kel," I pushed her off my lap.

She stood up in a huff. "If I was fucking Alice you'd be all over me!" she shouted storming towards the bedroom. "Face it Jasper, you weren't good enough for her!"

She was right.

~*~*~*~

I opened the door to the apartment and was grateful that I was alone. I knew hell was gonna be paid when Kelly got here and honestly, I just wanted to get the bulk of my things packed before she got home.

I carried the boxes into the office and carefully started to pack up my comic books. It may seem silly that a grown man would be as protective as I was over these, but I had a lot of Stan Lee's first edition books. I'll be damned if they got ruined.

My mind was racing with things I had to do before Kelly got back. I had to separate my stuff into three categories; going with me, ship to Emmett, and sell. I knew the majority of my furniture would be sold. I couldn’t very well fit a desk from Ikea in the trunk space of the Prius.

Things like my comic books and collectibles were getting shipped to Emmett and Rose. They said that they would take care of them until I found my own place. Then my clothes, movies, Mom and Dad's possessions, and work stuff was going with me in the car.

Just as I was labeling the last of five comic book boxes, I heard the unmistakable sound of Kelly's shoes on the hardwood floor.

"Jasper?" she called out.

"Office Kel," I answered, almost wishing I hadn’t. I could hear her footsteps pick up as she hurried towards the office. She tackled me on the floor, kissing me everywhere she could.

"I'm so glad you're home, I missed you so much!"

I pushed her away. "Kel, we gotta talk."

~*~*~*
Leave a review at Fanfiction.net by clicking here

Chapter 21

DISCLAIMER:
We are not nor have we ever claimed to be Stephanie Meyer. All Twilight Characters belong to her, she makes the money off of the movies/book/music/shirts ect. We own the plot bunnies that infect our brain and use them to raise money for charity. Therefore, no money is in our bank from this.
~*~*~*~*~*~

JPOV:

The past couple of days had been hectic. Between getting things ready so I could get permanently situated here in Forks and helping Ali Cat with wedding details, I honestly didn’t know what day of the week it even was.

I was also starting to doubt that my plan was working. It almost seemed as if my being her friend and helping her out as needed was putting more of a strain on things. I could tell something was bothering her, not hard to figure out when you saw the little crease in her forehead as she chewed on her lip; but when I asked her what was wrong; she would just smile and say it was wedding stuff.

I told Ed and Emmett one night that I thought I was making it worse. If anything Alice had seemed more conflicted about us than I had intended. They both told me to stop making excuses.

I wasn’t making excuses, well at least not for that. The only time I ever made excuses was when things started to go too far. I could see the hurt that flashed through Ali Cat’s eyes when I put a stop to things or pushed her away, even though each time I really just wanted to say ‘screw it’ and give in. But I didn’t want to make things harder on her. I know my Alice, it would hurt her more for her to be unfaithful to the man she promised to marry.

That’s another thing. Aren’t most girls excited to be planning their wedding? I know I’m not her fiancé, so my opinion is pretty much null in the matter, but if anything, she seemed to be dreading this.

Maybe I’m reading too much into things. I’m sure planning this extravagant event in such a short amount of time, without her fiancé has to be getting to her. Hell, I would be stressed too. Then again, I’m never getting married. Armani prick made sure of that by sweeping her up first.

Stop it Whitlock…

I had my own shit to worry about as well. The biggest one being Kelly. I know I didn’t love her. But I didn’t want to hurt her either. That was part of the reason I wasn’t taking her calls. I knew if I talked to her I would tell her what happened with Alice. Yes, I’m an asshole for sleeping with Alice while having a girlfriend, but I’m not about to break up with her over the phone either.

Relocating back to Washington is being a bigger pain than I thought. My lease on my place in Tennessee isn’t up until December and I don’t want to pay two land lords, or piss my current one off. I had to figure out how I was going to move my things cross country without having to use the aid of a moving company.

Never should have left in the first place.

I fell back onto the couch with a heavy sigh. Maybe I can just take over the lease for Bella’s apartment at the end of the month. I’m already here and know the place.

I looked at my watch and saw that it was twenty minutes to eleven. Alice was meeting with someone at one for a possible wedding location. Maybe I should surprise her and take her to lunch.

When I arrived at her office, the receptionist Kim greeted me with a warm and friendly smile. "Hi Jasper."

"Afternoon Ms. Kim. Is Alice available?" I asked.

Kim looked down at her desk before nodding. "Appears so, I'll let her know you're here."

I held my hand up. "No, it's okay. I wanted to surprise her."

Kim laughed and shook her head. "Alright then, to the left, third door down... Good luck."

I walked down to the office Kim indicated to see Alice with her head down the desk. Her door was open but I didn't want to intrude on her conversation.

I leaned against the door frame, barely able to hear her conversation until I heard his name.

"No ‘Rhett, it's fine..." she said quietly. There was a long pause before she spoke again, "Ditto... see yah in a few days then. Bye." She sighed and hung up the phone.

I gently tapped the door frame making her look up at me. "Hey," I said with a smile.

"Hey!" she chirped, a wide smile crossing her face.

I stepped inside her office, "So I was thinking I would surprise you and take you to lunch before your meeting."

"Okay," She nodded, grabbing her purse. "Where are we going?"

I shrugged. "Depends on what you're in the mood for since I didn't think that far ahead."

She laughed, "Um a salad..."

"Salad it is," I laughed and walked with her out of the office. Once outside I held her car door open for her before getting into the passenger seat. "So are you excited about meeting with Logan today?"

She nodded a little distractedly.

"You excited to see Garrett soon?" Honestly, I didn't want to know the answer but I figured it was appropriate considering she was just on the phone with him.

She gave me a odd look, "Sure... I've gained some weight though." She chewed her lip.

I felt my eyebrow jump at that. "Is that why you want salad? Ali what's going on?"

"I need to lose weight," she sighed. "I've gained a few pounds, I know Garrett will notice..." She shook her head. "I know I look horrible, but look at how I've been eating..."

"You're insane you know that? And I'm sorry, but I think you’re sexy as hell and if he's too much of a prick to appreciate you now..." I stopped myself and looked out at the city as we passed through. She was quiet all the way to the restaurant, waiting for me to start up a conversation again I assumed.

"Do you really think I'm sexy?" she asked quietly after she ordered her Caesar salad.

"Yeah, I do."

She tilted her head to study my face, "Why?"

That made me choke on my drink. "What do you mean?" I coughed out.

"Why do you find me sexy...what about me is so sexy to you?"

"Everything," God that sounded like a cop out. "You know I've always had a weakness for your legs, so those still get me every time. But you've changed so much. You've gone from this beautiful young woman to..." I waved my hand in her direction. "Trust me, you're not fat or anything remotely close. You've got amazing curves and any man who is lucky enough to touch and kiss every inch of your body, well... let's just say, I'm envious."

She smiled and blushed a little, "Thanks, it means a lot to me."

"Always..." I smiled at her, before slouching more in the booth. "So how’s work?"

"Good, what about you?"

"Can't complain," I smiled at the waitress as she set our food down. "After all, I'm cleaning up the town, one DNA sample at a time," I joked.

She gave a small laugh as she picked at her food. I watched her as she seemed lost in thought.

"You know," I started, finally breaking the silence. "You can tell me what’s bothering you. I remember someone once telling me that I was good sounding board..."

"I don't think I want to marry Garrett," she said quietly.

I gave her a small smile despite all the mental fist pumping I was doing. "Why? If you don't mind me being nosey."

"I love him but I'm not in love with him." She admitted, her eyes filled with sorrow as she looked at me. "I thought I could, but I know I can't. It's just not possible."

"I'm sorry." I suddenly felt as if it was my fault that she was sad.

"Why are you sorry?"

"I think I may have been going about this friendship thing the wrong way. My intention wasn't to hurt you."

"I'm glad you showed me that I didn't really love him, but I'm sad because I am going to hurt him." She sighed and picked at her salad, "I'm sorry to burden you with my troubles."

"It's no burden Ali Cat. I know it's asking a lot, but I want you to trust me enough to talk to me when somethings bothering you."

"Thanks," She smiled and took a bite.

"No problem at all," I smiled back and bit into a fry. "Considering your recent confession, did you still want to meet with Logan?"

She shrugged, "I hate making appointments and not keeping them, you know?"

I nodded. "Understandable. Honestly, I was a little shocked when you told me you were going to look at this hall. I always thought you wanted your wedding to be by the ocean.”

"I did," she stated, "but that was for my wedding to you..." She blushed a little and looked back down at her plate.

"Oh... well now I feel like an ass," I laughed.

"Why?" she asked, looking back up at me.

"Because I should have known that?" I really didn't mean for it to come out as a question.

She rolled her eyes, "How were you supposed to know?"

"Because the beach was always our thing," I reached over and stole a crouton from her plate.

"Well, now you know," She smiled and took another bite, pretending to threaten me with her fork.

~*~oOo~*~

After lunch we went over to the hall that Alice has been considering for her wedding with Garrett. It was strange to think of all the things she had done over the past week, only to know that she was going to cancel it all.

A part of me was elated that she didn't love him enough to marry him, while the other part wondered why.

Logan, the coordinator for the venue, was very kind to Alice. I could tell that she was embarrassed to tell Logan that she was unsure if the wedding was going to continue, but the minute Logan smiled and said she understood, Alice relaxed.

I followed behind the girls as they talked. We were first shown the garden area where the ceremony would be held. It was nice, but not right for my Ali Cat. Then we were led into the ballroom. I let a low whistle out, not entirely surprised that it echoed through out the room. Logan went on to explain how the tables would be situated to maximize the dance floor. A good thing, if you're into that sort of thing.

I took Ali's hand just as Logan excused herself to take a call, pulling her to the center of the dance floor. Once there I spun her around few times, earning a genuine smile and a laugh.

"Had to see if the dance was good enough," I informed her when she raised her eyebrow at me.

"Sure Nerdy Boy... was that all?"

I laughed and pulled her closer to me. "Okay I may have wanted to hug my best friend, is that wrong?"

She shook her head, "No it's not."

I laughed and kissed the crown of her head.

"See, now I knew the minute you walked in that you two were the perfect couple!" Logan gushed making us both jump.

"Excuse me?" I asked.

Logan smiled. "I love seeing the Bride and Groom happy and in love," she explained.

"We're not engaged..." We said simultaneously.

~*~*~ February 25th, 2005~*~*~*

We arrived at this camp almost a week ago after spending a few days in Yellowstone for Ali's eighteenth birthday.

Just on the border of Northwest Texas and New Mexico was where we found them, modern day gypsies who had welcomed us with open arms. Ali and I suspected that they were more like hippies that integrated various parts of the gypsy style into their own way of living. Either way it was freeing. The only worry I had was whether Alice was truly happy or not.

And judging by her smile as she danced around with some of the local girls, she was just that. Happy.

A few nights ago, Shawn, the king of all this, held a ceremony welcoming us as a part of their family. We were given new names. Ali was now Flutura, which I thought was appropriate for her. It meant butterfly and over the years I’d watched her transform into a beautiful woman, much like a caterpillar changes into a butterfly.

"She's very pretty Endrit, young but pretty." I looked up at the voice talking to see Shawn's wife, Maria, smiling in the direction of the girls dancing in the twilight. Alice already loved her new ‘sister’ Nettie. The two of them instantly bonded and became inseparable, or so it seemed.

"She's an adult," I defended. "And please, call me Jasper." I was given the name Endrit at the naming ceremony, which evidently meant light. I didn’t quite understand Maria or Shawn’s reasoning behind the name, besides I was just more comfortable with the name my mom gave me.

Maria sat down at the table next to me. "You care for her a great deal."

I nodded, wondering where she was going with this.

"It seems Flutura has other admirers in our midst." I looked at Maria just as she nodded her head in the direction of one of her other 'daughters'.

"Lucy?" I asked.

"Yes," She sighed as we both watched Lucy stare at Alice with longing, biting her lip the whole time. "I try to tell her that she shouldn't think such things, but she likes girls." Maria shrugged.

I smiled and shook my head. "Well, Ali Cat's a looker. I don't blame her one bit."

Maria laughed. "So, you plan on marrying her, yeah?"

Whoa...

I stared at Maria before looking back at Alice. "Yeah, if she'd have me. I tend to mess things up pretty easily," I admitted.

"What do you mean by that? Of course you do, you are a man, men always screw ever'thin' up."

I laughed and shook my head. "With Ali and me, it's complicated."

"I have time, explain away young man," She smiled at me and made herself comfortable, clinking a bit as she moved because of all the jewelry she wore.

"Well..." Where the hell do I start? "I've hurt her before... twice actually. I'm honestly surprised she still wants me after what I've done."

"How have you hurt her?" She seemed to be studying me.

I scoffed and shook my head. "She told me she loved me and I panicked, told her that we could only be friends, then when she stuck to her guns I pushed her too far." I folded my arms on the table and rested my chin on them, watching as Alice played a game with the younger kids.

"You always hurt the ones you love..." She grew quiet for a moment. "Your loves are different."

"They are?" I looked up at her seeing a far off look in her rich brown eyes.

"Yes, your love is a bit more mature, a bit more rough, more primal; where as hers is pure, innocent... very much like your souls." She nodded thoughtfully.

"How do you figure?" I asked curiously. I get where she would see Ali as being pure and innocent... but me?

"I can see it in your eyes, the way you look at each other. You've lived through much more than her, you want her in ways she doesn't fully comprehend." She looked towards Alice again.

"You can tell all that from my eyes?"

"You can tell a lot for someones eyes."

Huh... "What do hers say? I mean besides being pure and innocent?"

"She's deeply in love with you, she'd do absolutely anything for you, but she's still very young and has much living to do. She's energetic, happy and very confident, most of the time anyway." Maria gave me a wry smile. "She is a good person."

I nodded, that was Ali to a 'T'. "Why did you ask about marriage?" I asked without thinking about it.

"Because you act like her husband." She responded simply.

"I do?" I thought I acted like the teenage boy that was in love with her.

"You try to provide for her, you take care of her, she cooks for you..." she smiled and shrugged.

"Oh!" I laughed and shook my head. "I would burn the house down if I cooked, she's far better at it." I shrugged. "I just want her happy, you know?"

"There's that too, and she would like you happy as well."

I sighed and looked back at Ali. "I'm happy as long as I have her and her love."

~*~oOo~*~

I packed up the last of our things into the back of the Santa Fe as Ali said good bye to the girls in Maria and Shawn's Caravan.

"Endrit, hold on there buddy," I turned to see Maria and Shawn coming toward me.

"Sorry, I was getting things ready to go, I wasn't leaving without a good bye," I explained, taking Shawn's extended hand and shaking it.

"We know," he said with a kind smile. "Maria and I wanted to give you two something. A gift to help you along your travels."

I raised my eyebrow at him as Maria smiled and held her arms out to me. I went to her and hugged her in return.

"You do know that you didn't have get us anything right?" I asked just as Alice joined us.

Shawn laughed. "We're fully aware of that Endrit. We just figured you and Flutura would appreciate a home to take with you on your travels."

I looked down at Ali as she wrapped her arms around my middle, hugging herself to my side. She looked up and shrugged, clearly just as confused as I was.

"A home away from home, if you will," Maria said with a smile, pointing to the small ninteen-sixties Airstream trailer two of the other guys were pulling in our direction.

"I noticed your SUV has a hitch and well, Maria and I have found our home," Shawn said, wrapping his arms around his wife.

"I... this... Thank you. Seriously. Thank you." I was stunned at the kindness these two, let alone the whole community, had shown us.

"Even a nomad needs a place to rest his head," Shawn said with a wink.

"We will miss you," Maria said with a sad little nod looking at us both seriously.

"Our paths will cross again," I smiled at her, remembering a reading she had done with her Tarot Cards.

With a rush of blonde hair and tanned skin, Lucy was on Alice, kissing her, hard and passionately for a minute before she pulled away, Alice looked shocked while Lucy looked really... happy.

"I will miss you Flutura." Lucy chirped, before turning and running back from where she came.

I bit as hard as I could on my cheek to keep from laughing at Alice's stunned look, but lost it when Shawn started laughing. Maria sighed and shook her head, "She likes the pretty girls..." Alice turned to me, gaping in disbelief.

"I was wondering how long it would take Lucy to do that," Shawn laughed. "Come here Flutura and give me hug before you two run off."

She walked over and hugged both Maria and Shawn, whispering something in Maria's ear before pulling back and saying, "Thank you so much for all your help."

I laced my fingers with hers when she came back over and we started for the car. "Do you want to investigate our new home now or later?" I asked her as we approached the sliver camper now attached to the hitch.

"Now," she said excitedly.

I laughed as I let go of her hand, watching her run to the door and swinging it open. "Well?" I asked once I joined her.

"I love it! We need to decorate... and move our stuff in here... but I love it," She bounced a little.

I smiled at her excitement. "Okay, first Target we see, we'll get some things and decorate a little. That sound good?"

She wrapped her arms around my shoulders and kissed me hungrily. "Yes! And then," she waggled her eyebrows suggestively, "We'll break her in?"

I nodded putting my arms around her waist and sliding my hands lower. "Remind me to also get condoms, we're out."

She chuckled as she kissed me on the neck, "Okay... but, we already did it a few times without, you're not gonna miss the feel?"

I cupped her ass in my hands giving it a squeeze and making her squeal. "Yes, but we ain't ready for a family yet. We don’t want you getting pregnant."

"I know," she smiled serenely. "I just love the sounds you make," she giggled and bit her lip.

I smirked, "Well, it does feel petty great... Damn! Com'on, the sooner we find a Target the sooner we can get to breaking the bed in." She giggled as she trailed behind me, stopping me so that she could shut and lock the door.

~*~*~*~*~

"What ever happened to the old Airstream?" I asked the room, making the conversation come to a stand still.

"Um... I put it in storage a few months back...why?" Emmett asked, looking highly confused.

I shook my head. "No reason, I was just curious as to where it was. I might need it soon, once the lease is up on Bella's apartment." Rose's eyes went wide in shock at my words. "Oh yeah, I'm moving back." Oops.

Alice's eyes went wide in surprise, but she kept her mouth shut. "Wow, man, you're really gonna move back?" Emmett sounded pretty excited for a guy who had so little sleep lately, between all the trips to the hospital to visit Payton and going to work, he hardly had any time for sleep.

"Yeah... The only reason I was staying there was my job," I shrugged and tried to figure out what was up with Ali.

"About time you realized where you belong," Rose snapped. "And she better not be coming with you. Trash belongs on the side of the road and that's where she'll stay. I'll be damned if she thinks she can get anywhere near Ali's trailer."

Bella laughed at Rose's outburst. "Tell us how you really feel there Rose." Rose snorted in response and shook her head. I expected Edward to say something, but he didn't, he just smirked.

I rolled my eyes. "No Rose, she's not coming with me."

"Did you break up with her?" She asked with a hopeful look.

I shook my head and looked at my drink. "Not yet."


~*~*~
Leave a review at Fanfiction.net by clicking here

Chapter 19

Disclaimer: We are not nor have we ever claimed to be Stephenie Meyer or the owners of The Twilight Saga and its characters. We are merely two girls with an idea and words on a screen.
~*~*~*~*~*~

JPOV

We wound up spending the night in each other's arms. I slept better than I normally do, but not as good as I usually could with Alice. I guess I had too much on my mind.

I was a little perplexed about why she wanted to have sex earlier. I knew she was horny, and let's face it, I wanted nothing more than to fuck her senseless, but she was going to be married to another man. Had I broken her so much so that she was afraid to commit to him?

I had no room to talk though. I was barely able to sustain a relationship with any of the girls I had dated, to no one’s fault but my own. I just couldn't get everything I left behind out of my head and I compared everyone and everything to Alice.

As much as I wanted to bring Alice pleasure last night, I was thankful that we didn't do anything. I knew it would just hurt her more in the end and honestly, I didn't want her to think it was the only reason I came over.

I needed to show her that I'm here for her. That, despite my actions in the past, I'm not going to leave her. And fucking her every chance I got sure as hell wouldn't help the situation any.

I looked over at her sleeping figure only to see her looking at me. "Jesus," I laughed. "Trying to scare me?"

"No," she chuckled, "you just looked lost in thought... what are you thinking about?"

"Nothing much.” I shrugged. “You know how I get... my mind was just wandering." I smiled at her and pulled her closer. "Did I wake you?"

"No," She shook her head. "It's nice to wake up with someone again."

I nodded and glanced at the bedside clock. "What time do you need to start getting ready for work?"

"I usually get up at seven."

I shook my head and kissed her forehead. "Go back to sleep Ali Cat, you've still got two hours."

"I wanna hang with you," she said with a smile.

"Well I'm not going anywhere. I promise, I’ll be here when you wake up." I moved onto my side to face her.

She yawned and giggled. "Okay,” she said, before closing her eyes.

I smiled and watched her as she fell back to sleep. The fluttering under her eyes lids and slight parting of her lips told me she was fast asleep. I gently kissed her before attempting to go back to sleep myself.

~*~oOo~*~

I closed the centrifuge lid, waiting for the click and the whirring sound before taking my glasses off to rub my eyes. One draw-back to not sleeping is burning out really fast, especially when you're straining your eyes on computer screens, light tables and microscopes.

"Hey Whitlock, do you have the samples for the Murphy case?" I put my glasses back on to see one of the detectives standing in the doorway of the lab.

"Murphy? Oh yeah!" I rolled my chair over and pulled out the file. "Three samples were found. The victim’s, one that shares common traits, and an unknown," I informed him as I handed over the file.

"Thanks," he said gruffly as he left the lab.

"Dickhead," I muttered under my breath. Most of the staff didn't like me being here and I felt like I was in the middle of a damn turf war at times, but that's what happens when you get called in from another jurisdiction.

"Didn't you have somewhere to be at four?" I looked up again to see Grant looking at me.

This was technically his lab and while I was doing work for Charlie I also helped Grant out.

"Yeah, why?" I asked.

He laughed and shook his head. "Man… it's a quarter after five."

Shit! "Fuck Ali is gonna kill me," I groaned trying to clean up as quickly as I could.

Grant laughed and shook his head. "Ali huh? Got yourself a girlfriend and didn't tell me?" He teased as he pulled the samples I started out of the centrifuge.

I scoffed. "I wish. I just promised her I'd meet with her and the caterer at four."

"Caterer? You getting married?" he asked.

I shook my head as I stood up. "No, she is. I'm just helping her out."

"Ah... you're in the ‘friends zone’. Good luck with that."

I just rolled my eyes and said my goodbyes before hurrying to get my coat and helmet.

I hit the number for Bella's cell and waited for her to pick up.

She giggled as she answered. "Still haven't learned to read a watch I see," she teased.

"Ha ha Bells. Is Ali Cat still there?"

"Yeah, we’re just talking and she's had some wine..." she trailed off.

"Please tell her I'm sorry and I'm on my way right now."

I could hear Bella pull the phone away and say something to Alice. "Alright, I told her. Just drive safe."

"Are you guys at your office or the house?" I asked to make sure.

"The office," Bella said, giving me the directions before hanging up the phone.

When I arrived at the address Bella gave me, I looked at it skeptically. I knew she had a private catering business, and after she did some gig for a movie shoot she’d made enough to buy a place that was all kitchen and office. This building looked more like a warehouse.

I walked into the building and could hear the girls talking and the smells of whatever Bella was cooking filled the air, making me realize I hadn’t eaten yet today.

I approached Ali Cat from behind, kissing her on the cheek. "Sorry I'm late beautiful," I whispered before sitting down next to her.

She smiled, blushed and took a long sip from her drink. "It's okay."

Bella smiled at us, a knowing look in her eyes before she left us to stir something.

"No, I told you I was going to be here. I just lost track of time. So what did I miss?"

"Nothin' really, we just talked about the cake."

"Since when could Bells bake?" I teased, earning a resounding 'hey' from her.

Alice laughed, "Bells ain't makin' it, her partner Jake is."

"Oh good," I laughed as Bella sat back down. "I'm pretty sure you want your guests to be able to eat the cake."

"Ohmygod! I make brownies wrong one time," Bella said, shaking her head at me as she slid a Mountain Dew towards me.

"They were bricks and Emmett was so pissed that you used his ‘special butter’ for them," I snorted.

"They were groovy," Alice winked at Bella.

Bella laughed and shook her head. "What the hell was he thinking putting 'weed butter' in the fridge? Our dad is a cop for fucks sake!"

"Oh I don't know... We are all guilty of thinking we could get away with things when were younger." I laughed.

"Like the 'tutoring'," Alice used finger quotes, "sessions, alone in your dorm room, all weekend?"

I raised my eyebrow at her. "Or someone purposely failing their classes so they would need it."

~*~*~October 18th, 2002~*~*~

I had just finished organizing my desk so that two people could work at it, when there was a soft knock at the door. "Come in," I called out knowing who it was.

Last weekend Esme had asked for me to help Ali Cat out. Apparently she was failing her history and science classes and Esme thought I would be the best candidate to tutor her. The plan was for Esme to pay me twenty dollars a week until Alice's grades went back up.

I tried to tell her that there was no charge for it, after all I'd do anything to help Ali Cat, but Esme wouldn’t hear of it.

I heard the door click shut and I looked over to see Alice with her overnight bag and book bag. I smiled at her. "Well, make yourself at home silly."

She smiled shyly and put the bags over by Edward's bed. "So, mom said you're gonna tutor me?"

I nodded. "That's the plan. So tell me something, do you find history and science boring or are you too busy drooling over some guy?" I teased.

She gaped at me for a minute, "I might find it a bit boring."

I laughed at her expression. "You can tell me if there's someone that's got your eye Ali," I shook my head. "Do you want something to drink?"

"Yes please," She smiled at me and sat on my bed.

I went over to the fridge that Ed and I had in our dorm room and grabbed two bottles of water. "So, I was thinking… we could get some pizza or Chinese then tackle whichever one you want to tonight," I suggested as I handed her a bottle.

"Okay... um can we get Chinese? It's something Ed hates, so I don't get it too often you know?"

I nodded. "Of course."

"I've missed you," she chirped as I grabbed my phone.

"I missed you too," I admitted. College life was definitely hectic and made it damn near impossible to spend time with anyone but my books.

"So... you... uh... have a girlfriend or whatever?"

I laughed and shook my head. "Nope. Nerds, contrary to someone's personal opinion, are not considered hot," I teased as I dialed the number for the Chinese takeout place.

"Not all nerds are hot, just you," she countered.

I smiled and shook my head at her as I ordered our food. "Apparently you're the only one who thinks so," I told her after I hung up the phone.

"Why do you say that?" she asked, tilting her head to study me.

"Nothing," I told her with a small smile while sitting on my bed. "So... how's high school life?"

"Boring," she sighed. "I got asked to homecoming by this guy named Chuck."

"Oh..." I looked down at my phone trying to seem like I wasn't that interested. "You gonna go with him?"

"I dunno, he's not really my type..." She looked at me expectantly.

"Oh well, if he's not your type then there's nothing to worry about huh? I mean not that I was worried, I just mean... Shit, so you want to work on history or science tonight?" Yeah that was smooth.

She gave a small laugh, "I guess science."

Shortly after we started working on her physics homework the food arrived, giving us what she called a 'study break'.

We got situated on the floor where we ate while we watched TV. It was nice just having her here to hang out with, even if we were supposed to be studying. I missed being able to hang out with her every day.

But it also made me acutely aware of her. Periodically my eyes would wander along her toned legs, watch her pert breasts bounce as she laughed at the show. Even the faint smell of her shampoo seemed to call to me, more so than usual.

I wanted to be respectful of her and her personal space, even if other parts of my anatomy wanted me to pin her down and hump her senseless. And it's not like our friendship was strictly platonic. It was anything but platonic. Or at least it had been.

Since I moved into the dorm, I hardly had time to go back to Forks anymore. Sure I had a standing invitation to the Cullen's family dinners on Sunday with Edward, but I was working my ass off to keep my scholarship. And the lack of seeing Alice made me wonder if she even had any interest in me still.

"Hey Ali..." I started, poking my dumpling with a chopstick. "Besides this Chuck guy not being your type... is there another reason why you don't want to go to homecoming with him?"

She blushed a little, "Isn't it obvious?"

I shrugged. "I don't know. I mean people change, feelings change, right?"

"Sure," she said sounding doubtful, her eyes cast down on her food.

I sighed. "I always hurt you, you know? I don't mean to, but I can feel it."

"You don't," she argued, staring at me wide eyed.

"Ali Cat..." I gave her a sad smile. "You don't have to admit it, just know that I don't mean to hurt you. I just never know the right things to say sometimes."

"I know..." She smiled.

I leaned closer to her. "So you still like me? Even though I'm a huge nerd and can't stop staring at your legs in those shorts?" I felt my ears warm up, the tell tale sign that I was blushing for admitting that to her, but I wanted a genuine smile from her.

She squeezed her thighs together and smiled, "Yes, so much that I failed my classes ‘cause I knew they'd ask you to tutor me."

I laughed at that. "Why you little faker... I knew something was up because you were excited about being in AP Physics and then your mom tells me your failing." I rolled my eyes at her. "And to think, I was going to kiss you," I teased.

Her head snapped up, "You aren't now?"

I shook my head, "Nope, ‘cause you've been bad."

"Come on Nerdy Boy..." She pouted.

I sighed, "I don't know Ali Cat..." I bit my cheek to keep from smiling.

"I'll be really good," She bit back a grin.

I quirked my eyebrow up at her. "How good?"

"As good as you want me to be?"

I laughed and put the white take out box next to me before pulling her into my lap. "But what if I want you to be bad?"

"How bad do you want me, Mr. Whitlock?" She damn-near purred.

I cupped her face with my hands. "We'll see," I said with a smirk before pressing my lips to hers.

~*~oOo~*~

The soft clink of porcelain and the smell of chicken brought me out of my memory. "Chicken Cordon Bleu," Bella said with a wink at me.

I smiled back at her and listened as she explained to Ali Cat that the idea behind it was to be the guilty pleasure dish, since it was more than chicken.

Alice looked at me and smiled. I wondered what that look was for but decided not to ask.

After Ali's meeting with Bella, I took the very tipsy bride-to-be back to her house. She was giggling about something the whole ride back and again I decided not to ask and ruin her fun.

"You know, you're a cute drunk," I teased as I set her on the couch and started to pull her shoes off for her.

"You think so?" she asked, still giggling.

"I do," I told her, placing the shoes by the couch before sitting next to her. "What's so funny buddy?" I finally asked in reference to her giggling.

"You looked funny driving my car, I think you're too big for it." She set off on another round of giggles.

I just shook my head and smiled. "Do you want me to start a bath for you or will you just worry about in the morning?"

"You can start a bath for me," She winked at me.

I nodded, pretending I didn't notice her flirting. "Tylenol in the medicine cabinet?"

"Yes," She leaned close to me.

"Baby, you're drunk," I warned her. I didn't want her to do something she'd regret later.

"I want you..." She tilted her head and wrapped her arms loosely around my neck.

I brushed the hair off the side of her face and smiled tenderly at her. "I want you too Ali Cat, but you know we shouldn't."

She pouted, "I know."

I kissed her softly on the forehead. "Come on, let me get you a nice hot bath ready with some pain pills and you'll be fine in the morning."

"Okay..." she agreed, letting me pick her up.

~*~oOO~*~

Over the next few days, I spent more time sleeping in Alice’s bed, with her, than I ever dreamed possible.

Besides trying to be respectful of her relationship with him, it was difficult to keep my hands to myself. Add in the fact that the case I was here for was near a close, my mind was constantly overwhelmed with thoughts.

I was almost done with the case Charlie wanted me to help out with and while I told Alice I wasn't leaving, I knew Chief Star, back in Knoxville, was expecting me back.

I was stuck. Do I finish up what I had to do here and leave Alice or do I quit my job and stay?

Alice would be pissed if I quit to stay here... but yet it would hurt her if I left.

I'm screwed.

I was just getting ready to head out the door when Paul, the department chief called me into his office.

Paul was a middle aged divorcé, balding with red hair and quite honestly, reminded me somewhat of a leprechaun. Though he was a pretty nice guy and seemed to genuinely care for his staff.

I sat down across from him and wondered what this impromptu meeting was all about.

"First let me say thank you. You've done an excellent job helping out Chief Swan as well as my department," he said in his thick New York accent. Brooklyn, I think.

"No problem at all, sir. I'm just grateful that y'all let me take up some space in your lab."

He smiled and nodded tossing a stack of paper work at me. "It turns out we need another tech on graves, and your Department Chief had nothing but high praises, emphasizing your skills in technical analyzing." I nodded my head, silently letting him know he could continue.

"We don't have anyone on our team with your knowledge and after speaking with Chief Star, both Chief Swan and I were hoping to convince her of possibly letting you stay here permanently, if you choose to do so."

"Are you offering me a job?" I asked after a few moments of silence.

Paul laughed. "Yes sir, I believe I am."


~*~*~
Leave a review at Fanfiction.net by clicking here

Chapter 18

Disclaimer: We are not nor have we ever claimed to be Stephenie Meyer or the owners of The Twilight Saga and its characters. We are merely two girls with an idea and words on a screen.

~*~*~*~
Apov:

After the dinner party where Garrett announced our engagement he took me to a nice hotel to celebrate our engagement, and to presumably have sex. He kept trying, and being sweet about it, telling me how beautiful I was and how much he loved and desired me, but I couldn't do it, I couldn't get Jasper out of my head.

I think Garrett was getting annoyed with it all because even though he said he had the hotel room till Monday we checked out Sunday afternoon and he left on his business trip a day early. I was confused about everything, I couldn't bring myself to be intimate in that way with Garrett, but I’d let Jasper throw me against the wall and take me like a savage beast any day?

But Jasper was gone, he found out I was getting married, congratulated me and left.

I sighed heavily as I walked into my office. I was torn, I knew Garrett was upset and I was fairly sure he knew why I couldn't be intimate with him. I wanted to make him happy, but the other half of me wanted to say fuck him and jump on the first plane heading to Tennessee to get Jasper back.

But first I had to work on some displays, take some pictures and figure out which underwear would look best for the ad that was going to be printed.

About half-way through my work day a man in a uniform showed up, carrying a vase filled with bright pink tulips and purple orchids, and they were for me. I looked at him, then at the flowers oddly as I signed for them. Garrett only ever sent me roses, so I knew these couldn't possibly be from him.

I saw a small paper crane amongst the flowers attached to a note. I knew who it was from before I even opened the little card; Jasper.

A little something to make you smile. Call me when you get time. I have a surprise for you.
~Your Nerdy Boy
P.S. I would like the record to show that I am no longer a boy :P

I laughed as I read the part about him no longer being a boy, I had to agree, he was definitely a man. I looked at the phone number scrawled out in his handwriting. I had just a few more things to do and then I could call him.

About twenty minutes later – it's amazing how much work you can get done when properly motivated – I picked up my office phone and dialed his number, it rang a few times before he picked up.

"Whitlock?" he answered, followed by a quiet curse and the sounds of stuff clattering around him.

"Hey," I chirped. "I got the flowers."

"Hey yourself," I could hear the smile in his voice. "Good, I'm glad you liked them. Bella told me where you got her flowers and I thought the lady at the shop was gonna skin me alive when I asked her to make sure they got there... damn it I'm rambling." he laughed softly. "How are you?"

"I'm good, well, confused, but good. How are you? Does that mean you're still in town?"

"I may have had too much caffeine," he admitted sheepishly. "And yes. I'm still in town. I was actually gonna tell you the other night but well... yeah..." he trailed off.

"So... what is this surprise?" I asked. I could hear the impatience in my voice.

"I'm not leaving... Turns out Charlie needs some help, since there's a case that is over lapping jurisdictions and he wanted me to help out. So if you're not busy, I thought perhaps I could take ya to lunch sometime. You know as friends."

My heart began thudding in my chest, he was staying? Forever? He was asking me to lunch? Wait, as friends? "Are you staying forever?" I asked softly.

"As of right now, no." Even he seemed down by this fact. "I've got the okay from my Chief to stay as long as Charlie needs me."

"That's good," I smiled, unsure of what to say. "So... Garrett went on a business trip again, he's gonna be gone for the next eight days..." I didn't know why I was telling him this.

He laughed and I could hear something slam shut. "Is he skipping out on wedding planning?" he teased.

"Probably," I chuckled. "Are you busy? Is this a bad time?"

He laughed. "No not really. Just trying to get some DNA off something for the case. I'm just back-up ‘cause apparently Charlie doesn't trust them ‘big city kids’."

"Oh." I laughed, "Okay. So you wanna come over for dinner tonight?"

"Sure. Just tell me what time and what to bring and I'll be there."

The smile on my face grew even bigger, "Um, is six okay? And just bring yourself... maybe your camera?"

"My camera?" he asked. "Well now... what kind of dinner you planning there Ali Cat?" he teased again.

I felt myself grow red, "Um... Well I was thinking after dinner maybe you could take some pictures of me? So maybe I'll feel better about the way I look and maybe give them to Garrett?"

He was silent for a minute before clearing his throat. "Yeah, I could help you with that. So six?"

"Yep," I chirped. "See yah then."

"Bye Ali," he said before hanging up.

----

I was nervous by the time five forty-five rolled around. I had cleaned the house, repeatedly and now was making what used to be his favorite dish; shrimp and pasta Alfredo. I had the garlic bread warming in the oven and the salad fixed and ready to go, I just needed him here.

At exactly six, I heard a knock at the door. Geez, was he waiting right outside 'til the minute hand hit the twelve or what? I thought as I pulled open the door. Jasper looked nice in his jeans, button down blue shirt, chucks and glasses. I missed seeing him in his glasses.

"Come on in," I stepped back and gestured for him to cross the threshold.

He stepped through, giving me a kiss on the cheek. "Something smells good..."

"I made Shrimp Alfredo for you," I said with a smile as I closed and locked the door.

"No way, I haven't had it since," he stopped talking and shook his head. "Thank you, but you didn't have to go out of your way Ali."

I tilted my head at him, how long had it been since he'd had it? "It wasn't a problem; I always have shrimp on hand."

"Good to know," he smiled as he set his camera bag down. My eyes focused briefly on the bag before I looked back up at him and smiled. If anyone could take beautiful pictures of me it would be Nerdy Boy.

---

After dinner and wine, we went into my office that was more like a walk-in-closet. Actually it was a second bedroom I converted so it could house all my shoes, accessories, plus the various samples I get from work, and of course, my computer.

I dressed in a sexy little number I had recently bought; it was crocheted black lace with pretty blue trim. The bottoms were more of a skirt that showed the very bottom of your butt-cheeks. The blue garters held up my black lace stockings and I put on a pair of sexy black pumps to finish off the look. After mussing my hair, I walked out of the connecting bathroom, feeling a little nervous.

What would Garrett think of me like this?

What would Jasper think?

I looked over at him and he was ogling me with a mixture of shock and pleasure all over his face. I knew I looked way different than when we were younger, I had filled out more, that was for sure. After giving him a nervous smile I walked over to my powder blue settee and casually sat down.

"So... how would you like me to pose?" I asked.

He licked his bottom lip as he thought it over. "Just relax like you would naturally."

I leaned over to the side and propped myself up on my elbow and bringing one foot up on the seat. "How's this?" I asked. It was as natural as I could get.

"Perfect," he said as he started to snap some pictures.

I leaned my head back, watching him as he took pictures of me. I was beginning to feel the effects of the wine. "Should I move?" I asked.

He pulled the camera down and looked at me. "Yeah... try leaning back..." He tilted his head as if picturing me in that position. I leaned back on the seat, my legs spreading a little. He continued taking the pictures and I could see him bite his lip as he concentrated.

"Hey Ali?" he asked from behind the camera.

"Yeah?" I responded. Adjusting my position so that I was kneeling.

"How erotic do you want these?" he asked.

I shrugged, "I dunno...why?"

He moved the camera down and shrugged. "Not sure. I was just thinking when you were laying back earlier... The way you had your legs spread slightly, if you were to place your hand on your stomach it would imply that you were thinking of the recipient." He gave me a small smile. "I sure as hell would want to see if you were taking care of things in the next picture..."

I lay back on the settee again, putting one hand on my lower abdomen and the other on my breast, just for good measure. "Like this?" I asked.

He nodded. "Perfect."

I bit my lip and watched him take a few more pictures, sliding the hand that was resting on my abdomen lower and lower. I don't know if it was the wine or the fact I found it hot that Nerdy Boy was once again taking pictures of me, but when my fingers found my clit I arched my back and moaned. Damn, I shoulda worn panties under this thing.

"Beautiful..." he said softly from behind the camera.

I gave him a lusty look before reaching up with my other hand and untying the top. I moved so that I was looking towards the back of the settee and pulled it off, tossing it at him before pushing my hips back slightly so he got a good look at the fact that the skirt didn't have anything under it.

"Tease," he responded huskily.

I slid my hand back down between my thighs and stroked my wetness. "I never tease."

"Uh huh..." he paused. ”And does that feel good Ali?"

"Yes," I didn't mean for it to come out as a purr.

"How good?" he asked.

"Really good," I moaned as I slipped a finger inside of myself.

I heard Jasper groan. "Baby... please..." he said in a pained whisper.

Please what? I could feel my heart pounding in my chest. "Do you want me Nerdy Boy?" My voice was so husky and wanton I barely recognized it.

"I do..." he responded, his voice heavy with desire.

I felt the smallest pang of guilt, only this once, I promised. "Fuck me Nerdy Boy..."
I heard the soft thud of the camera being set on the desk. "Lay back Ali," he instructed softly. I turned around and leaned back on the settee, resting one foot on the floor and the other on the cushion. He smirked at me as he made himself comfortable by my feet. "I want to taste you," he explained.

I bit my lip, "Then taste me."

He licked his lip as he grabbed my thighs, pulling me closer to him. His eyes held mine as his tongue darted out and slowly licked me. "Oh!" I moaned, dear lord that felt good! I clutched the sides of the settee for dear life. He continued lapping at me, making that spot in my stomach coil and my pussy throb, he was teasing me with his tongue and it was driving me crazy.

He thrust his tongue inside me, curling and twisting it as his thumb rubbed circles into my clit. Oh shit, my eyes rolled back as I arched up off the cushion. "Fuck..." I muttered. He switched his tongue and finger, pumping into me slowly as his tongue licked me quickly. I reached my hand down and tugged on his hair, forcing him to look up at me. "Do you want to fuck?"

He nodded in response. "Drop your pants," I ordered. His eyebrow quirked up and a smile started to spread across his face, but he did as he was told. I reached up and grabbed hold of him; he was hard, thick and ready to go. Very ready to go. He kneeled down between my legs and I positioned him, anxious to have him inside of me.

"Uh... baby?" he asked suddenly.

"Yeah?" Crap. It's never good when he interrupts right at this moment.

"Condom?"

Fuck! "Um..." I chewed my lip. I was on birth control, but it would be good to have protection. "Oh! My desk drawer! It's probably expired, but better than nothing right?"

"Uh... I don't know..." he got up and went to the desk. "Which drawer Ali Cat?"

"The right side, top drawer, in a little blue box." I blushed, it was a small memento box that Jasper never knew I had.

He opened the drawer and rooted around for a moment before pulling out the box. He pulled the condom out and looked at the back. "Uh... yeah that's not happening," he flipped it back over and I saw his brow furrow together.

"What?" I asked, suddenly feeling very disappointed.

"Expired in oh-seven..." he responded still looking at the package. ”Where'd you get this?"

I sat up a little, "From you, remember?"

---

*~*~* April 19th, 2002 *~*~*

I watched as my brothers left with their respective prom dates; Emmett with Rosalie and Edward with Sara. I was happy that they were going to have fun, but I was also happy because Nerdy Boy was staying here, with me, rather than going to prom with Maria.

Maria, she had started to show interest in Jasper a couple of months ago, and honestly I was fairly sure Jasper noticed she was beautiful with nice tits and long shapely legs and a nice ass with a thin waist. Every time I thought about her I wanted to gag, I couldn't compete with that. I had small boobs, no ass and knobby knees. I mean... I could see why Jasper would like her, or at least like looking at her.

Maria asked him to prom and he, to everyone's shock and amazement, turned her down, insisting that he had other plans. His other plans seemed to involve me and movies and I was completely okay with this.

I set up the basement with pillows, blankets, popcorn, junk food and soda. The parents trusted us, or rather, trusted him, not to do anything and they left as well, going to some function or other at the hospital. I plopped myself down on the couch in the basement as he put the first movie in; Scream, it's a classic.

Once the movie was in the player and started up, he climbed onto the couch with me and put his head in my lap. Not gonna lie, I never have good or pure thoughts when he does this, especially after the concert we went to with the tickets I got for my birthday, but he seemed to like it when I ran my fingers through his hair.

After a few minutes of watching Sidney and the gang thwart a killer I finally spoke, "Are you sad you aren't going to prom N.B.?"

"Nope, I'd rather hang out with you," he turned so I could see the genuine smile on his face.

I could feel my ears get hot, "Really? Why?"

"Because you don't expect me to be this perfect guy. You don't judge and you actually listen when I’m talking to you." He shrugged and looked back at the screen. "Who needs all the over-priced bullshit of prom, when you can just stay at home with the person you care most about?"

My heart thudded loudly in my chest. "You care about me?"

"Of course I do Alice." He rolled over onto his back and looked up at me. "Why would you think I didn't?"

I looked away from him for a moment, "The stuff that happened last winter..." I said quietly.

"No... Even that couldn't make me stop caring about you Ali Cat."

"Would you have gone to prom if I wanted to go?"

"Yeah, of course," he smiled at me.

"Hey... Have you ever had sex before?" I asked, slightly curious.

He blushed and looked at the TV. "No," he said softly.

"Why not? I mean, I am fairly sure you could... with Maria or something." I tried my hardest to push away the jealousy I felt when I said that.

He shrugged. "I don't find her all that attractive. I mean, sure she's pretty until she opens her mouth to speak," he chuckled. "Why are you so interested in my sex life all of a sudden?"

I shrugged, my ears getting red all over again, "The stuff you whispered in my ear during the concert." I got all hot just from the memory.

He moved again to look at me. "What about it?"

"It was really...sexual." Not to mention hot.

"And it surprises you that I said it?" he asked.

"Yeah, actually it does... I mean..." I stopped myself from rambling.

He reached up and brushed his hand along my cheek. "Tell me what you're thinking Ali Cat."

"You said you dreamed of... doin' me." I chewed my lip, "It's just strange to hear from you, after everything that happened, you know?"

"Yeah, but it doesn't mean it's not true."

"So you're attracted to me, but we can't be together... just friends right?"

"Yeah... hold on..." he got up and reached into his back pocket, "I know you're not supposed to keep these in your pocket but..." he shrugged and handed me a condom, "I'll tell you what. That right there is a promise. If by the time your prom rolls around and you still want me and I still want you. That's our free pass. Lame I know," he laughed and gave me a small smile.

I bit back a grin, "You'd take my virginity?"

"If you haven't moved on to more appealing boys by then," he said as he sat back down, then laughed. "Who knows, at this rate, you might be taking mine," he teased, bumping me lightly with his shoulder.

I rolled my eyes, "You have no idea how hot you are do you?"

He scoffed. "Yeah cause Sci-fi nerds are the next Johnny Depp."

I straddled him and removed his glasses, setting them carefully on the side table. "You have gorgeous hair," I made a point of dragging my nails across his scalp. He seemed to enjoy that. "Amazing eyes, a nice nose, a nicer smile, really kissable lips," I moved my hands down and up under his shirt, feeling the slight muscles he had under there. "And you are starting to get a pretty killer body."

He bit his lip and smiled. "Just keep stroking my ego there Ali," he teased with a wink.

"Is that what we're callin’ it?" I asked, wiggling in his lap.

He laughed and put his hands on my hips to get me to stop moving. "I suppose, yes."

"But I'm fairly sure you're gonna lose it before then... and probably forget all about lil' ol' me... so yeah." I gave him my best smile.

"Hey come on, it's my prom night. We're supposed to be having fun."

"What do you wanna do then?"

He shrugged. "Not talk about things that make you sad."

"It doesn't make me sad," I lied.

He sighed. "You mouth and lips might say you're not, but I can see it in your eyes Ali. I don't need my glasses to see when the spark you usually have isn't there." I leaned forward and kissed him gently, just a peck wouldn't hurt. Right?

"What was that for?" he asked with a smile.

"Cause of how much you pay attention," I swallowed hard. "Whoever winds up with you is a lucky lady."

He cupped my cheek in his hand. "Nah, whoever gets you is lucky," he said with a smile before pressing his lips to mine.

I pulled away and wrapped my arms around his neck, "I really hope it's you."

He smiled and pulled me closer, wrapping his arms tightly around me. "I hope so too," he whispered. I felt my heart flutter in my chest as I clutched the condom in my hand.

---

I smiled as he realized what I was talking about. "Do you remember now?" I asked.

"You kept this?" he asked with an amused expression on his face.

"It was your promise to me," I said with a laugh, shaking my head at my own stupidity.

He nodded. "It was, too bad you didn't have this with you the day we..." he rubbed the back of his neck and gave me his old shy smile.

"The day we... what?" I asked, not hiding my confusion.

"In the dorm... scientific research?" He raised his eyebrow at me.

"Oh!" I giggled. "Well, we had a condom, it was okay."

"True... it makes me wonder what else you've kept without me knowing," he teased with a mischievous smile. My eyes went wide, I had no idea what was in that box anymore. He sat down in my office chair and smirked. "Let's see..." he said, slowly opening the lid to the blue box.

He looked in and started chuckling. "Why is there a broken pair of glasses in here?"

"Those are the ones I accidentally stepped on that one time," I blushed.

He smiled and shook his head. He picked up the piece of heart shaped seaglass and held it up for me to see. "You had your own box of memories, huh?"

I smiled a little and nodded, "Yeah... I started it before we did stuff, you know?"

He nodded. "Oh Jesus..." He held up the lock of hair. "Please tell me this is not from that hair cut," he laughed.

I snickered, remembering how my mom had to give him a crew cut after that. "Yeah... it is."

He shook his head. "I still think you did that intentionally."

I pouted at him, "Why would I do it intentionally huh?"

"'Cause you were jealous of my beautiful wavy locks," he teased, even pretending to push his hair off his shoulders. I laughed and shook my head. "You seemed to enjoy touching it as it grew back," he said as he put the things back in the box.

"How about you just put the box back?" I asked, giving him a pout.

He lifted his eyebrow at me. "Or you'll do what there, Ms. Cullen?"

"Finger myself... and not let you help me out." Okay, that was actually a pretty lame punishment, but it used to work back in the day.

"Tease," he shot back, closing the lid of the box.

"I think I have some condoms in my nightstand... wanna go to my bedroom?" I asked, feeling rather stupid.

He looked over at me as he decided something. "Come here."

I walked over to him, "Yes, sir?" I smirked a little.

He pulled my hand making me sit in his lap. "I wanna tell you something... in case things go in the direction they were headed."

I smiled a little at him, "Yes?"

"I'm here for you. In whatever capacity you need me. I just don't want to hurt you anymore," he said looking into my eyes.

I could see it, the way he felt, and I felt guilty because I knew the Garrett thing was hurting him, but I didn't quite trust Jasper not to run away again, not to freak out about his feelings. I leaned my forehead against his shoulder. "Thank you," I whispered.

I felt him press his lips into my hair. "Always Ali Cat," he murmured.

~*~*~
Leave a review at Fanfiction.net by clicking here