Chapter 2: The encounter

Just so you know, I am not from USA, much less from Alaska, so there might be a lot of incoherencies, especially when writing about university, but I'm trying to do some research to avoid that. Also, note that everything in italic is dialogs or thoughts. The ones between quotation marks are dialogs.

Also, take in consideration that I am a French Canadian, so English is not my first language.

I don't own any of the characters or universe from Twilight, they're Stephanie Meyer's.

Contrarily to what I had imagined, I was adjusting nicely to my new but hopefully temporary life in Fairbanks. I had arrived a week before I started college to settle slowly. Charlie was an easy person to live with, practically never there. He worked long days since my mom quit, trying to forget his loneliness I guessed. But he was so used to this routine now that he wouldn't be able to function otherwise. Considering I liked being on my own, this was ideal.

I took the room that was meant for the newborn me. It didn't change at all except for the bed, which is obviously bigger than the old baby bed. It was sad to see the whole house was exactly the same as when Renée left with me eighteen years ago. It shattered him, and he never had the courage to put the pieces back together; he worked instead… The only activities I saw him do were fishing with his friend Billy or watching sports on TV. I hoped I could somehow make him happier and he actually looks happy to have me here. That's another positive point to my moving here. I have to emphasize them to myself, since there so few of them. But Renée and Charlie's happiness matters more to me than anything.

At least he didn't have to eat horrible food anymore (he was quite a terrible cook), and I took over most of the house responsibilities. It also comforted me to do these things, as they were my tasks back in Phoenix with Renée, and it was good to have at least a little something from my old life.

The good side was that Charlie made me a surprise to welcome me and bought me a car! Not a flashy car (that I would have hated) or a new one (which he really couldn't afford and that I would have felt guilty to take), but a beautiful old red Chevy. That thing looked older than my father, but strangely I fell in love with it. And even more strangely, it was working perfectly fine. Charlie told me Billy sold it to him for a small price, but that his son Jacob had worked well on the mechanic. I couldn't remember seeing Billy's children, but then again, I didn't really pay attention to everything related to Fairbanks. Like my mom, I always hated this place, and I demanded that Charlie came in Phoenix during summer instead of visiting him since I was fourteen.

It has now been a week since I've moved here, and I can't wait to start university, which is finally tomorrow. I was nervous though, I hated meeting people. But I guess it would be just like all my other schools: I would be invisible. And that was fine with me.

After watching a bit of TV with Charlie (just to be with him a little, because really I didn't enjoy watching TV, especially this crappy kind of reality show that was playing right now), I went to prepare myself for bed.

''Good night Ch… Dad.''

''Humm? Oh, good night Bella, good luck for your first day.''

I took a shower, brushed my teeth, and then went to bed. That night wasn't a great one; I had difficulty falling asleep, and when I did, I had nightmares about tomorrow. Awesome…, I thought darkly.

In a zombie-like state, I prepared for school, eating my cereals. Charlie was already gone to work. This was going to be either a horrible day, like in my previous nightmares, or an interesting one (I was really excited about the program I chose). I hoped really hard for the latter. I finished my breakfast, cleaned my dishes and brushed my teeth. Then, I took my coat and my keys and I left the house. It was cloudy and cold outside. God, I missed Arizona so much… Enough with the sulking, Bella, you're such a whiner, I told myself.

Charlie's house, no scratch that, MY house (from now on until further notice… Urrghhh…) was not very far from Fairbanks' University, barely a twenty minutes' drive. I parked my Chevy and checked my schedule; I had English language and literature in thirty minutes. I took the campus map out of my bag and started to analyze it; I didn't do really well, I always had a bad sense of orientation, and maps didn't really helped me as I could never really decipher how they were working. Yeah, yeah, I know, maps were supposed to be easy to understand. Hell, I could get myself lost in the grocery store if I didn't know it by heart. Oh well, better start searching for your class now if you want to be on time, Swan.

Fifteen minutes later, I was in the middle of the campus, or so I guessed. I was walking faster now, checking my map every two seconds, trying to find my way. Yeah, I think it's this way. Or maybe that way?, I thought looking down at my plan. OUCH! What the..? Oh shit, I just bumped into someone, you stupid lunatic me!

''I am so so so sorry, I wasn't looking where I was going, let me help you get your things.''

''Oh no it's ok, I wasn't looking eith… Isabella Swan?'' The guy said looking up after picking his books from the floor.

He knew my name? I couldn't remember his face… Shit, shit, shit, what do I say?, probably blushing a hundred shades of red. He is kind of pretty… Huh? I was never distracted by a guy's handsomeness…

''Oh don't worry, we don't really know each other, my sisters and I were usually in vacation with our mom when you went to Fairbanks. But I think we saw each other a few times. Your father is friend with my father Billy. My father mentioned you were coming to study here.'' He seemed embarrassed.

''Oh! You must be Jacob then! So you did the mechanic on my car. Thanks, it's working really fine.''

''Well, it's a pleasure, because I hated that car! The only way Billy would let me buy a new car to work on was if we were selling this one.''

''How could you hate this beauty AND force of nature? I mean, I could have an accident with it, and it would barely have a scratch!''

''Haha! Yeah that car sure is like a tank. But you can't push the motor really far.''

''Ah, I didn't see any problem while driving on the highway with it…''

''You must drive slowly then, don't try it over 70 mph!''

''I wouldn't even if the car could, it's illegal. Anyway, I'm sorry, but I got to move, I have a course in ten minutes and I don't even know where yet. Nice meeting you Jacob.''

''Sure, I got to attend a class too. See ya around!''

I finally found my class, like one minute before it started. The course looked really interesting by listening to the course outline. At the break, a girl named Angela went to talk with me; she was really a nice person, I think we could be good friends. I don't usually make friends with people, but it was just so easy with her. In the afternoon, I had History of the English language. Surprisingly, two guys and a girl went to chat with me, Jessica, Eric and Mike. They were not as nice as Angela (that was impossible), but I liked them. I think they were from here because they already knew each other.

All in all, it was a great day, my nightmares were not founded. I guessed that I would have a bit more friends in my new life than what I was used to. It was so weird… I was quite sure I was the same person that I was a few weeks ago in Phoenix. Maybe it was due to the fact that we were all in College? That everybody seemed more mature? That seemed unlikely; we were not older than in our last year of high school. Maybe people from Fairbanks were so used to their own people that when they met knew ones, they jumped on the occasion of making friend with the new thing. I don't know, but as long as they were that nice to me, I think I liked it. It was so different, but… good.

Still, I missed my old big city, full of life and people and sun and heat. I talked to my mom every night on Skype; she looked happy with George. They were planning a camping trip this weekend. I didn't see my mother in the middle of a forest; she was more like a city woman. Oh, what love could do... I guessed that I wasn't in any place to judge since I never experienced it. I never really found interest in any guy and it was likewise. Win-win situation, right? Well, I was more indifferent to my love situation. Rectification: I was except for today I guessed. I blushed alone in my room. This was just silly, I didn't even know Jacob.

Almost two weeks had passed since I started University. All in all, apart from the fact that the town itself was boring, life here wasn't as bad as I remembered. Maybe because I had things to do other than wandering in the house with the babysitter I hated back then. I loved university; professors I had were great, and I was interested in every classes I had this semester. Angela, Jess, Mike and Eric were still nice to me, and we were starting to get to know each other. I think there is something going on between Jess and Mike. Something in the twinkle of her eyes when she looks at him. As for Mike, it was weird. Sometimes, he would smile sweetly at her when he caught her staring. Other times, he would clearly turn his back to her when we were having a conversation. I didn't know what to think of that…

I apprehended tomorrow. It was Friday but also my birthday. I hated birthdays; they were full of unwanted attention and unnecessary presents. But my new friends made me promise that I would come to their little party for me. It was at Mike's parents' house. They promised that there wouldn't be a lot of people. I hoped so.

I dined with Charlie, did the dishes and went in my room to do some homework. I didn't have much to do, it was only the beginning of the semester and I always did my homework as soon as I got the assignments. So by 10, I was already in bed, but I couldn't sleep. I knew I needed the sleep for tomorrow so I took one of my father's sleeping pills in the pharmacy. I drifted in a hazy sleep, having weird dreams I couldn't quite decipher the next morning. Something about my car? And Jacob I think… Oh god, I really had to forget about him, I didn't even see him since that first day.

I prepared myself reluctantly, and I felt my stomach twist. Was I that anxious? Come on, Bella, suck it up, it's just a small party with people you actually appreciate this time. The weird feeling didn't last, so I thought I had calmed myself. Good. I didn't need stress in the way today as well. I should enjoy myself for once.

The day fled by so fast, I couldn't believe it when Mike came to me, smirking devilishly. Humm, this doesn't look good…, I thought, feeling the weird twinge in my stomach again.

''Hey Bells! Tonight is going to be a hell of a night! Come on, the others are waiting in my car. Follow us, we'll just stop on our way to by some pizzas.''

''Don't you have delivery people in here?''

''Sure, if you are willing to wait an hour and a half!'' He giggled while opening his car's door.

''Oh. Ok then.''

I gasped when we parked in the big driveway. There were far more cars in the driveway and along the streets than what I had expected. Are all the Fairbanks' first year students here tonight or what? Oh god, there my stomach went crazy again. They promised! Was this their idea of a small gathering?

Angela saw my fearful grimace when I finally got out of my car.

''Relax; there are only about twenty people. I'll make sure the spotlight doesn't stay on you.'' She whispered. ''And there is a small living room in the basement Mike's parent doesn't want the crowd to go in. We can always hide there if you feel too uncomfortable.'' She added with a wink.

Oh yeah, I sure liked this girl!

I felt shy at the beginning, meeting all these new people, but as soon as the presentation were made by the overly excited Eric, everybody went back to chat in their little groups. Mike served the pizza and changed the music, while I was chatting with Jessica. That girl sure was unstoppable. She spoke through the whole conversation, telling me all about her life and the gossips from here. I only had to nod once in a while and she seemed satisfied. Angela disappeared a few minutes ago when she saw a shy guy enter Mike's house. I think I saw her blush when she excused herself to leave me with Jessica.

Jessica's speaking numbed when I saw the next person step in. It was Jacob. He looked around the room and his eyes stopped on me, catching me staring. I blushed and turned my gaze back on Jessica. Oh, she stopped talking… I hope I wasn't distracted for too long, I didn't mean to be rude with her.

''Is that a blush I just witnessed on your face, Bells? Oh, I see, Jacob Black. I'll go grab a drink! See ya!''

And with that, she left me, standing awkwardly in the middle of the crowded room. Was it just me or there was more than twenty people here tonight? My heartbeat was faster than usual and my palms were a bit sweaty. I was feeling weird since the beginning of this damn birthday party. At what time would it be less rude to leave my own birthday party? Shortly after dessert, I thought.

Jacob went to me, making his way slowly through the dancing people.

''Hey! Happy birthday miss Swan!''

''Humm, thanks…'' I said awkwardly.

''What's wrong?''

''Well, I don't really like birthdays. And so many people and attention makes me nervous.'' I replied, looking around us emphasizing my sentence, and getting my eyes off him, trying to clear my mind.

He laughed wholeheartedly and then smiled at me.

''You are the first person I heard of that doesn't like her own birthday. Weirdo!''

''Hey!'' I said, offended. Ok, I've always been kind of different, but that was rude to tell me like that. Probably just because it was a sensible topic for me; I was trying my best to fake normalcy with everyone. I always felt like an adult with a bunch of children in my life. I guessed that with my mother's childlike personality, I had to be the parent. I loved her spontaneity, but one of us had to keep things up.

''Don't worry, I like it.'' He said, honesty clear in his eyes. ''Besides, I'm a weirdo too.'' He said, smiling. And I was just at a loss of words. Why was he making me feel like this? The twist in my stomach got worse under his intense gaze. And besides, what was he meaning by that?

I didn't have to think long about it, a certain Lauren went to speak with Jacob, even though he didn't seem to enjoy her presence. At that moment, the twinge in my stomach became too much, and I excused myself, half walking, half running toward the bathroom Mike showed me earlier while visiting the house. I rapidly closed and locked the door before vomiting my life. I swear I didn't know where all of this was coming from… God, I was feeling like shit. Once I stopped vomiting bile (the only thing left in my stomach) every ten seconds, I seated on the tile floor. Ugghhh, I was cold and shaking.

A small knock on the door brought me back to reality, and I realized where I was. Shit, how much I wanted to be at home, cocooned in tons of big covers.

''Bella? What's wrong?'' Jacob. Double shit. I didn't want him to see me in this horrible state. I had a foul taste in my mouth, I was all sweaty and a quick glance in the mirror told me I was greenish-white. I felt awful and I looked awful. Great…

''Everything is fine'' I said, my voice miserably shaking.

''Don't even try lying, I saw you dart to the bathroom like your life was depending on it. Please, unlock the door.''

''Go away…'' I said weakly.

''I wouldn't count on that if I were you.'' I heard him mumble. And then I heard low metal against metal sound. Ugghhh? Was he forcing the lock? I didn't have time to analyze the sound any further, another pang in my stomach made me recline on the toilet once again, vomiting like there was no tomorrow. Through my buzzing ears, I heard the bathroom door softly closing and I felt a hand grabbing my hair, getting some sweaty strands out of my face so it wouldn't get in the way.

A few minutes later, I sat back on the floor, looking apologetically at him. He looked worriedly at me, touching swiftly my forehead.

''Damn, you're hot!'' He exclaimed.

''Thanks.'' I said feebly, but smirking a bit. I don't know where that reply came from… He blushed.

''Seriously Bella, you have a bad fever, and you look awful.''

''Oh, thanks again...'' I said sarcastically while he stood up searching in the pharmacy. He went back with a thermometer.

''Seriously Jacob, I'm fine. I just need a few minutes and a glass of water.'' I really didn't want him to take care of me. But he wouldn't have any of it, by the look he gave me back. So he put the thermometer in my mouth, both of us waiting for the beeping sound telling us the reading was finished. When it did, he took it back before I could, and read the temperature.

''Damn, 104 F! Come on, I'm taking you to the hospital.''

''What? No, I prefer staying here. It will pass soon.''

''I don't remember asking for your permission.'' He said, taking me easily in his arms. Damn, I wasn't heavy, but still it looked so easy for him.

''Stop wriggling, Bella. I'm getting you to the hospital whether you like it or not.''

Seeing I couldn't get off his grab, I stopped fighting; it made my nausea worse.

He rapidly walked through the room, in the doorway a few seconds later. Unfortunately, a guy leaving with the birthday girl limp in his arms didn't pass unnoticed. Everybody turned to us in shock, Mike following suite behind Jacob.

''Wait! Jacob, what's wrong?''

''She's sick and has a bad fever, I'm getting her to the hospital.'' He answered in a single breath.

''Let me tell the guests, I'm coming too.'' Oh no, not him too, I thought suddenly in a fuzz from the movement of Jacob's walking.

''Don't be silly, you can't let everyone there in your house. I'll text you once in a while to inform you of her state.''

''But..''

''Take care of the guests, Mike.'' Jacob said, finality in his tone. Oh, dear god, I think I'm going to vomit again… I wriggled again, trying vainly to get out of Jacob's tight grab while concentrating to contain my puking at bay.

''Jacob! I need to v…'' I started saying feebly, putting my hand in front of my mouth. Fortunately, he understood the cue and sat me on the grass, pulling my hair again. After I was done puking, I apologized to Mike for his front garden, and Jacob helped me get in his car. Mike handed me a bowl I didn't know where it came from and he looked intently to Jacob. After Jacob nodded and he seemed satisfied with what he saw in his eyes, he returned in his house, taking care of the guests like Jacob told him. That guy sure had some natural leadership. What was that silent exchange about?, I thought curiously.

We arrived at the hospital, hopefully without me needing the bowl. Jacob transported me in his arms to the emergency room, without listening to my small protests. He sat me on an empty row of connected chairs, and went to the registering desk up front. I sleepily acknowledged that there weren't a lot of people waiting, contrarily to the crowded hospitals of Phoenix. I felt so exhausted right now. But, I was so cold, that my shaking was keeping me awake. What was wrong with me? I was never sick, and surely I never was this sick…

Sorry guys, the title of this chapter might have misled you in hoping for an encounter with a little someone else for Bella… *Smirking devilishly*

Still, isn't Jacob sweet with his overprotectiveness?

But, as you can probably guess, it is coming soon (next chapter). Hopefully, I will be faster on uploading that one. Hope you like it, give me your opinions! See ya!