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Without further ado...Enjoy!
Previously on Pawprints in the Sky...
"What's this? Did you draw something?" Caleb asked, meaning to be teasing but he was far from making me laugh. I scowled at him as he unscrewed the top and pulled the paper out. Damien glanced at it over his shoulder and seemed quite shocked.
"How the hell did you draw yourself from the outsi- Wait...Who the fuck was drawing you? Was it that fucker Jacob? Was he in your class again?!" He shouted, angrily. My cheeks blushed as people turned and stared, including my art teacher from within her classroom.
"Damien, shut up. No, Jacob wasn't in my class."
"Then who the fuck drew this?"
"Just a friend I was sitting next to."
"Wait, it smells...it smells weird. Hey, like those Quileute guys. Are you sure it wasn't Jacob?" Steven asked, accusingly. I glared.
"He wasn't in my class...It was one of his friends. Paul Lahote." I admitted, unable to lie to them any more. They would have never let up if I hadn't told them the truth.
Damien growled and I gasped, managing to grab the sketch out of Caleb's hands before Damien had a chance to get his own on it. He scowled at me as I rolled it up quickly and then snatched the tube and its lid from Caleb so I could stow it back into safety.
"The little stalker fucker. He had no right drawing you like that. Did you know he was drawing you?" Ryan asked, growling. I shook my head but was about to defend Paul when he cut me off. "He's a dead man. The fucking, prick will not draw my sister and get away with it. The fucking pervert."
"Calm the fuck down, Ryan. All of you. T's just a picture and I thought it was a sweet gesture. It didn't harm me and he gave me it so it wasn't for his own use. Chill out and let's go already." I shouted.
They all growled at me for using the tone I just had and I flinched back as if I had been slapped. My jaw dropped in shock and I felt tears sting my eyes instantly. They immediately knew that they had been in the wrong and rushed to apologise, saying that they had lost control for a single moment. The sadness and hurt gave way to anger and I glared at them all, pushing past them to storm down the hallway towards the cafeteria.
~Chapter Three~
Numbers
Nessa's Point of View
I left them at the cafeteria doors as I went over to the food line. They were wise and decided not to follow me just yet, opting to choose a table first instead. By the time they had joined the food line, there was a few students between us and at the moment with the way I was feeling, that was a very good thing. I almost felt like punching each of my brothers in the face, or their sac, for the way they growled at me.
It was uncalled for. We never growl at family. If Dad were here, he'd have chewed every single one of them out by now.
It came to my turn to choose lunch and I picked up a wrapped cheese burger and some oven baked fries. My stomach grumbled and decided to grab a second carton of fries, a muffin and a big bottle of water. I got some disgusted looks from some of the girls in front of me but I ignored them. Fuck them and their rabbit food. I liked greasy foods, so sue me.
I walked to the register and paid for my lunch and then traversed the cafeteria towards the table that smelled like my family. I spotted Caleb's bag and threw mine down beside his, taking a seat. I dug into my fries ravenously. I hadn't eaten since breakfast and I was starving. I took a sip of water after every few bites, humming in approval after every one. I probably looked like a pig but oh well. I enjoyed my food.
Movement from my peripherals caught my attention and I glanced up to see the Native American guys sitting down at the table next to ours. Alice and Nessie were also with them. My eyes instantly locked on one hulking form in particular and my cheek flushed when I realised he was staring right back at me. Jacob smiled softly, his eyes twinkling and I just couldn't not smile back. So I did.
The others turned and either waved or smiled at me. I returned the gestures in kind before going back to my food. Chairs were then pulled out around me and Caleb's hand came to rest on my back. I looked up at him and his face was the epitome of remorse and sadness.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to growl at you. Forgive me?" He pleaded softly. I smiled and nodded. Caleb was my favourite brother; it was hard to stay mad at him.
"We're all sorry, Nessa. We shouldn't have done that. You're our sister, not our enemy. Forgive us as well?" Andrew murmured. I peered around the table to see everyone's faces showing remorse and sadness like Caleb's, apart from one. Damien was tearing into his hamburger, shoving large bits into his mouth without making eye contact with me. I stared at him intently, challengingly but he flat out refused. I sighed and shook my head, going back to eating.
I caught a look of sympathy from Jacob over Damien's shoulder. I smiled at him.
"So are you going to trash it?" Damien's voice asked, expectantly. I looked at him, completely confused. He raised an eyebrow. His eyes were flat and cold.
"Trash what? Spit it out, Damien. Something is obviously pissing you off." I bit back. He glared at me.
"The sketch from that little prick from your art class." he growled loudly. I froze just as a few from the table behind Damien did as well. Did he even realise that they were sitting behind him or was he purposely trying to be a complete asshole?
Paul's back was ridged beside Jacob and he glanced at me. His eyes were challenging and slightly hurt. I sighed and scrubbed my face, glaring back at Damien's face. "No, I am not. It's a beautiful sketch and I fully intent to protect and preserve it. Butt the fuck out Damien. It was a nice gesture from a great guy."
"Either you rip it up now or I'll find it later and rip it up myself." he threatened and I gasped, horrified.
"You wouldn't dare!" I snarled.
"Try me." he dead-panned. I shook my head at him in disbelief just like my brothers. Andrew was trying to get him to see reason, saying that if I liked it then they had no right to take it off her but Damien acted like Andrew hadn't even spoken. He just continued to stare at me challengingly, smirking because I knew he fully expected em to bend to his will and do as I am told.
I cocked an eyebrow and picked up the tube holding the sketch. For a moment, Damien's smirk turned victorious and I caught Paul's hurt expression but that all changed when I also picked up my bag and my food tray, standing from my seat.
"Where the fuck are you going?" Damien growled, irritated. I smiled at him.
"You are not getting your hands on this sketch...even if I have to temporarily return to sender until a later date so that you can't get your destructive hands on it." I told him, venomously.
"Don't you even fucking dare think about going over there, Nessa. I forbid it."
"Damien, stop it. Leave her alone." Caleb sighed but he was ignored.
"I mean it, don't you fucking dare."
"Or what? You'll ground me? Well guess what, Damien, you are not my fucking father. Only he can tell me what to do but where is he now?" I snarled. Damien flinched back and it was plenty good enough for him.
I shoved away from the table before circling around it. My brothers were watching me with their mouths wide open due to my flat out disobedience as I approached the Native American table. Paul was smirking to himself as he looked down at his hands. Jacob beamed proudly and I smiled back. I stopped beside Paul and he looked up at me, his smirk widening. I handed the tube to him.
"Would you look after this for me? I fully intend to reclaim it later but...well, you heard." I asked. He smiled genuinely and took the tube, nodding in consent. "It's beautiful by the way. You took off too fast for me to say thanks properly so...thanks. You're real talented."
"Well thanks, Nessa. Glad you think so. I'll keep it safe until you want it again, I promise." he vowed. I grinned and glanced at my brothers. Damien was on his feet and he looked fucking pissed. I looked back at Paul.
"Thanks...well, enjoy your lunch." I wished, smiling at them all. I lingered on Jacob's face and smiled that little bit wider. His smile stretched in response. Then an idea struck me and I smirked to myself, reaching into my school bag for my history book.
I coughed and handed it to him. He frowned in confusion. "Paul had mentioned that you didn't have your history book in your class with him. I figured you could borrow mine until you got one...um, section 57 is quite interesting. The evolution of um, telecoms and mobile phones and such, you know? Maybe it will...inspire you or something."
I was babbling and I fully expected him to call me a lunatic and shoo me away but after a second, his face brightened with recognition and his eyes began to sparkle with mischief. I think the other guys got it too and they all smirked. Alice and Nessie giggled. I glanced at my brothers. They were clueless to the whole scene. Good.
He took the book. "Yeah, thanks. You're a lifesaver. I'll get it back to you asap, I promise." he vowed. I smiled and nodded.
"Well, see ya then." I giggled and left with one last wave. I ignored my brothers as I exited the cafeteria, feeling empowered and smug.
I had ignored my brothers the entire afternoon.
Ryan and Erik had been in my last two classes but thankfully, were assigned to sit on the opposite side of the room whilst I shared a desk with Seth and Embry in both of the classes. They were, of course, pissed and even tried to get the seat plan changed but to no avail, which was good because Seth and Embry were awesome to work with and even better to talk to.
Both had admired and praised me for my show in the cafeteria and they were both surprised that Paul had kept his cool instead of getting up to start a fight with my brother. I was grateful that he had been able to take the high road and had kept his cool.
In my very last class, Embry was a godsend because it was computers and he was an absolute whiz at everything and anything electrical. Even Seth had more knowledge than I did. I knew how to use a phone and that's it. Computers were no my thing. The teacher had made our table arrangement permanent for the rest of the year since I had been the worst in the class for knowledge in this class and it turned out that Embry had been the brightest. That pissed my brothers off more.
When class ended, they practically dragged me from the room without letting em say goodbye to my new found friends. Assholes. I finally yanked my arm free from Ryan's grip when we reached the main doors out of the school. He huffed and let me push past him to the parking lot. My other brothers were already at our cars. Damien glared at me fiercely before getting into his car without a word. Ryan, Steven and Erik climbed into his Audi with him and they didn't even wait for us before they zoomed out the parking lot. Screw them then.
"Easy Ness, let's just head on home and sort this out there. You don't want to do this in the middle of the school parking lot." Cale whispered to me as he lightly gripped my arm. I took a deep breath when I realised that I was shaking and wispy shadows began to form at my feet. I smiled at Caleb in thanks before turning to get into my car.
"Nessa! Hey Ness!" someone shouted behind me and I turned, surprised to see Jacob and Paul jogging towards me. I smirked when I saw Jacob had my history book in his hand, along with his own.
"Hey guys...um..." I glanced nervously at my brothers. They looked wary but not hostile. I hesitantly introduced the two. "Caleb, Andrew, these guys are Jacob and Paul. Guys, these are my brothers."
Paul nodded in greeted, his face blank but his eyes watching intently. Jacob held a hand out to Caleb warily and my brother grasped it with just as much wariness. "Hey, it's nice to put a name to your faces." Jacob spoke, lowly. Andrew smiled wryly.
"Yeah, pleasure to meet you." he replied before glancing at me. I shot him a grateful smile for making an effort and then he climbed into the back seat of my car. Caleb let go of Jacob's hand.
"I don't know why my brother has such a problem with you. You guys don't seem so bad." he commented and I fought back a smirk. "But I'll stand by my al- my brother. Family is priority and I'm afraid you'll have to prove yourself worthy of our Nessa before we can be happy about you even sitting next to her in chemistry. If you have sisters, you'll surely understand."
"My sisters are older but yeah, I get it. Don't worry, I'll prove myself to you and her." he vowed. My heart warmed at his words and I smiled at him. He grinned back. Caleb glanced between the two of us with a weird look on his face but didn't say a word. He just nudged me towards the car.
"Come on, we're going home now Ness." he ordered gently. I sighed but nodded. I gave the guys one last smile before turning back to my door. A russet arm came forward and opened it for me quickly. I smiled up at Paul and squeezed his hand in thanks before climbing into the car. He closed it behind me and they waved, heading back their own cars.
I smiled as Jacob climbed into the Volkswagen Rabbit.
The drive home with Caleb and Andrew was quiet but not uncomfortable. I couldn't help thinking that their introduction to Paul and Jacob would be the beginning of something good to come. I mean, Caleb himself had said that the two Native Americans didn't seem so bad. It could only fill me with hope. Andrew didn't seem to have a problem with them either but I think he was still a lot more wary than what Caleb was.
Of course, Damien and the others were already home when we pulled up into the garage. I sighed and killed the engine of my car. Caleb patted my shoulder before hoisting himself over the car door and out of the car. Had I been close enough, I'd have slapped him for that. I mean, it's a door not a hurdle, it was designed to be opened not jumped over, right?
I climbed out the car with Andrew and he pecked me on the head as he passed me into the house. I took a deep breath and prepared myself for the lecture I knew had to be coming from Damien, maybe even from the others as well. I squared my shoulders and held my head high as I exited the garage into the kitchen. I let out a breath I'd been holding seeing that none of them were in here but that meant everyone was gathered together in the living room. No doubt about it now, lecture here I come.
I decided that small talk would delay it even for a little while so...
"Hey guys, one of us will need to go grocery shopping if we're going to eat this week." I mentioned. Most of them glanced at me, though Ryan and Erik was transfixed on Top Gear playing on the TV. I rolled my eyes at them.
"Why do we have to shop? I mean, we're all set in the kitchen." Steven complained. I rolled my eyes at him.
"You mean, frozen pizzas stacked to high heaven in the freezer and no end of beer and cola in the fridge? Oh yeah, Steven, perfect for a bachelor pad or whatever but I am not a bachelor-"
"You're a bachelorette." Steven interrupted. I shot him a glare. He shrugged.
"As I was saying, I'm not a bachelor and there is no way I'm living off greasy pizza and high sugar, high calorie cola for the foreseeable future. So I'll go shopping later, if none of you want to do it." I offered. I knew that that was their problem. Steven shrugged but looked relieved.
"Sure, whatever." he agreed way too easily.
"I'll go with you, Sister. There's some stuff I need to pick up anyway." Caleb offered. I smiled at him gratefully.
"We could go now if you want. Nothing better to do." I suggested, hoping that I'd get away with it but of course, Damien was forever on his toes and he looked my way, shaking his head.
"No, we need to talk to you. Take a seat." He commanded, leaving no room for argument. I sighed in resignation and shuffled over to them, taking a seat between my two favourite brothers, Caleb and Andrew. Caleb wrapped his arm around me and pulled me to his side, silently showing me his support. Damien took notice of it but didn't say a word. "Nessa, you can't be friends with them."
"Yeah, you said." I mumbled, trying to keep the annoyance from my voice.
"You know why, right?" Andrew asked gently, slipping his index finger under my chin and forcing me to look at his soft eyes. He just looked scared for me. Worried. I knew he was trying to keep this discussion in hand but I'd be damned if they thought that they were going to push me around so easily.
"No, actually, I don't." I said, stubbornly. They sighed.
"They're dangerous, Ness." Eric sighed.
"Why?"
"Because...they just are, Nessa." Damien spluttered, not knowing what to truly pin on them.
Nothing.
He had nothing on them and he knew it.
"Proof?"
"They smell." Steven offered. I rolled my eyes.
"Oh, yeah, real mature, Steven." I retorted, sarcastically. "They smelled just fine to me. Different, sure, but totally fine."
"Exactly, Ness. Different. Vampire different, just like those vamps in Europe." Andrew reasoned. I sighed and somewhat flinched. He squeezed my shoulder in apology.
"They have different eyes though. Golden. Not red." Caleb noted. I smiled up at him.
"Regardless. I don't want any of you with them, near them or even speaking to them from across the damn room. Got it?" Damien demanded hard, eyeing each of us. My brothers nodded like obedient little puppies and grumbled their acceptance but I remained still and silent, defiant as ever. Damien growled slightly. "Got it, Nessa?"
Again, my defiant side shining through, I didn't say a word. I just rose to my feet and glared at him, hard before stalking off towards the stairs, my fists clenched at my sides.
"Nessa, get back here!" Damien shouted angrily. I stopped at the bottom of the staircase, reluctantly turning to look at him in the eyes but still defying him by not going over there. He looked pissed. "You understand? No. Cullens."
"I wish you'd stop with these power trips Damien, they make you seem like a total prick." I growled, angrily. He growled in return.
"Watch who you're talking to, Nessa. I am your brother and alpha, you will NOT talk to me that way." he demanded. I crossed my arms.
"I'll stop talking to you like that when you stop trying to control my life; when you stop trying to dictate who I can and cannot be friends with or even talk to. You have no right, Damien. It's MY life!" I shouted as angry tears filled my eyes.
"I'm trying to PROTECT you, Nessa. Why can't you see that?"
"I'd understand if there was actually something you needed to protect me from Damien but there isn't. They are not dangerous, well not anymore than we are to them. They are nice people and you're condemning them before you even know them."
"I don't want to know them. I don't want them anywhere near my family. I'm telling you this right now, Nessa, if I can't you with them again, you're grounded, on house arrest, what the fuck ever. But I promise you there will be consequences if you try and befriend them, whether for you or them." he threatened. My eyes widened in hurt and anger and my fists clenched.
"You total asshole. How dare you threaten me or them! How dare you! You are NOT my father! You are not Darius no matter how much you try and be like him! You'll never be him, ever!" I screamed before turning and bounding up the stairs. My brothers called after me, both shocked by my outburst and worried for me. I could hear Andrew and Caleb laying into Damien and it serves him right.
I slammed my bedroom door open and then close behind me before flopping onto my bed aggressively. Screamed loudly into my pillow and just laid there for a little while to calm myself down. After a few minutes, I got up and took my stereo remote from my bedside table, turning on the stereo. I sighed in content as Paramore came blasting through my speakers, the lyrics of their song 'Brick by Boring Brick' filling my head.
I lay on my back, watching the ceiling when I remembered something, something important. My eyes widened and I scrambled off the bed to snag up my school bag. I yanked it open ad fumbled around with it for a couple of seconds before pulling out my history book. I was almost giddy and it slipped from my hands, splattering against my bedroom floor. I took out my cell phone from my bag before flopping onto the floor beside it.
I frantically sifted through it, looking for a piece of paper or something but there was nothing. I felt extremely disappointed that they mustn't have understood what I was saying earlier after all. Then I actually remembered what I said and shoved my way through the book to section 57.
I had to control myself and the shout of excitement that nearly escaped when I saw numerous sticky notes plastering the whole page, varied in colour. I giggled and tore them all off. Everyone at the table earlier must have put there numbers in this book and I was so excited and instantly began to program them into my contact books. All of them had left little notes under their numbers and only three really stood out for me.
555-675-4573 – Nessie
To arrange some shopping days because we'd have so much fun and you're totally going to be my new best friend :D
555-768-1245 – Paul
It'll be interesting to get to know you. You seem like a cool chick. Call me and the sketch is yours again whenever you want it ;)
555-624-1923 – Jacob
I really want you to use this number because I just don't believe your decision not to go out with me was your own. I really like you, Nessa and would love to get to know the girl who has captured my attention so completely. Call me, Baby. I'll be waiting for your call :)
Jacob...
My heart hammered against my rib cage as I re-read his message. Captured his attention completely? Somehow I found that hard to believe but part of me loved that I had because he had certainly captured mine. And of course, he was right. I didn't want to turn down my night with him and it pained me to do so. Of course I would want to get to know my imprint and it pissed me off that Damien had denied me that opportunity, that right.
I didn't even know Jacob's last name and I found myself thinking about him after not even a day, after only one meeting? This was bizarre but I felt like I had to be with him. Of course, I knew that that was the imprint speaking.
Suddenly, the little note in my hands – his note - was like a scorching hot iron. I leaned over and picked up my phone, my hand shaking as my thumb hovered over the first button of the number. I glanced between the phone and note several times before I coached myself into stop being a coward and to just ring him already. I hesitated and turned my music up before punching in the number as I leaned against my window sill, leaning out.
I took a deep breath before hitting the call button, hesitating for only a second. I place the phone at my ear. The phone rang three times before a husky, delicious voice that I'd recognise until the end of time answered a sleepy, "Hello?"
"Um..." Oh, Damn! I woke him up! Now I felt bad...
"Hell-low?" he asked again, confused. I took another deep breath and listened to see if my brothers suspected anything. They apparently hadn't and I smiled. "Em, stop being a dork."
"Oh, no, Jacob...I, um, I don't know an 'Em'. It's...It's me, uh, Nessie from Chemistry?" it sounded more of a question. He must think I'm retarded. I found myself really worried about what he thought about me. This was a bad idea. It was quiet on his end for a minute. I could hear his insanely fast breathing on the other end. "Hello?"
"Ness...Nessa." he murmured, sounding in some sort of trance and in awe. He let out a breathy chuckle.
"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have called. I'm sorry." I said after a minute of excruciating silence.
"NO! No! I'm here. Please don't hang up!" he begged, desperately. I chuckled and waited. "Hi, Ness, wow, you actually...you actually called."
"Yeah. Didn't think I would?" I asked. I could already feel the smile spreading across my face at the mere sound of his voice.
"Well...more like hoped, really." he admitted, embarrassed. I chuckled. "How are you doing?"
"I'm...better." I told him. Now that I've heard your voice, I added in my head. "How are you?"
"Better." he echoed me. I giggled and I heard a sharp gasp through the phone. I frowned but smiled when I heard a light, "Wow..."
I chuckled again. "What?"
"What? Oh...uh...your laugh...It's..."
"Yes?" I prompted, curiously.
"Perfect." he finished, dreamily and I could feel my cheeks heat. I knew they were as red as the reddest of tomatoes. The description he gave me took my breath away and it was only one word.
"Thanks." I replied, smiling widely.
"You're very welcome." he said. There was an awkward silence for a little while but he spoke again. "So...was there any particular reason why you called?" he paused and then added, "Not that I'm complaining or anything. You can call me any time you like. Seriously. Don't even worry about taking up all my time; I'd gladly give it to you."
"Thanks but...I actually, um, can't remember why I called you. I think there wasn't a purpose. I just..." I cut off abruptly, blushing as my thoughts overrode my mouth. He'd totally think I as demented or something. I mean, what guy would ever want to hear that you were an obsessive stalker in the making who wanted nothing more than to sit and hear your voice for the rest of her life? Come on now...
"Just what?" he asked, oddly hopeful. I sighed.
"I just..."
I was about to answered when my bedroom door was burst through by a grinning Caleb. As soon as he saw me hastily pull the receiver from my ear and scramble to end the call, his grin diminished and was replaced with suspicion and caution. I looked away out my window and instantly felt horrified at the thought of them hearing all of that, even over 'Boys Like Girls – Contagious' blaring through the walls.
"What are you doing?" he asked as suspiciously as he looked. I could hardly hear him over my music.
"Nothing." I answered, perhaps a little too quickly. He narrowed his eyes for a minute before sighing, heavily.
"Ness...Come on, it's me you're talking to here. Just tell me. You know I won't tell them. You can trust me, wholeheartedly." he said, still just within my hearing range. If that was the case, I knew that there was no hope of my other brothers hearing this conversation unless they were stood off to the side outside my door. I didn't sense them there was I guess we were essentially alone right now.
He walked over to me, worried, planning to wrap his arms around me in comfort but he stopped, something else catching his eyes. I frowned and followed his gaze, my heart jumping out of my chest when I saw the sticky notes scattering the floor beside my bed and the blue one still in my hand.
He glanced at me, curiously before sighing and reaching a hand out towards my hand, for the blue sticky note. I hesitated and tightened my grip slightly as he tried to take in from between my fingers but he gave me a look and I let go. He glanced down at the note and frowned. I made no move to snatch it away from him whilst he read his little message because I knew that there was no hope of getting it from him.
He looked up at me and probably saw my scared face because he looked hurt and angry, dropping the note like it was the last thing on his mind and marched up to me.
"Nessa...Ness, come here, damn it." he ordered, wrapping his arms around me tightly and holding me to him securely. I hesitated but wrapped my arms around his torso, burying my face into his chest as I felt the safety I always felt when I was in one of my brother's arms, especially Caleb's. He whispered in my ear, "Don't you be afraid of me, okay? It hurts to see that in your eyes. You have his number, so what? Yeah, sure, I don't like it but I would never in a million, billion years dream of hurting you over it." he pulled back and grasped my face in his large, warm hands. "Never think that I would. Ever."
"Yeah. I'm...I'm sorry." I whispered, looking down. He made me look back at him.
"Is that who you were speaking to when I burst in? Jacob." he said his name with an edge and I couldn't decipher his expression.
"Yes. And?" I asked. "I wanted to talk to him and you going to start telling me who I can and can't talk to now?"
He held his hands up in a surrendering gesture. "Don't get defensive! I'm bound to dislike any guy that was practically drooling over my little sister, now aren't I?"
I smiled a little but remembered Damien. "Damien's getting on my nerves. Just because he's the oldest, doesn't mean that he's in-charge!"
"Ness, he's the oldest. Most experienced. Most- Well, no, Andrew's the smartest but you get my point, Ness. Dad left him in charge. You can't deny that he's done a good job with us. An excellent job." Caleb reasoned with me for our brother's behaviour. "Besides, he's like me, looking out for our baby sister."
I scowled. He chuckled. "I'm not a baby anymore, Caleb. We both know I could take most of you guys on my own."
"Yeah, probably even me." he agreed, laughing. I smiled. He turned serious again. "But you know what I mean. We don't want to see you get hurt. It'd hurt us too, you know."
I sighed. "Yeah, I know but I really don't think he'd hurt me, Caleb. Seriously. The way he looked at me made me feel special and safe and...I really like him, Caleb. I know I've just met him and you don't believe in true love at first sight but it felt like that. So instant. So powerful. I swear."
He analysed me for a minute or two and frowned. "I've never seen you so passionate about something like this, Nessa. You're really serious, aren't you?" he asked, softly. I sighed and nodded.
He sighed and looked away from me, calculatingly. When he looked back at me, he had a smile plastered across his face. "Call him back. Tell him to meet you."
"What? But...What about Damien?"
"We'll go grocery shopping like you said. He won't know." Caleb devised. I thought about it for a while but I don't know why. I looked up at him and smiled. "Call him. I'll tell Damien that we're going. He's too hungry to decline us anything involved with food."
"Thanks, Caleb. You're the best."
"Don't let the guys here you say that." he chuckled and then kissed my forehead. "It'll work out. Trust me."
"You psychic now?" I teased. He laughed and left the room before I redialled Jacob's number. Was it weird that even after only one time dialling it, I already knew it off my heart? Must have been. I'm such a freak.
"Hello? Nessa?" Jacob answered on the first ring this time, sounding slightly frantic and worried. I felt guilty for hanging up on him like that.
"Oh, yeah, Jacob. It's me." I replied. He breathed a heavy sigh of relief.
"Jesus, you scared me when you hung up like that. Is everything okay?" he asked, concerned. I was touched my the severity of it in his voice. I smiled.
"Yeah, Jacob-"
"Jake." he corrected me, automatically. I smiled.
"Sorry. Yeah, Jake, everything's fine. My brothers didn't want me talking to you, that's all and Caleb burst in. I'm fine." I explained.
"Did he ask?"
"Yeah. He found your notes with the numbers on it, and the messages."
"And?"
"Well, that's part of why I'm calling again. He didn't exactly the opposite of what I was expecting. Instead of shouting at me and most probably crushing my phone, he told me to call you and ask if you'd like to meet me...in about ten minutes at the grocery store here in La Push. I mean, that's if you want to."
"Oh yea? Wow, okay. I mean, yes, of course I'll be there. No way I'd miss it." He replied, excitedly. "But what made him suggest to call me? I mean, what did you say?"
"I just told him how I felt about you." I blurted without thinking and felt my whole face explode with flames. My eyes widened and I mentally slapped myself. The fuck, he probably thinks I'm a desperate now or something.
"Oh really...and, uh, what did you say?" He asked, nervously. I swear his breath picked up and I smiled slightly through my intense blush. "Nessa?"
"Oh, um...just that I felt a connection with you and...that I just want to get to know you." I whispered, completely embarrassed with myself. I was met with silence and I bit my lip.
"That's great, Nessa. Honestly. I mean, you already know that I want to know you, like everything about you and I also feel an intense connection with you. I'm very happy you feel that way." he replied, cheerfully. I sighed in relief and smiled widely. He felt the same I did. "So really, Caleb truly is giving me a chance to prove that I'm worthy enough for you?"
"Yeah, I guess he is." I replied.
"That's so awesome, Ness. I'm so happy. I'd love to come and meet you, Ness. Nothing I'd rather do. Ever." he accepted, making me blush a little, though I smiled even brighter than before.
"Alright then, Jacob-"
"Jake. Please, call me Jake, Nessa." he chuckled.
"But...I...like Jacob. I like calling you Jacob. It suits you...I dunno." I spluttered, mentally hitting myself in the forehead once again. What happened to my verbal filter? I'm such a big doofus! I thought to myself. I rolled my eyes.
"Oh...right, um..." he breathed, slightly flustered. I sighed, biting my lip anxiously. Had I said the wrong thing? "Oh, well, call me Jacob then, I guess. I don't mind. I think...I kinda like you calling me it actually." he chuckled. Even through the phone, I kinda knew he was blushing. I know I was.
"Alright then, Jacob. I'll see you real soon."
"Very, very soon." he amended, chuckling with anticipation.
"Bye."
"See ya, Nessie." he replied with such affection that my heart swelled and I hung up, feeling like the lightest, happiest girl on the planet. I grinned to myself.
I jumped slightly when a shadowy figure moved in my peripheral and I spun around only to sigh when I saw Caleb leaned against my door frame, staring at me intently.
Okay so there you have it :D I hope you liked it.
Please review! I really appreciate it :)
Love MrsWolfPack
xxx