I skipped through the halls of school, totally euphoric.

I didn't even mind Jessica's attention in Calculus.

Which was saying a lot for my mood. I even freaking hummed. I sat down at my desk.

Jess sat down next to me, which was surprising to say the least, seeing as she would rather ignore me these days due to the whole Mike issue.

Instead of sneering at me, she greeted me with a warm smile and a wave. "Hey," she whispered, leaning over the aisle to talk to me. I leaned in to hear her better, our teacher was wrapped up in marking anyway. Everyone was talking. I smiled hesitantly. "Hey, Jess. Do you need help?" I inquired politely. She shook her head.

"No, I wanted to know why you were sitting with Edward Cullen today!" she practically squealed. I shot her a warning look, glancing around to see if anyone heard. I sighed and moved my eyes back to her where she sat expectant and practically bouncing off the seat. I bit my lip. "He invited me." I shrugged, trying to throw her off the subject. I could try being more blunt and obnoxious, but that wouldn't do any good to our friendship or lack thereof. She narrowed her eyes at me. "He invited you? What are you guys friends now? When did this happen? Are you sitting there tomorrow? Aren't you intimidated by him?" I rolled my eyes at her.

"Oh, Jess, relax. We talk, I guess we're friends. And, besides, he's really nice." She grinned, her eyes glazing over suddenly. She sighed. "Is he ever." She had a small smile on her lips now, her eyes focussed on something distant in her shallow brain. I gritted my teeth. What was it to her anyway? Yeah, he was attractive, that much was clear. But he wasn't a Mike kind of guy. He held so much more depth than the people at my table combined.

There were things about him, that he kept hidden from anyone and everyone. I found myself drawn to him, for reasons beyond rational comprehension. All I knew for sure is that, I would rather him being my friend than Jessica's. I frowned inwardly, wondering why I had gotten so offended when Jessica complimented his looks. Maybe it was left over resentment for our earlier tension. I couldn't help but let my anger boil inside of me when it came to fights, I couldn't just bottle it up, that wasn't me.

I let my temper override my logical thoughts and actions. I dismissed the subject, and thought that I was just being ridiculous, probably through lack of sleep. I chewed on the end of my pen, a nervous habit of mine, just like chewing my nails. I threw on my grey hoodie as we left our class room when the bell rang.

Last period, it was a god send.

I smiled as I strolled happily to the Art room, rounding the corner and almost sprinting the rest of the distance.

Art was my emotional outlet. Whenever I was mad or upset, I would paint. Usually those paintings were abstract, splatters and stabs of red and black paint, almost mutilating whatever brushes I used in the process. It always helped me calm down. And sometimes I just did it for fun, it was often very therapeutic.

I sat down at my normal seat, reclaiming my canvas from the storage room, and propping it up on the desk. I basically jumped out of my skin when Edward pulled out the seat next to mine. I blushed deeply, I could feel it colour my skin. We hardly spoke, and it was exceptional. We walked out of class together with a spring in my step.

I felt myself blush again when he walked me all the way to my truck. We said our faint goodbyes and promises to sit together tomorrow when I finally got my feet to hop into my truck. I couldn't wipe the goofy smile off my face as I drove home. Charlie wasn't home yet, obviously. I dragged my feet in the door, only tripping once. I was proud.

I grabbed a granola bar from the fridge and munched on it while I slumped in front of the T.V. I flipped through the channels, food, DIY, wrestling—garbage. I stumbled upon a midday movie, Romeo and Juliet. I chuckled as I imagined Edward playing Romeo. His velvety, flawless voice making the lines all the more desirable.

My chuckles died out as I realised how much that idea pleased me. I quickly flipped channels, my heart thumping. There was nothing on that pleased me, so I turned it off, resigning myself to my bedroom. Throwing my books onto my bag, I realised I had no homework to do. This fact would usually cause for celebration. Today I was frantic, I needed a distraction from the thoughts that threatened to break through the damn wall in my head. Dangerous thoughts, I told myself.

I shouldn't even be entertaining such thoughts. But, still, without something else to keep my mind from wandering down that path, I found my head winding through different scenarios. I squinted my eyes shut, shaking my head, desperate for another thing to occupy my mind with. Almost on cue, the door bell rang.

I jumped and squashed the hopes that it was Edward at my door. Of course not. I tripped down the stairs, almost face planting, but ropy, russet coloured arms caught me before my head connected with the floor boards. "God, Bells! You gotta be more careful!" Jacob scolded me. I righted myself, pushing away from his hands.

I looked up into his eyes. He was tall, but not that tall, not as tall as... I sighed and stepped around to the door, holding it open and looking back at Jake expectantly, frustration and surprise clear on my face. Jacob fiddled with the hem of his shirt, staring at his shoes.

"Jake, I think it's best if you leave." I told him, setting my jaw and crossing my arms over my chest. "Bells," he sighed, leaning his arm on the banister. I glared at him; I could feel my face heating up. "Go, Jacob. I mean it. I know you've been having a tough time with Billy's passing. But I cannot forgive you for what you did." His face fell.

"Bella, you don't know anything!" he shouted and strode toward me. I took a step back, holding my hands out in front of me. "Do not come near me!" I almost shouted back, my voice unsteady. I could feel the tears springing already. Damn those tears. I wiped them away viciously.

"Bella, for goodness sake! I told you I was sorry! And besides, it was a long time ago!" he defended himself, as if he were genuinely apologising for what he did.

Like he could somehow explain himself. I had been free for two months after seeing him at Billy's funeral. Before then, I hadn't seen him since the last Summer I was here. I was absolutely fine for once. But, no, he had to come back and haunt me.

As if he hadn't taken enough from me. "Get out of my god damn house, Jacob Black! I will tell Charlie!" I threatened, my voice raising to a scream.

I thought I might actually start hitting him. I was prepared, there was an umbrella stand right behind me. I could get one out.

But my hands were shaking so much, I probably wouldn't be able to pick it up without it slipping from my grasp. Jacob seemed frustrated with my outburst.

He sighed, resigned and stalked out the door. I slammed it shut behind him, my happiness from today was completely obliterated by his appearance. My shallow, shaky breaths were slowing. It took a while to get back to normal. Instead of staying on the floor downstairs and risk and interruption by Charlie, I ran upstairs to my room. I slammed that door too.

I slumped onto my bed and curled up, kicking my books onto the floor.

I didn't come out till morning.

Oh my god! What did Jacob do? Why does Bella hate him so much? Read on to find out! As you would have read in this chapter and the last, Edward and Bella are starting to realise they have feelings for the other. But will this have an effect on their friendship? Good or Bad?

I am eternally grateful for those two people that reviewed. I heart you guys.