Chapter 1 - Unexpected
"The family. We are a strange little band of characters trudging through life sharing diseases and toothpaste, coveting one another's deserts, hiding shampoo, borrowing money, locking each other out of our rooms; inflicting pain and kissing to heal it in the same instant. Loving, laughing, defending and trying to find the common thread that binds us all together." - |Erma Bombeck|
|Renesmée|
Lightning streaked across the darkened afternoon sky, lighting up the verdant landscape for only a second; ear-splitting thunder followed after and broke through the unnerving silence that hovered over the towering trees. Frigid mist hung dangerously close to the damp soil, unmoving.
The stillness before the storm. That's what some might call this uncanny quiet that gripped the forest. No animals rustled in the underbrush, not even breath of wind disturbed the leaves on the foliage.
Clear warnings were evident all over, cautioning citizens to get inside; to take cover and stay there. Homes all over Forks were filled with fearful anticipation for the coming storm. Children clung to their parents and parents to their children. It was bad sign for most, but there were always exceptions to the rule.
In a hazy clearing, twelve figures stood. Waiting. All of them emitted a contagious excitement for the coming activity. It was the only time they could have free reign. The only time they didn't have to hide. For my family, it was the time to have some long-awaited fun.
Another round of lightning flashed overhead and then a deafening boom caused the dampened ground to tremble.
"That's our queue." Aunt Alice exclaimed, her petite lips curving up to form a mischievous smirk.
"Well then what are we waiting for? Let's play some ball!" Seth Clearwater replied, a goofy grin hanging off his lips. I couldn't help but smile at my Quileute friend's enthusiasm, I don't think I have ever seen him troubled.
Everyone seemed to share my thoughts since I heard calls of agreement as the rest of my mismatched family broke off into the already arranged baseball teams. My family - The Cullen's - only had so many opportunities to have fun without limiting our enhanced abilities. Thunderstorms were a sign of celebration and enjoyment for us. Today exceptionally so since some of our La Push friends were joining us for the game.
"Carlisle's team is up to bat first!" shouted my Uncle Emmett from near the tree line, his bulky frame a lot more intimidating then the trees behind him. The teams were as follows: Edward, Bella (my mother and father), Esme, Seth, and Emmett against Carlisle, Rosalie, Jacob, Jasper and I. This ended up being fair because Leah (Seth's sister) refused to play but instead sat watching indignantly on the sidelines and Aunt Alice was always pitcher.
" Sounds good, Rose you can hit first." explained Carlisle, kindly handing my aunt Rose the aluminium bat. I almost laughed out loud when I remembered when we had tried using a wooden bat one rainy day, that didn't turn out very good… for the bat anyways.
Auntie Rose gripped the handle firmly and sauntered up to plate. I watched her hips sway as she moved, her smooth, blonde locks swing as she walked. The maneuver would've caught even the most loyal man's attention. I always thought it was difficult to feel even slightly above average when you were in the same room as Auntie Rose.
"Don't blink wolf, you might miss something." Rose called to Jake.
"Don't count on it Barbie." He replied, rolling his eyes in a dismissive gesture.
I shook my head, shocked that even after all these years of friendship my aunt and best friend still purposely tried to get on each other's nerves. It was astounding to me.
Just then Alice released the ball in such a fluid motion that to a human's eye it wouldn't have been visible. I barely had time to direct my gaze to Rosalie before the bat made contact with hard leather and an explosive crack reverberated across the clearing. Cheers rang out around me as Rose took off in a flash, rounding first base and then second before my father raced over, ball in hand. Unable to gain further access without being caught, my auntie Rose came to an abrupt halt and decided to buy her time.
My father smiled his heart-stopping smile (as my mother always described it) and tossed the baseball back to Alice.
"Got to be faster then that to get farther Rose." he yelled, his soothing laughter filling my sensitive ears.
"Have to be faster to get me out Edward." Rose countered, smirking back at him.
"Enough you two." My grandfather interjected, interrupting their squabble, "It's Renesmée's turn."
"Come on Nessie, get a home run!" Seth encouraged from first base. I grinned at him, finding it humorous that he was one the other team and still he was cheering me on.
I stepped lightly up to bat and stooped over to grasp the cold metal handle of the bat. Righting myself, I parted my legs in shoulder width and half squatted, getting ready for the ball to be thrown my way.
I studied Alice where she stood about half a mile away; Her black, spiky hair framed her delicate features and I noticed her golden eyes were shut tight. Most likely trying to see the outcome of her pitch. Though she could try and try, I knew that she couldn't see me in her visions, just like the shifters from the Quileute tribe, she just couldn't see our future and it drove her crazy.
"Come on Nessie, you got this in the bag." Jake stated from my side, grinning warmly; his expressions showed nothing but the purest sincerity. As I regarded his features, I was completely taken by surprise when my heart gave an unmistakable flutter... That had never happened before.
"Strike one!"
Coming out of my confused stupor, I was astounded when I saw the baseball in the middle of my grandmother's glove. I hadn't even noticed that Alice had already thrown the first pitch.
"Looks like shortie isn't in her zone today!" Emmett teased, taking advantage at my lapse.
Shaking my head, I diverted my attention back to Alice, ignoring but not forgetting the reason behind my distraction.
Again the hard leather projectile flew toward me, but this time I was ready. Pressing the balls of my tiny feet into the dirt I dug for some leverage as I embedded all of my strength into my swing. Contact was made and I felt a charring through my bones as I swung outward, sending the ball flying through the air, over the tree tops and out of sight. Without a second thought I released my hold on the bat and flung my body forward into a sprint.
Encouraging hollers and shouts were being yelled all around me as I pushed my legs faster and faster around the marked bases. Adrenaline pumped through my veins and a sensation of pure unadulterated joy radiated through my limbs.
Aunt Rose had already made it home and I was well on my way to making it there also. A cry of triumph escaped my lips as a wide smile spread across my face as my foot stamped against the marked plate. I was home free!
"Yeah Nessie!"
"That was amazing Renesmée!"
"You sure no how to hit girlie."
I was bombarded by words of congratulations and pats on the back. I couldn't help but grin at my companions acknowledgement over my actions. By this time even my family from the other team had also come over to state their proud words. I even noticed out of the corner of my eye that Leah had a look of approval on her wolfish features.
I had noticed over the years that anything I did generally was received by endless words of approval. It was heart-warming and gratifying in an unexplainable way. To put it in plain terms, my family loved me… a lot.
"Thanks guys!" I replied in response to all their praise. It was the first thing I had said today. I usually tended to stay silent for the most part, using my gift of portraying my thoughts to others as my main way of communication. But in this current situation, explaining my thanks through touch didn't exactly seem a time saver when you were surrounded by twelve people.
"I'm so proud of you baby!"
I gazed up at my mother, a contentment filling my heart at the true love on her angelic face. Her chocolate coloured hair flowed over her slender shoulders, her skin marble smooth and ghostly white. She didn't have a beauty like Aunt Rose, Bella's outward appearance wasn't quite as fancy or standout-ish, it was more divined. More sublime. Like a diamond among pearls, they are all magnificent and priceless, but none stuck out like she did. My father would agree without hesitation to my revelation.
Finally, the crowd dispersed back to their assigned positions and the game continued and soon the other team was up to bat.
In the middle of the third inning and a fight between Jacob and Aunt Rose, ( caused by Jake failing to get my father out) a sudden drenching down pour began and we were all soaked to the bone within seconds. Deciding to call it a day, the entire family streaked through the trees toward our welcoming house. Running was quicker for all of us then driving through the dense underbrush of the forest.
Seth, Jacob and Leah ran along side us in their canine forms. The largest of them, the russet coloured leader, barked merrily as he ran alongside me, his tongue hanging loosely out the side of his mouth as he revealed his teeth in a wolfish grin. I giggled loudly, gripping his thick fur in my small fingers as I bounded through the wet plant life, Jake keeping up with me easily.
To quickly we made it back to my home and had stopped running. I loved sprinting through the familiar forests of Forks Washington. Just me and Jake. Spending time with him made me feel completely whole, like without his companionship I would only be half of me.
"Wow Nessie, your soaked!" Jake exclaimed smiling as he lifted one of my wet shirt sleeves as we jogged into the house, leaving a wet trail behind us.
Playfully shaking his large hand off I stood on my tip toes and reached up to tussle is own drenched head of dark brown hair, since he always went shirtless I couldn't really imitate his playful gesture. I could barely stretch my arm high enough. Even though I was now fully grown, he towered over my 5'3 with his own monstrous 6'6.
"Alright! Alright!" he yelled gently gripping my thin wrists in his grasp and removing them from his tangled locks, "I get the point, no need to wreck the hair style."
His wide grin betrayed any seriousness in his tone. I couldn't help but smile big right back, as his deep chestnut eyes were directed down at me and the captivating gleam reflected from their depths. As I stared back at him, I couldn't help but notice just how brown his irises truly were.
Suddenly my stomach twirled and my heart rate sped up considerately; not ready for that unexpected reaction, my smile faded quickly and I averted my eyes away from my best friends face.
"Nessie, what's wrong?" Jake questioned, taken off guard by my sudden change of emotion.
Not wanting to see him worried, I shook my head and put the smile back on my face, trying to my friend; or possibly myself. Never in my whole eight years of life had I experienced a reaction as that, not with anybody. Mature as I was, I was very curious to learn what it meant. Not only was it foreign, but it also made me a little fearful. Maybe something was wrong with me?
"Are you sure nothing's wrong?" Jake asked again concerned.
Taking my soft hand I placed it on scalding cheek, portraying a sense of reassurance and security. Making sure to get my point across, 'I'm fine'.
Finally satisfied, he nodded his head and smiled tenderly taking my small hand in his rough one and leading me to the kitchen where the rest of my family had situated themselves.
"We so won!" Aunt Rose cried, standing over uncle Emmett who was seated on one of the wooden chairs.
"Not a chance Rose! We totally beat your team right into the ground!" he responded, a determined look in his golden eyes.
Me and Jake glanced at each other from the corner of our eyes, trying hard to suppress the laughter that was threatening to break free and we weren't the only ones. Mom and dad stood close together by the smooth counter and had amused smirks gracing their lips. Alice and Jasper were whispering softly to each other as the scene played out, most likely taking bets on who would win. Aunt Alice had an unfair advantage in my opinion.
Rose huffed loudly in frustration, stamping her foot like a small child and throwing her arms up in the air.
"No need to be childish about this, just because you know I'm right doesn't mean you have to have a tantrum babe." Uncle Emmett jested, hoping to feed the fire that had already ignited in Rose's stature.
Leaning down Jake spoke into my ear, "No offence to Emmett, but does he want to die?"
Giggling quietly, I reached up and touched Jake's face again sending him an image of a raging inferno which resulted in a tremendous mushroom cloud explosion.
Before he could stop himself, he had erupted in a deep laughter that was so contagious I had to join in with him.
Eyes fell upon us as Jake clutched at his sides, trying to calm the continual waves of mirth that swept over him. By now my mother had joined in the merriment and my father too began to chuckle huskily. Alice's soprano twitter soon followed and Carlisle and Esme began to snicker also. Eventually the entire kitchen was filled with howls of laughter; Jake had tears streaming down his face and my sides were beginning to ache.
Rose glared at Jake, and I say if looks could kill, poor Jacob would be pushing up daisies.
"What's so funny dog?!" she demanded, her voice shrill with anger.
Finally the roars of laughter were beginning to die down and Jake was able to breath between guffaws.
"Oh nothing. But hey Rose, how did the blonde try to kill the bird.?" he replied, wiping the water from his eyes. "She threw it off a cliff." This triggered another round of chuckles from around the room.
"Humph!" Rosalie scoffed, crossing her arms over her chest and taking a seat on Emmett's lap.
"Come on babe, don't listen to wolf breath over there." Uncle Emmett exclaimed rubbing her arms in a comfort attempt.
After that everyone slowly began to go off on their own. My mom and dad were at the piano, whispering sweet nonsense to one another. Emmett and Rose had gone upstairs and Carlisle, Esme, Alice and Jasper had ventured out hunting. Jake and I had found our way to the couch and were flipping through the many channels our television had to offer. I barely registered the pictures moving across the screen; my mind was elsewhere.
Maybe I was sick? That must be the reasoning behind my weird feelings today. I did feel kind of warm, but that was probably only because I had my own space heater sitting next to me. Could it just be a one time thing, a possible response to the excitement during the baseball game, or the storm's thunder and lightning. This explanation seemed highly improbable; I had played sports before, and encountered worse storms in the years. It was unlikely, but it was the best conclusion I could come too.
Sighing heavily, I realized I was starting to get a headache so I put the thought at the back of my mind to be dealt with later.
"What you thinking about"
Looking up I gazed at my wolf friend. He was staring intently at me, his eyes full of curiosity. Swallowing loudly, I realized I could feel his hot breath on my cheeks.
Directing my eyes on the TV screen I just shrugged my shoulders.
"Fine then, don't tell me. I will just be awake all night, coming up with horrible assumptions of my own, no worries Ness." Jake replied an amused expressions playing on his full lips. He put his arm around my slim shoulders and squeezing me closer to his side.
I breathed in deeply, he smelled of cedar and musk. I liked it.
Suddenly I heard the front door open and then slam shut; hurried foot steps echoed through the white washed hallways, making their way toward the living room where me and Jake were residing.
Curious to who it might be, I leaned away from Jake's side to get a better look at the doorway. I was very taken aback when Embry strode through the arch.
"Hey Embry man! What's up?" Jake greeted his friend happily.
"Hi Jake," Embry replied, "Hi Renesmée." he added when he spotted me at Jake's side.
Shifting from one foot to the next, Embry eyes darted from one object in the room to the next, I could immediately tell something was up. Finally his large pupils rested on Jake. Glancing to my right I realized that Jacob was completely oblivious to the fact that one of his best friends was beginning to sweat bullets on the middle of my floor. Rolling my eyes, I brought my hand up to his face, conjuring up a picture of the Embry I saw before me. Nervous and distraught.
"What's wrong Embry, you look pretty worked up dude."
FINALLY!
"Um… Actually Jake I came here to tell you about our scouting today." Embry stated, his tone becoming more firm every word.
"Ok, let's hear it." Now interested in what his pack mate had to say, Jake released my shoulders and leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees.
"Well Leah was running the perimeter like the usual and then she suddenly sent all of us a warning, she smelled something. Something close."
I almost shrieked when Jake abruptly jumped to his feet, rushing to Embry's side, gripping his arm. Full alpha mode had kicked in.
"Where?! When?! Why didn't you come get me sooner?!" he questioned, looming over poor Embry.
"It was just east of the res, and it only appeared about five minutes ago!" Embry answered, quickly trying to evade Jacob's wrath, "I ran to get you as soon as Leah warned us."
Releasing his friend's arm, Jacob took a step back taking a long, steady breath composing himself; his fingers raking through his long hair. "Sorry man, just sort of lost it for a second there, thanks for coming to get me as soon as you did."
Exhaling a sigh of relief, Embry nodded in acknowledgement.
"No problem Jake, but we really need to go."
It seemed like he then remembered that I was still sitting on the couch, watching the two of them. I sort of enjoyed seeing Jake when he was in Alpha mode, it made me feel safe and secure. Like I had my own personal guard dog, even though that term was sort of degrading.
"Ok I will meet you on the porch in a sec." Jake explained, his eyes still on me.
Again, Embry nodded and then headed through the hallways and out front door. I could hear him pacing up and down the porch steps.
"Ok Nessie, I guess that's means I kind of have to leave."
I stared up at him. Up being the operative word. He stood in front of me, but he didn't loom like he did when he was drilling Embry, there was a kindness in his stance. "I promise I will be back as soon as we're done checking this out alright?"
Nodding slightly, I got to my feet in one graceful move and had my arms wrapped around Jake's midsection. His chest pressed to my cheek, the warmth of his firm body seeping into my skin, warming me from the inside out. He was stiff in my arms at first, but quickly loosened into the embrace and enveloped my upper body in a strong hug, placing his chin on the top of my still damp head.
"I will be back soon I promise." he whispered into my hair, his breath ruffling some stray strands.
I just gripped tighter before I reluctantly released him and took a step back. My arms felt surprisingly empty now.
There was an expression on his face as he took one last look at me and then turned to leave the house. He had an emotion written on his features for just a second, but I just didn't understand what it was.
I trotted to the window and watched as he and Embry shifted and sprinted into the dense foliage.
…Jake was leaving.
Without warning, dismay gripped my heart and squeezed, locking the breath in my throat. The trepidation was over-powering and I nearly staggered by the intensity
As I sucked in shaky breaths, struggling to ease the unexplainable dread, a lone howl pierced through the forest. I knew that deep baying of a very familiar russet wolf.
Languish swept over me as I listened to the cheerless howl and I was taken aback once more.
"Bye Jake." was all I whispered in response to the cry of my best friend and the tightness clutching at my insides.
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Author's Note: I really hope you all liked this enstallment to my story! I spent lots of time trying to get the details all right, but if I still missed some things, feel free to let me know so I can work on them for the next chapter. I am enjoying writing this fanfiction IMMENSELY!!! But it would all be even better if all you lovely reader's would satisfy my need for feedback. SO let me know what you thought, whether it was good or bad! Love always, Shorty.
