pg+2

 brother.” Shane said, still trying to repress laughter. “Why don’t you make us?!” The boy retorted, obviously very unhappy about being knocked unconscious by a girl on crutches. “Because we were hoping that we wouldn’t have to.” Jasper said savoring the bemused looks he was getting. “Anderson, why don’t you run along home like a good mama’s boy.” One boy said, looking very proud of himself for saying this. “Because I’m not hiding anymore. I kind of got busted at school, so I’m not going to bother with blending in anymore.” Jasper retorted. He was looking like he wanted to flatten that kid’s face. “Oh yeah? You think you could take one of us? Prove it.” The leader said, looking smug. “Well, if a girl on crutches can take you out, I hope you’re not the strongest.” Jasper retorted, clearly having a blast with this. Well, that sure got the kid fuming. He was still leaning on a tree to keep his balance, so he sent crossed Jasper and Shane’s forward the second biggest guy. A bemused look Faces when the boy approached Jasper. “Joshua? Should’ve known that you’d get into the wrong crowd if I didn’t help you train. Look at you, you’re bullying smaller kids. You were raised better than that.” Jasper said looking very disappointed. “Huh?” I asked Shane, wondering if he would know. “Joshua is Jaspers brother.” He said, clearing things up for me. “Again, stalker.” Jasper muttered, sending Shane into a silent fit of laughter. “He’s your brother!?” The gang’s leader demanded, looking like he wanted to punch something. “Yes, I am. I’m also older than him and in charge of him while mom’s away. Go home. Now. I’ll talk to you about this later.” Jasper said an air of authority in his voice that made sure that you followed his instructions. “No.” Joshua said firmly as if to end the subject. “What was that, Joshua?” Jasper said in a mocking yet surprised voice. “Mom said the better fighter was in charge.” Joshua said in a slightly shaky voice. “Joshua,” Jasper said in an annoyed pleading voice that said, “Come on”. “Joshua, I thought that we already agreed that I was the better fighter that first time we fought. Do you really want a rematch out in public, where everybody will see your defeat; in front of them? Come on, you know I’m older and stronger. Even if I wasn’t as good a fighter, I’d still have the upper hand.” Jasper said, sounding like it would be as interesting as a chore. “That was a long time ago. I want a rematch.” Joshua said sounding a little surer this time. “Here and now?” Jasper said, finally agreeing to a fight. “No. Tonight on the hill in the park.” Joshua said making it up as he went. “Fine by me.” Jasper said with an edge in his voice. “Mind if we invite some people?” The gang’s leader asked. “Not if you don’t mind being beaten with an audience.” Jasper said very confidently. “Jasper, you wouldn’t really fight your brother, would you?” I asked worriedly. “Be there by five, and make sure your girlfriend doesn’t try to kill anyone with those crutches again.” Joshua said, pushing Jordan towards us. “Okay, we’ll take her crutches, but I can’t promise that it’ll slow her down enough for you guys to be able to defend yourselves. She’s pretty fast and strong so watch out when her ankle is back to normal.” Jasper said grinning down at me. Then my crutches were gone. “Hey!” I opposed, as my knees buckled under the unexpected weight. Then somebody caught me, of course I should have known they’d catch me. I looked up to see who had caught me. “Shane, can you warn me when you’re going to take my crutches? You know Rose will kill me if I get grass stains on her latest design. And it doesn’t help healing to have a mad sister complaining about grass stains on her new designs.” I complained. Honestly, my legs were starting to get weak from Shane, Jacob and Jasper carrying me everywhere.