Layla's Pov
All felt right in the world once I had my baby back. My blue Ford Escape became my beacon of hope.
While I waited for Syd to wrap things up with John Dowling, I stroked the dash with gratitude. He was trying to haggle down the ridiculously priced minor maintenance fees.
After my road trip an oil change, tire rotation, and balance were necessary. The front bumper was still bent in the place where I hit the deer my first night here, but I didn't care. I just wanted to drive my car again. Syd thought otherwise hence him taking forever with Dowling to also work me into his future packed schedule. Of course, I'd cancel later. No way I was paying these prices again.
Syd waved at me to clear the lot. They shook hands and we were on our way. I let Syd go ahead of me so I could stop by a gas station and weave through the back roads to familiarize myself with the area.
After my road warrior week in the car, I thought I'd feel claustrophobic. But instead, with all my baggage gone it felt spacious and new.
Passing the roadway into La Push I slowed into the residential speed limit. The only tiny convenience store in the village was a tiny cabin of a building tucked away into a thicket of trees. I pulled into the parking lot on a whim to see if I could find a postcard or two.
As I walked across the gravel I found several pathways that led toward the beach and other local properties.
The air smelt nice like salt, brine, and sandalwood. Stepping inside the tired old cowbell clunked behind me.
"Welcome!" A woman's voice called from the back of the store. It sounded like she was restocking something heavy.
"Hello." I greeted back gravitating towards the touristy brochures in the front. I ran my hand along the edges and flipped a waterfall catalog over.
"Hey, Layla!" Tiffany appeared from behind an aisle. She introduced me to her mom who owned the store, and gave me some free postcards to send my brother. I offered to help restock in exchange, but they assured me they were nearly done for the evening and were about to lock up in the next hour.
I bought some chocolate bars to be supportive before heading back to my vehicle.
On the way out I heard some guys chortling around the corner. Quil's cackle resonated above the rest. I picked up my pace light on my feet.
They were speaking in their native tongue, so I couldn't understand much. Once I hit the gravel, I could feel eyes on my back.
I was almost at my car when they called out to me.
"Hey, Layla!" Seth's voice lowered my guard. He was the kindest out of the lot. "Oh hi." I smiled genuinely for him but being around the others made me a little nervous.
"Is this your ride?" Quil whistled circling my Ford Escape. The others with him weren't far behind. There were a few I recognized but others I couldn't place.
"Yep. Dowling's finally finished it." I inched for my door. They didn't seem to notice my discomfort.
"Dowling's? Why take it to that cheapskate when you have Jake." Quil suggested.
I was about to open my mouth to ask him what he meant but Seth spoke up. "Hey, Jake! Guess who we found."
Jacob's tall frame rounded the front of my car from the opposite direction. I took another inch towards my door resting my hand on the handle.
This move didn't go unnoticed by Embry. I smiled sheepishly in response.
"Who are you calling a cheapskate?" Jacob stopped short when he caught my eyes with me.
"We were just telling Layla here that you're the go-to guy for mechanics." Quil elbowed him playfully.
"Is that so?" Jacob's eyes dropped to the damage on my front bumper. "What you hit?" Seth asked collecting at Jacob's side to assess the damage.
"Um, I hit a deer on my way in the night I came in," I admitted embarrassed.
"Looks a little wide to be a deer," Seth commented innocently.
"Maybe it had a fat butt. I couldn't see it clearly through all the rain," I muttered kicking a piece of gravel away.
Quil and Embry started laughing like there was some sort of inside joke that set them off.
Jacob rolled his eyes and cracked a smile. "I can buff it out for you."
"That's okay…" I didn't need a stranger touching my car when I just got it back.
"Really Layla, he can get it out in a jiffy." Seth took up for his friend. I could see what Paige was talking about at lunch. How Seth idolized him like an older brother.
"I don't want to take advantage of Jacob," I admitted timidly.
"You could never take advantage of him." Embry snorted. "Besides I don't think he would mind if you did." Quil snickered.
I shook my head and flushed retreating into my car. "See you guys around. Syd's waiting on me for dinner."
Attempted dinner. I mentally corrected. I could burn water if no one was supervising me.
"Okay. See you tomorrow!" Seth waved. I avoided Jacob's gaze as I waved to the others. I monitored them through my rearview mirror as I pulled out the lot.
As I drove off I saw Jacob kick dirt in his Quil's direction. See, maybe his friends shouldn't offer his services without consent.
Driving back to my place I couldn't help but assess my suspicions. They've always been helpful and nice. And the only gang-like attributes I've seen far were superficial or through others' opinions. I shook my head clearing those thoughts. No, anyone could be nice to your face for a week. Who knows what they're really up to?
The storm from last night carried over into the next day, Wednesday.
The hot front of summer tussled with the cold winds rolling off the back of the sea keeping the fall weather at bay.
Now that I had my car I had no excuse not to pick up a jacket from Newtons soon.
All the close parking spaces filled quickly. I pulled into a space farther than would have liked, and closer to a group than I would.
I hid in a cluster of passing students to evade them. Successfully I entered the school and fit into my new flow of academic routine. I reserved myself most of the day focusing on the rain when engagement wasn't necessary. Even though I had made a few friends I was still stonewalled by others who didn't like outsiders. I tried not to let it get to me. In moments like that, I reminded myself of the impermanence of my situation.
During a reminder, I suddenly wondered if it was right to get close to anyone here. If I was possibly going to leave after winter break would that be fair to them?
Saddened by my rumination I shoved off towards the girl's locker room on the east wing. It was time to adorn the cruel gym uniform. Cotton t-shirts and polyester shorts didn't stand against the cold or wet this land offered. The venation system wasn't great either, so the exit doors were always propped open for air circulation. God forbid we were swallowed up by sweat and Axe body spray leaking from the boy's locker room.
Goose bumps spread over my arms and legs as I walked further into the gymnasium.
"Hurry up! Take some laps to warm up!" The Coach called everyone into action.
Soon enough I felt myself slow down like I was on a merry-go-round. I felt a stampede of feet behind fly by me. The basketball team members had challenged Collins and Embry to an unspoken race.
"Alright, class! Since it's raining, I'll let you kids play your favorite. Dodgeball!" Coach Kel pushed a rolling metal cage of red rubber balls onto the floor. I wanted to climb into it for protection. This wasn't going to end well. Not with this many boys who looked like they had something to prove. Most of us girls complained in a whiny tone.
"Come on. It will be fun. One, two, one-" He counted us off into two teams. Each team lined up on either side of the court. Girls cowered in the back while most of the guys lined up to race for a ball placed on the center dividing line. I stood glowering at the Coach with crossed arms.
Maybe if I let someone hit me, I could go sit down for the rest of the class.
"You will be graded on effort." The coach caught my expression and suppressed a grin. He was a sadist. Great.
"I won't let you get hit," Embry assured me stepping out in front. "Don't worry Layla. Let the guys handle this." Elu winked back at Andrea and I.
"Please don't mind me. Seriously." I chuckled without humor.
"You have to at least survive the first round. You don't want to fail do you?" Andrea pep-talked us. "I guess you're right," I muttered unhappily.
I scanned the crowd for Jacob. He was unfortunately stationed on the other team. Embry didn't seem to mind. In fact, I thought I saw them exchange an eager grin. When the whistle blew sneakers screeched and the race to pummel someone began. Red rubber balls were flying fast and hard.
My flexibility and agility kept me in the first round. Within minutes the population on both sides went down. The lucky losers got to sit on the bleachers.
Five versus six students were left on the court another round later. Embry, Elu, and Collins carried the team while Andrea and I collected stray balls and passed them up. The other side held three basketball players, two girls, and Jacob. I was amazed that he was still in the game. With his size, I figured he would be the first to be stricken out.
A ball bounced off the back wall and hit Elu. "Out!" The coach called. Elu tried to argue on the sidelines.
Embry took out two more opponents before Collins was taken out by Jacob. I managed to get a girl out. Good thing I had an arm.
Andrea flinched back as the last tall girl on the other team canceled her out.
Our team cheered from the sidelines. It was two verses two. I hid a couple yards behind Embry waiting for an opportunity.
I tossed a ball to my human shield. He deflected shots before launching one back hitting his mark.
The coach took away the extra balls so there was one for each player left in the game.
Jacob faked Embry out so that he missed opening him up for a body shot from him.
I wanted to clap because that was a good final showdown. Even the class came peeling down the bleachers when the coach stopped them.
Wait, was I the only one left? I blinked dumbfoundedly to see it was just Jacob and me.
"Final round. Sudden death!" The coach blew his whistle.
"It almost seems cruel." "Poor girl." "Come on coach!"
"Can I forfeit?" I asked Coach Kel in a small voice.
"I can give you both a ball to start with, or you can both race for one ball in the center of the court." Like I said, sadist.
I looked up woefully at Jacob who also looked troubled about this. If we raced, I risked falling flat on my face. And if I started with a ball, I didn't think I could outthrow him.
"Come on Coach! Just call it a draw, or better yet let me sub in for her." Embry called out. "We're a team we can do that right?" Collins reasoned.
Jacob and I met at center court to receive a red ball each as everyone argued. The coach stepped back onto the sidelines.
"It's okay Jake. I yield. Just promise me you won't throw it too hard." I winced at the memory of him pummeling some of the other guys earlier.
"I can't do that." Jacob frowned.
"Oh okay. Right, make it look real then." I assured him walking away.
The coach blew the whistle. We stared at each other waiting for the other to make the first move.
"Any day now!" He yelled at us.
My hands were so sweaty due to nerves my ball slipped. As I went to go catch it, I accidentally kicked it. It flew forward hitting Jacob in the shins.
"How lame." "And anti-climactic." Our peers laughed and joked flooding back on the court.
"A for effort Miss Moon." Coach Kell seemed somewhat pleased with me.
"Beginners luck." I wished I could disappear into thin air about now. I could feel my face turning red.
Jacob took a couple of steps toward me.
"No free pass. Back on the court you two."
I sighed stepping back on the court. This time I would wait for the perfect opportunity to run across the court to be struck out.
This round was more heated than before. It seemed like the guys were pegging each other out of revenge for the previous round.
I darted through traffic hoping to get lucky. What I didn't expect was to get double lucky. Two rubber balls nailed me. One in my gut and the other struck me in the back making me spin and hit the floor so hard it knocked the wind knocked out of me.
"Damn Jake!" "Nice Collins."
Andrea helped me up from the floor. I held my breath and gestured to Coach Kel that I was fine. He blew his whistle for the match to continue once I was off the court. Continuing to hold my breath I darted out the exit door propped open for fresh air. I didn't want anyone to see me wheeze.
Once I was far enough away I gasped gripping my core. My lungs heaved flexing for oxygen. Involuntary tears clouded my vision. I'd be fine. In fact, my back didn't sting that much. It was just this stupid physical response that I had to wait out.
Stop crying and start breathing. I scolded my body uselessly. My shallow breaths shuttered and slowly strengthened.
Quick and heavy footsteps squished across the grass ground towards me.
"Layla!" I couldn't answer yet. He didn't have to come over, or even apologize. This was my fault.
"Layla! Are you alright? I'm so sorry." Jacob dove in front of me skidding his knees against the marshy ground. I managed to give him a thumbs up before doubling back over in the next shutter I couldn't hold back. His hands braced me from falling over.
"I'm fine. We're good." My voice strained as my lungs reinflated.
"Can I take you to the nurse? I hit you pretty hard." He helped me up. "No." I gasped squeezing his hand.
"Jake. I'm okay." He wasn't convinced. When I looked up Jacob looked mortified and his eyes were full of dread.
"You sure? We can swing by the infirmary just in case." The bell sprung indicating gym was over.
"Yes, I'm sure. We should head back." I slowed my pace not wanting to face my peers. I bet there was a big ass bruise forming on my spine that I didn't want anyone to see in the locker room. Jacob walked me to half-court and watched me go from there.
I waited in a bathroom stall until most of the girls left. My back was beginning to ache and I was eager to rid myself of my sweaty shirt dripping down my back.
"Are you okay Layla?" Andrea came up to me. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just took me by surprise." I unfolded my clothes for easy access.
"It looked like a death scene from a movie," Camille commented shoving her uniform back in her cubby.
"That notable huh?" I sighed pulling up my jeans then reached down to lace my shoes.
"Oh, my God!" I heard Camille gasp as I went to change my top. Unless it was my hideous overused faded black bra I didn't know what she saw.
"You're bleeding!" Andrea pulled the metal bra clasp out of my back. Then she flipped the bra strap over so that it wasn't stabbing me.
I looked down at the shirt in my hands. It wasn't sweat after all.
"I'll get some wet paper towels." Camille went for the sinks. "I'll get a bandage from the nurse." Andrea ran off. This is exactly what didn't want.
"Don't worry about it. I'm wearing a dark-colored shirt anyways." I didn't need to give Jake any more reason to hate me.
I walked towards the mirrors where Camille was to get a look for myself. Peeking over my shoulder, my eyes widened at the red bull's eye mark developing in the center of my back.
"Shoot, he really got you." Camille dabbed away my blood until it stopped. "Did you do anything to piss him off? Or was he a sore loser?" Then she wedged a folded-up piece of paper towel between me and the clasp.
"It was just an accident." I defended snippily. "Okay…" Camille tossed the used towels away and went to wash her hands.
"I'm sorry Camille. Thanks for helping me. It was my fault, and I feel stupid." I apologized hoping she'd forgive me.
"It's okay. Be prepared though. I bet the school will be talking about this all day. Or all week." She smiled sympathetically through the mirror's reflection.
I gulped. All week? "See yah. Feel better." She headed off first. I slung my bag over one shoulder hurrying off to my next class too.
Camille was right. Gossip and embellishment filled the halls.
"Did you see Jacob? He flattened Collins like a linebacker on the court." "I don't see why. He did the same exact thing." "Do you think Black has something against Moon?"
My heart sank. What if the door wasn't an accident yesterday? Guys were capable of bullying girls too I guess. But then why did he run after me? Was he afraid I'd get him in trouble? I scribbled in the side column of my notes.
The annoying banter continued around me until they met my glare. I looked forward to lunch where I could escape this mess.
Making a quick stop at my locker first I left my bag behind. I hated to admit it, but my back stung as time went on.
The lunchroom was buzzing like a bee hive and the foot traffic was heavier than usual. Good for nothing small-town gossips. Eyes flashed and kids laughed as I marched into line.
Tiffany and Paige were already waiting expectantly for me at the table. I was going to sit with Andrea and Camille today, but they wanted to hear my side of the story. I started with the first horrifying round of dodgeball then proceeded to tell them about my failed plan.
"I can't believe your standing." Tiffany sounded impressed. "Do you think he did it on purpose?" Paige questioned. I could feel the color drain from my face.
Tiffany nudged her friend. "I doubt it." she hissed back in a whisper. Paige shrugged and seemed pleased.
Apparently walking into an underserved beating between two boys and not crying in front of everyone was a mark of bravery. My lips twitched up into a humorous smirk as I stabbed at my salad.
The supposed La Push gang collected at the table next to us once again. Noisy as ever.
Andrea came up to our table and asked for me to join her in the girls' bathroom. Its line was so long line we deviated towards the outside patio so we could speak privately. The overcast day threatened more rain so there weren't any kids sitting out on the patio to enjoy the sun.
"You ran off earlier so I couldn't give you this." Andrea pulled out a baggy with a patch from the nurse along with Tylenol and ointment."
It was nice of her to track me down and give this to me. I really needed it about now. "Thanks so much." I took the two pills throwing them back without water.
"I can help put on the patch if you want." She offered. I would struggle later if I didn't let her help me now. Syd would be upset if he saw this too. He already disliked the guys. I didn't need to give him another reason to hate them, so I hesitantly agreed. Rounding the corner where no spectators could see us I lifted the back of my shirt.
"Thanks again, Andrea." "You can call me Andy. My friends do." Andrea's fingertips grazed my tender skin working quickly. The cooling ointment felt nice.
"Layla, this looks bad. Do you want to see the nurse for an ice pack?" "I'll manage." She'd already gone out of her way for me. Not need to waste her time when I can just do it myself later.
"Hey! A little privacy?" Andrea yanked down my shirt almost ripping off what she placed.
I turned around to see who she was yelling at. It was Jacob. My face paled at his repulsed expression.
"What are you standing around for? Go away!" Andrea crossed her arms waiting for him to take the hint.
I brushed past them both though without a word. I wasn't sure what Jacob wanted. I was embarrassed he saw me like that and I just wanted to return to Tiffany's table. Andrea joined us too along with her friend from another table. They didn't seem to mind the extra company. I made sure to sit the farthest away from the guys to finish my food.
Jacob stared in my direction for the entire lunch hour without touching any food. I wish he would quit it. I shot a glare at his table for him to stop. He didn't look away though and his friend Quil shook his shoulder to see what was going on. The table seemed alerted then and the more attention I was given made this day feel never-ending.
I was among the first students out when the bell rang again. Determined to get to my next class for momentary solitude. Would he gloat about my bull's eye bruise? I winced sitting back in my chair too hard. I placed my head in my hands waiting for the pulsating pain to stop.
"Layla." I kept a straight face and sat up ignoring him.
"I am so sorry." Each word was distinct and sincerely pleading. I wanted to brush him off again, but Jacob's concern appeared genuine.
"Don't worry about it. It was my fault for running across the court." I decided to make amends instead. Jake's frown deepened as he sat down next to me.
" Seriously, I was intentionally attempting to remove myself from the game. You know so I could like take a break on the bleachers? I just didn't expect that it would be you or Collins, that would take me out." Sharing this was meant to reassure him but he remained guilt-ridden.
"I'm the big dumb idiot. Not you. Okay?" I assured him a final time. "Still. I hurt you." He grumbled.
The class continued. I leaned forward to jot down more notes from the lecture. As I did I felt Jacob touch the back of my shirt.
"You're bleeding." Damn it. Did my bandage rip the scab off?
"I am? Don't worry about it. I'm sure it will stop." I hushed him from speaking any louder.
"What is it, Jacob?" Mr. Moore observed his raised hand. I looked at him incredulously.
"Can I take Layla to the nurse?" "What's wrong?" He frowned seeing nothing wrong.
"Her injury from earlier from gym is bleeding." My face burned at his exposure. "I'm fine!" I detested it.
"No bleeding in my class. Lab safety first. Now go." He pointed at the door with his marker.
I groaned and glared at Jacob for being so foolish. Once we were out in the hallway I was going to give him a piece of my mind.
"Are you happy now Jacob?" "No." I stopped short to face him in the middle of the hall. I wish I had a chair to stand on so we could speak eye to eye.
"Then do you enjoy my embarrassment? You must like placing a glaring spotlight on every fumble I make."
"No." He shook his head. I studied him for any hint of sarcasm or humor.
"Do you know any other words besides no?"
"Yes." He chuckled. I gave him an exasperated look and stomped back toward the classroom.
"Wait-" Jacob grabbed my arm. I looked up at him like I would rip it off.
"What?" "I just want to make sure you're okay." His husky voice softened, calming me down.
"I am. The blood is just from the clasp. I'm sure the bandage just moved it or something." I pulled my arm back. My anger diminished.
"Just go back to class Jacob." I walked off in another direction passing him.
"Where are you going? The infirmary is that way." He followed me. I shrugged not really sure of where I was going.
"I can't go to the nurse. She might call Syd." "And you're afraid of what he'll do?"
"You know how overprotective Syd is and if he calls my dad that will be worse. He'd pull me out of this school in a heartbeat since he didn't want me here to begin with."
I rambled to Jacob who caught up to my side in a couple of strides.
"Why's that?" He asked, sounding pressed and panicked. "Long story," I muttered melting into worry.
I hovered by a fire escape door. "You should go," I whispered in case anyone else was near.
"I've got time," Jacob answered opening the door for me.
The clouds hung low. Dark and ready to spill over at any moment. We silently took the path around the back of the brick building. He seemed to take the lead since it was clear I didn't know where I was going. Then I wondered if we should be alone together.
"This is the cross-country and track route. It wraps through the woods behind the school and spills back out behind some neighborhoods. The other end circles back to the front of the school." Jacob explained like he read the apprehension on my face.
"Oh." Was my brilliant response. That was the most I've ever heard Jacob talk.
The silence between us returned as we walked. I tried to come up with a question or topic to evade my personal plight.
"Have you lived in La Push your whole life?" I asked him.
"Born and raised." His smile tugged at the corners of his full mouth.
"Must be nice." I admired the greenery around us. In this overcast lighting, everything looked luminescent.
I thoughtlessly high-fived a giant wet fern that grew on the edge of the path. The dew bounced up splashing us both. When more of the water landed on him than me so I laughed.
He shook it off himself and wiped a hand down his face. That reaction made me laugh more. I ran ahead slapping more ferns to expel water behind me as Jacob chased after me. His hard expression dismembered into something boyish and fun. More natural looking. It didn't take him long to catch up. When he did he caught me up in his arms. The light heartiness ceased when I hissed in pain.
"I'm sorry." He released me immediately. The guilt-ridden mask was back.
"Don't be." We continued the trail at a slower pace. It took me a moment to climb over a fallen tree that only took Jacob one leg. I looked over at him enviously. I felt like a hobbit taking a stroll with the jolly green gaint.
"What?" "I wish I had longer legs," I admitted sparing him the ridiculous comparison.
Jacob stopped off along the trail patting a fallen carved-out log. It faced the stretch of the field back of the school. The foliage both camouflaged us and provided a viny window into that civilization. The walk had lightened my mood and ditching class for the first time this week brought back a sense of normalcy. Oddly I was even happier that Jacob was talking to me and that he didn't seem to hate me.
"So, I heard you went backpacking across Canada and Alaska this summer." I brought up what I thought would be a light topic. I had overheard Seth say this in English. Jacob's grunt sounded kind of like a yes.
"How was it?" I pushed the small talk. His already dark-colored eyes seemed to darken more so.
"I bet it was beautiful." I tacked on thoughtfully. "It was…something." His black eyes searched for something invisible in front of him.
"Something? Sounds like you're watering down a great adventure." "It was… serene at times." He admitted.
"The lakes are up there are crystal blue, and the summits are expansive. When you travel up enough the Northern lights come out at night."
"If the sky was that clear you could've seen the stars too, right? I bet the colors were gorgeous." I gasped lightly, my voice a blur of a whisper.
He just stared at me. Maybe he thought I was overdoing it when I allowed my imagination to run wild.
"Have you not seen the stars?" Jacob sounded dumbfounded.
"Not often. I haven't been out of the city much. LA's lights are bright, and the smog covers us like a cloud so you can't see much of the sky at all. The only greenery besides the park was this lovely French flower shop around the corner from my mom's favorite brunch place. I'd stop by to see all the fresh cut flowers while she and her friends would wait for a table..." I trailed off. It made me sad to think about the things I would miss biweekly.
"Sorry to go off like that. I must be boring you." Or at the very least annoying him with my recalled enthusiasm. I got up from the log and started to head back.
"You're not." Jacob followed me. "Sure." I rolled my eyes.
"Really." He assured me. "I wish my summer was as enjoyable as yours." I sighed.
It sounded like Jacob scoffed. I glanced up at him confused.
"You didn't?" He inquired. "It was, okay." I pressed my lips together in a thin line as I stepped carefully back over the fallen tree.
"Why doesn't your dad want you to go here?" His voice became gravely as if straining to speak. He hadn't forgotten the original conversation after all.
"He's kind of a micromanager." I put it lightly. Jacob waited for the full story. I wondered how much time we had left to waste and what I should share.
"I was sent to live with my dad in Seattle Initially. I was supposed to move into his apartment but his place is cramped, and Wren was worried about the highest crime rate in years spiking this past spring. So he didn't think it was safe for me in the city. Syd wanted me here regardless of the custody battle. Especially since Wren would be occupied with work. That would leave me wandering Seattle by myself frequently. I guess it was a good thing I didn't listen to him sooner, or I might've arrived right when all the chaos broke loose."
Jacob seemed to stiffen at that, or maybe he was just standing up straight again after ducking from the dangling moss.
"The second plan was to have me stay at our childhood home in Forks while I attended the private school in Port Angeles." I shook my head at that.
"That's a long commute," Jacob noted. "That's what I told him. Coupled with his demand of me having an extra circular I wouldn't get home until maybe eight at night?" Not to mention all the winding roads in the pitch-black back roads to get there. I thought to myself.
We walked for a while in silence listening to droplets trickle against the leaves above. I wondered if I had overshared. I hadn't told anyone why I was here and after saying everything aloud it felt too personal.
"You know what?" I asked switching topics. "Hm?" Jacob lifted his head.
"I think the highlight of my summer might have been back in June. Father's Day weekend Syd took my dad and me to see the car show in Tacoma. They had this fair at night and a concert later on-."
Jacob stopped short of the back door to reenter the school. "The Tacoma vintage car festival?" He repeated.
"Yes! That's the one. Why?" I watched him freeze up again like I said something wrong.
"I was there. With my dad. And Quil. Embry too…" He muttered looking utterly overwhelmed.
"It was fun. Wasn't it?" I smiled. He didn't say anything.
"Imagine if we ran into each other then. It would have been nice to have known you then. I mean, I would have made friends for this fall and all."
Jacob remained still as a statue and anger flashed across his features. Did I say something wrong? Or bring up an unpleasant memory?
"Jake?" He snapped out of the trance he was in.
"You go ahead." He grumbled. "You, okay?" I asked stepping into the hall.
"Yeah. I think I dropped my wallet. I need to go back and get it." He let go of the heavy door and it slammed in my face.