Shot Me In The Heart | JASPER HALE [03] ✓

[07]

"Miss. Swan, I would appreciate if you would put that out."

Aaron sighed at the snap of the Principal before throwing the cigarette on the floor and stomping it out with her boot. Blowing the rest of the smoke in his face, she went back inside the gym to find her place in line next to Bella.

"Can you believe we are graduating?" she mumbled, the second time she has talked to me after the fiasco with Alice and Jacob. The only other time they talked was when Aaron's dear sister sprained her wrist by punching said werewolf when she had to reassure her she didn't have to rearrange his internal organs.

Aaron sighed and gave her a wary smile. "I never thought I'd see the day," she commented making Bella snap her eyes to her. While the whole thing with Murphy has been done for a long time, it still haunted her.

"You should talk to Rosalie. The two of you have more in common than you think," Bella informed her before they had to start walking. It hurt Aaron knowing that the only person in the crowd cheering for her would be Charlie.

As they got seated, Jessica was introduced. Aaron would love to know she got to be the valedictorian, but then again it said a lot about the town they lived in.

"When we were five, they asked us what we wanted to be when we grew up. Our answers were things like astronaut, president or in my case, princess. When we were ten, they asked again and we answered - rock star, cowboy, or in my case, gold medalist. But now that we've grown up, they want a serious answer. Well, how 'bout this: who the hell knows?!" Aaron screamed and hollered with the rest of her class ignoring the dirty looks from the teachers. She felt a bit proud that Jessica kept her line in there.

"This isn't the time to make hard and fast decisions, it's the time to make mistakes. Take the wrong train, and get stuck somewhere chill. Fall in love - a lot. Major in philosophy because there's no way to make a career out of that. Change your mind. Then change it again, because nothing is permanent. So make as many mistakes as you can. That way, someday, when they ask again what we want to be we won't have to guess. We'll know," she finished earning a standing ovation, only Aaron stayed seated as she examined Bella.

She seemed off and it made Aaron think there was something being kept from her.

When it was her turn to walk across the stage, there was a loud, booming of cheers. Almost like thunder. She couldn't help the smile that formed when she saw the boys in various degrees of formal wear cheering her one. The girl had no idea they were coming and it made her day.

After it was all said and done, she ran towards Charlie who just finished with Bella. "I'm so proud of you, Aaron. You've overgrown so much and I am proud to call you my daughter," he told her with a tight hug. She sniffled.

"Thank you, Charlie. You have saved my life and I don't know how I can repay you," She told him after they pulled away.

"Live your life to the fullest, Aaron. That's all I ask of you. Now, I think some friends want to see you," he commented pointing to the eager pack.

She ran towards them before throwing herself into one of the biggest hugs of her life. They all yelled congratulations as loud and as weirdly as they could getting some dirty looks from parents.

"I didn't think you guys would be here," Aaron commented with a genuine smile. A rare occurrence.

Paul snorted and threw his arm around her. "Seriously? We wouldn't miss it for the world. You are family now, Swan."

"Whatever, Lahote."

They all chatted for a bit longer making the party she had to go to later a little bearable in her mind. While they couldn't be there, just knowing they were so proud of her did wonders for her dwelling mind.

By the time Aaron got ready in a black dress, which was tight up top and flowy at the bottom, with heals, the party was in full swing. She whistled at the way it looked. "Nice job, Alice," she commented under her breath from afar.

She smiled at the human, not wanting to get too close to her. They were slowly getting back to where they were after coming back, but Alice was afraid that she's snap again. Aaron was kind enough to respect that.

Making her way through the house, she smiled and greeted at those she would never have to see again. It was a bit freeing considering she hated most of these people.

"You look gorgeous."

Aaron whirled around to see Jasper smiling at her a bit of awe stuck in his eyes. She blushed at him and mumbled a thank you. "Do you want to dance?" he questioned holding out his hand. She was going to say no, but something stopped her.

"Yes," she smiled back before taking his hand. Her heart was racing as they found a dark spot on the edge of the dance floor. His hands rested at a respectable place on her hips while she locked hers around his neck. They rested their foreheads on each other. Just letting this moment wash over them.

The ex-couple knew once they broke apart, everything was going back to normal.

They didn't hear the whispers or see the stares. They were just in their own little world. That was until it was popped by Edward.

"We have a problem."

Outside, everyone was gathered. Aaron was surprised to see Jacob, Embry, and Quil there after what happened with Bella. They quickly were caught up to speed when the questions and answers began flying. Of course, they couldn't have one moment to breath.

"Either way, the army is coming and there aren't enough of us to protect the town," Jasper commented making Aaron sigh and Jacob shout. She could tell he was about to explode.

"Hold up. What damn army?" Everyone watched as Edward pleaded silently with Carlisle to keep it a secret, but instead, he informed him of everything.

"They were passing around Bella's scent. A red blouse," Alice commented making Aaron growl.

"He must have been the damn nomad that was in my house. I'm going to kill him," she decided, but it seemed like it was drowned out in all of the questions.

"Alright... We're in."

Aaron wasn't surprised that they wanted to help. After all, that's what they were born to do. Protect against vampires. Of course, Bella didn't want them involved. "You don't want them to fight, but yet will allow everyone else to? Yeah, so smart sis," She snapped as Jacob said "I wasn't asking for permission. It means more protection for you."

Carlisle looked at the three werewolves, hoping for something. "Do you believe Sam will agree to... an understanding?" he questioned eyeing all of them.

"As long as we get to kill some vampires." Aaron couldn't help but snort at his answer because of how true it was.

Jasper agreed. "They'll give us the numbers. And the newborns won't know they even exist. That'll give us an edge. Plus Aaron would be a surprise to them. She looks and smells human but they won't know what is coming," he informed them shooting a wink at Aaron. Her heart soared before she chastized it.

"We'll need to coordinate."

Bella was frantic at the situation. "Carlisle, they'll gonna get hurt." It was clear that she was worried about everyone. After all, they would have been okay if it wasn't for her.

The man just ignored her. "We'll all need some training. Fighting newborns requires knowledge that Jasper has. You're welcome to join us," he told them earning nods. They agreed to communicate through Aaron before they parted ways.

Jasper grabbed her hand as everyone else went in. "I know you'll be able to protect yourself and I am not going to ask you to step aside. Just please be careful," he commented making her squeeze his hand.

"Don't worry, Jasper. Those newborns won't know what'll hit them."