The mile-long crescent of First Beach was breath-taking. The water was dark gray, even in the sunlight, white-capped and heaving to the grey, rocky shore. Islands rose out of the steel harbour waters with sheer cliff sides, reaching to uneven summits, and crowned with austere, soaring firs. The beach had only a thin border of actual sand at the water's edge, after which it grew into millions of large, smooth stones that looked uniformly grey from a distance, but close up were every shade a stone could be: terra-cotta, sea green, lavender, blue grey, dull gold. The tide line was strewn with huge driftwood trees, bleached bone white in the salt waves, some piled together against the edge of the forest fringe, some lying solitary, just out of reach of the waves.
There was a brisk wind coming off the waves, cool and briny. Pelicans floated on the swells while seagulls and a lone eagle wheeled above them. The clouds still circled the sky, threatening to invade at any moment, but for now the sun shone bravely in its halo of blue-grey sky.
"Beautiful, isn't it?"
I looked at Jacob who was studying my face carefully. I nodded, not wanting to use my words to describe how I was feeling right now.
"C'mon." He said, smiling and taking my hand. Instinctively I took it away.
"Jacob-" I began.
"I'm sorry, my bad. I should have asked. I'm not trying to make a move on you or anything, I promise. I just don't want you to trip and fall, I know how clumsy you are." He apologised earnestly, and I could see no malintent in his eyes. Cautiously, I extended my hand.
"Next time, ask." We smiled at each other and picked our way down to the beach. Two of Jacob's friends, Quil and Embry, had gone ahead of us. Embry was slender, almost as tall as Jacob, with black, chin-length hair parted down the middle, one side tucked behind his left ear while the right side swung free. Quil was shorter, more baby-faced but burly, with a well-developed chest he seemed gleefully conscious of and dark curls framing his forehead. It turned out that Quil and I were distant cousins - his grandmother was Molly Swan, a relative of dad's.
They led the way to a ring of driftwood logs that had obviously been used for parties like ours before. There was a fire circle already in place, filled with black ashes. The two boys went to gather broken branches of driftwood from the drier piles against the forest edge. Jacob took their absence as his chance to talk to me, although they soon had a tepee-shaped construction built atop the old cinders.
"How was school this week? As shitty as you were expecting?" He asked, bumping me with his shoulder. I winced - I still had a bruise there. Luckily he took it as an answer to his question. "Ah, worse?"
"Definitely worse. I made some friends, some enemies. You know how it is." A ghost of a smile lit my face.
"Enemies huh? Guess you aren't the good company I thought you were." He teased. Behind us, I heard one of the boys sing the lyrics "Bad, bad company till the day I die… Oh, yeah" and the other returned it with a laugh.
"I asked someone to come but… she was busy." I kicked stones with my feet, watching the action closely.
"Just someone? Who is she?" He picked up my serious tone and echoed it.
"Rosalie Cullen." Just then, the boys came back with the final load of driftwood and sat on either side of Jacob.
"You know, the Cullens don't come here. Maybe that's why your girlfriend didn't come." Embry said, attempting to sound nonchalant. Still, his tone implied that there was something more to the story, as if the Cullens weren't allowed. Jacob gave him a look.
"Have you ever seen a driftwood fire?" Quil asked, claiming my attention with his innocent and excitable tone. He kneeled by the fire, lighting one of the smaller sticks with a cigarette lighter.
"No," I said as he placed the blazing twig carefully against the tepee. "You'll like this then - watch the colours." He lit another small branch and laid it alongside the first. The flames started to lick quickly up the dry wood.
"It's blue," I said in surprise.
"The salt does it. Pretty, isn't it?" He lit one more piece, placed it where the fire hadn't yet caught, and then came to sit by Jacob again. I watched the strange blue and green flames crackle toward the sky for a little while the boys chattered. Then, I plucked up the courage to ask about the Cullens.
"Why don't they come here? The Cullens." The conversation fell and the boys shared a look.
"It's kind of a tribe thing." Quil said, shrugging his shoulders with a sad expression, as if he wished he could tell me.
"Quil, we're cousins!" I implored him. "And besides, I'm not going to tell anyone."
"I mean it's kind of just a scary story." Jacob said, trying to put me off further.
"Please? I love scary stories." It wasn't a lie, but it was true that I had a vested interest in the Cullens.
"Okay!" Embry exploded, "Okay, but don't tell a single living soul! Any of you! Especially your dad, Jacob!" I hadn't expected Embry to be the one to crack.
"Thank you!" I said. I drew my hand and cast together, as if I was clasping my hands in thanks.
"Do you know any of our old stories, about where we came from - the Quileutes, I mean?" he began.
"Not really," I admitted.
Quil picked the story up. "Well, there are lots of legends, some of them claiming to date back to the Flood - supposedly, the ancient Quileutes tied their canoes to the tops of the tallest trees on the mountain to survive like Noah and the ark." He smiled, to show me how little stock he put in the histories. "Another legend claims that we descended from wolves — and that the wolves are our brothers still. It's against tribal law to kill them."
Jacob's voice dropped low. "Then there are the stories about the cold ones."
"The cold ones?" I asked, leaning forward in intrigue.
"There are stories of the cold ones as old as the wolf legends, and some much more recent. According to legend, Jacob's great-grandfather knew some of them. He was the one who made the treaty that kept them off our land." Embry continued.
"Your great-grandfather?" I encouraged, staring intently at Jacob at the mention of his name.
"He was a tribal elder, like my father. The cold ones are the natural enemies of the wolf- well, not the wolf, really, but the wolves that turn into men, like our ancestors. They're kinda like werewolves."
"Werewolves have enemies?"
"Only one." Embry said darkly.
"So you see," Jacob continued, "the cold ones are traditionally our enemies. But this pack that came to our territory during my great-grandfather's time was different. They didn't hunt the way others of their kind did - they weren't supposed to be dangerous to the tribe. So my great-grandfather made a truce with them. If they would promise to stay off our lands, we wouldn't expose them to the pale-faces." He winked at me.
"If they weren't dangerous, then why… ?"
"There's always a risk for humans to be around the cold ones, even if they're civilised like this clan was. You never know when they might get too hungry to resist." Embry deliberately worked a thick edge of menace into his tone.
"They were civilised because they claimed that they didn't hunt humans. They supposedly were somehow able to prey on animals instead." Quil explained.
"So what does this have to do with the Cullens? Are they like the cold ones your great-grandfather met?" I asked, looking at Jacob.
"No." Embry answered, then paused dramatically. "They are the same ones."
"Dun dun duhh!" Quil interjected with a laugh. I smiled at him, then looked back at the other two boys.
"There are more of them now, a new female and a new male, but the rest are the same. In my great-grandfather's time they already knew of the leader, Carlisle. He'd been here and gone before your people had even arrived." Embry was fighting a smile now.
"And what are they?" I finally asked. "What are the cold ones?"
He smiled darkly. "Blood drinkers," he replied in a chilling voice. "Your people call them vampires."
"I bet she has goose bumps," Jacob laughed delightedly, bumping Embry with his shoulder.
"You're good storytellers." I complimented them.
"So do you think we're a bunch of superstitious natives or what?" Quil asked in a playful tone, but with a hint of worry. I guess my face hadn't betrayed me yet.
"No. I think you're very good at telling scary stories, though!" I smiled indulgently.
"Cool." He smiled.
"So about those cool rocks…" I asked Jacob.
We spent the rest of the afternoon collecting sea glass and rocks with interesting patterns. My favourite was a beige rock, slightly sparkly in places, with dark grey rings forming a bullseye. It was simple, but I couldn't figure out why it was formed the way it was, which made me like it. Jacob promised to take me to the rock pools here when my hand was healed. I had protested, but Embry said the only way they'd let me near them at the moment was if they had a toddler harness to pull me back with.
A few drops were beginning to fall, making black spots on the stones where they landed. With all the fun we were having, we had forgotten to watch the skies. We grabbed our bags quickly and ran towards the car park. I gave a brief wet hug to Quil and Embry, then Jacob and I returned to E.J.
We were giggling together by the time we slid into the cab. I turned the heating on with shaking hands, my teeth chattering in complaint. Jacob took off his wet raincoat and opened his hoodie.
"I'm like a hundred degrees over here, you know." He gave me a lopsided grin. I gladly tucked myself under his arm and warmed up in silence. He must have felt the slight wetness of my fallen tear because he searched for my face.
"What's wrong, Bella?" He asked.
"It's just that… I've had a really rough week. Seeing you guys made me smile again and I'm sad it's over."
"Are the kids at school really bothering you?" He asked darkly. "I'm sorry, I didn't realise you were serious earlier. I couldn't imagine anyone hating you."
"You could say that…" I chewed on my lip.
He put his finger under my chin and levelled my head with his. "All you have to do is give me names." He grinned, breaking the serious vibe.
I laughed, pulled away and fiddled with a thread on my jeans. "Jacob, you're very comforting to me. You're kind and sweet and," I punched his shoulder lightly, "warm. But I worry that I'm giving you the wrong idea. I'm just looking for a friend." I looked in his eyes and waited for the look of betrayal or disappointment that usually followed this kind of conversation, but it didn't come.
He lowered his voice again. "I like you a lot but I promise I'm not into you like that. I guess I just like to show you that I care and that comes out wrong sometimes."
"It's not wrong," I said quickly, "I just wanted to make sure that we're on the same page. I've had enough creepy guys bothering me lately as it is." I muttered the last part.
"Again, names!" He nudged me slightly. I sighed. "Please? I want to make sure you're okay." He asked earnestly.
"Alright, alright, you don't have to go all Charlie on me!" I paused. "Rosalie's brother, Edward. He was really hostile to me, my first day. The other night… He… Attacked me. That's how I broke my wrist. If it wasn't for Rose I don't know what would have happened." I sank further into Jacob's arm, hiding from the gravity of what I'd said.
I felt him go rigid and very still. He was usually like a wriggly puppy. "He broke your wrist?" He asked slowly.
I nodded. "And bruised my shoulder."
"So that's why you winced earlier." I nodded again.
I could feel his temperature rising and pulled away to look at his face. He looked pained and wild, as if he was fighting for control. Instinctively, I moved away on the bench of the cab. I knew that he wouldn't hurt me, but I wanted to give him some space.
"I want to comfort you, Bella. But I can't… I'm sorry, I have to go." His final words came out in a rush as he exploded out of the truck and took off running.
"Jacob! Jacob, wait!" I opened the door and stumbled out, falling to my knees, and ripping open my jeans. I crashed after him hoping my clumsy self wouldn't fall on a goddamn rock. I hit the tree line hoping to find him but I knew that it would be hopeless. The rain continued to fall around me as I leaned against a tree and sank to the ground, littered with pine needles. I didn't even cry as my brain filled with petrichor and melancholy. I'd made a friend and now I didn't know if I'd ever see him again. Everyone in this town hated me.
"I should just go home." I whispered to myself. But was home really Arizona? Where I lived in essential servitude to my hare-brained mother? I didn't have friends there either. If I left, nothing would change. I stood up and lumbered back to my truck. My wrist ached, my body was exhausted, my bleeding knees stung. But still, I was determined to make this work. I would make sure that Jacob was okay as soon as I could, even if he didn't want to see me. I would see Rosalie tomorrow and demand answers from her. I was done messing around. This was my life the Cullens were playing with, and I wasn't about to let them fuck it up. I called Charlie and asked if someone from the station could give us a lift. Jacob was missing.
When I awoke the next morning he still hadn't been found. Dad brought me some cereal in bed and told me of all they were doing to find him. So far, the perks of being the Chief's daughter had kept me from answering too many questions about the discussion we'd had before he left but I knew that wouldn't last and I was right. Luckily, since it was just Charlie I wasn't so anxious at the thought of embellishing the truth. I was helping him. Dad took my hand and asked me to recall last night.
"It was about… Some guy I knew. He hurt me and Jacob got mad. I think he sees me like another one of his sisters and he couldn't bear the thought of someone hating me. He said he wanted to comfort me, but he had to go. Then he ran off into the woods and I fell over trying to follow him. By the time I'd got up, he was gone."
Of course, dad was worried after that. When Rose came, he didn't want me to leave, and I think he was worried that I would decide to follow him myself. I reassured him that I'd already planned on going on a drive to clear my head today and Charlie was set at ease once he saw who had come to collect me. Blonde hair piled both elegantly and effortlessly in a bun upon her perfect head Rosalie slid out of a monster of an expensive Jeep, khaki green and partly caked with mud on the rims. She was wearing a charcoal grey leather jacket and black skin-tight hiking pants, her socks folded fashionably over the ends to show off her leather hiking boots.
"I wouldn't usually be caught dead in a truck this dirty." She said matter-of-factly as she strutted towards us. "Emmett decided to take it for a joyride last night." She rolled her eyes and crossed her arms.
"Anyway, hello again Chief Swan." She extended a perfectly manicured hand, and I was surprised to see that her nails weren't the long claws I expected from her. Instead, they were cleanly rounded with around a centimetre of brilliant white at the tips.
Charlie gave a crinkled smile and shook her hand back. "Nice strong handshake," he complimented her, "where are you girls going today?" He asked warily, eyeing Emmet's Jeep.
"A hike." She said mysteriously. "I'll keep her upright." She reassured Charlie, giving me a side-eye.
Charlie invited Rosalie into the house while I went to dig out my hiking boots. I had a feeling that Charlie liked her. He wouldn't trust just anybody to take me on a hike with my track record - maybe not even Jacob. Jacob. My heart gave a twang. Another thing that the Cullens - or at least Edward Cullen - had ruined.
"Don't be a stranger now, Rose!" Charlie called after us as we headed out the door. "And no more injuries, Bells!"
With my small stature, I struggled to get into the passenger seat of the Jeep. I was even more embarrassed by that fact when Rosalie pulled me one-handed into the SUV.
"You didn't have to do that…" I mumbled, fumbling with the complicated restraints.
"Clearly I did, you're so incompetent sometimes that it should be considered a disability."
I stared at her. "Actually, I am considered disabled." She looked away; all venomous remarks dried up. I hadn't wanted to embarrass her, but it was important to say.
I let her stew in silence for a little before I asked where we were headed. The news of a hike was new to me.
"It's a place I go where I can be myself, no mask. I think you'll like it, it's very beautiful."
"Then it will suit you." I hadn't meant for that to come out. I quickly redirected the conversation. "Although I'm not a good hiker - you'll have to be very patient."
"I can be patient." She paused. "If I make a great effort." She conceded, smiling at me. I was dazzled by the effect. I could tell that she didn't smile that light-heartedly often. I wanted more.
When we arrived, I realised that the trail Rose had in mind wasn't as hard as I had feared. The way was mostly flat, and Rosalie held the damp ferns and webs of moss aside for me. It was surprising how willing she was to actually use her perfect hands. When the path took us over fallen trees or boulders, she would help me, lifting me effortlessly, and then releasing me when I was clear. Her cold touch on my skin never failed to make my heart thud erratically, but I wasn't sure if it was being in the presence of such a goddess that caused it or her icy hands. Still, they didn't seem to burn through my clothes like Edward's did. They were the cold relief of a popsicle on a summer's day.
For the most part, we walked in silence. I wasn't on the same level as Rosalie, and I didn't feel… Worthy of talking with her. When I watched her, she seemed in her element, much more carefree than she was around others. I wondered how heavy the burden of seeming perfect was for her.
The hike took me most of the morning, but she never showed any sign of impatience, much to my surprise. The forest spread out around us in a boundless labyrinth of ancient trees that I would be perfectly happy to get lost in forever with my present company. I had thought that being in this green maze would feel suffocating, but clearly, today never ceased to surprise.
It was warm now, warmer than it had been in Forks since the day I'd arrived. I'd missed the warmth a little but not nearly as much as my mother had said I would. Still, I was glad that as we walked the light that filtered through the canopy had transformed from a murky olive tone, shifting to a brighter jade.
"Do you see the brightness ahead?" She asked suddenly, turning around to look at me.
I peered into the thick forest. "Um, should I?"
She smiled kindly. "Ah. It's probably a bit soon for your eyes." I fell silent, quizzical.
After another hundred yards, I started to see a more pronounced lightening in the trees ahead, a glow that shone yellow instead of green. Rosalie picked up her pace, so much so that it was difficult to keep up with her long, eager stride. She seemed to have a childlike wonder and excitement in her step.
The light blinded me until I reached the edge of the pool of light and stepped through the last fringe of ferns into the most idyllic place I had ever seen. The meadow was small, perfectly round, and filled with wildflowers - violet, yellow, and soft white. Somewhere nearby, I could hear the bubbling music of a stream. The sun was directly overhead, filling the circle with a haze of buttery sunshine, like being in the presence of Rosalie herself. I walked slowly, awestruck, through the soft grass, swaying flowers, and warm, gilded air. Then, I turned around, searching for her. I wanted to see which was more beautiful, since I was sure that it would be Rose. She was standing under the damp shade of the canopy at the edge of the hollow watching me with a curious gaze. She seemed almost desperate for my approval, which was not an expression I would have ever thought I'd see in her.
As I walked towards her, anxiety grew in her face. She stared down, almost afraid. When I stood in front of her, she reacted in surprise, almost as if she thought I'd never reach her or that I would get distracted and forget about her on the way. I cautiously took her hands in mine, wondering if she would pull away. She didn't. I stepped back slowly, and she allowed me the full extent of her long arms before taking a deep breath and following me into the bright glow of the midday sun.