Chapter 20

It was the first day of Jasper’s new semester in the school. I wondered how fun it will be in Jasper’s school. I couldn’t wait to see him wearing his new uniform.

“Knock, Knock.” I said mischievously before I entered his room.

“Come in.” I can hear Jasper’s laughter when I enter.

“Wow. I love your uniform” I grinned. “You look …handsome, somehow.” I smiled as he approaches and caressed my cheek.

“It’s nice to have you here.” His head slightly reclined above my head.

“I know. How about staying here forever?” I laughed. “Good idea. You can consider it.” He laughed.

“Nice joke. Come on, you’re going to be late for school.” I pulled him up and assisted him to manage his uniform. “Thank you.” He smiled and kissed me. “You’re welcome.” I smiled.

After sending Jasper out from the house, I went into the kitchen to wonder if there’s something I can help with Aunt Allie.

“Raven, are you doing anything right now?” Aunt Allie beckoned at me.

“Nope, need help?” I smiled.

“I’m just wondering that may be you could spend some of your time right now to prepare lunch boxes for yourself and Jasper.” Aunt Allie had suggested some idea that I agreed with.

“What can I do?” I frowned.

“I don’t know. Do whatever you want. This kitchen is yours now.” Aunt Allie smiled and left the kitchen. Spending the time on the lunch boxes which will might bring surprise for Jasper was also something I can do for him only when i was in Arizona. After filling the lunch boxes with my patient, I borrowed a car from Aunt Allie so that it would be convenient for me to send the lunch boxes before Jasper’s lunch period.

I stopped the car at the school parking lots and went down the car with my lunch boxes. I was still unfamiliar with the school surrounding so I think it might be difficulties for me to find Jasper easily. All I can do right now is to wait for Jasper and get the information of Jasper’s location from the administration officers. I walked along the class, yearning the moments I was in class with Jasper in Forks high school a year ago.

“Jasper!” I yelled at him when I saw his trace appeared at the hallway. He swerved and stared at me with his sweet smiling face. As he approaches, he gave me a big embrace in front of his friends.

“Aww, Jasper. Are you sure you’re doing this to us?” I knew his friends were joking.

“What brings you here?” Jasper said delightfully meanwhile gestured to his friends.

“I brought your lunch.” I smiled and one of his eyebrows erected.

“Are you serious?” He laughed.

“Yea, that’s insane.” I grinned.

“Yes you are.” He laughed.

“You changed a lot, but I’m glad though.” His expression looked weird but happy.

“Really? I thought we’re the one who was changing. Let have our lunch.” I laughed. He grabbed my hand and led me to the field. While we were enjoying our lunch on the empty field, Jack appeared in a sudden.

 Flashed back to the night at the prom, the moment he kissed me, the moment I freaked out, the moment that made me fear of it. Jack stared and walk towards us and he beckoned to us. Jasper stood up and made the secret handshake with him again meanwhile his eyes landed on me.

“Hey, Raven. How are you?” Jack smiled moderately.

“Fine” I said reluctantly while my head turned to the other side of him.

“Jas, see you later.” As he started to leave the field, his eyes re-landed on me but I never wanted to meet his eyes again.

“See you later.” Jasper patted on his shoulder and smiled. He turned and looked at me but I not even realized.

“Did something happen between you and Jack? You looked weird.” Jasper sat and asked.

“No.” I replied immediately but I guessed I over-reacted. Jasper’ eyes went wide and frowned.

“I know there must be something.” Jasper seems he’d already know about everything.

“No, I say no. Are you doubt on me again?” I frowned. He speedily shook his head with disagreement.

“I don’t mean it. I won’t force you if you’re not going to tell me about it.” He looked disappointed but once I think about the consequences, I couldn’t tell him anything. After having our lunch in a situation of reticence and nonchalance, I walked Jasper to his classroom.

“I’ll go now.” I grinned but reluctantly.

“Wait.” He pulled me towards and embraced me with unwillingness.

“Okay, now. Get into your class.” I hugged him back and said.

“Okay. I’ll be back.” He smiled and loosened his hand. I walked off and waved to Jasper. Just then, Jack appeared in front me while I was going to enter the car. He stood right in front of the car with his smiling face but I couldn’t even face him with a smile I used to be with him.

“You still mad at me right?” One side of his mouth began to fade into a straight line.

“What if I say No? Are you satisfied with the answer?” I said unwillingly.

“No, I don’t mean it. I just wanted you to give me a chance. It’s that really so hard to understand?” He frowned but the emotion on my face was still remained the same.

“There’s no chance available, Jack. It’s not hard to understand but to betray Jasper, is something I couldn’t do with.” I knew he’s trying really hard to incite my feeling.

“All I need is just a chance. Let me proof to you. You’re not betraying him. I’m giving you an option more, you don’t need to choose me eventually, but just give me a chance.” His eyes looked like his in pain. He was pleading me to give him a chance. If I give him a chance, is that mean that everything is going to over soon?

“Okay.” I replied recklessly. “But I need you to make a prerequisite. That’s our negotiation.” He nodded and grinned.

“I give you a chance, but if I refuse you. You have to promise not to tell Jasper anything between us, and what had happen that night. Promise?” I said confidently without thinking how Jasper might feel if he found out that I’m dating a guy but not only him but this is the only choice I can end this things up.

“Deal” He smiled and started to approach towards.

“Stand where you are. I’m leaving now.” I commanded him to do so and so he did.

“I’ll date you soon.” He smiled gracefully but I wasn’t feeling excited at all. As I get into the car, he waved to me gently. I don’t even bother any existence beyond the car. I just wanted to see his trace disappeared from my sight so I stepped up the speed and quickly departed from the school. Making lunch boxes made me regret, and it probably was the worst choice ever.

‘What am I doing? Will that negotiation works well? How should I explain to Jasper if he found out everything? Did I make the wrong choices?’

“Everything’s fine?” Aunt Allie appeared and frowned.

“I think so…I don’t think so…” I said hesitatingly

“What happened?” She asked amiably.
“Should I tell you?” I whispered to myself.

“You can tell me anything, you know? I would like to help you if you want.” She smiled.

In a situation that I needed a person to listen to my mind, I told Aunt Allie about everything. I feel relieved once I got a chance to blurt it out. I had hidden it in my heart for such long time.

“Oh…I see. I see what’s going on now.” Aunt Allie frowned for a moments and released.

“Am I doing something wrong?” I frowned and looked guilty.

“You’re not. You did the right one dear. You had already concerned about types of situation and in fact, the most importantly is that you did the most apprehension on Jasper.” She said with a peaceful smile.

“Of course I did because I didn’t want to lose him again.” I said.

“Everything will be fine.” She patted me lightly on my back. Hopefully it will be fine.

____________________________________________________________....

“I’m back” Jasper shouted loudly and ran into the living room which I was still sitting sadly on the couch with Aunt Allie.

“What happened?” Jasper ran towards me and squatted down. He touched my face and gently stroke on my cheek. I didn’t speak a word but caress his hands moderately.

“Mom, what happen?” Jasper moved his eyes on me to his mom. Aunt Allie was trying to help me to hide the truth behind Jasper.

“It’s okay. She’s not feeling well. Can you bring her back to room?” Aunt Allie shook her head and patted my back. Jasper nodded lightly and helped me back up to my room. He gently lidded the blanket on my body and touches my cheek in order to appease me to take some rest.

“Can you not leave before I fall asleep?” I said softly and he crawled beside me. I relied on his side and hugged him tightly.

“Are you okay? You looked really weird this few days and now you’re getting weak. How I’m supposed to tell your dad?” He chuckled and rounded on me.

“It’s okay. I will be fine. There’s only a week left.” I said sadly.

“I know. I really appreciated the things you’d done for me here.” His sound sounds gentle and sweet.

“I’m your girlfriend, am I? Isn’t something that I supposed to do for my boyfriend? I didn’t want to do all these stuffs to the others.” I sounded deep.

“Don't take it too harsh for what I’d said.” He said rapidly. “Take some rest now. I’ll be here until you wake.” He smiled and lidded the blanket over me again.