The next days proved to be very busy indeed. Because of the homework that soon accumulated, I had barely any time visit Jake, although I did try to sort out my feelings for him a bit more. As it was though, I had enough on my hands with dealing with the guys at my own school. Mike appeared to have a crush on me that never faded, no matter how little enthusiasm I exhibited. Meanwhile, Mike's polar opposite had left, and appeared to have no intentions of reappearing any time soon. Secretly, I was a bit happy. Edward Cullen had freaked me out in more ways than one. I mean, I hadn't spoken a word to the guy, and already he had hated me from the moment he set eyes on me.

I spent those periods in Biology trying to figure out what to do about Jake. I had already learned everything about Biology in an AP program back in Phoenix, so it was just review for me, which left plenty of time for me to think of other things.

Jake was definitely more than a friend to me. I connected to him on a level that I didn't with anyone else. He understood whatever I meant, and he knew exactly how to cheer me up, and vice versa. I always felt comfortable being held by him, whether it was a hug, or his arm around my shoulder; something I definitely didn't feel with any of the guys here who attempted to do that kind of stuff. Jake was unlike anyone I had ever met. I knew I loved him, but I wasn't sure what way it was that I loved him. Did I love him as a brother? A friend? Something more? I didn't know. And that subject took up most of my Biology period each day. When the weekend finally arrived, I was happy to be able to finally hang out with Jake again. As confused as I was, being with him somehow helped.

Charlie and Billy went fishing, so me and Jake were left alone in the house, and began one of our normal long talks.

"So, since we had my rude friends over last time, and couldn't discuss it, how was your first day at Forks High?" Jake asked considerately. I smiled. School had gotten better throughout the week, but I still wished that I was able to get rid of Mike's ridiculous attachment to me. As I told Jake about it, he laughed and offered to help me if I needed it. I declined yet again. However, the one thing I felt I needed to mention specifically was Edward Cullen's odd behavior.

"I sit next to this guy in Biology named Edward Cullen, and I swear, he acts like I have the plague or something." Jake's eyes widened a bit. "I'm not joking! The moment I stepped into the classroom and took my seat, he glared at me as if I were dripping in something disgusting. And now he won't even come to class; which I suspect has to do with his reaction to me." Jake looked off in space for a second before responding.

"Bells, I know this might seem overprotective or something like that, but just…stay away from Edward Cullen." Now it was my turn for my eyes to widen.

"Why? I mean, he seemed…antisocial, and a bit intimidating, but is there something specifically wrong with him?" Jake sighed

"Well, don't mention this to Charlie, but the Cullens and the Hales don't exactly have the best reputation down here. It has to do with a lot of old legends and beliefs." I looked at him to continue. "Now keep in mind that these are just myths, and that they have no actual reasoning as a basis for their story. A long time ago, it was said that my ancestors were able to somehow turn into wolves and defend the Quileute tribe if there was any need for protection." I nodded, anxious for him to continue the story. "One day, there was indeed a need for my ancestors to become wolves. These creatures that they referred to as 'Cold Ones' began to attack our village, and begun to drink the blood of our people. Our ancestors immediately transformed into wolves, and ripped the 'Cold Ones' apart. The 'Cold Ones' are more commonly known as vampires nowadays." I nodded, but then I was confused.

"So what does this have to do with the Cullens and the Hales?"

"Hold on, I'm getting to it. Well, after that attack, as you can suspect, our elders were very suspicious of any other vampires that might try and attack our village. One night, many years later, other vampires came and asked for safe passage. They were made up of a female, and two males. They insisted that they meant no harm to humans, and that they fed only on animals, but we were not easily convinced after the slaughter we had witnessed years ago. We allowed them escorted passage through our tribe land, and then left them in the neighboring town."

"Once again, what does this have to do with them? Are the Cullens and Hales like, their great grandchildren or something?" Jake shook his head slowly, his dark long hair tickling my face.

"No. They're rumored to be the same ones. They've had members added to their brood, but they remain to be the same blood sucking creatures that were the same species as the ones that attacked our village. Of course, they've moved around since then, to avoid suspicion, but you never know when one of them might become too hungry, and….ATTACK!" Upon saying that last part, he immediately attacked me by tickling me until I could barely breathe.

"Ja-Ja-Jakeee!!!" I said between giggles. "S-s-Stopppp! I hahahave a question!" He stopped with a huge smile across his face. "So, what you mean to say is that I have a vampire for my classmate? And that's why he's so unfriendly?" Jake let out a laugh of his own.

"No Bells, I don't believe in the myths of old men. But if they avoid the Cullens and Hales so much that they can't even pass on our own land, they must have some good reason for it. So just watch out for him. He may not be what he appears." I nodded slightly. I could avoid him. It's not like I was exactly going out of my way to talk to him. Then another thought occurred to me.

"Jake?"

"Mm?"

"So, if the Cullens and Hales are vampires, and your tribe turns into wolves…that makes you guys… werewolves?" He furrowed his brow.

"I guess you could say that…I don't know what else we'd be considered." I sighed.

"Great. I'm surrounded by monsters everywhere. I'm the only human left!" Jake laughed at me yet again.

"Calm down Bells, I'm plenty human. Remember, they're just myths told to entertain the village." Then his tone turned from joking to serious very quickly. "But please Bells; be very careful around Edward Cullen. Like I said, the tribe wouldn't be so prejudiced against them without a legitimate reason. Promise you'll be careful?" he said, wrapping me in a tight hug.

"I promise," I responded, hugging him back as hard as I was able. We continued to talk until Billy and Charlie came home, and then we made dinner together and too soon said goodbye. We hung out the day after, but the weekend had disappeared faster than I could imagine. Now I had my birthday week to look forward to. The good part? I would be able to see Jake at the end of the week again. I think that was the best present I could imagine.