Stephanie Meyer owns all. Thank you all for your continued support. Hugzzzzzzz
Jacob's Twilight
Chapter Thirteen: Absent Again?
(Bella's POV)
As soon as I pulled up into the schools' parking lot, parked and got out, Kim and Claire came over to greet me. Looking around, I was surprised that Leah was not with them. In fact, I didn't see any of the boys either; it was strange, because they were always together.
"Where is Leah?". I asked them.
"She stayed home with her mom today," Kim replied. "There was some problem with her younger brother."
"Nothing serious, I hope."
"No," Claire supplied. "Nothing they can't handle."
Before anything more could be said, the bell rang.
"I have a message to you from Jacob," Kim said as we began making our way to class. "I'll tell you at lunch."
"Okay, I'll see you then," I replied as we went in different directions to class. I was truly curious about what message Jacob had for me, but refused to show it in my actions. I quickly made my way to class and to my seat, where Edward was already there in his. He had looked up at me when I came in, and smiled.
"Hello, Bella," he greeted, that creepy smile still on his face.
I glanced over at him and smiled tentatively. "Hey," I said quickly. I didn't feel like having any conversation with him, and was relieved when the teacher came in and asked for out attention.
(Edward's POV)
It truly intrigued me that I couldn't read her mind. I still wondered if she knew about me somehow and was purposefully blocking me, but I doubt that was true or she would not be sitting here by me so calmly. It was definitely a mystery, and one I hoped to solve very soon.
The teacher came in and asked for our attention and I tried to give all my attention to her, but my gaze kept pulling back to Bella. I couldn't help it; she was so beautiful, so much so, that if I still breathed it would stop in my chest. The attraction and pull I had to her was strong and undeniable. That was why I found myself in her room on more than one night, just to watch her sleep. I always went when Jacob was not there and left long before he or one of the other wolves showed up.
Last night was a narrow escape though; I stayed a little too long. She almost saw me again, and if Alice did not show up when she did, I could have been caught by one of the wolves. I knew if that happened they could force us to leave and that was something I refused to do, at least, not without my Bella. One way or another she would be mine. I turned to give the teacher my attention, but could not wait for the day Bella and I would be together.
(Bella's POV)
It was with relief I left that class when it ended, because Edward seemed a lot creepier today than any other day. So, when the bell rang, I was the first one out of there. Thank God he was not in my other classes before lunch, so they went smoothly. I could relax without him staring at me. When it was time for lunch, I met Angela in the hallway.
Just before we got to the cafeteria, Lauren stopped us. She had Jessica and another girl with her.
"I have to talk to you, Bella," She said, trying to be intimidating. "And you have to listen since Jacob isn't here to run interference for you."
"Say what you have to say so I can have my lunch," I replied, refusing to be intimidated.
I felt other people join us and when I looked behind me, it was Kim and Claire.
"You're wrong, Lauren," Kim spoke up. "Jacob might not be here, but we are. By the way, Bella already proved she doesn't need anyone to defend her."
I looked at Kim and smiled. "It's okay; I'm curious to hear what she has to say." Then I turned back to Lauren. By the changing expression on her face, it seemed to me that she wasn't as confident as she was when she first approached.
"I want to speak to you without your guards," Lauren said pointing to Kim, Claire and Angela.
I smirked at her. "So you don't want to talk in front of my friends, but are willing to talk to me in front of yours."
I watched as her face became red with irritation; she had no argument to that.
Still smirking, I turned to my friends. "Please excuse us for a minute girls, I really want to hear what she has to say."
"Okay, but we won't be far," Angela answered. Her friends did the same.
She didn't seem so sure of herself anymore. I guess she thought I would cower and back down from her, because of her reputation as a bully.
"Now you can talk," I said to her, with my head held high.
"I already told you once to stay away from Jacob," she began. "And he defended you, but let me clarify something. I really like Jacob, very much, and I refuse to step aside for you or anyone else. He has shown interest in other girls before you, but like a boy with a new toy, he tires of them eventually. Make no mistake—Jacob belongs to me," she finished with a sneer.
I stood there staring at her. What the heck was she trying to say?; That Jacob was some kind of playboy?. I turned and looked at where my friends were standing and saw the look of rage on the faces of Kim and Claire; that's when I realized Lauren was lying. She was desperate and pulling at straws.
"Look, Lauren, I have talked about this with you already, and this is the last time I intend to, so listen carefully," I said as soon as I brought my attention back to her. "The issues you have with Jacob are not mine. In fact your love life is not my problem, period. But you know, since he hasn't shown any interest in you, you should just give up, instead of offering yourself on a tray, like easy pickings for him. Most men like to do the chasing, and are not interested in the girls that are so easy to get. An easy girl can be had by anyone; so don't come to me with your scenes of jealousy, take it up with whomever it concerns."
I began to move away from her, and saw the smiling faces of my friends, then felt a hand grab my arm. I turned; Lauren seemed to have lost control of her temper.
"I know those of your class; you're a prude," she said angrily.
I didn't reply, I looked into her eyes and back down to where her hand held me, then back up, letting her see she had better let go of me or she would not like what I would do. She slowly let go of my arm, but couldn't keep eye contact with me.
"The truth is, you're wrong about me being a prude, or about Jacob being a womanizer. But I'll tell you one thing: If you haven't gotten his interest before now, you never will, not now that I'm here." I then went over and joined my friends.
I noticed they all had wide grins on their faces, happy about something. "What?"; I asked them simply.
"You handled Lauren very well," Angela replied. "She was so red with rage; she didn't know what to do with her self—while you were very calm."
"Wow, Bella, you handled yourself very well. I never thought I would see you being so territorial over Jacob," Kim added.
They all laughed, but I just smiled.
"She needed to be put in her place. I was completely fed up, but refuse to lose my composure in front of her. I just wanted to put an end to it, so she would leave me alone. I regret you all had to witness such a conversation, but I couldn't allow her to humiliate me or anyone."
"I'm happy to see you can handle yourself under such circumstances and not lose your cool. I am proud of you," Claire commented.
I was very confused at that last comment, why in the world would she be proud of me over something like that, or at all. We don't even know each other that well.
"Come on, girls, let's get to lunch," Kim suggested.
"Yeah," I replied as we made our way into the cafeteria. "I would like to know how Leah and her brother are and what is going on with them."
I was also very curious about this message she had from Jacob, but I was not going to tell her that.
We all went and collected our lunch then sat and began eating.
"So, what's going on with Leah's family," I asked.
"Leah had to stay home with her mom today waiting for news of her brother," Kim replied. "He left home last night and didn't come back. Jacob and the rest of the guys stayed to help look for him."
"Maybe we should tell my dad about it," I replied. "He could have some of his officials, help in the search."
Claire declined my offer. "We prefer to handle it ourselves for now. But if we don't find him soon, we'll ask your dad for help,"
"Is their father out looking too? He must be really worried as well," I commented.
"Their dad died from a heart attack a year ago," Claire replied sadly. "It's just Leah, her mom, Sue Clearwater, and fifteen year old brother there now."
"When you see her, tell her I hope they find her brother soon and that we're here if she ever needs us." I felt very bad for them. I couldn't imagine how it would be if I lost my dad.
"Last night, Jacob asked me to tell you that he won't be at school for a few days," Kim began. "But everything will be fine." Then she grinned. "And to let you know, he thinks…" she got a mischievous look in her eyes, "… that you are completely delicious."
I was shocked and confused by that. I looked around at the girls and they were all smiling. I am sure my face was as red as a ripe tomato.
"So, what happened at your house yesterday?"; Angela asked, still grinning.
"Nothing happened. He fixed my truck and I invited him to dinner; it was the least I could do after he did all that work."
"I know Jacob must've been happy about that," Claire commented. "That gesture of yours really meant a lot to him."
I didn't know what to say, but I was sure if my face could become redder, it just did.
"You don't believe what Lauren said do you?"; Kim asked. "About Jacob being a playboy?"
"No, I didn't," I replied.
"Good, because he is not like that. He has been in love with one girl his whole life, and now he is trying to win her heart again."
I was really confused by that statement. Did Jacob have a girl on the reservation he was in love with and was he just trying to have a little fun with me until the girl came around?
"So, does this girl live on the reservation?"; I asked tentatively.
"I'm sorry, Bella, but I can't answer that. You'll have to ask Jacob; he'll tell you what you need to know," Kim replied.
I was starting to feel very uncomfortable with this discussion, especially with what Kim just said, so I quickly changed the subject. We continued with our lunch and talked about mundane things.
After school, Angela invited me to her house—there was something she needed to talk to me about. Claire and Kim gave me their cell phone numbers before they left and said if I needed them for anything, I should call right away. After saying goodbye to them, I followed Angela home.
When we reached her house, we went straight up to her room. As soon as we were settled, I began questioning her. "What did you want to talk to me about Angela?, Is everything okay?". I asked.
"It's about Ben," she said looking at me. "We use to date, but I realized I didn't feel for him as a boyfriend. The feelings I had were that of a regular friend, so we decided that was what we would be. He didn't really take it too well, and for a few days now, he has been trying to have a personal conversation with me. I kind of know what it's about, and I would rather not give him any false hopes. He keeps insisting he is in love with me, but I feel differently,"
"That must be what Mike wanted to talk to me about," I replied.
Her face suddenly clouded over. She looked confused. "What do you mean?".
"He's been trying to talk to me, saying it had something to do with Ben, and that he needs our help."
"Well, that won't help. I'm not about to go out with Ben alone; he'll take it the wrong way."
"Maybe you should talk to Ben," I suggested. "Let him know you are interested in someone else, and for him to go on with his life. Or—we can wait and see what Mike has to say and we both can help you to tell Ben you are not interested in him, not in the way he wants, anyway."
She disagreed. "I would rather just tell him, and get it over with."
I cocked an eyebrow. "So, is this guy you like, Embry?".
"Bella, you already know," she replied. "But he doesn't even look my way." Then her eyes lit up. "What about Jacob?, Do you feel any differently about him?".
"Ang, the truth is… I'm feeling more comfortable around him… But the last thing Kim told me today makes me think he's only playing with me, and that girl he's in love with must live on the reservation. I think he's probably using me to make this girl jealous. Maybe Lauren isn't too far off, calling Jacob a womanizer. It makes me really uncomfortable to think about, so could we please change the subject?".
"Bella, I don't believe that, and I think you should just talk to him about it, honestly and bluntly. Kim did say your kind gesture really meant a lot to him?; She didn't have to say that, if he was not around to hear it, not if he is just trying to use you."
I agreed. "You're right, although I don't want to make the first step. The next time he approaches me, I'll ask for answers about what's truly happening between us."
"Was there a special guy in phoenix, Bella?"; she asked curiously.
"There was one guy, he was just a friend, but he wanted more. The night before I left, I was at his house, just to say goodbye. That's when he told me he was sad because I was leaving him. He made it sound as though we had a real relationship, and before I could reply, he leaned over and kissed me. I was surprised and didn't know what to say, so I excused myself and went to the bathroom. I didn't feel like confronting him about it, so I escaped out the bathroom window and went home. That was extreme, I know, but necessary."
We both laughed. "You always find interesting ways to get out of uncomfortable situations."
"The thing is…," I replied, still laughing, "… that I took an extensive course of escape techniques and graduated with honors." I commented dramatically.
We both laughed again, and then settled down to do a bit of studying while I was there. I wasn't sure how long it was before checking my watch, and realized it was time I left. I still had to make dinner for my dad.
She walked me down to the front door. "See you at school tomorrow," she said as I got in my truck and headed for home.
When I arrived at the house and got out the truck, I felt a chill up my back as if someone was watching me.
(Paul's POV)
I had to make sure our Luna was safe at all times while Jacob and the others were searching for Seth. He must've been scared and confused. Yes, Jacob asked me to do this, keep an eye on the reservation and Bella. Now she was our sister and important to the future of our people. With the threat of the Cullens, who lived so close to her, we couldn't take any chances. I wanted to make sure she was safe at all times.
I knew she was at Angela's before she came home; I was in the woods across from the school when she left and followed her there, waited, and followed her home. I would be here in the woods across from the house until her dad got home. I knew Jacob was anxious to hear any news about her, because being away from her, not being able to watch her, was driving him crazy.
I stretched out, keeping my eyes, ears open to any danger, and waited for her dad to come home. In another hour and a half he was. Then I went to patrol the res, before going to join the pack, and give news to Jacob, on his girl.
(Edward's POV)
I was back again tonight. I read Kim and Claire's mind today at school and knew that the wolves were busy, looking for Seth. Only Paul would be guarding the reservation and Bella's house. Alice and I came up with a plan, since she could not see anything about Bella when the wolves were near. She would warn me when Paul was coming.
I knew we could not rush things with Bella, but Alice had agreed to help me to win her trust. We were just waiting for the right moment, maybe at a time when she was feeling neglected emotionally, and needed someone to lean on, she would come to us. Well, I could always hope.
Though Jacob was busy now, I knew sooner or later he and Bella would be together to continue their friendship. I had invented hundreds of ways to bring her to me; I even thought of a way to cause a rift between them, something that will bring her closer to me. Also Carlisle had volunteered to help; he just wanted to see me happy with the woman I loved, as the others were with their mates.
(Jacob's POV)
We had been searching all day for Seth and still no luck.
Jake: I think I can find him by myself, but I need all of you to phase back, so I can concentrate.
Sam: Are you sure?.
Jake: Yeah.
Sam: Okay then, good luck.
One by one, I felt all their minds leave mine, and as soon as I was alone, I closed my eyes and concentrated all my energy on finding Seth, and in a few moments I found him. Being the Alpha gave me more ability over my senses. I howled for everyone to phase back so we could go and get him.
I could sense how tired and hungry he was. When we came upon him all in wolf form, he got very scared and about to run again. In my Alpha voice, I ordered him to stop. He obeyed, but I sensed his confusion on why he did, when he really wanted to run—but just couldn't.
He seemed to suddenly realize who we were, when I felt his mind tentatively touch ours. I then projected from my mind everything he needed to know about us and our purpose to protect others from the vampires. In his mind, I heard him think about hearing the legends but never believing they were real. I even told him about the Cullens, and our treaty with them.
I began to worry about what was going on with my Bells and on the reservation, so I sent Embry and Jared to check. The rest of us stayed back to teach Seth how to fight and move in coordination with each other.
Embry and Jared returned hours later and told me that everything was fine on the rez, and with Bella. Paul had been keeping a close an eye on her. I was very happy to hear news of my Bells; I really missed her and wanted to see her again soon. I would have to inform Seth who Bella was to me, and her role in the lives of the Quileute people. We would spend tonight and tomorrow teaching Seth what he needed to know in being one of the protectors of our people.
(Bella's POV)
Kim and Claire were waiting for me again when I got to school the next day. They came over and greeted me once more.
"I thought you would like to know that they found Leah's brother," Kim told me after her greeting.
"That's great," I said, feeling relief for them.
"Yes, it is, though Leah and the guys won't be able to come back to school yet. I also want you know that we are here for you if you need anything," Claire offered. "It may sound strange, but Jacob asks us to, but we also offer because we want to. You do mean a lot to him Bella."
They were acting very strange and that comment seemed even stranger. Why would Jacob ask them to look out for me?. I would ask, but I was certain they wouldn't give me a straight answer.
"That's nice of you," I replied. "I'm very happy they found Leah's brother. How is she and her mom doing?; What happened to her brother?". I asked.
"I'm sorry, Bella," Kim replied. "We can't really talk about that; I'm sure Leah will tell you about it when she returns."
"That's okay, I understand, although I find it odd that I always get the same answer to everything I ask. Maybe I need to just stop meddling into the Quileutes' business."
"Bella, you'll learn all you need to know soon enough," Kim began to explain. "And some of them involve you. Just be patient for a little while longer, and you'll be told everything. Patience, my friend, soon you'll understand."
I grinned a little at her. "So I guess I have to ask Jacob if I need to know anything, right?".
"Yes," Kim answered. "He's the one that will know how to explain everything to you; he's just waiting on the opportune time to do so."
"If you say so," I replied. "We'd better get to class if we don't want to be late. I'll see you both at lunch."
While at lunch later that day, eating and talking to the girls, Mike came and whispered to me.
"I really need to talk to you, Bella, would it be possible to have lunch with me today?".
I was really reluctant to do so, but decided to hear what he had to say and excused myself to the girls; then changed tables to sit with Mike.
(Angela's POV)
"It's very obvious what Mike wants with Bella; it's a good thing you've been such a good logistical support and kept him away, even though it also keeps Jacob away," Kim commented after Bella left.
"It's true," I replied. "Though I do try to steer her towards Jacob more, but when it comes to him, Bella is very cautious. Even if I didn't help her, she knows how to sneak away. Last night she told me she took an extensive course of escape techniques and graduated with honors."
We all laughed at that little tidbit.
"I don't think he wants to just flirt with her this time," I explained. "He wants Bella to help Ben get together with me; but then again Mike won't pass up an opportunity to flirt with her, so he just might be doing both."
The girls agreed, but decided to drop the subject for now and continued eating.
(Bella's POV)
"I want to help Ben, and I know the only one who can help me do that, is you. You've become very close to Angela," Mike began to explain. "Ben and Angela used to date, but Angela ended it, and Ben is still hooked on her. He's been trying to get her to go out with him again, but she refuses. I was thinking that we all could go out again as a group; it would give then time to talk and get close again. If you want, you can also talk to Ben and learn from him how he feels about her. He really wants another chance to be with her." He stopped and looked closely at me. "Do you think he has a chance?".
""Mike, I couldn't give you an answer, but what I'll do is ask her if she wants to go out in a group of just four of us; though I will have to give her a reason why. I don't want her to be surprised about anything. Now my question is, where were you thinking of going?".
"Since it's the weekend soon, we could have a picnic on the beach; it's suppose to be warm, so we could swim. I know a secluded beach not too far from La Push."
"Okay, I'll ask her and let you know what she says after school."
The girls came over as soon as I said that, and I told Angela I needed to talk to her after school. Then we all went to our last class.
In the parking lot after talking for a little while, Kim and Claire had to leave.
"Say hello to Leah for me," I said as they were walking away.
Kim turned back to us. "Just to Leah; no greeting for Jacob?"; then turned to Ang; "or Embry?".
They laughed and left. When they were gone, I explained to Angela what Mike suggested and she agreed to go only if I went also.
"Okay, I'll go, but this time I need you like my logistical support. You don't mind going to the beach with Mike?"; she asked.
I wanted to say: Yes, I mind. I don't want Mike to think I have any interest in him that way. But Ang is my friend, and I would go with them just to help her put an end to Ben bothering her.
"I don't mind going," I replied. "But I don't have a bathing suit; I left them all in Phoenix. I didn't think it got warm enough for swimming in Forks."
"We can go into Port Angeles and buy some," she suggested.
"That's a great idea," I replied.
When that was agreed upon, we went over to where Ben and Mike were standing and told them we would accompany them to beach. After we went to Port Angeles and bought some swim suits, we would meet them there. But Mike said there was no way we would find the beach on our own, because it was secluded, so they would go with us to Port Angeles first. After everything was decided, Angela and I left.
(Mike's POV)
I was very happy and excited that I could spend the day with Bella on the beach. How long I had been waiting for this opportunity. I had invented everything to approach her, but Bella was very reluctant, and between Cullen and the Indian that was always around her, I hadn't had the chance I was waiting for. But the wait was worth it; tomorrow I would have her only for me.
"Tomorrow is my day too," I said excitedly to Ben, as I drove toward my house. "I'm also hunting for a girl, and tomorrow I have planned to conquer her, now that I have all this time without that Quileute haunting her."
"That Quileute is making you work hard enough, eh? But I realized that another Indian, a friend of Jacob, is beginning to haunt my Ang. I have to play my cards right, because if not, I'll lose her, and that is not an option for me. I have to get my Ang back."
I saw Ben really depressed about his situation. He lost his Ang, and he didn't know what to do, but I couldn't discourage him more than he already was.
"Quiet, man, you will recover her. Just think about tomorrow and how well we enjoy our time with the girls we want. "
Although this plan was to help Ben, it was also to help myself. Bella was a beautiful girl, and what I liked was that she represented a challenge for me. Tomorrow I was going to play my cards right too, because I was going to win that challenge named Bella Swan.
(Bella's POV)
Angela picked me up bright and early the next morning, followed by Mike and Ben in a separate car. She took me to a store that sold nothing but bathing suits. I found a bikini in sky blue that I really liked, but I felt uncomfortable having to wear one in front of the boys, and told that to Angela.
"I'm wearing a bathing suit too, besides you have nothing to worry about; it looks amazing on you. It's a good thing Jacob isn't here to see you though; I can just imagine what would happen if he were," Angela commented.
And then, my whole body flushed; yep, my whole little body became heated and red with her comment. I am definitely glad Jacob was not here; I wasn't sure if I would have the guts to wear this in front of him.
After picking out our suits, we left and followed Mike and Ben in our car to the beach he spoke of. We couldn't walk there, so we had to park in a very wooded area first, and then hike the rest of the way. What Angela said to me earlier came to mind as we walked.
"Is this part of the Quileute reservation?"; I asked Mike.
"No," he replied. "The reservation is very far from here. This place is secluded, there's not a lot of people who know about it, so we can have a good quiet time, for us to talk."
When we reached the beach, the boys put together a beach tent.
"We're going for a quick swim," Mike told us. "It'll give you two privacy to change."
I was starting to change my mind about this; I didn't feel like wearing a bathing suit around Mike. This whole situation was really uncomfortable; I didn't want to give Mike the wrong idea, but I was already here, to be the logistical support of Ang.
In no time at all, I was standing there in a halter style bikini, sky blue in color, that I had to admit brought out the color of my skin.
"Don't worry about anything, Bella. You have a great body; you're beautiful," Angela encouraged.
"Thanks, Ang, you look great too. I do feel a little nervous, but your enthusiasm helps a lot."
I looked towards the beach and noticed Mike wasn't there swimming. He was standing there off to the right, frozen, staring at me. Then he let out a loud whistle. His eyes wandered over my chest and down my legs, before he approached me and took my hand in his and started walking me to the water.
Mike allowed his eyes to leave my face, looking at my breast and legs again, not even trying to hide the fact that he was ogling me. "Bella, you look amazing."
From the corner of my eye, I watched Ben approach Angela and he did the same thing. These boys were being really cheeky today.
While we were in the water, Mike was doing everything he could to touch or hold me, and I was getting very sick of it. At one time I even got out. But he playfully picked me up and brought me back in and started moving towards me, his eyes focused on my lips. That's it I have had enough; I'm doing everything I can, not to hurt his feelings, but if he keeps this up, I won't have a choice. I thought of him as just a friend, but he was acting as if there was more between us. I tried to leave the water, but he stopped me, holding my hand and walking me back into the ocean with him.
"Don't leave yet," he pleaded. "Let's give Ben some time to talk to Angela; I told you he wanted get back with her."
I conceded it, but his eyes went to my lips and he started to move towards me as if to kiss me. Oh no! We didn't have that kind of relationship and if he kept this up I would have no choice but to hurt his feelings.
I turned and rushed out of the water. "Come on, Angela," I called to her; she didn't want to get back with Ben anyway, so why should she be coerced to?.
I left the water; I would break his hands if he tried to get me back into the ocean this time. Angela followed me out.
"Did you see how Mike was acting?; He seemed like an octopus… His arms were everywhere, trying to hug and kiss me… Oh, Ang, I wish I never came."
I felt so fed up, I should have known he wouldn't stick to the just friends rule. All this was so upsetting; if only I could leave right now and go home. I grabbed a towel and started to dry off.
"That's my towel, Bella, but it's okay you can use it," Angela informed me.
"Sorry, Ang, I'm so upset I'm not even paying attention to what I'm doing," I replied. "Come on, let's go to the tent."
We walked into the tent. I felt so exhausted, I sat in silence; my only thought was that Ang and I would be in another place. Angela sat next to where I stood, her face also showed discomfort and emotional exhaustion. "You know, Bella," she began, "I realized how Mike was trying to reach you." She shook her head. "I guess when he saw you in that bathing suit, it got him a little excited."
I looked at her, wide-eyed. "It's not my fault; you know I did nothing to provoke him. He knows that friends are all we can be."
"I know you didn't provoke anything," she assured me. "But it was obvious he wants to get with you."
"Okay," I conceded. "I can understand it, but maybe he didn't realize how hard I was trying to avoid him without hurting his feelings. He's my friend and was the first to welcome me to Forks High. I appreciate that, but that's all it can be."
"It's obvious he was dying to kiss you, and it was obvious that you were avoiding him at all costs," she said.
"Of course I was avoiding him at all costs," I replied. "Mike can be blatant in the way he looks at me, but I don't have to allow him to touch me. I didn't want him to even get close. I want nothing more than friendship from him—that's why I left the water. I'm sick of his maneuvers, and if I stayed in the ocean longer, I wouldn't be responsible for my actions." Trying to calm my mind, I asked Ang how it went with her guy. I hoped that our trip to the beach with them had been productive for Ang; for her to clarify the whole bit with Ben.
She sighed. "We haven't talked much, but the truth is, we aren't making any progress. He's very direct in what he wants, and insists that I give him another chance. I think it's best we talk after we leave here."
We sat silent for a few minutes. "Let's talk about something else," I suggested. "This subject is just making us angry. You think?"
I closed my eyes, ready to fall asleep. "Now I know why people die of hypothermia… I've frozen my backside off and I'm feeling sleepy."
We both laughed at that. We became quiet again for a few minutes until Angela said. "Bella, open your eyes; we have visitors."
I opened my eyes and looked towards the water expecting to see Mike and Ben coming out of it.
"Look over to the view where I'm sitting, Bella."
I looked where she said to, and my eyes widened at what I saw. Standing there were Embry, Quil, a younger boy I had never seen before, Leah, Sam… and Jacob, who was devouring me with a look of devotion and desire.