CHAPTER 9: PEP RALLY

BPOV:

Like every Friday during football season, I went to school dressed in my cheerleader outfit .

Only, this Friday, the red satin Homecoming Queen banner glared out from my chest.

Homecoming aside, the real news of the day turned out to be Jake's haircut.

He was swamped the minute we got to school. There must have been 50 people standing

around us, when Leah walked up and announced, "Yeah! I have all his gorgeous hair in

a bag at my house."

That made all the girls squeal and a whole new wave of questions start up.

"See ya later, Handsome." I pecked his cheek and turned away.

"Bella!" he yelled after me.

I know he thought I was mad, but I wasn't. I just wanted number 69 to have his moment with all his women. Alone. So, I turned and blew him a kiss. He smiled, knowing I understood, and then turned his all male attention back to his throng of female admirers.

On my way to Trig class, I remembered back to the first day they wore their football jersey's to school:

"Oh my god, Jacob!" I giggled, shaking my head in disbelief, watching his confident strut head my way.

Gathering me up in a tight bear hug and kissing my face "'mornin beautiful" he breathed against my neck.

"How on earth did you end up with number 69?" I laughed smacking the huge number 69 shining on his chest.

Jake set me on my feet and blushed deeply. "Bella.." he said looking around. "you promise not to joke me?"

"Of course, not! What?" He took my hand and we walked down the hall to class as he explained.

"Freshman year they set out the jersey's for the new guys. Offensive numbers in one pile defensive numbers in the other pile."

"Well you certainly picked the MOST offensive jersey" I teased.

"Good one, Bells, may I continue?" he smirked, really biting back his laugh.

" Anyway - We were told to pick our shirts. When I came across the shirt, I held it up. It was upside down, so I turned it up right, then to the side, and the other side! I thought, Hey! this is great! So, I took the shirt. Coach recorded my number, glaring at me the whole time. "I'll have my eyes on you Black!" he never did much but growl at me. I ran home to show Dad. He was the one I was thinking about all along!

"Dad! Got my jersey!" I told him excitedly, holding it behind my back. " I picked a number you would always know its me! The number stays the SAME if I'm upside down, right side up, or sideways...You'll always be able to spot me in a dog pile!"

"TaaaDaaa!" I sang holding the jersey out - up high!

Billy laughed out loud. He continued laughing, really hard and pulled me in to a hug.

"I wanted it to be easy for you to spot me." I said into his shoulder, suspecting something was wrong.

"Oh! you will be easy to spot in that, son! And if anyone can wear that number respectfully, its YOU Jake! You're a great kid!" Billy sat back, holding the jersey up for another look. " So, you're on Offense, huh?"

When Jake finished, he glanced away, blushing deeply. "So, That's all its ever meant to me." he confessed. " I didn't even know anything about,

the other stuff. Never knew about the sexual innuendo. Till it was way too late. Now, its just kinda.."

"Hot!" I laughed, reaching up to get his kiss.

I was still thinking of Jake's story when I slid into my seat in Trig class.

"Bella, you look beautiful." Embry whispered to me shyly. " Jake's a lucky guy." he mumbled into his book.

"Thanks, Em, have you seen his haircut?"

"Yeah!" he snorted a half laugh "saw it last night."

Leah walked in and took her seat on the other side of Em.

"Who are you going to the dinner with?" I continued trying to converse with Embry.

Leah seemed to be glaring at me as Em and I talked.

She was on the Homecoming Court paired up with Quil Atera, something I know she was less than thrilled about.

"I'm going with Leah. Right Leelee?" Embry smiled recklessly over at Leah and she returned the devilish grin.

" Really? What about Quill?" I asked knowing we were expected to be escorted by our court partners.

"We're going with Quill, TOO." Leah glared back at me. "Our usual Threesome, right Em."

"You bet!" he chirped with a false note, never looking up from his Trig book.

What Jake had shared about Leah was that her Dad died suddenly this past spring and she lost a lot of time off school and was repeating her Senior year. But just before losing her dad, she had been deeply and passionately in love with Sam...the oldest guy in their group. Maybe engaged even.

And Sam! Oh my god! He just up and fell in love with her Cousin Emily!

Which is so weird. Because I love Emily, I love Sam. I don't see an ounce of irresponsibility in either of them. I mean I don't see that either one would ever intentionally hurt anyone.

There has to be more to that story.

And Leah, never talks about it, she's just expected to carry the pain and not make any waves .

So,it seems.

I mean, everyone sees how much it effects her!

The guys don't seem to think she'll ever recover from the Sam thing. And no girl should lose her Dad so young -

So, they all look out for her.

And I have vowed, renewed patience with her.

The Pep Rally was held right after school.

The marching band playing, parents, alumni's and former students milled all over the place.

They introduced the Homecoming Court and we were brought out to the field in a

caravan of red Chrysler Sebring Convertibles that said "See Ralph about CASH FOR CLUNKERS" Port Angeles Chrysler.

The crowd cheered for everyone, but were extremely generous to Jake and I. He lifted me off the back of the convertible, which had to be hard in his shoulder pads, and gave me a sweet kiss as we went our separate ways.

There was the usual, boisterous introductions of the football team.

My Jake is Captain of Offense and the teams leading running back.

Not JUST the teams lead Running Back, mind you.

Jake's stats are number one in the state. Something everyone around here is very proud of.

Quill's on Defense, and I still hadn't met all the players or learned everyone's names.

The Cheer Squad did two dance routines and led everyone in the school song/cheer.

We also came up with a little surprise for our Running Back, and star player.

JPOV:

"Oh Shit, Jake! Here it is!" Quil slapped me across the chest causing my shoulder pads to clunk together.

" What the hell? Stop hitting me." I growled at Quil who was pointing out on the field, and rambling a hundred miles an hour.

The girls were getting into formation for another routine. BFD.

"You're such a perv..Quil." I stabbed the insult at him looking away. The guy got off on the stupidest shit..

I was having a hard time watching Bella. We spent the night in each others arms. I know she wants more from our relationship, and god knows, if she'd been awake last night what would have finally happened! But, right now but I've got a serious case of Charli-itis, and she's just too damn cute in that cheerleader gear. I haven't had a chance to shut Little Jake up, for days now and he's furious at me for that.

Suddenly AC/DC started blaring over the speakers. I looked up in surprise.

"AC/DC what the hell?" l I yelled over the pounding intro beats.

Quil leaned against my side, whispering like a sissy bitch..."This is the little ditty they worked up FOR YOU dog. For when you SCORE.

In the game, that is! " He winked, just like the faggy little bitch with the dumbass jokes, ever.

The music alone was about to give me a hard on - with the pounding bass, I could feel in my balls.

My Q girls. Ones I've known all my life - lined up along the 50 yard line, bumping and grinding to AC/DC's BACK in BLACK.

For me. Holycrap. Bella was front and center, in her tiny cheer skirt, little red panties - all the shit I fantasized about.

"Where in the hell did she learn to move like THAT." The words echoing in my ears, was the only clue I'd said it all out loud. I was twitching nervously on the bench - knowing, Little You Know Who, was not gonna hold out.

Quil leaned over, whispering again. "Kayla says they finally got Bella to dance by telling her it was like making love - standing up! They told her to just move the way she would up against YOU."

As Quil roared with laughter at my expense. I could feel my face over heating at the idea of Bella's body doing what it was doing now, all over my naked ass. And of course Little You Know Who! wasn't gonna miss any of this shit.

Quil leaned over again..."I gotta admit I've got a fuckin woody."

RRRAAWWWRRRR!

BPOV:

I heard it above the music! We all did. There was something, about Jake's voice, when he was mad, that could stop us all in our tracks. I looked over my shoulder just in time to see Jake and Quil launching themselves off the players bench a good 20 feet out onto the field. Jake was on top of Quil when they hit the ground.

The music cut off and the announcer started in:

"Save it for the game boys! Atera, not a strong show of defense there buddy! Black! Wrestling doesn't start till January."

Finally the training coach broke it up. Jake's eyes grabbed mine, as he was led off the field. Something dark and intense flashed in them.

I wondered what all that could possibly be about.

"Quil must have said something perverted." Kayla singsonged, giving me a quick supportive hug." No worries."

When she let go, I glanced across the field, finding Jacob instantly. Sitting on the coaches bench, isolated, his stare was burning into me. Dark and piercing. I had to wonder if he was mad at me.

Blowing him a kiss, I ran to seek shelter from his bad mood.

The way Jake stares at me while I'm dancing and cheering for him and his team, usually makes me feel like the sexist, most desired girl in the world. That alone has been worth the whole "cheerleading" experience, thingy.

I got some tiny iron on letters and put his jersey number, "69" and the letters PROPERTY OF JACOB BLACK on the special red spandex panties we wear under our skirts.

I couldn't wait for him to discover that. He would flip!

Apparently Homecoming has something to do with the Alumni's, so they did a presentation of their stuff, introducing a bunch of old people. The restlessness of the players finally ended the entire long winded thing, when they all got up and started mingling with each other, friends, family.

All the Juniors and Seniors ended up on the field goofing off and making plans to go over to the bon fire. They were discussing what locations would best avoid the "families and Alumni" attending.

"Hey you!" Jake finally found me in the crowd, sneaking up behind and putting his arms around me. "Do you know how sexy you look out there in this outfit." he growled roughly against my neck. His late day scruff, scratching my tender skin, he branded me with his searing kisses. Making me want his lips.

"Shit! I forgot to bring something to change into for the bonfire fire." I said spinning around to face him in his arms. "I'm gonna have to go home and change."

"Okay. I'll take you. No problem, My Queen!" he exaggerated bowing deeply like a big cornball.

" Lets go see the court's float on our way out " he said grabbing my hand. "I heard Sam and Paul have been working on it. All day people have been telling me I HAVE TO SEE IT. So now, I'm really curious."

This was the time for final preparations on the Parade details.

Floats, line ups, etc. The marching band was still practicing.

The Homecoming Court's float was all the way at the back of the line up .

Apparently Jake knew exactly which one it was cuz he started cracking up as soon

as he saw it.

The school had just recently changed their mascot from the Quileutes using the traditional native red and white Thunderbird design, to the LaPush HS WOLVES .

Apparently, our Homecoming Float was a giant reddish brown wolf lunging in attack, snarling teeth bared and all. It was wearing a Homecoming King's crown that said "LaPush Baby".

"WOW! That's...intimidating" I laughed, at the absurdity of it, thinking they did a great job! I was truly impressed.

But, Jake! Jake couldn't stop laughing. I couldn't help feeling like I was "missing" something. Maybe some inside joke.

His friends Paul and Sam jumped down off the top of the float when they saw us or most likely, heard Jake.

"Whadda think!" Paul roared jumping from the top landing at Jake's feet.

"Freak-in awesome! You guys are real funny!" Jake said grinning ear to ear and shaking his head.

" It Howls." Sam added with a huge grin handing Jake a remote. "Just press here, and..."

A LOUD recording of wolves howling went off. People stopped in their tracks from across the parking lot to search out the sound.

"Holy Crap!" Jake howled himself with more laughter. They seemed to be having way too much fun with this.

"Oh god...I have to ride in this thing with him tomorrow. Did you guys HAVE to put in the howl?" I whined.

"Here Bella! Jump up there and see if the inside accommodations meet your Highness's expectations." Paul grabbed me firmly at the waist hefting me up easily above his head onto the float. I knew he lingered just a second too long holding me as I steadied my self.

"Holy Shit. Jake!" he called out, letting me go and crossing his arms staring up at me accusingly, with his...his...Paul smile, smirk thing.

'What Paul." Jake responded.

"Have you seen your girlfriends underwear today?" he asked teasingly.

Jake's face fell, his eyes darting back n forth between us.

I had the "Oh shit" look on my face.

"Uh...No. Have you?" Jake asked weakly.

"PAUL!" I whined loudly, wanting to hit him hard.

"Bella?" Jake cringed.

"Ha!" Paul grabbed my wrist and pulled me off the float over his shoulder like a caveman.

He spun us around with my ass exposed for the whole world to see.

I heard Sam and Paul chuckle and then Jake walked around to where my top half hung helplessly over Paul's shoulder.

He was grinning from ear to ear. '"Really?" he asked , his eyes smoldering.

I shook my head stupidly. "yes.." I mumbled.

"Get your hands off MY property Paul!" Jake joked taking me from Paul's shoulder onto his own.

He slapped my ass, hard and put me on my feet pulling me close.

"You guys gonna come out to the bon fire when you finish up here?" Jake asked hopefully.

"Yeah, Emily and Rachel are meeting us here in a few." Paul said excitedly.

"Rachel? My Rachel?" Jake asked stunned.

"You fucking idiot!" Sam growled at Paul shoving his elbow into his ribs "She was a surprise!"

"Oh shit! I didn't know...I'm sorry." Paul rolled his eyes mouthing "I'm SORRY." to everyone.

"My sister's here!? From college? From Alaska? Oh my god! WOW!" Jake was stunned and excited to see his sister.

"Well you better act surprised when you see her Jake or you can kiss your buddy Paul here goodbye right now." Sam growled again pulling Paul into a headlock.

'SURE! SURE! No Problem. I AM surprised. WOW! Alright then, see you guys later."

"Yeah. We're gonna take care of ya there dog, you and you're little missus...be ready to party with the Big...wolves later!" They laughed and high five'd Jake good bye.

"Wow! Rach is here! I wonder how Billy ever kept that a secret!" he gushed with giddy excitement. "I can't wait for her to meet you, Bells."

'We already know each other, Jake."

"Yeah...but not like this, not like we are now!" he smiled broadly holding our clasped hands in the air.

We ran to find his bike, Jake brought it to life, then reached for my hand as always.

As I slipped my hand into his he said," Get up here and spoon me baby. "

I froze. Jacob didn't say THAT, I say that!

I was staring at him as a confused look took over his face. "What?" He jerked me up into position behind him. I settled in quickly, wrapping my arms around his waist. Leaning up over his body, I whispered in his ear, "Only if you fork me later."

I didn't even get the last word out and Jake had leaned all the way over, grabbing me by my upper arms, pulling me across his lap on the bike.

Pulling my leg over and around him, I was held tightly across his hips, our centers grinding into each other.

Jake took my face into his hands, his eyes burning with need, passion and abandon.

I swirled my fingers into his sweet new haircut. It framed his beautiful features instead of hiding them. We were slowing leaning back into the curve of the bike...

"Five, Four, Three..." I whispered against his lips. Then a huge gratified smile covered my face.

"Heeee's Heeeerrreee! My Little Friend!" I giggled, grinding my hips firmly against Not So Little Jake as BIG GIANT JAKE took my lips hungrily.