Chapter 14

Weekends turned out fast, the party was held tonight at the beach. I felt that I might be uncomfortable because I never used to be in crowded areas since my mom left. I missed her very much. I couldn’t stop thinking about her when I saw something that brought me memories of her.  The favorite gum of her will always brought me to her because I used to see when I unfold the sideboard in the kitchen.

Unintentionally, I went to the cemetery during the stroll in the morning.

‘Mom, I came to visit you…How are you…? I miss you, mom. I really miss you…’ The tears from my eyes were unable to restraint. Every single word that I said, made my heart ached a lot and the tears dropped even more.  ‘Mom…I’m fine, Dad’s too. He’s really taking good care of me and I’m sure he missed you a lot more than I am... We both miss you. How I wished you could be here…why did you left me…Mum…’ Hiccupped started to flow up high in my cries. I knew the sadness I felt my mom should halted in years, but it’s really hard to put down genuinely. In fact, Jasper tried really hard to make me bestir from a lot of things that I confronted, I shouldn’t let him down or disappointed him. I should and I must rely on myself to stand up from the pain, from the sadness. There’s no one could help me get through completely but me. I wiped off the tears on my face and exhaled vigorously. ‘Mom, you know what? I met a guy, treated me really special. He couldn’t stop giving me surprised, and I think I really fell for him. Did dad made you feel that way too? I think dad did that too but Dad just couldn’t accept Jasper…why? Mom…I miss you but I had to get rid of the pain. To not letting people worries about me…I think it’s time to let go….but you always in my heart…I love you.’ The relaxation flashed on my mind and made me felt comfortably in a sudden. I think I said the words clearly to myself and I knew my mom would be happy that I finally determined to try to let go the pain in my heart for years. The breathe that made me suffocated suddenly appeared disengagement after the words that I determined to promise myself.
 

I left with a big wide smile. I knew I had found the supports to get rid of the sadness and I knew Jasper would accompany me to get through with the issue that I suffered. It should be restraint however how reluctant I was. The time flies, the evening was getting closer and closer. I walked back home to get a change and went to the beach before I became the latest among the group. A bikini with cover of loose transparent coat, short pants and flip-flop was what I used to wear to a beach.

Gilbert, Jennifer, Ken and Eddy were already there when I was reached there. They were busying for their decoration for the party and the preparation of the food and beverages. I went to help them so that they can finish up earlier before anyone came but there’s one thing that kept distracted me from focusing. I couldn’t contact Jasper since the morning. His phone wasn’t coherent at all, I kept on dialing but there’s not even dialed through the server.

The sunset was really attractive, really beautiful…

The yolk tint dodged from the sun cause a periphery of shape of an egg. The clouds were surrounded the sun glinted yet fabricated into a blossom of matte finish. It couldn’t make people stopped staring at it. It made me naturally sat down on an abandoned bole beside the beach to enjoy the scenery that I never thought I would be able to see in my life. In that moment, I wished Jasper could enjoy this moment with me. I sat by myself to enjoy the scene while waiting the party to get started. People were gradually appeared and filing up the beach, included Tiff and Zach. They were both wearing only pants but no shirts, a lot of girls flocked towards them because of their muscular body curve. It made me laughed because Zach looked annoyed and finally he wore a shirt to distract the girls from him. I sighed, thinking of a lot of things, when I was at the grave, talking to my mom’s tombstone…my determination…

“Enjoying the scenery huh?” I nodded when someone asked me, but I didn’t genuinely turn my face over to look who was talking to me.

“I miss you.” Someone just dare to tell me something like that. I resisted rapidly to the person who was telling me that ‘he miss me’. “I beg your pardon.” My face turned to an expression of embarrassing and I turned my face over him, I was about to give him a punch on his face.

“Jasper!” It’s him?” I’m not so sure that’s person was him, standing right in front of me. He just smiled like the way I used to see.

“Am I dreaming?” I asked myself and stared at him. He pinched my cheek lightly and smiled.

“You’re not dreaming.” He chuckled and both of his hand just pinched my face again.

“How did you get here? When?”  I was in real shocked that he just completely standing right in front of me. I couldn’t believe that it was actually happening.

“Plane, of course.” He giggled “Just now.” He giggled again.

“Why didn’t you tell me? This shocked me…” My tears were flowing up to my eyes.

“Raven, don’t try to punch me again if I said I miss you.” I could not think of a thing in this moment.

I jumped up and hugged him tightly, for not letting to him to disappear at the next second. He hugged me back tightly in his cherish.

“Jasper! You finally get here!” I heard Zach walked towards us with a greeting smiled.

“You know…?” I looked at Zach and both of them made their secret handshake.

“Yes, of course.  He wanted to give you a surprise.” Zach laughed and Jasper grabbed my hand. Jasper laughed together with Zach happily.

“Thank you Jasper.” I stopped at the place when Jasper tried to pull me away from where I stood. He turned and looked at me with a grin.

“Guys, come on. Grab some food.” Zach gestured towards us to follow him to the table which covered with all kinds of delicious food.

“Come on.” Jasper pulled me along with a smile and I followed behind. It’s really nice to have Jasper beside me. I guess the party wouldn’t be that bad tonight. Everyone who saw Jasper greeted him passionately, he used to be the popularity guy in our school because of his kind-hearted and friendly personality.

The party really rocks on no longer Jasper’s arrival to the party. The beach became frosty and the atmosphere seems losing some sorts of necessity, for me. After picking up some food and a cup of beverage from the table, we both went to the corner of the beach where trifle secluded areas and sat down, started our dinner without a table and chair but lithe sand. Jasper found a tree trunk on the nearby side, so we could have our dinner on the tree trunk. He was always so intimate of taking care of me.

“Thanks.” I sat and left the food above the trunk. I couldn’t stop staring at him tonight because there’s the thing I wished for since a long time ago. I wished to see him in front of me, and never leave my eyes on him unless he felt annoying.

“Why are you staring at me?” He chuckled. “Is there something on my face?”

“No. Just let me stare for one more second.” I left my eyes on him and stared on my food, assuming I was eating. We didn’t talk for a moment and Jasper started again.

“It seems like you had refreshed yourself.” He chuckled.

“I’m a girl.” I whispered. He laughed because I said I was a girl. Wasn’t it normal?

“Ya, you’re right.” He laughed again. “Okay.” He wiped off his smiled from his face and continued his dinner.

“Why did you waste your money to come back to Forks?” I sighed.

“To give you a surprise.” He smiled and he knew I wanted to know the truth.

“Okay. My mom birthday was on this month, so the airplane company presented two free tickets for her as a gift.” I trusted him for his explanation.

“Two? Did your mom come with you?” He shook his head very quickly.

“I have the other surprise for you. My mom transferred the other tickets under your name.” He said and smiled.

“So?” I still couldn’t understand what surprised he was trying to tell me.

“So that you can come along to Arizona with me and back to Forks with free airplane tickets.” He smiled.

“You’re serious?” I looked extremely surprised.

“Absolutely.” He smiled because I looked happy of his surprise.

“But…how about my dad?” This was the biggest issues.

“Yea, I’ll try to convince him.” He grinned but in worry expression. I nodded lightly.

“Thanks for everything…you’re really sweet.” I sighed but I hold his hand as an encouragement.

We left earlier before anyone could have. Jasper gave Zach and the other guys a hug before we left. Besides, they gave me wishes to have a safe and nice trip in Arizona but virtually we have to solve the trouble from my dad first.

I went into the house while my dad was washing the dishes in the kitchen. I walked into the kitchen and trying to tell him that Jasper wanted to meet him.

“Dad” I said softly.

“Whoa, Raven! You scared me. I thought you were having party at the beach.” My dad swerved when he heard my voice.

“Yea, I was. I came home earlier.” I gulped.

“What’s wrong?” He walked towards me and examined the temperature of mine from my forehead.

“I’m okay, Dad. Emm, I want you to meet someone.” I still remained the same volume when I first talk to him.

“Who was it? All of your friends are welcome.” He grinned but I still afraid he will be mad after I blurted out that was Jasper who wanted to meet him.

“Dad, promise me you won’t get mad.” He nodded “It’s Jasper.” He sighed and he nodded.

“He came back already? Let him in.” He said softly. “Thanks. Be nice okay? Dad” I begged him.

I went to the front door and opened lightly. Jasper came in and greeted with my father.

“Hello, Jasper. How are you?” He grinned.

“Thank you for your regard. I’m fine.” Jasper grinned.

“You wanted to talk?” My dad looked serious when he saw Jasper nodded.

“Ray, get in your room. We’re going to have men’s talk.” I looked at Jasper and he nodded lightly implying me to leave. I went into my room reluctantly and waited for conclusion. I couldn’t even hear a sound from the downstairs. I can see how low and soft they were talking to each other and in purpose for not letting me to hear their conversation.

“Come in.” Jasper came into my bedroom after knocking on the door.

“Yes or no?” I asked worriedly.

“Emm, your dad was really hard to deal with but yes.” He smiled happily and I was truthfully happy.

“Did he embarrass you?” I asked seriously because I think my dad wouldn’t be dealt so easily.

“Emm, yea. He did.” He sighed “To protect you and not letting you hurt at all.” He smiled. “I can do it.” I knew he always did.

“When were we leaving?” I asked excitedly.

“Monday” He said and smiled. “Two more days to go.” He grinned.

“Where were you living for the next two days? I thought your house was sold.” He nodded.

“I’ll be living with Zach. He bought some new video game. Tiff, Eddy and Gilbert will be there.” He chuckled.

“Ya. You should spend some time with your friends. They sure missed you a lot.” I smiled and he lifted my hand and kiss lightly.

“I miss you more.” He said. I lifted my hand to touch his face. I finally knew that I wasn’t dreaming at all but the fact was he was really sitting in front of me on my bed, gazing into my eyes.

“You were still wearing your ring and necklace.” He smiled.

“Of course. It’s a promise, isn’t? Although I don’t know what the promise is.” I grinned “And the necklace meant a lot to me.” I touched the lock on my neck.

“Thank you for everything.” He stared at me and grinned.

“No, thanks you.” I said quickly once he said. He pinched my face lightly.

“I have to leave now. Zach was urging me and I think your dad wouldn’t want be to be here that long” He sighed and laughed.

“It’s okay. We’ll see tomorrow right?” I said truly.

“Absolutely” It was the first time he kisses my forehead. “See you tomorrow. Night, Jas.”

 # The sweetest moment of a relationship, is what makes it First.

Chapter 13

This is a short chapter too :)

The time passed, the day passed, everyday looked even ordinary to me right now. There’s only one desire for me in my life, Jasper. Although I could not touch him at all, I can feel him. He just got into my life deeply. I felt that I might not be able to survive without him. The strength of pulling him away, it’s totally insane to me. Recalling the memories he gave to me, there’s no part without happiness. He tried really hard to make me bestir, but he never gave up. Although he failed for times, he always remained the lust for letting me recover from the trauma that my mom left on me.

The rest of my day after school, I probably spent most of the time with Jasper on the phone, or the computer but he prefer to spend the time through the webcam so he would able to see me every day. Jasper was a real nice guy. He always treated me extraordinarily than the others. I appreciated him because he’s doing everything for me. I wanted to tell him all the time that, 

‘With each passing day, I love you more and I can’t stop that feeling...’

Time flies, the midterm test was getting closer, I got a lot to prepare for it. Even though I’d spent most of my time with Jasper, but I had arranged the time so wisely so it wouldn’t impact any of my studies. Besides chattering, we spent some times discussed on our studies. In fact, after he got a part-time job in Arizona, the time we used to spend together was being cut down due to his working condition. I couldn’t admit long-distance relationship was hard to maintain but we were trying our best to strive for it.

Midterm test was finally over. I ended up the test with a smile while the other guys ended up with soreness.

“How was it?” I asked Zach, Tiff, Eddy, Gilbert, Ken and Jennifer once I sat down.

“It was ‘easy’.” Tiff did a gesture. Eddy and Gilbert nodded as an agreement to Tiff’s specialized quote.

“Fine, pretty good.” Zach said and smiled.

“Emm, let me think, easy easy easy!” Jen yelled out loud for her succeed on the test.

“Shush Jennifer.”  Ken frowned and said.

“Hey!” Ken annoyed Jen.

“Raven, how was it?” Ken asked and shoved me lightly.

“Emm, I guess is alright.” I grinned. “How about you?” I asked.

“Okay, I think I’ll have half of the marks.” Ken laughed.

“It’s ashamed Ken.” Jen chuckled and evidently she’s going to laugh at him.

“Jennifer, you’re annoying.” Ken said and pressed his lips into a line. “You’re even annoying!” Jen shouted at Ken and started nagging. I assumed I wasn’t listening to both of them.

“So, the holidays’ coming up. Any plans?” Zach asked.

“My mom was planning on a trip to somewhere.” Tiff grasped his hair and swept into messy.

“Great!” Eddy laughed and shoved Tiff hardly. “Not even plan yet.” Eddy sighed.

“I was thinking to hold a party by the beach next weekend.” Gilbert said and smiled.

“Party? I wanna go!” Jen appeared in a sudden and shouted again. “One month is too long without any plan.” She sighed.

“Yea, I’m going to ask everyone from our school to join. Coming Jennifer?” Gilbert said and Jennifer thumbs up to approve his suggestion.

“Tell me if you needs help. I’ll be glad to help.” Jennifer smiled and started jumping around because of her excitement.

“Coming everyone?” Gilbert hoped all of us would attend the party.

“Of course.” Eddy said and Zach agreed. “Count me in!” Ken said in a sudden. “I’m in!” Tiff hooraying for the party.

“I thought you’re going for a trip?” Zach giggled at Tiff. “I’m not going.” Tiff insisted and sighed.

“How about you, Raven?” Gilbert stared at me.

“Emm, I’ll tell you soon okay?” I said and everyone stared at me fiercely.

“Please don’t tell me you’re not coming.” Ken looked angry.

“I didn’t say that. I’ll ask my dad.” I gulped.

“Raven, don’t disappoint us.” Jen begged.

“Okay, okay. I’ll go.” Everyone cheered up once they heard a ‘yes’ from me.

I wondered if Jasper was having holiday just as the same as us, but I guess it wasn’t possible. He couldn’t make to Forks just for a few days. He should have save more money for his studies instead of wasting for coming back to Forks for the holiday. Although I really wished he would be back.

“Raven? Raven?”  Ken shook my body vigorously to awake me from daydreaming.

“Huh? Ken what happen?” I looked at him blankly, wondered what’s going on.

“What are you doing? You really like thinking about the profound knowledge huh?” Ken giggled.

“Not exactly, but sometimes.” I grinned and I stood up when I saw everyone was leaving from the table. It was the first time that I had joined a whole bunch of friends walking together, chattering and left the school together but with separate transportation.

“Raven, I’ll be at your house later.” Ken said before I stepped into the car.

“Why?” I asked

“I met your dad few days ago at the street, so he invited me over for dinner. Emm, actually he needs a companion for the football game. Tonight - Spain versus Italy.” Ken laughed lightly.

“Oh, so, see you soon. Any special order for tonight?” He laughed and left.

The custom of the first thing I did when I reach home was to switch on my laptop in case Jasper video calling me so that I could hear it but I knew he went for his job during this hour. I went down to the kitchen to prepare the dinner before my dad came back and Ken visits. I took a long nice bath in the bathroom in the bathtub for doing some conditioning on my hair and cleaning my body thoroughly. My hair was extremely damaged and dry, it’s been a while since I did my hair treatment, it was inevitable and necessary. I had to keep my image back to normal that I used to love. I wondered why Jasper could be able to confront a person who looked like a mess without brushing her hair nicely, and keeping self in perfect circumstances.

After the dinner, Ken and my dad stayed at the living room chattering while waiting for the football tournament to begin. They talked in a high volume that I could clearly hear their conversation even I was in my room. I lied on bed and flipping through the magazine that had been located beside the table for quite a while. The time was getting late but Jasper wasn’t calling me and there’s not even a text message I did received. I admitted that I was scared that anything bad might had happened on him but I tried to calm myself down because I knew he knew how to protect himself.

“I’m really sorry. I was busying doing some important stuff.” He was panting and managed some books on his table.

“Did you run just now?” I asked seriously.

“Ya, I ran from my workplace because I know I’m late.” He giggled.

“Seriously?” A loud shout of ‘Goal’ uttered.

“Is that your dad?” I know he’s going to laugh.

“Ken, most probably.” I smiled.

“What’s he doing there?” Jasper looked dissolvable.

“My dad invited him. Emm, football match.” I grinned.

“It seems your dad likes him more…” Jasper sighed.

“Jas…is not that…” He stopped me. “I understand.”

“Jasper, listen. My dad was just…disoriented. You don’t have to really care about how he thinks. He’ll change someday. I promised.”

“It’s not that easy. He wants me to be an ordinary friend with you, not boyfriend.” Jasper whispered softly but I could still hear what he said.

“But you’re not ordinary to me. You’re extraordinary.” He laughed when I mentioned.

“I’m serious, Jasper.” I stared at him and frowned.

“Okay.” He smiled.

“Hey, are you having holiday after your test?” I hoped he will say yes so we can spend even more time together, unrealistically.

“I don’t know about it yet. How’s your test?” It disappointed me but it’s good for me to know because there’s still anticipation.

“No difficulties.” I grinned. “That’s my Raven.” Jasper laughed as I laughed.

After an hour, I felt Jasper was stranded because of studying and working the whole day.

“Jasper, go get some sleep.”

“I’m not sleepy.” He rubbed his eyes lightly and grinned.

“You are. You should get some sleep. You’re going to have test on Wednesday” I frowned.

“Okay.” he smiled and I nodded. After the conversation, I went down to accompany my dad to watch his football match. They were still both looking excited although it was 11p.m already. Ken looked a lot more energetic than I thought when he was input with the match. The spirit of Ken was obviously impacted my dad. He couldn’t calm down his nervousness without shouting the team that he supported. I could hardly believe that I fell asleep in an environment of nervous and chaos.