Go With Grace ?Jasper Hale 3?

Chapter 8

"You remembered?" Willow twisted and looked at him with a bright smile on her face.

"It was the best birthday party a seven-year-old had ever thrown." Koda turned the car off. "Of course, I remembered."

He was referring to Willow's seven birthday party, the first birthday without her parents, Charlie spared no expense. He rented out the entire roller rink and invited  all her friends and it was the best birthday party she had ever had.

"I haven't gone skating in forever." Willow bounced on her toes as Koda grabbed their skates from the counter.

"Don't worry. I won't let you fall." Koda's words made Willow's heart skip. They both took a moment to lace their skates up. When they were ready, Koda gripped Willow's hand and led her out to the ring.

The music that played through the speakers was all 80's hits. The two joked and laughed. Koda never let go of her hand. They took a break to eat concession food and Koda told her about the training he did in London. He  swore not to use any of his magic while they were in public. Willow told him about the James triplets and somewhere along the way the conversation turned to scars.

"This one on my eyebrow was from my first encounter with a vampire." Koda dipped his frie into Willow's strawberry shake. "He was not too friendly."

"Very few are." Willow smiled and pulled the shake back towards her. She took a sip before pointing to her arm. "This one is from a black opal bracelet."

"Black opal?" Koda's brow shot up. "I bet that has a story."

Willow stared at him for a moment, realizing that she had never really talked about what happened. Everyone around her already knew but they didn't ask for details. She could see the genuine curiosity in his features, and she knew that she was safe to talk to Koda. So she told him everything that happened during spring break.

She expected his face to twist into the usual pity that people showed her when they knew what happened. Instead, Koda nodded and reached across the table, his warm fingers running over the scar from the bracelet. She waited for him to say the words "I'm sorry" or "how are you holding up now" but he smiled and glanced out toward the rink.

"Let's get back up there before they close the rink down."  He stood gracefully on his skates, his hands gripping her as and pulling her to her feet. Willow felt her chest swell with an emotion she had only felt for one person before.

They skated for a few more hours before  Koda decided it was time for them to leave. They blared old 80's songs and sang at the top of their lungs. Their laughter filled the car until they pulled back into the driveway of Willows house.

"Thanks for today." Willow stared down at her hands with her fingers nervously picking at the fabric of her shirt. Koda's warm hand gently reached over and brushed some of her hair behind her ear. The gesture was sweet and made Willow lift her head and lock her eyes with his.

"Trust me, it was my pleasure." Koda's fingers lingered on her jaw, the feeling sending a warm sensation where they touched. They stayed that way for a moment more before Koda pulled away to reach inside of his jacket, pulling out a long rectangular box. "What's a birthday without a gift?"

"You didn't have to get me anything." Willow half laughed but took the box from his hand. She slid the top off and smiled at the sight before her. Inside was a gold chain with a gold pendant on the end and a crystal in the center. "It's beautiful."

"It is a fire agate that I've enhanced with an intense protection spell." Koda lifted it out of the box for her. "Once you put it on, only you can take it off. It will protect you from any form of magical attack. Spell or extra abilities. It won't protect you from physical attacks."

"You didn't have to do that."  Willow smiled up at him as her fingers grazed over the pendent.

"The world you're in is crazy and intense. I want you to feel as safe as possible." Koda let the necklace lay into Willow's palm.

"Thank you, Koda."  Willow smiled and gracefully placed the necklace around her neck.

Both of them climbed out of the vehicle and headed towards the front door. Willow walked close enough to Koda that she grazed his arm and every time they made slight contact, she felt an electric shock run though her. When he opened the door for her, she was surprised to be met by her friends and Charlie yelling "Happy Birthday."

The rest of the night was a blur and was one of the best nights Willow had since the Cullens had left. Embry, Leah, and  Quil were still standoffish to Paul but there was no way to explain why Willow forgave him so easily. Even though Willow wanted to tell them everything, it was not her secret to tell. Willow was just thankful to have Paul back.

After cake and presents everyone dispersed. Koda lingered as if he was sure he wanted to leave. Paul hovered like he was going to miss something. Eventually, both of them said good night and left together. Willow helped Charlie clean up before excusing herself for the night. Willow let her fingers graze the pendant of her necklace, her mouth twisting up into a small smile at the thought of Koda.

Bella's door was closed when she walked by. She thought about knocking to check on her cousin but decided if Bella couldn't take the time to wish her happy birthday, she didn't need to waste time checking on her. It was a cruel thing to think but at this point Willow didn't think there was any type of relationship between her and her cousin.

Willow entered her own room to find her bedroom window open, her curtains blowing in the slight breeze. Panic immediately rose in Willow's chest, knowing that she didn't leave the window open. Quietly she looked around and checked in the closet and under the bed before she closed the window. When she looked back at her desk, she spotted it.

There was a medium sized box wrapped in silver paper and topped with a blue bow.