I lied in bed thinking about the day. Sighing I grabbed my phone and tried to call Riley again.
"This is Riley. Leave a message."
Closing my eyes tightly.
"Hey Riles, I really miss you. I hope you're found soon. It's been hell here and not knowing if you're okay is really tough. I met your parents and let me tell you, your dad is still fine."
I let out a watery chuckle.
"So you have to come back because I don't know what I would do without you. You're my best friend and I love you."
Hanging up the phone I take a deep breath. My life couldn't possibly get worse than this.
As the months pass Emma has been a godsend. I really don't know how I would've gotten through this without her.
"Do you want to come to La Push with me tomorrow. I'm meeting up with a friend and I think you guys would like each other."
Emma looked up from her book and raised one eyebrow.
"Not like that you weirdo!" I laugh and throw a chip at her. It lands in her hair and we both start laughing.
"Yeah it's not like I have anything better to do"
"Nice to know I'm a last resort"
"I'm going to the movies with some friends. Don't wait up. " we both look up as Bella walks into the kitchen.
"Is Jake going?"
She glared at me and stormed out the house.
"So she's been dating someone named Jake?"
"No Jake is a family friend, he's actually our age. Between you and me I'm pretty sure he has a huge crush on her. Lack of taste if you ask me."
We both burst out in laughter.
After promising to pick me up and take me to La Push Emma goes home. I start making dinner and singing. As I'm finishing up dad walks in.
"Hey dad I made some burgers and fries for dinner" I say in greeting as he puts his things down.
"Where is Bella?"
Thankful that my back was turned to him. I continue making myself a plate in silence.
"Nicole, I am speaking to you."
"Your daughter went to the movies with some friends. I was unaware that I needed to keep tabs on my older sister for your piece of mind."
Turning around and sitting at the table I sigh and start to eat.
As he makes his plate in silence, I try to wonder why I didn't just go with my mom.
"Dad, did you even want me to come?"
He looks startled, obviously not expecting a direct question.
"Of course you're always welcomed here Niks you know that"
I take a deep breath and begin to speak when I'm interrupted by the door slamming open.
"Charlie? Are you home?"
"Bells I'm in the kitchen"
I roll my eyes as Bella walks in.
"Jake left early and said he wasn't feeling good. Can you make sure Billy knows?"
Dad nods his head and as they get distracted in conversation I slip out to my room.
I sigh as I look at the ceiling wishing that my dad would get me a fraction of the love he gave Bella.
The next day I spend the day cleaning and watching tv. I am surprised by finally getting a call from my mom. In tears I fill her in on everything that has been happening.
"Nicole sweetheart, I am so sorry that I have not been there for you."
I wipe some tears and hold the phone as close to my ear as I can.
"It's not your fault mom! I agreed to come you didn't force me. I just had different expectations and it hurts that I was so wrong."
"I will be back as soon as I can! I will be giving your father a very stern talking to. I love you Nicole. Ill try to call you as soon as I am able to."
"I love you to mom"
Hanging up the phone I cry myself to sleep.
I jerk awake as my phone is ringing loudly. Searching blindly, I finally locate it and answer.
"Hello?"
"He joined the cult!"
Rubbing sleep out of my eyes and yawning. I sit up.
"What"
"Nicole! Wake up! Jake joined Sam's cult! I saw him this morning with them"
More alert as I recognize Quil's voice.
"Did you say anything?"
"I tried they acted like I didn't exist"
Cringing as I heard the pain in his voice.
"I'll be up there today, Quil. If I have to slap some sense into Jake and Embry I will."
Hanging up and quickly calling Emma we agree to leave in an hour giving us time to get ready.
Finally, we are on our way to La Push. Pulling up to the beach I immediately spot Quil. Getting out of the car and pulling Emma with me we ran up to Quil.
I pull him in a big hug and introduce him to Emma.
"I wish it was under better circumstances but I'm always glad to meet a beautiful woman."
Emma blushes and Quil's smile grows.
"Ummm hello you hang out with a beautiful woman all the time" I say jokingly as I point to myself.
He laughs and ruffles my hair. As expected, they hit it off and I can almost hear the wedding bells. I was glad to give him a distraction to the whole Jacob and Embry situation.
After hanging out all day and them exchanging numbers we head back.
"Sooooooo"
Emma looks at me and laughs.
"He's really cute and funny and smart and ugh! You've been holding out on me Nicole!"
I smile smugly and laugh.
The next couple of weeks flew by in a haze of activity. Mostly spent hanging with Emma and Quil who are now a couple. Ignoring Bella and dad who are living in their own world. I would say this has been the most settled my time here has been since Riley went missing.
I let out a sigh of relief as I plop on the couch. Emma and Quil have a date today so I'm on my own which honestly is not too bad. I grab a blanket on the couch and snuggle in to watch some Disney movie.
Halfway through the movie I hear the door slam open and Bella storms through. I continue to ignore her as I hear her arguing on the phone with someone. I turn the volume up hoping that the voices of Miguel and Hector will drown out her screeching.
Of course, because the universe hates me Bella storms in and demands I ride with her to La Push.
"I would but I'm trying to watch a movie"
Rolling her eyes she turns off the tv, yanks me up, and starts dragging me to the truck.
Surprised by her audacity I get shoved in the truck. As we are driving, I glare at her.
"Why do you need me to come with you"
"Because Billy likes you and he is upset with me right now. I know he can't turn both of us away."
"And why is Billy mad at you?" I ask secretly happy someone else is on the anti-Bella train even if it is only for a little while.
"He keeps saying Jacob is sick but won't let me see him. It is ridiculous Jake is my friend."
"Well that's his son and honestly you have been using Jake to get over Edward-"
Suddenly she slams the breaks and yells at me to get out of her truck.
"We are like 20 minutes away from the house I am not getting out. Because of you I don't even have any shoes on or have my phone!"
She kept screaming at me to get out. I get out angrily and slam her door. She drives off as fast as that beat up truck would let her. Felling tears start to fill my eyes I look down at the oversized t-shirt and shorts I was wearing.
Looking around I see the welcome to La Push sign a little ahead and the small diner. I sigh and start to walk.