Chapter 6

The environment in Algebra II was dense with equations and mathematical concepts, but for Jacob, the weight of recent events made it difficult to concentrate. Sulking in his seat, his mind drifted.

His thoughts meandered through the events of his conversation with Bella in the cafeteria and the glares from the Cullen table. It replayed in his mind like an unending loop.

Frustration and regret mingled in his thoughts and a determination stirred within him. He couldn't change the past but he could shape his future actions. With quiet resolve, he made a plan—a plan to mend the situation with Bella and succeed in protecting her.

After the class ended, Jacob lingered in his seat momentarily, gathering his thoughts. The next time he crossed paths with her, he would approach the conversation with a different perspective, now understanding that Alice was a sensitive subject.

The bell rang, signaling the start of the last period of the day, and he carried himself to the Gym.

The gymnasium doors swung open, and Jacob entered. Surprise took him when his eyes fell on Bella.

Caught off guard, he hesitated for a moment before steeling himself. As he approached her, a cold stare lingered in her eyes.

Breaking the icy silence, he took a deep breath and, with a genuine sincerity in his voice, offered an apology. "Bella, I'm sorry about earlier. You can definitely choose your own friends."

"Thank you, Jake." Her expression reflecting contemplation, Bella met his gaze, and then she spoke again, "Tell me something... Why don't you think I should be friends with Alice?"

Her demand for an explanation hung in the air, and Jacob, aware of the delicate balance he needed to maintain, took a measured breath before responding. "There are things I know that I can't really explain without... without breaking some promises," Jacob began cautiously, choosing his words with care. "The folks on the reservation talk about the Cullens. They think they're dangerous."

A knowing look flitted across her face, but she feigned ignorance. "And what do they say about the Cullens on the reservation?"

He felt the weight of unspoken truths on his shoulders and didn't know how to explain them without breaking the treaty and revealing them for what they were.

He continued, "There are forces at play, things that go beyond what we see. It's about being cautious, about not getting too involved in things that might bring more trouble than we can handle."

Bella's expression shifted, caught between frustration and a desire for understanding. "What do you mean?"

Jacob attempted to explain their shared supernatural realities without revealing them, highlighting the intricacies of their secrets.

"I just want you to be safe. There are things you don't know, and sometimes ignorance is a kind of protection," Jacob added, hoping to convey the sincerity behind his concern without unraveling the web of supernatural truths that surrounded them.

"That literally explains nothing." Bella sighed.

"I'm sorry," Jacob felt his features twist into a grimace as he felt himself failing the task at hand, again.

"Well, when you decide to give me more than confusing riddles, I'll listen."

She turned away then, stomping towards a group of juniors. A blonde boy, whose name he learned was Mike, lit up with delight as Bella approached him, a genuine smile spreading across his features.

"Hey, Bella!" Mike greeted her with enthusiasm, "Do you want to be on my team today?"

Responding to the warmth in Mike's reception, Bella reciprocated with a friendly smile. "Hey, Mike." Then her smile faded into a frown as she eyed the court. "You don't have to do that. You know I'll just hold you back."

Mike, still pleased by Bella's attention, could not be convinced. "It's no trouble at all." He then launched into a conversation, sharing snippets of his day and engaging in light banter.

Gym class began, and the usual buzz of activity filled the air as students gathered for their badminton game. Jacob remained in the back of the classroom. Coach Clapp told him he did not have to play on his first day and was free to observe but should expect to play tomorrow.

He sulked on the sidelines, glancing occasionally at Bella across the gym.

As the class progressed, he couldn't escape the disappointment of the failed conversation. It was quite unbelievable that he managed to repeat the exact same mistake not once, but twice. Despite having the opportunity to correct his error, he seemed to have missed the mark again. At this rate, Jacob would have to break the treaty to keep Bella safe.

The sound of sneakers on the gym floor, the echoes of laughter, and the routine exercises became background noise to the internal conflict playing out within him.

In the bustling chaos of the school parking lot, after the bell rang, Jacob's heightened senses caught a familiar scent that sent a jolt through him, quickening his heart. The air, infused with the typical scents of asphalt and exhaust, now carried a distinctive fragrance that stirred a mix of emotions within him.

As he followed the trail of the familiar burning scent, his gaze landed on a figure in the distance. There, amidst the sea of students and cars, stood Edward Cullen, leaning gracefully against a silver Volvo. It was hard to believe a creature could stand there casually and look so stunning. His presence, wrapped in the essence that was uniquely his, created a magnetic pull that drew him closer.

Jacob planted his heels firmly into the asphalt to stop himself from approaching the beautiful man. What was he doing? He should never approach a vampire.

Edward, nostrils flaring, caught his scent and turned to face him. The recognition in his eyes mirrored the silent dialogue between them—and then he quickly turned away. His family arrived then, and they all loaded into the Volvo with ethereal grace.

Jacob stared at the Volvo as it drove away, his heart pounding faster than before.