Ebb and Flow (Twilight x Reader)

Chapter 22

Time began to trip along quickly. School, work, and hanging out with Bella and Jacob plus Jess and Angela for girls' nights out created a neat and effortless pattern to follow.

The first time I saw Jacob after the conversation with Billy was. . . interesting, to say the least. I started studying him for any wolf-like characteristics, you could say, but I quickly put a stop to that when I remembered Sam was doing the same, and Jacob expressed his complete dislike of that. I didn't want to be someone else he learned to hate because they were waiting for him to shift.

I wondered what it would be like, though. It was only natural to be curious. But I suppose I'd never know, because Jacob could never know that I knew. No one could. I'd keep my promise to Billy.

Bella was getting better on the bike, and Jacob started teaching me too. I liked the feeling that riding brought—the openness that came along with it. It made me sorry I couldn't ride the bike to school or work or anything.

Bella and Jacob were getting closer, too, but I felt like I was waiting for something as I observed their relationship. It took me a while to realize what it was—I was waiting for something to tell me that they shouldn't be around each other, like the uneasiness I felt about Edward and Bella together. I was waiting for something that proved Jacob was dangerous, or not good for Bella, or something of that sort. But nothing like that happened. Even finding out Jacob was going to become a werewolf didn't change my idea that I thought he and Bella were a good match, which was saying something.

They also disappeared more frequently together on hikes, trying to find some sort of meadow or something. Bella said that she'd happened upon it while she was hiking and wanted to find it again, but I didn't believe that for a second. I knew that it was probably a place Edward had taken her. And sure, I most likely should have stopped her from revisiting old memories. But maybe she was finally putting everything behind her. Maybe she just wanted closure.

***

"We're going to see Crosshairs on Friday at the theater."

I looked up from my task of re-stacking the boxes of Nikes in the shoes section of the store to see Mike staring back, expectant.

"You in?" he asked.

"Yeah, sure," I said, starting to stack again. "Who's 'we'?"

"Angela, Ben, Bella, me, and that Jacob kid. And you, obviously, if you want to come."

I raised my eyebrows. "Sure, sounds fun. I'm surprised that Jacob's coming."

"Bella invited him."

"I figured."

He was silent for a few moments. "You know, I. . . I thought about what you said. I just wanted you to know this isn't some ploy for me to woo Bella or something. I really am just planning to go as friends."

I looked at him. "Really?"

"Yeah. It's like I said, she deserves to be happy." His nose scrunched. "Besides, anyone is better than Cullen."

When we got home from school, a very familiar car was parked in front of my house. Jacob was leaning against the hood, a huge grin lighting up his face.

"No way!" I shouted as I jumped out of the truck. "You're done! I can't believe it! You finished the Rabbit!"

He beamed. "Just last night. This is the maiden voyage."

"Incredible." Bella held her hand up for a high five. He smacked his hand against it, but left it there, twisting his fingers through hers. "So do I get to drive tonight?"