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The next few chapters are going to be lots of plot, but I will include some action here and there…
I grabbed my cell phone from the bedside table. I quickly dialed my home phone number.
"Hi Mom."
"Morning Nes."
"Jake and I have a few things we need help with, and some ideas to bounce off you, is it ok if we come over?"
"Of course honey, when were you thinking?"
"Now."
"Oh, is everything ok?"
I guess I did sound a bit anxious. "Yeah, we just want to get started on things."
"See you soon then."
"Bye" I flipped my phone closed and went back out to the kitchen where Jake was already changed and writing some notes to himself.
"Whatchadoin?" I dragged out.
"Just writing some notes to myself so I don't forget. I have so many things to think about, I don't want to forget, so I thought lists would be a smart idea."
"Whatever works" I kissed the top of his head and rested my hands on his shoulders. "I called my mom and they are ready for us to come over now."
"Sounds good. Do you want a coat or anything, it looks like it's going to rain."
"No? Rain in Forks? I wouldn't believe it, especially in November."
"Wow, it's November already? The last few months have flown by."
"I know it seems like last week we were in the heat wave." (
"Best few months ever though." Jake stood up and put his big hands around my waist and lifted me up to his eye level to kiss him. He gently put me down and went to get his own rain coat.
As I walked towards the door something hit me in the arm, I looked down to see my rain coat. "Put it on, it's going to rain." Jake said, and I laughed as I put it on.
Jake was right; rain drops began to fall on our short walk, but by the time we got in the door and took off our coats it was full-on raining.
We were greeted by my mom, and we all made our way to the kitchen. It was always the gathering place when we were at their house.
"So, we talked a bit last night and had a few ideas where we need some help." I began.
"We don't want to tell you a lot, and we totally understand why, but we are thinking that if we want to head in the direction that they are not coming from, we need a more practical vehicle." Jake jumped in. He seemed very responsible, and organized, he even had his list with him.
"I think that's fair. What were you thinking?" my dad asked leaning against the kitchen counter.
"I suggested an SUV of some sort, but I don't know much, maybe you and Jake can go to find something." I suggested.
"No time like the present" my dad said. "Do you want to head into Tacoma or Seattle? Or there are great auto malls in Everett."
"Either way Ed, where ever you think is best."
"What did I tell you about calling me Ed?" my dad smirked at Jake.
"Well I am not calling you dad." Jake said with a chuckle, and we all laughed.
"Let's get out of here." My dad said, fighting the laughter. "Was there anything else you needed Nes before I go?"
"No Dad, we can talk about fitting in with humans another time. No rush on that."
"Somehow I think you'll be fine in that department anyway." My dad said kissing my mom on the check. She touched his face and closed her eyes as she did. "Love you girls."
Jake winked at me as they headed out.
"How was your night sweetheart?" my mom asked. We were sitting at the kitchen table together.
"It was good, but mom, why did you talk to Jake about stuff and not me? You want me to be more open with you, but it goes both ways."
"I know, I am sorry. I knew he would talk to you about it, someday, but I guess you and I need to have a conversation if you two are talking about sex."
"Mom, no, we were talking about why these people want me. Why didn't you tell me Zaphrina was helping us either?"
"I don't want you to worry about it too much, but I want you to take this seriously, its hard to find that balance."
"Well I know now." I interrupted.
"Good. Nes, there are some weird people in this alternative life we have. It is scary and sometimes really inhumane, and I wanted to shield you from that for a while. But I know we don't have any choice now."
I nodded. "Thank you. But when did Zaphrina get involved?"
"She already knew before Alice told us. She was trying to get to a phone, but you know her; she doesn't exactly carry a cell phone, or have accessible Internet. She ended up getting to a phone two weeks (ago?) and has been updating us when she can."
"Ok, well its good to know we have someone on our side who can watch out for us."
There were a few minutes of silence.
"So how much detail did Jake go into? I know when I told him he looked quiet confused. I forget he never had a woman in his life through his teen years."
"He told me what you told him. I think I get it mom, but Jake thinks maybe grandpa can help to let me know if he thinks my cycle will be for years, and not days."
"Its not your cycle Nes, its your ovulation. It's the time when you are most likely to get pregnant. Zaphrina and Charlisle have heard the same thing, that the sisters are fertile for a few years. They almost make it seem like they are meant to procreate. How they know this, I don't know."
"Do you think I'm the same?"
"I don't know sweetie. Probably. If you want to be like that with Jake you have to be careful. The birth control pill will probably not work on you; like most drugs, they don't seem to have any affect on you. But I can ask Grandpa about that for you."
"Mom, I don't think it's worth the risk anyway." Last night I did, but I didn't want my mom to be too involved.
"You are going to think that it is, I can promise you that. You will probably start to feel very, umm, frustrated, might be the right word especially because you are probably ovulating all the time."
"Mom" I whined.
"You don't know that yet, maybe you do, all I want is for you to be careful, regardless. Even if it isn't an immediate issue in your relationship, it will be, and it is wonderful, and beautiful, and you'll love it, but just be safe."
"Agreed" I wanted this conversation to be over.
"I know this is uncomfortable, but be happy it's me and not your dad. Charlie tried to talk to me about it, while your dad giggled his way home."
"Ugg Papa, really? That's awful. Dad could hear him thinking about it? Oh gawd!" I laughed. Ok so it could be worse. "Mom, honestly, I think we are a ways away from that yet"
"I am still going to look into it, and I'll let you know, otherwise, use a condom."
"Mom, cmon. I know."
"Ok, I am done here."
"So can you talk to uncle Jasper about re-newing the passports you had for us before. I think different last names this time though. Jake and I are going to be a couple, but not a married couple."
"Ok, what else?"
"Get an emergency Visa in Jake's new name."
"Done, what else?"
"Money."
"You want me to start hording cash for you?"
"Yup."
"Already started." She smiled.
"You seem like you have done this before mom. "
"Well I almost had to send you away, remember?"
"I do, but it's different now."
"I know, I can't decide which is harder… I know you will always be safe with Jake, I just worry."
"It is going to be fine mom."
"I know sweetie, that's what Grandma says, 'think positive,' but its difficult because it's you; you're mine." The bond between my mom and I was unique, she totally understood the human side of me.
"I know dad can help me blend in with humans, but what do you think? How different am I? How should I act? Can I make friends?"
"Oh Nes, you wont have any trouble. The biggest issue is not to move too fast or use your ability on humans, and DO NOT tell anyone anything. I think it would be great for you to make friends, join book clubs, or get a part time job; whatever you want, but be casual about everything. Be yourself, but forgettable, do you know what I mean?"
"Try not to stand out?"
"I know it will be hard, but read other people and try to be just like them, or as much as you can."
"Ok, that's good mom, thanks"
"Do you want Aunt Alice to take you shopping for some clothes and supplies?"
"No, but will you do it with me?" I hadn't had any alone time with my mom lately and knew she needed it as much as I did.
"Sure sweetie, I don't mind shopping as much when I'm with you."
"Lets get going so we will be back before dark. We should go into South Center, that way we don't have to go right into Seattle."
"Ok"
We drove in quickly, even though it was raining, my mom's Mercedes cruised. She retired the Ferrari my dad had gotten her years ago; too much for her. We actually shopped all day, which was rare for both of us. We got the practical stuff for my 'trip' like warmer clothes, rain gear, uggs (even though my dad hates them), and we went all out with other stuff too. My mom and I got some really nice jeans and sweaters, and she bought some 'sleepware' at Victoria's secret. She didn't suggest I get anything but underwear and pajamas. It has always been uncomfortable for me to bra shop with my mom, since I surpassed her size last year. She always laughed at me, and never made me feel uncomfortable, but did suggest underwear outside of the normal cotton thongs.
We bought Jake some clothes too, even though he was always warm, we knew he would need to blend in more while we were away so we stocked him up with plain long-sleeved shirts, cargo pants, sweaters, jeans; really simple stuff.
"I really like how Jake has never cared about labels or looks, a little different then the Cullen's hey?" my mom laughed handing the teller her Visa in Nordstroms.
"I know, but he always looks so good" slipped out of my mouth.
My mom laughed as she took the bag from the sales lady and said her thank you.
"Well, you made her commission for the month" I said to my mom as we walked away.
"Try to help out where I can" she winked at me. "You done?"
"Kind of."
"We should get back soon anyway. You dad and Jake will be home soon, maybe call them to see how they did."
"When we get to the car, my hands are kind of full right now" I said lifting the bags. We laughed together. I knew then, even more than before, how much I was going to miss my mom.
When we got back to the car we threw everything in the back seat and sped home. The silent hum of the car and my dad's classical music playing put me to sleep. I only woke up two miles outside Forks. The sound of my mom's phone buzzing woke me.
'Yup, we're almost there…. Oh, you did?... ya, I think she will… I bet he is" She laughed…. "Ok, great." She laughed again and said her usual I-love-you before hanging up.
"What did dad say?"
"He told me he got you guys a new car. They were debating between two, but your dad splurged a little. He hopes you are going to like it. Jasper is jealous, he loves it."
"I don't even know how to drive, I am sure it will be fine. Did he say if Jake likes it?"
"Oh I am sure he does. But knowing Jake, he would have been happy with anything as long as it has four wheel drive."
She was right, I smiled to myself. I knew Jake and I were going to be alright while we were away. I knew I never had to be anyone but myself, and that was the best feeling about this whole thing.
We pulled into the driveway, the rain was pouring down, but Grandma, Alice, Jasper, Jake and my dad were standing next to our new truck. We drove my mom's car into the garage and jumped out. I was really excited to see it, I couldn't tell what kind it was, but it was really nice. It was dark grey and looked really expensive.
"Leave the bags, I'll get your dad to grab them." My mom said.
I threw my rain coat on and ran over to get a closer look.
"Do you like it?" my dad said.
"It's really nice. Where did you guys go?"
"We ended up in Seattle."
"Any idea what kind it is Nes?" Jake teased. He knew I didn't' know.
"I can read, it says Range Rover on the front." I smirked back at him.
"Get in Nes, see if you like it" my dad said opening the passenger door. I sat in the black leather seats. The dash was beautiful; it did have all the bells and whistles… well, at least as far as I could tell.
"Did you drive it Jake?"
He jumped in the drivers seat. "Ya, it is so nice. Your dad went overboard, but actually negotiated a few extras for no extra cost."
"Female sales lady?" I joked.
"Surprisingly no, but I think the guy liked him a little too much. They were talking Aston martins for forty freakin minutes." We all laughed, including my dad.
"What did you guys get up to?" Jake asked.
"We did some good shopping today too, nothing like this, but it was great." I looked at my mom under my dad's arm smiling. She whispered in his ear.
"Lets's see?" my dad said. I can only imagine what she said to make him say that. I rolled my eyes at jake. He silently laughed.
"We are going to get the bags, why don't you take it for a ride." My mom said. "I'll make dinner for Jake, you hungry Nes?"
"Sure"
"We won't be long" Jake said as he turned on his new car.
"Bye. Thanks dad"
"My pleasure." He smiled at me and waved as I shut the door.
"So what do you think?" I asked as we pulled out of the driveway.
"It's over the top, but so nice."
" I got you some clothes for our trip." I told him.
"Nes, you didn't have to do that."
"I know, but I wanted to. My mom and I were having such a good time; we just went all out. I don't think I have ever shopped like that. I literally couldn't have carried more bags."
"That's good. I am glad you had fun with you mom. I missed you though." Jake slid his hand over to my lap link his fingers in mine.
"You going to teach me how to drive one of these days?"
"Depends, what you gonna do for me?" I felt my checks rise as I turned to look at Jake. His smirk was irresistible. I slid out of my seat, I had never put on a seatbelt, so I easily climbed over to him. I kissed down hi neck. I pulled back his t-shirt to kiss the top of his shoulder. "That's a start I guess, but I really don't want to crash this new car on the first day."
"Always stopping me, is that your new thing?" I said sitting back in my seat. Jake looked at me straight faced. "Jake, I'm kidding." I smiled.
"Ok, good, because if you weren't you were going to get it."
"Oh really, get it how?" I teased.
"I'll show you… later"