A/N: New chapter is finally up and posted. First, let me offer a big thanks to my new readers who have either reviewed or placed me on alert/favorites list. It's a big compliment to me as the author. Also, a big thanks also goes out to my consistent reviewers, lol. I love reading your feedback.

(Warning: Alright, I'm going to use my discretion and place caution ahead for my reading audience, which is directed mostly at the beginning of this chapter. I have my story rated at T; however, there are some minor uses of coarse language which warrants maybe more of an M rating. Therefore, lol, anyone who happens to mind, please consider yourselves forewarned).

Chapter Three: Family Ties (Like that 80's TV Show but only Worse!)

(JPOV)

I lift myself back up; however, a vague feeling of a busted-up lip and a bloody nose registers somewhere inside my mind as I use the back of my hand to swipe underneath my nose. As I glance down, I see how the bright crimson color is now staining against the darker russet color of my skin. My mind races to catch up with the adrenaline still coursing through my veins. I try to steady my heavy, uneven breaths to the best of my ability because I want nothing more than to just kill this smug bastard.

Right here - right now.

Bella attempts to reach out and offer what I can only assume is concern; however, I brush her away. My intention is not to offend her but it's dangerous for her to be around me right now. She just doesn't know it. I can also hear her faint warnings in the back of my mind telling me to stop before things get more out of hand than they already are. But I can't stop. The truth is I don't know how to stop and I have no idea what's been going on with me over these past few weeks. The truth is that while Bella's been going through her own thing, I've been going through mine. Granted, all three of these pricks deserve to have their faces meet up with my fist for even entertaining the idea that it's acceptable to put their hands on Bella without her consent; however, when thinking about it some more, I'm pretty sure that's not all this reaction is about. I feel those familiar stirrings of something else - something more primal and completely out of control. I'm about to have another go with this Aidan character when a loud, piercing sound interrupts my attempt.

"What the hell is going on here?"

I stare into the face of this stranger.

What the hell is going on here?! Uh - more like, who the hell are you and what are you doing here, is what I think to myself. However, there is one good thing about this unexpected interruption and that is that it offers me a reprieve to calm down and put things into perspective. The first notable difference in the air surrounding us is that all three of these losers stand to immediate attention. I'm positive about one thing now; their attention is definitely off of us. They're standing here in complete awe - like they've just been bestowed with the honor of seeing God for the first time. Or maybe awe is the wrong description here. I think it's more like shocking disbelief. Like, my mommy got home from work early and just caught me with my hands inside of the cookie jar. I snort to myself because their surprised expressions really are a priceless sight to behold.

"Darren?" the idiot chewing the gum, aka. Aidan, blurts out.

"Aidan?" this Darren guy mimics, raising his brows up in the process. To me, it almost feels like this whole situation is amusing to him, the notion that his mere presence can cause this kind of star-struck reaction.

Me?

Well, I'm not star-struck to say the least. I'm just completely dumb-struck that a bunch of hormone-driven imbeciles are acting like a bunch of morons in response to some other guy who doesn't appear to be that much older than the rest of us standing here. Which, in all likelihood, means that this newcomer could not have accomplished anything that spectacular in his short life yet to warrant such attention. However, the dorky blond one suddenly pulls me from my thoughts when he follows up with his own remark.

"You're back early, dude."

I just stare between the two jerks I now know to be Seth and Aidan. However, the only urge I'm feeling in the moment is to inform this Aidan creep on how his punch could use some serious work because he honestly hits worse than a girl. Hell, my sister Rachel landed me one right smack in the left eye one time and at least that left more damage. It left a huge black and blue shiner for about two months. This swollen lip? Pf ft - It's barely even a bump, it'll be gone before the week is up. But I decide against it last minute when this new guy finally decides to grace us with his witty presence again. He inquires over to the 'Jack-ass' who's practically standing right beside him.

"Jack, what's up?"

Right. Brilliant question there, new guy. Um, is it just me or did he basically just ask the same damn thing less than a minute ago when he wanted to know what the hell we were all doing here? I can't resist the urge to roll my eyes just before Jack actually answers.

"The girl just stopped by looking to buy a tire," he nods in Bella's direction.

Darren looks straight at Bella. "Right. So, then you're the one who owns that big, red, hunk of junk down the street that's currently bringing down the property value in this neighborhood as we speak?"

I hear dumb and dumber snicker beside us.

Bella and I take a quick glance at each other, shake our heads in unison at the stupidity of this whole exchange, and then I turn my face back around so I can send dagger eyes over in their direction.

"Did you drive yourself straight out of a 1960's movie drive-in and forget which decade to park in or what?" Darren continues.

This time the snickers get louder and laughter breaks out as Jack reaches over to high-five Darren - who just stands there with a smug smirk on his face. I can't help it; it's probably asking for big trouble but I just can't pass up the opportunity to add my own two cents into this.

Whatever - he asked for it.

"Hey, I got news for you, pal," I narrow my eyes in at Darren. "The property value around here might really suck but it ain't got nothing to do with that vintage truck. And considering the kind of company we're standing in right now, maybe it's the neighbors or the overly friendly business folk that need to go?" I watch triumphantly as I wipe that ridiculously smug smirk right off his face with my sarcastic rebuttal.

He narrows his eyes on me. "I don't live here," Darren declares with a slight hint of irritation to his tone. "I do, however, own and run this repair shop. Something that I'd really stop to reconsider, if I were you, since I'm not the one in need of getting my hands on a new tire."

Bella huffs in surprise. "So, wait, what are you saying? That you're not going to sell one to us?"

I shake my head and reach over to take Bella's hand. "C'mon, Bella, let's go. You're right, we do need to get out of here."

We take steps forward and I watch with curiosity as Darren's expression completely shifts into something different; however, I'm not exactly sure why it does. He inspects Bella up and down one time in a way that makes me feel a little uncomfortable while holding up his hand to stop us.

"I didn't say that," he declares.

We stop.

"The guys were just messing around before, Darren," Jack pipes in, returning the focus back to the earlier events that transpired. I shake my head, feeling disgusted. We were about to make head-way with that tire and like the moron he proves himself to be, he screws it up.

Way to go, Jack.

"Look! Just go back to your corner, Little Jack Horner," I can't help but retort in a very snide manner as soon as that particular nursery rhyme pops into mind. I remember it was one of Rachel's favorites. "Take an early lunch and go eat that damn pie or big ole' plum that you can magically pull out from your thumb. Because you're certainly no help to us here."

He barely even flinches at me.

"Nah, sorry, Jake-y boy," Jack sneers back in my direction. "See, I can't speak for yours, but my mommy stopped feeding me those types of stories back when I was like five."

"Interesting," I counter with a snort, lifting my brows and remaining painfully aware that I'm helping to egg this on. "So you're telling me that your mother actually had the courage to stick around and watch you grow into the mega-asshole you are today? Somebody break out the medal."

"Jake, c'mon," Bella pleads. I can tell in her tone that's she's becoming even more frustrated by this whole situation. "Just ignore them. They can't push our buttons if we don't let them."

"Ooh. How prophetically profound, old wise one!" Aidan snorts. "Where did you find this one, Jake-y?!" he laughs, clearly mocking me and Bella at the same time.

"Shut-up." I keep it short and sweet this time.

Bella glares at him and then he starts to make kissing sounds at her. That clearly pisses me off so I make a threatening move to stand off with him again. I realize I'm barely keeping my temper in check. Both Aidan and Seth immediately move to match me defensively after catching sight of my offensive stance taken against Aidan. But I instantly feel Bella tugging me back.

"Jacob, stop!" she cries.

However, it's the sound of Darren speaking out that finally halts their movements and settles things back down. "Back away!" he orders both of them. "We're not doing this."

"But, Darren ... " Aidan begins to protest but stops when this Darren closes his eyes and holds up his hand, a gesture that appears to signal that he could care less about him finishing the sentiment.

"Not here and not now!" Darren sends him a firm command; however, his eyes convey a secret message along with it. But whatever the hell that 'message' is supposed to be, anyone's guess is as good as mine.

"Anyway, like I was saying before," Jack interjects, now leaning against the brick wall. "The guys meant no real harm, Darren."

"Unbelievable," I mutter under my breath. I sigh in frustration. "So we're officially back on this topic."

"Yeah, exactly, we were just screwing around, Darren," the blond one named Seth nods, backing up Jack and ignoring me. "I swear, it was just for fun. No harm, no foul." An awkward-looking smirk, which really seems to resemble a nervous gesture, crosses over his lips just as quickly as it disappears.

"Fun?" I snort. "Seriously, is this your definition of fun, man?" I point to my face. "Or how about we ask her how much fun she was having while being man-handled by some ignorant pompous ass like your friend over here?!" I nod in Aidan's direction.

"Please!" Seth retorts.

"Yeah, that's right," Aidan also completely ignores me and backs up his buddy while defending himself to Darren. "We would have sold her that tire," he pauses and then adds, "eventually." He laughs and then Seth joins in with him. "Oh, and the bathroom is actually on the inside, if you really wanted to know." He looks back at Bella.

"Jerks," Bella mutters and rolls her eyes at me.

"Yeah," I can't help but sigh in agreement. "An entirely different word just crossed my mind."

"Look, we don't want any trouble, we just want to leave, okay?" Bella addresses Darren.

Darren looks back at her. He stares, blows out some hot air he's obviously been holding in, and then eyes her some more with a deep contemplative expression. For the second time in a span of about five minutes or so, I wonder what the hell that reaction is all about.

I get my answer.

"So. You're the infamous Bella Swan, huh?" Darren announces to the entire group. "Or should I pronounce it - Isabella."

"No, I despise Isabella," Bella retorts with defiance. "And back up a minute. How do you know my name?"

"Good question. How do you know her name?" I back up, crossing my arms in front of me and waiting to hear a reasonable explanation to explain it.

He doesn't answer either one of us. His eyes fall on me next.

"And Jacob Black."

Bella shares a look with me. I wait - continuing with keeping my arms crossed over my chest as I look over to him expectantly. However, I don't really get the reaction I'm anticipating from Darren. He just glances between us. Instead, the answer to our inquiry comes from Bella herself.

"Wait, Darren?" she repeats the name in a way that something might have just dawned on her. I study her and watch as her brows pull together in deep thought until it suddenly appears like a magical light goes off in her brain. "As in, Aunt Vivian? That Darren?" she concludes.

A cocky grin falls into place.

"The one and only," Darren confirms. "Of course, Cappiello is actually the last name of my step-loser before he ran off, left my mom, and then married a much younger cow," he passes off the insult with little effort. "This," he spreads his hands out to demonstrate the building surrounding us, "was left to my mother in the divorce. And now it belongs to me," he announces a little too much conceit.

I shake my head. "Lucky you. I'll bet your mom's real proud you worked so hard to inherit all this."

Maybe that was a little uncalled for; however, Darren ignores it anyway. Instead, his focus remains on Bella while he addresses her again.

"And you," he glances down at his wrist and checks the time on his watch, "are now officially over an hour late. I think Vivian was expecting you before noon."

"Car trouble," I mock.

"Well, I'm no Sherlock Holmes, Jacob," he sneers, "but I'd say that part's pretty obvious, wouldn't you?"

"Well, Darren, I actually meant for that to be sarcastic, so it didn't really require a response from a 'thick-skulled someone' such as yourself," I throw right back at him, trying to make him feel like the idiot he's certainly being. "But either way, I'm sure she'll understand. She's not that late."

"Hm" Darren just hums, shoving his hands into his side pockets while pretending to consider what I've just said. "Still," he nods, "maybe I should just give her a quick call to be on the safe side," he goads further. "Vivian can be a bit on the protective side and when that happens she tends to pry. We wouldn't want her to upset, Charlie, now would we?" he reaches to retrieve his cell phone.

What the hell is this - a battle of wills?

I watch a dark shadow pass over Bella's face. "Wait, you're telling me she hovers and prys?" she shakes her head and begins tapping her foot against the ground. "Great," she sighs, closing her eyes. "I'm leaving one prison for another." Her eyes shoot back open. "And, hey. You're not really serious about her calling up Charlie and freaking him out are you? I mean, will she?" Bella pushes. "Please don't call her."

I jump back in. "Look, just sell us the stupid tire so we can get out of here," I try to get back to business with a no nonsense ring to my tone. "I promised her dad that I'd make sure she got there safe. And I'm not leaving until she does." This guy is really getting on my nerves.

A buried memory suddenly resurfaces as I remember Darren. A little sandy blond-haired kid, about eight or nine, visiting me and my family on the reservation back when I was around five years old. Bossy as hell too. He always controlled everything we did as kids - what we'd play, all the way down to how we'd play it. I can recall the sack races when we would pair off into teams of two: usually Bella and I, Rachel and Rebecca, and then Darren and Sam Uley. Just before the races would get started, that little sneaky shit would always stick out his foot and trip me on purpose. Then he'd laugh, I'd have a good cry, and then it ended with me always getting called a wuss. He told me I belonged with the girls; therefore, he would pair me up with Bella. Bella and I would always lose. Sam Uley and Darren Cappiello would always win. Of course, this was back in the day when Sam and his father still hung around my family and before he got all weird and decided to crown himself head-honcho over the entire La Push reservation. Thinking back on it now, no wonder why Sam Uley and Darren made quite the little team. In addition to always winning together, the two of them were definitely sporting around that same annoying superiority complex.

Darren flicks the cell phone shut. "I guess Vivian can wait."

"Right," I nod, waves of sarcasm flowing off of me. "Glad you see it our way." It ticks me off that he's having fun toying with us. However, when I take a peek at Bella, she just looks relieved.

"Well, where are my manners." Darren steps forward.

I'd like to tell him exactly where his manners are: shoved so far up somewhere where the the sun don't shine; however, I bite my tongue and I don't even dare say it to him. Instead, I just watch as he extends his hand to Bella.

"It's nice to meet again, Bella," he offers with a smirk. "I know it's not technically the first time we've met but it has been a very long time."

Bella accepts. "Sure. I do remember you, though."

"Unfortunately - I'm able to say the same thing," I admit with little to no enthusiasm and I make sure it shows. However, it doesn't deter Darren, though, because he extends his hand to me next.

"Jacob?" I momentarily stare down at it like this giant snake just opened it's mouth and started hissing at me. However, I finally give in and reciprocate with a quick shake of our hands.

Darren steps back. "And forgive these, clowns," he nods towards his friends. "They can act like first class turds every now and again but they really are harmless," he defends them. "This is Jack," he starts with the official introductions. "Jack is actually the only one of these yokels who technically works here."

Jack just smirks. He flings the dirty rag over his shoulder.

"And that's Aidan," Darren points over to him.

Aidan salutes us.

"Of course, the big show-off over there sporting the obnoxiously expensive, brand-name FITIT over his shoulders is, Seth," he finishes with the final introduction. "Seth's actually promised to get us all one of our very own for Christmas next year, haven't you, Seth?" he smirks in his direction.

"Yo, yo,'" Seth replies, flashing us a peace sign with his two fingers. "And in your dreams, my brotha'!" he addresses Darren.

"Sure. We'll see about that, my friend," Darren winks right back at him in a mocking gesture. "Alright, listen up, knuckle-heads," he playfully chastises. "This right here happens to be my long lost cousin. My mom and I were expecting her today. From Forks?" he squints his eyes and looks to Bella to make certain he's right.

"Yeah, that's right, Forks," Bella nods. "I've lived there for almost a year now but I did grow up in Phoenix after my parents split," she shares.

"Right. So, her name's Bella Swan. Be nice to her; I mean it."

A whole bunch of shout-outs follow Darren's instructions while I stand here feeling a headache coming on.

"Hey, Bella."

"What-up, Bella!"

"Sorry about that, Bella."

I shake my head in disbelief. I just really want to get the hell out of here now. "Okay, so now that we've all made nice," I impatiently jump back in, "how about that tire?"

"And that bathroom, please?" Bella starts jiggling around again and her teeth chatter.

"Follow me," Darren nods his head.

My hand travels to Bella's lower back and I guide her forward in front of me as I take one last cautious look around me at this group of guys. We all walk out by forming a single line leading from the cramped space. Somehow, I'm able to pick up that something about this group feels off and very strange; however, I'm positive it has more to do with something else and not just the fact that they happen to be friends with Bella's loser cousin, Darren. I just wish I could put my finger on what that something strange was.

(-v-)

Bella got to use the bathroom while I went to purchase to tire from the front desk. Afterwards, a couple of the guys helped to haul it out to the truck for us; however, when they insisted on doing the rest - I insisted right back that it wouldn't be necessary. I was capable of taking things over from there. Darren offered to let us follow behind him while he drove his car back to his mom's house. Ironically, it turned out that while Bella and I were busy getting lost, we somehow managed to make a turn onto the lower end of Lincoln where the truck crashed. Lower Lincoln, in turn, would have taken us to the upper-side, which we are driving on now - and then from there, we could have taken the turn onto 4th Street. It was just like I had advised earlier, this street connects into Peabody.

On the ride back to her Aunt's, Bella decides to let me drive. While driving, I grab a peek over at her and catch her staring at me.

"What?" I can't help but smile back at her.

"Nothing," she tries to deny at first. There's a brief pause but I wait because I know it's going to come. "It's just ... when did you start to become so vulgar?" she laughs. "You know, back there? I don't remember a single swear word ever leaving your mouth back when we used to hang out at Charlie's place."

I tap against the wheel and laugh with her.

"Vulgar? I wasn't vulgar," I deny. "I was ... expressing myself creatively."

"Yeah, sure!" Bella smiles and then rolls her eyes. "I counted two cuss words, at least." She points a finger at me. "You are vulgar, Jacob Black!"

I chuckle. "Hey, can you honestly tell me they didn't deserve it?"

"No, but that's not the point," she counters.

"Sure it is," I counter back.

"No, seriously, when did things change. When did you change?" she inquires.

I get quiet because I'm not exactly sure how to answer that question for her. However, Bella doesn't push it though - instead, she just waits patiently beside me in the passenger seat for whenever I'm ready to offer up a good explanation to make it understandable for her. I decide to keep the discussion light.

"Uh, I don't know. I guess maybe it just takes a special kind of girl to bring out the bad in me," I tease.

"I don't think so," she smirks. "Nice try, Jake." Her face turns and looks out the window.

Silence takes up the space between us for a few lingering minutes. It gives me time to really think about her question. When did I begin to change? I can't really deny it - I have been starting to feel different. First, the unexpected growth spurt from out of nowhere. Then, the mood swings. There were those weird dream sequences. And now, I discover that I can experience boosts of physical strength.

I recall the incident with Billy a couple weeks back.

After confiding to my dad my concerns about Embry distancing himself from me and hanging out with Sam and his punks, I just blow up at him when I don't like his answer. I literally pick up the coffee pot from the kitchen counter and send it flying through our small kitchen window. The glass breaks; it shatters everywhere - onto the counter, spreads across the tiled floor, and even onto me. Billy remains calm though - actually, he's so ridiculously calm that it borders on downright creepy. He should freak out on me or yell at me. He should order me to my room or do something a bit more drastic as far as punishment goes. Yet, instead, all he does is wheel himself to the kitchen closet, opens it up, and then wordlessly pulls out the small tool box we keep stored inside of there for emergencies.

"Get to work," is all he says to me.

And that's exactly what I do.

With the help of my friend Quil and some other local guys from our school, we retrieve a new plate of glass from a local repair shop on the reservation. One of the guys, Caleb, has a brother that co-owns the place. We get a deal on it - which basically is just 'term' for me agreeing to offer my labor services free of charge on a 'volunteer basis' for the next whole Saturday. A real bummer! I admit that I deserve it, after all, I did break the window in that fit of rage. But I'm still bummed, regardless, even if I do know how to work cars. I much prefer having the cash on hand to just pay for it and be done with it. I beg Quil for a loner, I know Embry would have given it to me if he had still been around, but it turns out Quil is just as strapped for cash as I am. Anyway, Quil helps by taking care of the measurements for the window replacement before we even get to the shop and the others help me place it back in after we get back to my house with the sheet of glass. I do my 'time' on that following weekend and that's supposed to be the end of it.

Or so I thought.

"JAKE!"

I'm pulled from my deep thoughts by the loud call of my name.

"Huh?"

"Yes, hi. Earth to Jacob." Bella is leaning over towards me, attempting to wave one of her hands in front of my face. I duck away from it. "Didn't you hear me before?" she is asking me.

I shake my head to clear the foggy cloud forming over my brain. Now I feel kind of embarrassed. How long was she calling me, trying to get my attention. "Uh, sorry, what did you say?"

"I was just curious to know if you heard my screams or not? When you came running in to help me?" she repeats the same question I was probably blocking out the first time she asked it.

"I heard you," I quickly confirm. "Some screaming, that is," I clarify, just to make sure she understands that's what I'm referring to and not about whether or not I heard her just now.

I leave it there. What I don't tell her is that I actually heard the whole start of the conversation and was on my way out there as soon as I picked up that things were going to get out of hand. I guess I can add super-hearing to that growing list of super powers, I reflect.

"Well, thank you," she offers, gratitude in her tone.

I smile at that. The sincerity mixed in with her humble offering warms my heart - although, the offering in and of itself is completely unnecessary. I look over at her.

"Bells, there's no need to thank me for doing the right thing."

"I know but still. If you weren't there - who knows what really would have happened."

"They were just being a bunch of show-offs, Bells," I reassure her. "As much as I really can't stand them - that much about what they've said I believe. They weren't really going to hurt you."

She smirks. "So you were just defending my honor, then, huh?"

"You bet," I grin.

"Maybe," she sighs. "But, speaking of bets, I guess you win that bet after all."

Wait - what is she talking about?

"What bet?"

"The one where you said I wouldn't last a day until I found myself in some kind of trouble again. Although, I guess just stubbing my toe or colliding with some random fire hydrant was a little too optimistic, huh?"

"What happened back there wasn't your fault. I was just kidding around with you earlier, Bella," I flash a serious look back at her.

"No, Jake, what you said was absolutely true," she counters. "I'm a danger magnet. In fact, what happened back there wasn't the first time I've encountered a potential situation in Port Angeles that I wouldn't have been able to get out of on my own. Only the last time it was the real deal."

This revelation alarms me. "What other situation?"

"It was stupid," she starts out by trying to downplay the seriousness of it. "I came out here last year with some friends from school. I took off by myself, I really probably shouldn't have - it got dark, but when I tried to meet back up with them I ran into a group of drunken idiots who thought it was funny to hit on me all at once. Only, believe me, those guys weren't going to let me get out of it as easily as Darren's little rat pack did back there."

"They're lucky I wasn't there."

"I got lucky that Edward was there," she informs me.

At the mention of his name, the tension builds and my grip on the steering wheel tightens. I can feel my teeth sinking into my lower lip and I try hard not to draw blood.

"Right, Edward."

I've always remained guarded around the subject of the Cullen's; the myths and legends surrounding them have always been passed down from generation to generation within the tribe. All you have to do is ask anyone on the reservation and they'll tell you that those old stories always make for some interesting entertainment to laugh and poke fun at around one of our traditional Quileute bonfires that are usually held year long when the weather permits. The tales usually tell about our tribal leaders and the unprecedented meeting between our people and the legendary Cold Ones - a clan of immortal beings. However, as to what that really meant, no one ever really knew. There continues to be room for speculation, rumors still run abound as to what the Cold Ones actually are: Vampires, Ghosts, Demons, Angels, Reptiles ... nothing went left to the imagination. After all, the tales regarding the Cold Ones weren't any crazier than the tribal tales of Quileutes descending from real wolves.

But now, here in this moment, I have another reason to have an adverse reaction to the name - 'Cullen.' And to be even more precise, to the name of 'Edward Cullen.' I can sum it all up in two words for you.

Bella Swan.

He had hurt her. He had hurt her badly. I didn't know exactly how and I didn't know all the details but I'm smart enough to know that something serious went down between them and it was serious enough to the point where it left her wandering around alone and lost in the woods for a very long time until Sam was able to recover her.

HE left her stranded and alone.

"If he was your boyfriend, then why wasn't he with you?" I know it comes out sounding harsh and accusatory but I can't help but ask the question even when I know I probably shouldn't.

"Because he wasn't my boyfriend at the time, Jacob," Bella gets defensive. I can definitely detect that any mention of him is still a very sore spot for her. "He just showed up when I needed him the most, that's all."

A quizzical expression covers my face. "He just showed up out of nowhere? Like batman or superman?" I crack.

"No, I mean like ... he followed me."

Alright, this is getting even weirder to me. "Right, he followed you," I repeat. "So, he was a stalker, then?" my question is very matter-of-fact and straight to the point. But one thing is very clear to me. Bella isn't happy about my powers of perception and the conclusion I've drawn.

"Jacob!" she cries.

"Bells, I'm sorry, you're just going to have to forgive me on this one," I defend myself, "but I'm a guy who's had a crush or two in my life and even I know that following someone around without them knowing about it kind of goes beyond psycho. Actually, it strikes me as downright creepy. "

I can tell she's irritated with me.

"He was only trying to protect me," she defends him with a little too much passion as far as I'm concerned.

I mean, c'mon, let's be real here. Isn't this the same guy who like 'dumped her' in the middle of the woods or something to that effect? He didn't even have the common decency to escort her back to her front door, first, before he takes off running like the coward he is, like a bat out of hell? I happen to know some of the bits and pieces to the story, coming from what Charlie chose to share with Billy over the past couple of months.

"Oh, sure, right," I nod with a sneer set firmly in place. "Great job he did there, huh?!" I pass the dig right along. "Protecting you? How long were you left wandering out in those woods again?"

"Jacob! Shut-up! It's none of your business, anyway!"

If looks could kill, that's the kind of expression she flashed at me. But there is something else concealed behind the anger and that something is a deep-rooted pain. I saw it whether she wanted me to or not. I very briefly throw my hands up in mock surrender to get my point across while still holding onto the wheel.

"Fine. It's none of my business that some major jerk deserted my friend in the middle of a forest somewhere. Then, he disappears on purpose, just so he could leave her to spiral into a depression that's been out of control for like three months," I vent. I pause briefly but I'm not finished. "And here's the best part, " I stress. "The whole thing leads to her forgetting all about the people who actually still give a damn about her!"

There.

I finally said what's been on my mind since she stopped taking 'my' visits with Billy at Charlie's place all those months back. To be honest, it kind of hurt but I tried to brush it off by going about my own daily routine. After all, I still had the guys - Embry and Quil, to confide things in. But then, even that changed when Embry went AWOL into Sam's little camp and there was really no one left to talk to. Quil listened but Embry and I were always closer so Quil didn't take the new seperation to heart as much as I did. I could have used a fresh perspective and Bella's girlie input on 'relationships', even if her suggestions just served to give me a good laugh or two. The truth is, that my visits to Charlie's house gradually grew into an occasion where I just looked forward to hearing the sound of Bella's voice. Glancing over, I can see with my periphial vision that her elbow is propped up against the window and she brings her forehead down to rest against her hand before speaking to me again.

"I refuse to talk to you about Edward, Jacob. I mean it!" she stubbornly insists.

There's an authority concealed in that tone of voice that tells me she isn't joking around about this in any way, shape, or form. I release a sigh, trying hard to contain myself as my own frustration continues to grow.

"Okay, fine. Whatever you say."

I drop it and leave it at that. However, my tone reflects that I'm far from okay with just dropping it. But I do it anyway for her sake. Because while I may feel justified in my position regarding Edward Cullen, it's not worth risking my friendship with Bella over. It has been months with no contact and I actually miss our little one on one chats and the card games we used to play while Billy and Charlie would scream at the big flat-screen TV in the living room. However, little does she know, she is one of those crushes I've harbored. When thinking back, I'm pretty sure it developed into more than just some random crush during the time when we were hanging out more. I can't pinpoint the exact date and time; however, the realization is a bit daunting. Because I honestly didn't believe it was possible for me to actually fall in love at my age. I mean, isn't that something that happens when you get older, you find that 'mature' kind of love that adults take completely for granted to the extent of commitment and you never want to let it go?

Guys my age were out 'playing the field' so to speak and getting to know all types of girls. Me, I went to school everyday, sat in my room, did my homework, worked in my garage, tactfully blew off advances from girls at school, and wasted my time pining away for a girl I truly felt like I would never have a chance to be with. I would watch her from afar as Edward Cullen held the honor of holding her delicate heart in the palms of his hands. He's a fool for screwing it up like he did because I would never have willingly walked away from her. Not in a million years. So with that said, I have to wonder, was the guy out smoking crack that day? What is his drug of choice if it's not Bella?

Hm.

"I told you, I'm just not ready to talk about that yet," Bella opens back up and her voice softens along with it.

Well, it's a start.

"I know," I concede. "You've already told me that once today, Bells," I sigh. "I won't push that subject anymore. I'm sorry I keep slipping up and doing it," I offer my apology.

"It's okay. Thanks," she murmurs.

I'm happy to note that she sounds relaxed again and that's a good thing. I don't want her staying mad at me. Bella may not be ready to talk about the whole situation right this second; however, she specifically made reference to 'yet.' She's not ready to talk about this yet, which means that at some conceivable point in time, she will be ready to talk about it and get it off her chest - or at the very least, feel more comfortable doing it. Hopefully by then, I'll be the good friend she turns to and I'll offer her my ears to listen and my shoulders to lean on. And then maybe - just maybe, with a miracle, there might come a time when I have a chance to cross beyond the boundaries of friendship and explore something more with her?

"Bella, please just know one thing!" I turn to glance at her, a serious expression covering my entire face. I reach over and take her hand with my free one. "I'm not him. I may not know everything that happened and I know we're just friends. But I need for you to know that I'll never walk away like that. I promise to always be here when you need me and I promise not to hurt you."

A flicker of emotion dances through her eyes. She squeezes my hand and offers me one of her smiles that just turns my insides into mush. The sound of a horn beeping pulls us out of our reverie and I silently curse it for doing so. Then, after all of my attention turns back to the black Chevy Impala stopped in front of us, I realize that Darren is signaling to us that we've reached our destination.

"Looks like we're here," I pull up to stop at the gate just behind him.

Bella sighs. "Welcome to my nightmare," she cracks. "All these townhouses look the same," she observes.

And they do.

As the gate opens, I follow Darren into the complex until we reach the designated parking location that sits in front of a two-story level townhouse with off-beige, creme coloring from top to bottom. A perfectly manicured lawn sprawls out in the front yard with a perfectly cemented walkway leading up to the front door. Flower pots decorate the upper level balcony and hints of the sun's rays glisten off of the perfectly painted exterior.

Yup. Barbie's Dream house comes to mind.

Rebecca use to own one.

(-v-)

Bella and I get out on our respective sides and slam the doors shut.

"Move it along, Isabella," Darren calls out as he approaches the truck. He's already reaching into the back and then snatches out her bags. "I've got places to be and faces to see!"

"Okay, first things first here. If you really want us to get along," Bella retorts, "you will not be calling me that. Ever!" she stresses. "I'm totally serious." She trails behind Darren towards the front door and I follow.

"And you, little cousin," he mocks her, turning back around to face her with his back facing the front door, "should know that nicknames and I don't work well together. I," he stresses, "call them how I see them. Or in your case, how I really know them." He winks at her before turning to open the door to enter.

I hear Bella groan beside me.

We stop.

"This is going to be one long school year," she mumbles so that I'm the only one able to pick up on it.

I pull her beside me. "Hey, if it gets that bad, we've always got my garage. We could throw a blanket and a pillow into the back seat of the Rabbit and Billy would never have to know," I supply as a joke.

Laughter breaks from her. "Yeah, great, so glad you've got Billy covered. Now what would Charlie think?" she throws back at me, lifting her brows in the process.

"Let's see, with him being the actual Chief of Police? Um - probably that I kidnapped you and you're being held hostage until you corrupt my youthful innocence," I playfully grind my teeth together.

"Jake!" she swats my chest. "Oh my god, you're being a perv. Besides, you are not even legal yet," she pretends to be appalled by my playful suggestion.

"I beg to differ," I protest. "I am one hundred percent completely legal!"

"You are not!"

"I am too, look up the statutes. Age of legal consent in this state is sixteen, baby," I challenge but the line is delivered all in good fun and in humor. "And I've already reached the sixteen and a half marker, so that gives me six more added months to play around with."

I can't help but laugh at her 'deer-caught-in-the-headlights' expression. Bella just rolls her eyes at me, stuffs her hands into her pockets, and begins shuffling her feet back and forth.

"Besides, I'm only kidding, Bells," I decide to enlighten her in the slight chance that she missed the part where we were just supposed to be joking around. "Please don't have an aneurysm or anything because the last thing we need today is to have to rush you off to a hospital somewhere."

"Funny," she grins. "Don't worry, if it got to that point, we could just call for an ambulance."

As I turn to look behind us, I catch two more cars pulling in through the gate. They happen to be carrying those three friends of Darren: Jack, Aidan, and Seth. However, I notice there's an extra person that I can't account for from the auto shop which means they probably stopped somewhere. After the cars park in vacant spots that are nearest to Darren's parked car, I realize that the newest addition is in fact a girl. They all get out and at the same time, we're greeted by the sight of Darren and a woman - whom I presume to be his mother, coming out from the front door.

"Bella!" the woman holds her arms out as she comes rushing over towards her. She fully embraces her. "Wow, it is so great to finally get to see you again," she gushes. "You were so little the last time I laid eyes on you." I watch as she pulls back so she can take a closer look. "Just look at you, you are so grown up now," she smiles.

Bella looks uncomfortable but smiles in an effort to be polite. "Hey," she nervously shoves her hands back into her pockets. "Thanks for, uh, putting me up," she settles on. "Aunt Vivian." The use of her formal name comes out sounding awkward and very unnatural - like Bella was just trying it on for size.

"Oh, let's back up," Vivan puts her hand up. "No, hon," she closes her eyes, laughs a little bit, and then shakes her head in distaste. "Please, either call me Viv or Vivian. Either one is just fine by me. 'Aunt Vivian' just comes across sounding way too formal for my tastes. Darren doesn't even address me formally."

Bella starts out with a slow nod of her head. "Oh." I can read her confusion. I can't blame her - that kind of throws me too but whatever. I shrug it off. "Oh, sure, no problem," she nods quickly this time.

"You'll get used to it," Vivian winks.

Aunt Viv sure has alot of energy and spunk. She shifts her gaze over to me next.

"Jacob?!" Vivian squints her eyes and points at me like she's hazarding a guess about my identity. "Jacob Black. I recognize the face, now it just comes with the longer hair," she smiles.

I nod. "Yeah, that's me," I offer a smile to be polite.

"And how's your father?" she inquires, her voice full of sincerity. "I know things got really hard for him right after the accident," and I notice she chooses her words carefully when making that statement. Hm - strange. However, not as strange or eluding as the next one. "We all tried our best to be there for him."

Okay, just who is this 'we all' and why would they need to be there?

"He's ... just Billy," I settle on, not sure of what else to say. "Dad's been in the chair for as long as I can remember. Since my mom passed away," I shrug.

Vivian flashes me a smile full of sympathy. "Sarah was a good woman. I'm sorry you missed out on the opportunity to get to know her better."

Mom passed when I was three. "Yeah, me too."

"Alright," Vivian claps her hands together, abruptly changing the subject. "My ingenious son, over there, can explain all the ins and outs of everything around here to you, Bella. Right, Darren?"

Bella and I turn to look in his direction, along with Vivian, only to find that the new girl is snuggled up comfortably underneath Darren's underarm. I can only presume she must be his girlfriend and that the three of us just caught him in the act of smooching all over every area of her right cheek for everyone within a five mile radius to see. The new girl is enjoying every minute of the attention, though, as she giggles and continues to chomp away on her gum.

Oh.

And I guess she's also sucking on what appears to be a cherry flavored Tootsie pop at the same time. Interesting combination she's got going there.

"Sure. No problemo, Vivian," Darren responds so casually to his mother's request, like she's nothing more than a mere acquaintance.

No problemo?

Okay, I can come up with one "problemo" right off the bat. If I ever would have addressed my mother in that type of manner while she was still living - in such a nonchalant fashion when it was perfectly understandable to me that I was the child and she was the parent, my father probably would have back-handed me one in such a way to make sure I'd never forget it. Granted, both Bella and I are prone to referring to our own respective parents by their first names on occasion but did Darren ever acquire the concept of respecting your elders?

"Jennifer and I are just going to head on down with the guys and hang out at one of their places for awhile," he adds. "Jennifer," Darren addresses her, "this is Isabella Swan."

"Bella!" she heatedly corrects him.

"She's my cousin," he finishes the introduction with a self-satisfied smirk in place. "Oh, yeah. And that stud muffin standing to the right of her is her friend. Joke, was it?" he mocks me.

"Jake!" I correct, straining to keep my temper in check. Damn. I really can't stand him and time has done nothing to change that.

"Isabella, Jake," he accentuates on purpose. "This is my girlfriend, Jennifer."

Bella quite literally throws her hands up in the air.

"Nice to meet you," Jennifer acknowledges with a wave. "And nice truck," she cracks, breaking into laughter.

All of the laughter coming from the four guys follows hers.

Bella and I turn around to glance over at the truck at the same exact time. Then we throw a knowing look over at each other. I know the same silent thought passes between us.

Stuck-up Prima Donna.

"And we're going to be going now," Darren follows up.

Good riddance.

"We've got some business to handle but I trust you won't have any problems getting her settled in, right?" he addresses his mother one last time.

My response is almost automatic. "I'll help to get her settled in," I volunteer. "Do all of you live here in the complex?" I ask, looking between the five faces. I'm curious to know.

"Sure do," Aidan snaps his fingers over in my direction. "Later, bro'." He waves and the small group of bandits, including Jack and Seth, disperse.

"Yup. Whatever," I mutter.

Afterwards, Bella and I follow Vivian into the house. Vivian gives Bella and I a brief tour of the spacious first floor - living room with fireplace and mantle, kitchen with an island and a sliding door that leads out to a backyard patio, small dinning room with a dinning room table already set for six. As I make my way in and out of the different rooms, two distinct things catch my eye: the first is her taste in 17th century French Art which happens to adorn most of the walls in her home. And no, I'm no connoisseur of the arts. It's just that most of her pieces are sporting the name of the artist and the year in which each piece was reportedly painted. The second most notable aspect about her interest in the arts are the wolf-like figurines scattered around just about everywhere on coffee tables, shelves, dressers, and night stands in different locations of her house. There are also the vast number of those portraits displaying wolves depicted among humans - almost as if the artist meant to represent that they are co-existing as one.

"So, Bella, you can take this one," Vivian calls out when we reach the second floor landing. "It's the spare, we usually reserve it for guests but you can keep it now."

Vivian opens the door and then steps back to the side to allow Bella to enter. I follow close behind with Bella's bags in my hands and once we step inside we are greeted by the sight of a pretty contemporary room. It's simple - the layout and design suited for a male or female guest. The color scheme running throughout the room is an off-white and a medium beige. I place the bags down on the carpeted floor.

"I'll just be downstairs if you need anything," Vivian announces before leaving. "And if either of you are hungry, help yourselves to whatever is in the kitchen," she offers with a parting smile.

"Thanks," I smile back and offer a wave.

"Yeah, thanks, Vivian," Bella also answers in response to her hospitality.

"Sure thing, kiddo," Vivian offers back and then walks away out of sight. "Oh - bathroom is down the hall, around the corner on the far right," she shouts back down the hall. "Feel free to shower, linens are found in the cabinet closet you'll find to the left of the door."

Bella and I look to one another and grin. Vivian wasn't really that bad at all - she was actually pretty likable once you got to know her a little bit.

My grin fades. "Well, as great as that offer to eat and shower sounds right now, I really should probably get going. I called this guy, Caleb, from my school while we were still downstairs and he and his older brother said they didn't mind coming out here to pick me up. And that was at least thirty minutes ago."

"Oh, okay."

She sounds a little dejected. "But, hey, that offer for Saturday still stands. You can either drive down yourself or if I have the Rabbit ready by then, I can come out and get you."

"Sure," she sighs, nodding her head. "Give me a call or I'll call you. Whatever."

"Good," I nod.

"Good," she nods back at me.

A brief moment of silence passes between us but it's beginning to border on awkward.

"You okay?" the question comes out slowly.

"Yeah, fine," she plasters on a smile. "I don't know - now that I'm out here I was kind of just wishing that you could keep me company a little while longer. I kind of don't want to be by myself just yet."

I offer her a warm smile, walk over to her, and then pull her into a gentle embrace. She accepts and we sway together for a little bit with her in my arms and me grasping on tight. My eyes close for a brief moment and when I open them back up and look down, I take notice that Bella is resting her head against my chest and is clearly enjoying the moment just as I had been doing before - her own eyes closed. I really don't want this feeling to end but I do eventually force myself to pull back as I address Bella.

"Here," I offer. "I can help you start to unpack until they come."

And with that offer in place, Bella smiles wanly, and we both retrieve the bags and get to work.

To Be Continued: Yes, I do have a direction with all these characters, lol. And for those of you wondering, our favorite pack will eventually make their appearance and become part of the story but not until Jake fully turns and some more of the main plot gets introduced. That will be happening next chapter from BPOV (more of the main plot).

Please be kind and review? I'm really honored that more people are liking my story enough, even though it's still just in the beginning stages, to put me on their favorites list and to place this fic on story alert. Drop me a line on what you think as well, I promise not to bite. After all, I'm not a vampire, LOL.