Jacob and Bella Story

Chapter Three

Bella’s P.O.V.

When I got home, I made fried chicken before Charlie got home. When Charlie entered the house, I removed the chicken from the pan.

A smile danced across my face. “Hello, Dad,” I chimed.

Charlie’s expression shifted like a sunrise, from shock to serene composure. “Hey there, darling,” he said, curiosity dancing in his voice. “Did you enjoy your time with Jacob?”

I moved the food to the table as I responded, “Yeah, I did.”

“Well, that’s good,” Charlie said. “What did you two do?”

I had to be cautious, so I lied. “I hung out in his garage and watched him work. Did you know he’s rebuilding a Volkswagen?” I responded.

Dad nodded.

After dinner, I turned the kitchen into a glistening haven. Counters gleamed as I swiftly loaded the dishwasher. Homework beckoned, leading me to the inviting living room. The soothing hum of Charlie’s hockey game filled the air. Charlie nestled into bed as the final buzzer echoed; I chased after the suit.

As I ascended the creaky old staircase, my serenity faded. Unease cascaded within me like shadows dancing across the floor. An icy dread coiled around my stomach, squeezing tight. The numbness vanished, giving way to a tingling sensation in my limbs.

Like a cozy caterpillar, I curled in bed, rough cotton sheets teasing my skin. I tightened my eyelids, bracing for the impending storm. When I finally opened my eyes, sunlight cascaded in, heralding a new day. After months of chaos swirling around me, I finally sank into a blissful, deep, dreamless sleep. A soothing silence cocooned me, far removed from the turmoil of nightmares.

For a fleeting moment, I lay in bed, savoring the cool embrace of the sheets. I braced myself for the familiar twinge of pain or numbness. Yet, nothing stirred; the air felt thick, still as stone. Surprisingly, I awoke refreshed, my body unburdened, and my mind sharp. My thoughts were slightly troubled by a fleeting worry about its longevity. I shook off the doubt and focused on dressing, eager to see Jacob’s smile. I went downstairs and made breakfast for Charlie and me. It fueled our day ahead.

At breakfast, Charlie asked, “What are you up to today?”

“I’m going to hang out with Jacob again,” I responded.

Charlie nodded, his gaze fixed elsewhere. “Oh,” he muttered, lost in thought.

“Do you mind?” I asked. “I could stay...”

Charlie’s gaze pierced through me, his eyes a whirlwind of alarm. “No, no! You go ahead,” he insisted, urgency swirling in his voice. “Harry’s gearing up to join me for the game anyway.”

“Maybe Harry could give Billy a ride up,” I suggested.

“That’s a great idea.”

Charlie was busy dialing while I struggled with my rain jacket’s heavy embrace. As I stepped outside, a downpour slapped me and soaked me instantly. Icy needles of rain pricked my skin, sending shivers skittering down my spine. I hopped into my truck; the cool leather seat enveloped me warmly. With a growl, the engine roared as I sped off toward Jacob’s place.

As I pulled into Jacob’s, the engine still running, I saw him burst out of the front door. He held a black umbrella in the drizzling rain, and as I got out of the truck, he had it over me to keep me dry.

Jacob’s grin was as bright as a summer sunrise. “Hey there! Charlie called,” he said, his tone upbeat. “You were on your way!”

A grin tugged at my lips. Warmth unfurled in my chest like a flower bursting into bloom. A delightful tingle pierced through my throat, awakening pure joy.

“Hi, Jacob,” I whispered, my voice a soft echo in the expanse.

“Good idea to invite Billy over.”

Jacob held his hand up for a high five. I had to reach up to slap his hand since he was so tall. Jacob laughed.

A few minutes later, Harry showed up to get Billy, and Jacob took me on a brief tour of his tiny bedroom.

As soon as Billy and Harry left, I asked, “So where to, Jacob?”

“We will start at the dump and see if we get lucky. This could get a little expensive,” Jacob responded. “Those bikes will need a lot of help before they run again. I’m talking about more than a hundred dollars here. “

With a heavy sigh that lingered in the air, I fished out my checkbook. The crisp paper rustled softly, like leaves in a gentle breeze, hinting at the bills waiting for me. The humidity pressed down, thickening the atmosphere and amplifying my sense of dread.

I couldn’t help but roll my eyes at Jacob’s endless fretting. “Don’t worry, I’ve got it covered,” I exuded confidence.

A smile dances across my lips as I reminisce about our escapade at the dump. Jacob was the spark that lit up my day. His beaming smile banished the shadows, like sunlight piercing through gray clouds. I couldn’t help but catch his infectious cheer. Am I irresistibly drawn to him? I’ve always been drawn to Edward because he’s mysterious and captivating. So, why was I feeling this way about Jacob? It’s a puzzle I can’t quite c***k. He transforms even the dullest moments into enchanting memories.

As we ventured to Checker Auto Parts in Hoquiam, our tires whispered on the gravel road. Inside my trusty truck, the two-hour journey south flew by like a breeze. Sunlight streamed through the windows, enveloping us in warmth. Jacob shared stories about friends and school from the passenger seat. The miles seemed to vanish.

“I’m doing all the talking,” Jacob complained. “Why don’t you take a turn? What’s going on in Forks? It has to be more exciting than La Push.”

I sighed. “Wrong,” I said. “There is nothing. Your friends are a lot more interesting than mine. I like your friends; Quil’s funny.”

Jacob’s demeanor shifted like clouds before a storm. “Quil seems quite smitten with you,” he remarked.

I chuckled. “He’s too young for my taste,” I said.

Jacob’s frown deepened. “He’s not that much younger than you. How old is that Cullen guy?” he asked. “I’m only a year and a few months older.”

“Sure, but don’t you think the maturity gap between guys and girls counts like dog years?” What does that make me, about twelve years older?”

Jacob chuckled, rolling his eyes toward the heavens in mock despair. “Fine! But if you’re going to nitpick, fair play demands you average your age, too. You’re so tiny, you might as well carve a decade off that!” he exclaimed.

“Five foot four is perfectly average,” I said. “It’s not my fault you’re a freak.”

Our playful banter danced with laughter, wrapping us in warmth through Hoquiam. Jacob checked his list and packed the goods. We inhaled the familiar scents of La Push, feeling the salty breeze on our faces.

Billy was absent, leaving us free to unload in the open. We scattered our prized finds across the plastic floor by Jacob’s toolbox. The metallic aroma of tools danced around us, filling the air with nostalgia.

Jacob dove into work, the aroma of oil and hot metal swirling around us. We laughed and chattered as he sorted through the pieces. His hands moved with effortless precision, revealing a skill that dazzled the eye.

Those vast hands executed each task flawlessly, demonstrating remarkable skill. Jacob’s work radiated a blend of effortless artistry and true craftsmanship. Meanwhile, Quil and Embry felt the heavy echo of Jacob’s warning from yesterday.

As the day ended, darkness fell, and a chill wind swept through the trees. We heard Billy calling for us, and I jumped up to help Jacob put things away because I wasn’t sure what I could touch.

“Just leave it,” Jacob said. “I’ll work on it later tonight.”

“Don’t forget your schoolwork or anything,” I said, feeling guilty.

I didn’t want Jacob to get in trouble.

“Bella?” a familiar voice spoke outside the garage.

We both snapped our heads to Charlie’s voice, which was close to the house. He’s here.

“Shoot,” I muttered. “Coming!” I yelled.

Jacob smiled. “Let’s go,” he said.

Jacob clicked off the light, and darkness draped the room like a velvet cloak. Suddenly, his hand found mine, wrapping it in a warmth I hadn’t expected. The warmth flowed through me like a gentle wave. Each ripple eased my tension and brought me calm. It enveloped me like a tender hug on a frosty winter night, a delightful contrast to the chill beyond the walls. Edward’s touch was a curious paradox, soothing yet simultaneously chilling. The sudden cold made me gasp, igniting a spark of rebellion deep in my chest.

Jacob pulled me from the garage to his house. The engine sputtered, and the wheels dragged on the pavement. We stumbled over roots and stones in the dark. Laughter echoed as the house appeared from the shadows.

Charlie was standing under the little porch, and Billy was in the doorway behind him.

“Hey, Dad,” we both said and then laughed.

Charlie stared at me, eyes as wide as saucers, surprise shimmering. He spotted my hand interlaced with Jacob’s. “Billy’s rolled out the red carpet for dinner,” he exclaimed, grinning.

“My super secret recipe for spaghetti. Handed for generations,” Billy said.

Jacob let out a hearty snort. “I doubt Ragu has been around that long,” he quipped.

At dinner, the house buzzed with chatter and laughter as people crowded in. Harry Clearwater was with his wife, Sue, and their two kids. Leah was a senior, a year older than I. Her younger sibling’s laughter filled the air. Her beauty was striking. She had perfect copper skin and black hair that flowed down her back like a waterfall. Her eyelashes looked like delicate feather dusters. Then there was Seth, fourteen years old. Too many of us crowded the kitchen table, so Charlie and Harry took their chairs to the yard. We ate spaghetti off plates balanced on our laps, the warm sauce dribbling down our chins. The men talked loudly about the game. Meanwhile, Harry and Charlie quietly planned their fishing trip. Jacob mainly talked to Seth and me.

The crowd’s joyful cheers wrapped around me like a cozy blanket. My beaming smile said it all—words weren’t even necessary. Though I’d wished for sunshine, the rain had other plans for our celebration. Still, our snug living room buzzed with warmth and laughter. While Harry drove Charlie, I found myself behind the wheel of my trusty truck. Eager to pry into my day, he gently nudged me to share the most truthful story.

“You think you will visit again soon?” Charlie asked casually.

“Tomorrow after school,” I responded. “I’ll take the homework; don’t worry.”

Charlie nodded.

Nerves danced in my stomach as we neared the house. Climbing those stairs sent chills of dread coursing through me. Jacob’s calming presence slipped away, leaving my anxiety to swell. I could feel the specter of sleepless nights creeping back, ready to rob me of rest.

To fend off the encroaching drowsiness, I checked my email. A bright new message from Renee caught my eye, its subject line radiating softly in the dim light. She told me about her day and mentioned her latest book club. It nicely filled the gap from her stopped meditation classes.

She noted that Phil was thriving in his newfound coaching position. I wanted to share about the spaghetti party at Billy’s. I had a blast watching Jacob create impressive structures from tiny metal pieces.

I burned the midnight oil, tackling my homework before surrendering to sleep. A chill embraced me the following day, and the pillow’s soft embrace silenced my screams. Golden morning light pierced the fog. I stayed frozen in bed, wrestling with my restless dreams.

This time, I wasn’t navigating the woods alone. Sam Uley pulled me up from the forest floor. A hostile gleam shone in his dark eyes, hinting at hidden secrets. My anxious glances toward him were frantic, and a nagging unease bubbled inside. The unsettling tightness could stem from his form flickering, warping at the edge of my sight. Still, he held his position—an unyielding protector, perpetually on guard.

Charlie stared at me during breakfast, and I tried to ignore him. I deserve it. I don’t expect him not to worry. I hardly had enough time to cure myself in two days.

Now that I was paying attention, school was the opposite. It was like I wasn’t there; my teacher’s eyes slid past my seat as if it were empty. I listened throughout the morning, hearing the voices of the surrounding people again. I tried to catch up on what was happening, but the conversations were so disjointed that I gave up.

Jessica didn’t look up when I sat beside her in calculus.

“Hey, Jessica,” I said. “How was the rest of your weekend?”

Jessica looked at me with suspicious eyes. “Super,” she responded.

“That’s good,” I mumbled.

The cold shoulder Jessica gave me has some literal truth to it.

My fourth-hour class finished late, and when I arrived, the lunch table I always sat at was packed. Mike, Jessica, Angela, Conner, Tyler, Eric, and Lauren were there. No one glanced up when I sat next to Mike. The chair squeaked loudly on the linoleum as I pulled it back. I tried to catch up with the conversation. Mike and Conner talked about sports, so I gave up on that one at once.

“Where’s Ben today?” Lauren asked Angela.

I perked up, interested. I wondered if Angela and Ben were still together.

“Ben’s got the stomach flu,” Angela responded. “Hopefully, it’s some twenty-four-hour thing. He was sick last night.”

I noticed Angela had changed her hair and grown out her layers.

“What did you two do this weekend?” Jessica asked, her tone flat, showing no curiosity about their answers.

“We were going to have a picnic on Saturday, but we changed our minds,” Angela said.

“That’s too bad,” Jessica said.

Lauren arched an eyebrow, curiosity dancing in her eyes. “What happened?” she inquired, her tone blending with intrigue and concern.

“Well,” Angela said. “We drove north almost to the hot spring. There’s a suitable spot about a mile up the trail. But when we were halfway there... we saw something.”

“Saw something? What?” Lauren asked.

“I don’t know,” Angela said. “We think it was a bear. It was black, anyway, but it seemed too big.”

Lauren snorted. “Oh, not you too,” she said. “Tyler tried to sell me that one last week. “

“You’re not going to see any bears that close to the resort,” Jessica said.

“Really,” Angela protested, looking down at the table. “We did see it.”

Lauren snickered. Mike was still talking to Conner, not paying attention to the girls.

“No, she’s right,” I spoke impatiently. “We had a hiker in yesterday who saw the bear, Angela. He said it was huge, black, and outside of town, didn’t he, Mike?”

There was a moment of silence, and every eye at the table stared at me in shock. Nobody moved. They then shook it off and looked away.

Mike looked at me quizzically. “So, Bella, what did you do this weekend?” he asked, his interest piqued.

“Everyone but Lauren looked back, waiting for a response. “On Friday night, Jessica and I saw a movie in Port Angeles. Then, I spent Saturday afternoon and most of Sunday at La Push.”

The eyes flickered to Jessica and back to me. Jessica looked irritated. I wonder if she didn’t want to know anymore that she had gone out with me to the theater. She aspired to be the one to tell the story.

“What movie did you see?” Mike asked.

“Dead end. The one with the zombies,” I responded.

“I heard it was scary.”

Jessica flashed a warm smile. “Bella had to leave at the end; she was a bit freaked out,” she admitted.

I nodded, trying not to look embarrassed. “It was pretty scary,” I said.

Mike kept asking questions until lunch was over. Angela chatted with Mike and me. When I got up to dump my tray, Angela followed.

“Thanks,” Angela said.

I looked at her with a curious expression. “For what?” I asked.

“Speaking up, sticking up for me,” Angela responded.

“No problem.”

Angela’s eyes locked onto mine, worry dancing within their depths. “Are you all right?” she inquired, her voice a gentle breeze of concern.

While my movie-night heart leans toward Angela, I often pick Jessica. Angela’s sharp insight makes me feel like a transparent novel, with every page exposed.

“Not completely,” I admitted. “But I’m getting better.”

“I’m glad,” Angela said. “I have missed you.”

As Lauren and Jessica ambled by, I overheard Lauren’s low mutterings. “Oh, joy—Bella’s back,” she whispered, her words laced with sarcasm.

Angela rolled her eyes and smiled at me. I sighed. It was as if I were starting over again.