New Year's
I woke with a start from my nightmare, too warm. It was early morning, and Jake was still asleep. I untangled my body from his and stretched out my aching muscles before getting up for a quick bathroom break. I couldn't shower here but I could at least freshen up. I run my fingers through my hair tossing it up into a messy bun. I use my finger and a little bit of Jake's toothpaste to clean out my morning breath. I look through the cabinets and find an unopened womans deodorant, it must've been Rebecca or Rachael's. After wiping away the smudged makeup, I walk out into the kitchen to find Billy reading the newspaper.
"Morning Bella," he smiled at me.
"Good morning, Billy," I replied.
"Jake still passed out?" he asked me.
"Um, yeah. Why didn't Charlie wake me up when he dropped you off?" I asked curiously. It was very unlike Charlie to do. I was sure he would have woken me up. To add to that I couldn't understand the dream I had. It gave me the creeps.
"He said you looked too peaceful to wake. He trusts you, Bella." He looked at me from over the paper. "So you and Jake going to be at the bonfire?" He continued.
"Yeah, definitely. We're going to put some blankets and pillows in the back of the truck," I told him. He smiled at me with genuine adoration.
"Well I hope y'all have fun," he replied. "Are you hungry?" He asked.
Honestly, I was famished beyond belief. I didn't finish my burger the night before and I was regretting it now. "Famished," I replied.
"Well, we have cereal. Help yourself Bella," Billy chuckled.
I smiled warmly, and made myself a bowl of cheerios. Sitting next to Billy, I dig in. After I finished, I cleared away both Billy's and my bowl, washing them and placing them in the strainer to dry. Just as I finished, Jake came walking out of his room groggily. "Morning sleepy head," I smirk.
"Uuugh," he groaned. The sound making me blush, bringing back the memory of our makeout session from the previous night. It was a real wonder how I was able to be so level headed, and stop myself from ripping his clothes off and taking him right then and there last night. What was coming over me? I thought with frustration. It's like I suddenly NEEDED to feel the sensation of being with Jake. I let out a slow breath trying to clear my mind of any and all sexual thoughts. All efforts fly out the window, though, immediately the moment Jake wrapped his arms around me in a soothing embrace. Mmm, he smells so delicious this morning. I thought sensually. I flushed bright red, causing Jake to let out a chuckle.
"Good morning, beautiful," he whispered in my ear, sending chills throughout my body.
I had to reign in my self control before my eyes became inhuman. No matter how hard it was, I had to keep my cool. Renee had explained that if I showed anyone my mermaid, that I would be kidnapped by the Government, and dissected for scientific purposes. The idea made me want to hurl my guts out.
After a while of hanging out with Jake on his couch, he took me home. I was finally able to shower, and change my clothes. After I was finally dressed in clean clothes, I headed down stairs to fix Jake and I, a quick late lunch before getting everything ready for the bonfire. We ate in silence, and I cleaned the dishes.
Around four o'clock we head to the garage and gather a few camping blankets and pillows, and load the truck with a cooler of snacks and drinks. I head back inside and change into something more comfortable, slipping my bikini underneath. It brought back the damn kiss with Paul, I blushed thinking about every detail. It was like it was burned into my memory. How the hell can one man have such a powerful hold on me? I'm with Jake for crying out loud! I thought getting angry with myself. I sigh grabbing my purse and phone, and headed out to the truck where Jacob was waiting patiently in the driver's seat. I hop in and slide over to the middle seat, intertwining my fingers with Jake's.
"Ready babe," he asks.
"Let's bring in the New Year together," I smiled at him, kissing his cheek. He started the beast, and we headed off towards La Push. We arrived twenty minutes later backing up towards the pile of wood. The fire hasn't been lit yet. We spread the blankets in the bed of the truck, lining the edges with pillows, and placed the cooler at the front in the center. We headed over to where they were creating a large pile of assorted wood. Jake helped lift the larger logs and within minutes we were ready to light the fire.
Jake took my hand and pulled me to a nearby log and placed me in his lap. I suddenly felt like I was being watched. I had a tingling sensation at the back of my neck. I shrugged, pushing the feeling to the back of my mind. There were lots of people around so of course people look at each other, right? Jake nuzzled my neck.
"Let me know if you get too cold. We can cuddle up in the bed of the truck," Jake whispered, his warm breath brushing my ear. I felt a blush creep up my neck filling my cheeks. The same feeling of being watched was back. I furrowed my brow and looked around, not seeing anything out of the ordinary. No one else I recognized, Angela and Jessica weren't even here yet.
"What is it, babe?" Jake asked, worried.
"Nothing, just looking for Jessica and Angela," I lied, giving him a small smile.
"I'm sure they'll be here soon," he assures me. I lean in and gently press a soft kiss to his lips. The feeling of being watched instantly hits me again, causing me to gasp. I look up and around the fire. There, across the way, glaring in my direction and shaking with fury, was Paul. His jaw clenching when our eyes meet, a blush coloring my cheeks. I frown, and look away. The memory of our kiss darkening at the thought of the glare he gave me just a moment ago. My heart skips a beat.
"What's the matter, babe?" Jake asks worried. I was about to answer, when a familiar voice interrupted.
"Who's your new friend, Black?" His voice was laced with venom. Jake's jaw clenched when his eyes met the hard stare of Pauls. Jake tried to compose himself, failing miserably.
"Paul, this is Bella. My girlfriend. Bella, this is Paul. He's got sort of a reputation here on the Reservation," Jake chided. They glared at each other for a moment.
"Better watch it, Black," Paul snapped. He was starting to shake uncontrollably. I stood, placing my hand on his chest trying to get him to calm down and back away. But the moment my hand touched his shirt, I was instantly aware of the heat radiating off his body. He was burning up.
"Are you okay?" I asked, bewildered. He looked down at my hand grabbing it in a vice grip before yanking it away. I felt the sting and heard the inaudible snap of my wrist breaking by the force. I clamped my jaw shut, keeping my cry of pain from escaping. A small whimper fell out of his mouth at my pained expression. I refused to show any weakness, especially to this man in particular. This arrogant, self indulgent ass of a man.
He was startled as a large hand appeared on his shoulder. I followed the hand to the attached person and almost gasped. It was Sam! The wolf who was dragging me to the cliff, in my nightmare. I cradled my wrist and backed away, ignoring Jake's protest. My fear and instincts taking over. I needed to get away from him. I saw the pain in Paul's eyes as I backed away, turning to run.
"BELLA!" I heard Jake yell after me. I needed to put as much distance between Sam and I as possible. My feet were barely touching the ground now, as the forest enclosed around me. I couldn't control myself anymore as I picked up the pace. I was at the beach in minutes, stripping off my clothes before my tail could rip through my jeans. I fell to the ground as a high pitched screeching pierced the air. I felt my eyes change involuntarily as I crawled towards the sea, my hands grabbing handfuls of sand and rocks. I let out a cry of pain as my hands began to morph into the the webbed fingers of my inner siren. I was gasping for air as I finally reached the shore, deep enough to let it pull me in. I felt my gills and fins already forming. It was excruciating as I felt my auras unseparate and my tail grow. I could hear the broken bones in my wrist snap back into place and begin to heal. Finally I felt nothing.
I slowly lifted my head out of the water just enough to see the two horse sized wolves break through the tree line. They were following my scent. I ducked below the water surface and let a sob escape as I hurried away from the shore into the first trench I could find. You need to get out of the water! It's not safe! The voice shouted at me. Why? I can't until the cost is clear! I argued! GET OUT, NOW! The voice screamed.
Then I felt it. The temperature of the water was suddenly colder, almost freezing. I could feel a presence in the water. I peaked above the trench end, fear coursing through my blood. I didn't see anything lurking in the murky waters, but it was now or never. I bolted to the shore line swimming as fast as I could. I could feel something chasing me, pushing me to swim faster. I didn't wait for the cost to be clear as I launched myself out of the water straight into a warm body. I panicked trying to morph my tail back as soon as possible. I looked down to see who was unfortunate to be my cushion, and gasped when I saw it was Jake. He was out cold from the impact. I reached out to cup his check bringing my ear to his chest. His heart beat was music to my ears, I sigh in relief.
I quickly get dressed and throw my wet hair up into a tight bun. I neal down next to Jake and gently shake him. He groans, grasping his head, squeezing his eyes shut. I cup his face and catch sight of the dark purple bruise on my wrist. The one Paul had violently yanked away from his chest when I tried to calm the situation. Obviously Jake had come after me, when I fled the scene. I've never lost control over myself before. But Jacob still came after me, even though he didn't know what was going on. His breathing finally calmed enough to form words.
"Bella? Is that you?" He asked, worried.
"Hey, handsome. How's your head?" I asked concerned that he might have a concussion. He groaned in response. "That's what I thought," I chuckled, leaning down to kiss his cheek. I stand and hold out my good hand to help him up into a standing position. He eagerly takes it and pulls himself up. "How long was I gone?" I asked as he finally became upright.
"About an hour or so, I think maybe longer, I'm not sure," he said rubbing his forehead. I took his hand and we headed back to the bonfire. I knew the wolves were still in the forest around us but I can't focus on that now. I had to get Jake back to safety. We broke through the treeline heading to the bed of my truck.
We missed the clock striking midnight, bringing in the New Year. I leaned in and kissed Jake anyway. "Happy New Year, baby," I whisper. I heard a howl in the distance. I really hope these wolves have enough sense to stay out of sight. I turn towards the fire enjoying its beauty.
"Bella!" I heard. I snapped my head in the direction of the voice. Angela Webber was walking over with Jessica Stanley. Jessica was holding hands with Mike Newton. Mike was blushing profusely.
"Hey guys!" I shout, waving them over.
"We're actually heading out, but glad we caught up with you," Angela sighed.
"Oh, yeah. No, it's okay we're not staying long," I replied.
"Maybe you, Jess, and I should have a girls night sometime?" Angela suggested.
"Absolutely," I quipped.
"Well, see you soon," she said with a half smile, waving. Jessica and Mike just smiled and waved as they walked away with Angela.
"See you soon," I holler back. I turn my attention back to Jake. "We should probably pack up. It's definitely late," I say snuggling into his chest. "I'll drive you home if you want," I say playing with the fabric of his shirt.
He grabs my hand and kisses it. "No, not my place." His voice was husky and deep.
"Okay," I say giving him a quick kiss.
We gather everything up, packing it away in the bed of the truck. I walk towards the driver's side and Jake opens the door. I slide in and Jacob gently pushes me over to the middle seat. He kisses my forehead before starting the beast, and driving in the direction of my house. When we get there, the cruiser is gone. Charlie must be working late tonight. We head upstairs to my room and snuggle on my bed. We laid there snuggling and talking about nothing in particular, then we fell silent.
I looked up at Jake as he leans in to kiss me. His lips becoming hungry with lust, his hands roaming my body. I sigh and let the feelings take over. Jake pulls my body upright, straddling his lap. His hands moving swiftly as the kiss deepens. He groans, grasping my waist holding me still, as his lips explore my neck. I let out a moan, and pull his lips back to mine. Jake's hands move up under my sweater pulling it off. I rake my hands over his abs searching for the bottom of his shirt, never breaking the kiss. He seemed to understand and yanked the shirt up over his head. His lips clashing with mine again. I lick across his bottom lip begging for entrance. He groans softly granting me access. The taste of his tongue sends shivers down my spine. His hands began to fumble with the buttons on my jeans.
I grind into Jake's erection again. Deftly my hands undo his pants. He let's a moan escape and grabs me by the waist, in one swift movement he's hovering above me removing his pants. The kiss deepens further, becoming hotter. I could feel myself becoming wet. I reach down yanking my pants off and kicking them across the room. I push Jake over straddling his lap. The sensation causing my panty soaked sex to rub deliciously against his throbbing manhood, his boxers straining in protest. Jake reaches up behind me unhooking my bra swiftly. I grind harder into him, becoming wetter. I moan into his mouth as he grabs my ass thrusting his erection against my soaking wet panties. Jake pulls away from the kiss taking a nipple in his mouth. I gasp at the sensation, so foriegn yet so amazing. I tangle my hands in his hair pulling his mouth back to mine grinding into his erection once more.
We were almost lost in the moment when we hear a throat being cleared loudly. We jerk our heads up and pull apart quickly. There standing red faced in the doorway was Charlie. I gasp grabbing the first thing I find to cover myself, and run straight into my closet, my cheeks burning with embarrassment.
"ISABELLA MARIE SWAN!" Charlie bellowed. "Get your ass dressed, and down stairs, NOW!" He barks. "JACOB BLACK, GET OUT OF THIS ROOM THIS INSTANT!" I heard Jake scuffling around gathering his clothes, and running out the door. "Don't even think about leaving young man," Charlie hissed at Jake.
"Yes sir," I heard Jake reply in a small voice.
"You have two minutes to get down stairs and meet me in the living room," he spat.
I was already dressing as he spoke, pulling on the first pair of pants I touched, terrified for the first time, of my father. He was pissed beyond anything I've ever seen before. Of course what father wants to walk in on their daughter in a compromising situation with a boy, no matter what? I hear my bedroom door shut as I pull on a tshirt from my closet. I shakily reach for the handle and walk down the steps at a slow pace, afraid of my consequences. When I finally reached the living room, Jake is seated on the couch his hands tucked under his legs. His cheeks are a bright red, similar to the color of my own. I walk silently to the chair across the room from where Charlie is sitting, red faced and angry.
"Isabella, do you have any idea how furious I am with you right now?" he whispered in a menacing tone.
I shifted uncomfortably, "Extremely?"
"Beyond!" He replied.
"Jacob, can I ask what the hell you were doing with my daughter?" his voice unnaturally calm.
"Um... yes sir?" Jake sounded unsure.
"Were you even going to use protection?" Charlie asked uncomfortably.
Oh my gosh! I was horror struck. This can't be happening. Was Charlie about to have 'the talk' with Jake and I? Sweet mother of monkey milk, please don't. I swallowed my fear and cleared my throat. "Char-Dad, I really don't need to hear this. Mom beat you to it like at six years ago," I quipped
Relief covered his features. He turned to look at Jake. "What about you?"
Jake blushed brighter. "Billy explained everything already," he said sheepishly.
"Well, I better never catch you two in anymore compromising situations again. Do you hear?" he added.
"Yes sir" we replied in unison.
Charlie stands turning to Jake. "I'll drive you home. Bella, good night." And they disappeared through the front door. I stood and headed upstairs to take a quick shower before getting in bed. I heard a howl outside. Go away. I thought to the wolf howling. I turned over and shoved a pillow over my head and drifted off to sleep.
-*-
I opened my eyes and was underwater. I was swimming as fast as I could, but I was heading the wrong way. I turned my direction and headed north. I felt the panic rising inside. Something was chasing me. I take a sharp turn towards shore. Picking up speed. I needed to get out of the water as fast as possible. The shore was up ahead. I went to launch myself out onto the shore, when something slashed into my tail. I quickly swam to the edge, rolling and crawling when the water became too shallow.
I stopped rolling and looked up at the cloudy sky. I was hurt, bad. But I didn't want to know how bad. I roll over on to my stomach and groan in pain. Pain. It's all I can think about. I look at my tail, I can feel the color drain from my face. I let out a horrifying scream at the sight. My tail has a large gash in the shape of a giant bite mark. Not just any bite mark. A shark bite mark? I was bleeding uncontrollably. I tried to move but only screamed in more pain. I clenched the sand and rocks in my hands as I continued to try to move further inland.
I knew I was not going to be able to heal without help. I groaned as I realized I couldn't go any further. I laid my head on the ground sobbing. My vision was becoming blurry. There was a ringing in my ears. I was losing a lot of blood. If I couldn't change back before I blacked out, I was gonna be in serious danger. I try to pull my tail up to my hands to smear sand and mud into my wounds. As soon as I barely twitched, I screamed out in pain.
Suddenly a pair feet appear beside me, bare feet. I glance up to look who it is and gasp. Yet I'm not surprised in the least that he of all people are here. I groan again, the pain is excruciating. He reaches down and gently picks me up, I scream as the pain rips through me. He cradles me closely to his chest as he runs towards the woods.
"Stay with me baby. You gotta stay awake beautiful," his voice is comforting and soothing. I stare at his face trying to find my voice. I can't get anything out other than another groan in pain. "Shhh, don't say anything. We're almost there beautiful. Just stay with me," his voice was so beautiful.
We were slowing to a jog now. "SAM, EMILY. HELP!" I cringed when he yelled. I could feel the blood dripping on the ground. I hear footsteps running out towards us, followed by gasps.
"What happened to her?" Sam's voice asked.
"Looks like a shark attack," he replied.
"We need to get her inside out of the public eye," I heard Emily whispered. I watched as the sky suddenly became a ceiling. I was in a daze, I was in shock. I couldn't even heal myself. I was afraid of what my tail looked like.
"Where do you want me to put her?" his voice was like music. The heat radiating off his body was comfortable. I needed it, I was freezing. I reached up and touched his handsome face before letting my hand fall with a groan.
"Put her on the table after I'm done spreading the tarp," Sam said.
"Everything's going to be okay, baby. Just hang in there. I'll be here the whole time" he encouraged me.
"I called doctor vamp, he's on his way. Should be here soon," Jake's voice came from across the room.
I was so tired, I had to fight to stay awake. I felt my weight shift as I was being placed on the table. I let out a screech of pain. I looked down at my tail before I was lowered. I had a large chunk hanging off the side. I instantly felt nauseous.
I looked up at his beautiful face again, reaching up to brush his lips with my fingers.
"Paul," I sighed as the blackness crashed down over me.
-*-
I woke up gasping for air clutching my chest. I glanced at the clock, it reads three: forty five in the morning. I toss back my duvet to check my legs; except instead of seeing legs, I was looking at my tail. I had changed in my sleep. I concentrated on the process of changing my tail back to my legs. Once completed I get up and make my way to the bathroom and splash my face. I walked down to the kitchen afterwards to get a glass of water. I chugged three glasses before carrying the fourth back up. The dream felt so real. I placed my glass on the bedside table and head out onto the balcony. I just needed to breathe in fresh air.
I lean on the railing looking out at the forest and up at the dull sky. When I looked back down I couldn't believe my eyes. There in my backyard wearing only cut off shorts was Paul. Only he looked different from when I last saw him just hours ago. His hair was cropped short, and instead of the angry glare he gave me earlier, he smiled a crooked smile. I looked at him confused. How the hell did he know where I lived? I thought to myself.
He seemed to be whispering something, I couldn't make it out. What was he doing here? I wondered. I shook my head at him. I'm too exhausted for this. I turn to head back inside, when I feel a hot hand on my shoulder. I turn to see Paul standing on my balcony. My expression shocked. He smirked at me. I look up and for an instant our eyes meet. His smile melted away as his eyes glazed over for a brief moment. I backed away. Whatever that was, I don't want anything to do with it.
"I think you need leave," I say curtly. I turn and walk back into my room, shutting the door behind me and locking it. Leaving Paul, shocked and speechless on my balcony. I reach up and close the curtain before getting back in bed. I stare at the ceiling slowly drifting off into a dreamless sleep.
-*-
The rest of my holiday break was uneventful as I was very grounded after the awkward moment with Charlie. I didn't get to leave the house for almost anything! I spent the remaining holiday break in my room online shopping. When Charlie wasn't home I got to call Jake, and we talked for hours. It gave me enough spare time that I reorganized the kitchen. Everything had its own place now.
I cleaned the house and did laundry as I thought about my dreams and what they meant. I recieved the journals belonging to my Grandmother, from Renee. They've been very insightful so far. Apparently mermaids have their own language and we automatically are born with the knowledge of how to speak it. Of course I don't know any other merfolk to strike up a conversation.
Tomorrow I will start the new semester at Forks high. I was a little disappointed that Jacob and I don't attend the same school. He goes to school down on the Reservation. The thought to transfer did come to mind, but after what almost happened in my bed I didn't think Charlie would be so keen to that idea. At least I would know a few people when I started. Charlie let me go shopping for my school supplies and groceries only. I was to return home immediately after I was done and check in often. I don't think he trusted that I would stay away from La Push.
One thing I know for sure is that I'm going to have to sneak out to go for a swim soon. I was beginning to have withdrawals. I needed to release and let my tail free, but I was terrified of going back to First Beach. I was going to have to swim in the nearby river instead. Luckily for me, it wasn't too faraway from Charlie's.
After packing a bag and getting dressed, I walk out onto the balcony and swing my legs over jumping to ground below. I land gracefully on the balls of my bare feet and take of running as fast as I can towards the river. I felt like I was being followed but shrugged it off. I wasn't afraid of a land supernatural. It's sea witches that scared me most. They can't come onto land or survive in fresh water, though. It took me only a few minutes to reach the river. I stop, scanning my surroundings and strip down to my bikini, before diving into the water below. My tail was out as soon I hit the water. It was so refreshing. Although it wasn't the same as the big blue, it served its purpose. I followed the river for a while before heading back. Nothing interested me here.
I was pulling myself out of the water when I hear a gasp. I look up in the direction it came from. You've gotta be freaking kidding me! I thought, letting out a groan. Did he follow me here? I wondered glaring in his direction. There, standing twenty feet away in only a pair of cut off jeans was Paul. He stared at me speechless in shock. "Are you just gonna stare at me all day? Or do you think you can give me a hand? These boulders are a bit slippery," I say in his direction. He slowly starts to walk towards me.
"What the fuck are you?" He asks. His voice sounds so judgemental. The look on his face could easily pass for disgust. I turn away from him, hurt by his words. Wishing so badly I was in the ocean. I ignore him and focus on changing my tail back. Once I'm done I get out and quickly dry off, ignoring his stare. Once dressed I pick up my bag and take a last look at him.
"Don't tell a single soul what you saw tonight. Don't even think about it," I say turning away not wanting to hear his reply. I know he can't keep up with me in his human form. But I'm not wasting time to wait for him.
I reach Charlie's backyard and leap onto the balcony, landing with a light thud. I turn around in time to see a silver wolf break through the trees. I roll my eyes and head back inside, shutting and locking the doors behind me. I collapse onto the floor letting out silent sobs as the memory of his face distorted with disgust at my natural form, hits me in the heart. I've never felt so terrible about myself so strongly, until that moment. It felt like my heart was being twisted and torn apart. It didn't matter that it was Paul. It was knowing that that was how the world would view me if they saw the real me. I wanted to disappear. I wrapped my arms around my legs and curled up into a ball and cried myself to sleep right where I collapsed.
Tomorrow was my first day at Forks high.