Lifelines - Jasper Hale

Seven - July 2003 II

The morning had started relatively quiet, Carlisle had left to sign the children up for school which they would be starting at the beginning of the term. The family was waiting for the moving van to arrive containing everything else they had left behind in Alaska. 

It must have been six in the morning when Jasper decided he was hungry. They had not properly fed in the last three or so days and their eyes had turned the monstrous black colour indicating the requirement of food. It was in these moments where they both felt as though they were demons for they no longer appeared human and lacked the same morals which came along with humanity. In these moments they were purely hunters out for blood. And they did not care for where the source came from. 

"Come on Jo-Jo, I'll race you" Jasper stated before promptly jumping out of their window and running ahead. Joan sighed in defeat before yelling out "Cheater" and launching herself out after him. 

It was moments like this when Joan was more carefree. When she seemed to forget about everything which worried or upset her and was more of the young girl she had been in the 1930s. Her blonde curls flew around her as she profusely tried to catch up with her mate. She was by no way the fastest nor the strongest and lacked the capability of properly catching up with Jasper. But at this moment in time, she did not care. 

The two separated for a while each preferring their own choice of animal to consume. Joan had just finished a deer when she began to walk back in the direction where she had last left Jasper. She rubbed her face to ensure that she had removed all traces of blood which might be left there. She was not paying attention when she walked into something rock solid. Two arms came out to balance her and she could feel a small panic begin. She did not know who this person was. 

"You alright there Darling?" Came an all too familiar voice. Any panic subsided as she released a huff of air she was not even required to hold. She looked up into the eyes of the man she trusted above all. "Jasper! You scared me." She exclaimed as she lightly hit him on the shoulders. A rumble of laughter escaped his lips which she responded to with another hit to the shoulder. Joan looked up to search his face and let a small smile out at the trace of blood at the corner of his mouth. He was not the best at cleaning up after himself. She gingerly rose her hand to wipe away the blood before bringing it to her own lips. 

"Mountain Lion" Joan stated not once breaking eye contact. It was in moments like this where she was most confident. Most carefree. It was a side to her that was only seen fully and frequently by Jasper. Her arms moved until they were placed around his neck and his went to her waist. A small kiss was shared by the pair before they broke apart. Jasper rested his forehead on Joan's as he smiled down at her. 

"I love you" "I love you too" was passed between the pair as they begun to head back to the house. 

It was not until almost 9 am in which the moving van arrived. Well, it wasn't just one van but more like three as with eight immortal beings living under one roof, there was a lot of stuff to cart around from place to place. It had become like a game to the house members when they had first gotten to a new house. The game of who could get to their stuff first and who could disappear with the other people's stuff and hide it away. Esme had tried to warn everyone about the repercussions of them messing around and not behaving but apparently, this did not reach everyone else. 

Emmett was the first to rush forwards and into the end of the van. The other boys followed not far behind with each one taking on a different van to try and find their individual items. The three girls soon chased after their siblings on a mission to hide as much as possible. The only problem was that the family had to prevent any suspicions from being created about them. Therefore, they had to move much more like normal teenagers. This also meant less time for fun and games. 

Joan was carrying what looked like a very light book. In reality, she knew it was full of Edwards 'books' but she was pretty sure they were just his diaries. She hadn't got far enough in her plan as to where she was going to hide the books before she was interrupted. A roar like sound came from a short distance behind her causing her to jump and drop the box. Right on her feet. Joan spun quickly to see who or what had spooked her and came face to face with Emmett. 

"Seriously lad, what was that for?" She questioned her Scottish accent thick as she tried to look intimidating towards the bulky man. 

"Whatcha' got there Joanie?" Emmett responded using an almost sweet smile if you know he hadn't got a look of amusement in his eyes. Obviously, he thought she had her own box.

"Edward's diaries. What's it to ya?" Came Joan's answer as she wiggled the box around slightly.

"Let's go cause some mischief" 

Author's note: Sorry again for another one. But I'm thinking this will be the last pre-twilight chapter. Basically I just wanted to put some things in about the decades before the books (which I think are set in 2005) which would show different key things happening. It should also give you an insight into Joan and her relationships with the other members of the family. 

_tooprettyforprison_