It's been a few days since the day as the guys showed me 'the works'. They trailed me around the reservation, showing me the school, beach and everyone's houses, where I met Seth (who tagged along). Leah was out for the moment. I also met Kim –Jared's girlfriend- (I had plenty of questions for her) Sue Clearwater –Seth's and Leah's mother- and Billy Black –Jacob's father. I never went back into the forest, and refuse to, unless I feel rebellious, which I haven't so I have had no need to. There is currently three days until school starts. Jacob refuses to be near me, but seeing as the other guys like hanging out with me, he's been pretty much stuck. I feel bad, I mean, first taking Sam 'away' from him (which I found out that they all think of Sam as an older brother or a father) and now I'm taking his friends away from him. Sam told me not to worry about it and to just be patient. Jacob doesn't talk to me when we're around each other, so I've been leaving him alone.

I was reading a magazine in my room when I heard the roar of an engine outside. I threw the random magazine to my bed as I looked through my midnight blue wolf curtains out my window. A huge moving truck pulled up in front of the house. Following it was a semi with two cars on it. I let out a scream. I leaped over the floor and flung open the door, tromping down several steps before jumping the last five. I slid a bit in my socks before skidding and racing towards the door, screaming happily. The man stepped out of the truck, grinning at me and tipping his hat. I hugged him and ran back to my babies. Sam appeared out of the house and walked up to the truck driver. They shook hands...arms. Sam shook his head as he watched me bounce.

"By the way you've been shouting it sounds like someone just died." I screamed again.

"Sam!! How-" He grinned sheepishly. I let out another scream. I ran over to him, practically tackling him in a hug.

"Thank you!! Thank you, thank you!"

I grabbed his face in my hands and kissed his cheeks. He laughed and waited till I turned back to my cars before wiping it off. "I absolutely love you! You are my new favorite!!" He laughed again. The truck driver laughed along with him and handed Sam something to sign. He signed it, and the truck driver offered to let me drive out my Convertible while Sam drove out the Avalanche. We parked them next to the house. Sam rolled down the window. Confused, I did the same and listened. He didn't say anything, but motioned to follow him. I did so. He led me around the house, close to the forest where two trees where holding a tarp. Sam got out of the car and yanked on a hidden rope, dropping the tarp. I let out yet another scream. It was a hand-made metal garage. Sam's ancient car was already parked inside. It would fit all three of the cars (with plenty of room to open all of the doors on all of the cars full extent) plus more. After I parked the car inside the garage, there was more screaming and hugging done by me before I could calm down.

"Sam!! How could you afford any of this?!"

He ran his hand through his hair.

"I can't. But I've already worked out payment plans. It'll take awhile, but Emily and I'll get through it."

Guilt racked throughout my body. He was going to pay for this? All of it? I knew it cost a ton of money to transport cars, and on top of that, getting tools and the metal to build the garage. I couldn't let him pay for it himself.

"Sam, I-"

He shook his head and put out a hand.

"Stop. I told you it's fine. Just go and enjoy it kid." Tears threaten to fall, and I grabbed Sam in the tightest hug I could manage. Without another word I went to help unload the truck.

A blue beanbag chair went in one of the corners of my room, surrounded by stuffed animals, a black rolling chair went in front of a second desk (on the left side of the bed), which held my laptop, and tons of clothes piled into the now full closet and drawers of my dresser. Not to mention a box of DVD's under my bed and the new 50" flat screen TV downstairs with a tricked out stereo system. I gave Sam the TV and stereo system, saying I had a second, smaller stereo that was plenty to have in my room. I'm planning on paying Sam back every penny it took to get all of my stuff here, and the TV and stereo system doesn't count. I'm going to need a job.

I heard a knock at the kitchen door. I raced down the stairs and flung it open, revealing Jared, Kim, Paul, Quil, Embry, Seth, and Jacob. Quil noticed my excitement first.

"Hiya, what's up with you?"

A wicked grin crossed my face. Embry rolled his eyes.

"Oh God. This can't be good."

I grinned wider, if possible.

"It's not good...it's absolutely terrific! Come, follow me!" I shoved past them, still in my dirty socks, and raced over to the garage. The Kim gasped and the guys gaped.

"Boys, and Kim, I would like you to meet my babies." I walked over to the first car, my Avalanche. "This is my BAMF monster of a truck, and the Convertible," I walked over to it "is my sexy."

They where still at the Avalanche, Embry looked at me curiously.

"BAMF?"

"Bad Ass Mother Fucker." I stated happily.

"Why are they 'your babies'?" Everyone stopped and looked at Jacob. He stared at me, not making eye contact with anyone else.

"I tricked them out. Pretty much built them from scratch." I tried to answer coolly, but I was too happy to pull it off. The corner of his mouth twitched.

"I seem to disbelieve that." He answered back. I narrowed my eyes at him.

"Why? And don't tell me it's because a girl can't build a car. They're in perfect condition. I tune them up every chance I get."

He shook his head.

"I can tell right now, without even popping the hood, that there are several things wrong with it."

I glared at him, and tried to keep my patience in check.

"Like?"

He jabbed his thumb over to the Avalanche.

"Engine hasn't been worked on, oil leak, radiator's shot, not to mention barely any gas in it."

I felt a growl form in my chest. I pushed it back. That didn't stop it from ringing in my voice.

"What do you expect? They've been in storage for months. They're not used to the neglection. Not to mention I haven't been able to do anything to them yet." I looked at them affectionately. "I normally check the basics every chance I get, every day if possible. The others a few weeks." I caressed the red hood of my convertible. "They're spoiled."

I thought I heard Embry take a pace back. I grinned sheepishly at him, embarrassed, and shrugged. "What? I told you they're my babies." I lied on the hood of the car. "I almost feel like a mother." I heard Kim giggle and Jared snort. I looked at him from the corner of my eyes. He had rolled his and I heard him mutter something along the lines of 'making out with it'. A more evil smile poured over the sheepish grin as I sat on it, crossing my legs. "You would know, wouldn't you Jared?" I switched my glance to Kim, who's ears where turning red, matching Jared's. The others laughed. I laughed with them, for a while. My mind had run strait to Sam, who had paid for them to get here. Embry noticed my expression change.

"Hey, who paid for this exactly?"

He must've noticed me flinch, for his eyes narrowed. I felt as if someone had knocked the breath out of me, the guilt was that strong. I started to idly draw a random pattern on the hood with my finger.

"...Sam."

It stayed silent. My hand clenched into a fist.

"I didn't know he was going to do it." And I'm going to pay him back.

An idea struck my thoughts.

"Hey, do any of you know how to find out how much all this cost?"

Embry went to speak, but Paul elbowed him in the ribs.

"Yeah, I'll get him to spill."

I blinked as a new voice sounded from behind the guys, and I hadn't known Seth was there. I thought I heard Jared, Quil, and Paul growl, but he didn't seem to notice. He had a huge smile on his face as he pushed past them and walked over to me. I leaped off the hood of the car, my eyes brightening.

"Seriously? You can?"

Seth nodded without a second thought.

"Absolutely."

I squealed and leaped into his arms. Once again, I felt someone stiffen, but I didn't know who. Seth blushed a brilliant shade, hugging me back awkwardly. Without thinking I reached up and kissed him full out on the lips. I knew everyone stiffened, including Seth himself, and I heard a threatening snarl. Realizing what I did, I shot off him, covering my mouth, my blush matching his darkening one.

"S-sorry about that." I stuttered, looking at him sheepishly.

He couldn't stop blinking, trying to figure out what had just happened. He relaxed, a clear look in his eyes, and brightened up dramatically.

"Any time! Man, I just might have to do more favors for you."

Another threatening snarl. Seth flinched, glanced at someone, and looked at me sheepishly. I grinned back, laughing.

"Maybe not."

He shrugged, a blush covering his cheeks. I couldn't help but shake my head. It got silent. Awkward.

'We were parked out by the tracks, we're sitting in the back and we just started getting busy when she whispered, "What was that?" The wind, I think 'cause no one else knows where we are and that was when she started screamin' "That's my dad outside the car!"'

I yelped and pulled out the vibrating phone from my jean pocket, while everyone started laughing at the deep blush now on Seth's face. I covered one ear from the noise and put the phone to the other.

"Hello?" I breathed.

"Well, hi to you to! You sound breathless, what happened?"

I blinked rapidly at the familiar voice, and a smile tugged at my lips.

"Pat?"

"The one and only!"

I grinned at her hyperactive voice.

"Nice to hear from you. But why didn't you text? You know long distance is money."

"Well, I thought you should hear my voice, isn't that nice?"

I rolled my eyes and laughed. I noticed it got silent behind me.

"Hold on, I'm gonna put you on speaker."

I pressed the button and held it a little farther in front of me, grinning at the shocked faces staring at me.

"Say hello Pat."

There was silence, then,

"Hello, I'm Pat with your advice to know for the day. Sex is bad. The end."

I started laughing and rolled my eyes. The guys on the other hand, were all blushing staring at the phone like it was a disease.

"Pat, you just scared the crap outta my guy friends here."

"What?"

"Yeah, there all 6 foot something and two hundred pounds of muscle, and they plan on hunting you down right now."

Silence.

"Pat?"

"Guy friends? As in 's'? As in plural? Oh Natalie! I thought you wanted to get over Taylor not-"

I panicked, and shut the phone,muttering 'goodbye Pat'. I saw Quil grin evilly, and so did Embry. The phone vibrated in my hand, singing the same song from before. I sighed and flipped it open, forgetting to turn off the speaker.

"Did you just hang up on me!?" Pat screeched through the phone. I grinned.

"I don't know. Did it sound like this?" I hung up again. I heard Seth mutter 'gotta remember that one' while the others laughed. I shrugged.

"She had it coming." The phone sang again. I swore and turned off the speaker before flipping it up to my ear.

"Ye-ello."

Thunderous swearing sounded from the other line. I noticed a bit of the background music and other shouting.

"Pat? Who's with you? And what are listening to?"

"Marshall, and Kevin of course, and Fergie, London Bridges. "

I screamed.

"Put it on!"

I heard her sigh, she started the song over and it started blaring in my ear. I put it on speaker. I turned the volume up as high as it could go, and placed the cell on the hood of the convertible. The conversation from the guys ended, I started singing along and dancing very inappropriately to the song. I had my eyes closed and swinging my hips to the beat, dropping to the ground as the lyrics spoke. To soon the song ended, only to be replaced with 'Low' by Flo Rida. I shrieked again and started the process all over. Then that song ended, and I heard Pat on the phone again.

"Okay, you got your dance time, now speak to me woman!"

I grinned and picked the phone up.

"Sorry Pat, gotta run, text me!" I hung up. I was grinning, until I turned around. The guys' eyes were wild, following every curve of my body. Talk about a major hit on self-esteem. I looked at all of them warily, shifting uncomfortably on my feet, they watched that too.

"What?"

Quil was the one to speak, and his eyes were one of the wildest.

"How did you do that? Move your bo-"Embry smacked him."-dy." Quil finished, glaring at Embry as if saying 'that's what I was going to say'. I laughed.

"How do you think I got the money for the flat screen and stereo system in the living room?"

All of their faces paled, and their gaze flickered to my lower body. I rolled my eyes and forced back a blush.

"Still a virgin. I got the money teaching dance. Perverts."

A couple awkward laughs followed. I shook my head. Then turned serious.

"Okay, now that that's done..." I looked at Seth and pointed at him "You. Go get the information from Sam." I pointed at Jacob "You. Help me fix my cars." I looked at the rest of them. "You...go frolic around somewhere." Seth was off in an instant while the others shrugged and started to disperse. I looked at Jacob. He had a look of curiosity, but with a small smirk and his arms crossed on his chest. I glared at him reproachfully. "What?"

He shrugged. His smirk grew.

"I thought you knew how to fix your 'babies'?"

I tried not to growl.

"Yes, I do, but I need them fixed quickly, even if it's just one. Two people are faster than one is, and I need it done pronto."

He grinned and nodded.

"Alright. I'll go get my equipment." I let out a sigh of relief. "If," he continued, I groaned. He smirked. "I'll help if you tell me why you need them fixed."

"I'm going on an expedition." I stated flatly.

"To...?"

"Find a job, and cash a check from my aunt. I'm not going to let Sam and Emily struggle. I'm going to help."

Jacob looked at me in surprise -whether it was the ferocity of my tone or the object itself I don't know- and stared me over with new eyes.

"...Right. I'll be back."

I nodded curtly before turning to my Avalanche. He disappeared in a matter of seconds. I rubbed my hands together and went to pop the hood. Then I glanced down at my clothes; tight jeans on my waist and a nice t-shirt with bangles on my wrists. I shook my head. No way was I going to get greasy in nice clothes. I quickly walked in the house and up to my room. I ripped off my clothes and dug for my 'mechanic' ones. I grinned as I pulled out a pair of jeans. It was a guy's pair, and they had paint and oil stains, plus rips in some of the legs. I quickly put those on. They were big, hanging lowly on my hips and showing the very top of my underwear. Next I found a baggy blue shirt that also had oil stains on it. I grabbed a rubber band, tying a bundle of it behind my back (it was several sizes too big). Then I pulled off the bangles on my wrists, tied a bandanna around my head, and put my hair up in a messy bun. I looked for some clean socks, put on my shoes, and glancing out the window, decided to grab a jacket.

I turned and just about opened the door when I heard Sam and Emily talking.

"Don't worry about Natalie, the guys will protect her, and she can protect herself. I don't think anyone will mess with her at school." I smirked behind my door. So Sam had realized I'm not a pathetic little girl in need of protecting...most of the time.

"And what about Jacob? How is Billy going to...?"

The question trailed off. I listened harder. Sam sighed.

"I don't know. Jake barely has any clothes left, and Billy can't afford to get him new ones. Jacob was going to get a job, but he can't. He won't have the energy. He'd probably have to run to get there, with gas so high, but put on patrolling all the time, it's just impossible."

I leaned back from the door. So it wasn't just Sam and Emily who needed help, but everyone. Now that I thought of it, the guys normally went around without shirts on. Guilt washed over me again. I was the only one who had all of this stuff in the reservation. I had two cars, granted, they were a mess when I bought them, but still. I also had two stereos', plenty of clothes, and the list just goes on. I new thought struck me. Instead of just helping Sam and Emily, I'd help everyone. I glanced at my phone. 9:00. Perfect. Trying to ignore the hole in my stomach, I hopped out the door and pelted for the cars. Jacob had just arrived, and was about to pop the hood of the Avalanche.

"No!"

Jacob reared back, looking at me quizzically.

"The Convertible. It runs faster."

He quirked an eyebrow, looked over my clothes and shrugged.

"Sure. Sure." He trailed over to the Convertible, popping the hood with ease. He glanced over it quickly. "This one's in better shape. Give me ten minutes and you'll be on your way." I glared at him, crossing my arms.

"Does the mechanics outfit mean nothing to you? I'm helping. You can take lead. Just tell me what to work on."

He sighed and looked at me with an annoyed expression. I held my breath. He nodded.

"Okay, fine. Check the stuff underneath the car while I finish under the hood. I don't think anything will be wrong, but Lord knows what happens when you don't check."

I cracked a grin. He was giving me a more difficult job, but it shouldn't take long because nothing would be wrong with it. I grinned and saluted him.

"Aye, aye captain. Be back in a flash."

I was under the car in a few seconds. Nothing seemed to be wrong. I tested the bolts, tight. No leaks anywhere either. I just about got out, when I caught a glimpse of a pipe completely out of place. With a jolt I realized that I could've gone up in flames if I rode in the car a few minutes longer. I scooted over to the pipe, checking to see where it broke off. I swore when I saw the metal band that kept it in place had overheated and melted. The only way to fix it would be to heat it back up and stick it in place. I narrowed my eyes and double-checked to make sure that was the problem. It was.

"Hey Jacob?"

"Yeah?"

I shoved myself from under the car.

"One of the pipes is screwed up. The metal band keeping it in place snapped."

Jacob swore and looked at me sternly.

"You sure?"

I nodded. He sighed and ran a hand through his hair. Then he stared at me for a minute.

"Check and see if there's a bolt that held the pipe to its place. I know some cars that make it look like it's a band, when it's really a bolt."

I nodded and dived back under.

I looked it over again.

"No, it's a band." My eye caught something bright. I swung my head that way, catching the bolt as it fell. "It was a bolt! Oh thank God. I'll fix it real quick." I yanked the pipe into place and tightened the bolt around it.

"You got it?"

I glance towards my feet. Jacob was crouched trying to see what I was doing.

"You're stronger than I am, can you tighten this real tight?"

His mouth twitched and in a second he squeezed next to me and was tightening the bolt. After that was done he did a quick sweep through with his eyes.

"Okay. It should be good to go now."

I grinned.

"Excellent."

We squeezed out from under the car. I grinned at him.

"Thanks." He rolled his eyes.

"Sure, sure."

We stood there together in an awkward silence.

"Well, um, I'm gonna go get changed and be on my way. Thanks again." I walked around him and headed towards the house. Jacob kept pace with me. I glanced at him.

"Any particular reason you're following me?"

His lips twitched.

"Well, Seth's not back yet, meaning he is with Sam getting the info, and I'm pretty sure I saw Emily head out somewhere. I just thought you should have some company until Seth gets back."

I shrugged.

"Okay. But you're staying in the living room."

His forehead creases as he stares at me. A small smirk plays across my lips. His eyes shoot up, understanding what I was getting at.

"Do you seriously think I would do that?"

I chuckle.

"You are a man with hormones."

"I'm seventeen."

I whip my head around, giving him a light look.

"Bull."

"I'm serious. I'm only seventeen. I'm going to be a junior."

I glare playfully at him.

"That just makes matters worse. Regardless, you're staying in the living room."

He rolls his eyes as I open the door for him.

"You obviously know your way around already." I pointed to the couch. "Sit there until I'm done. It should only be a minute."

"'Kay. Have fun."

I roll my eyes and hop up the stairs. I yank off the mechanic clothes and get into the clothes I wore before, minus the socks. I headed back down the stairs. Jacob was flopped on the couch, watching the TV. I tried not to laugh. I scanned him over. He didn't have a shirt on, showing off his muscles, sweatpants and no shoes. I just watched him for a minute, not realizing it. He smirked and I was knocked out of my trance.

"You gonna stare at me all day? I know I'm hot but come on."

He looked up at me, making distinct eye contact. I felt myself blush and my breath catch in my throat. My heart skipped a beat. Almost as if he could hear it, he smirked and a new light filled his eyes for a nanosecond before he looked back to the TV. I shook my head and silently whisked down the stairs. I appeared next to him, and grabbed the remote away from him. He narrowed his eyes playfully at me. I clicked it to the stereo system, letting random music blare throughout the house. I turned it down a bit, because of my sensitive ears, and shrank down to his eye level. He stared back at me.

"What do you want?" he asked. I shrugged.

"Nothing. I was just wondering what were up with the random mood swings. First you didn't want to be near me at all, and now you help me fix my cars and are keeping me company."

Numerous emotions went through his eyes. Confusion. Depression. Anger. Content. Wary. Guarded. He sat up and moved away from me.

"I don't know what you're talking about. Sam wouldn't want you to be alone, that's the only reason why I'm here now."

I mouth dropped and a snarl built up in my chest. I pushed it back. When I spoke, it was barely over a whisper and it sounded strained and worn.

"Oh. Well, then I'll be in my room. Send Seth up to me when he gets here."

I turned heel and tried not to break for my room. The front door opened.

"Hey, I'm back! Natalie?"

Seth interceded with me at the foot of the stairs.

"I got it!" He held up a small piece of paper. A number was scrawled across it. I managed to force a grin.

"Great, thanks."

Out of the corner of my eye I saw Jacob's fist tighten. I looked strait in Seth's eyes and kissed his cheek.

"You've been a great help."

The front door slammed. Jacob was gone. Seth rubbed the back of his head, a small blush covering his cheeks.

*~*xxx*~*

"I can help who's next."

I snapped out of my daze and walked up to the front desk. A young man stood there, early twenty's at best. When he saw me his eyes brightened and he leaned over the counter a small smirk on his lips. His nametag read Caleb Schafer. He had short brown hair and light brown, almost hazel, eyes. Just by the look of him, I would guess that he was some major sports person, and the most popular kid in school.

"Well, Hell-o. What can I do for you?"

I grinned loosely.

"I'd like to make a withdrawal. And cash this check." I handed him the check Joanna gave me. His eyes shot up.

"Well, um, I can't cash this here. Come with me please."

He led me through several twists and turns until I got to this one cubical. He gestured to the seat. I took it. He sat behind a computer, typed something in, and turned to me.

"Natalie Campbell?"

I nodded.

"Ms. Campbell, I must ask how you got this check."

"My aunt Joanna wrote it out for me, because she didn't fill out the papers to just dump into the account. And now I wish to cash that check and withdraw..." I pulled out the paper Seth gave me. I added what I thought would be necessary for tonight (already done the calculations earlier) and circled the total. "That." I handed him the paper. He read the number and looked at me skeptically. I handed him my account card.

"You will see I've got plenty more, even with that sum taken out."

He took the card and typed in my account number. He switched his gaze to me.

"How did you get all of this?"

"My mother passed. I inherited it from her, plus eleven –twelve including that- checks the size you hold in your hand and bigger. Plus paychecks. I don't spend."

He nodded slowly.

"Yes, well, what do plan on doing with this money? A major shopping spree?"

I laughed.

"No, actually, I was planning on giving-" I pointed to the first number, the one Seth wrote down "that to the person I'm staying with, because he had my cars brought out of storage and to me, and made a metal garage for them. This-" I pointed to the number I wrote "is going to several people who are having problems with money in my neighborhood right now. They need it more than I do."

"And the check?"

I tapped my chin.

"Just take fifty out of it. The rest can be deposited."

He nodded, typing more numbers into the computer.

"Right." He whipped around, pulling out several pieces of paper and laid them out in front of me.

"Read and sign these please."

I read through them carefully. They asked what I was going to do with the money and how I acquired it in the first place, and several questions about my account past and so forth. I signed where I was supposed to, and handed them back to Caleb. He put them in a scanner, copied one for me, and laminated the original copy after putting one copy of the document in the computer. He slipped the laminated one in a document folder and put it in the cabinet, locked it, typed a password on the keypad, and did a fingerprint scan. It said 'Identity recognized: Caleb Schafer. Locked'. I grinned at it.

"Wait here. I'll be back with your money."

He vanished. I waited and ran my hand through my hair. I wanted to ask him to make sure no one called the house, but if I did that he would get suspicious. Oh well. If I had to let him in on the secret then so be it. Caleb walked in just then, a thick briefcase in hand. He set it in front of me and clicked it open, showing the money I was about to take. I quirked an eyebrow at him and lifted the first chunk, thumbing through it. It was all money. I took one from the middle and held it to the light. It was real. Good. Like he could read my mind, it was in twenties, tens, and fives.

"Toward the back are the bigger bills, but I guessed that you wanted smaller ones for your neighbor's." I grinned at him.

"You guessed right." He clicked the case shut. He typed a couple more things in the computer. "If I may so boldly ask, can you make sure no one calls the house? Sam won't know it's me who gives him the money, and I'd rather not have to come back here to give it back."

He folded his hands together.

"That is bold. Normally I'd say no, but you intrigue me. How are you going to give him the money without him finding out it's you?"

My lips twitched and I took out another piece of paper, grabbed a pen and wrote down my cell phone number. I gave it to him. He looked at me surprised.

"If someone must call, use that number. But really, I would prefer no call at all. It's quite annoying."

He nodded, typed the number in the computer, and stuck the piece of paper in his pocket, winking at me.

"I understand. I'll do my best. But you still haven't answered my question."

I gripped the handle of the case, and leaned in towards him; the corner of my mouth twitched in the form of a smile.

"You could say the blackness of night helps."