Understanding
I woke up smiling the next morning. A giddiness in my chest. I stretched out my body, sitting up with a grunt. Noticing a rather out of place brightness in my room, I jumped out of bed crossing the distance to the balcony door in a few strides. The sun was coruscating greenly through the trees, the sky a beautiful clear blue. I burst through the doors, basking in the glow of the sunlight.
I'm going to have to ask Charlie to get another patio set for up here, I thought to myself, turning to walk back inside. It would be so comfortable to lounge on the balcony while reading. Before heading in I glance down in the yard below, something catching my eye. There to the far side was a large, bean shaped, shallow hole with tarps around. Surrounding were several types of digging materials, a small tractor, and a backhoe parked almost out of view behind a stack of lumber, and firewood.
Huh? I thought, I wonder what that's all about? Shrugging, I head back into my room to get dressed, when my phone starts ringing. Looking at the caller ID I see it's Jacob. Smiling, I answer it.
"Good morning, boyfriend," I giggle into the phone.
"Morning, gorgeous," he chuckled back. "How'd you sleep?" he asked.
"I slept very peacefully," I reply, grinning. "I've got so much planned for the afternoon. What are you doing this morning?" I asked, curiously.
"I don't have much planned, other than starting the rebuild on our bikes," he replied. "Charlie invited us to dinner tonight," he added.
"He didn't tell me about having you guys over," I said, curiosity in my tone.
"That's because I wasn't supposed to say anything. It was supposed to be a surprise, and I figured I'd tell you so you didn't make any cooking plans."
Cooking plans? Who was going to cook if I didn't. Charlie couldn't cook his way out of a paper bag, to save his life. "What are we supposed to eat then," I quipped.
"See, that's the surprise part I won't be telling you," he laughed. Of course I should have known, the diner. I rolled my eyes at his tone.
"Not even a little hint?" I asked.
"Nope," Jake said popping the 'P'.
"Okay, then I'll see you tonight?" I replied, wrapping up the conversation as soon as possible.
"Sure, sure."
I roll my eyes sarcastically at his reply. "I gotta go. I'll see you later, " I was hoping he would drop a hint.
"I'll see you tonight, Bells" he chuckled, before the line disconnected. He needs his own ringtone, I thought. I quickly scan through my play list and finally find the perfect one for Jake. 'My Funny Valentine' by Frank Sinatra. Perfect.
I put my phone down, and walked to my closest to get out an outfit. I dress quickly in a pair of jeans and a long sleeved shirt that complements my curves. I yank on my sneakers, and run a brush through my tangled hair, before heading down stairs to the kitchen. I quickly eat a banana and down a glass of milk. Grabbing my coat, purse, and keys I head out to my truck locking the door behind me.
I head to the Newton's Olympic Outfitters hoping to find netting. The bell rings when I enter, alerting the employees of my presence. A young man with blonde hair, and blue eyes, walks up towards the front, smiling instantly when he sees me. "Can I help you," he says cheerfully.
"I'm looking for some mesh netting?" I ask unsure if that was the proper term.
"Sure, I can show you. I'm Mike Newton, by the way," he says, introducing himself.
"Thanks, I'm Bella Swan," I replied.
"The chiefs daughter, right?" he asked, surprised.
"Uh, yeah. Chief Swan is my dad."
"So, you're gonna be starting this semester at Forks high," he asks.
"Yeah! I'm actually excited about everything. I was born here and so to me this will always be home." I was rambling.
"Well maybe we'll have some classes together," he winks at me.
"Maybe," I reply.
"Here you go," he says handing me a roll of the netting. "Is that all you need?"
"That'll be it," I reply quickly.
"I'll ring you up, up front."
"Thanks." I mumble, and pay for the netting. I wave to Mike, and head back out to my truck. Relieved to be out of there.
I go through my purse snatching my list for the grocery store, before starting my truck and heading to the food store. The food store here is limited, so I quickly grab what I can find to stock the kitchen. The girl at the register looks about my age. Her long burnette hair framing her face. She looked sweet, and shy. "Are you new to town?" She asks, conversationally.
"In a way," I ventured. "Well I was born here, and moved with my mom. But now I'm back to stay with my father Charlie, and to finish high school."
"Really, what year?" She perked up interested.
"Junior year at Forks high," I continued matter of factly.
"So we'll be in the same year!" She exclaims, excited. "I'm Angela Webber," she stuck her hand out for me to shake.
"Bella Swan," I say taking her hand to shake it.
"Swan, as in chief Swan?" She wondered, sheepishly.
"The very same," I reply.
Angela and I finish bagging the groceries. I tell her thank you, and give her my contact information, before taking my bags to my truck. I drive home silently, deep in thought. I don't know why, but I can't seem to get that Paul guy, out of my head. I could still feel the sensation that overwhelmed me in the heat of that moment. I've never behaved so brazenly before. Maybe it's for the best I don't see him again. After all I'm with Jake now. Flustered by my train of thought, I pull into the driveway at home. I gather the bags before heading into the house, making my way to the kitchen. I start putting away the groceries in any available open space in the cabinets. I'll have to reorganize everything some other time, I thought inwardly.
I glance at the clock that reads it's after two already. I head upstairs and grab my laptop to check my email. There's an email from Renee.
_
From: Renee Dwyer
Subject: First Day
Date: December 28 2014 18:02
To: Isabella Swan
Bella,
Write/call/text me as soon as you get home. Tell me how your flight was. Is it raining? I miss you already. How was your first day back in Forks? Are you having fun with your friends? Are you going to any special New Year's party? Phil says hi. Mom.
I sigh, rolling my eyes and start typing out my reply.
_
From: Isabella Swan
Subject: Reply
Date: December 30 2014 14:22
To: Renee Dwyer
Mom,
My flight was great. I got to watch a movie on the plane. Of course it was raining. I love it though. I got to go swimming at the beach yesterday and let loose a little. Then I got to hang out with Jacob, you remember Billy Black and his 3 children? Jacob is his youngest and my age. He's the one I always hung out with during the summer. He asked me out! I know I was shocked as well.
I'm not sure if there's any New Year's parties here yet. I think they're having a bonfire down in La Push, so I might go to that with Jake. Having a blast!
I miss you too!!! Did you lose your phone charger again? It was in the kitchen next to the coffee machine. Just buy a new one from Walmart, and text me when you can.
Tell Phil I said hello and to swing straight. I love you both.
-Bella-
I logout of my email and pull up an online shopping site. I type patio furniture in the search bar. Scrolling through the sets I add; a loveseat with two matching chairs and an outdoor coffee table in the color of dark grey, with blue and green cushions; to my cart. I continued my search and found an outdoor chaise lounge that matched nicely, although the color was in a soft purple. I checked the total. It was well under my budget. Maybe I should get a table and chairs too? I thought to myself. Contemplating if I should or not I hear my phone ping, letting me know that I have a text message. It was from Jake.
Hey beautiful,
What are you up to?
I smile at the way he called me beautiful. I've admired the way Jacob finds the beauty in literally everything. I didn't consider myself beautiful, average pretty maybe, but not beautiful. I personally think my brown eyes are too big for my face. My luscious eyelashes are the only good trait on my face that I love. I have pouty lips, but honestly the only one who likes them are Jake. He says they make smile even more gorgeous. I roll my eyes and type out my reply.
Just doing a little online
shopping for furniture for my
balcony. Maybe after it gets
here we can cuddle up and
stargaze.
I push send, and turn back to my laptop, and continue my shopping. I proceed to search for a small table with two chairs. I finally find the perfect one that matches the other furniture perfectly. It's a small dark grey wicker table with a green tinted glass top and two matching wicker chairs with metal legs. I add them to my cart and go to check out. As I'm about to accept my order my phone pings again. I quickly press accept before picking up my phone. The expected delivery date isn't until January 7 2015. Giveing me plenty of time to go get an outdoor rug, and pillows, that will clash with the colors perfectly. I close my laptop grabbing my phone and let myself fall back onto my bed. It's from Jake.
How about I come over
and we can cuddle now?
I giggle at his response. He always has an excuse to come see me. Especially in the summer. When he would convince Billy to come watch any game on Charlie's big flat screen. I guess I never really noticed it then. The crush he had on me growing up. Of course I should have seen it. We were inseparable, never went a day without seeing each other during the summers. I guess it's why I didn't notice my own crush developing. We were already so close. There was never a need to want him near, when he was already right there.
Hmmm!
Sounds very tempting.
What about picking up
Billy afterwards?
I place my phone on the bed beside me. Sitting up I kick off my sneakers and walk out onto the balcony. Leaning against the railing I let out a sigh. Suddenly I have this inkling of being watched, causing the hairs on my neck to stand at alert. I close my eyes taking a deep breath concentrating on my supernatural eyesight. I actually have better sight than even a vampire, because my species lurks in the darkest depths of the ocean. After I opened my eyes I scanned the surrounding forest. Catching the slightest glimpse of a large black tail. Not just any tail, a wolf tail. There were large paw prints in the dirt. My heart rate accelerated.
So the legends were true!? I thought to myself not surprised. Everything Renee told me about the quileute tribe, was true! This confirmed my suspicion. I raced to the bathroom to splash my face. I took a quick glance at my eyes in the mirror admiring the iridescent colors of blues, greens, and purples. The shimmer they give off in the sunlight is hypnotic, and sometimes misused by other mermaids. I splash water on my face and take a steady breath, concentrating on the deep chocolate color of my natural eyes. I dry my face and pull back to find blood on the towel.
That's odd, I don't usually bleed like that. I thought. I blinked trying to understand what caused me to bleed. I looked at my reflection and see another drop of blood fall from my nose, and that's when the pain hits me. It felt like I was hit by a train, but central to my head. I had a headache, and I could hear something. I couldn't tell what or where it was coming from. The sound was out of place for my surroundings. It was piercing and high pitched. Almost like a dog whistle, yet more painful. I covered my ears trying to not hear whatever was making the sound. As quickly as it started, it stopped. The silence stretched out becoming unbearable. My stomach churned. I barely made it to the toilet before I began to hurl my guts out.
What's happening to me? I asked myself. Without warning there was another voice inside my head. Soon, you will understand. All things will come to light. Trust your heart. The voice was velvety and soft. It reminded me of my grandmother, who once used to give me great advice before her untimely demise.
I was brought out of my thoughts by a loud knock on the front door. I quickly rinse my mouth and face, grabbing my phone from my bed and tucking it in my back pocket, I run down the steps throwing open the door. There in the doorway was Jacob, wearing my favorite grin. His hair was only half up today showing how long his deep black locks were. He was so beautiful to me.
"I thought you were going to wait till later," I quipped.
"Actually I sent you a text telling you I was coming over and that Charlie was going to pick up my old man." he replied with a smirk. Of course, Jake misses nothing. "Are you feeling okay?"
"I'm not sure," I said wryly. "Just a slight headache, nothing more."
I moved aside letting Jacob in, but instead of entering, he enveloped me in a warm hug. I loved the way he smelled, of a campfire, spearmint, and something woodsy. "Do you wanna talk about it?" He mumbled.
"There's nothing to talk about," I chided.
"Well, what do you want to do before we go out?"
"I'd love to take you up on your previous offer, and cuddle with you," I say smiling up at him.
Jake grinned down at me bending to pick me up and lightly kicked the door shut and headed upstairs. He stopped next to my bed, and kissed my head before putting me down, and lying next to me. I laid my head on his chest, twirling circles with my middle finger. He gently gripped my chin between his index finger and thumb, tilting my head so that he could look at my face. His lips were so close, I felt a blush creep into my cheeks thinking about our first kiss. "What's going on in that pretty little head of yours, bells?"
"I was just thinking about our first kiss," I whispered. I felt the blush deepen. Jake pulled me closer nuzzling my hair. I lifted my face and brought my lips to his. Kissing him sensually. It was like something was awakened within me. My hands roaming his body greedily. Sitting up without breaking the kiss I pull myself up and straddle his hips. He sits up wrapping his arms around me, only breaking the kiss to trail kisses along my jaw, and down my neck. I let out moan grinding into his lap. He groans, gripping my hips pulling me closer to him. I wrap my fingers in his hair pulling his mouth to mine, sweeping my tongue on his bottom lip begging for entrance, which he gladly granted. I moaned into his mouth at the taste of his tongue on mine. The sensation sending delicious shivers down my spine. I grind into his now growing erection, pulling his shirt off. We both moan in unison as the heat between us rises.
I want him! I want him so badly! I thought in my head, but something in me started nagging at me to not take this any further. Reluctantly I pulled away from the kiss with a groan and rested my head against his. Both of us breathing heavily from our intimate kiss. I look down at Jake's shirtless body and blush. I knew if I looked at him right now I wouldn't be able to stop myself with the lust that was flowing through my veins at the moment. I could feel my heartbeat accelerate.
"I need a moment," I mumble rushing to the bathroom, and slamming the door behind me. What the hell came over me? That was not how I wanted it to go! I thought frustrated with my hormones. I wash my face thinking about asking Renee later, and wondering if perhaps these were signs of my inner darkness. Panicking I quickly dry off and pull out my phone to call Phil's phone. He answers on the fourth ring. What took so long? I thought before he said hello.
"Hello?" his voice was shaking as if he were working out.
"Hey Phil, is my mom with you?" I quickly blurted.
"Sure, one second Bellsy." I rolled my eyes wanting to skip the pleasantries.
"Bella, is everything okay?" Renee's voice was worried.
"Mom, I think it's happening," I replied.
Renee let out a sigh. "Oh sweetie, you have nothing to worry about. You're far to young to go through the signs. Are you having any other... problems?" She asked.
"No, mom. It's just been a weird day. Earlier today you won't believe what I saw. Then I had an excruciating headache and heard something not natural. Mom, there was a voice in my head!" I breathed.
"Hmm. I don't think you have a darkness honey. You're still so young. It usually takes decades before you show signs, or a devastating heartbreak, and you're too young for both. You can always try finding someone else out there while you swim. I know it's a long shot, but you can try."
I thought about it and decided I would go in search of more merfolk, if I ever found the time. Then a thought occured.
"Mom do you have any of grandma's journals you told me about?" I asked eagerly.
"Of course! I didn't even think about it, Bella. I'll send them out to you when I get back to the house. Oh sweetie we might be staying here in Florida, and it's just so beautiful," she replied, relief in her tone.
"Thanks mom, I love you. I'll talk to you later okay," I said.
"Okay sweetie, if you need anything else remember I'm only a phone call away."
"I know mom. I gotta go, bye."
"Bye," she replied, and the line went dead.
Relief flooded my emotional state. I was worried about nothing. No way was I becoming something dark and sinister. Siren, a creature that is neither good or evil but has evil intentions and will drown its lovers. They quickly become lustful and their eyes are a flat black that makes you feel like you're swimming in a pool of ink. Though their eyes are black they still shine iridescent, just not visible to the human eye. They're dangerous to be around, especially in the ocean. There's legends of them turning humans into sirens by a single kiss, and some, that they eat human hearts. Every halfling has an inner siren, which helps with the tail morphing, and that's about it. Sometimes, on a rare occasion, a mermaid halfling will be taken fully over by their inner siren, becoming a full siren. Even mermaids are at this risk, given the choice on their thirteenth birthday.
I was startled by a light knock at the door. "Bella?" Jake said worriedly. "Is everything okay? Is it something I did or didn't do?" he asked.
I slowly open the door and hug him, breathing in his scent. I felt instantly better. I noticed he had his shirt back on and blushed at the memory of his perfect abs underneath me. "I'm okay, I promise. Just needed to take a minute to clear my head," I assured him reaching up and kissing his chin. Another minute more and there would have been a completely different outcome. I blush at the thought of being naked and straddling a naked Jacob with nothing between us except our moans of pleasure.
"What time is it?" I ask looking up at his worried expression.
"We should head out in about an hour, it's after four," he looked me in the eye. "Are you sure you're okay?" He asked, still concerned.
"Yes, I promise." I hug him tighter before pulling away and walking past him to change into a new outfit.
I wasn't shy about changing in front of Jake. It's not like he hasn't seen me naked before, of course that was because I got stung by fire coral and my body went into shock. We were at the beach in San Diego visiting grandma Dwyer. Dad had brought Jake, and just us three, we went to the beach. It was unusually empty that day, and I was only 14. Dad had to cut the suit on the side causing my bottom to become exposed. I had gotten stung on my back trying to do flips under water. I didn't even see the coral before it was too late. Ever since, I was completely comfortable around Jake.
I pull on some white skinny jeans, black slouch boots, a black tank top under a blue cardigan, with a grey sheer scarf. I turn to look at Jake. "See something you like?" I smirk.
He was leaning against the door frame, arms crossed, and grinning. "Absolutely," he replied with a devilish grin, causing me to involuntarily press my legs tighter together. He never misses anything. I hear a gasp as he glances quickly at my thighs and back at my face, searching. I smirk shaking my head before heading into the bathroom to straighten my hair, and do my makeup. Once done I grab my jacket, phone, and keys.
"Ready!" I chimed. Grabbing Jacobs hand, I lead him out the door to his car. I turn towards him on my tippy toes and give him a peck on the lips before slipping into the passenger seat. He closes the door and jogs to the driver side. Even though he didn't have his license yet I still trusted his driving skills.
He smiles at me turning the car on and driving in the direction of the diner. I watched as the sky slowly darkened, becoming twilight. The drive took about fifteen minutes. Jake opened my door helping me out. We walked hand in hand into the diner. When we got inside our father's were immediately smiling at the sight of us together. Jake pulled me closer walking with excitement to the table, and pulled my chair out before taking his seat next to Billy.
"Hey, kids. What took ya so long?" Charlie asked. I immediately felt the blush color my cheeks and looked at my hands in my lap. When I looked up at my father, he had a knowing look on his face.
"Hi! I'm Jessica Stanley, and I'll be your waitress for the evening. Can I start you off with anything to drink?" She was pretty but not in the model type way. She looked like she was probably the prom queen or head cheerleader. She had a heart shaped face that was framed by dark blonde hair with highlights. Her wild eyes say that she's eccentric. She seems like such a nice girl.
"I'll have a root beer." Jake said.
"Just coke is fine Miss Stanley," Charlie replied.
"Water for me, please," I chimed.
"I'll take a coke as well," Billy chuckled.
Jessica took our orders and in no time came back with our drinks. I couldn't help notice the looks she kept giving me, not rude or anything just curiosity I guess. She must've known who I was, especially if she knew my father. I smiled sheepishly and waved which she gladly returned with a cheshire cat grin. She seemed to be brimming with emotions. As if she wanted to sit and talk with me. So, she's one of those? I thought. She's a gossip! I groaned inwardly. I hope not. Of course that thought was in vain. After a while and our food was brought out and almost eaten she walked behind the counter removing her apron. Grabbing something she made her way to our table grinning. Great! I thought.
"Oh my gosh! You're the new girl that'll be starting this semester. Isabella, right?" She smiled.
"Just Bella," I corrected her, smiling back.
"Oh, sorry. Hey if you're not doing anything tomorrow there's supposed to be a huge bonfire in La Push not to far away. We're bringing in the New Year and there will be food and drinks and stuff. You'll get to meet some of the people from our school. What do you think?" She blurted out.
I look at Jake whose got his arm wrapped around my waist and eating with the other. I look at Charlie whose nodding his head at me. "Sure Bella just be careful, take Jake with you," he added.
"Um, yeah sure sounds like fun," I replied.
"Yay! Great, I'll see you there." She waved to us and left.
I look at Jake and smile. Charlie looked at us excitedly. "Hey dad, I'm gonna head over to Jakes for a while," I say with a questioning tone. "If that's okay with you," I add.
"Sure, just be safe Bells," he smiled.
I smiled warmly at my father. I'm pretty sure he's been wanting this relationship more than the two of us. He always found a way to throw us together. Whether it was hanging out at his house or taking me to Billy's. His eyes seemed to light up when Jake was around me. "Always dad," I declared softly.
Jake and I head out to his rabbit, he held my door open and got into the driver's side. Holding hands, we made it to La Push. Both of us heading inside, and Jake pulling me towards his room. His room was decent, a full bed shoved into the far corner, a dresser with a small box TV in the center, a small bedside table and lamp shoved next to the bed, and an empty hamper tucked between the bedside table and wall. Clothes were strewn all over the place. Apparently the hamper was a good idea, too bad it wasn't being used, yet. I thought to myself with a small smile. Jake started gathering all the clothes and shoving them into the hamper. I giggled at his quick antics at trying to be gentlemanly. He grabbed my hand and pull me towards the edge of the bed. Realization kicking in, I start to panic. I love Jake, but in no way am I ready for this. I stop, hesitant. He turns to look at me and cups my cheek. "We don't have to do anything you're not ready for, Bella." His voice was husky. His eyes were full of lust.
"We're not having sex, Jake." I declared.
His face lit up in a smile. "I wouldn't expect it from you, baby," he replied. I blushed brighter at the use of his endearment. "If you want to cuddle naked, I would, just as long as you're here with me."
"You wouldn't judge me for that?" I ask humorously. His eyes sparkled with lust and longing. I know Jake has practically been in love with me since we were kids and I've known him my whole life, but I wasn't ready to give him sex. I know we've had a couple of extremely hot makeout sessions, but that's all I'm ready to do. A small part of me wants to touch him, there. But maybe it's just curiosity.
"Never. I care too much about you to ever judge you, beautiful." He was always so sweet when I needed him to be, and playful and teasing at other times. It was one of the things I loved about him. I stood between his legs and kissed him lightly before turning to crawl onto his bed. I removed my boots and jacket. I patted the spot next to me, inviting Jake to come closer. We laid there snuggling closely and quietly. It was just so comfortable, and I soon drifted off to sleep.
-*-
I don't know why I was running, but I felt like my life depended on it. I have no idea what I was running from. It was getting closer. The silver wolf was right beside me, guiding me to safety.
Before I knew it I was surrounded and the silver wolf was gone. Before me was a large black wolf snarling. I must've done something I shouldn't have. But what did I do? My instincts were telling me run.
I took a deep breath and sniffed the air, trying to decipher which direction the sea was. In the blink of an eye I was off. Howls erupted from the wolves that surrounded me. I was getting closer to the edge.
I stopped short. Out of nowhere stood a woman, her hair a fiery red blowing wildly in the wind, her eyes pitch black. She wore an evil grin. I have no idea who she was or what I had done to deserve such a menacing look. She grasped my neck in a tight grip, looking over my shoulder, I knew she saw them coming.
It happened so quickly. She bared her teeth and bit down as hard as she could. Her teeth hooking into my throat. She pulled back and gave me a malicious smile before kicking me to the floor. I heard a snap, then my screams were piercing the air. She jumped away out of reach watching in pleasure.
I was pulled to my feet by my hair, another scream erupted. The hand that grabbed me was hot to the touch. I knew it was a wolf in their human form. I knew all about them. He yanked me up and turned my head to face him. His face was contorted with anger and his eyes seemed to glow with revenge. I was scared and bleeding.
He started to drag me to the cliff. When I didn't budge he motioned for help, I turned to run but froze when I saw him. He looked so different from the last time I saw him. His hair was cropped and his chest was bare. He stood there staring with a pained expression. Not moving.
"Paul? Paul!" I called. I started kicking and thrashing against my assailants. I didn't want to be in the ocean with my injuries. I needed to heal first.
"Sam, is this really necessary?" I heard one of the men pulling me say. I turned to look at whom spoke and was surprised that I recognized his face. Jared, Paul's friend from the beach.
"I want it done, now!" Sam's voice rang with authority. I panicked as I realized we were at the edge. I turned my tear stained face and looked at Paul one last time before feeling the ground disappear from beneath my feet. I screamed as I fell, landing with a splash.
I felt myself changing, my tail forming. The water was colored with my blood, but I was still sinking to the bottom. I was exhausted. I could feel the blackness crushing me. I slowly began to give in. I must've really been out of it, because as I succumbed to the darkness I felt a warmth wrapping around me. Then there was nothing, except a single thought.
'Where's my Jacob?'