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Jacob

It doesn't take much work at all to obtain a job working as a janitor at Nessie's school. In fact, they basically hired me as soon as I walked in. I guess they were in desperate need. Either that or the fact that the principal was sending me flirty looks the whole time I was in her office. I had to try really hard not to vomit.

It doesn't take long for one of the vamps to find out what I've done. By lunch time I have been stopped by every single one of them. Edward is the most upset. I seriously thought he was going to rip my arm off in front of all the students.

I've seen Nessie with her friends three different times already. Each time it happens, I find myself struggling to breathe. Her most recent growth spurt has caused my mind to constantly turn to mush. Of course, I would never do anything she doesn't want. I am here to be whatever she wants me to be.

I mop the floor outside the cafeteria slowly as I process the events of today. All around me people are talking about Edward, Bella, and me. It is so weird hearing the way girls fantasize over me. It's not like I am anything all that special. I put the mop back in the bucket and roll it into the busy cafeteria.

Nessie sits at the same table as the rest of her family, but her human friend is there too. From across the room our eyes lock and I have to fight the urge to scoop her up in my arms. Suddenly her friend asks her to go on a walk outside. I am surprised to see a boy follow them out. I want nothing more to follow and listen, but know it is wrong. Nessie will tell me what is going on if she wants. It is not my place to pry. I go back to my cleaning and allow my mind to wander.

Nessie

Once we are outside, Lizzie turns and smiles at me hesitantly. "I'm sorry to do this, but I owed him one." That's when I notice we are not alone. Austin trails behind with a nervous limp in his walk. Before I can protest, Lizzie jogs away.

"Hey Nessie," Austin says as he nears.

"Hey," I reply confused.

Austin stops a few feet in front of me and buries his hands in his pockets. He looks down at the sidewalk and shifts his weight from one foot to the other. His heart beats a little fast causing my throat to instinctively burn. My new diet makes me a little thirstier than I am used to. "I wanted to apologize," he finally admits. His blue eyes meet mine.

I find myself believing him. "It's ok. I forgive you."

"I should have stood up for you. I really am sorry."

"Thank you," I say because I am actually grateful to hear a public apology. My family didn't deserve to be treated like that.

"Look," he says, back to his nervous tendencies. "I think you are really pretty. Do you think you would want to go out with me on Friday?" That last part of his question comes out in one syllable. My superior hearing is the only way I could even decipher the words.

The wind rushes out of me as if I was kicked. How am I supposed to answer this? Am I even allowed to date?" "I don't know if I can," I reply.

"Oh," he says. I can't help but notice the way he frowns.

"I mean," I add. "I'm not sure if I am allowed to date."

"Oh!" he exclaims.

"I will ask my parents tonight." My promise seems to brighten him up again. He smiles broadly and kind of runs off with his held high. Lizzie comes back to my side. "How did it go?" she asks giggling.

"You knew about this?"

"Obviously. Did you say yes?"

"No."

"You said no?"

"Why are you so surprised?"

"Because Austin is the cutest guy in our grade," she sighs. "Are you nuts?"

"I didn't say I wouldn't go out with him, Lizzie. I just said I had to ask permission first."

Lizzie smiles and pulls me into a warm hug. She smells particularly appetizing from this close. "You do think he is cute right?"

I ponder this question deeply. I have never really looked at any boy and thought him anything special. I guess Austin is cute if you like boys like that. "I guess."

"You are so weird, Nessie," Lizzie remarks. "He is gorgeous. Well, not as gorgeous as your brothers, but still. And he is definitely not as hot as our new janitor. Have you seen him?"

"You mean Jacob?" I ask, surprised that Lizzie would find him attractive. Up until this point I thought I was the only one who noticed his good looks.

"You know him?"

"Yeah. He's a friend of the family."

"Wow Nessie. You are the luckiest girl alive."

"I know," I sigh because I know she is right. As we walk back toward the building it occurs to me that tonight I will have to ask permission to date. An odd squirming sensation envelops my tummy.