To New Beginnings [Jasper Hale stand-alone story]

Chapter 7: Graduation day

Graduation had completely sneaked up on me. I was not prepared for it, but it was here and happening whether I wanted it or not.
The morning of was a complete rush. Charlie had to wake us both up since we both overslept and that was unusual for me. I never overslept and today was not a good day to do so.
I placed on my black lace dress that I had picked out a few days ago at a local shop and pulled my long brown curls into a half pony tail. I wanted to look nice, but also keep it comfortable so I neglected my heels and went straight to my favorite pair of black flats with three matching diamonds on the front.
After getting dressed I reached for my robe and hat in the downstairs closet and picked up a granola bar from inside the cabinet.
     "Don't you look snazzy".
I smiled at the compliment my uncle had given me.
     "Just trying to make an impression".
Bella entered the kitchen in a pair of black dress pants and a nice button up shirt.
     "I think you already have on a certain Cullen". I rolled my eyes at my cousin and went over to the door. If we didn't get to school soon then we were going to be late.
    "Hmmm.."
I shook my head. "See you in a few Charlie". I said to him as I dragged Bella out the door.

Everyone in the senior class was already there when we had finally pulled into the school parking lot. Including Jasper and his siblings. As Bella turned off the engine I could feel my heart flutter.
       Seeing Jasper on a normal day made me feel...nervous. But on a day like today oh man was I petrified.
Cmon Hannah you can do this. It's just graduation. I told myself. Pretend like it's any other day and everything will be okay.
I just shook my head and followed my cousin out of the truck. I folded my robe in my hands and walked side by side with her into the school gym. Everyone was standing around in groups talking to one another.
Within a few seconds of us being I realized that Bella had completely abandoned me. For goodness sakes Bells. Warn a person first. I let out a sigh and looked around the room for an empty spot to stand in. Finally I found one and rushed over to take it before anyone else could.
     "You look beautiful".
I knew that perfect voice anywhere. I looked to my side to see Jasper grinning at me in a suit. I blushed a shade of red and took a deep breath. Relax Hannah.
    "Thank you". I thanked him. "You don't look so bad yourself. Blues a good color on you".
He nodded his head. "May I join you?"
    "..sure".
Jasper smiled and leaned against the wall next to me. Very close to me.
    "You seem tense".
I nervously smiled. "It's graduation day. I'm beyond nervous Jasper".
    "I'm afraid that I might trip and fall flat on my face or that I'll forget when my names called-"
Jasper reached his hand over and gripped onto mine. What was he doing? Was he trying to make me blush harder.
      "Relax Hannah". He said as a sudden wave of a calming sensation settled in me. "You'll be just fine. I promise you".
      "How can you promise that?"
Jasper smiled releasing my hand. "I just can".
-

Jasper was right. I was completely fine walking up on stage. And I did not fall flat on my face like I thought I would. Ever since I had talked to him before the ceremony started a calming feeling had stayed in my body and it felt like all the worries had flooded away.
    That seemed to happen every time I was near him. He seemed to have that sensation around people I guessed.
After everyone's names were called all of us cheered and throw our hats up into the air. I had been waiting to do that for so long and when I did I could not stop smiling.
Bella finally parted from Edward and both her and Charlie rushed over to hug me.
    "Congratulations to both of you". Charlie was the only family member able to come. Bella said tang Renee couldn't find a flight in time and well...I hadn't heard from my mom about if she was coming or not so I just figured that she didn't want to see me graduate from high school.
     "Thanks dad".
      "Thanks Uncle Charlie". Bella and I pulled away from him and I wrapped an arm around my cousin.
      "Were finally free". I said to her. Bella smiled.   
      "Not until you move out". Charlie chuckled as Jacob approached all of us. Bella took one look at him and said that she had to see Jessica about something so she just took off without saying goodbye. Charlie said that he and Sue were going to take off. I said bye to them and followed Jacob out to the back of the school. Where a few other kids were hanging-out.
     "Congrats on graduating Han". He said. I smiled.
     "Thanks Jake, but I take it that's not the only reason why you come..." Jacobs smile turned into a glare.
     "It's not. I came here to tell Bella I'm sorry and to warn you". I crossed my arms over my chest and bared my weight to the left side of my body.
     "What did you do?"
Jacob sighed. "I kissed her. Without her permission". He admitted. I shook my bed at him. No wonder Bella was ignoring his calls and not talking to him. She was pissed at him and I didn't blame her. And I bet Edward was even more pissed. He probably wanted to stab Jake in the chest.
      "You kissed her? Seriously Jake you know Bells has a boyfriend?"
Jacob growled. "I don't care. He's not good for her!"
     "Enough with the he's not good for her crap. Your letting your jealousy cloud your vision and in doing so your pushing your best friend away". I shot back at him.
Jacob was really starting to piss me off. And I could tell that he wasn't so peachy with me either.
     "And your not!"
What?!
    "What the hell does that mean?"
He laughed.
    "Your letting your feelings for that blonde haired creep get in the way of seeing just how wrong he is!"
That's it. I leaned in closer and bared my teeth at Jake.
     "Enough Jacob!" I shot at him. "Jasper is not a creep and just because you want me to stay away from him doesn't mean I'll listen. Your not my dad Jacob". I turned my body away from him.
     "He's- the Cullen's are not good for you or Bella, Hannah. You could get hurt. You will get hurt".
     "How do you know what's good or bad for us Jake? Hmm...?"
     "Han you- I care about you both. I'm your friend I-"
     "That's right! You are my friend and if you want to stay my friend I suggest you let me decide who I want and don't want to be around".
I felt Jacob reach out and grab my arm. "Hannah I don't want you getting hurt". I turned my face away from him. Doing my best in trying to hide the tears.
     "The only person who is hurting me now is you Jake". Out of the corner of my eye I could see all the seniors heading out to leave. I grabbed my robe from the bench and bolted away from Jacob while ripping the hot tears from my cheeks.

I'm really glad you guys are enjoying the story so far. There's a lot more to come including the next chapter where Hannah learns what Jasper is.