Chapter Six
Bella
I put my books down thanking the fates for fracturing my left wrist as it meant I could still do my homework and keep up to date. I'd just sat down after taking a couple of pain killers when there was a furious knocking at the door. I groaned knowing it could be only one person. As I opened the door he pushed past me and into the kitchen. "Come in Jake and yes, thanks my wrist is much better now. So glad you asked". My sarcasm was lost on him, he was too angry. "What do you think you were doing. No, scratch that, you obviously weren't thinking at all"
I was speechless. He crashed his fist down on the counter top, "Bella I told you before..." I'd had it, "Jake, I have no idea what you are talking about. You obviously started this conversation before you got here". He walked right up to me, screaming in my face, "The Cullens. Didn't I tell you to stay away from them?" I couldn't stop myself and I shouted back, "You left me at the hospital and Dr Cullen offered me a ride home with his son. What did you want me to do? Walk?" "Yes" he shouted, "Better than getting involved with them". I sighed "Jake make sense. What's your beef with them? Or is it just a stupid feud?" I heard a cough, then Charlie's voice.
"Step back Jake, now". I heaved a sigh of relief as Jake backed up taking deep breaths as he did so. "You want to tell me what's going on?" Charlie asked him. Jake shrugged, "I didn't like Bella getting a lift with the Cullens". "Oh" said Charlie, "Well I did. Dr Cullen rang me to check it was OK to offer. If I don't have a problem with it, I guess you shouldn't eh Jake?" He wasn't happy, but what could he say? "Now Jake, I think maybe you should leave and in future don't get in her face like that. Its intimidating and I don't like it". I was so relieved when he left. Charlie had picked up a pizza for dinner and I had to explain how I'd hurt my wrist. Charlie was getting more anti Jake as I told him about the fridge door. "I'm surprised by Jake's behavior and I'm not sure I like you being with him Bella". At last Charlie was beginning to see Jake in his true light.
The next morning as I eat my breakfast I heard a loud car horn and looked out to see Emmett's truck idling outside. He stood on the running board shouting, "Come on Bells, shake your tail. Time to go girl". I smiled grabbed my book and slamming the front door ran to the truck but suddenly Jake was there in his dad's. He flung open the passenger door and growled "Get in Bella". I couldn't believe his rudeness so I ran around it and grabbed the handle on the passenger door of Emmett's truck. Jake was out in seconds and grabbed my arm. "Let go of me Jake" I cried, he was hurting me. There was a sudden movement and Jasper was there between Jake and myself. How he did it I had no idea. "You heard the lady. Let go". Jake was big but he suddenly looked small against Jasper. I heard a snarl and a loud cough and groaned as I saw Charlie coming towards us.
"Jake, what are you doing here?" Jake explained he'd come to give me a lift to school. Charlie looked at Emmett then at Jasper standing between Jake and myself. "Looks like she already has one so I suggest you get along before you're late yourself". Jake was furious but there was nothing he could do but back off. Charlie nodded to Jasper, "I appreciate you stepping in young man". Jasper nodded, "No problem Chief Swan. I didn't like the way he was crowding Bella". He opened the door for me and passed my books to me as Charlie turned back to the house. When I looked back from my dad Jasper was gone. I looked around, "Where's Jasper?" Emmett shrugged "Gone I guess. Come on Bells or we'll be late". I didn't understand but I belted up, and we drove off. When we got to school I was amazed to see Jasper leaning against Alice's car waiting for us. Emmett put his hand up and pulled in beside the car and Jasper opened my door for me. "How'd you get here so quickly?" I asked, but before he had time to answer Alice shouted from the walk way "Jasper, we need to go". He smiled mysteriously and walked over to her then I saw her scowl and thought "great now she hates me more".
Angela wanted to know all about my accident and was in equal amounts appalled at Jake's behavior and interested by my ride with the Cullens. "That Jake is bad news Bella. He's acting really weird and I'm scared for you. Break it off with him girl". I nodded, "I think you're right. But there's nothing going on with the Cullens". Angela grinned and jerked her head behind us. "Try telling her that". I loomed round and groaned, Alice's look was more hate filled than before. What had I done this time? I'd just about had enough of being shouted at, and glared at, so I decided that if I could catch Alice Cullen on her own I'd ask her what her problem was. I stayed behind, asking Angela to get me a soda and a sandwich while I waited as the stragglers left, until it was just Alice and myself.
It was as if she was waiting for me. I went over and spoke "Alice, could I talk to you for a minute?", she looked at me, her face its usual scowl, "Bella", that was it, all she said. I'm not sure what I did to upset you seeing as I haven't spoken to you since I arrived in Forks. So I wondered if you'd mind telling me why all you do is glare at me?" She sighed and perched on the edge of the table. "It's not your fault exactly Bella and I can't explain. But I'd like to ask you something" I nodded "OK what?" She mused before answering. "Why are you taking such an interest in Emmett and Jasper?"
I was dumbfounded. "What? All I've done is to accept a dance with Emmett and a ride home from the hospital organised by your foster dad, and introduced myself to Jasper. I didn't even know Emmett was picking him up the other day. What's wrong? You can't seriously be jealous of me?" She looked me up and down before answering. "I shouldn't be should I? Why don't you concentrate on Edward, after all he is available". I couldn't believe what she just insinuated. "Alice I'm not concentrating on any of your brothers or boyfriends or whatever". And I walked away, she was seriously weird!
When I went into lunch the Cullen table was already occupied. Rosalie sat with Emmett talking animatedly. Edward, as usual, had his back to me and Jasper sat alone, staring into space, again as if he were somewhere else. The only seat at our table was facing them and as I sat Jasper looked over and smiled. My heart stuttered for a second and I groaned but managed a smile in return just in time to be spotted by Alice walking through the doors. Good timing Bella I thought.
The afternoon wasn't so bad as I had an excuse to sit out PE. I watched as the others honed their volleyball skills and wondered idly about Jasper, giving his time to help the elementary school with games. As I walked out of my last class, about to ask Mike for a lift, I heard a voice behind me. "Need a lift Bells?" It was Emmett of course, but this time he was with Rosalie. She looked me up and down but didn't scowl which was a vast improvement. I nodded, "Thanks Emmett. I'll get something organised for tomorrow." "No sweat" he said, "Rose and I don't mind picking you up, do we Rose?" She smiled at him and shook her head before looking at me. "No Bella, we don't mind". I was a little surprised at her change of attitude but it was nice not to have both the Cullen girls glowering at me all day. I got in the back seat to leave, he and Rose together in front and I noticed we were going the same route as yesterday, "Got to pick up little brother again?" I asked in fun. He guffawed, "Yes Bells. He's been roped in to helping again". I nodded and saw him explaining to Rose although I couldn't hear over the music he just turned up.
Jasper was leaning against the fence waiting and as we drove up I saw him smile. Rose moved over so he was forced to get in the back with me. "Hello again Bella" he said with a heart stopping smile. My mouth went dry as I tried to answer so I just nodded and smiled. God what an idiot I must look. "How's the wrist?" he asked. "It's not so bad, I've done it before so I know what its like" I explained. He looked interested "Are you accident prone?" I nodded, "You could say that". I noticed we were going a long way round this evening. Not that I minded, I liked their company and even Rose was starting to chat. I found Jasper quiet, but it was a companionable quiet, relaxing, and as I listened to Rose and Emmett I realized how perfect they were for each other. He was crazy but lovable and she was just different enough to keep him grounded without crushing his spirit. I wondered if Jasper and Alice were like this when together. It. seemed odd to think of the bubbly and chatty girl sitting with the quiet rather ethereal boy sitting next to me.