Chapter 1: Friends Turn Into More
I arrived home from school a few weeks later to discover a dark car on the street. I recognized the driver as Jacob Black. I went over and greeted them. "Hey, what are you doing here?"
Jacob got out of the car and went to the other side, smiling broadly. "Hey, Bella. How are you doing? My dad was anxious to see Charlie."
"And Jacob here was just dying to see you." Came a gravely voice from the passenger seat. Despite not remembering Jacob's father, I instantly recognized the voice as Billy Black. Jacob went to the trunk and pulled out a wheelchair. He helped Billy into it and wheeled him inside.
"Charlie will be home soon if you want to wait." I offered, unlocking the front door. I held the door open for them. Jacob wheeled his father into the house.
Charlie came home finally, grinning broadly to see his best friend had come to visit. "What a pleasant surprise. What do I owe this unexpected visit?"
"Our TV broke so I was hoping that we could watch the game on yours." Billy grinned sheepishly.
"Of course. I'd be happy to." Charlie grinned.
"Are you hungry?" I asked, heading for the kitchen. "I can make some grilled cheese sandwiches."
"Sure." Charlie nodded.
"We already ate, but thanks." Billy smiled apologetically.
"I'll join you." Jacob offered, following.
I led the way to the kitchen and began making the sandwiches. I noticed that he was silent and looked up. "Something wrong?" I asked, noticing he was looking awkward.
"I was wondering…" he hesitated, and then it came in a rush. "If you would go out with me sometime."
I blinked in surprise. "Oh. I didn't know you liked me like that."
Jacob shrugged, looking nervous. "You were really friendly on the beach and you're pretty. I like that."
"I'm not pretty." I mumbled, looking away. I checked one of the sandwiches.
I didn't hear him move but then I felt his hand on my chin, turning my face toward him. "Don't think that. You're beautiful." He murmured softly.
My pale skin turned pink under his dark gaze and my breath caught in my throat. He lowered his head toward mine and kissed me tenderly.
A faint burning smell interrupted our kiss and I broke it, looking down at the stove. "Dangit, it's starting to burn." I muttered, flipping the sandwiches.
"I hope your dad likes burned grilled cheese sandwiches." Jacob replied with a chuckle, eyeing the slightly blackened cooked side of the sandwiches.
"He's not going to care very much. He's probably too hungry to worry about it." I finished the sandwiches and slid them onto plates.
"Why is it burnt?" Charlie asked as I handed him a plate.
"I got distracted and forgot to check on it." I replied. I found a seat and took a bite of my sandwich.
Charlie and Billy exchanged looks. "Did Jacob have something to do with your distraction?" Billy asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Dad!" Jacob complained, his already russet skin turning even more red.
"We heard something going on." Charlie explained, sounding amused.
"Let's leave these old men to watch the game." Jacob grumbled, heading for the door.
I followed Jacob out of the house and into the woods just past the backyard. I was startled when I felt his hand slide into mine. "Oh, I didn't realize-"
"Is it okay?" Jacob asked, unsure.
"Yeah, it's just all new to me." I explained. "I've never had a boyfriend before."
"Really?" Jacob looked skeptical. "I can't imagine that you wouldn't attract a lot of guys."
"None of the guys back in Phoenix were interested in me. Maybe because I'm pale or uncoor-whoa!"
Jacob caught me as I stumbled over a root that I didn't see. "Wow, you are clumsy." He commented, keeping a firm grip on me.
I blushed furiously, looking away from him. "I don't understand why you would be interested in me."
"Because," he said softly. "You're endearing. And I've known you since we were little. Remember when we made mud pies together?"
I laughed. "And I made you eat it?"
"That's when I thought you were something special. You stood up for yourself."
"You were a pushover for a pretty face, admit it." I teased, punching his arm lightly.
"Maybe. Maybe I was just a pushover for you." Jacob smirked.
"So, we'll go out sometime?" I asked, hopefully.
"I thought this was the first date." Jacob looked surprised.
"Oh no, we have to go out to a movie or something. You better take me out proper."
Jacob blushed. "I can't legally drive yet. How are we going to get there?"
"Do you mind if I drive? We'll have to deal with my old beat-up truck." I sighed.
Jacob groaned. "That's the reason I wanted to get rid of it. You can't go very fast in it."
"And you like fast cars." I said it as a statement, not a question.
Jacob flashed a brilliant, white smile. "I love fast cars."
"We'll take my truck and pretend it's a race car, how about that?"
"That's a long stretch." Jacob sighed.
