Deep in the Woods (A Twilight Imprint Story)

Chapter 5

(Author's Note: Hey everyone! Its been a while. It may seen like I've forgotten about this story but I promise I haven't, there's much more to come. If you enjoy this chaper and story overall, I'd really appreciate if you'd leave it a vote and some comments💓 Thank you for reading!!)

~Harper~

In the week after the New Year's party, I spent my time the way I usually did. Taking turns cooking dinner with Bella, watching TV with my dad, hiking by myself in the woods behind our house, and hanging out with Jacob. All the while trying to avoid Bailey as much as possible. I came up with any excuse not to go to Jake's house. We took long drives and listened to music, hiked on the reservation, I even tried to suggest bowling once, which Jake immediately turned down. Two days after the party, we made eye contact through their kitchen window while I was getting into Jake's truck, and I nearly had a panic attack. Jake seemed worried but didn't push when I told him I was fine.

That night I obviously completely misread our entire interaction. Maybe it was because I was drinking for the first time, maybe it was just wishful thinking, but I thought Bailey and I were bonding. I thought I felt a spark. For a few hours I felt comfortable with her, which didn't happen with people often. And when she realized Jake and I were only friends she seemed... happier? Maybe my "gentlemen" joke made her uncomfortable. Maybe she actually was straight. I had only really assumed she liked girls based on the way she dressed, which I guess wasn't really fair.

All I knew for sure was that I couldn't wait for her to go back to campus so I didn't have to worry about making a fool of myself again.

On a Saturday afternoon, only two days before my Christmas break was over, and about two weeks before Bailey went back to school, I sat in Jake's garage and watched him work on his truck. I wasn't quite sure what was wrong with it, but I nodded along and pretended I understood everything he told me about it. Talking about cars made him happy and that was worth the confusion to me.

We both lifted our heads as we heard a car roll up the driveway towards the garage and a door open and slam shut. As soon as he saw who it was, Jake stopped his work and ran towards her.

"Bella! Where the hell have you been loca?" he called. As I peaked out the door I saw him pick Bella up and spin her around. I was surprised to see her smile and laugh at this. I thought for sure it would have made her uncomfortable. It was nice to see. I noticed her pull a tarp back in the bed of her truck to reveal two beat up motorcycles. I was immediately shocked. I started to walk towards them and as I grew closer I overheard Jake ask, "So when do we start?"

"Start what?" I questioned. They both stared at me as though they were in trouble.

"Uh. We're just..." Bella hesitated, "We're gonna fix these motorcycles up. Jake offered to do some labor for free and we can search junk yards for parts." She paused and looked puzzled, as if she was trying to gauge my reaction.

"Sounds fun right?" Jake chimed in.

"Not really, it sounds dangerous." I tried to stay calm. I didn't want Bella to be upset. I knew how she was when she set her mind on something. If she wanted to ride that motorcycle, she was going to, no matter what I had to say about it. But I still wanted to try. The thought of either of them getting hurt was so painful and overwhelming that I almost didn't know what to do, but I hid it as best as I could. "I mean Bells if you wanna hang out with us we can always find something else fun to do, right Jake?"