Watercolor

The next morning we called Carlisle regarding the dream about Rose. Carlisle wanted to take precaution and did not want to speak to Rose about the dream. He didn't want to give Rose hope for something that was not definite since we were still unaware of Ephraim's gift. We agreed we would wait for Ephraim to show Rose the future himself. While talking with Carlisle on the phone, my Dad overheard our conversation. His face looked apprehensive. After my call with Carlisle, I wanted to reassure my Dad that there was nothing to be concerned about.

"Dad, I wanted to tell you this morning about Ephraim and his visions. We think his other gift is giving vampires the ability to reproduce. If Aro finds out, we could be in more danger than before."

My dad was silent for a long time. I didn't know if it was fear or letting the Cullens know.

"Jacob. There's something I need to tell you. Actually, I need to show it to you."

I didn't know where he was going with this, but I followed him into his bedroom.

"Go into my closet and grab the big cardboard box in the corner. It's hidden behind my clothes."

I went around his bed and opened the closet door. I pushed his clothes to the side, and saw the cardboard box. It looked massive but was easy to lift.

"Take the box out to the living room and place it on the table."

We came out of the room and Nessie had Ephraim with her.

"What's going on, Jacob?"

"Not sure. Billy wanted me to pull out this box from his closet."

I read the label on the box and it had my Mom's name, Sarah Wilde Black. I never knew about this box, but whatever was in there, it was huge.

"What's in it, Dad?"

"Jacob. Your mother was a painter. More specifically, she loved watercolor. During her spare time, she never stopped painting. These are all her work. Open them."

I couldn't believe it. I remember my sister liked to paint too, and I knew she had picked up the skill from our Mom but I never knew she had paintings in the house. I carefully opened the box making sure it wouldn't damage any of her work. These paintings had to have been over a decade old. Some of the artworks were in cardboard tubes and a few were in frames. Several were paintings of the beaches of La Push while others were of us as kids. It brought back so much memories; I can't believe I had forgotten these times.

"Jacob, your mother was such a talented artist. She was so meticulous in capturing all the small details."

Nessie was right. All the artworks were astounding, but the largest cardboard tube drew my attention. My name was written on it with her handwriting. It raised my interest even further.

I pulled the top off and took out the painting that was rolled up. There were two sheets. The larger sheet was the painting and a smaller sheet looked to be a sealed letter. Nessie and I unraveled the painting and when we both saw the painting; we both had the same emotional shock. I couldn't hold back the tears. How was this possible? I fell onto my knees and Nessie tried to comfort me. We both stared at the painting as if it was a mirror image.

The watercolor painting was clear. It was Nessie, Ephraim and me. The resemblance was uncanny. My Mom knew about Nessie and Ephraim, but the most revealing part was she also knew Nessie was a vampire as the eyes were painted a deep red.

"Dad, I don't understand. How is it even possible?" What did my Dad know that he wasn't telling me? Why did he wait until now to tell me?

"Jacob, I don't even think your Mom understood. Neither one of us did. No one in the tribe understood what or who she was. There was no one else like her. It was a blessing, yet at the same time, it tormented her."

"So she knew and you did too about Nessie and Ephraim all along?"

He nodded his head. He told me how when he first saw the painting, he was overjoyed and shocked at the idea of my life to be destined with a vampire. They feared for my life because they didn't know how the Quileutes would handle such a union. But that fear wasn't as harsh as the one she knew was coming because she knew she wasn't going to be there to witness it all. They didn't know when her time would end, but knew they had little time left. They spent as much time as they could as a family, so there would never be any regrets.

"Jacob, your Mom's visions weren't the only gift she had."

"What do you mean?"

"She had the ability to make people's deepest secrets come to life. When word got around about your Mom's ability, many people came from all around begging her to give them what they've yearned for. Some wanted love; some became greedy while others wanted more than anything else to bear children. It was out of her control sometimes because she didn't know how to control it. It angered some as they didn't get what they had wished for. It tortured your Mom because she was a gentle soul and only wanted to please everyone. She was coming home after a visit to a family who wanted her to heal their dying daughter. Your Mom didn't make it in time and with the impending stress and the rain that evening, she lost control of her vehicle."

My heart ached for her. Her whole life she was living to make others happy and her happiness was taken away. She was taken away from our family because of greed. There was no hell in chance that I was going to let people take advantage of Ephraim.

"Jacob, there's something else."

Nessie and I turned to look at my Dad. Within a few seconds, my Dad stood up from his wheelchair. He didn't show any sign of pain. He walked towards me and embraced me so tight. I didn't let go and was overwhelmed with joy. My mind was trying to process all this new information and now my Dad was walking without difficulty.

"Dad, how?" I was crying with joy.

"I don't know. It must have been when I held Ephraim last night. Somehow he knew, and this morning when I woke up I felt different. When I heard you talking to Carlisle this morning, it was all making sense to me. I believe Ephraim somehow inherited your Mom's abilities. But your Mom and I never spoke about it, and she wanted to live a normal life as possible. She told me to never show you this painting unless it became true. I'll be honest when you and Bella were still making mud pies as kids; I thought the girl in the photo was going to be Bella since she looked like her, so I was overly protective of Bella when she was with the Cullens. I should have known better since your mother's drawings were so precise because it's clear it was Renesmee and not Bella. But she wrote you a letter, and wanted you to open it when this painting would be revealed."

I took the sealed paper and opened it. I was eager and nervous about what was written in the letter. I held on to Nessie's hand and was thankful she was by my side.

My Dearest Jacob,

It is with great sorrow that you have to read this letter. I'd rather be by your side telling you of this story, but even I don't have the power to change destiny. Let me tell you first, that I am proud of the man you have grown to become. I'm looking at you playing right now as you're discovering how to tear apart your car toys and piece them back together. You have no idea what a courageous young man you'll become. Your passion and love will make you a great leader as chief to our people one day. I know your father has been good to you, and he will only get better as you go through your transitions in life. He's a good man, Jacob. He is the love of my life and his love for you is beyond any love a father will ever have for their child.

Since you are reading this letter now, then I know that you have become a loving husband and devoted father. Though I will never have the opportunity to meet your wife, I hope you will love her until the end of this earth. Protect your vow and protect her. Your father and I never imagined a Quileute would ever be destined with a vampire, but you've always been special so it was not a surprise either.

The other surprise is your son. How I wish I could be there to hold him. If he's anything like you, then you are going to have your hands full. I only wish I could have seen more of your future with your family, but fate has only given me a little glimpse and for that I am thankful.

I am also thankful that I was able to have this opportunity to write you. I'll never stop loving you and your sisters. You will always be my little Jacob.

Love,

Your Mother

I couldn't control my tears as I finished reading the letter. I remember my Mom having a soft spoken voice and having a gentle touch. It was comforting to know that she was able to see my family. Even though she hasn't been here all these years, it seemed that she was. At this moment, I didn't know how to handle all of this. I didn't realize how tight I was holding Nessie's hand, but she didn't hint at feeling any pain.

"Are you okay?" Her voice was soft and helped soothe my mood. My Mom was right. I did love Nessie until the end of this earth.

"Yeah, I'm fine. It's a little overwhelming with everything."

I looked at my Dad and broke a smile. He was walking. How could I not be happy at this moment? However, the only other thing that crossed my mind was Ephraim. If he was anything like my Mom, then we would have to pay close attention to his gifts. Something tells me the relentless Aro would be seeking out Ephraim if this news ever reached Aro.

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