+++++

Needless to say, the day at the beach with Quil and Embry was awkward. Magnolia couldn't shake the image of Paul jumping off the cliff that would kill any normal person, with ease. They hung out for maybe an hour when the boys finally decided she should go home. "Clearly your mind is all over the place." Quil smiled sadly at her.

Magnolia furrowed her brows. "What?"

Quil laughed. "See? That's what I mean," He patted her arm lightly. "Me and Embry can walk home, Elton should drive you back."

"No, Quil," She shook her head. "You came all the way out here just for me, I wouldn't want to force you to walk."

Embry chuckled from behind her. "You're not forcing us, girl. It's okay, you look like you need to go."

Elton had come up behind her, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "They're right, Maggie. We should go."

Magnolia sighed, groaning quietly. "Fine," She whined. "You guys are all so pushy," She joked, giving Quil and Embry a hug goodbye. "Say bye to Jake for me." She called as Elton force off.

The didn't speak for the majority of the car ride, only speaking once they were once again in Forks. "Are you okay, Maggie?" Elton asked softly.

Magnolia gulped, looking down at her hands. "I-I don't know if I'm being honest. It's all so weird," She lifted her head, watching the shrubbery go by. "Bella knew I would be there for her, she knew, Elton. But she opens up to Jacob Black? A kid she barely knew?"

Elton sighed, shaking his head. He didn't know what to say to that. Magnolia was right, why did Bella do that? He placed his right hand on her arm the rest of the way home.

•

Magnolia hated hot days, she never got anything done. The heat made her feel drained and all the chores she wanted to get done never did. She was at least looking forward to going to work with Bella, at least that was something to do.

But she spoke too soon, as the landline rang and her mother called to her. "Maggie, it's for you!"

Groaning, Magnolia got up from her spot on the couch. "Who is it?" She asked as her mother handed her the phone.

"Mike Newton." Her mother chuckled, walking out of the kitchen.

"Oh no," Magnolia sighed before putting the phone up to her ear. "Hello, Mike!"

"Hey, Maggie!" As much as Mike tried to sound cheerful, it was clear he was exhausted. "How are you?"

"Uh, good?" Magnolia answered. "Why are you calling, Mike?" She wanted to get straight to the point. Mike never called her just to 'hang out.'

Mike chuckled, the crappy phone making it sound cracked and staticky. "You caught me," He sighed. "Actually, mom's making me call all the employees that they have the day off. It's too hot and she doesn't want y'all getting heatstroke."

Magnolia swore internally. Great, she was actually looking forward to work today. "Oh, what about you and your dad? Don't you guys get the day off?"

Mike laughed. "I wish! But no, mom would rather her family work their asses off in the heat, rather than her valued employees."

"That's sucks," Magnolia told Mike honestly. "But thanks for the heads up! I'll see you next week then?"

"Yup!" Mike replies cheerfully. "Talk to ya later."

The line cut, leaving Magnolia clueless of what to do. Elton wasn't talking to her, so that was an obvious no go, and every time she tried to hang out with Bella, Edward swooped in. Then it hit her — Jasper! Of course, he is her boyfriend after all.

Excitedly dialling the Cullen phone number, she waiting, listening to it ring for about a half a second when someone picked up. "Good morning, darlin'." Jasper knew it was her.

"Hey!" Magnolia was suddenly feeling very energetic. "You busy?"

"If I was, I would leave whatever it was in a heartbeat for you," He cooed softly. "But no, I am not currently busy."

Magnolia laughed. "God, you're such a sap."

Jasper chuckled deeply. "Only for you, my love. What did you have in mind for today? I was under the impression you had work."

"I did have work," Magnolia sighed. "But Mrs. Newton is giving the employees a day off since it's so hot."

"Ah," Jasper sighed. "I'm honoured you want to spend the day with me."

Magnolia giggled. "I mean, I don't think I have another boyfriend around," She smirked. "Could I come over? I know it's too sunny for you."

"Mmm," Jasper hummed. "Let me think about it..."

Magnolia listened to his, "umm's" and "hmm's" for a few seconds before she burst out laughing. "Jasper! Can I?"

Jasper began to laugh just as hard. "I'm sorry, love. I couldn't help myself," He teased. "Of course you can come over."

"See you soon!" Magnolia sang, hanging up the phone. "Mom! I'm going to see Jasper!" She called as she ran up to her room, rushing to change out of her work uniform. Once she was in more comfortable clothes, she rushed back down, grabbing her backpack and keys. "Love you, bye!" She called to her parents as she ran out the door.

She drove as fast as she could without going over the speed limit to get to the Cullen house. Jasper stood at the threshold, waiting with a smile on his face. Once she safely parked the car, Magnolia bounded over to him, jumping into his arms.

You would think he was a marble statue with how still he had stood. His strong arms held Magnolia with no issue. "I missed you," He hummed, nuzzling his nose into her neck.

Magnolia giggled, kissing his neck softly. "I saw you two days ago."

Jasper pulled back, staring deeply into her blue eyes, which seemed brighter than ever. "Two days is too long to go without you." He took her hand, leading her away from the house.

"Are we not going in?" Magnolia was confused. She assumed he'd want to stay inside. Jasper shook his head. "Won't Alice, Esme and Rosalie be angry? They'll think you're stealing me."

Jasper laughed. "I am stealing you!" He pulled her into his side, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. "They can have their chance later."

He smirked back at the house, before turning back to Magnolia. "Shall we?" He pointed out to the vast forest in front of them.

Magnolia nodded excitedly. "Let's."

꧁꧂

Woah! It's been forever, hasn't it? I'm sorry this is such a short chapter but I really didn't have much and wanted to get it out to y'all! Enjoy!