Happy Pi day (3.14)! To celebrate, I am sharing the next chapter. It is game time! I very much enjoy Football, but I know not everyone shares my passion. Hopefully my descriptions are clear enough w/o requiring too much football knowledge/lingo on your part. If you know nothing about the greatest sport ever-just understand this: Edward is trying to get the ball past the other team and across the goal line. Simple enough. :) Enjoy -Raca
Chapter 7: Game Changer
The smelly locker room was loud and buzzing with pre-game anticipation. Our opening game versus Hoquiam High School was to start in less than an hour and already the team was suited up and ready to play. I knew Hoquiam well, the home of the Grizzlies, the Crimson and Grey—Rosalie, Emmett and I had attended there in the thirties. The memories shuffled through quickly and I was struck by memory I hadn't touched in years.
Large wolves, their hackles standing on end atop shoulders that even Emmett could not see over. Two wolves, a grey and a rusty-tan, flanked a Quileute man whose stature was equally as impressive. They were uncomfortable, to speak in understatements, that they were outnumbered. We were lucky we had come across them as a complete coven and even luckier that time was wearing on their leader. Carlisle was diplomatic and honest about our lifestyle and offered to set up a treaty. The Quileutes were much more hesitant, especially since my eyes were still tarnished from my recent rebellion, but they agreed.
What of the treaty now? I thought to myself. I knew the treaty lines—they ran along the borders of the reservation—but I was now on the North end of the reservation, and honestly, much closer than before. Venom pooled and I instantly grew more aware of my surroundings. Was it possible that the wolves would still be alive? The old Chief, Ephraim Black, was concerned with his age as well as his 'pack' size. Although, he didn't seem to even be 30, he spoke with authority and rationality of a man twice his age. It wasn't likely that he would still be alive—but I didn't know enough to rule it out completely. Tonight I'll run the line. If there are any wolves, I'll surely be able to smell them out.
Coach Barns began barking orders and pulled me from my thoughts. Soon, the team was on the field, blocked up and ready for stretches. I positioned myself in the middle of the team, but still felt the searching eyes.
Edward…Edward…Edward… ah! Number 6. Dang, that boy is flexible! Came the thoughts of one of the cheerleaders standing on the track. I quickly worked to distract myself from the mental onslaught. And with the change in the breeze, came the perfect distraction.
My Temptress was coming up the track, bundled in a ridiculously huge letterman sweater, mittens and beanie. Her hair flew wildly from underneath the beanie and I could just pick up the strawberry scent of her shampoo. My eyes narrowed at the sight of the sweater. I had seen ones like this before, but I was confused as to what sport Bella could letter in. Surely she wasn't wearing one of her classmate's sweaters. Weren't lettermen jackets the style now? Bella, flanked by her father, turned to climb the bleachers and the name Swan was easily seen across her shoulders. The bold number 6 on the sleeve revealed the true owner—it was Chief Swan's letterman sweater.
Relief poured over me followed closely by pride. Bella was wearing number 6—I was number 6. Chief Swan sat just off the 50-yard line and Bella fumbled around with the multitude of blankets she was carrying. She arranged one on the bench and then quickly draped the other across both of their laps. The Chief raised a brow of disbelief, but then nodded a silent thanks to his daughter. I watched as they talked and laughed with their neighbors until our stretches were completed and we had to begin warm-ups. Pre-game melted into the pep talked, the Star Spangled Banner, the coin toss and then, I was standing at the sidelines, awaiting my chance to play.
Hoquaim chose to receive, which was horrid for me—it was almost painful to watch our defense play. Most of the line played both ways, meaning they were good at neither. On second down and two, the Grizzlies quarterback fell back and delivered an easy bomb to the in-zone. I was itching to also play corner and be more useful for my team—but I knew that tackling high school athletes was not a good idea… it could be bone-crushingly bad.
Finally the extra point was kicked and the offense took the field. Mike shouted off a play and at "hike" all hell broke loose. The cornerback tried to block me at the line and throw off the timing of the play, but I barely noticed his hit. I completed my route just as Mike broke a tackle and lobbed the ball. It was a horrible throw, a wobbly mess coming slowly in my general vicinity. The safety took note and started at me, trying to intercept the pass.
"Not today." I growled as I pushed off the ground and met the ball in the air. The safety arrived as I landed, but my straight-arm threw him to the ground. Only the other safety stood between me and the goal line. With a smile, I ran at him, juked with a spin and was at the line far ahead of anyone else.
The Forks sideline and stands erupted in cheers and the band struck up the fight song. Mike came running at me and jumped as to bump chests. I dodged, feigning I didn't see and ran back to sideline. I was received with shouts and taps on my helmet from my teammates. It was surprising rewarding, I wasn't used to this kind of positive attention. With a successful extra point we were all tied up at 7 and there was barely 4 minutes off the clock. Coach sent on special teams and went over to give our defense a quick pep-talk.
The quarter continued on much the same. Our defense would eventually break down and the Grizzlies would score. I'd take the field and in one or two downs, we would be tied once again. Hoquaim did their best to double cover me, but I still got through. Once they moved the third guy on me I told Mike to let Taylor run on the opposite side and we gained 30 yards. It then appeared like we had a running game and their defense couldn't focus on just me. It was better this way, I told myself; too much attention on a vampire (even if they were 'playing human') was never good.
At the start of the second quarter I retreated to the bench after a 65 yard run to the inzone. I exaggerated my breath, hoping no one would notice it didn't make steam as it escaped my lungs. Instantly my attention was directed to the stands.
"Hey, Bella!" A boy's voice called out.
"Jake!" Bella replied with the same excitement as the boy. "What are you doing here?"
"Ah, looking for a seat. Can I sit with you?"
"Yeah, I think…" her voice faded and I saw the crowd shift to fit in the new addition.
"Jacob." Chief acknowledged the boy as he shuffled past.
Finally everyone seemed settled. Bella expanded her blanket to now cover the knees of Jacob. I bristled slightly.
"So really, what are you doing here?" Bella asked. She studied his blank face for a moment before throwing up her hands, "You're here to spy on the team!"
The boy laughed easily, "It's not considered spying when anyone can buy a ticket." Jacob looked over the field and then up to the scoreboard. "I believe the technical term is 'scouting'. And why would I be here to scout? Forks hasn't been up to Quileute standards for years."
My ears burned and my muscles tensed at the mention of the Quileute tribe.
"Only because you're all giants." Bella replied, "Seriously, there has to be something in the water… did you grow again?"
"Yep." The boy puffed out his chest. "I'm nearly 6'3", now."
At that moment, Angela climbed the bleacher stairs. "Angela!" Bella called out, waving her hands to signal her friend. "Scoot over Jake. Dad make room for Angela."
Angela shuffled down the row to the Swans. "Angela, do you remember Jake?" Bella asked conversationally as they all readjusted seats and blankets.
"Yeah, Jacob Black, right?" Angela replied.
I turned then, unintentionally, towards the stands. Jacob Black. I looked the boy over and was discouraged to see the thick, heavy brow that furrowed just as Ephraim Black's had. The deep set eyes and jawline were also uncannily similar. Unquestionably, they were of relation. I stood, perhaps too quickly, and surveyed the entire stadium. If the boy knew about me, he would not have come alone. My lungs opened further as I caught the wind, waiting for a familiar stench.
"Cullen!" Coach cried, waving his arm, "Get on the field!"
Running reluctantly to my position, I barely registered the snap or even my catch. Thankfully I stopped running when I went out of bounds near the goal line. My mind was everywhere else but the game. First down and goal, Mike tried a quarterback sneak but was snuffed at the one yard line. Second and third downs were also stopped. Coach called a timeout and we gathered around him.
"Okay men," He started as I rolled my eyes at the term—these were boys. "Wildcat. Taylor: take the snap. John and Mike: you guys act as fullbacks. Sweep right. Taylor: you see a hole, you hit it… you don't see one—then lateral to Cullen. Ready? Break!"
The team jogged back to the line of scrimmage. The new formation caused the Grizzlies to shuffle and the ball was snapped. The flag flew and whistles blew: Offsides on the Grizzlies. They placed the ball at the half yard line.
Now ready for us, the Grizzlies seem to sense that I was getting the ball and I found a second person standing in front of me. I smiled broadly and the two were momentarily stunned with fear. Taylor received a dirty snap and sees nothing but bodies. In a rushed and frantic move, he takes two steps towards me and laterals the ball. By now, my defenders are somewhat back in their own minds. One dives at the ball, the other at me. The ball is tipped up and I stretch, catching it in one hand before falling on my back in the in-zone.
There is a collected gasp and then a louder roar from the crowd as I leap up, ball still in hand.
"And an amazing catch for the Spartans! Edward Cullen on the touch down!" calls the announcer over the PA.
My eyes climb up to Bella's as I jog back to the bench. Her smile is tight as she claps weakly.
"Cullen?" Jacob asks, "Hey isn't that the guy living with you?"
Bella nods. "Game changer at my service." She whispers to herself.
"Well, he's got nice hands." Jacob comments, finally deciding to clap for the extra point.
Bella stares at him, "How would you know?" She asks and I practically laugh aloud.
The Quileute does laugh, "No Bells, it means he's a good ball handler. You know, he caught that one-handed on an off-balanced lunge…" He waited for some kind of understanding to sweep over Bella's face, "That's actually really hard to do!"
"Oh, right." Bella mumbled.
Jacob laughed loudly and then stage whispered to Bella "Does he have nice hands?"
"Jake!" Bella cries as she gives the Chief a sideways glance. "I have no idea what you are talking about—when have I ever understood sports lingo?"
The whistle sounds for half-time and the team retreats to the locker room. The tight room was even more uncomfortable as I gazed around, waiting to find a new, russet face scowling at me crying "vampire!" No such thing happens, but I don't relax—I couldn't relax until I knew where I stood with the Quileutes and with the wolves.
The second half differed from the first in only one way: our Defense actually stopped the ball and made the Grizzlies punt—twice. We went up two touchdowns and the final score read Spartans 49, Grizzlies 35. The students and crowd poured onto the field, congratulating everyone in Gold and Navy. I spilled my water on my hair as I removed my helmet to make my hair match those of my sweaty teammates. I didn't think I'd be able to breath in the locker room—not with this smell.
"Edward!" Chief Swan called out from Coach Barns' side. I wove my way towards them, locking eyes with Bella and ignoring how the boy stood straighter.
"Chief, Coach, good game." I said, shaking hands with them and receiving several compliments in return.
"Yep, Charlie," Coach started as the rubbed his hands together; "You knew it will be a good year when I pulled out our true numbers."
Coach eyed my jersey and Chief nodded in understanding. "The boy and I," he started, stretching to put a hand on my shoulder, "Have already discussed the expectations. And I must say: he's living up to my reputation."
My grin nearly reached my eyes, till I saw Bella roll hers. I turned my attention to her as she tried to wrap herself better in her father's sweater. The boy cleared his throat and motioned to shake my hand.
"Good game." He said.
"Thanks." I replied dryly as I took his hand and gave him a real handshake. He almost covered over his flinch, just as I almost hid my grin.
Jeeze, his hands are cold. Damn, he's strong. Jacob flexed to squeeze my hand harder. I looked him in the eye and took a subtle sniff. Creepy eyes—nearly cat-like.
"Jacob, this is Edward Cullen, the boy living with us." Bella said when she realized the Chief and Coach were deep in conversation of the 'glory days'. "Edward, this is my best friend, Jake."
"Pleasure." I said, releasing him. I smiled slightly as he flexed his hand. The smile quickly faded as he laid his arm casually over Bella. Conscious or not, she leaned into his side. "I don't think I've seen you around school."
"Nope, I live down on the rez." He offered as way of explanation. "But we're in the same league; we'll see you later in the season."
"And in the playoffs." I added. Jacob nodded slightly, not wanting to completely agree with me.
"Cullen!" Coach yelped, "Hit the showers."
"Yes, sir." I called and turned back to the conversation. "Jacob, I'll see you sometime, on the field. Bella," My eyes softened and her blush reappeared, "If I don't get to see you: good night."
I turned and started jogging to the locker room. "Bella! If I don't…" Jacob started in on a bad impression of me.
"Shut up, Jake." Bella sighed in exasperation and turned to march off the field.
After showering as quickly as possible, I grabbed my gear and started for the Swan residence. I was just exiting the parking lot when police lights flashed. I turned to see the Chief pulling up in his cruiser.
"Get in, Cullen." He called out through the window. "Are you hungry? The café stays open late on game nights. It will probably be packed, but they've got great burgers."
"No thank you, sir." I replied warmly as I buckled my seatbelt. "I think I'd rather just go to bed."
Chief nodded. "Must be exhausted from the game—it was impressive. Probably best anyway, we wouldn't want the entire town buying your dinner."
I smiled at the thought and glanced around for Bella. "Chief, where's Bella?"
"Oh, Jake was going to drop her off, he just finished rebuilding a Volkswagen Rabbit." He scratched at the stubble grown in from the day. "Darn kid is not even 16 yet… I'll need to talk to Billy 'bout that."
I filed that piece of information and the name 'Billy' in my mind with my other Quileute knowledge. The boy didn't smell like the wolves had and the name 'Cullen' hadn't brought up any thoughts of a treaty or anything along those lines. And although he did notice many of my peculiarities, they didn't send up any warning flags. Perhaps Chief Ephraim Black was a more distant relative. Perhaps the wolves had died out, leaving the treaty void. Perhaps they'd be waiting for me at the Swans…
I cracked the window slightly and took in all the passing scents. Nothing seemed out of ordinary. The intensity in the cruiser grew to uncomfortable levels. My mind jumped quickly around the surrounding minds, but didn't find any wolfish thoughts.
I was attacked by the simple thoughts of Jacob Black. Hmmm, best lasagna ever… I could hear him groan aloud as we pulled into the drive. "Bella, I swear, one of these days I'm going to kidnap you—just so you can cook for me!"
Bella laughed, "Jake, I'm not marrying you. And you already know you can come raid our fridge whenever—I don't understand how we could have so many leftovers!"
Jake choked on his food. "Ah, right. I said kidnap. Unless…" He wagged his eyebrows suggestively.
"Both seem like entrapments to me…" Bella said as she turned back to the fridge. "I've got a ton of stew still. Want me to heat it up?"
Jacob hummed back a reply as he continued to shovel food into his mouth. Simply witnessing it through his mind was disgusting. At last the cruiser came to a stop and I found myself walking directly to the kitchen.
"Jake! Don't forget to breathe!" Bella laughed as she placed a steaming bowl in front of the boy.
"Sure, sure." Were the words I think he said—it was hard to tell with all the food in his mouth.
Bella sighed and leaned back against the counter, a smile spread across her face as she continued to watch Jacob stuff his face. Jealously flared immediately in my mind. I wanted her to smile at me, not at this overgrown child. Instantly I found myself in the kitchen. The light air of the room evaporated when they both noticed my presence. Bella cleared her throat and pushed off from the counter.
"Want me to heat you up some leftovers, Edward?" This was the first time she'd addressed me since our lunchtime spat. Her eyes flitted between me and Jacob.
Jacob sat, hunched over his food, a bite left forgotten with the spoon still hovering in midair. His mind was full of unease. It was a natural reaction, but he didn't understand his instincts and he tried to lighten the darkness that seem to hang in the air.
"Dude, I don't know how you aren't putting on the weight." He evaluated my slim build and was put off by my unnatural tone. "If I had Bells cooking for me, I'd blimp up."
Having lost his appetite, Jacob put his spoon down and pushed his bowl back. "Jeeze Bells," he shoved away from the table and patted his bulging belly, "Don't poke me; I might pop like a gorged tick."
Bella barked out a laugh and made to jab at him. Jacob easily caught her hands and held them both within one of his paws. He lifted them high above her head and Bella squirmed to be freed.
"You'll pay for that Swan!" He said as he lifted his free hand.
A growl rumbled from my chest and the room froze in silence. Jacob looked around to find the source while Bella stared at me. I cursed inwardly. Bella was too observant and I was becoming too reckless around her.
"All right kids." The Chief said, entering the kitchen and sitting in front of Jacob's discarded bowl. "Take the tickle party somewhere else. There's some delicious stew waiting for me and I don't want to be jostled."
One of Bella's hands slipped free and she attacked Jacob's vulnerable side. He squealed like a girl and released her. Bella added her own squeal to the air as she fled the room, rushing past me and almost tripping over the living room rug. She laughed as she flopped down on the couch and cried "Safe!"
"You're sneaky cheat!" Jacob called out.
He made to go after her when the Chief cleared his throat. "Jake," he called with authority; "Do you have a date to get your license yet?"
Jake stiffened and turned. "No sir, no yet." He scratched at the back of his head. "But I don't need one on the rez."
The Chief grunted and pushed the soup around in his bowl. "Don't let any my boys find you driving without a license. That's a misdemeanor and one I'm not likely to overlook."
"Yes sir." Jacob's head fell.
"Alrighty, glad that's settled. Now, it's getting late, so you best be getting home." The Chief took a large bite in dismissal.
Jacob turned and squeezed past me, trying his best to keep his distance. He didn't make eye contact. Bella still sat on the couch. Her smile fading more as Jacob headed for the door.
She met him at there. "Thanks for coming by, Jake."
"Sure, sure." He turned to her and wrapped her in a hug. "Lifetime of servitude includes acting as human garbage disposal. Obviously pasty doesn't appreciate your cooking."
"Jake!" Bella shushed him and looked wearily over at me. "That was rude."
Jacob laughed at my expense and pushed open the door. "Bells, he makes you look tan."
Bella stood at the door, disapproval in her stance, but laughter in her eyes. She watched his poor excuse of a car drive off before shutting the door. Her eyes met mine and her forehead creased slightly. It was now, more than ever that I wanted to know what was going through her mind. Bella studied me with such intensity, her gaze held me captive.
The loud clattering of the Chief's bowl in the sink broke her stare. Bella walked past me quickly to get to her father.
"Don't worry about the dishes, Dad." She patted his shoulder and then pushed him away to take over the washing. "I'm sure you need to hit the sack so you can get up to fish."
The Chief backed away awkwardly and rubbed the back of his neck. "Actually, I was planning on staying home tomorrow."
Bella's eyes darted between me and her father. She scowled at him, but he spoke before she had the chance. "We aren't supposed to get any rain tomorrow and that Sitka spruce needs to be taken down before it falls on the house."
"Edward," Chief turned to me, "I'll need your help tomorrow. The spruce on the east side of the house is dying and ready to become firewood. I sure hope you know your way around a chainsaw."
I couldn't help but smile. I don't need a chainsaw to take out a tree. But that wasn't common knowledge. "Yes sir, I've used a one before."
"Good." Chief yawned deeply and headed for the stairs. "Sleep in like good kids and we'll start work at 8."
With her father gone, Bella sped up her washing. I plucked the dish towel from her shoulder and started drying the stack. She watched me from the corner of her eye. I tried for nonchalant, but I couldn't get my stance to relax correctly.
Bella's hair was still restrained beneath her beanie. The soft curve of her exposed jawline and the long column of her neck were beautiful torture. I tried to match my breathing to hers, but found myself needing more. Bella's sweet perfume teased the monster and set my throat aflame. But, somewhere deep within, it was wonderfully soothing. As I continued to breathe my stance began to relax and my tumultuous thoughts began to settle. I nearly jumped when Bella suddenly spoke.
"Your mood swings could give someone whiplash." She said, handing me the final dish and studying me boldly.
I smiled and shrugged my shoulders. "I have no idea what you mean by that."
"Happy and contented Edward suddenly turns stormy and furious. Furious morphs into pain or, I don't know, sadness?" She thought for a moment. "No, not sadness, more like extreme misery and all-consuming grief. And did you just growl at Jacob?"
I plastered my useful 'blank' face on and gave her another dismissing shrug. I was not comfortable with where this conversation was going, but at least Bella was speaking to me again. How does she see me so clearly? "Bella…"
"Don't Bella me." She squared her body and crossed her arms. "Seriously, are you bi-polar? Did daddy not send your meds with you?"
I couldn't catch the laugh as it escaped. And then turning to Bella only made it worse. She stood with such authority and confidence. Really, her thought was absurd but this situation was even more bizarre. How did she come to that conclusion? One laugh flowed into another until I found myself bent over, gasping for unnecessary air.
"I've been accused of many things, but I can assure you I'm not bi-polar." It was an uncomfortable statement to make. How many times had I struggled with my polarities? Monster or man—my eternal battle within myself. I regained control over my breathing, but my words did nothing to convince Bella of my mental status. At least, that what her stance and firm face told me.
"I don't see why you are upset at me." I said, trying to turn this conversation around. "You haven't even spoken to me in days. And now you want to talk 'feelings'?"
"How did you do that?" Bella asked, completely ignoring my conversation bypass.
"Do what?" I ask innocently.
"Growl, I've never heard someone make a noise like that."
"Have you had your eyes and ears checked lately?" I asked as I started to put away the clean dishes. "Cause, I think you're seeing and hearing things."
"You seem to be really good at redirecting conversation." She said cheekily. "I've heard you use it on others."
"Stalking me, are you?" I asked with a grin & lifted brow.
"You're doing it again." She tapped her foot softly, waiting for an honest reply from me.
"I don't know what you want me to say." I spoke with honesty and could hear the surrender in my own voice. Without insight into Bella's mind, I had no idea what to say or how to react. I was, for the first time in my immortal life, flying blind. It was disconcerting. Add conflicting, and rather confusing, emotions to my mental blindness and I was one 'messed up' guy. I couldn't remember having ever felt so much like a seventeen year old human.
"The truth would be nice." Bella signed and rubbed her forehead. In that instant she seemed so much older than her eighteen years. I grieved to think that I was adding to her anxiety.
"With proper support, breathing exercises and just lowered humming, anyone can growl." It was a rather sterile delivery, but I simply didn't have the will or desire for an elaborate explanation and obviously my attempts to redirect weren't working.
"And you just go around, growling at complete strangers?" Bella laughed at the obscurity that was essentially the truth.
I continued to put the dishes away and tried to keep causal. "It hasn't failed me yet."
Bella laughed again. It was a wonderful sound, light and warm. It put a ridiculous grin on my face—the messy crooked one that Emmett says makes me look stupid. Stupid looking or not, Bella reached out and grasped my forearm.
"Teach me." She said mischievously. The twinkle in her eyes was on the verge of wicked… and I couldn't help but like it.
"With great power, comes great responsibility." I paused for affect. "What would you do with such a power?" While I spoke I found myself getting closer and closer to Bella, till our faces were level.
"I'd growl at Newton and send him running."
Of all I expected to hear, those words were nowhere on my list. I threw my head back in a laugh. "Well, that is an endeavor I can support!"
"Alright, first thing is breathing and support. Stand up straight and lengthen the spine." My hands grasped her arms gently as I helped her into a proper posture. She didn't recoil from my touch. I 'thought' it was helpful, but honestly I wanted to see if air word hum as it had before. I wasn't disappointed; the air seemed to buzz with energy whenever I was close to her.
I mirrored her posture and put my hands on my stomach. "Now, breathe deep down into your stomach. Expand the 'v' of your waist into a barrel shape. This will contract the diaphragm fully and give you the support you need. It is just like singing: sing from the diaphragm, growl from the diaphragm." And with an exaggerated breath I contracted my vocal chords and let out a low, but soft, growl. It wasn't an impressive growl but a playful one, one I usually reserved for Alice and her scheming.
A shiver ran down Bella's back, but her smile remained. "That is awesome."
She placed her own hands on her stomach and took an incredibly large breath before I cut in.
"Wait!" I interrupted, "I didn't tell you what to do with your voice. That's the tricky part. It is like humming, only it is the lowest humming you can do."
Bella nodded, breathed deeply and released a sound like that of a ram being strangled. We stared at each other for a brief moment before erupting in laughter.
"That was awful!" Bella exclaimed, wrapping a hand at the base of her throat. "And it kinda hurt. Is it supposed to hurt?"
"No, I don't think so. Perhaps you just need practice." I smiled gently, hoping Bella wasn't too disappointed, or hurt. "If it means anything… that did sound something like a grunge or heavy metal group."
Bella laughed to herself, "Somehow, I don't think 'hard core' Bella would scare off Mike."
"I could." The words slipped out the moment I thought them. Bella's surprised face sent me back-peddling. "I've scared away hundreds of guys for Alice and Rosalie. It wouldn't be the first time I' ve defended a woman's honor."
"Ha!" Bella laughed without humor, "No thanks, I'd rather not be the 'damsel in distress'."
"The offer is there," I murmured quietly, "whenever you feel the need."
"Sure, sure."
I was repelled by her response. The words and cadence matched Jacob Black's perfectly. I was about to question her when the phone rang.
"Hello?" Bella answered.
"Bella, hey, it's Jake." I heard Jacob reply from the other end of the line. "Uh, this is going to sound weird, but my dad really wants to talk to the Cullen guy."
I felt myself stiffen. Obviously 'Cullen' was a name that was remembered—at least by the older generation. I was not comforted by this thought, nor did I want an audience for this conversation.
"Uh, okay." Bella held out the receiver to me, "It's for you."
I put on my best 'confused' face and took the phone. "Hello?"
"Hold on." The voice on the other end was rough, mature and definitely not Jacob Black's. "Jake, go out to the garage and get the next thing of fish. I want them to thaw in the fridge overnight." The words were muffled, as if the speaker had covered the phone with his hand.
"Do you have any witnesses still in the room, Cullen?" The voice was back and addressing me with a tone that was inauspicious.
"Yes." I tried to keep my voice free from emotion. Bella stood at the sink, watching me closely.
"Do you know a Carlisle Cullen?" His voice squeaked at the name.
"Yes."
There was a heavy sigh, "Then meet us at the northern treaty line, a mile east of the highway at midnight. We weren't expecting you to return and the treaty must be discussed."
"I wasn't expecting to either, but I understand your concern." I hesitated and chose my next words carefully. "I'll be there, ready to play by the rules."
I heard footsteps on the other end and the line went dead. I hung up the phone and was met by the expectant stare of Bella.
"Well, I better get some sleep if I'm going to be any help to the Chief tomorrow." My words were light, but my tone was too dark.
"What was that all about?" Bella asked, taking a step to the side and blocking my escape.
"Oh," I had better control of my tone and I smiled gently, "Jacob's dad was just sizing me up. You know small town sports—everyone is worried about the competition and everyone knows everything about the other team."
Bella eyed me with disbelief and then snorted, "Boys. It is just a game."
She shook her head and returned to the sink, picking at the dish cloth. I was relieved that she took my explanation so easily. The stove clock read 11:13; I didn't have time for a more convincing story.
"I'm off to bed." I spoke perhaps too loudly and quickly retreated to my room. Bella fiddled around the kitchen for a few more minutes before finally heading upstairs. I didn't have time to wait for her to fall asleep. Instead, while the water ran in the bathroom, I slid the dresser in front of my bedroom door and slipped out the window.
It was time to face the wolves.
So, how many of you tried to growl? Be honest-you know you wanted to. I did a little research on people growling: if you'd like some intertaining and all so 'useful' videos-check out youtube. :) But seriously... the growling Edward creates, in my mind, is NOTHING like the sound you, or any of the best death metal growlers, can make. His is animatistic and I believe would have a wide range of tones & meanings.
Oh and what of the treaty!? We shall find out... Please click below & give me a piece of your mind. Reviews are read & appreciated!
