Jacob and Bella Story

Chapter Four

Bella’s P.O.V.

I feel lost and confused, like wandering through a thick fog. Despite the strange thrill I find in my pain, La Push draws me to Jacob’s calming influence. Being with him makes me feel healthy and grounded, like a tree with deep roots. Yet, my present goals don’t align with my deepest desires.

As I drove, the road wound through trees that towered like watchful sentinels. It felt like entering a vibrant green tunnel. While trembling, I gripped the steering wheel as though it were my only salvation. The lingering echoes of my haunting nightmare made sleep a distant dream. Now awake, the dream’s emptiness felt like a gnawing ache within me. I had to find something important: he was hiding in the shadows. I wanted to believe it sincerely. I longed to hear his voice. It reminded me of that odd vision from Friday night. It slipped away, but felt clearer than any fading echo. His smooth, enchanting voice starkly contrasted with my often-haunting memories. In those rare moments, memories warmed my stony heart. Yet, that warmth didn’t last long. I was constantly jolted back to reality, my stupidity laid bare. Yet, those infrequent moments of connection lured me to seek him out again. I needed to revisit that brief experience.

I embarked on a journey to his place, a forgotten treasure. A destination unseen since my birthday long, long ago. Like a restless serpent, the road twisted and turned. Time dragged on, and my impatience intensified. Hardly recognizable, the lane was now a chaotic maze. Despite that, the broken tree persisted in my memory, yet vaguely. Nature vigorously reclaimed the land, signaling its triumph. Lush greenery, particularly towering ferns, enveloped the meadow and its cedars. A vast green wave flowed over the lawn, covering the expansive porch. Though the house remained, it felt altered, resembling a faded photograph. Loneliness seemed to emanate from the empty, silent building’s windows. A strange coldness filled the air, making my skin crawl.

I dreaded the moment I would stop, slamming on the brakes. With the engine still humming, I stepped out of the truck. An ominous growl echoed from behind as I neared the house. I stopped on the porch stairs; no traces remained—footprints, whispers, or anything. My heart pounded; I couldn’t approach or look inside. I feared confronting each path, each cold and threatening one, like entering a dark abyss.

I ran to my truck, escaping the gaping void. I felt a bubbling eagerness inside. Although I felt empty, thinking of Jacob gave me hope. I felt a new craving—a need for connection, once as familiar as numbness. My determination and hope pushed aside my worries. I felt urgency as I pressed the gas pedal; Jacob awaited my arrival.

As I drew closer to Jacob, my anxiety lessened, and I felt at ease, like a weight lifted from my chest.

“Hey, Bella,” Jacob said.

I smiled. “Hey, Jacob,” I said.

I saw Billy looking through the window, and I waved.

“Let’s get to work,” Jacob said eagerly.

A laugh escaped me. “Still not tired of my charming company?” I asked, incredulity twinkling in my tone.

Jacob ushered me through his home, drawing me toward the garage. “Not yet,” he declared with a mischievous grin.

“Feel free to say if I’m getting under your skin. I promise, being a bother is not my goal,” I said.

Jacob chuckled. “Alright,” he mused. “But don’t hold your breath for it!”

When I entered the garage, I was shocked to see the red bike. It stood upright, looking more like a motorcycle than a heap of jagged metal.

“Wow, Jake, you’re amazing,” I said.

Jacob erupted in laughter once more. “When I dive into a project, I’m a relentless force,” he declared. “If I had my wits about me, I’d savor the journey.”

“Why?” I asked.

Jacob’s gaze fell, lingering in silence. I doubted my voice had reached him. Finally, he asked, “Bella, if I couldn’t fix the bikes, what would you say?”

“I would say... that’s too bad, but we can figure out something else to do. If we get desperate, we could study together.”

Jacob radiated joy, his shoulders relaxing like a balloon deflating. He sank beside the bike, wrench in hand, ready for action. “Will you still roll by once it’s all polished?” he asked, his grin infectious and playful.

“Is that how you view me?” I said, shaking my head. “You think I’m exploiting your hidden mechanical brilliance? As long as you welcome me, I’ll be more than happy to return.”

“Are you hoping to see Quil again?” Jacob teased.

“You caught me,” I joked.

Jacob let out a warm chuckle. “So, do you enjoy our time together?” he inquired.

“Absolutely! Tomorrow, I’ll be buried in work. But on Wednesday, let’s dive into something delightfully non-mechanical!” I said.

“Like what?”

“I don’t know, but we can go to my place, and you can bring your schoolwork. I’m getting behind. I know I am.”

Jacob scrunched his face, deep in thought. “Perhaps homework isn’t a bad idea,” he pondered.

I questioned the extent of his unfinished tasks to be with me.

“Yeah, we should be responsible, or Billy and Charlie won’t be so easygoing about this,” I said.

“Homework once a week,” Jacob proposed.

“Or we can go two times a week.”

Jacob released a long, weary sigh as he reached for his well-worn toolbox. He skillfully opened a crumpled paper sack and revealed two enticing soda cans. After a long day, Jacob opened a cold one and tossed it to me like a prize. He theatrically opened the second can with a flourish, raising it in a mock salute.

“Here’s to responsibility,” Jacob toasted. “Twice a week.”

“And recklessness every day between,” I said.

Jacob grinned and touched his can to mine.

When I finally arrived home, later than expected, a delicious surprise awaited. Charlie had beaten me to it, ordering pizza instead of waiting. I opened my mouth to apologize, but he playfully shut me down, refusing to hear it.

“I don’t mind,” Charlie said. “You deserve a break from all the cooking.”

Charlie seemed relieved that I was acting more like a normal person than before.

I glanced at my inbox and spotted a real gem—a message from Renée. She liked everything I shared, except one story—the motorcycle adventure I left out.

By Tuesday, palpable pressure filled the school. Angela and Mike smiled radiantly, eager to have me back. Meanwhile, Jessica remained firm, arms folded tightly. I couldn’t help but wonder if she deserved a sincere apology for the Port Angeles incident.

At work, Mike was a chatterbox, ablaze with enthusiasm. It was as if he had captured a semester’s worth of thoughts, ready to erupt. I could muster smiles and share chuckles, yet it didn’t match the smooth rhythm I danced to with Jacob.

Mike sighed as he put the closed sign in the window. The doorbell softly chimed as I folded my vest and casually threw it on the messy counter.

“This was fun tonight,” Mike said.

“Yeah,” I responded, although I would instead have been in the garage with Jacob that afternoon.

“It’s too bad you had to leave the movie early last week.”

“I’m a wimp, I suppose.”

“What I meant is that you should go to a better movie. That is something you enjoy.”

“Oh.”

“Like this Friday with me. We could go see something that isn’t scary at all.”

Tension humming like a live wire, I bite my lip, messing up with Mike. Not on the table—he’s one of the few who embraces my quirky spirit. Yet here we are, tangled in déjà vu, as last year’s lessons slip away. If only I could borrow Jessica’s delightful chaos as my alibi.

“Like a date?” I asked.

It was the best policy at this point. I need to get this over with.

“If you want. But it doesn’t have to be like that,” Mike responded.

“I am not dating right now.”

“What about as friends?”

“That would be fun, but I have plans this Friday, so how about next week?” I asked.

Mike’s gaze danced with curiosity. “What are you up to?” he inquired.

“Homework. I’m meeting a friend for a study session,” I deceived.

I lied because I couldn’t tell him what I was doing.

“Oh. Okay. Next week,” Mike said.

With a touch of wistfulness, Mike guided me to my truck. As he settled into his car, I drove off toward home, leaving the memory in my rearview mirror.

The next day, Charlie stumbled upon Jacob and me lounging lazily in the living room. Books lay strewn about like fallen leaves in autumn’s embrace. I still felt like Billy and Charlie were whispering secrets about us.

“Hey, kids,” Charlie said, going to the kitchen.

Like a siren’s call, the rich aroma of lasagna filled the air, telling me the food was ready. Temptation called to Jacob as he assisted me in the kitchen. He couldn’t help but sneak behind me and get a few tastes. I laughed at the action. Jacob stayed for dinner and happily took home a plate for Billy.

On Friday, Jacob and I were in his garage, tackling projects. When I woke up on Saturday, my homework was waiting, a familiar sight after work at Newton’s. Charlie relaxed enough to leave me alone and went fishing with Harry. Upon their return, Jacob and I had completed our studies. We watched Monster Garage on the Discovery Channel. We sat close, our hands nearly touching.

Jacob took a deep breath, his shoulders drooping slightly. “It’s time for me to leave,” he said. “The hour has quietly slipped through my fingers.”

The thought of Jacob leaving suddenly made my heart ache. A stubborn pout settled on my face. I didn’t want him to go, so I enjoyed his presence more than I thought I would. I sighed. “Okay, I’ll take you home,” I said.

The moment Jacob spotted my reluctant face, laughter erupted like fireworks. His chuckle sent icy shivers racing down my spine.

“Tomorrow, I’m plunging back into the world of work,” I said, easing into the truck’s embrace. “What time do you plan to drop by?”

Jacob radiated joy, his smile bursting with contagious excitement. “I will call you first,” he proclaimed.

A frown crossed my face, curiosity bubbling beneath the surface. “Sure,” I responded, allowing the mystery to linger.

Jacob smiled widely and brightly, and I dropped him off at his house.

I scrubbed the house, waiting for Jacob’s call. I couldn’t shake my latest terrifying dream, which persisted like a shadow. It was a boundless, surreal sea of ferns, occasionally interrupted by looming hemlocks. Aimless and isolated, I felt lost without a destination, searching for meaning. I struggled to awaken from the dream, desperately trying to contain it in my mind.

Charlie was outside washing his cruiser. The soapy water sparkled in the morning sun. The phone rang, causing me to drop the toilet brush. I dashed downstairs to answer it, hoping it was Jacob.

“Hello?” I asked.

“Bella,” Jacob said.

“Hey, Jake.”

“I believe that we have a date.”

In a heartbeat, the news landed like a brick. “They’re finished? Unbelievable!” I blurted out, disbelief bubbling to the surface.

This was perfect timing. I needed a distraction from the nightmares and nothingness.

“Yeah, they run and everything,” Jacob responded.

“Jacob, you are absolutely the most talented and wonderful person I know. You get ten years for this one,” I said.

“Cool! I’m middle-aged now!”

I chuckled. “I’m on my way,” I responded with a grin.

I tucked the cleaning supplies beneath the bathroom counter, then snatched my jacket. Stepping outside, I wandered past Charlie on my way to Jacob’s.

“Heading to see Jake,” Charlie said.

I got in my truck. “Yep,” I responded.

“I’ll be at the station later,” Charlie said.

“Okay.”

I turned the engine on and pulled out to head to Jacob’s.

Pulling up to Jacob’s, I smoothly parked the truck, setting the scene for our simple bike escape. As I stepped outside, I saw two gleaming motorcycles—striking red and elegant black. Each bike had a jaunty blue ribbon tied playfully in a bow around the handlebars. Bubbling with excitement for an adventure, Jacob burst from the house.

Jacob’s eyes shone. “Ready?” he asked.

I glanced over his shoulder, and there was no sign of Billy, which was good.

“Yeah,” I responded.

I lost some of my enthusiasm while contemplating the motorcycle ride.

Jacob expertly arranged the bikes in the truck’s bed. With careful precision, he laid them on their sides, making sure they stayed out of sight.

“Let’s go,” Jacob said with excitement. “I know the perfect spot, so no one will catch us there.”

Our journey south took us along a dirt road winding through the trees. The lush embrace of towering trunks enveloped us. The forest opened unexpectedly, displaying a breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean. It sprawled endlessly, a moody canvas of gray beneath swirling clouds. From our spot on the cliffs, we looked down at the beach. I gripped the wheel, watching the sparkling water. The road teased the edge. Jacob excitedly shared his bike project, but his technical talk lost me.

I spotted four shadowy figures perched on a rocky ledge from my side window. Dangerously near the edge, they remained enigmatic figures. Judging by their ages, I assumed they were male. They stood boldly, believing themselves to be in shorts. I felt a chill run down my spine as I approached the cliff. I gently released the accelerator, my foot hovering anxiously over the brake. Then, unexpectedly, he plunged into the void.

“Oh, my God,” I shouted.

I stomped down on the brake and pulled over to the side of the road.

“What is wrong?” Jacob asked, alarmed.

I stepped away from the truck, yearning for clarity in the confusion. “That guy jumped off the cliff! Why didn’t anyone stop him? We’ve got to call an ambulance!” I cried, my voice laced with urgency.

Jacob’s booming laughter caught my attention. His cold demeanor revealed a surprising lack of empathy. It left me confused and sent shivers down my spine.

“They’re cliff diving, Bella. Recreation,” Jacob said.

“Cliff diving?” I asked.

I stood frozen, my eyes wide as disbelief flooded my mind. Then, another figure appeared, lingering at the edge like a hesitant dream. With an elegant poise, the boy leaped into the abyss. The boy fell, defying time, plunging toward the dark gray waves. At last, he sliced through the surface, parting the water like silk.

“Wow. It’s so high,” I said.

I got back into the truck, and so did Jacob.

“It must be a hundred feet,” I said.

“Sure, most of us leap from that rock halfway down,” Jacob smirked. “Those thrill-seekers are a wild bunch. Probably strutting their stuff. I mean, it’s frigid! That water? It’s not the cozy hug you’d expect.”

A look of outrage twisted Jacob’s features at the prank. This unforeseen reaction surprised me. I always viewed Jacob as someone unyielding, nearly immune to irritation.

“You would jump off the cliff?” I asked as I missed the “us.”

“Sure, sure,” Jacob responded with a grin. “It’s fun. A little scary, kind of a rush.”

I turned to the cliffs, spotting the third figure pacing the edge. My eyes widened in surprise, a smile creeping onto my lips. “Jake, let’s go cliff diving!” I urged.

Jacob’s brow knitted in worry. “Bella,” he urged, “remember, you wanted to call for help for Sam.”

I made another attempt to escape the truck. “I want to try!” I declared.

Jacob’s warm hand gripped my wrist, and I felt this newfound sensation for the first time when he touched me. It sent a jolt of electricity through me, like when Edward touched me with his icy hands. But this feeling was even more powerful and intense. “Not today, all right? Let’s wait until the warmth returns,” he urged, his tone tinged with hope.

“Okay, fine,” I said. “But I want to go soon.”

“Soon,” Jacob said as he rolled his eyes. “Sometimes you’re a little strange, Bella. Do you know that?”

With a heavy sigh, I nodded and whispered, “Yes.”

“And we’re not jumping off the top,” Jacob said.

Wholly captivated, I nodded as the third boy departed. Like a dancer, he flew freely through the clouds, soaring into the abyss. He spun and flipped through the air, accepting gravity’s pull like a joyful skydiver.

“Fine,” I said. “Not the first time, anyway.”

Jacob sighed deeply. “So, are we going to give the bikes a spin or not?” he asked.

“Okay, okay,” I said.

I looked away from the last person standing on the cliff. As I fastened my seatbelt, I felt the engine vibrations throughout my body. As we moved forward, the road stretched like an enticing promise.

“So, who were those guys?” I asked.

Jacob made a disgusted sound with his voice. “The La Push gang,” he responded.

I looked at Jacob, surprised. “You have a gang?” I asked.

My surprised expression amused Jacob. “No, not that way,” he said firmly. “They are like hall monitors who have rebelled. They avoid causing trouble. Near the Makah reservation, there was a big, menacing, and intimidating guy. news of him selling meth to children spread rapidly. Sam Uley and his group quickly chased him from our territory. Their focus on our land and tribal pride is utterly ridiculous. The best part? The council considers them! Embry said the council meets with Sam,” he said, shaking his head in disbelief.

Jacob’s hands clenched into fists as if he wanted to do something. I have seen nothing like this.

“You don’t like them very much?” I asked.

“Does it show?” Jacob asked.

“It doesn’t sound like they’re up to anything bad,” I said, attempting to comfort and uplift him. “Just sort of annoyingly goody two-shoes for a gang.”

“Yeah. Annoying is a good way to good describe it. Like with the cliff, they’re perpetually showing off. They pretend to be tough. Last semester, Embry, Quil, and I were at the store when Sam, Jared, and Paul showed up. Quil spoke. His big mouth angered Paul, as you know. His eyes darkened, and a smile touched his lips. He bared his teeth, but no smile appeared; his furious trembling suggested something was wrong. But Sam placed a hand on Paul’s chest and shook his head. Paul stared at him for a minute, then calmed down. It felt as if Sam was preventing Paul from hurting us,” Jacob groaned, explaining. “You know, Sam’s a pretty big guy. He’s twenty years old. But Paul, at sixteen, is shorter and less powerfully built than Quil. Any of us can defeat him.”

“Tough guys,” I said. “Is Sam too old for this kind of thing?”

“Yeah. He was supposed to go to college, but he stayed. And not a soul had a word against him. The council went wild when my sister said no to that partial scholarship to marry. But Sam Uley? He’s practically above reproach!” Jacob retorted.

“It might sound bizarre and bothersome, but why let it sting?” I remarked, gazing at Jacob’s face, silently praying I hadn’t overstepped my bounds.

Jacob was suddenly calm, staring out the window. “You missed the turn,” he said.

I made a U-turn, nearly hitting a tree as my truck ran halfway down the road.

“Thanks for the heads-up,” I said. “Sorry, I wasn’t paying attention.”

It was silent for a minute.

“You can stop anywhere along here,” Jacob said.

I pulled over and turned off the engine. We stepped out, and Jacob wandered back to fetch the bikes. His expression was puzzled, hinting at hidden turmoil. I sensed it—I must have struck a nerve.

Jacob flashed a smile as he rolled the red bike over to me. “Happy late birthday! Are you ready to ride?” he asked, a hint of mischief in his voice.

I responded, “I think so.”

“We’ll take it slow,” Jacob said.

I propped the motorcycle against the truck’s fender while he retrieved his.

“Jake...” I said hesitantly as Jacob came back around the truck.

“Yeah?”

“What’s bothering you? Is there something else?”

Jacob’s face displayed a mixture of emotions. Although he grimaced, his face remained devoid of anger. His eyes dropped to the ground, and the sound of his shoes against his bike’s tire was silent.

Jacob sighed. “It’s the way they treat me; it sends chills down my spine. Equals should make up the council, but my dad would take the crown if there were a leader. I can’t fathom why people elevate him so high. His opinion reigns supreme while I remain in the shadows. It ties back to his father and his father’s father. My great-grandpa, Ephraim Black, was the last true chief. His legacy lingers on, so they still need Billy’s voice. Yet here I stand, like everyone else. No one treats me like royalty—until now,” he said.

What he said caught me off guard. “Sam treats you uniquely?” I asked.

“Yeah,” Jacob responded.

Jacob looked at me with troubled eyes. “He looks at me like I hold a secret he craves. It’s as if he’s convinced I’ll join his ridiculous gang one day. His attention is sharper on me than on any of the other guys. Honestly, I can’t stand it,” he said.

“You don’t have to join anything,” I said.

Sam’s desire for Jacob to join him upset him, which infiltrated me. Who do those protectors think they are?

Jacob nodded. “I know, but...,” he said.

I looked at Jacob’s hidden expression, knowing there was more to it. “But what?” I asked.

“No, hum, it’s Embry. He’s started avoiding me,” Jacob responded.

I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was to blame for his friend’s troubles. “You’ve been hanging around me quite a bit,” I observed, casting a sideways glance of concern.

“No, that’s not the case. It’s not only me; it’s happening to Quil, too. Embry skipped a week of school, slipping away like a shadow. He was never home when we showed up to see him. When he finally returned, he looked rattled and terrified. Quil and I tried to figure out what was wrong,” Jacob said. “He stayed quiet and shut us out completely.”

With anxious teeth, I watched Jacob. Though paralyzed by fear, he avoided my gaze. I watched his foot pump the rubber like a stranger’s lost limb.

“Then, out of the blue this week, he started spending time with Sam and the gang. Today, he was one of those daredevils hanging on the cliffs,” Jacob remarked.

Jacob fixated on me, his stare as sharp as a hawk’s. “Bella, they pushed him harder than they pushed me. He wanted nothing to do with them. And now Embry’s shadowing Sam like a lost puppy. It was the same old story as Paul; he never clicked with Sam. Then he ghosted school for weeks, and Sam had him under his thumb when he resurfaced. I’m at a loss for what to do. I need to figure it out urgently because Embry’s my buddy, and Sam’s been giving me those odd looks...” He trailed off, frustration hanging in the air like a storm cloud.

“Have you talked to Billy about this?” I asked.

Jacob had anger on his face. “Yes,” he snorted, “it was helpful.”

“What did he say?” I asked.

Jacob’s voice mocked his father’s deep tones, his expression dripping with sarcasm. “This is nothing to worry about for now, Jacob.” What am I supposed to get from that? Does he mean it’s a silly adolescent rite of passage? That is something else. Something wrong.”

Jacob bit his lip, his grip firm as steel. Tears lurked, poised to spill. I couldn’t help but wrap my arms around him. My face pressed against his broad chest, and I felt tiny in his powerful embrace. Yet, in his arms, I felt an overwhelming sense of safety. I was a child cradled by a gentle giant in that moment.

“Jake, everything will be alright,” I reassured him gently. “If it escalates, you’re welcome to stay with Charlie and me. Don’t let fear take the wheel. Together, we’ll find a solution.”

Jacob froze for a second, and then he hesitantly wrapped his long, muscular arms around me. “Thanks, Bella,” he said.

We lingered, enjoying the moment’s peace and comfort. Jacob’s embrace made me feel weightless, relaxed, and at peace. His arms held me like two perfectly fitting puzzle pieces. This hug differed entirely from the last hug I had had with him. I was unsure whether it was a friendship or something more profound. Yet, I sensed Jacob’s calmness, a tranquil sea where chaos once churned.

This felt strangely intimate, surpassing physical closeness. The physical was also strangely unfamiliar to me. Following my experience with Edward, I formed an unusual bond with Jacob. Typically, I didn’t bond this swiftly with people. I had never engaged so deeply with another human before.

“If this is how you’re going to react, I’ll freak out more often,” Jacob said.

Jacob’s laugh rumbled against my ear, and his fingers touched my hair as he touched my head. I pulled away quickly, laughing with him.

“It’s hard to believe I’m two years older than you,” I said. “You make me feel like a dwarf.”

Standing this close to him, I had to crane my neck to see his face.

“You’re forgetting that I’m in my forties, of course,” Jacob joked.

“Oh, that’s right,” I said.

Jacob patted my head. “You’re like a little doll,” he teased. “A porcelain doll.”

I rolled my eyes, taking another step back. “Let’s not start with the albino cracks,” I said.

“Honestly, Bella, are you certain you’re not?” Jacob questioned, his arm reaching out beside mine. The contrast was less than charming. “I’ve seen no one paler than you... except for...”

Jacob stopped abruptly, and I averted my gaze as he was about to speak about himself.

“So, are we going to ride or what?” Jacob asked, changing the subject.

“Let’s do it,” I said more enthusiastically than I had been half a minute earlier.

His unfinished sentence reminded me why I was here.