Braving the Storm [Seven] You and I Collide [Jacob Black]
Dear Everyone:
I think my reading numbers have dropped significantly. Any suggestions?
Sorry this has taken so long!
As Mike dragged me back to the rest of the group, I noticed they had finally succeeded in pitching the tents. Everyone was crowded around a small picnic table, whispering as we approached. They silenced as we got closer.
"Shan, every heard any Quileute legends?" Eric asked as I squeezed between Angela and Jessica.
"No, what are they?" I asked curiously. Everyone grinned and looked around at each other. I started getting a little suspicious and slightly nervous, "why're you guys giving each other looks?"
"It's nothing. We just wanted to show you a little bit of what we're about up here in Forks. We're going to go up to Old Billy Black's tonight. He's agreed to tell us some old stories, or rather, their history." Eric said, trying to mysterious and failing, miserably.
"Oh, well, I guess that is cool…"
When the sun set, the wind had picked up off the ocean and was throwing my hair around my face. I had bundled myself up in a thick sweatshirt and mittens before we headed off towards Billy Black's house, who ever he was. As we followed the main road to the house, I could have sworn I heard something running ahead of us.
"Ah, Jacob, you're just in time. We're heading out to the cliffs," Billy said to me as I came out of my bedroom, pulling a t-shirt on. I had been with the pack when I heard them talking about going to see Billy Black. About going to see my dad. I sprinted faster than I ever had, believe me, it wasn't easy. Luckily, I had left my bedroom window open so I was able to slip inside and change.
I feigned stupidity, "Dad, why would you, of all people, be headed out to the cliffs?"
He swatted my leg with the back of his hand, "we are not diving, we are meeting. We are going to the old camp fire circle, me, a few elders and Sam."
"Why is Sam going?" I asked, slightly irked.
"Well, you know this whole Pack situation better than I do, why don't you tell me," Billy said, slightly irritated. He seemed to think I was jealous of Sam being the oldest, being the head of the Pack. But believe me, he could have it. "So, will you be joining us? We plan on educating some of the local kids."
"Local kids? From Forks?" I asked, pretending to be surprised, even curious.
"Yes, yes. They say that they have a new friend who doesn't know about us. So what do you say, are you coming?" You couldn't say no to Billy Black. He always looked so patient as he sat in his wheel chair, hands folded in his lap, head slightly tilted to the side.
"Sure, sure. Let me grab some shoes…" I said as I headed back into my room, making sure I looked okay. I checked to make sure my clothes were clean and I didn't smell like dog. I trotted back out into the living room, "Let's go."
We got to the fire circle and we were greeted by the sight of eight large figures sitting or leaning against log benches. One looked familiar but in the flickering light, it was hard to tell. From the other direction, branches were being cracked and broken under footsteps. A seated form appeared from the brush being pushed by a hunched figure. As they neared the circle, the figure straightened up and I had to look up to try and see his face. The flames licked at his mouth as his lips cracked into a smile. I couldn't easily forget Jacob's smile, I had memorized it earlier. I felt the corner of my lips tug up a bit as I followed Angela over to a log. She sat on it and I sat in front of her, leaning back on her knees as I sat cross legged. My mittened hands were perched on my knees in anticipation of their stories. I examined the group as everyone settled in. The Forks kids were all smushed together on one long log, huddling for warmth while the Quileutes were spread out evenly along the other, smaller make shift benches. Other than Jacob, there were three other young looking, although rather large, boys. They were all looking at Jacob with a look of irritation as he moved away from the figure in the chair. He made his way over to our little huddle and flopped down next to me. Through my layers, I could practically feel him radiating heat. It was dark enough that I could eye him suspiciously without anyone noticing. I shifted subtly, moving closer to the warmth but my eyes turned tentatively towards the figure in the chair as his deep, gravelly voice began to speak.
"So, you've come to hear the legends of our land…"
