Catch the Falling Sky
Part XIV
I
"Don't you want to spend Christmas with your mother?"
Putting the pancakes on a plate, she rolls her eyes. "It's two months until Christmas, Dad. I can still decide later. Do you want to get rid of me?"
She noticed that Charlie stays down at La Push longer than usual, not just for fishing trip. Something seems different about him. He speaks lighter, smiles more. Asking him will just result in an awkward conversation, though.
"Of course not, Bells. But maybe a sunny Christmas would be good."
"Maybe, Dad."
She would rather spend Christmas with a different kind of sun.
II
She does not remember driving here, but suddenly she is knocking at his door, biting her lip, heartbeat frantic.
For some reason, she is scared. And fear is an emotion she does not connect with him. It all confuses her.
When the door opens and she catches a flicker of him, she suppresses the urge to throw herself at him. He wanted her to stay away.
"Do you want me to leave?" Her throat feels dry.
"Yes."
The closed door feels like a punch in the face. She stands in front of it for a while, her burning eyes closed.
III
It is a slow day in the store, unusual for this time of the year, but she is grateful for some peace. When the bell rings, she does not lift her head from the prize list on the counter, hoping that no one will ask questions.
When his voice interrupts the silence, she feels her stomach flutter.
"Jake?"
The bitter mingling of his old fury and newfound compassion almost leaves her in tears, and she accepts his apology. He should not have to apologize.
"Do you have time tomorrow?" She nods too quickly, a shy smile spread across her face.
Paris was amazing, and now that I'm back, there'll be regular updates again.