FOREVER AND ALWAYS ━━━━ jasper hale.

7- Rumors and Skeptics

"It's sad how some people are so jealous and intimidated by you, so they only have negative things to say, even when they don't know you."

-Unknown

***

Hours became days, days became weeks, and weeks became months. It was the end of my first semester at Forks High School. Bella's concern about Edward grew on me as well. I sat with the Cullen's every day at lunch, usually leaning against Alice, who never seemed to have trouble with the extra weight, despite her small body. It felt nice to be part of a real family. Not a broken, split one.

But Edward hadn't shown up.

I have actually grown closer to Jasper believe it or not. He had some what come out of his shell, and even tried to make me laugh during English, which has resulted in many detentions for both of us. Mr. Thomas tried to separate us once, but it made him even more mad because we would toss notes across the classroom. One even got stuck in Jessica's hair.

If I could describe my experience with the Cullen's in one word, it would be: Perfect.

Emmett and I have a brother, sister relationship. We tease each other and have competitions on who can make Rosalie laugh first, he has the record, but I am close behind. Rosalie and I's relationship is also very sibling-ish. Whenever I go to their house--which is quite a lot--her and Alice tag-team in doing my hair, and painting my nails. It is actually enjoyable. Emmett and Jasper take turns trying to make me laugh so I screw up Alice's nail-painting job.

"I don't understand why we don't get makeovers." Emmett complained one day, Jasper scoffed. "I bet they could braid my hair." He stated, "It's long enough."

So, of course, we had to try.

Jasper has grown to be one of my best friends. I am comfortable around him now, and making him laugh is my favorite thing to do. His laugh is just something that you can't get enough of.

And Alice, oh Alice, she is the best friend I could ever ask for. That is all I can really say. She is like my sister, my sister who I am really close to. I have actually grown closer to Bella too... so many surprises.

Alice took me shopping too! She got me a bunch of cute outfits, that actually match my personality very well. She is a genius when it comes to fashion.

Winter break was everything I wished for it to be. I hung out with Bella and dad a much as I could, since I feel like I have been ditching them for the Cullen's lately, but Alice and Jasper did come over on Christmas Eve.

"Damn you!" Alice yelled as Jasper placed down a pick up four card. She gets very competitive when it comes to board games, especially UNO.

Jasper raised his fist triumphantly, and I pouted, throwing down my cards, while Alice clenched her fists. It looked like she was using every ounce of self-control she had to not strangle her foster brother.

"I hate playing cards with you." I whined, "You always win."

"That's 'cause I am the best." Jasper defended, placing his hand on his chest. I lightly shoved him back, "you suck."

"and you are not denying it."

Alice and I traded looks of exasperation. "Hey Bells!" I yelled, hearing the girl herself shuffling around in the kitchen. She was very shy around Alice and Jasper.

"Yeah?" I heard her hesitantly reply. "Are you going to the store?"

"Yeah?"

"Can you pick up some candy canes?"

There was a brief silence from the kitchen. "Sure."

"Thank you!"

Alice eyed me, picking up the cards she had thrown earlier. "What is it with you and candy canes?" She asked, as Jasper sat up.

"You can only get them at Christmas time, you need to seize the opportunity!" I exclaimed, shuffling the deck. "Plus, you guys can't tell me that you don't like candy canes."

Jasper and Alice shared amused looks. "Uh, yeah... they're good."

I heard the front door open, and judging by the heavy footsteps, it must be Charlie.

"Hi dad!" I yelled from the living room. "Hey Court." my dad replied, his frame filling the entrance. He cocked an eyebrow, eyeing Jasper, and I am thankful that he didn't have his gun.

"Dad, you've met Alice." I nodded at the pixie-like girl, who waved from the floor. Charlie's eyes narrowed. "Of course, hello Alice."

"Hi Chief Swan!"

"And this is Jasper." I explained, giving Charlie a warning look. He cleared his throat.

"It's nice to meet you, sir." Jasper grinned, turning on his charm. I hate that he can be cursing in French one moment, then charming my father the next. I don't know how he knows French, but it sounds good mixed with his Southern drawl.

"Yes... pleasure to meet you, Jasper." Charlie mumbled, he didn't look all to happy to see Jasper. Huh, I wonder why...

That was sarcastic in case you couldn't tell.

"So Court, I gotta go down to Mason County." Dad began, brushing off his hat, "a security guard got attacked by some sort of animal."

I sat up straighter, "An animal?"

"I guess, pretty big one too by the looks of it. I'll probably be late for dinner."

I sighed, leaning back by Jasper. "Okay, be careful."

"I always am."

And with that, my dad disappeared outside.

"That's odd." I muttered, shuffling the cards, my eyebrows furrowed in thought. "You would think that it's too cold for any big animals 'round here."

"Courtney, we have to go." Alice suddenly exclaimed, jumping up and grabbing her coat. "Thank you for having us over."

"Yeah, yeah thanks." Jasper repeated, seemingly unaware of his actions as he threw on his jacket. "See you at school."

"What?" I muttered, taken aback as I jumped up and followed the two pale teenagers to the door. "Are you guys okay?"

"Yep, just forgot that Esme wanted us to make dinner today!" Alice smiled cheerfully, but her eyes didn't glitter the way they usually did. "Stay safe!" She added, jumping up and kissing my cheek hurriedly, before bounding out the door.

"Yep, stay safe." Jasper repeated, still looking like his body was disconnected from his mind. "Bye." He muttered, as he too, leaned down and quickly pecked my cheek, before they disappeared, letting in a cold gust of wind from outside.

I just stood there, my hand on my cheek, my face burning red, and my eyes wide as the silver Volvo sped out of sight. That was so weird.

The door opened again, and Bella jumped when she saw my face. "Are you okay?" She asked, hanging up her coat as I followed her to the kitchen, where she put the groceries on the counter.

"Bella.... I think there is something weird about the Cullen's."