Chapter Ten

"Bella," Jacob whispered as he breathed in my hair.

"Yeah?" I tried to ask, but my voice was muffled due to the fact that I was hugging him like crazy.

"Bella, we can go in and chat, you know?" Jacob chuckled lightly.

"Right," I blushed, letting him go.

I was about to pout for the absence but he grabbed my hand and held it in his.

"Much better," he grinned.

I smiled too in agreement.

We entered the house hand in hand. I want some explanations as to why he disappeared, but being in his presence fills me up, so I found it in me not to ask. Better save those for later.

"Bella," Jacob started, halting me to a stop as we walk across the living room.

"Yes?" I asked him with a timid smile.

"I'm sorry." He smiled.

"For what?" I asked him, just to make sure he is regretting over the same thing that I was hurting on.

"For leaving without an explanation." He whispered.

Ah, we are on the same page.

"I forgive you." I told him.

"Not that easy." Jacob continued.

"Jake, its not like you met someone…" I trailed off. His expression was like I was actually referring to something he had done that he did promise not to do.

"You met someone?" I asked him in a low voice. Tears were prickling my eyes.

"Yes." His gaze averted to his feet.

"You're not together anymore, right?" I was slowly losing hope.

"I promised her that I would come back after two weeks." He whispered.

"Two weeks? That's insane, Jacob." I exclaimed.

"I'm not going to stay here forever, Bella." He told me.

"That's what I thought. I thought that maybe you came back to get on with your life with me. But I guess I was disappointed." I said in a low voice.

"I was planning that, but Leah came along." He explained.

"Leah? That's her name. Jake, Leah or no Leah, you promised that you'll come back." I reminded him.

"I know." He whispered.

"Turns out, you're just like everybody else. You tend to get my hopes too high then just suddenly drop me when I started believing." I continued.

"Promise, huh? What about you, huh? What your boyfriend?" he asked me.

"He is not my boyfriend." I looked at him in the eyes when I said this.

"Really?" he asked sarcastically.

"Yes." I said through clenched teeth.

"You're a very terrible liar, Bella." He smiled.

"You still cheated on me." I told him.

"We're not even in a relationship." He reminded me with a smirk.

"What's that supposed to mean?" I dared him.

"I do not have a commitment to you." he emphasized each word.

"Then why did you came back?" I challenged.

"Just to check on things." He simply stated.

"Jake, no one would fly across the country just to 'check on things'." I stated the obvious.

"I would and I did." He smirked.

"For nothing." I muttered.

"Bella, I love you. So please, let's not fight over this stupid thing." He suddenly pleaded.

"It's not stupid." I stubbornly told him.

"Okay, you win. I just missed you." he smiled.

"I missed you too." I told him bluntly.

"Really?" he smiled.

"Yes." I said in the same tone; making sure not to make him see the glitch that I had when he said he loves me.

"Do you love me, Bella?" he asked out of the blue.

"Yes." I whispered; looking down to hide my blush.

"Then, I love you too." He said.

My heart thumped unevenly again. And for sure, I was blushing like crazy.

"Jake, you couldn't just always put out the 'I love you' card when we're arguing." I told him with a small smile.

"I know. But it never gets old." He lightly chuckled.

"Shut it." I poked out my tongue.

"Yes, ma'am." He saluted.

He marched his way to me and pulled me into a bear hug. We stayed like that for a few moments until my lungs were giving out.

"Jake, are you serious about your two week stay?" I asked.

"No, I might change my mind." He answered.

"Good. Because I miss you so much and we have a lot to catch on." I chuckled.

When Charlie arrived, he was obviously happy; happier than the time the Mariners won the game. Yup, Jake did that.

He even asked Jacob to stay here for the night, then I have to remind Charlie that we are teens now so we can't share a bed. Jacob laughed at my point and instead told Charlie that he'll stay at Sam Uley's place by the beach.

That night, I went to sleep with a stupid goofy grin on my face. Hey, I can't help it. I'm in love.

By morning, both Charlie and I were in a great mood, especially me, despite the argument we had last night.

Charlie's mood then turned downright sour when Edward showed up by our doorstep to pick me up. He even muttered something about breaking up with him before I went out. And I laughed lightly at that.

Even Edward noticed my jolly mood.

"Happy are we, baby?" he teased.

"Yes, baby." I smiled.

"I wonder why." He mocked.

"You know why." I chuckled.

"I don't have a clue." He chuckled.

"Hmmm. Let's see. It starts with J and B." I beamed.

"Jonas Brothers?" he laughed.

"Hell no." I laughed.

"I'll tell you my guess later when we're no longer running out of time for school." Edward reminded me.

"Oh, then drive off, you maniac!" I laughed.

"Ready, get set…" he counted.

"Go!" I exclaimed with a laugh.

We reached school in no time, thanks to his maniacal driving. I was flushed when we walked across the parking lot, laughing our butts off. And when we came across Tanya, Edward didn't even flinch. I bet he didn't even notice her approaching us. And that is a good sign, right?

Edward walked me to my first class again, which earns me another set of glares from half of the female population of Forks High. With a shrug, I told him to meet me at lunch, which is the same as usual.

Alice also noticed my jolly mood. Se even tried to make me say why, but heck I wouldn't budge. .

"So Bella, did Jacob stay overnight?" Edward asked as we arranged the slides Mr. Banner had given us as lab partners.

"Yes." I chuckled lightly.

"Really?" Edward mocked.

"But not in under our roof, c'mon, with Charlie there? It'll be like a mission impossible."

"You might at least try."

"I wouldn't like to try if he'll shoot Jake."

"Okay, so this might sound gay, but who is Jacob to you?" Edward lightly chuckled. We were actually trying to be subtle with our talking because Mr. Banner had banned everyone to talk while doing lab experiments.

"Jacob is special to me."

"How special?" he pressed.

"Very special. He's like my Tanya if I would compare myself to you." I smirked slightly at the comparison, knowing to myself that I hate Tanya and I instantly regret comparing Jake to that vile human being.

"First love, then?" Edward quirked an eyebrow.

"Yes."

I watched a basketball game as the rest of the class actually played basketball. I guess my fainting spell worked on Coach Clapp. But before I could even rejoice, the coach asked me to stay after classes because he has something very important to tell me. and something tells me that this is bad, very, very bad.

"So, Isabella, the first game for the season will be this upcoming Saturday and as the team's water girl, you are expected to come." Coach Clapp told me as he mopped the gym floor from sweat. Gross.

I was left in the benches, gaping at him like crazy. Seriously? Me at a ball game? Never had I even watched some sort of thing like that on television!

"That's all. And Isabella, wear maroon. It's our school's color." Coach Clapp grinned at me. Was he trying to be funny? If ever he was, this attempt was lame. And I'm sure, Alice wouldn't allow it.

"Coach…" I trailed off.

"Yeah?"

"I'll come to the ball game but please, don't make me wear maroon."

"Why?"

"I'll look like Barney!" I exclaimed.

He just laughed at me, probably thinking that it was a joke. I glared but he didn't see so instead, I just grabbed my bag and headed outside.

Edward actually seemed pissed off when I came out. He was again pulling at his hair like crazy.

"Edward," I called out.

"Get in the car." Oh, so it was one of those days.

"I'm sorry I'm late." I whispered.

"It's okay."

"Then why are you mad?"

"I saw Tanya with James." He hissed.

"James Anderson? The captain of the basketball team?" I asked, looking at him.

"Yes." He hissed again.

"Oh."

"Don't mind them for now. I'll come up with a plan."

He started the engine and in an instant, his tires flew off the road.

"Why were you late?" he asked.

"Coach Clapp told me to come this Saturday for the ball game."

"Why?"

"Water girl, remember?" I told him, pointing to my chest.

"Oh." He muttered.

"You wouldn't mind if I'll bring Jake, right?" I asked out of the blue.

"Not at all." He smiled.

"Okay."

When we reached Charlie's house, I was once again delighted when I saw the familiar car parked on our driveway.

"See you tomorrow." I told Edward as I hopped out.

"Yeah. Goodnight."

"Take care." I reminded him.

"Always am." He smiled crookedly before turning for the road.

As I got in, I heard laughter from the living room. Obviously, Charlie now knows that Jake is in town and he didn't seem affected by it. If he was, he is happy.

"Bells." Charlie called from the living room.

I walked quickly and as I spun around the corner, I was right. Jake was lounging comfortably by our couch while Charlie was sitting on the recliner.

"Have you guys eaten?" I asked both.

"Uh, yeah. Jacob bought pizza." Charlie pointed to the half empty box.

Jacob looked at me with my smile plastered on his broad lips. I couldn't resist the urge to smile back.

I surprisingly spent the night in the living room, chatting the time with dad and subtly watching Jacob.

"Jake, are you busy this Saturday?" I asked as I accompanied him to his car.

"No, Why?"

"There was this ball game and I…"

"Okay."

"Oh," I muttered.

"I'll go with you, Bella." He assured me.

"Thanks." I smiled in response.

I retreated from the driveway as he started his engine.

"Bella?" Jacob called out.

"Yeah?" I asked, looking over my shoulder.

"I want to tell you something." He grinned.

"What is it?"

"Come here." He whispered.

I swiftly went over to his car window, eager to hear whatever he wanted to say. As I leaned over, Jake inched closer.

Without another word, Jacob leaned in further until his lips met mine.

Jacob Black is kissing me now. Should I respond? Of course, you idiot!

He was really kissing me and I can't stop smiling so I could kiss him back. Some way, somehow, in that same night, I managed to stop smiling like an idiot and I finally got the chance to show him how much I loved him; pouring it all in that kiss.

"What's with the smile?" Edward asked me on the way to school.

"It's Friday." I humored him.

"Seriously, Bella, you've never smiled like that on a Friday before."

"Well, let's just say that this Friday is a whole lot different." I grinned.

"Let me guess, Jacob Black kissed you last night?" Edward smiled evilly.

"How did you know?"

"Let's just say that a certain hot school mate of yours who drives an awesome Silver Volvo drove by your house last night and saw you canoodling with a certain Mr. Black." Edward smirked.

"Certain hot school mate with an awesome Silver Volvo? I don't think so." I laughed.

"Just accept it, Ms. Pucker Up." I blushed at the new nickname.

In a few short while, we arrived in school. I was in a giddy mood that I didn't even puke when I saw Jasper and Alice making out at the back of her Porsche again.

I crossed Tanya across the hallway on my way to Government, and guess what? She gave me the evil glare again.

"Bitch." One of her minions muttered.

I stopped on my tracks, I know I shouldn't let that one small comment ruin my day but somehow, I was annoyed.

"Look who's talking." I said loud enough for them to hear.

"What did you just say?" Irina turned to look at me.

"Look who's talking." I repeated myself.

"Why, you're really a bitch!" Irina exclaimed. Everyone within hearing range looked at us. Adrenaline pulsed through me. Suddenly, my mouth was burning with the intensity to say something nasty.

"Bitch." I muttered.

"So are you." Irina shot at me.

I rolled my eyes at them and was about to walk off, but something sharp caught my arm.

"Hey, Bitch. What have I told you about my property?" Tanya hissed in my ear.

"Well, remember what I've told you about that?" I raised an eyebrow.

"No." She smirked.

"Too bad." I grinned.

Then everything happened in a blur. At first, there was a sharp movement that slapped me in the face. Then my hair was being pulled out of my scalp. My arms being scratched. And in one swift movement, I shoved something or probably someone out of my way.

"Swan, Denali, I'd never expected either of you to be in my office because of this." Mr. Greene, the school's principal, told us sharply. Tanya and I were sitting feet apart from each other, or else, a sequence to what happened in the hallway might take charge.

"Mr. Greene," Tanya started, batting her eyelashes; I nearly puked. "Swan started it."

"I did not." I defended myself.

"Yes, you did."

"No. It was you and your minions."

"Me? How could you-"

"Stop, girls." Mr. Greene shut us off.

Both Tanya and I bowed our heads in unison.

"I shall give both of you punishments for this."

"Not again." I muttered.

"What?" Tanya exclaimed, "It's all her fault, and now you want me to join her?"

"Miss Denali, I believe that both of you are at fault." Mr. Greene told Tanya firmly. I smirked.

Tanya groaned. "As if I could do anything." She muttered.

"Okay, so I heard that Miss Swan, you are to join this weekend's first game of the season. So Miss Denali, I expect you to come. No buts. Let the both of you learn camaraderie in each other's presence."

"Cama- what?" Tanya asked.

"Camaraderie." I scoffed.

"I don't want to know what the fucking meaning with you." she hissed.

"Language!" Mr. Greene exclaimed.

"Sorry." She said through clenched teeth.

"If you have no questions, then that's all ladies. You may now go."

I stood up without even looking at both of them. In a swift, I made my way out of the principal's office. I tried to stay away from Tanya as much as possible, but somehow, she managed to keep her pace with me.

"Swan, "Tanya hissed as she grabbed me by the arm. "You don't know what you got yourself into."

I used all the energy left in me to break out of her hold. "Tanya, really, what do you want?" I asked her in an irritated voice.

"Edward." She said through clenched teeth.

"You've had him. Yet you've let go. And I caught him. So, he's mine now."

"Bitch."

"So are you."

"Remember this Swan, Edward belongs to me and I will have him back to me in no time."

"Do not underestimate me, Denali."

We had a glare fest for a while. I actually had to break my glare because then I realized that I was late for my class.

"What's with the frown?" Someone asked me as I walked across our lawn.

"Someone in school was threatening me." I gave Jacob a small smile.

"Why?"

"Well because Edward and I are- friends."

"Edward? Edward who?"

Oh, turns out I haven't told Jake about Edward. "Edward Cullen. The doctors son. Dr. Cullen."

"Ah, the pale kid." Jake chuckled.

"He's my friend. Sorta." I grinned.

"Oh."

"Uhmm, I actually have to go inside. You know, cook Charlie's dinner."

"Better is to join you at dinner, right?" Jacob offered.

"Yeah."

Dinner with Jacob around was something between uneasy and nerve- cracking. Though, all in all, it was good.

"Edward, you know, it'd be great if you'll come to ball game."

"Why?"

"Tanya will be there." I told him without looking at his direction.

"Why would Tanya be there?"

"Well, we had this punishment for talking in a violent way yesterday so… Tanya was expected to be at the game tomorrow and do whatever I'll be doing."

"I got you now." Edward grinned.

"Of course you do." I smiled.

After our mini conversation, Edward sped off the road for school.

Another late update :| I'm seriously hating the internet connection right now. Anyways, thank you for the reviews and the Story Alerts, it makes my day :) I hope you'd all be patient to wait for the next chapter because, honestly speaking, I am really busy these days. So please, bear with me :D That's all. Thank you!