When we passed the treaty line, things became a bit more lighthearted. Quil was telling me about their Halloween pranks at school and how one of his teachers actually caught him in the act which resulted in extra homework, but it was worth it when the teacher fell for the first prank he'd set. They were all harmless and funny so nobody actually got hurt or anything.
By the time we arrived at the house, it was 6:30 since Quil wanted to stop for milkshakes before heading back. His was long gone but I was still sipping on mine while he chatted away. I was loving that things were still good between us and could continue like nothing happened.
Quil parked the car and I finished up the last few sips of my milkshake while he continued his story about Halloween. After a few moments, Jake appeared at the door to the house, probably confused why I hadn't gotten out yet or antsy to see me. Maybe both. His smile was beautiful but he looked confused as well.
I waved, opening up the truck door, still listening to Quil finish his story. Jake stayed quiet until Quil was done, but jogged over to the truck to help me down. Jake was great about the situation with Quil, he was never overly affectionate when he was around which I'm sure Quil appreciated. He grabbed my hand and closed the door behind me, Quil was already next to me.
"So it got so bad that by the end of the class, what started as no homework ended up with everyone getting extra homework. I might be on Mr. Peters shit list for the rest of the year."
I shook my head at his story. "Well you're lucky he didn't suspend you."
Quil laughed. "They aren't allowed to suspend us ever since they found out we protect the tribe. We'd have to like… murder someone to be kicked out."
"Oh." Well at least they could have their emotional outbursts and not worry, as long as nobody got hurt.
"So how did Quil end up driving you home?" Jake asked, now that the story was over.
"They couldn't find a sub for his first two periods so he tagged along. We kind of had some things to discuss anyways so it was good. Got some things off our backs. He knows I know."
"About my feelings." Quil elaborated. Jake didn't respond.
"Also he overheard something the other day and uh.. he knows about…" I pointed to my belly in case anyone else was close enough to hear.
Jake glanced down at my belly, then up at Quil. "Oh. I…"
"It's all good man. I won't die of heartache."
"He also met Ashley."
"I also learned that seeing the world for the first time doesn't shade the moon, which sucks ass because I really hoped I didn't have to stay in this pit for any longer." Quil said, glancing at me. It was the first time anyone aside from Leah or Sam made that Luna reference.
"What does that mean? I don't understand." Jake looked over at Quil but I was the one to elaborate.
"Quil imprinted on Ashley but his feelings for me didn't go away."
"How is that even possible? " Jake asked, looking between Quil and me.
"My guess is that I need to talk to Ashley about everything and things will just fall into place," Quil said then shrugged his shoulders, "but how do I do that when she has a boyfriend?"
"We'll take it day by day and see how it goes. I'm just glad there are no more secrets." Jake said and while technically true, my dreams were kind of a secret but also not anything I would ever admit. I had no desire to be with Quil, and even searched online on the way back and apparently having sexual dreams about literally anyone in pregnancy is possible because hormones are going crazy. Honestly, I'd rather they be about Quil than Mike or Edward.
Quil decided to head home to think about his next step when it came to Ashley, and took off toward his house. Jake followed me inside and closed the door behind us.
"So… he's still in love with you and everything is out in the open…"
"Are you okay with that? I mean, it isn't like he's choosing it and he's going to see about Ashley. He does want things to change because of her. He doesn't want to interfere with our relationship."
"Yeah, I mean I can't really judge him for loving such an amazing person. I just hope that things work out with Ashley so he can move on."
"Me too. Come on, let's order pizza and watch a movie." I nudged Jake and pulled my phone out of my purse.
Jake followed behind me then grabbed me from behind, causing me to jump. Jake turned us and fell backwards onto the couch with me on top of him.
"Mmmm, right where I want you."
"I'd agree if it weren't for how hungry I am. Fairly certain that puke is not attractive."
Jake sighed but let me go. "Fine. Order the pizza, but after you eat, you're all mine."
"I wouldn't have it any other way."
The next day was more or less the same. They still hadn't found a substitute for the class so Quil made his way up to my work with me and stayed until he had to leave for his next class. Then he was back right after school. The bakery was in the building of a retro diner, one of those ones with roller-skating waitresses and milkshakes that were much too big for a single person. Quil sat at the counter and did his homework while he waited for me to be off work. Of course he was also getting to know Ashley.
I heard a few sighs coming from Quil's direction while I served a couple a box of cookies but before I could ask if he needed any help, Ashley was already over there. Turns out Quil isn't the greatest with math but Ashley graduated at the top of the class, and came in a close second to Jessica's final grades.
I could see them being a cute couple, and just as I had that thought, Jeff walked in. I wished I could have warned them, but the most I could do was whisper in hopes he'd hear me.
"The boyfriend's here." I said, too quiet for anyone to hear and noticed Quil's back tense like he was preparing to be punched. He continued what he was doing though. It isn't like he was doing anything wrong. I started cleaning up when I noticed it was time to close but couldn't help focusing my attention on Quil and Jeff.
"Hey." Jeff said, coming up behind Ashley and giving a small pinch on her bottom. Ashley gave an embarrassed look then smiled at him.
"Hey. Jeff, this is Quil, Bella and Jake's friend."
"Nice to meet you." Quil said, and I had to say I was a bit shocked that he was so calm.
"You too" Jeff glanced at Quil's school work. "What is in the water down there that has these kids growing like weeds?"
"Just good genes, I guess." Quil responded, then turned back to his homework. "I think I get it now. Thanks for the help."
Ashley went to lock up the store as I finished cleaning. I felt bad for Jeff who lingered by the door. He had no idea now but Quil would eventually hold Ashley's heart, there was no doubt in my mind about it. He wasn't the type to try and get her to cheat but he also wouldn't stay away just because of Jeff.
Ashley flicked off the lights, closed the door behind us and locked up. Quil walked me to my truck, hopping in the driver's seat once again. He waited a moment before turning the truck on.
"He's a dick." Quil said, glancing at them through the review mirror.
"What? No he's great. I get it though, gotta be hard to see your imprint with someone."
"No, he's an actual dick. He's over there complaining about her helping me with my homework like he caught her cheating or something. Like who the fuck tells their girlfriend they can't have guy friends?"
"Oh, he's never acted that way about Jake. You're probably just overthinking things."
I could see Jeff and Ashley, both seemingly in good moods, pull out of the parking lot then Quil started up the truck, shaking his head.
"I wish that was true."
As we drove home, I put aside Quil's words and pulled out my laptop. I started my own work for the business class I was taking and by the time we were back in La Push, I was saving it to email to my professor. I had to go in on Monday for an assessment test to see if I was keeping up with the school work. I think the only reason they allowed my schooling from home was my grades, and the massive donation from the Cullen household, but I tried to not think of that fact.
Quil decided to come inside and help me make dinner. It was another night where Leah and Sam weren't home. Things with Quil were easy-going. Even with his feelings for me, things were normal and natural between us. It never got awkward or uncomfortable and that's the way I preferred it.
Quil was one of my best friends though I suppose being part of the pack family that was created, I have many I would consider best friends. In truth though, Angela, Leah and Quil were my three favorite people, aside from Jake of course. This baby was going to have lots of aunts and uncles.
When Leah and Sam joined us for dinner, I sent a text to Jake to see if we should wait for him but got no response. He was probably busy at work so we ate dinner while Leah told us all about the honeymoon they were planning.
Jake eventually walked through the door, apologizing as he did.
"Sorry. I fell asleep at work. I guess with waking up extra early for the extra credits, and pushing myself extra hard at work so I could be back earlier to spend time with you had me exhausted." Jake rubbed the back of his neck, embarrassed that he was sleeping on the job.
"You're lucky your boss is your uncle." Quil said, then shoved some chicken parmesan in his mouth.
"Nah, I'm lucky he loves my work. He gave me a damn raise."
"Come again?" I said, staring at Jake in disbelief.
"He said because of how fast I was, that he could close earlier and was saving money on electricity. He also said he's never had so many good reviews before which is bringing in more business from Forks. So he gave me a raise." Jake shrugged then sat down. "I thanked him of course, then uh, I explained why I wanted to be done so early every day. He said congratulations and not to worry, he won't tell anyone."
"Well the list of people to tell seems to be getting smaller by the day. By the time we go to announce, there will be no one left to tell."
"I don't believe that." He said, placing some chicken parmesan on his plate. "I won't tell my dad until I absolutely have to."
"Ok. So our parents will be the only ones."
