Chapter 4
The next day, I dressed in my Nike shorts and a pink long sleeved shirt with a pair of tennis shoes. My hair was pulled up in a ponytail and I had some light make up on. I quickly slipped on my tennis shoes and went out the door. When I pulled up at Forks and parked every girl and guy were staring at me. I locked my car and began walking into the school. "Well hello there." One boy said as he approached me. "I'm Mike, um I was wondering if you needed someone to show you around." I held back a smirk.
"No thanks, I know where I'm going." I said smiling at him. If he could have turned into a puddle, he would have.
"Um, what do you have first period, I could take you there."
"I actually have gym." I said .
"Me too." I let out a breath.
"I will see you then." I said grinning. I walked into the office and grabbed my attendance sheets for each period before heading down the hallway. The bell had rang and when I walked in the gym, I noticed Bella and the mike kid on the bleachers with a few others. They were being loud and not paying attention. "Can I have your attention?" I asked loudly. They all turned to look at me. Mike's mouth dropped open. "I am Miss Uley and I will be your gym teacher. I expect you to be in here and dressed before the late bell. After getting dressed, I want you seated on the bleachers." They all nodded. "When I call your name, please let me know you are here and then we will get started." After calling the names, I started class. "Today, we are going to be playing dodge ball." I said. I saw Bella's eyes widen. "Before we start, I want you to warm up by running three laps around the gym. We will do this every morning." They all got up and began running. Bella stumbled a few times before she had finished.
An hour later, everyone changed and went to class. The rest of the morning went smoothly. I grabbed my things and headed to the diner to pick up some lunch before going to La Push. I had no sooner finished eating and walked in the school, I heard whistles and was being flirted with. I smiled and walked to the gym. The first class to come in was all of the boys and a few regular students. The introductions began and then I did attendance for the class. Paul kept wiggling his eyebrows at me, Embry and Quil, were blowing me kisses, Jared kept shaking his head at them, and Jacob was staring at me of course they did all that when they thought no one was watching. It was an interesting period with those guys. "Miss Uleeyyy." Embry called while playing basketball. I rolled my eyes.
"What Embry?" I asked.
"Um, the guys and I need to go. We have to go to work." He said as they walked toward me.
"Not until after my class." I answered.
"I don't think Sam will like that." Paul answered.
"I don't care what Sam says. There is ten more minutes and if he can't wait that long then he can deal with me." I said pretty pissed.
"But…." Jared began. I arched my eyebrow at him. "Yes ma'am" he said. The others looked at him funny before I turned to look at them the same way. All of them but Jacob looked at the ground and went back to playing.
"What the hell?" he said.
"Excuse me. I may be Sam's sister, but here I am your teacher. Do you understand? I will not be disrespected." I said sternly. "Get back to class Jacob." He sighed and nodded. I hated being like that with them. I loved them all, they were my family other than Sam and Emily. I sighed and walked over and kept an eye on the game. Ten minutes later, I dismissed everyone to go and change. I sat down on the bleachers and put my head in my hands. I was tired and this was only my first day. Finally I got up and began gathering up the basketballs and putting them in the bin. I grabbed one and began shooting some baskets when my students came out of the locker rooms. "Wow. You are really good." Cody said. I smiled.
"Thanks, I used to play basketball all of the time when I was here." I answered.
"That's cool." I nodded.
"I guess so." I smirked. My boys ran out of the locker room quickly, not even looking my way and racing out of the gym right as the bell rang. I rolled my eyes and prepared for my next classes.
When I got home I was still a little peed off for what happened with the guys today. I threw my car in park and walked inside the house to be met by Emily's blueberry muffins. "Hey Ava, how was your day?" she asked smiling.
"It was ok, other than when the boys asked to leave ten minutes before class was over because Sam needed them to work." I said taking a muffin. She looked at me.
"What did you say?" she asked leaning against the counter.
"I told them that Sam could wait ten minutes and if not he could take it up with me." I answered. "When I am at school, the guys are my students, not my friends. I won't let them leave early and not the others. I won't play favorites." She nodded. As I was finishing my muffin, the guys came in with Sam in the front. He smiled and at Emily and gave her a kiss before looking at me.
"The guys told me you scolded them for trying to leave ten minutes before class was over." He said crossing his arms. "They had work to do for me."
"Oh well, Sam. Like I told them and Emily. I'm not playing favorites. When I am at the school, they are my students, which is it. You could wait the ten minutes, it won't hurt. If they leave before my class, then they better be back for it, because I will fail them. I won't have it and they need the credit to graduate. They will be in my class for the full hour. Got it?" I asked raising my eyebrow. Sam seemed to shrink back but nodded.
"Fine they will always be there for the full hour of your class." He sighed.
"Thank you." I said hugging him and then looking at the boys who all held a shocked look on their faces. "Listen guys, I am sorry for getting on to you today. It's just I take everything I do seriously, even being a gym teacher. I am very passionate about the things I do and I don't like to be disrespected. Not that you fully did, but I need to be taken serious as well. If you guys don't then pretty soon none of the other students will." I sighed.
"We're sorry." Embry said walking over and hugging me.
"Yeah, we are just used to doing what Sam says." Jared replied following after Embry and hugging me.
"Yeah Yeah. I am sorry for trying to get out of class, but I'm not sorry for checking you out." Paul said wiggling those eyebrows again. I laughed. Jacob walked over and stood directly in front of me.
"I am sorry too, but you are one little spit fire." He laughed. I felt a pull, wanting to be in his arms so bad. This was unusual to me. I brushed it off and laughed when he grabbed my waist and pulled me to him before wrapping me up in a hug. Without realizing it, I let out a content sigh. Being in his arms I felt safe. Like nothing or no one could touch me. When really, all I wanted was for him to touch me.
"Anyways, what's for dinner?" I asked pulling away from Jacob. The heat from his body was warming up temperature wise and well the other way too.
"How about we build a bonfire and do hot dogs and hamburgers." Emily suggested.
"MMM that sounds good." I agreed. I turned and looked at Sam and realized he was watching Jacob. I glanced up and saw that Jacob was still standing close to me and was watching me with interest. A shiver ran down my spine and I looked back at Sam. "Sammie, do you have tables that Em and I can set the food on?" He looked over at me and smiled.
"Yeah I do. They are out back in the shed. Come on guys let's get things set up. Jacob, Paul, Jared and I will go get wood for the fire. Embry, Quil, Seth, you guys get the tables from the shed and set them up. Brady and Collin, I want you two to go down to the market and get lighter fluid and matches." They all nodded and ran out the door.
"Come on Leah, you can go with me to get the food and well Emily…." I began.
"I will get the sides started." She said.
"Sounds good." I smiled. Leah grabbed my hand and we jogged out the door and to my car.
"So…how was school?" Leah asked. I rolled my eyes as I bucked my seat belt.
"Like you have no clue. Those boys gossip like old women." I said. Leah laughed.
"That is true. If it helps, they can't really help it." She replied.
"Yeah it's called controlling your mouth" I laughed. "or locking it up." Leah and I sat and talked like this for the short ride to the market in Forks.
It only took us around five minutes before we pulled into the parking lot. It wasn't a big grocery store but it wasn't as small as the one in La Push. As Leah and I were getting out of the car, Leah pointed out a specific vehicle. " Well, the le…little bitch is here." She groaned pointing at a red rusted old truck.
"Do I know who you are talking about?" I asked arching an eyebrow.
"Yeah, Bella Swan that's who." Leah said.
"Oh. I see. Well anyway, we need to get in there and get the stuff for the bonfire at Sam and Emily's." I began walking toward the sliding doors with Leah beside me. I glanced over and noticed her eyes scanning the store as we made our way in and grabbed a buggy.
After going down a few aisles I got the feeling that Leah wanted to say something. I mean shit that girl was all fidgety and well she kept going to speak and then tried to cover it up with a yawn. "What Leah?" I asked. " don't say that there is nothing you want to say because we both know better than that."
"I just… how do you do it?"
"Um, how do I do what?" I asked curiously.
"Be so civil to her. How do you take things in stride the way you do. Especially handling Jacob's bipolar moods. I know you like him, Ava and we all know he is getting attached to you, but you guys play it off so cool. Like you try to stay away from each other but at the same time you guys aren't exactly avoiding each other either. I just…I cant explain it very good." I snickered at the look on Leah's face.
"Well for one, I'm civil to her because I am not into drama. If you would like me to remind you, if I have something to say, I say it point blank which I have done on a couple occasions with her. Two, Jacob has issues ok. I get it, I do. He is a happy go lucky person, which I can see through his moodiness. That is one reason that I act like he doesn't say anything rude. He is hurting and mad and confused with how she is treating him. HE needs to figure that out on his own. Thirdly, I do like him. As a friend, I do not need all of that drama that he keeps himself involved in. I'm too old for that. Maybe when his life isn't like a soap opera." I laughed. " Lastly, I don't try and avoid him, that is just how it happens. I have my own life which I am living right now. We are not on the same page and I take things as they come. I am a free spirit and just enjoy every day that I have. Jacob has an old soul like mine. He is caring, loving, and just fun to be around when he lets himself be happy…even if it is only for five minutes. I just live my life Leah and let things fall where they may." I said looking up at her.
"You know, you are one of the only people in my life who truly has their shit together." She laughed.
"I wouldn't go that far. I can let loose and be irrational at times." I laughed. Leah just rolled her eyes and we continued throwing stuff into the buggy. Chips, dip, Oreos, pop (soda, whatever you all call it), and cherry twizzlers. Leah and I were talking and laughing as we headed over to where we could get large matches because we know the kids weren't going to get the right ones. As we rounded the corner, Leah stiffened and stopped. "Leah what….?" I began but I just turned to where she was looking and saw Bella and a tall, too perfect looking guy standing with her. "hmm." Is all I said. I gave the guy the once over and cocked my eyebrow. He was tall, kind of pale, and he looked perfect from the way he dressed to how neatly messy his hair was. He was too perfect for my taste. I loved guys with tans and had some muscle on them. Bella looked over at me and gave a small smile.
"Hello, Ava." She said.
"Bella, how are you?" I asked as I walked forward pushing the buggy. Leah was behind me but keeping a distance at the same time. I knew she didn't care for Bella but geez.
"I'm good. Never thought I would run into you here." She replied. It wasn't a smart ass comment but more of a shock, especially when she saw Leah.
"Yeah well, the market in La Push never has everything we need for a bonfire so I figured we would come here."
"Bonfire? I didn't know they were having one at the beach. Jake never mentioned it."
"That is because it isn't at the beach. It's a family one at Sam and Emily's." I replied.
"Oh ok. This is Edward by the way." I looked over at Mr. Perfect and smiled kindly.
"Hello. I'm Ava Uley." I said. He just nodded his head without offering his hand.
"Please to meet you, Ava. You wouldn't happen to be related to Sam would you?" he asked cocking his head to the side and looking at me.
"Yes, he is my brother actually."
"I can see the resemblance."
"Alright, Ava. Come on, we have to get back" Leah said grabbing the matches. I was just getting ready to say goodbye when my cell rang.
"Hello?" I said holding up my finger to Bella and Edward.
"Ava, hey are you guys on your way back yet?" Jacob asked.
"We were just heading to check out actually. Do you guys need anything else? And how do you have my number Jacob?" I asked smirking. He laughed.
"Sam" he said. "he just wanted to make sure you guys were okay and so he had me to call. But no we don't need anything. Just hurry up and get here. The guys are being whiny." I laughed.
"Alright. We are on our way"
"Bye Ave" he said. I smiled.
"Bye Jacob." We hung up and I noticed Edward looking at me curiously. "Alright, well I guess I will see you guys some other time." I said. "Have a good evening." Leah grabbed the buggy and started hurrying to the register while I hurried behind.
Once we were done and outside putting the groceries in the car, I had to ask the question that had been bothering me. "Leah, do you not care for Bella and the guy that was with her?"
"You are very perceptive." She said sarcastically. I rolled my eyes at her. "I don't like Bella because how she treats Jacob. That guy that was with her is her boyfriend. Ava, Jake was there for her when Edward left her. Sam found her in the woods where Edward left her crying. It was cold and wet and still raining. After that she was like a zombie. One day she showed up at Jake's and they began hanging out. The only reason she even went to his house was because her dad threatened to send her back to her moms. After that Jacob took it up on himself to help her get better. He fell in love with her. The moment Edward returned, she went back to him like nothing happened at all, tearing Jacob apart in the process." We got in the car and Leah looked at me. "That is why I don't like them. Bella strings Jacob along and then when she gets into trouble, Edward and his family calls Jacob to help get her out of it."
"I can understand where you are coming from one hundred percent." I replied starting the car and pulling out of the parking lot.
"Listen, please don't tell Jake that I gave you the rundown of what happened. That was his business and well, he should have told you." She whispered. "I am just sorry I said anything. I wanted to answer your question."
"Well it isn't my business and I do understand you. I won't say anything and staying out of it like I always do, but it is great to understand them a little better at least, even if it is harsh" I laughed. She joined in.
In no time we pulled up to the house. As we were getting out, the boys came racing around the back. "Hey cuteness" Paul said pulling me out of the car and spinning me around. I laughed as he stopped and threw me over his shoulder before smacking my butt and running toward the back yard. "I got the groceries!" he yelled as he passed Jacob.
"Paul you big cow put me down!" I yelled. Before I knew what was happening I was yanked roughly from him and threw over another shoulder.
"I saved the damsel in distress." Jacob said jogging toward the area where the boys were building a fire. I grabbed his neck and swung around so he was giving me a piggy back ride.
"Oh my prince charmin'" I said in my southern belle voice. "Whatever would this poor girl do without you?" I giggled as I laid my head on his shoulder. I felt him shiver when my cheek touched his neck. When we got over to the boys, he set me down on my feet.
"So what took you so long at the store?" Embry asked.
"Yeah, you left us here starving." Seth whined.
"Oh Sethie, I could never let you starve, you cow." I said sweetly. "And we ran into Bella and Edward" I said looking at Embry. Everyone got quiet.
"Man I love having you home Ava." Sam said walking up to us. "You are the only one I know that can make these animals shut up." He chuckled.
"All I did was answer a question sheesh." I turned back to the other boys, " Don't ask me questions if you don't want to know the answer….capeesh?"
"Those losers just got quiet so Jake wouldn't get butt hurt." Paul laughed coming up beside me and putting his arm over my shoulder. Jake rolled his eyes.
"Wanna go for a walk while those dumbasses finish setting up?" he asked me. I took a minute before answering. Why would he want me to walk with him? I studied his face and could see something bothering him and finally made up my mind.
"Of course." I answered. He walked over and slung me onto his back. I wrapped my legs around his waist and rested my head on his shoulder while holding on around his chest. As we were walking away I focused on the sound of his breathing and found it quite comforting and relaxing. I closed my eyes and enjoyed the sound almost making me fall asleep.
"You okay back there?" he asked quietly.
"Mmhmm. Just fine." I sighed. "I kind of just got lost in the sound of your breathing. It made me a little tired." I murmured before turning my face toward his neck. I heard Jacob suck in a breath when my face laid against his neck.
When we finally stopped, Jake pulled me around and cradled me in his arms. "Wake up sleepy head." He whispered.
"I am awake. I just rested my eyes." I said stretching and causing him to drop me. "Ouch" I said hitting the ground and laughing.
"I am so sorry." He apologized.
"Its ok" I said smiling as he helped me up. "I am sorry I drifted off. I didn't know I was tired."
"It's fine. I just figured I would take you up on your offer."
"Well, I am here and ready to listen." I said turning to take in my surroundings. That is when I noticed that we were up on top of cliff that over looked the ocean. I gasped. "It is so beautiful up here." I whispered. It was so beautiful I was afraid to speak to loud. As if it would all disappear if I did. I turned to look at Jacob and noticed he was staring at me. I blushed and sat down on a tree that had fell. "Well let's talk." I smiled. He returned it and walked over to sit next to me.
"So, the guys reacted that way because they know that she is a sore subject for me." he began. I held up a hand to stop him for a moment.
"Jacob….Jake, I am all about listening I really am, but if this is going to be hard for you, then you don't have to talk to me about it right away." I replied. He sighed and stayed quiet for a moment. I looked out at the beautiful scenery waiting until he was ready to talk. Finally he did.
"Bella was broken when Edward left her. I have known her since we were little. She showed up at my house one day with motorcycles wanting to work on them. It had been months since we saw her. I agreed to help out being the friend that I am. During that time though, I fell in love with her. She had these quirky things about her that really drew me in. The way that she would trip over her own feet. How her cheeks would turn pink when she was embarrassed. And the way she needed me. She didn't have to say it, I just knew in her actions. She would never hold my hand but she would stand close enough to me that she felt safe." He paused and looked up at me. " Before he came back, Bella was getting better. She was smiling, laughing, and having a great time with me. I also knew she still loved him because there were moments I would see her holding herself together. She became reckless and just not herself. But she was happy. I had hope. That is what makes me hold on to her. The hope that I am enough and she remembers how she started to feel about me when he left." I was stunned at what he told me. I sat there for a minute taking it all in. I could feel his eyes on me…studying me.
"Jacob, what you just explained to me makes me see how you have that hope. How you fixed her and made her better was the greatest thing anyone could do. You said yourself though that she wasn't fully better though by the way she acted. I think that if you sat down with her like we are now, and talked to her then maybe you can get on the same page. I think that she does love you, Jake. She just loves him more than anything else. I think that if you gradually let yourself let go then you can find the person that is meant to be with you. It will be hard, but what if by holding on to her, the one for you ends up slipping away and you don't know it because you never looked at her long enough to realize she was there all along. Is Bella more important than you're happily ever after? That is something you need to think about." I replied leaning into his side. Jacob never said anything for a moment before he looked down at me and kissed my forehead.
"You know your age truly shows in your wisdom." He said snickering. I elbowed him in the side.
"Thanks a lot. I'll keep that in mind." I answered before sitting up and looking at him in the eye. "I know it may not be what you want to hear or you may not want my opinion, but it is something to think about." I stood up and dusted off my shorts. "Now if you don't mind, could you give me a piggy back ride back to Emily's? I'm hungry and need to pee." I laughed. He chuckled.
"Sure thing." I jumped onto his back and he started walking back.
"By the way, how did you find this place? It's beautiful." I breathed.
"I found it hiking one day." Then he gave a short laugh. "you are the only person I have ever showed it to." He whispered. I felt joy at that.
"Thank you, Jake. You are truly a wonderful guy. I feel lucky to have met you. I am glad I am getting to know you. All of you."
"I feel the same about you." He whispered so low he didn't think I could hear. I laid my head on his shoulder as he began jogging back through the trees. "So, are you liking the teacher thing?"
"So far, yeah I guess I am. I am only going to be here until January then I have to go back to Cali and turn in my teaching information to the college to get credit." I sighed. "Once I get that turned in then I go on to a hospital for internship and then I can graduate and start my job hopefully."
"oh wow. You aren't here very long at all. Do you think you will come back here for your internship?"
"I haven't really thought about it. I mean it would be nice to come back here with my family and friends but I am not sure if I can or not." I really needed to find that out. Of all the things I think of, why had I not thought of that?
"Would you want to?" he asked.
"For now yes. I love being back here and seeing everyone. Ask me before I leave and I will tell you for sure though." I laughed. "You guys are a handful and I have only been here like three weeks."
"Yeah we can be a lot to handle, that is for sure. You seem to keep up pretty good though."
"That is only because I am a handful too." Jacob laughed at that. We broke through the trees then and he let me down. Everyone looked over to where we were and smiled. "Hey guys!" I yelled.
"Heyyy!" they yelled back.
"Did you teach him any tricks?" Leah called as we walked toward them. I laughed.
"Nope sorry. Not this time Lee." I snickered. She rolled her eyes and laughed too.
"Ahh, I am sure he wouldn't have minded the lessons." Quil said.
"He would probably be more than happy to take those lessons." Embry added.
"Well if he don't want them I will be glad to take them for him." Paul replied when we walked over to the table to get food. I turned around and smiled.
"Oh Paul. I am so sure you would, but I wouldn't want to hurt your ego when you found out you weren't as good as you thought you were. I mean, I don't think half the girls have changed since I left. Especially the ones you had in the sack. They really aren't that talented…if you get my drift." I winked. He laughed. Jacob looked at me and his mouth fell open.
"Shut your mouth, big boy. Your drooling." I said grinning and twisting his nipple. He jumped back and grabbed his chest." He just grinned really big and made his plate before sitting down between Quil and Embry. Once my plate was full, I took a seat beside of Paul. He was after all fun to flirt with, but more than anything he was a big brother to me.
"Wanna go out on a date with me?" Paul asked when everyone was talking amongst themselves.
"Paul, I can't. I see you as my brother and nothing more. It would not be right to go to the movies and give you false hope and encourage you. I am not that girl. I am so sorry but trust me when I say this, you will find her, but I am not that person. I love you Paul, just like Sam and everyone else. Please don't be mad at me, I like how we are." I said holding his hand in mine. I looked up in time to see Jacob looking over at us scowling.
"I'm not mad at you. I don't think I could ever be. You are different, Ava. I like different. I am just glad you said something and was honest. Besides, I don't know any other girl that could with stand my comments." He laughed.
"Me either, but I will be here to put that ego in check whenever you need me to." I said smiling.
The rest of the evening went by rather quickly. Around ten o'clock we all began cleaning up. It had been fun. The laughter, the stories, the fun we had. I had missed all of this. And I love that the family had expanded with the other boys. It used to be me, Sam, Leah, Seth and sometimes Emily, but now there were many others to enjoy it with.
"Well, I guess I am heading home." Jake said as me and Emily finished up the dishes. "Everything is cleaned up and back to normal". I turned and smiled at him.
"Thanks Jake. I had fun and I am so glad we got to talk. Here is a plate of left overs for Billy." I said handing the foil wrapped plate to him. " Have a good night." He reached over and hugged me to him before hugging Emily.
"See you tomorrow." He said turning to me and smiling before going out the door.
"Welll, what is going on with you two?"
"Emily…" I replied rolling my eyes. " Nothing. Friends that is it, remember. Just like I told you before. If there is ever anything more, you will be the first to know. Feel better?"
"Definitely." She smiled.
"Good night, Em. I will see you in the morning. Tell the others too for me." I hugged her quickly before going up to shower and heading to bed. It was a long day and I was extremely tired. That night was the first night that I dreamed of Jacob Black.