Disclaimer: I don't own any of the Twilight of any of the Twilight Characters, all of them are creation of the author Stephanie Meyer.
Kristen and the rest of the new characters are of my creation.
Wham! Crash! Several heavy objects collided disturbingly loud against the wall and doorframe of my bedroom, provoking me to jump awake while swallowing a frightened shout, both hands on my lips, my eyes wide shut and trembling uncontrollably.
Even in unconsciousness, I never forgot that I wasn't alone in the house. The idea of waking up my aunt with my terrified screams simply made my stomach churn uneasily. I was pretty sure she'd heard the deafening crashes of heavy objects smashing all over my bedroom at night and I couldn't help but silently wonder why she'd never bother to come up and check on me, not that I mind when she didn't, it was just… strange.
Maybe she thinks that I get the hysterics and desperately need to release my frustrations by trashing my room. Or… maybe she's a very heavy sleeper. I hoped. Yeah, right! Who was I kidding?
I continued to pant, shaking from head to toes, my hair sticking all over my face soaked in sweat, my mind racing, images popping in the inside of my mind, all at the same time.
Confusion.
The nightmare had been pretty much the same, except that this time, the animalistic snarling was followed by a high-pitch mocking laugh that made my insides quiver. Just by remembering it my blood turned ice cold and I simply had trouble breathing. I had me teeth clenched tightly, avoiding them to chatter and bite my tongue off.
It was so close. So real! I thought to my self, my fingernails digging in the quilt.
I shook the thought away, balling my hands into fists and my eyes locked to them, afraid of closing my eyes. In the back of my head, I had the feeling that there was something else, something I couldn't remember, that I missed in the dream. I guess I was too shaken up to even want to think about it, so I decided to wait until morning, when it was safer to close my eyes.
Light. Light was good! Safe.
Slowly I unclenched my fists, my nails continued digging in the thick fabric of my bed though. Mechanically, my left hand went to my chest as I took deep, slow gulps of air, feeling as my heartbeat slowly calm down until it returned to 'normal'. The tremors had stopped and my body temperature wasn't as cold as before. I quickly glanced towards my new alarm clock, I busted the old one a couple of nightmares ago, and groaned when I saw the time. It was 1 ó clock in the morning! I had no intentions on going back to sleep since I felt utterly afraid that I might have another one… an annoyed sigh came trough my lips as glanced towards the window, frowning at the darkness that continued to taunt me.
Oh, how I wish it were day light!
And then, my heart stopped completely.
GASP!
A dark figure shifted outside the edge my window before it vanished into the night, it was so fast that I could only make out a faint blur. All I knew was that this… thing was large, incredibly fast and it had been watching me with out me even noticing. A ripple of terror rolled down my back as I gasped loudly, another frightened scream stuck in my chest.
I sat there, frozen in bed, staring at the glass, afraid to blink. My breathing picked up immediately and the trembling became even more violent. There was something outside my window! I panicked. It was watching me!
The first thing that came to mind was to get the hell out of that room as quickly as I could, run down the stairs and wake up Aunt Lily, hide somewhere inside the house and then call the sheriff's department. But I couldn't even move my legs, or any other part of my body for that mater. So, I continued to stare at the window, hypnotized with shock. I don't know exactly what I was waiting for, but I couldn't unlock my eyes from it; my breathing ragged and my heart thudding loudly in my ears.
I have no idea how long I stayed like that, but my body became so cold and stiff that it was quite painful; I don't remember blinking at all and I hardly took in any short breaths. The freezing droplets of sweat continued to roll freely down my forehead, making me shudder. After an endless period of time fixated on that small, squared window, I slowly became aware that there was no sign of movement, so gradually my sore muscles began to relax. My throat was very dry and it hurt when I swallowed, I made a face when I became aware of that.
This is just silly, Kristen. I tried to 'reason' with myself afraid of loosing the minuscule sanity I had left. You've just woke up from a bad dream… you are all shaken up! Its normal to be imagining things, after a nightmare, right? I grimaced; even I didn't believe it. Maybe you saw a cat… 'or a cougar, for that mater' I grinded my teeth.
Oh, get a hold on yourself KRISTEN! I shut my eyes tightly, fighting back the tears. You are in the second floor for Christ's sake! Calm down. Breathe.
I kept repeating that over and over in my mind, until I found the strength to finally break my position and lie down on my bed again, pulling the covers over my head and waited for the soothing morning light I longed so much for. Why did it have to take so much time for morning to come?
Several terrifying images continued to flutter inside my mind's eye and I just gave up, I couldn't do this by myself. So, I instinctively reached for my cell phone that was lying on the table next to my bed and cursed loudly when I didn't feel my laptop there. UGH! DAMN IT!!!! I groaned angrily grinding my teeth. OH man! WHY DID IT HAVE TO BE YOUR LAPTOP?! How the hell am I supposed to explain this to Aunt Lils? I cursed silently, my blood boiling.
A few deep breaths later, I finally calmed myself down. My fingers traced the small buttons of my phone as I hesitated. I wasn't entirely sure if it was a good idea on calling him at this time at night; well, to be honest, the real reason that worried me was the he might be upset with me or something. I couldn't and wouldn't take it if he was. My insides churn uneasily at the thought.
After the incident at the movies last Friday, Jacob became… different. I can't explain it, I just felt there, in his eyes, in his grasp; like there was an edge to them. As he drove me home that night, he kept my hand secured in his, holding it so tightly as if he feared that I would somehow slip away into a dark abyss if he dared let go. Embry and Quil kept throwing anxious looks between each other, but didn't say a word; Jake continued to look at the road, his face lost in thought, brows pulled together… he occasionally glanced down at me but I never met his gaze; instead I pretended to be dozing off, closing my eyes and resting my head in the seat. And, I guess I really did fall asleep, because I don't remember moving closer to him. The sudden warmth that spread around my skin made me return to consciousness, but I didn't open my eyes or move; I felt his arm around my waist as my cheek rested in his chest that rose evenly after every breath. I smiled a little, pleased.
"What does it mean?" I remembered Embry whispering anxiously; I felt myself stiffened at the question, still pretending to be asleep.
"It doesn't mean anything" Quil whispered back, his voice shaken up.
"They couldn't posibl-…" Embry stopped "cant be…"
"We don't know that yet!" Quil's voice became exasperated and edgy.
"But what did Sam…"
"ENOUGH!" Jacob's chest rumbled menacingly as he hissed the word and the other two became quiet immediately. None of them spoke after that and my head began to whirl in confusion. I didn't get what they were talking about or why they were so worked up about it, but… it made me uneasy. I shuddered.
Making up my mind, I decided to place my phone under the pillow and sighed deeply, feeling even worse. As I did so, my finger accidentally pressed the speed dial number and I saw the tiny blue screen flash the words 'calling JACOB' in it. My heart skipped a beat and I tried to press the END button, but was too late.
"Hey!" I heard his husky voice answer at the first ring.
"Jake" I breathed nervously placing the damned thing to my ear, my cheeks flushing and my heart speeding up again. "Sorry I woke you up…" I hesitated "I-I accidently pressed the speed dial and … I-Im sorry" I made a face at how stupid the whole thing sounded, but, it wasn't a complete lie.
"No, no, it's fine. I was just turning in" I heard a smile in his tone; he didn't sound upset or mad at all, as I realized that, my lips traced a small smile and a wave of warmth flew freely through my cold body.
"Actually, I finally managed to finish the damn History essay Mr. Stone gave us a week ago" he chuckled quietly. It surprised me how relaxed and care free he sounded… he seemed normal; something I wasn't expecting but really pleased to discover. I guess he was probably waiting for me to reply at his comment or at least nag at him for finishing his homework on the last minute, but I couldn't find my voice. My throat closed and I held my breath.
"Kristen, what's wrong?" his tone became worried "Another nightmare" it wasn't a question, it was more like a statement. There was a small edge of resentment in his voice. I didn't answer, just curled into a ball under my blankets, my eyes watering.
Nightmares don't even cut it anymore… try a huge shadow creeping up my window and watching me sleep through the night. I swallowed a sob, tears running freely.
"I'll be there in 10 minutes" he said suddenly as I heard movement of fabric, he was probably getting up from his bed.
The idea of having Jacob Black close made it all better. I desperately needed to feel safe in his embrace, in his warmth. I needed to hear his voice telling me that everything was fine and that he would always be there, protecting me; I had the sudden urge to tell him to hurry up, but… I couldn't find myself to do it.
It was late, it was cold, he was probably exhausted and it was very selfish of me to even think of asking him to drive all the way to my house just because I was frightened and had the stupid delusion that something was watching me through my bedroom window.
"N-no, no Jake…" I felt my brows pull together, more tears rolling down my cheeks "it's really late, and you should rest…"
"I'm on my way" he disagreed.
"No, please Jake! I can't ask you to…" my voice shook in desperation. I really wished he was here.
"I'm not waiting for you to ask"
"Please?" I whispered.
"Kristen, you are calling me at 2 o'clock in the morning; clearly there's something upsetting you, honey" his tone in disagreement "I won't be able to sleep in ease when I know that you are not… I'll leave when I see that you are fine and I'll make sure you've fallen asleep" my heart melted at the fervency of his words.
"But, I-I feel better now, it was just a stupid nightmare Jake" I lied "Please don't worry"
"Besides, how would I explain this to Aunt Lily if she finds you here in my room at this time-a-night? And your dad, what would YOU tell your dad? We are likely to get into trouble Jake… please" it was a low blow, I know, but it was the only thing that came to mind to stop him from coming here.
Jacob didn't reply to my excuse and I was quite sure he never bought it in the first place. I heard him sigh deeply in defeat and then, he waited. I imagined him having his eyes closed, lips in a thin line and brows furrow pulled together.
"Do you think we could just… talk for a little while?" I broke the silence, trying to sound as composed as I could manage, though I knew my shaky voice had given me away.
"I'm not hanging up until you've fallen asleep" he added quickly, sounding upset. He knew me too well, and he knew that I was scared, but for some strange reason, he gave in.
I felt absolutely terrible for bothering Jacob with my stupid nightmares and personal-self existence-baggage-crap. He didn't deserve this and I didn't deserve him, he was just … amazing. My heart felt warm at the word.
"So, um…" I wavered for a second, not knowing what to say "d-do you know somebody who could fix a laptop?"
"A laptop?" he asked confused, guess he didn't see that one coming.
"Mm-hmm" I bit my lower lip nervously, my ears prickling.
"What happened to your laptop, Kristen?" his tone grew suspicious mixed with a little hint of curiosity. I smiled slightly at it.
"I'm not quite sure yet" I frowned "I-I'll tell you in the morning when I can see it properly, it's too damn dark right now" and the pieces are probably scattered everywhere. I grimaced.
Jacob laughed softly and I felt my tensed body begin to relax; it was amazing how his laughter made me feel well again. It had such an effect on me, it was light, natural, a breath of fresh air.
"Tell you what…" he said coolly once again "bring it by tomorrow and I'll give it a look. I'm not much into computers, but…" he chuckle once more.
"Thanks Jake, you're the best" I grinned, a small sigh of relief leaving my lips. I closed my eyes and my hand continued to hold my phone close to my ear, the warmth spreading all the way to my toes. "So, what did you do yesterday? I called you a couple of times, but… just got your voice mail…" I couldn't help my tone turning a little gloomy. I didn't see him yesterday and that sadden me a bit.
"Sorry about that" he said nonchalantly "I spent most of the day at Sam's place helping him out with some errands…" Sam's name made my eyes pop opened again. The tense faces of Embry and Quil and the whole scene from the movies rushed trough my head.
"Then, I went to the dump with Seth…" he continued but I cut him off.
"The dump?" I asked surprised still wondering what he'd meant about spending the whole day at Sam's.
"Um, oh! I almost forgot to tell you that I finally bought the master cylinder for the rabbit" he said cheerfully "it will probably be done in a couple of days, there are still a few quirks in it… nothing I can't handle" he added smugly.
Cut it out Kristen, you are worrying about nothing. I decided to let it go; I truly believed that I was edgy for no reason.
"That's great Jake!" I laughed a little, trying to sound convincing "but, um, what about your truck?"
"That piece of junk?" he chuckled "I'm taking it straight to the dump once the rabbit is done".
"You shouldn't speak of your truck like that" I interjected "it isn't fair. The truck's been there for you when you've needed it"
"Yeah… right up until it broke down in the middle of a rainstorm a couple of times. I'm telling you Kristen, I'm happy the rabbit is almost ready. I just can't stand the humiliation that piece of scrap metal has gotten me into…" I suppressed a laugh this and grunted in disagreement to his words.
"Well, then…" he chuckled teasingly "if the idea of the truck heading to the dump bothers you so much… why don't YOU keep it?"
"I already have the Jeep, Jake" I rolled my eyes.
"You see? Not even YOU want it" he snickered and I laughed too. I felt the tension dim as our conversation became casual, I sighed to myself in relief. There was really nothing to panic about…
We continued talking for almost an hour our, my lids began to feel heavy and my chest was warm enough; the soothing tone of his voice rocked me slowly to sleep. I don't remember when he hung up, it was probably when he heard me snore through the phone.
Through the heavy waves of drowsiness, I vaguely recall hearing his husky voice softly whisper something that made me smile before he said goodnight. As I felt myself fall deeper into unconsciousness, blurry images emerged and faded quickly, none making sense at all.
I felt confound to what I was seeing here… red carpet, a noisy crowd, brilliant neon lights and food stands, huge glass doors and windows, movie posters everywhere… this place seemed awfully familiar; had the urge to take a few steps to try and see clearer, maybe recognize where I was but I couldn't move; something had me strongly fastened in place. Glancing down to where I felt the pressure I noticed a russet arm holding me tightly around the waist, muscles and veins threatening to burst out. An aggressive quiver shook me hard from the side whilst my ears became deafened by a vicious growl that thundered menacingly close by…
Voices echoed in the back of my head as I felt my body being crushed by two iron walls that were closing fast on me. I couldn't breathe "STOP!" I barely choked while pushing as hard as I could to stop them, but it was no use…
"Wait a minute" Embry's voice whispered anxiously "Did you say… CULLENS?"
"What does it mean?" Embry's strained voice lingered inside my head.
"It doesn't mean anything" Quil's voice shook.
"They couldn't posibl-…" Embry quivered "cant be…"
"We don't know that yet!" Quil's voice became exasperated and edgy.
My alarm clock set off loudly shaking me awake… my head swirled and I felt nauseated. Still shaky, I got up from bed and began to get ready for school… a painful throb in my ribcage and an uneasy stomach…
- - - - - - -
"… Miss Evans?"
An exasperated voice dragged out of my anxious thoughts and back to reality… I blinked a couple of times, confused. Mr. Molina rose his brows at me, I was under the impression that he was waiting for me to say something, the problem was that I had no idea what he'd asked me in the first place. When I didn't answer, several students turned around curious to stare at me; I felt my cheeks grow hot.
"Planaria" I heard a whisper coming from the boy sitting next to me. It was so low that I hardly heard him at all.
"P-planaria, sir…" I stammered nervously quickly throwing a surprised glance to Edward, wondering why he helped… What the hell?
"Very good, Miss Evans" Mr. Molina nodded, though he gave me a disgruntled look; I guess he noticed my lack of attentiveness, so I threw the teacher a sheepish smile and dropped my gaze to my hands. I heard him continue with the lesson and his voice faded away once more.
I was under the impression that you hated me to death… I continued to play with my fingers; I heard a low sneer and instinctively turned to face him. His eyes were locked on the board as if trying to memorize what Mr. Molina had written there, but in some way had the strong feeling he was fully aware of my every move.
Glad I amuse you… I thought bitterly while turning away from him, my fingers instinctively tracing the round stone of the bracelet Jake gave me long ago. Well, now that you are talking to me again… and not showing any signs of wanting to bite my head off… I mused to myself Do you mind telling me what the hell happened Friday night? The scene from the movies popped into my head, I felt a shiver run down my spine as I remember both of them glaring viciously at each other…With the corner of my eye I saw Edward's jaw set hard, his brows pull together in a grimace and his lips in a thin line.
Something's going on… I intend to find out what it is. He sighed heavily as he continued to look forward, never meeting my gaze…
"Thank you" I whispered before I could stop myself; hey, it was the least I could do. I mean, he did help. I would have probably gotten a low mark on this month's grade or at least some extra homework.
I guess I waited for him to turn around and say 'your welcome' or some sort of sign that he heard my words of appreciation. But, when he didn't, a spark of irritation ignited on my veins. Ugh! You know what? What ever! I'm not wasting my precious breath with you! I've had it! I threw him a glare before I turned away, embarrassed and humiliated. I swear I heard his teeth grind.
Besides, I have other things to worry about! My throat closed and went dry as images of my latest nightmare flashed into my head. My heart picked up a little and I began to shake; the animalistic growl ringing inside my head made my insides churn and I almost lost my balance while sitting. Edward's hands slowly balled into tight fists, his jaw set even tighter. The expression of his face grew darker and he swallowed hard.
He tilted his head a little in my direction a strange expression crossing his features. I didn't pay much of attention to it though, guess I was too lost in my thoughts. I continued to wonder what I've missed in my dream as I ran it over and over again in my head. It was daylight, It was safe.
Then, I shivered as if a bucket full of ice-cold water had fallen over me. The image of the blur outside my window made me gasp in terror, suddenly, I had trouble breathing. I felt Edward stiffened beside me, holding his breath as well… his pale knuckles began to shake slightly.
There couldn't possibly be something outside my window, watching me, could there? I mean, there's no way to get there. The nearest tree is like 5 feet away from the window. But, I know what I saw, I just didn't imagine it. Ugh! I'm loosing my mind… I closed my eyes tightly in frustration and dread as I took small breaths to try and calm down.
What ever it was, I just hope it doesn't come back. I grimaced and slowly opened my eyes; I felt a small sting of pain on the palms of my hands and then is when I noticed that I had them balled into tight fists, my nails digging hard into the flesh. I immediately relaxed them and began rubbing them softly.
"Don't you know that it's rude to watch somebody when you think they aren't aware of it?" I hissed heatedly through my teeth as Edward continued to look at me through the corner of his eye; his jaw clenched even harder
"Well… it is" I turned to face him, acid in my tone "So, STOP IT!" I threw him another seething glare.
He finally turned around and I felt myself gulp loudly. His eyes were charcoal and furiously blazing, his lips parted slightly but didn't say a word.
"Just say it" anger rose up through my throat, I felt it at the tip of my tongue.
"You won't listen" he murmured angrily, grabbed his pack and walked away from the table a second before the bell rang leaving me shaking in place.
WON'T LISTEN!? WHAT IS THAT SUPOSSED TO MEAN!? HOW CAN I LISTEN IF HE NEVER SPEAKS TO ME??? AND WHEN HE DOES, IT NEVER MAKES SENSE??? UGH!
"HEY!" I heard myself call after him but he was gone. I picked up my stuff as quickly as I could and ran past Sophie who threw me a puzzled look but I didn't turn back at her. I was bubbling inside and needed answers…
The books practically flew out of my hands when I almost slammed into Edward Cullen's figure. He was standing right outside the classroom's door, his arms folded on his chest, jaw set and staring fiercely at me. I abruptly stopped, a surprised 'oh' escaped my lips and I just glared back.
"Listen to what, exactly?" exasperation took hold of all my senses; suddenly I didn't mind if I was talking louder than usual. A couple of kids cocked their heads and stared curiously at us.
"You should be careful whom you trust …" he hissed, his features twisting in fury "things are never what they appeared to be… people change Kristen" he took another step forward and my body went cold. The small audience kept throwing nosy glances and whispered excitedly, but again, I didn't care.
"Wha… what are you talking about?" I groaned in defeat as I moved my hands heatedly. His riddles were driving me insane!
"The boys from the reservation…" his eyes blazed once more "they aren't good company…"
The Quileute? JACOB!? What does this have to do with them…?
"Excuse me…" my face prickled in anger "but the people I hang out with are none of your God-damned business!" my head began to spin. "How dare you judge my friends! You don't even know them…! Who do you think…?"
"Listen to me Kristen…" he cut me off taking another step forward. He was so close that I felt his cool breath brush against my face making my head swirl "Stay away from them… please" there was that fierce pleading in his voice again…
I shook myself out of the trance Cullen had gotten me in "No. I won't stay away from my friends" my voice came out determined "What's this really about, Cullen?" I tiptoed in a challenging posture as if trying to reach his height… he was really tall.
"You are so stubborn…" he spat through his teeth and spun around. He was out of my reach in less then two seconds. The urge of swearing loudly back at him burned inside my chest, but I knew better. This wasn't the time or the place, for that matter and I knew that if I did, detention was on its way… besides, we'd given much of a show for one day.
I abruptly spun the opposite direction from him and stormed towards my next class, fuming. Static shaking me from head to toes… I wanted to burst!
- - - - - - - -
"Hey Kris, how are…"
"WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOUR BROTHER?!" I practically screamed in annoyance cutting Alice's cheerful greeting. "WHAT DOES HE WANT FROM ME, ALICE?!" I ran my hands through my hair in desperation and tapped my foot loudly on the floor, trying not to loose it.
She didn't say anything for a few seconds, she just stared at me. Her beautiful smooth and her eyes with a hint of worry; guess she was waiting for me to calm down… and when I finally snapped out of the enraged trance I was and noticed how childish and rude I was acting towards her, I took a deep breath and calmed down… but just a little.
She placed her unusual cool hand around my wrist and pulled me softly towards my chair in front of her, nodded once as in inviting me to sit. I did as she silently asked and she threw me a small smile. I sighed feeling utterly exhausted.
"What happen?" she asked softly, her beautiful amber eyes staring intently at my furrowed face.
"UGH!" I barely heard her question "I simply CAN'T understand how come you are so sweet and he is soooo…. irritating and arrogant and…"
"That's cause I'm adopted" she chuckled softly, a small smile at the corner of her lips. I didn't get what was funny, so I glared at her statement and she shrugged. "It's true"
"That explains it" I muttered bitterly and sighed exasperated.
"What happen?" she insisted, her hand softly shaking my shoulder as if trying to get an answer.
"It's nothing"
"Nothing? Kristen, you just don't get so worked up about nothing" she said skeptically. "Now tell me what he did" she gave me a threatening look that didn't match her angelical face "I mean it"
"All right people, settle down…" the teacher walked in and began scribbling on the board.
"Class is about to start Alice…" I shot her a sheepish look and turned around to face the board.
"We will continue this later" she whispered in my ear. Her tone was smooth, but somehow I knew that she was the slightest bit annoyed. I nodded solemnly knowing that there was no chance of getting away from her… not now. I was going to have to tell her…
My chin rested on top of my folded arms and I just tuned everything out. I felt utterly exhausted and in a really crappy mood…
When did everything get so complicated?
Happy new year everyone! :)
I just wanted to thank TheMasaltoff, Silvern Haze and Musik Drache for all their encouraging words and support, even though I get really lost sometimes. Love you girls *hearts you big time*
Hope you guys like this chapter!
You know what to do… read and review *winks*
