Hey guys! Sorry I haven't updated in forever, but I just wasn't inspired enough. Well, hope you enjoy chapter 2 of Always and Forever!
I had just put the finishing touches on my going-out ensemble: a cute miniskirt, halter top, and wedge heels. I'd added mascara and cherry-red lipstick to go with it. Why not go all out?
Just then I heard a knock from downstairs, and rushed out without re-capping my Wet n' Wild Cheery Berry Cherry. "Mike!" I hollered, zipping- or rather, trying to zip (you won't know until you try to 'zip' anywhere in wedges) out the front door. "Over here!"
He opened the passenger door for me and you could practically see him drooling. "You look very nice, Bella," he said excitedly. "We'll have great fun."
I nodded, pulled the door closed, and went quiet. It was a companionable silence until we reached La Push, but when First Beach came into view, he caught my wrist and whispered, "don't drink anything unless it's in a factory-sealed container. Also, stick with me. The boys can get a little rough."
I replied with a word of thanks, grateful. It wouldn't do at all to get back home drunk, especially with a boy from school. I shuddered at the mere thought of what Charlie and Renee would do. We exited his car holding hands, and approached what were evidently a few of his friends.
"Hey, Paul, Quil, Embry," he greeted. This is Bella. The police chief's daughter."
They gave me a high five each in turn, and after exchanging pleasantries and shooting the breeze a bit, we wandered off and sat down on a large, flat rock.
"You liking it here?" he asked me playfully, braiding my hair while talking to me.
"Yes, actually," I responded. "More than I thought I would. We should come here more often. As friends," I added when he got a gleam in his eyes. "What would Edward think?"
"That he should leave you to me," laughed Mike, lightly kissing my palm. "Mind getting us drinks?"
I rolled my eyes and leaped down off the rock. "What a gentleman you are," I deadpanned, already starting towards the snack tent that had been erected a short ways from where we were situated.
After getting two cups of cola, I began to hurriedly head back to my sitting place, but I bumped into someone- a boy. He smiled at me. "Hi," he said.
"Oh, I'm so sorry." I made to scramble away, but the handsome boy caught me gently by the wrist.
"Can I get your name?" Just what I need, another boy, I thought, but there was just such care and warmth in his eyes, I couldn't resist.
"Uh. Bella, Bella Swan."
"I'm Jacob Black. You're Charlie's daughter, right? Maybe we can get together sometime. Can I have your number?"
"I have a boyfriend."
His face fell and he just looked so sad and crushed that my next words flew from my mouth of their own accord.
"But… maybe you can take me out, once. We'll go from there."
He lit up faster than a Christmas tree. "Perfect. And, can I meet your current boyfriend?"
That distracted me. "Mike is waiting, I have to go." I started to run off, but he caught me again, looking sad. "Can I come with you?"
I sighed. "Sure, but he won't be happy."
Jacob just shrugged and followed me to the rock, where Mike looked relieved to see me.
"God, Bella! You scared me. What kept you?" he said, pulling me into a hug and kissing me on the cheek. I looked behind me just in time to catch Jacob looking jealous and angry.
"Uh, I ran into Jacob and some of his friends," I indicated the tall brunet behind me, "and we started talking."
Mike wrapped his arms possessively around my waist and glared at the other boy. "We," he pressed, clearly meaning me and him, "would like to be alone now."
I looked helplessly at Jacob.
"Phone number!" he hissed at me.
"206-979-7379" I breathed. He looked like he was committing it to memory, then flashed me a thumbs-up and jogged off.
"What did you tell him?" Mike enquired suspiciously.
"Nothiiiing," I drawled too-innocently. "Nothing at all."
"C'mon, Bella," he wheedled.
"Fine. My phone number."
He looked outraged. "Bellaaaa," he whined comically. "I don't have your number."
"It's five grand, Mr. Newton," I replied cheekily, pretending to be a snooty salesman.
"Smart mouth," he said. "Well, I could use many words to describe your mouth..." he trailed off, waggling his eyebrows suggestively.
"Like?"
"Delicious," he murmured, pulling me closer to him.
Caught up in the moment, I let him kiss me. When I disentangled myself from his embrace, flushed, a soft growl reached my ears and I caught Jacob snarling at Mike from behind a nearby tree.
"Be right back," I gasped, heading towards Jacob. When I reached him, I started berating him immediately. "He could have heard you! Even I heard you! What-"
He grumbled at me. "He kissed you!"
I scoffed. "Someone's being jealous."
"So? You're meant to be mine," he responded passionately.
I raised my eyebrows. "You're the intense type, aren't you? Also, we just met, like fifteen minutes ago."
"Enough time for me."
"Not enough time for me," I said, starting to back away. I was saved from having to say anything else by the fact that Mike had found us.
"What do you think you're doing?" he growled. "Bella is mine!"
"Excuse me? I am not a possession," I said angrily.
Jacob's mouth fell open. "Sorry, love."
I arched a brow. Mike looked as if he would explode. "Love? Love? I'll give you love!"
He punched Jacob in the face.
"Hey," I started to protest, but stopped dead as I took in the anomalous scene before me.
Mike Newton was looking stunned and horrified at the same time. He was cradling his obviously broken wrist. Jacob looked on, unruffled. "You gotta pack more into that punch. Maybe like this." He raised a tanned fist and pulled it back, but I took hold of his arm just in time.
"You great brute," I admonished angrily. "Keep that up and this whole thing is off."
A spark of anger flashed in his eyes for a split second, but he reined it in and nodded in compliance.
"Good," I spat. "Now I have to go patch up Mike. You know how to reach me." I shot him a last glare before we departed.
OK, I really hope you guys liked this chapter. I'm hoping to be updating more often, but the things real life is hurling at me just doesn't allow that. No Jacob in Chapter 3, but he does give us a reminder (or three) that he exists. SNEAK PEEK:
"Oh my God," I breathed, spotting the gigantic crystal vase of red and white roses. There was a little tag on them. I opened it and read,
"To my one and only love... you are 1,000 times more beautiful than these flowers. Signed, Jake B."
I picked up the large vase and was about to set them gently on my desk when Edward burst in.
"WHO SENT YOU THAT?!" he roared.
I took a fearful step back.
And to find out what happens, stay tuned! (Hint: Reviews inspire me to write faster.)