AN: Hello everyone! I was blown away by your response to this and it became an awesome birthday present- THANK YOU!
I am currently working on chapter 8 in this story (being more than a few chapters ahead is VERY uncommon for me), so hopefully I'll be able to hold a pretty regular schedule updating once a week.
In my rush to get it posted, I forgot a few important things. 1) I don't own anything from the Twilight universe, I just really enjoy using the characters in my own stories. 2) I have a little team of pre-readers and betas: Coppertop J, Noles and Melissa, thank you. 3) PearlyFox is the queen of banners and made the one belonging to this story and finally 4) I am Norwegian, so even though I have an awesome crew checking my work - you may find errors and those are all mine.
Now, shall we see what Jacob says?
Chapter 2
Where there's a will, there's a way, kind of beautiful
And every night has its day, so magical
And if there's love in this life, there's no obstacle
That can't be defeated
Waiting for Love
Avicii
Stepping through the doors of the massive building housing Fork's prized indoor hockey rink, I take a moment to inhale the fresh scent of the perfectly prepped ice. Tightening my hold on the small tray of coffees and a full bag of pastries, I search out the man I'm here to see. Seth had assured me that he'd be here. Drawing my bottom lip between my teeth, my eyes wander the massive stadium as I look for him. I feel my stomach drop nervously when I'm finally able to locate his dark head. Jake's leaning comfortably against the tall railings down by the rink, his eyes fixed on a group of boys as they fly across the ice doing what looks to be drills.
Shit. Okay. Here goes nothing.
Inhaling deeply through my nose, I make my way towards him, grateful that the rest of the stadium is as good as empty. I do not need anyone witnessing what I'm about to do.
"Jake," I say his name when I'm a few feet away to alert him of my presence.
His head of dark hair turns in my direction, revealing a row of bright white teeth as soon as he meets my gaze. The wolf-whistle that follows makes me smile and I feel proud of my new look. Jake had an exceptional gift of making people feel comfortable around him and I'm pleased to realize that is still the case.
"Uhm, sorry to cut straight to the chase here, but what have you done to the sweet Bella we all know and love?"
I raise an eyebrow at him and hand him the bag of pastries. His chocolate brown eyes dance with open delight at my gift.
"I'll still hand out sweets, I promise."
He snickers and pops a flaky Danish into his mouth.
"Thank God for that!" he mumbles, followed by a loud moan.
I hide my chuckle behind one of the hot cups of coffee as I hand him the other. He takes my offering, sipping the delicious French roast before he devours the rest of his Danish.
"Leah sends her love."
"Ho-i-she?" he asks with his mouth full.
I laugh.
"Good. Really good, actually. I wouldn't be surprised if she suddenly shows up around here soon, to be honest."
Jake swallows, bobbing his head as he takes another sip of his coffee.
"Christ, Bells, these are amazing, thank you. You'd think that with Jane and Alec constantly bringing food home with them after their shifts at the café, I'd be able to show some semblance of control, but your pastries are just too good."
He motions to the stadium chairs, silently asking if I want to sit. I nod, moving towards them as my eyes flicker to the flock of boys out on the ice, recognizing one of them immediately.
"Alec looks so comfortable out there."
Jake's dark eyes follow my line of sight and the hint of a proud smile spreads across his lips.
"Yeah, it's like he was born to skate."
I make sure to meet his gaze when I say my next words.
"You're doing an incredible job with them, Jacob. Really."
He shakes his head ever so slightly but pauses when I pierce him with a look. Everyone had been shocked when Jacob Black opened his home two years ago and began fostering two scared teens who had been through hell and back already at the tender age of 14. He was doing a wonderful job with them though and both Alec and Jane were thriving. Jake's lighthearted façade breaks ever so slightly, deep worry shining through the cracks as his expression turns grim.
"Their Dad wants visitation rights."
The pit of my stomach drops uncomfortably at his words. Looking out over the ice again, I feel my heart break when I see how hard Alec is pushing himself. This must be the reason why they're here.
"Well, shit."
Silence builds between us, the gentle swish, swish of skates moving across the ice the only source of sound.
"Where's Jane?" I ask.
Jake sighs, leaning heavily against the plastic chair.
"She's with Bree."
I nod, glad to hear that she's with her best friend.
My Three Musketeers.
Immediately, my begin eyes burn at just the thought of losing them, but I quickly push those thoughts from my mind. What Jake needs now is assurance.
"What do we know about him?"
He exhales deeply, swirling the cup between his large hands.
"Not much. Alec and Jane don't remember him at all, but apparently, he's got his life together now and he wants to get to know them. With their Mom in prison, he could quite easily get custody. Fuck, Bella, what if I lose them?" his voice breaks.
Wrapping my mitten covered hand over his bare one, I shake him ever so slightly, forcing his eyes to mine. The pain I find there cuts me to the core.
"No. You do not get to think like that. Not yet."
His jaw clenches and I see that he is desperately trying to hold himself together. This time when I study him, I see the dark rings under his eyes and the rapidly growing 5 o'clock shadow.
"You're their stability, their rock right now. I may not know exactly what they're going through, but I do know what it was like when things finally stabilized after moving in with Charlie. I can't tell you how much that meant to me. You've given them a home, Jacob, stability in a world full of chaos. Those kids love you and they are going to need your never-ending support, especially now."
Jake nods his head in silent agreement, his hand squeezing mine in a show of gratitude.
"Paul said the same thing. Christ, I'm sorry for the heavy, I just-."
"Don't. I've grown to love those kids too, you know. I'm glad you told me."
I leave my hand in his, both of us taking a moment to silently watch Alec fly across the ice. He must realize that he has an audience, because he stops and faces us, waving enthusiastically in our direction for a few seconds, before he continues with his drills. I feel my mouth split into a wide grin.
"He's a really great kid."
Jake doesn't say anything, but his agreement is plastered across his face. Giving my hand a final squeeze, he releases his hold and returns to twirling his now empty cup between his fingers. His expression changes to one of annoyance.
"Yeah, well, that great kid got into a fight today at school."
My eyebrows shoot to my hairline.
"Alec?"
Jake snorts harshly and nods in confirmation.
"So, he's grounded for life at the moment and almost got himself suspended. I almost pulled the plug on him working for you this weekend, but I know you need the help."
I feel my jaw drop.
"But if he gives you so much as the slightest bit of attitude-."
"I will let you know," I assure him, interrupting his little speech.
"Okay, now that I've gotten that off my chest, what is it that I can I do for you?"
A rush of nerves surges up inside of me and for a moment I reconsider my decision to come here.
God, if I had only kept my mouth shut earlier.
"I know you didn't just drop by here to give me pastries, Bells, what's up?"
Averting my gaze, I look down at my brightly knitted mittens, trying desperately to find the correct words to approach the reason for what brought me out here today.
"You're right."
It's my turn to release a heavy sigh. Deciding it's better to just go for it, I take a deep breath before blurting out my request.
"I wanted to ask if you… well… you know since we're both already going, if perhaps… Christ! Would-you-like-to-go-to-the-Farmer's-Ball-with-me?" I mumble, barely intelligibly.
Jake's face turns into a large question mark and I feel like burying my face in my hands when he suddenly laughs.
"Bells, I'm going to need you to slow down a little, because even I, who is raising a teenage daughter right now has absolutely no idea of what you just said."
I groan, getting to my feet. Bouncing nervously on my heels, I turn to him and face him as I ask him one more time, making sure to pronounce every word carefully.
"Would. You. Like. To. Go. To. The. Farmer's. Ball. With. Me?"
The open look of shock on his face doesn't exactly build my confidence.
Lord.
I'm just about to tell him to forget it and bolt, when he grabs my hand to keep me in place.
"Sorry for the need for a clarification here, but… are you asking me out?"
His dark eyebrows furrow together in confusion.
"NO!" I exclaim.
Now his eyebrows shoot upwards with surprise at my ardent reply.
"I mean, YES!"
Fuck.
"Maybe?" I ask, my voice weak.
Unable to even look at him, I fix my gaze on a chocolate wrapper that is stuck on the floor. His work boots move into my line of vision, but I don't move. Two strong and familiar hands rub up and down my arms, before two fingers gently touch my chin and effortlessly tilt my head back. Jake's warm, brown eyes bore into mine, giving me no other option than to meet his gaze.
"Talk to me, Bells."
I sigh, wondering where on earth I should even begin.
Dear Lord, what have I gotten myself into?
"I need a date to the Ball," I whisper.
"Okay?"
I feel my annoyance rise at his incredulous tone.
"Why are you saying it like that?"
Jake rolls his eyes.
"Because most of us just go to the Ball, Bells. No dates necessary. I'm trying to figure out why you feel that you need a date in the first place."
"Edward's taking Tanya," I blurt out.
Jake's eyes widen ever so slightly at my revelation and suddenly it's like a light switch flips on in his mind.
"And because Edward has a date, you need a date."
I nod my head, feeling my cheeks burn with embarrassment.
I'm so pathetic.
"Leah said I should ask you."
I don't expect him to burst into laughter, but when he does I feel like I could slap him silly. Luckily it quickly dies down at my somber and probably pretty hopeless expression. Jake's features become serious.
"Bells, let me ask you something."
Nodding my head, I do my best to hold his gaze.
"You don't have any interest in me whatsoever, right?"
I feel my eyes widen at his direct question and slowly shake my head.
"Not romantically," I clarify.
My answer doesn't appear to surprise him.
"But you are interested in Edward?"
I swallow heavily, throwing caution to the wind I slowly nod my head. Jacob exhales sharply.
"How about telling him that?"
My mouth drops wide open as if to answer him, but am unable to come up with a single response. Shaking my head, I feel a rush of tears threaten to fall and know I need to get away. Brushing away his hands, I begin to move, but he quickly stops me by curling his fingers gently around my wrists.
"No, don't run off. I'm sorry."
I sniff, returning my gaze to the floor as I desperately try to gain control over my all-over-the-place emotions. Silence builds between us as he gives me the space I need to settle down.
Jake releases a reluctant sigh.
"Okay."
My eyes shoot to his.
"I'll take you," he confirms.
Immense gratitude explodes deep within my chest.
His dark eyes grow intense.
"But if you really want to make Edward jealous by making him believe that there's something between us, then you're going to have to dig deep and find some romantic interest to send my way. And fast. If he thinks we're there just as friends, he won't care whatsoever."
The way he looks at me makes me feel incredibly uncomfortable, but I know he's trying to prove his point. Averting my gaze, I push my discomfort to the side and take a small step closer to him. Lifting my eyes slowly, I glance up at him through lowered lashes as I conjure up as much affection and "interest" as I can. Jake's eyes darken ever so slightly as he intimately cups my cheek, moving so close that our bodies brush against one another. Everything about the moment feels wrong. Fighting every instinct, I have screaming for me to pull away, I lay an open palm against his chest as I tilt my head back and lean forward ever so slightly. How far am I willing to go with this?
"Fucking hell!" Jake grumbles, losing our little "stare-down" as he backs away.
I blink, feeling a giggle rise as a rush of satisfaction rises within me. I was able to hold the moment longer than he could.
I can do this.
"Okay, so I'm going to need you to remind me that you're actually not interested, because those green-brown eyes of yours are lethal."
Jake looks surprisingly flustered. I frown.
"And no kissing. I'm afraid if I kiss you, I'll forget myself and I really don't want to ruin our friendship or make things uncomfortable between us."
I nod.
"And I'm going to have to come clean with the kids. They're going to be there, and I don't want them hoping that their foster dad is going to marry their favorite person in the entire world. You'd be breaking three hearts and not just one."
"Jake."
He doesn't stop.
"Bells, I hope making him jealous will be enough to get his head out of his ass and see the jewel he has in front of him, but if he doesn't-," Jake's voice trails off as he once again strides into my personal space, his ebony eyes revealing a dark and intense emotion I'm desperately trying not to acknowledge.
"There's a line that can probably encircle the entire town of eligible bachelors desperate to take you out. We're all terrified of Chief Swan and we've held back because we've seen your infatuation with the oblivious Edward Cullen. But say the word, and I'll bet that just about any guy in town would jump at the chance to have you at his side. You've become Forks' very own sweetheart, Bella."
Oh, Hell.
§§§
Getting all the food ready for the Ball is actually a welcome distraction. Working in a kitchen had always been a place of peace for me and I loved how that still is the case. There, every single nerve or destructive thought that usually was my constant companion would simply fade away. I thrived for the intense high I felt when I got so focused on what I was doing that time simply seized to exist. It was an incredible feeling. Even as a little girl, I truly enjoyed being in the kitchen. My mom would often leave me completely to my own devices for weeks at a time, so learning how to feed myself had been a necessity. Thinking back on it now, I shudder to think what could have happened, being left alone like that. But I never once had a serious accident, and my love for cooking only grew. I learned to do well on my own and enjoyed it even. That didn't make my mother's neglect okay, but I was grateful to her for at least making sure to teach me how to use the different appliances before bailing on me. Through my many sessions with Jasper, I'd begun to see a few different nuances to Renee that I'd never been able to see when I was younger. It was a hard process, but I was getting there.
When Leah pops her dark head through the door of my kitchen, I can't believe it's already time.
"Come on, girlie, we got to get going. Rose is already on her way to the house with Jared. Paul is pulling up out back to pick up all this deliciousness and drive it over to the City Barn."
The change in my friend is truly remarkable and it feels incredible to have her back in town. Several months ago she walked into my café, looking lost and out of place, but now… Now, she looked like she belonged, she was more grounded somehow. I'd noticed the change when I went to visit her in Seattle and when she started asking question about Paul, I knew. When she called me two nights ago to tell me that she'd thrown her stuff into her car and moved back home, I hadn't been surprised.
Glancing around the room, I see that Bree, Alec and Jane have packed everything perfectly and Angela is ready to take over the reins.
"Oh good, your Fairy Godmother is here."
Angela places her hands on my shoulders and gently pushes me towards Leah.
"Please take our Cinderella and turn her into the Belle of the Ball! And you, no micro-managing tonight!" she scolds, pointing a stern finger at me, causing Bree and Jane to giggle at her reaction.
"We got everything under control. I want you to enjoy yourself this evening and let us do the work."
My lips curl into a sheepish half-smile. Both she and I know that I would probably feel more comfortable behind the scenes, but I've promised to do my best. Before I can say anything, I feel the heaviness of my jacket touch my shoulders and look up to meet Alec's pale green eyes.
"Go have some fun, Miss Bella," he smiles. "We got this."
Inside of my chest, I feel my heart warm with affection for every single person in my kitchen. My life has become so much richer and I'm forever grateful and truly blessed. Squeezing Alec's hand, I take my bag from Bree's outstretched hands and join my friend.
§§§
Growing up, I never had friends. I was used to being on my own, so at school I lacked a lot of the usual social skills that fell so naturally to the other kids. My mom also instilled a fear in me that I could be taken away at any moment, so I never let anyone get to close. I did what I needed to do and kept my mouth shut at school. I made sure to keep my head down and under the radar so no one would guess what things really were like at home. I worked hard, did my homework and was respectful and polite. I also always made sure to stay close to my classmates outside at recess to make my teachers believe that I had friends, but I never actually joined in. I became an expert at acting like I fit in and managed to fool my way all the way to the end of my freshman year of high school. If James, one of my mother's many men, hadn't gotten angry that night, no one would probably have ever found out. To this day, I still struggled with the shame and guilt of letting my mother down.
Shaking my head, I push away the bad memory and look at myself in the floor-length mirror Leah has set up in the living room. Leah and Rose are laughing loudly at something outrageous that Jared is saying as he passes around another set of fruity drinks.
"I'm telling you. Sneak some pineapple into his diet. You'll thank me for it."
Rose naturally cradles her ever-growing stomach with a loving touch. The satin black dress fitting her perfectly as it hugs her every curve. Her new curls make her look sweet as they bounce happily down her back, while her red lipstick and mischievous look in her vibrant blue eyes make her look sensual and alluring. Rosalie Hale. Forks' very own beauty queen and badass bar owner. She had the entire town in a buzz about her sudden pregnancy and her absolute refusal to reveal who the father was. The gossipers were in an absolute frenzy and my respect for her had grown in ten-fold.
Leah reaches out and accepts one of Jared's fruity drinks, taking a small sip before grimacing openly. Neither one of us are big drinkers, but tonight I've agreed to a little liquid courage. I just need to make sure I don't lose my head. Giving myself the once over, I brush back a few strands of hair and take in my appearance. This white and silver dress is another one of my recent purchases from my impulsive trip to Seattle. The dress looks almost too casual for the occasion, with its long sleeves and a drawstring waistline. However, the short hem combined with the high, silver heels I'm wearing makes the outfit pop. My legs actually look long, making me feel tall, instead of my usual petite.
"I told you that dress would look good on you."
My good friend wraps an arm around my shoulder and we both smile at our reflection in the mirror. Leah's still quite a bit taller than I am, even though I'm in heels and she's in a pair of cowboy boots, but I don't mind. I'm used to being the shortest person in the room. Wrapping my arm around her waist I tug her closer to my side and lean against her. Seeing her this relaxed and blissfully happy fills me with joy. Her rustic brown dress with white lace flows effortlessly around her and the beige Stetson on her head perfectly completes her look. It's so good to have her back home.
"You look really good, Leah."
Her grin widens.
"I feel really good," she admits honestly, her dark brown eyes shining brightly through our reflection.
Comfortable silence builds between us for a moment as we both listen to Rose and Jared's playful teasing.
"Jake is going to have his work cut out for him tonight," Leah says, breaking the silence with a wicked wink.
Nerves shoot through me in response to her words and I quickly turn to pick up my drink, gulping down a rather large sip. The alcohol burns painfully down my throat and I immediately purse my lips and exhale a rush of air. Leah takes my glass from me and places both of our glasses on the table.
"You okay?" she asks.
I run my fingers nervously through my hair.
"Not really."
Her expression softens with compassion.
"Hey, Paul and I will be there every step of the way. If you get a little overwhelmed, just send me a look, okay, and I'll come save you."
I feel my lips turn upwards into a smile at her kind gesture.
"This is your first night out with Paul, Leah," I argue.
"No, it's not. We've gone out on several occasions now."
I send her a look.
"Hooking up after a night at the local bar, is not the same thing."
My response makes her laugh out loud.
"I'm sure the evening will end with pretty much the same result," she replies, wiggling her eyebrows, the innuendo clear.
I feel my cheeks burn.
She touches my arm and squeezes it affectionately.
"I'm serious. Paul and I, we have an eternity of dates and dances to look forward to. If you need me tonight, I'm there. Paul knows that he might have to take the backseat tonight and he's fine with it."
Once again she releases a sharp laugh at my doubtful expression. I nibble for a moment on my bottom lip.
"What if this doesn't work?" I whisper, putting my fears into words. Leah studies me carefully, her eyes piercing into mine.
"Then he is a fool and doesn't deserve you."
I desperately wish I shared her confidence. She sighs, squeezing my hand reassuringly.
"The best thing you can do this evening is to relax and try to enjoy yourself, Bells. Give Jake a chance to show you a good time. He can be a lot of fun, I swear."
I can't help but smile at her assurance. Her wide grin softens ever so slightly.
"You look stunning tonight, Bella, and when you smile-," she trails off with a whistle.
The genuine affection displayed across her face makes my heart warm and my nerves cease.
"You're radiant."
Before I am able to respond our conversation is cut short when we both hear the tell tale signs of a truck pulling up into the driveway. My heart skips a beat.
It's showtime.
