CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

There was something about both groups waiting for me, ready to pounce and interrogate me that I didn't want to face. I knew the Cullen crew had reservations about Jacob and now my boys had too, mainly since it was Bella and I in his sights.

I rushed up the steps, my head bowed and singing the most annoying song I could find, Barbie Girl, in my head. I had to block them all out, never letting them fully know my fears and pains about having to face my own brother. I quickly passed them, telling them all I'll be late for class. Obviously they all ran after me, question after question was ignored. I wonder if this is how celebrities felt when hounded by the paparazzi. I rushed into the classroom, leaving them all standing at the doorway. I know things would be difficult today.

After each class, they would follow me and I'd just ignore their questions and try to talk about something else but of course, they never relented. That's how it was until lunchtime. This was going to be even harder, after all, we ALL sat down to lunch together. I wonder if I can go on a hunger strike? I asked myself. Nah, I'm too hungry to be on strike now, maybe when I'm full.

I cautiously made my way to the cafeteria, making sure to be the last. I walked in slowly, trying hard no to notice the 10 sets of eyes, burning into my flesh. Guess I better get this over with. I pulled out the chair that was always strategically next to Edward. Strangely enough, that seat was always available, even after everyone was sitting. Guess I did a good job at marking my territory.

"Spill it woman. What did the dog want with you?" said Emmett gruffly. This was the first time he spoke like this to me. I was taken aback and shocked.

"It's no big deal, Em. I can take care of myself. I'm just headed over for a friendly visit." I murmured quietly as I took an apple from Edward's tray. I couldn't even look at Edward. I could tell that he was being all stoic but in his head, he was yelling at me so loud, I was getting a headache.

Andy, please tell me what's going on. I saw what he was thinking.

Edward, I can't. Not right now. In time I will tell you, I do promise you that, okay?

I swore I heard a growl softly rumbling in his chest.

Edward, please, I'm begging. I'll do anything for you if you just let this rest and I mean anything. I'll even let you a cop a feel when we're pretend wrestling. I giggled in my head. I needed him to be relaxed, then I could start on the others. I just wanted to sit on his lap and wrap my arms around his neck and kiss every moment of tension and rage that he was feeling but I knew that could never happen, at least not in public.

I glanced at Jasper who looked like he was going through the wringer. There were too many emotions for him to take. I would image it was rather difficult for him to live with those crazy vampires and now to add our group to it, I'm surprised he hasn't had a nervous breakdown yet.

Without even looking, I spoke to Caleb, Pouge, Tyler and Chase.

Boys, I know you're very interested in what's going on with me and that guy from earlier but don't worry about it. I do have it under control.

I felt their bodies shift, more uncomfortable than restless.

We want to help, okay? Just let us know if you need us. Pouge said. No matter how harsh he was, he would always be the one to sound the most concerned.

I turned my attention to Caleb, my eyes stuck to the table as we spoke.

Hey you.

Hey yourself.

I hope you're not worried that there's something going on with me and that guy.

No, actually. He's not your type. I could feel a grin slowly making its way along the fading tight lines marring his lips. I trust, Andrea. With my heart and my soul, I trust you more than anything and I know if you're hiding something from us, you'll tell us eventually. Just make sure you let the Cullen's know that too. I could tell they're concerned about you too.

Caleb always had a way he could make me weak with just words and I'm glad as I was sitting down. Apparently, Edward had made it known that I would explain to them later when I completed a certain task. He probably took a sneak when I let myself relax and talk to Caleb. Everything was back to normal. Everyone chatting and having fun but here I was, between two of the most amazing, sexiest, wonderful people in the world and I was thinking of what lie to make up to tell them.

Thankfully I was saved at the bell. We all separated and went our own ways. All my classes were actually a bore and I felt like I slept through most of them. I wasn't really asleep but just I wasn't paying attention or more like the hamster was dead but the wheel kept on spinning. It didn't matter to me, just as long as I found out what Jacob had wanted.

This time around I was actually relieved that school was now over. In no time at all, we got home and I changed and got into a pair of tattered, worn out blue jeans with tears at the knees that had strategically placed tears on the front and behind the thigh and a short sky blue baby tee that was boarding the top my hip. I pulled my hair in a messy ponytail as I threw on my blue and white sneakers and ran out the door. I borrowed one of Tyler's cars again and made my way down to La Push.

I wasn't even sure how long it took me to reach Jacob's house but it felt way too short. I took a deep breath as I drove into his driveway. I saw the bottom half of him, standing on the side of his car, this upper body under the hood. He was trying so hard to get it working, I pulled up quickly, turned off the engine, jumped out of the car and was now walking towards Jacob's little garage.

"Hey Jakey!" I yelled as I was close enough to the garage.

I heard a loud thundering of metal and flesh colliding. I started laughing as I saw Jacob pulling himself from under the hood of the car, rubbing his head with his grease stained hand.

"Are you trying to kill me?" he yelled as his eyes rove over my very casual outfit. "Nice jeans," he grinned.

"Wow," I exclaimed. "You accuse me of trying to kill you and then you turn up the flirting. Very interesting strategy," I jeered as I dropped down the discarded car seat not too far from the car.

"Yeah well, when it comes to the ladies, I pull out all the stops," his white teeth was now dazzling me. He was a really a great kid to be around. I only wished I knew who he was much earlier, at least we'd have some sort of brother/sister relationship.

"So what did you want? What was so important that you had to come down to my school and piss off my friends?" His face went from a huge grin to a sullen look. Before I could do anything, my keen senses kicked in and I saw a large russet coloured wolf standing behind him. Crap, he was one too.

"So the leech was pissed huh?" he asked as that huge smile reappeared.

"Who?"

"Uh, nevermind." He brushed the comment off quickly. "Oh, I just wanted to spend some time with you."

"Yeah right Jake. Come on, please, tell me what you wanted." I stared at him and gave my best impression of puppy dog eyes I could muster.

His gaze was strong but in less than a minute, his resolve has vanished. "Ugh! Fine, I'll tell you," he said with a light annoyance in his voice.

I jumped up and down on the seat, clapping my hands. I so excited that it worked on him. Yes, finally another one bites the dust, I laughed to myself.

"Charlie came over the other night, asking my dad if a girl came to see him. Apparently that certain girl went to the police station to get directions to our house. Billy didn't say much but he did say that he knew your family pretty well and that Charlie knew them pretty good too. I think they mentioned your father and Charlie's eyes looked like they were gonna pop out of his head. Anyway, they just started talking how you looked like your mother and how beautiful she was. It wasn't too long after they realized I was still in the house."

I sat there shocked. So many questions running through my head. Why would they talk about me? I looked like my mother? Why did Charlie look so surprised?

"And? That's it?" I asked impatiently.

His glazed dropped to the floor, staring as if trying to burn a hole through the dirt. I cleared my throat to get his attention. He slowly rolled his eyes up to mine, locking his gaze with mine.

"I know who you are."

Luckily for me, I smelt a scent similar to Jacob's. I assumed it would be his pack so I was saved.

"Your pack is here," I murmured. His eyes widened as two guys, almost the same height and body structure of Jacob walked in. I jumped up quickly off the seat, ran over to Jacob and kissed his cheek.

"I'll see you later, Jake. I'll call you." I waved to the guys as I made a run towards my car. I had to get out of here.