I think this is the longest chapter I have written. (7 pages in Microsoft Word!)
Sorry about the sucky-ish one before, but I really had writer's block. Now that things are back on track, I know how to continue the story again.
There's some Renesmee in this one, which was kind of hard to write. I don't really know how she's going to be as an adult, so I decided to just wing it. Let me know if I go all OOC or anything.
Anyways, ENJOY! Please don't forget to review!
Disclaimer: I don't anything Twilight-related; Stephanie Meyer does. I only 'own' Aria and Shane.
Chapter 11- Like Mother, unlike Daughter
Recap:
I didn't know why I was crying, but I let the tears fall freely down my face as I sped down the winding and twisting road.
When my dad had driven me over to the house, I wasn't really paying attention to exactly where we were going. So, I was pleasantly surprised when I found myself pulling my car into the little clearing where I found my mother's Ferrari sitting. Was it just instinct that guided me here? I didn't know. I parked my car and slowly took the keys out of the ignition. My vision was a little blurry, and a thin layer of sweat was forming over my body. Why am I so nervous? Am I really that afraid of my father?
After wiping my eyes and face with a tissue, I decided to send Shane another little text. I felt really weird without him near me; I felt really cold and like I was missing something. I guessed that our imprinting bond was very strong; especially since we were best friends from the day we were born. I wondered what Shane had felt like when he was in Canada. What were the effects of our broken bond on him? I made a mental note to ask him later. After breaking from my trance, I quickly grabbed my phone from the passenger's seat.
Hey. I know I'm being stupid for texting you when you're not even going to reply back, but at least someone will know where I am in case I don't make it out alive. (Ha.) Okay, wish me luck: I'm about to confront my dad on everything. I'll keep you posted. Peace.
I sighed quietly when I hit the 'send' button. I put my keys into my pocket and took a huge breath. I could feel my heart pounding my ears. With another small sigh, I got out of my car and slammed the doors shut. If my parents didn't know I was here, they would now. I decided to walk at a human's pace to the doors, giving my parents time to 'prepare' themselves. I knew from experience that, when they were alone together (or any of my older relatives in general), you shouldn't barge in on them. I shuddered as I remembered what had happened over 4 years ago: I had come home from school, just like any normal day; I remembered how I had to ask permission from my parents to attend some kid's birthday party. When I ran into their room, I caught them… doing something. It was embarrassing, and very traumatizing. Emmett teased me for weeks. I couldn't stand to look my mom or dad in the eyes for months.
I was almost halfway up the path when I felt my phone vibrate in my pocket. Curious, I flipped it open.
Yo, half-spawn. Lover boy's awake. He was asking for you. *wink wink* But, like the good little Uncle I am, I told him to call you. Oh, and everyone but the 'hunting group' are home. When you're done yelling at Wolfy, come here as fast as you can. There's a surprise waiting for you. –E
I rolled my eyes. Emmett was so immature sometimes. Shane was definitely not my 'lover boy'. I mean, we just kissed. It was just a kiss. (A mind-blowing, breath-taking, absolutely-perfect kiss nonetheless.) I didn't reply back to him, since I knew his message was just one-way. Just as I put my phone into my pocket once again, I felt another small vibration. Another text message? I wondered if Emmett cracked and decided to blow my 'surprise' over the phone. He did that sometimes.
Ari! What the hell are you doing? I'm the one who's supposed to talk to your dad. This whole mess is my fault. Anyways, Carlisle said that I can phase now if I want to. The venom pretty much worked. Okay, I'm coming to you. Stay in your car and look out for me. –Lover Boy :)
I smiled to myself; what did I do to deserve such an amazing guy like Shane? I'm probably one of the luckiest girls in the world to have a gorgeous, sweet and smart guy who absolutely adored me. I never had a crush on him before, but now… I'm seeing him in a whole new light. I quickly shut my phone and placed it into my pocket. I decided to stand by my car so that I could hand Shane a pair of shorts if he needed any. (I kept some in my trunk too, just like my mom)
I looked around but didn't see any abnormally large wolf, so I opened the back door and sat down, leaning my head back and closing my eyes lightly. I waited for what felt like hours before I heard the sound of huge paws thudding quietly over the forest floor.
"Shane! Oh my gosh! You're healed! You came!" I sounded like a little kid on a sugar rush, but I was too happy to care. "Do you need shorts? I have some! Oh, never mind!"
The chocolate-brown wolf appeared through the dense trees, and came trotting over to me. He was holding what appeared to be khaki shorts in his mouth, which was pretty smart of him to bring along. I mean, you probably should wear pants when talking to your girl-best-friend-slash-lover's (is that what we are?) parents. I noticed that he looked perfectly healthy, except for the angry looking scar on his chest. I winced when I thought that he would have it forever, since it was too deep to heal properly. He let out a low, deep howl when he saw my weary eyes and came forward to lightly touch his nose to my forehead. I smiled sadly as he walked back to the trees appearing moments later in his human form, quickly tugging on his shorts.
"Do you have a shirt or something in your car? I don't really want to remind Jacob of what he did to me. He won't take me seriously if he sees my scar." Shane walked over to me, pointing out the long scar that ran from his shoulder to hip. It was flesh coloured now, but you could still see the raised shape and texture. Human eyes wouldn't be able to notice it, but my superior eyesight could make out the horrible cut.
"Probably," I nodded as I opened up the trunk of my car, rummaging around the shopping bags that were long forgotten. I remembered how weeks ago, Alice and I had gone shopping for dresses or something, but I was too lazy to carry the bags back to my room. My hands fell on a very large hoodie that said 'Hilfiger' down the front. It was supposed to be for my dad, since according to Alice, he 'needs some shirts to look more decent in public'. I pulled it out, cut the tags off with my teeth, and threw it at Shane.
"It's my dad's, but he doesn't even know about it. Take it."
"Thanks Ari." He flashed me a smile as he pulled it over his head. "Do you happen to have some shoes?"
"Why aren't you ever prepared?" I rolled my eyes at him as I threw a pair of navy blue flip-flops at his head. I really didn't know why I had a pair of men's shoes in my car, especially ones that fit Shane perfectly. Alice…
"Sorry, but I kind of ran here at the last minute. Thanks for the texts; did you really think you could do this on your own?" He walked over to me and looked down, into my eyes. "Hey! Ari, please don't cry! Sweetie, what's wrong?"
I didn't really know how to answer his question. Why was I crying? I didn't know the answer myself. I felt like the helpless little female; crying and sniffling about some problem. Shane wiped my tears away with his finger and kissed my forehead lightly. When I didn't respond, he wrapped his warm arms around my shoulders and pushed my face into his chest. I began crying harder now, for no apparent reason.
"Shhh… Ari, everything's totally under control. Don't worry, I'm here and I'm okay. Please, don't cry." His low voice rumbled in his chest, and he began stroking my hair absentmindedly.
"Shane, you're h-hurt…" I blubbered as I remembered his stupid scar.
"Like I said before, don't worry about it! Humans can't even see it, so no biggie about swimming in public or something. Please, stop crying… you're making me feel terrible." I looked up into his face, which was indeed twisted into a pained expression. Crap. Why do I always hurt him? He looked down at me and my tear-streaked face as if he just heard my thoughts. I grimaced, trying my best to smile at him or something. He flashed me his trademark grin and leaned down to kiss me.
This kiss wasn't like the others. Instead of sweet and slow, it was more like passionate and aggressive almost. His lips were crushed over mine, hard and searching. I just stood lifelessly in his arms, not kissing him back. I was too scared. I had to try my best to fight against my hormones, which were pushing me to wrap my arms around his neck, twist my fingers into his hair, and to wrap my legs around his waist. Instead, I stood underneath him, rigid and hopeless. When Shane finally realized that I wasn't going to kiss him back just as furiously, he pushed away quickly. He didn't realize just how badly I wanted him; to taste him and feel his tongue and hot breath against mine. I was just too much of a coward to do anything back. What if I did something wrong? Scared him away forever? I decided that I really needed to sit down and talk to Rosalie.
"Uh… right. Sorry. Um, I forgot…Uh… yeah. Let's get going." His face turned bright red as he quickly moved away from me, towards the house. Crap. I hurt him again. What the hell's wrong with me? I ran towards him and grabbed his hand with mine. He immediately relaxed his tense posture and looked down and smiled at me. This time, I smiled back. Wordlessly, we dashed up the stairs and through the door, which was unlocked. We were immediately hit by the scent of paint fumes, sawdust, and… cookies?
"Mom? Are you… home?" I called out quietly, knowing my mother could hear me no matter what level I spoke at.
"Over here, in the kitchen Ari!" I heard my mother's shrill voice yell from down the hall. That would explain the cookie scent; she was probably baking. Shane and I walked over to the huge kitchen, following the sweet smell of chocolate. We saw my mother mixing batter furiously with one hand, and taking a baking sheet out of the oven with the other.
"I guess you already set everything up. Nice kitchen, mom." I smiled at my mother, as she glanced curiously at mine and Shane's intertwined hands. She looked up at my flushed, tear-streaked face and immediately widened her eyes. Oh God.
"Yes, your dad's painting the rooms upstairs. After that, we can move in. I didn't have anything to do, so I decided to make a little treat to kill time." She still gave me a wandering, curious look. Shane immediately noticed her appraising eyes and dropped my hand at once. "So, Shane dear! Are you all healed up?"
"Yeah… Uh, can you show me the washroom? I really have to go." Shane winked at me when my mother nodded and turned around to set the timer on the oven for the second batch. Great. He's leaving me alone now? With my mother? What's wrong with him?
"Sure dear. It's down the hall, and the first door to your right." She pointed behind us and smiled. He nodded and ran away, quietly and wordlessly leaving us alone to talk. "Ok Aria, spill. Tell me everything! What exactly happened between you two?" My mother's voice got shriller and higher as she exclaimed and smiled broadly. She was acting like the teenager she never was.
"Mother! Stop screaming!" I rolled my eyes at her as she pretended to zip up her lips. Even if she was absolutely brilliant, she still didn't really know how to 'act normal'. My mom had gone to school, but as a child, she felt as if she was far more superior to the other children. Eventually, she was home schooled. "Seriously, nothing happened. Nada. Zilch. There isn't anything going on between me and Shane."
"Aria, I'm not blind. I saw you two holding hands! Also, your face was all flushed, and you two looked at each other with looks of love…" she sighed dreamily. Oh God. How barf-tastic.
"Mom! Seriously, stop acting all creepy and weird…." I waved my hand in front of her face dramatically. She looked at me and stuck her tongue out. Real mature, mother. "And fine. You got me. I really, really like Shane. After you and dad left, I went to his bedside because I felt so terrible. I mean, you should have seen those horrible cuts! Plus, the venom Carlisle used on him was causing him more pain than healing. Then… I don't know… I kissed him…."
"You KISSED him! OH SWEETIE!! You're first kiss!!" My mom's high-pitched voice was even higher and more annoying than usual.
"Crap. Mom, do you have to yell? Daddy dearest is upstairs, and listening closely." I punched her arm lightly as I bit into a cookie. It was soft, chewy, and delicious. Over time, my mom began to appreciate human food more than before; she still preferred blood, but it helped keep up the charade if she actually ate. "And yes, Shane was my first kiss. Woop-de-doo!"
"Oh that so romantic! He imprinted on you… you kissed him… I wish my first kiss was with Jake. You're lucky Ari; you're first kiss was with your best friend!" My mom walked around the counter and gave me a huge hug. She was grinning and flitting around, acting like Alice when she was let loose in a mall.
"Um, your first kiss wasn't with dad? I thought you like, loved him ever since you were physically 15?" I broke away from her hug before she could accidentally break my ribs. I sighed as I thought of my dad and mom together. It's pretty creepy, since he's like 16 years older than her. When she was my age, he was in his 30s! That's gross… I'm glad Shane's my age.
"No, um, I kissed Nahuel when he came to a party Alice threw for my parents when they renewed their vows… I knew he had imprinted on Leah, but I really couldn't resist. Heh, heh…." She chuckled nervously as she took in my reaction.
"Yeah, when I thought you couldn't get any weirder… Anyways, um, you aren't mad about the whole imprint thing?" I tried my best to forget what my mother just told me. No wonder Leah mostly hated my mom, and Nahuel didn't really look her in the eyes.
"Why would I be? Ari! You think I'm angry that my daughter has a guy who will always keep her happy? That's like a dream come true for any mother! Now you can skip the whole teenage-dating phase, and go right into the love part!" she beamed at me as she took a small bite into a cookie. My mother is such a hopeless romantic; I can't believe she actually likes it if her underage daughter runs around with a guy. Not just any random guy… but still.
"Mom! Love? That's a bit too strong, don't you think?" I choked out.
"Oh, well… right now, maybe. Don't worry though, you'll see soon enough. Tell me how you feel right now." she smirked and raised her eyebrows at me.
"Uh… I feel like I'm not really complete. I hope that makes sense." I decided to just tell her the truth, since I knew she would keep pestering and bothering me. Anyways, I really did feel as if a piece of me was somewhere else.
"That's what you're always going to feel like when Shane's not with you. You aren't going to feel perfectly whole unless you're in his arms. Right now, I feel like running upstairs and kissing the living daylights out of Jacob, but I've learned to control myself." She raised her eyebrows suggestively again and winked. Ugh.
"Yeah, waaay too much information there. Wow. So, you really don't care at all?" I grabbed another cookie from the wire rack and devoured it in a couple of bites.
"No! Aria, what's it going to take to make you believe that? I'm happy for you! Shane is a great guy, and you two seem perfect for each other. Ever since you two were little babies, I knew you would eventually get together. I mean, no one knew if Shane could phase or not… So, when he did, and he imprinted on you? That was one of the happiest days of my life!" She came around and gave me another hug; only it was more motherly than the other one.
"Oh. Thanks mom." I smiled into her hair as I squeezed her back. She was much shorter and more petite than me, yet I still respected her as a mother... Most of the times, except for when she acted like a spoiled, lovesick little princess. "I… um, love you."
"Oh Ari! I love you too sweetie." She broke away and beamed at me, causing me to smile back. She looked so ridiculous, with flour on her face and stains all over her ratty clothes. Yet, she also looked freakishly beautiful, with her long auburn hair, flawless skin and perfect teeth.
"Sorry to interrupt this Kodak moment, but we need to go and talk to Jacob. Ari, come on." Shane's deep baritone of a voice rumbled and caused me to jump slightly. I guess he got tired of waiting in the bathroom. I turned around to look at him and almost gasped out loud; his hair was dripping wet and he had changed into a black t-shirt and smug fitting jeans. "I uh, took your car to the mansions so that I could shower and change." He winked at me as he saw my shocked expression.
"Oh, uh… cool. You look um, good." Good?! That's the only adjective I could think of to describe his God-like appearance? He looked like he stepped out of a photo shoot for Calvin Klein or something! I quickly walked over to him and threw my arms around his neck. My mom squealed and Shane automatically tensed. He wasn't used to PDA. I quickly brought my hands down and settled on staring at my flats. Shane sighed and loosely placed his arms around my waist, pulling me closer to his warm body.
"Want to go out for dinner or something later? Like… together?" He whispered in my ear, causing goosebumps to appear all over my arms. He kept his arm around my waist as I slowly nodded my head. He's asking me out?! Wow.
"Are you asking me out Shane?" I looked up into his eyes to see if there was any hint of sarcasm, but I only saw devotion. Oh God. What am I getting myself into? Are the guy's feelings stronger than the imprintee's? I began to feel a bit scared again.
"Yeah, I am." He leaned down and brushed his lips lightly over mine. I couldn't help myself but to grin like an idiot.
My mom squealed loudly, clapped her hands and sighed. She was seriously enjoying this more than I was.
