Love and Loneliness

Losing Our Minds

I was beyond shocked when Bella came home after work and told me to get in the car.
I was still mad at her, and became confused when she said we were going to Jakes.
"I've got two bikes in the back and I'm hoping he can fix them up for me to ride." Was the only explanation I was given before she put the truck in drive, and off we went.

"Did dad say it was ok?" I asked when we drove past the line for La Push.
"Bikes he doesn't know about, you going to the Blacks, yes. He said it was great I was getting out of the house and spending time with you."
"You know you're gonna get in trouble if he finds out about the bikes right?" I asked, turning to see the tray bed covered with a thick grey blanket.
Bella sighed, "by trouble do you mean grounded until I'm old and grey? Yup."

I snorted. I was not expecting a rare sighting of the old Bella at that moment.
"Julie!" Jake yelled when he heard the old truck coming down to his house, "your dad called and said you and Bella were coming to the rez, what's up?" He smiled with blinding white teeth and helped me down out of the truck.

I really missed being able to do things by myself.

"Hey Jacob" Bella smiled, like gave an actual, truthful smile.
"I'm gonna let psycho here show you" I sighed, leaning into his warm hold as Bella raised a brow.
"You grew again," she said, changing the subject and ignoring my psycho comment.
"Six five." And boy was it true. My five four frame was like an ant leaning on a flower.
"Is it ever going to stop? You're huge!"
"Just next to Julie here," I protested at the tease, "but I'm still a beanpole. Come inside, you're both gonna get all wet!"
He led me inside, and instantly I was filled with warmth. There was a fireplace stacked with wood, a cozy sitting area with three chairs, and a kitchen where something that smelled delicious was cooking.
"Hey dad!" Jake yelled, having to duck to get through the door, "look who stopped by!"
Billy was in the living room, reading a book and looked up at Jake's words.
"Juliet, Bella," fondness was loud in his tone, "it's so good to see you both."
"It's great to see you too Billy." I returned his smile and sat next to him.
"So what brings you both out here? Everything ok with Charlie?"
I left this up to Bella to lie about.
"Yes, absolutely," she nodded, "we just haven't seen Jacob in forever."
Billy chuckled, shooting me a knowing glance that I pointedly ignored. Obviously I couldn't tell my police chief dad that Jake was skipping school to spend time with me, and Bella was so out of it she didn't notice.

"Can you stay for dinner?" Billy asked with an eagerness that washed from Jake to me as we all stared at Bella.
"No, I've got to feed Charlie, you know." I frowned, nearly pouting in disappointment.
"I'll call him now," Billy suggested, "he's always invited."
Bella laughed, "it's not like you'll never see us again. I promise we'll be back again soon, so much you'll get sick of us."
I grinned happily, not only would I be getting out of the house, I'd be spending time with one of my favourite people in the whole world.
Billy chuckled, "ok, maybe next time."
"So Bella, what did you want to do?" Jake asked.
"What were you doing before I interrupted?" Bella asked back, seeming comfortable for the first time in a long time.
"I was working on my car, but we can do something else."
"No that's perfect!" Bella interrupted. "I'd love to see your car!"
Jake frowned; Bella had never shown any interest in being a car person. He looked at me and I just shrugged.
"Ok..." Jake said, holding a hand for me to get up. "It's out back, in the garage."
"Bye Billy!" I called over my shoulder, following Jake out.

The shed was big and a little creaky, but from the fondness on Jake's face as he entered, I knew I would love it too.
"What kind of Volkswagon is that?" Bella asked, eyeing the symbol on the grille.
"It's an old Rabbit," Jake shrugged, walking closer to me and placed his hand on my hip with practiced ease. "1986, a classic."
"It's almost finished," I offered, not able to hold back the proud smile I gave Jake, "he's really good with cars."