A/N: I apologise for the late update. Life happens. Thank you for your comprehension and support. As always, enjoy or not. Cheers.

Quote:

'Never give up on what you really want to do. The person with big dreams is more powerful than one with all the facts.' – Albert Einstein

Disclaimer: All characters of Twilight belong Stephenie Meyer. In no way do I own them. Only the character that I invented, Adaline, belongs to me.

Chapter 14

It was the next day after the 'Creepy Eddy' episode. I was in the kitchen, listlessly stirring my tea, when my dad came down.

"Morning Addy. You ready for the bonfire tonight?" Dad asked excitedly as he poured himself some coffee.

"Bonfire? Now that I think about it, I vaguely recall Bella talking about some bonfire yesterday. I was half-way asleep though. So what is it about?" I asked as I took a sip of my tea.

Dad took a seat in front of me as he answered, "Billy invited us to a bonfire tonight. There'll be a barbecue too. I can guarantee that their food is really good. So, you interested in going? Bella already said that she'll be going."

'I don't want to go. But dad seems so happy that I don't want to burst his bubble… I do need a change of scenery after yesterday. Maybe I can find a quiet corner to sit, enjoy the delicious food and listen to the waves.'

"I'll go." I muttered as I got up to wash my mug.

"Great then! I'll let Billy know immediately. It promises to be a very good night!" Dad exclaimed joyfully as he got up to grab the phone.

"At what time are we going?" I asked as I waited near the stairs.

Charlie: "We'll be going at six."

"Okay, thank you." I replied as I went up the stairs.

I directly made my way to Bella's room. I knocked and entered when I got permission to do so. Bella was still lying in bed. It looked like she had just woken up. She also had serious case of bed-head.

I made my way to the bed and sat on it, "Hey, good morning."

"Morning." She replied while stretching.

Adaline: "You slept well? It's already eleven o'clock"

"Yea I did." She replied as she sat up. "You've been up for long?"

"No I woke up late too." I patted her leg, "get up. We have to finish the chores before the bonfire tonight."

She looked at me surprised, "you are going? I thought for sure that you were going to stay at home."

"I am. Dad looks so excited to be going with us, so I couldn't say no. At least there'll be food and I can finally check out the beach. I can enjoy the sea under the stars~" I said teasingly.

"You are silly." She laughed before she abruptly stopped and started fidgeting with her blanket.

"Say, did you notice anything strange yesterday?" Bella asked hesitatingly.

Adaline: "Why do you ask? Is it because of your nightmare?"

Bella: "….I dreamt of Edward yesterday. For a moment I really thought he was in the room with us… But that's just ridiculous, right?"

I hummed non-committally, "forget about Edward. I don't want to hear about him anymore. I heard more than enough about him yesterday. Just concentrate on how you are going to survive Jacob Black's awkward attention."

"Ugh don't remind me about it."

I got up and made my way out of the room, " I'll have some entertainment tonight! Lucky me."

"Not funny! I'll be laughing too if some guy tries to chat you up tonight!" I heard her call behind me.

"I'll just be blunt and scare him away!" I shouted back.

It was nearly time to go the bonfire, so I was standing in front of my wardrobe, freshly showered, trying to decide what to wear.

"It's bound to be cold." I muttered to myself.

At the same time, my mobile chimed indicating that I got a message. I ignored it and continued perusing the clothes before me. I finally decided on black cargo pants, a black form-fitting turtleneck and my combat boots. I was going to put my coat on later.

I quickly get dressed and then brushed my hair into a low ponytail. With that finished, I picked up phone and went downstairs to wait for the others.

I was the only one ready, so I went to sit in the living room. Having nothing better to do, I decided to check the message I got earlier.

Pixiefromhell: [Addy sorry about Edward. Are you angry with us too? We are sorry for not telling you. But we were caught between a rock and a hard place. We got lectured by Carlisle. It was not pleasant. And it was even worse for Edward. I never saw Carlisle so angry and disappointed. One thing is sure, Edward is never going to your house without permission ever again. By the way, are you going out tonight?]

I was going to reply to her when I got three more messages.

Casperjazz: [Adaline. Sorry for not informing you about Edward. Believe me when I say that I tried my best to prevent him from going to your house without your knowing. Without resorting to physical means, that is. I hope that the idiotic actions of my brother has in no way jeopardized our friendship. Hope to hear from you soon. Good night.]

SillyKuma: [Addy, Edward is a big idiot. Sorry about him. I told him many times that what he was doing is creepy as hell! Hey you are not mad at us right? I couldn't tell you what he was doing because it would have sounded crazy and uhhh…you know secrets.]

Unknown number: [Adaline. It's Rosalie. I will not apologise for that big buffoon but I will apologise for not giving you a hint at least. I have yelled at him many times for his stalking, but it was in vain. If you need me punch him on your behalf, you just need to say one word. I have been preventing myself from doing so just because of Carlisle. But I'm sure that he won't mind if I say that you asked me to do so. P.S: you may save my number.]

I saved Rosalie's number under WildRose before replying to their messages one by one.

A: [ Alice, you can't control your brother. So don't apologise for him. A little warning would have been greatly welcomed, but I understand your situation. Doesn't mean I wasn't a little irritated and disappointed, but like I said, I understand. And he deserves the lecture he got. I will be having some words with him too. And yes I am going out tonight. We have been invited to a bonfire by the Billy Black.]

A: [Jasper, like I told Alice, I understand. Thank you for trying, really. And no, his actions are his own, so it hasn't jeopardized our friendship at all. I won't allow it to do so. Talk to you later. Good night.]

A:[Emmett you are right, he is a big creepy idiot. Don't apologise for him. And no not mad, maybe a little bitter and disappointed but not mad. I understand your circumstances didn't allow you to reveal certain things. Don't worry your little brain about it. Cheers.]

A: [Rosalie you are right for not apologising for the big buffoon. His actions are not yours. And I understand your silence on this matter. Thank you for yelling at him. And here is your one word: YES. Punch him with all you've got. A little kick to where the sun doesn't shine would be greatly welcomed too. THANK YOU. Good night.]

I had just finished replying to Rosalie when I got another text from Alice. At the same time Bella came down and sat to me.

Pixiefromhell: [I am glad that you are talking to us. I was angry with Edward too. Thank you for understanding. And okay, I won't apologise for him. Lol….Oh the Black's huh. Be careful okay? You'll let me know if something happens, right?]

I raised an eyebrow at that message, 'Be careful of what? Something fishy is going on… Joy. Another secret.'

Bella: "Who are you texting?"

"Hmmm it's Alice. Anyway, we are going to be late. What is dad doing upstairs?" I asked her as I replied to Alice at the same time.

A:[Careful…..? Okayyyy and, yes, I'll let you know. Talk to you later pixie. Cheers.]

I quickly sent the message as dad came downstairs.

" Sorry for the wait girls." He said as he went to the door to put his coat on.

Bella and I followed behind him and did the same.

Bella: "It's okay. We didn't wait long."

Adaline: "Yes, we didn't. Which car are we taking? Please tell me it's not yours."

Charlie: "Uh, I was going to take that one."

Adaline: " Can't we go in my car, please? I'll still leave the driving to you."

Bella nodded next to me.

'I don't want to get in the back of your car. I don't know whose arse has been on those seats.'

Charlie: "Okay. It doesn't matter as long as we get there anyway."

With that he took the keys to my car and made his way outside. Bella and I quickly followed behind him.

"Are there going to be a lot of people there?" Bella asked as dad drove to the reserve.

Charlie: "I think most of the people on the reserve will be there."

I grimaced at that, 'Me and socialising doesn't mesh. I hope that the people there are not eager for conversation.'

"Oh." Bella replied with a blank face.

"Don't worry, all the people on the reserve are kind. You'll have a good time." Dad tried to reassure us.

Bella: "Okay."

I just hummed and continued looking out the window.

We arrived pretty quickly at the reserve. Billy and Jacob came to greet us as soon as we got out of the car.

"Charlie! You are finally here! I thought you got lost on the way! Bella, Adaline, glad you came. Don't let us old men hold you back. Take this fool with you and go mingle with the youngsters. Jacob you better take good care of Charlie's girls."

"Dad!" Jacob exclaimed as Bella and I greeted them awkwardly.

Charlie: "Hey who are you calling old? I'll have you know that I am still in my prime! But he is right. Go mingle girls. If you need anything, you know where to find me. Jacob, I'll leave them to you."

"Okay, we'll leave you two old men alone. Try not to drink too much." I said teasingly to my dad as I lagged behind Jacob and Bella.

"Hey not you too!" I heard dad say behind me. I just laughed at him and walked up quicker to catch up to Bella and Jacob.

I watched quietly as Jacob tried to chat my sister up, 'it's just as awkward as I thought it would be.'

Bella glanced back at me and sent me an sos through her eyes. I just smiled innocently at her, 'payback little sister.'

Fortunately for her, she didn't have to endure this situation for long as we reached the other 'youngsters' sitting around the bonfire. Jacob quickly introduced us to the people then told us to sit anywhere.

I quickly deserted Bella and went to get some food. A nice old man kindly filled my plate to the brim and I carefully carried my plate to a relatively deserted seat. From where I was sitting, I could still see Bella and Jacob.

I got my phone out and started reading the book I had downloaded while eating. I occasionally raised my head to check on Bella, but other than that, I concentrated on reading my book.

I was left blissfully alone to read for a long time before some dunderhead tried to start a conversation with me.

"Hey. You are the Chief's daughter right?" The dunderhead said.

'Can't people understand that if someone is reading it means that they don't want to talk to anyone?'

I just replied with a 'yes' and continued reading.

Dunderhead put his hand in front of my face and said, "I am Paul. Nice to meet you."

I slowly looked up from his hand to his face which was sporting a dumb grin.

"Adaline. I would like to continue reading. Thank you."

With that, I ignored his hand and got up to go sit next to Bella and Jacob. I heard his friends laughing at him as I left.

"Oooh burn Lahote! You need some aloe vera for that ?"

I ignored them and casually sat next to Jacob who was frowning at the group of boys.

"Ignore them." I told him quietly as I unlocked my mobile to continue reading.

"He didn't do or say anything rude to you, did he?" Jacob asked worriedly.

"No, he just introduced himself. I just ignored him. Don't worry." I replied.

With that said, I concentrated back on my book. I could sometimes feel someone staring at me, but resolutely ignored it.

I was just debating on whether I should get another grilled corn when I heard Bella mention the Cullens to Jacob. I turned my head to give her a weird look.

'Why in merlin's name are you asking about the Cullens? Is that all you have in your head?'

"So, the Cullens. Do they come here often?" Bella asked nonchalantly.

Jacob had a complex look on his face at that question. He discreetly looked around before looking back at Bella.

'…Why is he acting like a thief? Is the Cullen name taboo here or something?'

Just as he was about to answer, another voice chimed in.

It was the dunderhead who tried to chat with me earlier that interrupted rudely, "The Cullens are not welcomed here. They are not allowed to enter the reservation."

Jacob: "Go away Lahote. Mind your own business."

Lahote ignored Jacob and looked at me, "it would be better for you to stay away from the Cullens. They are bad news."

'Okay, why is that fool saying that to me? I was not the one to ask the question. And who does he think he is to tell me who I can and can't talk to. From what I am seeing, he seems like bad news too.'

I just gave him a bland look before distracting myself with my phone. Bella, on the other side of Jacob, shrunk her neck and looked like she regretted asking that question.

'Better look at my phone than look at this macho guy.'

"You are a cold girl huh." Lahote drawled, "I like it."

I gave Jacob a look that said 'is he bloody kidding me right now?'

Jacob: "She is not interested Paul. Go away!"

From the corner of my eyes I saw Bella searching for our dad. I also noticed some of Lahote's friends start to get up and come our way.

Lahote: "Shut up Black! Nobody asked for your opinion."

Jacob: "Her dad asked me to look out for her! Your presence is not welcomed. F**k off!"

"Paul, leave them alone. Let's go." One of Lahote's friends said.

"Adaline, right? How about you come with me so we can chat?"

That guy's attitude was seriously starting to piss me off!

"No. Not interested. Kindly go away. Your presence and attention is not wanted. To be frank, you are annoying." I replied coldly.

Jacob stood up and said aggressively, "You got your answer. Now go away."

Lahote had started shaking a lot and made to move closer to Jacob. Fortunately a tall man with Black hair came and put a hand on Lahote's shoulder.

"Paul calm down. This is neither the time nor place for this. Let's go. Now." The stranger commanded.

Then him and the other guys grabbed Lahote and dragged him away. I looked at Bella and she looked back at me.

Bella asked, "what the hell was that about?"

'No really, that was strange. Why did he start shaking like that. And Alice that told me to be careful…It can't be a coincidence.'

Jacob grimaced, "don't mind them. They are some sort of gang. Most people tend to stay away from them. I do too. Sorry for that unpleasant experience at your first bonfire gathering."

"It's not your fault so don't apologise. More importantly, I want to eat more grilled corn." I said to break the tense atmosphere.

"I'll go get some for you" Jacob said as he stood up. "Bella you want some too?"

Bella: "No I'm okay thx."

Bella watched him walk away before turning back to me, "what do you think he meant when he said that the Cullens aren't welcomed here?"

I gave her a deadpan look, "seriously Bella? We nearly got into an altercation with some weird gang dude and you are still hung up on that? Forget about that. Jacob also clearly didn't want to talk , so leave it alone please."

Jacob came back with my grilled corn and I thanked him before starting to eat. Fortunately, Bella listened to me and didn't ask Jacob about the Cullens again.

'I should have stayed at home.' I thought morosely as I took a bite of corn.