Choices Matter; but Timing is Everything

Disclaimer – Just in case there is anyone who doesn't know already, I do not own twilight or the characters within.

Chapter 28 -

Quil's POV

I woke up about 2 that afternoon, because the sun was streaming in through my bedroom window. Getting up slowly to stretch out my aching muscles, I made my way to the bathroom and a much needed shower. I grabbed a favorite pair of basketball shorts and one of my La Push Warriors long sleeve tees and realized they both were a bit shorter and tighter fitting than I remembered. But my stomach was no longer patient in waiting so I headed out to the kitchen to see what mom had in the fridge. I walked pass my grandfather who was sitting in the living room reading.

"Good afternoon, Quil. It's nice to see you up and about. I see the legends are true."

I looked over at him feeling confused, "What do you mean grandfather?"

"You must have grown 2 inches over the past two days." He answered me.

"I have?" I replied.

He stood and walked over to me. Sure enough he was about 2 inches lower than I remember him being just days before.

"Your transition into manhood is on fast forward grandson. You have become a warrior, a protector for our tribe, for our family. I could not be more proud of you." He said placing his right hand on my shoulder and looking directly into my eyes.

"Thank you grandfather, I will try to be worthy of such praise." I answered.

"So what is on your schedule for today Quil?" he asked.

"Well, I'm just headed to the kitchen for a bit of a snack to tide me over until Bella comes later with my dinner. We are going to watch and movie and spend the evening together before I meet Sam at 10 for another full night on patrol." I answered gauging him for a reaction. We had not discussed Bella since the night of my first full phase. His eyes tightened a bit, but he looked resigned.

I couldn't help but to remember the conversation we'd had such a short time ago.

"So, you seem to care quite a bit for Isabella, hmm?" Grandfather asked.

"I love her Grandfather. She is the one for me. I just know it." I'd said more than I had meant to but I couldn't help it. It was becoming increasingly difficult for me to reign in my emotions where it came to Bella.

He frowned. I wasn't sure why.

"Quil, is it really wise to get so serious about a girl that cannot be your future?" Grandfather questioned.

I couldn't believe him. Is he serious? "What!" I replied incredulously.

"She is not Quileute." He stated in a matter of fact manner, as if it was some overly simple fact that I had overlooked. I know he is all about the tribe and keeping our heritage but he could not seriously be this ridiculous, could he? "She is not the one for you."

I felt the shaking begin again. I could not contain my anger. Who was he to tell me who to love? NO ONE will come between me and Bella.

"I have loved her for a long time now. And today after what happened in the meadow, it seems like the feelings I have for her multiplied by a million. It is so intense. She is my reason to exist Grandfather. It's like gravity no longer holds me on to this earth, she does. I will not give her up, regardless of your feelings, or anyone else's for that matter. Don't ask me to choose, you will not like my decision." I shouted.

By the end of this tirade I was shaking so uncontrollably I thought I was going to explode.

My grandfather must have agreed with that particular assessment because he looked at me with all the authority he could muster and boomed. "Go outside Quil, NOW!"

"Grandfather, she is my imprint." I said quietly.

"So I've heard." He answered with an undertone of disbelief, or maybe confusion.

"She is beautiful, Quil." He said seemingly looking for something positive to say about her.

"Yes," I sort of sighed, "she is." I couldn't help but think about my beautiful girl. I can't wait to see her this evening.

With that I headed to the kitchen to make a sandwich or two or five to tide me over until my date with my beautiful Isabella.

After my 3 sandwich snack I headed out to my office. I must have fallen asleep while I was watching television because one minute I was watching sports center updates and the next I was feeling Bella's soft loving caress on my forehead. She was whispering my name as she continued stroking ever so softly down the side of my face, placing the most gentle kisses across my cheeks and forehead as she did so. I smiled and pulled her into my side giving her a big squeeze without ever opening my eyes. "Bella, mmm, hello beautiful," I murmured into her ear.

As I finally opened my still sleep filled eyes I looked into hers, they were shining brightly with love and affection.

"Hey, I brought you some dinner," she said pointing to a mini feast she had set up on the coffee table in front of us.

"Thank you beautiful, I'm starving. But you know all I really need is your company." I told her.

"I know but I like the idea of taking care of you, especially when you are doing so much to take care of me." she said and smiled at me again.

So I dug in while Bella told me about her day. She told me about Jacob's early morning phone call and their subsequent run, and I did my best not to wince. I knew that she thought of Jacob like a brother and that he wasn't really a rival for her affection, but I sure wish he could figure that out, and soon. She told me about her day at school and her most recent email from her mom.

And then we put a dvd (or as I like to call them a great excuse to hold Bella in my arms for two hours without seeming creepy or needy) in and before I knew it, it was 9:00. After the dvd Bella asked me about my patrols last night and what I would be doing tonight. I shared everything with her and spent 10 of the most lovely minutes of my life kissing, squeezing, and caressing her before pulling her up so I was standing before her.

"Are you taller than yesterday Quil?" she asked.

"Yeah, I am, about 2 inches." I answered shyly.

"Wolf thing?"

"Yep, another wolf thing."

"Speaking of wolf things Bella, would it be okay if I see you home tonight? It would really help me focus if I get to see you enter your home safe and sound before I head out tonight." I asked her begging her to say yes with my eyes.

"It's not necessary but if it will make you feel better and help you to focus, then sure. I definitely don't mind getting a few extra minutes with you, she said wrapping her arms around my waist and resting her head on my chest. I rested my chin on her head, breathing in Bella.

"I love you Bella." I said.

"I love you too Quil."