Part Six:

"You said you had a hole in your head, maybe when they took it out you like rebooted or something?"

"I'm not a hard drive"

"No, you're Little Miss Miracle Grow"

"Don't ever call me that again"

- Zach, Claire (Don't Look Back)

Come one! This couldn't be happening to me. Did this have to happen now? I mean really, of all times?

I want to give my truck a swift kick. I mean, what's one more dent on this thing? I don't though, knowing it won't help the situation. But it would make me feel better.

I had been coming home from school when my truck broke down. I managed to pull it off to the side of the road. I was supposed to go home and do my homework and get that done before tonight. I was going to pick up Angela and take her to her school concert because her parents couldn't take her. They were doing some marriage counseling to a couple at the church Mr. Weber was pastor of. How was I going to give a ride if I couldn't even get back to my own house? How was going to figure out who the piano player was?

I prop up the hood, staring in bewilderment at this foreign world spread out before me. I didn't have a clue what to do. I guess I could fiddle around but I didn't want to screw it up more than it already was.

I could walk up to one of the houses along the street and ask for help. That just seemed weird though.

Me: Hello, you don't know me, or wait this is Forks, maybe you do. Anyways my truck had the misfortune to break down right on your curb. You wouldn't happen to know how to fix it? I'm clueless.

I fish my cell out of my pants pocket. I suppose I could call dad. He could pick me up and Angela too if bad came to worse. I punch in the number, my thumb hesitating over the call button.

"Need some help?" A warm voice asks.

I spin around from under the hood, or at least try to. I bump my head and wince.

"You okay?" The guy asks not quite keeping the amusement out of his tone.

I rub the spot, scowling. There won't even be a bruise. My ability took care of that. I look up to see who my Good Samaritan is. "Yeah," I mutter then flush. I recognize him. He was the one who sold me this blasted truck. "Jacob Black?"

He flashes me a smile obviously knowing who I was. I find myself grinning back nonetheless. "Good memory." He nods then shrugs at the truck. "She giving you some problems?"

"I don't know what is wrong." I admit. "It just sort of stalled out on me." Who calls a car "she"? I thought you only called ships that.

I move out of his way, allowing him to peek under the hood. He messes around there for a moment. I hear a clanking noise. Then he ducks back out and rubs the grease on his jeans. "Try it now."

It didn't even look like he really had done anything. But then what would I know? Dubiously I open my truck door, climb inside and turn the ignition. My truck roars, quite literally, roars to life. I scramble out.

"How did you do that?"

Jacob chuckles at my amazement. "Come here. I'll show you."

We both bend under the hood. "See this here." He taps a part that to me; looks suspiciously like all the other parts. "Some times you just got to give her an old whack. That should get her going."

I give him a rather impish smile. "Oh, for a moment there I thought you were just a brilliant mechanic."

"Oh I am," He retorts flashing his big toothed grin again. "You just got to know her little quirks, the little ways she works. Treat her right and she won't fail you. And while we're on this page she probably going to need an oil change in a month's time or so."

"Well now I know exactly what mechanic to call."

Jacob laughs. "Yeah, call me anytime."

He gives the interior one last cursory glance. "Oh, and this part right here is wearing down. It is going to need to be replaced. You can pick up a new one at the hardware store." Jacob slammed the hood shut.

"Um, where is that?" I ask feeling rather stupid.

"Well, from here if you just continue on until the main road and take a right-. You know, why don't I just show you? It is only a couple minutes from here."

"Really? You don't have some where to be?"

"Nah, I was just taking my dad, Billy Black, to visit a friend. He can't drive himself because of his legs." He swings a thumb over his shoulder at Chief Officer Swan's house behind him. "They're probably really engrossed in the game by now. They won't miss me."

Chief Officer Swan. I knew that name. Oh yeah, Jessica had mentioned him in her rambles. He was Forks' bachelor. He used to be married but his wife got frustrated with the small town, rain and not being able to have children so she left years ago.

I look to the small house on the end of the street where colors from the TV could be seen flickering from the window. I felt a pang of empathy for the man for living here all alone with no family. What an existence, to be almost completely alone.

I turn back to Jacob and his easy cadence, shaking off the forlornness that had begun to creep up on me. "Well I accept your offer." I say with a courtly air. He gives a mock bow as I open the door to my truck. Jacob climbs in on the passenger side. "We're off to see the wizard." So he'd had seen the Wizard of OZ too. I grin at Jacob as I turn on my truck and back out. I think Jacob and I could be pretty good friends.

"You like this stuff?" Jacob casts a glance to the truck stereo and the station that is playing. "It is so…old."

Okay, so maybe not really good friends. I toss him a mock look of annoyance. "At least I have taste." I laugh. "And for the record this isn't old. This song was only recorded last year." Jacob just shakes his head and we sit in companionable silence for minute before he gives me directions.

"Left, no, my left!" He shouts as I almost miss our turn and take it a little sharply, barely missing the curb.

"What, do you think you're invincible? Slow down next time." He shouts, the color rushing back to his face. With a sigh he leans back into his seat throwing a hand over his eyes. I feel myself blush at his words. I guess I'm not the only reckless driver (and if I remember correctly I have been rather reckless behind the wheel before).

"Our lefts are the same," I grumble at his theatrics as I steer my clunker more into my lane.

At least Jacob looks more jolted then angry. He shrugs it off. I suppress my random urge to giggle. I do not giggle.

"We're here." I pull up in front of one building along a row of them called Newton's Hardware. We both get out and walk inside, a little bell on the front door announcing our entrance.

I notice one light, brown haired and pasty, skinned guy behind the counter wearing a name tag. Of course I don't need a name tag to know who it is. I turn my back on him pretending to be very interested in some screws. He of course comes over to talk to me anyways. Damn, why didn't it click that if the store is called Newton Hardware then it is probably run by the Newtons?

"Hey Claire," Mike gives me a lopsided puppy dog look.

I restrain myself from visibly wincing. I put on a forced half smile. "Hey yourself. I didn't know your family owned this store."

"Actually I think I mentioned that last week during lunch." He looks slightly affronted.

Oops…

Jacob doesn't quite muffle his chuckle. Mike eyes snap to him realizing we had walked in together. "And you are?"

"I'm Jacob Black." He turns away from him dismissively and looks down at me. "I'm going to go find the part. Why don't you stay and chat here with your …friend."

I scowl at his retreating back as he disappears around one of the shelves effectively abandoning me to Mike. I knew this was for the curb incident.

Great…

"So…" I twirl a piece of hair around one finger. "Do you work here often?"

"I work here after school most week days. My parents think it is good work experience."

"Ah," Is all I say. I walk down one aisle falsely pretending to be interested in what lies on display. Mike follows me. I subtly peer around hoping to see Jacob. He has vanished. We were going to have words later.

"I only work till after six."

I don't say anything. He doesn't get the hint. Shouldn't he be watching the counter? But no, this is small trust worthy Forks; there aren't any other customers in the store anyways.

"Maybe, if you want, we can swing by and catch a movie later or something."

Crap. I have a good imagination. I can just picture it in my head, him reaching over during the movie, trying to hold my hand with his clammy ones….

"Um, I have this thing to go to, Angela's school concert." Thank God.

"You're going to that?" He exclaims. Jessica and he were so meant to be.

"Yeah, I am." My eyes flash, daring him to comment.

"Oh, uh, okay." He shuffles his feet. "So what are you looking for anyways? Maybe I could help you find it.

Yes, maybe he could. Apparently Jacob has fallen off the face of this planet.

So I find myself telling him everything, well, not everything. I just describe my predicament, about my truck's issues, I giving Angela a ride and Jacob helping me. After I said that about Jacob he brightened up a bit. I also tried to describe the part that Jacob said needed to replace but then realized I really didn't know what I was talking about. I settled for wandering the aisles to find Jacob sending Mike looking in the other direction and away from me.

I stop, something catching my eye. Stick on glow in the dark stars. I remembered wanting some. I smile and pull a pack off the rack.

"…seriously man. I'm not pulling your leg. The tracks were really this big. I swear to God!"

I round the corner. Two men are talking, or one of them is. One was trying to look at packs and other backpacking equipment while his younger buddy was forming a circle with his hands, showing how big he thought the tracks were.

The scruffy bearded man waved his hand dismissively at him. "You're off your rocker."

"I'm not making it up or exaggerating. I really saw them. They were huge. They were as big as bear's but they weren't bear tracks."

"Well what were they then?" His friend says in exasperation.

"Wolf tracks." He states firmly.

"Wolf tracks… If they were that size they sure weren't a wolf. Mountain lion maybe... Thorton, you know him, the guy from Sekiu; he said there had been one in the area."

"It wasn't a mountain lion! These were wolf tracks, bigger than any I've seen but they were wolf tracks."

"Have you been taking a nip from the bottle? Besides not being very safe while out in the woods alone it can make you see the darnedest things-

"I didn't hallucinate any of this. I'm going to prove to you I saw them. I'll head back to the area with my camera. Maybe I can find some fresh prints and maybe I'll get lucky and-

"If there is something like that running around it is best not to go chasing after it. Leave it for the authorities to handle and just walk the Hall of Mosses for a while instead, much safer."

Hmmm… if a big mountain lion dragged me off to his den would I become the never ending snack? I shudder to think about it.

"Eavesdropping?" Jacob settles up beside me with a part in one hand. The two men move onto another aisle, out of sight.

"No, they're talking so loud I don't think it counts." I look a little closer at the strange piece he holds in his hands. "That's it?"

"Sure is."

"Then let's go."

We walk to the front of the store. Mike sees us and goes behind the counter. I put the glow in the dark star packet down as Jacob sets the part beside it. He startles me by moving to stand behind me very close and putting a hand on my shoulder. Mike gives him a dark look, huffing as he checked us out.

With Mike distracted I poked Jacob in the ribs. "Stop pushing buttons." I scolded. "Be nice."

He gave me an almost sincere mollified expression but his eyes just didn't reflect it.

I gave a quick thanks to Mike and pull Jacob by the arm out of the store. Jacob just gave me a lazy grin. "You're no fun. Live a little." He took the part out from the plastic bag. "I'll go ahead and install it. It should only take maybe ten minutes." He waved his hand off at a few of the surrounding buildings. "Go have yourself a look around."

I roll my eyes and walk up the first store, a music store. There was a piano card board cut out in the window. I put my hand up to the window feeling slightly wistful. I was taken back to the memories of when I was a little girl. I remembered going to piano lessons. I never practiced. It didn't matter to me back then. All I was interested in was playing and having fun like a normal girl. When you're little you think you're going to be so forever.

I pull the door open and let myself in. As my eyes adjust to the lighting I notice all the posters covering every spare inch of room. The radio was playing a local pop station. I skim over the titles on the CDs, most big name artists and groups. I wonder what they had in the classical/easy listening section…

That is when I fall. I land right before my destination on the floor staring at somebody's feet. The fact that I fell was bad enough without somebody there to witness my humiliation. I'm not a normally clumsy girl. I used to be on the cheerleading squad for a reason.

"Are you all right?" An unfortunately familiar voice inquires. A pale hand gently grabs my sleeve covered arm, easily pulling me to my feet.

This is like Claire's Series of Freakishly Unfortunate Events. I want to die. Hey, with me it wasn't like it was a permanent thing right? Just long enough for me to escape another awkward situation. Even melting into the floor sounds pleasant.

I glance at said floor so I don't have to look him in the eye. Then I solve the mystery of my unwanted detour to the land of grubby tiles and scruff marks: untied shoelaces. I quickly duck down to right it and also effectively hiding my flaming cheeks.

"What are you doing here?" It came out in an accusatory rush as I stood back up, the color in my cheeks returning to normal.

"My sister Alice informed me that the CD order I had placed would be in today. Apparently she was misinformed. She rarely is." His brows lower in puzzlement. "So now I'm here as you are, I presume, browsing." He says pointedly slow like I might misunderstand. His slightly perplexed expression vanishes like it never graced his features then, replaced with a roguish grin. He turns the inquisitiveness on me asking: "Looking to purchase that Keyha Keshna what ever do you call it CD? I remember you were quite found of it." He smirked.

Just the idea of it! No!

I open my mouth to correct him of his misinformed presumptions when I notice he was humming something, no singing softly along to the radio under his breathe, the lyrics to the song that Jessica played in the hall. A touch of smile plays at his mouth and his topaz eyes…twinkled at me?

The nerve of this guy… My brow furrows. If it wasn't so obvious he was teasing me this might actually be quite a comical situation. For him to even be singing such ridiculous crap… Even then he sounds pretty good though, just in need of a lyric change. It was so unfair. For that I scowled.

He laughed at my expression, earthy and warm, not so cold and unreadable for a moment. It was like a different side of apparently a multi-faceted personality. But what side was I seeing now? One moment he is indifferent, cold, and the next he is joking around like a friend of mine. I really didn't get this guy.

Not really knowing how to react I just roll my eyes at him in fake (or maybe not so fake) exasperation.

Then the ripples just fade out like they had never disturbed his icy smooth surface. "Was there anything in particular you were searching for?" He politely inquires.

I, still slightly thrown by his hastily changed manner say: "Uh, nah, just looking." I turn from him as if I was indeed casually browsing but keeping him in my peripheral vision.

"I did not take you be some one interested in classical music." He says in a clinical voice.

That was the general idea now. "How can you have a 'take' on some one without knowing them?"

He tilts his head studying me. "You are correct. I do not know you so shouldn't make assumptions. Please accept my apology."

"No need, no offense taken." Why does he talk like a one of the heroes from a Jane Austen novel?

"Very well. So what do you like to do with yourself so I may have a more 'general idea'?"

Now that was an interesting choice of his words…

"Well…" What could I say? "…I'm going to a concert tonight, the school concert." I say running my finger over artist labels, not really reading any of them.

Edward lifts an eye brow at me, his expression giving nothing away. He doesn't scoff at my choice of spending my evening like Matt or Jessica. I turn my face up to his, slightly surprised.

"Well then, I shall make sure to say hello to you there." He moves to the door. My brain refuses to connect with my mouth.

"Until tonight Claire," He says in his trade mark neutral voice with only a hint of inflection at the last word. I feel a tingle race along my spine at the sound of my name on his tongue, leaving goose bumps up my arms. He nods his head once at me as I can only manage out softly a surprised goodbye. Then he is gone.

I subconsciously rub my arm and look around me like I was coming out of a daze. I blink once then look back at the music section I was in. I didn't really feel like looking at any CDs anymore. Jacob was probably done now too.

I made my back out doors. I saw a flash of silver speeding out of the parking lot.

I shook my head as I went to stand by Jacob who was just finishing up.

"Nice car." He whistled, watching the Volvo disappear.

Guys and cars… "Whatever." I say feeling slightly put out.

Jacob just shakes his head and goes around the side of the truck to climb in.

"Hey Jake!" A dark, russet skinned youth runs over, grinning at Jacob.

"Seth, hey buddy." Jacob tousles the young teenager's hair. Seth squirms out of his reach still grinning. "What brings you to Forks?" Jacob asks.

Seth's exuberance mellows slightly at the conversational turn but still remains to appear upbeat. "Just trying to get Leah out of the house; I had to practically drag her. She is in the store over there browsing."

I notice Jacob eyes light up at the mention of this girl's name. He looks over to the grocery store across the way.

"How's you're sister doing?" Concern was plainly etched in his face and his voice was the most serious I had ever heard it.

"She has just been in a really weird funk lately like she is still in shock or something. I kind of miss the whole crying part. At least then she seemed alive. Now she is just so…apathetic."

"Ooh, apathetic that is a sixteen point Scrabble word. Didn't know you had it in you." Jacob jokes trying to lighten the mood but still looks grim. Seth good naturally gives a small laugh in appreciation. Then his eyes settle on me, finally fully registering my presence. His eyes widen, looking from me to Jacob then back again sputtering.

"I'm Claire." I stick out a hand. He grasps it with a vigorous shake.

"Seth, Clearwater, I'm Seth Clearwater."

I can't help but smile. "Nice to meet you."

He narrowed his eyes at Jacob. "Are you two going out? Cause if so then wow cause she is like way out of your league and if not do you think that I-

Seth got a half serious punch on the arm. "Watch yourself kid; she can hear you. Did I mention she is too old for you?"

"She is what? A junior? She is older than you!"

"We are not going out." He states firmly. I smile watching their banter. Mike is unknowingly getting avenged. I just put my face in my hands as I try not to laugh.

Seth turns and looks across the way, a mischievous look in his eyes. "Wait until I tell Leah you've finally got yourself a girlfriend."

A look of full blown panic shows on Jacob's face for a second before he quickly conceals with a steely exterior. He gripped Seth's arm leaning close growled out. "We are not going out. Don't tell Leah anything!"

"Geesh, I was kidding. Chill out." Seth pulls his arm free still grinning. "I don't what you see in my sister. But now I know my theory is correct of if you like h-"

"Manhandling my brother? Really Jake?" A girl around my age stands with one hand on her hip.

Seth drops the topic like a hot coal and Jacob snaps his arm back to his side in a flash. "No," Jacob says hurriedly.

"What'd you get?" Seth eager to change the subject and by the gleam in his eyes also equally as interested in what lay within the bag she carried.

Only the barest hint of smile shows. "No food if that's what you're wondering." A breeze shifts through her shoulder length black hair, blowing wisps into her warm earthy skin. She is beautiful, exotic some would say and I can see why Jacob is attracted towards her. Yet, even so there are dark circles under her eyes from lack of sleep and those very eyes seem to have lost a certain luster.

"Ah come on Lee," Seth whines. He reaches a hand over to it.

"Nothing for you," She swings her bag away. I see the imprint of an item at the bottom, a book. The only kind the grocer sells are note pads and…

"A journal?"

She freezes from her keep away game she was playing with her brother and turns to consider me. "Yes," She says.

I get it; to each their own way of coping; for her, sorting through her thoughts and feelings on paper. Sometimes seeing them on paper can help, be a release and make for a better understanding.

For me I like to listen to music. Before I knew I wasn't like every other teenager I was in to pop, hip hop, rap and just whatever was being played on the radio. After I discovered my ability I started leaning more towards the classical style. Typically it has no lyrics. It is free to take on whatever meaning and feeling desired by the listener. Music could feel like emotions, my emotions, of what I had been going through, my confusion, my fear, my hope; my brief moments of happiness. It was beautiful and more than once when I couldn't fall asleep I would put it on. A pity my own CDs didn't make the house fire caused by Ted, the radioactive man.

"A journal?" Seth's nose crinkled upward. "You mean like a diary?"

Jacob shoots Seth a shut-up-or-else look. Seth doesn't choose to make an issue of it. "Well it was nice to meet you Claire," Seth gives Jacob a nod of acknowledgement and heads off to their vehicle across the street.

Jacob eyes flicks to watch Seth's progress then back to Leah as he buries his hands in his pockets. "Perhaps I'll drop by sometime."

A touch of warmth briefly flickers in her eyes. "You should. Seth would like that…and I'd like it too." She turns to follow her brother. She looks over her shoulder at him. "Thanks." She whispers.

"For what?" He asks softly not understanding.

"For caring." She then looks away and lets her gaze linger on me for a moment with mild interest. Then she crosses the street.

Jacob tears his eyes away. "Well, we probably should get going." We both climb into the truck to head back. Jacob stares thoughtfully out the window.

"His name was Sam Uley."

"Excuse me?"

"The man who broke her heart."

"Oh,"

"They had been together for the longest time. They were very serious about each other or so everybody thought. Everyone assumed that one day they'd get married. Then Emily came and everything changed."

"How so?"

"Sam just dropped Leah for her cousin Emily. It was surreal. It wasn't like they had known each other before. But all of a sudden they were as tight if not tighter than how Leah and Sam ever were."

"Leah and Sam broke up just like that? There has got to be some sort of reason."

"Really? Cause I got the feeling it was more one sided than mutual."

I concentrate on the road as Jacob words hang in the air. So that was why Leah had looked so empty. I get it I think, but then I don't. I get that she is hurting, she really cared about the guy and he just dumped her. But how could she have gotten into this situation in the first place? How could some one possibly let some one else in so close that when they are gone the absence of their presence makes everything else seem so colorless?

I'd understand if like a family member died but this was just a guy she had been dating. You can't let who you are with identify yourself. Have outside interests and friends and know that the guy isn't your life. People let you down. I've learned that the hard way. I'll be sure never to make that mistake again.

People tend to leave if you want them to or not. It is best not to get too attached I think. It saves you a whole lot of heartache when you mentally reconcile yourself to the fact you don't know how long you'll have this person. Peter had suddenly entered my life bringing on change and a new out look and then just as swiftly he was gone.

I tap my steering wheel lightly, considering. "Be careful Jacob, I know you like her-" Jacob opened his mouth to object but then closed it at my don't-feed-me-crap face. "She is going to need good people like you around her. I think that maybe if given enough time something could happen between you. Don't rush it okay?" I'd rather not see Jacob get hurt too.

"I know." He flashes me his playful grin, sunny and warm again. I think if anyone could melt the icy glass Leah surrounds herself in now to numb the pain it is Jacob.

"So 'Dear Abby', have any advice you'd like to ask me? Having any guy trouble?"

I give an off hand snort in his general direction. As if! Really not into the whole dating thing right now. I'm not having guy trouble, at least not the type I think he could help me with.

I pull up into the Swann's drive. I put the truck into park. "I don't know if I said it before but thank you. I really appreciate it. You got me out of a tight fix. So thanks Jacob."

"No problem Claire, that's what friends are for." Jacob climbed out of the truck. "Oh and Claire?"

"Yeah?"

"You can call me Jake."

A/N: Okay, so I know I'm playing with the characters a bit outside the box. Nowhere in the show does it say anything specific about what genre of music Claire prefers to listen to. I'm just saying she does because I think it makes sense for her character (also it helps my plot better) I also know that in the real Twilight universe there was never a Jacob and Leah think going on. I thought they had nice chemistry in Breaking Dawn so I figured I'd give them their shot here.

Originally I was going to have this chapter longer, including the portion where she actually goes to the concert in this one. But then together this would be one long chapter. Plus I wasn't quite done editing and such which means you all would have had to wait longer. So I'll try to put that portion up in the next couple days and let you have this now.