Chapter 10 - Ancestors

I found myself retiring to bed earlier than normal that evening. Charlie still hadn't come home, but had called to say he would be late back. My hand was throbbing slightly, and I felt tired.

It was more difficult to get ready for bed than I had at first imagined. Although the cut had been small, the wound itself was deep and Carlisle had inserted more stitches, covering them with wadding and then a small bandage. As such, I was a little clumsy at getting changed. When my head had finally hit the pillow, I hadn't taken long for sleep to claim me.

I was stood in the school canteen, watching her. Her aura transmitted so much energy, I felt myself aching. Slowly she stood, and started to make her way towards me – I felt a surge of anticipation enter my body. As she got closer, her image started to fascinate me, deeply stimulated; I spoke her name, "Alice"…

She took my hand in hers, and I could feel the coldness of her fingers, but it didn't bother me. She lent towards me, her scent intoxicating…

She was going to kiss me.

An aching, deeply rooted need took over my senses as I lent in to accept her lips…

Pure desire.

Avid greed.

Taking hold, I felt her lips on mine. With a fevered agitation, I pressed closer, demanding more…

With a start I awoke.

A dream.

Another dream.

I sat up and rubbed my eyes. Never before had I felt this way about someone, especially another girl. I knew my life was going to change when I came to Forks, but I didn't realise how much…

Until that day in the school canteen.

I shook my head, and pulled the covers close to me, my head full of thoughts on what I should do.

That morning I realised I probably wouldn't be able to drive myself to school. I was about to ask if Charlie could drop me off when I heard a car pull up outside the house. Was it Alice? I ran and opened the door. My hopes were soon dashed.

It was Jacob.

"Morning Bella" he shouted across at me as he swung his large frame out of the truck.

"Hi Jake" I greeted back, walking down to meet him.

"Your dad told my dad about your little accident", he pointed to my hand, "So I figured you may have needed a lift to school this morning?" His voice sounded hopeful.

I nodded. Since arriving at Forks, I had only seen Jake a couple of times, and always in passing. "Sure, a lift would be great, saves me asking Charlie" I replied. It would also give us an opportunity to catch up.

"Great, go grab your stuff, I'll wait in the truck" and he climbed back in.

We were soon on our way.

Jake was the first to speak, "So, you liking Forks high school?" he asked.

I laughed.

Jake turned and looked at me, puzzled; "what's so funny?" he asked.

"Oh, nothing really – everyone keeps asking me that question, that's all – my dad, your dad, Dr Cullen…"

Jake broke in, "You saw Dr Cullen?" he asked, a slight edge in his voice.

I waved my bandaged hand at him, "my little accident required stitches" I answered. Now I felt puzzled.

Jake made a "humph" sound and turned his eyes back on the road.

Minutes seemed to pass by, nobody spoke. Jake then broke the silence, "I guess you've met his kids then?" he asked.

"Most of the, yes. Why?"

Jake was normally so laid back, but he now seemed a little tense.

"I'm not sure about them", he finished. And waited.

"How come?" I asked, but Jake continued.

"I don't trust them, any of them, be careful Bella".

Okay, so now this was getting a bit strange.

"Be careful? Jake, your not making a lot of sense to me" I replied.

Jake broke in, "You don't understand" he continued...

This time, I interrupted him "I don't understand this conversation, Jake, and I don't understand where all this is coming from".

Again, silence. Jake made the same "humph" sound again, and I felt my anger rise steadily.

"Look, Bella – just be careful, okay? Our ancestors never got on that well…."

"Ancestors? But haven't the Cullen's just recently moved here?" I asked (sometimes, Jessica was rather useful when it came to finding out things about other people).

"So they say… maybe they moved back…"

I'd had enough. "Look, Jake – enough of the cryptic, okay? I happen to like them; Alice brought me home from the hospital last night".

Jake swerved the car, and we skidded to a holt. "You were alone with her?" he spat out.

"Yes, do you have an issue with that?" I found myself asking. At that moment in time, I didn't much care if he did.

Jake seemed to regain some self control, "No… no, of course not Bella. You're my friend; I'd hate to have anyone come in between us". He started the car again.

The rest of the drive was done in silence. My mind ticking over the conversation we'd had. His ancestors didn't 'get on' with the Cullen's? What the hell did that mean?

Jake pulled into the school car park. "Here you go" he seemed to whisper.

"Thanks Jake, I appreciate the ride… but you have to know, I don't appreciate your hostility towards the Cullen's, they've been nothing but nice to me". I didn't mention Rosalie, if Jake knew she had taken a dislike to me, it would have only fuelled his fire even more, something I really didn't need.

Jake nodded, and then his gaze turned. "Looks like one of them is waiting for you now" he replied, curtly. Again, I hoped it was Alice, and again my hopes were dashed.

It was Edward.

I got out of the truck.

"Maybe we can catch a movie or something the weekend Bella" Jake asked. I shrugged my shoulders, "I'm not really sure what I have planned, but I'll let you know, bye Jake".

I closed the door, and walked slowly towards Edward.

Questions. I had so many questions, but no answers… maybe Edward could provide me with some…