Hey guys! Sorry about the wait...I had tons of stuff going on for school, friends, family, etc. Plus, I had to finish Call of the Wild before I could focus on this. Anyways, I owe you all super apologies and thanks for the reviews. I'm set for the summer, so I can focus on this and the Call of the Wild sequel...YAY.
Anna: Well, this is a good chapter. Good talkin'
Jacob: I liked other parts to it (winks)
Anna: Jake, stop being so rude!
Jacob: I was just kidding!
Anna: Anyway, I think we should get to the disclaimer. I belong to Fall Out Guirl!
Jacob: And I along with the rest of the Twilight characters belong to Stephenie Meyer.
Anna: Annnnnnd the chapter dedication is for rain10423, Agosss, and mischief-maker1. Thank you so much for the reviews! Let us know if we missed you, we'll add you to the list for the next chapter.
Jacob: Enjoy!
Anna sat curled up in the passenger seat, staring over at me. Her seat belt was around her waist, even though she was leaning back against the window. I stole a glance over at her, my mouth dry at the mere sight. I still couldn't stop that reaction.
"Concentrate on the road, Jake," she reprimanded. I smirked, shifting my gaze ahead. I really didn't need to look since I had fast enough reflexes. But, even then I knew to not disobey her.
"I like the sight to the side better than gravel," I whined. She laughed, shaking her head as she turned on the radio.
"Glad to know that I'm better looking than dirt!" she teased. I rolled my eyes, stealing another glance over at her. Her boots were on the floorboards. She was considerate enough to make sure not the dirty the car…that was a sign of a good girl, or so Paul had told me.
"You know what I meant," I said. She nodded, bending over slightly to adjust the radio. She switched it to a rock station, and the sound of drums and steady guitar filled the speakers. I usually listened to it when I was in the garage.
An unfamiliar song began, chords spewing out loud. Anna grinned, pleased with the music. I knew that she enjoyed it, and I made a mental note of it. Maybe I could try to do something special for her. More time with her could prove a favorite band or song, something that I could use.
Her foot tapped in the rhythm of the drums, her gaze out ahead of the road. She seemed content enough just being in the car with music. Simple to please; I liked that. She was the type that could do about anything and be happy. I knew she would enjoy this, just by her attitude on life.
"So Jake, what kind of stuff do you do?" she asked. I grinned, taking a turn that led to my house.
"Well, besides running around with a pack of teenage werewolves, I'm a mechanic. I like to fix anything: cars, motorcycles, engine parts. Pretty much anything that's got a mechanical build to it. That's my main hobby…" I explained. She nodded, shifting her gaze over to me. "What about you?"
Anna gave a crooked smile, a slight blush on her cheeks. "You could say I'm an artist of all sorts. I draw, paint, and work with clay when it comes to good old fashioned art. I write poems, lyrics, and stories for lit. And I play guitar for instrumental," she listed. I was amazed, dropping my jaw.
"Somebody hit the talent gene," I mumbled. Her laughter filled my ears, and I was elated at the sound. It was musical, sounding as beautiful as she appeared.
"I guess so. My dad always said it was from my mom's side, since they traced back to pianists and other artists. It skipped my mom, but she never minded," Anna explained. Huh…talented through the generations. With me, it was werewolves through the generations. Shifting into a wolf…I wonder if that counts as a talent. I could enter the circus with that one.
I pulled up into the driveway, slowing down as I stopped in front of the house. I saw Dad up on the porch, smoking his pipe. I waved over at him, and he nodded knowingly at me. He knew all about what was going on. After all, he had imprinted just as I did.
I shut off the Rabbit, opening my own door. Anna unbuckled her seatbelt as I raced around the car. I opened her door, waiting as she stepped out.
"Are you always this gentlemanly?" she teased. I laughed, taking a bow.
"Yes, ma'am," I answered. She giggled, sliding her small hand in mine. I led the way to the garage, shutting her car door with my foot.
I stepped into the garage, Anna behind me. Her wide green eyes searched the room, observing the qualities. There wasn't much to it: just basic tool boxes, my workbench, the newest car to the collection (an old Thunderbird, 1970), and my motorcycle.
I suddenly had the incredible urge to hold her. My body moved to slide my arms around her, holding her to my chest. She ran her fingers through my hair as I rested my head against her neck. I moaned at the touch, content. She could have pet my like a cat and I would have been pleased.
She slowly released me, walking over to the rusted monster known as a car. "You really like fixing up cars, huh?" she murmured. I nodded, sitting down on an old rolling chair. It was really convenient whenever I needed to get underneath the car.
I spotted another part that need to be fixed, and I grimaced in distaste. I reached for my wrench, lowering myself underneath the car. "For years, now. I'm glad I'm old enough to drive now, 'cause it was boring being fifteen and unable to really drive them. My dad couldn't handle being moved in too often; it sometimes hurts his thighs from too much work. But I taught myself how to drive."
I heard her move to grab a chair. Her soft breaths seemed to whisper at my ears, her movements telling me that she was observing the garage. When I heard her breath catch, I knew that had found the picture. I was such a weird kid, but I loved that picture anyway. Just Dad and me, as it had been for many years now. I guess that was why I kept it.
I loosened a bolt, trying to adjust the axel. It was far too rusted to work…
Anna was quiet for several moments. I finished tinkering with the axel, readjusting it for use later. "Too manly for you?" I called. I must have sounded all muffled, but I could hear her giggle from the outside.
She didn't respond, but I saw her footsteps moving to the workbench. I started to roll myself out, ready to spend more time with her. I had thought my head had cleared the bumper, but my lack of observation was my downfall. I smashed my forehead against the rusted metal, curses spewing out of my mouth.
Anna turned around, running to my side. She crouched by me, looking genuinely worried. "You all right, Jake?" she questioned, helping me roll out all the way.
I winced before setting a half-smile across my lips. No need in worrying her. "Kind of…But I'd fell so much better if you would kiss me…" I joked. She shook her head, her eyebrows raised.
"I don't know, Jake. You might be too sore," she warned. She smiled, placing a chaste kiss on my cheek. "Stay here. I'll run and get some ice." I almost laughed at her: the pain would be gone in five minutes, considering that it was just a bumper. The only reason why it hurt was because I had thrown most of my weight into it. Any other time it would have been fine.
I sat there, watching her leave as she walked out and to the house. I forced myself to sit up. I had a feeling that she would take awhile, so I turned myself towards the front of the car.
The bumper was barely on, sagging right where I had come out. It needed to be replaced completely, due to its rust and the misshapen appearance.
"There goes another three hundred dollars," I growled, lightly tugging it out of place. It released from the clasps, falling on my lap. I pushed it off, moving it to the side. More junk to fill up the trashcan, I thought.
I glanced over at the blue tarp off to the side. I needed to make sure I had that measured. After all I had to use body paint soon to treat it. Color options were difficult: I didn't want something too bright or plain strange. Maybe black. Then I had to consider pin striping. Would I put something simple or bright?
I concluded my thoughts…Embry would have to check it out. He could usually tell if a car needed a design, or even what I should place on there. After all, he was almost as good with cars as I am. But, it would be a challenge to drag him away from Victoria.
I turned around, just in time for Anna to step in. I adjusted, my hand covering my head. I decided to let her play nurse and patient with me as I stared up at her. I grinned as she moved my hand, placing the ice pack where it was.
"I'm back," she whispered. I wrapped my arm around her waist, pulling her to my chest. She curled up against me, her ear close to my heart.
"I hoped you would be. I was fixing to go get you myself," I teased. I kissed the top of her head, closing my eyes for a brief moment.
"Why?" I heard her ask. "Why do you love me, and not her?" She looked up at me, sadness clear. I winced; Dad must have told her about Bella.
I wove my hand into hers, squeezing it tight. "She was a different love, Anna. She was more of a childish crush, one of adoration. She was like a sister to me, and when she left, it was like a blow through my chest." She shifted uncomfortably, and I had a feeling that she wasn't willing to let me finish.
"Am I really any different?" she whispered. I grew angry then, trying to suppress my frustration. How could she think that? Did my words mean nothing to her?
I turned her to face me, forcing her to look into my eyes. I dropped the ice pack, forgotten. "It's very different. She was an attempt at love, you are success," I cupped her cheek, marveling the softness, "I loved her, but I imprinted on you."
She narrowed her eyebrows, confused. "Imprinted? What do you mean?" she interjected. "You had a book published? I haven't known you for that long, Jake!" she joked. I shook my head, chuckling at her assumption.
"For our kind, there is a custom that is created through our genetics, our practical make-up. Something inside us clicks, that creates our destiny to one person who we dedicate our lives to. This love is deeper than soul mates, than lovers."
Her emotions shifted rapidly across her face. Her eyes were wide with shock, then pleasure, and finally, love. All while maintaining a blush.
"I'm nothing special, Jacob. Just an- " she began. I shook my head once again, refusing to hear it. She was beyond ordinary; it was a miracle that she had accepted me. Most normal girls would turn away and leave. But she was different…
"To you, maybe. But to me, you're more. The kinds of feelings that you create in me run deeper than my blood, my balance. I could never be able to give this kind of love to anyone else." I found myself fighting anguish and fear, the two things that had haunted me as soon as I had realized love could live. "I am who you want me to be: a friend, a brother, a lover. I can't bear to be away from you, but if you say the words, I'll be gone. It's not like I haven't been cast away before."
Anna smiled, her hands pulling me down to her. I furrowed my eyebrows, confused. Why was she so willing? Every other person had shoved me away, forcing away my feelings like they were nothing. Why was she so kind to me?
"On the contrary," she whispered, forcing me to stare into her eyes. "I want you to be that lover. I don't want you to ever leave me, and I swear to you, I will never cast you away." She laughed, shaking her head for a moment. "You could make me so mad that I would want to harm the next person who talked to me. But never, ever, would I want you to go away."
I was speechless. Only actions could prove how I felt. I stared at her lips before pressing mine against them. Bliss is the only word to describe the feeling. If Heaven was meant to be pleasant, then it has a lot to prove because this was the best feeling ever. If angels existed, Anna must be the most beautiful of them all. Her touch was gentle, and my heightened senses picked up on each gesture, each breath.
She wrapped her arms around me, pressing me tighter against her. I held on until my lungs screamed in protest. Even then, I held her tight against me. Her hands roamed across my chest and around me.
"I'm real. And I'm not going anywhere," she tried to reassure. I glanced over at the clock on the wall; it was 5:30. Stupid time…
"You might, though. I have to take you home in a few minutes," I protested. She smirked, playfulness clear across her face. Oh, that mischievous girl…
"Yes, but that doesn't mean I can't go in my backyard. Jake could always visit," she suggested. I laughed, helping her to stand.
"True…that's a fair deal," I agreed. I led her to the car, opening her door for her.
"Jake, I know that the Cullens aren't exactly your best friends, but I really liked spending time with Bella and Edward," she began, her eyes staring towards the ground. Mentally my jaw dropped. Is she kidding? There's NO way!
"Anna, there's more than-" I started, but she cut me off. She's way too good at that.
"I don't care about any feud that you have with them, I'm still going to treat them well. Actually, Bella wanted me to go over there tomorrow," she stated firmly. I gaped at her, shaking my head. No, I couldn't get over to a vampire coven's home. That is suicide! Especially since Edward isn't exactly a fan of mine…
"And she really wants to go back to being friends with you. Edward seemed okay with you too," she tried. I rolled my eyes; the day that Edward and I were friends would be the apocalypse.
I sighed, running my hands through my hair. I have to give in…there's no way I could disappoint her. "I'll go with you…but let me stay with you tonight, you need to hear the rest."
"Deal. But, you have to come no matter what, okay?" she confirmed. I rolled my eyes, nodding my head. Just for her, though. Nobody else could get me to do that…
"Fine, fine. I will. But I'm not guaranteeing that I'll stay." I said, climbing into my seat. I backed out of the driveway, my eyebrows narrowed. If Quil and Embry were hear, they'd be laughing and calling me 'whipped'. I'm lucky that they aren't here…
"Be nice." She ordered. I nodded, staring ahead at the road. A day at the Cullen's…Joy…
"So what are you doing as soon as you get home?" I asked. She tapped her chin, cocking her head to the side.
"Most likely going to do some drawing before starting dinner. Dad might like it if I took care of that," she said thoughtfully. I nodded, glancing over at her.
"What kinds of things do you draw?" I questioned. She turned her head towards me, seeming surprised.
"Whatever catches my attention? It varies…some days, its animals. Usually strong ones. Other days, it's people. Usually people I come across in daily life," she explained.
"Nice. Am I allowed to see some of them? I only got a glimpse at school. By the way…you said I could guess who the guy was in the sketch," I reminded her. She blushed, staring down at her knees.
"Okay. Guess," said Anna finally. I grinned, tapping my chin in imitation of her. She scowled, crossing her arms.
"No mocking me!" she protested. I laughed, placing my hand back on the steering wheel. I pretended to think hard while she hummed the 'Jeopardy' theme song.
"Is it someone I know?"
"Yes."
"Could I have another hint?"
"No, but you can phone a friend."
We both stuck our tongues out at each other as we pulled up in front of her house. Her eyes softened as she stared at me.
"It was you…you were right when you were guessing that day," she admitted. I smiled, leaning towards her. I heard her breath catch as I slid my hand to the back of her neck. I ran my thumb down the side of her cheek. Her eyes fluttered closed as she nuzzled my hand. I smiled, placing a kiss on her cheek. She opened her eyes, a pout across her lips.
"Is that all I get? After a day like this?" she teased. I laughed, resting my forehead against hers.
"Your wish is my command, love," I whispered. I kissed her firmly, holding her against me. Anna paused for breath, her voice shaky.
"You're not a genie or a servant. You're-" she was cut off by my hungry lips against her again. "-My boyfriend." I smiled, finishing with a kiss on her forehead.
"Better now?" I asked. Anna looked dazed, nodding her head. I hugged her tight before letting her slide out of the car. I smiled, rolling down the windows. She waved as I pulled away.
I had started to go down the block when I spotted something in my rearview mirror. I pressed the brakes, chuckling at the sight. Anna ran up to my side of the Rabbit, leaning in. Her hands grabbed my face, pressing her lips against mine.
"I'll see you soon, right?" she begged. I nodded; it was my turn to be dazed.
"I'll go check up on my dad and I'll be back. I promise, I'll be back before you can miss me," I said firmly. She rolled her eyes, shaking her head.
"Um, yeah. Good luck with that…considering that I had two seconds away from you and then I chased the Rabbit," she scoffed. I laughed, kissing her firmly.
"I'll try at least. Now go back inside before the neighbors call the cops on us. I have no doubts that Mr. Jenkins will call on 'obscene displays in the street' or 'holding up traffic'," I said, shaking my head. Anna nodded, kissing me on the cheek.
"See you soon!" she called, running back to her house. I waved before driving back towards the house.
That girl was going to be the death of me.
Jacob: Pretty please can I have a favor? Review?
