Layla's Pov
The digital alarm clock trilled offensively. I reached an arm out to shut it off, but I ended up knocking it off my desk. It unplugged it from the wall and clattered to the ground.
I groaned contemplating getting out of bed or even going to school. Was it really worth stewing in self-pity all day? Toughing it out seemed more appealing. Why let whoever kicked my legs out win? When I swung my legs over the pulsating swollen ankle detested my movement.
Pushing off the decision-making, I chose to take an ice-cold shower to help with the remaining inflammation. I limped off to the bathroom and braced for the longest 15-minute shower of my life. My ankle had shrunk back down to size overnight, but the deep purple bruising was still there with the stubborn aching pain.
I had to force my contact in uncomfortably and put in extra eye drops to help with the redness. I shouldn't have cried so hard last night. What was the point? I couldn't do anything about it.
"Kowlieshkah, I made breakfast!" Syd called up to me. He was trying to be helpful but I wasn't hungry or in the mood to squabble over what made a proper breakfast. The thought of elk-fat-greased bacon and eggs made me gag. I couldn't understand why he lined almost every meal with it.
The doorbell rang when I was halfway down the stairs. I wondered if it was one of Syd's employees. Since he was getting older Syd sometimes needed help with upkeeping the grounds on the Ranch. Not that it was fully functional anymore. Moon Ranch has been out of livestock for years. He had sold his stock to a friend up in Montana and they would send back pelts of leather for him to use on various projects. I bet Syd could retire by now but he liked to keep busy with the wildlife reserve.
"I thought you'd be at work by now," I called to Syd. He had arrived home late due to a mountain lion mishap. Apparently, one destroyed part of the fence line to get to a recovering cub. Since it was supposed to storm this weekend they were trying to get all the repairs in before the big rain. I imagined electrical fences were hard to patch up in all this wet weather.
"They gave me the morning off. I might clean out the flower beds. Something has been flattening all the shrubs out lately." He took a bite of his cereal and flipped over the newspaper on his knee. No bacon, Thank God.
"Have you seen my keys?" I asked checking the counter. "On the hook." I peeked out the window in the living space. Huh, so Jacob didn't take my car last night.
"Who was at the door?" I asked as I opened the fridge to throw together a quickly packed lunch. I hurried so Syd wouldn't volunteer to drive me to school.
"It was Lee. He's taking the mower over the acre before the big rain." He paused to take a sip of his black coffee.
"Do you want to come by the reserve this weekend? I thought I could show you around before your school's field trip. If you wanted, you could help me with the presentation. I'm sure Mika has missed you." Syd asked me flipping a page in the paper. Mika was one of the wolves I'd seen Syd raise back when I was ten.
"I would like that, but I'm visiting Dad in Seattle this weekend." "That's right. Maybe later then." He murmured.
"Did you, want to come with?" I asked him tentatively as I chopped up and divided a salad. He grumbled a distasteful noise in the back of his throat.
I guess that was a no. I guess it would be better if it were just Wren and me anyway.
When Dad was at work I could hit the mall. Over three-fourths of my wardrobe wouldn't last in this climate let alone the crisp weather coming in September.
I pulled out some fruit and stuffed it in my bag for a snack.
Saturday night I had plans to slip away and meet up with my friends. If they were still flying in for the underground rave. We made plans months ago to support a mutual and to see an upcoming talent Brianna and I followed on social media. The word was it invited only, and we were only told where to park. Once we were there we'd have to use black lights to find the actual location. If only my ankle wasn't sprained. Then I would have looked forward to dancing all night.
"You should get going," Syd commented. I glanced up at the clock. He was right, and I still had to stop by the nurse's office.
The air was heavy with humidity and the breeze made the above grey clouds swirl.
The bottle of Advil in my purse jangled as I limped across the lot. Jacob was already here, despite Embry's truck not being in its usual slot.
When Jake caught sight of me all six foot seven of him stretched out when he stood.
"Hey Jake," When I smiled at him Jacob's stoic expression melted and he came right over. "Do you need help?"
"Good morning to you too." I gripped the metal railing taking it slow. Jacob rolled his eyes at my fanned formality.
"Layla." He deepened his voice speaking my name in warning. I could feel my face flush so I dipped my head down to hide it and focus on my feet.
Now would be the worst time to trip.
"Don't worry. I'm going to the nurse first." "I'll come with." He followed me closely past the main office to Ms. McKenzie's.
Her door was locked.
"Ms. McKenzie has a seminar at the local hospital in Forks. She should be back this afternoon." The front desk lady spoke to us from the open threshold of the main office.
"Wonderful." I huffed under my breath. "Need me to drive you?" Jacob asked referring to the hospital.
"No, I don't think it's broken. I was just dropping by because she told me to." I turned away from my locker.
"I still think-"He started. "I think we've skipped enough school." I cut him off reaching my locker. "Technically we've only skipped two classes," Jacob noted.
Then I fumbled with the combo. That's right, he left with me during the last class of the day yesterday, and on our walk in on the trail behind the school I'd only skipped math.
Jacob made a displeased sound in the back of his throat that was more like a growl. I looked up at him questioningly as I pulled the lever open.
Then he started coughing. "Are you sure you don't need to go to the hospital?" I inquired.
"No, I'm fine." He insisted, walking me to class. He took my book bag without warning. "Hey!"
"You don't need the extra weight." Jake defended his action.
I felt naked without my bag. "And you do?" I glanced up at him who chuckled in response.
"It's no trouble," Jake assured me taking the lead as if he was worried another student might topple me over just by brushing by.
Jacob was kind like that the rest of the day. Always waiting outside of the classroom for me to walk me to the next.
We didn't talk much. Being around him was enough, and I wasn't sure what to say after yesterday. I was relieved that this gang gossip was just that. Gossip.
Of course, the flyer still bothered me and I was going to find the truth about that, but I was more determined to get to know Jacob after my wrongful adopted perceptions.
Jacob was proving to be a warm person and a wonderful distraction from my melancholy from late last night. It still lingered in the back of my mind, but his presence seemed to have a nullifying effect.
"Everything okay?" He stopped me in front of Spanish. "I-I'm fine. Why?" Jacob wiped under my right eye. My contact must have irritated it.
"Your eyes are red and you look like you're gonna cry. Does it hurt?" He frowned glancing down at my leg.
"I'm just tired." I brushed his hand away anxiously. The fear of someone identifying my glaring deformity took over.
"Really, don't worry about me," I spoke in a rush and forced a quick polite smile. He didn't seem fooled but backed off to his class next to mine anyways.
Spanish ended early so I made my to the cafeteria. On the way down the very steps I had fallen down yesterday, I stopped by the girl's room.
I didn't pay much attention to the girls wrapped around the free-standing sinks. They didn't seem to notice me either deep in conversation themselves.
"So how was your date with Elu?" "Ugh, he didn't want to go out." It sounded like Molly and her friends.
"Was he waiting on Layla again?" Trish questioned in a distasteful tone. "No. Something about him asking out Andrea." Molly sounded displeased.
"Well, it's not like you guys haven't messed around before. I'm sure he'll cave soon." Spoke to a girl I didn't know.
"I don't know, maybe. But I'd rather have a night with Jacob Black." Molly mused. I heard the entrance squeak open.
"I think you missed your chance there. Our stunt seemed to have the opposite effect of what you wanted." The unknown girl spoke again.
I hoped they would leave soon so I could wash my hands in peace.
"Well, she deserved it. Moon's totally ungrateful and undeserving of all his doting." Trish defended their actions. Her words pierced my heart.
"Ha, Who knows, maybe she's the next brainwashed convert to the cult." The unfamiliar girl laughed. "Speaking of cult followers... Kim," Molly complained.
"Gossiping again, Molly? You really should find a better hobby." Kim's familiar voice echoed in the tiled room.
"I dunno, the place suits her and all her shit." April had followed Kim in.
The stalls next to me swung closed and I heard the previous group of the girls mutter insults and complaints as they left.
When the coast was clear I stepped out of my stall to clean up. I didn't want to expose my unconscious eves dropping so I spent a little extra time at the sink.
Letting out a deep sigh I wondered if Molly was right. Was I being ungrateful for Jacob's help? It's not like I was trying to take advantage of him. He just always seemed to be there.
How does one begin to repay someone else for saving their life?
After lathering and rinsing my hands twice I shook them out. No paper towels left.
Was there anything I could do for Jacob? I stepped out into the bustling hall running into Tiffany Call. Just the girl I was looking for.
Paige didn't seem excited that I was at their table today. "What's the occasion?" She asked.
Tiffany must have stepped on her foot for being rude because she gasped then glared at her friend.
"She can hang out with us if she wants," Tiffany assured me, and some of her friends at the table like Matt and Daniel nodded. I think I had math class with one and Spanish with the other. I wasn't too sure, but I smiled and nodded back in thanks.
"So how were dance tryouts?" Tiffany asked. "I actually don't think that's going to work out," I admitted.
I also noticed I had forgotten my lunch inside my locker. I guess I wasn't too hungry today so it didn't matter.
"That's too bad," Paige commented distracted by Seth and Joseph passing the table. Tiffany rolled her eyes back over to me. "So what are you going to do now?"
"Well, I still have the book club at Forks High on Wednesdays." I shrugged. "What, are you trying to make up some class points or something?" Daniel asked.
"No, just looking for an extracurricular." "Why don't you join theater with us?" Tiffany asked. "Like she would-" Paige started.
"Sure." I wouldn't mind helping out backstage or if an extra hand was needed somewhere. "Great!" Tiffany beamed with Daniel across the table.
"We do need more people." He inserted himself leaning across the table. "Mr. Thompson is making everyone try out for a part in the fall play," Paige warned me.
"That's fine." "Perfect! Come by Room 215 Thursday and Friday after school for script reading." Tiffany encouraged.
"This year we're partnering with FHS to put on a show in the old renovated Rialto theater in Port Angeles," Daniel informed me.
"That old thing? I thought it was called the Picture Palace." Matt asked.
"I don't know, but it's inspiringly vintage." Paige joined their conversation. I tuned out focusing on the person who slid into a chair behind me.
Jacob Black sat back with his abnormally filled tray. "Hey," I greeted him first. "Told you she was here," Seth informed him.
"I didn't think you could make it down those stairs so I checked the library," Jacob seemed embarrassed Seth called him out.
I know it should have bothered me, maybe, that he was keeping tabs on me, but somehow it didn't.
"I think I established that I can get down places," I spoke humorously. "Up might be something though," I noted to myself under my breath.
"I got you." Jacob casually offered to help me again. "You don't have to. I-" The bell rang and felt premature.
"See you later Layla." Tiffany picked up her tray with Paige. "Yeah, see you." Well, at least Paige seemed to be warming up to me.
Meanwhile, Camille and Andrea seemed put off that I would choose to sit here between the drama club and the La Push gang.
They whispered to each other in passing. Everyone, but Jacob and I got up from the tables.
"Do you need help, Layla?" Matt asked. I turned to look at Jacob who was eating far too fast than he could chew.
"Um..." I debated on taking Matt up on his offer to give Jake a break.
Jacob gave me a defiant look that was easy to interpret. "I'm waiting with Jacob. Thanks though." Matt shrugged giving Jacob an odd sidelong glance before leaving.
When he finished I stood up edging around the abandoned chairs.
At the bottom of the stairs, Jacob collected my bag and reached out his arms. I grasped one of his hands for support and hobbled forward.
He didn't move and pulled me back a step. "It would be faster if I carried you up."
We were already running late and I didn't want to be more of a problem. "Oh, okay." I let him hoist me up in his arms.
Like Seth before, it was like I weighed a feather to him.
"I'm sorry." I wrapped my arms around his neck. "For what?" He asked.
It could have been my imagination, but it seemed Jacob's pace was slower than Seth's.
"For being a burden, and bothering you all the time," I confessed. "You're not a burden." He paused as if thinking about something.
"In fact, I wish you would try to bother me," Jacob smirked turning his face towards mine. His nose grazed mine.
I turned my head away timidly looking over the back of his shoulder. "Yeah, right," I mumbled.
"How about you test it out, and I'll let you know." The amusement in his voice made my heart frantic.
"Jake." My grip tightened. He chuckled at my reaction.
My hands around the base of his neck burned against his skin. He was concerningly warm.
"Stop!" I ordered. "What? I was just messing around." Jacob pulled me away alarmed.
"You're like really hot." His laughter boomed down the hallway. My face burned at the implication my words brought on.
"I'm serious Jake! Your temperature is through the roof." I pressed the back of my hand to his forehead.
He lowered me to the floor and gently removed my hand from his face. "I feel more than fine." He grinned down at me.
"Jacob-" I wasn't mistaken though. With a fever like that, he needed to lie down or see a doctor.
"I wouldn't mind you telling me how hot I am again." Jacob's grin grew. Flustered I smacked his chest lightly before stomping off into the lab.
Which was a bad idea, considering I wanted to keep weight off my foot. Fortunately, I managed to stumble into the correct chair.
Embry snickered at my grace or lack thereof while Jacob cheerfully took his place next to me.
The rest of the day went smoothly.
Jacob's hand was becoming noticeable and more comfortable on my lower back.
He sometimes took the liberty to wrap an arm around my waist whenever we walked.
I wasn't sure if I wanted his touch to remain there or if the right thing would be to pull away.
After school, he escorted me across the lot to my car.
"I would offer you a ride home, but I'm headed in the opposite direction." "Ah, for the book club?" He asked.
"Yes." Maybe I should bite the bullet anyway and be extra late. "That's fine. I'll ride with Embry." At least Jacob didn't seem upset with that.
"Okay. See you tomorrow then." I climbed in my ford escape. He shut my door for me.
He backed up watching me pull out into traffic.
As I drove away I could still feel his warm arm around me.
The sky was now threatening rain.
EJ wearing a thick grey sweater was waiting for me impatiently atop the front steps of Forks High. He was pacing back and forth impatiently.
"Hey EJ!" I walked up the ramp instead of the steps. "Layla!" He ran over to hug me. "It's so good to see you." He muffled into my hair.
"Thanks for meeting me. I think I forgot where the library is." I admitted.
"Are you hurt again?" He asked holding me in place. EJ's nose twisted slightly as he stared. "Was that obvious?" I asked.
He frowned and held out his arm for me to take. "No, not at first." His emerald eyes lightened in an odd way almost glowing under the overcast.
Maybe it was just a trick of the lighting.
"Iris won't like it if we're late." He informed me tearing me from my observations. "Okay, Lead the way, Mason." I hooked my arm in his.
We met in the back corner projector room of the library where multiple tables were pushed together for seating.
A group of ten kids were already there divided amongst them.
EJ dragged me to the closest one seating us between a goth girl and a boy that smelled deeply of pot and cologne.
EJ scooted closer to me pinching the bridge of his nose. I stifled a giggle at his reaction, covering the lower part of my face with my sleeve.
"If everyone is settled. I'll let Iris present." A teacher set a stack of papers on each table as she exited the room.
Iris cleared her throat. "As you know we meet here every Wednesday, we'll open with a discussion about the readings, and then move on to editor work. At the end of every month, we'll begin the next book on the list we, collectively, vote and verify today. Short essays are due every other week as indicated on the sheet. You may not reuse academic paper from this semester if you want the academic credit."
"Sweet! We get to watch movies too?" A boy across the table wearing a blue lettermen's jacket, flipped his short curly brown hair out of his eyes.
"Yes, Chad. Some of the books have films to compare with the actual literature." Iris explained unenthusiastically.
"So do we get to bring our own snacks when we watch a movie in here?" The smelly kid adjusted his beanie exposing his eyebrow-piercing and tuffs of dyed hair. Half red, half black.
"No. You will be responsible for watching them on your own. In here we discuss, debate topics, and revise papers. No two essays should be identical either."
I heard some of the kids at the other table groan. "Remember, it's best to be on time since we only have forty-five minutes tops before the library closes." Iris's blue eyes darted over to a kid just sitting down at the other table. Then her gaze shifted to EJ and me less harshly. We smiled apologetically.
"Okay then, Jackson will put the book list to a vote after we review the revised book list at each table." Iris stepped and reverted back to our table while Jackson stood up.
Iris joined us as our group bickered over which monster book they wanted to read for October. There were only two slots and too many options.
"Here me out. We read Scooby Doo comics and pick our favorite episode to watch." "Ian, there aren't any real monsters in Scooby Doo." A blond girl with short-cropped hair complained at the beanie-wearing boy that reeked.
"Exact-o-mundo, that's the twist. Because humans are the biggest monsters out there." Ian planted his hands firmly onto the table.
EJ scooted his chair closer to me to evade the stench and avoid Ian's animated movements.
"Nah, Dracula is the classic," Chad spoke up. I felt EJ's shoulder go rigid next to me.
"Vampires are overrated." The goth girl waved a hand in the air dismissively. "Then what do you suggest?" I asked thinking her answer might be good considering what she as wearing. All black with chunky buckled boots.
"The Salem witch trials." She grinned wickedly. "That would be interesting, but the research would be more extensive than we have time for Mary." Iris clarified.
"Marideth." She corrected frowning. Her neon purple lips turned downward and she flipped a matching hair extension out of her way.
"How about werewolves?" EJ offered. "Hm, There are more options in that category." Iris twisted her necklace thoughtfully.
"Okay, should we put it to a vote?" I asked. "I guess Dracula is a classic for a reason." Marideth allowed.
"Yeah, it's kind of romantic too." The short-haired blond batted her eyes at an oblivious Chad, who obviously had never read Bram Stoker.
"All in favor of vampires and werewolves?" Iris asked raising her hand for us to follow. "Aye!" With that, we all agreed.
October was dedicated to the creatures of the night.