Dinner had been great but now Jacob and I can get to work on the bikes. He seems to be a little surprised that I have experience in mechanics but he's down with it. He delighted, actually, because now he has another person to discuss cars with. Heh. It helps knowing a race car driver, who is very well-versed in the subject. I also got to test drive her vehicles and ride her bikes. As a result, she bought me motorcycle as a mock birthday present. Ah, got to love Haruka! Michiru also contributed by sending me the airline tickets back to Tokyo for a summer vacation, which was really sweet of her to do so.

"Is that a Rabbit?"

Jacob and I arrive at his garage, which is nothing more than two giant sheds built into one, and there sits this 1986 Rabbit. Haruka has very well trained me in her world of cars, I'll have you know. My companion looks at me surprised before grinning at me, nodding. He tells me it's a classic, which it is, and that he's been working on it. It's almost finish now and that it helped that his father got him the parts that he needed for them last spring.

Last spring...

Billy had paid him to come break Edward and I up and to deliver a message. Well, he need not have worried about that since I was the one who ended up breaking it off. Ah well. I ask Jacob if he knows anything about motorcycles. He looks up at me curiously, shrugs, and says that he has a friend, named Embry, who knows about such stuff. He has a dirt bike, Jacob explains, and that they work on it together when they have the time.

"Why?"

"Just got my hands on a set of bikes. They're not in the greatest condition, mind you."

I ask him if he could get the two running. I tell him that they're on my truck, ready for him to take a look at anytime. Jacob grins at me. He has this look that says that he's ready for a challenge. I grin back at him. His smile is very infectious. How can you not like a boy like Jacob? I can talk to him for hours on end and not get tired. He doesn't really need any prodding from me either. He keeps on talking about his sophomore classes in school and about the real good friends he has.

"What are their names?"

"Quil and Embry."

"Interesting names."

Jacob comes to my truck and appraises the bikes. I know that I have something good on me and my companion confirms it when he tells me that one of them is a Harley Sprint. They were produced from 1969 to 1974. It cost only $800 back then but now, and fully restored, it's worth upwards to $4000. I decide to let him have it. He's excited before his face drops in sadness. He's disappointed that we have to save up for parts. Excuse me, my friend, but I beg to differ.

"I've plenty of money saved." I say. "I can fund this little project."

"Are you sure?"

"Absolutely."

"Great!"

It's not very hard to please Jacob.

"Are you legal, Jake?" I ask. "When's your birthday?"

"You just missed it." He says. "Just turned sixteen."

"Mine was not too long ago either. I'm nineteen."

Physically. Chronologically, I'm not.

Jake pulled the other bike apart right away. This bike would be my bike and I'm happy. I love classic bikes. Sure, I love the one Haruka has given me for my birthday but nothing beats the older models. I'm sitting on the passenger side of the Rabbit so I wouldn't have to sit on the ground, which is really nice of Jacob to suggest. I ask about Quil and Embry's respective names and he chuckles. Quil's name had passed down to him and Embry...well, he was named after some soap opera star. He warns me not to make fun of them; otherwise, they'll tag team me and fight dirty. I grin.

"Jacob! You out here, dude?"

"Speak of the devil." He mutters.

Two boys enter the garage and they have nice dark skin, like Jacob's. One of them is much like my companion, slender and just as tall. The other one, on the other hand, is more burly and a tad bit shorter. His shirt is clearly tight and he's very aware of that fact. They are caught off guard when they see me. The taller one has no idea what to make of Jacob and me but the other one just keeps his eyes on me. He's clearly a flirt.

"Oh, hey guys." Jake greets them.

"Hey, Jake." The shorter one says, winking at me.

I can't help but grin. He is an imp. He introduces himself to me as Quil Ateara and the other one introduces himself as Embry Call. He's kind of shy. He just waves at me and shoves his hand into his jeans pocket before turning his attention to our current project. As soon as Jacob says the word 'bike,' the two boys are paying full attention. It's totally fun to hear the two ask him a lot of questions. They are so into it that it's fun just watching their expressions light up with joy as they learn from their friend. Best friend, actually. They have a tight bond and I don't really need to see the bonds to know that.

"I think I need to go." I finally say.

"Sorry, Sakura." Jacob apologizes. "Were we boring you?"

"Not at all." I smile at him. "Can I come back tomorrow?"

"Sure."

"See you around then."

As soon as I step out of the garage, I can hear Quil release a wolf-whistle, followed by a couple of jibes from Embry. Jake playfully threatens them if that they step onto his land tomorrow that they would be in for it.

The next day is spent digging around in junkyards, looking for parts necessary for putting our bikes together, and it's great fun! I don't think I ever spent this kind of time with Edward when we were together. Oh, well. Unlike Edward, Jake is far more open and talkative. Spending time with him makes time pass quickly. It's mid-afternoon when we get back with our treasure. Billy is not at home so we don't worry about having to hide everything. Once everything is unloaded, Jacob sets to work.

We spend the day chatting about everything and anything that comes to mind. Too soon, though, the night has come. Don't get me wrong. I love the night. It is my element, but it also signifies that another day with the boy with the brilliant smile has come and gone. Billy, once again, invites me to dinner. This time, we're surrounded by a bunch of people I haven't met yet. I'm introduced to the Clearwaters. Harry, Sue and their two kids, Leah and Seth.

Leah is an attractive looking girl, who reminds me of Raye-chan, with fiery dark eyes. Like much of the people I have met already, she has beautiful copper skin and dark hair. Seth...ah, Seth. He's fourteen years old and idolizes Jacob. It's kind of adorable to see him try to insert himself into our conversations. He doesn't want to be left out, so I spent most of the dinner party getting to know him a little bit. Unfortunately, Washington being Washington, rain eventually broke everything up.

"Thank you, Jacob!" I tell him.

"You'll be over tomorrow, right?" He asks brightly.

"Of course. I'll be bringing my homework, though."

"Sure."

"See you around!"

Tomorrow is another day and one that I look forward to.