Title: The Best Of Times: Trailing for Hope
Chapter 35: Distant Calls, Or Vitamin C
Rating: T, for language I guess. If the rating changes, you'll be the second to know.
Disclaimer: I don't own any aspect of Twilight and all its proceedings, they continue to belong to Stephenie Meyer.
Summary: Ava Swan never expected to move to Forks, Washington, permanently. Then again, she never expected to be imprinted on by a hot-headed shape-shifter either. ...No Bella, or Edward-bashing. Follows storyline from "New Moon". Despite my attempts to write a believable Paul/OC fic, there's no way I can make this sound original, ever.
Notes: I apologize for any grammatical errors, as it's currently 1:18 AM and I'm a tired girl. Also, it's now 10:50 AM the day after, I just got home from work, i have homework for class, and I thought I posted this chapter last night ahahahaah
P.S. If I missed something grammatical or something doesn't make sense, please PM me and let me know!
Thank you so much to everyone who reviewed, followed, and favorited! :)
The next day. Saturday. 10:01 AM. Swan House.
Learning that Bella had sprained her wrist the night before, Ava thought she had a run-in with a vampire and immediately panicked. She tried her hardest to keep her expression neutral, clenching her hands into fists and pressing crescent-shaped indentations in her palm.
After Charlie continued, explaining that Bella had punched Jake in the face, Ava actually snorted in amusement.
Then, when he said that Bella had apparently punched Jake when he kissed her...she was shocked.
Ava knew that with Paul's sensitive hearing, he was able to catch everything that was being discussed. So, when Charlie began asking if Paul had pulled any stunts like that she quickly shot him down and gave some excuse to go back up to her room.
What was she supposed to say?
"Actually, he's in my room now. Yeah, he climbed through my window, but don't worry! He's done it so many times that he's basically a pro since there's a horde of vampires trying to get to Bella. Oh, and there's a constant watch on our house by werewolves and vampires alike, despite them being mortal enemies, so it's fine."
She somehow managed to shove Paul out of her window after he mentioned that it was his turn to watch the house; immediately, she felt the onslaught of a headache. There was way too much going on and with Jacob telling Bella that he was in love with the girl, Ava cursed his crap timing.
He couldn't have told her some other time? When there wasn't a constant threat to Bella's life and, by association, hers as well? And maybe, try not to kiss her when he knows she's in love with Edward?
Once Bella arrived home later that night after Carlisle had wrapped her wrist, she didn't want to talk about the awkward topic. She was shocked that Jacob would have tried to pull a stunt like that; after some thought as to why, she came to the conclusion that it was some sort of attempt to keep her from turning. This morning, Ava had cornered her and demanded her to explain what hell had happened.
Bella quickly explained that after she had invited Jake to the graduation party, he decided to convince her that he was a better match for her than Edward. Then, he just leaned in and planted one on her. The commotion outside the night before must have been Edward and Jacob nearly getting into a fight before Charlie was forced to intervene.
"Well...at least now you both know for sure," Ava mumbled out, barely concealed bitterness in her voice. She was trying to find the silver lining in this predicament, but she was coming up short. The hope she had for Jacob to forget about Bella had quickly dwindled away in the short time Bella had explained everything.
Bella had expressed her concern about Jacob's affections numerous times in the past, but she claimed that she was never completely sure about what exactly he felt. Ava nearly slapped her palm on her forehead every time she said that. It was so obvious. Bella was just dense. Or in denial.
"You knew…" Bella said, more as a statement of fact than a question. Ava nodded and shrugged slightly, reminded of Jacob's heartbroken pleads when Bella left with Alice for Italy. "I mean, yeah. I didn't see it at first, I didn't see it while-when they were gone. Thought it was just a crush. But afterwards, it was obvious he was…you know. Of course, of all the times he could've picked, he sure picked the worst."
"What am I supposed to do?" Bella mumbled. "What does he expect me to do?"
Opening her mouth, Ava was hoping for some sort of advice, but she was at a loss. "I don't know, Bella. I really don't. Didn't you talk to him about it before?" She straightened up and narrowed her eyes slightly at the fidgeting dark-haired woman. After a small pause, Bella offered a shrug.
"He knows," Bella insisted. "He even said he knows that it's always going to be Edward, he just doesn't believe me."
Ava felt a frustration bubble in her chest. Bella and Jacob were so damn complicated. She had half-a-mind to just lock them in a closet until everything was fixed between them.
Bella remained silent and after a few seconds she spoke, wanting to change the subject to anything else. "Weren't you going to ask Paul about Alice's party?" She left out the desired malice, knowing it would only lead to Ava being upset at their mutual distaste. Bella hadn't spent time with anyone in the Uley pack, save for Jacob, and that's how she would prefer it to stay.
Ava's mood soured anyway, being reminded of his immediate refusal. There was a truce between the Cullens and the pack, and Ava couldn't imagine that happening again anytime soon. She knew there wouldn't be a better time than to – well, Ava wasn't really sure what she was aiming at by inviting Paul to the party, but she did know she wanted him there, even if it was for five minutes.
Knitting her eyebrows in annoyance, she replied, "I did. And he said, 'no way in hell'."
Bella smiled tightly. "You can't be too disappointed. I mean, what were you expecting?"
"A quick acceptance," Ava replied, her voice dripping with ire. "Or at least a convincing argument. All he said was 'no' and that was that."
"He's here a lot, isn't he?" Bella asked suddenly.
Ava shrugged. "Kind of. He says that he doubts anyone can do their job in guarding the house. Apparently, if you want a job done right, you have to do it yourself."
"Yeah…Edward says he smells him here all the time," Bella chuckled softly.
She snorted in amusement, recalling Paul's snappy attitude about the scent that was settled in the house because of Edward. "Tell him the feeling's mutual. Paul is such a drama queen."
The next day. Sunday. 2:34 PM. Swan House.
Once Ava walked downstairs and crept into the kitchen, she regretted leaving her room. Charlie was on the phone and by the conversation, Ava could easily guess exactly who he was talking to.
"She's here right now, actually, why don't I pass you?" He asked, holding out the phone a second later without waiting for a response from the other end. With a final look that screamed that she wasn't going to get out of this, Ava took the phone.
"Hello?"
"Ava, honey!" Her mother's nearly melodic voice swept into her ear.
"Hi, mom," Ava replied, smiling despite trying her hardest not to; her mother's cheery demeanor was beginning to raise her spirits slightly. Ava always felt a sense of contentment when they did want to speak to her; their estranged relationship wasn't something that she had ever or would ever chose, it was just the way things played out.
"How are you? What are you doing?"
"I'm good," Ava said, leaning against the wall where the phone was hooked up on. Charlie gave her a thumbs up, exiting the room to give them some privacy. "I'm not doing much of anything, though. Finals are this week."
"Shouldn't you be studying then?" Ava could feel the signature eyebrow raise through the phone and the scolding tone to her mother's voice didn't go unnoticed.
"I have," Ava insisted. "For, like, two weeks."
"You'll send me the scores?"
Ava ignored the feeling of her heart dipping into her chest and sucked her bottom lip roughly before answering, "yes, mom, I will."
"Good, alright." There was a small pause before her mother spoke again, "I'm sorry about graduation."
"It's okay," Ava immediately said, nodding her head obediently despite not being able to see her. "I get it. You have work."
"Has your father said anything?"
"No." Ava lowered her face and twisted the stray thread on her long-sleeve tightly. "He hasn't mentioned it, so I don't think he's coming. He'll probably call the day-of."
"Figures." Selene blew a heavy breath into the phone. "Alright, sweetie. I have to go, okay?"
"Yeah," Ava smiled tightly. "I'll talk to you another time."
"Kick ass on your exams." Was the final thing she said before the line went dead. Ava stayed with the phone pressed against her ear for a few seconds, the dial tone snapping her out of her trance.
"How'd it go?" Charlie rounded the corner carefully, eyeing Ava as she hung up the phone.
"Fine." Ava shrugged, continuing, "apologized again."
Charlie furrowed his brow gruffly. Selene had told Ava that she wasn't going to be able to attend her graduation a few days prior. Something about work and scheduling. Ava's father, though, hadn't breathed a single word about it; he never really called Charlie directly, opting to go directly to Ava. Though, Charlie was sure that his calls were more than likely far and few between.
"It's alright, kid." He came closer to ruffle her hair, successfully spreading a small smile onto her blank face.
Four days later. Thursday. 12:25 PM. Forks High School.
"Look." Eric raised his hands in defense and glanced at everyone sitting around him. "All I'm saying is if Berty is going to fail anyone it's going to be me. That final sucked."
"You're not going to fail," Angela placated her overdramatic boyfriend. "We studied, it's fine."
Jessica raised a sardonic brow. "You sure 'studying' is what went on?"
"Jessica!" Angela exclaimed, ignoring Mike's snickers and pressing a cool palm onto her warming cheeks.
She continued sputtering out a defense and Jessica waved her off, adding sarcastically, "calm down, Angela. I know you're a bible thumper."
There was a second of silence before Jessica's searing tone was registered. "Jess." Ava frowned, nudging the dark-haired girl, chastising. "Chill out."
"Yeah," Mike added, the awkward tension settling heavily. "Are you okay?'
The girl in question shut her eyes and took in a deep breath. Snapping them open, she turned towards Angela, an apologetic look in her eyes. "…I'm sorry. This stupid speech is getting to me," Jessica said finally, fidgeting with her fingers obsessively.
"My mom is freaking out," Jessica continued, darting her eyes across the cafeteria table. "She keeps trying to help."
"Dude, it's going to rock," Eric insisted helpfully.
Despite Jessica's sour attitude, Angela smiled sweetly. "You don't need to worry. We've gone over it a million times. It's perfect."
"And in a while, you won't have to worry about it anymore." Ava offered. "Graduation is only a few days away."
Before Jessica could respond, the Cullens, with Bella in tow, arrived and sat down. There was another brief pause before Alice jumped into party arrangements and decorations. Luckily with Jessica, just a mention of a party is enough to have her hang on her every word.
"Are you sure throwing a party now is a good idea?" Ava asked, raising a brow at Alice, referring to the current danger that was surrounding them. No one else noticed the tone that Ava had used other than the Cullens and Bella, and they all seemed to be thinking the same thing.
"Um, what?" Jessica snapped, leaning forward insistently. "Why would you say that?! Of course they're still throwing the party. …Right?" She turned her attention to Alice, an underlying pleading tone to her voice.
"I insist." Alice smiled brightly at Jessica before turning to wink at Ava. "I think we all need it."
The next day. Friday. 5:34 PM. Swan House.
Pressing the phone against her ear lazily, Ava shut her eyes and willed herself to stay awake. After the finals-filled week she had, she was exhausted. And truthfully, Jessica was not making things easier.
"It sucks, doesn't it?!" Jessica wailed on the other line. Ava shot the phone away from her ear, save her eardrums from bursting from her deafening shrieks.
"It's great," Ava sighed heavily into the phone.
Casting a glance at Paul who was laid across her bed, his arms crossed behind his head, he looked bored beyond recognition. Ava couldn't blame him. She'd been on the phone for over an hour; it felt like as soon as Jessica got back from school, she immediately called Ava to hear her speech over.
"You're bored," Jessica crackled over the phone, a dry tone to her voice.
"Well," Ava breathed in, shrugging despite Jessica not being able to see her. "I've heard your speech over six times, Jess. Not counting the amount of times I heard it before today."
Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Paul amble up from her bed, stretching his arms above his head.
"It has to be perfect!"
"It is," Ava insisted helplessly.
Paul rubbed his eyes, tired of hearing the girl's muffled, annoying voice for the past hour over the phone; he wasn't even embarrassed to admit that it was Ava's lack of attention that was also causing his petulance.
"Let me go over it again and-"
That was when he snapped.
He can't. He can't hear this stupid conversation over again or he might actually break Ava's phone. Which is exactly what he tried to do. Reaching over, though lessening his speed on the off chance that he could hurt her, he tried swiping the phone from Ava's grasp. She easily saw through this and immediately held the phone away from her as far as it would go.
"Quit it," she hissed, leaning away from him in her chair.
Jessica was still chattering on the other line, completely unaware that Ava wasn't even listening.
"Hang up," he demanded with a distinct whine to his voice.
With a final long-suffering look at him, she shook her head. Jessica was only freaking out because she put way too much pressure on herself; Ava wasn't about to just hang up on her and leave her to her own devices.
"Let her finish," Ava mouthed.
A dramatic roll of his eyes was her only answer and he walked backwards, landing on her bed again. He shut his eyes, trying to tune out the girl on the other line but with his acute hearing, he was still able to catch every word.
"What do you think?" Jessica hounded.
"Jess." Ava tried sounding as convincing as possible, lest Jessica want to read through her speech again. She was beginning to fear for the safety of her cellphone. "It's really great. Okay, you need to take a deep breath. I promise, everyone is going to love it."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes," Ava affirmed, sensing her tentative acceptance. "I promise. And hey, if you really do think you did bad – which won't happen – I'll treat you to a movie." As a final incentive, she continued, "anything you want."
At that, Jessica perked up, her voice gaining an enlivened ring. "Really? There's a new one about this super cute couple…" As she continued, Ava was beginning to regret her suggestion; from what she gathered, it sounded like a chick-flick. And although she'd more than likely enjoy it, as she enjoyed most films, she much preferred genre's that had a semblance of reality. Whether it's horror or sci-fi. Rom-coms just weren't really her thing.
"It sounds great," Ava said instead, glad that her mood had at least been elevated.
"Fine. I can tell you want to get off the phone," Jessica voiced and Ava could practically visualize her narrowed eyes.
"No, no," Ava said – albeit weakly. At this, Paul shot up, straightening his upper body off the bed. No. Not again.
"Well either way, I have to get off," Jessica informed.
Ava sighed inwardly, thank God. "Really?" Her voice had raised an obvious octave. "Well…" She trailed off as Paul came into view at her side, shaking his head vehemently and swiping at his neck in an attempt to keep her from continuing.
She only shot him a patient look and kept her eyes locked on his. "If you need help later, just give me another call."
"No problem, thanks, Ave!" Jessica rang out, the line going dead a second later.
"Jeez," Paul groaned loudly, tilting his head up to look at the ceiling. "Are all your friends that neurotic?"
Ava spread on a frown. "She's not neurotic. And you're never going to meet her, so I wouldn't worry about it." She lifted her chin challengingly, referring to his silence on going to the graduation party the following day.
He only rolled his eyes, her connotation coming at him loud and clear. "Whatever."
His answer didn't deter her and instead she plastered on a new, sweet smile. "Have you thought about it?"
Paul didn't answer, instead flopping back onto her bed and laying back like he had before. The calming expression on his face only frustrated her and she dropped the subject with an audible huff.
Ava turned around, fully intent on ignoring him. Unfortunately, now that finals were over, she didn't exactly have anything to keep her busy; she fiddled with her phone for a second before opening her laptop and poking around it lazily.
She thought Paul had fallen asleep, the silence stretching for far too long for otherwise. But when she glanced back at him, she saw that he was flicking through her closet. "Hey!" She said, confounded by his actions. She hadn't even heard him get up. "What are you doing?"
Ava was beginning to stand when he fingered a navy-blue cloth and spoke, "where did you get this?" He wrinkled his nose at the fabric. It wasn't the dress that bothered him, it was the strong scent drifting off.
Lowering herself back down onto her chair, she leaned her head to the side to have a better look. He held it out further. "Um." Ava squinted at the fabric. "Oh, Alice gave me that for graduation."
He wrinkled his nose and dropped the fabric as if it were on fire. "You're not wearing that, are you?"
"Yes, as a matter of fact. I am." She rolled her eyes at his obvious grimace.
"Didn't you already buy one?" He asked.
"Yeah, but I can save it for another time."
Instead on answering, Paul continued wrinkling his nose in distaste. Ava gave a small exhale through her nose in amusement, whirling back around to face her laptop. She was looking through a few college and university sites; after a few seconds of mindless tapping, Paul hovered over her shoulder to scan the screen.
Content that there weren't any out-of-state institutions or any other places past Seattle, he straightened up. "Which one are you picking?"
Ava puckered her lips and moved them to the side in contemplation. "I don't know yet. I still have a while."
"A whole year." He blew out a breath, shaking his head.
"Nearby, probably," Ava admitted. The more she thought about it, the less she wanted to move somewhere far away from everyone; despite everything that had happened and was happening to her, she couldn't fathom moving off and leaving everyone. "Can't leave you alone, who knows what might happen," she teased, a small smirk quirking on her lips.
"Not like it would matter," he said nonchalantly. "You really think I'd just sit back and watch you move out to some nowhere state?"
With a raised brow, she countered, "is that your way of saying you'll 'follow me anywhere'?" She spoke with a slightly mocking tone and continued, "because then you sound like some cheesy actor in a movie."
Three days later. Monday. 7:24 PM. Forks High School.
Ava shifted in her seat as Jessica strode onto the stage to give her valedictorian speech.
I could probably recite this thing myself, she thought, looking at the ever-confident figure that was Jessica Stanley. As she began her speech, she didn't sound in the least like she had the night before. Her self-assured voice echoing throughout the auditorium and resonating with every graduate, relative, and friend that was present for the ceremony.
Disbursing the diplomas didn't take long, considering there weren't too many graduates; perks of small town living. Once Ava's name was called, Charlie stood up and clapped loudly, not stopping until Bella received hers, much to the annoyance of the parents around him. Ava shot him an overenthusiastic thumbs up as she made her way back to her seat, smiling widely at Bella when she sat back down next to her.
Ava felt a strange euphoria wash over her as she watched all her classmates throw up their hats, signaling the official end of the ceremony. She only tossed hers up slightly, not wanting to lose it amongst the identical other's.
"You did it." Charlie immediately shoved his way through everyone to reach his daughter and niece. The girls turned around, Charlie throwing an arm around their shoulders and pulling them into a three-way hug.
She could hear Bella trying to smother her chuckles but Ava let out a string of laughter. "Watch the hair."
"I just can't believe it." Charlie shook his head as he pulled back. He still had a loose hold around their shoulders and he pulled them back in after a second. "Wow."
"Dad," Bella mumbled, not bothering to hold back her smile. "It's just graduation."
Charlie released them. "Just graduation. You've graduated, Bells! Next stop is college, huh?"
"Guess so." Bella smiled tightly, glancing at Ava quickly.
No one had a chance to respond before the chaos ensued following the initial excitement; everyone was suddenly scrambling for photos and talking animatedly about their plans afterwards, most claiming that they were planning on swinging by the infamous Cullens'.
"We should get home," Ava suggested after finding Charlie and Bella again. Jessica had dragged her to take photos and she just now had a chance to slink away with a promise to see her later.
"Yeah." Bella nodded, turning towards her father. "Don't want to be late."
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Incorrect Quote(s) of the Chapter:
Bella: Do you actually want to know how I hurt my wrist?
Ava: Yes.
Bella: I was hula hooping. Edward and I attend a class for fitness and for fun.
Ava: oh... my god..
Bella: I've mastered all the moves. The pizza toss, the tornado, the scorpion, the oopsie-doodle.
Ava: Why are you telling me this?
Bella: Because no one will ever believe you.
Ava: You sick son of a bitch.
.+.
Eric to Mr. Berty: Happy Teacher Appreciation week if saying that will help my final grade.
.+.
Bella: Jacob kissed me.
Ava: Okay, so?
Bella: He kissed me, that's it. Aren't you a little surprised.
Ava: Oh, right.
Ava: *puts on surprised face* Oh, nooo. I'm so surprised. I didn't see that coming.
.+.
Paul: Describe our relationship in two words.
Ava: Our what?
.+.
Ava [trying to convince them to go to the graduation party]: It would help if you would all show up looking like a loving, supportive family.
Quil: For how long?
Embry: Ten minutes is the most I can do.
Jacob: See if you can get it down to five.
Paul: Two and a half minutes, take it or leave it.
.+.
Bella: Bad things just always seem to happen to me. I can't fathom a reason why, it seems I have a case of severely bad luck.
Ava: Bella, you don't have bad luck. The reason bad things happen to you is because you're a dumbass.