A/N: Hey guys! I'm really sorry I haven't replied to your reviews for last chapter, my internet credit is up (I have to top up every month). But I'll definitely respond to your reviews for this chapter, you've all been so great, so inspiring. Thank you all so much.

Happy Thanksgiving to those of you whole celebrate it! Hope you all enjoy your day.

By the way, at the end of the chapter I've got an author's note to answer some of your questions.

Anyway, on with the chapter.

Chapter 12: In Too Deep

So there I was on a Thursday morning, minding my own business as I drove into the school parking lot and guess what happens? A douche that goes by the name Nick Fox, almost crashed right into me while I was backing up into a parking space because he was speeding around in his new car like a lunatic— showing off as usual.

Oh, and that's not all.

The minute I started beeping at him, he slammed down on his breaks and practically flew out of his car, wearing a not-so-friendly expression. There were two options for me to choose from: sit in my car and ignore him or, roll down my window and listen to his smart remarks.

Not bothering to go with any of the options, I killed the engine and hopped out, slinging my bag over my shoulder.

"What the fuck is your problem missy huh? Think you own the school because you're hanging out with the big guys now huh?," he started. "Well let me tell you one thing, you don't! so-."

"Get out of my face," I hissed. Moving around him but he kept blocking my way.

"Oh so they've got you brainwashed too? Should've picked on someone taller, you're the same height as my eleven year old sister. Very intimidating," he mocked.

Glaring up at him, I held in my anger. "Then why are you still here?."

Crossing his arms over his chest, he smirked down at me with a gleam in his eye. It was then that I realized Nick—one of the most popular guys in our school— was actually wasting his time talking to me, Nina O'Neil.

Kara hadn't made it a secret to me that she thought Nick was 'the hottest guy to walk the face of the earth'. She'd drag me down the school corridors just to catch a glimpse of him, she'd talk about him during our lunch break and she even memorized his wardrobe. But Kara wasn't the only girl that liked him, no, a lot of girls did and yet I didn't see anything special about him.

To me, no one could take Jacob's place.

Then again, like Nick, a lot of girls liked Jacob too. Him and his friends were noticeably taller, bigger and stronger than every guy in La Push which had girls going crazy for them. They were probably the only thing stopping Nick from being 'the' most popular guy at school. There was just something about them… something different that I couldn't put my finger on.

"I see you watching me," Nick said smugly. Pulling me out of my thoughts.

I blinked. "W-What?."

He rolled his eyes. "Don't deny it, we both know it's the truth."

"I do not watch you. Ever."

"Unbelievable," he said. "In the corridors, at the cafeteria, right here in the parking lot. You're always there, always staring at me, don't try to hide it."

Then it all started clicking into place. Kara.

"Okay.. I don't watch you because I want to, I kind of have to because.." I trailed off, not knowing how to finish off my sentence. I couldn't tell him that my best friend liked him, Kara would be mortified and he'd just be a jerk about it. "Because I'm a good friend."

Snorting, he unfolded his arms and shoved his hands into his jean pockets. "That was a lame excuse, it didn't even make sense."

"Well maybe I don't want it to," I retorted. "Besides, I've got a class to attend. Nice talking to you." Not.

With a puzzled expression on his face, I brushed past him and made my way towards the school. How I survived that conversation was beyond me, but I managed to get away from him without giving Kara's secret away. Gosh, he was such a douche bag.

However, I had I funny feeling that Nick was going to start looking for answers soon and I hadn't got one good excuse for an answer. Then again, maybe I was overanalyzing things as usual. What would a guy as popular as him be doing around a nobody like me? Speaking to me once was enough.

The mischievous look he had in his eyes when he spoke unnerved me though. There was something strange about it… yep, I was definitely overanalyzing things now.

"What took you so long?," Kara asked as I approached my locker. Usually she'd be waiting a minute for me but her crush held me up.

Pressing a hand to my chest, I fake-squealed. "Oh my gosh, Nick Fox spoke to me. He's so freaking hot!."

Her jaw dropped. "You are not serious."

Shrugging, I moved to my locker and unlocked it. "Yes about him speaking to me, no about him being hot."

"What was he saying? Tell me everything before the bell rings!," she demanded. Helping me pull out my books before slamming my locker shut and spinning me around to face her. "Now spill!."

Letting out a gust of air, I proceeded to tell Kara about my incident with Nick this morning.

Considering she has a massive crush on him, she listened intently to my every word with a dazed expression on her face. In a way, I pitied her for liking him so much because he was nothing but a jerk. She deserved so much better, but it wasn't like they were going to start dating, he was too full of himself to even notice what a great girl he could have.

Instead, he goes out with the popular girls who are clearly air-heads. Guess the saying is true, birds of a feather do flock together.

"Nina! What if he approaches you again?."

"Please don't go there," I replied glumly.

She wrapped her arm around my shoulder. "I am not leaving your side today."

"I'd advise you to stay as far away from me as possible, I'm coming down with a cold."

"Has Jacob got one too? Maybe you caught it from your endless make-out sessions with him," she teased.

Yeah, I wish.

Just then, the bell rang. "Oh great, English. I'll catch you at lunch."

She reluctantly unwrapped her arm from around my shoulders. "Fine, but you better fill me in on your sneaky meet up with Jacob Black last night. Ciao for now."

Although I hated English, I was looking forward to seeing him there. We tried our hardest to keep a low profile in school, since there weren't many students and word would definitely get back to my parents if everyone found out we were friends.

Because let's face it, no one is friends with Jacob Black and his crew. They make it very obvious that they aren't interested in anyone, and they're never seen at parties or clubs. The only things they do attend are bonfires, much to everyone's confusion.

So when Jacob and I started speaking in class, it raised a lot of suspicion. No one ever said anything, yet I would always see them watching me wherever I went. I hated the attention, especially since I was shy by nature but I'd put up with it for Jacob. Anything for Jacob.

Entering the class and taking my seat, I ignored everyone's stares. Instead, I kept my eyes glued to the door, waiting patiently for my Jacob—my Jacob? I really was losing it— to arrive with his friend Embry.

"Alright class, settle down, we'll be starting a new lesson today. Keep focused-," Mrs. Cook started but was interrupted by two familiar figures walking into the class.

"Sorry we're late, we had-," Jacob was cut off.

Mrs. Cook glared at them both. "I have had enough of you two coming into my class ten minutes or more late, and giving me lame excuses. I will not tolerate this kind of behavior! Detention, both of you."

"Mrs. Cook," I called, jumping to my feet.

She turned to look at me through narrowed eyes. "Would you like to join them Miss O'Neil?."

"Don't-," Jacob began with an angered expression, but Embry pinched his arm, stopping him from saying any more.

Struggling to come up with an excuse, I blurted the first thing that came to mind. "My car broke down and they told me they'd have a look at it, that's the reason they're late. It's my fault, I'm sorry."

The whole class went silent for a moment, students shocked that I was defending Jacob and Embry in Mrs. Cooks class—she was considered one of the scariest teachers in school— when half of the them probably knew I was lying.

My cheeks burning with embarrassment, I hung my head to avoid everyone's stares. I couldn't even believe that I'd said that to her, what about the consequences? There was no proof they were at my car, not even a gasoline-like smell in the classroom.

I was such an epic fail.

"Miss O'Neil, take your seat." She said. "And both of you, this is your last chance. I'm serious."

They mumbled their apologies before taking their seats, respectively. As always, Jacob sat next to me and almost instantly, I could feel the heat his body radiated. There was also that distinct musky smell I associated with him.

Before I let myself fall into a daydream about him and I becoming more than friends, I paid careful attention to Mrs. Cook as she started our new lesson. Ignoring the dull ache in my head that was becoming worse with each passing second.

Halfway through the lesson, my eyes started to tear up and I knew what was coming. Clasping my hand over my mouth, I hoped it would go unnoticed but unfortunately it came out louder than normal. Oh how I hated sneezing…

Warm fingers brushed my arm, causing me to glance over at Jacob. "You're sick aren't you?," he asked knowingly in a hushed voice.

Making sure Mrs. Cook wasn't looking, I whispered. "I've got a cold… I think."

"Nee," he sighed. "You should be wearing warmer clothes."

Warmer clothes? That's a first.

"You sound like my mom," I replied. Chuckling quietly to myself, careful not to draw any attention.

With a roll of his eyes, his fingers fell to my hand. "You're freezing!."

Okay, so maybe Jacob was right, I did need warmer clothes. But the thought of driving all the way into Port Angeles just for clothes put me off, I still hadn't really grown accustomed to living in La Push and having to drive everywhere for things.

Besides, I had an excuse. "I'd buy warmer clothes if I wasn't grounded."

"You're grounded?," he asked softly. "Why?."

But now wasn't the time to explain how I'd woken my mother up from her sleep by slamming the door shut because my mind was on other things, like him and his hot breath against my ear. As a matter of fact, there was never going to be a time I'd tell him that. I'd have to shorten it, to avoid embarrassment.

The rest of the lesson passed by quicker than I would've thought. Jacob didn't ask me why I was grounded again since Mrs. Cook was no longer writing on the board, and as usual, her eyes watched every student carefully. It was almost scary.

Gathering my books together, Jacob was suddenly at my side. "So?," he asked expectantly.

Turning to face Jacob, I studied him a moment before giving him an answer. Everything he wore looked new, I'd never seen them on him before, from the light blue button up shirt to the dark jeans and bright white sneakers. As always, he looked stunning but I hated the dark circles under his eyes that indicated he hadn't slept. I'd ask him about it if we were closer…

"My mom caught me sneaking in last night, I shut the door a little too loudly, so I'm grounded," I told him honestly.

His dark, deep-set eyes hardened. "Until when?."

"Until I…" I couldn't tell him exactly what my mom had said. "Until she decides."

Glancing over at the doorway where Embry waited for him, he asked me quickly. "But you'll come to the bonfire Saturday right?."

Nodding, I offered him a small smile. "Yes, I'll figure out a way."

"Good." He brought a hand up to my face, cupping my cheek. "I need you to be there, it's important for me.. for us."

There were so many things I wanted to ask him, starting off with what he meant by us, but he was gone before I knew it. One question was eating at me though, I still hadn't asked him whether he was the one who'd carried me home that night.

Perhaps I'd get a chance on Saturday.

The cafeteria was jam-packed as usual with hungry students as they all queued up for lunch. Considering I had already eaten toast this morning, I decided to join Kara at our table, knowing she was dying to ask me tons of questions.

"Don't tell me you're on a diet now," she said as I sat down across from her. "You're not suffering from obesity."

"Kara!," I hissed. "I'm just not hungry, jeez."

She held her hands up, conveying innocence. "Lord knows what Jacob's been saying to you."

"Jacob's not like that, now Nick on the other hand…"

"At least Nick isn't gigantic! Jacob Black and his pack look like they live on steroids," she shot back.

"Pack?."

"It rhymed, besides , they remind me of animals sometimes. Don't ask me why."

I laughed darkly to myself. "Funny how you're defending Nick, you don't even know him."

"Nina," she sighed. "I'm suffering from PMS at the moment, it's not my fault."

Kara loved to blame everything on her period, it was quite funny actually. She'd be blabbering away, and then the instant she said something to piss me off, she'd cover it up by saying it was PMS.

"Well I'm grounded, mom caught me sneaking in last night," I mumbled.

Her jaw dropped. "What! how?."

So I filled her in on everything; from the time I entered the sea in search of Jacob to the moment I fell asleep in my bed, fully clothed. The best thing about telling her everything, was that I didn't need to leave out parts. Like how good it felt to have strong, muscular arms carry me around.

Kara loved hearing my stories, but lately she's been taking them a lot more seriously. She was constantly warning me about my parents, and that even though Jacob was a very nice guy, it wasn't safe to be sneaking off with him in the late hours of the night.

Although I knew she was only looking out for me, she was wrong about Jacob. There was no one in the world I felt more safe around, everything about him was caring and protective. But Kara wouldn't understand, she didn't know how I felt around him, nobody did.

"Nina," she started, her voice guarded. "Just say you and Jacob had sex-."

"Kara!," I shrieked, blushing furiously.

"Ok fine, just say you and Jacob made love," she said, ignoring my glare. "What would you do if you got pregnant?."

My eyes widened. "Firstly, we will never do that okay? Him and I are friends, that's all. And secondly, if I were to do it with someone, we'd be using protection."

Every friend that I had knew I hated talking about anything sexually related, not because I was a prude, but because I found it uncomfortable. Losing my virginity wasn't something I wanted to talk about either. Kara had brought up the subject once while she was over at mine, and I told her that I wouldn't give myself to someone I didn't love.

And it was the truth, no matter how good-looking or charming a guy was to me, I would not have sex with him just for the sake of it. No, I was saving myself for the right guy, a guy I loved and who loved me in return. Maybe I'll never find that guy, but I'd certainly wait.

Kara rolled her eyes. "Just answer my question."

"I'd.. I'd…" I paused for a moment, picturing myself pregnant with Jacob's child. The drama that'd ensue between my parents and I… the beautiful newborn baby with jet black hair wrapped in a white blanket, a perfect contrast to its russet skin… "I'd keep it, and live on my own somewhere."

"So predictable," she giggled. "You're in too deep now Nina, you're in love."

"I know," I whispered. Staring across the room at him as he sat with his friends, it seemed as though he was staring over at me too, but I knew I was imagining things.

She smiled. "So you're admitting that you're in love with him?."

I nodded, meeting her eyes once again. "Last night I admitted it to myself."

"Why was that part left out when you told me everything?."

"Because I feel like a complete moron, I shouldn't have let myself fall for him, now all I'm waiting for is to have my heart broken."

Reaching across the table, she patted my hand. "You were always in love with him, as weird as that is, and although you guys are just friends at the moment, things will change soon. There's just something about you and him, like this was supposed to happen. Like you were supposed to come here to La Push… as cheesy as that sounds."

"As nice as that sounds Kara," I corrected. "I really doubt that we'll become something more. I know it's strange how he wants to spend time with me, but maybe that's just his way. Look at him, he has girls falling at his feet, so there's got to be someone he's interested in."

"Yep," Kara nodded, just as the bell rang. "It's you he's interested in, those boys don't mix with anybody. So just you wait, I'll be proved right."

Giving her a weak smile, I slipped out of my seat before telling her I'd see her later. There was nothing more I could say, she was so sure we'd become a couple. If only what she thought was true.

If only Jacob loved me back.

When the final bell rang, signaling an end to school, I decided to wait until everyone left the classroom. Our Art teacher had us paint anything that made us feel joy, so of course I'd wanted to paint Jacob but that would've just been weird, and I wouldn't have done him justice. So I settled for painting the house I lived in while in Seattle. Back then everything was perfect.

My parents and I had a very good relationship, although dad was rarely home. Joey was just Joey, but he was happier there with all his friends. School was great since I practically grew up with everyone who attended it, and Michelle… my best friend, she understood me like no one else.

It'd been a while since I'd last phoned her, not because I didn't want to, but because she had a life of her own. She made new friends, just like me, and there were times when I could tell she was busy just by the sound of her voice. I'd never forget the friendship we had though.

With a sigh, I put my things away and slung my backpack over my shoulder.

"You never told me you were into Art," a voice said, his words echoing throughout the empty classroom. Jacob was leaning against the doorframe, watching me with a crooked smile.

Startled, I stumbled backwards, almost knocking over someone's painting. "A warning would've been nice," I told him, my heart jumping in my chest.

He chuckled. "There's nothing wrong with surprises every once in a while, besides, I wanted to see what you were painting."

"It's nothing special," I said, relieved I hadn't taken the chance to paint him.

Making his way into the classroom, towards my painting, I found myself staring into his dark brown eyes. They were mysterious in a way, as though they'd seen things no one else had. Suddenly I felt the need to know, like it was the most important thing in the world.

But what if I don't want to know?... gosh, I hated that voice in the back of my head.

Reaching the painting, he turned his back to me to study it as I stood awkwardly behind him, watching his hair sway over his shoulders with every movement he made. For some reason, the baby I imagined we'd have popped into my head, and I found myself wondering whether he looked like that as a newborn.

"It's beautiful," he said thoughtfully, turning to face me. "Where is it?."

I blushed with his compliment. "In Seattle, my old home."

"So," he started, shoving his hands into his jeans pockets. "That's what brings you joy?."

"Yeah it does, life was different there. Easier," I told him, noticing how his face hardened slightly.

Taking a deep breath, he asked. "Are you going back there?."

His question caught me off guard. "I don't know, I'll have to leave for college soon, so you never know."

Jacob bit his lip, his eyebrows furrowing as he stared deep into my eyes. Next thing I knew, he was standing directly in front of me, taking both my hands in his. "Is college what you want or what your parents want?."

The warmth from his large hands traveled up my arm, to all parts of my body, giving me that safe, contented feeling once again. Our eyes bore into each other, while our breaths came out heavy. One of us waiting for an answer, one of us thinking the question through.

College was what I had wanted, before we left Seattle, but now I wasn't so sure. Leaving La Push seemed impossible to me, it's the only place that's ever felt like home, and to think of leaving Jacob… I couldn't—as insane as that is.

Though my parents would definitely make me go, no questions asked.

"I wanted it," I said quietly. "But now I'm having second thoughts."

He gave my hands a gentle squeeze. "Don't go Nee, you'll be unhappy."

"But it's not about what I want Jake." Lately I'd started calling him by his nickname. "It's about what's right."

"What's right is you not going," he argued. "What's wrong is you pleasing other people when all it does is make you unhappy."

Searching his eyes, I asked. "If I stay, what am I supposed to do?."

"You can get a job helping out the little kids at school, you'll be an adult so your parents can't make you do things you don't want, and I'll be here for you, always," he said quickly, as if he'd memorized the speech.

I stared up at him. "But I'll be stuck here forever, and my life will be going nowhere."

Letting one of my hands go, he brought a hand up to the side of my face. "Honey, your life won't be how you picture it to be, it'll be different. Life's full of surprises. "

Yeah, there'll be plenty of surprises including the day I'm invited to his wedding. As much as I want to stay here, it's mostly because of him, and since I can't have him, what's the point in staying? Not going to college would probably be the biggest mistake of my life.

"I wish you were right…" I trailed off, noticing how he stiffened. His eyes were lost in concentration, as though he was listening to something. "What's wrong?."

He swallowed, taking a step back as he began to unbutton his shirt. "I have to be somewhere, I'm sorry."

I frowned. "I don't understand."

His whole body began to tremble as he shrugged out of his shirt, chest rising and falling with his now heavy breathing. The heat his body radiated seemed to have doubled, causing my body to flush with the warmth. This whole scene taking place confused me to no end.

Then, he was in all his half-naked glory, standing before me as I tried to keep my eyes on his and not his rippling muscles. With a shaky hand, he handed me his shirt. "Keep it for me," he said, his voice strained.

"But I-."

Suddenly I was pulled into a bone-crushing hug, his strong arms wrapped tightly around my waist. "We'll talk later," he whispered into my ear. "Leave your bedroom window open."

"Jake," I breathed against his chest. My heart beating rapidly with thoughts of him climbing in through my window. "How?."

"I'll show you tonight," he promised, before pressing his plump lips to my burning cheek

My hands gripped at the bare flesh of his back, as his shirt fell to the floor. Never would I have I thought that a simple kiss on the cheek with bring me so much pleasure, but it did, because it was from Jacob Black.

Pressing another kiss to my cheek, he pulled away from me slowly, his hands sliding over my hips until they were back at his sides. Staring down into my eyes with a dazed look, his lips parted but no words came out, just sharp intakes of air.

Then he was gone, running out of the classroom faster than I would've called normal. Leaving me standing there, with weak knees, a shivering body and a hammering heart. Definitely the most intimate moment I'd ever had with him.

And to think I'd be seeing him in my room tonight… I wasn't sure if I'd survive that.

A/N: Hello again! Right so because I couldn't respond to your reviews for last chapter, I'm going to answer some of the questions you guys have asked here:

Sisicloud: Is this around the time the volturi came to kill Nessie in Breaking Dawn?

Answer: No, this is after that. Because I wanted the story to center around Jacob and Nina, without having all that drama in it.

RealLifeWolfGirl: Why doesn't Billy just grab Jake's birth certificate and bring it to Nina's parents?

Answer: Nina's father is very stubborn and unreasonable, so who knows? Maybe he'd slam the door in Billy's face. But don't worry, I've got it all planned out.

ForeverTeamEdward: Why can't one of the elders step in to tell them (Nina's parents) how unreasonable they're being without telling the secret?

Answer: I've thought of doing that, but like I said, I've got it all worked out and hope you guys like the idea once it happens.

ShareTheBook: Will Nina stay with Jake in the end?

Answer: I suppose you mean when he reveals his secret to her? Well… I guess you're just going to have to wait to find out. Wouldn't want to spoil it on you or any of my readers, hehe.

Anyway, cheers for the questions! You've all been absolutely amazing! Hope you enjoyed the chapter.