Burning Bright 05
Why Does it Hurt?
Crystal's POV

I was in a much better mood when I woke up. My fever was gone, my nose was clear and I just felt terrific. I hurriedly got out of bed and made my way to the window hoping to be greeted by the sunshine but to my disappointment the sun was blocked by clouds and it was starting to drizzle and that's when I remembered. I was supposed to go to Jake's today.

All of a sudden it felt like a brick landed in my stomach. It's not that I didn't want to see it, in fact for some reason I couldn't wait to see him and that scared me. I didn't know him too well but he seemed like a really nice guy but I wondered what he thought of me. The brick in my stomach got heavier.

Trying to push the thought back into my head I went to go take a shower and get ready for the day. I grabbed some clothes and started toward to bathroom in the hallway. When I opened my door a delicious aroma met my nose. I followed it into the kitchen to see Bella standing over the stove making breakfast. Bacon was placed on a plate on the table and she was mixing some pancakes batter. I grabbed a strip of bacon and started munching on it. I was hungry after not eating anything but a bowl of ramen noodles the day before.

"Good morning, Crystal," Bella said once she noticed I was standing there. "Are you feeling better?"

I smiled and nodded to let her know I was feeling much better.

"That's good because I heard you were going over to Jake's today. I think he said he would be picking you up around one so make sure you're ready. I have to stop back into work today but I'll see it I can't stop by later."

My cheeks started burning and I wasn't hungry anymore. I threw the rest of the bacon strip away and continued toward the bathroom.

It didn't take long to shower and get dressed. By the time I was done it was already eleven. Only two more hours before Jake would be coming to get me. I was so excited and nervous I couldn't stop fidgeting. It would be a while before he would arrive so I figured I might as well find something to do. Going back into my room I started digging through my luggage trying to find a book I bought before I came here. After a few minutes of searching I gave up on looking for it and began unpacking instead. I would be staying here for a long time after all so I might as well get everything straightened.

I started putting my clothes away into the dresser and closet. I realized that I had a lot of tee shirts and I really need some sweatshirts since the temperature here was colder than that of Arizona. After all my clothes were put away I started getting out some of the C.D.S and books I brought and arranged them on the little bookshelf. I even found the book I was looking for. I took it with me into the living room and sat down on the couch to start reading. However as soon as I did I heard a knock on the door. I stood back up and looked at the clock that read 1:07. I was shocked. I couldn't believe two hours had already gone by. There was a knock on the door again and I scrambled to answer it almost tripping over the remote left on the floor. I stood holding the doorknob for a second. I took a deep breath and then opened it.

"Hiya, Crystal. Are you ready to go?" Jake asked grinning down at me.

My cheeks were burning and I didn't do anything for a moment but stare at him. So far every time I've seen him he made my skin tingle like it was being licked my cold flames. Why do I always feel this way?

"Um, Crystal," Jake said again snapping me out of my thoughts. "I said are you ready to go?"

I felt incredibly stupid having dazed off like that. I stared down at my feet as I was sure my face was tomato red and nodded my head. I closed the door behind me and started walking off the porch but somehow I ended up tripping over my own feet. I was sure my face was about to meet the ground but I felt a strong arm grab me around the middle and set me back up right. The arm felt like fire and I gasped before squirming away. I looked up at Jake and he had a look of surprise and hurt. I felt bad, like I had just done something awful to him. I didn't mean to fall like that and I was thankful he caught me but why was his skin so hot?

I started chewing on my bottom lip waiting for him to do something. Finally I heard him chuckle and I looked up to see him walking to his car.
"Well let's not just stand here all day. We should get going," he said getting into the drivers seat.

I nodded and hurried to the passenger's side and slid into the seat. Once we were buckled, Jake backed out of the driveway and started off down the road. The drive was silent but it wasn't one of those awkward ones. Jake just drove and I stared out the window.

It wasn't long before we pulled up to what I assumed was his house. It was slightly smaller than Charlie's and looked similar to a log cabin. I gazed down the streets and noticed all the houses looked like that. I also noticed that there were a few cars parked around his house and the sound of music could be heard from the backyard.

"Well this is it," Jacob said with a sigh. "It's not much but its home."
I just smiled at him. I thought it was pretty cute and cozy place.

"Anyways, I have no idea why there seem to be people here so let's go see, shall we?" He smiled at me and after taking the keys out of the ignition he got out of the car and I followed suit. I stayed a few paces behind him as he made his way into the backyard not sure of what I would be greeted with.

We approached a gate and as he opened it I could see a some people mingling around. They were all chatting and drinking sodas and someone seemed to be making hamburgers on a grill. As we got closer the people noticed us and a two boys started walking over to us.

"Hey Jake how's it going?" the taller boy asked.

"Paul, what's going on? Why are you all in my backyard?" Jacob asked, glaring around at everyone.

"Oh yeah, your dad called us all over for a cookout. He said something about you bringing over Crystal." Paul said.

My ears perked up at the sound of my name. Had Jacob been talking about?

"Hey where is she anyways? I wanna meet her!" The shorter boy said. He looked about my age and seemed slightly hyper.

Jacob looked back at me and grinned.

"Don't be shy, Crystal. You don't need to hide behind. But if need be I'll protect you."

My cheeks started burning and I stared down at everyone's feet as I stepped from behind Jacob. Suddenly a hand was thrust under my face. I looked up and saw the short guy beaming at me.

"Hiya, I'm Seth! It's a real pleasure to meet you," he said almost yelling in my face.

I smiled awkwardly and shook his hand. As I did I noticed his skin was just as hot as Jacob's. I dropped his hands and stared back down at my shoes.

"Um, Crystal, why don't we go inside and get a soda or something," Jacob leaned in to say into my ear.

I bit my bottom lip and nodded my head. I felt too uncomfortable being around people I didn't know. Getting away from them was sure to leave me feeling less awkward.

We started walking towards the house when someone called Jacob's name.

"Yeah, dad?" he shouted back.

"I need you to come over and help me with the grill. Darn thing's not working right again.

"Be right there," he sighed. "I have to go help him real quick but just make your way inside and grab a soda. I'm sure there's some food in there as while if you're hungry."

He went to go help his dad and left me standing there by myself surrounded by complete strangers. I know he didn't mean to do it on purpose but I just felt utterly alone.

I sighed and made my way into his house for a drink. Maybe some sugar in my system would make me feel better. As soon as I stepped through the door a young woman came up to me and stuck her hand out.

"Hello, I'm Leah, Seth's older sister. You must be Crystal. It's a pleasure to meet you," she said politely waiting for me to shake her hand.

I shook her head and smiled awkwardly like I had done with Seth. For some reason it didn't shock me that her hand was as hot as everyone else.

"Jake hasn't said much about you but from what I know your Bella's cousin right?" I nodded my head at her question.

"Yes, Bella's a lovely girl and Jake has had the biggest crush on her since she moved here last year. They use to hang out all the time. Well until her boyfriend came back into town. Now they hardly speak to each other. Poor Jake, his heart must have been so broken. I swear he's in love with the girl."

He's in love with the girl.

Leah continued speaking but I didn't hear what she was saying. All I could think of was Jacob being in love with my cousin. No wonder he's been so nice to me. It's only so he could get closer to Bella again.

I could feel tears well up in my eyes and I just felt like I had to get out. I walked past Leah and into the living room where the front door looked to be. She asked me where I was going and I didn't even look back at her. I didn't even know where I was going but I just had to leave.

I walked out the door and onto the road. I wasn't sure how to get home so I just followed the road. It was better than being stuck back there.

I'm not sure how long I was walking and I'm not sure if I was crying anymore. It was raining now and raining hard. Before I knew it I was on a beach staring out into the ocean. I sat down on a log, attempted to dry my eyes and just stared for awhile. Until I heard something howl behind me.

Author's Note:

Hey guys! Sorry I haven't updated in a long time. Too much was going on with school and now I have to do Summer School. Blek. But anyways so that was chapter 5 and I'm sorry it's kinda crappy. My friend that usually edits this is out of town but I figured it would be better to get something out to so soon. Anyways! Since this one was suckish and kinda short compared to the other you can chose if the next chapter should be in Jacob's or Crystal's POV. Which ever you guys wanna hear for the next one. Right so go message that to me so I can get writing on it! 3