Chapter XVII

Embry's POV

Mia had been right about the phone calls. They started coming about Ten minutes after we agreed to go with the girls back to Chicago. Though we did still need to check in with Sam and the others.

Harper was sitting on my lap, when the phone in her hand started to go off. "WARNING, WARNING, YOUR DOOM IS NEAR. WARNING, INCOMING CALL FROM THE WOMAN WHO BIRTHED YOU!!" It was Mia's voice coming from the phone and both she and Harper looked at the phone wearily.

"Hello Mother." Harper answered the phone politely. "Yes mom, it's true….. Well It only just became official, and I didn't think it was that big a deal that I should've called right away….. I was going to bring him home of course…… Yes, I'm bringing him back for my birthday…… yes she does….. No Aunt Irene hasn't called…. I'll tell her…. Ok fine I'll tell her now! Hold on a sec." Harper turned to Mia. "My mother said to call yours. She carried you for nine months and at the very least deserves to know when important things, like meeting a man in the woods and hooking, happen in your life." Mia snorted with laughter and saluted to Harper. "She said she will as soon as she's done with the dishes….. Yes mom they are gentlemen…… Really, it's not that big a deal, people hook up all the time….. I know most people don't meet in the woods, but….. Yes I know we've both been single for a while….. We've been busy and no one's caught our eye before now……" Harper made a strangling gesture to Mia who laughed quietly. "Sorry- mom- losing- can't-you-break-up-talk-later." And with that she hung up the phone.

Jacob and I exchanged a look, and he pointed at me and laughed his head off. "Have fun with her Embry." He said, still laughing.

"My mother isn't really this bad all the time. It's just my youngest sister just moved out and she's gone a little berserk. You know, feeling old and afraid she's going t lose her children, so she's clinging. She'll calm down soon enough. This is a pretty common thing from mothers." Harper explained, using her 'shrink' voice.

"Just wait till her" I indicated Mia, "mother calls." And as if she had heard me, Mia's phone started ringing. Mia picked it up and looked at the caller ID.

"You psychic or something, Embry?" she laughed and opened the phone. "Speak of the devil!... Yes we were. Because we just got off the phone with Aunt Dee……. Exactly…. I know….. Yeah Harper pulled the phony lost connection routine….. She's your friend… yeah I'm glad too….. Ah so that's why you called huh? Gossip? Not just to say hello to your favorite child?... Yeah I know we said that…. And speaking of which, does this constitute an 'emergency'?... Ha ha, ok fine….. Yes, he is….. Both of them are….. oh Yeah! Major hotties!... Ewe Ma, I did not need the visual….. No we're being perfect little angels, aren't we boys?" Jacob and I both shouted a 'yes'. Mia laughed. "Ok ok, I'll put you on speaker. Hold on a sec."

Mia pressed a button on the phone and laughter that greatly resembled Mia's trilled.

"Hey Aunt Irene!" Harper called.

"Hey sweetie! I hear you got yourself a hunky guy?"

"Yes I did." Harper laughed, it was interesting to the differences in how they acted with Mia's mother and Harper's mother. "Embry say hello." Harper ordered.

"Hello Ms. Thomas." I called.

Harper and Mia both snorted with laughter. "Please, call me Irene. I can't stand that 'ms' stuff. It's so formal and uptight. Not to mention it makes me feel old. It's Irene. And your name is Embry, correct?"

"Yes, M-Irene." I answered.

"Ha ha, don't let Dee scare you. She's really a lot of fun. She's just a little strange at times. But she's a lot of fun at parties!" Irene laughed. "So where's the boy that has finally caught the interest of my Mia?"

"Right here Irene. My name's Jacob."

"Well you sound like you're attractive. Though you must be, Mia is the pickiest person I've ever met!"

"Ma! I am not. I've had boyfriends before!"

"Not many. And you were never very interested in them. I can hear it in your voice that this one is special." Irene said. She sounded so much like Mia, not just in sound but in character too. Clearly the apple had not fallen far from the tree. Mia blushed at her mothers words. "So boys I will tell you this once. Don't screw up. The two girls you are with at the moment are some fantastic women, I couldn't be prouder of them. Screw up, and you'll be losing the best things that have ever happened to you."

"Aunt Irene!" Harper exclaimed at the same time Mia shouted, "Mother!"

"Harper! Mia!" Irene exclaimed mockingly.

"Actually," Jacob started, "I agree with her."

"Me too. She's completely right" I added.

Harper turned to look at me, and I smiled back at her innocently.

"Well then," Irene's voice came, "Good men. I like these guys, and I can't wait to meet them. However, I have some stuff to do. So I'm going to let you all be for now. Call me if you need me, if not, I'll see you soon. Nice talking to you boys."

"You too."

"Yeah definitely."

"Love you girls."

"Love you too ma."

"Bye Aunt Irene."

Mia hung up the phone chuckling, and then turned it off.

"Alright, so you boys need to talk to Sam. I think you should do that now so we can make plans soon. We don't want to wait till the last minute to figure out what's going on."

"Okay. C'mon Jake." I said.

Jacob leaned forward to Mia, who was sitting at his feet leaning against his legs. He kissed the top of her head and she moved so he could get up. Then she quickly took the seat he had just left.

"Honey, I have to get up and that's kind of hard with you sitting on me." I said to Harper.

"Oh alright." She said, standing up. I chuckled and fallowed Jacob into the trees.

When we were a few yards in we phased.

Hey there lover boys! Finally decided to check in huh? It was Jared.

Yeah, yeah, can you get Sam? We have to talk to him. Jacob thought.

Yeah sure. Jared's voice went quiet for a few minutes before suddenly everyone was in our heads.

SHUT UP! Jacob thought furiously. Okay, Sam?

Yes?

From the thoughts of everyone, Quil gave you our message. And I'm sure he told you all that Embry and I both imprinted.

Yes! When do we get to meet them? Brady thought enthusiastically.

Soon. Well, I don't know, we're still working stuff out. But that's why we wanted to speak to you. I said. Harper's birthday is coming up in a few days. The girls are from Chicago, and they asked us to go back with them.

I see. Sam thought.

Yeah, and Mia wanted to make plans so she told us to talk to you now so everything wasn't exactly last minute. Jacob explained.

Obviously you have to go back for her birthday. Leah thought. Clearly this was one of those 'Men should always…' things of hers.

You bet it is Embry.

Wait, if you two are going to Chicago when are you coming back home? Collin asked.

Not sure man. I confessed.

Well you guys can't stay in Chicago. You have a duty to protect the tribe. You gotta come back to La Push some time. Paul chimed in.

We know. Jacob thought sighing.

Give the boys a break here. Most of us have imprinted, we know what it's like. I'm sure we can think of something to make it work. Seth argued. I mean, if Nina lived in Chicago and asked me to go there with her; I have to say I would.

Thanks Seth.

No problamo.

Well, maybe Harper and Mia would have something to say. We should get them in on this. Leah said, in a tone that clearly said she thought we were being stupid.

As a matter of fact you are. She added hearing my thoughts.

How're we supposed to talk to them? They can't communicate this way. Quil asked.

Do they have a phone or something? Leah asked, as though speaking to a three year old.

Yes. Jacob agreed.

Well then call us. We're at Sam and Emily's. Leah said exasperatedly.

Actually, Kim, Claire, Nina, Linda and Corbin are all with Emily, they're waiting for news of Jake and Embry's new heartthrobs too. Sam said.

Ok then, we'll just go have them call-

Wait! Leah exclaimed.

What? I asked confused.

What do they look like?

Jacob and I both thought of our respective imprints, bringing their images to mind.

Wow! Embry, she's hot. How'd you get a girl like that? Collin joked. I mentally growled at him and he laughed.

Yes, I suppose they are attractive women. Leah said nonchalantly. How are they related? They certainly don't look alike. One is tall, thin and dark, the other one is, well she's still tall, but not as tall, and she's blonde, pale, and curvy.

They're close friends; their mother's are best friends, so they grew up together. Jacob explained. And Mia isn't that pale.

Dude, she's as white as it gets, short of being a bloodsucker that is. Paul said.

Don't even joke about that. Jacob warned him.

It was a color reference; I know they aren't remotely similar to leeches. Calm down man.

Yeah. Well we best get back to them. We'll call you in a few so we can all speak. Although I have a feeling this is going to be a hectic phone call. I intervened, getting us back on track.

With that we all phased back one by one. Jacob and I put our bottoms back on and trekked back to the site.

The girls were sitting with their heads together, talking.

"We'll have to get them some clothes. Knowing our friends and family, they're throwing you a party. So they'll need something nice, and some stuff for regular wear." Mia mused. Jacob and I stood back and watched them.

"Awe, but I like looking at Embry half naked." Harper complained. I felt my face heat up and Jacob stifled his laughter.

"I know. They're gorgeous, but they can't really go out in public like that." Mia reasoned.

"How many 'public' appearances will they be making?" Harper asked. "I don't think I'm willing to share with the Chicago population. You never know, some hottie could walk by and the next thing you know…." Harper trailed off.

"Harper that's ridiculous. It'll be fine. Besides you know I hate being cooped up. We can site see!"

"Site see?"

"Yeah! We can go to The Field, Science and Industry, the Shedd, the Art Institute, or the Planetarium."

"What is that? A school field trip? Museums? Seriously?" Harper teased.

"They're fun!" Mia defended. "Besides we can just wander. We can shop, or go to Millennium Park, go to the lake. And you know they'll appreciate the food."

"True. And they won't know good food until they've eaten in Chicago"

"Exactly. But why do we have to plan it all now?"

"Because if we want to do all this stuff, we have to make sure we have time."

"Well, as fun as that all sounds girls, Mia's right and we have some arrangements to make." I said walking over to Harper and wrapping my arms around her. She fit perfectly with me; we were made for each other.

"What did Sam say?" Mia asked.

"Very little, everyone else had too much input. But the consensus was to call them so we can all discuss things." Jacob explained, leaning down to kiss Mia's cheek. I laughed as her eyes glazed over.

Harper pulled away from me and smacked the heel of her hand to Mia's forehead.

"What was that for?" Mia demanded, blinking.

"Just checking." Harper replied, shrugging back into my arms.

Mia glared then turned on Jacob. "Aren't you supposed to protect me?" She asked accusingly.

Jacob suddenly looked scared and I was once again impressed by Mia's performance skills.

"I, um, I knew she wasn't really going to hurt you." Jacob defended feebly. He gulped nervously under Mia's glare.

"Sure you did." She sighed dramatically turning away from him.

"I'm sorry, Baby. I'll protect you better from now on. Do you want me to avenge you?" Jacob offered.

"Touch her and die Jake." I threatened, hugging Harper closer. I was joking, kind of.

"See Embry understands what 'protector' means." Mia said; her voice saturated with sadness that was almost impossible to fine false.

"Mia love, I'm sorry. I won't let her hit you again. Will you forgive me?" Jacob pleaded. I, however, didn't think Mia heard his plea. Her skillful charade seemed to be broken with the word 'love.' When Jacob had uttered the word in reference to her, Mia's eyes had glazed over again. Harper was shaking with her suppressed laughter.

"Mia, am I forgiven?" Jacob pressed more confidently. He too seemed aware of Mia's condition.

Mia blinked and her eyes twinkled mischievously.

"Uh oh. Jake's in for something, I know that look." Harper whispered in my ear.

Mia stepped slowly up to Jacob till she was inches from him. With her finger she indicated for him to lean down, and he obliged. When his face was within her reach she threw her arms around his neck and kissed him hard.

I looked down at Harper too give them some privacy, and because I just liked getting to look at her.

Harper smiled at me. I leaned down and placed a small, gentle kiss on her lips. She beamed up at me, then turned her head and cleared her throat loudly.

Jacob and Mia pulled apart, both of them grinning.

"I'll take that as a 'yes.'" Jacob said happily.

"Take it how you will." Mia said shrugging. "But I believe we have a phone call to make." And with that, she walked into the camper completely uninhibited by attacking Jacob with her lips, in front of Harper and me.

Harper and I exchanged a glance and fallowed after Mia, leaving a stunned Jacob standing outside.

Mia got her phone from where she had stashed it and tossed it to me.

"You call, I don't know the number." She said flopping down onto the couch.

Jacob entered and dazedly sat down next to Mia. She grinned at the mess she'd left his thoughts in, and then leaned against him. He came out of his thoughts and pulled her closer. I chuckled and dialed Sam and Emily's number.

"Put it on speaker." Mia instructed. I pushed the button on the side of the phone, allowing everyone to here it ring.

"Hello." It was Emily's voice.

"Hi Emily. It's Embry." I said.

"And Jacob!" Jake called.

"I'm going to assume that there are also two women there with you." Emily said.

"Yes." Mia and Harper called at the same time.

"Well girls, I hope you know what you've gotten into with those two. They can be quite a handful." Emily said.

Mia and Harper laughed, and Jacob and I both HEYed. Emily's laugh sounded from the phone.

"Oh alright, you're all the most impatient group of people I've ever met!' Emily scolded the group. "There, it's on speaker, is everyone happy?"

"YES!" Called a chorus of voices. Mia and Harper giggled.

"Ok then, where were we?" I asked.

"I think we were discussing you and Jake going to Chicago with the two lovely women you are currently with." Sam said.

"And the decision was?" Harper asked.

"We hadn't come to one." Sam answered.

"Well, Mia and I are expected back in Chicago in about five days. And these two are currently barrowing our clothes since all they had were filthy shorts." Mia explained, everyone on the other line burst out laughing at hearing we were wearing our girl friends clothes. Jacob and I huffed. "So we're going to have to make a shopping trip or two. And know Harper, it will be closer to two or more."

"Ok, you shop just as much, if not more, then I do." Harper defended herself.

"Well you two sound like you'll fit right in here." Linda, Paul's Imprint, said.

"YEAH!" Came Claire's enthusiastic voice.

"Thank you. But as I was saying we'll need time to shop before hand, so I actually think we should leave tomorrow night. That'll give us a few days of peace in Chicago, where we can just relax and hang out, and have fun, before Harper's party where everyone'll then make themselves personally involved with our privet business." Mia concluded.

"That makes sense." Kim said.

"But that's not really what we're worried about." Sam said. "Going there isn't the issue, it's coming back. Jake and Embry are going to have to come home."

"And Mia and Harper should come with! We want to meet you guys." Claire said. Quil had a point; she could be cute at times.

"Awe, we want to meet you all too. We've heard so much about you." Harper said.

"I hope those two were being polite." Emily voice took on a warning tone.

"Absolutely. They've said nothing but wonderful things about you all. We can't wait to meet you." Mia said.

"Ok, so what are we going to do? Harper and Mia have till then end of next month off. So we can stay in Chicago for a few weeks, then we can all go home, and things can be further decided from there." I suggested.

"Mmm kay, that sounds reasonable." Jared assessed.

"Well then that's settled." Brady said. "can we go eat now?"

"Ah so it's not just these two that eat like that." Harper said chuckling, patting my stomach.

"Nope, it's all of them." Emily said. There was a murmer of agreement from the rest of the women. "Well it's been lovely talking to you ladies, and I'm looking forward to meeting you, but I have to go make lunch for the troops."

"Bye!" We called to her.

"Ok, guys we've got stuff to do. Call us if there's anything else, or when you get to Chicago, so we can riddle out the finalities." Sam said.

"Will do Chief." I said. Jacob laughed and Sam groaned.

"Talk to you later boys." Kim said. "Jared and I have plans."

"Bye!" Jared called.

"Ok well we're going to hang up now. Is that okay?" Harper said. "I can see Mia is itching to formally plan everything out."

"Okay then, have fun! Get me souvenir." Quil said.

"Bye." The four of us called at the same time, before I flipped the phone shut.

AN: Trying to get threw all of those formallities out of the way. And i can see my love of Chicago is already coming through. AND NO OFFENSE but i stand by what was said, You don't know what good food is till you've eaten in Chicago. It's not ALL goo, we have a few crappy restraunts as does everyone, but i have to say, Chicago food in general is Awesome! lol... I love Chicago, if any of you ever visit, those places Mia mentioned really are fun! And try to go to the Theater as well. And a cub's game... lol I don't care that we're the worst team ever, I love the Cubs and the Bears, although the bears were terrible this year!

Anyway, enough about sports, what did you think? What do you think is going to happen in the city? what do you want to happen? Who will they meet there? Oh yes! I'm planning surprise guests!! lol... Ah how cruel i am to let you in on that, since they aren't coming for wuite a while. but let me tell you they will shake stuff up! HA HA!

Well anyway! Review!! I gotta go. Next Chapter stuff might actually happen! lol... smiles

Much love, Bridget