New Moon: Book 2

THIRD WHEEL

Time began to trip along much more quickly than before. School, work,and Jacob–though not necessarily in that order–created a neat and effortless pattern tofollow. And Charlie got his wish: I wasn't miserable anymore. Of course, I couldn't foolmyself completely. When I stopped to take stock of my life, which I tried not to do too often,I couldn't ignore the implications of my behavior.I was like a lost moon–my planet destroyed in some cataclysmic, disaster-movie scenario ofdesolation–that continued, nevertheless, to circle in a tight little orbit around the empty spaceleft behind, ignoring the laws of gravity.I was getting better with my bike, which meant fewer bandages to worry Charlie. But it alsomeant that the voice in my head began to fade, until I heard it no more. Quietly, I panicked. Ithrew myself into the search for the meadow with slightly frenzied intensity. I racked mybrain for other adrenaline-producing activities.I didn't keep track of the days :hat passed–there was no reason, as I tried to live as much inthe present as possible, no past fading, no future impending. So I was surprised by the datewhen Jacob brought it up on one of our homework days. He was waiting when I pulled up infront of his house."Happy Valentine's Day," Jacob said, smiling, but ducking his head as he greeted me.He held out a small, pink box, balancing it on his palm. Conversation hearts."Well, I feel like a schmuck," I mumbled. "Is today Valentine's Day?"Jacob shook his head with mock sadness. "You can be so out of it sometimes. Yes, it is thefourteenth day of February. So are you going to be my Valentine? Since you didn't get me afifty-cent box of candy, it's the least you can do."I started to feel uncomfortable. The words were teasing, but only on the surface."What exactly does that entail?" I hedged."The usual–slave for life, that kind of thing.""Oh, well, if that's all..." I took the candy. But I was trying to think of some way to make theboundaries clear. Again. They seemed to get blurred a lot with Jacob."So, what are we doing tomorrow? Hiking, or the ER?""Hiking," I decided. "You're not the only one who can be obsessive. I'm starting to think Iimagined that place..." I frowned into space."We'll find it," he assured me. "Bikes Friday?" he offered.I saw a chance and took it without taking time to think it through."I'm going to a movie Friday. I've been promising my cafeteria crowd that I would go outforever." Mike would be pleased.But Jacob's face fell. I caught the expression in his dark eyes before he dropped them to lookat the ground."You'll come too, right?" I added quickly. "Or will it be too much of a drag with a bunch ofboring seniors?" So much for my chance to put some distance between us. I couldn't standhurting Jacob; we seemed to be connected in an odd way, and his pain set off little stabs ofmy own. Also, the idea of having his company for the ordeal–I had promised Mike, but reallydidn't feel any enthusiasm at the thought of following through–was just too tempting."You'd like me to come, with your friends there?""Yes," I admitted honestly, knowing as I continued that I was probably shooting myself inthe foot with my words. "I'll have a lot more fun if you're there. Bring Quil, and we'll make ita party.""Quil's gonna freak. Senior girls." He chortled and rolled his eyes. I didn't mention Embry,and neither did he. I laughed, too. "I'll try to get hin a good selection."I broached the subject with Mike in English."Hey, Mike," I said when class was over. "Are you free Friday night?"He looked up, his blue eyes instantly hopeful. "Yeah, I am. You want to go out?"I worded my reply carefully. "I was thinking about getting a group"–I emphasized theword–"together to go see Crosshairs." I'd done my homework this time–even reading themovie spoilers to be sure I wouldn't be caught off guard. This movie was supposed to be abloodbath from start to finish. I wasn't so recovered that I could stand to sit through aromance. "Does that sound like fun?""Sure," he agreed, visibly less eager."Cool."After a second, he perked back up to near his former excitement level. "How about we getAngela and Ben? Or Eric and Katie?"He was determined to make this some kind of double date, apparently."How about both?" I suggested "And Jessica, too, of course. And Tyler and Conner, andmaybe Lauren," I tacked on grudgingly. I had promised Quil variety."Okay," Mike muttered, foiled."And," I continued, "I've got a couple of friends from La Push I'm inviting. So it sounds likewe'll need your Suburban if everyone comes."Mike's eyes narrowed in suspicion."These are the friends you spend all your time studying with now?""Yep, the very ones," I answered cheerfully. "Though you could look at it as tutoring–they'reonly sophomores.""Oh," Mike said, surprised. After a second of thought, he smiled.In the end, though, the Suburban wasn't necessary.Jessica and Lauren claimed to be busy as soon as Mike let it slip that I was involved in theplanning. Eric and Katie already had plans–it was their three-week anniversary or something.Lauren got to Tyler and Conner before Mike could, so those two were also busy. Even Quilwas out–grounded for fighting at school. In the end, only Angela and Ben, and, of courseJacob, were able to go.The diminished numbers didn't dampen Mike's anticipation, though. It was all he could talkabout Friday."Are you sure you don't want to see Tomorrow and Forever instead?" he asked at lunch,naming the current romantic comedy that was ruling the box office. "Rotten Tomatoes gaveit a better review.""I want to see Crosshairs" I insisted. "I'm in the mood for action. Bring on the blood andguts!""Okay." Mike turned away, but not before I saw his maybe-she's-crazy-after-all expression.When I got home from school, a very familiar car was parked in front of my house. Jacob wasleaning 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! Youfinished the Rabbit!"He beamed. "Just last night. This is the maiden voyage.""Incredible." I held my hand up for a high five.He smacked his hand against mine, but left it there, twisting his fingers through mine. "So doI get to drive tonight?""Definitely," I said, and then I sighed."What's wrong?""I'm giving up–I can't top this one. So you win. You're oldest."He shrugged, unsurprised by my capitulation. "Of course I am."Mike's Suburban chugged around the corner. I pulled my hand out of Jacob's, and he nude aface that I wasn't meant to see."I remember this guy," he said in a low voice as Mike parked across the street. "The one whothought you were his girlfriend. Is he still confused?"I raised one eyebrow. "Some people are hard to discourage.""Then again," Jacob said thoughtfully, "sometimes persistence pays off.""Most of the time it's just annoying, though."Mike got out of his car and crossed the road."Hey, Bella," he greeted me, and then his eyes turned wary as he looked up at Jacob. Iglanced briefly at Jacob, too, trying to be objective. He really didn't look like a sophomore atall. He was just so big–Mike's head barely cleared Jacob's shoulder; I didn't even want tothink where I measured next to him–and then his face was older-looking than it used to be,even a month ago."Hey, Mike! Do you remember Jacob Black?""Not really." Mike held out his hand."Old family friend," Jacob introduced himself, shaking hands. They locked hands with moreforce than necessary. When their grip broke, Mike flexed his fingers.I heard the phone ringing from the kitchen."I'd better get that–it might be Charlie," I told them, and dashed inside.It was Ben. Angela was sick with the stomach flu, and he didn't feel like coming without her.He apologized for bailing on us.I walked slowly back to the waiting boys, shaking my head. I really hoped Angela would feelbetter soon, but I had to admit that I was selfishly upset by this development. Just the threeof us, Mike and Jacob and me, together for the evening–this had worked out brilliantly, Ithought with grim sarcasm.It didn't seem like Jake and Mike had made any progress towards friendship in my absence.They were several yards apart, facing away from each other as they waited for me; Mike'sexpression was sullen, though Jacob's was cheerful as always."Ang is sick," I told them glumly. "She and Ben aren't coming.""I guess the flu is making another round. Austin and Conner were out today, too. Maybe weshould do this another time," Mike suggested.Before I could agree, Jacob spoke."I'm still up for it. But if you'd rather to stay behind, Mike–""No, I'm coming," Mike interrupted. "I was just thinking of Angela and Ben. Let's go." Hestarted toward his Suburban."Hey, do you mind if Jacob drives?" I asked. "I told him he could–he just finished his car. Hebuilt it from scratch, all by himself," I bragged, proud as a PTA mom with a student on theprincipal's list."Fine," Mike snapped."All right, then," Jacob said, as if that settled everything. He seemed more comfortable thananyone else.Mike climbed in the backseat of the Rabbit with a disgusted expression.Jacob was his normal sunny self, chattering away until I'd all but forgotten Mike sulkingsilently in the back.And then Mike changed his strategy. He leaned forward, resting his chin on the shoulder ofmy seat; his cheek almost touched mine. I shifted away, turning my back toward the window."Doesn't the radio work in this thing?" Mike asked with a hint of petulance, interruptingJacob mid-sentence."Yes," Jacob answered. "But Bella doesn't like music."I stared at Jacob, surprised. I'd never told him that."Bella?" Mike asked, annoyed."He's right," I mumbled, still looking at Jacob's serene profile."How can you not like music?" Mike demanded.I shrugged. "I don't know. It just irritates me.""Hmph." Mike leaned away.When we got to the theater, Jacob handed me a ten-dollar bill."What's this?" I objected."I'm not old enough to get into this one," he reminded me.I laughed out loud. "So much for relative ages. Is Billy going to kill me if I sneak you in?""No. I told him you were planning to corrupt my youthful innocence."I snickered, and Mike quickened his pace to keep up with us.I almost wished that Mike had decided to bow out. He was still sullen–not much of anaddition to the party. But I didn't want to end up on a date alone with Jacob, either. Thatwouldn't help anything.The movie was exactly what it professed to be. In just the opening credits, four people gotblown up and one got beheaded. The girl in front of me put her hands over her eyes andturned her face into her date's chest. He patted her shoulder, and winced occasionally, too.Mike didn't look like he was watching. His face was stiff as he glared toward the fringe ofcurtain above the screen.I settled in to endure the two hours, watching the colors and the movement on the screenrather than seeing the shapes of people and cars and houses. But then Jacob startedsniggering."What?" I whispered."Oh, c'mon!" he hissed back. "The blood squirted twenty feet out of that guy. How fake canyou get?"He chuckled again, as a flagpole speared another man into a concrete wall.After that, I really watched the show, laughing with him as the mayhem got more and moreridiculous. How was I ever going to fight the blurring lines in our relationship when Ienjoyed being with him so much?Both Jacob and Mike had claimed the armrests on either side of me. Both of their handsrested lightly, palms up, in an unnatural looking position. Like steel bear traps, open andready. Jacob was in the habit of taking my hand whenever the opportunity presented itself,but here in the darkened movie theater, with Mike watching, it would have a differentsignificance–and I was sure he knew that. I couldn't believe that Mike was thinking the samething, but his hand was placed exactly like Jacob's.I folded my arms tightly across my chest and hoped that both their hands fell asleep.Mike gave up first. About halfway through the movie, he pulled his arm back, and leanedforward to put his head in his hands. At first I thought he was reacting to something on thescreen, but then he moaned."Mike, are you okay?" I whispered.The couple in front of us turned to look at him as he groaned again.I could see the sheen of sweat across his face in the light from the screen.Mike groaned again, and bolted for the door. I got up to follow him, and Jacob copied meimmediately."No, stay," I whispered. "I'll make sure he's okay."Jacob came with me anyway."You don't have to come. Get your eight bucks worth of carnage," I insisted as we walkedup the aisle."That's okay. You sure can pick them, Bella. This movie really sucks." His voice rose from awhisper to its normal pitch as we walked out of the theater.There was no sign of Mike in the hallway, and I was glad then that Jacob had come withme–he ducked into the men's bathroom to check for him there.Jacob was back in a few seconds."Oh, he's in there, all right," he said, rolling his eyes. "What a marshmallow. You should holdout for someone with a stronger stomach. Someone who laughs at the gore that makesweaker men vomit.""I'll keep my eyes open for someone like that."We were all alone in the hallway. Both theaters were halfway through the movie, and it wasdeserted–quiet enough for us to hear the popcorn popping at the concession counter in thelobby.Jacob went to sit on the velveteen-upholstered bench against the wall, patting the spacebeside him."He sounded like he was going to be in there for a while," he said, stretching his long legsout in front of him as he settled in to wait.I joined him with a sigh. He looked like he was thinking about blurring more lines. Sureenough, as soon as I sat down, he shifted over to put his arm around my shoulders."Jake," I protested, leaning away. He dropped his arm, not looking bothered at all by theminor rejection. He reached out and took my hand firmly, wrapping his other hand aroundmy wrist when I tried to pull away again. Where did he get the confidence from?"Now, just hold on a minute, Bella," he said in a calm voice. "Tell me something."I grimaced. I didn't want to do this. Not just not now, but not ever. There was nothing lett inmy life at this point that was more important than Jacob Black. But he seemed determined toruin everything."What?" I muttered sourly."You like me, right?""You know I do.""Better than that joker puking his guts out in there?" He gestured toward the bathroom door."Yes," I sighed."Better than any of the other guys you know?" He was calm, serene–as if my answer didn'tmatter, or he already knew what it was."Better than the girls, too," I pointed out."But that's all," he said, and it wasn't a question.It was hard to answer, to say the word. Would he get hurt and avoid me? How would I standthat?"Yes," I whispered.He grinned down at me. "That's okay, you know. As long as you like me the best. And youthink I'm good-looking–sort of. I'm prepared to be annoyingly persistent.""I'm not going to change," I said, and though I tried to keep my voice normal, I could hearthe sadness in it.His face was thoughtful, no longer teasing. "It's still the other one, isn't it?"I cringed. Funny how he seemed to know not to say the name–just like before in the car withthe music. He picked up on so much about me that I never said."You don't have to talk about it," he told me.I nodded, grateful."But don't get mad at me for hanging around, okay?" Jacob patted the back of my hand."Because I'm not giving up. I've got loads of time."I sighed. "You shouldn't waste it on me," I said, though I wanted him to. Especially if he waswilling to accept me the way I was–damaged goods, as is."It's what I want to do, as long as you still like to be with me.""I can't imagine how I could not like being with you," I told him honestly.Jacob beamed. "I can live with that.""Just don't expect more," I warned him, trying to pull my hand away. He held onto itobstinately."This doesn't really bother you, does it?" he demanded, squeezing my fingers."No," I sighed. Truthfully, it felt nice. His hand was so much warmer than mine; I always felttoo cold these days."And you don't care what he thinks." Jacob jerked his thumb toward the bathroom."I guess not.""So what's the problem?""The problem," I said, "is, that it means something different to me than it does to you.""Well." He tightened his hand around mine "That's my problem, isn't it?""Fine," I grumbled. "Don't forget it, though.""I won't. The pin's out of the grenade for me, now, eh?" He poked me in the ribs.I rolled my eyes. I guess if he felt like making a joke out of it, he was entitled.He chuckled quietly for a minute while his pinky finger absently traced designs against theside of my hand."That's a funny scar you've got there," he suddenly said, twisting my hand to examine it."How did that happen?"The index finger of his free hand followed the line of the long silvery crescent that was barelyvisible against my pale skin.I scowled. "Do you honestly expect me to remember where all my scars come from?"I waited for the memory to hit–to open the gaping hole. But, as it so often did, Jacob'spresence kept me whole."It's cold," he murmured, pressing lightly against the place where James had cut me with histeeth.And then Mike stumbled out of the bathroom, his face ashen and covered in sweat. Helooked horrible."Oh, Mike," I gasped."Do you mind leaving early?" he whispered."No, of course not." I pulled my hand free and went to help Mike walk. He looked unsteady."Movie too much for you?" Jacob asked heartlessly.Mike's glare was malevolent. "I didn't actually see any of it," he mumbled. "I was nauseatedbefore the lights went down.""Why didn't you say something?" I scolded as we staggered toward the exit."I was hoping it would pass," he said."Just a sec," Jacob said as we reached the door. He walked quickly back to the concessionstand."Could I have an empty popcorn bucket?" he asked the salesgirl. She looked at Mike once,and then thrust a bucket at Jacob."Get him outside, please," she begged. She was obviously the one who would have to cleanthe floor.I towed Mike out into the cool, wet air. He inhaled deeply. Jacob was right behind us. Hehelped me get Mike into the back of the car, and handed him the bucket with a serious gaze."Please," was all Jacob said.We rolled down the windows, letting the icy night air blow through the car, hoping it wouldhelp Mike. I curled my arms around my legs to keep warm."Cold, again?" Jacob asked, putting his arm around me before I could answer."You're not?"He shook his head."You must have a fever or something," I grumbled. It was freezing. I touched my fingers tohis forehead, and his head was hot."Whoa, Jake–you're burning up!""I feel fine." He shrugged. "Fit as a fiddle."I frowned and touched his head again. His skin blazed under my fingers."Your hands are like ice," he complained."Maybe it's me," I allowed.Mike groaned in the backseat, and threw up in the bucket. I grimaced, hoping my ownstomach could stand the sound and smell. Jacob checked anxiously over his shoulder to makesure his car wasn't defiled.The road felt longer on the way back.Jacob was quiet, thoughtful. He left his arm around me, and it was so warm that the coldwind felt good.I stared out the windshield, consumed with guilt.It was so wrong to encourage Jacob. Pure selfishness. It didn't matter that I'd tried to makemy position clear. If he felt any hope at all that this could turn into something other thanfriendship, then I hadn't been clear enough.How could I explain so that he would understand? I was an empty shell. Like a vacanthouse–condemned–for months I'd been utterly uninhabitable. Now I was a little improved.The front room was in better repair. But that was all–just the one small piece. He deservedbetter than that–better than a one-room, falling-down fixer-upper. No amount of investmenton his part could put me back in working order.Yet I knew that I wouldn't send him away, regardless. I needed him too much, and I wasselfish. Maybe I could make my side more clear, so that he would know to leave me. Thethought made me shudder, and Jacob tightened his arm around me.I drove Mike home in his Suburban, while Jacob followed behind us to take me home. Jacobwas quiet all the way back to my house, and I wondered if he were thinking the same thingsthat I was. Maybe he was changing his mind."I would invite myself in, since we're early," he said as we pulled up next to my truck. "But Ithink you might be right about the fever. I'm starting to feel a little... strange.""Oh no, not you, too! Do you want me to drive you home?""No." He shook his head, his eyebrows pulling together. "I don't feel sick yet. Just... wrong.If I have to, I'll pull over.""Will you call me as soon as you get in?" I asked anxiously."Sure, sure." He frowned, staring ahead into the darkness and biting his lip.I opened my door to get out, but he grabbed my wrist lightly and held me there. I noticedagain how hot his skin felt on mine."What is it, Jake?" I asked."There's something I want to tell you, Bella... but I think it's going to sound kind of corny."I sighed. This would be more of the same from the theater. "Go ahead.""It's just that, I know how you're unhappy a lot. And, maybe it doesn't help anything, but Iwanted you to know that I'm always here. I won't ever let you down–I promise that you canalways count on me. Wow, that does sound corny. But you know that, right? That I wouldnever, ever hurt you?""Yeah, Jake. I know that. And I already do count on you, probably more than you know."The smile broke across his face the way the sunrise set the clouds on fire, and I wanted to cutmy tongue out. I hadn't said one word that was a lie, but I should have lied. The truth waswrong, it would hurt him. I would let him down.A strange look crossed his face. "I really think I'd better go home now," he said.I got out quickly."Call me!" I yelled as he pulled away.I watched him go, and he seemed to be in control of the car, at least. I stared at the emptystreet when he was gone, feeling a little sick myself, but not for any physical reason.How much I wished that Jacob Black had been born my brother, my flesh-and -bloodbrother, so that I would have some legitimate claim on him that still left me free of any blamenow. Heaven knows I had never wanted to use Jacob, but I couldn't help but interpret theguilt I felt now to mean that I had.Even more, I had never meant to love him. One thing I truly knew–knew it in the pit of mystomach, in the center of my bones, knew it from the crown of my head to the soles of myfeet, knew it deep in my empty chest–was how love gave someone the power to break you.I'd been broken beyond repair.But I needed Jacob now, needed him like a drug. I'd used him as a crutch for too long, and Iwas in deeper than I'd planned to go with anyone again. Now I couldn't bear for him to behurt, and I couldn't keep from hurting him, either. He thought time and patience wouldchange me, and, though I knew he was dead wrong, I also knew that I would let him try.He was my best friend. I would always love him, and it would never, ever be enough.I went inside to sit by the phone and bite my nails."Movie over already?" Charlie asked in surprise when I came in. He was on the floor, just afoot from the TV. Must be an exciting game."Mike got sick," I explained. "Some kind of stomach flu.""You okay?""I feel fine now," I said doubtfully. Clearly, I'd been exposed.I leaned against the kitchen counter, my hand inches from the phone, and tried to waitpatiently. I thought of the strange look on Jacob's face before he drove away, and my fingersstarted drumming against the counter. I should have insisted on driving him home.I watched the clock as the minutes ticked by Ten. Fifteen. Even when I was driving, it tookonly fifteen minutes, and Jacob drove faster than I did. Eighteen minutes. I picked up thephone and dialed.It rang and rang. Maybe Billy was asleep. Maybe I'd dialed wrong. I tried again.On the eighth ring, just as I was about to hang up, Billy answered."Hello?" he asked. His voice was wary, like he was expecting bad news."Billy, it's me, Bella–did Jake make it home yet? He left here about twenty minutes ago.""He's here," Billy said tonelessly."He was supposed to call me." I was a little irritated. "He was getting sick when he left, and Iwas worried.""He was... too sick to call. He's not feeling well right now." Billy sounded distant. I realizedhe must want to be with Jacob."Let me know if you need any help," I offered. "I could come down." I thought of Billy, stuckin his chair, and Jake fending for himself..."No, no," Billy said quickly. "We're fine. Stay at your place."The way he said it was almost rude."Okay," I agreed."Bye, Bella."The line disconnected."Bye," I muttered.Well, at least he'd made it home. Oddly, I didn't feel less worried. I trudged up the stairs,fretting. Maybe I would go down before work tomorrow to check on him. I could takesoup–we had to have a can of Campbell's around here somewhere.I realized all such plans were canceled when I woke up early–my clock said four thirty–andsprinted to the bathroom. Charlie found me there a half hour later, lying on the floor, mycheek pressed against the cold edge of the bathtub.He looked at me for a long moment."Stomach flu," he finally said."Yes," I moaned."You need something?" he asked."Call the Newtons for me, please," I instructed hoarsely. "Tell them I have what Mike has,and that I can't make it in today. Tell them I'm sorry.""Sure, no problem," Charlie assured me.I spent the rest of the day on the bathroom floor, sleeping for a few hours with my head on acrumpled up towel. Charlie claimed that he had to work, but I suspected that he just wantedaccess to a bathroom. He left a glass of water on the floor beside me to keep me hydrated.It woke me up when he came back home. I could see that it was dark in my room–afternightfall. He clumped up the stairs to check on me."Still alive?""Sort of," I said."Do you want anything?""No, thanks."He hesitated, clearly out of his element. "Okay, then," he said, and then he went back downto the kitchen.I heard the phone ring a few minutes later. Charlie spoke to someone in a low voice for amoment, and then hung up."Mike feels better," he called up to me.Well, that was encouraging. He'd only gotten sick eight hours or so before me. Eight morehours. The thought made my stomach turn, and I pulled myself up to lean over the toilet.I fell asleep on the towel again, but when I woke up I was in my bed and it was light outsidemy window. I didn't remember moving; Charlie must have carried me to my room–he'd alsoput the glass of water on my bedside table. I felt parched. I chugged it down, though it tastedfunny from sitting stagnant all night.I got up slowly, trying not to trigger the nausea again. I was weak, and my mouth tastedhorrible, but my stomach felt fine. I looked at my clock.My twenty-four hours were up.I didn't push it, eating nothing but saltine crackers for breakfast. Charlie looked relieved tosee me recovered.As soon as I was sure that I wasn't going to have to spend the day on the bathroom flooragain, I called Jacob.Jacob was the one who answered, but when I heard his greeting I knew he wasn't over it."Hello?" His voice was broken, cracking."Oh, Jake," I groaned sympathetically. "You sound horrible.""I feel horrible," he whispered."I'm so sorry I made you go out with me. This sucks.""I'm glad I went." His voice was still a whisper. "Don't blame yourself. This isn't your fault.""You'll get better soon," I promised. "I woke up this morning, and I was fine.""You were sick?" he asked dully."Yes, I got it, too. But I'm fine now.""That's good." His voice was dead."So you'll probably be better in a few hours," I encouraged.I could barely hear his answer. "I don't think I have the same thing you did.""Don't you have the stomach flu?" I asked, confused."No. This is something else.""What's wrong with you?""Everything," he whispered. "Every part of me hurts."The pain in his voice was nearly tangible."What can I do, Jake? What can I bring you?""Nothing. You can't come here." He was abrupt. It reminded me of Billy the other night."I've already been exposed to whatever you have," I pointed out.He ignored me. "I'll call you when I can. I'll let you know when you can come down again.""Jacob–""I've got to go," he said with sudden urgency."Call me when you feel better.""Right," he agreed, and his voice had a strange, bitter edge.He was silent for a moment. I was waiting for him to say goodbye, but he waited too."I'll see you soon," I finally said. "Wait for me to call," he said again. "Okay... Bye, Jacob.""Bella," he whispered my name, and then hung up the phone.