Bella MacLeod's Twilight Fanfiction

Perfect For Me

By Mama4Dukes

Chapter 04:

The next morning…

Jasper woke up around ten, and made his way to Paul’s house. Last night, he had made a firm decision to find out more about this Bella girl. He couldn’t keep her off his mind; there was something about her that was so intriguing.

He drove to Paul’s house and knocked on his door. Rachel, Paul’s wife, answered and motioned him inside.

“Hey, Jasper.” She kissed him on the cheek. “What brings you here?”

“Oh, I was just in the neighborhood and… uh…” Jasper sat down when she motioned to the dining room table.

“You want to know about Bella?”

“How did you know?” Jasper eyed Rachel quizzically. She was as sharp as a whip, and Paul could never get away with anything.

“Oh, I heard about your little encounter with her yesterday.” She chuckled at him. “I mean Jasper, you don’t fight. Fighting is more Paul and Emmett’s thing. Besides, since when do you run in to save a damsel in distress?”

“She wasn’t exactly in distress.”

“No, I imagine she wasn’t.” Rachel placed a plate of eggs and bacon in front of him. “Toast, or waffle?”

“Waffle,” he replied. She dug out a couple of frozen waffles and placed them in the toaster.

“Bella can fight with the best of them. She grew up in Forks, Washington, which is one town over from La Push, where we’re from. Her parents divorced when she was a baby, and her mother gave primary custody of her to her father because he had the more stable job. Bella spent her summers in California, then Arizona, and finally Florida. Her mother moved around a lot, but Renee is a good woman, she understood that Charlie, Bella’s father, could provide more stability in her daughter’s life.

“Anyway, Bella spent a good deal of time in La Push because my mother used to watch her while Charlie was at work. That’s why we all know her so well. She’s practically family. Later, when Charlie got re-married to Leah’s mother, Sue raised her as if she were her own flesh and blood.”

“That still doesn’t explain why she can fight.”

“Oh, that’s because she’s been going to Old Master Quil’s karate classes since she was three. Where do you think Jake, Paul, and Sam learned to fight? All four of them are black belts.”

“How come Leah and you didn’t take classes?”

She shrugged her shoulders. “We were too girly. Bella was raised like a boy because, as a single dad, Charlie had no idea what girly things were. So he raised her how he would a son – he put her in little league, martial arts classes, took her golfing, fishing and hunting, and he even threw her in the Boy Scouts.”

“Wait a second, girls weren’t allowed in the Boy Scouts until recently. I know, I was a scout and there were no girls in it.”

“I know, but my dad is the scout master. He never put her full name down on the official register – just her last name and first initial. Unofficially, the entire town knew Charlie’s daughter was in the Boy Scouts and no one really minded. They knew he was doing the best he could as a single father.”

“Your dad was pretty awesome for doing that.”

“He certainly was. Besides, Bella being in the scouts guaranteed Charlie – Bella’s father – would chaperone all the camping trips. And who better than the Chief of Police of Forks, Washington to chaperone the trips?”

“So her father is the Chief of Police?”

“Oh, yes. He’s a tough guy on the exterior, but he has a heart of gold. He’s well-liked by everyone in Forks and La Push. He’s also been best friends with my father since they were kids.”

“Interesting. So Bella is like a part of the family?”

“Oh, absolutely. Anyway, you’re probably wondering where Paul is, right?”

“Yeah, where is he?”

“He’s probably getting the shit kicked out of him by Bella. They went to their kickboxing class.”

“They’re taking kickboxing together?”

“Well, Bella and Jake are. They promised Old Master Quil they would keep up with their skills. They decided to try something new. After last night, Paul decided he needed to get back into fighting shape, too. Naturally, Sam couldn’t let Bella go alone, so he tagged along. He worries. And Emmett is there, too.”

“How come Emmett is there?”

“He happened to be at Sam’s house earlier. He was giving him an adjustment.”

“At home?”

“You know how cheap Sam can be!”

“True. So it’s just you and me today, Rach?”

“Yes, do you want to help me grade homework? All you have to do is circle the mistakes. It’s first grade math.”

“Sure thing. It’s the least I can do for this wonderful breakfast.”

Rachel kissed him on the cheek. “You’re such a flirt. Don’t hurt Bella. She’s a good girl.”

“I won’t, but do you think she’d go out with me?”

“Only time will tell.” Rachel dropped a big stack of papers in front of him along with a purple pen. “Just circle the mistakes.”

“Yes, Mrs. Lahote,” Jasper replied, smiling. He got along great with everyone’s wives. The only ones in his group who weren’t married were Emmett and him. In the past two years, he had been in three weddings. Speaking of which…

“Hey, Rach?”

“Yep?”

“Did I meet Bella at your wedding, or Sam’s?”

“Nope, Jake and she were studying abroad when we got married. You did meet her father, though. He had the short, cropped brown hair and the mustache. He kept talking about fishing.”

“Oh, yeah! I remember now. He wanted to know if there were any good fishing spots in Texas.”

“That’s him. I think Dad and he are planning a trip out here soon. They’ll be wanting to check up on everyone.”

“No kidding? They’re protective, huh?”

“Oh, yeah.”

“So you mentioned Bella and Jake studied abroad. Where did they go for their undergrad?”

“They went to the University of Washington, and studied abroad in Japan for a year. They’re big into robotics. They’re a little intense.”

“Are they dating?”

“Who? Jake and Bells?” When Jasper nodded in affirmation, Rachel continued, “No, they’re like brother and sister. They would never date. Besides, my brother is dating someone he met in one of his classes. Her name is Rosalie Hale. She’s from the East coast somewhere, and more importantly, she’s been approved by Bella and me.”

“Approved by Bella and you?”

“Oh, yes. If we don’t like her, the girl is toast. This one is a blonde bombshell, but she’s very intelligent, has the same interests as Jake, and is down-to-earth.” Rachel chuckled. “By the way, the vetting process for dating Bella is even worse. Not only do you have to be liked by Leah and me, you also have Jake, Paul, and Sam to get through. And if things heat up, there’s Charlie and my dad. It’s those two I’d worry about.”

“Why? Do they bite?”

“No.” Rachel smirked at him. “They shoot.”

Jasper’s head jerked up with a horrified expression. “Seriously?”

“No, of course not, but they would. You should ask Paul, he went through hell until they finally gave their stamp of approval. You’re lucky, Jasper. Leah and I both think you’re perfect for Bella, so you’ve passed the first test. Of course, you still have to ask her out.”

This was true. He still had to ask her out. Hell, he didn’t even know if she was interested in him, but he sure was captivated by her. For God’s sake, she beat up the guy who slugged him in the stomach. How could he not like a girl who came to his rescue?

Sunday…

Jasper sighed as he knocked on his parents’ door. He wasn’t looking forward to this dinner. Apparently, his mother was very disappointed about his break up with Alice. His father – not so much anymore. At least not after Jasper’s grand-daddy schooled him about how Rich Brandon’s company was in financial trouble.

The family’s longtime butler answered the door. “Master Jasper, welcome home. Everyone is waiting for you in the garden”

“Thanks, Marcus. How have you been? How are Didi and the kids?”

“Oh, always happy. Didi and I have seven grandkids now.”

“Seven? Already? Wow!”

“The youngest was just born three weeks ago, and our oldest just started at University of Texas.”

“Already? Wow! How time flies?”

“Master Jasper, I still think of you as a little tyke running around in diapers.” He winked at him. “Now go on out to the garden, everyone is waiting for you.”

“Who is everyone?”

“Oh, the usual – all of your father’s business associates including Miss Alice and her family.”

“The Brandons are here?” Jasper questioned, a bit stunned.

“Well, yes. They were always meant to be here.”

“Lovely. Alice is definitely someone I never want to see again.”

“Chin up, Master Jasper. Stick to your resolve and all will be well.”

“Thanks, Marcus.”

As Jasper made his way to the garden, he became angry thinking about how inconsiderate his parents were to him. They knew Alice and he were no longer an item, yet they still invited the Brandons over for the luncheon. The Brandons, too, were insensitive pricks for even showing up.

Jasper stepped into the garden area where the luncheon was set up. Alice was the first to zero in on him. “Oh, Darling! You brought flowers for me.” She reached for them. He pulled them out of her way.

He was done being nice. “Alice, why the hell would I bring flowers to you? We broke up last week, remember?”

“Well, that was because you were partying like an immature frat boy with your beer swilling party!”

“Alice, making beer is a hobby of mine. It might even become a career.”

“How can it be your career? You’re set to take over two petroleum firms.”

“I don’t have to take over anything. It’s my life; and I don’t want you in it!” He announced loudly, so it was clear to everyone in attendance.

“Now just a second here! You have no right to speak to my daughter that way.” Rich Brandon strutted towards them.

Jasper, on the other hand, chose to ignore him and approached his mother. “This is for you, Mama.” He held the bouquet of lilies in front of him.

“Thank you, Jasper. You’re such a sweet boy, bringing flowers to your mother!” She made a big show of accepting them, gave him a hug, and then pulled him to a different part of the garden.

Edyth Cullen Whitlock took a sip of her wine and appraised her son. “We’ll discuss your crass behavior later. Now stop embarrassing me, and play nice with Alice!” She whispered roughly into his year.

She was beautiful for her age; with shoulder length copper locks, which fell in waves. She always looked perfect, almost inhuman, with her grace. She was flawless, always was and always would be because of the time and money she put into herself. She had her esthetician and plastic surgeon on speed dial. For Edyth Cullen Whitlock – image always came first.

She never really appreciated Jasper. She left the rearing of him to his grandparents – both sets. He was always being pawned off to them for one reason or another. His parents never had time for him, but they expected him to do as they said.

When he turned twelve, they tried to send him off to a fancy boarding school in New Hampshire. Jasper was reluctantly set to go until both sets of grandparents stepped in to say he needed to be raised at home near them. So Jasper attended an elite college preparatory school in Houston with all the other rich brats.

He hated it there. He couldn’t make any friends because he was richer than the other kids. He didn’t have the same interests as them either. He liked playing Dungeons & Dragons, which was considered a nerd game. He also didn’t chase after girls and try to get laid. He’d only had a couple of girlfriends in the past, other than Alice.

“Jasper, did you hear me?” his mother asked.

“I did, ma’am. Yes.” Jasper glanced around the manicured garden. It was beautiful and perfect – not a weed in sight. There was no room for flaws in this garden. It was just like his mother.

Jasper could see the Brandons approaching along with his father, who looked uncomfortable – most likely because of what he now knew of Rich Brandon. Clearly, it was his mother’s idea to invite the family because she was close friends with Nan Brandon, Alice’s mother.

Jasper couldn’t stand the battle-axe. She was as demanding, needy, and whiney as her daughter. She was trying to rush him along to set a date so she could plan the wedding. Well, no more. It wasn’t happening, ever. Besides, Grand-Daddy said he’d write him out of the will if he ever brought Alice along again.

Jasper watched as his mother plastered a fake smile on her face. “Well, I’m sure Jasper is ready to apologize to Alice now,” Edie drawled.

“I should hope so. The last few weeks have been traumatic for Alice with Jasper running all haywire with his trailer trash college friends,” Nan replied. “Besides, it’s time the two of you set a date for the wedding.”

Jasper crossed his arms in front of his chest angrily, nonplussed at the sheer audacity of the bitch. He peered at the fake faces in front of him. The entire group had fake smiles plastered on their faces with the exception of his father.

He peered around at the garden. The other guests were inching closer, trying to listen in to what was happening; and he simply didn’t care anymore. He was done with all the airs and pretensions of society. He was done doing what was expected. His Grand-Daddy was right. All of this meant nothing if he didn’t enjoy it; and he certainly didn’t enjoy what his mother was trying to do.

“Well, what do you think? Should we set a date for the wedding, son?” Rich Brandon asked.

Jasper turned to him with a smile and shook his head. “No, I don’t think so. We broke up. And I like to think break ups are final. Besides, my Grand-Daddy Whitlock said he’d write Dad and me out of the will if I ever brought Alice around again. I’m sorry, but I’m not giving up my inheritance for your daughter. You understand, don’t you, Rich?”

Rich Brandon, his wife, and daughter all stood in shock with their mouths agape. They seemed to be at a loss for words.

“Jasper! How could you lie like that?” his horrified mother asked.

“It’s true, though. Isn’t it, Dad? Didn’t Grand-Daddy say he’ll disinherit us if I ever brought Alice home again?”

His father turned to his mother. “It’s true, Edie. Daddy said he’d disinherit us both and run the company into the ground if Jasper had anything to do with Alice Brandon ever again.”

“Well, can’t you talk to him? He really shouldn’t be interfering in our son’s love life.”

“Isn’t that what you’re doing, Mama?” Jasper questioned.

She glared at him before turning to his father for an answer.

“Uh… no. It’s best not to anger Daddy. You know how he gets?” Beau Whitlock donned a smile on his face. “By the way, now might be a good time to tell you, Jasper will no longer be working for Whitlock Energy as VP of Finance. He’ll be joining a training program and getting his hands dirty as an entry level engineer.”

It was at that moment Alice Brandon shrieked like a banshee from hell. The thought of Jasper working with his hands apparently threw her over the edge. At the same time, Nan Brandon crossed herself as if Jasper were the devil and began hyperventilating, while Edie Whitlock looked shocked and incensed.

“I’ll be talking to my father to see if something better can be done for Jasper. He’s sure to disapprove of Colton’s outlandish behavior! Imagine making his own grandson work with his hands?”

Jasper knew his other grandpa, Carlisle Cullen, would do nothing. He fully supported Colton Whitlock’s idea. His mother would get nowhere, no matter how much she pleaded.

“Mama, give it a rest. Alice is a fucking bitch, and I ain’t ever marrying her.” Jasper turned to his ex-girlfriend. “We broke up. Stop chasing me, or else I’ll call the cops on you and report you for stalking. I’m serious.” He turned to everyone else. “Well, it was a great party. See y’all later!”

Jasper walked away from the group, out of the garden, and into the house. Didi, Marcus’s wife – handed him a few Tupperwares full of food before he left the house. “I had a feeling you weren’t staying.” He kissed the kind woman on the cheek, shook Marcus’s hand, and left.

“I’ll see you soon.” He waved to the kind couple, who had been more parent-like to him than his own parents had. For God’s sake, Marcus was the one who taught him to ride a bicycle!

Shaking his head, Jasper left the mansion and headed for his house. He was happy to be leaving the toxic garden party.