Her New Moon

3

"More lanterns!"

"No, this doesn't look right."

"I need more roses!"

It was Alice who spoke the most today. The pixie-haired girl went in every direction of the mini-party area, assuring everything looked perfect. The family could only follow Alice's words, knowing nothing could stop the party planner. Then again, when have they ever?

"I should fix this," Alice told herself, re-aligning the bowls.

Rosalie unwillingly helped, pouring the pink roses into the bowls. "Are we done yet?"

"We'll see."

"We'll what? Alice, we have enough-"

Inside the Cullen house, the rest of the family was decorating the living room. Emmett placed the pink candles on every surface he could find. Taking it literally, he covered all the space. Esme was busy folding corners on a white blanket that lay on top of a table. Carlisle brought out the unboxed birthday cake, followed by Jasper, who carried glass plates. Driana came in with the presents she helped wrapped in silver paper.

"I'll take those," Jasper spoke, quickly grabbing the gifts.

"Hey!" Driana huffed.

"Darling, those presents went above your head. I couldn't bear to see you trip over," Jasper chuckled.

Driana playfully rolled her eyes, arranging the presents into a small tower. "Whatever."

Jasper kissed her forehead, comforting her. "Besides, the only thing you should fall for is me."

"Cheeseball," She muttered, smiling.

"Alright!" Alice came in, clapping her hands. "I'll be checking again if everything is in order. Right now, Edward and Bella are coming soon!"

"Whoopee!" Rosalie unenthusiastically cheered, leaning into Emmett's side.

"Come on, babe," Emmett tried. "She's a great kid." He guided Rosalie away from the living room.

Jasper interlocked his pinky with Driana's, guiding her upstairs to his room. The blond's room slightly changed. Accompanying his Western decorations on the wall was his and Driana's artwork. Another item was their carved wooden animals displayed on Jasper's bookshelf. Driana carved a bird, while Jasper made a horse. They came from one of their dates when they decided to try being artistic.

"I can't believe we're celebrating Bella's birthday," Driana mumbled.

"How'd you convince her?"

Driana shrugged. "I told her to imagine the happiness on Edward's face. It didn't sell that much. Until I said if I could sacrifice myself should it be my birthday, I would."

"That reeled her in?"

"Yep. Bella dislikes the thought of others putting themselves for her."

"That I remember in Phoenix," Jasper sighed.

Driana bit the inside of her cheek. "You never told me exactly how it went."

Jasper shifted uncomfortably. "As I said, we tracked and destroyed James."

"Alright," Driana gave in, leaning back.

Jasper couldn't bring himself to tell Driana what happened. He was afraid to describe the process he went through when he aided Emmett in killing James. The blond still felt insecure. To his family, they could see he continues to struggle against human blood. He unleashed his predatory nature onto James, focusing on ripping the tracker apart instead of Bella, who bled continuously at the ballet studio on that fateful day. If Jasper told her the truth, would Driana see the same person she met?

Knuckles going up and down his arm brought him back from his thoughts. Driana smiled softly, showing concern. "I'm sorry I asked. Are you okay?"

"Yes, Darling. However, you don't need to apologize for being curious."

"You know the whole mate thing?" Driana asked Jasper, who nodded in response. "I've been meaning to say something for a while."

"I do, too," Jasper smirked, sensing her emotions. He lightly brushed his hand against her cheek. "Though, I want to hear you out first."

"Jasper," Driana called quietly. "I-"

"They're here!" Alice announced.

The pair groaned, standing up and readying themselves. Driana looped her arm through Jasper's, followed down the stairs, and waited at the base. Driana knew Jasper kept his distance from Bella for her safety. It was curious how Jasper could handle Driana's scent but not Bella's.

"Happy Birthday, Bella!" They greeted.

Esme kissed Bella's forehead, and Carlisle wrapped an arm around her shoulder. "Sorry, Bella," He spoke. "We couldn't rein Alice in."

"Present time!" Alice cheered, causing Bella to turn red.

"I see you haven't changed," Emmett teased her. "Blushing as always. I'll be right back!" He boomed, heading out of the house.

"It's a surprise gift from Jazz, Em, and Rosalie," Alice informed her, giving her a wrapped box.

Bella turned it twice in hand, unwrapping it with a confused look. The box was empty. Rosalie smiled at her reaction while Driana laughed. She knew what it was. Jasper chuckled, pointing outside.

"It's a stereo for your truck."

Emmett barged in through the door, rubbing his hands mischievously. "I've already installed it. A decent sound system for that piece of-"

"Hey!" Bella intervened, smiling. "Don't hate the truck."

"This is from Driana," Alice handed her a rectangular-shaped gift.

"A journal," Bella breathlessly said, amazed at the design.

"I figured you'd want to write a memoir in the future," Driana explained. "It could help Eddy boy over here since he can't read your thoughts."

Edward snorted a laugh, and Bella thanked her. A bright flash came from Alice, who held a small camera. Bella revealed her mother, Renée, wanted her to capture photos for memories. Alice took more pictures before handing her another box, a printer.

"I knew what gift Renée decided for you," Alice told her. "I figured my gift would compliment hers. Finally, here's a gift from Carlisle and Esme."

"A little something to brighten your day," Carlisle said.

"We've noticed you've gone a little more pale," Esme winked, hinting at the gift.

Bella smiled, trying to open the gift. "Oh, shoot." She held up her finger, and blood oozed out. "Paper cut."