A/N: IMPORTANT! :Is anyone here who lives in America and goes to College there? If yes, please kindly contact me. I have a few questions to ask you, and it is for really important reasons! I'll tell you that! So please message me! Thanks.
And hey! So here is Chapter 37. Huh, it was a hard one to write, but from now on, the chapters are going to be L-E-N-G-T-H-Y. Like seriously, because I have so much to get in a chapter, and I think that the story will end by Chapter 50 or 55 considering the lengths now. So Yay!
Thank you for all the follows and Reviews! Keep 'em Comin'! :D
Well here it goes…(Don't hate Jacob too much…or do hate him)
Chapter 37:
"You want me to what, Emily?" I said groggily.
"You are still sleeping? It's ten o'clock." She said and I yawned. I am just tired.
"Oh… um...yeah. Wait, what? It's ten? That's kind of early on a holiday." I said getting up from the bed.
"There are some bags, full of snacks and beverages at Billy's home. Can you please bring them with you when you come?" She asked.
"Jacob lives in that house." I said rubbing my eyes.
"I know, but he was patrolling till two in the morning, he is sleeping I think." She said and I sighed. I wanted to ask her why can't other guys get it, but I decided against it. She might feel like I don't want to help.
"Yeah, um okay. I'll get those. When you want me there?" I asked.
"Well, there is still a whole to prepare, Urgh, when can you come?" She asked. Emily works so much; I have to help her this time.
"I'll be there in an hour, okay?" I asked and I heard her relieved sigh.
"Thanks see you in an hour then." She said and I hung up.
I throw the phone on the bed and then clutched my hairs.
"So much work to do." I said to myself. Then I pulled myself together and went to take a shower. I had plans to sleep at least till noon, but well, I can't let Emily do all the work alone.
After taking shower for at least fifteen minutes, I came out with a towel wrapped around me and stood in my closet.
"What to wear? What to wear?" I mumbled to myself, looking at the crowd of clothes in front of me.
I really don't want to wear a dress. I will be working all day, and it will get spoiled. I pulled out black tight jeans, a white tank top and a red checked shirt.
I got ready and let my hairs flow freely. I took the rubber band with me, to tie them later.
I applied a little mascara and eye liner. And then went down the stairs.
"Yo! Dad" I said plopping down on the couch.
"They invited you to the bonfire?" he asked switching channels.
"Yup, they do." I said.
"That's weird." He said still looking ahead.
"Why so?" I asked.
"You see, bonfire is kind of a tribal thing. Outsiders are not allowed, so it seems kind of weird that they invited you." He said and I made an 'o'.
"Well, Billy says that I am family, maybe that's why he invited me." I said.
Dad shook his head. "He is one of my best friends, yet he never invited me or your mother to one of those. But still whatever it is, I think it's good. I have heard that Billy is an amazing story teller; they have their legends an all. Enjoy and be at your best behaviour."
"As if you need to tell me that. You know, I am good kid." I said getting up and searching the fridge for food.
"Yeah, you are the best. Oh, someone's going to visit us soon." He said and I came out of the kitchen to glare at him.
"Someone who?" I asked taking a bite of the apple and then putting it down.
"Just someones" he said shrugging his shoulders, I hate it. Someones? Is that even a word? Now there is more than one person coming. Just great! Note the sarcasm please.
He never tells me who is coming. And then I get surprised, like literally eyes bulging out of my socket kind of surprising.
"Is it someones I know?" I asked him.
"Maybe" he said still looking on the screen, I rolled my eyes. No need to waste my time here, he is not going to tell me anyway.
But I really don't want anyone to stay here, with the fight coming and all.
"Hey Kodo" I said opening up the back door. He was playing in the basketball court. The weather was nice. Not too cold nor too hot, just moderate.
All along the morning, something is bothering me. Usually I get a feeling if something is going to happen, but today is different.
It's like, it is all blank. I am feeling nothing. Like, null, or whatever. It's weird. I just hope, nothing bad happens today, I am in a good mood, kind of.
"Can you run to Emily's house?" I asked Kodo, walking over to him.
He looked at me, glaring. I sometimes think if he too is a human in disguise. I know it's absurd, but still.
"Come on, I'll be there in half an hour. You can keep an eye on boys till then?" I said hopeful. He just ran to me, his front paws on my waist and his head reached my neck. He has grown. Way too much for my liking.
He started licking me.
"You're growing." I almost whispered. "No!" I screeched.
"Having being a mother attack?" my dad asked leaning against the back door. I wanted to glare at him but I just sat down with Kodo.
"Dad, he is growing so much! He is getting big! In less than few months, he'll be so big!" I said in panicked voice.
"Welcome to reality." He said and this time I glared at him. "Come on kiddo, you can't actually be mad about this. It's the nature's law." He said putting his hands up in the air and looking at the sky for more effect and I sighed. He is right.
"It's weird to see him get so big." I muttered.
"Wait till you have your own children." He said and then realisation dawned upon him. "No, there is still a lot of time for that. Like maybe thirty more years or something. Till then don't worry." It was now his turn to get panicky.
I laughed.
"We both are on the same page, Dad." I said getting up. "Come on K, run to Emily's, I'll meet you there." I said and he didn't even budge.
"Looks like he wants to stay with me today, huh?" Dad said and I rolled my eyes.
"Fine whatever, stay!" I said and started to walk.
"You going?" he asked and I nodded.
"Yeah" I said and I noticed his expression. We haven't been spending lot of time together lately, and I hated it. "Hey dad, how about we go to dinner at some fancy restaurant tomorrow?" I asked and he smiled at me.
"Gladly" he said and I kissed his cheek while passing him by.
"Bye" I said and then took my car eyes, and drive to the Black's.
I really don't want to see Jacob. I hope I just don't run into him.
I swiftly parked my car outside the Black's house. I sighed and then walked up to the door.
I knocked the door, but as soon as my fist touched the door, it slid open.
"Cool way to let the burglars in." I muttered rolling my eyes and walked in the corridor. Jacob's bedroom door was open and he was lying on the bed, on his stomach. His legs were hanging off the bed and his breathing was deep.
He was too big for his small bed.
I leaned on his bedroom door, crossing my arms over my abdomen, and keep looking at him. He shifted a little; I wonder what he is dreaming about.
I looked at his face; the sunlight through the window was falling on his face, making his face glow. My heart was beating furiously in my chest; it always does whenever I am near him.
I walked quietly, to his bed side and kneeled to his side. There was a small smile lingering on my lips. Jacob grunted something in his sleep.
I looked at the little sweat beads forming on his head. Unknowingly, I caressed his cheek, and he smiled a little. The touch ran down small shivers throughout my body.
How can anyone look so beautiful, even while sleeping? How can he look so at peace? I just can't stay mad at him, not even if I try my hardest. By just looking at him, my heart betrays me; like it always belonged to him in the first place. No one has ever hurt me more than him, yet I find my calm near him. All it needs is to look in his eyes.
And then Bang, I melt. I love his every not-so-funny joke, his overprotectiveness, I love it all.
I love him.
There, I said it, to myself, that yes I do love him.
I always thought that when I'll admit it to myself, it will be something fancy, but this place changed me. I never thought that I will ever admit my love here, in this small house, sitting in this small room, and looking at the beautiful sleeping man, that I love.
I never knew that I will ever be able to feel such a force in my life. This realisation hit me hard. All this time I kept telling myself that I can't love him, and yet here I am, admitting it to my heart, to myself.
I wiped away my tears, the happy tears maybe. I sighed softly and then I lightly pressed my lips to his cheek and then got up to go out. A knot was forming in my heart. I quickly grabbed the bags and went straight out of the door. I placed the bags in the back and seated myself.
I gripped the steering wheel tightly in my hands trying to drink in my tears. I started the cars and drove away, away from the guy, whom I love.
I hastily stopped the car in front of the house, the cars tyres making a screeching noise. I gathered myself; no one can see the look in my eyes, no one.
"I am here" I said entering the house.
"You should really drive a bit slower." Emily said coming out of the kitchen, wearing her apron.
"It's not like I am going to die with a little speed." I said and then looked at Emily to realise my not so wise choice of words. "Sorry. But I like a little speed, it burns of my adrenaline." I said and she just motioned to the stoves.
"I have made chicken and bacons. But still a lot of things are yet to be made." She said and I nodded.
"You always do this alone?" I asked her and she shook her head.
"Nah, I usually start early because I have to make so much, Sue came by later to help me and sometimes Leah too. I restrain Joe from helping because she spends the day at hospital working, that woman needs a break." She said and I smiled.
"Well let's get started then." I said and went to wash my hairs.
"Are you okay?" Emily asked when I was tying up my hairs into a messy bun.
"I am fine." I said without looking at her.
"It's Jacob, isn't it?" she asked and I smiled a bit.
"It's that obvious?" I asked wearing my apron; I don't know why I didn't deny her. It was like even if I did, she would catch me lying in a blink.
"It's in your eyes." she asked and I went still for a moment, but then I avoided looking at her. I sensed her grabbing my arm and slightly turning me around. "It's okay if you don't want to tell, but please Elena, be patient with him. Listen to him." She said but it was more like she was pleading. Is there something going on?
I just nodded my head at her and then turned around to boil some potatoes. I really don't want to talk about it. After an hour later, we prepared mash potatoes and hot dogs. It was taking so much time, because we have to prepare food for nearly a dozen people, and it was a difficult task since the boys eat so much.
I was making the batter for cookies. I was getting angry by cooking for such a long time. The guys entered the house.
"Just great, now these goofballs are here to eat our brains." I muttered.
"We heard that!" Paul shouted.
"Awesome." I said without any enthusiasm.
Embry and Paul entered the kitchen area and started laughing.
"Is there a joke printed on my face?" I snapped at them and they laughed harder.
"Your face Elena!" Embry said and just then Jacob entered. He had an amusing smile on his face. It melted me. He caught my eyes, there was something in his eyes, sadness maybe, I don't know.
"What?" I grumbled.
"Just a little flour and bit of chocolate on your face, nothing much." Jacob said and I sighed, it's nothing to laugh about.
"You should make them work, Emily. They just laugh all day." I muttered.
"Excuse me lady, we run around the whole area, for your safety okay." Paul defending themselves, and Embry nodded.
"A little cooking isn't going to hurt you." I said pulling away the hair strands from my face.
"They will burn down my kitchen Elena. I am fine doing all the work then to let them destroy my kitchen." Emily and I smiled at him.
"We are not that bad." Jacob said sitting on a chair. I looked at him and he smiled at me.
"The cookies will be ready in a few, Em." I said placing the cookies in the oven.
"Thanks Elena, you helped so much today!" Emily said gratefully.
"Don't bother with thanking Em, I love helping you." I said and she smiled at me.
"I brought some chips, fries and burgers." A middle aged woman said coming to us.
I instantly recognised her, Sue. Leah and Seth resembled her so much.
"Thank you Sue. This is Elena." Emily said introducing us. Her eyes snapped to mine and a warm smile appeared on her face. It was like she was really happy to see me.
"Ah, Elena dear." She said and came to give me hug. I hugged her back; the people here at La Push are touchy, in a good way.
"Such a beauty" she whispered and I blushed a little, and it is so not me. She was complimenting me like this in front of everyone. Jacob had a wide smile on his face.
"She is, isn't she?" Paul said winking at me. I rolled my eyes at him.
"It's nice meeting you Sue. I can see where Leah and Seth got their looks from." I said and she smiled at me.
"I've heard you and Leah are good friends and Seth won't shut up about you." She said and I nodded at her. I placed my hands on my jeans back pocket.
"I am just gonna go and wash up my face." I said excusing myself.
"Nice look, Elena" Quil commented while I passed the living room, I picked up the cushion and throw it at him.
I went to bathroom and placed my hand on the counter, looking at myself in the mirror. Sure, there was flour and what not on my face, I turned on the faucet and then splashed it on my face, rubbing it gently.
"All done?" Sam asked as I walked down the stairs.
"Yup, all ready" I said patting him lightly on the back. "What time is it anyway?" I asked glancing around.
"It's four thirty." Embry answered and I stood stunned.
"Its four thirty already? Whoa, I have been working for that long?" I asked and Emily smiled at me warmly.
"You have worked hard; the boys are having a hard time getting their hands off of the food." She said and I angrily looked at everyone.
"Don't even dare take a single bite of food you guys." I said glaring at everyone.
"Sure babes" Paul said and I cocked my brows at him.
"Babe? Seriously? I hate that word Paul, it's disgusting." I said throwing him a dirty glance.
The guys laughed at him.
"You totally have him in control, Ellie" Joe said entering the house.
"Like hell she has." Paul said rolling his eyes and I smirked.
"Really Paul? You really are going to fight me on this?" I said and he just sighed.
"Well whatever" He said and come to stand beside me. And then in a flash he was picking me up in his arms and I let out a shriek.
"Now who is in whose control huh?" Paul laughed and I smacked his arm again and again.
"Put me down now!" I said hitting him.
"Nope" he said and twirled me around.
"You'll regret it Paul" I said in a deadly tone and he cocked his brows at me.
"Oh yeah?" He asked smirking. I looked around and saw a jug full of water kept at the table, an idea struck my mind.
"So yeah" I said and then pulled out the water from the jug by the swish of my hand and then directed it straight at Paul's face. The water hit Paul's face with full force. At that moment, I jumped off of him and then again gathered the water with the swish of my hand, and again made it hit Paul in the face.
Paul groaned.
"Now who is in whose control, Pauly?" I said laughing. I am getting really good at this. I looked around to see everyone looking at me with surprised expression, especially Joe and Sue.
"She's cool, isn't she?" Jacob said and Joe and Sue nodded dumbly. I just rolled my eyes, and then patted Paul on the cheek.
"Who's the Daddy?" I asked trying really hard to not laugh. He glared at me. I blew a kiss at him and then went in the kitchen, leaving a very drenched Paul.
"Come on, hurry up!" Emily said to the guys. We were now packing up all the foods and then putting them into cars or trucks. Huh, there is just so much food.
"Yeah, hurry up, slowies!" I said sitting contently at the porch.
"Why don't you help a bit?" Embry said glaring at me.
"I did my share sweetie. Now it's your turns. And Paul, I can carry that faster than you." I said looking at Paul who was ready to murder me.
"It's easier to say." He grumbled and I rolled my eyes at him.
"Emily, come sit here." I said to Emily who was packing the hotdogs. "We've done enough already, Sam can do that." I said to her but she looked reluctant to let go. I walked up to her.
"You are working from early morning Em, you've done enough. The guys can do this." I said softly to her.
"But there is so much." She argued.
"And they are strong enough to do all this, and the good thing is that it doesn't even require that much brain. They'll be fine." I said.
"I heard that" Jared said.
"Good." I said to him.
Emily was about to say something else, but I stopped.
"You are not a slave Em" I said and she looked at me surprise. "You are not doing this, we are gonna go and gonna get you ready, and we'll leave. They can do this."
"She's right Em, you've done enough." Sam said coming to stand by her side and lightly kissing her forehead. I smiled at them, they are just so…perfect.
I left them together and went to sit on the porch. I was just looking here and there when I saw Jacob with …Paul?
They were talking in hushed voices. Jacob was doing most of the talking and Paul was standing still, looking at him with deadly expression. What is going on?
Then Paul started to shake, I kept sitting. Jacob was trying to make him understand something but Paul just wasn't listening. They are so angry but still they didn't raise their voice. I wasn't able to hear anything, if I wanted I could've walked to them and asked, but it was like, I don't want to know what they are talking about.
Other guys had a knowing expression on their faces, they were full of…guilt? What is going on?
I turned to look at Sam and he was looking at me. His eyes were fixed on me. Like he was trying to search something in me.
"We are leaving Elena." I snapped my head to a very angry Paul standing in front of me.
"What?" I asked confused.
"We are leaving, we'll go to Port Angeles, maybe, come on." He said stretching out his hand to me.
"There is a bonfire Paul, we will go some other day." I said quietly standing up. He was trying hard not to shake. What has gotten into him?
"No, we will go now." He took my hand.
"Paul" Sam said coming to us. "Leave her" he said.
"Don't come in between this Sam." Paul warned Sam. Something is not right.
"You are not taking her anywhere." Sam said in a firm voice.
"Hell I am!" He said and then started walking taking me with him.
"I order you not to take her anywhere." Sam's booming voice, stooped Paul dead in the tracks. Emily was by my side in a moment.
"Come on, we'll get ready." She said to me softly while Paul gave Sam a murderous glare.
"You'll regret this." Paul whispered looking at Sam.
"Hey, hey" I said to Paul taking his face in my hands. "It's okay Paul, don't get too worked up." I smiled at him. Whatever it is, Paul is really getting worked up about this, and I can't see him like this.
He looked at me for a long time, and then placed his hand on the top of mine. There was pain in his eyes. What is going on? Why is he like this? He softly kissed my forehead and I think I heard him mumble 'I am sorry' but I am not too sure.
"I'll meet you there." He said and then turned around to walk away. Jacob was standing at a distance, looking at me. We looked at each other for few seconds and then he left.
"Come on Em, I'll get you ready." I said and then walked her inside.
"Who are going to be there?" I asked Emily and Sam. We are going to the cliffs. I decided to come with them, because everybody else already left.
"Old Quil, Billy, Sue, and few other council members will be there." Emily said and I nodded slowly. "Don't worry, they'll love you." She said and I wasn't so sure about it. I was still in my clothes from morning.
Emily was wearing a cream coloured frock, I let her hair loose, and she was looking beautiful. It really doesn't matter that there is a scar running down her face, she has this glow on her, so radiant, which makes her more beautiful. I can't help but thinking that, that glow is the love she has for Sam. She is always so happy whenever she is with him, it's magical.
"Um, not to be rude or anything but this is a tribal thing right? Then why are you letting me come along? Isn't that against the rules or something?" I asked to both of them, I saw a flicker of sadness in Emily's eyes but it was soon gone.
"You are family Elena, you are ought to be here." Sam said giving me a little smile.
"Yes you are, don't you see how much we love you? You are important." Emily said and I smiled warmly at this. Family. It's feels nice to hear this.
Soon we reached our destination. All three of us got down from the car and Sam and I went in the back to pick up the food.
"Just go Em, we'll bring it there" I said to Emily who was trying to help us lift.
"I am okay." She said.
"You'll ruin your dress, and I am stronger than you, so please." I said and she just rolled her eyes and went away.
"Thank you." Sam said to me as we started walking towards the gathering.
"For?" I asked still looking ahead.
"For her, you've really helped her today Elena, she is really happy to have you." Sam said sincerely and I looked at him, he was genuinely thankful.
"Come on, you said so yourself, we are family. We look out for each other." I said and he nodded at me.
"You are a nice person Elena." He said and I smiled.
"Nicer than Emily?" I pulled his leg, he thought for a while.
"Nah, not more than her." He said.
"Thought so" I said and we both chuckled at that. I just shook my head and then we reached the huge table which had like so much food on it.
"Whoa, are we feeding an army?" I commented placing down my container of mashed potatoes on the corner.
"Can say that" Sue said arranging the fruit salad.
"Hey Ellie" Embry said hugging me from behind.
"Hello Mister" I said hitting him lightly with my elbow.
"Yumm…the smell is so amazing! You are a good cook Ellie." He said.
"All credit goes to Emily." I said and he smiled at me.
"Come on, let's go sit over there." He said taking me to a log.
Seth, Leah and Paul were there too. Paul was standing pretty far away from everyone, alone. I wanted to go ask him what's bothering him but I decided to let him have some time alone.
"Hey girl" Leah said to me hugging.
"Didn't know you were the touching type Leah." Embry said and Leah and I both shot him a look.
"God, you girls are scary" he said and started talking to Seth. Jacob is here.
I don't know how, but I just know he is here. I turned around, and there he was.
And Bella.
Emily came to stand by me.
"I am as important as her? I feel so extraordinary." I said coldly and Emily looked with sadness at me. I didn't mean to say this to her.
"You know what, forget it. It's your thing, bring whoever you want." I said and then went away.
"He shouldn't have brought her here." Sam said. I looked up at him.
"You should know he works as he wishes." I said. God, I am really getting worked up about all this. For once, I thought that maybe I am special; maybe I am really close to the tribe but no. Bella is as important to them as me, god it even feels so insulting.
"Come on, let's meet the Elders." Sam said and I was suddenly nervous.
"The Elders?" I asked him a bit in shock. He smiled at me.
"Don't worry Elena, they'll love you." He said and it wasn't much convincing.
"O-Okay." I stuttered. Sam took my hand and we walked by the fire.
Billy was in his wheelchair, and by his side, there was an old man sitting, a bit older than Billy to be precise, with hairs longer than Billy and wearing round glasses.
"Ah Elena!" Billy said as he saw me coming and I smiled at him. Sue was sitting by his side.
"Billy" I said as I walked up to him and lightly kissed his forehead. "How have you been old man?" I asked him.
"Same Old, Same old." He said we chuckled.
"Nice hat, old man." I complemented the black hat he was wearing.
"Elena, this is Old Quil." Sam said nodding at the old man sitting on the left of Billy.
I bowed down my head slightly and then pulled out my hand, he took it.
"I am Elena Anderson; it's really nice to meet you Sir." I said to him and he smiled at me.
"I've heard about you a lot." He said and I looked at him surprised.
"I hope it's all good things." I said.
"Believe me it's all good thing." Billy said winking at me and I shook my head at him.
"So where are you from Miss Anderson?" Old Quil asked.
"Call me Elena. I am from London." I said and he nodded his head. I sat down on my knees, near Billy my hands on his knees.
"Having a nice time here?" Old Quil asked.
"Yes actually, people here are amazing." Except Bella. I thought.
"Hey dad" Jacob said coming to stand in front of us, with Bella on his side.
"Jacob" Billy said "And Bella" he looked at her giving her a small smile which she returned. He was looking at Jacob with some disappointment in his eyes, yeah I totally understand that.
"Old Quil" Jacob nodded looking at him. "This is Bella."
"What she is doing here?" Old Quil asked Jacob in not so polite manner.
"I invited her." He said.
"You know this is a tribal-"I cut him off.
"It's okay sir, I am here too, she is his friend. Let her be." I said and Old Quil looked at me with something in his eyes which wasn't able to comprehend.
I then stood up. "I am gonna go and check on everything, see you later." I said and started walking.
Jacob grabbed my hand while I was passing him.
"What?" I said to him, trying very hard not to think that how beautiful he was looking. The slight radiant of the fire nearby dancing on his face, was making him look more beautiful than ever. I flash of morning ran in my head, and I was going weak in my eyes. Being near him is too much. I just can't control myself near him.
I tried to struggle out of his grip but he wasn't budging. I can feel everyone's eyes on me.
"I have to talk to you." He said slowly.
"I am listening." I said. Be rude to him Elena, maybe then you'll be able to hide your true feelings.
I was trying so hard not to go and touch his face, so hard.
"Not now, later." He said and then let my hands free.
I saw Bella behind him.
"At your convenience" I said and then walked away. I saw Paul and Leah at a distance talking to each other. What is going on? Leah seemed angry. Then she turned in my direction and then walked to me. Her expression pained when she reached me.
"Are you okay?" I asked her.
"Look Elena, whatever happens, we'll be friends right?" she asked me and her question took me by surprise.
"Why are you asking all this?" I asked her, she firmly placed her hands on my shoulders.
"Tell me Elena, we'll be friends right? I can't lose you too." She said and for the first time I actually saw that how much our friendship meant to her.
"You won't." I said shaking my head. "You won't lose me Leah, whatever happens, we'll be friends okay? I promise." I said smiling at her and she seemed a bit relieved at it.
"Come on, let's eat." Emily said and the guys rushed to table.
"Boys, let girls have their plates full first." Sue said and the boys groaned. All the female population filled up their plates. I took two plates for Billy and Old Quil, they thanked me. And then I took my plate and sat with Embry.
"Oh god, it's so yummy." Embry said taking every bite. His plate was overflowing; actually every guy's plate was overflowing.
"It's really nice." Quil said plopping down beside me.
"Hey where is Jared?" I asked.
"He went out with Kim." Embry said and I nodded.
"He could've brought her here." I said and Quil nodded.
"Well I really don't know how his brain works." Embry said and we all laughed.
"You have so little on your plate Elena, how come?" Quil said looking at my plate.
"I don't know, I am not really feeling hungry, and that is so not me." I said confusingly. But I seriously wasn't hungry today.
"Um…are you going through that time of the month?" Quil asked shamelessly and I hit him with my fries.
"Ewe… Quil, no, definitely not." I screeched hitting him with my hands. "You know, I actually lost my appetite." I said to him. He just laughed like crazy. Embry was looking a bit embarrassed. I too was red in the face.
The guys finished their plates and soon there was no food left on the table.
"Wow, I thought something would left of all that food." I said looking at the table, which only has some crumbling pieces left behind.
"We have that tendency to surprise." Quil said kissing my cheeks.
"You should really stay away from Quil." I warned him jokingly and he laughed and went away.
"It's time for the legends." Seth said excitedly and told us to take our seats.
As predicted Bella was clung to Jacob and Seth took a seat by them. Embry and Quil were sitting together with Leah in between them. Billy was in the middle by Sue and Joe on his right and Old Quil on his right. Sam and Emily were by their side.
"Come here" I turned to look at Paul who was smiling softly at me. I smiled widely at him and took his hand. We both sat on a log, I, tugged under his arm.
"Are you okay Paul?" I asked his softly and he nodded smiling at me, but it didn't reach his eyes. Before I could ask anything Billy started the legends. We were all sitting around the fire. The breeze from the water below was refreshing. It was a calm evening, a beautiful one.
Billy started speaking and I was completely soaked in his words. I was dozed off looking in the fire burning with rage in front of me. It was engulfing me in itself. It was truly magical.
"Taha Aki was a leader of the Spirit Warriors of the Quileute tribe. He forced one of the spirit warriors, Utlapa to leave the people, and never use the spirit because he was angry at him. One day, when Taha Aki left to perform his duty as he leaves his body as a spirit himself and fly to the spirit world. Taka Aki figured that Utlapa followed him, and found out about Utlapa's murderous plan." Billy said and I intently looked at him.
"He tried to race back to his body, but realized that it was gone. Taha Aki followed his body down the mountain, but Utlapa managed to get into it first. Taka Aki watched with despair as Utlapa took his place as chief to the Quileute's."
"Eventually, Taha Aki tried to destroy his body to save the tribe from Utlapa. He then summoned the Great Wolf to try and kill the body, but since Utlapa was behind many warriors, he forced the wolf away."
"Taha Aki figured that the wolf had a body and therefore a soul, so he asked the Great Wolf that he would make room in his body for his spirit and share the physical form. Granting his request, Taha Aki managed to enter to the wolf's body. He returned to his village to stop Utlapa."
"The warriors realized that the wolf was no ordinary animal and realized that it was Taha Aki inside it. Taha Aki took care of Utlapa once and for all and destroyed Utlapa's body where he left it in the woods, before entering the spirit world." Billy smiled saying it.
"Since that fateful day, Taha Aki was able to share the body of a wolf whenever he wished. He became to be known as "Taha Aki the Great Wolf" and "Taha Aki the Spirit Man"." Billy finished with a proud smile. "And that magic is running into the blood of our tribe." He said and I felt somewhat proud at the guys. I looked around to saw the expression everyone had on their faces. Pride.
"Billy tell us the story of the third wife." Sue said to Billy and Billy nodded eager to let it out. I don't know why but he looked at me first, and then started the story.
"After all that, Taha Aki then became conditionally immortal, and lived for roughly two centuries; his first two wives died of old age." He said and I was a bit star struck, immortal?
"Then he met his third wife, she was the true love of his life. He never felt that kind of pull with his previous two wives. After the third wife's son Yaha Uta killed the Cold Man, his mate, the Cold Woman, attacked the village in revenge." Billy continued with a grim expression.
"Yaha Uta attempted to stop her but was killed, leaving Taha Aki as the only spirit warrior left to defend the tribe. The Third Wife could see that he was losing the fight, and couldn't bear to see her husband die." He said and something in his words clenched my heart. I was getting a weird feeling about this.
"She took one of her younger sons' knives and stabbed herself through the heart. The scent of her blood distracted the Cold Woman long enough for Taha Aki to destroy her." He said and a deafening silence surrounded me. She killed herself, to save her love, her sons, her tribe. I was awestruck by the courage that lady held in herself.
"A number of her sons, who were enraged by her death, phased for the first time into wolves. Once the battle was won, Taha Aki lay in his wolf form by the Third Wife's body for three days, and growled ferociously at anyone who tried to touch her body. Then he vanished into the forest and was never seen or heard from again." He stopped.
Paul wiped away something from my face and I was snapped back into the reality, leaving the magical world Billy got me so hooked into. I didn't realised I was crying hearing the story of the third wife. It was just so…brave. The courage she has in her was a lesson to everyone, to me.
I can't help but feel loathe towards the cold one. She had to kill herself to save the man she loved the most. That's real sacrifice. I was quiet for a moment, trying to gather all the things inside my heart and locking it away, treasuring it.
Taha Aki lay in his wolf form for three days?
I looked at Sam and Emily and I saw the love in their eyes. Is it the same love Taha Aki had for his third wife?
Paul hugged me tightly to him.
"It was amazing Paul." I whispered and he lightly kissed my hairs.
"I know he's got some magic, doesn't he?" he asked and I nodded at him.
"You are truly magical Billy." I said to him and he nodded his head at me giving me a wide grin. I looked around to see that Bella was too completely drowned in Billy's words. I don't know why but I still wasn't feeling hatred towards the Cullen's, maybe because I know that they are not like others. I can see Bella's insecurity written on her face.
Jacob was looking at me, more like staring. He looked grim. He broke the contact and then said something to Bella.
"Elena" Paul said and I turned to look at him. He looked awesomely sad.
"What is it Paul? What's bothering you?" I asked him politely.
"You remember the time you knew we were wolves?" he asked and I smiled remembering it.
"Yeah, it seems like ages ago." I said.
"You know I was totally broken that you won't even look at me." He said with a grim voice.
"I know Paul. But look it's all okay now." I said patting his arm lightly.
"Promise me, you would never do that again. You are my only best friend." He said and I noticed desperation in his voice. I kneeled in front of him, looking him in the eyes.
"Paul, it's not going to happen, ever okay?" I said and he seemed to relax. "I don't know why you are thinking all this, but believe me, I can't stay mad at you for long and you know it. And even if something happens, like I stop talking to you, or try to kill you" we both smiled "Just give me some time okay? It'll make everything right, okay?" I asked and he gave me his wide grin.
"Stupid Paul" I said and then stood up.
"Elena" Jacob's voice rang in my ear and I turned to look at him.
"Yes?" I asked with a smile.
"Will you come with me?" he asked and I don't know why but everyone's eyes were on us.
"Huh?" I asked. He looked at me impatiently. Then he came over to me and took my hand in his.
"Come on" he said and started taking me away from everyone. I turned around to look everyone watching us with an expression unknown to me. What is going on? We walked nearby the cliff's edge, at a distance from the others.
Jacob's hand was slightly shaking, not from anger but…nervousness? What is going on?
"Hey, it's okay." I said pressing my hand into his tightly. He gave me a short smile. We talked nearby a log of wood and then sat on it. I wasn't wearing a jacket and it was quiet chilly away from the fire. All this time, Jacob's eyes were glued to me.
"So?" I asked. He was just looking at me, not saying anything.
"What do you think about the third wife's story?" he asked after a long time. I was taken aback by his question. He took me here to ask me about this? But I decided to answer anyway.
"Well, if I had to sum up in one word then I will say 'Love'." I said and he looked at me with something in his eyes.
"Love? Doesn't the courage count?" he asked and I smiled at him.
"It was the love that she had for Taha Aki which gave her the courage to dive the knife through her heart Jacob. It takes an immense force to do things like this. So courage is surely there, but it was driven by Love." I said feeling completely satisfied with my answer. His eyes roamed over me for a couple of minutes. Why is he looking at me for so long?
"Taha Aki imprinted on his third wife." He said after a long, long time.
"Huh? He what?" I asked a bit confused. He took a long breath.
"He imprinted on his third wife." He repeated again, more slowly.
"What's imprinting?" I asked him. He slowly took my hands in his; he stared at them for some time. I smiled at him softly. I love this Jacob, the one, true to his self.
"Imprinting is like…" he started but then stopped. It was like he was at a loss of words. He started again. "Imprinting is magical. It's a force, the strongest one in this supernatural world, which is connected to us wolves." He said looking me straight in the eyes. I wasn't able to look away from him; he held my eyes with his.
"Imprinting is that magic, with which we find our mate. The most compatible, the most understanding and the most trustworthy partner one can ever have. One look in her eyes and then you know she is the one." He said and then it started to sink in. The third wife was Taha Aki's true mate, his soul mate.
"That's why the he has the deepest connection with his third wife." I said and he nodded.
"Yeah, that's why." He said lowly.
"W-what happened when she died?" I asked afraid to know the answer.
"Elena, you have to know that the bond of imprinting is like millions of steel wires connecting those two people, pulling them towards each other. If one end is let loose, the other won't be able to hold it together." He said and I sucked in a breath.
"You mean to say that when the third wife died, Taha Aki died too?" I was horrified.
"There is no proof of it, but it is believed so, because third wife's death drove him mad." He said and I finally understood why Taha Aki lay by his imprintee's side for three days, not letting anyone touch her body.
Then one question rang in my head.
"Do you guys imprint too?" I asked looking at him, he seemed a bit uneasy.
"Imprinting is supposed to be rare, but by now four of us has imprinted." He said and my eyes widened; four?
"Okay, I am definitely sure that one of them is Sam and he imprinted on Emily." I said and he smiled at me.
"How did you know?" he asked.
"Duh" I said. "Can't you look at the way Sam looks at Emily? He is completely devoted to her Jacob. Even a blind man can feel the love radiating off of them." I said. I really wasn't surprised knowing Sam has imprinted on Emily, they are meant to be.
"Jared has imprinted on Kim." He said and I nodded.
"Yeah, it's understandable. Kim has crush on him since kindergarten." I said rolling my eyes. "Does it mean that imprinting just makes it easier for you to find your life partner?" I asked.
"I don't know actually. Imprinting doesn't always mean to have romantic feelings for the other." He said and I looked at him confused.
"It means that, we will protect that one person, be anything for them, what they need. A friend, a brother, a protector, or a lover. It all depends on the kind the relation you are looking for." He explained and I nodded.
"That's only two." I said.
"This one might sound a bit weird, but well, Quil imprinted on Claire." He said and I stood up.
"He what? On that kid?" I said.
"It's not like that." He said and I walked a bit closer to the edge, still pretty far away.
Then I thought this through, Jacob said that they will be anything for their imprintee's. It means that, Quil don't really have romantic feelings for Claire.
"It's amazing." I sighed out.
"What?" Jacob asked a bit surprised. I turned to look at him.
"It's amazing Jacob. Claire is a lucky girl. She has Quil, who will be always there for her, all through her life. He may be playing a role of a brother now, but as you have described it, their feelings will eventually change. Claire wouldn't have to go through so many heartbreaks to find her soul mate." I said smiling to myself. I can never imagine that little girl going through heart breaks.
Jacob stared at me for a very long time.
"You really have the tendency to find good in everything, don't you?" he asked and I shrugged my shoulders.
"The fourth one?" I asked and he just looked at me. I was trying to read his eyes. It was like he wanted to force the words out of his mouth but wasn't able to. I keep looking at him until I realized the fourth name.
Jacob.
"We should leave." I said hastily trying to get away from him. If he took me here to tell me that he has imprinted on someone, I am not listening to him.
"Elena please wait!" He said grabbing my wrist.
"I don't want to know Jacob, really." I said looking at him, pleading with my eyes.
"The fourth one is me." He said standing tall in front of me. I looked down at the ground.
God, let it be anyone but Bella. I can't imagine Bella to be a part of something so pure.
Jacob made me look up by tilting up my chin with his thumb and index finger.
"The fourth imprintee is…" I held in my breath. "You" He said and I tightly closed my eyes. No, no.
Wait
What?
"Me?" I asked looking at him with eyes wider than a saucer.
"Yeah" he said and I stepped back.
"Y-you im-imprinted…m-me?" I asked still unable to grasp the fact.
"Yes, I imprinted on you Elena." He said and I was still shocked.
For the first time since I've stepped in La Push, I felt like I actually belong here. The bubbles of happiness were bursting in me.
Just today I have confessed to myself that I love this guy standing in front me and just now he said to me that he imprinted on me.
That we are soul mates. That we are bounded by the magic of imprinting. That we are something special than the rest of the people.
I smiled like never before and hugged him with everything I have. I placed my hands tightly around his neck and smiled to his shoulders. He is mine. After everything, he belonged to me.
Everything that I felt around him, every touch, every emotion, has an explanation that we are meant to be together. The spirits chose us to be together, we complete each other.
I smiled to myself, knowing that finally my good days are here. That finally I wouldn't have to suffer any more.
That finally my prince Charming arrived. That finally, there is someone who will think of me before anything else. Who will be always there for me and that I will have a love like Sam and Emily.
I was trying really not to start crying from the happiness I am encountering, my cheeks already from smiling so much.
The wind blowing past us, made my hairs flow. I love very second of this moment, in his arms, being held by him, my Jacob.
The happiness was practically rolling off of me. I wouldn't have to cry myself to sleep now; Jacob will be there for me, always.
And forever.
"I am sorry, Elena." He said and I frowned a little, I loosened my hands from his neck and tilted my head back to look at him, the stupid grin still printed on my face. Why wasn't he happy?
"I never mean to do all this to you." He said grimly not looking at me and my smile froze on my face. What is he saying? "I never meant to drag you into all this." He said.
I looked at him for a moment and then stepped back.
The world which I just built was breaking down, brick by brick. Every hope, every happiness was leaving my body, leaving me hollow.
He never meant to DRAG me into all this?
I physically felt a huge crack running down my heart.
"You regret it." I said my voice not coming out more than a whisper. I looked down on the ground and smile darkly. "You so regret it." I said looking at anywhere but him.
"Elena it's not that, I-"Jacob started but I cut him off.
"Shut up" I said in a deadly tone.
More cracks, forming on my fragile heart.
After all this, after everything I've been through, I thought that this was my chance to be happy, but of course, someone up there in the sky just can't see me be happy, how can I forget that?
How can I be so freaking blind?
Happiness and I don't really travel in the same train.
"I am sorry, Elena. I never meant to do this, but you know we can't control it." He was pleading, but I don't even have the strength to tell him that his pleading was not really going to work right now.
"Can't control it?" I said incredulously "Then why should I pay for it?" I said demanding an answer. I shoot my head not believing this moment.
"You imprinted on me the first day of the school, didn't you?" I asked him looking at him straight in the, I don't know what he saw in them but he was a bit shock. Yeah, I am just letting out all my hate for you.
"Yes" he breathed out. "I am-"
"Just stop saying Sorry already Jacob, it's not going to change anything!" I shouted at him at last.
My heart was now fully covered with cracks.
"It's not like I regret imprinting on you Elena." He said softly. I was pacing down now. "I'll be your protector. I am your protector." He said and I gave out a dark chuckle.
"You are going to protect me from whom?" I dared him to answer that question.
"Anyone who tries to hurt you." He replied and just looked at him. He said it so simple. He makes this look so freaking simple.
"Can you protect me from yourself then?" I asked and he was taken aback by my question.
"What? Why?" he asked.
"Because at this very moment, you are the one breaking my heart Jacob, you are the one who is hurting me, tell me can you really protect me from yourself?" I asked him, my eyes turning glossy.
"Elena I-"
"You know what? I am sorry Jacob!" I shouted. "I am so, so sorry that I can't be your freaking Bella. Tell me, you wanted to imprint on her right?" I asked and his ability to not answer my question gave out everything.
"I am the one who ruined everything, didn't I?" I said looking up at the sky. A storm was building inside me, and it was getting too powerful for me to control.
"Elena" Jacob said grabbing me by my arms. "Will you just listen to me?"
"What's left there to listen? You don't want the imprint Jacob, it's a mistake." I said and his eyes widened at my words.
"We'll make everything right Elena. I'll be your best friend, your protector. We'll make it work somehow." He said I just kept looking into his eyes, trying to find something.
I found love for myself there, it was guarded by many things, but I saw a little something for me. And I don't know why, I think that it was all that I will ever have from him.
My heart broke at last.
Exploding into million little pieces.
And there was no one to pick them up and put it together again.
"You can't make things right, when all you've been doing is wrong." I said blinking away my tears. I am done here. I can't stand to look at him, and know that the guy I love regret's having me in his life. That he regrets that I am the one chosen to be his mate.
I turned away from him and wiped away my tears. My head was getting heavy; my cheeks were hurting because I was restraining myself from crying.
Hold it together Elena; you are best at doing that.
I was going through what I was afraid of most, heartbreak. I took a deep breath, which wavered. My eyes were getting heavy from controlling everything inside.
"I'll get you home." Jacob said and that hit me hard.
"Don't you dare!" I said turning to look back at him. "Don't you fucking dare!" I seethed. I just wasn't going to let him do everything he wishes. I am not going to let him behave like everything is okay, like nothing has even happened. I was way too angry and hurt to control what I speak and I definitely didn't care whether the others heard us or not, they probably know everything.
"You imprinted on me! You regret the imprint! You are the one pinning after Bella. And you are the one destroying your own life. Don't you dare say you care about me! Don't you dare fake it, Jacob." I shouted at him.
"I do care, Elena, I care a lot okay? Will stop being an obnoxious-"
I slapped him hard across the face. And a pain shot within me as I did that.
But I am not going to let him insult me as he wishes.
"Don't Jacob; just don't get so low that it will be hard for you to get back up." I said to him tears stinging my eyes. I don't want to hurt him. He sighed heavily.
"It's my fault Elena, and I know I can't apologize enough for it." He said "I don't know what I want okay?! I don't know what to choose for me!" He said dragging his hands down his face.
"Choose?" I breathe out the word. "Listen to me Jacob and listen me hard, if you have to choose between me and Bella-" his eyes snapped up to me "-then go on and choose her." I said and he looked at me incredulously. "Because I am not a fucking option!" I said through gritted teeth making sure my each and every word get imprinted in his mind. "I never was, nor am I ever going to be." I whispered the last part.
"It's not that Elena." He said more firmly this time.
"Is it not?" I asked narrowing my eyes at him. It started to rain heavily. The wind blowing furiously showing the anger it pertained.
I turned around to move away, from him but I stopped and looked back at him. He looked defeated.
"You know what Jacob?" I said over the pouring rain. "You just told me that a wolf will be anything for his mat- imprintee, right?" I asked and he just looked at me, trying to figure out the next words coming out of me. "I want you never to come near me." I forced the words out of me and he shook head.
"You know I can't do that. It'll hurt both of us." He said and I just smiled at him. "Believe me Elena when I say this, you can do everything in your power, but you won't be able to keep me away." He said and maybe he is right. And it will hurt me? It'll crush me.
"Hurt me?" I asked with a big unbelieving smile. "There is hardly anything that can hurt me anymore Jacob. How much can you actually hurt a person, whose heart is already shattered into a million pieces?" I said and for once I let him saw how hurt I was, I let him see what he was putting me through and when the realization of my words actually dawned upon him, when he actually saw how much pain I was in, when he was going to say something, I turned around and never looked back at him.
I walked away; I walked away from him, leaving the broken pieces of my heart to him, the one who broke them. And as I was walking away, I let myself cry, but I promised myself that it was the last time I let my heart broken by someone. That it was the last time I ever loved, that I was sure that my future was pretty black.
The truth hit me too hard as I walked away, my legs gave out and I fell on the drenched ground. The pain was getting too much for me to bear. I finally let myself sob, I finally let my pain out but it was stuck to me. I let my cries echoed in the woods; I let my ragged breathing become a rhythm in the vacant forest. I cried, and I cried hard, the voices escaping me.
I wonder whether the trees will think that is this how heartbreak sounds.
It's like heartbreak is all I am going to have in my life. It even hurts to breath, but still I am breathing. Because I have to keep going, no matter that I am breaking inside, no matter how much I am hurting, I just have to keep going, because that's what there is to do.
I could feel my body going numb, but I refused to let myself lie down here. I gripped the tree by my side and stood up with its support. I hastily wiped away my tears, I wiped away my pain and I locked it deep inside myself. I have still my family to care about. I can't let my dad see me like this; it'll break him, again.
Paul and Leah, they were so afraid that I'll leave them when I'll know about all this. Leah only had me, I can't let her down. And Paul, I can't put him through that pain again. I will have to build myself up again, but this time, not to be broken down.
Sometimes when your world is falling apart, you have to keep yourself together, not for yourself, but for others, because sometimes they are the one who keeps you from losing yourself, from dying.
I walked to my house and saw that the porch light was still on. I see two dark figures lurking there.
I walked to them, hoping that they would get frightened by my appearance. I wiped away the few left tears and walked a bit ahead.
"Kate?" a strong masculine voice said my name and I froze dead on my tracks.
He can't see me like this.
He cannot see me like this.
He came out to stand in front of me, with a big smile on his face. Only his smile vanished when he took in my appearance.
"Dean" I forced the words out. He had a killer look on his face.
"Elena" another voice comes from behind him and I just wanted to die right now, I cannot handle this. I just can't handle it all, it's too much.
Edgar came out of the house.
I am standing in front of my brothers.
Correction: I am standing in front of my over the top angry brothers.
The pain that flickered on Dean's face was too much for me to handle.
For how long? For how long can I stick myself together?
Sometimes, I have a right to break down.
Dean walked to me, his strides careful.
"Midget what happened?" he asked, his voice full of love and it was too much for me to bear. The tears started to flow out of my eyes. It was like; I had no control over them.
"Dean" I whispered clutching onto him. He stiffened, because he knows what was coming next. "Why me?" I said inaudibly.
"Oh dear" Edgar said shaking his head. I fell down on the ground and Dean me tightly.
"Shh..it's okay, it's okay Elena." He said soothing my hairs. I clutched his jacket tightly holding onto him for my dear life.
"We should take her inside Dean." Edgar said and that was the last I heard before I let the unconsciousness engulf me.
I don't know what time it was when I came to my senses. I was in my room. I slightly pushed myself up from the bed and looked to see Dean was by the bed, sleeping in a chair, his right hand touching mine and the other under his head. Edgar was on the other side sleeping on a single couch in my room and Kodo was by my bed side.
Kodo was up in an instant, sensing the moments. He walked to me and nuzzled me with his nose. I pet him and then lied down. He made himself comfortable near my abdomen. My heart filled with love, my family is here with me.
I closed my eyes but the sleep never came. I was trying to block Jacob from my thoughts.
I was trying to block everything. I was trying to think of anything but him. I don't know how long it was but I finally realized one thing.
No matter how much I try I just can't keep him away, it's like he is stick to me with a super glue and we just can't get away from each other.
And it makes things so much harder. Harder than anyone knows, or can witness.
I lied back down, and think about that person which led me to sleep.
Jacob.
After all this, hell would be easy to live in.
A/N: Don't hate Jacob, really. Hey, did anyone cried? I had heavy head writing about this. Did my writing was able to make you feel Elena's emotions? Or was it a little weak? Do tell me! I'll improve my writing according to it.
AND DEAN AND EDGAR! I love these brothers, just wait and see what a brother they are.
Sneak peak to next chapter (which I haven't written yet): Dean and Edgar goes up to Jacob's house (without Elena knowing), and well they create quite a drama there. I intend to write it, both humorously and well seriously. Jacob did mess up with their dearest sister.
And for Elena, she is going to be stronger. Both in normal life and as an elemental. The fight will be there in the next chapter too. (Most probably)
IMPORTANT: That College thingy above! Do contact me ASAP!