Her Eclipse

22

Driana threw a punch at Jasper, who dodged it effortlessly. "Ugh! Please allow me to land one hit!"

"No can do," Jasper teased, avoiding Driana's kick by holding onto her foot. "How are you gonna learn?"

The young vampire groaned in annoyance, yanking her leg back. Her fists collided with nothing but air. "Jasper!"

Jasper swiped his hair back, chuckling at her frustration. They've been training for hours behind the Cullen home. The sound of thunder masked the impact of blocks and blows thrown. Rain seeped from above, droplets falling through the leaves of the trees and onto the pair. Driana's damp hair moved as she did, fast as a whip. Whenever she tried using her ability, it was as if the former Major had a sixth sense and would close his eyes. The female began to regret asking for extra practice, close to feeling defeated. However, she knew this session would benefit should anyone be aware of her power.

"Come on," Jasper challenged, opening his arms. "I'm right here."

Driana feigned a move, pretending to do another kick. As Jasper grabbed hold of her leg, she took the opportunity to hook and reel him in, hitting him square in the stomach. Stunned, the blond stumbled back, bending over. The young vampire gasped out of excitement and concern. Jasper stared right into her eyes, admiration littering his features. Standing straight, he stuck out his hand.

"Congratulations," He calmly told her, still amazed. "You finally got me."

The young vampire eagerly shook his hand, ignoring the warm feeling. "I DID IT!" She bounced up and down, doing a little dance. "I beat you! Suck it, Jasper!"

Jasper crossed his arms, chuckling at the short vampire's reaction to her success. "Indeed, you have, soldier."

Driana gave a mock salute, smiling afterward. "Can we train again?" She asked impatiently.

"It's been a few hours. I think you can wait," The blond said, gazing at the rainy sky. "You want to get out of this weather?" He gestured inside the house, then joked, "It's drier than here."

"Alright," Driana agreed, her grin never wavering that she jabbed him. "Race ya to the house!" She quickly spoke, getting a headstart.

Rolling his eyes, Jasper smirked but followed after her, allowing her to win. He did not want to deflate the enthusiasm she had now. Inside, Esme was patting Driana's hair with a warm towel. The young vampire squinted when the matriarch wiped her cheeks and forehead. The blond leaned against the frame, snickering.

"Esme," Jasper playfully scolded the woman. "I'm sure she can do it herself. She's big now- not really."

"Talk about a death wish," Driana mumbled, looking helpless when Esme wrapped her long black hair in the towel.

"I am a mother," Esme defended, placing a kiss on Driana's temple. "And I have to take care of my children." She softly smiled, winking at the young vampire before leaving the room.

"She still considers me one of her own," Driana said, feeling touched.

Jasper felt the emotions radiating off her. He couldn't help but sigh. "She always did, even before she met you."

"I'm guessing from the times you've talked about me," She recalled, giggling. Taking the towel off her head, she pursed her lips, eyes falling to the floor. "I miss my mom."

"I know you do- I sense it," The blond admitted, sheepish. "You know, it's good you have photos of your family and friends. Some of us only see faint images of what we remember because time passes in our immortal life. For instance, I can't recollect what my father looked like exactly. As for my mother, I resemble her features, but not entirely."

"I'll confess I haven't viewed my mother's perspective in a long time." Driana bit the inside of her cheek, fiddling with her nails. "If I did, I think I'd break down and resent myself for living as a vampire." She pointed at herself. "Or the fact I had a fake funeral, and now my mother lives alone."

Jasper pursed his lips. "Do you think you could live without checking up on your mother?"

Would she be considered a horrible daughter if she didn't? Even if Driana wanted to, there'd be no difference since she technically is, and still plays, dead. The young vampire's face spoke for her, the pained stare reflecting in the former Major's eyes. All he could do was stare at her in pity. The one thing that never left his mind was that he failed to protect her. Until now, he regrets agreeing with Edward that leaving would keep the girls safe. Oh, how time continues forward.

"I'm okay, you know?" Driana muttered, drying her hair. "None of you had to look back when you all turned. I did the same, too. I sacrificed holding onto my old life to keep the secret of our kind and my mother safe."

"As odd as I think it is, perhaps you were part of our world for a reason," Jasper commented, his brows furrowed at his words.

"I was told the same thing." She referred to her conversation with Jared on the day Embry shifted.

Driana left the Cullen home after assuring Esme and reminding the woman that vampires don't get sick. As she headed home, guilt clouded her thoughts. She fought with herself, grumbling out loud. If someone saw her, they'd immediately turn back around, not wanting to cross paths with her again. Her legs took a different route, guiding her to a quiet neighborhood.