Disclaimer: All recognizable characters are the property of SM.

/!\ Some parts of the story aren't suitable for a young audience. I'm responsible for what I write, not for what you read. Let's not focus on the original timeline of the books. I'm not gonna put a specific date.

Beta-reader is @cerealgoblin.

"Every step that I take is another mistake to you"

LINKIN PARK - Numb

Chapter 7

As the evening sun began to dip below the horizon, casting a warm golden light over the quiet streets of Forks, Bella felt a mix of anticipation and anxiety settling in her chest.

She was still processing the events of her previous day at school, where thoughts of the golden boy — had lingered in her mind longer than she had expected. His enigmatic eyes, his quiet intensity, the way he seemed to both observe and understand her in a way no one else ever had... it was all a whirlwind of confusing emotions.

Bella was sitting on the worn living room couch in her house, trying to read the book Wuthering Heights between her clouded, busy musings that wouldn't cease. The words blurred before her eyes, the tumultuous romance of Heathcliff and Cathy a pale imitation of the turmoil raging within her own heart.

The quiet of the house was interrupted by the sound of the front door creaking open.

Bella's heart fluttered with a mixture of anticipation and unease. She turned towards the sound of the door opening and saw Billy being wheeled in by Jacob and Charlie holding open the door for the two of them.

Bella had been trying to distract herself from her thoughts, and the appearance of Billy and Jacob Black brought forth a wave of emotions that Bella wasn't quite prepared for, although at least their company would be a distraction from her constant inner musings that were running on a loop, in her mind.

"Hey, Bella! Charlie!" Jacob called, his voice bright and cheerful as he stepped into the living room behind his father, who he wheeled into their house, while Charlie held the door open for them as they entered the small living room.

Bella glanced up from her spot on the couch, looking up from her book, forcing a smile in response to their friendly greetings. Her thoughts were still busy and clouded with memories of the mysterious boy.

The sound of Jacob's laughter was like a warm sunbeam on a cold day, yet the shadows within the inner musings of Bella's thoughts ran too deep to be distracted so easily.

"Evening," Charlie replied, his tone welcoming but casual as he walked to the living room and settled back into his armchair, adjusting his glasses.

"Hi, Jacob," Bella managed to say, her voice lacking enthusiasm.

Jacob's grin widened as he wheeled Billy into the living room, revealing an energy within his smile that made Bella feel both nervous and flustered. He was tall and muscular, with russet skin that seemed to glow in the warm light of the room. The way he moved through the space—careful but confident, as if he were gliding—had a way of catching attention, and today was no exception.

Billy sat in the wheelchair before Jacob as they came in. Bella couldn't help but notice how moonlight streamed through the windows, casting a halo around Jacob's figure. It brought out the rich hues of his dark hair, and dark skin and accented the playful sparkle in his dark brown eyes. There was something about him that felt daunting, making her pulse quicken as the two men entered the snug living room.

The way Jacob looked at her, with those dark eyes full of admiration, made her slightly uncomfortable and uneasy. It felt as though she held all of his attention, like she was the sun to him, when he looked at her and it made Bella feel uneasy to hold so much of one's attention. She wasn't that riveting?

Bella shifted in her seat on the sofa, avoiding his full gaze that seemed pointed directly at her as she felt a heat creeping up her cheeks from his stare. His smile was broad and warm but she didn't feel like she could reciprocate his energy. Her dark brown hair fell, covering part of her face with her curls as she turned slightly away from Jacob.

"Thought we'd come by and see how you're doing," Jacob said, his voice brimming with an enthusiasm that felt foreign to her.

Jacob stepped further into the cramped space, a grin still spread on his lips, his energy radiating like heat from a campfire, overwhelming the cool shadows that lingered in the corners of the living room. His presence was overwhelming, too bright, too eager for her taste.

"Yeah, just getting by," Bella replied, trying to sound casual, and not indifferent like she felt.

"How about you guys?" She asked Billy and Jacob, trying to keep the conversation flowing.

"We're good," Billy answered in a low, dominant tone, as he nodded. His wheelchair was positioned close to the sofa, beside everyone, but closest to Charlie, his old friend. "I just wanted to check in on you both."

Bella gave a polite smile in return, feeling the weight of the conversation hanging over her head like a cloud. She liked the familiarity of Billy, but Jacob was different. Jacob's presence stirred something within her—a sense of pressure that she couldn't quite understand.

As the conversation waned on, Bella felt a flicker of anxiety bubbling beneath her calm exterior. Jacob's attention was directed solely at her, and while some part of her appreciated the friendliness, another part found it intrusive. She could sense his enthusiasm for friendship, but the idea of spending more time with him left her feeling trapped.

"Bella, I was thinking," Jacob drawled in Bella's direction, his tone bright and sunny..

"What do you say to visit the reservation sometime? I can show you around. There's a lot to see, and the beach at La Push is amazing."

Jacob's enthusiasm was palpable.

Bella's stomach dropped. The thought of agreeing filled her with dread. She wasn't so keen on accepting Jacob's invitation. Bella didn't feel like she could reciprocate Jacob's energy–or his intentions.

"I'm—not sure," she said, her voice faltering in response to his offer.

"Come on! It'll be fun!" Jacob insisted, leaning in closer, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "You've been to the beach before, right? It's really beautiful."

Jacob tone almost begging her to join him.

"Yeah, I've been there a couple of times," she replied cautiously, trying to deflect. The beach held memories for her, both alluring and unsettling, and she wasn't ready to explore that connection with someone who barely knew her.

"See? It'll be great! Just you and me, hanging out," he said, his excitement palpable.

Bella felt her throat tighten. The idea of spending one-on-one time with Jacob made her heart race, but not in a good way. She could already feel the pressure mounting, the expectations he was placing on her, and she didn't know how to respond without sounding rude.

"I don't know, Jacob. I'm pretty busy with school and everything," she stammered, looking for an escape route.

Jacob's smile faltered slightly, but he quickly masked it with enthusiasm.

"It doesn't have to be anything serious. Just a casual visit, you know? I can introduce you to some people. It'll be fun!"

Bella's stomach twisted. The thought of meeting more people, of opening herself up to yet another dynamic she wasn't ready for, felt overwhelming. She didn't want to hurt his feelings, but the truth was, she barely knew him, and the idea of forming a friendship seemed daunting. Bella felt guilty for her indifference towards Jacob.

"Maybe some other time?" she offered weakly, trying to deflect his enthusiasm. "I really need to catch up on some studying."

Bella lied, feeling guilt eat at her but she tried not to disappoint Jacob too much and her little white lie would at least ease the tension.

"Sure, I get it," Jacob said, though there was a hint of disappointment in his voice. "But just think about it, okay? The offer's always open."

"Thanks," Bella replied, her heart racing with relief and guilt.

Bella didn't feel that she was ready to take that step with Jacob. Agreeing to his invitation, and the pressure of his attention felt suffocating. In the silence that followed, she could feel Jacob's eyes studying her, searching for a glimmer of excitement in her demeanour. The way he leaned slightly closer made her skin prickle, and she instinctively shifted in her seat, hoping it went unnoticed.

Outside, the winds began to rustle the autumn leaves, a gentle reminder of the change in seasons, but in the cozy little room, the air felt thick with unspoken words. The conversation shifted back to Billy, who was discussing a recent project, but Bella felt her mind wandering away from the present conversation.

While Jacob laughed and bantered with Charlie, she remained on the periphery of the conversation, lost in her thoughts. She had to focus on their conversation. Yet, something wasn't right. There was a curiosity in Jacob's gaze that she hadn't fully deciphered; it seemed layered.

On the surface, Jacob's enthusiasm for Bella felt innocent enough—just a boy eager to make a new friend. But beneath his casual flirtation lay a tension that made Bella's skin prickle, the kind that can spark magic or mischief in equal parts. Was it her imagination, or had his glances lingered just a bit longer? Was that twinkle in his eye a friendly flame or something else entirely?

Bella leaned back into the couch cushions, folding her arms as she formulated responses to this uninvited sense of unease. Charlie didn't notice Bella's shift in demeanour as he continued to chat loudly with Billy and Jacob. Bella's fixation on Jacob felt increasingly irrational, a seed of doubt sprouting within her about the intentions behind his eagerness.

She tried to focus on the conversation but it just didn't captivate her or hold her attention, and the feeling of being watched nagged at her. Was it just her imagination, or was there something unsettling beneath the surface of this interaction?

The banter continued as the night grew dark and eventually, Jacob stood up to leave, pushing Billy towards the front door in his wheelchair in front of him. Bella felt an odd mixture of guilt; for her lack of interest in Jacob and his boisterous conversation, but she also felt relieved.

"Take care, Bella," Billy said, giving her a gentle smile.

"See you later," Jacob added, his gaze lingering on her for just a moment too long.

As they left, Bella closed the door behind them and felt a wave of tranquillity wash over her. The house was much quieter now, a welcome contrast to the intensity and volume that had just filled it moments earlier. She leaned against the door, exhaling deeply, grappling with her thoughts.

What was it about Jacob that unsettled her? She felt drawn to the beach that Jacob had invited her to, yet the thought of exploring a beach that had come to her during a dream the other night felt too intimate to explore with someone else. LaPush was not just a beach to Bella; it was the beach from her dreams—starlit and silver-tipped waves, drifting shadows of past memories that seemed too personal to share. How could she explain that to him?

The invitation to hang out in LaPush just felt daunting. It didn't just feel like an invitation to the beach, to LaPush, but it felt like an invitation to something more. Something about Jacob's eager demeanor left Bella feeling exposed.

Taking a deep breath, Bella walked towards the kitchen, determined to shake off the unease, that had settled like a heavy fog in her mind. Bella poured herself a cup of steaming chamomile tea. The calming aroma filled the air, so familiar and soothing. She placed the mug on the countertop and ran her fingers along the cool marble surface, allowing the quiet moment to ground her.

She cradled her favourite chipped mug, steam curling up from the surface of her chamomile tea, and breathed in the floral scent that danced lightly in the air. Each sip was a gentle reminder to breathe, to pause, to exist in this moment.

However, the peace she sought could not entirely silence the storm brewing within her. Each sip of tea brought forth memories to the surface—of her interactions with the Cullens at school, Rosalie's warm smile, Edward's intensity, Emmet's laughter, the golden boy's eyes, Jacob's energy and the gnawing feeling that Bella's mind was stuck in a loop, searching for answers that seemed impossible to find.

The tea's warmth was comforting but also heightened Bella's awareness of the emotional weight she carried like a heavy blanket draped over her shoulders.

———

Bella woke to the soft glow of morning light filtering through her curtains, casting warm patterns across her room. The golden rays danced on the walls, illuminating the various trinkets that filled her space—pictures of her mother, a small collection of books, and the remnants of her life back in Phoenix.

It was a gentle reminder of the world outside, yet today, her mind was occupied with thoughts far from home.

Sitting up slowly, she ran a hand through her tousled hair, still half-lost in the remnants of her dream. Bella's night's dream had been unusually turbulent, and she could still feel the echoes of it lingering in her mind, wrapping around her like a shroud.

It wasn't just the dream that troubled her; it was the undeniable presence of the boy in the parking lot, whose image had invaded her thoughts since she'd first laid eyes on him. She couldn't shake the way he made her heart race, how just a glance from him had sent shivers down her spine.

Why has she become so drawn to him? That thought whispered in her mind, an uninvited guest that settled in the corners of her consciousness. It felt as if he had pulled her in without even trying, an invisible thread connecting them, wrapping around her heart and squeezing gently.

She hadn't expected to feel this way about anyone, especially not here in Forks, where everything seemed foreign and strange.

Shaking her head slightly, Bella tried to dispel the heavy feeling in her chest.

"Get a grip, Bella," she chided herself, standing up and moving to the mirror.

She leaned closer, scrutinizing her reflection. Her mahogany hair was a mess, tousled from a restless night spent tossing and turning, thoughts of the parking lot's boyswirling endlessly in her mind. The frame of her pajama shorts hugged her hips, a gentle reminder of how the clothes fit her mood—comfortable yet just a bit vulnerable.

Her small tank top, hastily put on after a quick shower, had scrunched to the side, exposing a hint of her pale skin that made her uncharacteristically self-conscious. But it was her hazel eyes that drew her in, glinting with a mix of excitement and anxiety, as if they held a secret she wasn't quite ready to confess.

"It's just a crush. You don't even know him." The words echoed back to her, but they felt hollow, lacking the conviction she needed to believe them.

As she brushed her long hair, her thoughts drifted back to the parking lot, where the boy's calm demeanor contrasted sharply with the storm of emotions brewing inside her. He was unlike anyone she had ever met—so serene, yet holding an undercurrent of intensity that fascinated her. There was something about the way he moved, how he seemed to anchor the chaos around him, that drew her in even more.

What is it about him? she wondered, biting her lip as she examined the way her heart raced at the mere thought of him. The subtle way he smiled, the kindness in his eyes when they met hers—it was intoxicating. And yet, the more she thought about him, the more she felt the weight of her own uncertainty. She was still the new girl, still trying to find her place in a world that felt alien.

Bella quickly pulled on a comfortable gray knit sweater and a pair of jeans, hoping the comfortable fabric would help ground her amidst her swirling chaotic thoughts. She stepped out of her room and made her way towards the kitchen, where the smell of freshly brewed coffee filled the air. Charlie was already awake, seated at the table with his newspaper spread out before him and a cup of coffee in his hand.

The sun was just beginning to peek through the kitchen window, casting soft rays of light that danced across the worn wooden table. Bella watched as her father turned the page of his newspaper, the rustle of the paper creating a rhythm that filled the morning silence. The familiar scent of coffee lingering in the air wrapped around her like a warm blanket.

"Morning, Bella," he greeted, looking up with a warm smile that instantly eased some of the tension in her chest.

"Morning, Dad," she replied, pouring herself a cup of hot chocolate, appreciating the familiar routine of their mornings together. It was comforting, a reminder of the life they had built even in this new, strange place.

"Anything interesting today?" Bella asked, trying to keep the conversation going. She knew her father preferred the quiet routine—but she needed a distraction from the turmoil brewing in her mind.

He glanced up, his eyes still holding that stoic gaze, but the corner of his mouth twitched into a smile. "Just the usual mix of politics and sports. Seems the world hasn't changed much overnight."

Bella chuckled softly, her heart easing as she took another sip from her steaming mug. As she continued to sip her chocolate milk in the quiet of the house, her mind wandered back to the parking lot's boy. What was it about him that made her feel so alive, yet so vulnerable? The memory of his gentle smile and calm presence had a way of settling her nerves, but it also ignited an intensity within her that she had never experienced before.

What if he's not as interested in her as she was in him? That thought made her stomach twist uncomfortably. The fear of rejection crept in, whispering doubts that clashed with the magnetic pull she felt toward him. What she was thinking?

Bella was clearly still uncomfortable around men, yet she was absolutely obsessed with him ? She couldn't afford to let herself get too carried away; she barely knew him, after all. But the way he had looked at her, the way he seemed to understand her without saying a word; it made her believe there was more to him beneath the surface.

Bella also remembered why she had first moved to Forks—why her heart raced with fear as much as with excitement.

The memories of Bella's past encounters with men loomed large, casting shadows over her present. She had been hurt, and vulnerable around men, a stranger to companionship. If this boy liked her back and was intrigued as much by her as she was by him, would she even be able to reciprocate? Would she be able to handle being touched by another man?

But he was different. She could feel it in the air between them. The way he'd looked at her during their first encounter—it was almost as if he had peeled away the layers of her reality, exposing the raw, tender core beneath. He saw her, truly saw her, in a way that felt both frightening and liberating. And, It ignited a yearning deep within her.

After a few moments of silence, Charlie looked up from his newspaper, concern etched across his face.

"You okay, Bells? You seem a little distracted." He said in his usual gruff, awkward tone.

Bella, the picture of composure, forced a smile. "Yeah, just thinking about school. It's a lot to take in," she replied, her voice a touch too bright. She quickly refolded her napkin, the crisp linen a stark contrast to the turmoil swirling inside her. "

"Just remember, it's okay to feel out of place. It'll get easier," he said, his voice filled with reassurance.

"Thanks, Dad," she replied, feeling a warmth spread through her. His unwavering support reminded her that even amidst the uncertainty, she had a steady anchor in her life.

With one last sip of her hot chocolate, Bella took a deep breath, trying to clear her mind. Focus, Bella, she told herself. Today was a new day, and she needed to approach it with an open heart. She gathered her things and headed out, determined to face whatever challenges awaited her—especially the mysterious pull she felt toward him.

As she stepped into the cool air, the gray sky of Forks loomed overhead, heavy with clouds, but Bella felt a flicker of hope ignite within her.

She could embrace this new adventure, even if it meant navigating her feelings for someone who had quickly become so intriguing to her. The thought of the golden boy sent butterflies fluttering through her stomach. But, she pushed the anxiety aside as she stepped towards her truck with newfound determination.

———

The high school hallways, usually a source of awkward encounters and hushed whispers, seemed to hold a different energy today. Bella walked with a newfound confidence, her shoulders back, her gaze steady.

Her classes were a blur of equations and historical dates, but her thoughts always drifted back to him, with his mesmerizing golden eyes and gentle smile that had captivated her in a way she never imagined possible. His quiet strength and understanding that seemed to radiate from him had become an anchor in her tumultuous thoughts.

The hours blended together into a blur of faces, voices, and the steady hum of school life. Bella drifted through her classes, barely aware of her surroundings, her mind elsewhere. More than once, she caught herself searching for him—the boy.

She was searching for him unconsciously and consciously, because she felt overcome with this strange need to see him again, to know if the feelings he'd exuded from her were real or if yesterday's encounter and the feelings it had brought forth had just been a fleeting illusion, another chaotic, misunderstood musing in her turbulent brain.

She couldn't explain it—his presence had become enthralling, captivating, and all-consuming. The boy had become a shadow cast over her thoughts, impossible to ignore. It wasn't just his appearance, though that alone had been striking—something about him lingered in her mind, as if he had left an imprint of himself, without ever speaking a word.

The golden-eyed boy from the parking lot, with his sharp features and tousled blonde hair, he'd seemed so distant, yet somehow present as well. His gaze pulled Bella in without even trying. There had been a tension in the air, so disarming and it had left something unsaid in the air. But Bella had felt it all and her brief interaction with him had stayed with her ever since they'd first met.

As Bella made her way to Spanish class, a flutter of anticipation surged through her. It was ridiculous, she told herself. She didn't even know him, didn't know his name. But the possibility of seeing him again stirred something inside her that she couldn't quite tame.

Bella's fingers gripped the strap of her backpack a little tighter as she navigated the crowded hallway, her heart racing in anticipation as she made her way to Spanish.

When she stepped into the classroom, the familiar murmur of chattering students greeted her, and she instantly felt the weight of eyes on her. They were always watching her; the new kid in Forks. Bella had gotten used to the whispers and the curious glances that followed her as the new girl in this small, close-knit town. Today, though, it felt more oppressive, as if the stares carried a heavier burden.

She kept her head low, scanning the room for an empty seat. The room was already filling up, and as she walked toward the middle of the classroom, her gaze swept the rows of desks and students and then—she saw him.

———

At the back of the class, sitting with a calm that seemed at odds with the chaotic buzz around them, was the golden eyed boy. His posture was relaxed, his shoulders broad, and his golden hair caught the dim light filtering in from the window, giving him an almost ethereal glow.

The designer clothes he wore hugged his figure perfectly, a tailored navy blazer over a crisp white shirt that seemed to amplify his effortless charm. His features were sharp, striking—high cheekbones, a strong jawline—and those golden eyes that she remembered so vividly, were intensely set on her.

Bella's breath hitched in her throat.

Her heart sped up, pounding against her ribs as a wave of nervousness swept over her. She had hoped to see him, but now that she did, the intensity of his gaze—on hers had caught her off guard.

There was something unsettling about the way he looked at her, as if he could see straight through her, peeling away the layers she had so carefully constructed to protect herself. It was more than a look—it was a scrutiny, a silent examination that left her feeling exposed, raw, vulnerable.

Trying to regain her composure, Bella quickly averted her gaze and made her way to an empty seat near the window, somewhere in the middle of the class, against the wall though, beside the window.

She sat down slowly, her hands trembling slightly as she placed her bag on the floor. She could still feel his eyes on her. The weight of his stare pressed down on her even though she wasn't looking in his direction. She felt his eyes bore down on her small frame as if he were trying to unravel her, to understand something about her that she couldn't even grasp herself.

The classroom noise faded into the background as the teacher began to speak, but Bella barely registered the teacher's words. The air in the room felt thick, charged with something unspoken.

Bella felt as if she were caught in a bubble, isolated from the rest of the world, and within that bubble, there was only her—and him. The rest of the class seemed to melt away.

Bella's hands clenched into fists on top of her desk, her mind racing. Why was he looking at her like that? Why couldn't she shake this feeling that there was something significant happening, something she wasn't aware of? Her heart continued to hammer in her chest, each beat growing louder in her ears.

A few minutes passed and the class carried on around her, but Bella could no longer focus on anything else, other than him. She could feel the boy's gaze still on her, unwavering, and it made her skin prickle with an odd combination of discomfort and something else—something she couldn't quite name. It wasn't fear, exactly, but there was a tension between them that she didn't understand. It was as though they were locked in a silent conversation, not one that consisted of words, but of emotions.

Unable to stand it any longer, Bella glanced over her shoulder, her hair draping around her as her eyes searched for him. And, there he was—still watching her. His golden eyes pierced through the space between them. Their gazes locked, and in that moment, it felt as if the rest of the world had truly disappeared.

There was only him, with his intense, inscrutable expression, and her, caught in his gaze like a deer frozen in the headlights. Their connection was so palpable, so profound—rendered everything else invisible. There was only him. The world around them faded.

The connection between them was electric, humming with the weight of everything that wasn't being said. Bella's pulse quickened, her breath catching in her throat as she held his gaze. She couldn't look away.

His expression remained calm, but there was something deeper in his eyes—something she couldn't quite put into words. It was as though he was trying to communicate something without speaking, as though he knew more about her than she did herself.

A shiver ran down Bella's spine, and she broke the eye contact, turning back to face the front of the class. Her heart was still racing, and she could feel the heat rising in her cheeks.

What was happening to her? Why did he have this effect on her? She had never experienced anything like this before—this pull, this magnetic connection that seemed to exist between them, even though they had never spoken a word to each other.

Bella pressed her palms against the surface of her desk, trying to steady herself. She needed to focus. This was ridiculous. She didn't even know him, didn't know his name. He was just… a boy. A boy who, for some reason, made her feel things she couldn't explain. She told herself it didn't matter.

She told herself to stop thinking about him. She told herself to stop wondering why he was watching her. But she couldn't stop.

She was consumed, enthralled, captivated by him.

She couldn't ignore the way her heart continued to race or the way the air in the room seemed heavier, more charged, enhanced, and augmented, whenever he was near.

Bella let out a shaky breath, as she stared at the chalkboard at the front of the class with glassy eyes as her mind continued to spin with questions she didn't have the answers to.

She was undoubtedly drawn to him, that much was clear. But why? And why did it feel like there was something more going on, something she didn't understand? She felt like she was being left in the dark. She didn't know how or why or by whom, but she just felt it.

The class droned on around her, but Bella was not paying attention in the slightest. Her thoughts were consumed by the boy at the back of the class, the boy whose golden eyes seemed to know more about herself than she did.

And as the minutes passed on, Bella couldn't help but wonder if she would ever get the answers she so desperately sought.

Hello, this is user-arabella.

To my bêta-reader @cerealgoblin, thanks to take time to help me when youre so busy. I'm forever grateful. To all my readers. Thank you so much for taking the time to read my work and supporting this journey. Your encouragement, feedback, and presence mean everything to me. This story exists because of readers like you, and I'm deeply grateful to share it with you.