Mid-March
Bella
Jasper woke me up at thecrack of dawn this morning, pounding on my door, scaring the shit out of me so bad I tumbled out of the bed.Hearing the oomph and moan as I hit the floor he threw the door open."Why did you fall out of the bed?" He asked a smirk plastered on his face."Maybe because someone decided it would be a good idea to come beating on my door at," I paused to glance at the clock quickly, "6:00 on a Saturday morning. What the hell Jasper?""Sorry, but you needed to get up and get ready.""Why?""No questions. Just get up off the floor, go take a shower, and come down to eat so we can head out.""Where are we going?""That is not anything you need to be concerned about right now.""It is if you want me moving." I said crossing my arms across my chest.Narrowing his eyes he walked over, crouching down in front of me. Raising my eyebrow I continued to sit there."I can't tell you where we are going, but I might be able to give you a hint.""And what would that be?"I watched his hand move to right in front of my face before he slowly lowered all, but two fingers. Cocking my head to the side I looked between his hand and his eyes a couple of times before understanding hit."There it is." He said grinning. "Now will you go get ready?"I nodded and shot up of the floor, rushing into my closet for clothes while he laughed and left my room.Grabbing a pair of jeans, a t-shirt and my underclothes I skipped off to the bathroom.It had been almost two weeks since we'd done Number One on Bella's fun list and after having so much fun with it I'd been anxious for number two, wondering when it was going to happen. Now that it was I was beyond excited.Starting the shower I waited for it to warm up before stepping in. While I washed my hair I tried to figure out what we were doing, but couldn't come up with anything. From what Jasper had said the night he told me about it I'd more than likely done only one thing and that was number one already, so what came next would be a new experience. I had to smile at that thought remembering my dream about dad and his want of me to experience new things.Of course that brought up Number one into my head and as I finished cleaning myself up I thought about that night as I had done often since then.I'd never thought in a million years that I would enjoy dancing so much. I mean the only I time I had done it was Prom. It's hard to have fun when you'd been plucked, curled, painted up, and forced into a dress and shoe, that'd you'd never wear without being given a choice, and then told, not asked that you were going. Add the fact that I had a broken leg and just gotten out of the hospital a week or so before and a good time was not in my deck of cards for the night.But with Jasper it was different. Yeah he didn't tell me we were dancing, but he gave me options and let me choose things for myself. Plus the bath beforehand didn't hurt either.Shutting the water off I quickly dried off and dressed, throwing my hair up in a ponytail before heading down to see what he'd made for breakfast. Ever since he'd discovered the Food Network he started trying out new recipes on me. I can't tell you how he managed to make everything so damn good without tasting it, but he did nonetheless. So far I'd had eggs benedict, omelets, hash browns, biscuits and gravy, and something called grits that weren't too bad. My favorite by far though was the stuff French toast he would make. Two huge pieces of bread with strawberries and chocolate inside. He'd then dip it in an egg wash before coating the outside with crushed cornflakes and frying it up. Then he just made it even more delicious when he would top it with more strawberries, chocolate, and whipped cream.My mouth was watering by the time I hit the bottom step. Turning the corner a big grin appeared when I saw that he'd made my favorite.As I slid into a chair he put a plate and a cup of coffee in front of me. "Eat it all.""Like that would be a problem." I said digging in.He smiled and started cleaning up. It took all of about three bites before he was sliding into the seat across from me."You'll need to wear something other than your tennis shoes." He said after a few minutes."Okay." I said continuing to eat.When he didn't say anything else I glanced up to find him watching me with a weird expression. "What?""I figured that would bring out a set of questions.""Sorry to disappoint, but no.""Why not?""Because it doesn't matter.""Why doesn't it?""Because I promised.""What do you mean you promised? Who?"Setting my fork down I said simply, "My dad."He nodded and I knew he wouldn't question me farther, but I felt the need to explain."After I got home from the cemetery on the anniversary of dad's death I went back to bed. I had a dream and he was there. He said a lot of things, but he wanted me to have fun and told me that there was so much left out there for me to experience. I told him in the dream that I couldn't promise him anything. And he said he wasn't asking my to, but I knew he wanted me to try. When I woke up I looked at his picture by the bed and I promised. It was so easy to say the words then. So while I was in the shower I thought about that and I told myself that no matter what else was coming on the list it was something new that I'd never done before. So I've decided that I'm not going to question what's coming anymore and just enjoy it. Plus I know you won't let me get hurt.""You're right I won't, not if I can help it."I smiled and picked my fork back up to quickly finish my breakfast. When I was done I grabbed my hiking boots and pulled them on."You ready?" Jasper asked as I stood up from the sofa."Yep. Just need to grab my jacket and bag.""I'll be outside.""Kay." I hollered as I ran up the stairs.When I got outside Jasper was leaning against the Vanquish which had become a permanent fixture in my driveway now."Why can't we take my truck?" I asked as he opened the passenger door."Because we have to go to Seattle and I don't know if it will make it.""Hey, my truck is awesome."He shrugged his shoulders and I swear as he shut the door I heard, "And old as hell."I let it go though with a shake of my head.The drive to Seattle didn't take nearly as long as it would have if I'd been with anybody else. We listened to my ipod on the way only making small talk now and then.Two hours and 45 minutes after leaving the house we were pulling into the parking lot of a small airport."Um…what are we doing here?""You'll see." He said shutting the car off and opening his door.I got out as well. That was another thing that I liked. Jasper would open my door if he happened to be on the side I was, but he never got mad if I did it myself and he never made me wait for him to come around.When I met him at the front of the car he started for a building which I came to find was the hanger.Stopping in front of the open doors at the back I asked, "Are you going to explain why we are here now?""Look," He said pointing toward the sky.As I looked up I caught sight of a bright colored something in the sky. When it got closer I was able to see it was actually a person with a parachute attached and I panicked."NO, NO, NO, NO." I said shaking my head while backing up.He stepped behind me, stopping me with his hands on my shoulders. "What happened to trying new things?""That was before I knew you expected me to throw myself out of a fucking airplane. Jasper I can't…""Hey. You're not allowed to say can't, remember?" He interrupted."Yes, but…""Bella you said it yourself. You know I won't let you get hurt.""I also recall you saying if you can help it, but what happens if my chute doesn't open. You can't just come grab me, plus the impact from landing if you did would probably kill me.""First off, I wouldn't have to come grab you because I'll already be strapped to you…""What?" I asked quickly, turning around to face him."We will be jumping out together.""How?""I'm certified to do tandem jumps.""Of course you are." I said rolling my eyes."And second," He continued ignoring my comment, "The impact probably wouldn't kill you although it would be hell to explain the big dent I put in the ground and how we were both still alive.""Not helping.""Sorry." Not looking at all like he meant it.Taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly I said, "Fine, let's get this over with."He nodded looking behind me. Turning I saw the guy who'd just made a smooth landing walking toward us.When he stopped in front of us he said, "You must be Jasper and Bella."I felt Jasper nod again."Good. I'm Josh. I'll be going up with you although I won't be jumping again. Jasper I'll need to check your certification and then Bella will need to watch a short video, after that you'll suit up and we'll head out."I didn't say anything afraid I'd end up puking and regretting the breakfast I'd eaten this morning.Turning I followed behind them into the hanger.JasperBella was fucking terrified when she first saw what we were doing and for a second I almost scrapped the whole idea, but I remember what Alice had said and started the coaxing part. Eventually after talking and explaining she finally came around.Now she was sitting in that little 8x8 room watching her video on things to do and not do. Not that it would matter if she did any of the don't, but we couldn't very well tell Josh that. While she kept her eyes glued to the screen Josh looked over all my paperwork.When he was satisfied he showed me where the jumpsuits were and said he'd be waiting outside when we were ready.The video lasted about ten more minutes and I then led Bella to get dressed.I could feel her anxiety start to creep up again and looking over her shaky hands were not hard to miss. I didn't want to affect her emotions, but there was no way she could jump like that. I sent her a wave of calm long enough for her get herself zipped up and received a smile in thanks.When she was done I walked over and took her hands. "You are the bravest person I know." I stopped for a second feeling her disbelief, before continuing on. "You are, Bella. God not only do you run around with a vampire now, but I live in your house and for awhile you were around seven of us without hesitation. There is no doubt in my mind that once you get up there you'll be fine, but if you don't want to I won't make you. I know I said that once you say yes to the list you can't back out, but I lied. You always have a choice with me. If you say no we go home now."She stared up at me for a few seconds before I felt her resolve and she asked, "You'll be attached to me the entire time.""Once we are in the plane I'll be stuck to you like glue."She cracked a smile and nodded her head. "Okay. Let's do this."I gave her a big smile and grabbed her harness helping her into it quickly before putting mine on as well and leading her out to the plane.Once I was inside and settled I put Bella between my legs and started hooking us together. As the plane took off Josh helped me with the parachute. I could hear and feel Bella's deep breaths but she was keeping herself calm. A few minutes later I tapped her goggles as I slid mine into place.Moving us over to the door I asked, "You ready?"She shook her head yes and I could feel the nerves come back."Just relax and enjoy the freedom."She shook her head yes again, causing me to chuckle quietly.Josh pulled the door open and I helped Bella get her legs out of the plane along with mine. Sitting in the doorway I said, "Okay, on three. 1...2...3..."Pushing away from the plane we started falling.I've only done this enough times to get my certification and liked it each time, but nothing compared to jumping with Bella. Her complete and total awe and elation was something I couldn't even begin to describe. Her fear was nonexistent and you'd never think she hadn't done this before.When it was time to pull the ripcord I grabbed her hand and let her do it with me, our chute coming out immediately and slowing us down.As we drifted to the ground she started talking and I found that when Bella was excited that much she cussed a lot."Holy fucking shit Jasper this is fucking amazing. I'm so fucking glad you talked me into this. I can't believe my dumb ass almost backed out. It is so fucking beautiful up here. God. Can we do it again? Please tell me we can do it again. Shit."Thank god I was a vampire because I seriously would not have been able to steer us the right way with as hard as I was laughing. "Yes…if they have time we can do it again. I told you there was nothing to worry about.""You did. Thank you, thank you, thank you so fucking much.""You're welcome darlin."She breathed a deep sigh and I didn't have to see her face to know she was still grinning.We touched down with a slight jar a few seconds later and Josh came over to help unhook us."How was it?" He asked smiling already knowing the answer from Bella's animated face."She wants to go again.""Today?"Bella nodded frantically.He laughed and said, "Let me see when the next group comes in and if we have time we'll take you back up. If you want I can jump as well and do a video for you.""That would be fucking awesome." Bella said before clapping her hand over her mouth. "Sorry.""Happens all the time." He said with a smile before running back inside real quick.While he was gone I turned to Bella and said, "You are hilarious when your excited.""Why?""You seriously don't know?""No what did I do?""You swear a lot.""I do not. I only said one.""Bella honey take the fuck you said and add five, plus two shits and an ass and you have the actual number.""Really? I don't even remember saying them. Sorry.""Don't apologize. It's good to see you let go like that.""Okay." She said and her hope shot up when her eyes strayed behind me. Turning my head I saw Josh walking toward us hold a camera.He had good news and once again we boarded the plane and took off. Once we made it to our altitude Josh jumped first and then Bella counted us down and we were once again flying.Bella was just as hilarious this time, but only let out three fucks. When we touched down I unhooked us and we started for the hanger, stopping off in a room to remove the harnesses and suits before going to find Josh.He made us a DVD of the jump and after paying we both shook his hand before going back out to the car. Bella talked a mile a minute on the way to get her some lunch. The drive back to Forks was quiet though, since she fell asleep once we got out of the city.Glancing over as I drove through Port Angeles I couldn't help but think of how amazing she was doing now. She was so much happier and it made me feel good to know that I had a small part in helping her with that.I can only begin to imagine what she will be like once the list is complete with how she is now after only two, but one thing is certain though, it will feel fucking fantastic.
