Jukebox ✬ Jasper Hale

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     My old metal bed frame comforts me in the new red and black room I'm now staying in. I can't believe Mom and I are actually moving in with Charlie. The past two years of their relationship seemed to fly by, and it feels like the day we met was just yesterday. 

     I start hanging my clothes in the dusty closet that hadn't been used in years, almost having a sneezing fit in the process. There's a corner desk by the window, bare with the exception of a basic lamp. My room has little possessions, as it's being occupied for the first time since Charlie bought the house. Two doors down, Bella's room sits as a time capsule, full of memories and fragments of childhood days. 

     I gaze longingly at the trees that serve as our backyard before looking down at my athletic shorts and short-sleeved hoodie. I rapidly change into a pair of black jeans and button up a plaid shirt, and grabbing my earbuds and phone, I dash outside for a little exploring. 

     Squirrels scamper about, bushy tails parallel to the branches as they run from tree to tree. It's been a while since I've walked in a forest and years since I've seen trunks as thick and vibrant as the ones here in Forks. 

     I lose track of time in this natural maze, and I don't have service here, but I'm too distracted by the beauty of the animals and habitats to care. Soon, I reach a clearing full of meadow flowers and lush grass, and I'm captivated by the rare sight of such an amazing, secluded spot left untouched by humans. It looks so soft and inviting, and I lie down on this bed of life, relaxed and at peace. 

     A warm sliver of sunlight seeps through a hole in the clouds, and for a fleeting moment, it's pure bliss. It's gone too soon, but nothing has ever felt nicer than this. 

     My music is beginning to lull me to sleep when I'm startled by a deer running across the area. I sit up straight and watch it kick the ground powerfully and gracefully with each bounding leap. It disappears into the brush with a whine, and I lie back down in slight disappointment, wishing to see it again. 

     A rustle grabs my attention and I push my body up, hoping it's the deer. I wait a moment, but nothing appears. Then, I hear the soft crunch of grass under feet and I look behind me. Hair made of thin strands of gold, delicate skin like a paper doll's, face blessed by angels... Am I dreaming? 

     The man steps towards me, serious but not intimidating. 

     "Hello." His voice is like smooth honey as perfect as his hair, and ohmygodohmygodohmygod he's talking to me. 

     "My mom told me to never talk to strangers," I blurt out, immediately embarrassed at my lack of poise in his presence. His smooth, soft lips hint at a smile as he approaches me, long legs striding with ease. 

     "Is that so?" He asks as he sits close enough for me to notice his eyes which are, of course, a light amber that complement everything else about him. He's old, older than I am, but younger than 25. This is dangerous territory.

     I nod, speechless. 

     "Well, we won't be strangers if we introduce ourselves." His mouth curves into a smile this time, but his eyes darken a shade or two. 

     I can't help but to feel a little uneasy, but I still introduce myself, "I'm Delilah Thompson." 

     "Delilah." His tongue rolls my name over even more honey, and bless my heart, I have never loved my name until he's said it. 

     "Well, Delilah. I'm Jasper. Jasper Hale." 

     "How old are you?" I can't help but to question him, the ambiguous, heaven-sent mystery. 

     "I just turned 16." 

     "Oh, wow. I thought you were older. You look so much more...mature than other high school guys." Words feel bulky and clumsy in my mouth, like a cat trying to hold a horse in its mouth. 

     Jasper smiles and for a second, I swear, his eyes turn even darker before reverting back to a deep topaz.

     "You, Delilah?" 

     "15, just a year younger." 

     He opens his mouth, but then refrains from speaking and keeps silent.

     "Did you scare off that deer?" I'm not sure why I bring this up, or why I even thought about asking him; a coincidence is a coincidence. 

     "Yeah," he replies with another smile,"I was trying to look for something I lost around here, and I got too close to the watering hole it was drinking from." 

     "I could help you find whatever it is you're looking for," I suggest. 

     "It's fine. I can do it later so I won't bother you." He looks down at my phone, a bright distraction. 

     "What are you listening to?" 

     "It's just an old swing track...you probably wouldn't like it..." I sheepishly try to tuck the device away, hiding my uncanny music taste. 

     "You like swing?" Jasper looks at me, surprised. 

     "Um, yeah. I know it's weird-" 

     "No, no, no," he cuts me off, "I love big band music!" 

     "I've always wanted to learn how to dance to it, like the extravagant, fast-paced lifts and dives you always think of." 

     "I could teach you, if you wanted." 

     He brings it up so casually, I almost don't believe him. 

     "Can you really?" 

     Jasper jumps up and exclaims, "Of course!" 

     "Prove you're not all talk," I stick out my arm and defiantly challenge him. 

     He pulls me up easily, and before I know it, he's throwing me into the air, catching me briefly before sliding me down and under his legs and then pulling me back up into a second-long hug, spinning and lifting me around and around the clearing. Jasper does all the work carrying me through the steps with me having to do nothing but enjoy it all. 

     I collapse into the grass, happily exhausted. 

     "Wow, um." 

     "Told you I can dance," he laughs, and I realize how one dance changes everything. Jasper, who was cautiously friendly, has loosened up. 

      And so have I. 

     "Well then, Mr. Hale, when do lessons start?" I turn to Jasper, who's also laying down, breathing heavily. 

     He makes eye contact and responds, "Tomorrow, 6pm. Here, our own little practice space." 

     I grin, the first time I've shown him a smile, and agree excitedly. 

     A half hour after the intense dance and thirty minutes into small talk, Jasper interrupts the smooth hum of conversation. 

     "Sorry, I've got to go. Dinner calls." He apologizes and gets up. 

     "It's fine. I should be going in soon since it's dark out now." I reassure him as I take the hand he offers me. 

     "Let me walk you home." 

     We walk together for twenty minutes, until my house is visible and we, unfortunately, arrive at the front porch. I walk up to the door and reach for the knob before turning back to look at Jasper, who's patiently waiting for me to go in. 

     "Good night, Jasper Hale. What a strange guy you are." I say to him. 

     He chuckles under his breath and bids me good night as well. 

     "Until tomorrow, Delilah Thompson. What a strange girl you are."