Chapter 2

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Jacob and I chatted freely on the drive back to Forks. He seemed to be in better spirits after our time together and for that I was glad. After a quick lunch we had gotten back on the road and there was no more of the brooding silence between us which was a big relief to me. "What are you planning to do after high school?" I asked him at one point.

Jake shrugged. "I don't know. Billy wants me to go to college. I may join the military. Who knows? I'm a junior. I guess I'll start thinking about that more come 12th grade."

I nodded. "That's the way I felt last year. It seems like you have all the time in the world. But watch out," I joked, "Time passes quicker than you think."

Jake looked at me with a slightly sad smile. "I sure do hope it passes quickly while you're away."

"It will. Time flies when you're having fun." I smiled. "I think I'll enjoy my time there. I'll miss you though."

"I'll miss you too, Bells." He replied softly. I trained my eyes on the road as silence grew between us again.

In what felt like a short time, we had arrived in La Push and were back in front of Jacob's little red house. I walked Jacob to the door and looked up at him. I wasn't sure how to actually say goodbye. My heart hammered at the thought that this might be the last time I see him for a while. Jacob crushed me to his chest abruptly. I buried my face into him and wrapped my arms around his waist. "I'm gonna miss you, Jake." I mumbled. I felt him shudder slightly and when I looked up his dark eyes were bright with tears. The sight broke my heart.

"I'm gonna miss you too, Bella. Please be careful over there, okay? Stay out of trouble."

I nodded vigorously. "I will. I promise."

"I love you, Bella." Jake said, running a warm hand down the side of my face. My heart fluttered queerly.

"I love you too, Jacob." I said truthfully. Before I could register what was happening, Jake was leaning towards me and pressing his warm, soft lips against mine. I wanted to tell him to stop, to tell him that this wasn't what I wanted, but I couldn't think. He hesitated and then lifted his hands to my face and held it between his big, warm hands. I felt my heart race as he moved his lips softly against mine, as if he were too rough it would break the spell between us. I felt dizzy when he finally pulled away.

I watched as his Adam's apple visibly bobbed in his neck as he swallowed. I looked down somewhat awkwardly. "What was that all about?" I murmured, not looking at him. He nudged my chin up with his hand.

"That's the way I feel about you." He admitted his voice clear and resolute. "That's the way I've felt about you for a long time, and that's the way I'll feel about you when you get back from school. I'll be here waiting. I love you Bella. You're the only girl I want. I'm sorry if this makes you feel awkward or if you think this will complicate our friendship. But no matter how you feel, I promise to always be your friend first."

I tried to smile. "Thank you Jacob. Thanks for being honest with me. I'll really miss you while I'm gone. Promise to keep in touch." I felt so confused inside. Jake seemed to read it in my face.

He laughed a little and pulled me in for another hug. "Sorry for making you feel awkward. I love you."

"I love you too Jake." I smiled.

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-irunwithshapeshifters