12. Normalcy
Nessie POV
Finally, it was over. After a weekend of pain and blood, I was feeling like my old self. I learned a few things over the past weekend. First, I discovered my parents are incapable of giving me privacy or space, even when politely requested. Second, they are experts at embarrassing me in front of others. I was so humiliated that my parents had asked my Jacob and new friend Leah to buy period supplies for me. I was thankful, but extremely mortified. Third, any romantic feelings I had toward Jake were dissolved. I don't know if my prior feeling were fabricated by hormones, but I just loved him as a friend. Also, this period shopping event made me realize he saw me as little sister. Obviously, he was super handsome, but older and in a league of his own. He and Leah might make a cute couple. Jake was always single and Leah was single, so I might have to orchestrate a love connection between them.
I smiled at the prospect of playing Cupid.
With that thought I got out of bed. The sun was barely rising. I checked the bed and didn't spot any accidents.
Phew.
I heard a knock on the door. Dad? Already listening for my thoughts before sunrise.
He responded aloud. "Can I come in."
"Come in." I said softly as I made my bed.
"You're up early. Feeling rested?"
"I'm feeling better. Will you let Jacob know he can come over whenever?"
"Of course, but he's at garage all day, then housesitting at your grandpa's house at night. I don't know if he'll be able to come over today."
"Really? That's strange." I sat on top of my freshly made bed.
I guess he didn't me miss as much I thought he would. I know I pushed him away this weekend while I was on my period, but I still missed him. "Maybe I can go into town to see him?"
"Maybe, if your mom agrees to it. You need to complete all your schoolwork. I know you've had a little vacation from studying the past couple of days, but you need to get back on track, if you want to attend high school next year."
I rolled my eyes, but I knew he was right.
He laughed and left the room.
I got to work on my lessons. Mom and Dad created the curriculum and shared the teaching. The lessons usually varied from the subjects of math, music, reading, writing, history, and the sciences.
Since I started earlier than usual, I finished my lesson early in the afternoon. Jacob wouldn't get off until four, but I guess I could surprise him at work or at Grandpa Charlie's house.
It was only two, but I got ready to leave and played around with some of the make-up Aunt Alice gifted me. I put on some mascara and tinted chap stick. I started to head for the door.
"Heading out so soon?" My mom asked.
"You said I could head into town when I finished all my lessons."
"It's a little early, don't you think?" She furrowed her eyebrows.
"I was thinking about surprising him at Grandpa's. I can help with housesitting."
My dad appeared next to my mom. They shared a quick glance.
I reached out my hand to touch my mother's cheek. I showed her how I felt and how much I had missed seeing my best friend Jacob this past weekend.
"Alright." She nodded.
I smiled.
"Let me make you backpack, I'll put some snacks in there along with pepper spray. Should I give Leah a call? She might be able to take you into town."
I tried to reassure my mom. "I'll be perfectly safe. I've gone into town before. I don't think we should ask so much of Leah. Besides, I need a hike in the outdoors, I've been lounging indoors for the past two days."
"Call us when you get there. And have Jacob bring you back home by eight." My father added.
I nodded and exclaimed, "See you later!" I smiled and headed out the front door with backpack. I checked my watch and it was exactly 2:23pm.
I dashed into the woods, taking in the scent of the wet woods and the breeze as I dashed between trees. I had played tag with Jacob numerous times in these woods, that I was confident with navigating myself into town. I stopped a few times to take a break and readjust my course. I was almost positive that if I took a 45-degree angle after this tree, I would arrive at the garage. There, I could say 'hi' and wait for Jacob to get off work in the woods behind the garage.
I came to a road and leapt across it. I heard a metal ringing and headed towards the sound. I climbed up a hillside. I didn't recall any hills being in the path to Jacob's workplace last time I came. At the top of the hill I stopped. I looked down and saw a swarm of people below. The metal ringing, I had heard had been the ringing of a school bell. I was looking down onto Forks High School.
I gulped. I had not been going to right way.
I took off my backpack, and pulled out a map. I figured out where I had taken a wrong turn and planned my new course.
The students below me were loud and distracting. Soon this would be my life in high school. I checked my watch. It was 2:50pm. The students must have just gotten done with classes.
I looked down at the school and started walking toward the chaos of all the students shuffling, talking, laughing, and yelling. I made it down the hill and onto an open field. I saw some guys in football uniforms throwing footballs to each other. I walked past the field through some tables. There were a lot of people walking past me. Not one person acknowledged me. I blended in with everyone. I walked past students wearing backpacks and earbuds. I was invisible to them. I had total anonymity.
I walked between the school buildings and made my way to the front of the school. The density of students lessened. People scattered into the parking lot and off the school lot. The sea of people had dissipated to just me.
"Hey" I heard a voice call from my right.
I spun my head toward the noise. A group of people were sitting and leaning against a wall. I met eyes with one boy. I looked around and behind dubious that he was talking to me.
"Yeah, you" He confirmed.
I spun back around to face him. I guess I wasn't invisible anymore.
The boy wore a teal beanie and waved.
I suddenly felt nervous. I hadn't planned on talking to anybody. I wasn't even supposed to be here. Nevertheless, my curiosity got the better of me. These people might be my peers next year. I figured getting to know them might help with my transition to public school. I approached the group. The girl next to the guy in the teal beanie looked up to me. She had pin straight brown hair with long bangs that nearly covered her eyes. Then there two others, a boy and a girl. The girl with curled blonde hair looked up a me for a second, but then continued her conversation with the guy facing his back towards me.
The guy in the teal beanie opened his mouth to speak, "I've never seen you before."
"Are you a transfer?" The brown-haired girl added.
I wasn't sure how to respond. I couldn't reveal my identity. I began to open my mouth when the boy in the beanie interrupted.
"I'm Joseph and that's Katelyn."
"Call me Kat." She reached out to shake my hand.
I shook her hand. I began to introduce myself, but stopped before I revealed my real name, "I'm Ness, uh-"
"Nessa? Is that short Vanessa or something?" She asked.
"Um, yeah, something like that."
"Cool."
The boy who had his back turned to me, looked over his shoulder and repositioned himself to face me.
The blonde girl looked at me and asked, "Who's she?"
Kat replied, "This is Nessa."
"Hey." I smiled at her, but she didn't smile back. Instead she looked at me up and down. The boy next to her seemed even less friendly.
She responded, "I'm Candice." She cocked her head to the side.
The boy next to her stayed silent. He wasn't even interested in introducing himself to me.
"Nice to meet you guys." I said looking back to Joseph.
"Was it your first day?" Candice asked.
It was time to come up with a story. I took a deep breath. "Actually, I was just checking out the school today. I might transfer here next year."
"Dope. Where are you at now?" Joseph replied.
"Now? I'm homeschooled but next year I'll be a freshman."
"A freshman? Woah. You totally look older than a freshman" Replied Kat astonished.
"That's a good thing" Candice added quickly with a sly smile. Maybe Candice was more friendly than I originally thought.
"So you're homeschooled? How's that? Got a lot friends there?" Joseph asked sarcastically.
Kat elbowed him in his side.
"C'mon it was a joke.", he reasoned.
"Homeschool isn't so bad." I smiled, "But, I only have like two friends."
Kat narrowed her eyes and looked at Joseph.
Then she looked at me and said, "You have four new friends. Right guys?"
"Totally" Candice chimed.
"Hell yeah" Joseph exclaimed.
The quiet guy who hadn't introduced himself gave me wink. It caught me off guard, but I was happy that he was finally acknowledging me. I was so happy and surprised that all of them were so friendly.
I stood there and talked to my new group of friends. I learned that they were all sophomores. The quiet guy who didn't introduce himself was named Joe. Apparently, Joe and Joseph had been friends for a long time. Joe had recently got his driver's license. Of course, Joseph was the one telling me all this information. Jo didn't seem like he liked to talk.
They were shocked when they found out I didn't have a cellphone. I told them I had access to a phone and a computer so, they wrote down their numbers and emails on a sheet of notebook paper and gave it to me. They told me to call them to hang out and invited me to hang out with them tomorrow. I had told them I'd have to ask my parents, but if I could I would let them know over the phone.
They were getting ready to leave now since the parking lot traffic had died down. Joe was their ride home and they asked me if I need a lift. I lied and said that I was waiting here for my parents to come pick me up. They left in Joe's Honda. I waved, still acting like I was waiting for my parents to pick me up.
As soon as the car was out of sight, I headed out of the school area towards the streets into town. I checked my watch. It was 3:17pm. I could take a stroll through town on my way to Jacob, rather than run through the woods. It felt nice to be out in town. It felt nice to be nameless for once.
I pulled out my map. I was closer to Grandpa's house than Jacob's work. I figured I should head to Grandpa's so I can use the phone to let my parents know that I got into town safely. Jacob would get off work soon anyway.
My parents were probably getting a little anxious for my call so, it would better if I took a faster route to Grandpa's house through the trees. I started to cross the street leading to the tree line, but I heard rustling in the trees. I stopped and saw something big and fast flash before me. I couldn't see what it was, just a blur. I smelled the air looking for the scent. The blur ran past again. I inhaled. The unmistakable scent of werewolf was present.
Strange.
The wolves were rarely in town. Why were they here now?
I didn't want to ruin whatever sort of patrol they were doing, so I decided it was better if I just stayed out of their way. I looked on my map and continued my way to Charlie's house through the streets. I walked up Spartan Avenue passing by local businesses. As I was about to enter a more residential area I heard a fast car approaching. I quickly spun around alarmed by noise.
It was Jake's car. He stopped right beside me. The passenger side window rolled down but I saw Leah. Leah was driving. I didn't think Jake let anyone drive his car. Something must be wrong.
"Hop in." Leah said calmly.
Without hesitation, I opened the car door and sat inside.
"Your parents want you back home." She added.
I sat looking at her thinking that there must be danger coming. That's why she was driving Jake's car, that's why the wolves were on patrol. Were there other vampires in town? Did the Volturi return? These thoughts ran through my mind as we drove back to my home.
We sat in silence until Leah spoke. "I know it seems like they're overreacting, but they just really care about you. That's what parents do."
"What do you mean?" I asked confused.
She also looked at me confused. "She explained, "Your parents asked me to pick you up, since they didn't know where you were."
I still looked at her confused.
She continued, "You got in the car right away. I thought you knew why I was there to pick you up."
"That is unbelievable." I responded in disbelief.
I couldn't think of anything else to respond. I was almost speechless. It was incredulous to think that my parents had sent Leah in Jake's car to pick me up in town because I hadn't called them yet. How controlling were they? I couldn't even walk around town without them asking the wolves to keep tabs on me. For just one afternoon I wanted to feel a little normal.
"This is a little awkward then." Leah replied.
"I was just taking a walk. I was about to call them as soon as I got to Charlie's. They sent you to keep me on a leash." I replied annoyed.
"I'm sorry about this, I thought I was helping." She replied with a concerned look on her face.
"Well you weren't. My parents are just crazy control freaks."
I was angry. I was a little angry at Leah for listening to parents but I knew the only reason she was doing this was because my Mom and Dad had convinced her. I was furious with them.
We were approaching the house and I knew my dad would read my thoughts and discover I was at the high school. I would be in even bigger trouble if my parents knew I was hanging out at the high school. I had gotten some practice hiding my thoughts over the years, so I would try to not think about going to the high school when my dad was around. I planned what I would say and not say to my parents.
We arrived to the house, and I exited the vehicle without Leah a proper goodbye.
"Thank you, Leah." My mom said.
Both of my parents were standing outside the house, but I just walked right past them and into the living room. I sat on a couch and waited for them to follow. They came in a moment later after they thanked Leah for driving me.
Mom and Dad sat across from me. I didn't meet their gazes. They spoke to me, but I didn't respond. My silence was a potent response. They explained that they worried because they called 'Jake' to ask where I was since I never called. Jacob was still at work so he called the wolves to ask them to help find me. My parents were frustrated because they couldn't go into town and look for me themselves without fear of being seen by the townspeople. They weren't supposed to be in Forks anymore, so going into town could be risky and expose them. Jacob wanted to take off work to look for me. Leah persuaded him otherwise, because she and the boys would find me. The wolves found me walking and let Leah know where I was. Mom and dad thought I was helping Jake house sit, so they were furious I lied and asked Leah to get me. Jacob allowed her to drive his car.
I tried to explain to them that I was going to call. I told them that I got lost and ended up in town. Then I explained that the wolves were in the woods, so I just walked on the streets and lost track of time trying to follow street directions. I told them I was on my way to Grandpa Charlie's house when Leah picked me up.
They were angry with me like I did something wrong. I was going to call them, I just lost track of time and didn't have access to a phone. I tried to say this but my dad cut me off.
I reached up my hand to touch my mother's cheek. I wanted her to know what happened from my perspective. Even though my dad could read my mind, he was still being harsh on me. I showed my mom when I was lost in the woods and moving onto the streets trying to plan a course to Grandpa's. Then, I showed her my watch with different times, showing I lost track of time. I showed her the wolves passing me in the tree line and then replayed the memory of Leah picking me up, conveying how scared I was.
I saw a look of understanding in her eyes. "I'm sorry we scared you. We just wanted to know you were safe." She admitted.
"I was safe. I promise. No one in Forks even knows who I am." I added.
The situation was deescalating now that my mother was more understanding. My dad was still not happy with my 'excuses'. At least, my mother was on my side.
Suddenly, Jacob came through the door. I was still so angry with my father, that I didn't hear Jacob approach. Jacob would also be on my side, so my dad would have to stop lecturing me soon.
I smiled and turned to look at Jacob.
He grabbed me into a big bear hug and said, "You shouldn't have tried to come to my work. Don't ever do that again."
He sounded relieved, but his comment angered me. I was in this mess because of him. I pulled myself out of his embrace.
"I got lost looking for you. If you hadn't been working at the garage, then I wouldn't have gotten lost." The volume of my voice startled myself.
Jacob took a step back. "Are you seriously mad at me? I didn't ask you to come visit me at the garage."
I stayed silent and crossed my arms.
He continued, "I need to work for a living, Nessie. You can't just ignore me for two days, then show up at my work."
I didn't want to hear him right now. He was my best friend. He was supposed to be on my side defending me, not disagreeing with me. I felt my eyes burn and begin to water. I held back tears.
He saw my change in composure and tried to settle the fight with a hug, but I pushed his arms away. He tried to talk to me, but I was so angry I couldn't even focus on anything he said. I sat back on the couch. He stayed standing.
"C'mon Nessie. Don't be mad."
I gave him no response. I didn't even look him in the eyes.
"Fine be angry with me. I have to go house sit at Charlie's anyway." Jacob said then headed out the door.
I heard Leah outside. I thought she had already left. She told Jake that she could house sit for Charlie and he could stay.
He replied, "She doesn't want me here."
I heard the car engine start and they drove away.
I got off the couch and ran to my bedroom. I couldn't hold back the tears anymore and laid on my bed crying.
My favorite person in the world had left me.
My mother came into the room and rubbed my back. She tried to comfort me, but all she talked about was the time that she like boys in high school. I didn't understand how this related to my situation at all. I grew impatient. I turned my head towards her saying, "Mom, how can I possibly like anyone when I don't know anyone."
I paused. My mother looked like she wanted to tell me something. She stayed silent.
I turned my head away from her and sniffled.
Hope you enjoyed reading another chapter from Renesmee's POV. What do you think of Nessie's new friends and her argument with Jacob? Let me know in the comments. Check back every weekend for new chapters.
I'm going to start posting song recommendation that represent the chapter. This chapter's song recommendation is: Coldplay - Paradise
xo
