Woot! Now I got around to updating Chapter 4! Only 3 more after this need edits and then I will work on getting the next chapter posted. Sorry for the inconsistencies in updating! Thank you to everyone giving this story a chance; please consider leaving constructive criticism and comments- I love reading them!
I don't own Twilight; only my OC's.
Chapter 4
I shrugged groggily at Bella when she asked what we should do now.
"I apparently have to stay awake and you need to stay off your ankle. We could always, I don't know, talk about what the fuck just happened maybe?" My tone was a bit harsher than intended and Bella flinched back in surprise.
"You're acting like this is my fault." She glared at me, hurt, and continued "Which it's not."
"I didn't say it was. But I saw you back there- AND heard you. You need to start telling me the truth. I left it out with Sergeant Kellar but I won't with Uncle Charlie- unless you give me a reason why. And keep your voice down, especially if you don't want him to know. Why did you look like that and mention him?" I gave her a pointed look and softened my voice in hopes we could drop the attitude fest. It looked as if I had drained the life out of her again.
"You're going to think I'm insane" Bella muttered bitterly. "Hell, I'm starting to believe I'm insane. I don't know why that happened. I swear Lily, I didn't mean to do anything. But I…. I.." Biting her lip, she glanced at me. "I saw him. He was standing there and telling me that it was too dangerous. That we should turn around. The closer I got the more solid he seemed. But then Jessica yanked my arm and started yelling and he just vanished. Maybe I really did just imagine him…."
"I understand. To a point. I had a friend that died last year. For a few months after that, I could swear he was everywhere. It was uncanny- even his brother saw him for a little bit. Sometimes grief is a very powerful thing. If he would've told you to stay out of danger and try to protect you, your mind may conjure him up as a way to protect yourself and to make you listen." She nodded and frowned in thought.
"Listen Bella, I won't say anything for now. But if you still feel that way or see him after doing crazy things or start becoming an adrenaline junkie, I won't be able to keep my mouth shut." I then dared to venture into the other territory- "Thanks for saving me by the way. If you had run off when you had the chance to I may have been dead by now." I smiled at her briefly.
"No, thank you for keeping me safe and trying to get me to escape without you. Charlie- er, Dad," she corrected, "would have probably been really upset if anything had happened to either of us. And he'd have become a murderer if you didn't come home." She mused, echoing my smile.
It seems things were still progressing smoothly. I'm glad that we can't stay mad at each other for too long. I'm also glad that I couldn't sleep- even if I had wanted to. I knew given the turn of events that Bella wouldn't be the only one waking the house up at odd hours with her nightmares anymore.
We watched several horror films and read the books we had gotten. I had picked up a few I had found interesting titles regarding crystals and mythology. I'd even found the companion deck to the one tarot deck I'd already had- "Fairies Tarot Deck" by Doreen Virtue and Radleigh Valentine. The one in my hand was the Angels version, which has been said can be used separately or combined with the Fairies deck for more accurate readings. This was not something that I wanted to open in front of Bella just because I didn't know how she or Uncle Charlie would take it. Uncle Brian was slightly weirded out at first before dubbing me 'Emalyn's Reincarnate' to reference the fact that my mom had apparently also held a love for this sort of thing too. He said she was better and more into runes, which was something I couldn't pick up no matter how hard I'd tried. Our compromise, since he didn't fully agree with things he didn't understand, was that I keep it in my room- a reasonable request. Somehow, Bella managed to get fixated on them though and shot me a curious glance.
"I'll explain it later… The movie is almost over." I gestured towards the television in hopes of deterring her.
She would either be seriously weirded out or would want me to do a reading on her. I didn't have the strength for the latter right now. She nodded and I switched out the DVD's. I held up "The Lost Boys" and asked if she was okay with it. She hesitated briefly and had that pained look in her eyes again, but she told me it was fine. I wonder if that was something she watched with Edward. When we were almost to the part where Nanook attacks Michael, she put down her book and watched with me. There were a few times she made offhand comments about the portrayal of the vampires. She realized she made them only after the fact and seemed contrite. Lucky for her, I didn't mind the banter, even if the comments were really odd. Sunlight was streaming in before we knew it. I groaned at its harsh rays. Bella was just as surprised by the intensity.
"Too bad I got hurt- today's actually a perfect day for hiking. Or being outdoors period". She grimaced and made her way to the small closet of a downstairs bathroom slowly.
"You, hiking? I know you love the sun being from Phoenix, but I didn't take you for a hiking person." Bella's brown eyes held small flecks of amber in them when she cast her gaze towards me.
"There's this meadow I know around here that has beautiful flowers. By the way, Jessica texted me earlier to apologize again and ask how we were doing. I think she feels pretty terrible about leaving you back there. I told her we were fine and that it was fine. If you're thinking of making coffee or tea, I'd like one of the Chai tea packets from Twinnings on the counter please."
With that, I was left to start making coffee and a simple breakfast. I knew Uncle Charlie would be coming down soon and preferred coffee, but wasn't quite sure what he'd want in the way of food. I was strange when it came to my breakfast choices. Sweetened coffee with a toasted bagel that had strawberry whipped cream cheese on it. Uncle Charlie did like to eat meat and carbs though- perhaps an American style breakfast with bacon and eggs with a side of toast would be okay? I didn't want to start without Bella's input since she knew him better and because I determined to make sure she ate something. She looked like she was still in a lot of pain and didn't have the tolerance like I did. Breakfast at least helped enough to take the medicine.
Bella came out of the bathroom and sat down while I set the Chai tea in front of her.
"Any special requests?"
"No, I'll just have what you're having. I can't stand to stomach much right now. But if you're wanting to make breakfast, scrambled eggs and bacon are safe. One egg to scramble and you don't have to do anything fancy afterwards, two pieces of bacon, and one slice of toast with butter and cinnamon sprinkled on it." I nodded and set to work when my phone rang. I put Uncle Brian on speaker and waited for the lecture to begin.
"Good Morning Uncle Brian." I feigned cheerfulness. It was a new day, after all.
"Lily, what the hell happened? You told me last night that you were okay but Charlie says you were attacked."
"It wasn't THAT bad…. Attacked may be a little overdramatic. But I guess assaulted doesn't sound too much better. I promise I'm okay though. Bella and I both are danger magnets apparently." I laughed lightly, hoping he would drop it and not ask for details.
"Charlie said your injuries were pretty extensive," Uncle Brian argued before continuing, "And don't tell me you're fine. I know you. I've known you your whole life. It doesn't matter that you managed to get away- you didn't leave unscathed and I am willing to bet it was more traumatic than you're letting on. You can't bottle up your feelings again."
I had taken him off speaker at this point and did my best to stay calm. While he was right on all accounts, I was trying to forget. Talking about it only made it real again, and I knew exactly where this conversation was heading.
"That isn't what I am doing okay! This isn't like last time and that won't happen again. Bella isn't Jim okay? And I won't be Sebastian either. You need to stop worrying so much."
"I'm not saying it will and I know she's different- but I have every right to worry after last time. You went missing for two weeks. And you weren't the same." His voice broke slightly and I was focusing on not burning breakfast.
"Then don't think about it. You said I needed a fresh start, which means I have to move on. I can't move on if no one lets me. Talking about it keeps it here in the present." This was the most I had acknowledged what had transpired in a while, and it seemed to be enough to placate Uncle Brian for now. I quickly switched topics.
"I don't want to fight. Instead, how about you tell me how your coffee date reunion went instead? I don't need all the details- just if I might have a new uncle soon."
He went on to describing his date and it actually seemed like things were going well for him. I know with me being here his dating life had to get easier. Uncle Charlie came down after the phone call ended and took his coffee with a grunting sound. He, like me, wasn't a morning person. At least not before coffee.
"Breakfast smells good." was his only comment to either of us.
I know that he too wanted to know more and probably knew we didn't tell the police everything (we stuck to the important things so it wasn't technically a lie), but unlike Uncle Brian, also knew we weren't willing to talk quite yet and respected that. We ate in silence for a long time before Uncle Charlie mentioned he was going to see Billy today.
"Big game today then?" He nodded by way of answering my question but surprised me with what followed.
"Jake may have a car for you too. He found an Acura TSX with low mileage. It needed a new transmission, new tires, and had some damage to the back left door from where someone hit it, but it's not too banged up and he says he can fix it. Brian said you liked those." My eyes lit up in amazement and I nodded. "It's an automatic too. Black with a leather interior, heated seats, etc. I don't know much about them honestly."
I looked over to Bella in my excitement and hoped she wasn't upset or jealous, but she seemed uninterested.
"Brian also said he's paying for the car itself. I'm paying for the repairs to make sure it's drivable. He should have it ready in a week or so."
"Wait… how did this go from 'may have' to having once repairs are finished? Not that I'm not grateful, I love those cars. It feels wrong having you guys pay for it though." Uncle Charlie regarded me for a long moment.
"Well if you want to repay me or really thank me, you have to promise a few things: drive safe, go the speed limit, try to keep yourself and Bells out of trouble, and maybe you two make friends other than that Jessica girl. I will not have a repeat of last night. And you pay for your own insurance." He fixed us both with a pointed look to make sure we understood.
This was the good thing about him- he wasn't going to pry or bring this up to us later unless we wanted to talk about it.
"Of course! Yes!" I agreed excitedly, before my ribs let me know just how bad of an idea exuberance was. I'd forgotten that they were bruised. I didn't feel any pain near my eye and only a dull headache, so I had assumed my eyes stayed intact.
Bella and I fell into the routine we had made for ourselves over the next week after this- hanging out on occasion after school or after dinner and just making the other feel welcome. I was able to get my car, which had been delivered while Bella and I were at the doctors for an update. Bella's ankle was healing and because it wasn't her driving foot she was able to get around without killing us. I was so glad to be able to drive though. Bella didn't trust me to not destroy her truck and I didn't like the lack of speed. I also loved not having to rely on her to take me to basic places- or having to ride in the police cruiser.
My new car also brought forth a few new ideas. Unlike New York, Forks was void of crystal/rock shops and most things that aligned with my hobbies. Same with Port Angelas. BUT- Seattle, the largest city near us, did have a few. I figured it was a safe bet to go there to find some craft supply stores as well. I didn't want to get rich off of making and selling jewelry or other items, but it seemed like a way to have a nice side job so I didn't blow through my savings. I also knew that what I couldn't find in Seattle could be bought off Etsy to then resell. I especially hoped to find something to ward off evil or negative energy for Bella. I had been seeing the flashes of red again and it didn't feel safe nor my Imagination this time. There were too many occurrences of it over the last week and a half to be written off. Something in the back of my mind also told me to keep it to myself- even to Uncle Charlie.
I didn't dare breathe a word to Uncle Brian either. It would be bad of him to be unnecessarily worried all the way across the country after all. I was pulled out of my thoughts when Uncle Charlie got home early. He didn't notice I had hidden in wait just in case it was a burglary or something until I jumped out at him.
"Whoa Lily! It's only me. Don't attack." He stood on the defensive until I moved back. Ashamed, my eyes welled up briefly.
"Hey, it's okay. You're allowed to still be a little jumpy. It's only been a few weeks. I'm sorry to have startled you like that. Next time I'll call." His brown eyes regarded me warily still as he said this, perhaps he felt I was too fragile right now.
"No Uncle Charlie I'm sorry. It's not so much that it bothers me but I am a little on edge when I shouldn't be. Old habits seem to die hard. But it'll be fine. I'm fine." I smiled softly and hoped he believed it. Despite how people seemed to think, I truly was fine. About as fine as you can be after having repeat trauma sessions when the first one was buried away at least. But I couldn't let it get to me or show weakness and lying on the couch being afraid of my own shadow wasn't going to cut it. There was too much to do. He gave me a long look before nodding.
"Okay. But just know I'm here if you or Bella want to talk about what happened. It can't have been an easy thing to go through and talking through things may help a little. Even if it's only to gain a new perspective." I thanked him and turned to go back upstairs to my room. I had been finishing my late lunch when he came home anyway.
Bella was healing quickly and I couldn't wait to propose my idea of a road trip as soon as she was able. It looked like it could be as early as this weekend! Seattle was only about a three and a half hour drive from Forks and if we got on the road at seven we could be back here by sunset. There weren't too many shops to visit in Seattle for my purpose. I approached her Thursday evening. She was finishing up some homework and chewing her bottom lip again. Apparently not entirely a nervous habit…
"Hey Bella, how's homework going?" She knew instantly I had something in mind that we could do.
"Boring, naturally. How was whatever you did today?" She grinned at me and I replied back.
"Boring. I'm almost finished with some of my pieces. Others are taking far longer." Shrugging, I sat down on her Lavender comforter and glanced at her homework. English and Math. She seemed to be almost done with it.
"Well, if you didn't start one project when you already have more than three others going, you might not have so much trouble."
"True" I mused, and giggled. "But why do that? In life we have so many things in progress all the time, why can this not be reflected in our works as well?"
Bella shook her head. My cousin had made extremely remarkable progress lately. She had started actually smiling again. And not to sound creepy- but she was so beautiful, especially when she smiled. When Bella is being herself it's a lovely thing to see. Her aura shines brightly when she's happiest- and not thinking about abusive jerk face. She's opened up more on him, as had Uncle Charlie, and thus far I don't see anything truly positive about him. It's like this guy was stuck in a different era or something! One would think maybe that'd be a good thing but no. Then again, Bella hasn't asked my opinion and I don't want to upset her. It's best to keep it to myself for now…
"Lily? Hello? You became a space case again." Bella waived her delicate hand in my face.
"What? Oh- sorry. Got sidetracked thinking about all the projects I need to finish…. But I did also want to ask you a huge favor."
"Of course you can't just come to me just to hang out!" She rolled her eyes then asked. A favor like…?" Bella's face betrayed the worry that her tone didn't. I smiled softly in reassurance.
"It's nothing bad. I was wondering if you were up for a road trip? Maybe a day trip to Seattle? I'm in dire need of a few supplies that aren't local. I would hate to buy them online because I can't see the quality either. Please? I don't want to go by myself and I know Uncle Charlie would feel better if we both went. We could even invite that guy who gave me my car if you wanted. For muscle."
"We don't need Jacob involved just to go to Seattle. I don't mind having a girls' day trip. But what are you going for there exactly?"
"Metaphysical stuff. And jewelry supplies. Maybe a few custom canvases and paints. Forks is kind of lacking in anything not outdoor related." Bella nodded absently.
My cousin had a knack for weird. She had surprisingly embraced my hobbies and even requested a reading. We had done a simple three card spread. She had asked about her future. The reading was a little bleak- something about trials and suffering and unexpected plans. Some things about a battle too. She had taken it into stride though and thanked me. I guess it meant more or made more sense to her. Or she was trying to save face with me. She could be totally transparent one second then hard to read the next.
"Soooo… when were you planning for this to take place Lily?"
I grinned and pushed my blonde hair out of my eyes. "Well… if you aren't busy. I was hoping this weekend." Bella pretended to think on it and sighed.
"This weekend then. But- we switch off driving and we take YOUR car."
This was going to be fun.
