𝘊𝘙𝘐𝘔𝘚𝘖𝘕 ° 𝘑𝘈𝘚𝘗𝘌𝘙 𝘏𝘈𝘓𝘌 ✓

08 | CLOSER |

UNFORTUNATELY, FORKS' BOUT of lovely weather quickly ran out. By Wednesday, it was storming hard and bringing a whole new meaning to 'April showers bring May flowers'.

Fortunately, that also meant the Cullens were back.

Rory walked into first period AP Spanish to see the two perfect specimens sitting primly at their desks in the back of the classroom. Rory couldn't stop the grin that grew at the sight of the god-like blond who had met her gaze just as intensely. Time disappeared for a few moments as Jasper Hale and Rory Aden met eyes—gold on hazel brown.

"Rory!" Alice Cullen beamed at her as she sat down behind Jasper. "Good morning!"

"Hello, Alice," Rory greeted her cordially. She was still a bit miffed by Alice's avoidance the past few weeks. Their friendship really wasn't given any time to grow. Alice smiled sadly at Rory before giving her attention to their teacher who had asked a question.

"Good morning, Rory," Jasper's smooth honey tone was music to her ears. He had turned in his seat to face her.

"Jasper. I'm glad you finally decided to show up after standing me up Monday," Rory said sarcastically, her chin propped up in the palm of her hand as her eyes met Jasper's bright golden ones.

He winced and looked at her with puppy dog eyes. "My apologies, ma'am. I had no way of letting you know that our family trip had been extended due to the good weather."

His expression was stuck between charming and sheepish. He was adorable. Rory's pursed lips twitched.

Rory stifled a laugh. "Is that your smooth way of asking for my number?"

"...yes." Jasper responded hesitantly. He was surprised at his own honesty. He only had a cellphone at his family's insistence...just in case something happened like he went off the bend and attacked someone. Maybe it would be nice to use the phone for once. It might not necessarily be a good thing but it would be nice.

He watched as Rory rolled her eyes and shook her head.

Jasper turned back around awkwardly. He had messed that up. It made sense that she would reject the half-question. He mentally berated himself and felt somewhat relieved he had no idea what she was feeling because the outright disgust and rejection would be painful.

Until a small ripped piece of white paper landed on the corner of his desk. A number was scrawled in elegant penmanship and a small note that read 'I don't like giving second chances, Hale. Considering this is your third or forth, you must really be something'.

Jasper couldn't stop the brilliant smile that grew on his face. He took a glance back at the pretty brunette who had a blank expression on her face. He almost missed her wink.

This time, when the bell rang, Jasper didn't immediately shoot out the door like usual. He waited for Rory to gather her things (and for Alice to go away) and walked by her side to their next class. They both ignored how their fingers brushed each other, not bothering to correct their closeness.

"How was your weekend, Rory?" He seemed intent on her answer and whatever else she was going to say.

She quirked one brow slightly at his belated inquiry. "It's Wednesday, my dude."

Jasper simply sighed. "Humor me."

"Well on Saturday, I went to La Push Beach on the rez. Quite boring because everyone went surfing or walked along the beach or hit on me," Rory snorted at the last part while Jasper's face stiffened. Her face lit up at her next thought. "I also played with my new dog—Orion—she's the sweetest and I love her," Rory gushed at the thought of the adopted German Shepherd. Rory took one glance at his slightly lost expression as he listened to her intently.