Chapter 6: La Push

Needless to say Charlie was pissed when I pulled up to the house Thursday morning at 3 am. Closing my car door as quietly as possible I made my way to the door. It creaked as I opened it. Glancing around I saw no one in the kitchen. Phew that was close.

"What happened to being home Sunday Alexis. It's Thursday." Turning on the living room light Charlie stood there arms crossed glaring. "It's four days past when you said you'd be home and you didn't even think about letting me know."

"My bad."

"My bad. That's all you can say? Here I was not knowing if you were dead and all you can say is my bad."

"Sorry? I didn't mean to but Dad was there I thought he would of said something."

"You know what. You're grounded."

Laughing at Charlie's reaction I shook my head. "Probably not but thanks for trying that Charlie. You're my uncle, not my dad."

"I mean it Alexis. School and home. That's it. No going to friends houses and no leaving on hunting trips."

Rolling my eyes I turned for the stairs. "Sure whatever you say Charlie. I'm going to bed."

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Beep. Beep. Beep.

Turning my alarm off I rolled back to my stomach and checked the time. 2:37 pm. Whoops there went another day of school I missed. Oh well, I thought to myself as I snuggled more into the blankets and fell back asleep.

"Alexis. Wake up. It's dinner time." Bella said as she was shaking me awake.

"Five more minutes Dean."

"Um it's Bella."

My eyes shot open. "Crap! What time is it?" Rubbing the sleep out of my eyes I grabbed my phone.

"It's 6:30. Dinner time like I said." Bella stood there staring at me.

"Ughh I'm just going to sleep thanks though Bella."

"Um so tomorrow Jake wants us to come to La Push for a bon fire and to hang out after. I wa-was hoping you'd come with?" Bella looked at me hopefully.

"Sure Bells I'll come with, only if you skip school with me tomorrow. I figured since I haven't been all week there's no point going on a Friday." Standing up I ran my fingers through my tangled hair attempting to smooth it down.

"Skip? Like ditch school?"

"Yeah why not, text Jack and tell him we'll hang out all day tomorrow."

"It's Jake, Alexis." Rolling her eyes she crossed her arms over her small frame. "I don't know, won't Charlie be mad."

"That's why we'll get ready for school but just go to La Push instead. Give me your phone for a second." Cautiously she passed me her phone. Opening her messages I clicked on Jake's name and waited for it to ring.

"Bells! I wasn't expecting you to call me!" A cheerful voice came from the other line.

"Well that's because it's not Bella, it's her cousin Alexis. But Bella was too nervous to call you herself."

Bella's face turned bright red and she tried grabbing the phone back. "Alexis! Give me my phone! That isn't nice!"

Holding her back with my foot I laughed. "Well we were hoping you'd skip class tomorrow and hang out with us all day. We can be there around 8 so Charlie won't know we skipped school."

"That sounds great! You guys can come to my house, Bells knows where it is!"

"Thanks Jack see you tomorrow!" I hung the phone up and passed it to Bella. Her face was redder than I thought was possible.

"Why'd you do that Alexis!" She huffed glaring daggers at me.

"Because he obviously likes you Bella. And plus you weren't going to text him." Walking by her I smiled. "And it'll help you forget about that douche ex."

"He's not a douche Alexis!"

"What part isn't? Because from what I've heard is that he left you alone in the woods all by yourself. Then up and left thinking you'd be able to find your way home. Major dick move it you ask me."

"I-it's not like that.." Bella looked at the floor a tear running down her face.

"Look Bella I'm sorry, but it's time you move on and live your life. Who knows Jack might be the help you need. You know just have some rebound sex and you'll forget all bout dick-ward."

The blush creeped back on Bella's face. "I-uh I- Edward was old fashion so-so we never." Embarrassed Bella continued looking at the floor the blush now went down her neck.

"You're a virgin?" I couldn't help the small laugh that escaped my lips. "So you aren't hung up over that." Shaking my head I laughed again. "Well that makes it easier then, I mean you could still have a rebound."

"Aren't you a virgin too?" Bella asked the embarrassment still evident in her voice.

"Haaaa no. I was 14 when I lost that."

Looking up at me shocked her mouth kept opening and closing.

"Really? Why?"

Shrugging I grabbed my phone off my bed. "Doesn't really matter does it? Anyway enough talking about me let's go eat." I turned and headed down the stairs. Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"Stop being so nervous Bella." I whispered harshly, "you're gonna give it away."

"Sorry Alexis. I-I Just have never done this before."

Rolling my eyes I looked over at Charlie who just walked out of the bathroom.

"— now I'll be home late tonight, Alexis don't forget school then home nothing in between. You're still grounded from your last stunt." Rolling my eyes I kept tracing a crack on the ceiling with my eyes.

"About that Dad, we have an essay for class we have to write about the La Push tribe, so Bella and I are going there to get some first hand knowledge."

Bella looked at me like a deer in headlights. I swiftly kicked her under the table and raised my eyebrows at her.

"Ow- I mean yeah dad. They're having a bon fire tonight and we get extra credit if we go. And Alexis really needs that extra credit."

"Yeah I do- hey! What's that supposed to mean!"

Charlie was pouring himself a glass of coffee and looked at Bella and I.

"Well I guess I can make this one exception. But I want you girls back right after the fire is over. Nothing good ever happens past midnight." He glances down at his watch. "I'll see you girls tonight." He all but ran out the door coffee in tow.

"See Bella that wasn't that bad."

She rolled her eyes. "I guess but we still lied to him Alexis."

"Like you've never have lied to Charlie before? Yeah right Bells. But come on let's go I need to have some fun." Standing up I grabbed my keys and threw on my leather jacket. Bella sat there giving me a quizzical look. "So are we going Bella? Or are you going to sit there checking me out all day."

The blush appeared on her face. "I-uh I no I-I just need to grab my jacket." Standing up she smoothed out her lavender long sleeved shirt and went to the closet to get a jacket. "I'm guessing you want to drive your car there?"

"Hell yes! Like I said Bella your truck has seen a lot of better days." With that I grabbed her arm and drug her out the door and towards my car. Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The drive to La Push was longer than I expected especially with Bella fidgeting the whole time. Finally after twenty minutes we pulled up to a small red house.

"You can park by the garage, that's where Jake said he was." Parking by the small garage I looked over at Bella who was chewing on her nonexistent nails.

"Bella stop that. Why are you so nervous." She shrugged at me and opened the door.

"I don't know. Let's get this over with." Bella was barley out of the car when two arms wrapped her in a bear hug and lifted her off the ground. A loud squeal passed Bella's lips. "Jake! Put me down! You know I don't like being picked up." Laughing a throaty laugh at Bella's reaction Jake turned his attention over to me as he sat Bella back down.

"You're good with cars aren't you Alexis," Jake walked over towards me, "I'm trying to rebuild my rabbit but I'm lost at what's wrong with it."

"Let me take a look, I mean I have rebuilt a few cars." Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

I wasn't quite sure how much time had passed when I looked up from working on Jake's engine. Looking around Bella and Jake were no where to be seen. Of course they left. Shaking my head I turned my attention back to the car.

"Whoa, you are too fine to be doing Jakes dirty work." A voice behind me said. Jerking up too fast I bashed my head on the hood of the car.

"Ow-fuck! Make some noise next time instead of sneaking up on someone." Rubbing my head I turned to see who had spoken.

"Sorry about that I'm Embry and this is Quil."

"Alexis."

"So Alexis how did you get roped into doing this for Jake?"

"Dragging my cousin Bella out of the house is how." Laughing I wiped my hands on a rag.

"You're Bella Swan's cousin? Oh man I bet Jake is in heaven right now!" Quil laughed out. "He's been in love with that girl since I can remember."

"Why won't Bella call, Bella needs to come over, Bella Bella Bella." Embry made his voice high pitched while mocking things that Jacob had said. "The poor boy is so in love. We have to hear it all the time."

Laughing I walked over to the bench where my phone was. It was already 1pm. Hm no wonder why I'm hungry. "So is there any food close? I'm starving."

"We can raid Jake's house for food, he shouldn't care since you fixed his car better than he ever could." Embry motioned for me to follow. "Plus we can play his Xbox while him and Bella are gone."

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"So you guys coming to the bon fire tonight?" Embry looked hopeful.

"Yep we'll be there! So can we drink at this thing or is that frowned upon?"

Quil snorted so hard his pop came out of his nose. "I mean I don't see why not. These things go on for a few hours I could definitely use a drink to make it go by faster." Laughter escapes his lips. "Could you see that Em? Sam and his gang would have a stroke."

"I mean sneak it in obviously. You know put it in my gas station soda." I looked over at the boys waving my cup at them. "So what's this so called gangs deal?"

"Well right now it's just three in it but they keep looking at me like I'll be next to join," Embry looked nervous, "but it's so far just Sam, who's the leader, Paul, a total hot headed douche, and Jared. Jared was our friend up until a few weeks ago he just dropped us."

"They have to be on steroids." Quil interjected, "I mean Paul and Jared both grew like a foot taller over night and not to mention all the muscle they put on. But our parents say they're the "protectors" of the tribe, whatever that means."

"So they're basically hall monitors on steroids?"

Soda flew out of Quil's nose again and he started coughing. I met Embry's eyes and we both started laughing at Quil's reaction. I haven't laughed like this in a long time.

"Yeah yeah yeah. Keep laughing you jerks. I'm gonna go home and change before the bon fire, I'll meet you guys there." Grumbling Quil got up and headed to the door.

"Well I guess we should head that way. Jake and Bella are probably already there." Embry stood up putting on his hoodie and opened the door. "Ladies first."

Rolling my eyes I slapped his chest, "so why aren't you going out the door first Embry?"

"Ha a comedian we have here." Rolling his eyes he led me towards the beach.

"Are they grilling?" The smell of hot dogs and hamburgers were in the air. My mouth started to drool.

"Geez easy girl, you just ate half a pie and like three sandwiches and you're still talking about food?" Embry looked at me in disbelief, "but yes, we usually have a cookout before they start on the legends." He grabbed my drink out of my hand and made a disgusted face, "I don't know how you drink that, I swear it's all alcohol and no soda."

"Practice Embry." I laughed as we walked towards Jake and Bella.

"There you are Alexis!" Bella met us halfway.

"Well of course, you and Jack ditched me so I had to make new friends." I took another sip of my drink passing it back to Embry. "So when can we eat I'm starving."

"I'm starting to think you never stop eating." Embry laughed, "I still wonder where all the food you ate earlier went."

"We can get food now, that way we'll beat the rush of people." Jacob said, he soon turned his attention to Bella. "You want anything I'll bring it back over for you."

I tuned them out when Jake said that, Bella must be super blind to not see how much he likes her. Turning toward Embry I motioned toward the food. "So let's goooo I need food." Embry rolled his eyes as he headed toward the table grabbing a plate he started piling on food. These Quileutes sure know how to have a feast. I grabbed myself a plate and loaded it up.

"You going to leave food for anyone else?" Jake said eyeing my plate. "I think four hot dogs is a little...excessive?"

"I'm not sure.. I'll probably be back for seconds honestly." Grabbing one of the hot dogs off of my plate I smiled and made my way towards Bella. Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"I still don't know how you ate all of that food." Embry said looking at me in disbelief, "I couldn't even finish two."

"It's a talent I have and thankfully it doesn't stick to my bones." I took another long sip of my drink. "Hey Bells you want a sip?" She took the drink out of my hand and took a swig. Her face said it all. It twisted into a look of disgust and she looked at me wide eyed.

"Alexis?!" She whispered harshly. "Have you been drinking this whole time?"

"Calm down Bells, it'll loosen you up." Rolling my eyes I snatched my drink back from her. The sun had begun to set and some of the adults were getting the fire started. I grabbed one of the blankets that Quil had brought and wrapped it around myself.

"Don't look now, but Sam and his gang are here." The annoyance was clear in Jake's voice. We all turned to where he was looking. I now understood why they thought they were on steroids. Saying they were huge was an understatement.

"How old are they? They have to be in their twenties at least." Bella said awestruck.

"Sam's the oldest he I think just turned 22 otherwise Paul and Jared are 16." Jake replied to her.

"There's no way that they're 16." My jaw dropped slightly looking at them while they were getting food.

"Yeah steroids will do that to people." Embry snorted and turned his attention to the fire.

They sat directly opposite to us across the fire. How are they just wearing shorts in this weather. It was chilly enough that I was wearing my jacket and a blanket but they seemed perfectly fine with only shorts on. I couldn't help but stare at them. I mean I'm not complaining they were all super attractive. As I was glancing them over a pair of brown eyes met mine. My mind went blank and all I could focus on were the brown eyes staring back into mine. I could hear Embry's voice but it sounded as if I was under water. Why can't I look away. A hand on my should yanked me back into the present. Finally I was able to blink and broke the eye contact. What the fuck just happened. Embry, Jake, Quil, and Bella were all staring at me. Embry was talking but I couldn't hear what he was saying. Shaking my head I tried to focus.

"—are you okay? Alexis you look like you've seen a ghost." Concern laced Embry's voice.

"I-I'm fine," coughing a bit I cleared my voice.

"Really because two seconds ago you were making googly eyes at Paul. He's trouble Alexis." Embry handed me another blanket, "you look pale, are you sure you're fine?"

"Yeah I am, sorry I-I was spacing out on something my brother told me a while ago."

"Sure you were."

I turned my attention back to Jacob's dad who was in the middle of telling one of the legends. The Cold Ones? I could feel eyes burning my face from an intense stare. Don't look Lex. Don't look. I turned my attention to Embry to distract myself from looking.

"Wait..did he just say vampires sparkle." I deadpanned louder than I had expected.
So help me god I could not stop the laugh that passed my lips. A few people around us let out some silent laughs.

"Alexis shhhh." Embry elbowed me in the ribs trying to silence me.

"I can't." I continued to laugh trying to do it more quietly. "Vampires that sparkle, can you picture Dracula coming after you saying "I vant to suck your blood", just to sparkle when light touches him. I mean seriously Embry, what a pathetic way to die. All you see is glitter then boom your dead."

"You need a hobby Alexis." Quil whispered from the other side of Embry.

"Don't lie. You were thinking it too Quil."

"It's just stupid legends really, the Elders get a little too into their story telling." Quil moved to the other side of me, so I was sandwiched between him and Embry.

"Well legends have to come from somewhere. So there's probably some truth in it." Shrugging I snuck a glance across the fire at Sam's gang. Paul was still staring intensely in my direction while the other two were talking sending glances both towards me and Paul. Jacob's dad had just finished up the legends and most people were now casually talking to one another.

"You ready to go Alexis? Charlie's probably waiting for us." Bella said as Jake helped her up.

"Yeah sure I guess."

"Do you have to leave?" Quil and Embry practically said at the same time.

"Well..."

"Alexis we can't Charlie will be mad if we don't go home." Bella crossed her arms.

"How about I come back this weekend." I smiled over at the boys. "That way I'll keep Charlie happy and maybe I won't be grounded much longer." Standing up I gave the blankets back to Quil. "See you guys tomorrow."

"I'll come with you guys since your car is at my house." Jacob stood up and grabbed Bella's hand. They turned to leave as I followed a few steps back to not interfere with them.

"Hey wait up!" A husky voice called out. Jacob and Bella kept walking as they were out of ear shot. I turned around to see I think it was Paul, jogging towards me. Dang look at those abs. Stop it Lex, you're probably drooling. He stopped a few feet away from me and I swore I could feel heat radiating off of him.

"Hey I'm Paul," he stuck his hand out to shake mine. "I figured I should introduce myself." He gave a small smile.

"Hi I'm-I-," crap what's my name again, "I'm Winchester. Alexis Winchester." Grab his hand Alexis. What is wrong with me? I grabbed his hand and dropped it instantly when an electric current shot up through my arm making me gasp a little.

"Are you okay? You don't look too good."

"I'm fi-fine." I sputtered out, get it together Lex. "I just have to go, I'm grounded and have to be back home before midnight." Looking around I couldn't see Jacob or Bella anywhere in sight.

"Well could I maybe get your number?" Paul rubbed the back of his neck nervously. "You know maybe we can hang out one of these days?"

"Uh yeah sure. What's your number? I'll just call you off of mine?" He told me his number and I pressed call it ringed a few times before it popped up on his phone.

"Thanks! I'll text you soon!" Paul said with a big grin on his face.

"Sounds good. It was nice meeting you but I really have to go. I'll see you around?" I gave a slight wave as I turned and headed to my car.

"Alexis! You need to stop wandering off like that!" Bella said looking annoyed.

"I didn't. You and Jake were too busy to notice I was even there. But let's go." I hopped in my car and waited for Bella to do the same.

"You're in a rush."

"Well yeah I would like to not be grounded any more." I turned my car on, waving goodbye to Jake we headed home.