There were lights on at home when we pulled into the driveway. My first thought was a break in. "Sam…?" I asked nervously. But everyone else seemed unaffected.
"I swear… can't those boys do anything right?" Emily grumbled and stomped out of the car.
"What's going on?" I asked and jumped out of the car as well.
Sam shook his head. "Just try and act surprised" he told me and followed Emily into the house where I could hear her shouting at someone.
Seth pulled up behind me and Embry and Jacob walked over to me. "Am I missing something?" I wondered aloud.
Embry laughed and wrapped his arm around my shoulders. "Let's just say we suck at surprises."
I was still extremely confused as we entered the house. The lights had mysteriously turned off right before we opened the door and I was a little afraid to walk in. Memories of playing hide – and – go – seek in the dark with Takota filled my head and I was terrified someone was going to jump out at me. And being so gentlemanly, the three super tall and strong boys pushed me in the door first.
"Hello?" I called into the darkness. The lights jumped to life and six people jumped up from behind the couch and out of the closet.
"Surprise!" they chorused.
I was more confused than surprised. Emily made her way over to me and grabbed my hands, a little awkwardly with my cast. "Are you surprised?" she asked.
"Confused" I admitted.
She laughed. "Well, it was supposed to be a welcome – to – school – and – La – Push – party but after you broke your arm it kind of became a welcome – to – school – and – La – Push – and – feel – better – soon – party" she admitted.
I giggled and shook my head. "I really appreciate this Emily. You're the best." I wrapped my arms around her in a bone crushing hug and rested my head on her shoulder. "I love you Emily" I told her.
"I love you too Emma. So much."
"Aw!" Seth interrupted and wrapped his arms around the two of us. "Sister moment!"
"Seth!" we both laughed and struggled out of his grip.
Having a party on a Monday night is something I never would have dared to do before I moved here. But in La Push it just felt so natural.
It was a Monday though, so it wasn't a crazy party. We mostly sat around and talked. I think it was Seth who later came up with the brilliant idea to watch a movie.
Emily sat on Sam's lap the chair while Embry, Quill and I crowded on the couch. Everyone else found a spot on the carpet. That's when I realized our little pessimist was missing.
"Seth where's Leah?" I asked.
Seth shrugged. "She didn't want to come. Trust me, it's not you. Leah just isn't a people person."
I nodded. I guess it's ok that she didn't want to come, no one's going to force her, but it still hurt a little that she didn't. This is our family and she just doesn't want to be a part of it.
The movie started but I couldn't remember which one Seth had picked out. I felt a presence behind me and turned to see Jacob smiling at me. I smiled back and turned back to the movie.
He tapped my shoulder and I turned around again. "Yes?" I teased.
"You stole my spot" he pouted.
"Two words," I laughed, "Seat – check".
"Ouch!" Embry laughed. "She told you Jake".
Jacob smirked and walked around to the front of the couch and stood right in front of me. "Um… excuse me" I laughed and poked his shoulder.
He turned slightly. "I'm sorry. Does this bother you?"
I bit my lip. Two can play at that game. "No actually. I was just wondering if I can use your shoulder" I said.
"For what?" he asked. I was relatively aware that we had caught everyone's attention as the commercials were playing.
I stood up and Jacob moved to take my seat. However, I stopped him by jumping up and standing on the couch. Then I rested my arms on his shoulder and my head on top of my arms. "For this."
Jacob smirked again and turned back to the movie. "I don't mind" he said.
And then the battle between two stubborn people began. I can't say how long I stood there resting on Jacob but it was enough time for three explosions to occur in the movie. Obviously Seth had chosen a typical guy movie because all the boys were completely absorbed by the movie and Emily and I kept sharing looks whenever something exploded randomly.
Jacob shifted his feet suddenly and I fell forward a little before catching myself. Emily noticed and put an end to our standoff. "Jake, Emma, knock it off before someone gets hurt" she scolded.
"Sure, sure" Jacob said and turned around. Before I knew what he was doing, he swept my legs out from under and scooped me into his arms. Then he sat down in my spot and shifted me so I was sitting on his lap.
I felt my cheeks heat up a little at how close we were and I was grateful that it was dark. Jacob was really warm like a blanket after being out in the snow for hours. I couldn't help myself and cuddled into him. My head rested just below his shoulder and chin. I could just faintly hear his heartbeat through his T-shirt and I smiled to myself. I've never felt so comfortable and safe before.
Jacob's arm moved slightly, careful not to disturb me. And then his hand suddenly brushed my cheek and tangled in my hair. His fingers brushed against my scalp and ran through my hair over and over again. His little gesture reminded me of when I was little and Mom would hold me and run her hands through my hair.
"Thanks" I whispered and settled into his arms.
"Anytime" he said. I gave up on the movie and rested my eyes on Jacob instead. He was watching the movie intensely and would smile every once in a while. I liked seeing him happy and relaxed.
My eyes wandered around the room. Everyone was staring intently at the TV but there was a strong, invisible bond between us. Sam and Emily had there fingers intertwined and Sam had his arm around her. The boys on the floor were crowded together and Quil had his arm resting along the back of the couch.
I couldn't have asked for a better family. I love all these people so much.
"Can I ask you something?" I whispered and glanced around to make sure I wasn't bothering anyone by talking. No one noticed though because the movie was so loud.
"Sure" Jacob said not taking his eyes away from the movie.
I tried to decide the best way to phrase my question. I was happy that he had seemed to let go of his pent up guilt but I desperately wanted to know why. "Why did you care so much that I broke my arm?" I asked.
Jacob sighed and rested his hand at the back of my head. "Not did," he corrected, "I still do".
"How come?"
"How could I not?" he whispered.
I looked up at Jacob. He was no longer watching the movie, but he wouldn't meet my eyes. "Jacob?"
"I care about you Emma" he whispered. He glanced down at me and his eyes were completely serious. "A lot" he emphasized.
My forehead scrunched.
"I couldn't bear to see you hurt like that, and especially not because of me. I can't explain how horrible I felt. How horrible I still feel" he breathed.
"Jacob?"
He smiled weakly and continued to run his fingers through my hair. "God I wish this hadn't happened" he moaned.
When his fingers reached the ends of my hair, I caught his hand and laced our fingers together. "I'm glad it did" I whispered. "Because if it didn't we wouldn't be here right now."
Jacob smiled and began to trace meaningless patterns across my arm. I had to squint to see Jacob now, my eyes were so tired. I wanted to sleep but at the same time I didn't.
"Sleep Emma" Jacob whispered so only I could hear.
I stopped fighting the exhaustion bearing down on me and allowed my eyes to close. Jacob continued to rub my arm and play with my hair, sending tingles all over my body. I'd do anything to make this moment last forever.
If only forever.
…
When my eyes opened, an initial flood on panic hit me and I sat straight up. My eyes were blurry and I couldn't quite make out where I was, but it certainly wasn't the living room where I'd fallen asleep.
Then I began to piece together parts of my room and I relaxed. I hadn't taken a shower yesterday and I definitely had to today before school. From my dresser, I pulled out a pair of jeans and a sweatshirt, hoping to hide my cast as well as possible. People may know what happened, but they didn't need to know I was clumsy enough to break my arm.
The water was cold at first and I shivered missing the warmth of my bed. After the water heated, I stepped in and washed off any mud still on my skin and the smell of grass.
Sam was the only one awake when I went downstairs. "Hey Emma. How are you feeling?" he asked.
I shrugged. I wouldn't tell him that my arm was killing me right now. "Alright I guess."
"Are you sure about that?" he asked reading my face like a book.
"How do you do that?" I laughed.
Sam stood up and grabbed the pain medication the doctor gave me in the hospital. "Here, you should take one of these" he said and handed me one.
I nodded and took it from him. After pouring myself a glass of milk, I swallowed it and shuddered from the taste it left on my tongue. Sam snickered and made his way over to the fridge.
"What would you like for breakfast?" he asked.
I didn't reply and so he turned around to see the glare I was sending his way. "What?"
"Are you going to be this way because of my arm?"
Sam shook his head. "Just trying to be nice" he said.
I was still skeptical but decided to let it go. "Alright then, a bagel would be great if you have any."
"Sure thing" he said.
I sat down at the kitchen table and rested my head in my hands. Moments later, Sam handed me a plate with my bagel. "Thanks Sam" I smiled.
"You're very welcome" he said and sat down across from me with a plate of toast.
As I was eating, I caught sight of the medicine container and pulled it closer. "Side effects include; headache, and drowsiness" I read aloud. "So I'm going to be falling asleep all day?"
"That's only a possibility" Sam pointed out.
"Great" I moaned and slumped in my chair.
Sam stopped eating and grabbed my hand. "I know this sounds crazy, but high school really isn't going to be that bad" he tried to assure me.
I rolled my eyes. I would have laughed but Emily was still sleeping. "Sam I'm the new kid in a high school full of people that have known each other all their lives and I broke my arm in gym class of all places. I'm not exactly off to a good start."
"Technically, you've know most of the pack from your visits. And you broke your arm but that means people are going to want to sign your cast and then you can meet new people" he told me. It seems I'm going to have an optimist for a brother – in – law.
I stared at Sam a long while before I said anything. "I'm not going to be able to talk to you anymore if you're always this optimistic in the morning."
