Being There
Disclaimer: all characters and copyright belong to Stephanie Meyer.
A/N-thanks for the lovely reviews on the last chapter. I really appreciate it. I am working on the next chapter for 'Blast from the Past' and hope to update that story soon. Thanks for your support.
Nikki :)
Part Nine
Jacob was feeling very tired by the time he reached Bella's house. His shift had seemed endless,he had been paired with Paul; one of Sam's attempts for them to get along. It had not gone well. In the end they had separated, each scouting a particular corner of La Push. There had been no sign of the red head at all. She seemed to be keeping a low profile for now. He caught up with Embry who reported it had been very quiet with no unusual activity. Jacob thanked him and watched as his friend left to head for home.
It was now ten o'clock at night, Jacob was exhausted and hungry. It had been a long day for him trying to concentrate at school when his mind was constantly on Bella. He kept picturing the way she looked when he had made love to her. She was so beautiful and he was impatient to be with her again. Having to go straight on patrol, with Paul of all people, had been the last straw. Now he had to wait until Charlie had gone to bed before climbing through Bella's window to see her. He hoped she would still be awake.
He settled down on his belly and rested his wolf's head on his front paws as he kept a watch over the house. The sounds of the night wildlife going about their business sounded loud to his ears. He had crept as close to Bella's house as he dared without being detected. It gave him a better chance to hear when Charlie headed for bed. Time seemed to pass slowly and it was gone midnight before he was certain that Bella's dad was asleep. He phased quickly, pulling on the shorts attached to his leg and moved silently toward the tree that grew outside Bella's window.
Jacob climbed up easily, now familiar with the best route to the top. She had left her window half open in anticipation of his arrival and he quickly yanked it open and slipped inside. Bella was asleep on her bed, her bedside lamp was still lit and she had a book lying on her chest. She must have been reading before falling asleep. He hated the thought of disturbing her but he needed to speak to her. Sitting on the bed he reached out and stroked her hair back from her face. This was enough to make her stir. Her eyelids fluttered open and she smiled at him sleepily.
"Hey, I wondered when you would get here. I tried to stay awake," she sat up and pulled her hair back into a messy ponytail, securing it with an elastic band.
"Sorry I took so long. Your dad stayed up quite late," Jacob lay down beside her on the bed and patted the spot next to him. Bella nestled into his side and rested her head on his chest.
"He's been working on the missing hiker cases. Apparently the explanation for their deaths was an animal attack, they couldn't explain it any other way." Bella told him.
"Yeah right, animal attack. If only they knew," he muttered sarcastically.
"Did you see any sign of Victoria?" Bella enquired, a note of fear in her voice.
"No, nothing. She's gone into hiding. Maybe she has decided to give up." Jacob reassured her. "Don't worry, Bells. We're on top of things."
Bella raised her head so she could look into his eyes. There were dark circles underscoring them due to lack of sleep. She traced them with her fingers. "How long can you all keep this up, Jake. You look so tired. Have you eaten?"
He shook his head. "No I haven't had time."He admitted.
"Jake, let me go down and make you something. Stay there," Bella slipped off the bed and headed out of the room.
Jacob watched her go with tired eyes, as soon as she had mentioned food his stomach rumbled. He waited impatiently for her return. She eventually did so, carrying a picnic hamper. She had raided the cupboards and made up all sorts of tasty snacks. He rummaged through the contents and smiled happily. Taking Bella by surprise he leaned across and gave her a passionate kiss leaving her breathless. He laughed softly at her reaction before tucking into the food.
They ended up falling asleep at two in the morning. Jacob had tried to keep awake but his overwhelming exhaustion had made his eyes close. Bella gazed at him fondly before lying next to him and joining him in sleep.
XXXXXX
She was woken by the feel of Jacob's lips kissing along the soft skin of her cheek; one hand was caressing her stomach as the heat from his touch sent pleasant tingles through her body. Bella's eyes fluttered open and the first thing she saw was Jacob's happy grin. "Morning beautiful." He kissed her on the mouth slowly, savouring the taste of her.
Bella was left panting when he ended the kiss and he laughed in amusement. She swatted him on the chest with her hand as she sat up. "Morning to you too."
Jacob rolled onto his back and stretched his limbs, getting the cramp out of them. He was feeling totally relaxed, but one glance at the bedside clock told him he needed to leave and head home. Jared was due to take over and watch the house before accompanying Bella to school. He had wanted that pleasure, but being late for classes again was not an option. He watched Bella as she got out of bed and tried to yank a brush through her sleep tousled hair.
"Having trouble?" He asked.
Bella pulled at a particularly snarled bit of hair. "Don't I always. It takes forever to sort this mess out every day." She complained.
"Come here, Bells," Jacob held out his arms.
Bella climbed back on the bed and gazed at him. "What?"
"Turn around," he said, sitting up. "Let me sort out your hair."
Bella did as he asked. She sat between his legs and handed him the brush. Jacob loved Bella's hair, it was so thick and silky. He was used to dealing with long hair because he used to wear his own that way. He parted her hair into sections and then gently used the brush to comb out the tangles until she was left with smooth shining waves. The motion of the brush gliding through her hair was relaxing and Bella closed her eyes and enjoyed the feeling. When Jacob was finished he began to plait her hair into one long braid then tied it off at the end with the elastic band.
"All done," he declared triumphantly.
Bella went over to the wardrobe mirror and examined his handiwork in delight. The braid had been intricately plaited and he had left a few strands to frame her face. "This is amazing. Thank you, Jake. You deserve a reward."
His face lit up. "Really what did you have in mind?"
Bella ran over to the bed and landed on top of him. She straddled him and leaned down capturing his lips with hers. Her hands found his and she laced their fingers together as she kissed him passionately, exploring his mouth with her tongue and then peppering little kisses all over his face. She eventually pulled back and giggled as she saw that he was a bit breathless like she had been earlier. They smiled at each other goofily before her alarm clock sounded the warning that their time was up.
XXXXXX
Jared accompanied Bella to school in her Chevy and then left to head for the forest so that he could phase. He told her that Paul would be the one to meet her after school. She grimaced at that thought. She knew Lahote didn't like her and felt uncomfortable having to spend even a small amount of time in his company; but her current circumstances meant that she had no choice. She headed into school with a heavy heart, groaning when she heard Mike Newton calling out to her.
The first lesson was biology, she slid into the seat beside Angela before Mike had a chance to and she breathed a sigh of relief when he was forced to partner Eric. "Are you okay, Bella? You seem a bit anxious?" Angela asked her shyly.
Bella forced a smile. "It's just Mike. He really just doesn't get the message."
Angela pushed her glasses up her nose as she glanced back at Mike who was staring over at Bella adoringly. "Have you told him outright? Jess mentioned that you had a boyfriend. I am so glad after everything you went through with Edward."
Bella flinched at the mention of Edward's name. She hadn't thought about him in days, but Angela's reference to him brought him back to the forefront of her mind. Trust Jessica to spread gossip about her and Jacob. "I haven't just yet."
Angela gazed at her curiously. "What is his name?"
"Jacob Black, he's from the res. You met him once remember on First beach."
Angela smiled. "The boy with the happy smile. Yeah I remember."
Bella had to smile. "Yeah he still has the sunny smile but he has changed from the boy you remember. He is now over six and half foot tall and very well built."
Angela flushed red. "Yes, Jess was very focused on the description of his bodily attributes. I think she is rather envious."
Bella could believe that. Before she could say more the teacher stormed into the room and called for their attention.
XXXXXX
The rest of the day passed equally as slowly. Bella hid in the library at lunch to avoid Mike and congratulated herself as she managed to keep out of his way right until the end of the day. They didn't cross paths again until she was headed over to her truck. Her stomach dropped as she saw a bored looking Paul lounging against the side, eyeing up the female students as they passed. As she approached him cautiously she heard Mike call out to her.
"Bella, hey wait up," she turned and saw him running toward her.
"Look Mike I can't hang around I need to get back," She told him as he finally reached her, totally out of breath.
"Okay, I just wanted to ask if you felt like hanging out tonight. There are some great new releases in the cinema." He asked her eagerly when he had recovered his breath.
Bella sighed irritably. "Can't sorry. I have to stay in and do homework."
Mike's face was crestfallen until another idea occurred to him. "I could come over and we could study together." He suggested hopefully.
Bella's hands clenched into fists. She was finding it hard to be polite. "Can't. Sorry I have to go."
Mike was just about to open his mouth to protest when Paul's voice thundered across the parking lot. "Come on Swan. I haven't got all day."
All eyes turned onto her as she flushed a dull red. Mike's jaw dropped as he saw Paul standing by Bella's parked truck. He was glaring at her intimidatingly. "Who is that?" He whispered.
"Just a family friend. He wanted a ride home. See ya," Bella quickly stumbled her way over to the Chevy and opened the door, diving into the driver's seat. Paul slowly climbed in the other side and stared straight ahead.
"Did you have to yell out like that?" Bella asked irritably. "That was embarrassing."
Paul yawned rudely and didn't glance her way. "Let's get this over with darlin' I have better places to be."
Bella gritted her teeth and turned on the loud engine. She ignored him as she drove back home, taking her cue from him and staring straight ahead making no conversation. He really was the most obnoxious person she had ever met. She was glad when she reached home and pulled into the drive. There was a deathly silence when she switched the engine off.
Paul made no move to leave the truck and she was becoming increasingly uncomfortable in his presence. "Don't you need to go?" Bella asked him eventually.
Paul turned his head to glare at her dismissively. "Are you using, Jake?" He asked her bluntly.
Bella was shocked. Where the hell was this coming from? "No. What business is it of yours?" She snapped.
"Well seeing as we're all putting our lives on the line to protect your skinny ass it kind of makes it my business. The boy is an idiot but he is still my pack brother. I won't have some paleface using him. Do I make myself clear?" He shifted around in his seat and narrowed his eyes at her.
Bella couldn't believe his audacity. A surge of anger rippled through her and she reached out to slap him; he caught her hand before it connected with his smug face. "I wouldn't advise that, not if you don't want to break your hand, sweetheart. It's good to see you have some fire in your belly." He gave her an appraising grin.
"Get out," Bella seethed. She slipped out of the driver's side and slammed the door.
Paul laughed at her and slowly climbed out of the truck. "Remember what I said." Was all he said as he winked at her and headed for the trees, disappearing out of sight.
XXXXXX
Jacob fell asleep during his calculus class. He was sent to the office and received a whole week of lunchtime detentions as punishment. He wasn't the only one, he bypassed Embry who had just been in the principals office before him. He had received a similar punishment.
"This is crazy dude," Embry complained. "I'm sick of this. I can't patrol, not sleep and attend class all day with no break. I'm thinking of leaving."
"To do what? Would your mom allow it?" Jacob asked in amazement.
"You know my mom, she's so out of it most days she wouldn't even know," Embry muttered sarcastically. "No, I looked into it. There is a home schooling programme you can do online. It means I can work at my own pace and still graduate."
"Sounds like a good idea, Em. But you don't have access to a computer. Neither do I." Jacob sighed.
"They provide you with one as part of the deal," Embry advised. "Come over to the library and I'll show you the website. I think it's our best option."
Jacob nodded. "Okay, then I can pitch the idea to dad. I'm sure he would go for it." He followed Embry in the direction of the school library.
XXXXXX
Bella groaned when there was a knock on the door. She had been trying to finish up her homework. She knew it couldn't be Jacob as he was still on patrol. She wouldn't get to see him until very late. It was now a routine that he came up to her room when he finished and stay over to the early morning. She closed her textbooks and slowly walked out to answer the door. She was surprised to see Mike standing there with his school books under his arm.
"Hey Bella, I thought I would pop over. I hope you don't mind. I'm struggling a bit on the biology questions and I know how good you are that subject so I wondered whether you would mind giving me a few pointers." He smiled at her hopefully.
"Mike I told you I was busy," she replied irritably.
"Oh, okay. It was just a thought." His shoulders sagged and he gave her his sad puppy dog look.
Bella rolled her eyes at his performance. She took pity on him and opened the door wider. "Only for an hour, Mike then you have to leave."
His face lit up at her invitation. He quickly stepped past her and entered the house, his keen eyes taking in everything. Bella knew she had let him walk all over her but felt too tired to send him on his way. The quicker she helped him the faster he would leave. She reluctantly shut the door and followed him into the kitchen.
Paul watched the boy enter Bella's house with his keen eyesight. A smirk spread across his face, Jacob would be very upset to see her inviting another male into the house. He couldn't wait to tell Black 'I told you so.' He phased back into his wolf form and waited impatiently for Jacob to arrive.
A/N-Thanks for reading!
