The long awaited Chapter! Hope it lives up to everyones ideas! I promise to try and be more prompt in my updates!
Chapter Six
Jake slammed his palms down on the counter, literally seething down at me. I should have seen this coming. Especially since I knew that he would ask Natalya what had come up for me to take a cab. Biting my lip, I looked up at Jake cautiously. His brown eyes beating into my face as he glared at me, I could feel my resolve crumble.
"Are you okay?" Oh god my voice sounded so weak, and Jake's jaw tightened. Now I really was in trouble. Crap.
"Outside. NOW!" Jake stormed off through the kitchen door. I slowly pushed myself up out of my seat and cast a hopeful glance around. None of the other waiters or waitresses even looked at me. They all know to stay out of these arguments by now, if only I knew how to as well. I trudged through the kitchen, as slow as I could get away with, mentally preparing for the argument that was about to occur. Even the little extra time I'd managed wasn't enough, the moment I stepped out the door, Jake was in my face, backing me into the wall.
"DAMMIT BELLA, WHY WOULD YOU LIE TO ME?" Jake's hands slammed into the wall on either side of me, boxing me in. "WHY WOULDN'T YOU TELL ME ABOUT LAST NIGHT." His body temperature wrapped around me, embracing me as his anger erupted in short incomplete waves. I wouldn't look at Jake, maybe if he didn't see how ashamed I was things would... "WELL?"
"What?" I mumbled. Which was a bad decision. Jake took one hand and forced my face forward. Once our eyes met, I felt them, the tears. I hated the tears.
"Bella…" Jake's voice was softer as he moved his thumb across my cheek, brushing at the few that dared escape my eyes. Suddenly, he was holding me, letting me inhale that earthly scent that even in a city, was only Jacob. I sobbed, repeatedly. Heart wrenching, lost all control, looks like crap for hours after words kind of sobs. "Bella talk to me… please. You have to talk to me." I shook my face against his shirt, leaving a snot trail. Jake held me out away from him, searching my face for the answer.
"Is there a guy? Natalya said that some guy came in last night. Is that what you don't want me to know?" I could see the desperation in Jake's eyes, pleading that this wasn't true. God I was so horrible, to ignore all the signs of how he felt. Guilt seeped in deeper, to ignore his feelings would be to acknowledge them, and I wouldn't even allow myself that. Slowly I nodded, our eyes locked. It was better if he didn't know that the guy had been Mike. Mike would just make things so much worse. My gut twisted, knowing how blameworthy I was of so many things. This wasn't a lie though, just not the whole truth. That fact didn't seem to matter to my gut.
"Yo Bells. Customer!" Embry was standing in the door way behind me. Jake shot him a glare.
"Can you give it to someone else, we're kinda busy here!"
"I'd love to give you two as much time as you need, but you are on the clock and he is asking for Bella. A paying customer Jake." Embry gave Jake a stern glare before disappearing back into the kitchen. My heart had started thudding, and I assumed Jake could hear it. It was Edward, it had to be. Only Edward would be asking for me. I glanced back at Jake, who was watching me. Immediately I blushed. God, what kind of horrible person was I? Who does this to their best friend? It didn't matter how Jacob felt about me, I knew I should love him back but I just couldn't. Jake stormed past me and into the building. I scurried after him, my stomach twisting in hope and dread.
When I reached the front counter, I saw Jake first. He was ram rod stiff and the hostility exuding from him had the entire restaurant silent, like time had frozen in that moment. Everything and everyone on hold, waiting for whatever would happen next, whatever Jacob deemed possible. My eyes followed Jacob's gaze and I couldn't help but gasp. This wasn't a good day at all. Oh god, how could things have gone so wrong?
"Jacob." The words were cold and detached as they both realized I was in the room. I stepped forward, moving quickly to block Jacob's path.
"I asked you not to come here Michael." I was snappy, quick to protect Jacob.
"Yea. I heard you loud and clear last night." Mike spoke to me, his eyes still daring Jacob to make a move. To try it just once. "But I listen just as well as you do. So here I am."
"What do you want?" Jacob's words were hard as he gritted them out through his teeth. I grasped behind me for his hand.
"Aw, still so oblivious. That would be quite obvious. I need to eat, and Bella will be my waitress. That way she has to talk to me." Mike moved slowly to take his seat at a booth in the back. Immediately I spun and scrambled into the kitchen.
"Embry, Please don't make me…" Embry was moving quickly preparing orders, dashing around in such a determined way that I knew he wouldn't care about my trivial problem.
"Bella, he asked for you. Just keep it friendly and get through it."
"Embry. If you don't let someone else serve that ass hole. I quit." Jacob stood behind me now. Putting a supportive hand on my shoulder. Embry stopped moving and just looked at us.
"Jacob, that is a little dramatic…"
"No it isn't. They have a history and he is here solely to torment us, particularly Bella. Please Em." Embry considered us a moment and then shook his head.
"I can't bend the rules for anyone. Customer requests you, you serve."
"Fine." Jacob started pulling off his apron. Embry gawked. He'd presumed Jacob was bluffing. "See you at home Bells." Jake squeezed my shoulder and moved past me to grab his jacket.
"JAKE!" My voice cracked as I ran after him. "Please…" Lord help me I was whimpering. "Please stay. I can't be here alone with…" I choked as I stared up at him.
"You should have told me." His words were soft as he placed his hands against my cheek. I closed my eyes and leaned into it. The gesture so familiar, so comforting, and the shame I felt eased as I leaned into it.
"I know…" I sobbed. Jake pulled me into him, holding me there. I was such a mess today.
"Fine. You win." Embry was watching us, a hint of concern in his eyes. "Take off and be back in an hour. I expect you both to pull another hour tomorrow." Jake smiled, and grabbed my jacket down from the wall. He threw it around my shoulders and went to retrieve the rest of my stuff. When Jake returned, he grabbed my hand and tugged me out the door.
We ended up down at the beach, our feet in the sand, just watching the waves climb over each other as they fought to break onto the shore. Jake and I sat close but it wasn't uncomfortable. We had known each other for so long that it seemed natural. For a while it was just quiet, but I knew it wouldn't last. Before long Jacob began, knowing I wouldn't.
"Bella." He reached for my hand and just held it. "Why is Michael here?" His hand was so warm against mine.
"I thought that would be pretty obvious." I kept my eyes out to the horizon. Almost hoping a wave would take me away. "Jess has been asking to see us for a few months now."
"What?"
"When Michael couldn't get through to you, he started contacting me." I could feel Jacob watching me and purposely avoided his eyes. "She isn't doing well Jacob." I squeezed his hand and stood.
"Bella." Jacob gripped my arm. Yanking me around in front of him. "What do I do?"
"I don't know Jake." I stepped forward and into his arms again. For the first time in a while, I wasn't homesick. "Maybe you should go back…"
"After what she did Bell?"
"She is your sister Jake." I went to step back, but his arms held me tighter.
"I don't want to leave you here, alone." I felt his chin rest against the top of my head, as he pondered what he must do. "But you won't come, will you?" The moment the question left his lips, my body stiffened. He chuckled, the warmth of his breathe stirring my hair. His fingers found their way into my hair, and I cherished it for only a moment before pushing away.
"We should get back." Jake nodded in agreement and led the way back to the bike. He handed me the helmet, adjusted the strap under my chin.
"I can give you the number when we get home, I'll even call Billy and tell him your…" Jacob held his hand up to stop me.
"I'll take care of it all Bella. Just promise me you'll be okay." I gulped down my insistence to help, smiled reassuringly and clamored on the bike behind him.
When we reached the diner, Embry was as irritated as ever and a rush had begun. Someone had told Michael that we'd both left for the day so at least that was out of the way. Jacob stayed over his hour but then left at seven after talking to Embry about taking some leave. We were busy until close which wasn't unusual. What was unusual though was at about a quarter till close, the bell over the door jangled. I was wiping down tables, in no hurry to look up. The night had been busy and the only thing that had been on my mind all day was orders and getting through it. Jacob had phoned to tell me he was leaving tonight and didn't know when he would be back. That news had put me in a funk and I knew if I didn't concentrate I would probably break down some more.
"Hey guys, I am sorry but we are only taking orders to go. Getting ready to close shop." Embry called from the counter where he was counting down drawers.
"Actually we are here to see…" I whirled around at the sound of Edward's voice. He smiled at my over enthusiasm.
"Hi…" I whispered, looking away bashfully as I felt the red creep into my cheeks. He was with the couple that was here the other day. They waited behind him both smiling brightly.
"Friends of yours Bella?" Embry's voice brought me out of my shell. I yanked off my apron and grabbed my wash cloth.
"Uh nope, but they are paying customers. You guys can sit here." I stepped aside and motioned to the table I'd just cleaned.
"Bella." Embry growled my name. I smiled at him politely, handed them each a menu, and motioned I'd be right back. I followed Embry into the kitchen. It didn't take long before he was turning on me, grinding his teeth.
"I'll stay. You cook their food. I'll clean and lock up tonight. It isn't my night to do so, but that will be my hour extra!"
"Bella, I promised Jake I'd watch over you." Embry sounded defeated. I moved my mouth to speak, but came up short. Jake was asking people to babysit me. How messed up was that? It wasn't like I'd get into trouble without him around. The only time something bad had happened was three years ago and that was an accident. Then again Jacob going home was bound to stir memories.
"Jake doesn't even stick around till I lock up. Plus I am twenty-two years old!" I slammed my hands on my waist in emphasize my point. Embry buckled under my glare. I smiled in victory.
"Fine, but you will call me when you leave and when you get home." My smile faltered.
"God Embry! No. First, I don't have a home phone and second, I'm an adult. I'll tell you what you are going to do: you are going to go home, get ready for bed, watch some television and go to sleep. In the morning you'll come to work and maybe I'll stop in. If I don't I will see you bright and early on Saturday for my shift. Jake will not have to be any the wiser."
"He already called and left me a message." Embry waved his cell in front of me. I snatched it from him. Embry made a grab for it but I shoved it into my jean pocket and danced back.
"Well I think we have a solution. I can now talk to Jacob, and you can go home and not worry."
"That's my cell Bella!" His dismay set a fury in me. The look I gave Embry had him stepping back a few feet.
"You can spare your cell for a few days, or you can get me one of my own, but you will not…" I pointed my finger at him like he was a missing behavior and I shook it at him. "I repeat, you will not become my over sized babysitter." I threw my apron at him, turned on my heel and marched out of the kitchen and back to Edward's party. Edward smiled up at me and scooted over. I shook my head and grabbed an order pad off the counter as I walked over. After a confused look, Edward glanced back down at the menu.
"What can I get you guys?" I poised my pencil over my pad and waited, fighting off the urge to tap my foot.
"Bella, we can go eat somewhere else. We didn't mean to…" Edward started. I cleared my throat and glanced back at the kitchen door where Embry was waiting. Alice caught on quickly and picked up her menu.
"I'll have a Caesar chicken sandwich on wheat whole grain with a double side of fries." She handed me the menu. Jasper ordered a burger with no fries. Edward just looked at me.
"I'll just have a coke." He locked eyes with me, scooted over a little more with his arm thrown over the back of the booth. "And you to sit with us." I tilted my head and held up my pad. I'll get your orders in. What would you two like to drink?"
"Waters please." Jasper taped his fingers on the table, avoiding eye contact. I ripped the order off my pad and stomped back to Embry.
"Make it and then go." I slammed the paper into his chest.
"Don't get mad that Jake is worried. He…"
"Embry." One word and he shut his mouth. He picked up his spatula and went about cooking. "Finish it and then go home. You wake up worried, call your own cell." I walked out of the kitchen, just as a few of the other servers headed out. They waved at me and as the door shut, I flipped the lock. I filled up the drink orders and delivered them.
"Bella." I held up my hand to stop Edward's protest and headed back into the kitchen. Embry was finishing the last of the plates.
"Bella, please you know that Jake cares about you."
"Embry you know that table out there?" I picked up the plates, balancing them on my left arm. When Embry leaned back to listen, I knew I was winning. "One of them asked me out. I was going to go out after this." I dug into my pocket with my free hand and tossed Embry his phone. "Please don't ruin this for me." I was pleading, but I was tired of acting like a brat. Embry thought about it for a moment. He straightened up and held the phone out to me.
"I understand. I'll see if I can get you a disposable for you tomorrow, but seriously Bells. I call, you have to answer!" I smiled and snatched the cell out of his hand, the plates wobbled and I had to steady myself so they wouldn't fall. "I'm going to finish up clean up here and head out, make sure to lock up okay?"
"Definitely." I felt like my face was about to fall off I was smiling so hard but I couldn't help it. I hurried back out to the group and set down the plates in front of Alice and Jasper, went and grabbed a soda before finally sitting down next to Edward. It was awkward at first as I sipped my soda and Jasper and Alice ate. Finally Alice pushed her plate aside and studied me.
"So you are the one who has had my brother all moody the last few days." Edward sputtered out his soda, Jasper shifted uncomfortably and I lost all coherent thought.
"Alice…" Edward growled, leaning back a little too casually.
"He'd like to have you believe he is all manly and couldn't have cared less, but I don't want you to get the wrong impression. He likes you, like a lot." She winked at me, taking her cup in hand but pausing before putting it to her lips. "I mean miserably, desperately likes you." She clarified, finally taking a sip. I glanced over at Edward questioningly, but he was shaking his head and glaring at his sister. His cheeks were bright red and I smiled to myself. Maybe I was wrong earlier to doubt his intentions. I only nodded and stood, grabbing the plates and cups.
"Good to know I guess." I took everything back to the dish room only to find Embry still there. He took the plates and stuff from me.
"Go out with them Bella. I'll take care of everything, you deserve it."
"Em…" I started to protest but he wouldn't hear of it. He grabbed my jacket off the hook and helped me into it and then handed me my bag.
"Go Bella. I'll see you later."
"Yea okay. Thanks." I stood up on my tiptoes to give him a hug and as I left I heard him sniffle. Great. Just great, it wasn't bad I knew Jake liked me, but now Embry was getting emotional about me having a crush. Just lovely. As I walked back into the main area, Edward was sternly lecturing Alice. It was Jasper who saw me first and cleared his throat.
"We are good to go." I adjusted my bag in an attempt to not look at Edward. I didn't know him well, but deep down, I was desperate for this to work.
"Great." Edward's voice was closer than I thought and when I jerked my head up, he was right in front of me, his fingers touched my arm, and we both jumped at the spark that jolted through us. I laughed nervously, not having much experience in the romance department, but Edward stared at me in wonder, as if he were Indian Jones and I was his Holy Grail. Somewhere, deep in my heart this scared and thrilled me.