The Serendipity of my existence

One tiny mistake was all it took

"The seconds ticked by and all I could do was wait

to see that sweet smile once again..."


"Attention passengers of flight AA21 with destiny to SEATTLE, please make your way to GATE B4 to begin the boarding procedure. Thank you" and the speaker was off.

"I guess this is it" Aunt Lily sighed whilst hugging Catherine and Jay one last time. Then she turned to me, her eyes shinning in anticipation. "And I will see YOU very soon" She winked at me and I smiled back, hugging her tightly. "I love you so much Kristen" She whispered softly in my ear before she kissed me in the cheek.

"I know… 'cause I'm your favorite, right?" I chuckled softly and she nodded.

"Exactly"

We broke our hug, and she made her way to the gate. She stopped before crossing the door and looked over at us, waving good-bye. "Very soon" she mouthed and I smiled even wider. Then, we lost her from view.

I wish "very soon" would come soon enough. A small frown crossed my face and I shook it away, thinking about the green forest and beautiful springs that awaited me in just a couple of week.

"Cant wait" I suddenly clapped my hands together in an excited outburst, earning a strange-surprised look form Cath and Jay.

That night, I just couldn't make myself fall sleep. I guess I was excited because of my trip or anxious since I didn't want to face another nightmare. What ever the reason, I twirled, tossed and turned over and over on my bed effortlessly; until I finally gave up and turned on my lamp.

Great, it's 2:00 a.m. and remembered that had school in a couple of hours; I glowered at myself for not being sleepy. I was probably going to be all cranky tomorrow cause of my lack of sleep.

Maybe some music would help. Yeah, Yurima always seems to soothe me down. I quickly opened the drawer next to my bed and grabbed my ipod. I began shuffling and playing from song to song, but it didn't seem to help AT ALL.

And then finally, before I actually thought of throwing my ipod against the wall, 'Full Moon, by The Black Ghosts' began to play.

God, I loved that song so much. I always played it when I went rock climbing. It helped me focus and enjoy the moment. There was something about the lyrics…

Hey! Now that I thought about it, I was listening to "Full Moon" on my ipod the first time I rock climbed at Forks almost two years inevitable smile crossed my lips as I remembered the last time I was there….

* * *

(FLASH BACK: 2 years earlier, near the Quileute reservation)

"Come on Kristen, it's right there! Just a little higher… the ring is right there!" Jay's encouraging voice boomed from three feet under me. He was belaying me while I climbed.

My whole body trembled in fear and anticipation. My right hand was out stretched with the quick-draw secured between my fingers, ready. But, I just couldn't move. For some reason, I was frozen in place, afraid.

It was so close, and yet, that crux scared me to death.

I was near three feet from the last ringlet and if I would miss this move, I would fall three feet at incredible speed. It wasn't enough to kill anyone, but the fact of falling terrified me; the sensation was horrible and, you had a good chance of smashing some part of your body against the rock and damaging it really good.

Good thing you're wearing your helmet! I frowned at the stupid lime-green helmet I was using instead of the black one I usually wore. I forgot mine at home, so I had to wear this horrible old thing that belonged to Jay's sister and deal with all their teasing.

It was my first time leading this new route. And sure, it looked easy if you saw it from the approach. But once I was on the damn rock, I wished I would have just let Jay lead this one.

But, nooo! I internally kicked myself. You just HAD to open your big mouth and say "Hey, I want to try this one, it looks smooth" Great Kristen, smart move!

Now, how the hell are you gonna pull this trough?My eyes darted across the wall, trying to find a way to make the next move. I was getting tired and if I slipped, it would be bad.

U-hu! That's right. If you fall it will hurt…the voice teased.

"Oh, shut up, will you?!" I muttered to my brain, highly annoyed, I had no time for this. I was in a really uncomfortable position and a sure cramp was on the way; my body was already stiff and tired. My left leg was beginning to shake and the sweat was rolling down my eyes, making it hard for me to see. The fingers on my right hand were numb, and I knew that the quick-draw would slip from them very soon.

I just had to reach the damn ringlet, insert the freaking quick-drawso I could place the rope and avoid falling.

You can do it! Come on, stop being such a girl!!!!

"Come on Kris!" Cathy yelled out "Don't think about it! Just do it!"

Suddenly, a courageous outburst flowed freely through my body and I felt braver than ever.

"Al right! I'm going for it!" I yelled at Jay.

I sucked two sharp breaths and grunted out loudly, bringing my right knee at the height of my waist, placing my foot on a minuscule edge of the rock, using it as a step. My left hand instinctively searched for a safe edge to hold on to, and once finding it, I took my position.

With all the strength I could muster, I pushed myself up, holding all my weight on my right leg and praying to God-All-Mighty that my foot wouldn't give away. I stretched my right hand, reaching the ring, and quickly inserting the quick-draw on it.

"Give me rope!" I yelled loudly, a nervous edge on my tone.

I pulled the rope with my free hand all the way to my mouth, holding the rope with my teeth. It wasn't enough to reach the quick-draw. I pulled some more with my hand again and finally, it made it through.

"Safe!" I sighed in relief. "YEAH BABY! WOOHOOO!!" I yelled at the top of my lungs, proud of myself. Finally, I could relax, taking in a well deserved breath.

"Hell, yeah!" Jay screamed pleased. "Told you kiddo! Great job! Only two more rings to go and you're done!"

"Just give me a minute to catch my breath" I pleaded, which Jay chuckled to and felt him pull in the rope, securing me in place. And then, I let go.

"Tell me when you're ready" he yelled back and I just waved my hand without saying a word, signaling him an OK.

Suspended in air by my static rope securely knotted on my harness, I could fully admire the breathtaking view. The air at this height was colder and it sort of hurt my throat if I breathed it in too quickly; but the pure, clean sensation was worth it.

The scents of fresh pine trees and ocean filled my nostrils, adding a perfect touch to the exquisite landscape. All I could see were purple and blue mountains covered with snow, gray and white clouds, trees and more trees in different shades of green, this place was unbelievable.

Hey, I could even hear the birds chirping happily and the wind howling in unison. I just loved it here.

"Al right! Climbing!" I called out to Jay and felt the rope loosen.

I began to climb once again, feeling the confidence flow freely through my limbs. I was almost near the next ring, my right hand already grabbing a new quick-draw from my harness.

Just a few inches more Kristen. When…

"WHOA!!! CHECK THAT OUT!!!" A voice I've never heard before erupted somewhere close to us, causing me to freeze my movement. For a fraction of a second, I wondered who that was and my eyes hesitated on looking down and satisfying my curiosity. And then…

I slipped.

"Shit, Jay!!!!" I heard myself scream as I fell at top speed. My hands instinctively tried to find somewhere to secure myself, but it was hopeless. I felt my skin getting scratched, my short nails ripping painfully, but I couldn't stop myself from falling.

"Quick! QUICK! THE ROPE!!" Catherine yelled.

Jay gasped loudly and I felt the rope tighten, locking it in the last quick-draw, stopping me from falling all the way down; and in that exact instant, the air was knocked out of me in a loud swoosh.

WHAM! I felt my right wrist smack hard against the wall, and an immediate pain ran from my fingers all the way to my shoulder blade, literally making me see stars. I let out a loud cry of pain.

Ow, ow, ow.!

Ugh, Please don't let it be broken.

"Kris… You ok?" Jay's worried voice echoed from below.

"Yeah… it's my wrist. I-I think it's broken!" I managed to choke out between tears.

"Ok. I'm lowering you down. Just place both your feet at the height of your waist on the wall so you avoid crashing into it" Jay's voice was concerned.

I felt my weight pulling me down. My feet at the wall, pushing my body away from it, my left hand securing my right wrist tightly against my chest. The slightest movement sent me chills of pain down my spine.

Stupid stranger's voice I glowered pissed off.

WHO THE HELL YELLS 'WHOA, CHECK THAT OUT' IN THE MIDDLE OF SOMEBODY'S CLIMB!?!?!?!?! I clenched my teeth as my wrist gave another painful jolt.

Oh, he is SO going to pay! I fumed as I continued to come down.

"Hey, man. I'm so sorry. Will she be alright? I didn't know she would…" The stranger's voice was pleading, his tone with a hit of apprehension.

"Nice going Jake. You totally got her distracted" a second voice teased "Well, you cant say you don't make'em fall for you, anymore" the boy said mockingly.

"Shut up, man!" the first boy snapped at his friend. "I- I seriously didn't mean to…-"

"It was an accident" Catherine's voice reassured them both.

Once near the ground, I shot a deadly glare to my side, finally meeting the reason of my distraction. Standing near Catherine, were two Native American boys, whom looked just around my age. Both of them had beautiful coppery-brown skin; straight, long, black hair and really kind faces.

The closest one to me was tall and lean, wearing a blue hoddie, black dirty jeans and a gray beany. His eyes and face were so full of anxiety, that my deadly glare softened into a scowl. He continued to hesitate as if to walk closer or stay on his place. So, taking in he's reaction, I sort of guessed that HE was Jake.

The other boy was medium not as tall as the first one, and he was standing a couple of steps behind his friend. He wore a pair of old jeans, a red-worn out jacket and boots. His face wasn't as concerned as his friend. But, all the same, he did look a bit worried.

"Hey, I'm really, really sorry…" I heard the first boy call at me, hesitating in coming closer or not, but finally, taking four long steps towards me, closing the distance between us; and providing me with a better view of him.

His thick brows were pulled together in a worried expression, his lips in thin line, and, there was so much anguish on his dark eyes, that I suddenly felt ashamed for blaming him for my fall. My scowl softened once more into a curios look.

"It's just my wrist. Don't worry" I said, once I was standing safely on the floor, meeting his gaze. I gave him a wry smile in reassurance and hope that he would erase that fret from his face. I just couldn't bare the expression of guilt he had plastered all over him, it was simply killing me.

Suddenly, I had the urge to make him feel better.

Well, technically Kristen, it was your fault for slipping. You know better!My brain shouted at me but I ignored it, and threw him another goofy grin and walked past him and toward Jay.

Jay helped me take off my harness and then checked my wrist. "Yep, it's broken kiddo. We're gonna need to take you to the doctor". His expression was calm.

It's nothing to worry about.

"Guess you won't be able to rock climb for a while" He spoke again.

DAMN IT!!!I groaned loudly again, which Jake immediately dropped his gaze to the floor and stared at his shoes.

"But, the competition…" I began, frustrated.

"Yep. I know. Sorry kid." Jay's eyes tighten.

We had been training so hard for it, and it was just a couple of weeks away. One lousy mistake, it's all it took. Oh Man!

"It's swelling up, we better get you to the nearest hospital" Catherine took a glance to my wrist and began packing up all the gear.

"Hey, we live down at La Push reservation just 2 minutes away from here. There's a hospital not far. We can take her there…" Jake's voice was full of eagerness to help out. "Our car is pretty close"

"Ok. Thanks, man! Sounds great. Ours is 15 minute-walk from here. Let's go" Jay said, and began helping Cathy pack up our gear.

"Quil? Could you please get the car?" Jake threw the keys to his friend.

"On it!" Quil caught them and disappeared from view.

"Can you walk?" Cathy eyed me as she fastened her pack to her back. I nodded. "Ok, let's go, hon." She threw me a small smile and took the horrible helmet off my head. I threw it a glare.

"Hey, it's a good thing you were wearing it. Better your wrist than your head" she tipped her head and turned around to catch up with Jay.

"Ugh! Mom isn't going to like this. She's going to freak out" I sighed mostly to myself.

Mom wasn't too happy with our choice of extreme sports, that's all I can say. It became rather obvious every time we went climbing or hiking.

Great. I looked down at my backpack that was lying innocently under my feet.

How the hell was I going to carry it like this?

"Here… let me help you" Jake hesitated a bit before picking it and strapped it over his right shoulder. His dark eyes looked straight into mine for the first time. I felt myself blush a bit and looked away, embarrassed.

"Hey, I'm really, really sorry about all of this…" He pressed on as we walked together.

"Well, it wasn't entirely your fault… I should have known better" I shook my head to emphasize my statement, but flinched once the movement caused me pain. Jake flinched too and his hands instinctively moved towards me as if he was about to touch me or something, but I guessed he realized what he almost did, and quickly placed them inside the pockets of his jeans.

I suppressed a smile.

"Hey, I'm Kristen by the way" I told Jake, trying to distract him.

"Jacob. Jacob Black" he answered absently. Still worried.

"Well, it's nice to meet you Jacob-Jacob Black" I said in a polite way, looking at him. "I apologize for my rudeness in not shaking your hand, like any other civilized person would, but, well… you know, broken wrist and everything" I giggled.

Jake looked at me, his expression shocked while I continued to laugh. Then, he took in my humor and began laughing with me. His whole frame relaxed and I sighed in relief. I saw Cathy and Jay look at us with a puzzled face and then smiled.

"Guess Kris has a new friend" Cathy whispered to Jay, who laughed quietly.

"Nah, don't worry… You'll find a way to make it up to me!" He smiled cockily.

"Excuse me?" my tone became mocking "Why in the world would I make it up to YOU?" I giggled even louder.

"Because you've hurt my feelings, that's why. Dad always told me that when you meet someone, you should shake their hand. It's the polite thing to do." He chuckled, his eyes sparkling.

God, he had such a beautiful smile.

"Oh. I see. And did he also say that it wasn't polite to scream: 'Whoa! Check that out!' while somebody rock climbed? Hmm?" I shot him an accusing glance and then smiled.

"He might have mentioned it" he chortled "But, I guess I didn't pay THAT much of attention. That is how I usually get into trouble." His shoulders shook while he laughed nonchalantly.

"But still, my feelings are hurt" he placed his hand on his heart with a dramatic expression. Jacob was such a character; I felt relaxed around him.

"You are just trying to make me feel guilty so I would forget that you were the reason I fell in the first place, huh?" I shook my head.

"Is it working?" He shot me a hopeful look and smiled.

"Not really." I chuckled and he sighed, pretending to be frustrated.

Jacob was really funny. I was beginning to like this boy's company. I totally forgot that my wrist was in pain. Well, until we made it to his car and I got in. I guess I moved a little to fast, I flinched as an involuntary groan escaped my lips.

"I'm sorry" Jake whispered again.

Once we were all inside his truck, he drove really fast to La Push. I've never been to this place before. I liked it. It seemed peaceful and calm. There weren't many buildings, just a few stores and houses. I guessed we've made it to the hospital, since Jake began to slow down.

"This way" He opened my door and helped me out. He was by my side, leading the way. Catherine, Jay and Quil walked behind us.

"Excuse me, is Dr. Walsh available?" Jake asked once inside the small hospital.

"Yes, honey. But he's in with a patient. He won't take long. What's your emergency?" the nurse asked nicely.

"My friend broke her wrist and she's in a lot of pain right now. Isn't there anything we can do to ease her pain?" Jake told the nurse in guard, his tone was in a hurry.

He called me his friend. I barely knew him and he called me his friend. It felt nice. I smiled.

"I'll see what I can do. Wait here." She said and went trough a white door.

"Sit down, Kris" Catherine helped me sit down next to her. I hated being treated as if I was breakable. It was just my wrist. I didn't know why everyone was making such a great deal out of it. Ok, well, it did hurt. A lot, actually. But, still, I didn't get it.

"Can I get you some water?" Quil asked a bit embarrassed. He seemed as nice as Jake. It was the first time he spoke to me directly, he blushed.

"Mmm… no thanks. I'm good." I thanked him quietly.

"Are you hungry? Do you want me to get you something to eat? A granola bar?" Jake was on my side in an instant. I saw Cathy and Jay exchange amused looks to each other, and smiled. I shot them a glare.

"What?" Jay mouthed while he shrugged.

"I'm fine, guys, really." I said a bit annoyed.

"The Doctor will see you now" The nurse called kindly and pointed to the brown door, while it opened and the other patient came out.

"Come on" Cathy said while getting up and taking me carefully by the shoulders. Jake got to my side and then hesitated for a second "I-I'll wait outside, ok." I smiled at him. Catherine gave me a wink and I blushed. We walked inside the small office and closed the door behind us.


Half an hour later, I came out of the hospital with a brace on my right hand. Unbelievable, I couldn't rock climb for nearly 6 months!! 3 months with the brace and 3 months until I regain enough strength so I could try and climb again. Great! Just great!

"Oh man, I'm so sorry Kris" Jake apologize for the hundredth time. "It's fine, Jake." I reassured him.

Quil excused himself, and said goodbye. We thanked him for his help.

Jake drove us all the way to our car and insisted on accompanying us to our Aunt's house. He wanted to explain to Mom and Dad that the accident was entirely his fault, so I wouldn't get into trouble. I told him it wasn't necessary, but of course, he didn't listen and followed us anyways.

"I think Kristen has gotten herself an admirer" Catherine mocked me. I rolled my eyes.

"He doesn't have to do that, you know" I sighed. "Yep, but he's going to, anyways" Catherine laughed.

Jay pulled the car into Aunt Lily's drive way. And Jake parked his truck behind us. We got out of the car.

"You guys are related to Lily Evans?" Jake's voice was surprised.

"Yeah, she's our aunt. My Dad is her brother" I looked at him curios. "Why? Do you know her?" I asked.

"Yep. She's a real close friend of my Dad's. And I'm pretty sure your Dad knows mine as well" He smiled delighted.

We walked inside the house. My parents and my Aunt were at the living room, talking and drinking some coffee.

"We're here!" I called out. They looked at us and then at my brace.

"Kristen… What happened, honey? You ok?" Mom got up and walked to my side, her face worried.

"I'm fine Mom, it was a little accident. Nothing serious" I tried to calm her down.

"Nothing serious? You have a brace for Christ sake! Is it broken?" Her tone preoccupied. She sounded like such a mom.

"Yeah. I won't be able to climb for 6 months" I grimaced.

"I'm so sorry honey" she hugged me sweetly and kissed me on the cheek. "I told you that it was dangerous" I rolled my eyes. My dad shot me an encouragingly look. I smiled.

"Jacob! Didn't see you back there! Come in, honey" Aunt Lily spoke out loud. My mom and dad looked at Jake. He immediately blushed.

"Jacob!? Jacob Black?! Is that really you?!" My dad asked surprised.

"Hello Mr. Evans" He smiled at him and went to shake his hand.

"Honey, this is Jacob, the son of Billy Black" Dad explained to Mom.

"Hello there, dear" she shook his hand. Jake smiled at her.

"How's Billy?" Dad asked excitedly. "I was thinking of calling to see if I could pay him a visit tomorrow. It's been a while since I've seen him"

"He's great. Oh, he would totally love it if you came over…" Jake smiled even wider.

"Jacob? How do you know my nieces?" Aunt Lily asked all of a sudden. Jake blushed.

"Well…" he began but, I cut him off.

"He was there when I fell. He was kind enough to drive us to the hospital at LA PUSH. Our car was pretty far away. If it wasn't for Jacob, my wrist would have gotten even worse. Right Cathy?" I looked at him with a smile on my lips. He shot me a 'what was that?' look and shook his head.

"Yeah. Jake was such a gentleman." She giggled. Jake blushed even deeper. I suppressed a laugh.

"Well, thank you very much Jacob. We owe you one" Mom smiled thankfully to Jake.

"It was nothing" He mumbled and shot me a glare, I pretended not to notice.

"Well, I better get going. Billy might be wondering where I am. I'll tell him to expect your call Mr. Evans. Bye Lily. It was nice meeting you all. Bye Kris" he slightly bowed his head and walk towards the door.

"Jake… wait" I called out and followed him. I heard Catherine giggled. And everyone in the room began to talk excitedly. Typical. You meet someone new, a boy, for that matter, and everybody wants you to marry him.

"Jake!" I called stopping at the door, he was already on the steps of the porch. He spun around to look at me. A small smile building in the corner of his lips.

"Yeah?" He asked nonchalantly.

"Hey, umm… are you doing anything tomorrow?" Ok, Kristen. You totally sound like a guy.

"Not really. Why? You finally found out a way to make it up to me?" His tone teasing, his arms folding across his chest. I couldn't help but smile.

"I was wondering if we could like, hang out. We were planning on climbing all week, but, since I can't anymore…" I sighed.

"Sure. Sure" He finally smiled broadly. "I'll call you tomorrow to make plans" He waved goodbye and got into his truck. I saw him drive away and then went inside the house with a huge smile on my face.

On dinner time, I had to put up with all the mocking smiles and exchanging looks between my family. I pretended to ignore them and ate as fast as I could. All I wanted to do was to go hide in my room. I wasn't in the mood for their inside jokes at my expense. So, I excused myself and went straight to the stairs. Then, the phone rang. I stopped on my tracks.

"Ok… I'll pass on the message. Good night Jacob" Aunt Lily's tone was polite. "It was Jacob. Billy invited all of us to a barbecue at his house tomorrow at 5" She yelled loud enough for me to hear. I smiled and ran to my room.

Tomorrow aint gonna be such a bad day, after all.

I smiled and hopped on my bed, trying to fall asleep.

- - -

The next day, I woke up with real high spirits. I helped Aunt Lily prepare her 'amazing butter and garlic mashed potatoes'. Well, tried, actually. Being one-handed didn't come in handy after all. Haha, I made a funny. Yep, I know, I know, lame joke. So I just moved around the kitchen and passed some of the ingredients that weren't too heavy. And decided that it was better if I just moved out of the way.

"Hey, Kris! I'm going to the store. Wanna come?" Cathy yelled at the door. And I called Aunt Lily goodbye and left with Cathy.

Cathy kept looking at me weirdly and smiling to herself. "Cut it out, Cath" I said annoyed. She continued to giggle.

Once back at the house, it was just a matter of time to have everything ready and make our way to The Black's. I was really happy I would see Jake again. Kristen, cut it out.

We finally got to Jake's house. It was a small wooden house, red paint washed away by the rain. Big windows and a wide door. A garage was next to the house. Jake's red Chevy parked in the drive way. Aunt Lily parked her car next to the Chevy and called out "We're here!"

Jake came out with a huge smile on his face and greeted all of us excitedly. "Hey, glad you could make it!" He said, while helping me out of the car.

"Thanks for the invitation" I smile back.

"Joe! How pleasant to see you!" a man in a wheelchair called happily. Dad went to greet his old fried. He gave him a brotherly hug. "It's been a long time, Billy" Dad smiled. "You remember my wife, Delia?" he looked towards Mom.

"Of course. You look as lovely as ever, my dear" he kissed her hand, Mom giggled.

"Hey Billy, how's it going?" Aunt Lily called out.

"Hey, Lils. Great, great. Come right in" Billy called out.

"Billy, these are my two daughters: Catherine and Kristen. This is Jay, Cathy's boyfriend". Dad glanced towards us.

"Nice to meet you" Cath and I said, smiling at him. He had exactly the same rich russet skin as Jake. His face had a few age lines, and when he smiled, you could see them more easily. His hair was long and turning a bit grayish. He had the same kind face as his son. His gaze was rather intimidating though.

"So… you're Kristen. Jake hasn't shut up about you since yesterday" He smiled and I blushed.

"Thanks, Dad" Jake blushed too and shot him a glare.

"Well, it's true" Billy chuckled and Dad laughed with him.

"Now, now, you two. Leave the kids alone" Aunt Lily got us off the hook. "Jake, why don't you show Kristen around?" She said sweetly.

"Sure, come on" Jake smiled, relieved and I shot her a thankful look. Aunt Lily winked at me.

We got out of the house as fast as we could. I hear a couple of laughs and shook my head annoyed.

"Can you believe them?" I blushed.

"I know" He shook his head in disbelief.

We walked around not looking where we were going. I heard the swift noise of a stream near by. I looked around and noticed that there were lots and lots of trees behind Jake's house.

"Whoa, you have an entire forest as your back yard Jake!" I exclaimed surprised. "I totally envy you. It's so beautiful"

"Well, thanks. I think" He chuckled.

"It must be wonderful to be surrounded by nature all the time. It seems so relaxing and calm here" I took a breath of cold air, it filled my lungs. The scents were mostly of pine trees and wild flowers. Jake looked at me with a strange expression in his eyes.

"You don't have a lot of trees where you live, right?" He mused and I felt my cheeks turn scarlet.

"Not like this, I mean, we do have parks in San Diego. But, it's more like buildings, beaches, sunny days and hot weather. I like it here" I shrugged.

We began walking through the woods, we didn't say anything for a while. I felt Jake's gaze on my face, but I didn't let that intimidate me. I just gave myself a chance to take in all the natural beauty of this place. Everything was completely green; there were so many trees, wild flowers and leaves all over the place. It was like a fairy tale. I was expecting to see fairies and elves and unicorns, I smiled to myself. This place was unbelievable.

"So… how long are you staying?" Jake asked all of a sudden.

"Um, we leave on Monday. We were thinking of staying longer, but Dad got a call from work last night, and he has to be back as soon as possible" I sighed.

"That sucks…" Jake sighed too.

"Yeah, well…" I didn't understand why I felt sad.

Was the thought of not being able to see this boy upsetting me? Wow, that's new!

"Hey, promise me you'll write once in a while" Jake smiled at me.

"Ok. I promise. I'll even call you" I laughed looking at him. "Will you write and call back?" I asked.

"Maybe…" he teased. I raised my brow questioningly.

"Well, my feelings are still hurt. It will take some time to be my normal, happy self again" He placed his hand on his chest again, I rolled my eyes and sighed annoyed.

"Of course I'll write and call you!" He looked at me. He forgot to add Duh!

"Ok. Then, it's a deal" I smiled.

"Yeah, let's shake on it" Jake said stretching his hand and looking at me as if expecting something. I stared at him, an annoyed look on my face. "Oh, yeah! Your hand. Sorry" he blushed and I couldn't help but laugh out loud.

"Pinkie promise" I held out my left pinkie, he looked at it and muttered something that sounded like 'such a girl' but pinkie-promised anyway.

"Come on, let's go. I'm starving" Jake pat me softly on my left shoulder and we made our way back to his house.

- - - - - - -

The next following days, I spent them at La Push with Jake and his friends Quil and Embry. We went to First Beach to the bone fires at sunset and we just hung out. I really liked their company. They were so goofy and silly, I laughed so hard that my stomach hurt. I felt as if I've known them all my life. It was great.

My last day at Forks finally came. We were leaving to the airport in less than an hour and I felt really sad. I was sitting outside on the stairs of the porch, staring at space, moping a bit, actually. Nothing seemed to cheer me up at all. And then, I saw a red Chevy parking on the drive way.

"Jake" I smiled, feeling happy all of a sudden.

He got out of his car, a beautiful smile on his face. "Hey!

"Hey!" I called back, and walked towards him.

"Could we take a little walk? Not far. I-I need to tell you something" He hesitated. He seemed really nervous about something.

"Sure… Mom! I'll be right back" I called out, feeling a little anxious my self.

"Ok. But, hurry up! We leave in 20" She called back.

We began walking to the back Aunt Lily's house, there too, was a huge forest in the back. We didn't walk far, just enough to have some privacy.

"You didn't think I would let you leave without me saying goodbye, did you?" He suddenly stopped, staring intently on my face. There was an amused expression on his.

'The thought crossed my mind" I frowned, looking accusingly at him. He dropped his gaze and he ran his hand through his hair, a bit nervously.

"Sorry, it's just that, I-I lost track of time. I was working on something" He stuttered.

"Oh? On what?" I asked curious now.

"On this. I-I wanted to give you something to remember your time down at LA PUSH" he blushed and opened his hand. He had a beautiful brown hand-made bracelet with a black-round stone in the middle. "It's a friendship bracelet. I-I made it for you" He dropped his gaze again, turning completely scarlet.

"Wow, Jake. It-its amazing. Thank you" My face, too, grew incredibly hot. "Can you please help me put it on?"

"Sure… You, you really like it?" he asked pleased while he placed the bracelet on my left wrist.

"Yes, totally loved it" I smiled. "Oh, can I ask you another favor? Could you sign my cast? It would be like a souvenir" I gave him a sharpie and he gladly wrote something on it. He laughed once he finished"

What does it say?" I asked curious again.

"It says: Kris, sorry I made you fall. Glad I got a chance to meet you. Hope to see you around here soon. Jake" He looked straight at my eyes, but I couldn't hold my gaze, so I looked away.

"Thanks Jake" I whispered softly, embarrassed even more.

"Kristen? Oh, hello there Jacob…"Mom's voice came from the window, "Honey, it's almost time to go. You've got all your stuff?"

"Yeah, it's in the car" I answered, not looking at her. So much for privacy. "Ok. Hey, Jake, tell Billy we say bye, alright?" Mom called out again and left the window.

I sighed again. "This sucks…" I complained.

"Tell me about it…" Jake dropped his gaze and kicked a small rock with his shoe.

"Hey Jake? Listen, it was really great meeting you. I had a lot of fun" I began to turn pink, he looked up at me, smiling. "Thank you for everything. Yep, even for making me fall." I winked playfully at the last part. "Oh. It totally sucks that I don't have anything to give you" I complained and then sighed.

"Don't worry…" Jake shook his head "You don't have to…

"Hey, wait!" I had an idea. I was wearing my favorite pair of earrings, each had a single blue feather. Jake stared at me puzzled as I took one off. I noticed that he had a thin braid behind his left ear. "May I?" I asked pointing to the braid. He nodded, his beautiful face still confused. I gently pulled the braid from behind his ear and hooked the earring at the end of the braid, where there was a small rubber band fasting it.

"There" I smiled.

He looked at me for a few seconds, his expression blank and then, he smiled stunningly. He placed his braid between his fingers and inspected the blue accessory dangling from it.

"Wow. It looks great! Thanks Kris" I couldn't help but smile back. It was such a contagious gesture when I was around him.

"Kristen! Time to go!" Cathy called out. My heart sank. No!

"I guess that's my cue, then. Umm… so, send me an email or something once you get home. I-I mean, if you want to…" His eyes became sad, his forehead creasing.

"I will" I promised, my voice sadden also.

"And, next time you're in town, give me a call. Alright?" He smiled.

"I promise" I held out my left hand and he took it. I gave it a gentle squeeze and he squeezed it back.

"Bye Jake" I whispered and without thinking about it, quickly kissed his cheek and ran to the car without looking at him.

Oh my God. Did I just kiss him?

Once in the car, I looked through the window and found Jake staring at me with a huge breathtaking smile across his lips. He waved a couple of times and then got into his car. We drove away, leaving him behind.

I sighed, saddened and happy at the same time. Cathy placed her arm around my shoulders as a comfort gesture and smiled at me. I closed me eyes and hoped I could just fall asleep all the way through the flight back home.

I came back home with a brace, a beautiful bracelet and a new friend. I smiled to myself, what a great week.

(END OF FLASHBACK)

* * *

Ever since then, Jake and I have been in constant communication. We continued to write to each other and called once in a while. Heck, we even sent Christmas cards and presents on our birthdays. It was nice to have a friend like Jake. I really missed seeing him though. I haven't been back to Forks ever since and he kept asking when I was coming over.

I sort of backed away a little after what happened to Mom and Dad. I didn't write as frequent and didn't call either. He became really worried; he didn't stop calling or writing, though. One time, he even threatened on flying all the way from Washington to come and kick my butt. I knew he couldn't afford it, but knowing Jake, he was capable of finding a way.

I smiled. He was going to be so thrilled once he found out I was flying over there, finally. I wanted to surprise him. And, then I remembered Aunt Lily. Hope she doesn't tell Billy about my vacation. It will totally ruin the surprise!

I got up, turned my lap-top on and wrote my Aunt an email asking her to PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE! not to say a word to Billy.

I will go tomorrow straight after school to buy my plane ticket. I smiled to myself. Finally, I was able to fall asleep. I dreamt of a beach, a bonfire, a full moon and a boy with wonderful smile swiftly pulling a lock of my hair.


A/N: This is how Kristen and Jake met -I love them dearly- In the next chapter, they finally reunite after two long years.

Please review :) It makes me smile like an idiot the rest of the day

*hearts you*