Jacob Have I Loved
Chapter 7
"You made out with Jake?" Steph's face is full of shock as she dots lipgloss on her lips, beautifying herself for tonight's dancing festivities. "Aren't you glad I suggested that Jake take you down lower? I guess he took you down alright!"
"Steph, you have such a dirty mind! It wasn't like that!" I adjust my straight, jet-black hair in her vanity's mirror. "It was . . . passionate."
"And in the water, too! You know, that's one of my fantasies!" She amuses me, while piling on layers and layers of black mascara. "Is he a good kisser?"
"Yes." My heart thrills at the memory of his lips pressed against mine. "But he told me that he can't be with me because of Quil."
Steph suddenly spins to face me, the mascara wand frozen in front of her face. "Oh, God, Jess! I'm so sorry! That's why he ignored you the rest of the afternoon. You must hate me!"
"I don't hate you. I just wish I could go back and change things." I frown at the reflection of myself in the mirror.
"Maybe, tonight, you can." Steph smiles at me, hopeful. "Embry's already warming to me. I think I can get to at least second base tonight with him." Ugh! Thanks for that. I just pictured it!
"Steph, I don't think Embry even knows what second base is. He'll probably think you want to play baseball with him." I jestingly remark, dabbing clear lipgloss on my pink lips.
"We'll see." Steph laughs as she brushes and smoothes her hair one last time. "You ready?"
"Yes." My heart nervously begins to throb in my chest, and she tugs my hand to lead me out to her mom's waiting car. . .
The tremendous beat of the music begins to thump deep in my chest as Steph and I enter the tribal school's gym. Swarms of couples are already spinning it out on the dance floor, and I notice a disco ball is gleaming from atop the DJ's booth. The PTA really went all out on this one for sure.
"Hey, there's the boys!" Steph screams into my ears over the blaring music as she points toward the refreshment table to our right. Quil, Embry, and Jake are lounging on the folded-up bleachers, and they notice us the second I turn my gaze. Oh, God, here comes Quil!
"Hey, babe! You look awesome!" He plants a wet peck on my right cheek, and his wandering eyes tell me he means "my boobs" look awesome. "Let's boogie!" He then proceeds to do some kind of weird monkey gesture he calls dancing in front of me. It looks like he's in pain more than having fun, and it makes my side hurt as I laugh hysterically at him.
I peer around him at Jake, who is looking out toward the dance floor and sipping from the plastic cup in his hand. His hair is down, draping his shoulders, and he is wearing a loose, striped tie and a yellow, long-sleeve shirt with jeans. The shirt is about two sizes too small for him, but it makes his muscles even more noticeable, so I'll let it slide.
Jake suddenly glances in my direction, lowering the cup from his face. He doesn't smile; he only nods his head and looks back toward our fellow classmates. Damn, I could kick myself for what I've done. I immediately grab Steph by her left arm and drag her away from them toward the ladies room.
"What is your problem, Jess?" Steph exasperatedly asks as we step into the restroom. "You practically ripped my arm out the socket!"
"I'm sorry." I burst into tears. "I think we should go, Steph."
She envelopes me with her arms, patting me lightly on the back. "We just got here, Jess. Give it a chance."
"I've lost him now for good." I sob into her shoulder.
"No, you haven't." She pulls away, gripping the sides of my head. "Ask him to dance when the next slow song comes on. The worst thing he can do is turn you down. Then, you'll truly know where he stands."
"But, Steph, he told me he can't because Quil's his friend." I peer at her through the tears flooding my brown eyes.
"Then, end it with Quil right now." Steph loosens her hands from my head. "Tell him how you really feel."
"I don't want to hurt him."
"You're hurting him more by leading him on." Steph takes my hands into hers. "Now, let's get you cleaned up and back out there! I've got a man to stalk, too, ya know!" She makes me laugh, and I hurriedly wipe the tears from under my eyes. She helps me by dabbing my eyes with tissues. "There, you look gorgeous. Now, go get 'em!"
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"Quil, would you like to dance?" I politely extend my hand to Quil after parting with my best friend several minutes later.
"You know it, babe." Quil stands up from his perch on the bleachers and sits his drink down beside Embry, who is now engrossed in a conversation with Steph. She looks at me fleetingly and smiles as Quil grabs my right hand and leads me out onto the floor.
I place my hands about Quil's shoulders and notice the familiar stench of his cologne radiating from every fiber of his clothes. Oh, God, help me again! His hands firmly grip my waist, and I am already regretting my offer to dance with him.
"Quil, there's something I need to say." I close my eyes, trying to block out the fact that his hands are moving slowly down to my butt.
"Sure, babe. Hit me." He pulls me closer, twirling me on the dance floor. His hands are on my bottom now. #$%!
I rack my brain to find just the right words to say, and then, after a long pause, I say, "I'm kinda seeing someone else."
"What?" Quil stops spinning me, and his smile droops to a frown.
"I'm sorry, Quil. You're a great friend. I just don't like you the way you like me." Yes! That will do the trick. At least, I hope it will.
"Oh, I see." He drops his hands, but doesn't look too upset. "No probs . . . So, you still want to come over to my place later. My parents are still out of town."
"Quil, she said she doesn't want you, okay? Now, back off!" Jake is standing right beside us now, nothing but anger in his eyes. Where did he come from? He always pops up when I least expect it, but nevertheless, I am so glad he did this time!
"Ok, man. Chillax!" Quil speedily scampers off toward the refreshment table, and my heart is thrumming like a drum inside my chest.
"Thanks, Jake." I turn my gaze back to my savior.
"Sure, sure." He repeats his usual reply, staring at the floor.
Just do it already! Ask him to dance before the song is over! My thoughts are screaming at me.
"Jake, you wanna dance?" I shyly ask, my nervousness almost paramount. "You know, since we're standing in the middle of the dance floor and all."
"Yes." And with that, his arms wrap around my waist, and I can feel his even breathing on my neck. Jake pulls me closer and guides me across the floor.
I don't even hear the music as he peers into my eyes like he did in the water early that day. Breaking his gaze, I place my head gently on his right shoulder, and he rests his head tenderly on mine. Butterflies are fluttering in my stomach. I breathe in his warm, musky scent, and it engulfs all my senses, intoxicating me with every passing second. This is the moment I've been daydreaming about all week, and I never want it to end.
Attn: Aww, doesn't that take you back? The next chapter is probably my fave of the entire fan fic. Thanks for reading and please review. :D Also, if you are over 18 and love Twilight fan fiction, check out freedomfanfictionwriters(dot)com. I post all of my stories there as well.
