July 3rd
7 am came way too early. I heard Jacob snoring. That meant that everything was fine. Then I saw one eye open, "I'll shower first and start breakfast. It's a little after 7. Kolohe will show up early, watch and see. That way he'll get 2 breakfasts." Jacob nodded and smiled up at me as I stood on the bed.
About 20 minutes later I was heading out of the bathroom when Jacob headed in. "Did you sleep ok?"
"Just fine. Thanks. But I think the bed is a little small for us both. There isn't enough cuddling space unless we're crooked on it."
"Got it. We need a bed that's huge."
"Enough room for you and me and a couple of huskies. And a shiba or two."
"No. No. No. Just you and me for now," he said holding me nice and tight.
"Ok, kids later then. I'll wait for you to finish then I'll make breakfast." I sat on the steps to the lawn and just listened to the quiet. It was finally over and my life, our new life could begin. Or was that our new new life could begin again.
"Morning Leilei," Bella and Edward said as they walked with Nessie out of the woods.
"Morning," I said back to them. Nessie ran to me covered with flower leis. "You look lovely. Like a whole flower garden," I told the toddler. She's like 4 years old in time but like a grade school kid in intellect. Damn. She twirled in a circle until she fell down and laughed when she hit the ground. So all kids are silly.
"Hi Jacob!" Nessie said as she was rolling on the grass.
"You'd better get up," Bella said. "Aunt Alice will be upset if you get too dirty."
"I forgot. I want Seth to see me all pretty," Nessie said as she got back on her feet. I arraigned one of the leis on her head.
"Now. All finished. Pretty as a picture," I said walking back into the house. It was time for breakfast. We walked into the kitchen to find Esme making breakfast.
"Are pancakes ok?" she asked.
"Perfect. They are my favorite. I was about 5 before I had them for the first time. Thank you Esme."
Jacob was all smiles. The Cullens and Jacob and I were all trying to be nice.
"So you have an appetite like one of the boys?"
"I do. Consequence of the blood transfusion" I said sitting at the breakfast bar. "Thanks" to Jacob for the coffee.
"I'd like to understand, so your mom is listening to you all the time?" Esme asked.
"No, not really. I can hear her when I call her name. She spent most of the inquest whispering what was what to me. During the family meeting this morning she was telling me what to say. Or at least giving me ideas."
"And when Leilei are touching I can hear her mother and whoever else she is talking to. It's like the pack mind but I'm not in control of it. It's weird," Jacob added.
"More pancakes, Leilei?"
"Yes, please. And yes, Kolohe will be here early with Seth. That way they can have second breakfast."
"Oops. I've got to thank Seth too."
"For what?" Jacob wondered.
"Well, believe it or not, I'm known for having a bad temper. He seemed to know to do what I said to do without putting up much of an argument. Not many people would know not to play with me." While I was speaking Esme noticed that I had my foot on Jacob's foot. She touched my hand and then she was in the conversation too. She heard my mother laughing and heard Kolohe chatting with Seth. She held her hand steady for a minute or two. Listening to what was being said. Then she started laughing.
"How do you stay sane with that going on all the time?" Esme asked.
"Ask Edward. He gets this from everyone all the time. I only get this when my mom is playing phone operator."
Esme began to act nervous while she was finishing making all of the pancake batter into stacks. There were more than enough for Kolohe and Seth. "Leilei, come with me please. I have something to show you."
"Yes ma'am. Rinse our dishes and put them in the dishwasher. Kolohe and Seth will be here in like 3 minutes. They'll have clothes for you," I sent walking upstairs with Esme.
"Come right this way," Esme said nervously. "I asked Alice to help me with this. I'm much better with cement and drywall compound. I hope it's ok?"
I was standing in her study. A large room covered with fabric swatches, design and gardening books. There on a hanger next to her drafting table was a yukata. The one she made for me. "I was going to change the clasp. I have another one. This one here. Leilei, you haven't said anything. Is it ok?"
"Esme, it's beautiful." My eyes started to water. "If you change anything I'll cry like a 3 yr old." The jacket was an antique ivory silk. Embroidered with chrysanthemums. White on white. There was a little silver pin at the left hip shaped like Jacobs' wolf pack tattoo. Eyelet lace pants made of the same silk material. Gorgeous. "It's absolutely gorgeous. I don't know what to say. Thank you Esme. Thank you." I threw my arms around her for a hug.
"Here, let me help you get dressed," Esme said. When I had the pants on she decided it was time to fix my hair. I was pretty much content to wear it just combed back, maybe with a barrette. She decided that braiding the front and using the braids to hold the rest back out of my eyes was the way to go. I let her. I wasn't too fussy about stuff like that. Then I put on the yukata. One or two little arrangements later I was dressed. Then it happened, "Leilei, it's almost 9," Kolohe called upstairs. I guess he was had finished eating. "I've got clothes for you if it isn't ok?"
"It's perfect. Don't worry."
"He's a good brother. You're lucky." Esme said finishing fussing over me.
"He's great. The problem is he knows it," I answered as we were walking to the door to head back downstairs. Once we were out in the hall, there she was.
"Do you have a purse?" Alice. Who else? "I'll get you one."
Esme just smiled and nodded to me. I knew I could leave it in the car, so I could play nice too.
Alice returned from her room with two to choose from. One little black satin dinner bag and the other an off white clutch.
"The clutch please," I said.
"Ok, but you need makeup. Just eyeliner. That's all. Really. Then I'm done."
"Ok. Eyeliner." Then flitter flitter, she was finished.
She was smiling when I turned away to walk down the stairs to the living room. Jacob, Seth and Kolohe were waiting for me there. Then I heard, "Whoa!"
It was Seth when he saw me at the top of the stairs. Kolohe was fussing with Jacob's yukata. When Seth said 'whoa' even they stopped. Carlisle pointed to me as I managed to get down the stairs wearing the white flats that I bought on the 'Alice fashion' trip. Jacobs' mouth fell open.
"Hey you," I said. He looked so the man in his yukata, black pants and flip flops.
"Hey baby," Jacob said back. I walked over to him and we went forehead to forehead. That blocked anyone from hearing what we were saying. Even mom. I melted into his arms. "I was an idiot. I'm sorry."
"You did what you needed to do. It all worked out ok . . . they are staring at us, you know," I sent to him.
"Let them look. I have something to make it up to you. This." He pulled my wolf charm from his pants pocket. The one that was missing since that Friday night. "Here let me put this on you. Again." He arranged the wolf just below the koru that I was already wearing.
A few moments later we parted, "Edward, may I borrow the wagon?"
"Sure, Jacob," and the car keys appeared.
"We'll be back at 3:10 this afternoon. We consider it to be polite to be about 10 minutes late," I said dabbing my eyes with the handkerchief that was in the purse I didn't want to carry. Thanks Alice.
"Do you know who's coming to the disposition?" Carlisle asked.
"Mom and maybe Alei," I said.
"Harkoni will be here, so will I," Kolohe added.
"And the dragon?" Rosalie, completely unable to let that go. Child please!
"Nope." Kolohe said. "This is Honshiro family business. But you'll get to meet Leilei's dad, Harkoni. Bishop Price will be at the council meeting. Jacob, Sam and the Quileute council will decide when that will happen. I'm thinking during the luau on July 4th. Just because it's a holiday and it might be easier for everyone to get away for a while. I've also been authorized to invite you Cullens as allies of the Quileute to the night dance tonight. And to the council presentation tomorrow as well."
"So the truth has been revealed?" Carlisle concluded aloud.
"No, not all of the truth. But Sam came to spend some time with my pack before he went back to the rez last night. He gave us the Readers' Digest version of the Quileute legends and the pact between yourselves and the Quileute. The pack leader council decided to honor that pact. At least while we are in negotiations with the Quileute over the girl and the boy" Kolohe answered nodding toward Jacob and I. "So today we mourn our lost ones. Tonight we dance. Tomorrow we eat and dance."
"Let's go," I said. We all walked outside. Kolohe drove his truck with Seth at his side. I got in the wagon with Jacob.
"You ok?"
"Working on being ok with this . . . God I hate this!" He drove to the farm. There were orchid leis everywhere. We'd release them in the ocean later. Our last tears to our loved ones. The pack leaders were waiting for me, standing near Sam who was there in uniform. He let us park nearby while directing others to park farther down the road. When I got out of the car I was met by Alei. "Listen," she said to me. "You are not alone."
Jacob bumped foreheads with me again. "I'm here for you. I'm here with you. You know that."
"Thanks. Coming Chaska," I said aloud. "I'm ready. Start at 10," I said and moved toward the pack leaders. Then I waited as my mom took Jacob by the arm. I had to do this alone.
Waiting just 5 minutes after 10am the sound of conch shells was heard again. One after another until all 7 had sounded. Then I listened and I heard my seer elders begin to chant in my head, "You are not alone. You belong to us now and forever. We will miss you. We will always miss you. Do not be afraid, your name will not be lost. Your honor is secure. . . You are not alone . . ." On the second time thru I joined the chant as I heard it in my head aloud. Even though my Samoan was a little rusty I felt strength in my ability to do this. I saw thru my tears my people, our people united in this. With me. On the third time thru they all joined me. I realized then we would chant this once for each person we'd lost. So I held strong until the end.
The name of each person was called. And the families came forward. They told the life story of each person and who they were related to. I listen to how each death was such a terrible accident. And it was terrible, but not an accident. Murder. And the truth would be known to some of us.
I could barely look at Koni. He seemed to be acting brave but I wasn't sure how much he really understood. When I looked at Jacob he looked like the little boy who lost his mother again. It all came back to him. He looked crushed. I spoke for Talia. She was my mentor. She wanted me to come to Forks with her to start the farm. She knew I liked the green and growing things. She knew I'd work hard and I'd still manage to have fun. She wanted me to look past what I wanted and to help those around me, like the Quileute. She said I had a healing gift and I should use it. Even if it was just to feed people. When everyone who wanted to had spoken, the sound of the conch shells was heard again. Jacob came back to my side. I was glad I thought I was going to faint. He held me up. I leaned on my man and realized that it was blessing by not having all this pain for myself. It was shared among so many that I could live with my little piece. Koni on the other hand was a different story. I went to him after the funeral. We'd rented the community center for a recessional. Pictures of the deceased were bedecked with garlands and leis. There was food. Jacob was being congratulated quietly for saving me and letting the others know what happened. Koni came to me. He hugged me for all that he was worth. I started crying and I just let it happen. He was too young for this. He said he didn't remember what his mother smelled like. I told him that would return he was just in shock.
"Shock?" the little boy asked.
"Scared and lonely," I whispered.
"I'm not scared," Koni said defiantly.
"Not scared of the dark, scared. Worried scared," I said. "You are the bravest boy I know." I knelt beside the boy. He seemed smaller to me than before. But then again I was taller now. We were both looking at each other with wet eyes.
"Jacob, I have to do this. I know I have to do this. Find your pack and stand near by," I sent to my man. "I understand now. We are not alone. Listen."
"Ready," was the response a few seconds later.
"Here Koni, this is for you." I gave the boy the necklace, Jacob's wolf pack necklace. The one shaped like the wolf pack tattoo. The wolves facing each other. Looking over each others shoulders on guard.
"Why?" the boy asked me.
"So you'll know you're never alone. Do you see that man over there? The big one with the black pants on. See, he just waved. His mom died when he was young too. Do you see the men standing with him? They are his friends. They have always been his friends and they always will be. They act like a pack. Just like the wolves on this. They watch out for each other. He and I will watch out for you if you'd like us too. I'd be your godmother and he'll be your godfather if you want us to be." While I was talking Jacob walked over to us and knelt beside him with Seth at his back and Quil and Embry nearby.
"You live far away," Koni said. Not wanting to be left alone again I guess.
"We'll come and visit. And you can come and visit us too. But for right now you need to stay with your grandmother and grandfather," Jacob added. "I know it's hard. But you'll be ok. It will just take time."
"How long a time?" the boy asked.
"I don't know really. . . Forever plus 1 day. Then it will just be ok. It won't ever be perfect again but it will be ok one day." Then the little boy fell into Jacobs' arms. Jacob saw himself in Koni and realized that he as a pack leader would have to deal with situations like this. And he wouldn't have to do it alone. I'd be with him forever.
Ioane, the Fe'na pack leader, stood behind me. He knew I was falling apart. Just like a pack they were standing behind me, beside me. Behind us. I hear a whisper, "Thanks. Ululani and Talia were so right to choose you. Fe'na will welcome you and Jacob as godparents to Koni. No problem."
"So for now Koni," Jacob started again trying to hold his voice steady "Wear this." He took the necklace that I removed from my neck and put it around the boys' neck. "And remember that you are not alone. Your grandparents are here for you. Then Ioane and his wife, then Leilei and I. Then Seth and Nessie. Quil and Embry and Claire. Kolohe and Travis too."
Malia and Peter, Koni's grandparents on his fathers' side, came into the circle we'd made around him and took him by the hand. "Say thank you to your godparents. All of them."
"All of them?" from Jacob.
"We can't explain in public that his fathers' pack leader will help with his upbringing. So we're all officially unofficial godparents as far as the humans know."
I stood and gave Seth a hug as they walked the boy away. "Thanks to you too. You saved me and you were here today for Jacob too."
"We are a pack you know," he sent back. "And we've both lost loved ones."
"They're not lost. Do you want me to believe that you didn't learn anything from your father? That Jacob didn't learn anything from his mother?"
"Well, I never thought of it that way," Seth sent.
"Thanks for coming, Seth. I appreciate you being here. Where's Kolohe?" I asked aloud.
"He went to pick up your father. It's like 2 something. Isn't the disposition at 3?" Seth answered. Jacob was still a little broken up.
I grabbed Jacobs hand and said, "Yup. It's the next thing to happen. Let's say our goodbyes and get ready to leave."
Family members who didn't know nodded politely and expressed thanks for the information that they had. The people who knew – their 'thank yous' were very different. There were deep hugs of appreciation and whispers that they would be in touch. I knew that was true. Each of the pack leaders thanked Seth and Jacob for helping with everything. I found my mom and Alei. She said Alei wanted to see how the Cullens lived.
"It's a really nice house," Seth started. "Esme likes to build things. Houses and gardens," he continued as we walked back to the station wagon for the trip to the Cullen house.
Alei asked not wanting to seem impolite but she was curious, "Seth, how did she become what she is? Do you know?"
"The story is that she was depressed after the death of her baby. Carlisle was her doctor and knew she was depressed but didn't think she'd do something like that. He knew something was wrong and found her after she fell. And they've been together since then. Alice and Jasper found the Cullens after they were turned. Emmett, Edward, Rosalie are Carlisle's children. And Bella is Edwards. Nessie is Bella and Edwards' baby. I mean old fashioned baby. Bella was pregnant and had her, a baby."
"Your imprint," Alei finished for him.
"Yes, ma'am. Is that a problem?" Seth asked.
"If the Cullens are as they seem then I don't see one. None of our people have had a run in with them. And they took good care of Leilei. Allies are allies. Some of our people don't agree but things will work themselves out. They always do."
"What does that mean?" I asked.
"Noah may not visit them when he comes to see you," Alei said matter of factly.
The rest of the drive to the Cullen house was quiet. We had the windows open. The car did smell like them. Maybe I was getting used to it, but my mom was wrinkling her nose a lot. We could see the curtains ruffle just a little as we pulled up in front of the house. I knew Esme was nervous. She wanted to make a good impression. She did with the yukata. Before we knocked the door opened.
"Seth! See I'm still pretty!" It was Nessie still decked out in the orchid leis. She ran to him giggling.
"That's her?" my mom asked. "She's cute."
"Reneesme Carlie Cullen!" That was Bella. "I'm sorry. Sometimes she's a handful."
"Aren't they all," Alei answered laughing.
"Oh my," Esme in full fledged mother mode. "I wanted something a bit more . . ."
"Esme, it's fine. Really. Alei Kaipuna, this is Esme Cullen, the Cullen family matriarch. Those two are the youngest and newest members of the Cullen family. Bella and young lady Nessie," I said. Bella smiled without showing any teeth. Nessie grinned like a little kid and managed a neat little curtsy.
"Please come in," Esme followed up. "The rest of the family is waiting inside." She gave me a little look. My yukata looked a bit rumpled.
"I'll explain later. It was and is perfect. You'll be proud of what Jacob and I did today," I sent to her in a touch. "I've got a godson now!"
"Everyone," Esme started, "This is Alei Kaipuna and Leileis' mother Nona. Ladies, this is Edward, you met him last night. His wife Bella and their daughter Nessie. This is Alice Hale and her husband, Jasper." Alice smiled demurely. Showing only a few teeth. Jasper was more hesitant. Maybe he could probably feel the Aleis' power. He nodded to them.
Esme seemed a little reluctant to go on so I continued for her, "And this is Emmett and his wife Rosalie."
"She is beautiful," Nona said. I knew that would be ok and might help to get on Rosalie's' good side if there was one. I wasn't thinking there was one.
"I'm sorry," Esme continued, "Carlisle isn't back from the hospital yet. There was an emergency. Some young man with a fire cracker had a close call."
"No problem," Alei said. "Seth said you liked to garden. So do I. What kinds of flowers do you grow?" Alei was hoping, trying to help Esme relax.
"Oh yes . . . well let me show you to the rose garden," Esme said. Then we walked out the kitchen door to the back lawn. As Esme was conducting the tour Jacob and I just followed holding hands. Emmett teased him my mouthing 'mother-in-law'. After we'd finished looking at the rose garden Carlisle appeared.
"Good afternoon," he said smiling without showing his teeth. "I'm sorry to be late." He stopped to give Esme a quick kiss.
"No worries Carlisle. Emergencies are emergencies. I hope the young man learned his lesson," Alei said.
"He'll recover. Have I missed anything?" he inquired.
"No, we're still waiting for Harkoni. He's coming with Kolohe," Nona said. Then there was a growl. Deep low and menacing.
I smiled and started to run toward the house. That was my dad. I looked over my shoulder to see my mother shaking her head.
"That's Harkoni, Leilei's father. He spoiled her. And I let him spoil her," Nona admitted.
When they caught up I was outside in the front of the house with my dad. He had fazed and was rubbing his face on my face, sniffing me. I was scratching him on his furry head, feeling him purr too low to be heard.
"Damn," Emmett said as he looked down from the porch to where I was. 7ft at the shoulder, white fur with black and grey spots. His bluer than blue eyes mostly closed. He had his claws extended and was scratching the driveway. Esme would have some concrete repairs to do. I was glad he decided to faze outside. Inside, there would be flooring that would need to be replaced. And the dust. Not to mention the shedding. Esme gave Emmett a look for his language before she saw dad and I together. Then she raised her eyebrows when she saw us together. The rest of the Cullens were looking too.
"This could take a while," Nona said. "They haven't seen each other for a while. She smells different now and he wants to see if she is still in there."
After about five minutes, we decided to end our fuzzy hug fest. I stood in front of him and he fazed. Kolohe handed him his pants and yukata. Then my dad hugged me with his arms. "Thank you for indulging me. She is my little girl," he bowed as he spoke. "I am Harkoni Niwa Honshiro. I am deeply honored to make your acquaintance. I am indebted to you forever. You saved the life of my little girl. I have nothing to compare that with. I owe you everything."
"I am Carlisle Cullen. This is my wife Esme," Carlisle began. Then introductions were taken over by Nessie.
"You had 6 toes but you have five fingers," said a small voice.
"Who is that little lady? She reminds me of Leilei," Harkoni asked.
"I'm Reneesme Carlie Cullen. This is my mommy and this is my daddy," she answered pointing to Edward and Bella.
"I'll handle the introductions," I said smiling at Nessie. Yeah, she was a lot like me. "This is Edward, he gave me the blood transfusion. Bella is his wife."
"Your father is the Sheriff Swan? Am I correct?" Harkoni asked.
"Yes, he is," Bella answered.
"Good man. I met him today. I went to meet my counterpart, Jacob's father at the rez today. Charlie was there. And young man," Harkoni continued turning to look at Jacob. "You and I will have a talk later."
"Yes sir," Jacob answered. "Oh shit!"
"Don't worry," Nona sent. "Too much!"
Kolohe was smiling at the reaction. Jacob was going to get 'the talk'.
"Harkoni, this is Emmett and his wife Rosalie. And these are the Hales, Jasper and his wife Alice," Carlisle continued.
"Honored to meet you all. Please excuse our tardiness. I made Kolohe actually obey the speed limit while driving here. We were a bit delayed coming back from the rez. Jacob, I met your sister Rachel and brother-in-law Paul also. They make a good looking couple. Nona, Jacob has twin sisters. Rebecca is married to a Samoan and they live in Hawaii."
"O Holy crap!" I sent. "She may have married a Kai without knowing it."
Nona smiled and said, "We just finished a tour of Esme's rose garden. We haven't had tea yet. You kids go and do something. And we'll call you when it's time to have our little discussion."
Esme got into hostess form, "This way please" and the parental units went back into the house.
"Jacob, are you ok?" I sent. We really hadn't had any time alone in a while. I was pretty jazzed, my dad was here. But the funeral had been just a few hours ago. Koni reminded Jacob of himself so much he could hardly stand it. That was why my mom stood near him during the ceremony. Just to help keep him upright.
"Are you ok? Koni looked so small and helpless. I . . ." Jacob started. Then he just stopped. I hugged him and felt him scream in his mind that it wasn't fair.
"That's why Alei told you to listen. You listened and you knew what to do. Leilei you were really close to Talia. When he's ready you'll tell him the stories about his mother that he needs to hear. Ioane will tell him the stories about his father if he's pack. I think he will be," Kolohe said aloud.
"What are you talking about?" Emmett asking. For some reason he wasn't on the party line.
"Sorry, today Jacob and I became godparents to the Ululani and Talias' son Koni. As he grows up we'll be there like an aunt and uncle. Sending presents and emailing him. When he's older he'll come and stay with us for a few weeks in the summer and maybe over Christmas. When we visit Hawaii or points west we'll take him with us to visit relatives and stuff. He'll become the godfather to our kids. If he's pack then he will be told the truth of how his parents died. If not then it will just be the story of the propane explosion."
"You said wonderful things to him. Both of you. I think he'll be pack. I think his nose works," Kolohe said.
"Oh, I get it. You're all hooked up and sending. I thought I was going crazy or something. So, what's up with the braid?" Emmett finished. Rosalie looked bored listening to us.
"Yeah, I saw lots of men wearing them and some of the women too. Am I supposed to have one?" Seth wanting to be the man even more.
"When we decide to train to be pack our hair gets cut in a ceremony. I gave my hair to Nona. Usually it goes to your mother, then later to your wife or imprint. Having your hair cut shows your first sacrifice for your people. She divided it up between Leilei and herself and braided it. We men, wear the braid to honor pack members, when they die or when they choose to retire. Give up fazing to become human again. I'll give it back to Nona before I go to the night dance. So, are ya ready for Tonight? DANCING!"
"Dancing!" I echoed.
"Dancing in the fire. Your first time. You've got Jacobs' aspect, you'll be fine," Kolohe continued.
"In the fire!" Rosalie and Emmett together.
"Yeah!" Kolohe said aloud. "You guys aren't fire proof but we are at least fire resistant. The aspected imprints and fazers are so we dance in the fire. With the fire. Around the fire. And then there is the couples dance. You may have time to teach Jacob that dance so you two look good when you're moving around the circle."
"Hey Kolohe, do you dance?" Emmett asked.
"My mom is Hawaiian and I'm a pack member. I dance. I hula. I . . ."
"Leilei, Kolohe and Jacob. It's time." Carlisle's call went out over the lawn to where we were standing and talking.
"Oh Crap!" I sent.
"Good luck with that," from Emmett of course. I'm sure Rosalie didn't wish me, us too much luck.
We walked back into the house. Up the stairs to his study. I hoped for the last time. I didn't know what they had planned but I felt sure that Jacob and I would end up together. We sat together on a bench that was brought into the room. Carlisle sat with Esme behind his desk and all my people were on the other side of the room. Kolohe was standing behind our mother.
"I've never done this before Harkoni, please take the lead," Carlisle started the meeting.
My dad smiled at me, not real good sign. I held Jacobs' hand when I saw him smile. Then I braced myself. "We have always tried to keep the seer candidates protected by assigning them guardians as mentors," he began. "Talia and Ululani wanted Leilei to help run their house. They knew they could protect her and she would help guide their household. The incident didn't really change that. Leilei fell back on her training and lived to bring evidence of a plot which could have brought more death and destruction to our people if it were allowed to go undiscovered. Jacob we thank you for your strength and courage in this once again. We also thank the Cullen family for choosing to assist our young ones. You were not under any obligation to do so."
"Yes I was," Carlisle interrupted. "Leilei was hurt. That was the only reason I needed to intercede."
I saw my father nod in agreement. I didn't like that. Not one bit. "By our laws since you accepted custody of Leilei, you are her guardians now. You didn't turn over custody to Kolohe. Even though my son insisted that you do so. I am also glad that you refused. You acted as I would have. You are considered to be the parents of a 16 year old seer candidate. You are not bound by our laws but Leilei will be an adult next year in May when she turns 17. So I ask you, where will she live?"
"So Leilei is ours until then?" Esme questioned. Just to be clear I guess.
"Well, yes. You never relinquished custody to Kolohe. You stood as her guardians at the inquest last night. So what happens now?" Nona answered.
I'm thinking, 'Kolohe at the farm, Kolohe at the farm'.
"Like all of our kids, I'm thinking high school," Carlisle said with a gentle smile on his face. Esme was beaming.
"WHAT?" I screeched.
"Shhhh. You're not here, remember," my mother said to me.
"Jacob . . . say something!" I hit him. Not really hard but hard enough.
"Ok. What! High school? . . . Where?" Jacob asked.
"Here in Forks of course. All of our kids went to Forks high school. So if technically speaking Leilei is ours then she should go to Forks high school" Carlisle answered.
"If she's going to high school then she should graduate. Not just 1 year. I'm thinking 2 years," Esme added.
"WHAT?" again. Then I looked at Kolohe who was trying not to laugh but he was losing that battle.
"Harkoni it's perfect. Leilei can stay here, live here with us and go to school. We can learn about your people, the Kai and she can learn about us. We'd be able to forge a solid relationship between all of us" Carlisle stated in a logical way I knew my father would agree with. DAMN.
"I see your point. Would you allow Jacob to visit as often as he's like to?" Alei looking out for our welfare.
"Jacob has always been welcome here. He helped to protect us when the difficulty with Nessie developed. He spoke to his fellow Quileute concerning the fact that Seth had imprinted on Nessie. When the Volturi came to kill her it was Jacob that rallied the packs to help with our defenses. That cemented our relationship with the Quileute and indebted ourselves to Jacob. I'm not sure if I should be saying this but since they've gotten back together they've been sharing Leilei's room downstairs. The room is large enough for them both."
"God? How do I fight that? Shit."
"Alei, they sleep together here now. I don't think there will be a problem going forward at all," Nona sent while holding Harkoni's hand.
"High school? I've never been to school," I started wanting to get rid of that idea. I'd stay with the Cullens, fine. I'll be the Kai ambassador to the Cullens. But school. HIGH SCHOOL! No Fucking Way.
"You'll love school Leilei," Kolohe was trying to win the battle against laughing out loud and he was going to lose it if I had my way. "I already asked Chaska if I could move here. The house needs to be taken down and rebuilt. I walked around inside after the funeral was over. There are things that can be salvaged and returned to the families. Since you'll be here you can help with that. And there is the farm. There is your man. You can do 2 years of high school easy. Since you'll be living here with Jacob after you two get married, you might as well get used to being here now." There were tears running down his cheeks. Not tears of sadness but laughter that he wasn't letting out. Damn him again.
"It will give you and Jacob time to build a house on the rez too," my mom added. You too mom? Really!
Alei then stepped in, "Ok everyone we've left out the Cullens in this. Let's start again with Jacob saying, 'What? . . high school?' please. It seems that we have an agreement and we are negotiating terms."
Alei busted us all. With Kolohe touching my dad and Jacob and I holding hands we were all sending to each other and there wasn't too much being said aloud.
So Jacob started, " 'High school – which school?' "
" 'Forks high school would be fine. Jacob can teach Leilei everything she needs to know about being Quileute' is what I added," Kolohe said.
" 'You'd be safe here. And they'd let Jacob stay with you. That's so sweet' is what I said," Nona said.
" 'There are many lessons to learn here. From the Quileute and from the Cullens. The cost of these lessons was high. The deaths of so many but the good that can come from it must be considered, daughter of my heart', I said" Harkoni added.
"And I said, 'I won't be a cheerleader'," I ended my little statement with a pout.
Esme and Carlisle looked at each other, realizing that Edward should have been there for them. But now that everything was out on the table – no real need.
"So all we are doing now is negotiating terms. 2 years until graduation seems workable. The school term is like 9 months? Yes. That will leave time for you to spend at the farm with Kolohe helping with the rebuilding. You're not going to let the farm go fallow are you?" Alei asked.
"No ma'am. The farm was something that was important to Talia. I couldn't let that happen."
"So you have a vocation. The beginning of a vocation. I know Harkoni wants you to go to college," Alei added nodding in agreement that college would be a good thing.
When Alei mentioned college, Carlisle's face lit up. He was probably hoping I'd become a doctor like him. "Before everything happened, I was looking into a college of oriental medicine based in Seattle. They have a 2 yr program, grouped in modules of 4 months each."
"That could be so nice after you graduate you and Jacob living in Seattle for a few months at a time. Very romantic," Nona said. "But there's time to think about that later. Right now, ok no cheerleading. Any other no's we need to know about?"
"Don't even think about that" Esme said looking at me. "Yes, I think you'll be going to both proms. And Alice does buy all of the clothing for the family. I'll, we'll all try to get her to consider what you like and maybe go with natural fabrics but remember that silk is natural too." Esme. Really you too!
"I'll take you to the prom don't worry. So what if we have to go. We won't have to stay," Jacob sent to comfort me. Me in a fancy dress. No way. Well maybe to surprise him but not too often.
"Ok see that's why this won't work. Alice can't see when I'm in the house. How can the Cullens protect me when they can't see the danger? I'll live at the farm with Kolohe." Gottem. Finally.
"No, this will give us an opportunity to determine how you and Jasper, Alice and Edward interact. How to best use all of your combined talents for the greater good," Carlisle added. DAMN!
"Something can always be worked out," Esme finished.
"I don't have 'school records' to be submitted to the system to get me enrolled. Papers and shots and stuff right?" Ok, so it was weak but it was my last shot. Jacob slid me over onto his lap.
"Are you finished trying to wiggle your way out of this?" he asked.
"I have to put up a good fight. If not, they may think I'm just a pushover."
"They've thought of that. How do you think the Cullens have been able to survive so long? They have paperwork made for them. They can do it for you."
"DAMN!"
Esme got up and went to the door. "Jasper, please?" he entered. Even he was smiling. I was hoping that it was nerves.
"We have an agreement with the Honshiro family. Leilei will be living here with us as an ambassador of her people to the Quileute and the Cullens. Since she needs a guardian and Jacob and she are imprinted and can't technically be her guardian, we have volunteered to allow her to stay with us. To smooth over everything and everyone we need school records and paperwork for her so she can start Forks high school in the fall as a junior." As Carlisle spoke a big smile broke Jaspers' face. Then a look of concern.
"What Jasper?" Esme asked.
"The paperwork is easy. Rosalie won't be."
I almost laughed out loud. Rosalie wouldn't like the fact I would be at the Cullen house for 2 years. I was sure she didn't want me to be there for the rest of this afternoon. "Oh my. Rosalie will be thrilled that Leilei will be with us until she graduates from high school. That means we won't be moving. She does love it here." That was Esme. I was just hoping that Emmett would grab her before she skinned me alive when that announcement was made.
"Ok then. Let's tell everyone" Carlisle finished as he and Esme walked out of his office back down stairs into the dining room were the rest of the Cullens and Seth were waiting. We followed.
"Family," Carlisle began when we all arrived. "We have reached an agreement with the Honshiro family. Leilei and Jacob will be living here with us while Leilei attends Forks high school. She'll be starting as a junior in September. Kolohe will be as welcome here as Seth is while he is overseeing the demo and rebuilding of the farm house. We will be building alliances with the Kai and the Kai will be building alliances with the Quileute and with us. I know you will welcome our newest addition as we help Jacob and Leilei begin their lives together."
"CONGRATULATIONS Jacob! Leilei, see it did all work out," Emmett boomed. "So when are you two getting married?"
Jacob opened his mouth to answer and Harkoni interrupted, "If he lives thru our little talk, then he can start to plan for that with my little girl. Jacob with me after this meeting."
"Yes, sir."
There were congratulations all round and smiles and some hugs. I nodded to Rosalie and she nodded to me. Yeah, me. I still had my head and Jacob still had his but he did still have to have that 'talk' with my dad.
"You don't have to wear what you don't like." Words of wisdom from Bella. "Be yourself."
"Thanks." Then I turned to Nona, "Mom, so what's 'the talk' about?" I asked.
Nona took Esme by the hand and we all headed outside toward the rose garden. "This is what Harkoni is telling Jacob in the back yard. You know this already, Lei. Harkoni is telling Jacob that he will understand what it is to be man when he gives his daughter to another man. How precious a mans' daughter is to him and how he'll learn that when someone looks at his daughter like Jacob looks at you."
Esme smiled, "So it's happily ever after anyway."
"It seems like that. The night dance tonight. Luau tomorrow and the council presentation. When does school start?"
"Not until September. You'll have all of August to get settled in," Esme continued.
"You'll get some new clothes. Maybe Kolohe and Jacob will take you hunting and you can get your own deer and make a pair of moccasins for the first day of school."
"Don't keep saying it like that . . . The first day of school."
"It will be fine. You get up and get dressed. No apple for the teacher. Be nice to all of the smaller and weaker kids," Nona continued teasing me.
"No beating up the football team," I heard Kolohe send.
"Revenge," was my answer to Kolohe and Nona both.
Esme and Nona laughed. So did Alei. They were sharing the sending. It seemed fair. For now. We waited for Harkoni to finish with Jacob. They both looked relieved when they found us standing on the back porch.
"So this is your room? Very nice. I like the leather chair," Harkoni said looking at the room knowing that I almost died there. "The house is beautiful too. Esme, who designed the house?"
"I did," she answered proudly. "Thank you very much. I've always liked architecture."
"Lei, learn as much as you can. Knowing how to build a house might come in handy sometime. Esme and Carlisle I must take my leave now. There are things I must attend to. Thank you again for this opportunity. Thank you for taking care of my baby." He hugged them again. Then looked at me.
"I remember when you were so small I could hold you in one hand," he began looking at me, all 6ft tall now and almost formally engaged.
Nona cut him off, he was getting all sentimental, "And if you held her in one hand I would have hurt you for doing that."
I hugged my dad, "He's a good man you know," Harkoni sent. "Be happier. Happy just isn't enough."
I wanted to say thanks but I couldn't. I was crying again. So I just stamped my foot. Harkoni cut his eyes at Jacob and said, "Remember what I told you, young man."
"Yes sir," was the response. We all knew what happened but it was still fun. Jacob didn't know. Yet.
"We should go too Nona. The kids have to get ready for tonight. All of you are coming aren't you?" Alei asked us. All of us, the Cullens and Hales included.
"We don't fire dance well," Emmett said.
"Well, probably not, but a dance is a dance. You'll won't have to pretend to be human when you're with us you know. We know we aren't human and I'm sure everyone at the dance will know you aren't. So there'll be lots of room just to be yourself. By the way are the 'Beastie Boys' . . ."
"No, Alei. They aren't. They just use that as a name," I giggled. Maybe she was just a little out of touch.
"Thank you. I was worried there was another problem to be dealt with. Rory said he had some of their music," Alei said.
"Thank you for the invitation. We'll consider coming," Emmett said quietly.
"I hope so. Jacob are you ready?" Alei finally ready to go.
So we all piled back into the Volvo heading back to the farm. "Are you two staying in Kolohe's motel room or are you going back to the Cullens tonight?" Nona asked.
Jacob and I looked at each other for a hot minute and said, "The Cullen house."
"Mom, I'm under age. He'd get arrested for being in a hotel room with a 16 yr old."
"Sorry, I forgot. You're taller now. Things are happening so fast. I think it's a good thing that we'll have a few days here just to be. I think I'll stay in the room then. Just for tonight."
"What are you planning?" I asked.
"Nothing," she said. She was smiling. Trouble. I know it was trouble. So ok something was up. I'd just have to wait. It would probably be good.
"Make something for you and Jacob to eat after the dance. You'll probably be hungry. And have some fun. You're only young for like 100 years or so. After that things slow down a bit."
"Nona, you scaring the kids. Just take your time. Become friends before you become lovers. It's better that way. Jacob, I look forward to meeting your father. Since Harkoni let you live you must be extraordinary. If you are then your father must be exceptional. Have a good night kids," she finished. Then they both got out of the car. I hugged my mom and Alei. I wasn't sure if I should but she seemed to be ok with it. "He really is cute. Be nice to him."
So everyone thinks I'm a monster? Oh well. And yeah, I know he's cute. We drove back to the house. My house. Enjoying the quiet while it lasted. This little taste of Edward world was enough for me.
"Do I wear shorts tonight or a parao?" my man asking.
"Which ever you want. I don't think there is a dress code. . . . So. Um. We're a couple."
"Not officially yet. Doesn't your father have to pronounce that first?"
"Yeah, I think he does. That will be at the council meeting. On the fourth? Tomorrow. That's so soon."
"Yup. Everyone will make excuses and we'll all get away to the center on the rez. Is everyone coming?" Jacob asking aloud.
"The pack leaders, Bishop Price, my dad and Alei. Hold up. Mom says that Leah will be there too."
"I almost forgot about her. How is she?"
I reached over and touched him on his shoulder. He heard my mom say that she was feeling better about herself. She's spent some time reading the histories of the other Ali'i and is beginning to understand what it is to be so special. Alei said she was going to offer an apprenticeship with her to Leah. Leah'd get to go to New Zealand and study with Alei. But maybe that might get put on hold. There were lots of young pack members who wanted to know if they were the imprint for the newest Ali'i. That might change every ones plans.
"You're back home," Jacob said as he pulled the Volvo into the garage.
"It's the Cullen house. You made it my home," I said knowing I was probably over heard but he made everything possible. So it was him that made everything right. "What's your father going to say? I mean about you here and not there?"
"Stop. Stop. Right now let's worry about dinner and our after dance snacks. Rebecca and Rachel and Leah and Emily and Sam can wait. It's just you and me for a while. Ok?"
"Ok. You're the pack leader."
"Right!" he said proudly holding the door open for me.
Or so you think. "What do you want for dinner?"
"Anything without seaweed. Do you really eat that stuff?"
"Yup. Then a nap. Then to the dance. It'll start about the same time as the inquest last night."
We head into the kitchen and she is there. Waiting. Rosalie. "So, they tell me you didn't have anything to do with the disposition."
"Nope. I didn't. I wanted to live on the farm with Kolohe."
"Leilei?" Jacob asked.
"This has to happen might as well be now," I sent as I got stuff out of the fridge for dinner. "Go play with Emmett." Emmett was standing near the door to the dining room. He followed us in the house. I'm sure he knew that Rosalie wanted to say what she wanted to say FIRST.
"You heard what was said. I'm a minor, technically I wasn't allowed in the meeting at all. My parents love me so I was there but I got shushed when I wanted to speak. I should have been in the dining room with the rest of you."
"So if Kolohe is rebuilding the farm, then why aren't you living there?"
"Carlisle and Esme have had control of me since June 19th. They chose to retain custody so we all can get to know each other and become friends," I said smiling. "Just like you and the Quileute."
"Non-combatants," is what Emmett added. Then he moved between Rosalie and I and said, "Come on Rose baby, let's figure out what we're wearing to the dance."
"I'm not going to the dance . . . with THEM," Rosalie countered. Kum by yah minute was over.
"Ok, I understand no fire dancing but dancing anyway," Emmett implored.
"The dirt and the dust. You must be crazy," she countered.
"I thought we'd go and dance a bit. Show them how it's done. If we get dirty then I'll wash your hair when we get back," Emmett offered wiggling his eyebrows.
He guided her by her arm back into the house. "I almost feel sorry for him but he did marry her," I sent to Jacob.
"Are we like that?" came a question.
"Nope," I answered. "Seth? Are you eating dinner?" I called. I knew he had to be near by somewhere.
"Yup, I'd love to stay for dinner. Am I invited to the dance? I don't have a . . . well, Nessie's too young to go the dance isn't she?"
"Yes, she's too young but you're a pack member. You can come and dance, no problem. Are Quil and Embry coming too? They should be there. All of the pack members were, are invited. It's the imprints that have to know about the furriness to come and dance with us."
"So how often do you have these dances?"
"We celebrate the winter and summer solstices as pack holidays. So we have night dances then. Then there are the pack gatherings, like when Hoku Ao has their parties every 5 years. They hold night dances then too. We celebrate regular holidays like Christmas and Halloween like everyone else does. But our marriage and burial ceremonies are a little different. You saw that today. There isn't any way for us not to be 'normal' in times like those."
I watched Seth watching Jacob sitting looking at me and smiling. "What?" I asked.
"Nothing. You two seem so happy now. That's all. I'm glad. Things will be normal from now on."
"Normal? . . . Right. I've got to go to school. YUCK. Let Alice buy my clothes," I started.
"And have Rosalie teach you how to drive. Learn US history from Jasper. Learn European history from Carlisle. Engineering from me," Esme added so in mother form.
"And fashion from Alice," Esme continued as she sat at the breakfast bar.
"And Bella can teach you how to act with the humans in school. That is a problem sometimes but you're big enough to be able to handle them," Esme finished.
"That's the problem," I said slicing steaks for Seth and Jacob. "I'll be bigger than everyone and I'll stick out."
"You've always stuck out. Good evening everyone," Kolohe said walking into the kitchen. "Hey make something for me too. See Jacob you won't be alone with her too much. So maybe you won't get too tired of her to quickly."
"Good evening Kolohe," Esme said. "So you dropped Harkoni off. Is he still . . ?"
"Yes. They are still questioning Mr. Bird. And actually his name is Roman Ochoa. You'll all get the whole story if you come to the council presentation at the rez tomorrow. From what I hear it'll start about 4pm and be over about 5. That way everyone can come to the luau, get something to eat and mingle before and after. The north and south packs have planned a football game. I'm sorry, soccer to keep everyone busy while we are gone. The fireworks will be about 10 is what I hear."
"Will we be making ice cream as usual?" I asked. Fresh coconut ice cream was the best.
"Yup. Just like at home. Well, just like in Hawaii," Kolohe answered. "Esme, are you and Carlisle coming to the night dance?"
"No, I don't think so. Carlisle and I will be here playing grandparents, we'll be babysitting. We told Bella and Edward that we'd watch Nessie so they could go and celebrate with Jacob and Leilei."
"Celebrate with Leilei and Jacob," I heard in my head from Jacob. "See! You and I are a couple."
"Couple of what?" Kolohe asked.
Then Seth giggled. "Ok, what did I miss?" Esme asked knowing that something was going on she wanted to know about.
"Someone said that hearing 'celebrate with Jacob and Leilei' sounded like we were a couple. And someone, namely him" I said pointing at Kolohe, "said couple of what?"
"How did Seth get in on the loop?"
"I had my foot on his foot. He's pack. His brain is wired for the radio. That's what we call it when I can transmit conversations to a pack member. I can do the pictures and stuff but that's more one on one."
"You see that's something we'll need to understand. Let Carlisle and I know when you kids leave for the dance," Esme ended as she left the kitchen to us again.
"Dinner and a nap. We'll get up at 10 and leave at 11. Chaska said there were special things planned since our newest cousins were coming. So get ready to see a fire dance."
"Really? A fire dance."
"Yup. Tahitians, Samoans and Hawaiians fire dance. But we learned a long time ago that we can dance in the fire, not just with it. I won't share any of my memories with you guys, so you'll be really surprised when we get there" Kolohe finished grinning.
So dinner was beef steaks for the boys and chicken for me with French fries and salad. We blasted 'Beastie Boys' music in the kitchen which caught Jaspers' attention. Maybe it was our jumping around. Maybe our mood changed and he wanted to see what was happening. He was surprised. How old was he again?
Then it was nap time. Seth and Kolohe slept on the porch, fazed with their noses pointed to the forest. Me and the man were on the, our bed. He wrapped me in the silk duvet again and we went to sleep. I was thinking I'd tell him that I knew what my dad told him but Kolohe said not to. To tell him after the engagement announcement at the rez. Then officially he'd be a man. Tradition. I guess it's just new traditions for us all.
We got up at 10 and got dressed. Seth and Jacob wore their normal black bike shorts. "Don't worry there will be leis for you when you get there," I told them both.
I wore my white yoga tank bra from the night before. A bathing suit bottom with a wildly colorful parao tied around my hips. I even used a safety pin to make sure I wouldn't wiggle it off when we danced. Kolohe wore a parao the same color as mine. He had them in his truck. They were the colors of the Hoku Ao pack. All of his pack members would be wearing the same colors.
Then we went to the kitchen to get a drink before heading out. The Cullens were there all ready to go. Emmett was the only guy in the correct clothing. He had a loud Hawaiian shirt on with shorts. Jasper and Edward were in tee shirts and long pants. I gave Alice a fashion tip before we left. ME. "The flower goes over your left ear," I told her. "You're married right? Then it's the left ear."
"Ok kids have fun," Esme said as she straightened up the lei that Bella was wearing on her head.
"And no funny business you two," Carlisle said looking straight at Jacob and I. "I, we expect you two back here no later that 4am. And I repeat no funny business. I hope I don't have to give you the sex talk."
"Funny business? The Sex talk. They told you Everything?" I asked.
"Yes, your parents did tell us everything. No fooling around while you're considered a minor. Kolohe will you watch them tonight?" Carlisle asked.
"Of course I will," he laughed. "I thought they'd call you two over privately. But this is GREAT!" Kolohe sent. So I hit Kolohe again.
"Ok people. It's just like last night. There will be an escort but not Travis this time. I'll do all the talking if anyone asks anything. They're out to keep the humans away," Kolohe playing escort again. "And Leilei, you still hit like a girl."
So we all headed into the forest to the clearing again. It was just like the night before but without the dread, fear and loathing. We were met by Hoku Ao members in the clearing. Samuel fazed and whistled at the Cullen girls. They were all decked out in sarongs with flower leis. When we got to the circle the fire had been lit and there was drum music blaring from a group of speakers.
"Now we can begin in earnest," Chaska said aloud to quiet everyone. "Tonight we welcome into our circle the Quileute. We have found new cousins and we welcome them. We also welcome the Cullens. They are allies of the Quileute and are welcome to dance with us. I offer a special welcome Jacob Black and his imprint Leilei Honshiro. Jacob is the Quileute pack leader and chief that saved the seer candidate and my brother Kolohe's sister, Leilei. We have been informed that Leilei is now the Kai ambassador to the Cullens. This is also her first night dance. Congratulations Leilei. We welcome all of our new friends to dance with us." With that the music went back up and the dancing commenced.
After about 20 minutes or so of some 'Linkin Park' and 'Rage against the Machine' remixes, the Maori began to circle up.
"What's going on?" Emmett asked pulling Rosalie to him probably to protect them not her.
Kolohe spoke aloud so the Quileute pack members and the Cullens could hear, "In our traditional warfare the men would face off against each other. Basically to bad mouth each other before the actually fighting began. It's called a haka. This is it."
"I've seen this," Emmett commented. "The New Zealand rugby players do it." Kolohe nodded in agreement.
For about the next 30 minutes the packs from the north and south islands of New Zealand faced off against each other. They formed on either sides of the fire circle. Slapping their chests, stomping and shouting in Maori at each other. Then of course they ended with 'bro hugs' all round.
Then the Fe'na broke out the torches. The pack members lit the torches and they began to spin. "Fire dance," I sent to the man as we all watched. Somehow I knew that Seth might try this sooner or later. We stood near Quil and Embry watching the dancers make their way around the circle. With the torches spinning they walked into the fire. Back and forth they wove themselves into what looked snakes moving in the fire.
"Damn," is the only thing I heard from Jacob.
When the Fe'na pack members finished, the wives and imprints of the Hoku Ao began to gather in a corner to dance. "I'll be back. I'm not Quileute just yet," I sent to the man running over to them.
Kolohe told Jacob and the boys as they stood together, "Just watch. Because I am a member of Hoku Ao, Leilei learned our dances. This is the first time she's danced at a night dance. We hula, we are Hawaiian after all." Jacob nodded as he saw the 50 of us, full seer sisters of pack members, wives and imprints move inside the fire circle to hula. The chanting began, we answered in the call and response and hips began to sway.
"Nice," I heard from the man.
"Wait until the pack members join us," I answered. And a few minutes later Kolohe and the pack members formed a circle around us outside of the fire circle and moved in the opposite direction mostly mimicking our movements but in a decidedly masculine manner.
"Will you teach me to do that?"
"If you want to learn to hula – sure Jacob," I answered him. After us the remaining 3 packs shared their dances with us all then it was time for the couples dance. "Come on they're waiting for us."
"What?" Jacob asked.
"Since we're the newest imprint pair and since this is Quileute land we have to lead the dance. Come on." I lead him to the north point of the circle and we joined hands with me on his left side. We decided 3 steps forward then he spun me in a circle and then another 3 steps. Behind us were Chaska and his wife. Then the rest of the pack leaders with their wives. Then pack members with their wives or imprints. I looked at Emmett as we passed him and rest of the Cullens just standing there and watching. "Join the dance. Come on!" He took Rosalie by the hand and they joined the circle as we went around the fire. On one of my spins I saw Alice and Jasper, and Bella and Edward in line too.
"I feel better now. They seem to be ok with this."
"Who? The Cullens?"
"Yeah. Well this is different for them isn't it? I mean hanging out with fuzzies. I thought Rosalie was going to have a fit. 'Getting dirty'."
"She decided that it was ok to come the first time. Maybe not for the winter solstice," Jacob sent.
"That's the fun one. In the snow, if it snows. We have hot cocoa, tea and snacks . . . We have secret Santa gift exchanges. We build snow men and sometimes deliver them to peoples front yards. It's fun dancing in the snow. But maybe they don't do things like that," Kolohe added.
"I think they do but they usually just do it with themselves. This is probably different for them. There are just so many of you, us."
"Maybe these types of dances will be just a fuzzy thing." When the couple dance ended I held Jacob by the hand and we wandered into the forest. Close enough to hear the music but not to far away.
"Kolohe told me we're expected to wander out here alone for a short while. Is this it?"
"Yup," I said as I climbed a tree picking a big branch that could hold us both. He sat and I snuggled in close and for a while we just sat looking at the fire as it burned, listening to 'Show me how to live' by Audioslave move thru the night air.
"Do they think we're . . .?"
"Yeah. They think we might but I'm not supposed to. I'm still a minor."
"So, tomorrow we get officially engaged? I don't have a ring to give you," Jacob sent sounding upset.
Jacob, you are so the man. "You don't need one. You didn't plan or even know that we were going to be announced engaged tomorrow did you? So, what's the problem? Things like that are nice but . . . what does it mean? I mean, really? My parents aren't even married to each other. Kolohe hasn't ever been formally adopted by my dad. Travis isn't related to us at all. But we're all family. And it's the family that counts, not the things – just us. You're a responsible pack leader. I'd rather have a man that's honorable and kind like my dad than a ring. We can start saving for our wedding rings now, so we have the money to buy them before we get married. And anyway I can't wear an engagement ring to high school. If you insist give me an engagement ring on our 50th anniversary."
"It'll be 2 years before we can get married, right?" He sent settling back on the tree limb. I hoped he felt better about not having a ring to give me. He was better than a ring any day.
"Yup. When my Cullen obligation is over and I'm out of high school. Maybe by then, we'll have a house. But it'll have to have pack room."
"Pack room?" Jacob questioned.
"Yeah, room for pack meetings. And maybe a room for someone who gets disowned by their family. And a room for Kolohe or Travis or Koni or Yutan. And a room for your dad, if he wants to come and stay with us. And a big kitchen and living room. And we have to have a shower house outside. Pack comes first Mr. . . Who's that?"
"It's Leah," Jacob said. So we jumped from the tree back to the ground. Everyone was quiet when they realized that Ali'i Leah was there. She got caught sneaking in the back of the dancers.
"Hi everyone. Don't stop for me. I just came to see what's going on. Please continue," Leah said quietly.
"Is there anything in particular you wanted to hear Ali'i Leah?" Ioane asked as he was running the sound board.
"Anything is fine, really. Thanks," Leah answered. Then she walked over to Seth.
Seth didn't move or say anything until Jacob and I got to him. "Ali'i Leah, thank you for joining us." I said.
The boys noticed that I didn't kneel so they didn't. "It's not a formal pack or council occasion so kneeling is necessary," I sent while Kolohe was touching Seth and Embry. Quil was off checking out the music mixers with Emmett.
"So how are you? How are things?" Jacob asked. It had only been a day since Leah had been declared the newest Ali'i and everything changed for his pack again.
"I'm fine. I came out tonight just to be me for a while. This Ali'i stuff is pretty intimidating. I'm a judge. The judge," she said not believing what her life meant to us.
"Ali'i Leah understands both worlds so she will be called upon to help settle disputes and problems between us, we Kai, if she takes the job," I explained.
"Ok, you can stop with the Ali'i stuff right now. Maybe in a council meeting or something like that but for right now I'm just Leah," she said gently.
"Ok. We've got drinks over here if you'd like something. I'm sure there are any number of young pack members that would love to get you something," I said teasing.
Embry got this silly look on his face and extended his arm to Leah, "May I lead the way?"
Leah rolled her eyes and took his arm and they walked over to where the drinks were.
"She seems happier," I sent to Jacob. I'd always wanted to be the Ali'i. I'd dealt with the I'll never be fuzzy like my dad or my brothers but I'd imprinted on a pack leader. I can deal with that, being the pack leaders' wife. "Let's get something to eat" I said moving Jacob toward where the snacks were. "Yummy . . . Sushi. Oh here's my favorite," I said grabbing a musubi. "Spam and rice with nori. You know . . . seaweed."
"Really? Really?" Jacob said. "You people eat seaweed."
"Just try it once. If you don't like it. I won't serve you any." Jacob just stood there while I broke the piece in half. He looked so cute turning his head away. Then he bit it.
"The rice and meat is ok. What kind of meat is it again?"
"Spam of course. It's a Hawaiian staple," Kolohe volunteered grabbing some for himself. "We grew up on the stuff. Along with the raw fish. That's called poke. You'll get used to it. We eat a lot of things raw."
When Jacob looked up Bella and Edward were laughing at him. So was I. "I'll cook what ever you want but I did grow up on this."
"It's a good thing you like fish," Jacob sent while trying not to laugh. I managed to dance will all of Jacob's pack brothers. Quil was the hard one. He liked playing with the sound equipment more than dancing. Oh well. When some of the Kolohe's pack brothers got Jacob to dance in a circle with their wives I watched and was happy that he was putting forth some effort to have fun. It's had been a hard day for us both and now most of the bad stuff was over.
"So you do this all the time?" Alice asked.
"Nope. The packs have night dances when they want to. Usually just twice a year. This is the first night dance I've been to. I know the dances because I went to hula school, the halau run by Kolohe' pack. Tomorrow when we have the luau, we'll do the same dances we did tonight without the fire walking as the entertainment during the feast. But tomorrow all of the wives, sisters and daughters will be dancing with us. So there should be about 150 of us."
"So only you Kai that know and those who are imprinted are here tonight? Is that right."
"Yup, the pack members that want to be here are here. Usually the night dances are just for the younger pack members. Although some of the older pack members get patrol duty. There out there watching to make sure that we don't get seen by the humans."
"Can you teach me to hula?" Alice asked. I wasn't sure if she was being polite or if she really meant it. Oh well.
"Sure. I'm thinking that Kolohe will end up teaching Jacobs' pack. The boys usually learn dancing in one form or another as part of their training to be . . . well you know."
"Why?" that from Jasper.
"Physical strength and dexterity gets translated into strength and dexterity in whatever form you take. That's why my dad teaches karate. That's why Kolohe didn't get too hurt from Mr. Bird when he dropped on him. That's why Leah couldn't track Kolohe when she was following him in the forest. He did one of our dad's moves and got away from her. He was standing on all fours in a stream, and then he jumped backward and fazed. And landed on a tree. She followed his scent into the stream and lost him there. That's how he got away. Then rest of the pack caught up with Leah, but they couldn't find Kolohe."
"Is everything about training to be . . . well you know?" Jasper asked.
"Kinda. Well, that's what they do. That's what they're born to do. And support for what they do is what the rest of us do. Letting them let their hair down, to be able to be who they are without people staring and acting funny is really really nice. I've spent my life like you, hiding what I know I can do. But when you're with your own people, it's just nice. There are times when I don't think it's fair but we are what we are. From what I know, it's a good thing that the reservation boys are what they are."
"Yes. I agree. Things have worked out better than I thought," Jasper finished squeezing Alice around her waist. "Allies and friends are always good."
It was almost 3 am when Jacob and I finally decided to go home. Going home sounded good. "Yeah let's go," he sent. "So tomorrow it's just the same as this. With a council meeting in the middle."
"Yup," I said resting my head on his shoulder. This was really comfortable. "Are you shorter?"
"Nope. You're taller. . . What's the problem?" Everyone was looking at us. A few people were pointing.
"We're hugging in public. They like it. It's like when my parents kiss in public, we just normally say 'yuck'." Jacob leaned in to give me a kiss and I turned away and stood with my back to his chest, grinning at everyone. Yeah I was happy and the center of attention. I liked that.
"Go home," Chaska said. "We'll see you two at the luau for sure. More dancing and eating. Go now. It's late. Leilei, don't you have a curfew?"
"So everyone knows?" I said mortified.
"Why YES!" trumpeted Kolohe. "I told everyone you have a curfew. Now you two get along home. Emmett, can I trust you to get the young ones home ok?"
"Yup. Ok people – just like yesterday. The young little love birdies first. We, old married folks will take up the rear."
"Seth, are you going back home tonight?" Jacob asked.
"After I help clean up, yup. Quil and Embry are coming with me. We're escorting the Ali'i home for the night. We'll see ya tomorrow at the luau."
"Looks like you're stuck with me for the night," I sent. I swear I could see Jacob blush. We'd be fine. We were both too tired to do anything anyway. And the Cullens would hear us. Jasper could feel us. Oh god no. Not in the house when they were there at least. We had time for a few more hugs before we left. Jacob and I took the lead on the way back.
"Do we have an escort?" I asked aloud. Then I heard a sharp yip. "Thanks!" I answered aloud.
When we got to the clearing again, Jacob and I thanked them for the return escort.
Samuel fazed again, "No problem. Have a good night. All of you."
"Should I cause some trouble?" I asked Jacob as we were walking on Cullen land back to the house.
"How? What are you going to do?" Just a tad of concern there in his voice.
"Apologize to Rosalie for having to spend time with the smelly dogs and getting dirty," I answered.
"Apologize to Emmett for taking him away from rotating the tires on his truck. He'd like that," the answer came back.
"Emmett?" I started. Then he just jumped in.
"Ok, I've been wanting to ask where did they get the stereo equipment last minute? I've never seen speakers like that."
"Hold it. I'll ask if you really want to know. I just wanted to thank you for putting up with us. I know how bad we smell and how . . ."
"Loud," Jacob added.
"Loud we are. Thank you for coming to our party," I said.
"Are you kidding? That was great. You've got to teach me how to do that 'wiggle your stuff' stuff. If Kolohe can do it then I want to learn. I didn't believe him when he said he could. How come you didn't dance when they were playing with the fire anyway?"
"Ok. One thing at a time. Our mom is Hawaiian so that means we were raised with connections to the Hawaiian pack, Hoku Ao. My dad isn't in a pack. So when Kolohe finished training he joined Hoku Ao. They have a hula school and I went there to learn their dances. So when the Hoku Ao have parties all of the sisters, daughters, wives and cousins who have trained to dance, dance. My mom made sure that Kolohe spent some time in dance class when he was young anyway. His father didn't like it that much but try to tell my mom something when she's got her mind made up. My dad didn't really care if I danced as long as I wanted to and I did."
"So the fire dancers were just from another pack," Edward asked.
"They were Fe'na, you saw that they were all dressed alike. The pack that Ululani was a member of. Same as our Uncle Trini, the guy who ran the recon teams in the woods. They are Tahitian and their men fire dance at these things. But the snake thing was special. It's their women that were doing the tamure. That really fast hip shaking stuff. We're Hawaiian, we can't shake it as fast as they can" I answered laughing. "You didn't see any guys shaking it as fast as those girls did? Did you?"
"So the guys just spin the fire sticks?" Emmett asked.
"To show off for the women, yeah. Traditionally they used sticks to fight with. It's just to show that they've mastered the weapon. The dancing developed as a way to show off. Tomorrow at the luau each pack will do like a 30 to 40 minute dance extravaganza for everyone at the luau as the entertainment."
"So what's going to happen when you're having your council meeting with the Quileute? You'll all be missing from the luau." Emmett again.
"The north and south New Zealand pack members said something about a football game, excuse me soccer game. And no one will really notice who's missing. Who'd miss like 20 people in that crowd? If everyone from the rez comes to the luau, it'll look like a mob scene. The council meeting will just be the 7 pack leaders, Bishop, Alei, my mom and dad and Kolohe and I. The Quileute pack members, their wives and the council who have been invited. And all of you guys too. But since it's on the rez, it'll be fine. Everyone shows up like at noon to eat and watch the dancers and stuff at the community center in town. Then they go where they want to. There are enough of our people in town so it will look just crazy and that works for something like this. Party for a while, go back to your hotel and rest for a while then come back for more food later. Fireworks and ice cream. It's fine."
"So do I get to be the chaperone for you two tonight?" Emmett asked.
"I don't think so. You promised Rosalie that you'd wash her hair if it got dirty. I'm thinking you're on shampoo duty," Jacob said with a laugh. "We'll be fine tonight. I don't want you watching me sleep. You can watch the forest but now us sleeping."
"We don't have to watch you sleep . . . you snore," Rosalie added with a disgusted tone in her voice.
"I like it when you snore. It lets me know that everything is ok," I sent to the man. Rosalie would never know whether or not Emmett snored but he was gonna hear about getting her hair dirty.
"You're right on time," Esme said. "Great. Nona called and said you'd probably be hungry after the dance. So I made snacks for you two. I know didn't have time to make anything with Kolohe here. Have a good night you two," she said then began to chat with Alice about what happened at the dance.
"So it's gonna be like this? . . . Everyone watching you all the time," Jacob said tired of all of the 'assistance'. "I mean the curfew thing. And everything." Maybe he didn't like being fussed over so much. I was kinda used to it.
"It's only because I'm not of age. Maybe that will change when my people get out of here," I said opening a basket of sandwiches Esme made for us back in our room. "Well, running away with you sounds really romantic but they won't allow that. They can track us across snow in a blizzard with their eyes closed. I'm sorry."
"Nothing to worry about. Yeah, maybe it'll get better when my father-in-law isn't in town."
"And when your new brother-in-law, Travis and your new brother, Kolohe, are busy doing something else beside watching you with me all the time," I said then looking out of the doors. The breeze had shifted and I could smell someone outside. Jacob just nodded. He could smell someone too.
"Go take a shower hula girl," he sent.
"Are you gonna go and say 'hi'," I asked cookie in mouth heading to the bathroom.
"Yup."
10 minutes later as I was sitting on the bed. Our bed. Letting my hair dry a bit before getting into bed as Jacob told me that it was a few visiting pack members. He wasn't sure which pack but they were just curious about what the Cullen house looked like. They were surprised that it wasn't a dark dank 'dungeon castle looking thing' but just a house. Then they left.
"Don't get cookie crumbs in bed. They itch," he sent toweling off after a quick shower.
"I didn't think things like that bothered boys?"
"They don't. I'm thinking they'd bother my woman," he sent. He closed the French doors just a bit. We could see the full moon if we were looking from our bed but I put myself back into his arms and went to sleep. I awoke just once. Like I usually did in the night. He was snoring and I could hear a wolf howl to the moon. Perfect. Back to sleep again.