Chapter 10: WINTER
Angela POV
Growing up, I knew this was an important time of year. My mom and all the female members of her side of the family's bloodline, always gathered for a week, before the last full moon of December. I loved the robes they wore, the afternoon and nightly chants, the foods they prepared, and the overall ambiance. As a little girl, I didn't exactly know what it was all about, but I longed to be a part of it. After my brothers were born, I was put on babysitting duty, to make sure they didn't interrupt or cause havoc.
As a Lutheran Pastor, my father didn't join them, but he never questioned them or prevented any of it. It was an accepted ritual in my household, and I loved it. As my little brothers got a little older, I wasn't above bribing them. I would convince them to go to their room and behave. Then, even if I only got the chance to watch and listen from the top of the stairs, I didn't mind, because I could still felt the magic stirring within me. While the majority of my friends were excited for Christmas, I was too. However, I mainly looked forward to what for me, held the real enchantment of the season, Taglamig Grasya (Winter Blessing).
At midnight, during the year's last full moon, the women of my family would go out into the forest, only to return after sunrise. I didn't know exactly what took place while they were out, because I was usually left at home with my dad and brothers. Yet, I imagined it to be magical and wondrous, and I longed to be included.
This year, I finally would be participating and I was nervous, but thrilled beyond words. Before this year's Pagtitipon (gathering), Mom decided to leave the Christmas decrating to Dad and the boys, while we went Christmas shopping. It made for a busy week, but we knew that once my relatives arrived, there wouldn't be any time left for Christmas preparations. This December's Puno Busan (full moon) would take place on the 25th of December; Christmas night as it were. After dinner, the women, myself included, would head to the forest until after Araw Tumaas (sunrise).
Mom began teaching and preparing me over the past couple of weeks. She explained everything about what I had always wished to be a part of, so I would be ready. It came as a shock, to learn the truth of my non-human family heritage. However, it also felt like I had finally been given the missing piece of myself. The women on my mother's bloodline are Diwata (Fairy/ Nymph). We were Gubat Diwata (Forest Fairy/ Nymph), to be precise, and we're descendants of the great Gubat Diyosa (Forest Goddess). There are other forms of Diwata that I learned about, and each with their different sets of powers. Through our family particular Diwata bloodline, the powers of Gubat Diyosa's spread to each woman individually. I learned that as part of our world's evolution, the first born daughter of each generation, would inherit stronger powers. Once I took part in this year's Taglamig Grasya Seremonya (Winter Blessing Ceremony), I would officially inherit mine.
It was practically all I could think about, over the last couple of weeks. Where ever I was, I'd often catch myself daydreaming of all that was to come. It was such an important time in my life, and I often wished I could talk to my friends about it. Sure, I knew I could talk to Mom about my doubts, but since this was all new to me, I still felt pretty overwhelmed. Bella was probably the only one of my friends I felt would accept me. Ben too - I thought to myself. I knew my feelings for him, and I believed he felt the same. Still, the thoughts of my friends finding out or being labeled insane or a freak, were enough to kept me quiet.
My grandmother, her two sisters, and Mom's two cousins, all arrived after I got home from school, on that last Friday before break. They were all smiles and had a special twinkle in their eyes. When they looked upon me, I realized I was the reason. They hugged me and whispered "Grasya" (blessings), as they kissed my cheek in greeting.
"Are you ready Panganay (First born)?" My grandma asked me, as she took my face in her hands.
She was looking straight into my eyes, and I felt it… A feeling so beautiful and glowing, calming and peaceful, and it was also very strong. Grandmother had also been Panganay of her generation, and her strong magic was flowing and stirring within every part of me. I felt like I could float and like I was shining bright, within every cell of me. It diminished any doubts I may have had and solidified my confidence.
"Yes, Grandmother. I think I've been ready my whole life." I answered and I felt how true the statement was, deep inside. She smiled wide and so did all the women, and then she nodded.
"I know, Dearest. Now Ladies, let's get to work." She replied with obvious pride, and set about gathering the other women.
As Grandma stepped away, I felt slightly deflated as her magic moved away with her. I looked at my mom and while her eyes looked a bit teary, she was also beaming with pride. She must have noticed my change when Grandma walked away, because she walked over to me and hugged my me tight. Then, she whispered, "You'll get your own soon enough."
Her words brought a smile to my face and she kissed my temple, then headed towards everyone else. This will be epic – I thought to myself as I followed behind.
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Bella POV
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The first Saturday of Winter Break, I usually had plans with the Cullens or at the Reservation, but I found myself bored at home. Charlie was scheduled to work nights this weekend, and my Vampire family had gone hunting. While they tended not to all go at the same time anymore, I found myself encouraged it. They never said so, and I was sure they would deny it if I asked, but I felt like whoever stayed behind, was tasked with Bella-Sitting. When I notice all of their eyes were darkened, I reminded them that it wouldn't be wise for any of them to stay with me. It took a bit more convincing for Edward, but I assured him I had Pack protection, so he finally relented and they left last night.
Unfortunately, I wasn't aware that the Pack had plans for Quil's bonfire initiation. They hadn't yet done one after his transformation because one of the Tribe's Elders had been sick. Jared and Jake told me I was welcomed to go, but I didn't feel like it was my place to be, since it was a very special night for Quil. I told them I'd catch the next regular bonfire and they agreed.
I called Angela and Jessica, thinking we could get a group together, and maybe watch a movie in Port Angeles or something. Jessica said she was stuck babysitting and Angela's father said she had plans with her mother. So, those plans went out the window. I thought about catching a movie on my own, but decided against that when I recalled the trouble I got myself into the last time I tried exploring Port Angeles. It seemed I was in for a quiet night at home.
For lunch, I made myself a small salad and munched on some pita chips, while a read. I finally started reading The Hunger Games, and I was totally into it. The story was getting good and I often wondered if I would have the courage to volunteer like the protagonist did, in order to protect someone that I loved. Absolutely, yes – my mind echoed. I had already done so in Phoenix, when I thought James had my mother. I shuddered at those memories, and unconsciously put the book and my fork down. I absentmindedly rubbed the nearly invisible scar on my wrist.
I knew I would never forget the predatory look in his black eyes. Not even Edward's black eyes the first day I met him – hell, not even a blood crazed Jasper - had terrified me like James did. I remember feeling a second of relief that he didn't have Renee, but it quickly vanished when I was faced with James. I sometimes wondered what ever became of Victoria. She had seemed wildly ferocious, then Laurent confirmed it to Carlisle and Edward, before his departure to Alaska.
Thinking of them after all this time, was filling me with dread. I knew James was destroyed and I knew that Laurent had not left the Denali Coven, based on their recent conversation, and it appeared he was taking the new diet well. However, not knowing or hearing anything about Victoria, was suddenly starting to nag at me. We knew she was close to James and Laurent, and we had learned that she had been helping James obtain information about me and my family. But we knew nothing of her since, but it was a given that she was still out there, somewhere. But, where and doing what? – I wondered and shuddered again.
Finally, I had enough. I wouldn't allow myself to go down that rabbit hole of fear or panic, for no reason. Edward often joked that I was a danger magnet, so if danger was headed my way, I wouldn't be able to do anything about it by sitting and worrying. I needed to get my mind off of Victoria, but welcomed distractions were limited, leaving only one at the moment. I didn't like it and I was almost sure that it would probably lead to more trouble than it was worth, but I really needed to get out of my house. So, I picked up and dialed my phone.
"Hello?" The voice I recognized, answered on the other end.
"Hi Mike, its Bella." I said, then felt myself biting my lip, I wasn't exactly looking forward to this, but desperate times and all that. When he said nothing for a couple of seconds, I wondered if I lost the connection.
"Mike, are you still there?" I asked.
"Um yeah… yeah. Hey Bella… What's up?" He replied awkwardly, so I decided to just come out with why I was calling in the first place.
"Not much, actually. I was wondering if you wanted to get a group together, and hang out." I said and had to wait a few seconds before he answered.
"Sure. Um. Yeah I think… no, yes. I'm sure we can do that… did you mean tonight?" He replied, and I was wondering what the hell was wrong with Mike and why he was acting so strange, but decided to ignore his weirdness.
"Great! I'm at home, and I'm bored, so I just need to get out, you know? I called Jess but she's babysitting and Angela is busy with her mom tonight. Can you get a hold of the guys and ask if they'll join us, or should I do it?" I asked hopeful, and making it clear that this would be a group thing. I knew he and Jess seemed happy, but I wouldn't put it past him to make cornball assumptions.
"Yeah, Bella. I'll call them, no worries. Do you want me to pick you up, or meet up somewhere?" He asked.
"Let's just meet at the Diner and see what we all decide from there. Thanks Mike. See you in about 20 minutes." I told him, glad at the prospects of going out but also wondering what I'd just gotten myself into. This should be good – I thought to myself.
When I pulled up to the Diner, I saw Mike's car was already there and I hoped he had convinced the others to join us. I only briefly thought about it in my rush to just get out of the house, but looking at it now, I really hoped I had been clear enough. I really didn't want there to be any weirdness or for him to get any wrong ideas. Then I hoped that when Jessica found out, she wouldn't read more into this than there actually was. With a deep sigh, I got out of my car.
Naturally, being my usual graceful self, I managed to slip on some black ice. I was still holding onto my truck handle, but I couldn't get my feet to stop slipping underneath me. I was, quite literally, dangling from the side of my car. I began mentally preparing to let go and brace for a hard landing. Suddenly, a hand grabbed onto mine, while I felt another hand on my back, trying to help with my balance.
"Easy there, Meryl Davis … We're not at the Olympics." A recognizable voice chucked from behind me.
He helped steady me so I was able to release my car door handle. I carefully stepped away from the deadly ice patch, which was now cracked and melting, after my failed attempts to stand. Once on dry and solid ground, I turned to my rescuer. Ben was bending to pick up my bag and keys from the ground, then he handed them to me with a smile. I noted my bag was wet, which I thought was weird since they'd landed on ice, but dismissed it.
"I'd outscore Meryl … perhaps more along the likes of a Tara Lipinski, wouldn't you agree?" I replied sarcastically, in response to his comment, which mad him chuckle.
"Oh yeah, you're far more graceful." He said, making me laugh, then went on. "I think I'm partial to Michelle Kwan … Don't you think she looks like Angela a little bit?" Ben asked me, with a wistful look.
His comment and the look on his face, made me smile. I loved that he was so in love with her. He and Angela were so good together, and both were truly amazing people.
"You showed some impressive moves back there, too. Would that have made you the Charlie White, of that scenario?" I asked, and we both laughed as we walked towards the Diner's entrance.
"Well, I don't know about all that." He replied, chuckling.
"Well, either way, thank you for helping me out." I said as he was opening the door and held it for me. "Although, that wasn't exactly what I had in mind, when I suggesting hanging out tonight." I said and at my words, we were full-on laughing as we entered.
Mike walked up to us and asked, "Care to share what's so funny?"
Neither of us could answer yet, while we were still laughing so hard. My eyes tearing up and I felt my stomach getting a work out. I looked up at Mike though watery eyes and tried to catch my breath, before responding. I was prepared to share my embarrassment from the parking lot but before I could, Ben spoke up.
Between his laughter, Ben said, "Nothing Mike, Bella and I were just talking about hanging out."
Just like that, he and I burst into another fit of laughter. I was in for a serious abdominal work out with all this laughing, and I wasn't sure I'd ever breathe again. This is exactly what I needed, it feels great. – I thought between breaths.
"Allll-right, then." Mike said while smiling at us, but I notice it seemed a bit forced. "We should get a table. Tyler should be getting here soon."
I took as deep a breath as I could, and exhaled slowly, then walked to a nearby table, and we sat. I wanted to explain so Mike wouldn't feel left out, especially since I was the one that orchestrated this get-together.
"Okay, okay. Phew… I'm sorry Mike. It's not even such an interesting story, really. It's just… I nearly fell coming out of my truck. I slipped on some ice." I started and Ben finished, while still cracking up.
"She managed to grab the truck's door handle… but couldn't seem to keep her feet from slipping all over the place. Bella was, literally, hanging from her truck. When we were walking in, she says, 'that wasn't what she had in mind by wanting to hang out tonight'. Mike, there was no way I couldn't laugh at that." Ben recounted for Mike, struggling to control his laughter.
"I was just hanging there, trying to decide, a countdown if you will, for letting go, knowing I'd probably break a bone in the process." I said to him, rolling my eyes at my misfortune.
"Damn Bella, that's pretty funny. I'm sorry that happened, but I'm a little more sorry I missed it." Mike told me, while smiling as well.
"Dude!" I admonished in mock anger, but then I said, "I'm bound to repeat itself when I leave, if you want to catch the encore performance." I responded with a smile and a shrug, making them both laugh.
What I hadn't realized, was that Tyler walked in behind me. Suddenly, he put his hands on my shoulders and yelled, "Hey, Bella!", scaring me half to death. Then, he moved to one of the empty seats and sat down grinning at his own cleverness.
"Geeze, Tyler… you almost gave me a heart attack." I replied, trying to laugh it off.
"Wouldn't that be a shame?" Came the mocking voice of Lauren Mallory, also walking up from behind me.
I rolled my eyes, and sighed. I didn't dignify her with a reply. I was hoping her presence was an unfortunate coincidence, but that was proven wrong. Lauren gingerly sat down beside Tyler, and they held hands over the table.
Ugh, that's just great. Thanks a lot Tyler – I thought bitterly.
"And then there were five." Said Ben, and shot me an encouraging smile. In that moment, I was sure he knew my feelings on our latest arrival, and I mentally thanks him for being there as a buffer.
A/N: In my story, I see Angela being of Filippine decent, so did some Google research. I apologize if anything is incorrect or written out of context. I have never studied Filippine Language, but what I found online was so interesting, but complicated. If you have any corrections, please let me know. The words I used *in italics, I also wrote their English translations (*in parenthesis), per Google Translator.
I've also been researching ideas for additional species of different mythical backgrounds that I plan to introduce. So far, I'm thinking the best way to do that, is by making some of my favorite human characters, not so human after all.