Meeting
The first semester was finally finished. I hugged my friends for the last time before I got into my mother's vehicle. We were spending my last night as a family. Just Renee, Phil, and I. We were going out to eat and catching a movie before my flight out tomorrow.
I was going to live with my father, Charlie Swan, for the remainder of my high school career. He lived in Forks Washington, in the Olympic Peninsula under a near-constant cover of clouds and rain. Population three thousand eight hundred and thirty two. It was from this consequential town that my mother escaped with me when I was only a few months old. It was in this town, and the Quileute Reservation, that I have spent every summer. Now, in the midst of my junior year, in the middle of the holiday break, I have decided to move here permanently.
My mother and I have pulled together some resources and bought an entire wardrobe for the cold and wet weather up there. I packed my entire room, and my bathroom, and sent majority of everything, except a couple of duffel bags and my new parka that was to be my carry on.
I can't say I'll miss Phoenix, but I will miss the warmer weather. The dry heat isn't exactly my favorite. I prefer moist weather, and the beach. The beach in La Push was perfect for my needs. The water is dark enough to hide in; for when I want go for a swim and release my natural form.
I'm not exactly human, I'm a mermaid; and no I don't turn when I get wet or when water spills on me. It's a choice actually, and sometimes it's a need. My mother bought a house with a pool and an extra tall privacy fence here in Phoenix, so I could be myself in private. My mother doesn't understand why the gene skipped her, but she's happy for me. I'm happy for her as well, she has Phil now, so I'm not so worried. At least the bills would get paid, there will be food in the refrigerator, gas in her car, and someone to call when she got lost, but still...
"Bella," my mother said to me for the thousandth time before we pulled into the parking lot of the little sushi restaurant close to home. "Are you excited about everything?"
"Of course, I can't wait to see dad," I exclaimed. I especially couldn't wait to see the beach. I knew I had to wait till I got a vehicle of course, but I've been saving my babysitting money.
Dinner went by quickly, and we were currently heading to the Redbox to rent a movie for the evening.
"It's getting late, and your flight leaves early. Are you sure you still want to watch a movie before bed?"
"Maybe you're right, but when you get settled, and I come visit I definitely want to spend the night, just us two," I replied.
We headed back to the house instead, and loaded most of the luggage for mom and Phil. Then I headed to the bathroom and took a shower for the last time in this house. After I finished, I wrapped a towel around myself and headed to my room - where I was sleeping on an air mattress - to brush through my tangled hair. I quickly dressed in my pajamas and set the alarm on my phone to wake up early, before drifting off to sleep.
I awoke to my mother turning my light on to get ready to leave for the airport before traffic. It was exactly five minutes before my alarm was to go off. I groaned in irritation, not wanting to get out of bed.
"Come on, sweetie. We don't want to be late," she urged.
I quickly dressed in a pair of jeans and a fitting sweater. I put on a little makeup to hide the tiredness before tossing everything in my bag. Grabbing my parka, I walked out to the car to load my duffle bags and slid into the back seat. We were heading to the airport as I watched the familiar sprawling city flashing by. I was going to miss it, but I was excited to be where my heart desired.
"Tell Charlie I said hello."
"I will."
"I'll see you soon," she says."Call me if you need anything at all, no matter how small." I could see the sacrifice in her eyes to her promise. She hugged me tightly before letting go, as I made my way to the gate. Then I got on the plane, and was off.
It was a four-hour flight to Seattle, another hour to Port Angeles, and then an hour drive to Forks. I dreaded flying; the drive with my father, though, I was excited about.
Charlie was ecstatic about my coming home. He was genuinely curious about why the sudden change of heart to live here. He knew I hated leaving after my summer visits, and asked almost every year if I wanted to stay permanently, but I couldn't leave Renee alone. How could I leave my loving, erratic, hare-brained mother.
When I landed in Port Angeles, it was pouring. This was to be expected, and unavoidable. I said my goodbyes to the constant sun, and traded it for my happiness.
Charlie was waiting for me with his cruiser, also knew this was to be expected as well. Charlie is the Police Chief to the town of Forks. Kind of another reason for wanting to get my own car. Nothing slows down traffic like a cop.
Charlie wrapped me into a huge bear-hug after I got off the plane.
"Hey, Bells! Glad you made it home safely," he said, smiling. "How is your mother doing?"
"She's great. Glad to be home as well, dad."
Charlie grabbed my two duffel bags and placed them in the trunk. My stuff has already been delivered from the house - overnight shipping - so I didn't have to bring much, though, just in case it didn't arrive in time. We drove in silence until we passed the Welcome to Forks sign.
"So, what would you think if I bought you a car? I might have found one perfect for you, really cheap too," he announced.
"I'd say that I'm saving money for college instead? What kind of car is it?" I asked.
"It's a truck. I kind of already bought it for you, though. Billy Black sold it to me for a good deal," he said matter of factly.
"What year is it?" I asked, nervous. I didn't know very much about vehicles, and hoped that it wouldn't break down on me and I would end up stranded. Though I could run easily around town, it was just inconvenient. It exhausted me and causes me to drink more water than normal people. Dad would surely become suspicious if his water bill was suddenly spiking.
"Well, Billy and Jake did a lot of work on it. Jake even rebuilt the entire engine, but it's about a decade or so old."
Did he really think I wouldn't notice him avoiding the question. "Dad, you're avoiding the question. What year is it?" I ask again.
"I'm not one hundred percent sure, but I think it was new in the sixties or fifties," he said sheepishly.
We were pulling up to the house. The rain stopping, and leaving the air moist with the clouds heavy above. "Thanks dad, you didn't have to."
"I wanted to," he said stepping out of the cruiser.
The house was as I remembered it from the annual summer visits. It was the same three-bedroom house he bought when he was married to my mother. There in the driveway was my homecoming gift. Parked on the street was the familiar blue and tan truck belonging to Billy Black. I stepped out of the cruiser and made my way to the passenger side where Jacob was helping his father into his wheelchair.
"I'm going to pretend I didn't see you behind the wheel Jake," my father called from the front door heading towards us. I gave Jake a hug.
"Hey, Bells. Finally decided to stay huh?" Jake said with a big grin on his face.
"Yeah, I'm finally here for good," I exclaimed with excitement.
"Glade you're finally here Bella, Charlie hasn't shut up about the move since you told him you were coming," Billy chuckled.
"All right, keep exaggerating or I'll roll you into the mud," Charlie replied, rolling his eyes at Billy.
"Not before I ram you in the ankles," Billy spun in his chair heading towards Charlie playfully.
"Oh yeah, bring it," Charlie replied playfully.
"Are they always like this," I ask Jacob.
"It's getting worse with old age," he chuckled.
We made our way to the driveway where my father waited, standing by my new truck. Billy in his chair next to him.
"So, what do you think?" Charlie asked slapping a hand down on bed of the truck.
"I love it, dad. Thank you," I was excited that I could go to the beach before school started.
"I'm glad you like it. I wasn't sure if you would or not," Charlie said, embarrassed.
Charlie steered Billy up the steps and into the house. Jacob helped me get my bags before we headed upstairs to my room. Charlie's room was downstairs so I would have the upstairs to myself. When we reached the top of the steps we opened the first room to the right. This room had the balcony that faced towards the back of the house. This bedroom was once the guest room, but I requested this being my room from now on. The walls were a light blue. The windows on each side of the French doors to the balcony had new sheer curtains with purple drapes.
Purple was my favorite color. Dad put my bed together and had a new set of bedding waiting at the foot of it. Jacob placed my bags on the dresser at the foot of my bed.
"Do you want help unpacking?" Jake asked grinning at me.
"Sure. Nothing faster than teamwork," I replied.
Jacob helped me move the furniture to my desired locations within the room. We grabbed a box each and started to go through them. It took Jake and I two hours before we finally finished and broke the boxes down. He helped me carry them out to garage after we stacked them neatly.
Charlie and Billy were watching the game when we returned from outside. "Hey, kids. I ordered pizza for dinner. Hope that's okay with you guys," Charlie said from his chair in the living room.
"Yeah, we're starving," I replied back, exhausted. I grabbed a slice before sitting on the couch next to Jake. We weren't really paying attention to the TV.
"So, do you have any plans tomorrow?" Jake asked, a blush brightening his features.
"I was hoping to head to the beach for a private swim. Maybe we can do something afterwards?" I asked, hoping he caught the hint. I wasn't trying to be impolite, I just didn't want to tell my best friend I was a mermaid yet.
"Sure, sure" he said, taking a bite of his food.
After the game, Billy and Jake said goodbye and promised to see us real soon. I gave Jake a hug before heading upstairs to take a shower and heading to bed.
I slept peacefully my first night home, the constant rain and wind lulled me into a deep sleep. When I woke the next morning I was a little groggy. It was exceptionally cloudy today. That meant the water on the beach was going to be dark. I quickly dressed in my swimsuit and pulled on a hoodie and jeans before making my way down stairs and into the kitchen. The cruiser was gone, meaning Charlie was at work. I sat at the old oak table in the kitchen, silently eating my cereal. Everything was the same, off white walls, bright yellow cabinets, and white linoleum floor. Nothing was changed.
I finished my cereal and washed my dishes. Grabbing my coat, beach tote, and keys, I locked the front door, and made my way down the path to my truck. It was a faded red, with big, rounded fenders. It was a solid iron affair that didn't damage easily. The kind that would destroy any vehicle if it were to be hit. Inside the truck was nice and dry. The seats smelled faintly of tobacco, and peppermint. The engine started quickly, but loudly, roaring to life. I was relieved to discover that the radio worked. I pulled out of the driveway and headed to La Push, towards First Beach.
I'd been to La Push as often as possible every summer I visited, so the mile long crescent of First Beach was a very welcomed sight. The dark blue water gave off an illusion that it was a charcoal grey color, even in the light of day. From the distance, the rocky shore seemed grey and dull, but upon closing said distance it was in fact every shade of stones there could be: sea green, blue grey, terracotta, lavender and even a dull gold. The tide line was strewn with driftwood of all shapes and sizes, bleached from the saltwater. Islands jutted out of the harbor with sheer cliffs, and soaring firs.
The smell of the salty sea air brought back lots of especially happy memories. I parked in the small lot at the edge of the beach, grabbing my tote and heading down to the shore. I spread out my favorite The Little Mermaid towel, chuckling slightly at the irony of it, and neatly placed my shoes in one corner before stripping down to my bikini. I know it's cold, but the frosty weather really has no effect on me.
I race towards the water before diving into the dark depths. Pushing myself to swim deeper below the murky surface. I concentrated on letting my auras unseparate. Both my human and siren sides becoming one. Feeling the shiver down my spine as my tail grew over my legs before they completely disappeared. The relief to have my tail out gave me a sort of peaceful serene feeling. I hurtled through the water, heading to the bottom to gather kelp. This is my favorite to use to slime my tail, kind of like waxing a surfboard. Only it allows me to reach a much faster speed, than without the slime from the kelp.
After my tail was nice and slimy, I raced through the water, feeling my hair tangle. I swam farther out from the shore, passing the islands before diving deeper, gaining depth to torpedo myself out of the water and landing back with a splash. The freedom of the simple act was exhilarating. I floated on my back, looking up at the cloudy overcast sky. Letting out a sigh knowing it was probably time to head back, I dove down to the ocean floor gathering a few shells for my room. Mementos to remember my first swim after making my stay permanent.
I reluctantly started heading back, carrying a few shells. I made a mental note to pick up a net bag from Newtons' Olympic Outfitters. I peaked above the surface to make sure the coast was clear, and that there were no intruders seeing me coming out of the water. As soon as I was sure no one was close by, or in the immediate area, I swam to the very edge and took a deep breath before focusing on my tail separating into two legs. Once they were done morphing I slowly walked out of the water, sea shells in my hands. Before I could make it back to my bag I was startled by a deep male voice in the distance.
"Hey, are you fucking crazy? Do you have a death wish or something," the voice shouted. There was a tall, russet skinned young man running in my direction with a worried yet angry expression on his face.
"Are you oblivious to the fact that it's freezing out here!" He shouted before stopping in front of me.
He was tall, maybe taller than six feet. He had very broad shoulders, and his hair hung a couple of inches below his ears. His eyes were a heady shade of chocolate. The color was rich, and beautifully vibrant. His lips were full and plump. I suddenly wondered what they would taste like. His arrogance brought the thought up short with his next statement.
"Hello, earth to crazy!" He shook me by my shoulders lightly.
I blinked and shook my head, clearing the thought I had a moment ago.
"I'm fine," I snapped at him.
He pulled back, shock written on his face. He raced over and grabbed my towel, wrapping it around my wet body. "You do know you could have caught pneumonia or became hypothermic?" He seemed genuinely concerned for my well being.
"Thanks, but I can take care of myself," I chided back, dropping the shells in my bag.
"Aren't you cold?" He asked.
"Nope!" I replied, popping the 'P', wringing my hair out.
I made quick work drying off before throwing my hair up into a sloppy, braided bun. He set his heavy gaze on me, raking it across my body. I felt a blush grace my features.
"What the hell are you staring at?" I asked curtly.
"Nothing I can't handle, beautiful."
Did he just call me 'beautiful'. Who does he think he is?
"Excuse me!?" I said, sauntering towards him.
He threw his hands in the air, as if to surrender. I got up in his face as close as possible, standing on my tippy toes. I was still inches away. I only stood approximately five feet tall, but next to him I barely reached his shoulders. I was still furious.
"You're even more gorgeous when you're mad," his eyes sparkled with lust.
"You don't even know me!" I let out.
"True, but I'd definitely love to, now." He was getting cocky.
Who the heck is this guy? I thought to myself.
"Ugh, you're obviously incorrigible." I said turning on my heel to walk away. I felt his large hand grab my arm, turning me back to face him. It happened too quickly, taking me by surprise. His lips against mine. They were soft, and tasted of peppermint and the salty sea air. My mind befuddled. The kiss was hard, and unfamiliar.
My first kiss and it's with a complete stranger, I thought to myself, exasperated. I pulled away in surprise, looking into his eyes, full of lust, and longing?
What am I doing? I don't even know him, I thought with frustration. Before I could stop myself, I threw myself at him. Kissing him back furiously. My hands tangling in his hair. His hands gripped my waist pulling me up closer. My legs wrapped around his hard body, I couldn't stop the moan that escaped me. The kiss deepened, becoming more passionate, and lustful. His tongue swept across my bottom lip begging for entrance, which I gladly granted. I felt a heated feeling start to develope within me from my core. His hands exploring my body with wanton.
We were interrupted by a cough right next to us causing us to start a bit. I looked over at another young man wearing a smirk. His hair was a little longer, tied at the nape of his neck. He had the same russet skin tone.
"Paul, we're going to be late" the intruder said, humor in his tone.
'Paul?' I thought. It sounded familiar.
"Fuck off, Jared" Paul growled back.
I leaned my forehead against his, breathing heavy. I untangled my hands from his hair, holding onto his shoulders. He gently set me down, my feet finding the ground below.
"Hurry up then!" Jared complained, sauntering off.
"Sorry, beautiful. I gotta get going. Maybe we'll get to finish what we started later," he winked at me.
Um, who exactly did he think he was? An angry blush crept up into my cheeks.
"Oh yeah, I didn't get your name." He asked looking in the direction his friend went.
"Isabella Swan, but I prefer Bella" I replied.
"I'm Paul Lahote," he says with a smirk.
"Aren't you late for something, Paul?" I asked.
"Sure, sure. Maybe I'll catch you around, Bella. Bye," he says walking towards his friend, Jared.
"Bye," I yell back at his retreating figure.
I look out at the sea, taking a deep breath, steadying myself. I lean down picking up my clothes, shaking the dirt and sand from them. Quickly as I can, I get dressed, grabbing my belongings and heading back to my truck. Tossing my bag to the passenger seat, I start up the beast, jumping at the sound of the engine roaring to life. I pull away from the beach, and head towards Jacob's place, as promised.
After pulling up to the familiar quaint red cottage, I spy someone looking through the curtains. My truck announcing my arrival before I turned into the driveway. I cut the engine as soon as I came to a stop, the silence piercing. A quick look in the rearview mirror before getting out, I noticed I'm still flushed from the kiss I shared with Paul. I dab some gloss on my lips, and hop out of the truck. Jake already running towards me, grabbing me in a tight bear-hug.
"Hey, Bells. I wasn't sure if you would come," Jake says sheepishly.
"Hey, Jake. Sorry, I'm late. I just got hung up at the beach," I blushed thinking about Paul.
Jake stared at me wide eyed, as if I had sprouted a third eye. "You really went swimming in this cold weather?" He asked shocked.
"Don't worry, the cold doesn't bother me or anything." I replied.
"Sure, sure," he said, grabbing my hand turning in the direction of the building towards the back of the house.
"So, what are we doing today, Jake?"
"I wanna show you my baby," he winked at me. I felt myself blushing, and Jake grinning in response. "You're cute when you blush, Bells." I roll my eyes at his 'cute' comment.
"Okay, close your eyes," he says looking at me. I look at him with a raised brow. "Just do it."
I close my eyes, and let Jacob lead me into the secluded garage. Jacob has been my best friend since forever. We grew up together, he was a month or so older than me but we got along great! We used to make mud pies together, and there was that time when he actually tried to eat one. I got along better with Jacob than his older sisters, Rebecca and Rachael, they were twins. I smiled at the unexpected memory.
"Okay, now open your eyes," he whispered in my ear. It sent pleasant chills down my spine. I opened my eyes to see two motorcycles in front of his car. He's been rebuilding his own car ever since a couple of summers ago. I remember going with him to get some parts from the scrapyard behind Billy's back.
"Are these your new toys," I ask excited, with a smirk.
"Our," he corrected me. My eyes widened, and I jumped into a hug wrapping my legs around his waist, and my arms around his neck. He was shocked at first, then gleefully he returned the hug. I pulled my head back to look him in the eyes. "I love them," I replied giving him a quick peck on the lips. I froze pulling back, shocked at how casually I was able to kiss him. His face held many expressions, shock, love, surprise and lust. He didn't let me go.
Suddenly I became very aware of Jacob Black, and every part of him touching my body. The hard muscles of his hips and waist that my legs were wrapped around, and the hard muscles of his abdomen against my body. His body warmth seeping through his shirt and thin jacket through my own thin layers, causing my nipples to harden. His eyes darkened from the calm warm brown to a more fierce dark chocolate, with lust.
"Bella," he trailed off in a husky voice that sent shivers through my body. This only caused Jacob to tighten his hold on me.
"Jake," I almost moaned. I could feel his erection through his jeans, spiking my own arousal. He walked us over to the broken couch in the far corner of the garage and sat down, me straddling his lap. He reached up cupping my face, and brought my lips down to his. The kiss was slow and passionate, climbing slowly as our lust for each other reached higher limits. I let out a moan grinding into his erection, sending delicious spikes of pleasure to my core. My fingers gripping his hair tightly pulling him closer, as if that were possible. His hands squeezing my thighs before reaching around and grabbing my ass, causing another moan to escape my lips before grinding more into his hard member. It was only separated by a few layers of clothing. We pulled away slightly, breathless.
There was a knock by the entrance and two males about our age came into the now suffocating garage. Realization hitting them, before us. We quickly pulled away, both still flustered from our previous activities. A smirk on the faces of the new arrivals.
"Hey, Jake. Didn't know you were busy," the taller one spoke, winking at me. I blushed brighter.
Hell I probably looked like a tomato.
"I was just showing, Bella, the bikes I'm going to rebuild for us." Jake's voice came out husky, he blushed when he looked at me.
"Interesting way of showing her, Black," the shorter of the two said, with a sarcastic smile on his face.
"Bella, these are my boys, Quil Ateara V and Embry Call," Jake says waving a hand in their direction.
"Hey, I'm Quil Ateara, but you can call me Quil," the shorter male announced with a flirtatious smile. I shook his hand briefly, turning my attention to the taller male.
"I'm Embry," he winked with a knowing smirk.
"So the rumors are true then? Jacob Black, is officially taken?" Quil asked with humor.
'Um...' I thought before speaking. "Taken?" I asked confused.
"Oh, burn!" Embry exclaimed, looking at Jake with a huge grin.
"What's he talking about, Jake?" I asked sheepishly.
"Um, well," Jake began, running his hands through his hair, embarrassed.
"Jacob," I prompted.
"I, uh, kind of told people that I had a gir... " his voice trailed off.
"What?" I asked, confused, not hearing what he'd said.
"I told people that I had a girlfriend," he let out with a sigh.
A blush immediately crept into my cheeks. I look at my hands in front of me. "If you wanted me as a girlfriend, Jake, all you had to do was ask," I said, still not looking up from my hands.
I heard Jake let out a low gasp. Unsure of how he took what I was getting at, I look up and let my gaze fall on his. His eyes sparkling with joy, and excitement.
"Damn," Quil whispered under his breath. Embry smiled.
The rest of the afternoon was uneventful. Jake asked me to be his, then shortly afterwards Jake and Quil had started wrestling together, Embry placing bets on Quil to win. I giggled at the thought of Jake being beaten by his friend whom was much smaller than he was. "You're so on," I replied to Embry's bet.
A few moments later Jake came back into the garage wearing a grin. A disheveled Quil, covered in mud following not too far behind. "Pay up," I said to Embry. He pulled out his wallet placing a five dollar bill in my awaiting hand.
Jake's arms wrapped around my waist, kissing the top of my head. I honestly could see myself being very happy with Jacob. It felt so natural to become his. I accepted his offer and agreed to be his girlfriend. I, Bella Swan, had a boyfriend for the first time. I couldn't wait to see Charlie's face when I told him.
After a while Quil and Embry left to head home. It was early in the evening and they had to get home in time for dinner. Jake and I headed out to my truck, our fingers intertwined together. I had to get home and start dinner before Charlie got off work. Jake wrapped me in a warm passionate hug, leaning down to take my lips. The kiss was short and sweet, but still lustrous. After we pulled away he opened the driver side door for me and helped me up into cab.
"Drive safe, Bells. Call me when you get home," Jake says with a smirk on his face.
"Always, and sure, sure." I replied using his term. He smiled when he caught it. I shut my truck door and pulled out of Jake's driveway waving before disappearing out of sight. I drove quickly and carefully to get home to start dinner. Charlie didn't cook much, so the kitchen was scarce. I'll have to make a list and get groceries tomorrow.
I pulled into my spot in the driveway and cut the engine, jumping out I made my way up the front steps. I reached up and unlocked the door wiping my feet before stepping inside. I discarded my hoodie to the coat rack and left my bag by the door. I made my way to the refrigerator hoping to find something to make Charlie for dinner other than frozen pizza. I found a lasagna in the freezer. I quickly preheated the oven and placed it on the middle rack. I set the timer and headed upstairs to call Jake before taking a shower.
He answered after the first ring. "Hello, Black residence this is Jacob speaking," he sounded so professional through the phone.
"Hey Jake, it's just me. I was just calling to let you know I made it home safely," I said, my voice filled with excitement.
"Hey Bells, glad you got home okay. Was just telling my old man about us," he sounded embarrassed, how cute. I thought of his statement earlier.
"Well maybe I'll see you tomorrow?" I asked.
"Sure, sure." He replied.
"I'll call you in the morning then, bye Jake."
"Good night Bells, talk to you in the morning."
With that I hung up, then headed to bathroom to take a shower.
After I got dressed in fresh pajamas, and put my hair up in a messy bun, I ran down the stairs just as Charlie was walking through the door.
"Hey, Bells. How was your day?"Charlie called as I made my way to the kitchen.
"Hey, dad. It was great," I replied. I was saving the topic about Jake for after we ate.
I set the table, and placed our plates with food as Charlie made his way into the kitchen. "I'm famished," Charlie said looking at his plate with hunger. We sat and ate quietly.
After we were finished, I decided to approach the elephant in the room. "So, Jake asked me out," I said to Charlie, looking at him from behind my lashes. My palms were starting to sweat. Why am I so nervous? I thought. Charlie's face lit up with a grin, he looked like a child on Christmas morning.
"Well, what did you say?" he asked.
"I accepted," I replied.
"Well, that's great Bells. Jake's a good kid," Charlie said, trying to hide his excitement.
I stood to clear the table, and cleaned up. Charlie headed to the living room to watch television. It was only going on eight o'clock. I decided to call it a night.
"I'm going to head to bed, good night dad," I called from the stairs.
"Alright, good night Bells," Charlie replied.
I got in my room, shut the door, and climbed into my bed. Staring up at the ceiling, I couldn't help but think about the kiss with Paul. Comparing it with the one I shared with Jake. I couldn't believe I had my first kiss with someone I didn't even know, I thought inwardly. But the feeling of his lips on mine, it was like sparks of electricity running between us. Then with Jake, it felt natural and easy, as if it were expected. I took a deep breath clearing my thoughts, and finally getting comfortable, I drifted off into a dreamless sleep.