Chapter 37: Patience Is Key
Emily POV
Sam was acting weird, but he wasn't letting anything slip. Or at least he was a good actor. I just wish he'd say something to me, it was stressing me out! I've been spending the past few days trying to figure out when he started acting like this. Was it because I went to my mom's last Thursday? Or was it because I picked the yellow for the nursery instead of the purple, like he wanted? Or was it-
Oh, I knew exactly what it was. The crib. As soon as he saw the crib that had been delivered he'd gone quiet and avoided going into the baby's nursery as much as possible. Oh God, he hadn't made one had he? How careless of me! How could I do that to him?
"Sam!" I called out. Nothing. I guess he'd already gone out.
I sighed and picked up my phone, scrolling for Colin's number. I knew that if it were true and Sam had made a crib already, Colin would know. He'd been glued to Sam's side for weeks.
"Hey Emily, what's up? Are you okay?"
"Hey Colin. Are you busy right now?"
"Uh, no. Why, you want me to come over and help with something?"
"Is that okay? It's just something in the nursery that I can't do by myself and I thought I needed someone strong and-"
"-yeah, I can do that! I'll come over right now!"
I chuckled. Poor kid was always trying to prove himself to his brothers "Thanks Colin. I'll have some lunch ready for you when you get here"
"Aw thanks Emily! See ya!"
I put the phone down and got started on Colin's lunch. I figured he'd be happy with a couple of sandwiches and some soda. I put it on the table ready for him just as the door was knocked.
"Hey, that was fast. Come on in, lunch is on the table" I closed the door behind him and watched as he inhaled his sandwiches. I shook my head with laughter. Watching these boys eat was something short of amazing. How much food could they fit in there? And still have room left over?
He groaned in satisfaction "Thanks so much Emily, I was starving-" he wiped his face with a napkin "-so, what do you need help with?"
I sat opposite him and crossed my arms on the table "First, could you give me an honest answer when I ask you this next question?"
He laughed nervously "Uh, sure. I promise"
"Did Sam already make a crib for the baby?"
He closed his eyes and sighed heavily "I wasn't supposed to say anything. He did make a crib-"
"-where is it now?" I asked.
"Uh, Jake's garage. Sam figured you'd prefer to have the store bought one and since it's already set up, there's not much-"
"-well, that was why I called you over here. Would you give me a hand at dismantling it?"
His eyes widened as he stuttered "Are-are you sure? I mean, it's a nice crib and Sam wouldn't want you to feel pressured to switch them"
I smiled and patted his hand "I don't feel pressured. A little disappointed in myself that I should have expected something like this from Sam, but I want the crib that Sam made for the baby. So, will you help me dismantle the one that's already up there?"
He smiled, grasping my hand and giving it a gentle squeeze "You're good Emily. He'd really appreciate that. Hey, let's surprise him! We'll have it all set up and everything for when he gets home!"
"That's a great idea! Okay, let's get going!"
2 hours later and the store bought crib was dismantled, the screws put back into the numbered bags and everything was back in the box. I didn't know what I was going to do with it, but I'd just keep it in my closet for now. Maybe it'd come in handy in the future!
"Okay, that's done. Now we need to call Jacob-"
"-I'll go over there now!" Colin said excitedly. He left to go and get the crib with Jacob's help whilst I made myself an herbal tea and sat to read my book for a while. I elevated my feet, my ankles were swollen again, and just relaxed for a while… until the door was being knocked again.
"Wow, that was quick!" I gasped. Jacob and Colin were carrying the most beautiful crib between them, and it looked like Jacob was struggling with the angle of it more than the weight.
Jacob groaned "Yeah, hold the door open for us and we'll take it up. Hey Em-" he put his hand on my arm "-Sam's really gonna appreciate this, thank you"
I smiled "I want Sam to be happy. This will make him happy and it makes me happy too"
I let the boys get on with taking the crib up to the nursery and then I joined them to slot the mattress in place and place my mom's blanket for the baby on the top. The crib was just beautiful. I couldn't believe the hard work he'd put into this! Both headboards were decorated with carved wolves, howling at the moon, and the railings were carved with intricate detailing that looked like a piece of rope had been woven around them all.
"Oh God, look at how beautiful it is! And it fits so well with the nursery colours!" Sam hadn't painted it, but the wood that was used was light, with tree knot details all over it.
"Did you know me and Sam cut down three trees to make this?" Colin said impressively, over my shoulder.
"He went to so much trouble-" I whispered. How could I have done this to him?
How must he have felt when I threw the store bought crib in his face? No wonder he was acting put out. He thought I didn't want this masterpiece?
"Incoming" Jacob whispered in my ear, just as Sam's voice carried up the stairs.
"Em, you home baby?"
I turned to the boys "Okay, make sure Sam doesn't see you both leave. I want him to be totally surprised! Oh, and thank you" I kissed both of them on the cheek.
"Sam's gonna be so happy Em. We'll leave you to it. Good luck" Jacob winked and they both jumped out of the window from the nursery. I leaned out a fraction, just to make sure they were okay. I'd never get used to all these indestructible traits that came with the werewolves.
"Em?" Sam's voice sounded worried now. I waddled downstairs to find him putting his tool bag away underneath the sink.
"Hey you. Did you have a good day?" I leaned up to kiss him.
He smiled "It was great! I think they're gonna offer me the job!"
"I told you they would!"
He chuckled "Well, they'd be stupid to turn me away. I made sure to show them how strong I was and I think that won them over. Anyway, how was your day? I hope you took it easy" he said, looking at me sternly.
I pouted "I have been taking it easy. Just doing last minute things in the babies nursery-"
His face fell "Oh yeah? What kind of things?"
I smiled "Well, I found something today that really brings the nursery together and this new addition makes the nursery better than it was before"
"No more knitted blankets I hope?" he chuckled "I think we're gonna have to reign your mom in"
I took his hand "Come and see. I think you'll really like it-"
"-oh, let me just get this one thing done first-"
"-please" I pouted. That did the trick. He rolled his eyes and followed me upstairs.
The nursery door was closed "Open the door and see for yourself" I said. I held my hands to my chest in excitement as he cracked the door open. At first, his face fell into a frown but it was quickly replaced with the biggest smile I had ever seen since I told him I was pregnant.
"Em… you-you switched the cribs" he walked in, I followed, and he looked at the crib, sitting in the same spot as the last one, only this time looking more like it belonged here.
He looked at me with admiration "You did this for me?"
I held onto his arm "When I heard what you did, I couldn't bear it-"
"-but I-" I put a finger to his lips.
"-I couldn't bear it. I called Colin and Jacob and they brought the crib over. Sam, I love it. It's so much better than the other one I got and I'm so sorry I just went ahead and got one without talking to you first. I was just so excited and -" his lips on mine cut me off and we took a moment to appreciate each other.
When he pulled back, he had tears in his eyes "Oh Em. You make me so happy" he planted a brief kiss on my lips.
"You've made me the happiest woman in the whole word Samuel Uley. This baby is so lucky to have a father like you"
The rest of the afternoon was spent finishing off the nursery. Now that Sam was happy with his own crib having it's intended place in the nursery, he was more excited about the baby than ever. We hung some more pictures and put the baby clothes away in the closet. There was still a tonne of preparation to do, but finally we both felt content with our hard work.
It was a great afternoon spent preparing for our baby, together.
Bella POV
"Gyda, how much further?"
"Just up here. Do you want me to carry you?"
I was only too happy to accept the offer. My feet were hurting and this unsteady forest floor, filled with nothing but thick tree roots, were making me constantly trip over. Gyda crouched down and I jumped onto her back as she continued walking, human speed, through the forest.
Well, I say forest, but this kind of forest is like something out of a fairy-tale. Everything was so grey and misty. There was nothing around except for thick trees and shrubbery. It was like the enchanted forest in the tale of Snow White. If I had been here alone, I would have been scared. But being here with Gyda was nothing but. I felt safe to be here with her and she clearly knew where she was going. We soon broke out of the trees and looked at an almighty space of grassland that travelled as far as my eyes could see. There was water to the left, it looked like a small ocean. It sat at the bottom of two green mountains that towered over the sea.
"It's called a Fjord, this is where we used to dock our boats"
"You've been here before?" I asked as she set me back on my feet. She didn't look at me but looked around me. Looked around at everything. She had gone quiet again.
"You okay?" I asked quietly. She had walked a distance ahead of me, but I knew she would hear me.
She didn't reply, the only sounds that could be heard were the thick, gurgling croaks of the ravens flying above us. Then I understood. She was remembering.
"What is this place?" I asked and this time she turned around to look at me, but the pain on her face made my heart break for her.
"Home" she mumbled emotionally. I ran over to her and clung onto her arm. She led me to the edge of the water, where a small patch of sand and pebbles lay accepting the gentle swell of the arctic water that almost lapped onto our feet. Gyda put her hand into the water and smiled.
"Do you want to see how I remember this Fjord?" she asked, holding her other hand out for me to take. I took it and was transported back in time to the harbour in Gyda's memory. It was very busy and noisy. Long boats with dragon heads on the end floated in the water a few metres out, next to the docks. There were women carrying baskets from the boats containing ravens, furs and food. Bearded men shouting something in the language I didn't understand and then I saw Gyda, climbing out of one of the boats. She wore battle armour across her chest, her hair was braided up again and she was passing her painted shield to a small girl, no older than 5 by the looks of her.
"Gyda!" I turned around to see a man approaching her, with his arms held open.
Gyda laughed loudly and jumped into the man's arms "Ah Cnute! It is good to see you again my friend!" They kissed each other on the foreheads and left the dock together.
I followed them.
"So, tell me, how did the raid go? I hope you brought back lots of gold and silver-"
Gyda punched Cnute in his side "Always thinking of treasure Cnute! I brought back something far greater than gold and silver, but I must wait until I see the Earl-"
"-do not worry about the Earl, if you won it fair and square then-"
"-that's not how it works Cnute. You remembered what happened to Egil?-"
Cnute laughed loudly and slung his arm over Gyda's shoulder "Egil was an idiot. You are not an idiot Gyda. But fine! We'll do it your way, seeing as you are much cleverer than me"
Gyda slapped him on the butt "Of course I am Cnute! Why do you think I still have my head?" she walked off to help the little girl she had given her shield too and then the memory faded and I was brought back to the now.
I took a deep breath "It shouldn't be so much of a shock now, but it always is when I see that" I said in a shaky breath. The once busy harbour was nothing but quiet now. The stillness of the water rippled up onto the sand as if enjoying the calmness of the environment.
"Who was that little girl?" I asked, for Gyda hadn't spoken yet.
She looked at me, smiling "Just a little girl. All of us warriors looked forward to the children coming to help us unload the boats. They were always so excited to help and who can say no to a child?" she chuckled quietly. She stood up, dusted her pants off and turned to walk back up the beach.
"What used to be here?" I asked, motioning to the majority of the grassland.
"Here-" she walked a little further up and stretched her arms out wide "-used to be the Earl's hall. It wasn't common for the Earl's hall to be so close to the docks but Earl Gunnar was our longest reigning Earl for a century. The hall you saw in my memory had only belonged to him. He liked to keep an eye on the incoming ships, make sure there were no threats coming onto our land"
I felt like a true stranger, walking up to where Gyda stood. I thought about all of the feet that trod on this land over a thousand years ago, how honoured I felt to make my own in this same space. Now I could understand why Gyda would go quiet when she reached certain parts of the land, because I felt the nostalgia for her. It flowed through me like a friendly face after years of not seeing it.
This land felt like home to me, and I didn't know why. I even found I missed the time of Gyda's people, even though I had never experienced it. I suddenly felt homesick and it wasn't for Washington.
"That's a phenomenon called far sickness" Gyda said, interrupting my thoughts.
"Sorry. I don't mean to make you uncomfortable or anything-"
"-no, you're not-" she took my hand "-I found the phenomenon strange myself, back in 1934" she brought my hand up to her lips and kissed it, before dropping it again and walking off.
"You've felt far sickness?" I asked, trying to catch up to her.
"When I met Edward for the first time, it was strange. Like I said, I'd met other vampires in my time, but when I met Edward, there was a longing to spend more time with him. I felt like I'd missed him, even though I'd never met him before. When I first saw his face, I realised that I'd spent the last thousand years grieving for him. Strange, but it's not uncommon" she muttered.
"You know what this proves then, don't you? You and Edward were destined to be together. He really does love you Gyda-"
"-I know. I know he does. But when you've spent your entire existence alone, it's hard to love someone else again. I'm trying my best and I just want him to understand that"
I finally caught up to her and wrapped my arms around her waist. She hugged me back and we stood like that for a while, just watching the ravens fly over the Fjord.
"Thank you for coming with me Bella. If I'm being honest, I wouldn't have been able to face this place alone"
I looked up at her face, to watch her watching the waves and the birds, and felt a huge sense of love for her.
"Love you Gyda" I mumbled into her jacket.
She chuckled "Love you too Bella"
I looked at her mischievously "Sooo, does this mean we can stop in that store on the way back to the hotel?" I batted my eyelashes for more of an effect.
She raised an eyebrow "Something wrong with your eyes?"
"I was batting them-"
"-really? I thought you were having a seizure" she joked. I would have hit her if I weren't going to break my hand doing so.
"Can we stop in the store?"
She chuckled "Of course we can. How many babies are you buying for?"
"Just two-"
"-ah, well in that case, I'll have to pick up some supplies on our way back" I felt her kiss my hair again and I suddenly missed Paul.
"I'm sure he's fine Bella, he's probably-" she stopped abruptly, looking at the forest with narrowed eyes. I followed her gaze but couldn't see anything. She sniffed the air loudly before shaking her head and laughing.
"I've existed for so long I'm losing my damn mind. Come on, let's go" I jumped onto her back and ducked my head into her shoulder as she took off towards the city. Though I'm sure as we passed through the forest at speed, I saw a man sitting in the tree, watching us go.
The following morning saw me busy organising my presents for the babies. I had bought each other them a beautiful Nordic patterned onesie with a fluffy white lining (perfect for Washington weather). It was a choice between, pink, blue, purple, yellow or grey so I chose yellow for Angela's baby and grey for Emily's. I figured they'd be happy with my choice.
"Good morning" Gyda said from the balcony of our hotel room. I went to join her, leaning against the railing and looking out over the city.
"What part is this again?" I asked, watching a woman climb out of a car with a small child.
"Uppsala, born and raised" she grinned at me.
"I can't imagine how strange this must be for you. To see this place like this-" I motioned to the buildings towering over us.
She chuckled quietly "It is strange, but it was expected. Nothing's really changed. Everything is still the same sort of concept for them-" she motioned with her hand at the crowd below us "-as it was for me. The only difference between us is they worship the Christ God and I don't. In saying that, I don't know if I really have any Gods left to worship"
"Were you here in Sweden when that happened? When they changed to Christianity I mean?"
She shook her head "No. I knew it would happen eventually. The Rus were becoming restless and it was only a matter of time before they extended their land and their worship"
"Sorry if this sounds stupid. Rus?" I asked and she chuckled heartily.
"Sometimes I forget we're from a different time. The Rus are the Russians. They used to worship the same Gods as us you know, but I guess they decided that Christ was calling for them all along. It was a heartbreak when I finally came back here and saw the Christian Cross everywhere, on the lands where Odin was once worshipped. If I were different and didn't still hold my morals from my human life, I might have done something about it, but that's the thing with change, Bella, you have to accept that some people just want different things and you have to deal with it. They wanted the Christian God and I wanted my Gods. Let them be happy and do what they want, it didn't make a difference to me"
I sighed "You must have been in pain to see it. All of your friends turning to a different God-"
"-ha! They didn't give us much of a choice! It was either Christianity or death! Though most of us chose death, so it wasn't all that bad"
We decided to go out for breakfast so we found ourselves sitting in a cute little coffee shop that sold breakfast bagels. The waitress brought my food over and then leaned towards Gyda.
"Är du säker på att jag inte kan ge dig nåt?"
Gyda chuckled "Jag är inte hungrig"
The waitress nodded and went back to the kitchen.
"What did she ask?"
"If I wanted anything. I told her I wasn't hungry-"
"-maybe not hungry, but you look like you need to hunt, your eyes are black already" I pointed out. They were the darkest black I'd ever seen them. I wondered how hard it must have been for her to sit in this small, enclosed space with the scent of human blood all around her.
She laughed "Silly Bella, that doesn't bother me. But you are right, I do need to hunt. I don't feel as strong as I should do and that's a little worrying"
I swallowed my bite "Well, why don't you go now? Then we can go explore Uppsala some more later this afternoon"
She hummed "It's probably best. But you have to promise me you won't go wandering around on your own. You can leave the café if you want, just stay local though-"
"-I promise I will. I might go and check out some of the clothes stores along here"
She nodded and started to get up "Okay, well here is some money-" she reached into her pocket and pulled a wad of cash out "-go and get yourself something nice and maybe find something Paul would like" she smirked.
I took the cash with shaky fingers. I didn't know how Swedish Krona worked, but I doubt I'd ever held this amount of money in my hand before.
She chuckled again "It's the same as your dollars, love. Whatever the price tag says, that's how many Krona you give the cashier, okay?"
"Uh, yep, okay. I'll see you later!" I waved her off and then I was alone. It was weird. Now Gyda had gone to hunt and I was sitting her on my own, I felt a little uncomfortable. I didn't know how to do any of this new country stuff on my own! Plus, I didn't have Gyda to translate for me! Ugh! I figured it was best to just get out of here and keep myself busy until she came back. I suppose I could do some tourist shopping of my own, bring back some presents for my family.
I called the waitress over "Uh, could I have the bill please?" I asked, hoping she understood English.
She surprised me by chuckling "Of course. Don't worry, most of us speak English as our second languages. You'll find a lot of us along this high street only speak English" she went away and came back with the bill.
Well, I felt pretty confident I could handle shopping by myself now I knew most Swedes spoke English. Honestly, why didn't Gyda tell me any of this? I found a small store that made custom jewellery and immediately thought of my mom and Grandma Inola. The little bell above the door jingled with my entrance.
"Hello, how may I help?" the voice came from behind the cashier desk at the back of the store. It was a bald man, with a brunette beard that was twisted into three sections, held together by silver beads. He looked familiar, but I couldn't put my finger on it.
"Hi. Um, I was looking for something to take home for my Grandma and mom. Can you recommend anything?" I only asked because as I looked around, I noticed most of the jewellery was designed in a way I didn't recognise. Though there was one that caught my attention, but I was led away by the cashier to the left, where a glass case of pendants sat on cushions.
"Hmm, let's see-" he spoke strangely. I'd heard Swedish accents since I'd been here, but this was different. It sounded like English was definitely his second language. He unlocked the glass case, lifted the lid and took a pendant that had a strange shape carved into it. It looked like a key.
"The rune of love. Perfect for mothers and grandmothers alike. What do you think?" he held it up in his hand. It looked a little like the pendant I wore around my own neck. Thin, black rope that attached to a silver piece of metal, shaped into an oval. I imagined it around my mother's neck. Yeah, I think she'd definitely be fascinated with something like this.
I smiled "I'll take this one for my mom-" I peered inside the case and saw a pendant with a symbol that looked like a lightning strike "-what does this one mean?" I asked.
The man looked and tutted "This is the Elder Futhark rune for the sun"
He held this pendant up and I knew that this was already made with Grandma Inola in mind. The sun in everyone's life.
"I'll take that one too. Wow, you're very good at your job. You've made two sales already and I've only been in here for a few minutes"
He chuckled heartily as he perched himself back behind the cash desk "Well, it helps to know what I'm talking about, especially since I made all of these myself"
My eyes widened "You made all of these yourself?"
He laughed loudly at my awe "Of course! Only a true Viking knows the Elder Futhark runes, and what better person to make them" He bagged my purchases up and I happily handed him 1000 krona and thought these pieces of jewellery were definitely worth the hefty amount.
"Thank you for your purchase" he handed me the small paper bag. It was then that I touched his hand and recoiled quickly. It was ice cold, a familiar sensation-
"I apologise, it is a little cold today" he laughed, rubbing his palms together. I furrowed my brow and tried to subtly look at him more closely, whilst he busied himself with paperwork. His skin was pale, he had the familiar purple shadows underneath his eyes and his eyes were amber.
Similar to what I had seen with the Cullen's. Surely this man couldn't be what I thought he might be? What were the chances I'd stumble into this store in particular and happen across another one?
"Uh-" I started, but what the hell was I going to say? "Excuse me, are you a vampire?" That was stupid! Maybe he was cold, and maybe he just didn't get a good night sleep last night.
He eyed me warily "-is there anything else I can help you with?"
"Uh, yes actually there is. I've just thought of someone else to buy for. My, uh, sister-"
He lifted an eyebrow "Your sister? Okay, well we have some beautiful family runes right here-" he pointed down to the counter in front of him, which I was only just realising was a huge glass case itself. Like the other cases around the store, this one contained pendants made with different coloured roped string, with silver and gold coloured ovals.
"I was thinking something… traditional. Gyda was born here and she's very, er, old fashioned-"
He raised an eyebrow "-your sister is called Gyda?"
"Uh, yes. Do you know her?" I asked. He had gone very still, almost too still. A strange look crossed his face, but he quickly recovered his normal façade with a smile.
"Of course not! This is Sweden after all, how uncommon is a name like that here?" he chuckled half-heartedly.
I laughed nervously. I thought that now was the time to leave this store "I guess you're right. I'm meeting her in a little while actually, maybe I'll wait to see if she'd like to choose her own" I thanked him for my purchases and made to leave. Just as I opened the door, I felt his cold touch on my shoulder.
"I don't suppose you could pass this onto your sister? It is just information on a pendant I think will suit her well and she will need to try it on" he said, handing me a folded piece of paper.
I took it "No problem. Thanks again"
As soon as I was outside of the store, and a couple of blocks away, I unfolded the note. It was just symbols, shapes. Were these runes? I didn't understand it, but maybe it was just examples of runes that Gyda might like carved into jewellery? I didn't much feel like shopping by myself so I headed back to the hotel room to wait for Gyda there.
I was now starting to wish Paul had decided to come with us.
Gyda got back within the hour and I was glad. I felt a little bit safer now she was with me again and she was looking a lot healthier too. The blackness in her irises was now replaced with a shining caramel colour.
"Hey, did you have fun whilst I was gone?" she asked. I was sitting on the balcony, enjoying the sun that had decided to shine onto the city below.
I held the note tightly in my pocket "Yeah it was okay. I just went to this jewellery store and picked out a necklace for my mom and Grandma Inola"
She smiled "Can I see?" she came to sit with me on the balcony and I handed her the paper bag with the pendants inside. She held the pendant for Grandma Inola in her hands, turning it back and forth in her palm. She smoothed over the rune with her thumb as a crease formed in her brow.
"What is it?" I asked her. There was no emotion on her face that I could make out.
"Uh, which store did you get these from?" she asked, pulling the other pendant out of the bag and examining that one.
"I can't remember the name of the store, but it was only a few stores down from the café we were in"
"Oh" was all she said. It looked like she was lost in thought, the way she sat so still staring at the rune, like she had turned into a statue.
"The man in the store asked me to give you this-" I handed over the note that was slightly crumpled from my squeezing "-I was going to surprise you with a pendant but I wasn't sure which rune to choose so I think he gave you a few to choose from"
But as she read the note, the note I thought was just an innocent helping hand from a store clerk, her reaction was something I had not expected. Her lips curled back over her teeth and a loud hiss was emitted from between her teeth. She jumped up from her chair and leaned over the balcony, her head whipping back and forth as if she were searching for something.
"Gyda, what is it? You're scaring me-"
"-do you remember what the man in the store looked like Bella?" she interrupted, in a hollow sort of voice.
I squeezed my eyes shut, trying to remember "Yeah, he was bald, his beard was brunette and he had it split into three sections with silver beads I think-"
"-and you got these from him?" she held up the pendants.
"Yeah, what's going on?"
"Wait. Come here a second-" she motioned for me to come closer, so I did. Then she began sniffing me, like a dog looking for a treat. When she got to my shoulder, the hiss became louder.
"Do you know the man?" I asked, already knowing the answer. But it was impossible, wasn't it? I thought I recognised him from somewhere! The bald head, the brunette beard, the accent!
"Well I'll have to say that I am surprised he managed it-"
"-do you know that man?"
"Yes"
I waited for her to explain, but when she didn't I pressed "Who is it? What did he manage? Gyda please!" I gripped the tops of her arms tighter than I would usually hold a human.
She laughed, very loudly, throwing her head back "What a stupid fool he is"
"Explain!" I yelled.
She recovered herself enough to say "We'll have to cancel our plans for tonight. I have a dear friend to meet again"
She held up the note and I understood. Surely not? It had to be impossible!
Paul POV
"That's it up there"
I rolled my eyes "Dude, it's on the map that is literally in my hands!"
This wasn't the journey I had been expecting. First Jacob wanted to come with me and now Embry was actually with me. He wouldn't explain nothing to me about why he decided to join me, but he didn't need to explain anything. I understood why he wanted to do this with me.
We were brothers.
Because now we knew that we were brothers, real brothers, it had changed our whole lives. No longer did I feel completely alone, and I guessed he felt the same. I had always thought there was a part of me that was missing. Three parts, actually. The first missing part was filled by my grandparents when I finally found them. The second part was filled when I imprinted on Bella. The third part, well, the third part was finding out that Embry was my brother. After the little, er, confrontation with our father, we had talked it out. Our father had been absent from most of his life, whilst he made mine misery. When our father finally killed my mom and walked out, he had gone back to Embry's mom and stayed with them, playing happy families. Until one day when Embry came home from a soccer game covered in mud, he beat him until his mother threw herself in front of him. From then on, Embry's life had become mine. I was finally free from the man that was now making Embry's life hell.
We took him straight to the police station in Forks and lucky for us, Charlie was already waiting for us. He warned us that our father wouldn't be charged until a formal investigation had been carried out, but he assured us that the outcome would probably be he'd spend the rest of his life behind bars and from the evidence they already had on the guy, he was to see the end of the investigation in remand prison. So he wouldn't be walking down these streets for a long, long time.
There was sufficient evidence on my mom's body that suggested she was living with domestic violence and plenty of my medical reports that showed I was also at the receiving end of domestic violence. I hoped they had an update for us when we got back from this journey, because I was desperate to see him cuffed and taken away. I didn't care what I said to him, I would never forgive him for what he did to my mom.
"Okay, stop"
We had reach the ledge of the mountain that we had been hiking for 4 days. We would have got here a lot faster if we phased and ran, but Old Quil specifically told us Under no circumstances are you to take the easy way and phase, this is supposed to be tough and it's going to challenge both of you in ways you will never imagine.
Embry threw his backpack down "Oh man! I was starting to think Old Quil was playing us!"
"I don't think he would when it comes to stuff this serious. Okay, we're supposed to spend 3 days on this ledge, meditating. Something about relaxing our minds and bodies to prepare us for the next stage of the journey"
"Got it, what's the eating schedule?"
"Er-" I looked at the instructions Old Quil had written down for us "-we're only allowed to eat at sunrise"
Embry groaned "Man, I know I agreed to this, but only eating once a day is going to kill us!"
"Not necessarily. We haven't been phasing for days now, so we won't be burning the calories as much as we usually do"
I set my backpack down next to Embry and sat down for a minute, just to take in the view. From this rocky mountain ledge was a view that people could only dream about. Luckily for us, it was still summer, so the snow wasn't as thick as it usually was on the peaks and whilst a chill lingered in the air, it wasn't as cold as I knew it usually got up here. 108 body temp or not, I wouldn't have enjoyed camping here in that weather. The trees that sat in between the mountain ridges along the valley were still thick and green. It looked like something you'd see in an oil painting. It was actually kinda nice to just get away from everything for a while. No phones, no computers, just peace and quiet.
"What are you thinking about man?" Embry has moved so he was sitting closer, gazing out across the mountains with me.
"Just thinking about how much I need to do this"
Embry sighed "Yeah I know what you mean. Our whole entire lives, we've been connected but never knew about it. I feel cheated. I missed out on my brother" he nudged my shoulder.
"I wish I had known sooner. Maybe we both could have salvaged a little bit of our childhoods"
We didn't talk after that. There wasn't really much else to say. When we needed to speak about it but couldn't find the words, usually a look from either of our faces would tell us all we need to know. We set up the tent and crashed for the night, ready to start our meditation early tomorrow morning.
"Night" Embry said from his side.
"Yeah, night" I mumbled, but Embry's heavy snores were already filling the silence. I turned over and pulled out the one talisman that had kept me going for all of these years. The one thing that gave me hope that I could love again.
"I love you Bella" I whispered, bringing the heart shaped stone to my lips, wishing more than anything I could just hold her in my arms.
Author's Note:
Next chapter is all for Paul and Embry's spirit journey. We will also look at Leah's POV on the imprint.