𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐑 | 𝐉𝐀𝐒𝐏𝐄𝐑 𝐇𝐀𝐋𝐄

𝟏𝟎 | 𝐍𝐎 𝐁𝐄𝐃?

WE REACH JASPER'S ROOM. It's quite serene, filled with light. The walls are lined with books from floor to ceiling, and one side opens entirely to a glass balcony that overlooks a tall tree and the river beyond. The air smells faintly of rain and old paper.

"This is my room," Jasper says softly behind me.

I turn in a slow circle, taking it all in. "It's beautiful," I whisper. "So... calm. You really like books, huh?"

He gives a small smile. "They keep me company."

I glance around. "Wait... no bed?"

His lips twitch with quiet amusement. "Don't sleep."

"Ever?"

He shakes his head. "No dreams. No snoring. I guess that's one advantage."

I smile, running my fingers along the spines of his books. "Do you have any favorites?"

He steps closer, his voice low. "Do you?"

"Pride and Prejudice. The Great Gatsby. The Call of the Wild. Hamlet. Of Mice and Men."

His smile softens. "Good choices," he murmurs. "Some of my favorites too."

I look over my shoulder at him, meeting his eyes. For a moment, the silence feels like its own kind of language.

Then Jasper moves quick as a breath and the sound of a piano fills the air. Clair de Lune. The melody floats softly around us.

He turns toward me and offers his hand. "Dance with me?"

I laugh, backing away a step. "No dancing."

He cocks an eyebrow, faintly teasing. "Ever?"

"No tripping. No falling. No humiliation."

A smile flickers at the corner of his mouth. "I can keep you from fallin', darlin'."

"You don't scare me," I say, trying not to smile.

He steps closer, his voice quiet but sincere. "I'd never want to."

For a moment, we just stand there the music playing, the light shifting across his face. Then he reaches for my hand again.

"Trust me?" he asks softly.

"Always," I whisper.

He draws me in gently, one hand at my waist, the other guiding mine. We move slowly, simply a soft sway to the rhythm. There's no rush, no words, just the quiet sound of Clair de Lune and the feeling of his cool hand in mine.

The next morning, when Jasper and I arrive at school together, no one seems to notice or care. Which is fine by me. I don't want our relationship to be on display. I like it better this way private, real.

He squeezes my hand as we walk toward biology. His thumb brushes the back of my hand before he lets go.

That night, I'm studying in my room when I hear a knock on my door.

"Come in," I say, straightening up.

Mom peeks in with a warm smile. "Hey, sweetheart. How are you?"

"Good," I say, closing my book.

She leans against the doorframe. "How are you liking Forks?"

I laugh. "It's growing on me."

Her eyes narrow playfully. "Could a certain boy have something to do with that?"

"Maybe," I say, smiling.

"Tell me everything! Jock? Indie? Bet he's smart." She comes and sits beside me.

"He's... kind of a history buff," I say with a grin.

"Smart and polite? I like him already. You're being safe, right?"

"Of course," I say quickly.

She smiles softly, brushing a hand across my cheek. "That's my girl."

The next day, I come downstairs to see Mom in the kitchen and Dad at the table with his newspaper.

"I have a date tonight," I announce. "With Jasper Hale."

Dad lowers his paper, his eyebrows lifting. "He's too old for you."

I roll my eyes. "We're both juniors, Dad. And I thought you liked the Cullens."

"I do. But I also thought you weren't interested in boys around here."

"Mark," Mom warns gently.

"Jasper doesn't exactly live in town," I say, trying not to laugh. "And it's not a big deal. He just wants to meet you both officially."

Mom straightens. "He's outside?"

"Yep. Waiting."

"Good," they both say at once.

I sigh. "Please... be nice. He's important to me."

Dad gives a slow nod, folding the paper. "Alright."

I open the front door and there he is. Jasper stands by his car, wearing a baseball shirt and that quiet smile that makes my chest ache.

"Mr. and Mrs. Hart," he says politely, extending a hand. "I wanted to properly introduce myself. I'm Jasper Hale."

Dad shakes his hand, stiff but polite. "So I've heard."

Jasper's tone stays gentle, respectful. "I promise I'll have her home on time. We're just heading out to play a little baseball with my family."

Mom blinks. "Delilah's playing baseball?"

"Yes, ma'am," Jasper says, smiling faintly.

Dad huffs a small laugh. "She's got a good right hook, I'll give her that."

Jasper nods once. "She'll be safe with me, sir."

As he turns to leave, Dad leans toward me. "You got your pepper spray?"

"Dad," I groan.

"Be safe, sweetheart!" Mom calls after me.

I follow Jasper out the door, and he opens the car door for me quiet, steady, that same soft smile that says more than words ever could.