Chapter 32 -
I left the house and hurried towards my truck. I was so focused on Alice, her image flooding my mind; I didn't notice Jake who was standing nearby. When he spoke, I felt myself jump.
"Have you got time for a quick chat?”
I paused at my truck and looked around.
"Sorry Bella, I didn't mean to make you jump".
Jake started to laugh as I threw my bag in through the open window and walked over towards him.
"No worries, I didn't see you…."
Jake smiled. "I'm not that hard to miss, surely?" he enquired.
I laughed then. "No – I suppose not – have you been taking growth vitamins or something? I'm sure you're a few inches taller than the last time we spoke!"
Jake shook his head, "Nah, I'm just having a growth spurt that's all".
I nodded, adding "What's up?"
Jake shifted and motioned towards the wood to the side of the house.
"Walk with me? I know you're on your way out" he pointed towards the bag I had just thrown into the truck "but it won't take long – I just need to talk to you".
I looked at my watch. Alice would be expecting me soon, but I figured a few more minutes wouldn't hurt. Besides, the look on Jake's face suggested he really needed to talk.
"Sure, lead the way".
I followed him into the wood, "is everything okay Jake?"
Jake continued to walk on, until we came to a small clearing.
"Jake?" I asked again.
Jake turned and sat on a tree stump.
"I should be asking you that question Bella – is everything okay with you?"
"Everything is perfect" I answered.
Jake rested his elbows on his legs and leaned on his hands.
"I think there is a slight flaw to your statement".
Flaw?
He continued.
"You hang out with vampires; that's far from a perfect situation to be in, if you ask me…"
"I don't recall asking you Jake".
Jake suddenly stood, "Look Bella, I think you need to step back into the realms of reality here".
I looked into Jake's eyes, "My feet are planted firmly where they need to be. I don't need to step anywhere"
Jake sighed, "Okay – let's look at the larger picture then, shall we?"
I shrugged my shoulders and leaned against the large tree that was behind me.
"I know you think I am interfering, but what kind of friend would I be if I didn't speak out about this? I am worried about you".
I sighed again.
"Jake, I don't know how many times I have to tell you this; Alice won't harm me – none of her family will".
Jake shook his head "Forgive me if I don't share your conviction Bella"
I felt weary.
All I wanted was for Alice to appear, take me in her arms and run with me to somewhere, anywhere.
