Disclaimer: These characters belong to Stephanie Meyer, not me!

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Each Journey Begins With One Step

Chapter 1: When one door closes…

My days fell into a regular pattern. Not in the same way as my zombie days, but even recklessness needs some structure. My week consisted of 3 days of work at the Newtons' store, 2 homework days with Jacob, one reckless, hallucination-inducing day (with or without Jacob), and a nice safe, relaxing day with Jacob.

My life continued in this pattern for the months leading up to graduation, with only a couple notable exceptions. The week of spring break I picked up 2 extra shifts, and Charlie and I basically lived at the Blacks' house. The night of prom Jake and I watched blood-and-gore horror movies while pigging out on pizza. I knew he really wanted to take me to prom, but I just… couldn't.

Graduation came more quickly than I would have liked. I had worked myself into a nice pattern, and graduating meant changing that pattern. I turned down both Mike's and Angela's invitations to join them at the grad night held in our gym. I felt a twinge of guilt disappointing Ang like that. Mike, not so much. I had bigger things to worry about—like if Charlie had planned a huge and embarrassing party for my graduation.

My fears, it turned out, were wholly unjustified. I should have known because 1) it was Charlie and 2) my birthday hadn't even been a big deal in our house. So Charlie decided we should celebrate by giving me the night off cooking and inviting close family friends to celebrate with me. Which actually meant that he ordered in pizza and had Billy and Jake over to watch the game. I guess I should be thankful that he respected my desire to not make a huge fuss over it. He was even considerate enough to not get me a present.

After I had my fill of pizza—three slices—and Jake had his—fourteen slices—I quickly got bored with pretending to watch the game. When I got up and left to go to my room, Charlie and Billy didn't even notice. Jake followed behind me wordlessly.

I continued through my bedroom door and sat on my bed, legs pulled up under me. Jake closed the door behind him and sat on the floor.

"So, quite a party, huh?" Jake commented, amused.

"Oh yeah," I replied, rolling my eyes. "But actually, I like it better this way."

"Didn't want to go to grad night?"

My only reply was a pointed stare that said, c'mon, really? What do you think?

That caused Jake to laugh a loud, deep, warm laugh. He lay back on the floor and I couldn't help but smile.

"Hey," he said, facing towards me, "I got you something."

I made a face. "Jaaake!" I whined.

"I know, I know, but open it anyways."

He reached into his right jean pocket, arching his hips up in order to pull out a small white box. How had I not noticed it earlier? I mentally shrugged to myself. It almost seemed like he hesitated before he handed it to me… I opened it, and revealed a small, plain silver cross on a delicate silver chain.

"It's not much, but—" he started to say.

"It's perfect!" I finished for him. I didn't consider myself religious, but I didn't consider myself not not religious. Plus, the necklace had the simple beauty I admired. "You didn't have to, but I love it." I unclasped the chain, intending to put it on right then.

"Here, let me."

I felt the mattress behind me sink with Jake's weight. He brushed my hair over my shoulder and I held it, twisting it around as nervous fluttering filled my ribcage. That's weird, I thought to myself, slightly confused. Jake fastened the necklace then went back to his place lying on the floor. My eyes stared down at the tiny silver cross lying against the fabric of my sweater.

"Looks good."

"Yeah," I agreed.

Not knowing what to say next, but wanting to do something against the comfortable silence, I stretched out on the edge of my bed, parallel to Jake on the floor. He immediately reached up to hold my hand, closing the gap between us. We stayed like that, chatting, until I must have drifted to sleep.