Chapter Text
Jacob had always loved playing hockey, it was important to him throughout his childhood. After his mother passed away, however, it became paramount in his mind. Although Washington was always raining, Jacob found a way to skate. He had started when he was only ten, learning the basics and playing in the little league games. Now, he was eighteen and fighting for the chance to become captain of his college team. On top of all that, it had been great for making new friends too. The guys on the reservation were great sure, but he wanted to branch out and meet new people. One of those people was Bella, back when he was thirteen and she was fourteen. He used to have a massive crush on her before he realized that being friends was better for the both of them. As they got older, Bella realized she didn’t really like boys after all, and Jacob discovered that maybe boys could be just as cute too. Once they graduated they decided to get an apartment close to their college together, using the funds they had saved throughout high school, to make both their lives a little easier.
Now that practice had started for the year, Jacob had a lot on his plate. Between his classes, his part-time job at the auto shop, and captain’s practice he hardly had time to himself. Despite everything, he still found some respite out on the ice. His other teammates never understood why he would show up so early to practice but they didn’t need to. The ice was for Jacob to understand and to work with.
There was a chill to the early October air as he walked to the second arena on campus, smaller than the one he was used to. Moon Arena was larger to accommodate more people but it had been falling apart all throughout the past couple of years. The last straw was a student getting injured due to one of the rafters collapsing, and they had officially closed it for repair. He made his way toward the newer Eclipse Arena, recalling how he had only used it on a few occasions during his time at the school, as it was mostly meant for competitions.
He had come in early to the rink before practice, go-getter that he was, and found the lights already on and music playing. He paused, confused, and followed the sound of the music. In the middle of the rink, Jacob saw a man, tall and lithe, spinning. He watched the other man’s intricate routine and wondered how he could possibly spin for so long without falling over. Before long the music slowed to a stop and the man paused, taking in deep and heavy breaths of air. Jacob began to clap as the man on the ice tensed in response.
“Hello?” He called out. Jacob stepped onto the ice and skated towards him.
“Dude! That was sick!”
The man glanced at where Jacob had come from before turning back to him, “What are you doing here? It’s a private rink you know...” He trailed off frowning.
“Uh, they shut down the old Moon Arena last week for repairs. Hockey’s in here til it's back up in a couple of months. Practice starts at 6:30. ” Jacob looked at him. “Didn’t you read the school’s announcement?”
The man continued to stare at him from beneath his furrowed eyebrows before he skated off, shaking his head and muttering something under his breath. Jacob watched him leave, confused, “Bye then, I guess...” And turned back to the ice to set up for practice.
Jacob opened the door to his and Bella’s apartment, kicking off his shoes.
“Jake? Is that you?” Bella yelled from the kitchen. Jacob could smell something vaguely spicy coming from her direction.
“No, it’s a serial axe murder. Yes, it’s me, Bella.” Jacob walked into the kitchen, dumping his bag onto the table. “What are you making?” He peeked over Bella’s shoulder, looking into the pot.
“I think I would’ve preferred the murderer.” Bella swatted him away. “It’s just some chili. I’m too tired to do anything crazy.”
“That’s alright, you know I’ll eat anything.” Jacob sat at the table, taking out his textbooks and laptop to work on his homework from the day. “There was this weird guy at the rink this morning.
Some figure skater.” Jacob looked up to where Bella was leaning against the counter.
“Oh?” She turned to stir their supper. “What did he look like?” Jacob thought for a moment about how to describe him. “He was tall, and thin but definitely had muscles and an auburn kind of hair. Really pale too.”
“That’s probably Edward Cullen, Alice’s brother.” She started to dish out the chili into bowls. “I think I saw him last time I was at Alice’s place.”
“You went to Alice’s house?” Jacob looked up at Bella and grinned. “I thought you said no relationships at college, didn’t you?”
Bella squinted at him. “We’re just friends Jake.”
“Sureeeeee.” Jacob looked at her with a shit-eating grin. “Friends who hang out all the time, and go on dates and kiss.” Bella shut him up with a pointed look. Jacob started to eat his food, still grinning.
“Whatever Jacob. She’s just really nice.” Bella smiled. “And pretty.”
Jacob laughed. “How many Cullens are there anyway? I play hockey with Emmet but I didn’t know he had brothers.”
Bella thought for a moment. “There are five of them. Alice, Edward, Emmett, Jasper, and Rosalie.” She listed them off. “They’re all adopted though”
“Huh.” Jacob thought for a moment. “Do they all skate?”
“I think so. Their parents used to do figure skating professionally or something.” She shrugged.
As Jacob finished eating he couldn’t help but think of the man he saw on the ice. Edward. He thought about how he moved on the ice in such a smooth and pleasant manner. So graceful, yet so directed and powerful at the same time. Jacob wondered what he’d do or what he’d say if saw Edward at the rink again. Regardless of his next steps though, he certainly didn’t think he would mind seeing him again.