~Finally. There was an issue for over 24 hours. Did anybody miss this?

Copyright disclaimer: Twilight and all recognizable characters are sole property of Stephenie Meyer.

Chapter 14: Rides with Strangers

I smacked that dreaded alarm clock. I swear I'm going to start setting my phone with something less annoying. I was not feeling this day at all. It was only Tuesday which meant I was pretty sure I was about to start and I wasn't looking forward to it. Bummer, since things were possibly heating up with Jake, but I could finally begin my pills.

I wanted to be prepared just in case, even though I didn't think I was in a rush to jump into sex. Well, that wasn't completely accurate, and that was pretty obvious the way he got me going in the water. However, I'd waited this long, I owed it to myself to figure out exactly where we stood first, maybe even have an actual date. I didn't think this was only about lust and hormones with us, but I really needed to hear him say the words to me. Although, Jacob was all man so the possibility existed in the forefront of his mind. I remember the bimbo from the bonfire. That's what he was accustomed to, not inexperienced, unsure virgins. How could I even measure up compared to that Evette woman? However, if we kept getting closer, I knew I wanted everything with him... one day. Every time, I let myself remember the ocean, I got tickles in my stomach and elsewhere. It was a good thing I barely saw him Sunday or at all Monday. I didn't want to be so obvious.

I had been doing a little research and was deep into one of those novels Mom purchased, so I might learn a trick or two about things that drive men wild. I swore I'd never read one of these, but I'd take any advice at this point except from Jessica. I overheard her plans for securing male attention the other day and that girl was pathetic.

Jacob succeeded in making me feel like a dumb kid that first time when we were alone, and I haven't completely forgotten. I forgave him, of course, because I understood by the next day. He thought he was protecting me, maybe himself a little too because of Dad. We'd come a long way since then and it was almost impossible to stay mad at him, he was so darn cute, and sexy, but it was so much more than looks. Jacob was kind and considerate. I loved how he treated his mother and how he respected my father. I also watched him with his friends. He was a bit of a hard ass at work, but he had patience and understanding. He didn't hesitate to offer help when any of them needed it. No wonder they gravitated towards him and looked to him for direction. I would swear he was years older than the rest if I didn't know better, because for some reason, he was a natural born leader. I was very careful to prove each day, I was my own person and that I was mature enough to be with him. I thought he'd eventually see I didn't need some sort of protection from him. I wanted him, I knew that for certain, but he wanted me back. He just needed to admit it fully and then we could move forward.

I almost caved because of the swim incident. I got swept away fast and furious with our bodies touching like that, but it was still too soon. He was about to lose it over Seth and I think my new job irritated him as well. It wasn't intentional not to tell him, I just wanted him to be surprised so I continued my nonchalant behavior. I'd learned how he reacted in many situations and that was the thing that drove him nuts.

It was time to stop rehashing and plotting and get in the shower. I'm glad Seth is such a sweet guy. He tried for a kiss last night. If I really was a punk, I would have let that slip to Jacob, but it was personal, not his business. I wasn't trying to make him jealous in the beginning, I simply was making a new friend. When I realized it was just happening, I was kinda enjoying the fact me with another guy bothered Jake. As long as I knew Seth wasn't getting hurt in the process, I didn't think it was too terrible, maybe a little juvenile but very effective. After a brief chat, Seth understood that I was only looking for friendship with him. I didn't worry about him in the least. He could have any girl at Forks High he wanted, maybe even a few of the teachers. I actually heard his drama teacher whisper to the calculus teacher, "they didn't make them like that when I went to high school."

He and I still planned to hang out together, I definitely enjoyed his company. If I'd met him first or maybe if there was no Jake, things might have been different. I wasn't stupid, Seth was a great catch. I was pretty sure Jacob wouldn't get too crazy. I mean, Seth was his friend, so he shouldn't hurt him over it.

I double checked under the bathroom counter. Sarah was so sweet, she'd actually stocked me with extra feminine products. I can't believe she also bought out all the clearance bottles of my favorite soap. It wasn't going to be back in stores until next summer. I had a couple of other scents I liked, but it was nice to get the one I really wanted.

I put a rush on my prep when I heard Dad leave for work. Jacob soon followed. I guess I wouldn't see him until the afternoon. It seemed like forever since I missed him all day before. I didn't have work yesterday, but he asked if I could help out for a couple of hours after school today, before they had a guys' night. Sarah was almost ready when I went downstairs to make myself a cold breakfast. I poured a bowl of cereal, added fruit and topped it off with my almond milk. I told her I'd see her third hour. I realized Dad and Jake both left a little earlier than normal so I had time. I could pull out my economics and cram for a quiz, but thinking about Jake seemed like a much better use of my time.

I felt myself heating up every time he was around. He was incensed the night I'd been out all evening with Seth. He was pretty much acting like an ass, but at least he cared. I think I threw him for a loop about possibly going away for school. That part was actually true. I still hadn't decided. I needed to base that decision solely on what was best for me, not for any boy or relationship. Although, if everything changed and we started something special, it would definitely make it harder to leave. There was also Dad and Sarah to consider. I think they liked having me around and I really liked being here. Mom probably was afraid to admit she enjoyed doing her own thing. I wonder if Sarah would feel the same way about me when she realized my intentions towards her baby boy? Dad was way more protective and paternal than I would've predicted or was used to. A relationship wasn't going to be without conflicts and complications. I still thought we were worth the risk. I'd had other crushes, noticed other guys before, but this thing with Jacob was unlike anything else I'd ever felt. It was super intense and passionate and he hadn't even kissed me. My birthday was Friday and if he didn't catch a clue, I was going to make the move on him. It would be my present to myself.

School was uneventful and long. I aced the quiz, so that was a plus. I had a project due next week in my computer applications class. It was my least favorite class but I needed the credit for college. Alice ended up being my partner. She immediately took charge and started storyboarding everything. I hadn't even had a chance to think or give any input. That's how she was, but it was supposed to be 50/50. I invited her over to work, but she wanted me to come to her house instead. I hadn't asked Charlie yet so I said maybe Thursday. Jacob specifically said he and Charlie didn't like the Cullens, but I hoped that didn't mean I wasn't allowed to hang out with Alice at least enough to do our project.

I really wanted to meet her foster mother as well since she was a designer. As far as I was concerned, Edward and Jasper were both a little strange. I couldn't put my finger on it, but I was pretty sure, Jasper had a mental disability or something like social anxiety disorder. I felt bad for him. How the heck did he end up with Alice? The Cullens didn't mind if their kids matched up since they were all adopted. I heard all about the other two that graduated the year before. Rosalie and Emmett were also a couple. Maybe Dad could be that open minded or maybe not. I probably would have to turn eighteen, graduate, or maybe move out on my own. Time would tell.

Alice and all her hyperactivity kept me late. There was barely a car left in the parking lot when I walked to my truck. I finally drove it. It was pretty awesome. I sent Mom a picture in my last email. She replied, "Gracious, couldn't your father find you something from the modern era?"

Mom never understood vintage, she was always looking ahead, concerned with trends and progress. I loved the truck. I loved that Dad thought of me and made sure Jacob fixed it. They were both pretty special. I tried to start it and nothing. What the heck? I did it perfect the past three days. I tried again and it wouldn't even turn over. There's no way this thing had issues. Mr. Sure of Himself would never give me a bum ride. I was going to have to admit I was a novice and ask for his help. I reached in my bag to retrieve my phone so I could call him, but it wasn't in there. I searched the whole thing, going as far as pouring out the contents. I double checked my backpack as well. It was gone. I must have left it inside. I rushed back to the building but the main door was locked. By the time I made it back out to the lot, more cars had left. Sarah wasn't there anymore. She had a private lesson today. I couldn't believe I lost my phone. I hadn't had it out since lunch. Jacob texted and asked if I was still good for this afternoon. I said I was. I was pretty anxious to spend some time with him.

I was becoming pretty close with all the guys. Leah had even reached out finally. She wanted me to do a girls' day soon. I invited her to yoga also. I felt like I had found my little niche. It didn't take long to feel like I belonged. Seth was like a best friend, Paul was charming in a wicked way, and Quil was so funny. Now, that's what I imagined a brother would be like. He was annoying as hell at times, but could always make me smile. Not sure how he managed to have the worst timing in history, but he had a gift. One day when Jacob and I finally admitted our true feelings, I was going to ask him to have a talk with him.

I wondered if I should just walk home? It wasn't that far. Actually, I could make it to the station quicker. I made it back to the truck just as a huge clap of thunder boomed overhead. Great. My day was getting worse by the second. I held the door open and tried looking under the seat for my phone.

"Problems?"

I jumped and bumped my head on the steering. A cold hand tried to offer assistant but I instantly recoiled at the invasion.

Once I was upright, I realized it was Edward. "Didn't anyone ever tell you not to sneak up on people?"

"My apologies, I thought you looked in peril."

Peril, was he serious?

"No, I was looking for my phone and my truck won't start."

"Oh, well I've never seen you drive this. It's yours?"

"Yes, Jacob fixed it up for me."

He looked over the truck like it disgusted him. I knew what he drove and I was thinking about Jacob's words that the Cullens thought they were better than everyone in Forks. "Didn't do such a great job if it's not starting."

Hearing him insult Jacob was quickly pissing me off. "What do you want Edward? I need to hurry if I'm going to beat this rain."

"Oh no, you can't be serious. You aren't planning on walking, are you?"

"Yes, to Dad's work. It's not far."

"Please, allow me to drive you. I can't let you walk alone and possibly get caught in a storm."

I thought about it as another clap of thunder sounded followed by a quick flash of lightning. "Well, I guess so if you don't mind."

"I don't mind at all. Here, let me help you." Edward picked up my backpack and carried it to his car. He put it in the backseat. As soon as I got in, he answered a phone call. He held the phone to the side. "It's Alice, she said you should come over, something about a project."

I told him no thanks because I was going to work at the garage for Jacob, but he started driving. He passed the street to the station.

"Are you deaf? I said I need to go to the police station."

"I thought we decided you were going to meet up with Alice. You can call Chief Swan when you arrive."

Something funny was going on, not funny haha... funny weird. He ignored everything I said. I didn't feel like arguing. I'd go see what was so urgent with Alice and then insist she give me a ride over to the garage. I didn't think it was too far from where they lived.

Alice was at the car before I ever saw her coming. She was bouncing up and down like she had tiny pogo sticks under her shoes. "I'm so glad you decided to visit. Esme is dying to meet you." She pulled me along. I was trying to explain I needed to call the garage or Dad. She kept talking over me. She pulled me into the office where she had an entire set up waiting. She had a computer screen opened for our class, and a whiteboard. "You'll stay for dinner won't you? This might take a while."

"Huh, no. Alice, I'm sorry you've gone to all this trouble but I'm late. I have to go to work. We have all week to work on this." I suddenly felt woozy and sick, maybe because talking with her was like riding a merry-go-round. I didn't do spinning well. My back was hurting a little, I was expecting cramps any minute.

Alice froze and stared at me. She finally caught on I wasn't actively participating in her conversation. "I have to go downstairs and check on Jazz. Edward will keep you entertained."

"No wait, Alice where's your phone?"

She ran down a flight of stairs and vanished. The house was eerily quiet. It was huge. I had no idea which way to go. I looked around the office but there was no sign of a phone. I called out for Edward, but he didn't answer me. I hadn't seen him since Alice pulled me out of the car. Pretty soon, I heard a piano being played. I followed the melodic noise because hopefully it meant an actual person was playing it. I just needed someone to point me in the direction of the phone.

I climbed a short flight of stairs and walked into a large room. It was Edward. He was playing a beautiful piece I'd never heard anywhere else. The music drew me in so I walked closer. He motioned with his head and I sat down beside him.

I let him finish. "That was very beautiful. I had no idea you were such a talented musician."

He smiled at my compliment. It was perhaps the first time he didn't look so tense to me. Edward was handsome, not my type, but handsome none the less. I think I was stuck on tall, Quileute demigod types now for some reason.

"It's a new piece. I just recently finished it. A special inspiration entered my life."

"Wow, you wrote it too? Then you definitely have talent." Maybe I'd laid on the compliments a little too thick because he was staring at me with a little too much longing for comfort. I interrupted his thoughts.

"Edward, where's the phone around here?"

"Oh, sure. I thought Alice was helping you with that. Come on, you can borrow mine." He stood up and I followed him. We walked into a strange room that was L shaped. I thought it resembled a library more than a bedroom. "This is your room?"

"Yes."

"Where do you sleep?"

He didn't answer instead he brought up my birthday. I had no idea how he knew that was coming up. "Alice says you're joining us for the special occasion."

Was he deluded? I was thinking he might be since he basically kidnapped me at school. I never meant to be here in the first place. "No, not sure where she got that idea. How does Alice know about my birthday?"

"Trust me, Alice knows everything and she does love a party. Maybe you should reconsider."

"Yeah, well me and parties don't really go together. Plus, it's my 18th, kind of a big deal to my father since it's the first birthday in a long time I've gotten to celebrate with him. I'm doing family stuff. Seriously, please don't mention my birthday again."

"Oh, of course, I didn't mean to intrude on your privacy." He said he forgot his phone downstairs which was so irritating. Why had he brought me up here in the first place if his phone wasn't here? Then he disappeared, just as Alice had. All I wanted was a phone and to get out of this upside down funhouse. I felt dizzy in this place. I also was nauseous and definitely had cramps. I should probably find the nearest restroom. I walked down the hall and peaked in a few doors, none were bathrooms. Some rooms were completely empty, nothing but glossy, black walnut floors and stark white walls. I finally collided with another person, a beautiful blonde. She looked pissed. I tried apologizing for snooping through her house. It must be Rose.

Rose didn't beat around the bush. "Shut up and listen." She pulled me by the arm. I didn't have a choice, I was going wherever Rose wanted to take me. She was strong for a beauty queen type. "You need to get out of here right this second. You most definitely should not have come to our home." She shoved my lost cell phone into my hand, stuck my backpack on my arm and ushered me straight out the door and into the pouring rain.

I didn't know this Rose person, but she was right, I felt the same way.

~Thanks for reading.

FF is working again. Yeah! How about reviews? Do those work as well because I have more chapters written, that's chapters plural. Wonder what Jacob will think about this little stunt of Edward's?