Circus ▷ Jacob Black

FOUR

─────────

FOUR; THE FIRST FEVER

"HEY, YOU TWO. I can see you're getting along just fine."

Imogen grinned as she walked up to Mike and Jacob, who were standing in front of Bella's front door. Jacob's whole face lit up at the sight of her, and Mike offered her a quick nod.

"Where's Quil? You know, the actual love of my life," Imogen chuckled.

"He got grounded," Jacob muttered in response. "He was fighting at school."

"My big strong man," she joked, clutching her heart. Mike was fidgeting around awkwardly, clearly not understanding the joke between Jacob and Imogen. "Where's Bella?"

"Taking a phone call," Mike answered. Jacob shot him a glare when he wasn't looking. "Conner's not able to come, but he told me to send his regards to you."

Imogen rolled her eyes. "Of course."

Bella stalked back into the room. "Ang is sick," she informed the three. "She and Ben aren't coming."

Imogen's figure slumped. She was really hoping Angela could make it. "I guess the flu is making another round. Austin and Conner were out today, too. Maybe we should do this another time," Mike suggested.

Imogen was about to agree until Jacob spoke. "I'm still up for it. But if you'd rather to stay behind, Mike-"

"No, I'm coming," Mike said, suddenly alert. "I was just thinking of Angela and Ben. Let's go."

Mike began walking towards his car, but Bella interrupted him. "Hey, do you mind if Jacob drives?" She questioned. "I told him he could — he just finished his car. He built it from scratch, all by himself."

"Fine," Mike snapped. Imogen raised an eyebrow at his tone.

"All right, then," Jacob said.

Mike climbed in the backseat of the Rabbit. Bella was about to take the front seat, but an excited Imogen beat her to it. Bella could see Jacob's face light up when Imogen sat down next to him, so she decided to opt out and sit next to Mike.

Bella was a bit uncomfortable being seated next to Mike, who was getting more comfortable than necessary. Imogen was so thrilled that she was almost jumping in her seat.

"You okay there?" Jacob chuckled, amused. He kept his eyes on the road, but threw glances at Imogen every few moments.

"Just excited. I'm so happy you finally finished fixing up this old thing."

Jacob grinned, but it slightly faltered when Mike leaned forward to interrupt the conversation. "Doesn't the radio work in this thing?" Mike asked.

"Yes," Jacob answered. "But Bella doesn't like music."

Bella was surprised by the answer and Imogen felt her heart sink slightly. She shouldn't have been so upset by something so unnecessary. She should've expected that Jacob would remember little things about Bella.