Her New Moon

17

Mike and Jacob hadn't returned from the restroom. Bella and Driana continued waiting near the concession stand. After Driana had spoken about her concern, Bella stayed quiet. The older girl couldn't help but feel protective over Bella and spare Jacob's feelings.

Driana sat next to Bella. "I don't want you getting upset when I'm only looking out for you."

Bella inclined her head. "I know I haven't been myself, but I'm sure I can sort things out."

The black-haired girl frowned. "Do you want my honest opinion?"

"Fine," Bella sighed.

"You need people to keep you on your feet, not fill the emptiness in your heart."

Bella quirked a brow. "Is that what you think I'm doing with Jacob?"

"One would be blind not to notice," Driana told her. "However, I didn't say who it was." She felt satisfied with Bella's reaction. "Look, Bella, it's okay setting boundaries. If they respect and love you, they'll listen. Imagine how things would turn out if it's too late."

"Okay," Bella agreed. She raised a brow at her. "What about you? Jake says you've been on the reservation more than usual. Especially around that Paul guy."

"I was there to talk to Embry." Bella raised both brows, and Driana sighed, shrugging. "I'm still figuring stuff out. You can say Paul's friend group keeps my head straight. They're keeping me on my feet. But it doesn't feel the same." The girl paused, frowning. "In time, the world of the Cullens will be a memory."

"Don't say that," Bella's voice cracked. "They might come.... back."

Driana softly smiled, shaking her head. "We'll be gone by then."

Bella slumped against the wall, memories crashing through her. Driana shut her eyes, the searing pain returning. A slender hand rested on hers, and Driana stared at Bella, who hugged her. Both girls embraced each other, the ache in their chests in sync.

"You won't leave like they did, right?" Bella asked.

"How can I when we're the only ones keeping the memory alive?"

The men's restroom suddenly opened, revealing Jacob. The girls quickly pulled away, all emotions erased from their features. Jacob cockily walked up to them. He smirked a bit, pointing behind him.

"What a marshmallow," Jacob scoffed, sitting beside Bella. "You should hold out for someone with a stronger stomach. Someone who laughs at the gore that makes weaker men vomit."

Driana rolled her eyes, excusing herself to get a drink. There was a small line at the concession stand, and the girl patiently waited for her turn. She ordered a small-sized root beer, slightly flinching in surprise at Jacob's sudden arrival.

"Could I have an empty popcorn bucket?" Jacob asked the salesgirl, pointing at Mike.

"Get him out of here, please," She ordered, quickly handing him a bucket.

"What's going on?" Driana asked, hurriedly following Jacob to his car.

"Marshmallow caught the stomach flu," Jacob scoffed. "I am not letting whatever comes out of him spread in my car." He halted in his steps, spotting Bella sitting in the back with Mike, who looked pale and nauseated. The boy handed Mike the bucket. "Just please."

"Hey, Jake? I should stay in the back to watch over Mike," Bella told him.

"Yeah," Jacob brushed off. He motioned Driana to hop in the passenger seat. "What a trip this was."

They drove to Bella's house for her to drop Mike home with his car. Bella climbed into the backseat, her hand brushing against Jacob's skin. A soft gasp was Bella's response, and she reached over to touch Jacob's forehead.

"Woah! Jake? You're burning up! You probably have a fever."

Driana's eyes snapped, staring hard at Jacob's features. "May I, Jake?" The boy nodded, and her fingers, gently touching his skin, could feel the heat radiating off his body. The girl discreetly messaged Sam. "She's right, Jacob."

"I feel fit as a fiddle," Jacob disagreed.

After dropping Bella, Jacob carefully pulled out of her driveway before slightly speeding down the road. Sam replied to Driana, who told her that he alerted Billy Black. Jacob sighed, and Driana glanced anxiously.

"I think I am feeling strange," Jacob confessed.

"Don't drop me home," Driana told him. "I'm following you back to your place."

Jacob gave her a look. "Are you joking? What if you get sick, too?"

"Trust me," Driana assured.

Jacob stayed quiet, hurrying back to the reservation. Driana kept watch, slyly texting Sam to keep him updated. He was worried about the girl being near the boy. For all they knew, Jacob Black could transform while being in the vehicle.

"Driana," Jacob heaved, parking the car on the side of the road. "I don't think I can drive."

Driana bit her lip, eyeing the faint light from the Black's residence that stood not far away. "Jake, listen to me. I want you to step out of the car."

"Okay," Jacob forced out. He unbuckled his belt, struggling to walk. Driana rushed over, helping him sit on the grass. "Dri, I can't explain what's happening with me."

"I can't tell you much further," Driana told him. "It's not my place to say. I want you to understand that your father and others know what you're going through."

"What?" Jacob stared at her, confused. "You already told my dad?"

"No, Jake," Driana sighed. "Your dad knows what's going on with you before you experienced this feeling."

"She's right," A voice spoke. Billy Black wheeled himself near Jake's car.

"Why couldn't you be straightforward with me?" Jacob asked angrily, steam coming from his body.

Billy Black held Driana's arm, pulling her away from Jacob. "Son, everything unfolds at their own pace."

Jacob scoffed. He hoisted himself off the ground, his brows furrowing. "If you had told me before, I wouldn't need to worry about why I feel this way!"

"Jacob, ease yourself!" Sam's voice boomed.

The appearance of the rest of the pack triggered Jacob's transformation, sealing his fate.