Chapter Two

She knew she couldn't hide in the hotel forever. She wanted to, was sorely tempted to, but it just wasn't a possibility. Room service wouldn't cut it. Plus, she sort of needed to find a job. Her money wouldn't last forever, and she'd already been in hiding for three days.

Third time's the charm, she thought absently, rolling out of bed. She gave a lazy stretch as she slipped her pj's off and her outside clothes on. As she got the door, she wondered if she'd run into him.

She sort of knew that it didn't matter. She was certain he'd begun a new life.

She forced herself to open the door, and step outside. She couldn't let fear control her forever.

She wondered what she was afraid of.

ZZZ

Both the gas station and the grocery store in Forks hadn't had positions open. She silently cursed the "Help Wanted" signs on the doors. She wasn't looking for anything long term, just something to help her get by. Just until she could find a teaching job, nearby or not.

Along the highway, a bristol board sign which looked as if it had been made by a child, caught her eye. The board itself was red, with big black letters aross it. Letters and...rainbows?

She thought it was odd that a sign labeled "Help Wanted - Mechanic; Part Time" had rainbows on it. Probably someone's kid helping dad out.

Still; she had helped her dad at his shop before, and wasn't entirely useless. She was pulling her car off to the side before she could even think about it. She drove down the winding road, a sense of unease filling her chest.

The shop was normal looking. Sort of half-assed, actually. She wondered if it got much business.

Laura's heart nearly stopped when she walked through the doors and was greeted by a tall, russet skinned man. A second glance at his face settled her. No. No, it wasn't him.

He introduced himself as Jacob and she couldn't hide her sigh of relief.

Jacob quirked an eyebrow at her, looking slightly amused. "Something wrong?"

"No, no. I was ah - worried no one would be here." She lied quickly. "I saw your sign..."

"You know your way around a car?" He interupted, seeming as though he were in a rush.

She nodded at him, lips pressing together in a thin line. "More or less. I can learn anything I don't already know. If you're willing to teach me." She added, not wanting to come off as rude.

He nodded slowly, lips curving into a lazy grin. "Sure, sure. We'll teach. It's just part time for now, sort of 'on call'."

"You don't want my resume?"

"No. No, it's fine. The girls'll be happy we've got a lady working here." He laughed, clapped her shoulder, nearly toppled her over. The grin grew wider, a little embarressed. "Oops."

The door jingled lightly behind her as Laura straightened her body out once more. Jacob's breath caught, and silence fell across the room.

Thud.

She was aware of a cool wetness on the back of her leg, and she jerked in reaction. Twisting quickly, she spun to face whatever it was that just soaked her good boots.

"Laura?"

The jug of milk had been half empty before he had dropped it, but now it was all gone and really, who the hell walks around drinking milk out of a jug, Je-

"Collin?"

Her voice sounded far away, even to her, as she stared at the reason she had come back. She knew then, what she was afraid of.

That maybe her reality from before had all been a dream.

He isn't wearing a ring.

Collin took a step forward.