Valentine's Day
As days went by, I noticed Paul had disappeared. At least around me. He wasn't appearing out of nowhere anymore. I kind of missed it. It was nice to have someone in on my secret, besides Jasper now of course. I still talked to Jake when I got the chance. I'm also still kinda grounded. I just hope Charlie let's me go out with Jacob on Valentine's day. I still sneak out to go swimming in the river nearby, impatient to get to go back to the beach now.
Today is Valentine's Day and it's Saturday. I make my way to the kitchen in my pajamas. I was surprised to find Charlie sitting at the kitchen table with a cup of coffee and the newspaper. He's usually long gone and fishing with Harry or Waylon. I cautiously head to the fridge and get stuff out to make a bacon and cheese omelet.
"Good morning, dad," I said, trying to sound cheerful.
"Morning Bells," he replies.
I quickly make an omelet for Charlie and myself and sit down to eat. Charlie eats quickly waiting for me to finish. After I finish my omelet I wash the plates.
"Hey Bells. Why don't we have a talk," Charlie said.
"Sure," I replied. I take a seat back down at the table.
"I know I've been hard on you about the whole Jake thing, but you gotta understand from my perspective. As your father it's my responsibility to make sure you stay in line." He seemed nervous.
"Dad, I understand. I know you had to ground me. I wasn't being responsible, and I promise it won't happen again until I'm of age, and moved out of your house," I replied.
Charlie seemed to relax after that. "Well then, I'm officially ungrounding you," he said with an awkward smile.
"I officially get to be ungrounded!" I exclaimed.
"Now hold on Bella. I know I can trust you, but for safety purposes, I got you something," Charlie blushed beet red.
I looked at my dad with curiosity and confusion. He reaches over in the seat next to him, and pulls out a small gift bag. He blushed brighter, handing me the gift. I grab the gift cautiously, opening it slowly. I blushed pulling out a small box of condoms.
"Oh my gosh! Dad, this isn't really necessary," I couldn't believe what I was looking at.
"Just take it. It'll give your old man a sense of comfort, knowing you're being safe." Charlie said standing up. He headed to the door and picked up his tackle box. Turning to me he says a quick 'goodbye' and heads out to go fishing.
I rush upstairs to call Jake and tell him the good news. He picks up on the first ring.
"Black residence this is Jacob," I couldn't help the smile that spread across my face at the sound of his voice.
"Hey Jake, mind if I come over?" I asked nonchalantly.
It was silent for a while before he finally spoke. "You're not grounded!?" He was excited, but there was something I needed to straighten out.
"Jake before I come over, I need to ask you something. Are you telling your friends that you and I are having sex?" I felt my cheeks brightened.
"Bella, it wasn't me I swear. Quil and Embry were here when Charlie dropped me off that night. I have no control over what those two say when I'm not there," he sounded sincere.
Of course, why would I ever believe anything Paul says? But then how would he know what was true or not. He wasn't there. I swear when I see those two bafoons, they'll learn to keep their mouths shut.
"It's okay Jake. Your friends however are in big trouble," I replied. He chuckled at my reply. "So should I drive there or do you want to pick me up?"
"Get dressed in something pretty. Um, not too pretty," he said sheepishly. I giggled at that. He didn't want me to wear something that would turn him on too much. Challenge accepted.
"So I can't show you a little something," I pouted.
"Bells," he groaned.
"I promise to behave," I replied.
"I'll be there in about an hour. I love you," he whispered.
I froze. He's never voiced his love for me before. I couldn't help returning the endearment of love. "I love you Jake."
The line went dead, and I walked into my closet. I sifted through my tops till I found the one I wanted. It was a deep red, low v-neck, form fitting cashmere sweater. It'll show a lot of cleavage and make my breasts more voluptuous than normal. I picked out a pair of designer dark boot cut jeans that went perfectly with my red and black pumps. I teased my hair a little pinning my bangs to my crown. I quickly put a little makeup on, doing a natural look with a black cat eyeliner and red lipstick.
As I was getting my phone and purse around, I heard a loud knock. I smiled excitedly running to open the door. But my face immediately fell when I saw who it was. Paul. "What are you doing here?" His eyes roamed over my body hungrily. I rolled my eyes impatiently waiting for an answer. Crossing my arms, causing my breast to push up.
"You're not going anywhere dressed like that gorgeous," he said with a husky tone. I blushed brightly. The nerve of this guy. First he disappeared, then he pretended nothing happened between us, and now he thinks he can just show up like nothing happened? He pushed his way into the house shutting the door behind him.
"Excuse you?" I snapped. He smirked picking me up and placing me over his shoulder and ran upstairs tossing me on my bed.
"I said, you're not going anywhere dressed like that gorgeous," he said. He walked into my closet grabbing a red blouse that shows zero cleavage, and almost hugs my neck. I look at him in disbelief.
"I'm not wearing that," I exclaimed frustrated.
"Then I'll have no choice but to shred the one you're wearing off your body, it would be such a shame too." His eyes gleamed provocatively. I shook my head and walked to my closest grabbing an off the shoulder sweater with a kiss print on the front, and a pair of black skinny jeans to wear with my slouch boots.
"Happy?" I snapped at him.
"No, not really, but you are and that's all I can ask for," he said looking around my room. He gestured to large carpet rolled in the corner. "What's that for?"
"My balcony. It's an outdoor rug to go with my furniture I put out there," I replied.
"Hmm," he said smiling and picking it up. As he went outside there was a knock on the door again. "Your boyfriend is here," he snapped moving my furniture around to put the rug down.
"What about you?" I asked.
"What about me?" he quipped.
"Well I'm shutting this door then," I said closing the doors. As I was heading towards my bedroom door I could have sworn I heard him say something. It sounded like he said "I love you."
I run downstairs and open the door to see Jacob wearing a black button up with the sleeves rolled up. I immediately regretted changing. Ugh, that incorrigible man. I thought frustrated. Actually, I could change in the laundry room and he wouldn't be able to stop me.
"Hey, beautiful." Jake smiled at me leaning down and giving me a kiss.
"Hey handsome," I replied. He takes my hand and leads me to my truck waving to someone driving off in his car. He wraps his arms around me picking me up, I wrap my legs around his waist and give him a long passionate kiss as he swings me around. He sets me down and opens the door for me. Always a gentleman. I smiled a thanks and slide into the center seat. Jake hops in and starts the truck and intertwines his hand with mine as he drives us down to La Push. This is the first time I've gotten to actually see Jacob since New Year's.
When we pull up to his house I turned to look at him with a perplexed expression. He smiled down at me and winked. Turning off the truck he hops out and helps me down. We walk over to the garage and he opens up the door to reveal two very clean and fixed motorcycles with a big red bow on the smaller red one. I was gushing with excitement. Right beside the bikes was a picnic basket on a picnic blanket. I turned to look at him with a questioning glance. He smiled grabbing my hand and pulled me into the garage.
We sat on the picnic blanket across from each other. He reached in the basket and pulled out two bottles of warm soda, "hope you don't mind but I forgot to put them in the fridge overnight to cool," he said sheepishly, pulling out a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for each of us.
"It's okay Jake, I don't mind it. As long we're together," I blushed. We ate in peace and when we finished he reached back into the basket and pulled out a box of Valentine heart candies.
"Happy Valentine's Day beautiful," he smiled at me.
I take the box from him smiling. "Thanks Jake," I say biting my lips. He leans in and gives me a chaste kiss before standing up and offering his hand. I take it and he pulls me up. He walks me to the bikes and stops turning to pick up two helmets.
"Wanna take them for a spin?" His eyes gleaming with excitement.
"Will you teach me how to ride?" I asked.
"Sure, we could just take a ride on one of them for tonight," he smiled. "There's something I want to show you," he was grinning from ear to ear.
"Tomorrow then," I replied smiling back. I took the helmet from his hands and placed it on my head. Jacob helped adjust the straps before securing my leather jacket.
"Of course, beautiful," he replied. He kick started the larger of the two bikes. It was shiny and beautiful with its new paint job. Jacob had painted it black and even detailed his initials on it. A beautifully stenciled J.E.B. was painted right on top of the fuel tank in the front of the bike in the same red as my own bike. Jake noticed me staring, and followed my line of sight. He looked back up at me a smile on his face. "I did your initials as well. Took me forever to find the stencil for it but I think you'll like it." I smile at him and give him a quick peck on the lips before he placed his helmet over his head.
I slung my leg over the rear and sat behind him. Looks like I'm riding bitch today. I thought smirking as I wrapped my arms around his hard body. I hold on tightly as he revs up the engine. I feel the throttle between my legs.
"Hang on beautiful," he shouted through his helmet. Of course I heard him perfectly. He speeds off through the garage door and out onto the road, passing Quil on the way. The ride was exhilarating and fun. I felt so free. We came upon a clearing with a large pond next to a foot path. In the distance the mountains framed the view beautifully. It was breathtaking. Jacob hoped off the bike, removing his helmet. He assisted with the removal of my helmet and then helped me off the bike.
We walked for a few minutes before Jake finally broke the silence. "So what are your plans for spring break next month?" His question sounded so human to me. I couldn't tell him my real plans because he wouldn't understand. I was planning to tell him this summer about my being a mermaid. And then give him the time to process it.
"I was planning to visit my mom. She just settled in their new house in Jacksonville, Florida. I was thinking of setting up a room there to visit over the summer as well." I peaked up at him through my lashes. He seemed to be in thought for a moment.
"That's good. You need to see your mom, Bells. I was thinking if you want, maybe we can go during the summer together?" He smiled at me sheepishly.
"I don't know, Jake. I'll have to talk it over with Renee." I smiled reassuringly at him. We walked around the pond hand in hand.
After another lap around the pond we took the bike back to the garage and hopped into the rabbit. We headed out of Forks towards Port Angeles. I intertwined my fingers with his. The drive was quiet and peaceful. It's so easy being with Jake. He parked in front of a little Italian restaurant and being such a gentleman opened the car door for me. Once seated we both ordered coke and gave our food order. I ordered a mushroom ravioli and Jake ordered a spaghetti and meatball platter. We talked about everything we missed in each others lives. I left out everything about Paul and the Cullens.
After we finished eating and ordering a cheesecake to go, Jake pays the bill, and we head back to his car. I fell asleep in the car on the way back. My head leaned against Jacob's arm. I woke to Jake laying me on my bed. He smiled my favorite smile.
"Leaving so soon?" I asked.
"I promised the guys that I would go watch a movie tonight. I hope you don't mind. Maybe you and I can go see something tomorrow night or something?" He looked embarrassed.
"No, you should go. I was gonna call Alice or something." I gave him a small smile.
He leaned down and gently kissed my lips before turning to leave. I waited until his car was out of my hearing reach. I rushed to my purse snatching my phone and dialed Jasper's phone.
I heard a phone ringing in my closet. I let out a gasp turning around. There standing with a dozen red roses mixed with a few sunflowers, was Jazz. I couldn't help the smile that spread across my face. He was such a gentleman and one of the best friends a girl could ask for. I rushed into his arms and reached up on my toes to peck his cheek. He grinned from ear to ear, returning my hug. "Happy Valentine's day darlin'," his southern accent dazzling as ever.
I roll my eyes with a smirk. "Happy Valentine's day Jazz," I say as I take the bouquet from him. They truly were beautiful. Two very different flowers, yet they complemented each other beautifully. I headed to the kitchen to get a large vase. I filled it with water before taking it back to my room and placing it on my desk. I turned to sit on my bed to remove my shoes, and gasped at the large teddy bear sitting on it. I smiled looking at him. It was really cute, but maybe a bit too much.
"That's not from me," he smiled.
I walked over picking it, as I did a card fell from behind the heart shaped pillow sewn to the paws of the bear. On the front in my father's handwriting was written Bella. I smiled placing the card on my desk and hugging the bear.
"Your father will be home soon, so I can't stay long darlin'," he said sheepishly. He was such a gentleman and so polite.
"Well, have a seat beside me," I smiled back.
He zipped across the room and sat on the bed beside me. His eyes softening slightly when he looked over at me. He was so comfortable around me, except when his brother Edward was near. I wasn't particularly fond of Edward but I couldn't hate him for not believing in 'mermaids'. It's not something we merfolk share commonly, even among other supernaturals. For generations my family has done a lot of research. Among the many books my mother has, are the many journals and books of creatures that my ancestors have created for future generations. Someday I hope to add to them.
He smiled at me with his beautiful crooked grin on his flawless face. I honestly believe that we would've dated if Jake and I hadn't started dating. And a small part of me knew that if we had, I wouldn't be a virgin anymore. I may have weaknesses in my human form but I still had heightened senses. And I could tell how he felt towards me.
I know what you're thinking, "what about Paul?" Right, well he's immature and rude and arrogant. And ever since he 'imprinted' on me, I keep feeling this awful sharp pain in my chest very often. It's usually right after I see him. Something just doesn't feel right with him.
"So how was your date darlin'," he asked.
"It was too short, and I wanted to stay longer, but he made promises to his friends and I couldn't get between them. I would never forgive myself," I confessed.
"Is everything going okay between y'all," he asked concerned.
"Honestly? It was different. Not really a good different either. It was as if we're not dating yet we are, and we're just best friends again. The spark is almost gone," I didn't realize that I had started to cry. Nothing changed between Jake and I. He could barely kiss me, and when he did it was hardly a peck on the lips or my cheek, short and sweet. Before, they were passionate and long, we didn't even makeout. But I couldn't be too mad, we've been apart for more than a month now.
"Maybe the time apart put everything on pause between y'all. Just give it time to move forward Bellsy," he leaned in and gave me a hug. When he stiffened he pulled away quickly. "Your father is close," he said. He quickly hugged me promising to give me a stress free day soon. He left out through the balcony door shutting it tightly behind him. I let out a sigh before heading downstairs to the kitchen to start a quick dinner. Just as I was putting a large pot of water to boil, Charlie walked through the front door.
"Hey Bells, what's for dinner?" He asked walking into the kitchen.
"Spaghetti," I replied, as I placed the garlic bread on a cooking sheet ready to go in the oven.
"So how was your Valentine's day Bells," he asked cheerfully.
"Um, it went okay. I fell asleep so Jacob brought me home," as I said it my chest tightened. I just wanted it to be summer break so I could 'go see mom'.
"Usually he let's you just sleep over," even Charlie was suspicious. "Must be trying to convince the Call boy to stop hanging out with Uley." I have no idea what he was talking about. Sam is a shifter and the only guys that hang around him are shifters. Oh my gosh.
I quickly served the spaghetti and practically inhaled my food. As I quickly washed the dishes Charlie gives me a curious look.
"Caught a break today on the animal attacks," he said as I placed the final dish in the drying rack.
I turned facing him fending shock. "What did you find," I asked, hoping nothing significant.
"We found a bare human footprint. But looks like whoever it is, is heading south. The county sheriff there will take over from here. We'll still be on guard here though," he looked genuinely pleased that he could figure out something, no matter how small, in this case.
I smiled giving him hug before telling him good night. He headed towards his room. I waited impatiently for him to fall asleep to whatever game he had turned on. As soon as he was out I quickly dressed in the usual swimming attire and a maxi dress before jumping off the balcony.
I wasn't even through the tree line at the river before I saw him waiting for me at the bank. He was wearing his cutoffs and his feet were submerged in the water kicking back and forth.
"I already know what you want to talk about," he whispered, interrupting my thought process.
"And what exactly is that? Since you seem to know everything," I replied.
"It won't be long before Jake phases," his words pull me up short. Jacob was destined for this and I know the inevitability that he will, as Paul calls it, 'imprint'. Though that wasn't why I was here, I was curious. But curiosity killed the cat. It could wait.
"Actually, I was going to ask if Embry phased." I could see his eyebrow quirk up at this. "Charlie said he was hanging around Sam..." my voice trailed off. He looked at me, masking his pain.
"Yeah, it was recently too. It's been tough on lover boy. His favorite boyfriend not being there for him." I rolled my eyes at his response. It didn't make sense how Embry was a shifter seeing how his mother came here pregnant with him from another tribe. But then again, she did know a few of the tribe members, and my father as well.
"So, this imprint thing. Will it effect Jake when he phases?" He turned to look at me with a smirk.
"Actually that's one question I am happy to answer 'yes' to." His eyes sparkled with joy at my question. I blinked, confused. "You see princess, it's kind of a rule of ours. Our imprint is off limits to the others. See they don't know you're my imprint, yet. They just suspect that I have, with all the questions. I don't think about it in my wolf form which doesn't take much seeing that we're rarely phased together lately. Only one at a time for patrol. But they suspect I have, they just don't pry." The way he said it made my heart sink. I was his dirty little secret. Was he ashamed of me?
"I see," I replied curtly. My eyes began to prickle as tears began to form. I walked over to the bank facing away from him before pulling off the dress and walking into the water. It was cool and numbing to the sting of his words. I don't understand why he is the way he is, but I try to just go with it. I didn't want my heart breaking, besides I'm still sure he's why I have almost near heart attacks. He didn't move from his perch. I let my tail form before treading in front of him.
"Do you guys know how long until Jake phases? Months, weeks, days..." my voice trailed off as the thought saddens me.
"Before his senior year. You still have time to be with him princess," I wasn't sure if he truly cared about my feelings or was secretly hoping I would be elated about it.
He stood and turned towards the woods walking away. I didn't expect him to say goodbye, but I didn't expect him to come back with a large box of chocolate either. I nearly chocked on the breath I was taking. He stood as if waiting for me to come out. I was too shocked to move. When I didn't move he finally spoke. "Figured you'd like chocolate on Valentine's day instead of a box of candy hearts."
I scoffed at him. He had the nerve to say anything about my relationship with Jake. It wasn't his business. Though they did smell divine. I crossed my arms as my tail separated into legs and walked out of the water. I slapped the box away, glaring at him. He was so rude, yet I knew he cared about me. I walked over to where I had discarded my dress and tossed it over my head. "So after Jake phases that'll be it then? He won't be allowed to see me? I lose my best friend because of some imprint?"
"It's not like that. You would stay with him knowing he could imprint? I'm not going to fight you anymore but know that you're just setting yourself up. Don't say I didn't warn you," he turned to leave.
"Why the sudden change of heart?" I needed him to answer this honestly if he ever expects me to give in in the future.
"I'd rather just be what you need me to be than hurt you more," he sounded defeated. Before I could reply or move to touch him, he was gone. I bent down grabbing the box of chocolate before heading back to the house. Once in my room I place the box next to the flowers.
I didn't get to ask about the pain in my chest I've been having. As if right on que my chest burned with an unseen fire. Tightening everything inside. I ran out my the french doors running to the closest shore line. I dropped on the beach unable to change. I could feel the darkness closing in. Just before it consumed me I caught a glimpse of something out on the water. The blackness spread through me as I fainted and the pain ripped through my chest. Help, I thought.