The next day went better, in most respects.
It went better since it was dry when I woke up, though the clouds seemed to be sneering at me. It went smoother since I knew what to expect at school. Mike sat next to me in English, then asked Mr. Banner if we could sit next to each other, which he was glad to allow. It was nicer since there was less glaring directed at me. At lunch we sat at the same table, with the same group as yesterday, though now I could tell you all there names. I was starting to feel like the shark rather than the bait.
It was harder since I was still tired; sleep didn't come easily after last nights shenanigans, it was more just a numbing, and for some reason the back of my knees were killing me. It was worse because all through Trig, Varner seemed intent on picking on me, regardless of whether my hand was up or not. It was horrific since I had to actually participate in PE, and basketball definitely wasn't my strong suit, just ask my team members bruises.
It was strange since Edward Cullen was absent all day.
All through my first classes I was fearful of his gaze, wondering if he would explain himself today. I had wondered what I would say to him as I lay sleeplessly in bed last night. But knowing myself to well I knew I couldn't face him. I was pathetic.
As I walked with Mike and Jessica through the cafeteria, I was able to avert my gaze, yet the sharp pain from yesterday returned. As we ate I saw that his siblings were sitting at the same table as yesterday, yet he was nowhere to be seen. I tried to join in the conversation, but now worry was added to the pain, worry I was the reason for his disappearance. Was I truly that vein? I hoped he would appear by Bio, maybe just ignore me and prove me wrong.
This hope was lost. I sat with Mike in class, staring at the empty desk. Mike noticed, passing me a note.
You okay?
I smiled and nodded
He took the note back, scrawling quickly.
A few people are getting together at the cinema tonight, wanna go?
Cant, need to fix my car, soz
He looked slightly disappointed, but nodded. It wasn't a lie, but I just didn't feel in the mood to socialise with any large group, to many fake smiles for my liking. He passed me a new note, it was an 11 digit number. I looked at him, confused. He took the paper back and wrote something above the numbers. He handed it back, it read My Number. I smiled smugly. Second day and a number, my first number at that. Maybe it was because of the lack of choice round here. I tried not to think about the reason. After that the fact Edward was missing didn't bother me as much, though in the back of my mind I worried it was my fault.
School was done for another day, and I changed back into my skinny jeans and orange zip-top, still embarrassed by my horrific performance in PE. I ran to my car, dodging Mike and Jess trying to convince me to go with them tonight for the tenth time. I threw my bag onto the passengers seat, connected my blue-tooth and made sure I had my list. It turned out that Mom, working all the time, had gotten into the habit of having the pizza delivery number on speed-dial. I decided since I was living with her, free of rent, that I would cook. She willingly gave me the job, but I was unable to find anything healthier than gram crackers and dried pasta in the house. So, list in hand, money in wallet, I went to the Thriftway.
I turned the key, and strangely my Mustang purred. I reversed out of the parking lot, trying to overtake the bucket-of-bolts in front of me, when I saw the silver Volvo. Obviously it was theirs. The Cullens and Hales Slid into their car as gracefully as ever. It wasn't until now that I noticed their clothes, as I was in awe of the outrageous complections. Their clothes seemed more like something you would see at New York Fashion Week than in a secluded high school, obviously hinting at expensive designer origins. With faces not unlike an old masters vision of angels, they could have worn bin liners and still looked 'fierce'. They must have all done something incredible in past live to be blessed with money and model-like looks. But from what id seen in the past, it pays to be beautiful. Though here, it seemed, looks weren't the only thing need for acceptance.
Actually, scratch that. This isolation they seemed confined to must have been their wish; there was no way anyone could turn away a face as gorgeous as each of them possessed.
They stared at me as I slowly rolled past them towards the main entrance, as a few others did. I kept my eyes on the road to evade their accusing glares, finally able to breathe as I left the school grounds.
The Thriftway wasn't far, just a couple of blocks south, and obviously, just off the highway. It was nice, almost normal-feeling inside the supermarket. I was in charge of food shopping back south, and fell into my usual trance easily. On the way to the tills, proving I was good at public humiliation, I tripped on my shoelace, spilling a few items from my basket. I hurriedly picked most of them up, till I saw a familiar russet hand on a six pack of Lays. I looked up at Jake, blushing deeply under my similar reddish-brown skin. He just smiled, helping me up and placing the potato chips back in the basket. I didn't know what to say, last night he acted like I was a leper and ran from me, now he was smiling and acting as if it meant nothing.
"T-thanks" I stuttered. The humiliation just kept on coming.
"No problem." He smiled again, looking at his feet. We stood there, trying not to make eye contact, for a few minuets. I looked up to see him smiling at me, as if last night had been nothing more than a bad dream. "You gonna pay for those, or just walk out with the neon 'Klutz' sign above your head?" He joked. I just smirked, walking towards the cash register as he followed. I bagged my shopping as he was laying his on the till, so I stayed and waited for him
"You want a lift?" I asked as we exited
"Well, depends on where to. Billy's got a stick up his ass for some reason, can't be assed dealing with him." His lips pouted slightly, making them even more voluptuous.
"Wanna come back to mine? Hayley's working till after three I think, you can stay if you want." I smiled, hopeful that he would say yes, though after last night...
"Seriously? You sure your mom wont mind?"
"In her mind your family." And I wanted more. He just smiled and nodded, walking to the car. "How did you get here, its miles from the res."
"I ran, was looking for a master cylinder for my next car project, but the place in Forks was extortion. Might go into Port Angeles and look." he shrugged into the car.
"Oh, Port Angeles? I need to go get a few more books, and the library here is crap if I remember. Mind if I tag along?" Was I pushing it?
"Well, it'd be more me tagging along. I haven't got a ride." he smiled sheepishly
"That's cool. If you haven't noticed, you kinda sold me a car." I smirked, turning the keys in the ignition. "When were you planning on going?"
"Whenever. Like seriously, if you can give me a lift then any time." He smiled widely, hugging me tightly.
"Dude. Oxygen." I spluttered. He released me from his bear hug. We chatted about the car he was building on the way back to mine. It was a red 1986 VW Rabbit, which I had never heard of, so I nodded every now and again, pretending I knew what the hell was coming out of his gorgeous lips.
We pulled into my drive and I popped open the garage door. As we got out, Jacob threw a rag at me. "What the hell was that for?"
"What did you do to it?" He asked, pointing at the cars front
"Evil mutant bear, remember?"
"Gah, you have no idea how to get a dent out of a corner, do you?" he glared at me, not dissimilar to the way Edward had. I looked at him, trying to do my best puppy dog eyes as I shook my head. "Right, you go do something, ill get this out."
"You sure?"
"Yeah, since your putting me up for the night and driving me, its the least I can do" I smiled, then turned out of the garage to make dinner. I had bought enough food to do a week or so. I decided that I would make grilled rib-eye steaks, so I blended the marinade then poured it into a tub with the steaks, then shoved them into the fridge. I ran up to the guest bedroom to make it for Jake, though I did wonder if my bed was big enough for two... Anyway, I grabbed my mac-book and skipped back down to the garage, where I was met with a beautiful sight. Jake had removed his jacket and top and was bent over the car, knocking the crap out of the bonnet. I steadied myself and walked over to the little fridge next to the workout bench, grabbing two cans of coke.
"Er, hows it going?" I asked nonchalantly, opening the drivers side door and sitting on the seat. He emerged, oil smeared on his chest. How mean is that?
"Nearly got the dent out, got any black paint?" he straightened out, rubbing the sweat from his forehead. I stood, handing him the coke and walked over to my dads old work-bench. I searched through the drawers till I came upon a little black bottle that looked similar to nail varnish.
"This it?"
"Yeah, that's great" He said, walking over to me as I stood up. Our faces were mere centimetre away from each other, his breath was sweet and cool, intoxicating. I handed him the bottle, nervously walking around him back to the car. Im almost certain i saw a smirk crawl across his face too. Extremely mean. I sat, opening my mac and typing in my password, as he went back to beating up my car. I had a few messages, mostly spam but there were three from Paul that had little red exclamation marks next to them.
'Hey kid,' my father wrote...
Write back A.S.A.P, I wanna hear bout your flight. Raining much there? Lol. Miss u already. Started the nursery today, rooms one hell of a mess. Any clue where my toolbox is? Dad
I rolled my eyes and went to the next one, sent a few hours later than the first.
Xander, why haven't you replied? Something wrong? Dad
The last was just a few hours ago.
Alexander,
If you haven't emailed me by six pm. im calling Hayley.
So dramatic. I checked the time. Still an hour left, but Dad was the waiting by the phone type. I signed onto messenger, and lo and behold he was online, instantly I.M-ing me.
'Took you long enough' he wrote
'I'm alive, what more do you want lol'
'...' his unamused dots, oh no.
'Dad im gonna be here for a while, and im not gonna be on MSN the entire time.'
'Fine. Hows school'
'Its gd. Met a few people so not a ttl loner =P'
'Im happy 4 u. Met anyone cute =3' Ass hole
'If you must know yes, u know him.'
'Srsly? Who?'
'I gtg, bye' and with that I set my status to 'Appear Offline'. I updated my MySpace, changing my home town and such, until I realised the banging had subsided and Jake wasn't at the front of the car. I stuck my head out the door, looking for him, then sat back down. Where'd he go? That's when I felt a tap on my shoulder from behind, causing me to squeal like a little school girl.
"Who does your dad know?" he asked, tilting his head cutely
"Wouldn't you like to know" I smiled at him. Why was it so easy to be around him? I don't mean to sound cheesy, it was like I connected with him on a deeper level. God that does sound cheesy. "You want anything?," I noticed he was still covered in oil, which made it even harder not to touch him. "Shower maybe?"
"Erm, yeah, might be an idea." He said looking down. "Thing is I don't have a change of clothes" He bit his bottom lip.
"Hmm, think I have some stuff that should fit you if you want?" He was too muscular to fit into most of my stuff, but might fit my sweats and my weight-lifting vest.
"Man are you sure, I feel like I'm taking advantage of you here." He could take advanta- No, clean thoughts, where's the mental soap when you need it?
"Y-yeah, its cool. The en suite in my rooms probably your safest bet, don't wanna know what my mom keeps in hers" I though aloud, cringing at what might be lurking in there...
"Okay. Er, should I go now?" He looked nervous, wasn't like I was gonna rape him. Yet. God, lack of sun is fucking me up.
"Yeah, follow me." I led him up to my room, pointing to the door in the corner. "I'll get you clothes, do you want me to leave them in here or would you prefer them on the counter in there?"
"Erm, whatever. I really don't mind." He looked at me, smiled, then went in and closed the door. I rummaged through my drawers till I found boxers, the sweat pants and the vest. Now, do I sit here and wait till I hear the shower go off? Or do I just sit the clothes on the rocking chair, then bugger off wishing I had chose the first. Well, my room could do with a quick tidy. I grabbed my I-Pod and set it to my 'Cleaning' playlist, placing an ear phone in, guess where, my ear! I skipped around the room, putting books back on there shelves, making my bed, then I sadly alphabetised my CD collection. Just as I finished placing my Zucchero album, I heard the water stop running. I was sitting on my bean bag watching T.V when he opened the door, dripping wet hair and his body gleaming. All he had on was a towel around his waist, and I forced my eyes not to venture south of his perfect abs. He was smiling awkwardly, scratching the back of his head with the hand that wasn't clutching the towel for dear life. It was adorable.
"Clothes are on the chair." I said, then something sprung to my mind. "How do you like your steak?" Brain-Mouth filter is dead.
"Oh, er, medium rare. Why?" He asked as he grabbed the bundle of clothes.
"I was gonna cook delmonico steaks. That okay?" His face lit up
"Hell yeah!" He smiled, then ran into the bathroom to get changed. I giggled and went downstairs, walking into the living room. I sat at the piano and started playing a song I had wrote back home. It was light, bouncy, fun. Then without noticing it got darker, slower and drearier. I stopped and stood up, deciding creative outlets might give me away. I walked through to the kitchen, pouring some water into a pot and then peeling the potatoes. After a few minuets I heard steps at the top of the staircase.
"Xander, where are you?" Jake called
"Kitchen" I said, as he hopped down the stairs then walked though to the hall. One thing I will say is that he suited the clothes better than I did, just a shame I didn't give him one of my mesh vests...
"Thanks again man, don't know how im gonna make it up to you, but I will." He smiled and sat at the breakfast counter. I shook my head.
"You don't need to, You can stay any time." I smiled, then remembered about the phone call last night, wondering if that had anything to with Jake needing away from Billy. "So, any idea what pissed your dad off?"
"Think its got something to do with Sam, one of the guys at the res. Dads been helping him though something, or so he says." He shrugged. Could that have been one of the boys my mom was on about? I'm gonna have to ask her.
"Hmm. Anyway, what you wanna do? Still gotta wait a few hours for the steak to marinate"
"Up to you Z, your house" He smirked
"Z?"
"Well its easier to say than X isn't it." His full lips pulling up at the corners
I shook my head, throwing the chopped potatoes into the pot, then dragging him to the couch in the living room. "Game, film or T.V.?"
"Got street fighter?"
"Depends, want your ass kicked?" I said cockily, knowing I was doomed.
"Your on." He grinned. I fired up the Xbox and threw a controller to him. I usually hate fighting games, platformers are more my thing, but playing with him was different. I was pretty sure, even though I barely knew him, that I would do just about anything for him. God I need a grip, how could he have such a hold over me? I mean, I hadn't seen him since our favourite show was Barney The Dinosaur! He knocked me out so many times I lost count, but it made him laugh, and I feared the sound was going to become the most important sound in my life. I wondered if he noticed me staring at him, which may of hindered my gaming skills. After two hours of S.F and Halo 3 he seemed to be getting slightly sick of winning.
"Sorry, what was that about my ass getting kicked?." He chuckled. I just glared at him and he started laughing more. I was sorely tempted to pounce on him.
"Fine, im crap, I get it. What you wanna do?"
"The steaks ready to grill?" I looked at the clock.
"Should be, want me to go put them on?"
"If that's cool. Erm, I'll put a film on if you want?"
"Sure, most are on the Xbox, but I think there's some DVDs in the cabinet." I said as I walked towards the kitchen.
"Anything in particular?" He shouted through as I put my hand on the fridge
"Im up for anything" Anything at all... I removed the steaks and switched the grill and fryer on. The potatoes had simmered nicely, even though I completely forgot about them. I drained them, threw them into the heated fryer, then poured some oil onto the grill. Why did I care so much about him? It was completely idiotic to feel this way after a day, less than a day, and the few vague memories I had of when we were kids couldn't do this. I threw a few of the steaks onto the grill and they sizzled fiercely, spitting as they cooked. I sat at the breakfast bar, reading a magazine that was laying on it. Who cares about Brangalina? Or Madonna stealing another baby from god-knows-where in Africa? After 10 minuets of reading the pointless nonsense, I flipped the steaks and shook the potatoes, then grabbed two bottles of Bud Ice, taking one through to Jake, hoping Sgt. Mom wouldn't mind.
"Thanks" He took it and smiled.
"Decided what to watch yet?"
"Think so, we used to watch it all the time when we got thrown together." He just smirked, taking a swig of the beer.
"Gonna tell me what it is?" to this he just shook his head
"Don't you have something to sauté or something" He chuckled and I rolled my eyes, stalking back through to the grill. I shook the fries and then separated them between two plates I had placed on the worktop. I threw the steak onto the plates, grabbed cutlery then walked back to the couch, only to hear one of my favourite songs playing.
" Now its always once upon a time in New York City. Its a big old battle, tough old town its true... " I smiled widely as I sat down, handing Jacob his food and cutlery.
"Man this looks great, thanks." He smiled and nudged my arm.
"Shhhh, Huey' singing." I adore Huey Lewis, regardless if there's any News with him, don't ask why. We sat there, eating and watching Oliver and Co., obviously singing along to 'Why Should I Worry'. We sat our dishes on the floor, then Jake stretched and lay across the couch, his head resting on my lap. This is one of those situations when your mind decides to go on vacation and let your body do what ever the hell it feels like, and mine was very unimaginative. I stroked his short hair gently, which he didn't seem to object to, and decided that was probably the most I would do unless I wanted the crap kicked outta me. I must have fallen asleep with him on my lap, because one moment I was blinking at the credits on the screen, next I opened my eyes and the screen was dimmed, and a clattering noise came from the kitchen. I stood up, easing Jake onto the couch, grabbing the stun-gun from under the couch and holding it at the ready. I slowly snuck through to the hall, looking for what was making the noise. I saw a shadow on the floor a few feet away, so I went to the doorway to the kitchen, aiming the gun straight ahead, finger on the trigger, when my mom's head popped out the fridge.
"What the hell are you doing Xander?" She asked, shaking her head as she poured some scotch into a glass.
"Erm, getting ready to electrocute a burglar, you?"
"Stop watching Disturbia, seriously." She smirked, walking through to the living area. "What's up with Jake?"
"Says Billy's being being weird, something 'bout someone called Sam I think."
"Sam Uley?" I shrugged
"Never said. I thought it would be okay if he stayed the night, and I didn't want to disturb you at work..."
"Yes, its fine. Does Billy know he's here?"
"Don't think so, he might have text him I dunno. You want steak? There are a few left."
"That would be great kid, but do you want to take him upstairs first?"
"Sure" I walked over to the couch, shaking Jakes shoulder lightly. "Come on man, time for bed" He slowly opened his eyes, yawning as he sat up. I helped him up to the guest bedroom, laying him on the bed and putting the covers over him. He was completely oblivious to the world around him, so I did the unthinkable, I kissed his cheek. It was a kiss non the less.
"Night Jake." I whispered as I walked away, closing the door over. I smiled as I skipped down the stairs, walking through to the kitchen where my mom was sat.
"So, have fun tonight?" She smiled wryly from one of the stools.
"Yeah it was good, how was work" Ignoring the fact that she meant 'fun'
"Slow, mostly just played minesweeper on the computer." She smirked, then her face hardened slightly. "How are you? You seem a bit out of it." she walked over, placing a cool hand on my forehead, and a brief look of shock past over her face
"Im fine, why?" I asked as she sat down and I switched the grill back on.
"No reason" she smiled weakly. What the hell is going on? I pulled the steaks out the fridge, placing one onto the grill, then walked over to Hayley.
"Do you know the Cullens?" I asked.
"Doc Cullens family? Yeah, Carlisle's a great guy." She sounded as if she doubted her own words.
"The kids... they seem a bit..."
"Are people talking about them again?" A look of mild anger passed across her face, I shook my head. "Carlisle is an amazing surgeon who could work anywhere and probably make ten times as muck as he does here."
"Im sure he is, and the kids seem nice. I just saw that they didn't really socialise, and the fact that they're all gorgeous."
"You seen the Doc?" She smiled, raising an eyebrow. "If he wasn't married im pretty sure that all the women in this town would be mobbing him." After that we were silent, the only noise was the steaks cooking. Once I had handed Hayley her dinner, I loaded the dishwasher and wiped the worktops down. After that I wished her a good night, then went to my room and sat doing my maths homework, which was difficult to concentrate on when I knew who was in the other room. I heard mom call someone, and I could only assume it was Billy. I lay on my bed, listening to my I-pod, wishing that Jake would wake and come through here. He didn't come, nor did sleep. I was pretty sure that at the rate I was going I was going to be an insomniac.
By morning I had maybe gotten an hours sleep, and was woken by Hayley pouring water over my face at half six, which I swore I would get her back for. Jake was downstairs at the breakfast bar by the time I got down. Him and my mom were talking.
"You can stay any time you want Jacob, but I think you'd be better telling your dad if your staying out. He was worried sick last night."
"I know, sorry if I caused you any hassle." He replied, looking down at his glass of orange juice.
"Its okay" my mom said, ruffling his hair.
"Morning" I mumbled, still only in my boxers
"Xander would it kill you to wear some clothes?" Mom said, shaking her head
"Depends, you put any explosives in my drawers?" I smirked, and i was almost sure i saw the edges of Jakes perfect lips rais slightly before pouring some apple juice into a glass and standing at the counter. Hayley walked over to the coat rack, grabbing her gun-belt and jacket. I threw her keys to her and she opened the door.
"Im away, have fun today." She smiled and left. It was oddly uncomfortable.
"So... You want a lift anywhere?"
"Erm, yeah, if its not to much trouble."
"It's cool," I smiled, gulping down the rest of my drink. "Back to yours? Or your school?"
"My place is fine, left my school stuff there anyway."
"Great, I'll go get dressed. You need anything other that your clothes down?" he shook his head and I ran up the stairs. I threw on my grey cargo jeans and a skinny top that read 'I NY'. I grabbed all my books and shoved them into my bag. Then tossed Jakes dirty clothes into a bag and hopped back down stairs. "Here man," I threw the bag to him. As we walked to the car, I picked up a greasy piece of white material, which I handed to Jake as I got in the car. "Don't forget your top." I smirked.
"Thanks man." The rest of the journey to his house was silent, apart from the Paramore album playing in the background. We stopped outside his house, the engine off. I wanted to spend more time with him, no, I needed to spend more time with him. I decided I would throw it out there.
"You wanna stay this weekend?" I instantly cringed, wishing I could think before I talked to him. I turned to face him, and he was smiling gently, his perfect teeth just showing
"Sure" WHAT?!?!?! I half expected him to full force slap me.
"Erm, Great. W-want me to pick you up on Friday?"
"That would be awesome." He opened his door, then turned back to me. "And thanks for last night, it was fun." He leaned over, and as if repaying my actions last night, kissed my forehead. The touch of his lips was feverish, burning the skin, and leaving an amazing tingling sensation. Unfortunately it faded as he got out the car. "Bye." He faced me as he walked to his door, and though the expression on his face was mixed, I was sure I saw happiness in there. And then he was gone, vanishing into his house. All I could do was sit there, smiling. I quite literally had to slap my face to waken myself from this trance like state. I turned the keys and I was back on the road. I drove around for a while, I had just under an hour to kill before school started and I didn't want to think about anything but him. I drove to the closest supermarket, picking up a few trashy gossip magazines for later and a granola bar to eat while I waited in the parking lot. By the time I got to school it was half past eight, and there were a few cars parked, mostly teachers. I must have fallen asleep, as one moment I was the only student viable, the next the lot was full and Mike was rasping on my window. I yawned and opened my door, granola crumbs falling from my top. My nose burned the second I smelt the cool, wet, acidic air.
"Hey, you okay?" He asked
"Erm, yeah, just tired is all." I smiled my most convincing smile, which started him on a rant about some trip to one of La Push's beaches in two weeks. I knew there was only one reason I would go, since dark and damp beaches weren't really my thing, but he was. I must have been daydreaming about earlier this morning as Mike started shaking me.
"So, you game?"
"Sorry?" I must have looked confused, as mild frustration washed over his expression
"First beach, Two weeks. It'll be you, me and all the guys we sit with at lunch, maybe a few more." I would make sure it was one more. Mike seemed nice, but didn't they all? I flinched involuntarily at the memory.
"S-sure, sounds awesome." To this he smiled and sat.
I started getting used to the routine of my classes by Friday, and could put a name to a face for almost the whole school. God must have wanted to give me a break, as in P.E. my team mates seemed to see that I was an easy target, so made sure that the ball never entered my hands, and I was glad to run away from the ball.
Unsure of how I felt about the matter, Edward Cullen never returned to school.
Each day, the first thing I would do as I entered the lunch hall was glance at the Cullens table, allowing myself to calm and join in the conversation as he was absent. Most talk was about the upcoming trip to the beach, which I was actually kinda exited about attending. First I would get to see Jake, hopefully, and second I would be able to get to know 'The Scooby Gang', as Mike referred to them, better. He had an unhealthy obsession with Spike from 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer'.
I was at ease by Friday, sitting next to Mike, no longer feeling the worry of Edwards stare. For all I knew he was mauled by the evil grizzly bear. It was easy not to think about him, knowing who I would be seeing in just a few short hours. I ran to my car the second Gym was over, throwing my stuff in the back and driving out of the parking lot like a maniac before anyone could cut me off.
I pressed a button on the steering wheel, connecting my blue-tooth and called Mr. Black, making sure he would be ready to roll by the time I was outside his house. I was distracted, but I was almost certain I saw the huge mass of fur in the woods as I entered the res.
