Chapter 32 - Exposure

I left the house and hurried towards my truck. I was so focused on Alice, her image flooding my mind; I didn't notice Jake who was standing nearby. When he spoke, I felt myself jump.

"Have you got time for a quick chat"?

I paused at my truck and looked around.

"Sorry Bella, I didn't mean to make you jump".

Jake started to laugh as I threw my bag in through the open window and walked over towards him.

"No worries, I didn't see you…."

Jake smiled. "I'm not that hard to miss, surely?" he enquired.

I laughed then. "No – I suppose not – have you been taking growth vitamins or something? I'm sure you're a few inches taller than the last time we spoke!"

Jake shook his head, "Nah, I'm just having a growth spurt that's all".

I nodded, adding "What's up?"

Jake shifted and motioned towards the wood to the side of the house.

"Walk with me? I know you're on your way out" he pointed towards the bag I had just thrown into the truck "but it won't take long – I just need to talk to you".

I looked at my watch. Alice would be expecting me soon, but I figured a few more minutes wouldn't hurt. Besides, the look on Jake's face suggested he really needed to talk.

"Sure, lead the way".

I followed him into the wood, "is everything okay Jake?"

Jake continued to walk on, until we came to a small clearing.

"Jake?" I asked again.

Jake turned and sat on a tree stump.

"I should be asking you that question Bella – is everything okay with you?"

"Everything is perfect" I answered.

Jake rested his elbows on his legs and lent on his hands.

"I think there is a slight flaw to your statement".

Flaw?

He continued.

"You hang out with vampires; that's far from a perfect situation to be in, if you ask me…"

"I don't recall asking you Jake".

Jake suddenly stood, "Look Bella, I think you need to step back into the realms of reality here".

I looked into Jake's eyes, "My feet are planted firmly where they need to be. I don't need to step anywhere"

Jake sighed, "Okay – let's look at the larger picture then, shall we?"

I shrugged my shoulders and lent against the large tree that was behind me.

"I know you think I am interfering, but what kind of friend would I be if I didn't speak out about this? I am worried about you".

I sighed again.

"Jake, I don't know how many times I have to tell you this; Alice won't harm me – none of her family will".

Jake shook his head "Forgive me if I don't share your conviction Bella"

I felt weary.

All I wanted was for Alice to appear, take me in her arms and run with me to somewhere, anywhere.

Jake walked towards me, and bit at his lip.

"I'm sorry Bella. I just can't help the way I feel, about her… them… you…"

Me?

I must have looked confused, I certainly felt confused.

Jake continued, "You really have no idea, do you?"

I frowned, "I'm tired Jake, and there's somewhere else I need to be…."

Before I knew what was happening, Jake's hand was on the side of my cheek.

I was stunned.

His touch was gentle, but it didn't send mini electrical waves throughout my entire body like when Alice touched me.

"You'd be safer with me" he whispered.

Still I stood rooted to the spot.

"Jake?"

For the second time that afternoon, Jake's actions shocked me – leaning in, his lips were on mine.

Okay.

Jake was kissing me.

Kissing me…

I immediately moved my head back and pushed at his chest with my hands.

"No" was my simple answer.

"Bella, I…."

"NO" I answered again, this time firmer.

I couldn't believe what had just happened.

"I can't apologise for what just happened Bella, because I wanted to kiss you…. I…"

I shook my head, so vigorously it almost hurt.

"You may have wanted it, but I didn't – I'm sorry Jake, but you need to know… I love her".

Pain slashed across his face.

I continued, "I love Alice".

Jakes pain was soon replaced with anger.

"Unbelievable. You're in love with a blood-sucker – are you insane?"

Before I could answer, someone else spoke – and the voice was far from happy.

"And I suppose being involved with you would be more rational"?

Alice.

Jake threw his arms into the air. "You just can't keep away, can you? You can't bare the thought of Bella being with me – does it worry you Alice that she may want to be with me instead of you?"

Alice looked… furious.

I bit at my lip as her eyes moved from Jake onto me. And then she smiled. I immediately felt relief run through my body - I wasn't sure if she had seen the kiss, but I certainly didn't want her to think I had encouraged it…

"Are you okay Bella".

Her voice was calmer now.

Jake's voice interrupted any answer I could have given.

"I kissed her, Alice. I didn't hurt her".

I watched as a growl escaped Alice's lips. Her eyes were darker now, and her fists were bunched at her sides. She seemed to be shaking slightly.

I was immediately beside her.

"I am fine, Alice – really…"

Again, she growled but slowly her head dropped and the shaking seemed to subside.

A little.

My hand was on hers, as my fingers gently coaxed at her own. Immediately her fingers were entwined with mine.

"Look at me" I whispered.

Alice's head shot up and her eyes were on mine.

I smiled, "Everything is okay – Jake knows how I feel, don't you Jake…."

I looked at Jake, who was shaking his head.

"You don't know how you feel Bella, you're confused…."

Alice growled again, this time louder than I had ever heard before. Quickly she pulled away from me.

I watched as she darted across to Jake. Standing a few inches away from him, her words were crisp and laced with venom.

"Don't you ever patronise Bella again".

Jake remained silent.

"Look, I think it's time we all called it a day" my voice was firm, even though I felt completely weak inside; the day was taking its toll.

"Alice, take me…"

Alice was beside me before I could even finish my sentence.

"…home".

Jake shook his head again, "So now you're calling the Cullen place your home?"

I felt my body shake slightly, and this time Alice was the one comforting me.

"Bella?" her voice was soft and temperate, far from how I was feeling inside.

"I've had enough of this Jake". I let go of Alice's hand and walked towards him.

I was at boiling point.

Jake took a step back, clearly noticing the fury on my face. "Bella, I…"

"Enough" my voice was turbulent with emotion.

"No more, Jake. Understand this, and understand me – my life is mine to lead as I see fit. And I choose to spend it with Alice and her family. No more prying, Jake. And no more criticising the ones I love".

Jake didn't move, or answer. He merely stood, looking at me. I continued.

"You are my friend, Jake – but this constant intrusiveness is driving me insane; choose now; you either take me and Alice, or you don't take me at all".

I was still shaking when Alice slipped her cold hand in mine, and pulled at me.

"Let's go Bella" she murmured.

Slowly we turned and walked away from Jake, who was still trying to comprehend my words.

"You can tell him to come out now, Alice".

Jakes words floated towards us both, as Alice slowly turned.

Jake continued, his face looking grim. "Did you have to bring back up? Is that it? Worried in case I caused you some problems?"

I was confused, and by the look on Alice's face, she was too.

"I don't understand" she answered simply, a frown appearing across her face.

"I can smell him, Alice – who is it, Edward?"

Alice shook her head, adding "I didn't bring anyone…"

Okay, I was confused before, now I was bewildered. Smell him? What on earth was Jake talking about?

I watched as Jake motioned towards the thicket to our side. Alice's gaze followed. Slowly she cocked her head to one side.

Her frown turned into what looked like panic, but before I could ask her what was happening, her face turned back to normal.

"I didn't bring anyone Jake… but I sense them also…."

It was now Jake's turn to frown.

"You mean…."

Alice immediately cut him off, "I'm taking Bella home…."

I expected Jake to argue, and was a little shocked when he nodded.

"Okay…"

Alice took my hand in hers, and pulled me gently.

"Alice?"

Alice looked from me to Jake, "Be careful" she whispered. At first I thought she was talking to me, then I realised her words were directed at Jake.

Jake snorted, "No bloodsucker scares me".

"What is going on?" I asked again, as Jake disappeared into the woods.

"Lets get you home, and I'll explain everything to you then".

I nodded. Alice seemed… tense.

"Are you okay Alice" I asked.

Alice nodded, adding "I will be once we get out of here"