CHAPTER 8 – Hero edited

Leah's POV

I let him drive this time. I was too shocked and too absentminded to drive myself. We got in to the car awkwardly quiet. Jacob started the engine and in less than three minutes we were already on the road heading to the town center for some shopping.

The atmosphere was still a little bit tense and we weren't talking. Jacob was eyeing the road but turned his face to look at me every now and then. I was looking at my hands, not sure if I wanted to meet his gaze or accept myfeelings.

Though I was trying immensely hard not to think about what had happened, about what could had happened, I didn't fulfill it. Questions started emerging from every corner of my mind and filled my head with pictures from the scene that took place just some minutes ago.

The tension between Jacob and I was clearly evident. With every passing day the boundaries of our friendship become a little more blurred. Even though I tried as hard as I could to clear the damaged boundaries, it was too difficult. We'd almost kissed, almost achieving what my conscience was craving for. I saw it happening so often in my dreams but this time it'd almost actually happened. Not once Sam appeared in my dreams, not even once.

I couldn't stop thinking of his mouth just inches from mine. His actions had proven to me his utmost desire; me. Now I knew he felt something for me but that made everything even worse. I could fight against my urge (though sometimes it overpowered me) but fighting against my urge and hiswas impossible. I was sure that the next time something like that happened I wouldn't be able to restrain myself. I doubted a phone call from Max would have such precise timing next time.

*FLASHBACK*

Leah! Go away. Now!The responsible side of my brain was controlling me as Jacob's lips advanced on mine until they were only inches from their destination. But I couldn't listen. Maybe even wouldn't. My heart had overpowered every ounce of reason I had. Leah, don't do this! You don't want to get hurt again. Do you want to end up devastated like you were with Sam? Do you want to suffer like that again?It questioned again, fighting for my wellbeing. But my heart had made a strong decision. It knew what it wanted, what I wanted…

Brr, Brr, Brr

Something vibrated in the distance, but I couldn't pay attention to it. I was too submerged in Jacob…

Brr, Brr, Brr

God!What was that annoying interruption?! I struggled to open my eyes which seemed determined to stay shut and stay with this unbelievable moment. I opened them as wide as I could and realized that the buzzing was coming from my pocket. It was the cell phone the Badeys had given me. Why would the Badeys call me a Saturday?

"Um… Hello?" I tried to say as clearly as possible. The current the situation rendered me a little shocked and breathless. My heart beat pretty quickly about now.

"Hello beautiful,"A voice sounded from the other side of the phone line. A familiar voice but he was still too much of a stranger to refer to me like that. Max?

"How are you?" I tried to say as composed as I could. I couldn't meet Jacob's eyes knowing they were trying to read my muddled thoughts. I needed to get out of here so I pushed his arm off the wall and walked out of the house as fast as possible.

When I was some feet away and absolutely positive he couldn't hear me, I took a deep breathe and started talking again.

"Max?"

"Yeah, Leah… Did you listen to what I said?"

"Umm no, sorry. I was cooking and I couldn't hear the phone ringing," I lied, as I shook my hair to get the flour off. That flour had played a big part in that greatmoment with… God Leah, focus!My mind commanded me again.

"What was it you said?"I forced the words through my lips, trying to sound interested.

"I said you still owe me the date we've been talking about for weeks," he sighed.

"Oh, well…" I was going to tell him that date would never happen but the annoying 'responsible voice' stood in the way again.

Leah it's a great idea. If you go out with him, you can't be with Jacob. And if you can't be with Jacob, you don't fall in love. And if you don't fall in love, you don't suffer!Yeah right, as if it was that easy! The truth was I wanted to hang up and run into Jacob's arms to finish what we started, but I couldn't do it. I couldn't fall for him.

"We can go tonight if you want...." I suggested, thinking it was for the best. Max was cute and nice but I'd never fall for him. We didn't have that connection, the magnetic pull needed for one person to fall for another. Jake on the other hand…

"Sure. I'd love to! So, there is a new bar at the town center called 'Vive la vida' or 'Live Life'. I've been told it's a good place. We can try it if you want," he said with an overexcited tone. Oh boy…

"Yeah, sure. I'll meet you there around ten?"

"I can pick you up if you want…"

"No! I'll go by myself. I love to drive!" I blurted, mentally kicking myself I love to drive?Couldn't I say something that makes me sound sane?! It was the first thing that came to my mind. I couldn't let Jacob see Max. I didn't want him to know I was going on a date with Max. It was silly, but true.

"Oh, alright. As you wish," he sounded amused. "So it's in the main street. The place is blue and gray; you can't miss it."

With that we said good bye and I hung up. I stood silently, thinking about what I was doing. I wasn't going to mention this to Jacob. I was going to make up a story and try my best to forget him so I could focus on Max. Hopefully this date with Max would mean the end of Jacob and I.

**(not end of flashback, just a little while later)**

I kept on glancing at my hands, totally submerged in my actions. I was looking for clothes among the racks for my secret date, the date intended to help me forget about Jacob. I was too scared to do what I really wanted, to follow my heart. It was a stupid reason but it was true; I was scared. Although I didn't want to realise it, deep down I knew the only explanation for my behavior was I was too much of a chicken to fell in love again. I didn't want to give my heart away and then to get it back in pieces. I knew he would give it back too, who would want a heart like mine forever? It was too bitter. His was so young and hopeful, too spirited for my dead one.

Yes, I was a chicken. But if being scared meant I wouldn't suffer again, then bring on the life of a chicken! I knew I would not be happy with someone like Max, but at least I wouldn't be miserable.

"Hey Leah! Hello, are you still in there?" Jacob said, dragging out the hello. His voice sounded distant but it brought me back to reality. He was waving his hand in front my eyes as if that would wake me up. "Where you even listening?" He frowned, his deep chocolate eyes scrutinizing me.

"Umm, not really. Sorry…" I mumbled, a bit disoriented. I tried to look at him as little as possible but the more I resisted the harder it became to resist.

He sighed. "I said today there is a big car race in the central stadium, it's a huge thing!" His eyes sparkled as he spoke. He looked like a ten year old boy again… so sweet. Not in the slightest like Max. More…. Irresis-

Leah no, no! Remember Jacob = pain!The responsible voice reminded me for the hundredth time. The irresponsible one growled in response.

"Really? I'm not so keen on car races," I said, trying to sound disinterested. The truth was I liked them, but I couldn't spend more time alone with him. It was too difficult to restrain myself.

"You aren't?" He frowned "Well, don't worry anyway because it's really expensive and impossible to get tickets by now," he said, obviously hurt. He really looked like a ten year old who wanted something so much but couldn't have it. He was so innocent it made me smile.

"What?" He questioned, seeing my reaction.

"Nothing, nothing," I hid the smile as best I could and put the same bitter mask I always faked. I'd gotten so good at it now.

**(Now it's the end of the flashback)**

"Okay here we are. The town center," he sighed and parked the car. With all my thoughts and the conversation I didn't realize how close we were. "So, were do we go first?"

Did he just say we?"Umm, well I'mgoing to this huge store where everything is cheap."

"Ok, let's go," he said, ignoring my clue. He started opening the car's door.

"Wait! It's a women only store! There aren't any clothes for men." I couldn't let him come with me. If he did, he would see I wasn't buying random clothes. He'd realise I was buying night clothes. That would get him thinking which could get messy.

"I can see anyway," he pushed.

"Oh, I understand. You want to buy a dress or a skirt for yourself? Jacob, I really don't think they will have your size," I said sarcastically, laughing on the inside as I imagined him wearing a skirt.

He chuckled. "Nah, I was looking more for a baby doll, but hey, anything will do!" he gestured to his body exaggeratedly. This time I couldn't contain myself and a laugh escaped my lips. "You really are crazy." I shook my head and hoped out of the car.

The store was huge. There were shelves full of different combinations of clothes everywhere. Luckily, lots of 'Ofertas!' signs (which I was positive meant sales in Spanish) were spread all over the place.

I tried to look at the outfits but I really couldn't stop looking at Jacob's face. He inspected everything with wide eyes and a surprise expression as if it was the first time he'd ever seen a women's store.

"Wow! Do you really wear this?" he exclaimed, picking up a tiny dress covered in sequins. "How do you manage to put this stuff together in a few minutes? It would take me the whole night to do it myself," he chuckled, still astonished. Clearly he hadn't heard of a sewing machine.

"That's why youdon't have to," I rolled my eyes, taking the dress from him.

My eyes were desperately searching for something for tonight. I really wasn't guru of fashion like most girls seemed to be. I'd never cared about clothes. To me, clothes were just fabric that you put all over your body to look good. But I needed to look good tonight if I wanted to impress Max. I didn't just want to impress though. I wanted to see if I could banish Jacob from my thoughts once and for all.

I was walking in circles around the shelves. Everything seemed pretty much the same. I didn't know where to start and to be honest I was starting to feel dizzy.

"God, I never thought I'd say this but it'd be good to have the little future seer here," I said truthfully, sighing loudly.

"I never thought you would either," he laughed and looked at me with understanding eyes. God!Why did he have to look at me with those eyes? It made it even more difficult to continue to fake my feelings. It's for the best, Leah! It's for the best,the never-resting responsible voice resounded. Not for him it isn't the best!The other voice, the irresponsible one said, the one that wanted Jacob as much as my heart did.

My eyes came to rest upon the very thing I'd been looking for. There, in the back of the store was a shelf full of evening dresses. Not too fancy, not too casual.

I looked at Jacob who was distracted by a weird baby doll, grinning at it absentmindedly. Poor boy, this would surely bring him nightmares but it was the perfect time. So in less than a second I ran to the shelf, grabbed four or five of seemingly decent dresses and ran to the changing rooms.

"Hey, Leah!" Jacob was coming to were I was. Shoot!

"Umm Jake, I'm going to try these pair of pants on. See you in a few minutes!" I shouted from inside the changing room. The changing room itself was small with the walls through which you could see someone's silhouette only.

"Oh, alright," he said, his tone a bit suspicious.

Okay. So how was I going to pay for this if he didn't let me alone for more than three seconds? That was if I found anything good. Just in case I did I quickly came up with a cover story.

"Jake, don't you want to go look for some clothes for yourself? I'll look for you when I'm done, don't worry."

"Nah, I'm alright. I'll wait for you," he said nonchalantly. God!Why did he need to be so perceptive?! I could tell he suspected something because he wouldn't let me alone. I needed to think of a plan B. Think Leah! Think, think, think…

Suddenly, a sign from heaven caught my eye. Well, maybe not from heaven but at least from the store. A sign stating 'Prohibído la entrada de hombres a los probadores' hang from the left wall. I was pretty sure it meant 'Men are not permitted in the change rooms'. It was perfect. All I needed now was to get Jacob to walk into the change rooms without him noticing the sign. Hopefully someone would send him away, giving me the privacy I needed. He was already watching my change room intently but how would I get him to move into the…..

Suddenly it hit me. The silhouetted walls plus Jacob's attention equals big distraction. Bring it on! God Leah, you' re so mean!My irresponsible voice laughed mischievously.

The plan was simple; I needed to change as sexily as I could so he would get distracted and started walking towards the booth. Okay, I seriously didn't believe I was a supermodel but I could to try nevertheless. Besides, it was the only way and frankly deep down I wanted him to get distracted by me.

Luckily I could see him through a tiny gap in the door. When I had him in plain sight I coughed a few times to get his full attention. Then I started to take off my pants as slowly as I could. Suddenly his eyes widened and his mouth hung open. I bit my tongue as hard as I could and restrained a giggle that was threatened to escape. I continued with the slow underdressing, moving my hips exaggeratedly. Jacob started walking towards the changing room… just a few more steps and…

As my pants dropped to the floor I started with my shirt. I attempted to take it off in the same provocative way I did with my pants. With my over sensitive hearing I heard an almost inaudible moan sound from Jacob's throat. My tongue was almost bleeding with the pressure of my teeth. By now he was already entering the change rooms' area. His eyes focused intently on my door, his gaze going up and down and up and down… He looked as if he was hypnotized, as if he was a wolf reaching for his pray – ironic much, huh?

Shoot!Where was the security guard when you needed him?! Jacob was just two feet from the door and the security wasn't here yet! My heart rate sped up significantly but not only for the obvious reason. Crazy as it may sound, I wanted him to walk through the door so badly. Irrationally, I prayed for the security man never to come. I prayed for Jacob to open the door and lunge himself at me, to finish what we started in the kitchen, to end with this immense urge that was killing us both from the inside.

Jacob's silhouette was just a mere foot from my door. His arms were extended as if to reach for me, his eyes very focused and filled with something that looked like lust. He made the final step and pressed his hand to the door. I could hear his extreme breathing, a mirror of mine. We were just inches from one another; only the damn door separated us. A very easily removed door…

But of course it needed to happen, it always happened when it came to Jacob and I…

"Señor deténgase!" The security guard ran from the entrance and stopped Jacob. The man left his hand on Jacob's chest, cautioning him.

"Huh?" Jacob breathed, looking totally disoriented.

"Men no here!" the security guard attempted to say in English while frantically pointing to the sign in the wall.

"Oh, perdón! V-voy… I'm getting out," he mumbled as he walked away. "Leah?" he shouted over his shoulder, his husky voice giving away his confusion.

"Yes?" I tried to sound as innocent as I could.

"Umm, I-I better go look for some clothes for myself. I'll meet you outside," he stuttered before heading away.

"Sure," I grinned after he'd gone.

After taking a few deep breaths to calm myself down and mentally bragging about my success, I tried on the dresses. Neither of them were as nice as I'd thought but I needed something sexy and cheap. I picked the one which came as close to what I wanted. After dressing in my own clothes again and paying for the outfit (I managed to grab some nice shoes and cheap jewelry) I walked out of the store, looking for Jacob.

Not far from the door I spotted him with… a girl?I walked faster, my determined steps lengthening. I recognized the irresponsible voice growl from the back of my mind. Who was this girl?

"No way! Really? Thanks so much—" Jacob exclaimed, grinning from ear to ear. "Oh, Leah! Look who I ran into?" He looked at me and then gestured to the girl standing beside him.

My expression was clueless as I glared at him and tried to fake indifference. I refused to even glance at the girl let alone acknowledge her.

When he realised I wasn't going to answer he proceeded. This is Marianne, the girl I've told you about today in the kitchen!" He waved his hand, as if to make his point clear.

"Umm, really? I don't remember," I said smugly. God, could I be more mature?

He glared at me but continued, his tone cheerful. "Well, no matter. Here she is. Marianne this is Leah, Leah this is Marianne," he presented us.

"Hi," I snapped my intentions anything but friendly. I didn't know why I was acting like this, after all Jacob seemed to be laughing with her. Why did I have to be so mean sometimes? Well, I knew the answer almost too well. It was the same reason I had the same 'I-own-you' face when he talked about her early today. Oh yes, I remembered alright. Jacob was myfriend, myprotector, mypain in the ass. My love!I didn't want to share him, I was too selfish.

"H-hi," she said timidly. She looked nice, short and dainty. Easily snapped in half,my irresponsible voice added.

"Guess what?" Jacob grinned, suddenly excited. He managed to shoot a warning look at me. "Marianne has tickets for the car race!"

"Yeah, I actually have three because my friends—" Maria-whatever started explaining but Jacob cut her off. Three,hadshe said three?

"Yeah, but you don't like cars races, so… You can take our car and I'll meet you back at home," he suggested, handing me the keys. His suggested sounded more like a demand though. I felt a slight contraction in my chest. I could recognize the feeling well enough. An uncaring face usually accompanied that feeling. This time Sam's face didn't flash before my eyes.

"Wait, who said I didn't like car races?" I was positive I looked crazy at that moment but I didn't care. I didn't want Jake and Maria-whatever to be alone together. I was too jealous for my own good.

"Umm, you?" Jacob said, arching an eyebrow.

"I didn't say I didn't likethem. They are just not my favorite sport, that's all. But I can go if there is one more ticket. I don't mind," I shrugged, extending my hand to take the ticket out of Maria-whatever's enclosed hand.

"S-sure," she stuttered again, releasing it.

Jacob scrutinized me for a few seconds while I tried to portray the most innocent expression I could get. We all started walking to the car "Let's go then".

We reached the stadium within minutes, we were really close. In the car, the situation seemed a bit tense, a bit awkward. Maria-whatever was looking out the window, clearly uncomfortable. Jacob's eyes flickered from her to me then to her again, a puzzled look I couldn't quite understand.

We hopped out off the car, gave our tickets to security and entered the stadium. On the right there was a window with a sign above 'Apuestas' which Maria-whatever pointed out were bets. "Hey why don't we bet a little bit of money? You never know, we could get lucky," I suggested, putting myself between Maria-whatever and Jacob who'd been walking together. Jacob's eyes lightened and he looked at Maria-whatever hopefully, a mischievous smile adorning his features.

"I don't like betting. But you go ahead," she encouraged, her voice quiet and weak. Perfect,my irresponsible voice responded. I was beginning to think that particular voice was part devil.

"Okay. Well there really is a 1996 Porsche 911," he said thoughtfully, looking at the massive screen above.

I nodded, totally clueless as to what he'd just said. I could see a red car on the screen. It would do. Red was my favourite and unquestionably the luckiest color. And besides, it looked much newer than the one Jacob had picked.

"I choose that one, let's do it," I stated, taking out a hundred pesos from my bag when he grabbed me by the wrist.

"Wait, I have an idea," he said, grinning childishly. I knew something good was coming. "I'll make you a bet over this bet. Come on, it's an offer you can't refuse." His impression of the Godfather wasn't half bad. What offer did he have in mind?

"Huh? I'm not following you."

"Here's the thing. If I win, you have to do something I want. If you win, I have to do something you want." He arched his eyebrows, inviting me.

"Alright, what is it that you want me to do?" I said, smirking.

"Hmm," he thought, putting one finger on his full lips and looking to a distant place. "If I win, you have to dress up like them and go promote the race," he grinned, pointing to some ladies on the track wearing very revealing outfits.

"Sure, it isn't so bid," I stated firmly. "But if I win, you have to go talk to that man over there, the big one. Make like you wanted to meet with him. More than a friendly way too," I arched my eyebrows to see if he understood my terms.

"Oh, come on!" He complained, eyeing the man.

"Hey! I have to dress up as if I were a-"

"Alright, alright, I got it!" He cut me off, waving his hand.

"So, looks like I'm going home with more money and a very embarrassing memory just from you!" I laughed, in a smug way.

"That's if you win, baby! That ain't gonna happen either!" He chuckled.

"We'll see," I challenged as I brushed past him, with a provocative walk.

The car race ended, and well…

"I told you I was gonna win! I told you!" Jacob shouted, bouncing in his seat. God, he was such a child sometimes.

"Yeah, yeah, whatever. Don't you know ever race is rigged? It's all planned," I said pejoratively. I held one hand over my mouth as if I were yawning.

"Go, baby. Those promoters are waiting for you," he chuckled, patting my back.

"Don't you dare touching me!" I growled, shaking his hand off. My bad voice screeched for me to leave it there, to let him touch me a bit longer.

He laughed but lifted his hand.

With that I went to fulfill my part of the bet. Breathing deeply, I sneaked to the dressing room and grabbed one of the tiny outfits that hung over a basket. I managed to squeeze into the tiny blue skirt and white top before heading back out to the track.

I walked around the stadium when suddenly the gigantic, muscular blond man-who would have been Jacob's flirtatious choice had the situation been different-, started whistling and making wolf sounds at me.

I could see Jacob glaring at him but he quickly averted his eyes to me and grinned widely.

The man kept hooting at me, becoming more insistent with every word. He began to make dirty comments, some I couldn't even repeat myself.

"Hey, dude! Give it a rest already!" I heard Jacob warn the man. I could see his fists tightening. Oh boy…

"Shut up you jerk! I'm talking to that sexy thing over there, not to you," the man replied, his eyes glued to me.

"And I'm talking to you. Don't you talk about her like that! Keep your comments to yourself, ya PIG!" Jacob growled, his hands trembling. He'd stood up by now and was walking towards the man. No, no, no, no! Leah you have to stop this!Both voices ordered at the same time.

"Oh, what are you going to do if I don't, kid?" The man snapped back, standing up too.

"Jacob, please quit it!" I shouted, I knew he could hear me. We both had abnormally sensitive hearing. But I also knew he wasn't going to quit it, I knew him too well. Maria-whatever just watch as Jacob advanced on the man. Stupid girlI thought.

"Something you don't really want to try," Jacob hissed back to the man. Now they were face to face. If looks could kill they'd both be as dead as a door nail. I was really scared for this man. Jacob could kill him with just one punch if he wanted.

"I know I want to try her," the man gestured at me, licking his lips. Ugh.

That did it. Jacob growled under his breath again and too quick for a human to catch he punched him in the face, hard. The man fell dryly to the muddy ground.

With that everyone started standing up and some even started shouting. The police came and seized Jacob, restraining him. Little did they know how easy Jacob could break free. He didn't fight back though; he just kept looking at the already swelling face of the man. His glare was murderous and the police dragged him outside.

I followed as fast as I could, grabbing Marianne by the wrist as I passed through her. Now she looked totally terrified. About followed the three policemen to the exit. As we exited the stadium, we saw Jacob still trembling as the three policemen tried to restrain him as best they could.

"Hey, HEY! Calm down, do you want me to put you in jail?" The policeman who restrained Jake's hands cautioned in surprisingly fluent English. He still had a heavy Spanish accent though.

"Oh no, please don't Officer. We were just leaving, right Jake?" I ran to his side in a second. Jacob still had those terrifying eyes but they were glazed over, as if he were hypnotized. "Jacob!" I smacked his shoulder, demanding a reaction.

He nodded once and started walking away with quick and sure steps. He entered the car quietly, shut the door, started the engine and waited for Marianne and I to get in. Before the last door had shut, Jacob turned around the car and drove back home. No one dared make a sound the whole way. Everything was immensely quiet.

"I'm sorry about today. I swear I'm not like this," Jacob apologized, obviously to Marianne as he left her at the doorsteps of her house.

"It's alright, he deserved it anyway. See you later. Bye Leah!" she called, weakly before retreating into her house. When we were driving down the road again I opened my mouth to start talking when he cut me off sharply.

"I really don't want to talk right now," he growled, eyeing the road intently.

"Alright… I was just going to say thank you," I stated truthfully, while shrugging. My voice was almost inaudible.

He looked at me from the corner of his eyes, deliberating for a few seconds before sighing loudly. "Yeah, I know I'm your hero," he teased, faking smugness.

"Yes Jakey-baby! My super hero, how did you know?" I teased in return, my tone sweet.

"Ha ha," he chuckled, a half smile starting to play on his lips.

He really was my hero. This only made me like him even more. God, couldn't he have just one flaw?!

"Hey we forgot about the money!" He exclaimed, smacking a hand to his forehead.

"You're right. Well, I don't think they would have given us anything after what happened," I shrugged.

"You're probably right…"

In a few minutes we walked through the door of our little house. Though I didn't want to do this, I needed to. I needed to get ready to go forget Jacob.

I took a quick shower as I was already running late, dressed up, applied a little bit of make up and put a long coat on so Jake couldn't see how dressed up I was.

"Umm, I'm going now. I needed to be at the Bradeys's by ten. It's already 10:15…" I mumbled as fast as possible so I couldn't regret my lies.

"Make up?" He frowned, scrutinizing my face.

"Uhuh, the Badeys are always dressing well," I lied without meeting his eyes, he knew me too well. He'd guess my blasphemy.

"Oh. Do you want me to drive you there?" He suggested, standing up.

"No, no. Don't worry. Just go to sleep. I'll probably get home really late anyway," I started opening the door. The irresponsible voice echoed through my mind. Leah, don't do this! He saved you. He really cares about you…I hesitated, my hand on the handle. The responsible voice chimed in. He cares about you so you have to take care of your relationship with him. You can't screw it up with these feelings. Go with Max and forget about Jacob already!

Without thinking about it too much, I exited the house and shut the door behind me. I knew this was the only way I'd ever forget him, even though my heart was screaming for me to stay with him.

I arrived at 'Viva la Vida' within ten minutes, parked the car and after taking a deep breath I went inside. I scoured the room for what I needed, not what I wanted.

"Hey sexy," a deep voice called from behind.

Here there is the outfit Leah wore, I picked three. You can choose the one you want the most or if not just create it yourself!

.com/leahs_night_outfit/collection?id=194191