a/n: so i know I've been M.I.A. lately, but that's only because finals were hectic and with Christmas around the corner I had to get my shopping done. I made this chapter extra, extra long as an early Christmas gift for you all (for those of you who celebrate it.) If if not, then think of it as a simple gift. I wish you all happy holidays, and a fantastic new year!

Thank you all so much for all your support :)

As the famous Disney classic Cinderella expressed, "A dream is a wish your heart makes, when you're fast asleep."

Well, I was certainly no Cinderella, and apparently my heart wanted Jacob Black to screw me senseless.

But that wasn't even the bizarre part.

The outlandish thing was, I was angry with him the entire time. And he was angry with me. It was a huge, angry screw. A big, angry, toe-curling, fantastic screw that set my entire body on fire. I could feel the dampness of hot lips trailing down my chin, nipping my neck, and lapping at my collarbone. Hands branded every part of my body they touched, and I couldn't think, only feel as sensations I'd never imagined possible surged through my nerve-endings. I awoke with a gasp, eyes darting around my room for a man I knew wouldn't be there.

Nothing but darkness.

Shit.

Groaning, I flopped back against my bed sheets, feeling disgruntled and tense. My hair was a knotted mess around my head, and my clothes clung to me uncomfortably, drenched in sweat.

I shucked out of the sticky fabric, feeling chilled in just my undergarments, but too lazy to grab more clothes. My mind was alive despite my groggy limbs, reliving every moment of the past few minutes in vivid detail.

Heart pounding, I vaguely wondered exactly how I was able to conjure up such a thorough image of the male genitalia when I'd never seen one in person, before I blanched, realizing exactly who I was pondering about.

Great. So the idiot was even invading my dreams.

Abrupt warmth licked through my veins, and I couldn't pinpoint why, but I was just so damn pissed. Pissed that I dreamt a sexy dream like that about my best friend. Pissed that said former best friend hated me. Pissed that he still loved Bella, and pissed that he slept with Leah. Pissed that Leah told me. Pissed that I even cared!

It wasn't supposed to be this hard. Jake was making everything so damn difficult for me.

I had a plan, and he was ruining it. I had spent months daydreaming about this only for it to be yanked out right from under me.

My picture-perfect reunion, shattered into unrecognizable pieces.

My teeth I gnashed.

No.

I refused.

Jacob wouldn't destroy everything I had prepared so eagerly for. I wouldn't give him that authority.

I snatched my camera off the nightstand, directing the lens at myself with resolve.

"The date is August 26th, 2:45 am." I hissed. I could feel my fingers cramping with my intense grip as the flickering red light reflected against my skin. "And the day Jacob Black won't know what hit him."

My eyes connected with the camera levelly. It seemed to agree with me.

"No more moping Sydney."

If Jake wanted to play hard-ball, then he must have forgotten I was a heavy-hitter.

"Morning Jake." I beamed when said man ambled into the kitchen the next morning.

He was shirtless, and I ignored the appealing way firm muscles shifted beneath his skin in favor for his shell-shocked expression. He appeared as if he'd swallowed a lemon, dark eyes comically wide, and lips pinched.

I held the camera up at his startled expression.

"Say cheese!"

The device flashed and he grimaced, glowering once he'd realized what I had done.

I grinned cheekily back at him.

"You look like you're in pain." I commented gleefully, and he scowled, clearly not amused by my antics.

Not that I cared.

After last night I had a brand new attitude on how to approach the whole Jake situation. No more stepping on eggshells, he would just have to put up with my presence. Whether he liked it or not.

"Did you sleep well?" I asked casually. I stored the camera in the back pocket of my hipster jeans, making a mental note to later view the picture I'd just taken.

Jake was giving me an inscrutable look, almost as if he couldn't determine whether I was being serious or not. I didn't bother clarifying, flicking his ear as I sauntered past him to extract a jug of orange juice from the fridge.

He yelped, clutching mentioned body-part as if I had pulled a Mike Tyson, and I snickered beneath my breath at his affronted look.

Baby.

I knew I was being obnoxious, but couldn't find it in me to care. He had been obnoxious and rude since I got here.

Besides, I might as well get some amusement out of it.

Jake stood watching me as I filled three tall glasses with juice, and I could feel his gaze as it melted over my skin like butter, all smoldering and suffocating and warm. The dream from last night flashed through my mind, and I cleared my throat self-consciously, suddenly feeling a tad light-headed.

"Hungry?" I offered, if only to dispel the strange ambiance.

He startled, seeming to just realize he was staring, and averted his eyes in an act of defiance.

I smirked at the reaction.

Let's just see how long that lasts, shall we?

Because if there was one thing I remembered about Jacob Black, it was that he loved to eat.

I cackled evilly in my mind, setting the table with the impressive spread I'd spent all morning preparing. Pancakes flipped to perfection were golden and irresistibly fluffy in the morning light, the smell of bacon premating the air enticingly, and eggs bright and inviting.

After roughly five minutes, Jake couldn't seem to help himself any longer, drawn powerlessly to the table by his growling stomach. I hid my smile as he sat, setting the silverware as he eyed me suspiciously.

Dark eyes were penetrating as they took me in, thick brows slanted downwards as he tried to make sense of my sudden change in disposition.

"What's…all this?" he asked finally. He still hadn't touched a morsel of food, though I noticed with some satisfaction that his eyes kept being drawn back to his plate.

This time I didn't even bother hiding my smirk, grin broadening.

Men were so predictable.

"What does it look like?" I asked innocently. My expression was pleasant, inviting even, and it seemed to unnerve Jake like hell. He looked almost frightened, shifting uncomfortably in his chair. Apparently my kindness was his kryptonite.

I bit my lip to abstain from laughter.

It was hilarious, seeing someone as large as Jake wary of a girl he was a foot taller than, but I somehow refrained from snorting, pushing his plate closer.

"Eat up." I encouraged, and he gave me one last mystified look, mumbling a scarcely comprehensible "thanks" before finally lifting a forkful of eggs to his lips. Then another. And another. Until eventually his entire plate was clean and he was eying me again with expectance.

I quirked a brow back at him from where I leant against the counter across the room.

"More?" I probed, amused.

He still wouldn't look at me, simply nodding grudgingly and pushing his plate in my direction. I could tell he didn't want to be in my presence, his rigid posture and mechanical movements were a dead giveaway, yet I couldn't figure out why.

Did I make him jumpy?

Did one even become jumpy around people they hated?

Jake had cleaned his plate once more when Billy wheeled into the room.

"Wow, something smells delicious." He commented, then halted his chair when he noticed Jake and I. He looked just as baffled as his son when he'd first entered the kitchen. Not that I could blame him. If you would have told me yesterday, I'd be fixing Jacob Black breakfast, I'd have laughed in your face.

"Have some breakfast Billy!" I chirped, rushing to aide him to the table. I wheeled him up right beside his son, setting his silverware and draping a napkin across his lap. He grinned at me gratefully, before popping a strip of bacon in his mouth.

"Mmm…" his eyes fluttered close as he savored the tang of the meat, before opening to reveal a far-away look. "Man, I can't tell you the last time I've had a homemade breakfast."

I laughed at the dream-like quality of his voice.

Clearly not.

"What? Jake's not much of a cook?" I teased, slanting a look over at said man. He rolled his eyes, but didn't acknowledge me otherwise.

Billy snorted.

"If only. He basically eats me out of house and home." We both guffawed at that, ignoring Jake's peeved glance, before Billy stopped short, fixing me with a somber expression.

"But seriously Sydney," his voice sobered, becoming soft and reverent, "Thank you. You didn't have to to do this."

I shrugged, flopping into the chair across from him.

"It's really no big deal." I attempted to brush off, "I cook for my dad at home all the time. I don't know if you've ever had his cooking, but if I didn't we'd both starve."

It was supposed to be a joke, but Billy didn't take it as one.

His brown eyes were serious as they they regarded me.

"He's very lucky to have you."

I felt my cheeks burn, and swiftly took a sip of orange juice to distract from my embarrassment.

I could feel Jake watching me from my peripheral, something akin to amusement gracing his features. I turned towards him fully, irritation prickling my insides.

"More food Jacob?" I asked sweetly, and the look vanished, replaced with annoyance.

He muttered something about patrol with Embry before excusing himself and stiffly leaving the room.

The elder Black sighed.

"I really wish you two would get along."

I bit my lip, watching his retreating form guiltily.

Me too.

"Bonfire?" I echoed. My eyes stung from the onions I was cutting, and I blinked rapidly to clear away the moisture.

Rachel nodded while expertly chopping some peppers on the cutting board. She, as well as a woman I remembered as Leah's cousin, Emily, had arrived at the Black's in the early afternoon to help prepare some dishes for the bonfire set to be held later tonight. I decided to help out since I had nothing better to do, though it was turning out to be a very awkward experience.

Emily had been nice enough, yet every time I looked at her I couldn't help but to be reminded of Leah's' words.

"So we decided to relieve that frustration. Together."

I couldn't deny that it bothered me, though I really wish it didn't. Jake was a big boy, well, man really, and could sleep with whomever he chose.

Yet I felt like bashing his and Leah's faces in, and that energy had somehow transferred over to sweet, unsuspecting Emily.

I didn't know if the older woman noticed how I made it a point evade conversation with her, but Rachel sure had if her suspicious looks were anything to go by.

"Yeah, you know," she elaborated, "Like the ones always held on first beach when you were younger?"

I vaguely recalled, though Jake and I were too busy pranking the elders to pay attention to much else.

Rachel seemed to read my mind, rolling her eyes at the no doubt mischievous look on my face.

"You two were just awful." she commented, though I saw a small smile creep her lips. She actually thought the pranks were hilarious, and even helped us on occasion, to her father and Rachel's disapproval.

"Who?" Emily queried from where she sat at the table peeling garlic. I flinched at her voice, and Rachel sent me another strange look before answering.

"Sydney and Jake used to prank the tribal elders at every function." She explained, "It got so bad they had to start hiring security to protect them from 'those possessed Black and Wood children'."

Emily giggled, and it was then that I noticed the scar running down the length of her otherwise attractive face. I didn't know how I hadn't noticed it earlier, perhaps because I was avoiding even looking in her direction, but now that I had I couldn't hide my shock. It looked as if she'd been mauled by a bear.

When did that happen?

Emily, aware of my blatant staring, shifted self-consciously, and I swiftly averted my gaze, cursing myself internally for my lack of sensitivity.

What was wrong with me?

Was I really that rude?

"It's alright you know." She murmured, intensifying my guilt, "I know its startling at first. It was for me too."

She smiled kindly, but I couldn't return it, overwrought with shame.

I needed some time to regain my composure before facing her.

"I-I have to go to the bathroom." I sputtered and hastily fled the kitchen, ignoring Rachel's calling of my name.

I rounded the corner to the hallway like a madwoman, barreling into what felt like a brick wall as pain exploded across my face. I swore when my nose smarted, eyes slamming shut at the ache traveling in shockwaves down my spine.

"Shit!" a deep baritone exclaimed, and I felt myself being shoved back by the shoulders, dark eyes penetrating mine as I was held at arms length.

I groaned, the the slight jostling causing my head to throb.

"Are you alright?"

Jake was eying me with an unusual amount of concern, and I wondered just how bad I appeared to get him to react that way.

I shook my head and some the dizziness disspelled, though my nose and lip still stung like a bitch.

"I'm fine." I assured him. His gaze was making me feel sort of unbalanced, and I attempted to step away, only for him to hold me fast. He was shirtless (what else is new?) and his cheeks were flushed and hair damp as if he'd just gotten out of the shower. His fingers were like brands on my arms, eyes narrowed as he leaned closer, hot breath fanning across my lips.

I frowned, still slightly dazed from the collision. What was he doing?

Wasn't he supposed to hate me?

"You've got a little…" I flinched as he swiped roughly at my lower lip, pulling back to show me the blood smeared across his thumb.

I blinked stupidly.

"Oh."

He sneered, dark eyes flashing.

"Yeah oh." He mocked, shoving his hands in his pockets. He slid by me then, taking extra precautions to make sure that no part of his body brushed against mine. "Watch where you're going next time Wood."

I scowled at his back.

Jerk.

"Syd you have got to try the candy-apples, they're absolutely amazing." Seth was chattering excitedly as he tugged on my arm. I grinned at his enthusiasm, noting Jacob rolling his eyes from my peripheral.

He seemed testier than usual, and I assumed it had more to do with me than Seth, considering what transpired between us recently.

"Hey Jake," I called back, attempting to mask my own irritation. I was trying to enjoy the bonfire and he was being a total killjoy. "No one said you had to stay with us, you could always leave."

He sent me a dirty look, mumbling something beneath his breath that sounded suspiciously like 'if only.'

Seth's hazel eyes were flickering between the two of us in open amusement, and when I sent him a questioning glance he shrugged, darting one last look at Jake before dragging me somewhere else.

It was when we were at the souvenir stand that Leah showed up with two guys that looked as if they followed the same work-out regime as Jake and Seth.

"Really Seth, souvenirs?" she drawled, and I could feel my muscles tensing. She was clad in a black bikini top that left little to the imagination, daisy-dukes, and strappy sandals. I was suddenly second-guessing my own simple tank and jeans, before rationalizing that if I ever wore a top like that I'd be uncomfortable as hell, no matter how humid the weather.

Her dark eyes flickered over Jake, who's brows rose nearly into his hairline at her choice outfit, before resting on me.

Her lip curled deviously.

"Hey Sydney."

My nostrils flared.

"Leah." I acknowledged stiffly.

She seemed amused by my curtness, smile widening.

Sadist.

"Sydney!?" the two guys with her exclaimed simultaneously, and I gasped as they were suddenly poking and prodding at any part of me they could reach.

"Since when did you get thin?" the one with shorter hair and a crooked nose exclaimed, and I scowled at his lack of tact, opening my mouth to give him piece of my mind when the other abruptly seized a chunk of my hair.

"It's not frizzy." He observed in awe, and I yanked my head out of his reach, an insult on the tip of my tongue, only for the first to point to my eyes.

"No glasses!" he hooted.

"Or acne." The other added.
Okay now I was just plain offended. Was I really that bad looking before? And just who the hell were they?

Said imbeciles traded glances, knowing looks gleaming in both sets dark eyes.

"And mostly importantly…" the first began mischievously.

"Not to be ignored…" the other added with a lecherous grin.

"Fantastic tits!" the shouted in tandem, and I blanched as they shared a high-five, wanting nothing more than to throttle the morons.

Okay, now I was offended.

Seth was doubled over in hysterics (traitor), while Leah and Jacob were both sending them murderous looks. Apparently I wasn't the only one they'd pissed off.

"Quil." Jacob seethed, tone lethal, "Does Claire know just how much you love 'fantastic tits'? I'll be sure to inform her."

Crooked nose paled, rubbing sheepishly at the back of his head.

"Er…on second thought they aren't that fantastic." He backpedalled, and I was torn between laughing or being more offended. Whoever this Claire girl was clearly held a huge influence over him.

I grinned to myself. Who would've imagined that woman-hater Quil would actual hold a female in any high regard?

Jake's eyes cut in my direction and I held my breath, not knowing what to expect. He had essentially defended me right? Perhaps he was experiencing a change of heart.

Yet even as I thought it I knew it was too good to be true. He simply rolled his eyes, something I was beginning to seriously hate, then swiveled his head in the opposite direction.

I bristled, scowling at the back of his head.

If I was so damn annoying, then stop looking at me!

"You think she has fantastic tits Embry?" Leah was snarling at the shaggier haired male, and I glanced over just in time to see a smirk cross his lips, before he moved to cradle her in his arms, to my astonishment. The guy had serious balls.

Who would purposely get anywhere near a hellcat like Leah Clearwater?

She attempted to resist, but he pulled her closer, bending to whisper huskily,

"Not as fantastic as yours."

At those words she stilled, looking up into his face before returning the smirk, and soon the two were connected in an intimate lip-lock that left the rest of us sharing awkward looks.

I, for one, was confused as hell.

Didn't she just tell me yesterday she was banging Jake?

But from the ardent way she was sucking on Embry's tongue she could care less for her supposed fuck-buddy just mere feet away.

I snuck a peek at Jake.

And from the looks of it, the supposed fuck-buddy cared even less than she did. His expression was indifferent as he watched the two swap spit, before casually slipping out his phone and tapping away.

Seth appeared on the verge of vomiting, while Quil seemed mildly disturbed. No one acted scandalized in the least, leading me to wonder if Leah was simply messing with my head.

Said woman happened to come up for air at that exact moment, sending me a lavish wink over Embry's shoulder.

'Gotcha' it seemed to say, and I felt my blood bubbling in anger, though an irrational sense of relief seemed to follow it.

What a bitch, I couldn't help but think, while simultaneously feeling guilty that I'd been giving her cousin the fifth degree for no apparent reason. I'd have to seriously make it up to her.

It was Quil who finally broke the silence, squinting at something in the distance.

"Hey Seth, isn't that your girlfriend?"

I started. Well of course Seth had a girlfriend. He was simply too amazing not to. And I was certain that whoever the lucky lady was that earned the title of his girlfriend was equally so.

Said boy snapped out of his nausea-induced state, turning in the direction Quil was looking.

How either could make out anyone within the chaos was beyond me. The place was absolutely packed. People were literally everywhere, covering every square inch of the beach. I never remembered the bonfire being this popular when I was child, and perhaps it was because there were more Forks residents attending than in the past.

Seth's eyes brightened suddenly and he darted off into the crowd, returning with a gorgeous black girl in tow. He was talking animatedly to her as they approached, and when they got close enough she sent me a smile that was so genuine I couldn't help but instantly like her.

She began making rounds, first hugging Embry and Leah, who broke apart long enough to allow it, then Jake, who actually cracked a smile, then finally Quil, who whirled her around in a circle before placing her back on her feet.

She then turned to me, brown eyes twinkling.

"So you're Seth's friend Sydney." She chirped good-naturedly, and before I knew it she had wrapped me in a tight embrace much like the others. "Hi! I'm Simone. He's spoken so much about you."

She pulled back, winking playfully.

"It almost made me jealous to hear him talk about another girl so much." She teased, to which her boyfriend chuckled guiltily. "But then I figured you must've been amazing for him to gush so much, so I had to meet you for myself."

I could feel the trademark heat creeping into my cheeks, but managed to answer nonetheless.

"Well, I'm honored Seth thinks so highly of me."

Seth shrugged modestly.

"Well I thought since you guys will both being going to Forks High it would be good for Sydney to know someone."

Ah. I had totally forgotten about that. One of the requirements my dad had for me living here was that I attended Fork's High rather than the local high school on the reservation.

He was a total snob when it came to education, and felt Forks High would 'better suit my needs.'

Billy must've shared this with Sue, who in turn told Seth. It was actually very sweet of him to insure I wouldn't be alone on my first day.

"Sydney there you are!"

Rachel snatched my wrist, giving everyone brief greetings, which consisted mostly variations of 'hey, hi, and ew' before leading me away. The only one that seemed to have a problem with it was Jake, features etched in a frown as he watched his sister drag me off.

"The legend ceremony is about to start." She divulged, as we weaved in and out of the crowd, and I vaguely wondered how a pregnant woman got around so well. "Dad really wants you to hear it."

Little did did I know, was that hearing that legend would be the very thing set my insatiable curiosity into motion.

a/n: How about leaving me a gift as well in the form of a review ?;) It would definitely make my holidays great. Lol