The Micro Moon
Year One, Chapter Two
Nightmares and Meetings
Jacob's Point of View
Today was a big day, with big changes and surprises. Pretty soon I was going to be moving away from my home and family. I had a lot to think about.
At nine o'clock that night I tucked Nessie into her bed, at the cottage then snuggled myself in next to her. She fell into a peaceful sleep right away and I hoped she would stay that way all night long.
She had started having nightmares after our encounter with the Volturi and Bella, Edward, and I found that the only way to get her to have a peaceful nights rest was if I stayed in bed, beside her, throughout the night.
Bella and Edward had tried staying with her at first but it didn't help. She would still wake up screaming four to five times a night. They even tried having Jasper stay nearby to use his gift altering her emotions to calm her down. But that didn't make the nightmares go away. Finally after weeks of hounding on my part they agreed to let me have a try. I knew I could help her. We were connected through our Imprint bond. I always knew what she needed.
She seemed so mature for her age, and mostly talked and acted like an adult, but the Volturi encounter - threatening her life, and that of all of the Cullens, under the pretence of them creating an Immortal Child, something against Vampire Law, had scarred her. But the charges were of course false, an excuse for their leader, Aro, to either get Edward and Alice to join him, adding to his power, or eliminate them, and the rest of the Cullens, as possible adversaries. Nessie's little mind, no matter how fast it worked, or how quickly she learned, it had all been too much for her to handle.
While she was technically only five months old, she looked like a 3 year old girl, but her intelligence was miles ahead of that. It was sometimes easy to forget just how young she really was. She could play Mozart on the piano, had already read Moby Dick, Pride and Prejudice, and Frankenstein, among many others, and just yesterday claimed that she is just a few games away from being able to beat Jasper at chess, which, while I don't know how to play chess myself, had no reason to doubt.
But she was also just a child in some ways, with only five months of life experiences. I'm not really sure how to comprehend that. She understood everything that was going on around her from the moment she was born; before she was born, actually. Nessie had understood how she was hurting Bella in her womb, after Edward explained it to her, and she worked on modifying her movements to ease Bella's pain and suffering. There was no point in her life so far where she just reacted to situations. She analyzed the information that was presented to her and formed an appropriate response based on that information and her own observations. But she knew we had been worried and scared about the Volturi and it had affected her, much more than any of us had realized, it turned out. While she seemed to put up a good front at the time, now that it was over her façade slowly crumbled.
And now here we were. She mostly seemed fine when she was awake. But at night, three days after the Volturi left, the nightmares began. I talked to Edward about it. He told me how she is smart, Duh, I already knew that! I didn't say it out loud, I didn't need to; he could read it in my mind. Her conscious mind understood that the danger was gone but her unconscious mind was still working through things. Edward thought it would just take time. I hoped he was right, I hated seeing Nessie so upset, but would do anything for her. Calm down, even adults get nightmares, I thought to myself.
So here we were. The two of us in her parents cottage, that the Cullens had given them for a wedding present, where I regularly bumped my head on the door frames and almost have to crouch down when I walk around to prevent my head from scraping the too short ceilings. I was a bit cramped, squeezing my 6'7" frame into in Nessie's tiny bed, as well, but didn't mind as long as it meant she got a good night's sleep. It was however a bit disturbing being down the hall from Bella and Edward. There are some things I just didn't want to hear. Luckily, though, my being here meant Nessie never woke up. She still had nightmares occasionally, even with me here, but never even close to as bad as when I was sleeping away from her; and never as strong or scary enough to wake her in the middle of the night. A gentle hug would generally be enough to calm her down.
That night I laid awake, unable to fall asleep myself, thinking about everything that was discussed during the meeting. I would be leaving my home soon. One hundred miles was not that far, I could still visit from time to time, well, for this move anyway. But, it just hit me. I was going to live for a very long time, maybe forever, literally. Well for at least as long as Nessie, I hoped, and that seemed like it was going to be a long time. Nahuel, the only male half-Vampire known to exist, who had helped us with our encounter with the Volturi, was one hundred-fifty years old and still looked like he was in his early twenties.
Nessie's childhood was going by so fast. The entire month of December she lived under a death sentence. I had tried to make January extra fun for her. But there was only so much you can do while cooped up at home and only leaving to hunt in the nearby woods. I decided to take her to La Push, meet some new people, kids even. I'll have to talk to Bella and Edward right away. I don't want her to miss out on any more of her childhood. It would be gone before we knew it.
Eventually I drifted off to sleep, dreaming of all of the fun I hoped to squeeze into Nessie's condensed youth.
The next morning I woke up with my angel still asleep beside me. I managed to maneuver my way out of bed as gently as I could so that I didn't wake her. I wanted to find Bella and Edward and get their okay with taking Nessie to the Reservation, before I even brought it up with her. I just hope I won't be walking in on anything. I assume Edward had already heard my thoughts so this should be fairly easy.
As soon as I walked out of Nessie's room I could smell the breakfast someone was cooking. When I turned the corner to the kitchen they had added last month, when it looked like I would be staying, I saw Bella over the stove.
"Morning Bells, where's Edward?"
"He had to take care of a few things. But before he left he mentioned that there was something you wanted to ask me."
Thanks, Edward. He couldn't have just told her? My Imprinting on his daughter eliminated my feelings for his wife, since I had only been attracted to the part of her that would one day become Nessie, and it dissolved a lot of the tension between us, at least temporarily. It was probably going to return in a new way as Nessie grew up. But I thought things were better since we stood side by side against the Volturi, yet he seemed to enjoy screwing with me every now and then. But if he was leaving the decision up to Bella then this should be easy. Even when she was human she had never found us Wolves dangerous. That was all Eddie.
"I was hoping to take Nessie with me today, maybe go to La Push, let her play with some other kids."
She scrunched her face. "Jacob, is she allowed on the Reservation? Isn't that against the treaty?"
My mind flashed back to a memory from a few years ago, of when I was trying to break a human Bella out of Edwards clutches, back when I still saw him as a threat, They were about to go into Forks High School when I rode up on my bike. I hated the way he would seize her in his arms, almost as much as the fact that she didn't object to it. He wouldn't let her go, wouldn't let her be with me, be friends with me. My thoughts at the time were how Bella's life was in danger being around Edward and his Vampire family. He in turn thought that me and the rest of the Wolves were too emotional, too angry, too deadly for his fragile human Bella. Now Bella was acting the same way, not wanting Nessie to go to La Push. No way! She knew that the Wolves were perfectly safe.
"You know I trust you to care for, and protect Nessie, with your own life," she continued, smoothing out her features. "There is no one I trust more to watch her, besides Edward and myself." That made me relax. More than relax. A huge grin spread across my face. It was short lived though when I thought about what she first said.
I never even considered that. No Vampires, not even Bella, were technically allowed in La Push, according to the treaty. An exception was made once when I had been hurt fighting the Newborn army, but that was an emergency situation. The Cullen's are the ones who first made the treaty, with my ancestors, decades ago. And Nessie technically was a Cullen and a half-Vampire. But she was also my Imprint. According to our werewolf "laws" no Wolf was allowed to hurt another Wolfs Imprint but it said nothing about not prohibiting them from our lands.
"Maybe. I'm not sure. I guess I should clear it with the council. I really don't need any more misunderstandings right now. It shouldn't be too hard though."
The Tribes Council of Elders currently consisted of my Dad, Sue Clearwater, and Old Quil Ateara. I probably should invite Sam too. Sam was the Alpha of the other Wolf Pack and technically the unofficial Chief of the Tribe, although others thought I was. It was more of an unofficial thing anyway and I didn't really care what he thought, though, but I didn't need to make waves. Things were finally better between us since I first broke from his Pack. Sam and I had reconciled, my Pack was allowed back on the Reservation, and both Packs coordinated and shared patrolling duties.
I quickly took out my phone and called Billy. "Hey Dad, could you get the council and Sam together at the house in about 30 minutes? I need to talk to everyone about something."
Is everything okay son? Do we have another Vampire problem? He sounded worried, which made me feel bad, I hadn't meant to frighten him.
"No, nothing's wrong," I tried to reassure him with the most soothing voice I could muster over the phone. "I just need to clear something with everyone. See you soon dad. There's nothing to worry about."
As soon as I hung up I saw that Nessie was up. Like me she was still in her pajamas, but in contrast to my plain tee-shirt and boxers she was in a frilly nightgown that Alice bought her. She would probably look perfectly at home in one of Bella's Victorian novels. After running across the length of the cottage at her normal inhumanly fast half-Vampire speed she joined us in the kitchen and lifted herself up easily, into the chair next to me, at the kitchen table.
"Morning Nessie, how did you sleep?"
Good morning, my Jacob, she said to me through her gift, after touching my cheek. I love how she calls me that, because it is true, I am hers, in every way and am glad she knows it. I was so lucky to have ended up with such a wonderful Imprint. It's strange though, I never had to tell her, she just somehow always knew. I get that someday we will need to talk about exactly what it means, but not yet. You know I always sleep well when I am with you.
"Now that you're up Nessie, Esme wanted me to pass along a message to the two of you." Bella said to us. "She wants to meet with the both of you sometime soon so you can go over with her how you would like your room set up in the new house. Paint colors, design styles, art for the walls, that sort of thing."
"That sounds like fun. I would love some input on my new room." Nessie exclaimed out loud. It always shocked me whenever she would talk instead of using her gift. She really only did it when she needed to communicate with more than one person at a time. But her voice was lovely and she would need to eventually start speaking more if she ever wanted to interact with humans – once she was older. She did it with her Grandfather Charlie and Sue when she saw them, but since they were in on the secret, Sue more than Charlie, it wouldn't be that big of a deal if she slipped. She would have to be careful if and when we went to the Res.
"I'm sure whatever you choose will be wonderful Nessie. Bella, could you let Esme know I will try to come by later. I have to get going soon."
I thought I heard you on the phone, Jacob. Are you going somewhere?
Of course Nessie had overheard my call to Billy. I wonder if she knew of my conversation with Bella before that. No, even if I missed it, Bella would have heard if Nessie was awake and she would have talked to me much softer, so Nessie would not overhear.
"Yes, I have to go to La Push this morning, but I won't be gone long and then we can spend the rest of the day together. How does that sound?"
Okay, was all she thought to me, before releasing my cheek and digging into her breakfast of scrambled eggs. She loved eggs. It was weirdly one of the only "human foods", as she called it, that we could get her to eat. She still preferred blood to real food.
Really, though? That was it? I was prepared for a bit more of a fight. She usually wanted to spend every second with me. I briefly wondered if she was up to something, but didn't have time to get into it now. I needed to leave right away if I wanted to make it to the Res on time. And I did not want to give them any reason to deny me my request, not that I really thought they would.
My dad knew how important Nessie was to me. And Sue was probably going to be her step-grandmother eventually. I know it was still early in their relationship but everyone knew where Sue and Charlie were headed. If Charlie ever worked up the courage to ask her to marry him, I am sure she would say yes in a heartbeat.
Then there was Old Quil. His grandson, Quil Ateara V, was one of my best friends. So even if Old Quil never Imprinted, himself, he must have heard the pull we Wolves have to our Imprints, from his grandson.
After finishing breakfast and quickly getting dressed, I rode the motorcycle, that I had restored with Bella a couple of years ago, and arrived at my father's house twenty minutes later, just in time. As I climbed off my bike I could see Sue Clearwater's car already in the driveway. My father, Billy Black and Sue were chatting in the kitchen. I think my dad had hoped to start something with her someday, after her husband, Harry died, but Charlie beat him to it. He never made a big deal out of it, Charlie was his best friend after all, but I could tell he hasn't gotten over it, completely, yet.
"Hey, son. Sam is bringing Old Quil. They should be here any minute." Just as he finished talking I heard Sam's truck pull up and a minute later they walked through the door. Times up and I was suddenly nervous. I wasn't sure why. It's not like I couldn't stay just living at the Cullen's cottage with Nessie, at least until September. I would still see her every day. But she would miss out on some things. I wanted her to see where I grew up, see how normal people lived, and to play with other children.
The Cullen's could give her a lot, buy her anything, well, almost anything, she wanted or needed, but interacting with normal people was not one of them. She needed this. Yes, we could go somewhere else. Forks, Port Angeles, Seattle, anywhere really, but I thought this was better. This was home. I felt connected to this place and I wanted to share it with her. My home was also safer with all of the Wolves around. No Vampires would be able to set foot on the Res.
"Okay, we're all here. What do you want Jake?"
"Gee Sam, nice to see you too," I said.
"Boys, play nice. Jake what can we do for you? Billy said that it wasn't a new Vampire problem so why do you need to talk to us?" Sue could be so diplomatic.
Okay, here goes. Maybe if I just blurt it out, everyone will say "yes" before having a chance to think about it.
"Well, as you all know I Imprinted on Nessie Cullen. And wanted to bring her here, to La Push, take her to First Beach, let her play with some of the kids around her age, bring her to a bonfire or two -"
Old Quil cut me off before I even got to finish. "NO! My father and the other Elders made a treaty with those bloodsuckers back in the 1930's to keep them off our land and keep our people safe for a reason. We will not change it now, Imprint or no Imprint."
My heart sank. "But she's just a child. She's not a threat. Nessie is half-human. She eats human food." I didn't mention that she also drinks animal blood. "She is alive, her heart beats, she grows and learns and loves." I can't believe it, I was having the same argument that Edward was having with those evil Volturi leaders back in December. "Dad, Sue, Sam, you've met her. You know she's not a danger to anyone here."
"Calm down, son. I agree with you. Renesmee is a sweet little girl. I don't see a problem with her coming here."
"So let me get this straight," Old Quil began again, "she is NOT a Vampire? She does not drink blood, she does not have Vampire strength or speed?"
Damn. I guess I should fess everything up.
"Well . . . honestly, yes, Nessie does drink blood, but only from animals. And, yes, she is faster and stronger than humans, and she also grows incredibly fast. But she learns even faster. She knows right from wrong. She knows killing humans is wrong. She has never lost control."
I turned to look directly at Sue now. "Sue, you have been around her with Charlie. She is perfectly safe. She would never bite either of you. You know that."
"That's true Jake. But I also knew the risk I was taking. The children here are innocent."
Now Sue was against me? This was not going how I thought it would. "There won't be any risk. I will personally guarantee that. She will never leave my side. Please." I was begging now, great.
"Sam, you have been awfully quiet through all of this. Is there anything you would like to add?" Old Quil asked.
"You know I was never a fan of the Cullen's," Sam began, "but over this past year, fighting beside them, getting to know them, seeing how they live and hunt only animals, I have begun to see why Jake trusts them. But I also heard how Renesmee drank human blood just a few months ago, although I also know how she has been fine around the limited human contact she has been exposed to. I do worry that being on the Reservation, completely surrounded by humans, might be overwhelming for her. I am not saying she would lose control and start attacking anyone, but it is something that we should be aware could be a possibility."
"I think we have heard enough. Son, why don't you and Sam give us a few minutes to talk about this, alone." Dad gestured towards the door. I guess that was our cue to head outside.
As soon as we were out the door I turned to Sam and pushed him. He wasn't expecting that and fell to the ground. "How could you say such a thing?" I shouted. "You've met Nessie. You know she would never hurt anyone. She's an angel."
"Jake, she's not an angel, I know you cannot see that." He was back on his feet now and in my face, yelling back at me, "She's your Imprint, and a half-Vampire. You only see the good in her. But it's my job to protect our people."
"It's my job to protect our people too. And I know Nessie is not a threat. I would never bring her here if she was. I would not have Imprinted on her if she was," I yelled right back.
I was shaking and about to phase when I heard Sue's voice calling to us. "Hey, break it up you two. Come back inside before you seriously hurt each other. We have come to a decision."
"Jake, son, we have come to a sort of compromise," my father began, a minute later, back in the kitchen, after Sam and I had calmed down. Billy on the other hand was shooting a sideways glance at Old Quil. I guess he was not completely onboard with their decision but was going along with it, whatever it was. "Renesmee may come to the Reservation."
YES!
"Under certain conditions."
Okay, I could live with that.
"You need to be with her the entire time she is here."
That's fine. I already said I would do that.
"And one other Wolf, from Sam's Pack, needs to be . . . with her."
Translation: guarding her, but that was fine. Nessie was perfectly safe. We could deal with a babysitter.
"No other Cullen is allowed on La Push."
That's fine, no different than before.
"And we want 24 hours advanced notice whenever she will be here."
Oh, well I guess that means today is out.
"Fine, then you can expect us around ten tomorrow morning. Sam, can you arrange for someone from your Pack to meet us at the border?" I knew the routine, I had to go through something similar, two years ago, shuttling a human Bella back and forth, while protecting her from Victoria, a Vampire bent on killing her, in retribution for Edward killing her mate, James. Although this time I was on the other side and the Packs were trying to protect people from Nessie. Ridiculous.
"If that is the council's decision, then fine. Jake, I'll have someone there in time to meet you." Sam said before taking off without another word. He was pissed but I didn't care. It was the council's decision, not his.
Sue ended up giving Old Quil a ride home while I hung around to talk to my dad. I needed to tell him about the Cullen's upcoming move and how I would be going with them. He took it pretty well, better than I expected. I think he just wanted me to be happy. And he was glad I would be going back to high school.
By the time I finished going over all the details of our move it was time to go. I had promised Nessie we would spend the day together and I didn't want to return too late.
I still had to talk to my Pack about the move but one disaster at a time was all I could handle right now.
