Spitfire ━ Jasper Hale

04 ━ AN ENIGMA

Eric smiled shyly, "I may have overheard you, but don't worry. It's not a big school, so you'll get used to it in no time."

  He held out a hand, "Can I see your schedule?" Shadow handed the paper over eagerly, suddenly grateful for his presence. Having to go to the office would've only delayed her more.

"Oh, this class is on the other side of the school. I could show you the way there?" Eric's offer came with a genuine expression and Shadow couldn't help her immediate agreement.

  She let him take the lead, winding their way down the halls. "So," he started with a smile, "are you close with the Cullens?"

Shadow was surprised by the question and she furrowed her brow. "No, what makes you think that?" She watched Eric with guarded caution.

  Shadow had been in Forks for less than 42 hours. The only people she knew were Charlie and Bella. Put off by his inquiry, the ginger felt suddenly wary of Eric's motives in offering her help.

"Well, the Cullens don't really 'hang out' with anyone. It was just strange to see you with them— especially that Jasper guy. I've heard he's not much of a people person." It was an uncomfortable situation, but Shadow couldn't help but nod along with his assessment of Jasper.

To say that he wasn't a people person was putting it lightly. Jasper didn't seem to know how to exist near people in general. But, then again, maybe that was just with me, Shadow thought to herself.

"You could say that," she replied, "But, no, we're not friends. He was just buying me lunch and he let me eat with his family because I had nowhere else to sit."

  Shadow kept her attention averted from Eric's gaze. His stare was too direct, as if he were trying to soak up every word she was saying.

Shadow wasn't really surprised. If what Eric had said was true, this conversation would likely be the highlight of their school's next issue. Imagining the headline, she almost laughed— Jasper Hale's Southern Hospitality.

"Right," Eric mused, "Well they seemed livelier than usual. They mostly keep to themselves. It's kind of weird, to be honest." Shadow couldn't explain it, but Eric's words set off a part of her that suddenly felt defensive.

  Sure, she hadn't known them for very long, but the majority of the Cullens had been nothing but kind to her. It made perfect sense for her to be bothered by someone speaking ill of them. Shadow hadn't exactly seen anyone else welcoming her to their table.

  She narrowed her eyes, "I think calling them weird is pushing it."

  Eric met the retort with open laughter. Clearly, they didn't share the same opinion regarding the Cullens, and his obvious amusement only made her more annoyed. What the hell was his problem?

Eric gave her a playful nudge, "Don't tell me you're already crushing on the Cullens." His tone was teasing, but Shadow felt a flash of anger spark to life.

  You've got to be joking, she thought, already exhausted by his antics. She considered not answering, but Shadow knew it was better to keep humouring him for now. She was new, of course people were going to have their eyes on her.

  Shadow just hoped that the interest would die out quickly. After all their excitement wore out, keeping to herself would be far easier. Until then, she knew she was going to have to put up with the stares and odd questions.