Chapter Twenty-Nine

Ephraim

The day Brooke came over to our house for the first time was horrible. Brooke didn't tell us anything, she actually denied that she was even hurt, and I would have believed her, if I wouldn't have seen it, or if I couldn't have smelled the blood. She refused help. She refused every and any thing we offered. I got so pissed off I threw my food across the room and walked away. I haven't seen her since; even though she's at my house every morning and in one of my classes.

I think the main reason is because I haven't been looking forward to seeing her. You have to understand, I've never felt like this, I've never been 'in love' and I've never been the, 'take you home to meet my parents' type of guy. I'm afraid that if I actually take those words I thought that morning at breakfast to heart then I'll want her more then anything in this world, but I won't be enough for her.

Elise and surprisingly Sara, has been doing me a big one; they've become her closes friends, she confides in them and they update me about her, even when I don't ask sometimes. They've also taken on the job of guard dogs. They sit outside of Brooks house these day's, their car parked a few streets over, and they stop her abuse before it could happen. They sometimes sleep over at her house, if need be. They refused to let me watch her, insisting that I would kill the lady on the spot if I saw her. My mother didn't want that to happen, she was waiting for Brooke to tell us, to want help, to want us to call the cops. I said that shit was just stupid and that she could seriously get hurt, or worse.

That thought has been tormenting me for days, but Elise assures me I shouldn't worry, that she and Sara are on the job; 'the job,' like the girl I lo-Brooke, like Brooke was a fucking day job or something. That only went on the list of things that just continued to piss me off, number one on that list, Brooke has been avoiding me. Yes, she's been skipping class since that morning at my house and to be honest it's pissing me the fuck off. I haven't seen or spoken to her since, and yes, I know what you're about to say-'well you've been avoiding her Emp.'- but the thing is when I'm avoiding her I still have to see her, we have class together and I go to that class no matter what, but she just skips it to avoid me and that pisses me off to no fucking end.

One day I almost saw her, but she ran into class before I could even think to call her name. I think she saw me and ran, but I'm not sure. I'm never sure when it comes to her and that scares me. I'm Ephraim Charlie Cullen Black, damn it. I have the highest fucking self-esteem in this damn world, I could kill someone without thinking twice about it, bitches love men, even some dudes and I'm scared of one little girl. Yeah, I'm a big fucking man, as if.

Today was starting off like any other day; Elsie and Brooke woke up the house with fresh coffee. I heard the herd running down the stairs to get the hottest cup, or the biggest; and I also heard the sound of twinkling lights as Brooke laughed at their immaturity.

But like I said, today was starting off like any other, until I followed slowly behind the herd. I was going to force her to see me, make her have to look at me. I wanted this bullshit cleared up and I wanted to know why the fuck she's been avoiding me like the goddamn way I've been avoiding her.

As soon as I stepped around the corner and entered the kitchen everyone's head popped up. They all knew I've been avoiding her, how could they not with their powers connected to mine, giving me away. Brooke stared at me nervously, while everyone else stared at me with big cheesy ass smiles on their faces. I rolled my eyes and walked over to Elise who held out my big cup of black forgers. I was entirely fucking grateful to her. I gave her a warm hug and took my seat that was, what the fuck do you know, across from Brooke herself.

When I sat down, she looked down, staring entirely too fucking long at her oatmeal. "Good morning, Ephraim." My mother greeted, as she set the plate of pancakes in the middle of the table. Being a half breed herself-our mother knew how to cook. She was actually amazing at it, though dad said she wasn't always, but I have a hard time believing that. She had a delicious spread set out for us this morning and I couldn't help, but lick my lips in anticipation.

"Morning mom, dad." I nodded down the table at my farther who only smiled back, the goof. He was hell bent on me sticking to my imprint. He said that was the only way that I would truly be happy in this life, and since we're going to live forever, I mind as well start being happy. I hated that conversation, because I am going to live forever, Brooke isn't. She's just human after all.

"So, what are we doing today?" Elise asked, cutting the stiff silence that lingered in the air. She looked towards Brooke, but Brooke continued to look down. "I was thinking after school we could go over to grandmas and grandpas, then we could go to the mall, or something. Brooke, you're going to come aren't you?"

"I, um…I have to be home by seven again, so as long as we're done by then that should be fine."

"We'll certainly be done by then. You're going to love our grandparents and our aunts and uncles; they're hilarious, especially Uncle Emmett."

Brooke glanced up at me through the curtain of hair she'd obtained as I set. I stood, not wanting to be at the table any longer. This is just too goddamn confusing. Why can't she even look at me normally? She goes to such measures as to hide herself behind her hair so she doesn't have to look me in the eye, for what? I mean I know I'm not that fucking easy to love and I know I have an anger problem, and I certainly know that I swear entirely too fucking much, but honestly…she could at least fucking look me in the eyes.

"Emp, where are you going?" Elise called out behind me.

"To school, see you there." I was dressed already, so my leave was easy. My mother ungrounded me yesterday so I knew then that it was safe to bring my car back into the state, I left last night to get it so today I could drive it to school. I thought that if Brooke and I could at least say 'hello' to each other then I would offer her a ride to school, but seeming as she can't even look me in the face I think it's safe to say I was entitled not to offer such a luxury.

I drove to school silently, that's without music, without me humming or whistling, it was just silent and I liked it. Noise is a distraction from thinking and thinking is about the only thing I need to do. The first thing I've come to terms with is that I'm not one of those pussy ass mommy boys; I don't do those fucking doubt questions, those woulda-coulda-shouldas and bullshit like that. I will be talking to Brooke today and I will find out what the Fuck her problem with me is, before lunch and if I can't speak to her, if she runs like I think she will, then fuck the imprint bind, I can be her friend just as easily as I could 'love' her.

Brooke Connelly

He left. He stood from his seat without a second thought and left. It hurt, but I don't see why I should cry over it, especially when I've been avoiding him like an unwanted STD. But what else am I supposed to do? I've only known him for about a week, not even and all I can think about is him; what's he doing, where is he at this very minute, who is he with? Those are the questions that hunt me on a daily basis since the moment I met him.

Ephraim Black is my every thought, movement, and wish, but look at me, little miss plain Jane. Little miss no one will ever love you; miss you're the ugliest thing alive and you'll die before anyone ever tells you they love you. She pretty much covered every inch in the, 'bring your kids self-esteem down' handbook. But she's right, Ephraim Black deserves so much more then me; he deserves beauty and strength, completion. He doesn't need someone who would only bring him down, someone not worthy of his beautiful aura, he doesn't need me.

Elise drove us to school minutes after Ephraim left the house. She told me that it would be okay once I talked to him. Yeah, she knows what I've been feeling about him and all I have to say is that your guess is as good as mine on the matter of how she knows. She just knew, with out a word from either me or Ephraim, the unknown object of my affection. I'm happy she's okay about my feelings towards her brother, most girls would be angry, but Elise was too thrilled. She wasn't too thrilled when I told her that I wouldn't do anything about it, though. She insisted that I did, but I insisted and insisted once over that I didn't. She wasn't happy, but she let it go.

First period ended quickly, and second period followed just as swiftly, thanks to Elise. I was in deep thought as I walked the halls to my third period, bumping into people, shoving people, even tripping people, accidently of course, yet I still managed to avoid the one person I could hardly wait to see when he wasn't near me. Things were just so chaotic when he wasn't around and there's no way for me to explain that. It's scary how I have no control of my feelings around him, or about him. It's unsettling not to have control over the only thing you have left that is actually yours.

Third period started up great, Mrs. Newcomb went on about estimations like they were the best thing in the world and I listen like my life depended on it. Math was safe, a time and brain consuming subject. It didn't give you the empty space to think like most of our subjects did. You had to listen and move your brain and so I did. Not once did I think about my obsession with Ephraim, but math class can only carry on for so long before it's time to go.

As soon as I walked out of the class I was pulled by the shoulder and led away from the crowded halls to a small space under the nearest stairway. I didn't try to fight the hand, because instantly I knew who it was and I didn't want him to let go, even if my arms were stinging from my most recent punishment. All that matters is that he's touching me. He shoved me against the wall, his hands coming up on both sides of my head and his face turned towards the crowded halls to see if anyone was paying attention to us, of course a few girls were, but Ephraim told them to 'fuck off'; they ran away.

"Why have you been avoiding me?" he asked bluntly, his voice guarded.

"I haven't." I lied.

He huffed, annoyed and moved closer to me, I don't think he even noticed the centimeter, or five he took forwards. "You're a good liar, but I know for a fact that you have been. Why? Did I do something wrong to you? Is it my shity mouth, or do you just like making people think they're insignificant to you?" What, him insignificant? That's the very blackest kind of blasphemy.

"No," I whispered desperately.

"Then why?" He asked brusquely. "you can hang out with everyone else, my sisters, my brother, but me, no fucking way. What's your problem with me?"

"I just…I-" I spluttered. I fucking spluttered.

"You just, you just, you just what Brooke? Tell me, because I don't fucking understand."

"I just can't be your friend." I blurted out, before I forcibly removed his hand from beside my head and pushed him away. I ran away from him, my breathing erratic, my heart aching. He looked so angry and hurt that I just panicked and blurted out the first thing that would certainly keep him away from me, I can't bring him down to my level. I can't stain him.

Thirty minutes later I made my way to the lunch room, knowing it was pointless since lunch would be over shortly. I just didn't want Elise nor Sara to worry about me being absent for so long. Those two girls can panic, trust me.

I walked into the lunch room and was instantaneously hit with dread; Ephraim, the same Ephraim that not thirty minutes ago was in the hallway talking to me was now wrapped up in the center of a slut sandwich. To his left was Ashlee Berks, a girl known around school for her odd positions in bed, and to his right was Becca Potter, the schools blowjob expert. You have got to be kidding me; he can do so much better then any of those sluts. What is he thinking?

My approach seemed to spark appreciation from Elise and Sara, even Anthony seemed better now that I was here. I just smiled timidly and took a seat next to Elise. Unfortunately that was across from Ephraim and his whores. I wasn't settled for a good minute before Elise got on me.

"Where were you, we were worried?" She asked motherly. I almost laughed at the loving tone of her voice. Elise was so genuinely sweet, too sweet, especially to someone like me.

"I was in the bathroom. I didn't feel too good." There was an indignant snort from across the table that made me look up, only to meet Ephraim's orbs, he looked as if he were staring at me, but I just knew he wasn't. He was staring through me, as if I just didn't exist. "Is there something funny about being sick?" I asked, my eyes leaving his and landing on blowjob Becca.

"Whatever." She murmured. I shook my head, my temper flaring. I wasn't a malicious person, I know how it feels to be beaten for no moral reason, and I wasn't about to raise my fist to anyone, but maybe, just maybe blowjob Becca can be an exception to that promise. "So, what's your name newbie?"

"Connelly." I answered simply. I wasn't for conversation with the likes of her.

"And your first name?" She asked with irritation.

"Isn't important, so please stop asking."

"You're a bitch." She stated as if it was a fact.

"And you're a slut." Sara yelled back. "Don't talk shit about my family you stupid skank, now get the fuck up from our table." She ordered.

"No, Ephraim invited us here, so until he tells us to leave were staying." Everyone looked at Ephraim expectantly, but he just continued to stair through me. I looked back, my mind finding the courage to demand my eyes not look away. He looked so dead, though he very much lived. His eyes were missing their familiar depths that I had grown completely attached to. He looked...hallow.

As that thought passed through my mind something completely stupid, yet selfishly amazing happened. In one swift movement Ephraim was out of his seat, grabbing my forearms, pulling me gently across the table and smashing his mouth to mine. Without a second thought my inexperienced lips were moving with his. The pain, the passion, the confusion, the lost and gain, the anxiety, the new feelings that were suddenly making themselves known, all emotions surged through that kiss, but the one that stopped my heart; the one both of us were feeling at the exact same moment, the one I will never forget, is the reason I pulled him to me, need.

One simple word yet it held so much truth. I do need him, and since he embraced and initiated this kiss, I think it's safe to say that he needs me to. For what, I'm not entirely sure about, but he does need me, that much is clear. Oh god, Kimberly is going to kill me. She's going to kill me, then bring me back to taunt me even more.

I pulled myself away from Ephraim and ran for the doors. I noticed that the cafeteria was eerily silent as I ran, but I couldn't care less. What was I thinking? What was he thinking? As if he could ever really want me.

"Would you stop running from me!" I stopped abruptly, my frame shaking a tad bit. What does he want, now? "Why the hell wouldn't I want you, Brooke? Goddamn it!" He shouted, making me turn around. We were outside, away from the watching eyes and nosy gossipers. "Why did you run from me? Why would you kiss me back and then run? Tell me." He demanded.

"You kissed me first." He stated.

"You could have pushed me off." He said matter of fact. "But you didn't. Instead you pulled me to you, why? I need to know why?"

"Why did you kiss me?"

"Are you seriously going to avoid my question?" He asked and when I didn't respond he just continued. "Fuck this, it's juvenile to play these kinds of games and I'm tired of it. You've been avoiding me, like I've been avoiding you. You don't want to be my 'friend'," he emphasized the word. "Because you obviously want to be more, yet you run from me. What the fuck is the running about, Brooke? Can't you see that I want to be with you as well? Can't you see the way I look at you-when ever I get to see you- the way I feel so much better when you're around? Or how about my family, they all love you and want you around, yet you run from us. Why do you fucking run, Brooke?"

"Because," I whispered. "According to her, I'm stupid, I'm useless, I can't do anything right. According to her, I'm difficult, hard to please, forever changing my mind. According to her, I'm ugly and not deserving of anything. She would kill me if she knew you existed for me. I guess I just don't want to die Ephraim. God Ephraim, I love your family, I love you, but she would never let me have you and I can't hurt-" he would never know the ending of that sentence because in that short second his lips were on mine once again and I was pulling him to me.(AN)

"You're none of those things that bitch has told you, god Brooke. Brooke, you're beautiful, incredible. I can't get you out of my head. You're funny, irresistible. Everything I've ever wanted." He took a deep breath, and leaned his forehead to mine. "Tell me what I got to do to keep you Brooke, and I'll do it, I have nothing to lose, but you, and I can't do that. So tell me." He said, his voice two notes from being a beg. (AN)

"She can't ever know Ephraim." I whispered.

"Fine, she doesn't have to know about me yet, but she ever lay another finger on you and I will kill her." I froze, not from his threat, but from his knowledge.

"How do you know about that?" I asked, concealing the surprise in my voice. No one knows about that. The first time I went to his house, I almost let it slip, but I've hidden it well since then.

"I have my ways of knowing everything, Brooke. I know she hits you and it pisses me off. Every time I see you walk differently, or flinch, or wince I want to kill her. I know 'her' is your step mom and I know your father have no idea what's going on. Why won't you tell someone, get help?"

"I can't." I whispered sadly, not even bothering to cover this mess up.

"Why not?" He demanded his voice acid.

"Because she'll take my father away from me and I can't let that happen, he's all I have left Ephraim. Because she said she'd kill me, like she killed my mother."


AN: those two paragraphs are taken and dissected from the song 'According To You by Orianthi. That song will be in the next chapter, thanks to the book Brooke...I hoped you liked the chapter…