As I has mentioned before this is a joint project. The other girls are amazing!! Please check out Liljenrocks story Make up Your Mind, the sequel to Keep Your Hands to Yourself. It is beyond incredible and I am sure you will love it as much as I do!! I alsohave to thank Jen & Chae, both of which kept me sane while writing this!

Chapter 3

*`*` Looking Through the Glass `*`*

*`*`*`*`* "People are like stained glass windows. They sparkle & shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in their true beauty is revealed only if there is light from within." Elisabeth Kubler Ross *`*`*`*`*

"What is her problem?" I asked as Leah stormed out of the room "I mean I know she didn't like me, but damn." I muttered as Sam just stared at me.

There was something about him that I couldn't put my finger on. He was much like I had expected, only younger looking and much more attractive. He had short hair as dark as night, he was pretty much muscular all over and had broad shoulders. Not exactly someone I pictured with Leah.

"Oh, um, she's just having a bad day." He shrugged "Let's get you home, okay." He reached out to try and guide me but I pulled away. Not only was I capable of walking on my own, I didn't want Leah to find me with her boyfriend's hands on me. Even if it was just my arm, she wouldn't care especially seeing as how she was already having a bad day.

He actually looked hurt that I wouldn't allow him to help me. Regardless, I couldn't chance the wrath of Leah.

The car ride home was insanely quiet. I asked if we should look for Leah or at least wait for her but he insisted she would be fine and was probably already at his place. I didn't feel like arguing nor did I really want to wait around the hospital any longer then I had to.

Despite my protesting, Sam insisted on walking me inside the house. He claimed Charlie would be furious if he found out he didn't at least make sure I made it into the house safely. He was probably right.

Seth was by the door waiting for me. As soon as I was inside, Seth scooped me up into a massive bear hug clenching me tighter to his body than necessary.

"Bella! I'm so glad you're okay! I was so worried! You gave us a scare…shit! Don't do that to me….us, I mean us, don't do that to us again. Here, let me take a look at you." He placed me back on my feet and was rambling so fast I could barely understand him.

He looked at me and lightly placed his fingers on my bandaged arm before pulling them back again.

"Come on, you need to sit down and rest. You must be tired. Do you want something to eat? Or how about a drink, are you thirsty? Do you want to take a nap? I don't think they finished your bed but you can go lay down in mine if you want, I won't mind. You need your rest." He was breathless by the time he finished his little rant.

All I could do is stare in awe, he seemed genuinely concerned with my well-being. Sam, however, was shooting Seth death glares before someone cleared their throat.

"Come on, Seth, leave the girl be, she just got back." I turned and saw Jacob Black walk in from the other room. I couldn't help but smile as soon as I seen his face.

"Great, Jake, you're here. Listen, I'm leaving Bella in your hands until Charlie gets home. You'll be held accountable if something happens to her. Do you understand me?" Sam spoke in a deeper more demanding voice than before.

Seth didn't speak but just looked at Jake.

"Yes, sir." Jake responded. What was going on with the "sir?" He was older but no more then a few years.

I turned to say goodbye but Sam was closer than I thought and I jumped as I turned around.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to frighten you." He smirked, a sweetness in his voice. "I hope you feel better, Bella. I'll see you tomorrow. We're having a bonfire in honor of your homecoming." For a moment, I was completely awestruck by his beauty. He truly was different, different but in a beautiful way. Hmmm…was he beautifully different or differently beautiful? I couldn't help but smirk at the thought.

Sam just looked at me like he couldn't take his eyes off me. Maybe he thought I was crazy too. I knew just what to do to make him wonder.

"Yes, sir." I smirked and winked at him leaving him completely awestruck.

"Right." He mumbled and looked down. I couldn't possibly have embarrassed him could I?

With a final nod, he was out the door. Hell, maybe I could, maybe I did.

Without thinking about my injuries or whether or not there was anyone else in the house to bare witness, I turned and ran into Jake's arms.

He immediately picked me up so that my legs were wrapped around his waist and my arms around his neck.

"Man, Bells I have missed you!" He mumbled as he buried his face into my hair.

"Ok, come on, cut it out, Bella needs some rest." Seth cleared his throat. When both of us shown no intentions of moving he tried to pull me out of Jake's arms. "Alright Jake, stop acting like a dog in heat, you're going to scare her away again."

I couldn't help but laugh as he placed me back on my feet, but I was confused.

"You guys couldn't possibly scare me away. What are you talking about?" I giggled and turned so I could get a good look at both guys. Jake was shuffling around and staring at the ground while Seth was glancing back and forth between Jake and me.

"Right, that's why the last time horndog here kissed you, you stayed away for 2 years." My mouth dropped. Jake was now nervously rubbing the back of his neck still averting his gaze elsewhere. How could they possibly think that?

"Well, you guys are wrong. Jake didn't scare me away and if you want to get technical I could say the same about you grabbing my ass at the wedding reception." Jake's head snapped up and eyed Seth.

Seth's face turned bright red as he began to stutter and held his hands up in a surrendering manner.

"Okay boys, while this has been fun and all, please leave the bloodshed for morning. I would like to get some rest now."

"Can do." Jake smiled and picked me up in his arms never putting me down once as he carried me to my room.

I fell asleep that night in the sweet warmth and scent of my best friend. My Jacob.

I awoke the next morning to the sun shining in through my windows. The light color curtains allowed the sun to seep though a little too much for my liking. I rolled over in my bed to realize that I was alone.

Just when I thought I had dreamt the whole thing, I noticed a note on the pillow where Jake's head once lay.

Bells,

Had to help Sam set up for the bonfire.

See you in a little bit. I am so happy you are home.

Jacob

I couldn't help but smile and I reread the note over again. Thinking back on last night and how good it felt to sleep in Jake's arms carried me through my morning ritual. I showered, dressed and dried my hair while thoughts of my friend filled my mind. I wondered what last night meant for us now. After looking myself over in the mirror one last time, I put on my flip flops and headed down to La Push.

I waited patiently at the door when finally Billy answered.

"Hey Bella, how are you feeling?"

"I'm good, better than last night, anyway. How about yourself?" I asked as I leaned down and hugged him.

"Oh, you know same, same. You gave us all quite a scare last night, Bella."

"I know, I'm sorry, I promise to be more careful from now on." I giggled.

Billy always was so friendly. He was one of the people I missed the most when I went back home.

"Well, the boys are all out back if you want to join them. I know there are a few you haven't met yet. Follow me and I will introduce you." I motioned toward the door with his hand.

"Ok, well, at least let me push you, give your arms a rest for once." I always felt bad for leaving and not staying to try and help Jake out. Jake and Billy were all each other had. Sure Dad and Sue would help when they could but it didn't erase my guilt.

"Sure." He just nodded as we laughed, headed out of the house. I wheeled him down the ramp and around the house toward the back yard. That was when I first noticed them.

There was a group of guys, all without their shirts on playing football. Each one of them had tanned skin and dark hair. If I didn't know better, they all could be brothers. The worst part was each one had a magnificent muscular body and I couldn't help but stare.

"Wow, Billy." I let out a low whistle as I gazed at how their muscles would contract as they moved.

"Whatever do you mean, Bella?" Billy chuckled as we got closer. I noticed one of the boys I was gawking at was none other the Seth Clearwater. Seth Clearwater the boy I considered my little brother. I had to shudder at the thought. I mean, I felt dirty and wrong but damn the boy did some growing up when I was gone.

"Bella?!" Seth yelled as he began to run toward me, pulling me into another tight bear hug.

"Seth! Let go! The girl can't breathe!" Billy yelled and Seth immediately let go.

"Shit, sorry, Bella." He looked at me apologetically. I shrugged it off as if it were nothing and turned as I heard a car pull into the drive. There were two cars actually. From the first, Dad and Sue stepped out, and the one in back I recognized as Sam from last night.

"Well, Seth, I will leave you to the introductions. I have some business to attend to."

I watched as he wheeled himself toward the three adults that were headed toward the porch. Sam leaned against the fence post and waited for Billy. Yet the whole time it seemed as if his eyes were on me. I looked up and needless to say, they were. A small, sad smile crept across his face, and I felt a churning inside the pit of my stomach. I offered a small smile in return and waved before Seth got my attention.

"Right, well Bells, you know Embry and Quil. These two here are Paul and Jared."

I smiled and shook their hands, but I could help but look around for the one thing I wanted to see right now. Jake.

"He's not here yet, Bells." Seth read my mind. I looked at him and he smirked.

The time seemed to crawl by. So many different people had approached me and welcomed me home but I wasn't fully paying attention to any of them. I honestly could not focus on anything but the thought that Jake skipped out on my own welcome home party.

I was just nodding along and agreeing with an elderly woman when she spoke about the rising prices of produce at the local supermarket when something caught my eye.

Walking toward the bonfire on the right side of the beach was Jake. However, Jake was not alone. Hanging on his left arm was the sleaziest skank I have ever seen. She was overly skinny, with bleach blonde hair and a fake orange tan. Her makeup was a little too thick and her hair was overly teased. Her skirt was too short and her cleavage hangs out all over. She was not someone I imagined Jake with.

Her whole essence screamed phony, and she didn't look right standing next to Jake. They were complete opposites. I wanted to march up to her and knock the scowl right off of her face. My hands balled up into fists as I tried to hold back the urge to break her face. She was obviously made of money and made sure everyone knew it, wearing designer heels and carrying a designer bag.

It was just my luck that Jake noticed me and waved. The smile I loved graced his face as he headed toward me.

Now that he was here, right in front of my face I wanted to reach out. To hold him or to touch him in the least. However, I couldn't, not with his Barbie doll bitch here.

"Hey, Bells." Jake greeted me and her face scrunched up.

"Bells? What kind of name is that?" she interjected. I was not surprised to find she had an annoying nasally voice to go along with her disgusting persona.

I didn't even glorify her with a response. I just focused all my attention to Jake.

"Jake, there for a minute I thought you weren't going to make it." I leaned in and hugged the side that she wasn't clinging to.

"Aww, sweetie, you should have know I wouldn't have missed this." The Barbie doll just snorted and looked between Jake and me. I couldn't help but smile. I knew the attention Jake was exerting toward me was bothering her. However, he let go of me much too soon for my liking.

"Well, Jakey, are you going to introduce me to your, um, friend here?" If even possible she pulled herself even closer to him, rubbing her chest into his side.

"Oh um, Krystal, Bella, Bella Krystal." He motioned to each one of us. She eyed me from head to toe as if trying to size me up.

"His girlfriend." She emphasized the last word as if she was speaking to a child.

I have to admit I was a bit taken back by the statement. He never mentioned a girlfriend. Not even when he carried me to bed last night and allowed me to snuggle into his side. I had just assumed she was someone he was trying to sleep with not his actual girlfriend.

"Oh, wow. Isn't that nice. Funny cause Jake never mentioned you." She was starting to piss me off, hell Jake pissed me off. If he had a girlfriend, he should have told me last night.

"Well, he has mentioned you. A lot, but I can't see why that is." Krystal retaliated. Without thinking, I responded immediately.

"Oh, I can think of a few reasons actually." I smirked as I caught a glimpse of Jake's shock expression. Both of his eyebrows raised and his mouth became a hard line. I couldn't help but want to kiss his lips. I had dreamt of doing so since I got here, and I will be damned if she would stand in my way. She wasn't going to get him off me that easy.

By this time the other guys were standing around us trying to mind their own business but too interested in what was going on. I decided to embrace my inner bitch and really piss her off.

"Well sweetie, if Jake is your boyfriend, he sure as hell wasn't last night while he was in my bed!" I heard a few gasps from the background and even a few whistles. I even heard what sounded like Quil squeal 'catfight'. Her eyes grew wide and her nose scrunched up as she proceeded to step toward me.

"You little whore!" She squealed as she moved in closer until she was right in my face. I didn't back away, I just waited. "Why the fuck would he want a skinny, pale bitch like you when he has a woman like me?"

I raised my hand and allowed it to connect with the side of her face. She gasped and raised a hand to rub the now red area. I heard a few chuckles coming from the guys and I happened to notice the smirk on Jake's face as well.

Once she noticed that Jake was my main focus of concern, she raised her hand to return the favor.

Right as I was expecting the impact of the hit, I heard her gasp and I noticed Jake grabbed her wrist preventing her from the attempt.

"What the fuck, Jake?" She tried to pull her arm away from his grip but couldn't. "So you save me from hitting her but not her from hitting me? I am your girlfriend! What the fuck is she to you?"

"You know that is a very good question, Jake." I whispered as I met his eyes. I couldn't help but allow the hurt from being evident on my face before I turned and began to walk away.

I noticed most of the guys were laughing and giving me a thumb up including Billy himself. However, my father looked at me as if he was ashamed and off to the further corner of the bonfire I saw Sam. His was looking directly at me but hurried to look down once our eyes came in contact. I couldn't help but notice how sad he looked. It was if someone had run over his cat or something. I wondered if Leah was having another bad day and giving him problems again because of it. Then I couldn't help but wonder if maybe he was disappointed in me and the little scene that I created. Although I could put my finger on it, I couldn't help but feel guilty that I let him and my dad down.

I didn't want to go home yet but I didn't want to be around anyone either. I headed to the one place I knew I could be alone. The garage.

Jake and I often went there to get some peace and quiet in the past. Right know I didn't know what to think. Jake didn't seem to angry with me but then again he shouldn't be the one that was angry. I was. He never told me that he had a girlfriend and he should have.

I wasn't in the garage long before I heard someone enter behind me. I assumed it was my father about to give me a lecture on how I should have been more responsible and what not.

"I know, Dad. I'm sorry and I will make sure to apologize to Billy la.." I turned and saw Jake leaning in the doorway, crooked smile and all.

"Look, I'm sorry for what she said back there. I should have told you about her before but I didn't want to hurt you. I just didn't think. Please forgive me?"

I looked up to see his face. I had to know if he was sincere or if he was just trying to cover his ass. He truly looked remorseful. I couldn't help but become transfixed on his beautiful face. His deep set dark brown eyes and his pink kissable lips. I could not wait to feel his lips on mine.

I quickly closed the space between us and wrapped my arms around his neck and crushed my lips into his. He didn't hesitate to begin kissing me back and obliged as I bit his bottom lip wanting to taste him. His mouth opened and our tongues instantly found each other.

We kissed like this for a few moments before reality hit me and I felt guilty for my actions again. Reluctantly I pulled away and took a step back unable to look him in the eye.

"I'm so sorry, Jake. I don't know why I—" He interrupted me by capturing my mouth with his own. Our once gentle kiss had turned into something fiercer. I leaned into his body embracing the heat and warmth that surrounded me.

I twisted my fingers in his hair and pulled him in closer. His hands roamed over my body before he grabbed my thighs and lifted my legs, wrapping them around his waist. He carried me to the hood of the Rabbit and sat me down.

His mouth trailed down my neck leaving a trail of wet kisses as he proceeded further and further down.

"Jake." I moaned as he lightly sucked on my neck. I could feel his arousal as he leaned into my body. He continued kissing and sucking as I ran my hands up under his shirt and began pulling it off his body.

I used one hand to rub his hardness through his jeans as I leaned in and kissed his neck. Gently, I nipped at the skin, causing a growl to abrupt from his chest. I had to be careful not to leave any marks on him that Krystal would see. Jake moaned and rubbed himself into my hand.

Quickly, he slid my shirt over my head and began kissing my neck down to the top of my breast. Gently he began to caress each one through my bra as his lips found mine again. I arched my back to press my breasts into his strong chest, leaning my entire body on his. His body felt nice against mine. His lips moved down my neck, sucking hard on the delicate skin. I was sure it would leave a mark but I didn't care.

I allowed my hands to wonder over his body again. His well defined abdomen contracted as my fingers followed the thin trail of black hair from his navel to the waistband of his shorts. My fingers fumbled to get the button undone.

At last, I was successful and my hand continued its downward journey as I tucked my hand into his shorts. I was surprised and a smile graced my face as I realized he wasn't wearing any boxers. I lightly brushed my fingertips over the length of his hard and throbbing penis; he inhaled sharply and buried his face in my hair.

I ran the back on my hand up and down the hot flesh, marveling at its size. I wrapped my hand around the rod and wasn't the least bit surprised to discover that my fingers did not meet – not even close.

I could feel warm liquid oozing from the tip and I rubbed the sticky substance over the tip and so on. With one hand, I began to stroke him as the other hand cupped his sack and kneaded him gently. Immediately, I felt his hot hand at my breasts, even through the thin material of my bikini I could feel his heat seeping through. I groaned slightly as he pinched one of my nipples through the cloth.

With each stroke he began to groan a little louder. His hot breath caressing the skin at my neck causing a shiver of pleasure to wash through me. Our bodies were moving simultaneously, mine focusing on his lower half and his just the opposite.

"Oh …Bells." He moaned as he placed one hand on the side of my face. I leaned into it as I quickened the pace of the strokes. I couldn't help but assume he was close to his climax. His breathing was coming even more and more ragged and little groans and grunts were escaping past his lips.

All of a sudden without warning Jake's head snapped up away from my neck. He barely had enough time to pull away from my grasp as I heard a nasally voice screech.

"Jacob Black!? What the fuck are you doing!?!" Just then I knew who that voice belong to and I looked up to seen none other then Krystal.

She stood there with her hand on her hip and her head cocked to the side. Her long blonde hair flowing down her shoulder. Her eyes narrowed and she gritted though her teeth.

"What are you doing? And with her!" she visibly shuddered. Jake stepped back as he pulled and zipped up his shorts.

"Krystal, I thought you left?" Jake spoke first.

"Yeah, I bet you did." She walked toward me. Trying to look threatening but definitely not succeeding. She looked more like a kitten posing as a lion. I could tell she had no clue how to even begin a fight. If she did she sure as hell would have tried harder back there.

"You couldn't keep your hands to yourself, could you? You are nothing but a stupid slut!" She was right in my face again. You would think that with me being exposed like this I would be at least a little ashamed. But I wasn't. Here I stood in nothing but my purple bra and unbuttoned white shorts and I was the least bit phased.

"Okay, Krystal, I think it is time for you to go. Here, I'll take you home." He reached out for her arm but I quickly pulled his arm back.

"No, Jake, it's fine, we need to settle this now." I was confident that it wouldn't end well for her.

"There is nothing to settle. He is mine, so you need to back the fuck off!" She spit in my face and I wiped it off as I gagged. That was the most disgusting thing ever. It doesn't surprise me she thought of it.

"Well, I think that is something that Jake here has to decide for himself." I smiled and she just huffed. "You do realize that he wanted me just as much as I wanted him right?"

That was all she needed. I realized from the moment she walked into the garage, she was a ticking time bomb and I just egged her on. Within seconds her fist connected with the side of my face and it was on.

All I saw was red, as I lunged for her. My body connected with hers and knocked her down on her back. I straddled her and began punching her in the face and anywhere else my fist would connect.

I could hear Jake in the background yelling for us to stop and for me to get off of her. Of course, I didn't listen to him and soon the stupid bitch grabbed my hair and started to pull.

It wasn't long before I could smell my downfall. Blood. The sick salt and rusty metallic smell made my stomach churn. I began to get light headed and was losing my ground allowing enough time to pass for her to get in another good punch.

The next thing I knew I was being lifted by a pair of strong warm arms and off of her body. At first I thought it was Jake that had picked me up but instead it was Sam. I was still struggling and trying to connect my fists or even my foot with any part of her body within my reach.

"Alright, Bella, that is enough." Sam spoke. I looked across the room to see Seth pick Krystal up off the floor. "Shhh…Honey calm down, you guys have done enough damage." I finally came to the conclusion, he was right and calmed down enough that he finally let go of his hold on me.

I had turned my head to get a good look at him. His face was full of concern and compassion.

Seth was at my side in an instant, looking over any battle wounds I might have gotten.

"Are you alright, Bella? What the hell was going on?" I just shook my head as I watched Sam take off his shirt and hand it to me. It was only then that I realized I was half naked in front of a stranger. I immediately began to blush and pulled the shirt over my head.

Seth chuckled as he watched Jake carry Krystal out of the garage. He shook his head as he began to speak.

"You know, Bella, with your and Jake's track record of getting caught in umm..uncompromising positions, you think you would be a little more careful." He chuckled some more and I gave a shy smile as I noticed Sam freeze beside me.

He cocked his head to the side and confusion struck his face. "What uncompromising positions?"

It was now my turn to freeze. Had he really not known what was happening here? Of course, he didn't know about before, but I assumed he knew now. I was half naked after all.

"Dude. You know uncompromising positions." He emphasized this time and Sam still looked confused. "Oh for fucks sake Sam you and Leah have been there more than anyone else I know! You know third base, the one right before you slide into home? Ring any Bells, no pun intended." Seth defended. "Shit Sam are you still lost? Here let me break it down easier for you. The base right before home, kissing, touching of the genitals, licking, squeezing. Though I must say by the looks of things you guys went a lot further this time. Last time it was all above the belt and know it was obviously bel-" Sam interrupted Seth's little rant with what seemed to be a low growl followed by under breath of profanities before storming out of the garage. I wonder what his problem was. I looked at Seth and he had an empty look across his face.

"I will be right back." He rushed out as he too stormed out of the garage.

"Well, that went well." I muttered to myself.

Once I waited for over 15 minutes, I came to the conclusion none of them were coming back. I hadn't even gotten to speak to Jake since the whole incident began. I was so confused about everything that I didn't even know what I would say if I had a chance to speak to him. Finally I gave up and decided to walk out to the beach.

I wasn't sure how much time passed by. My thoughts were so caught up on the beautiful ocean waves and how they looked in the moonlight that I didn't even notice someone had joined me until they had already sat down.

I turned to get a look at the intruder, and Sam smiled back at me. He still look incredibly sad, and my heart broke for whatever he was going through that could cause him that kind of pain.

I decided to break the ice and speak first.

"Are you alright Sam, you sure do look awfully sad." I turned to look back out to the ocean. A few minutes past and I assumed whatever it was, he didn't want to talk about it. Maybe he and Leah were having problems.

"How are you feeling, Bella? Your first day back you were in a car accident and now the fight. Are you alright?"

I smiled. Here he was obvious that something was bothering him and he was worried about me and whether or not I was ok.

"I am fine. Confused but fine." I whispered. It was the first time I admitted it out loud.

"What is there to be confused about?" He whispered back. I turned to get a better look of his face, Our eyes met and in that moment I felt whole. Almost as if nothing could harm me.

"A lot." I muttered, looking back out to the ocean. The wind blew a gentle breeze allowing my hair to flow in the wind. I closed my eyes and basked in the moment of solace.

"Is there anything I can do to make it less confusing?" He reached out and took my hand in his. He began to rub circles in the back of my hand with his thumb. I was speechless never expecting him to do that. I couldn't help but admit it felt nice.

A warm fuzzy feeling almost like an electric current filled my body from my hand outward. I smiled and thought carefully before I spoke again.

"Where is Leah?" That was the question I had been dying to ask all night but too afraid to. He let out a deep sigh and gently squeezed my hand.

"Leah and I are no longer together, so I don't really know where she is at the moment." He began to sound more sure of himself the more he spoke.

"What is this?" I turned to look at him again and raised our hands that were twined together tightly. He pulled them in and gently kissed my hand before placing them back on his lap.

"Whatever you want it to be."

From the look in his eyes I could tell he was telling the truth. I couldn't help but love the fact that I was completely trusting him and wasn't afraid he would hurt me.

"I don't know want I want it to be Sam. All I know is that when you are around I feel different. Unlike anything I have ever felt before. I feel safe and I trust you with every inch of my being. But I don't know what to make of it."

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