DISCLAIMER!
I do not own any rights to the beautiful world of Twilight other than my own original characters.
The beautiful world of Twilight belongs to Stephanie Meyer!

This Is My Destiny

Chapter 6 "Feelings"

Liam Heavensworth and I met our first day of 3rd grade. Being typical 8-year old children, we were afraid of cuties and tended to hang out with peers of our gender. That all changed mid-way through the school year. At recess one sunny afternoon, Liam and his group of friends asked my group if we wanted to play tag. Of course, not all the girls wanted to get dirty. Morgan, Tracie, and I joined the boys in their game of tag. We were having a blast! On one of Liam's turns, he was chasing me, and I thought I was well enough ahead. Before I knew what hit me, I was shoved in the back by Liam so fiercely I fell in the gravel at the swings as I tempted to evade him by circling the swing set. I was physically ok, except for some gravel ended up cutting into my knee. That was only the first incident among countless others of Liam picking on me. For several weeks he had pulled my chair out from under me, announced to the whole class what color my underwear was I sat on the floor cross-legged during circle time and he could see up my skirt, tripped me in the lunch line, put glue on the seat of my desk when I wasn't looking, and many other things. Too many things to list. After several weeks of relentless teasing, I approached my Mom about Liam crying after she had picked Bella and me up from school. I explained how he continued to pick on me regardless of what I or my teacher would say. He had to sit in the office a few times for recess because of him bothering me when the teacher specifically told him to not bother me. I remember asking, "Why does Liam hate me so much?"

Mom sat there with a smile on her face, giggling for a few moments, then finally said, "Sarah, I don't think Liam hates you. I think Liam has a crush on you."

"Mommy, what's a crush?"

"It's when you like someone and want to hold their hand and no one else's," Mom answered my question with a grin.

"Ewwwww," I replied, my face puckered as I had just tasted the sourest lemon. "That's disgusting! I don't want to hold Liam's hand. Boys have cuties, and I don't want them!" Mom continued to laugh loudly after that declaration, finally calming down enough to explain in further detail how boys pick on girls they want to hold their hands. Needless to say, after that conversation I did my best to avoid Liam, and eventually, he started picking on Hannah in our class. That was my first run-in with the opposite sex, and it certainly wasn't the last. Throughout my schooling, I ran into several other boys like Liam. It was during 7th grade when I became more interested in the boys picking on me. I even started picking on a few boys, enjoying the attention I received from them. Near the end of 8th grade was when I went on my first actual date. The boy's name was Benjamin McDougal, and my Mom chaperoned our date. He was nice but shy. Towards the end of the movie I discovered I preferred more rambunctious guys, they fit my personality better. From that point on, I tended to stick to the boys that were loud and fun.

All these boys were fun, and we ended up being better as friends than a couple. The one boy who was too handsy, I didn't bother with him after that disastrous date. However, I was able to become friends with all the other guys I went on dates with. I wasn't exceptionally close to any of them, but we got along well enough to be friendly at school. Never, have I ever felt this desire to be close to a guy, I have never had an attraction to a boy to where my heart was pounding in my chest and my hands were a sweaty mess. That was all before Jacob Black walked into my living room, and metaphorically sweeping me off my feet. Last I saw him, I was taller than him, he had gangly arms and legs, his head was too big for his body, and his voice was still the characteristic pre-adolescent sounding voice. I always thought his voice was a little too nasally in my opinion. Jacob was an okay guy; I just never had any attraction to him when we were younger. Now that he's older, his youthful face has grown out into this chiseled beauty. His hypnotizingly dark brown eyes are set deep above his high cheekbones. The only feature giving away his remaining youthfulness was the childish roundness around his chin. Billy has passed on his beautiful russet-colored skin and it perfectly suited Jacob. He had a growth spurt since I saw him last. I feel an odd sensation in my abdomen, it feels like my stomach is moving in a fluid-like motion. I realize I'm having the sensation they call butterflies in the stomach. I'm so lost in my appreciation of this older and beautiful Jacob when his father's voice pulls me back into the present. "Hardy-har-har! Sarah here will move in and feed me, won't you dear?"

Oh, crap Sarah, he's talking to you. Say something now! I scream in my head.

"Certainly, Billy, we wouldn't want you to starve, now would we?" I respond giving Billy's shoulder a reassuring squeeze. I chance a look up at Jacob and that's when I see him finally glance my direction. A brief look of surprise crosses his face before settling into a playful smile.

"Great! When can I move her to my house, Charlie?" Billy jokes with Dad. We all joke around like this for a few more minutes before I announce I need to get a shower and a change of clothes. Once I am in the bathroom about to take my sodden wet clothes off, I realize I'm still in my track shorts that are extremely short and show off my toned legs. I put two and two together and realize that that may have been why I caught Jacob looking at my legs a couple of times. It was only when I was looking through my peripheral vision that I saw him looking. Anytime I fully turned my head in his direction, he would either look at his Billy or Dad. I prolong my shower because I'm not certain how much more time I can spend in Jacob's presence without potentially making a fool of myself. I'm still a jittery mess upon leaving the shower. Normally I do my homework in my own room, however, I decide I'll take my homework down to the dining room to complete. This allows me to still be involved in the group but I'm not in the same room as Jacob and possibly do something stupid to embarrass myself. I can still see everyone in the living room, yet I'll be in another room and I can use my homework as an excuse to not include myself completely in any conversation.

I spent more time that evening staring at the back of Jacob and Bella's heads than I did doing actual homework. Thankfully, none of it was due until Monday. My observation of Jacob this evening concluded that if he did have feelings for anyone, it certainly wasn't with me. Jacob and Bella were sitting on the couch together, Bella was on the end to the right and Jacob placed himself mid-way between the left and middle. As well, he kept their conversation going during the game. Bella would respond with one-word responses, lacking enthusiasm. What got me thinking he had potential feelings for Bella is because he couldn't keep his eyes off her all evening, and he would talk about anything and everything to just have anything to talk about. What I found odd was that Bella appeared to pay closer attention to Billy than Jacob. Hopeful at the beginning of the evening that Jacob may have been feeling the same towards me, by the end of the evening I realized that couldn't be further from the truth. Jacob didn't acknowledge my presence, except for a slight wave goodbye as they were leaving. He at least asked Bella if she was returning to the beach with her friends again. Billy, of course, demanded a hug from me and insisted that we all come down to visit sometime soon. I decided that I was not going to pine after a guy who preferred my sister. Not to mention, how do I know he even felt like I felt. A guy doesn't have to immediately have feelings for you if he's checking you out. It's my fault for unintentionally showing my legs, I'm sure if I had on a pair of pants, he wouldn't have given me a second glance. Laying my head down in bed that night, I reasoned that it was ridiculous of me to entertain the notion of Jacob liking me. Bella was smarter, prettier, and not as boisterous and loud as I am. Guys don't like girls like that. I promise myself to bury any newfound feelings for Jacob and just remain friends with him. There's no way that we will be any more than friends. It was a silly thought, and I was stupid for ever believing he had feelings for me.

That night I dreamed of a foreboding type of dream. Bella and I were floating on some type of wooden platform out in the middle of the ocean. We were standing across from each other. The sky was a deep royal blue, and the waves were gently lapping onto the platform that was yawing along with the waves. We stood there staring at one another for what felt like hours. I understood what I was experiencing was surreal, however, the intensity of the visual effects of the dream was equal to if I was in fact on a platform out in the middle of the ocean with Bella. I was unable to distinguish time in this alternate reality. There was a full moon above us, allowing me to better see Bella, myself, and the tiny platform we floated upon.

At some point, I felt this incredibly cold tingle on the left side of my body. Slowly turning my head to the left, my gaze fell upon Edward Cullen floating in mid-air above the choppy water. His beauty was enhanced in my dream, I was able to see every fascinating feature in detail. No one could ever compare to how pale Edward was, so pale it was almost translucent. Even though I have never touched his skin, I knew without a doubt it must be as smooth as marble. His face, neck, and what parts of his arms and chest I could see are void of any blemish, any mark that would tarnish the perfection of his skin. Although there were dark purple circles under both eyes, giving the appearance he was exhausted or feeling unwell, his eyes held such an intense glare and remained focus directly in front of himself towards my right, Bella's left.

It was at this time I felt a warmness spread throughout the right side of my body, a welcoming feeling like I was at home. Turning my head to my right this time I became intrigued with the individuals floating there above the water. Billy and Jacob were both there, standing side by side. The fact Billy wasn't in his wheelchair confirmed this had to be a dream. He appeared to be just a few inches taller than Jacob. Their russet-colored skin was exquisite and appeared sun-kissed like they had been in the sun all day. Billy's aged face was crinkled showing several emotions in tandem; agitation, fear, and finally anger. He was glaring straight ahead meeting Edward's gaze, and not showing any hesitation under the scrutiny of Edward's stare. He had his left hand rested on Jacob's right shoulder in some semblance of comfort or solidarity, I couldn't decipher. Jacob's face was as I remembered, only the beauty appeared to be enhanced, regardless of the scowl on his face. The high planes of his cheekbones accented the intense gleam coming from his illustrious dark brown eyes. His glossy black hair remained tied back on the nape of his neck cascading down over his broad shoulders, which I noticed were pulled back and tensed staring back into Edward's eyes.

A loud booming sound rings out, almost like a gun firing off. At that moment, I glanced down and saw a huge crack formed on the wooden platform. When I looked closer, I quickly realized the platform had broken into two separate platforms. The two platforms began to float from one another. Bella was quick to hop over on the platform closest to Edward, clinging onto his arms for support. I was torn at what I should do, my sister whom I love with all my heart is on my left. Meanwhile, I have Billy and Jacob on my right. Fear and trepidation are waiting for me on my left, and comfort and familiarity to my right. In one swift fluid, Bella and Jacob both reach out grabbing onto an arm. A tug of war ensues, both pulling with all their might and each begging me to choose their side. The tug of war continues until I lose my footing and plummet into the cold choppy water.

I come up out of my bed gasping for breath. Clutching my hands at my chest, I lay back down to alleviate the yawing motion in my head. I'm not able to look at my clock, but I imagine it takes me a few minutes to calm down and get my bearings. Once the room comes into focus and I don't feel as if I'll fall from the motion in my head, I pull myself up to sit on the edge of my bed. Glancing at the clock, it reads 3:57 am. Hmmm, too early to get up, I muse to myself. There was a new moon tonight, meaning there was little to no light in the room leaving me in almost complete darkness. My mouth felt parched enough I decided to make the trek down to the kitchen for a glass of water.

As I was walking down the staircase into the entryway, I heard the telltale sound of Dad rummaging around in the kitchen. Walking into the kitchen I greeted Dad, who was making himself a bowl of cereal. "Morning Dad."

Abruptly turning to face me, I give a small chuckle at the look of panic that passes over Dad's face before quickly turning into a glaring look, "I didn't even hear you come down. Why are you up so early?" He finishes pouring his milk, then places the milk carton back in the fridge before walking over to sit at the table to eat.

"I couldn't sleep," I tell him. Fetching me a glass and pouring some water into the glass from the tap, I ask, "How come you're eating cereal for breakfast? I thought you were an egg and bacon kind of man," I finish with a slight chuckle.

"I received a call to come to the station. There's a situation I have to handle," he answers in between bites of cereal. I observe he's scarfing the cereal down and proceeds to explain, "I'm in a hurry, frying eggs and bacon takes too much time when in a hurry."

I agreed with him there, my curiosity got the best of me and I asked Dad, "What happened they need you in the station this early?"

"Nothing you need to worry about," he replies, "just your typical police work." He refuses to look in my eyes as he's talking. I have the impression that there is more he refuses to tell me, and I decide it may be for the best that I don't know.

Finishing my glass of water, I respond, "Just make sure you're careful and be safe." I walk over leaning down to give Dad a quick one-armed hug around his shoulders. His right-hand grasps my wrist briefly before returning to his cereal. I let my arm fall from around him returning up the stairs to my room. Once in my room, I realized there was no way I would be able to go to sleep and decided to take a shower to help wash away the jitters I was still experiencing from the dream. My shower took longer than usual, attempting to calm myself. By the time I was done with my shower, I noticed it was only a little after 5. Disappointed that I still had a good 2 hours to go before we had to leave for school, I pulled my homework out to occupy my time until then. When I finally heard Bella mosey around downstairs, I was writing my last paragraph on a paper about the Korean War that was due on Monday. Finishing the paper, I stretched out and gathered all of the items I needed for the day.

Joining Bella in the kitchen shortly after, I poured myself a bowl of cereal. I finally felt hungry enough to eat. My thoughts veered off again to the young man who was in this house just yesterday evening. A subtle tingle of jealousy rippled through me and I found myself asking Bella a question, "so, what's going on with you and Jacob?" Oh crap! I thought to myself, I didn't mean to ask it that way. Please don't ask me about Jacob.

"What do you mean?" I sensed a subtle deplore in her questioning.

"Well, he seemed interested in talking with you," I continued trying to seem uninterested. The last thing I needed was for Bella to know I was jealous of her over a guy who was younger than us. Plus, who's to say I'm correct in my assumption. He may just be overly friendly, but it bothered me that he showed little interest in me and a lot of interest in Bella.

"Oh, that…well I think I gave him the wrong impression last Saturday," Bella answered sheepishly. A look of remorse passed across her face. What is that about? I thought to myself.

Bella looked like she had more to say, but hesitant for whatever reason. I decided to get her to talk by asking, "What happened last Saturday?" What I wanted to ask was, what did you do or say to make him feel comfortable with you? Do you like him as a friend, or maybe more? Knowing that would open a whole can of worms I wasn't ready for, I decided to just stick with the one question.

Bella was now fidgeting with her hands and took a few moments to finally speak, "I gave Jacob the wrong impression, I believe." I was more confused now than before, but I held my tongue. "I wanted to know some information and I uncharacteristically flirted with him to get it," Bella continued, "apparently I executed my mission well and he believes I must like him."

You did what? I screamed in my head. I was extremely upset with her. That is horrible to use someone to get what you want. Knowing it wouldn't do me any good to raise my voice, I calmly asked, "Why would you do that? Was what you wanted to know that important to flirt with Jacob? I'm assuming that you don't feel that way for him, do you?"

Bella at least had the sincerity to look shameful over her actions. "I feel terrible, and I wish I could take it back. I think I gave him the hope of me reciprocating those feelings when I only care for him in a friendly manner."

I was careful to note that she didn't answer what she wanted to know. Deciding I wasn't going to let it slide, I made sure to restate my question, "What information did you need from Jacob?"

There were a few brief moments where Bella stared at her hands. Finally, she stopped fidgeting her hands and looked up at me. "I was interested in some of the local legends, he was hesitant to tell me, but I really wanted to know what he knew." I got the impression she was telling the truth, but not being completely honest with me.

I was getting more hurt by the minute. Not hurt for me, I was hurting for Jacob. The fact that Bella tricked him to know information regarding such an unimportant topic. What was so important she had to deceive a young boy? I decided I wasn't going to let it go. "Why would you think it's so important to know local legends, that you would trick a poor innocent boy? Are the legends that important to be so cruel?"

If looks could kill, I would be 6 feet under in an instance. Bella shoots me a deathly glare before glancing at the clock and standing up. If there was any doubt of her aggravation, she most certainly made it known when she next spoke, "It's not a crime to flirt with a boy, Sarah. There wasn't any harm in me encouraging –ˮ

Having enough I interrupted, "It's not a crime to flirt, Bella. I'm not saying that you can't flirt with a boy. What I'm saying is, to flirt with a boy only to use him and then knowingly encourage the possibility of something more with that boy when you have no intention of reciprocating those feelings is cruel and you should be ashamed of yourself." When I had finished with my rant, I found myself standing up and glaring down at Bella. The rational part of my brain was screaming at me, Shut up, Sarah! However, my irritation with Bella and her carelessness at this moment had reached a level where I could care less about what she thought.

I was not prepared for what Bella said next, "You're one to talk, Sarah. Didn't you lead Brandon on for a whole month, even going out on a date with him on Valentine's Day to dump him when you found convenient? And you claim I'm in the wrong! You shouldn't have strung that poor guy along knowing you didn't want a thing to do with him in the end. You did a number on him, and he's now depressed and avoids you at all costs."

Breathing in and out deeply through my nose as I had just run a marathon, it took all my willpower to not punch her in the face. Instead, I stared Bella down, until I saw her squirming under my gaze. When I finally spoke, I spoke in such a calm manner you would find it hard to believe I was in the midst of an argument, "that is far from the truth and you know it. I confided in you that I was torn between my lack of feelings and my wish to have those feelings for Brandon. He's a fantastic guy and any girl would be extremely lucky to have him in their life. I was torn up over it, and you don't know how bad I wanted to like him enough to call him my boyfriend. I was at least attempting to open myself up to having a relationship with him. I didn't use him for personal gain." Glancing at the clock, I saw that I should leave for school soon or I could risk being late. Movement out of the corner of my right eye caused me to look outside and I saw the silver Volvo parked in Dad's spot. "Your boyfriend is waiting for you. You may want to move it before you're late for school." I proceeded to clean my bowl and spoon in a flash, throwing them down into the dish drainer with more force than necessary. I paused on my way out of the kitchen to glare once more at Bella saying, "your actions have consequences, regardless of your intent. You may want to think about that the next time you take advantage of someone and lead them on. Do not speak to me about Brandon ever again, if you know what's good for you. I'm torn up and feel terrible that I couldn't return his feelings. I tried with everything I had to see him in that way. It's not mine or his fault that I never returned those feelings. Brandon is a great guy, and you don't know how bad I wished to feel that way for him. Now do yourself a favor and don't talk to me for the rest of the day. I'm pissed at you and I don't want to say or do anything that I'll end up regretting later."

I had my hand on the doorknob when Bella spoke next, "Sarah, I –ˮ.

I'm quick to interrupt, "save it, Bella. I don't want to hear anything from you at this moment." As soon as I finished, I threw the door open and slamming it behind me. I ran down the sidewalk to the truck. Nearing the truck, I take a risk and lookup noticing Edward standing still like a statue on the passenger side of the car. His face is unreadable, and I find myself not particularly caring that he potentially thought I was some sort of lunatic. I throw the truck door open, jumping in and slamming the door behind me. Starting the truck up, I quickly slam it into reverse peeling out onto the street, and shift the gear so fast into 1st I hear the gears grind. Not once did I glance back at Bella or Edward. Once I make it to the parking lot, I pull into a parking spot and take a few moments to practice my deep breathing, and smack my hand onto the steering wheel in frustration. After my grand theft auto imitation at the house, I remembered to take it easy on the truck. For the time being this is the only form of transportation for Bella and me, we don't need me ruining the truck beyond repair. Dad was generous enough to purchase this truck for us, without wanting anything in return. I was not about to disrespect him by treating the truck like trash. Although, if something did happen to go wrong with the truck, I'm certain Dad would enlist Jacob's help. The possibility of seeing Jacob passes through my head. I quickly stomp those feelings down, reminding myself it's Bella Jacob wants. He doesn't want anything to do with me in that way.

Being lost in my thoughts, I don't notice the figures standing next to my truck until I go to open my door. I jump completely off my seat, smacking my head on the roof when I finally see Stacy and Tracy standing there waiting for me. Opening the door, I greet them with what enthusiasm I can muster, "Good morning ladies!"

"Are you okay, Sarah?" Tracy is the first to speak, she is such a kind person and I know without a doubt she is genuinely concerned for me.

"I'm as okay as I can be," I respond as I begin shuffling my feet back and forth in place.

"Sarah, you can talk to us. We care about you and want to be there for you," this time Stacy is the one to speak. She steps forward hesitantly, putting her left arm around my shoulders. This is a feat that would be difficult for most due to my 5'8.5" height, thankfully Stacy and Tracy are right around my height.

"How did you know I was upset?" I was curious, I hadn't seen them until I went to get out of the truck.

"We pulled in just before you and came over to walk with you when we noticed you smack your steering wheel and appeared to be upset," Tracy answered looking at me somberly, then continued, "will you tell us what happened so we can help."

I most certainly was grateful for their compassion, but I wasn't ready to talk about what happened with Bella. Looking up to speak to Tracy I caught sight of the silver Volvo pulling into the parking lot. Not wanting to be anywhere near Bella at the moment, I gestured to the school buildings while speaking, "let's head on in. I don't feel up to talking right now, but I promise that I'll talk to you about it later."

With her eyebrows furrowed, Tracy is the one to respond, "Okay. But know that we are here for you, and I'm sure Candace is as well." We walk towards our respective buildings, separating for me to head towards Biology and the twins to Geometry.

Sitting down at the table I share with Candace; I throw my head down onto my folded arms in frustration. A hand gently pats my shoulder, I look over to see Candace looking at me with concern. She asks, "What's wrong Sarah?"

I put my head back down before mumbling, "nothing."

"Come on, Sarah. I know you better than that," she attempts again.

Blowing out a puff of air I decide I may as well talk to her about it. She's my closest friend here and she has given good advice in the past. I take in a quick breath before I start, "Bella and I had a big argument this morning." I explain in detail mine and Bella's argument this morning. When I finish, I put my head back down waiting for Mrs. Donald to arrive and start the class.

"Are you meaning Jacob Black, when you speak of the boy that Bella flirted with to get some information?" I hear Candace ask.

I look up at her before I continue, "yes, do you know him?"

"Yes, I know a little of him. He and his friends have hung out with us before when we ran into each other in La Push, usually at First Beach. You're saying that Bella wanted to know some information and knowingly flirted with him to use him, and now he's showing interest and she is not doing right by him and explaining how she feels to him?"

"Basically," I mumble.

"Then you call her out on her shit, and she turns it around and claims you lead Brandon on this whole time?"

"Yep."

"Oh man, Sarah. I'd be pissed off myself," she states. "That was cruel, you do know that's not true, right? Brandon doesn't hate you. Plus, you didn't lead him on, I know for a fact you tried your best to have feelings for him."

"How do you know that's not how Brandon feels? He refuses to talk with me, barely even says hi to me when in passing." I sit up and scoot my chair in.

Candace continues, "I haven't heard of him being mad at you. Granted he and I don't talk. I just know that he doesn't hate you. Is he mean to you, say hurtful things?"

"No," I answer.

"The best advice I can give you is to talk with Brandon and see what he has to say. Regarding Bella, just let things calm down. She'll realize that she was in the wrong and will apologize." Candace and I finish talking because Mrs. Donald has just walked in the door and started the lesson.

Normally I would say hi to Brandon when I sat down, but today I didn't feel like it. I practically ran to my seat and put my head down on my right arm. I listened to Mr. Kramer's presentation on the separation of North and South Korea, not looking up once to glance in Brandon's direction, and immediately fled from the room once class was over. When I sat down in Spanish, I avoided Bella, refusing to look at her. She didn't attempt to make any conversation with me, and for that I was grateful. The rest of the school day passed quickly in a blur. My anxiety was getting the best of me and with all that happened in the last week, I started spiraling into a depressive state. Candace, Stacy, and Tracy tried their best to get me to eat at lunch, but I wasn't hungry at all. Brandon and I weren't on the same team in Gym, thankfully. Although, I did catch him glimpsing my way a few times.

Arriving at home didn't help matters, especially since I had to ride with Bella home because Edward had to leave school early. The second I was in the door I rushed over to the phone to call Dad. Candace offered for me to stay the night with her and then the rest of the girls would come over to get ready before the dance. Happy that Dad was ok with me staying with Candace I rushed upstairs to get ready and wait for Candace and her Mom to come to pick me up. From that point forward the evening got better. I wasn't sulking and worrying over things I can't help. Gloria used to always remind me that we can't control others actions, only our actions can we control. We stayed up late and Candace listened as I complained about the whole Bella and Jacob debacle. Candace caught me off guard when she asked, "do you like Jacob?"

"Wha-what?"

"Do you like Jacob?" She asked for a second time.

"No, why do you say that?" I prayed that Candace couldn't see through my lies.

"Hmm, it seems like you care an awful lot about his feelings. Like you're almost taking what she had done personally," she further explains.

"I think that Bella did him wrong and that's all. I don't have feelings for him," I said. Even I could hear how lame that sounded.

"Sarah, it's ok for you to have feelings for Jacob. It's not a crime, and I honestly think he's a good guy who would be kind to you."

I mumble, "I'm not what he wants though."

"Why do you say that?" Candace asked.

Crap! I screamed to myself in panic. I hadn't intended for her to hear that. "Well all he cared about was talking to her," I explained. Then I went into detail about what happened yesterday evening.

Candace sat there and listened to every word before responding, "do you think that maybe he was intimidated by you. You're beautiful, and some guys may have a hard time approaching you. Plus, he's younger than you, he probably would have been more receptive to your attention if you had sat there on the couch beside him and initiated any conversation with him."

We talked for a little more until we both fell asleep. The next day Stacy and Tracy came over a little after noon to start primping ourselves for the dance. Tracy was, of course, going with Benjamin and Stacy with Jason. We relentlessly teased Stacy, asking if something going on between her and Jason. She adamantly refused but couldn't hide her blushing each time we mentioned it. Hannah and Wendy managed to book an appointment to have their hair and nails done at the only hair/nail spa in town, Frankie's. A woman named Tristan Powell owned Frankie's and named the place after her late mother. According to Wendy, she was nice and gifted with hair. They would be meeting us for dinner before the dance. Wendy and I were getting along better now, especially since she started seeing a boy named Robbie a couple of weeks ago. He was in 11th grade with Bella and plays ball with Jason, Chris, and Brandon.

By the time we piled into Rita's Diner at 6 pm dinner, there were 10 of us in the group. The diner was one of only a handful on the highway between La Push and Forks, Highway 110. It's packed on the weekends and very popular. Fortunately, Chris called a week ahead to reserve their only table big enough for us. We still had to squeeze in together to have enough room, but we made do. Once everyone had their fill, we started to leave in groups of 2 or 4, depending on who was going with who. I excused myself to use the restroom when everyone else had left besides Candace, Stacy, Jason, and myself. While in the restroom, I took a couple of minutes to touch up my make-up and hair. Stacy did my hair and it looked amazing! She left my hair down, putting my part over closer to my left ear, and added big voluptuous curls in my hair. For my make-up, I asked Candace to make it as natural as possible. She kept with my wishes yet managed to give my eyes this smoky effect that made my hazel eyes pop, and a deep magenta lip gloss to accentuate my lips.

Walking out of the restroom I saw that Stacy and Jason had left, and Candace was standing next to a booth talking to the occupants. I was fiddling with my handbag and not paying attention when I approached. "Okay Candace, I'm ready when you are."

I heard a throat being cleared subtly from the occupant to the right of us, then Candace spoke, "Hey guys, this is my good friend, Sarah. You may know her as Chief Swan's daughter."

Not wanting to be rude I looked up and softly said hello to the two boys on the left side of the booth, and they nodded back with timid hellos as well. When I turned my gaze to my right to the occupant on the right I momentarily forgot to breathe. There sitting nonchalantly was none other than Jacob Black. Quickly realizing I didn't want to look like a fool I spoke with as much strength as I could muster, "oh hey Jacob, it's good to see you again."

"Yeah… you too," he replied in his husky voice.

"Okay boys, Sarah, and I have a dance to head off to. Check ya later!" Candace exclaims while gently pushing me towards the door.

"Bye guys," I called out as Candace pushed me.

No sooner were we out the door when Candace spoke, "you should have seen Jacob checking you out." My only response was an eye roll. I was having difficulty speaking. "Oh, come on, Sarah. All three of them were checking you out. I told Jacob I was with you and he immediately started looking around. Searching for you I assume. When you came out of the restroom and started walking towards us, all three of them stopped talking to watch you walk up to us. Who can blame them? You look hot in that dress, it shows off your legs, and they look like perfection. Any boy would be a dimwit to not check you out."

"There's my point, Candace. I may look appealing to guys, but it doesn't mean he has feelings for me." We had reached Candace's mom's jeep and climbed in.

Starting up the jeep, Candace turned to me and continued, "Sarah, I no sooner said your name and he started looking for you. You were still in the restroom at this point."

"Alright Candace, you've made your point. Now let's get to this dance and have some fun!" Nothing further was mentioned about Jacob or Bella on our way to the dance.