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Chapter 3

Chapter 3. Jacob Black

The next morning I woke up around 7 AM like I normally do. I grabbed my book and read a little bit before deciding to get ready for the day. After taking a shower and eating breakfast it was time to go.

Dad and I took off to the Black house soon after I finished eating breakfast. It took a good 20 ish minutes to get to their house in La Push.

When we eventually pulled into the gravel driveway, I saw two men sitting out on the porch. One was older looking and in a wheelchair, I assumed that was Billy. The other one looked much younger, had very long hair and looked quite built.

We exited the car and I walked behind dad until we stopped at the porch steps.

"Long time no see, old man." Said dad.

"Right back atcha old goat." Said Billy.

I could only look and smile at their antics. It was nice to see dad had a good friend. Someone he could put his guard down for and take a break from being so serious.

While I was watching them, Jacob walked up to me and said, "Hey, my name's Jacob! It's nice to meet you. Or see you, it's been a while, huh?"

"yeah, it has been a while. Umm, my names Aaliyah. Just in case you don't remember!" I said quickly.

"No need to be so nervous, I don't bite!" He exclaimed.

"Sorry, I'm still getting used to meeting people. It's been a while." I said meekly.

"Really? You don't meet people often?" He asked while ushering me inside the house.

"No, not really. I've been doing school from home since middle school." I said walking in next to him.

"Oh, that's cool. I like going to school with my friends." He said.

"Yeah, you seem like you'd be a good friend. I don't really have any at the moment." I chuckled.

"Well now you have one!" He said proudly.

"Thank you Jacob." I smiled genuinely.

"Of course! You can call me Jake by the way. All my friends call me that."

"Thanks Jake." I said embarrassed.

After a little more time getting to know each other, Billy and dad corralled us all into the living space to watch football. I don't know much about it since I'm not interested in it, but dad knows all about it. It's funny watching the boys' reactions to the game. Whether they're angry, disappointed, or so excited that they're jumping with joy (except Billy lol).

Jake and I talked a little more, but we mainly watched the game.

After the game was over we decided to have dinner together. We all sat down at the dining table and said grace before eating. Then Billy started getting into some weird questions.

"So Aaliyah. You got a boyfriend?" He asked.

"NO!" I exclaimed, very embarrassed.

Billy and Jake laughed, while my dad glared at Billy half-heartedly for asking such a question.

I cleared my throat, "No I do not, Billy. Quite frankly, I don't think I'm ready for one yet."

"That's my girl." Said dad.

We all got a chuckle out of that conversation. After a while of chatting and eating it was time to leave. We packed up some leftovers and took them with us, bidding the Black's goodbye. The ride home was filled with a comfortable silence and some classic rock. It was easy being with dad. There was no pressure to be someone I'm not. Or making me feel bad for existing. Not even pushing me to talk when it was nice to have silence every now and then. I've only been here for two days, but I can feel that it's going to be good from now on.

Once we got home, I put the leftovers I'm the fridge and got ready for bed. Before settling in, I asked dad a question.

"Hey dad?"

"What's up?" He said.

"Would you mind if I got a hug from you?" I asked.

He looked shocked for a second, but then got off the couch and gave me a hug. I hugged him back and squeezed him a bit. We stayed there for a couple more seconds and I let out a sigh of relief. Once we let go, he had a big smile on his face.

"Thanks. Goodnight dad." I gave him a big smile.

"Goodnight sweetheart." He gave me a big smile too.

After that heartfelt scene, I headed to bed and fell asleep feeling very light for the first time in a while.