Hello everyone! Sorry I haven't updated in two weeks! I've been busy trying to pass my summer anatomy course.
Anywho, a lot takes place in this chapter. Loads of characters are present too so I hope you like it! No Cullens though for you vamp lovers. So far I've counted: Nicole, Emily, Claire, Eli (on the telephone), Paul, Quil, Embry, Seth, Sam, Leah, and Jared. And about 9 of them have dialogue. Crazy right!
There is a Claire babble dictionary at the end of the chapter in case some people cannot decipher her words. The words I have altered are all in italics.
Also there is a bit of cursing in this chapter so you have been warned. Not too much, though there is a reference to the Queen of England. I am not making this reference because I dislike Her Majesty. On the contrary, I loooovvvveeee the Royal Family! It's just a common expression used by Americans who curse. So don't blame me. Blame Eli for being such a rude and cursing character. So if any Brits are offended by this expression, I apologize, but most Americans who read it will recognize it as a common U. S. curse. Not that I'm proud of it, but like I said…sometimes characters just write their own dialogue. If you've written any stories you know that is the truth.
Please review! I will love you eternally!
And I check my reviews daily so the more reviews I get the more excited I become about posting the next chapter.
Disclaimers: I do not own Twilight.
With out further ado…
CH. 12 June 15th (Friday)
"The most interesting information comes from children, for they tell all they know and then stop." –Mark Twain
The sky was dark when I woke up. I glanced through the blinds to find gray clouds. It was later than I usually woke up—10:30. I grabbed a pair of jeans and a long sleeved shirt, expecting chilly air. I stumbled into the living room to find the weather channel on. No one else was in the house.
I listened to the local weather. Chilly through the day, but the sun should show up around noon. The really shocking weather was a couple hundred miles away. The mountainous towns of Washington had received a blizzard. I was sincerely glad La Push's weather was a bit more agreeable. I clicked the TV off and folded the blankets that Seth used on the couch. I really needed to do something about that. Seth needed a real bed.
Walking into the kitchen, I came across a piece of computer paper with my name on it.
Nicole,
I've gone to Billy's for the day. Emily is expecting you so don't worry about calling her. Have fun today.
Sue
I crumbled the letter after reading it. How did she know about me going to Emily's? I supposed Embry told her.
The night before, Embry sat with me for hours. We talked about everything—except our moms. Embry, talking about his mom would've inevitably sent me back into a breakdown. He knew I couldn't take it. He knew me.
Eventually, Sue invited him to stay for dinner. Embry declined easily, saying he had some work to do. I pouted at that, but he said he'd see me soon. Seth was nice to me at the table, not bringing up my episode. He didn't even seem upset about Embry's long stay with me…alone…in his bedroom. This surprised me, but I didn't say anything, afraid it was too good to be true.
Pulling on my jacket, I grabbed the spare house key off the kitchen counter and headed out. I decided to walk instead of taking the Jeep. The air was chilly, but not unbearable. I hurried along down the lane to Emily's. The driveway outside her was empty, but for her small Suburban. I shuffled into the door away from the cool breeze.
I was instantly thankful for the toasty temperature of the house. I saw a little girl—presumably, Claire—sitting in front of the television, watching a cartoon show. When I closed the door, she glanced up to me. Her eyes were wary, realizing I was a stranger.
"Hello," I greeted her in a kind voice. "I'm Nicole. I'm here to see your aunt."
She grinned instantly. "You're Emmie's gurl-fwiend!" She giggled at my expression.
I smiled tightly, not wanting to contradict her. She was only two after all. So I took the easy way out.
"Is your Aunt Emily here?" I asked.
"In da kitten," she answered, easily becoming absorbed into the TV screen.
I went into the kitchen, finding countertops full of food. Emily was pulling something out of the oven, her hair tied in a messy ponytail. The room smelled delicious, reminding me I'd skipped breakfast. I grabbed an oatmeal cookie off a tray, nibbling it.
"Hey," I murmured.
Emily spun around to face me quickly. Her expression was a mixture of surprise and horror. I touched my face, worried something was on it.
"Oh, Nicole, it's you," she exhaled. "I was just doing a little cooking."
"A little? You could feed an entire third-world country with all this, Em," I grinned, at her flustered nature.
"I guess you're right. I'm giving some of it away to widows in the tribe," she explained.
"Oh."
I sat down at the table, observing Emily. Her demeanor had calmed slightly after she went back to baking. Every few minutes she'd glance at the clock, grimace, and return to her work. It was strange behavior to be sure.
"So where are all the guys? And Sue disappeared to Billy's this morning without a word."
"Not sure exactly. They have to be ready in their job at a moment's notice," she replied, suddenly concentrating very hard on her cooking.
"Must be hard, not to know when something will go wrong. Always being on guard."
"Yes; the others will be with Sam. They most likely won't return all day," she replied, tightly. In other words, don't expect Seth or Embry today.
I yawned lightly before standing up. "You need some help with that?"
(Break)
I sipped a cup of hot chocolate, while Emily put Claire down for her nap. I was pretty exhausted. Claire was a handful, to say the least. Her energy hadn't subsided for most of the day.
I played princess and dress-up with her for part of the day. Eventually, Claire became bored with indoor games and wanted to go outside. Emily told her no, but I said I'd go with her. I didn't like being shut up all day anyway.
Claire was more talkative in an open environment. She prattled to me about everything and nothing. She also didn't have much of a filter, talking about things she'd overheard sometimes. I suspected her mother didn't want her to know about her therapy.
"Mommy, go to a doctor. He help her not be sad or crwazy," Claire explained.
I did not know what to say after that, but Claire kept talking.
"I went to Kimmy's house and she gave me twee cookies! Day were nummy! 'Cole, can I have anod-er cookie now?" she begged.
Her puppy-dog eyes were hard to resist, but Emily had already given her two cookies earlier.
"Not right now. Maybe later," I replied, smiling.
"Otay. Qwilly will give me 'dem. He's my best fwiend!" she grinned brightly.
"He is?" I asked. Quil didn't seem the baby-sitting type.
"Uh-huh. He's my favo-wite! He pways with me and tells funny stowies. He's a nice doggy, too," she replied.
"A doggy, huh?" I asked, humoring her.
"Yep. And he's weally fwuffy and barks too," she replied, unruffled.
She babbled on and on about what Qwilly let her do. It sounded to me like he spoiled her. I grinned, thinking about Quil playing dress-up with Claire. I was going to tease him endlessly after this.
Finally, Claire had tired herself out after running around the yard. I picked her up and headed back into the warmth of the house. Emily was there already with something to drink. She smiled at Claire as she told her everything about what we did—from the hide-and-go-seek to tag.
I heard Emily walking down the stairs quietly and came to meet her.
"Thank goodness you came today. She normally refuses her nap," Emily thanked me.
"It was no problem, really. I love kids. She's quite the talker, that one," I smiled.
"Yes, and I really didn't have the patience for that today. You're a lifesaver!"
"I had fun. And actually I'm a little tired too," I replied, yawning.
"Well, you're welcome to sleep upstairs or on the couch. Anywhere you feel comfortable," she offered.
I sat down on the couch. "Thanks, I think I will."
Emily excused herself to check on a pie, while I situated the couch. I was asleep as soon as my head struck the pillow.
(BREAK)
I woke again to the ringing of my cell phone. I glanced at the screen. It was Eli again. I sat up on the couch, stretching. Finally, I grudgingly flipped the phone open.
"Hello?" I murmured, sleep still in my voice.
"Hey, baby. What're you up to?"
"Oh, you know. This and that," I replied vaguely.
"That's nice," he replied. "I was just wondering what you're gonna wear to that charity gala next week. I need to make sure I match your sexy self."
I paused gathering my response. "Well, I hadn't actually thought about what I would wear, Eli. I really wasn't planning on attending." I cringed, waiting for an explosion.
"Why the hell not?" he demanded a little harshly.
"I'm in Washington, Eli," I replied softly.
"I don't care if you're visiting the damn Queen of England! You need to get your ass back here where you belong!" he yelled.
"I'm sorry, Eli. I still have some things I have to finish here," I replied, a little more strongly. I didn't want to wake up Claire from her nap.
"That's not good enough! You get back here now! You do realize that I could have you fired?"
"I know that, but I can't leave yet. Just give me a few more weeks, Eli."
"And then you'll come home?" he asked, more calmly.
"Yes," I replied.
"Fine, then. But I won't wait forever, Nicole."
"I—I know. 'Bye."
I closed the phone with a snap. I took a few deep breaths in and out before standing. I wasn't sure what to do about my job. I had one here, but I wasn't positive I could just give up the kind of cash Eli dished out. As I was thinking, I heard a noise at the top of the staircase. It was Claire.
"Hey, sweetie. Did I wake you up?" I asked, walking her down the steps.
"No, I already be up," she replied, grasping my hand. "Where Aunt Em?"
"I'm not sure, but you wait here. I'll check the kitchen."
She didn't protest, but sat down on the couch. I wandered into the kitchen to find a lot of the food from earlier gone. There was another note on the counter.
N,
Gone to drop off some food. Then I'm heading to Billy's for a while. I'd appreciate it if you watched Claire until I get back.
Thanks, Emily
I didn't mind watching Claire so I returned to the couch. Claire and I watched a plethora of cartoons and kid shows until she was hungry again. I left her to her own devices as I scrounged up some mac-n-cheese in the kitchen. That's when I heard them.
Howling was echoing around the house. I was ready to walk outside when I heard someone walk through the front entrance. I heard thundering steps and a voice.
"Emily, we've got a situation with J—" Paul's voice died out as he saw me.
"Where is she?" Paul demanded quickly.
"Out giving food to some people and then—"
"Just tell her we're at Billy's when she gets back," he thundered before running out the front door.
I glanced out the window, following his figure until it disappeared into the trees.
"Well, that was rude," I muttered. After plating Claire's macaroni, I returned to the living room handing her the bowl.
I walked out onto the front porch and observed the setting sun. The howling was gone and replacing it was an eerily out of place silence. I shivered as a cold breeze flew at me. I kept expecting Emily to come back, but she never showed. Eventually, I became worried.
What if something had happened to her and she never made it to Billy's? Paul probably told Sam she was out feeding the poor. He wouldn't be expecting her, unlike I was. I returned inside to find Claire sprawled out in the floor.
"You wanna go see Quil?" I figured he was with Sam at Billy's.
"Yes!" she squealed. She jumped out of the floor and started bouncing around with glee.
I gathered my coat and phone before forcing Claire into her little jacket—couldn't have her catching pneumonia. We walked out the driveway and toward the Black's place. I knew the area they lived in, if not the exact house. Claire started complaining of the cold after a few minutes walking so I took off my jacket and draped it around her thin shoulders. I shuddered against the cool breeze, but suffered in silence as we trudged down the road.
Eventually, we reached the Black's residence. Their house was a red building that looked like it was originally used as a boat house. It was hard to miss such a unique place. As we approached the door, I noticed several people standing around outside. An old faded red truck and a shiny Mercedes with dark tinted windows sat in the meager drive. Sue's truck was parked on the other end of the driveway away from the other vehicles. The Mercedes pulled out before I could see the driver.
"Is that Claire?" Seth asked as she ran ahead of me.
She ran straight to Quil who scooped her up, holding her at his side. He looked out into the darkness to distinguish who I was.
"Hey, Nicole? What're you doing with Claire-bear?" he asked, surprised.
"I was watching her for Emily. I got worried when she never came back to the house," I explained.
"Oh she's inside helping clean up," Embry replied.
He sidled up to me and draped his long arm around my shoulders. I instantly stopped shivering. A sigh of contentment escaped my lips.
"What're you doing without a coat?" a voice asked.
Seth appeared from the darkness, staring at my obviously freezing form. He placed a blanket in my hands and I wrapped it around me. Not to be deterred, Embry put his arm right back where it had rested moments before.
"I could ask you the same. But I gave mine to Claire. She started freezing on the way here."
I noticed as I spoke that the other boys were looking at me, expressions strained. Seth, Embry and Quil didn't seem irritated by my presence, but I felt unwelcome all the same. I almost wished Colin and Brady would show up. They liked me better the than the others—Sam, Paul and Jared. Leah stood off at the corner of the house alone, expression almost hate-filled. Jacob wasn't around either to my surprise. He normally glared at me the same way Paul and Jared did.
"Where are Colin, Brady, and Jacob?"
"Colin and Brady are at home. Jake's inside," Quil replied, voice and features strained.
"What's wrong?" I asked.
"Jake was in a little—accident," Seth answered.
"Is he gonna be okay? How'd it happen?" My heart beat a little faster in worry.
"He'll be fine. He just totaled his bike," Sam answered. He approached our little group with an air of authority. I immediately tensed in his presence.
"It's getting a little late, don't you think? Sue needs to stay the night here to help Billy with Jake. Do you think you could drive it home for her?" Sam asked, handing me the keys.
I didn't get the feeling I had much choice in the matter so I grabbed the keys from him. I handed the blanket around my shoulders back to Seth.
"Yeah, sure," I replied. I side-stepped Sam, heading to the truck.
"You sure you don't need me to come with you?" Embry asked.
I turned around. "I'm a big girl, Em. It's no biggy." I smirked a little.
"No, no, no!" Claire screamed.
She had wriggled loose from Quil and ran to me. Tears streaked her face as she grabbed me around both my legs, making it impossible for me to walk. A few of the guys chuckled at my predicament. I smiled at her antics, prying her off my legs. I stooped down on my knees and looked at her.
"What's wrong, sweetie?" I asked, smiling.
"You no leave!" she hollered. Her little chin was shaking, trying to hold back her tears.
"I have to leave some time, honey. I'll see you again real soon, okay?" I told her.
"You will?" she asked hopefully.
"Of course I will. You have to help me look like a princess," I replied.
She grinned at that and I took the opportunity to pick her up. Quil grinned as I handed her back to him.
"See you later," he said.
"Bye," I replied, grinning back.
I walked to Sue's truck and got in the cab. I fumbled with the keys in the dark until the engine roared to life. Along with the engine, the lights came on automatically. I paused for a moment, observing what was gleaming in the glare of the headlights. There it sat, leaning against the side of Billy's house.
A motorcycle I'd seen the week before at Emily's was in perfect condition. I now knew I'd been lied to. If Jake hadn't wrecked his bike, what happened to him? I pulled out of the driveway slowly, a dazed expression on my face.
SOOOOOOO? What did you think?
What do you think Nicole will make of the motorcycle? Will she question it or let it go?
And again: I note that I have nothing against the Queen of England so don't flame up my reviews with hatred por favor.
REVIEW!
twilightbaby
Claire Babble Dictionary:
1. "Your're Emmie's gurl-fwiend!"
"You're Embry's girlfriend!"
2. "In da kitten."
"In the kitchen."
3. "He help her not be sad or crwazy."
"He helps her not be sad or crazy."
4. "I went to Kimmy's house and she gave me twee cookies! Day were nummy! 'Cole, can I have anod-er cookie now?"
"I went to Kimmy's house and she gave me three cookies! They were yummy! Nicole, can I have another cookie now?"
5. "Otay. Qwilly will give me 'dem. He's my best fwiend!"
"Okay. Quil will give me them. He's my best friend!"
6. "He's my favo-wite! He pways with me and tells funny stowies."
"He's my favorite! He plays with me and tells me funny stories."
7. "Yep. And he's weally fwuffy and barks too."
"Yep. And he's really fluffy and barks too."