Waxing Crescent (Alice Cullen x Bella Swan)

Chapter 15 - Olympic Peninsula

"Bella!" Jacob yelled, a huge toothy grin spreading across russet cheeks.

I kept forgetting how large he was. Or had he just gotten bigger since I last saw him?

He was already 5'10 - as far as my estimations went - and incredibly broad around the shoulders.

A tan long sleeve sweater rolled up around the wrists, and worn faded jeans, making him seem much older than he was.

Sixteen-year-olds go through growth spurts, but not quite like this.

He raced down from the porch just as I eased my truck door shut.

"So, this is the res, huh?" I admired as he approached, looking around at the tall ferns before gazing up the dirt road to the house, "I almost didn't remember what this place looked like."

I imagined Billy Black was somewhere inside behind all the weathered boards and metal awnings. The house looked more like a barn, and if it weren't for the numerous windows and the overhanging roof, I would've expected animals to come trotting out instead of Jacob.

"Yeah," Jacob whistled, fingering some dark locks behind his ears before slipping his hands into his jean pockets, "Not much, I know. But it's home."

"No, don't say that!" I tutted, quickly meeting his eyes, "I love it. It's somehow even quieter out here. I like the trees, they seem to go on forever."

"Mhm, well, we are practically surrounded by forests up here in Washington, Bells'. That's kind of our thing. There's plenty of trees if that's what you're into."

"I don't know about into," I laughed, pulling my lower lip into my mouth, "But it's definitely nice. Nature is nice. Used to hate it, but now I'm not so sure. I guess Forks must be growing on me."

"Cool, cool," He whistled, looking out ahead of us into the treeline, "So, making friends, then? Hope the guys are treating you right. Heard stories on the res that some of 'em can be jerks."

"Oh?" I probed, "Why do they say that?"

"Eh, it's mostly stupid school rivalry stuff. You know, the usual this guy stole this guy's girlfriend and so on and so on. Anyway, question still stands. People playing nice?"

His voice had an edge to it I just couldn't quite place. His eyes darkened and burrowed into me.

"Yeah, for the most part," I shrugged, feeling a little unnerved by his intensity, "The gang wanted me to hang back and get something to eat at the diner, since it's Friday and that's the usual plan, but I told them I was coming up here. There's some losers for sure, but, miraculously, I've managed to make a few friends who aren't deranged and actually want to hang out with me."

"Managed? Miraculously? Actually want to hang out with you? I mean, be honest, Bella. You fit in a lot better up here than in Phoenix," Jacob scoffed, looking down at me through dark lashes, "Just way too pale for deserts. Whole of Forks probably confused you for one of their own from the off."

I unthinkingly shoved into him, trying not to marvel at how strong and firm his forearms were.

He just stared at me, eyebrows raised in amusement. I didn't budge him. Not even an inch.

"Whatever, Mister Powerlifter," I rolled my eyes, lacing my arms across my chest, "Anyway, you got me. It's why they kicked me out."

"Huh? Who?" Jacob's brows furrowed.

"Phoenix. I'm too pale. Forced me to leave," I shrugged again, my feet shuffling over dirt and loose gravel.

Jacob let out a surprised snort, before shaking his head and giving me another toothy grin.