Chapter Fourteen - Home

Disclaimer - I don't own anything Twilight-related, that all belongs to one Stephanie Meyer

A/N - This took me a while, but I enjoyed writing this one, and it's a good long one too! Thanks so much for all the follows/favs and reviews, they always make me smile and give me encouragement! Enjoy the chapter!


Oh, home, let me come home

Home is wherever I'm with you

Oh, home, let me come home

Home is wherever I'm with you

Home- Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros


Holy Shit.

I have never felt pain like it. Is this what death feels like? Is this the end?

Goodbye cruel world, I accomplished nothing in my twenty-three years of life, nice knowing you.

I can even see the light! The light at the end of the tunnel-

Huh? What's that noise? Is that… I didn't realise there was a good phone connection in the afterlife.

I opened my eyes.

Ah. I'm not dead. The light is just the sun, and I'm feeling the repercussions of my foolish foolish actions.

"Oh my god STOP ringing." I pulled the pillow over my head, groaning as my phone refused to listen to my request.

"Ugh." Without removing the pillow from my throbbing head, I felt around on the floor until I grasped what I was looking for and put it to my ear (still under the pillow).

"Hello?" My voice cracked and squeaked. Good god, how loud was I singing last night? Feels like I've swallowed glass.

"Clara!"

I sat up slightly, confused. "Sophie?"

"Oh thank god! Are you okay?"

"I mean I have the worst hangover of my life and will probably never drink again, but apart from that yeah. Why wouldn't I be?"

Sophie huffed on the other end of the line, "Well you could have texted me back! I've been worried sick all night! I was going to go back and get you but it was so late and Aaron was throwing up everywhere-"

"What are you talking about?" I racked my brain. Didn't she say I was staying at hers last night? "Come get me where?"

"The Cullen's you idiot! I was worried you had decided to wander around the woods by yourself or something after the news."

I sat up straight now, a hand instantly moving to massage my forehead at the shooting pain that struck me. Damn those shots.

"What do you mean the Cull-"

I stopped. It was only now that I realised I wasn't in my bed or Addy's bed. Where am I?

There was a feeling of familiarity.

Ohmygod!

I'm in Alice's room in Alice's bed. Oh nooooooo.

Oh, no no no no no.

Now it was coming back to me. I made Sophie leave me here last night.

I bit my knuckle in embarrassment.

"Hey Soph, can I call you back in a bit?"

"Oh, yeah yeah. As long as you're okay."

"I am, don't worry." I am not, do worry, send help.

"Well then if you excuse me, I'm going to go to sleep for a week."

I hung up the phone and stared around the room. I remember now. It was the room where Alice had my drawing. I smiled fondly.

And then I cringed.

Hard.

Who lets me go out? Why does trouble always find me?

Or perhaps, I always find trouble.

I sat in the safe haven of Alice's room for a bit longer and replied to any text messages I had, enjoying the soft light that glowed through the window.

It was when I stood up that I noticed I was no longer in my clothes from the night before. I was wearing a pair of what seemed like silk pyjamas, a perfect fit of course.

Alice.

Enjoying the flowing nature of the sleeves and bottoms, I took my time wandering from the house down into the living room.

No one around. Hmm.

I spun, but there was no one in sight. Where were they all? Where was Alice?

It was then that I noticed the noises coming from the kitchen, and my feet began to move in the same direction.

As I approached the door, I could smell burning food, and what sounded like Esme muttering 'Oh, shoot.'

"Wow, are we having a campfire in here? What's with all the smoke?" I laughed, waving my hand in front of my face to move the grey clouds.

"Clara!" Esme turned with a frantic smile, "Good morning! How are you feeling?"

I was moving to open some windows, trying to ignore the way the smell of the smoke was making my stomach churn.

"Well, I feel like each part of my body has a different ailment and I drunkenly embarrassed myself to a bunch of immortals, again, so I suppose you could say I've been better." I smiled as I turned toward Esme, the air finally clearing.

I took in a nice deep breath of fresh air.

Esme gave me a look that was both of sympathy and amusement.

"We were all pretty surprised that you showed up to be honest." She admitted, then furrowed her brow, "In fact, it took us a minute to even realise it was you. We weren't sure who was pulling up outside last night."

I tilted my head, "What do you mean?"

Esme waved her hand, "It's nothing, honestly. You've probably just been spending a lot of time around us. Sometimes you're… uh… blood- It doesn't smell as, well-"

"Appealing?" I offered, the situation was almost comical.

"Yes, I suppose you could say that," Esme chuckled, she pursed her lips in thought, "it's sometimes like your sort of foggy, takes a minute to notice you. Especially around other humans."

"Hmm… trying to figure out whether that's a compliment or an insult."

Esme laughed. "Considering your current situation, it isn't necessarily a bad thing."

I nodded in agreement. I suppose you can't have too many safety precautions around vampires. I tapped the counter, nodding my head in indication, "What are you doing anyway?"

I swear if Esme was human she would have been blushing. She had such a sheepish look on her face, and the way she tried to hide whatever was behind her meant I just had to go investigate. Walking toward her, I began to notice the mess that littered the countertops. Behind Esme there sat a frying pan, with what I could only guess was burnt bacon in it.

I cleared my throat, "Looks… crispy."

"Oh, I tried to make you a nice breakfast but everything always ended up undercooked or overcooked."

"Gosh, it really does make me feel better that there are some things that vampires aren't good at."

Looking around the kitchen I took in what ingredients were left in the mess: Bacon, eggs, pancakes. Perfect.

I looked to Esme, "Well I appreciate the thought. Cooking is all about practice, so why don't we start over."

And so I spent the morning showing Esme how to put things in a pan and cook them just right. It was amusing and somewhat heartwarming to watch her light up like a child. Of course, she picked things up very quickly, and soon I was sitting at the table shovelling as much pancake in my mouth as possible, whilst Esme cleaned up.

"Where is everyone by the way?" I was surprised I hadn't seen Alice yet.

Esme walked over to me with a tall glass of orange juice and a few painkillers. Clearly, the wrinkle in my forehead as I nursed my hangover was very obvious. "Thanks."

"Alice and Edward are away hunting. They didn't get to last night because of your arrival. Don't worry though, "she added quickly, "they are more than capable of coping with a slight delay."

I gave a small smile, shuttering slightly at the thought of a hunt. I turned to look out the window, taking in the green.

After an extremely long hot shower where I scrubbed off the smell of last nights activities and burnt bacon from this morning. Unsure of where my clothes from last night were, I just stayed in my new flashy PJs and took to wandering outside, the cool air mixed with my damp hair caused a shiver to run through me, but I welcomed it. Forget the need to conceal themselves; as I enjoyed the quiet of the nature surrounding me, the birds flittering about above me, the perfect chaos of the flowers, both wild and manicured, I could see why anyone would be drawn to live in such a place.

The air is almost more refreshing here, I pondered.

I bit back a squeak as a tiny rabbit bounced into my view. I moved slowly, kneeling low. I ripped some of the grass in front of me from the ground, and held it out toward the bunny.

It turned to sniff, hesitating.

Is this my Disney Princess moment?!

Nevermind. It took one look in my direction and scurried away as fast as possible. I pouted.

And then I screamed.

A loud crashing could be heard behind me, and in my attempt to face it from my kneeling position, I fell over, throwing the small handful of grass at the source of the noise.

Emmett merely watched the grass float to the ground a few inches away from me, then looked up with an eyebrow raised.

"That was pretty pathetic, even for you."

I huffed, blowing the hair from my face. "Well what did you expect me to do? Give you a dance?"

"I just thought someone with your supernatural interest would be more prepared for an assault than just throwing some greenery."

I rolled my eyes, clumsily pushing myself up from the ground.

"What are you doing out here anyway?" I asked, eyeing up the thick branches he had dropped to the ground.

"May have escaped your notice, but I do live here."

"I was more referring to the torn apart tree you are carrying around."

Emmett began pulling the wood apart with ease, breaking it into smaller chunks. It was amusing and somewhat sweet to see a hulk of a man sitting cross-legged on the ground, focusing intently on something.

From his lack of an answer, I decided to invite myself to join, sitting beside him. I watched for a while, neither of us saying anything, just the occasional sound of wood cracking somewhat delicately. Soon he began separating the wood into piles according to size, and without prompting, I joined in.

What a strange kind of comfortable we had fallen into.

Then… a strange kind of feeling overcame me, as though I was being watched, eyes boring into my head. I turned, looking up toward the house, and was met with the sight of what seemed to be a statue. Or at least that's what I would have thought it was if i had not grown somewhat used to Jaspers stoney presence.

He did not react to me catching him staring, though I did. Did I feel almost embarrassed to face him? Why? Probably last night-

NOPE! I swung my head away again, breaking the eye contact. I didn't want to think about my behaviour, I'd die of cringe. I felt my cheeks heat in a flush of embarrassment but was determined not to acknowledge it. Or at least I was until I faced Emmett who was looking intently at where the blood now pumped intensely under my skin.

I looked away back to the wood, hands coming up to cup my cheeks as though that would somehow make the heat disappear. It was unnerving, feeling in the middle of these two men. And not in a fun way.

"If we had so little self control that every human that blushed caused us to go into a frenzy, there wouldn't be many students left in Forks High School."

I grumbled, happy to take the amusement in his voice to break the tension in the atmosphere. I twisted my mouth, thinking of the eyes that had been staring down at me, it reminded me of someone looking down at me last night…

I buried my head in my hands quietly groaning, WHY WOULD I SAY THINGS LIKE THAT TO ROSALIE OF ALL PEOPLE.

"I thought it was funny."

I peaked through my fingers at Emmett who had now seemingly started whittling.

"What?"

"Last night. I don't know why you're so embarrassed. Isn't that just like, normal human stuff. Being an idiot after a night out?"

I slid my hands from my face biting my lip in thought. He was right I suppose. I had such a mysterious image of the Cullens built up in my head. Almost as though they were greater beings, above us humans. The thought of having them think less of me seemed to worry me. And yet, why should I be? If anything I put the value of my own life above theirs, even if I was just some nobody human. Why should I feel ashamed for being a normal twenty-something? Gosh, all this vampire business is really messing with my head. Things were less complicated when I was throwing water over my suspected mermaid teachers.

I grinned, "It was pretty funny, wasn't it? I think the look on Rosalie's face will be etched into my brain until the day I die."

Emmett grinned back. I turned fully, leaning forward to see what exactly he was doing.

"Have you decided to start a wood carving business in your old age?" I enquired.

"I saw this man on the TV one day talking about Whittling, and I wanted to try. I've been practising, I'm definitely getting better."

He raised the figure, looking so eager, I nodded. "Oh yes, looks great"

What I was supposed to be looking at I had no idea, but I wasn't about to insult this bear of a man.

"I want to get so good that I can carve a rose." Emmett smiled, focusing hard on what was in front of him.

Emmett seemed simple. Not as though he was unintelligent, but more that he enjoyed the simplicity of life or existence. All this man wanted was to turn wood into something pretty for someone who meant the most to him. What more could you ask for.

I clutched my knees to my chest and smiled, "You're very sweet Emmett."

"Don't let Rose hear you say that," he laughed, then gestured, "Do you want to try?"

I hesitated and then accepted the wood and knife from him, and for the next hour, we bickered as he tried to explain the ins and outs of wood carving.

"No, no, no. What are you? An animal? You're being too rough."

"I am not! I'm doing what you told me, you big log."

"No you're not, gentle. Look, give it to me."

"No! I'm getting it, I just need more practice!"

"I don't think a human lifespan is long enough for you to master this, you're awful!"

"Say's you! I can't even tell what you were supposed to be making before you gave it to me. I thought Vampires were supposed to be good at everything?"

He looked deeply offended, "You take that back!"

"Never!"


No way! The Shining is too weird, freaked me out." Emmett shook his head.

We sat across from each other in the living room, deep in a heavy debate about horror films.

"That's the point!" I exclaimed, "It's supposed to be freaky."

"Yeah but not in a good way, too confusing. Now the Exorcist, that's a great one."

"Oh now that one scares me. I watched it when I was young and I think it scarred me for life. Don't laugh!" I threw a pillow in his direction, but of course he caught it with ease.

"The Thing is one of my top. Dracula is up there of course, though I'm sure you have many opinions on it."

"I've never watched it out of principle."

"What! Well now we have to watch it!"

"I mean I don't just have a secret stash of Vampire related films in my room."

I pouted, but then sat up. "But I do!"

"Thanks for sharing, glad to hear you're a fan."

I rolled my eyes, "No I meant, if you go and get my DVD's then we can watch some good horror movies." I shook my pj clad arm, "I also need some clothes." I grinned.

"What am I? Your servant?"

"Come on! Please," I fluttered my eyelashes, "You could get there and back in like less than 5 minutes. Help out this silly little human."

He groaned throwing his head back. I bit my lip to keep from laughing at his small tantrum, but I felt a thrill of victory as he jumped up from his seat.

"Fine."

I clapped my hands, "Gosh, Emmett I think you're my favourite person ever."

I gave him instructions on where to find everything and got comfy on the plush sofa as he exited the room.

"Oh and bring the popcorn that's in the cupboard! And the beer in the fridge."

He grunted, leaving a breeze behind in his wake as he sped off.

I felt a warmth in my chest like I had made another friend. Look at me, conquering the supernatural world, one Vampire at a time.

"Making acquaintances are we?"

For the second time today, I screamed and fell from where I was sitting onto the ground below, only this time I threw a pillow instead of grass.

I suppose that is an improvement. Emmett will be proud.

"Jasper!" I growled pushing myself up from the floor, "Can you not sneak up on me like that."

My answer was the pillow returning to me, hitting me square in my face. I squealed, unable to protect myself in time.

I huffed, glaring at him, "Asshole." I mumbiled, turning my back to him and retaking my seat.

"Jesus Christ!" I jumped again as he appeared sitting next to me, as though he had always been. "Stop smirking!" I snapped, part of me hating the amusement that danced across his face, and part of me… liked it.

I tried hard not to blush again, facing away from him. I picked my fingernails in an attempt to show my supposed uninterest in his presence.

"Is this how you make friends? Actively ignoring them."

"Thought you didn't want to be friends."

"I don't, but I was looking forward to seeing you're attempts."

I crossed my arms over my chest, choosing not to answer.

"What?" He said, "no quippy remark?"

"Listen, I was having a good day until you decided to burst in. I won't let you ruin it."

He was quiet for a moment, and part of me thought perhaps he had given up. I was wrong.

"You seemed to be having a good time last night too. You do remember that don't you?"

I tried so hard to push away the embarrassment, the blush that was building on my face, but it was no use. I could feel his victory at knowing he got to me, pushing his cocky emotions into my head. It made me so cross.

"Stop that!" I snapped I flung a hand out in his direction.

His hand was cold when it caught mine, and the shock of him touching me caused my anger to seep away, replaced with surprise. It wasn't like we were actually holding hands, I was practically clenching my knuckles into a fist, but seeing his larger palm cupping mine, the stark contrast between his pale skin, and mine which thumped with life… was not all together unpleasant. My surprise amplified and it took me a moment to realsie that it wasn't my surprise at all, but rather Jasper unconsciously projecting his. He quickly realised this, and let go of my hand as though he was burnt.

He sneered, "Do you make a habit of attacking people in their own home."

I didn't know what to say for a few moments, sinking into the seat, "Sorry," I mumbled, crossing my arms again, firmly hiding my hands under my armpits. It did nothing to stop the sensation that lingered on my skin at his touch, so light yet firm.

I peaked over at him, noticing his hand clenching and unclenching as though he didn't know what to think.

He caught my eye, nostrils flaring as though angry, but there was a softer look in his eye, as though an internal battle was taking place within him.

You and me both pal.

"Emmett," He said, not looking away.

"What?" I asked almost offended, "Do I look like Emmett? I'm Clara remember?"

Jasper rolled his eyes, which clearly sent the message you're a moron, and then gestured behind me.

I turned, then smiled as Emmett entered the room arms full. I stood, catching the bag which he chucked at me, peaking inside to see my fresh clothes.

I shaped my hands into a heart showing Emmett my appreciation as I slinked off to change, thankful to get away from Jasper, and his intense stares.

Seriously, I know he probably doesn't need to but he could at least pretend to blink every once in a while.

Once I freshened up, I skipped back into the living room ignoring a certain someone who was still there. Emmett was looking through the box of DVDs indecisive about what to watch.

"Where are the beers?" I asked, causing Emmett to look up.

"Uh," Emmett got up, lifting a box of beers bringing them toward me, "Here you go."

"My hero." I smiled sarcastically. I pulled a few out setting them on the coffee table.

"Actually," Emmett turned back to me with a grin which made me uneasy. "I found something else interesting while I wsas there."

I could see Jasper's head turn toward us, curious.

"Yes?" I asked impatient, though trying not to show it.

I almost took a step back at how close Emmett got, as though he was about to tell me a secret. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a folded up piece of paper. Now I really was confused. He handed it to me, and I raised an eyebrow.

I somewhat cautiously opened it and then I felt FEAR.

I desperately looked at Emmett, begging him not to say anything.

I crumped the drawing of Jasper into my hand and shoved it into my pocket.

"Emmett!"

But he merely wiggled his eyebrows walking back away from me. "You can tell me all about it later."

My eyes flew to Jasper, who really seemed like he had no idea what was happening. Emmett was humming, back to riffling through the DVDs.

Looking to make a quick escape, I took the popcorn and my remaining beers into the kitchen. The only sounds that could be heard in the house was the popping coming from the microwave. If I didn't already know, You'd think I was the only one in this big house.

Eerie.

Bringing my full bowl back into the livingroom I stopped at the view in front of me.

Carlise and Esme sat side by side, they turned smiling.

"Emmett and Jasper told us you're all going to watch a movie," Carlisle said, "I hope you don't mind us joining."

I ignored the jolt of Jasper staying, and smiled, returning to my seat, "Of course, the more the merrier."

"What are we watching?" Esme asked.

I sunk into my seat, legs crossed, popcorn on my lap. Ignoring the presence beside me. The paper burned in my pocket.

"What have you picked Emmett?" I asked.

"I don't know. You have too many."

"Do you have 'Bride of Frankinstine'?"

We all turned to see Rosalie standing in the doorway.

"Uh… yeah." I said somewhat sheepishly, unsure of how to act.

Rosalie said nothing, but gracefully joined us. After a moment she said, "It is a good movie."

I blinked, "Uh, yeah it's great. It's one of the best. Oh and that hair! Pretty iconic."

Rosalie's mouth twitched and if I squinted it would almost be a tiny tiny smile.

"Got it!" Emmett set to work putting on the movie.

Jasper excused himself for a moment to do God knows what, only to return a minute later. Emmett seemed to look at him for a second, but swiftly sat beside Rose.

I felt almost like I was intruding. On both sides of the room there was a couple and then stuck in the middle was Jasper and I.

I couldn't relax for the first twenty minutes or so of the movie, but as the movie went on, I became so engrossed in the screen, and began to blank out everything else.

Half way through I realised I had been through my beer, and moved to open another one, I grumbled to myself, struggling to get the cap off.

He took it from me gently, no one else showed any awareness of Jasper's movements but I was. I watched, as he twisted the cap off with no effort, and slowly handed it back to me. The cool feeling of the brief touch of our fingers not shocking me this time. I felt too flustered to speak, so I smiled sheepishly in thanks. One side of his mouth lifted.

I took a deep breath as he leaned in close, too aware of his mouth by my ear, sure he could hear my heart beating fast. Was it fear? Or something else?

Whatever was happening in the film was irrelevant now, as I waitied in anticipation for what he would say.

"This doesn't mean we're friends."

His tone was light, almost… nice, and I turned, faces too close, but I was determined. I smiled and whispered back.

"Never."