Disclaimer: All rights go to their respective owners. My respects go out to the Quileute tribe and their Gods.
Bella felt, for the lack of a better word, dead. She's already gotten yelled at one too many times about being a Zombie by not only her "friends" from school but her father as well. She needed to do something, needed to get out. She needed to live.
"That's what Edward wanted me to do, right?" she thought to herself.
Running a hand through her hair, she stood up from the rocking chair that adorned the corner of her room. The one that she had spent so many hours in, just staring out the windows.
With a huff, she threw on her most comfortable clothes, a pair of skinny jeans and a white shirt, before heading downstairs to put on her shoes. She had no idea why, but she had a habit of kicking off her shows the moment she got through the door. Sitting on the bottom of the stairs she pulled on her ratty old converse high-tops, before grabbing her jacket as she ran out the door.
She made up her mind on where she was going to go the moment she started driving. She was going to La Push to see Jacob.
On her way to the reservation, she saw that there were two old dirt bikes on the curb of someone's driveway with a sign that said "free" hanging off them. She parked her truck and decided that this was the perfect activity to do with Jake.
It felt like hours before she finally reached La Push. She pulled up to Jake's house and started to back her truck up until it was right in front of Jake's makeshift garage.
Jake met her as she hopped out of the truck.
"Hey Bells," he smiled, pulling her into a hug. "Long time no see, Loca."
"Yeah, long time," Bella said with a small, sad smile. Backing away she walked him to the back of her truck. Pulling the tailgate, she climbed up and looked at Jake. "I have a surprise for you." She lifted the blue tarp up and off the bikes.
Jake looked at her with a confused look, "Thanks, Bells, scrap metal."
Bella looked at him and shook her head, "I was thinking we can fix them up. What do you think?"
She looked at him from under her eyelashes, trying to flirt. She hated doing so. She didn't want to lead Jake on, he was like a brother to her, but she really wanted to fix up these bikes. She's hoping the adrenaline from them once she rides them will help her. Give her something to live for.
Jacob looked at her with doubt in his eyes, "We?"
Bella gave him a small smile, one that never reached her eyes, and laughed. "Okay, you," she told her, shifting her weight side to side. "Will you fix these bikes up for us? Please?"
Jacob sighed before walking around to the back of the truck. He climbed up and before they knew it the two of them were in his garage with the dirt bikes. Their conversation started out small. Reconnecting and asking how things were going. The type of conversation old friends had when they haven't seen each other for a while.
She was perched on the hood of Jake's Volkswagen Rabbit. He made her grab the blanket she always kept in her truck and lay it on the hood before he allowed her to sit on it. She sat cross legged and was playing with her fingernail, her jacket discarded next to her.
"So," she said, looking up at him, taking a gulp of her warm soda. "Tell me about your friends."
"Ah," he said, looking at her shaking his head. "Quil and Embry."
"Those are unique names," she replied. "I don't think I've ever heard of them before."
Jake paused what he was doing to look at her. "Quil is a hand-me-down name and I think Embry was named after some Soap Opera star."
Bella let out a small laugh, "That's funny."
"Don't let them hear you say that," he told her getting back to work. "They are both sensitive when it comes to their names. They'll tag team you if you even bring it up."
"Nice friends?" she asked.
Before he could say anything, there was a sound from outside the garage, before someone spoke.
"Yo, Jake," the voice said. "You in there?"
Jacob sighed turning to Bella, "Speak of the devil and he shall appear."
In walked two boys. One was tall and lengthy, maybe 5'10", with long black hair. The other one was a few inches shorter, maybe 5'8", with short curly hair. He was burly with muscles. You could see the muscles straining through his white V-neck that complimented his ripped jeans and his beautiful russet skin. Bella couldn't help but stare. She felt drawn to this boy, and she didn't know why. She looked down when he looked at her.
"Who's the girl," the shorter one asked, eying her up and down. She had on skin tight jeans and a simple white t-shirt. They matched.
"Quil, Embry, this is Bella," Jacob said, pointing at each boy as he said their names. "Bells, these are my friends."
Bella gave them a small smile, "It's nice to meet you."
Quil offered her his hand, she took it and he swiftly kissed the back of it. Making her blush and giggle. "Quil Ateara the fifth." The feel of his lips lingered on her skin as she reluctantly pulled away.
She bit her lip and couldn't help but eye him, hungrily. She didn't know what's gotten into her. She'd never looked at a man like this before. She raked her eyes back up his body and met his. His eyes showed want, but the look was quickly whipped away once Jacob spoke, breaking their moment.
"So, what are you guys doing here?" Jake asked, annoyed.
He saw the way Quil and Bella were looking at each other, and he didn't like it one bit. This was his girl. The one he's loved since they were little. If there's anyone who should have her look at them like that, it should be him, not Quil.
Embry spoke first, remembering why they came. "Dude, so we were exploring that old junkyard they shut down last month and you will never believe what we found." Embry's excitement showed and Bella couldn't help but smile at the boy.
"Do you remember how there used to be a carnival every year when we were kids, and how they used to have that carousel?" Quil asked, placing his hands in the pockets of his jacket.
"Yeah, I remember," Jake nodded, folding his arms over his chest. "The carousel has been gone for years now, but the carnival still goes on."
"Dude we found it," Embry said as a huge smile appeared on his face.
"No way," Bella said. "You found an old carousel in the junkyard?"
Bella thought that was incredibly cool. She has seen pictures and read books where there were old carousels, but she has never actually seen one in person.
Quil turned to her and smiled. "Way," he said. "I could take you there and show you if you want."
Bella didn't know what go into her, but she felt, excited. She slid off the car and stood right in front of him.
"That's so rad!" she exclaimed, excitement shining in her eyes. "Can you take me right now?"
"Hell yeah," Quil yelled. "If that's fine with Jake. I mean, you are hanging out with him."
Bella shook her head, "Jake you don't mind, do you? We can hang out again another time."
Jake gave her an annoyed look with a fake smile. "Yeah sure, we can hang out whenever."
Bella smiled brightly, "Sweet let's go."
"Embry why don't you drive, since you know the way," Quil said, taking Bella's truck keys from out of her back pocket. Bella bit her lip as she felt his fingers on her ass, blushing slightly.
"Sounds good," Embry said taking off towards the truck. "Jake come on."
Quil grabbed Bella's hand and led her to her truck.
"How is this going to work?" Bella asked. "There's not enough room for all of us."
Quil hopped into the bed of the truck and held out his hand for her. "We can ride back here."
Bella bit her lip, contemplating if she should take his hand or not. After an internal debate, she decided. Once she placed her hand in his, she felt as if this decision would be one that would change things. Good or bad, she didn't know.
Hopping up into the bed of the truck next to Quil, she sat in the wheel well. Quil hit the side twice and Embry started driving.
Bella looked over to Quil, pulling a piece of hair behind her hair. Quil was standing up with his hands on the top of the cab. His head was thrown back and his hair was whipping around in the wind.
The thoughts that possessed her mind at that time were ones she hasn't had before about a boy. She watched him and wanted to wrap her arms around him and hold him. He was so handsome and carefree, she wanted to feel that. He wanted to feel his arms around her and she wanted to bask in the peacefulness of being with him.
As if he could feel her eyes on him, he turned around. Giving her a broad, genuine smile, he held out his hand. He motioned with his head for her to come to him. She didn't even hesitate, she grabbed his hand tightly and he maneuvered her in front of him.
She was standing so close to him that his chest touched her back. She breathed in his scent of dirt, rain, and leather. He smelt like a man. It was her new favorite scent.
Quil's hands reached around her, at first, she thought he was going to hug her to him, but instead, he held onto the cab of the truck.
"Let go of the cab, put your arms out and through your head back," he whispered in her ear. "It feels like you're flying."
Slowly letting go of the cab, she leaned further into him, trusting that he wouldn't let her fall. She lifted her arms to the side and threw her head back. She closed her eyes and just breathed. She felt safe and excited tucked between Quil and the cab. Laughing she placed her head on his shoulder. The air rushing past them was exhilarating and she absolutely loved it.
Looking up at Quil, from the spot on his shoulder, she saw that he was looking at her with a smile on his face. In that moment, she has never felt more alive.
And, she loved it.
Quil has always had an adventurous spirit but he has never seemed to find someone that could keep up with him, besides his best friends of course. Although he loved his friends, he had to admit it felt nice to have a woman in his arms. A woman who seemed to be having as much fun as him in that small adventurous moment. A woman who seemed to need a little adventure in her life.
When he first walked into the garage that day he noticed how sad she looked. When she smiled, he couldn't help but smile as well. He loved the way her eyes lit up at the mention on the carousel and he made a promise to himself to make sure she had a spark like that all the time.
Jake has told him a lot about this girl. Apparently, some jackass broke her heart and practically left her for dead in the woods. Jacob said she's been a zombie for the past several months. Not wanting to do anything, barely sleeping, and not eating. Quil had to admit she did look a tad bit too thin, but who was he to judge?
As he watched her he couldn't help but fall harder for her than he already did. He tightened his grip on the cab while bringing his other hand to lay on her stomach, gently pulling her closer. Bella placed her hand on top of his and laced their fingers together.
Looking into each other's eyes and stayed there for the rest of the ride. Never once breaking eye contact.
As Embry slowed down they reluctantly let go of each other. Bella moved to sit back on the wheel well, while Quil sat next to her on the edge of the truck.
"That was amazing Quil," she said, her face a little flushed from the wind. "Thank you."
"Anytime, darlin'," he said, gently nudging her chin, making Bella blush.
As the truck came to a stop, he jumped from the bed of the truck. Holding his hand out to the girl, she carefully, as to not fall, held onto his hands and slowly jumped.
Standing up she looked around. "Where are we?" she asked confused. "Why are we parked on a dirt road?"
Quil smiled at the girl and gestured to follow him. When she got closer he threw his arm around her shoulder. "We can't actually drive up to the junkyard, it's considered private property. We have to walk from here."
As they got to the gate Jake, Embry and Quil hopped the gate with ease. Bella had a tough time, so Quil climbed the fence and sat so a leg was on either side. He leaned down towards Bella and pulled her up. She could then throw her leg over the fence and with Quil's help, jump down.
Looking around you could see old, totaled cars, appliances, motorcycles, buses and several other old pieces of junk.
As Bella's eyes landed on the school bus she took off towards it. Quil watched on as she went inside. She ran her hands on the seats as she walked down the aisle, doing the same on her way back to the front.
"This is amazing," she said, in awe. She has never experienced anything quite like this before. There were so many memories and history involved with these items. She could only imagine.
"Hey Bells," Jake called. Bringing her out of her thoughts. "There's an older version of one of the bikes you brought over. Maybe if we need to we could come back and salvage some parts.
"Sure, Jake," she said, walking off the bus. "That sounds great."
Walking over to Quil she couldn't help but smile, "This place is amazing. Where's the carousel?"
"It's over there," he said pointing. They started walking towards it when Quil picked her up and placed her on his back, causing her to squeal then giggle. She instantly wrapped her legs around his waist and her arms around his neck. She placed her chin on his head and laughed.
"I haven't had a piggy back ride since I was a child," she laughed.
"Yeah Quil," Jake said, angrily. "She's not a kid."
"Dude Jake, calm down," Embry said, rolling his eyes.
"Yeah Jake," Quil said, moving his arms so they were under her knees. "I don't see Bella complaining."
They all turned to Bella, well everyone but Quil.
"Hey, don't look at me," Bella said, shrugging. "You know how I am when walking. If I can avoid tripping and falling, I'm good."
Unconsciously she wrapped her legs and arms tighter around him. The only person who noticed was him.
As they walked on Bella changed her position on Quil's back. She has her chin on his shoulder, her forehead touching his cheek, and one arm strayed down his chest a little bit. When they reached the carousel he reluctantly let her go. His hands sliding up the legs as she slid down from him.
When Bella saw the carousel, she gasped. It was so big and beautiful with a creepy feel to it.
"Man, this is so cool," Jacob excitedly said, as he went to explore it. Bella and the others followed.
She slowly ran her hands over the ruined animals. There were horses, unicorns, bears, lions, and even a Pegasus. The unicorn was her favorite.
She hopped onto the unicorn and closed her eyes, imagining what it felt like as a child, riding the carousel.
Suddenly, she felt a jerking movement and screamed.
Looking around her she noticed the boys trying to push the carousel so it'd move. After a few more jerks they finally got it to move.
Bella couldn't help the giggle that escaped. As the boys ran faster I a circle the faster the rickety old thing went. She threw her head back and threw and arm up, one staying wrapped tightly around the pole.
The giggle that bubbled up in her was different. She hasn't felt this carefree and genuinely happy in a long time.
Looking around she noticed the boys have hopped onto the carousel as it started to slow down. She looked at them all, every one of them had a smile on their face. One that Bella couldn't help but look away from, especially Quil.
Looking at the smiling girl as she looked at each boy, Quil couldn't help but smile. She was so beautiful when she didn't have a frown on her face. He'd come back every day if it meant that he could keep that smile on her face.
Their eyes met and he winked, causing her to blush.
He made her heart beat faster, and gave her butterflies in her stomach that she's never felt before. She's been feeling as if something has been missing for a long time now. She didn't know what she was missing until she met Quil. Now?
She feels alive.
TBC