AN: I'm so excited about this chapter because this is the first time ya'll are getting a sneak peek into Jacob's head. Sorry for the extended wait! I was swamped with midterms and I didn't want to rush this chapter. Hope this update is worth the wait! Maddie.

Disclaimer: I own nothing. 'La, La, La' belongs to LMFAO

Chapter 4- Homecoming

--Jacob--

I folded my arms across my chest as I stared out at the darkness. The depressing cycle of wetness and frigid temperatures was relentless. For the last three days it had been raining non-stop and I was in desperate need of a little sunshine. The big game was tomorrow and I was driving myself insane with worry. I had prepared as much as I could, but tonight my mind wouldn't let me catch a break. The coach and I went over plays, we watched film of our rivals, and I hadn't worked out too hard today. Which meant that I just needed to relax.

I dropped my arms down by my sides and wiggled them out. I was trying to release the tension pressing down on my muscles. I closed my eyes and rolled my head around slowly. The wind whistled shrilly against the glass window as I breathed in and out. I was the quarterback. No one else could do my job for me so I had to have my shit together on the field.

I tilted my head backwards and attempted once again to get in the zone. I closed my eyes and mentally traveled back to high school. The bleachers were packed and I was in the middle of all the action tearing down the field. The opposing team was on my cleats like hounds hungry for blood, but I dodged, jumped, and sprinted towards the goal. We won that night and hearing the crowd scream my name like I was some football god stayed with me until today. I got a quick flash of Leah, Seth, and my dad in the crowd. My dad was wearing his lucky sweater; which was now my own.

I opened my eyes and the football field disappeared along with Leah, Seth and my dad. My stomach growled hungrily. I hadn't eaten all day, which wasn't the best idea. I needed to eat so I could have energy to burn on the field or else I would help Maryland lose the game. I shoved my hands in my pockets and took a seat on the edge of my bed.

I could go to the diner by myself, but I had spent enough time alone today. I sighed heavily and placed my hands securely between my knees. Edward had been gone all day. He and Bella were studying for midterms. They had invited me but I didn't feel like going with them because obviously I would be the third wheel.

The way they looked at each other told me they would be fucking soon. Edward hung onto her every word even when she wasn't saying much. I brought my legs onto the bed and sat Indian style. I was waiting for Edward to come back from studying so we could go to dinner together. Edward was the pick-me-up I needed. He was a good friend and he had this unexplainable calmness to him. He really put me at ease when we were together.

I didn't want to go into my homecoming game, angsty and dark. I tried to make light out of situations even the most fucked up ones, but it was a long hard road tonight. Hopefully he could take my mind off of everything.

I racked my hands through my raven hair. I waited for twenty minutes and Edward still hadn't come. My chest rose up and down slowly. I was just going to take a shower and hopefully he would be back soon. In the back of my mind I saw Leah Clearwater standing in my room back home. She was shivering, "Jacob, tomorrow is your homecoming game. You're going to need me."

I closed my eyes purging all thoughts of her. My skin crawled with fire. I hated Leah right now because she was so fucking stubborn sometimes. Why the hell did she have to punish me for not giving her attention? I wasn't always on and neither was she. When things didn't go her way she became a cold-hearted bitch and I didn't want to fucking care…but fuck if I still did.

I rolled my eyes and clenched my jaw tersely. Leah would be the very person to make me fuck up this homecoming game. I bitterly considered the thought of her appearing at my dorm on her broomstick to wave her white flag. She wouldn't though because she had too much pride.

"Fuck you Leah," I said aloud. I glanced over at Edward's side of the room again. I couldn't be mad at him for not being here because he was with Bella. I pulled off my clothes and tossed them into my overflowing laundry basket. Once a towel was around my waist I searched around Edward's closet for his Irish Spring. I had my own bodywash but I just liked the way his smelled.

As I pulled down his caddy I accidentally knocked down a box. The top clattered to the floor and pictures flew outwards landing in a disarray by my feet. "Fuck," I mumbled as I dropped down to scoop up the pictures and place them back in the box. As my fingertips grazed the glossy surfaces I couldn't help but to look at a few. Some of the pictures were of nature, meadows, the sky, and then there were some of Edward with his family or alone.

A smile tugged at my lips as I traced my thumb along the edges. In almost all of the pictures Edward's smile came off as pained or forced. But in the very last picture he was sitting at a desk alone with his hand balled to his mouth and he was smiling. He looked kind of adorable. I could only admit that in my head. For some unknown reason I turned the picture over. Neatly scribbled on the back was,

"Of course he takes the best pictures when he doesn't know I'm targeting! Oh migod, who knew he could actually be handsome when he smiled!" Love you Edward. Smile more. Alice

I grinned wondering for a second how it would be to grow up with Edward. I flipped the picture over again and I stared at Edward's smile for a few moments. He looked really happy. I wondered what he was looking at. Probably some girl that treated him like a normal person. I allowed my eyes to linger on the picture for only a few more seconds and then I placed it back in the box with the rest.

At least Bella treated him like he was a normal guy. It was almost pathetic how people lost their fucking minds chasing after him because of the way he looked. I thought back to the first day we met. I had only noticed Edward because I crashed into him on accident. My sister Rachel and I weren't seeing eye to eye that day, and I couldn't wait to get away from her. Edward of course was right behind me when I tried to make my grand escape.

I crashed into him, and before I noticed his eyes, I saw everyone else's. They were gathered behind him like a flock of bloodsuckers waiting to pounce. Girls were asking loud enough for him to hear, "Who is he?" and even some of the guys were looking. Edward didn't seem to notice any of this.

"Edward," I said quietly to myself. "Fucking Rockstar." I stood up and placed the box safely in the far corner of the top shelf. Someone knocked at the door. I closed Edward's closet door and went to go see who was outside. I wasn't sure at that moment who I wanted to see more Edward or Leah.

When I wasn't so busy trying to convince myself that she was Satan's whore, I knew that I wanted her by my side. This was homecoming. One of the biggest events in my freshman college experience. A lot of people would be looking at me, and expecting me to pull through for Maryland.

I felt like all the pressure of the world was on my shoulders. And I could handle pressure but this…Leah promised that she wouldn't be a bitch during homecoming. I scoffed. Okay. I was going to start working on reinforcing the Leah ban again because this wasn't working.

Satan's whore.

I opened the door and I was tempted to close it as soon as I saw Emmett McCarty.

He looked me up and down and a huge smile spread across his face, "Is this how you always answer the door or did you think I was Edward? Not so subtle are we Jake. Bordering on Jerry Springer trashy."

Who was he to call me trashy?

I offered a sarcastic smile in his direction. His favorite thing to do was assume that I had more than friendly feelings for Edward. "Emmett do I need to call your psychologist? The game isn't until tomorrow so they're going to need to lock your sociopathic ass up for a few more hours."

Emmett licked his lips. "They let me out for good behavior." He looked me up and down, "By the way Black I resent you calling me a sociopath. A deviant is more appropriate here."

"What do you want McCarty?" I asked losing patience.

"Where's Edward?" He asked faking innocence.

His question caught me off guard. I couldn't imagine for the life of me why he was so fixated on Edward. Emmett McCarty had women and men throwing themselves at him left and right. He took advantage of opportunity, bragged freely about how much of a player he was, and rejected anyone that tried to form attachments with him. But yet here he was, big as a bear, looking for Edward. Edward could defend himself but I was compelled to tell Emmett to back the FUCK off.

As I stared him down I placed all my stress and anxiety squarely on Emmett's shoulders. This cocky son of a bitch was trying to use Edward for his sick and demented purposes. At the thought of Emmett even touching Edward I wanted to tackle him and knock the living daylights out of him. My fists clenched and a snarl escaped my mouth.

"Black," Emmett placed his cold hands on my warm skin. "What the fuck man?" His lips were still turned up in a smile even though his eyes registered concern. False concern. "Why is it every time I mention Cullen's name you're ready to pimp slap me with your strong hand?" Emmett winked. "It's okay you can admit it you want his family jewels more than me."

I bit the inside of my cheek so hard that it bled. I searched for an appropriate excuse. The only thing that really made sense to explain my protectiveness of Edward was that he was my friend, and I didn't want Emmett to pray on him. I had seen Emmett fuck guys with girlfriends and use their confusion as a booster for his ego.

I didn't trust him and I definitely didn't want him near Edward. There was nothing wrong with that. "You know what Emmett," I spoke up.

"What Jacob? You want me to come in so we can have sex on Edward's bed." He taunted.

I nodded slowly with the same sarcastic smile. "Emmett I would rather fuck my 50 year old RA."

Emmett whistled and shook his head with a horrified expression. "You mean the bitch who wears her ridiculously blonde hair in pigtails and shops in the Baby Gap section." He laughed. "You'll be cleaning the spiderwebs off your dick for months."

"What the fuck do you want?" I cut off finally. "And don't fucking say Edward or I'll kick your ass from here back to your fucking home in Alaska. You northern bitch."

Emmett pouted, "Why can't we be friends Jake? I come in peace and love."

I arched an eyebrow. He was really working my last nerve.

"Fine," Emmett finally said. "I don't know what the fuck possessed me to pick this up for you," He gingerly reached in his athletic bag and pulled out a sweater of mine. A very special sweater.

"What the fuck. How did you…" I backed up and went straight to my bed. I lunged underneath and pulled out my gym bag. I unzipped it and rifled around desperately for the grey football sweater that used to belong to my dad when he was in college. When my search came up empty I was blinded with rage. "You fucking took my sweater." Emmett had reached new lows and I really was going to kick his ass now.

Emmett stared back at me audaciously. "What the fuck do I want with your musty sweater." He threw it at me and it landed on the floor. "Even for me, stealing sweaters is a little grade school. I'd at least up the ante to stealing your gym bag, with the sweater."

I stared back at him still not sure if I believed him. Emmett shrugged flexing his big arms in front of his chest.

"If you wanna believe I stole your ugly sweater then fine Jacob. I'm not trying to impress you anyways." He flicked me off as he turned his back.

"Where did you find it then?" I asked. I wasn't usually attached to clothes. I just wore them because in this society being naked in public was taboo. I preferred nudity. So much in fact that as a kid I used to strip down to nothing but my socks and run around the mall. Eventually my parents had to get me one of those leashes for kids so they could make sure I didn't run off, strip, and embarrass them.

But this sweater was different. My dad gave it to me when I was a freshman in high school. He told me that the sweater brought him luck and he wanted it to do the same for me. I always wore it before big games and I was convinced that the sweater did give me luck.

"Remember when I told you that I saw your boy in the union?" Emmett said leaning against the door.

A guy from my floor walked through the hallway leading to my room and the bathroom. I watched as he politely waited for Emmett to move to the side so he could get through. Emmett pretended not to notice.

"Yo dude." The guy said.

"What?" Emmett asked rudely as if he was oblivious.

"Um…you're kind of blocking the bathroom. You're not exactly tinkerbell."

Emmett glared the guy down and then backed away from the door.

"It's pathetic how you feel the need to intimidate people." I stated.

"Even if I didn't hurl insults I would still be intimidating. You heard the guy I'm no tinkerbell." Emmett answered with a smirk. "But anyways you got pissed off about me talking to Edward…precious Edward remember, let me show you what you did." Emmett came into my room hulking and menacing like he was trying to portray me.

"I didn't invite you in." I pointed out.

Emmett ignored me. "You fucking did what!" He mimicked me with bulging eyes, a throbbing vein in his forehead, and a crazed look fitting for Rosie O' Donnell after Elisabeth Hassleback set her off. "Don't fucking talk to him! Leave him alone. Ahh! I'm so angry! So fucking angry." Emmett stomped his feet and then picked up my pillow. "This is you Emmett! This is you!" He threw the pillow down on the ground and dramatically punched it.

I crossed my arms trying not to smile. Because I did feel like doing all those things when he was around. "Done yet?"

Emmett stood up red faced and grinning. "The truth is hard to digest huh? Edward Cullen and his wiles excite you in ways that you can't even begin to imagine."

"Edward and I are just roommates."

"You are more than just roommates." Emmett shook his head, "Because if you were just roommates then you wouldn't transform into that kid from The Omen whenever I so much as looked at Edward."

"And you are a pain in my ass." I raised my sweater. "I never thought I would have to thank you for anything." Actually admitting that Emmett did a nice thing was a sign of the end of the world.

Emmett raised his hand, "Don't thank me because I plan on doing a slew of things within the next week to make you hate me again." He smiled obnoxiously, "Oh and tell Edward to friend me on facebook so I can poke him…with my giant dick."

"I won't," I promised.

***

I showered and got ready to head to the diner solo.

Bella and Edward were still gone. In between the talk with Emmett and the shower I had worked up more tension. Fucking Emmett. I had to lose the stress so I was going to break out the big guns. I had no choice but to let loose.

I went to my computer and turned on my 'Motivated' playlist. 'La La La' by LMFAO filled the room. I nodded my head along to the beat feeling out the rhythm. I went to the middle of the floor between our beds because I didn't want to crash into a desk.

"You got this Jake. You got this." I chanted. Nothing mattered. Not Emmett's obsession with Edward, Leah, or even the homecoming game "She makes me wanna sing La, La, La," I sung horribly. I didn't have a good singing voice in the first place which made it easier to make this a relaxing exercise. I'd sing off key and dance like a spaz with firecrackers in my pants and everything would eventually work out.

I allowed my body to relax. I closed my eyes and felt out the beat. At first I tapped my feet and then my head started to nod up and down. I was a fighter in the ring. The crowed was cheering me on because I was whipping my opponent's ass. I raised my arms and started to box. I squared my feet, and I bounced back in forth. Dodging hooks. Doing insane Matrix movies and then I was dancing.

Now I was Jay-Z on the stage. Rabid fans were screaming my name and I was killing some song. Beyonce was dancing around me. I laughed and my cheeks flooded with warmth. I kept my eyes closed because if I opened them and I saw this room then the relaxation exercise would be over.

While I danced I started to strip off my clothes. It was fucking hot in here. I was moving like the chick in Flashdance, not really giving a fuck how ridiculous I looked. A few seconds later all I was wearing was my boxers. The door opened while I was losing my body to the rhythm. For the first time today I managed to take my mind off of the game tomorrow and Leah. So I wasn't stopping now. It was probably just Edward anyways. I couldn't say that I would be embarrassed if he saw me dancing like a maniac to LMFAO.

"Woah MC Hammer," Bella said.

I opened my eyes while I was in the middle of a jump. Oh fuck. Edward was with Bella. I stopped for a second sweaty and breathless. "Err…what's up guys?"

"Hey," she raised her hands, "Don't stop," she bit her lip hiding her smile, "You were having fun doing whatever that was. Sorry I shouldn't have said anything."

I met Edward's eyes. He eased his bookbag off of his shoulders and placed it on the floor by his closet. He was staring at me intently with a smile. Edward shoved his hands in his pockets. "So is this what you usually do when I'm not here? Next time you might have to put a sock on the door Jake." Edward laughed musically.

I massaged my forehead. My whole body was pulsing with warmth. "I got the game tomorrow so I'm just trying to loosen up." I explained breathlessly. "All day I've been stressing out and I got to relax so I'm whipping out the MC Hammer," I looked at Bella.

"Then dance!" she suggested. "The game is tomorrow. I don't know much about football but I do know that you need to be concentrated." Bella latched onto Edward's arm, "Should we leave." She paused and seemed to think better of her statement. Bella released her fingers from Edward's arm. "Should I leave?"

"No," I didn't want to kick her out just so I could dance. That felt foolish no matter how stressed I was. "I got an idea." A wicked thought came to my mind. "I think maybe if you guys joined me then I might be able to loosen up completely."

I stared at Edward. His eyes widened and I grinned wickedly. Come on Cullen show me what you got. I had never seen Edward dance before so naturally my interest was peaked. He made everything else look flawless so I couldn't imagine that he was a horrible dancer. "C'mon?"

Bella's cheeks flushed, "I'll dance but I have to warn you before hand that I'm insanely uncoordinated. One twirl could take us all down."

"Did you see me dancing?" I asked still looking at Edward. I mentally reminded myself to watch out for Bella. One twirl could take us all down. Hmm.

"I saw you and you can actually dance. I can't." Bella eased off her sweater and placed it on Edward's bed. "I need to de-stress anyways. All this studying has me dreaming about equations and my professor's thong showing during class." She shivered. "Tragic,"

I smiled and held out my hand for Bella. "By the way no one needs to know about me doing the Bobby Brown in my room okay?"

"Sure," Bella grinned. "We'll start our own underground dance club here. A stressed refuge for football players, dreamboats and his obsessive fans." She rolled her head around to look at Edward, "And me."

"Edward?" I asked him. I held out my other hand for him, "It's not like I'm taping this and putting it on youtube."

Edward smiled crookedly and looked down at my hand. "The way I dance is reason for blackmail. She'll probably kick you in the mouth and I'll send you to floor in a fit of uncontrollable laughter."

"Which could be beneficial for you?" Bella pointed out. "Maybe if we posted a video of you dancing like you invented a new dance move, the seizure, then your rabid fan girls would leave you alone."

I lunged forward and reached for his hand. "Just close your eyes and feel it." I arched my eyebrows and sung along to a lyric, "You make my life bright cuz you shine, It's me and you baby, it's our time." I meant to sing to the air but my eyes were locked on Edward. His neck crept with fevering blush.

Edward laughed even though he was growing redder. "You sound horrible."

"Dance with me Edward. For homecoming!" I egged on. "Just close your eyes." I watched as Bella followed my instructions and before I knew it she was dancing. I tried not to laugh because Bella didn't have any rhythm. Right off the bat she almost swung her body into my bed, but I gently grabbed her by the arm and moved her away.

For a few moments Edward and I silently laughed at Bella. "Look at her feet," I mouthed as she moved like she was stomping out a fire. When Edward was ready to join in he told me to close my eyes, because if he caught me looking he would stop. I pretended to close my eyes and even picked up by mimicking Bella's moves.

After much effort, and the promise that everyone's eyes closed. Edward danced. Watching him relieved my stress more than dancing myself. He was perfect in everyway…for Bella…but yet here he was so awkward and almost dare I say it goofy. I tilted my head to the side and watched him admiringly.

Bella threw out an arm excitedly almost beheading me.

"Eyes open," I said quickly before Bella could injure anyone.

We still danced and I sung off key, "I feel on top of the world wit you baby. I want to dance and party tonight." Bella pushed Edward between us, and she was dancing wildly in front. I think the seizure was more her move than Edward's. Somehow I ended up being in the back of this 'Edward sandwich.'

Bella kept pushing Edward closer and closer to me. I backed up a few times but damn it if Bella didn't somehow manage to push us up against a wall. Edward's ass was right on my dick now. Whatever she was doing up front, all I saw was hair and arms, was bumping Edward back into me. I was wearing boxers so it was difficult to mask the result of his ass rubbing against my dick. I swallowed and I felt my body start to react to him being so close. I slipped from in between the wall and Edward and I flopped down on my bed, rock hard cock first and tried to appear normal.

"Thanks guys I feel a lot less stressed now," I announced.

Bella clapped her hands, "That was fun but I agree we shouldn't tell anyone about this. Especially not Alice."

I breathed in and out slowly as I stared back at Edward. An inner dialogue was desperately demanding my attention. He was my friend. He made me happy and I had no problems joking with him about sex or getting married, because he was Edward. I made exceptions for him that I didn't make with other guys. Not even my boys back home that knew me since I was a kid.

He made me hard when we were dancing. Fucking hard as a rock. And I was still hard. My eyebrows furrowed. Did I like him? Did I like this guy in more than a friendly way? My stomach churned. No I couldn't. The thought didn't necessarily make me feel sick but instead confused as fuck.

Edward turned off the song and collapsed on his bed. He was laughing. I hadn't seen him laugh like that since I told him I used to watch Sesame Street before going to bed…last year. I left it at that instead of telling him why. My mom used to watch it with me when I was younger. Bella sat down beside him.

"You okay Jake?" She asked noticing how withdrawn I was.

"Yeah," I put on my trademark smile. I could laugh it up and act like everything was okay with a tenacity that had caused Leah to nickname me Smiley. I could hear her in the back of my head. 'Where is your Oscar Jake? Because you successfully fooled everyone but me.'

"I'm starved," I said trying to get the attention off of my mood. I did need to eat. So I could use that as an excuse to get away from them for a little bit. "I can go get us some food. Is pasta okay?"

Bella looked between Edward and I, "Or I could go and get it. I've borrowed your roommate all day. I'm sure you miss him." Bella pinched Edward's cheek. "I know Cullen misses you."

I shook my head. "No it's cool. You and Edward should just chill I'll be back.."

"Well at least take my truck. It's raining out there." Bella reached in her pocket and gave me the keys, "I don't remember where I parked him but he's an extra large guy so you'll spot him with no problem."

I smiled, "Thanks Bella,"

"Sure," she nodded.

***

The elevator doors closed.

I bowed my head and looked down. All I could think about was Edward now. The doors opened. I looked up expecting to see him, but instead I came face to face with Leah. Oh fuck me up the ass. Fuck.

At first I thought about smiling but then I remembered that she was Satan's whore. It was childish but I had to protect myself. I had a cursed habit of wearing my heart on my sleeve. When I loved someone I gave them my all, every fiber of my being belonged to that person, and Leah did have my heart. We were struggling now because I was trying to take my love back from her. I loved her too much and I didn't want to get hurt.

I gazed upwards at the numbers lighting up. Leah had a laundry basket in her hand, and she was wearing one of my old sweaters and tights. From the corner of my eye I saw her raise the basket; as if that could hide the small heart that I had drawn in sharpie marker right where her heart should be.

We stood in silence for a few moments and then she started to talk.

"Seth asked about you," she said quietly.

Rarely was Leah demure. She was always so loud and bossy that I had to look at her. "How is Seth?" I tried to hide all the care that wanted to betray me by looking into her big brown eyes.

"Okay. You're like an older brother to him so…" she shrugged, "He's been getting in a lot of trouble lately, hanging with the wrong crowd."

"What?" I asked with furrowed eyebrows.

"Which is why I asked you to come home with me." She rolled her eyes, "But it's okay I took care of him. I took away his PS3, burned all his porno magazines, and infected his computer with Trojans."

My mouth dropped, "Leah,"

She offered me a faint smile, "I know I'm a bitch but I'm not that mean." She looked down and tucked her dark hair behind her ear, "So um…" Leah frowned. "You got your big game tomorrow."

"Yeah," I glanced up towards the numbers again.

"I'm still mad at you." She reminded. "But tomorrow is your day. Kill tomorrow on that field Jacob. I won't be satisfied until you bring me every head on that other team on a silver platter. Got it."

I glanced at Leah. We stared at each other in silence and then I nodded, "Okay,"

The elevator doors opened.

"Okay," she whispered back right before bowing her head and walking in the opposite direction.

***

Bella was right her car wasn't hard to find. It was taking up almost two spaces, parked crookedly, and the cars beside it obviously had to tight squeeze into their respective parking spaces. I flattened myself against Bella's car and crept towards the door. It was an even tougher challenge to get inside ol' faithful. When I started the engine Muse filled the spacious interior. Supermassive Black Hole was playing on her radio. I gripped the wheel and sat for a few seconds. I was so used to driving my motorcycle that I had no idea how I was going to maneuver this tanker out of the spot without pulverizing the cars around me.

So I sat for a while and I considered how Bella did this. Thinking about moving the car from the parking space turned into a fifteen-minute reflective state. My mind contemplated the conversation with Leah in the elevator, that hard-on I got from dancing with Edward, and of course as the cycle always ended on the homecoming game.

I turned Muse up louder, rolled down the windows allowing in the cold damp breeze, and reversed out of the parking lot. Bella's truck rattled and the check engine light was on. I mentally reminded myself to check it out for her over the weekend.

I picked up dinner for us at a small Italian shop right off of campus. When I returned I found Edward and Bella on his bed watching The Exorcism of Emily Rose. It was almost Halloween so of course all the scary movies were on.

"He's back," Edward said dragging out the back like someone in a horror movie I couldn't recall.

I wondered if he felt my dick against his ass earlier? I hoped not because if I couldn't explain it to myself then where would I start explaining to him. "What are you guys up too?" I asked pretending to care. I obviously saw Emily Rose freaking out at demon faces on the screen.

Edward crawled over Bella. He walked past me and grabbed some paper plates and forks from his closet. I took some red plastic cups from underneath my bed. If I didn't have the game tomorrow then I could down a few beers back to back. I looked at Edward who was taking money out of his wallet.

"Yo Georgia," I pointed at him, "Put the money back in the wallet."

Edward smiled handsomely. "Jake, it's on me okay."

I narrowed my eyes at him.

His red lips fixed into a grin that no doubt made women wet. I looked away. "Fine, but the next time dinner is on me."

Edward nodded slowly. "I guess I can allow that."

We ate dinner together. Bella turned the channel away from Emily Rose and stopped on a comedy. I glanced at her curiously with a mouthful of pasta. "You didn't have to turn."

Bella smiled, "I turned just in case. You need to get a full night's rest."

***

An hour later Bella had went back to her dorm. I was at my computer looking over the weather for tomorrow. Of course it was going to be rainy and cold again. Edward was on his bed reading a book. I glanced over at him. We hadn't talked for the last thirty minutes because I had been in my own world thinking about my Frankendick. Truthfully I didn't want him to go to sleep yet. Despite the dancing and dinner I was losing my confidence yet again.

I knew that I was probably worrying more than I should. As soon as I stepped out onto the field and I saw the stadium full of red University of Maryland sweaters, our mascot, the terrapin, dancing around, and the look of determination on my teammates faces I would be in the zone. I racked my hands through my dark hair.

"What are you reading Cullen?" I asked.

He tore his eyes away from the book and looked at me. He seemed eager as well to break the silence. "Wuthering Heights."

I frowned, "Are you reading that for leisure or education?"

"Does it matter?" Edward asked softly.

"Not really," I stood up and walked over to my bed. I just wanted to talk to him. Make things normal again and less awkward. I noticed from his lingering stare that always bordered on inquisitive and charming that nothing in his eyes registered a change between us.

"Class," Edward explained smoothly.

I folded my arms behind my head and looked up at the wall, "What's it about."

His voice was like velvet. It got underneath my skin. I closed my eyes trying not to focus on what my thoughts meant.

"Well it's about a lot of things."

"What do you like about it?" I asked instead.

"It's complicated," Edward explained after a pause. "It's about love. A woman who is in love with two people. Catherine is in love with Heathcliff and Hareton."

"She's in love with two people huh?" I murmured. I smiled hopefully at Edward, "What a greedy bitch."

"Yeah," Edward said reflectively also grinning.

I considered asking him about Bella. Since that night we all went to dinner, they had been spending a lot of time together. Edward was probably just shy? He wanted to make a move on her but he didn't know how too? I was pretty sure he would tell me if they were already sleeping together.

For some reason I couldn't bring myself to ask him about her tonight.

Edward closed the book and placed it on the press behind him. "You should get some rest."

I smiled, "Honestly I don't think I could rest even if I tried."

"Why not," Edward rolled over on his stomach and placed his arms underneath his chest. "Everyone has faith in you to kill tomorrow." He assured me.

I looked down at my pillow and then stared back at him, "I might ask you to do something for me tomorrow and this might sound fucking weird but…"

"I'll do anything." Edward said without a seconds pause.

Anything.

My heart stopped for a second. What was he doing to me? I tore my eyes away from his clear blue eyes. Those voodoo eyes. My body betrayed me earlier but yet here I was pushing out beds together. We hadn't slept like this since the night I caught him sleepwalking. But I would be lying if I said I wasn't getting less sleep because I was so worried he would wonder out of Cambridge Hall every night.

Edward watched as I pushed my bed towards his. "Is that okay?" I asked.

Edward remained silent for a few moments.

Shit what the fuck was I doing?

"I don't mind." Edward said crisply. He laid down on his pillow. "Have you talked to Leah?"

My eyebrows furrowed. Instead of answering him right away I crawled underneath the covers. "I saw her in the elevator." I glanced at Edward. His expression was unreadable. Sometimes I got the feeling that he didn't like Leah. I didn't want him to hate her because she was important to me, and so was he.

God my brain was killing me tonight.

"I think you guys still need some time apart before you just get back together." Edward said.

I closed my eyes, "Maybe,"

My eyelids were shut but after what felt like an eternity sleep still wasn't coming. I tossed and turned and then I heard Edward humming. I considered opening my eyes to see what he was doing? But I didn't. The sound of his soulful humming was tranquil and when it mixed in with the rain...it was like taking Nyquil.

Instant Knockout.

***

Leah knocked on my window.

I opened it for her. She crawled in dripping wet. I quickly went to get her a blanket and I wrapped it around her arms. "Leah?"

"Hey," her teeth chattered.

"What are you doing climbing into my window when it's raining like that outside?"

"Are you going to question me until I die from pneumonia or you going to get me some of your clothes?"

I took in a deep breath and instead of arguing with her I went to find her a sweater and some of my jogging pants. "Here," I placed it on the bed. "So what's going on." Something was obviously bothering her.

Leah smiled even though I could see that her eyes were sad. "You have your homecoming game tomorrow."

I shrugged sadly, "And?"

"And," she wiped at a tear that slid down her cheek. "Scouts from Maryland, Virginia Tech, and NYU are going to be there for you. What do you mean AND?"

I turned my back to her.

Leah took off her damp clothes and changed into mine. "Supposedly you've been fucking up all over the place at practice. Jared and Embry told me."

"Fuck them."

"Jake," Leah grabbed me by the arm and turned me to face her. "I know you're going through a lot right now."

My lips formed into a tight grimace. "You should go."

"No, you can't dismiss me like I'm Seth."

My eyes started to water. Fuck Leah. Fuck. I squeezed my eyes shut because I didn't want to cry. I didn't mind being there for other people when they fell apart, but whenever I did I felt less human. Weak.

"Look at me," Leah stood in front of me and reached for my hands.

"Don't touch me,"

She grabbed my hands.

"You're father is dead."

"I know." I said wide-eyed surprised that she would bring that up.

"But that doesn't mean he's gone. He encouraged you to go after your goals. Get a scholarship for college and then pursue your dream of playing professional football."

"That dream died with him." I said bitterly. I blinked away the tears. "Leah please just…"

"No," she placed her hands to my face and wiped away my tears. "I'm not just one of your boys that you can brush off. You have a game tomorrow and it is so important for you. You're dad is dead but he's going to be watching down from…" Leah paused, "Wherever he is, he's watching you."

My face contorted and I thought I would be able to dismiss the wave of tears but I fell apart. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck! My shoulders heaved and I was unable to say anything. Leah wrapped me up in her arms. She was so small but somehow she managed to make me feel safe.

My tears slid down her cheeks. I let her hold me for a minute before I got my act together. "I'm just so tired." I lied.

I could see now that her eyes were also damp. I didn't want to be the reason why she cried. I leaned forward and kissed away her tears. "Leah I'm okay."

"You have to go out there and give it your all Jake. I know that I can't bring back your parents. But I'm here and even if we spend half of the time hating each other I'll never give up on you.." She entwined her fingers in between mine, I have faith in you."

"I have faith in you too,"

The window opened and freezing gusts of wind and rain swept inside.

The flashback was disturbed.

I tore my eyes away from Leah and I saw Edward standing there. He was shirtless and soaking wet. Edward was holding his hand out towards me. Leah looked at Edward surprised and then she gripped onto my shirt.

"Don't leave me for him Jake. If you want to destroy me that's all you have to do."

***

I woke up in the morning. My sheets were tangled around my legs and judging by the way my sheets were falling on the floor it looked like I had a rough sleep. I sat upwards and folded my arms over my raised legs. I had a dream last night and all I remembered was Leah crawling into my room and encouraging me to do my best at the homecoming game last year. Edward was also there but I was unsure why.

Speaking of Edward he was gone again.

I got out of bed and went to my closet to take out my football uniform.

The door opened.

"It's game day." Edward announced.

"Yup,"

"I went to the diner early this morning."

When I glanced over at him I realized that he had a tray of food in his hands.

I chuckled, "What did you do steal the tray?"

"How's that for risky? I got you porridge, bread with jam and a banana." He smiled. "The weather is so disgusting so I figured it was the least I could do. By the way I'm going to need the tray back." Edward shrugged and grinned, "Bella wants it for some creep that keeps asking to smell her panties. I think she plans on giving him brain damage with it."

I made a what the fuck face and decided not to ask any questions. "Edward thanks," I bit my lip. That was kind of him to bring me breakfast.

"Eat before it gets cold." He suggested.

I pulled out my uniform and placed it on my bed. "I'm not used to people taking care of me." I said honestly. The truth was that I didn't allow anyone to take care of me. I was very self-dependant and I preferred taking care of others, which was why Leah and I clashed so often.

"Well you're my roomie." Edward's cheeks flushed, "If you lose I'm going to have to hear about it tonight, and I would rather hear your victory speech instead of the alternative."

I peeled off the skin of the banana and took a bite. "You're coming to the game right?" I already knew the answer to that but I just wanted to ask.

Edward smiled as if I had said something highly amusing. "Where else would I be?"

"In the back of Bella's truck knockin' boots." I teased. The joke fell a little flat before it had even escaped my lips.

Edward chuckled. "Most likely not,"

"And hey," I handed him the banana.

He looked at it curiously, "You don't want the rest?"

I shook my head. "Could you throw it away for me?" The trashcan was on his side of the room. Instead of tossing the rest, Edward finished where I left off.

I looked away my cheeks warming. I was still stressed. I just remembered what I was trying to say before he started eating after me. "You can say no to this by the way. What I'm going to ask you."

"Most likely the answer will be yes." He said evenly.

I smiled and looked down my lips parting.

"Yes, yes, yes." Edward joked.

"Let me finish Cullen," My heart skipped a beat. "You know how I told you about my dad." I took a seat on the edge of my bed. Talking with Edward was relatively easy. He listened and I knew that whenever I talked to him, whatever I said mattered. Leah and I rarely talked about my dad, and Rachel and I always got in fights over him.

"You know that sweater I've been wearing around campus all week. The one with the holes."

Edward nodded with a grin, "Yeah, your rat-tatt sweater."

"My what?" I asked.

"It's very…vintage." Edward said kindly.

"It looks like trash but the sweater has been handed down to me from my dad. When he passed away that was all he gave me. I was pissed off at first because I thought I got the short end of the stick. Rachel got the house and the horses, Rebecca got money to travel with and I got a fucking sweater."

Edward leaned forward listening intently.

"It took me a year to appreciate that sweater. You see my dad wore it to all my games in high-school, everyone but the last homecoming game and on because he was already dead by then." I tried not to look at Edward now but for some reason my eyes stayed on his. "I know this is asking a lot but Edward could you wear the sweater to the game for me. Could you bring good luck for me tonight." I grinned because I knew I was asking him to do some corny shit and I needed to come off as if I didn't care when he said no.

Edward stood. "Where is it?"

"It's in my closet." I watched in awe as Edward went into my closet. He found the sweater and slipped it on over his long-sleeved black shirt. All I could say was, "It looks good on you,"

Edward smiled and placed the hood over his tasseled chestnut hair.

***

Hours later I was on the field. The coach was talking but all I could concentrate on was finding Edward. Where was he? I tapped my foot anxiously against the damp soil. The rain impaired my vision. I wiped at the wetness on my eyelashes.

"Jacob!"

Even though her voice was comforting and I wanted her here; I still needed to find Edward. I stood up and turned to face Leah. In the background I saw Emmett trying to get my attention. When I looked at the idiot he started humping a pole and then mouthed, "Oh Leah! Oh Leah! I'm about to cum." I ignored him for the rest of his show.

"Hey," She pulled down the hood of her rain jacket so I could see her face. "How are you feeling Terp?"

She was being so supportive.

"I'm okay," I said still actively looking for my Edward.

Leah pulled a heart shaped necklace from her pocket.

It was her good luck charm. She had given it to me to wear my last homecoming game in high school.

"Wear this." She said. Leah didn't give me a chance to object because she was already putting the necklace on me. "Break all the bones you can okay. And not your bones…theirs," she growled towards the other team huddling around each other.

I smiled and nodded, "I will."

"Promise?"

"Swear,"

Leah balled her fist and tapped it against mine. "I'll be cheering you on." She put her hood back on and turned away from me. I watched her make her way back up the stands. I missed her.

Emmett joined me, "Cheating on Edward already with the ex."

"Fuck off," I grimaced.

Emmett started to growl making fun of me again. "Don't even say Edward's name or I'll kick your ass you northern bitch!" Emmett guffawed like a hyena and placed his hands on my shoulder. "Right now we're on the same team." Emmett glanced right over my head, "You see that ugly bitch on the other team, the snaggle-tooth one with the cock-eyed sneer he's been glaring at me for a while now. I'm gonna whip his ass from here to Montreal." Emmett drummed his hands on my back. "Are you ready quarterback?"

I would have to take off the gloves for now because Emmett and I were on the same team. "Yeah," I continued searching for Edward.

"Good. Because I want all the glory…and unfortunately I need you to shine in order for me blind all these people with my awesomeness." Emmett tilted his head to the side. "Awesome Emmett that has a nice ring to it."

I watched as Emmett walked ahead of me. "What's that southern peach doing wearing you're prized sweater like it's some kind of fucking jersey with your name on the back." Emmett clapped his hands on his knees. "I don't think little Leah is going to like that."

"Where is he?" I asked trying to hide the eagerness to find him.

"Over there with his new girlfriend Bella Swan." Emmett chuckled, "I don't think she'll like her boyfriend fucking you and her at the same time, unless ya'll freak nasty's like a little threesome action."

I turned out Emmett. His mouth was still moving and I knew he was telling some crude joke but I didn't care. I was confused still about what happened last night but I couldn't worry about that now. All that mattered was I was on this field and the two most important people were here. Leah and Edward.

For a brief second it was just Edward and I. The stadium had emptied and it was still raining. I was looking up at him from the field, and he was staring down at me. We were alone and I felt completely at ease.

Coach started talking and I was brought back to reality. The Maryland students were on their feet and cheering, but the only person I saw was Edward, he was waving to me. Bella was beside him wearing a Maryland sweater. I saw her trip, but Edward caught her before she could fall into a crowd of students.

I looked away.

I turned around and found Leah on the other side of the stadium. She was sitting near the front and she was watching me too. I smiled. I was ready to do this.

Emmett clapped me on the back, "Daddy wants a victory Black. Make me proud and I'll promise not to thwart your budding romance with your Georgia peach for a little while longer." His promise sounded empty. At least I was starting to master the skill of no comment with him.

I gazed up towards Edward again.

I wanted to win this game for him because he was wearing my dad's sweater. And that meant the world to me.

--Jacob--

As always Review darlings:)

Big thank yous to everyone that dropped me a review for the last chapter. Every review counts, because you're feed even if it's a awesome story, keep writing means the world. I'll probably say that every time so I hope you guys don't get tired of me!

robpat- Thanks for reviewing! Maryland is a great school! Hope you get in.

xSheshemex- 'golden treasure' that is quite the compliment. I smiled from ear to ear when I read your review. Thanks a lot:)

scenekidmasochist- Hmm…does Jake like Edward? What do you think? smiles. He is definitely confused and feels something but at this moment he can't really pinpoint what that feeling is. In Chapter 2, the hug Jake gave Edward was real. He was trying to get to Leah. Emmett and Jacob will eventually fight over Edward. And I'm pretty sure Rosalie will make her way into this story, but Victoria I'm not so sure about. Because whenever I think of her…I just think of this straight up wicked character. Thanks for your reviews!

GoinnGaGa- I'm glad you appreciated the use of 'disco stick' lol. Love your screen name and Lady GaGa as well. Thanks for your review!

Kellie Stults- Aww thank you so much for your review! It really encourages me to keep going with this story when I read reviews like yours. When I was writing the scenes where Edward was about to confess I kept thinking he could just tell him now, and in the last chapter he was actually supposed to tell him. But then I realized he needed more time and so did Jake.

iTouch User 78% - You seriously ROCK! Thank you so much for making my day with your review. New Moon is one of my favorite books so you should definitely finish it. I rolled over laughing when I read your comment about New Moon taking the dusty shelf compared to my little story. I really, really appreciate your kind words. And you're suggestions were so great. You DID play a part in the planning and writing of this chapter. When it comes to this story being Long no worries, as long as there are people still enjoying this story I will continue. I'm not a fan of short stories so no worries. And Jacob was the king of playing dumb this chapter, "Bella and Edward!" ha. Thanks so much again for your lovely review!

Arngerabit-39- Thank you. Thank you. Thank you! I love twists, and it makes me happy to hear that you actually look forward to reading this. I hope this chapter was long enough for you.

Isolated1- Lol. Jacob is a big flirt. I think he'll definitely be as cautious as he can with Edward's heart. And we can make flirty-ness a word ;)Thanks for reviewing!

Utena-Puchiko-nyu- Thanks for reviewing! And kisses from America. Emmett was a bit of a jerk in the last chapter and even here. He definitely won't be one of the characters you like right away. And you're the only person that commented on Elizabeth. Very insightful! But of course I can't tell you any spoilers;) Thanks so much for your suggestions and comments.

Gypsysue- I hoped you liked the dose of bed snuggling this update. And Emmett will be great for making Jake be more dominate and protective over Edward…because Emmett is making it clearer that he has intentions for Edward. Thanks so much for reviewing!

petalsxonthexwind- Beautiful screen name. Thank you so much for your review and I really appreciate your comment about my version of Jacob and Edward.

Mbcatattack- I'm glad I could relieve you of current events for a little while. I really appreciate your review.

Applepanic- I don't think I know you lol! I think it's awesome that you can relate to this story or at least the first 3 chapters! Thanks for dropping a review.

Bigdogz09- That's a HUGE compliment being how big the Twilight fandom is. You're awesome. Thank you.

starry-nights88- I have a lot more planned for Emmett in this story but Jacob currently has a shotgun with his name on it! And as for Leah and Jake…unfortunately they aren't over, but neither are Edward and Jake since this story is all about THEIR love and their journey to get to one another and overcome obstacles. Thank you for your review!

Rhondeez- I'm glad you liked the last chapter, especially Emmett and Bella. Thanks for reviewing!

rickiebeaumont- LMAO at your comment about Jacob stepping up (or out!) With Emmett waiting to 'attack' Edward, Jake doesn't really have a choice. Thank you for your review.

Mia-dcwut- 09- Aww thanks for your review! When Edward meets Jake's friends he obviously will be jealous, because he already has a world of competition with Leah.

Rebelwilla- Emmett wants him some Edward lol.

Lillikitty- I love writing flashback scenes because it helps to explain how the characters got to where they are now. Glad you enjoyed reading that. I smiled when I read that you preferred Jake as the sub, but in my story it didn't bother you that Edward was in that role. Thank you sooo much for reviewing:)

Also thanks to kikano and marieXcullen for reviewing! Hope I didn't miss anyone. If I did I'm so sorry! Until the next update. –Maddie.