Twilight Imagines

36. Colors (Jasper Hale)

(Published December 24, 2024) 

   "Miss Lara," Jasper Hale began in a tone of absolute seriousness as he came to a stop beside me.  "I have a question for you." 

   I hung the last dog sweater on it's hook and turned to face him with a greeting smile.  "I might have an answer." 

   "What-" He leaned a little closer and lowered his voice into that deeper range that he knew I loved.  "Do you want for Christmas?" 

   "You scared me for a second," I teased, swatting his shoulder.  "I thought you were asking something serious." 

   "Well, it is serious rather serious." 

   "I don't need anything, Jazz.  I'll like whatever you get me," I assured him.  

   He gave me a halfhearted glare.  Breaking down the now empty dog coat box, I gave him a small shrug.  I didn't need anything, and I really didn't want him spending a ton of money on me.  On the other hand, if I asked for socks, he'd probably end up buying me a diamond bracelet or something ridiculously beautiful and completely unnecessary.  

   "I really need an idea, love," He tried again.  "Please just tell me?" 

   "All I need is socks.  Nice sturdy black ones that rise above the ankles," I told him honestly.  

   I cracked open the box of holiday dog collars that I needed to stock next as he sighed.   

   "That's not going to look good in front of your family, you know this, right?" 

   "Hey, I asked them for socks, too." 

   "So what happens when we all get you socks?" 

   "Then I'll be the happiest girl in the world with dozens of free socks." I couldn't help but smile just thinking about it.  Was I weird?  Yes, yes I was.  

   "Don't make me get Edward to read your mind," He threatened with a playful grin.  

   I turned to face him, crossing my arms.  "All he'll read is socks!" 

   "Why don't I believe you?" 

   His golden eyes gazed at me, their beautiful hue making my heart stutter.  I knew he could hear it by the way his grin widened a touch.  What I didn't expect was for his eyes to widen as well, followed by a snap of his fingers.  

   "Never mind, I have an idea.  I love you," He stated happily.  

   Leaning forward, he pressed a quick kiss to my surprised lips before making his way towards the door.  I watched him go, utterly flummoxed.  I sent up a silent prayer that it'd be a cheap gift so I didn't feel guilty when I opened it.  Glancing down at the snowflake patterned dog collar in my hand, I shook my head.  

   "Now I just need a gift idea for him.  I wonder if he needs socks..." 

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   Christmas Eve was our traditional Christmas meal day.  Since we had other family members to visit on Christmas Day, we always made time to sit down the day before and just feast in comfort.  This year, my parents had invited Jasper.  So far, it had gone smoothly.  He was doing a fantastic job at pretending to eat the home cooked meal Mom had spent all afternoon on, and Dad had discovered that he enjoyed baseball, a topic that took up much of the supper conversation.  Mom kept shooting me looks of curiosity, clearly wondering how a slightly chubby dork like me had gotten such a good looking boyfriend who also seemed nice.  I didn't blame her; I wondered that myself every single day.  

   It wasn't until present time after supper that my nerves fluttered in.  I settled onto the loveseat beside Jasper after Mom had directed us there.  She had her camera out and was determined to snap pictures of every reaction that each present garnered.  Jasper gently bumped his shoulder against mine as he soothed some of my nerves.  I shot him a small smile, receiving one of his crooked ones in return.  The flash went off, informing everyone that Mom had gotten a photo of our silent exchange.  I blushed a little, suddenly glad that Jasper was the only one in the room with super powers.  

   Gifts were handed around, but my eyes kept straying to the tiny box wrapped in black wrapping paper under the tree.  The one that sported a tag with my name and was too small to be anything but jewelry.  How would I react when I opened it?  Hiding my true feelings would be impossible, since Jasper was an empath, and I really didn't want to hurt his feelings.  I just hoped that he removed the price tag.  

   Finally, Mom scooped up that very box and handed it to my boyfriend with a knowing smile.  Even she knew it was something special!  I was suddenly grateful that Jasper was soothing my nerves, or I was certain my hands would be shaking when I opened it.  I glanced up into his golden irises for a moment, reminding myself just how lucky I was to have a boyfriend that loved me.  He smiled happily at me, his hands playing with the tassels on the soft brown plaid scarf I had gotten him.  The color complimented his hair, making me feel a little better.  My gift might've been cheaper, but at least it was useful and good looking.  

   "Open it, honey," Mom urged excitedly.  

   I slid my finger under the carefully folded edge, popping the tape loose.  I was more careful with the shiny black paper than I had been the rest, wishing I could've found some this pretty.  The green and white snowflakes I had used seemed childish compared to the classy black that Jasper had used.  Once all the tape was removed, I unwrapped the velvet box and held my breath as I lifted the lid.  

   Inside lay a simple black chain with a black charm hanging from it that sported a stone that took the breath that I was already holding away.  It was half golden yellow and half green with brown flecks.  Even being a rather small stone, the halves were easily distinguished yet seamlessly put together.  One half was his eye color, and the other half was mine.  I tore my focus from the present and looked into his as my heart swelled happily.  His smile grew, clearly enjoying being tuned into my feelings.  

   "Thank you," I whispered.  

   He nodded once, holding his hands out for the box.  I gave it to him and he carefully removed the necklace.  Being just as careful with the clasp since he could easily snap it in a moment, he draped it around my neck.  The chain was cold, but I was so used to his temperature that I didn't really notice.  I glanced at my parents, both of which were smiling in approval.  It didn't look too expensive and they could tell I loved it, so he had scored yet another point with them.  

   I turned and threw my arms around his neck, pulling him into a hug.  He chuckled, hugging me back.  

   "I think she liked it," Dad joked.  

   "I would say so," Jasper replied softly.  

   "I love it and I love you," I whispered in his ear.  

   "My sentiments exactly for both accounts," He whispered back.