Chapter Seven
Bella
I had to go back to the hospital for a check on my wrist and the cast which was holding up well despite a couple of whacks it had sustained when I stumbled. As expected the cool debonair Dr Cullen was waiting for me with a smile, "Bella. Hows your wrist?" I looked down at the slightly grubby cast. "Not too bad thanks". "Well everything seems fine. Do you have a lift home Bella?" I shook my head "Dad said to ring when I'm finished here and get myself something to eat. He'll pick me up when he finishes". I almost wished he would offer his son as chauffeur again but he just nodded and said goodbye. I decided to grab something to eat in the hospital restaurant then ring Charlie because his shift didn't end for another hour and a half. I found an empty table and spread my books out, hoping to get ahead on my homework while I waited. I was just starting my English homework when I saw someone take the chair opposite.
I looked up to apologise and move my books when I recognised the face. "Jake what are you doing here?" I groaned. "Charlie told me you where here this afternoon so I thought I'd come along and offer my services as chauffeur. Is that OK or do you have a lift with the Cullens?" he spat. I was about to answer when I saw Emmett and Rose come in. Emmett waved, "Ready Bells?" I picked up my books and papers. "Sorry Jake but I do as a matter of fact, thanks for the offer". As I walked over to join Emmett I saw Rose give Jake a really odd look, almost challenging. I turned but Jake was gone, the fast swinging doors proof of his hurried departure. I was disappointed when we didn't go via the elementary school and I guess Em must have noticed.
"Jazz isn't there today but he is coaching on Saturday, do you want to come watch? We're going into Port Angeles after for a movie, you're welcome to join us" Rose looked at him anxiously, "I don't think Bella would be interested Em. Besides Alice is going". Oh so there was something going on and Rose knew about it. "She is? She never goes to the movies with us". He complained. "Well she is on Saturday. She wants to get Jazz something for his birthday". Em chuckled, "Which one?" And she dug him in the ribs, hard by the grimace on his face. "OK, Sorry" and he went quiet. "When is Jaspers birthday?" I asked idly. Rose looked at me closely before answering. "Next Saturday actually why?" I shrugged "No reason". She smiled slightly at this before I realized I was home. "See you Bells" Emmett shouted and with a roar they were gone.
I'd only just put the key in the lock when Jake was there, right in my face. "What do you think you are doing? Don't you know what's going on? Have you no idea what a dangerous game you are playing?" I opened the door but stood in his way. "Nothing, no and no". He frowned before he got it. "Very funny Bella. I told you they were dangerous but you just don't listen" he was shouting again. "Go away Jake. Go and don't come back, I'm sick of all this secrecy. Go out with the new girl, whoever she is Jake, with my blessing, but just leave me alone. I'm tired and I need to get my homework done". I tried to shut the door but he stopped me with his foot. "What Jake? Why don't you just run along to Charlie and try putting pressure on me that way".
His scowl grew harder. "So you choose them over me?" I threw my hands up in exasperation. "Jake the only person choosing, is you. I just get a ride home from school until my wrist heals. I don't know why I'm bothering to explain myself. Just go Jake". He grabbed my shoulders and pulled me close, "Bella I love you but I can't protect you here. Please come to the Reservation with me". "Jake you're hurting me, let go". His fingers were digging into my upper arms and I knew I'd have bruises later. "Bella please" he was begging now. "Jake please you're frightening me" I whispered. "Good, you should be frightened. You have no idea how dangerous a game you're playing" he explained. "I'm not playing any games Jake and I have no idea what you are talking about. Either talk in English or stop with the cryptic remarks".
I saw that Jake's hands were shaking, "Jake what's up? Are you sick?" He laughed, "Yeah Bella. Sick of your friends". I wrenched one arm free and pushed at his chest. "Right Jacob Black. Go". He laughed and stayed where he was, hemming me in again. It was getting difficult to breathe and I started to panic when I heard a cough. Looking up I saw Jasper standing on the path. It looked as if he'd been out running, dressed in a track suit and trainers. "You OK Bella?" He asked as Jake stiffened, his face twisting in anger. "I don't know Jasper. Am I Jake?" He looked at Jasper as if calculating something then backed away. I guess I am Jasper but thanks for asking". Jake took a wide berth around Jasper and got into his car slamming the door and revving the engine hard before speeding off. "Do you want to come in for a drink or something?" I asked but Jasper shook his head, smiling. "Thank you Bella but I should go". He nodded in farewell and ran off down the road at speed. I went in thinking about them both. Jake was full of life, annoying and in your face whereas Jasper was quiet, thoughtful and calm. How two people could be so complete opposites I couldn't believe but I was glad Jasper had turned up when he did.
I'd had just about enough of Jake's bullying and suspicion and I decided to call a halt to our relationship. I rang Billy's but no one answered, I tried Jake's cell phone and that went to messaging straight away. Oh well I'd just have to wait to break it off with Jake. As I got into bed that night I heard the leaves rustling in the tree outside my window again and I wondered if some little creature had made its home there. Not wanting it in my room I shut the window before picking up my book to read. When I finally fell asleep I had the strange dream again. This time I was standing in the picnic meadow but instead of Jake and Jasper there was a huge wolf in front of me, growling and showing its teeth while Jasper stood at my back, arms around my waist. I was getting seriously wound up and the first thing I needed to do was break up with Jake. Then I needed to distance myself from the Cullen boys and try to concentrate on classes and homework.
Easier said than done when Emmett and Rose were waiting outside my house the following morning. "I hear you had a spot of bother with Jacob black" Emmett said as I got in. I shrugged, "Not really, your brother came along and sorted it". Rose looked over her seat at me. "Don't get too used to Jasper fighting your battles. He has enough of his own". I didn't understand that at all, Jasper had his own battles? Was she referring to Alice, or something else entirely. "I won't Rosalie but thanks for the warning". She smiled a little sadly, "Sorry Bella it wasn't meant to sound like that. Its just that Jasper has a hard enough time as it is without complications". She turned back and I knew I wasn't going to get anything further from her.