IX. A M E R I C A N P A S T T I M E

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"Can I ask you a question?" Cassie asked, lifting her head that was resting on Jasper's shoulder, who was currently sitting next to her on the porch swing

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"Can I ask you a question?" Cassie asked, lifting her head that was resting on Jasper's shoulder, who was currently sitting next to her on the porch swing. Erica was inside, cooking dinner, having invited Jasper to stay. Despite his diet, he decided to accept the offer.

"Of course." He responded, turning to face her.

"If you don't want to, you don't have-"

"Your overthinking." Jasper said, cutting her off, smiling at her. "Ask away."

"Do you remember you life before....you know."

Jasper thought for a moment, before talking. "I was born in Houston in 1844." He began. "My Birth name Jasper Whitlock." Again, he took a moment before speaking. "When I was 17, I joined the confederate army, and was promoted two years later, making me the youngest Major in Texas."

Cassie looked up at him. "Do you remember the war?"

"I remember parts of it." Jasper explained, pulling Cassie closer to him.

"When did you turn?" Cassie asked, leaning against him.

"I was on my way back to Galveston, and I saw three women, who I assumed where abandoned. So, I pulled over to help them." Jasper explained, arms tightening around Cassie. The girl reached up, holding onto his hand, trying to give him some comfort. "Their names were Maria, Lucy, and Nettie. They were vampires. They changed me, saying I had potential."

"You can stop if you'd like." Cassie offered. "I can tell your uncomfortable." She said, giving his hand a squeeze again.

"I've done some terrible things, and I'm just scared of what you'll think of me." Jasper explained.

"Your not your past, Jasper. You've made mistakes, and you admit them. Your not the same person." Cassie said, leaning her head to look at him. Jasper stared down at her, trying to find any signs of dishonesty. He smiled, placing a kiss on her head.

"Your too nice." He mumbled into her hair.

Before they could continue, Erica knocked on the window. "Dinner's ready!" She said, excited to meet her step-daughter's boyfriend.

*****

"So, Jasper." Erica started, taking a seat next to Daniel at the table. "Tell us more about you."

"There really isn't much to talk about, ma'am" Jasper said, politely.

"That can't be true." Erica said, "Obviously there's something, since you caught Cassie's attention."

"I guess that's true." Jasper said, beginning to pretend to enjoy the food.

Cassie looked between Jasper, and her dad, who hadn't said a word yet, just stared. "How was your day at work, Dad?" She asked, trying to get him to at least blink.

"Good. Went to the shooting range. Hit the target every time." He said, trying to be threatening.

Cassie rolled her eyes, "Seriously?"

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