A/N: I am absolutely sorry about the long wait. I have a good reason for the delay. I had the majority of the story done, it just needed the last finishing touches, but my computer ended up getting a virus and I had to get it cleaned out completely. Good thing I saved this story on a floppy disk (haha those are so old school). I finally got it back and for that I am extremely happy. So I give you the tenth chapter to my story. I do have to apologize again because this one is more of a filler chapter, but don't worry the good stuff happens next chapter. Sweet moments and a surprise is to be unfolded (hint hint). Well enjoy and thanks to everyone who has reviewed. Your feedback has encouraged me to keep on writing.
Disclaimer: Stephenie Meyers owns these amazing characters, well except Amy and her parents. The chapter's title belongs to Death Cab For Cutie as do the lyrics in the beginning.
CHAPTER 10: Passenger Seat
"I roll the window down
and then begin to breathe in
the darkest country road
and the strong scent of evergreen
from the passenger seat as you are driving me home."
-Death Cab For Cutie
"Can I ask you something" I was spending another afternoon with Jacob. This time he had decided to come along with me to the public library in Forks.
"You already did," I teased. Jacob shot me a look.
"You seriously did not just use that," Jacob laughed. I laughed with him.
"Ok go ahead, shoot," I went back to perusing the shelves of books.
"What's so great about these things?" He picked up one of the books off the shelf, opened it, skimmed the page, and then placed it back. He picked at the book's spine as he waited for my answer.
"Those things are called books, Jake," I answered absentmindedly as I read the back cover of a book.
"I know they're books. They're so boring," Jake whined. I looked at him and chuckled as he sulked.
"Books aren't boring, they can take you anywhere, show you worlds you never dreamt of. Books are magical things," I reasoned. Jacob smiled softly at me. It was a strange smile.
"What is it?" I asked, confused by his expression. He continued to smile at me. He shook his head before answering.
"Nothing, it's just that you look so happy when you talk about books. It's different from other times you talk about something you like."
"Really? No one's ever told me that before," I marveled. Jacob shrugged nonchalantly.
"Maybe no one's ever noticed," He suggested. "So are you almost done?" The little daze his previous comment had put me in was broken at his last question. I sighed in disappointment as I put the book I had been looking at back in its place.
"Yeah, I couldn't find anything interesting. Neither this library nor the school's have much of a selection," I answered. I adjusted my bag's strap on my shoulder and began to head towards the exit. Jacob followed me. "Maybe I'll go to Seattle or some other town nearby to get something to read. I'll call Olivia and see if she knows of a place."
"You're really going to go through all that trouble to get a book?" Jacob asked as we stepped out to the foggy outdoors. This morning had been freezing; it was dry, but it seemed like the rain might start at any moment.
"Uh huh, I get pretty antsy when I don't have something good to read. I always have a book with me," I explained as we walked to his car.
"Do you have one with you right now?" Jacob jokingly questioned. I smiled at him before beginning to dig through my bag. I pulled out a thick book from it. Jacob gave me an amused look before taking the book from my grasp.
"Don Quijote?" Jacob questioned, raising an eyebrow. He flipped the book in his hands, reading the back.
"I felt like reading something that had adventure and knights," I shrugged. I watched him open it.
"I've never heard of it," Jacob declared.
"Neither had I until last year when my Spanish teacher had us read an excerpt for class. It's taking me a while to read since it's so long," I confessed.
"It's not in English," Jacob stated.
"I know, it used to belong to my dad when he went to school, but he gave it to me for Christmas last year. It's a good way for me to keep my Spanish," I explained. "It is a fascinating story."
"What is it about?" Jacob handed the book back to me. We got into the car. When he seated himself behind the steering wheel I turned to him.
"You really want to know?"
"Yeah," He confirmed.
"There's this old man who loved books about knights. He loved everything that had to do with the romanticized life of a knight, the heroic acts, the honor, the glory. He had a whole library of these books. And he read them constantly; he read them so much he became insane. In his old age he came to believe that he was a knight. With this belief in mind he went off to search for his adventures in order to earn honor and fame."
"So he went insane from reading too many books, huh?" Jacob murmured. He gave me a mischievous smile.
"Don't say anything," I glared at Jacob as he laughed.
"You set yourself up for that," Jacob commented.
"I know," I groaned. It wasn't the first time I'd heard the joke about my reading habits. "But it's still a lame joke."
"I don't know, it made me laugh," Jacob chuckled. I punched his arm gently. "Ok, I get it. Anyways back to the subject of going to find books, how about I take you to Port Angeles on Saturday?"
"Really, you would do that?" I asked.
"Yeah, I don't have anything to do. I feel like going out of town."
"Ok, I'll have to ask my parents first, but they'll be okay with it."
"It's settled then, we'll leave at noon, go to some bookstores, eat, and come back,' Jake listed. He turned on the car and pulled out of the library's parking lot. He dropped me off at home, before saying he would see me later. When I entered the house I found my dad watching television.
"Hey, how was your day?" I asked as I pulled off my jacket.
"It was the same as always," He answered as he tore his gaze from the screen. "Where were you?"
"I was at the library with Jacob," I answered.
"With Jacob? You sure have been spending a lot of time with him," My dad commented. I shrugged.
"He gave me a ride to the library. I was going to walk there, but he met me at school," I replied. I sat next to him on the couch. "Where's Mom?"
"She's still at work," He answered. My mom had gotten a job at the grocery store in town. "You hungry?"
"Yeah, you made something?" I got up. My dad followed me to the kitchen.
"Mhmm, I made some spaghetti," He went to the stove and uncovered the pan. The smell of spaghetti filled the kitchen. My stomach growled as the scent reached my nose. My dad served us plates as I toasted some bread. We ate dinner and I told him a little bit about what happened at school.
"So Jake and I were at the library," I said.
"Mhmm, you told me that," My dad answered. I swirled some spaghetti onto my fork.
"Yeah, I know. What I'm getting at is that I couldn't find anything that caught my attention," I continued. He put down his fork and gave me all his attention. "So, Jacob told me if I wanted he could take me to Port Angeles to go to a bookstore there. I have the money so you don't have to give me any. We'll go in the afternoon and be back before evening." My dad just gave me a suspicious look.
"I don't know. You've been spending too much time with the guy. What about Veronica? Can't you go with her?" My dad asked. I couldn't help but smile at my dad's attempt to be subtle.
"Dad would you rather I go to a city you don't know anything about with Veronica or Jacob?" I asked. "It's not something special like a date. He's just doing me a favor of taking me to buy books. That's it."
"I'm still not sure. Wait for when your mother gets here. She's someone better to ask," He answered defeated. I reached across the table and put my hand on his. He smiled at me before we began eating, and he began telling me about his day at work. My mom came home about an hour later, and I told her my plan. Like my father she was a little hesitant, but when she heard Jacob was taking me she was ecstatic. Unlike my father, she hoped it was a date. I couldn't wait for that Saturday, I would finally get my hands on some new books and I got to spend some more quality time with Jake.
Saturday afternoon came as fast as it could in the monotony of the week. I hadn't seen Jacob all week, so it had been slow. Usually my time spent with him went by too quickly. I was getting my last minute things and stuffing them into my bag when the doorbell rang. I could hear my dad yell that he would get it. I hurried up, not wanting to leave Jacob alone with my dad for too long. I ran down the stairs stumbling on the last few steps and having to right myself by holding onto the railing. I looked up from the floor after doing so and saw my dad giving me a weird look and Jacob trying not to laugh.
"Hello…um… you did not see that," I declared. My dad held the same expression and Jacob nodded slowly, really trying not to laugh now. My mom came into the living room at that time.
"Amelia, pareces loca," She scolded. I rolled my eyes at her. "Running around the house."
"Ok Mom, well I'm leaving now. I'll see you two later," I said as I walked towards Jacob. I motioned as subtly as I could to the door. He got my hint and began to walk towards it. "I'll call you if anything happens or the plans change, bye."
"Goodbye, Mr. and Mrs. Arzola, you have nothing to worry about. I'll take care of her," Jacob said before opening the door. I walked through before my parents could say anything. I pulled Jacob along, not wanting for them to tell him something either. I waved to my parents quickly before reaching Jacob's car and getting in. It wasn't until Jacob had pulled away from my house that I said anything.
"You did a good job of nearly giving my dad a heart attack and making my mom's greatest dream come true with your last comment." Jacob glanced at me confused.
"Uh, it would be helpful if I knew what you were talking about," Jacob commented.
"My mom is ecstatic thinking this is a date, and my dad is about to burst into a fit thinking this is a date," I explained. I looked out the window, watching the houses pass us by.
"So let me get this straight, your mom wants you to date and your dad is scared you are?" Jacob asked.
"Yeah pretty much," I sighed.
"So your dad is playing the role of the typical jealous dad and your mom would have probably taken pictures of us if you hadn't hidden the camera?" Jacob continued to clarify.
"How did you know I hid the camera?" I asked surprised.
"Lucky guess, I mean when I saw her I was expecting the camera. The only way she couldn't have it would be if she couldn't find it," Jacob replied.
"You are much more perceptive than you let on," I said. Jacob shot me a smirk.
"So are you ready for this then?" Jacob asked.
"Oh yeah, I can't keep my excitement in," I answered.
"It's sad that you're actually serious about that," Jacob teased. I punched his arm lightly, but ended up hurting my knuckle.
"Do you have something in your jacket?" I asked, rubbing my sore knuckle.
"Why do you ask," Jacob responded.
"Your arm feels really hard, I was just wondering if you had a brace or something," I said.
"No it's just my arm," Jacob stated. He stopped at the only traffic light in town. He turned on the radio and played with the dial. He kept trying to get something other than static, but nothing. The light changed and Jacob continued. "Can you open that?" He pointed at the glove compartment. I did so. "Now look for a case." I pulled out what he told me. "Can you give me the second CD?" I handed him the CD, it was blank except with a number 4 written in black marker. He slid it into the CD player he had in the car. Music filled the small space, but it was nothing like I imagined he would listen to.
"What is this?" I asked curiously. The music was relaxing; I listened to the lyrics and realized they were a bit sad.
"Huh, to be honest I don't know. It is the newest one I've gotten," Jacob answered.
"Someone gives you CDs with random songs or what?" I asked.
"Yeah, I have this…let's call them an acquaintance… that makes them and gives them to me. It's a sort of peace offering," Jacob answered.
"A peace offering? For what?" I asked.
"We didn't start off in the best way so we're making an effort to get along for the sake of a friend," Jacob answered. Every answer he gave was so vague.
"Hmm, interesting. So you're ready to spend some time with me at some bookstores?" I asked. Jake scrunched up his face, but threw me a wink.
"I guess, but I get to pick where we eat," Jacob replied.
"I'm fine by that. I really appreciate you doing this, Jake," I said.
"Don't worry about it," Jake shrugged and quickly smiled at me before focusing on the road. After some minutes in silence I began to hear a noise. I realized it was Jacob softly humming. I thought it was adorable. I didn't say anything in fear that he would stop, so I sat in silence, watching the scenery and letting myself be lulled by Jake's hums.
"Hey, Amy wake up, we arrived at Port Angeles," I felt someone gently shaking my shoulder. I pulled myself out of my slumber.
"We're here?" I asked disoriented. I looked around and noticed that we were parked near a boardwalk. A small crowd of people were walking by the car. Jake was watching with amusement.
"Yeah, you fell asleep."
"I didn't mean to," I replied. Jake just shook his head, his constant half smile on his face.
"It's alright," Jake commented as he opened his door. I did the same, making sure I grabbed my bag before closing the car door. "Ok, so where to first?"
"Um, let me check," I pulled my list of bookstores from my bag.
"You researched this?" Jake asked.
"Yeah, I didn't want to just be wandering around for too long," I answered while reading the list. "I got it we're going to this one." I pointed to the list. "It's the biggest one they have in town."
"Alright, let's get going," He put his hand on my lower back and began to guide me through the throng of people. We spent the next few hours in various bookstores. Jacob kept complaining about it being too boring and quiet, but overall he behaved well for being so antsy. He kept trying to get me to buy the most embarrassing books in the stores. We were nearly kicked out of one of the stores due to us being "too rowdy," that was the storeowner's words.
"Finally, you're done. Exactly how many books do you need?" Jacob asked. He had offered to carry my bags. I tended to overdo it in bookstores the majority of the time.
"You can never have too many books," I replied. He rolled his eyes at me. "Ok I'm sorry; if you want I can take some of those bags."
"No it's alright; I can handle them," Jacob said. He led me back to the car where he dumped the bags in the back seat before locking the car again. "Come on, I'm starving. It's my turn now." I shook my head in amusement. Jacob began to walk down the street. The walk wasn't long, only a few minutes. He stopped in front of a small restaurant, there were small tables outside.
He took me inside, and although the place was too small for the amount of people crowded in, you could feel the relaxing atmosphere once you entered. There was some indie band playing through the speakers. The décor was cozy, mismatched chairs and tables with a lot of black and white photographs on the walls. There were shelves with trinkets. I looked up at the ceiling as we made it across the restaurant to an empty table; it had old movie posters and some interesting mobiles. There were so many interesting things to look at; a lot of memorabilia giving the place a sense of history.
"Wow, this place is amazing," I commented as I still looked around.
"I know and the food is great. I love coming to eat here," Jacob said. He handed me one of the menus that were in the center of the table. I opened it and searched for something that sounded good.
"So what do you suggest?" I asked not at all sure what to pick. Jacob put down his menu.
"Well, I recommend that you taste the Special," Jacob answered, I quirked an eyebrow at him.
"The Special?" I asked hesitantly. He nodded his head enthusiastically.
"Yup, it's what the restaurant is famous for," Jacob answered.
"Alright then, I'll take the Special then," I surrendered. At that moment a waiter came up to us. He pulled a notepad to write down our order.
"Hello I am Tom and I will be your waiter tonight. What would like to drink?" He asked. He looked like he was around our age. He was wearing the restaurant's logo on his shirt.
"Hi, I would like a coke please," Jacob answered. He looked at me to answer.
"Um, can I please have lemonade?" I said. Tom jotted down the drinks.
"Are you ready to order?" He asked looking at us again.
"Yeah, two Specials," Jake answered. That went down on the notepad too.
"Is that all?" Tom questioned.
"Can I have an extra large order of curly fries plus the fries that come with the special?" Jake asked.
"Ok, your drinks will be right up and your orders will be ready in ten to fifteen minutes," The waiter made his way to the counter.
"An extra order of fries?" I asked amazed. Jacob just shrugged at me.
"I have a big appetite," He answered.
"I can see that. The last couple of times I have eaten with you, you have consumed more in one sitting than my entire family does in one day." I commented.
"I don't know if I should feel insulted with that comment," Jake said.
"It's not an insult. I'm just amazed that's all. Where do you put it all? There doesn't seem to be a single ounce of fat on you," I said.
"I have a fast metabolism," Jacob answered quickly. At that time Tom returned with our drinks. We thanked him and he left to attend another table.
"So how was your week?" I asked after I took a sip of my lemonade.
"It was good, just hanging in the garage with Embry and Quil. We were looking at this car Quil bought. It needs a lot of fixing up, but it'll be a good project. The bad part is the money, but we'll do some random things around the rez for money. Clean out gutters; fix plumbing, stuff like that." Jacob answered. "But it's great, to have another car to work on together."
"Sounds like fun," I remarked. Jacob continued to tell me about the ideas him and the guys had for the car. I couldn't help smiling at how happy he looked as he talked about it. The waiter brought us our burgers and we dug in. I have to say that they were delicious, and the fries were amazing.
"Hey! Those are my fries!" I exclaimed. Jacob shot me a quick wink before popping the fry into his mouth.
"I was still hungry," Jacob shrugged. I shook my head, pretending to be mad, but I couldn't stop the smile from appearing on my face.
"You're such a pig," I shot back at him. He made a face at me.
"I resent that," Jacob replied before taking another fry. He had practically finished his burger in three bites. And his two orders of fries didn't last much longer.
"I apologize, here," I said as I pushed my tray of fries in between us. "I know I won't be able to finish them. I never have been able to."
"Is that so?' Jacob asked as he grabbed a few more fries and dipped them into the ketchup.
"Yup, when I was little I used to give the ones I couldn't finish to my dad," I answered. I put my last bit of burger into my mouth. Jacob chuckled.
"I can just imagine a little you doing that," He said as he finished the rest of the fries. He sat back in his seat and watched me.
"I'm stuffed," I said as I took a sip of my drink.
"You ready to go?" Jake asked. I nodded as I drank the rest of my lemonade. Jake motioned the waiter for the check. He refused to take my money when I tried to pay for my meal.
"Don't worry it's on me," He said after Tom had left to get his change.
"Are you sure, I can pay you back if you want," I said as I reluctantly put my money in my wallet.
"Don't be silly," Jacob said as he stood up from his seat. Tom arrived at that time with Jake's change. Jacob pulled out some bills and handed it back to him. I stood up too and followed Jacob out of the restaurant.
"That was the best burger I have ever had," I stated when we reached the cold outdoors.
"Well it's good to hear that you enjoyed the food," Jacob said as he guided me through the crowd of people. The sun was setting and people were hurrying to get the shopping done before night fall.
"And the place was amazing. I just loved all the memorabilia; it had so much history. Definitely not a boring place to eat," I said.
"Yeah that's why I like it," Jacob agreed. We began to walk towards the car, but I suddenly stopped in front of a small art gallery I hadn't noticed earlier.
"Amy what is it?" Jacob asked after he noticed I hadn't continued to walk beside him.
"I can't believe it," I said breathlessly. I pointed to the poster on the window.
"What about it? It's just announcing an art exhibit in Seattle," Jacob said.
"That's exactly it. It's my favorite painter," I explained. But then I saw the date and my excitement died only to be replaced with disappointment. "The exhibit is on a school day. My parents wouldn't let me skip school for something like that. And it would have been perfect; it would have been close to my birthday."
"Really? When is it?" Jake asked. He took a closer look at the sign.
"What the exhibit or my birthday?" I asked.
"Both," He clarified.
"The exhibit is on Monday the 28th of January and my birthday is on the 26th," I answered.
"That sucks," Jake said. I nodded in agreement.
"Oh well, I guess it wasn't meant for me to go," I said and began to walk to where I could see Jake's car. Jacob stayed back for a minute then quickly caught up with me.
"You never know, things can change," Jacob said. I shook my head.
"My parents would never let me do something like skip school for just an exhibit. They don't even let me miss if I'm sick," I sighed. Jake rubbed my shoulder. We reached his car and got in. The inside was freezing and immediately after Jake turned on the car he turned on the heater.
"It'll take a while for it to warm up," Jake commented as he pulled out of the parking space and into traffic. I nodded and turned to watch the people walking on the sidewalk. I sat back into my seat and relaxed. I felt comfortable after my day spent with Jacob. I turned to him. He felt me staring at him and turned to look at me. He gave me a small smile, which I returned. We rode in silence.
"Jake I like spending time with you," I blurted out.
"That's good to hear," Jake answered giving me an amused smile. I looked out the window and stared at the darkening sky.
"Can I open the window?" I asked. He looked at me strangely.
"Um…it's cold outside Amy," Jacob replied.
"Yeah, I know. Just for a few seconds. I've come to love the smell of the pine trees though. And I just want to feel the cold air for a bit," I explained.
"Oh, ok," He consented to hesitantly. I rolled the window down and stuck my head out a bit. I could feel the biting, cold wind nip at my cheeks and nose. It felt good and I could smell the woodsy smell of the forest and the pine trees. Some of the trees were capped with snow, making the scenery look magical. The last bits of rays from the sun shone of the ice crystals.
"Can you smell it Jake?" I asked him as I sat back in my seat.
"Smell what?" He asked back.
"Winter," I simply replied as I took a deep breath. Jake smiled at me softly.
"Amy you truly surprise me sometimes," He said.
"What would life be without surprises?" I asked thoughtfully. Jacob removed one hand from the steering wheel and covered mine. His hand was extremely hot, but it felt lovely compared to the cold air. I rubbed my thumb against his palm. I rolled the window up. For the rest of the ride Jake held my hand. And I felt content for the rest of the drive home, my hand in his, watching everything pass us by.
