Jess drove much faster than Dad, so we made it to Port Angeles by four. This was the first time since I dragged Bella on a shopping spree in Phoenix that I've gone shopping with 'the girls'. I never really bothered making close friends with anyone in Phoenix as I thought little of the teen social structure and the existence of it to begin with and that seemed to bother every teen that even considered befriending me when I made that clear to everyone. The only ones I bothered getting close to were the people I knew would stay in the majority of my human life that wasn't family, namely the Quilettes since I had only recently met the Cullens. Even though this was my first 'girls night out' in Forks, I could have gone without it for the rest of my existence honestly. It would have been much nicer to just shop with Bella as she was a similar shopper to me: find what you're looking for, try it on, buy it, and leave. I'd also prefer shopping with Jasper as I have yet to do it and I know it'd be fun. Angela's the only 'best friend' I've made in this new life, Bella not counting because she's my sister, Jasper because he's my boyfriend, and Rosalie because we'd never be better than 'good' friends.

I knew beforehand that I wasn't going to enjoy this, if only for the nervous energy that was building with the suspense of the event I knew was going to occur tonight, but knowing that I was going to dislike the outing seemed to prepare me to appear at least complacent with the current situation as the girls listened, and therefore forced me to listen, to whiny rock songs while Jessica jabbered on about the boys they hung out with. I ignored their ramblings, not offering any info when Jessica tried to subtly, or not so subtly, needle info out of me on the subject of Jasper and I's apparent relationship.

I refrained from sighing in relief when Jessica drove straight to the one big department store in town. The dance was billed as semi-formal and the girls weren't exactly sure what that meant. I resisted the urge to roll my eyes at that. Both Jessica and Angela seemed surprised and almost disbelieving when Bella told them she'd never been to a dance in Phoenix and that I'd been to them all.

"I thought you said you'd never had a boyfriend," Angela half stated half questioned curiously. I shrugged as what I told her was true and I wasn't surprised that Bella came to my defense when she saw Jessica about to possibly start something.

"She didn't. Whenever a dance came around, a bunch of guys always asked her to the dance, most of them weren't exactly interested in dating her," Bella said with a frown, making the other two frown as well. "But Maddy always seemed to know which guys were sincere and which guys only wanted to get under her clothes and always said yes to a nice guy. They were always happy when she said yes, but they always seemed to somehow know that going to the dance with her didn't meant that she was going to date them. The guys she was escorted to dances to always became her friends and ended up getting their own girlfriends when Maddy played matchmaker," Bella said, making the other two girls look at me in awe, not that I cared, I was looking in the window, bored.

"What about you?" Jessica asked Bella. "Didn't you ever go with a boyfriend or something?" Jessica asked dubiously as we walked through the front doors of the store.

"Really," Bella tried to convince her, not wanting to confess to her dancing problems. "I've never had a boyfriend or anything close. I didn't go out much."

"Why not?" Jessica demanded, starting to tick me off with how nosy and rude she was being.

"No one asked me," Bella answered honestly.

She looked skeptical. "People ask you out here," she reminded her, "and you tell them no." We were in the juniors' section now, the girls scanning the racks for dress-up clothes. I looked as well, but rather than look for wearable clothes, I looked for clothes that could be changed or touched up with other materials. I liked to design or fancy up clothes that I buy at regular stores as most of the clothes I buy for immediate wear comes from specific websites or upper class stores, both more expensive than regular casual clothing.

"Well, except for Tyler," Angela amended quietly, making me snap my head in her direction.

"Excuse me?" Bella and I asked in unison, making the two look at us in mild surprise as it was one of the few times that they'd seen us act anything like 'twins.' Bella had gasped at the news while I could feel my brows point downwards in an angry v shape. I had forgotten that little piece of information from the book and remembering it now only made me more angry as Bella was my sister.

"Tyler told everyone he's taking you to prom," Jessica informed Bella with suspicious eyes.

"He said what?" Bella and I again said in unison, though while Bella sounded like she was choking, my own words were a quiet hiss of anger.

"I told you it wasn't true," Angela murmured to Jessica. Bella was silent, no doubt shocked and irritated at the news while I was furious. I wasn't ashamed to say that I was a proud feminist, all those jerkwads that claimed me a feminazi or 'taking things too seriously' be damned and bragging about taking my sister on a date without asking her consent first was a huge NO NO for me! How dare that empty headed pig try to use gossip and peer pressure to get Bella to go to the dance with him! I fumed silently as the others looked through the dress racks. They knew I was only here for Bella after all, but they also knew that I had a good taste for fashion despite my preferred style and therefore seemed to look forward to my criticism if I chose to give it.

"That's why Lauren doesn't like you," Jessica giggled while they pawed through the clothes. I growled under my breath at that. Let's not even mention that harpy, blaming it on the new girl rather than getting mad at her empty headed crush for trying to go out with said 'new girl.' Sickening. Bella ground her teeth.

"Do you think that if I ran him over with my truck he would stop feeling guilty about the accident? That he might give up on making amends and call it even?" I rolled my eyes at Bella's naivete.

"Maybe," Jessica snickered. "If that's why he's doing this."

The dress selection obviously wasn't large, but the two of them managed to find a few things to try on. Bella and I sat on a low chair just inside the dressing room, by the three way mirror, trying to control our fuming.

Jessica was torn between two dresses, neither of which I myself would wear, but regardless would work for the event and for Jessica. The blue would work better as it's less formal and I told her as much. Bella also pointed out how it would play up the eyes. Angela chose a pale pink dress that brought out lighter highlights in her hair and emphasized the innocent aura she seemed to have around her. They returned the other dresses to the racks, the whole process much faster than similar outings Bella and I had gone on, part of it no doubt because of the limited choices. I was somewhat dreading the shoes and accessories as it would be when Bella asked Angela awkward questions about the Cullens and if there was something I disliked, it was awkward.

"Angela?" Bella began hesitantly. I decidedly distracted myself with some jewelry on display on the counter despite my disinterest in purchasing them.

"Yes?" She replied distractedly, obviously busy with the shoes she was trying on.

"I like those." My nail accidentally tapped against the glass when I heard Bella chicken out, but neither gave the small sound any notice.

"I think I'll get them-though they'll never match anything but that one dress," she mused.

"Oh, go ahead-they're on sale," Bella encouraged. Angela smiled at that.

"Um, Angela..." seemed like Bella was trying again.

"Is it normal for the...Cullens" - Bella kept her eyes on the shoes - "to be out of school a lot?" Bella failed miserably in her attempt to sound nonchalant and I found myself having to make an effort not to roll my eyes at her.

"Yes, when the weather is good, they go backpacking all the time-even the doctor. They're all real outdoorsy." I resisted the urge to snort. Rosalie. Outdoorsy. The thought made me want to laugh. Bella was probably relieved that Angela hadn't questioned her on her strange inquiry, unlike Jessica who would have practically interrogated her.

"Oh," Bella let the subject drop as Jessica returned to show off her jewelry choices. After purchasing everything, they planned to go to dinner at a little Italian restaurant on the boardwalk, but the shopping didn't take as long as they expected, obviously. Bella told them that she would meet them at the restaurant in an hour rather than accompany them to walk down to the bay.

I jumped at the chance to go with her, despite what I knew would happen and not because I felt protective but because I never liked hanging out with Jessica. While Angela was my best friend, Jessica was simply too off-putting for me. Besides, I preferred a bookstore to a pointless short walk anyways. The two were willing to come with us, but Bella encouraged them to have fun, I stayed silent and that in its own was an urge for them to do the same. Thankfully they knew me well enough to interpret it correctly. They walked off to the car, chattering happily, while Bella and I headed to the direction Jessica had pointed out.

We had no trouble finding the bookstore, not because I already knew where it was, it just wasn't hard to find. I knew beforehand that it wasn't the type of bookstore that Bella was looking for. This was definitely more up my alley. The windows displayed crystals, dream-catchers, and books about spiritual healing. Bella didn't even go inside and since I had gone in before and was stocked up enough on charms and stones and such, I had no need to go in either. The old woman at the counter smiled in welcome at my sister and gave me a more familiar warm smile of hello which I returned in kind. I always made sure to visit the bookstore at least once every summer.

Bella seemed determined to find a regular bookstore, despite there not being one and meandered through the streets, which was filling up with end-of-the-workday traffic. I felt my body becoming more and more tense as I allowed Bella to get us lost. I knew I could prevent what was about to happen. I could snap Bella out of it and just lead us back to safety...but this was a necessary and important event for Edward and Bella to get closer, it was needed. I was only there for extra insurance.

Despite the fact that I knew Bella would be alright even without my presence, I couldn't bring myself to ignore my second lifetime of protecting Bella, no matter if the threat was herself or something else. The grip on my bag tightened until my knuckles were bone white when I spotted four men turn around the corner Bella and I were headed for. They were young adults, only a few years older looking than us, no doubt reckless and unquestionably dangerous. They immediately had me on edge. They were joking loudly among themselves, laughing raucously and punching each other's arms. Bella and I scooted as far to the inside of the sidewalk as we could to give them room, I stood as a buffer between Bella and the group as we walked swiftly, looking past them to the corner.

"Hey there!" One of them called as they passed, obviously addressing us as we were the only ones around. I stiffly looked to them, Bella glancing up automatically. Two of them had paused, the other two were slowing. The closest, a heavyset, dark haired man in his early twenties, was the one who spoke.

"Hey," I replied in a bland, seriously-not-interested tone, not that it seemed to dampen their mood any. If anything, their small grins grew wider. Bella and I quickly looked away and walked faster toward the corner. They were laughing at us at full volume and it made my blood rush with anger and adrenaline at the danger we were being herded to.

"Hey, wait!" One of them called after us again, but we just kept going and rounded the corner, Bella doing so with a sigh of relief, but I knew it was far from over. The sky seemed to darken with my mood as I tried to calm myself, trying to think of Jasper and how safe I felt with him when Bella started at realizing that two men from the group before were following behind us from a distance. I wished I could give Bella reassurance through touch, at least hold her hand, but I needed both hands if I had to resort to fighting back. I couldn't help it when I could hear my quickened heartbeat in my ear, the silence heavy as we were herded right where they wanted us, and I had to keep myself from yelling profanities at them when I heard the same man from before speak first again.

"There you are!" The voice boomed.

"Yeah," a voice from in front of us answered, making poor Bella jump, not that my stiffening was any better. "We just took a little detour." Bella and I slowed, nearing to a stop as she took in the situation, preparing to scream as I discreetly slid my hand into my bag, my fingers curling around the taser I had so carefully put in earlier. Bella quickly took off her purse, preparing to offer it or use it as a weapon, whatever was necessary.

The apparent leader shrugged away from the wall as we came to a stop, and walked slowly into the street.

"Stay away from us," I warned in a very venom filled and angry tone, not letting my fear show, trusting in what I knew would happen. Bella glanced up at me with some awe and respect, no doubt because of how firm and controlled my voice sounded.

"Don't be like that, sugar," he called, the raucous laughter started again behind us and I let out an impressive growl.

"You're going to regret this," I told them darkly, preparing to fight tooth and nail in the slim chance that they wouldn't appear. The man seemed about ready to scoff and taunt me when the amazingly relieving and familiar appearance of headlights suddenly flew around the corner, the car almost hitting the stocky leader, forcing him to jump back towards the sidewalk. Bella dove into the road, obviously wanting the car to stop or hit her and making me want to slap the back of Bella's head. The silver car unexpectedly fishtailed around, skidding to a stop with the passenger door open just a few feet from Bella. I could see golden eyes look at me with uncertainty within the darkness of the car, almost smothered by the unbridled rage.

Don't worry. I had Jasper follow you today. I'm safe. I sent him the message silently and his eyes widened slightly when he saw a familiar figure seem to materialize behind me. I knew immediately when he appeared, feeling the breeze from his silent entrance and the blanket of safety and calm that washed over my erratic emotions. Bella looked to me quickly, apparently having expected me to be right behind her, worry in her eyes, only to have it melt away to shock and relief when she saw Jasper standing behind me.

"Get in," Edward's furious voice commanded. Bella jumped into the seat immediately and slammed the door shut behind her after sending me one last reassuring glance, somehow knowing I was as safe with Jasper as she felt with Edward. I was about to turn and address Jasper, or at least hide behind him when I felt a heavy wave of lethargy and exhaustion flood me and send me into a sleepy trance. My eyelids shut of their own accord and I felt myself fall into the cold, hard arms of my boyfriend before I completely slipped into unconsciousness.

I could feel myself waking up, the heavy blanket of lethargy and exhaustion from before lifting gently. I pouted before even opening my eyes and let them open, immediately zooming in on the tall vampire cradling me in his arms.

"Was that really necessary?" I asked with my pout still in place, sitting up in his lap and discovering that we were in the backseat of his jaguar. My playful pout turned to a serious frown when I noticed how stiff Jasper was. The first powerful vestiges of guilt blossomed and tightened in my chest when I saw how upset...how angry he looked.

"Why didn't you tell me?" He bit out, seemingly trying not to sound too harsh. I flinched anyways. I looked down guiltily, but I didn't regret my choice.

"It had to happen, Jazz," I murmured softly. I let myself relax against him when his arms tightened around me.

"But why didn't you tell me?" He repeated, his voice this time, hoarse and low, choked with emotion. "You were in danger, Madeleine. They could have hurt you." He bit out in loathing and desperation. I clung to him, hoping to reassure him with my proximity.

"This was necessary," I whispered. "Bella was going to get lost on her own if I didn't come and I've been protecting Bella all her life. I wasn't going to abandon her now. Besides," my grip shifted from around his waist to around his neck, letting my head fall in the juncture of his neck, "I knew you would protect me. I'd already seen that Edward would save Bella, but I couldn't risk it," I pleaded for him to understand. He stayed stiff and silent for a moment before he sagged back into the seat.

"That's why you told me to follow Edward today." I nodded into his neck, not daring to look up yet. "And why you told me to think on my priorities," he murmured. I said nothing. "You were worried I would kill those men and endanger our existence," he reasoned out, trying to calm himself. "You had faith that I would put your safety before my desire to tear them apart." I snuggled into his neck, taking a deep, calming breath, letting the event that happened slip by me as I focused on the present, and idly thought of the future. "You were right," he murmured. I smiled and I knew he could feel the action on his skin. "You always seem to be right," Jasper mused in a lighter tone, his somber mood seeming to lift a little as he allowed himself to bask in the warmth I was feeling just by being with him.

"Of course," I answered haughtily before I answered more seriously. "I trust you, Jasper, with my life. I wouldn't have blamed you for killing those men, I would have even approved, but I didn't want to put your family at risk...and I didn't want you blaming yourself for it." He raised a hand to caress and cup on cheek, making me look at him.

"You seem more intent on my overall well being than that of my family," Jasper observed. I only smiled at him warmly.

"That's because you're the most important to me Jasper. I love my family and yours, I really do, but my feelings for you are very different," my smile turned more playful, "but you should already know that." I nearly beamed at him when he gave me a warm smile in return, happy that I pulled him out of his anger and self-loathing.

"I do. Very much so, especially when I feel the same." I felt my cheeks heat up with joy at his soft proclamation and arched up when he leaned down, his intentions clear. Our lips met naturally, as if they were never meant to be apart. We had a lot of practice with how much we made out as soon as we became a 'couple'. We moved in perfect synchronization with each other, my head tilting just a tad to the side, Jasper combing his hand behind my ear until he gently cupped the back of my head, my shifting in his lap until I straddled him without disrupting the kiss, all of it was very natural by now.

He lightly bit my lower lip and plunged in when I gasped at the action, my gasp melting into a mewl much as my body melted into his. Let it be said that neither Jasper nor I were as hesitant about touching each other and getting intimate as Edward was with Bella. I trusted Jasper completely, which included his control, and Jasper had enough self discipline to trust it as well...or maybe he just couldn't resist touching me. I liked to think it was a little of both.

I moaned when the hand around my waist lowered to cup my ass, his other hand joining it as he nipped and kissed from my lips down to my collar bone. Our heavy kissing and fondling session went on for a good bit longer before Jasper pulled back, albeit reluctantly.

"We should...postpone this for a more suitable environment." I pouted, knowing he was right despite the lust clouded part of my brain telling me I didn't care. "I'd rather our consummation be somewhere more comfortable," his eyes bored into mine before lowering to my neck, his lips soon following, "somewhere I could take my time," he breathed into my exposed collarbone, making me shiver, "somewhere much roomier," he nipped at the hollow above my collarbone, my response a sharp intake of breath.

"Sounds good," I managed to breath out shakily. He pulled back with a chuckle at my response, to which I frowned.

"For now, I think I should get you something to eat and take you home." It was then I belatedly remembered why I was with Jasper in the first place.

"Oh, right. I'm supposed to be on some 'girls night out' with Bella, Angela, and Jessica," I scowled a little when I said the last name, but worried more about what time it was and if it was early enough to make an excuse. With all the worrying I did about the 'main event', covering for myself afterwards had slipped my mind. Internally, I cursed at myself, this one of the first oversights, first mistakes, I had made. I felt Jasper soothe my consternation, his hand rubbing soothing circles on the small of my back.

"Don't worry, darlin'. I sent Edward a text earlier. He'll cover for us when he and Bella meet up with those two," he reassured. I relaxed against him again, feeling happy and content with how things worked out, humming in appreciation.

"Have I ever told you how happy I am that you're in the know?" I asked him, blissfully content being by his side. He gave me another of those warm smiles that I loved seeing on his face so much.

"Multiple times, but it's always nice to be vocally appreciated..and to feel the depth of your elation. I'm sure I've told you just as many times how amazing your emotions feel to me, how much I love to feel your returned affections," he murmured. I only beamed at him and lay my head on his shoulder.

"You have," I murmured just as softly. "I'm glad we understand each other's feelings so intimately," I said more somberly. Jasper was quiet for a moment before he inquired.

"Do our siblings not share this same understanding?" He questioned gently, knowing I don't answer things if I don't want to...or don't think it wise.

"...no, definitely not," I said after thinking about it for a moment. "They're going to have to go through a lot before both of them don't doubt how much one loves the other. Edward because he thinks that she can't love him as much as he does her and Bella for the same, but also because she doubts her own self worth, especially being with someone that is so perfect even when not blinded by love," I explained carefully. I felt Jasper shift in concern at one point.

"You've given me vague ideas of what's to come. Seeing how dangerous some of the events that have already come to pass, I can only dread the more distant, but near future, events especially when you mentioned that we may have to separate for a time." I looked up to see him scowling. "Just the idea of being apart from you for any large length of time puts me on edge." I smiled reassuringly at him.

"You won't...be gone long," in vampire terms, "and we've already planned to secretly stay in contact. It'll be what brings us back together again." Jasper just hummed noncommittally.

"Mm, I know you'll be right. I trust you." Those words, more than anything, had a familiar, fuzzy, warmth filling my body, spreading from my chest.