Chapter 5
The next morning I woke up around five o'clock. I laid in the bed thinking about the previous day and everything that Jacob had shared with me. I truly felt bad for him being in such a situation like that. I would hate to be in his shoes and have to deal with the person I loved being in love with someone else. I sighed and got up putting on my black cheer shorts and white tank top before putting my iPod band on my arm and then sliding my iPod in the band. I put my earbuds in and lightly jogged down the steps and out of the front door. I quickly stretched before taking off down the path in the forest. I could feel my muscles heating up with every step that I took. I felt like I was barely hitting the ground due to how gracefully I was jumping over logs and other things in the path. I was just turning the bend and started downhill when something caught my attention. I slowed to a jog and looked through the trees as I went. That is when I saw it. I stopped dead in my tracks and gasped. There was a russet wolf standing five feet from me and watching me. He was as tall as a horse and three times bigger. "Oh shit" I murmured. I slowly took a step forward watching for a reaction from that beautiful animal. It cocked its head and took a small step toward me. I stopped and just looked at it. "Please don't chase me. I just want to go for my morning run without getting made into wolf food." I whispered. I watched the wolf as he laid down easily and I started walking at a slow pace the direction I was going. The wolf then laid his head down and I picked up jogging again. I looked back only to see the wolf get up and take off in the direction that it was originally headed, crossing the path I was on. I let out a breath and continued my run, always watching the trees.
"Holy Crap!" I said walking into the house an hour later. The boys were all there eating breakfast.
"What?" Emily asked putting her plate in the sink.
"While I was out running I saw this huge russet wolf along the path." I replied sitting on the counter. Emily just raised her eyebrow. "I am completely serious, Emmie."
"What'd you do?" Paul asked leaning back into his chair. Everyone was watching me curiously.
"I stopped and watched it for a minute before praying I didn't turn into dog food and then continued my run. It didn't even run after me or anything. It just laid there."
"Oh wow." Emily said.
"Yeah, it was the most beautiful creature I have ever seen. So amazing and just intelligent." I continued as Jacob stepped through the door.
"What was beautiful and amazing?" Jake asked grabbing a muffin and handing me one. I took it and began picking small pieces off and eating it.
"Don't forget intelligent." Quil said.
"She saw a huge russet wolf this morning while she was running." Sam said.
"Oh really? Were you scared?" Jacob asked looking at me. I could see the curiosity and something else burning in his eyes.
"Not really, no. I was just…cautious and surprised. It was the biggest wolf I had ever heard of, or seen. I might go looking for it again tonight." I jumped off the counter.
"You don't have to look far." Jared snickered.
"Why?" I asked.
"Because we have seen that wolf as well as a few others. They always seem to be in the forest around here." Sam said. I nodded.
"Good, makes my job easier. I guess I will see you guys after school and the rest of you well, I will see you in class." I ran up the stairs and got in the shower. Once I was done I wrapped myself in a towel and went to my room to get ready. I found a pair of yoga capris and a tank top and got dressed. I found my tennis shoes and put them on and bounced down the stairs for some coffee. Jake was leaning against the counter and Emily was sitting at the table when I walked in.
"Someone seems in a great mood today." Emily grinned.
"Well even though my morning started off weird, I feel this is going to be a great day." I jumped up on the counter and sat beside where Jake was leaning and poured the coffee in my tumbler. Emily really loved me. She left it beside the coffee maker for me. "So Jake, did your dad enjoy his dinner?" I asked taking a sip of my coffee.
"Yeah he said to tell you thank you." Jake said nudging me.
"Well I may just have to swing by there later."
"You should." I looked up and smiled at him.
"Be ready for class, Mr. Black." I said sliding off the counter.
"Why?"
"Because today is archery." I winked before hugging Emily and then Jacob and going out the door.
As I walked through the halls in Forks High, I spotted Edward and Bella talking to Mike, Angela, and Jessica. Well Bella was but Edward was just kind of standing there like he was thinking too hard. They all looked at me as I was walking by. "Good morning, Miss Uley." Angela said smiling.
"Good Morning, Angela. How are you today?" I asked stopping to chat for a moment. She was one of the sweetest most genuine people I have ever met. Not to mention she was a very pretty girl. Edward cocked his head looking at me as if I was interesting or something.
"What are we doing in class?" Bella asked.
"Archery." I said turning my gaze to her. Poor Jacob, he loved this girl so much and I can tell that she loves him too. But just not enough to be with in a relationship type of way. I am so happy I am not in that situation.
"Oh no." she breathed. "This could be very bad." I chuckled at her face.
"Oh Bella, just when I thought you couldn't get any paler. It will be fine. Just take your time." I smiled and patted her back before walking on. "See you guys later." I called over my shoulder. Everyone greeted me all the way down the hall until I entered the gym for the day.
The first class did awesome in archery. I was so proud and glad they caught on quickly. Now it was my second class and Bella was in here. "Okay every one, there are eighteen of you and three targets, so lets get lined up as I call your name. First target I need Bella, Jessica, Tyler, Adam, Lauren, and Mike. The second target I need Eric, Angela, Leslie, Kyle, Rachel, and Will." This continued until everyone was lined up. I stepped up to the first target and showed everyone how to do it. Before handing the bow and arrows to Jessica. "Now, there are three arrows which mean you have three chances. Make sure you hit the target. Take your time, don't rush, and focus." I said looking at Bella. "Failure to be serious about this sport and cause another student injury and or almost and injury means an F. So please, take your time. Now let's get started. The first person in line step up to the line in front of you and begin." I stayed back and watched as Jessica, Rachel, and Heath stepped up to the line and took their turns. Each one of them did well. I was so proud of all of them. Until Bella stepped up. I held my breath as she grabbed the first arrow. Her posture was good. I let it out slowly and waited as she took aim. She touched the corner of her mouth with her thumb well, she pulled it further back then that and let it go, effectively cutting her face. I shook my head and went to check on her. "Are you ok?" I sighed moving her hand and seeing the blood.
"Yeah, I'm okay." She said backing away.
"I think you should go to the nurse to get it cleaned. No it's not deep or bad but still, it's a rule I have to follow." She nodded and walked out of the gym while the rest of us continued with class. Throughout this whole period I couldn't help but get excited about being able to see Jacob after I left here. Not only was it something to look forward to, but I was also calmed by it in some sense too.
When the bell finally rang I walked into my office to get my things. "Miss Uley." I jumped and turned around to find Edward standing behind me.
"Oh my gosh you scared me." I said clutching my chest. "Give me some warning next time huh?" He smiled but gave a quick nod. "Now what can I help you with Edward?" I asked leaning against my desk and crossing my arms. He smirked before continuing.
"I was just going to see if you could have Jacob to get a hold of us, I mean me. We need to talk about some things."
"If that is the case, then why cant you get a hold of him?" Something was really fishy. "Or better yet, why don't you have Bella too?" He flinched.
"I would appreciate it, Ava." He whispered. I sighed before nodding. "Thank you."
"Don't mention it." I said. I grabbed my bag and walked out behind Edward and locked my office door.
Twenty five minutes later I was walking into La Push high school and I felt my mood lift significantly. As I walked into the office, the secretary looked up and smiled. "Hello Ava." She said smiling.
"Hi Nancy. How are you today?" I asked going to my mail slot and pulling out the attendance sheet.
"Wonderful. I also need to let you know that volley ball starts today incase no one let you know." Oh great. I would have loved a little warning.
"Thanks. I better get to class." I smiled and headed to the gym.
It only took me a minute before I was walking through the doors and being met by the guys. I smiled as my eyes landed on Jacob. "Miss Uley" Paul said smiling a huge smile.
"Paul. What are you guys doing in here so early?" I asked.
"We just thought we could come in and say hi before everyone else got here." Embry said.
"yeah Yeah. Why don't you guys go ahead and start on your laps for the morning. Except you, Jacob. Can I talk to you for a minute in my office?" I asked. He gave me a confused look but nodded anyway.
"OOOOO" the other boys called. I flipped them off and headed on. I know it's not appropriate for a teacher to do, but hey who would know if they weren't around?
Once we were in my office I leaned against my desk and looked at Jacob. I felt my heart skip a beat as our eyes locked and he moved closer. I cleared my throat and began. "So I was told to deliver a message to you." I started.
"From who?" he asked freezing all of a sudden.
"Um, Edward. He wanted me to tell you that you needed to get a hold of them." I replied. I knew he could see my confused look on my face. "I told him he should but he wanted me to."
"Did he say when?" he asked peeved.
"No, he didn't." I answered. "Is everything ok?" I asked stepping toward him and placing my hand on his arm. He relaxed and looked down at me.
"Yeah, everything is perfect." He replied kissing the top of my head. I smiled. "You doing anything after school?"
"Yeah, volleyball starts so I won't be home until after dinner." I replied walking out of my room with Jake beside me. "Do you think you can save me a plate from the guys?"
"Yeah, I'll make sure you have a plate."
"Thanks." The rest of the students came in and we went through attendance before starting class.
In no time, I had the students lined up like I did at Forks. Then they started on their own after I showed them what to do. I was walking toward the second group when I noticed Jacob was up in the third. I watched as he pulled the string back to the edge of his mouth. Oh his mouth. It looked so soft and tempting. I sucked in a breath as he let go and smiled that smile that turned me to mush. I cleared my throat and walked past the back of his group as he made it to the back of the line. Our arms touched and felt heat go right to my center as thoughts about him touching me everywhere flashed through my mind. I let out a rugged breath and looked up at him. His eyes were on mine and they were full of want and lust. I shivered and took an involuntary step forward before Paul yelled to me. "Hey Miss Uley!" he called. I snapped out of whatever it was and turned to walk back toward Paul.
"Yeah Paul." I said. My voice sounded rugged and a little like I was out of breath. I closed my eyes trying to get a grip on myself. I took a few deep breaths before opening them again.
"You ok?" he asked raising an eyebrow.
"Um, yeah I'm fine." I said giving a smile. He smirked and stepped forward enough so he could speak without everyone else hearing him.
"You look and sound like you just did the deed." I gasped and he chuckled.
"I am so getting you back for this later." I warned before walking away. I cleared my throat yet again. "Alright guys, there is ten minutes left so go ahead and get changed and do whatever until the bell rings." I walked into my office and sat down at my desk. I needed some time to gather myself. I was leaning my head on my desk when the bell rang. I went to stand up when Jacob walked in and shut the door. I sat down on my desk. "Hey Jacob." I whispered. I sucked in a breath as he walked toward me. "Um, did you need anything?"
"I wanted to make sure you were ok. And if you needed anything." he said.
"I'm fine Jacob." I looked down at the floor. It was then he put a finger under my chin and lifted my face to look at him. Oh my goodness. I felt every part of my body hit up with just that one touch. This is what I was looking for. This is what I had been waiting for. He would never know though. Not yet.
"You sure?" he was staring in my eyes like he could see my soul.
"Yes." I breathed. I got the feeling he could hear me even if my voice was barely a whisper. The lust that appeared in his eyes nearly drove me over the edge. He leaned down and pressed his hot lips on mine. They were so soft and plump. I kissed him back with passion and need.
"Hey guys." Embry called while he knocked on the door. I swear Jake growled before he stepped away from me. My senses slowly coming back. I sat in my chair while Jake sat in the one by the door before opening it. "So, Sam just called and we need to go." Embry sighed. He looked at me with that mischievous smirk. Jacob stood up and went to follow Embry but stopped.
"I'm sorry, Ava." He sounded regretful.
"I know Jacob. Get over Bella, which is what you need to focus on right now." I sighed. I kind of felt disappointed and rejected. I would not let him know that though. I really needed to think about this.
"I'm not sorry that I kissed you. I am sorry that it happened here and that I about…" he trailed off knowing I knew what he was going to say.
"Jake, we really have a lot to think about."
"What do you mean?"
"Well, I do not know your intentions, you're still not over Bella, and I don't know what you want from me." I sighed.
"Wanna talk after you get home later?"
'There is really nothing to talk about. It was a lapse in judgement I get it." It was then I heard the students coming in. "Go Jacob." I said touching his back to push him out the door. I shivered at feeling how muscular his back was. As he was walking away I noticed how all the girls drooled after him. "You are too attractive for your own good Jake. Why would you want me? You could have any of these girls you want." I mumbled so low no one could hear. At least I didn't think they did. I didn't know that Jacob could hear me as he walked out.
It was eight o'clock before I got home that evening. Volley ball tryouts, cleaning up from gym today and getting things ready for the next week really wore me out. I parked my car and walked up on the porch half asleep when the door flew open and hit me in the forehead. "Ow! Shit! Really! You guys can't watch what you're doing?" I shouted. I pressed the palm of my hand to my head and glared up at the person who hit me with the door. Sam. He was chuckling until he saw the blood pouring from behind my hand.
"Oh crap. Come on let's get you to the hospital." He said. Then stopped. "Actually let's get you to Sue's." He grabbed me and picked me up running down the driveway.
"You know I can walk right?" I asked.
"Yeah but I don't want to take any chances. Jake is going to shit when he sees you."
"And why is that Sam?" I asked.
"huh?" he was slowing down his pace.
"Why is he going to be so upset?."
"Because he is protective over you, just like the rest of the guys and me." I could tell there was more but I didn't question it.
"I don't know him!" I argued. "Why would he be protective? I know the others better than him."
"Because you are family." Simple enough.
"Oh okay then." I sighed. "At least stop babying me. I feel like I am four again."
"See you're younger than me."
"Thanks a lot, Jackass!"
"Your welcome, sis!" he said laughing.
I rolled my eyes. There was a moment of silence before he spoke again. "So…what changed?" he asked looking down at me.
"What do you mean?
"I heard that you and Jacob kissed." He smirked.
"Damn you old women." He laughed.
"He kissed me in my office." I stated.
"And you kissed him back." Sam shot back.
"Because I didn't want him to have a busted ego." I answered. Sam just looked at me. "Ok, Okay. I kissed him back because it just felt like the most natural thing in the whole entire world. It was once and now it's over. No big deal."
"You sure about that?"
"Yes, it was a poor lack of judgement on both of our parts. We already discussed it. It's no big deal at all." Sam gave me a look that told me otherwise but he didn't say anything else.
Before I knew it I was being carried up Sue's porch and through the door. Leah jumped up off the couch and was going to yell at Sam until she saw me bleeding everywhere. "Oh my gosh, what did you do?" Leah asked glaring at me.
"Really? I get hurt and you're going to scold me?" I asked glaring at her.
"Well if you didn't about kill yourself, then who did?" she glared back. Oh this chick is such a bitch. "Sam." I said simply. I wanted to laugh at the look on her face as she turned her gaze toward him.
"Now Leah this was an accident." Sam said huffing. I snickered.
"Oh slow your role Leah. I love you and all but stop be so…pissy. I need your mom and don't feel like bleeding out anytime soon." I sighed. She calmed down and went down the hall. "Sam, could you set me in the kitchen. HE carried me in there and sat me on the counter. "You could have put me in a chair." I griped. The back door flew open and Jacob came in followed by Brady and Seth.
"What the hell happened?" Jacob said coming over to look at my forehead. I leaned back as he got closer. "Damnit Ava, let me see." He said. Man he was bossy and all up in my bubble the last few days.
"Jacob, if you don't back up, I swear I will kick you in your man goods." I said staring at him. He took a step back.
"Hello sweetie. Let's get you cleaned up." Sue said pushing through the boys. I removed my hand and she began cleaning. I winched a few times and then she grabbed her kit to do stitches. One thing I hate is needles. I gulped and turn to look at Sam who gave me a sympathetic look. Jacob stepped forward again and placed his hand on my back and pulled me so that I was leaning on him. Sue numbed it and began stitching away. I closed my eyes and focused on Jacob's breathing…