ld of a teenager； the
tendons and veins had
bee prominent under the red…brown skin of his arms； his hands。 His face was
still sweet like I
remembered it； though it had hardened； too—the planes of his cheekbones
sharper； his jaw squared off；
all childish roundness gone。
〃Hey； Jacob！〃 I felt an unfamiliar surge of enthusiasm at his smile。 I
realized that I was pleased to see him。
This knowledge surprised me。
I smiled back； and something clicked silently into place； like two
corresponding puzzle pieces。 I'd
forgotten how much I really liked Jacob Black。
He stopped a few feet away from me； and I stared up at him in surprise；
leaning my head back though
the rain pelted my face。
〃You grew again！〃 I accused in amazement。
He laughed； his smile widening impossibly。 〃Six five；〃 he announced with self
…satisfaction。 His voice was
deeper； but it had the husky tone I remembered。
〃Is it ever going to stop？〃 I shook my head in disbelief。 〃You're huge。〃
〃Still a beanpole； though。〃 He grimaced。 〃e inside！ You're getting all
wet。〃
He led the way； twisting his hair in his big hands as he walked。 He pulled a
rubber band from his hip
pocket and wound it around the bundle。
〃Hey； Dad；〃 he called as he ducked to get through the front door。 〃Look who
stopped by。〃
Billy was in the tiny square living room； a book in his hands。 He set the book
in his lap and wheeled
himself forward when he saw me。
〃Well； what do you know！ It's good to see you； Bella。〃
We shook hands。 Mine was lost in his wide grasp。
〃What brings you out here？ Everything okay with Charlie？〃
〃Yes； a