Chapter 9; Just This Once
Bella's P.O.V.
Jacob eyed me, his eyes narrowing accusingly. I sat down next to him on the dingy couch in the garage against the wall and looked at him.
"What?" I asked.
"You seem more happier," he stated.
"I guess."
"He's not bothering you anymore?" Jacob asked, concern laced in his voice.
"I'm so sure how to feel about that anymore," I replied.
I placed my hand on my forehead, the bandage still in place, but the cut was better than before. Jacob's eyes flew to my hand and he frowned.
"How's the cut doing?" he asked.
"Better. I've followed the doctor's orders."
I dropped my hand into my lap and looked forward.
"Bella. Is that Kale guy still coming around?"
"Yea, I guess he is," I murmured.
"It's just I haven't seen you since the day of the accident. I'm worried about you," he said softly.
He then placed his hand on my thigh and giving it a reassuring squeeze. Glancing up at him and frowning.
"I'm fine Jake, it's been hard lately."
"Well. Bells," he started and cupped my hands between his, "I'm always here for you."
"I know..." I said and finally met Jacob's eyes.
His brown eyes soften and he leaned toward me, briefly licking his lower lip. Letting go of my hands, he lifted his hand up and brushed loose strands of hair behind my ear, his hand staying on my cheek. He was warm, I could see how his eyes strayed toward my lips, and how he inched his way closer to me. But the stomping of shoes and the shouting of my name brought me back to reality. Putting my hand on Jacob's chest and pushing him back, giving us much-needed distance.
"Bella?!" a vaguely familiar voice shouted in the distance.
"How did he get here!" Jacob whispered harshly under his breath.
Turning my head, my heart pounding in excitement, hoping for that person. But my happiness nearly dropped when I saw Kale standing in the opening of the garage door. His hands were in his pockets, his jacket, and his hair wet from the down pour outside. Kale's black hair matted against his forehead and he looked uncomfortable. He looked out of his element.
"Hey...Bella," he mumbled.
He looked like a cat who didn't want to get wet and that thought brought a smile to my lips.
"How did you get here?" I asked, repeating Jacob's question from earlier.
"Charlie gave me directions," he explained.
"Why did you even come here?" Jacob asked rudely as he got up from the couch.
Kale just shrugged, "I wanted to see if Bella was okay, but she wasn't home."
"Well she's okay. You can leave now," Jacob demanded.
Kale's eyes landed on me and I buried myself deeper into the couch. He took a step in my direction, but Jacob moved toward him, a dark look going across Jake's features. But Kale towered over Jacob by a few inches. The tension was thick and I could feel the anger rolling off the both of them.
"What's your problem?" Kale asked calmly.
"You. There's something off about you," Jacob sneered at him.
Kale sighed softly, his eyes flickering to me then back to Jacob, "look. I never did anything to you," he said.
"Jake!" I yelled, "lay off!" I finished as I got up from the couch.
He faced me, his eyes holding a pained look, "why? I'm just looking out for you," Jake nearly cried out.
"Well stop. I can take care of myself," I mumbled.
"Why? The last time this happened you were lost in the forest after Edward broke up with you! I'm just protecting you, so you won't hurt yourself again!" Jacob yelled angrily.
My heart froze, my mind was still trying to register his words, and I could feel wetness suddenly sprout on my cheeks. Wrapping my arms around myself and my body started convulsing. The words were fresh raw wounds on my already pained heart.
Jake's actions finally sunk in and his eyes widen, "Bella! I'm sorry, I-" but he was abruptly cut off before he could end his apology.
I met Kale's eyes and silently pleaded for his help, "Come on," Kale said in a stoic tone.
Moving around Jacob and heading toward the opening of the garage but Jacob's hand snatched my wrist before I could even move. I started tugging at his hand, but he wouldn't budge.
"I'm sorry! Just let me explained," he pleaded.
"Let me go," I mumbled as I continued to tug relentlessly at his tight grip around my hand.
"No! Bella let me explained!"
"Let me go!" I said an octave louder.
"Just let me-"
Kale reached out and grabbed Jacob's shoulders and pushed him away from me. I fell forward and landed on my knees.
"Listen!" Kale suddenly yelled at him, "you've cause enough damage!" Kale growled menacingly at him.
Looking over, surprised to see Kale towering over a fallen Jacob, the veins in Kale's neck and forehead were angrily popping out.
"I'm just trying-"
"Just shut up!" Kale continued, "just let the subject go, you've done enough today!" Kale roared.
Jake grew angry and he tried to shoved Kale away from, Kale dodged the move and shoved Jake back on the ground. Kale looked scary, his eyes looked dangerous, and his posture was very tense.
"You don't even know her that well! You just can show up and started throwing accusations at people!" Jacob argued back at Kale.
Kale's eyes narrowed, "you don't get it. You just hurt someone close to you," Kale growled lowly.
Kale moved away from him and toward me. I gulped softly and looked up at Kale. He reached down and softly grabbed my hand, easily pulling me up.
"Let's go."
Kale placed his cool hand on my lower back and guided me outside and into the rain. I could faintly hear Jacob's shoes pounding in the ground as he sprinted toward us.
"Bella are you really gonna leave with him!" he yelled from behind us.
Kale dropped his hand from my back he just wrapped his arm around my shoulders and we walked faster to his black BMW. "Bells! Bella! Are you trying to get hurt!? There's something off about him!" he shouted accusingly.
I could Kale's boy tense next to my, "It's okay, "I finally said, "let's just go please."
I watched the scenery whiz by as Kale sped his car down the high way. My head was against the window and I forced myself to not think. My thoughts were cloudy and my whole conscience was suddenly conflicted. I know Jake was looking out for me, but he sounded more like my dad and not like himself. Ever since the forest incident he's been my anchor, someone to get my mind off painful thoughts. Now he just throws harsh words at me and I can't handle it no more.
"Bella? Are you okay?" Kale finally said.
I looked at him and sighed, "yea, I'm just a little tired."
"I need to drop by to aunt's house. If that's okay?" he asked.
"Sure."
I watched as Kale reached out and turned on the heater full blast, he then adjusted the vent near me and aimed it in my direction.
"Thanks."
I shivered once my senses came back to me and I realized I was freezing. Wrapping my arms around myself and I continued to stare out the window. Kale made sudden sharp turn and I saw the forest around the car grow more dense. Looking ahead, I could see a paved road and miles of trees. The road twisted a few more times and he pulled to a stop in front of a huge modern looking house. He turned the car off and looked at me.
"It's warmer in the house," he suggested.
I nodded my head and wrapped my hand around the handle of the door and pushed it open. Stepping into the crisp winter air and following Kale toward the glass door that entered into the house. Pulling out keys, he swiftly opened the door and allowed me to enter before him.
"Thanks," I said as I stopped into the foyer of the house.
The door closed shut and he walked ahead of me. Looking at the house surrounding me; it was impeccably modern, the furniture placed perfectly, and the decor showed how empty and huge this house was. We then entered the open floor plan of the house. The kitchen adjoined with the living room. The kitchen was huge, the island set as a boundary for the living room. Kale walked into the kitchen and grabbed a piece of paper off the counter near the expensive looking refrigerator.
"Make yourself at home," he mumbled without looking up from the paper.
Strolling into the living room and setting myself directly in front of the fireplace. The couch was surprisingly comfortable and I leaned back into the cushions. My strained muscles relaxing as I settled deeply into the couch and my eyes lids slid shut.
Rubbing my hands over my eyes and I slowly regained my jumbled thoughts as I started to force myself awake. My body felt warm and I felt insanely relaxed. Looking around the unfamiliar house and slowly sitting up. Looking down and I noticed a thick blanket covered most of my body.
"Awake?" I heard Kale ask.
I looked to my right and saw that he was seated at the end of the couch I was laying on. I ran my hand through my hair, brushing again messy strands.
"What time is it?" I asked, sleep still clear in my voice.
"Nine 'o clock. Don't worry, my aunt called Charlie," he explained.
"Thanks."
"Bella..." Kale started.
"What?" I mumbled annoyed.
"About earlier...I'm sorry. I shouldn't have come,"he apologized.
"Whatever. I just need some space from Jacob."
"How long has it been?" Kale asked suddenly.
Finally meeting his eyes, "a few months. He's never coming back," I said hopelessly.
"It's sad, really. He was such a big part of my life and now he's just gone."
Kale then scoffed loudly, "Bella, you need to let go," he said and laughed dryly.
Why did this feel just like my dream from a few days ago? I glanced down at the floor and dropped my shoulders in defeat.
"Bella," Edward warned, "don't listen to him."
"I guess," I agreed.
"Bella...are you even listening to me?" Kale said.
Nodding my head and continuing to avoid those dark eyes. I could Edward's presence beside me, "I'm here," he said.
"Just listen to the sound of my voice and everything will be alright," he cooed softly into my ear.
Hands appeared on my shoulders and I was jolted out of my thoughts. I blinked a few times and my eyes met black eyes. Kale's face was mere inches from my and I became aware of the fact that he was straddling my hips. Feeling myself turn red at our position and I started to squirm beneath him.
"What are you doing?" I snapped at him.
"You were thinking Edward. You make it so obvious," he said incredulously.
"Get off me!"
"Why should I? You know I can make you forget about him," Kale said.
He dropped his head to my neck, his teeth lightly scraping my skin, and the barest hint of his tongue tasting my skin. His hands gently gripping my neck and he brought his lips to my. His mouth hot and determined.
"Forget," he whispered hotly against my lips.
The kiss turned more frantic and he moved his mouth effortlessly against my.
"Don't forget!" he yelled in my ear.
My thoughts slowly became clouded and Edward's voice grew quieter and quieter. I delved my hands into Kale's hair and worked my mouth against his. The kiss made me light-headed and dizzy, but I felt more content with myself then I had in a while. Then there was a feeling of Kale's too cool tongue tracing my lower lip and I murmured in delight at the feeling.
