Chapter 4

Emma

I rolled over and groaned; my body felt more sore today than it had in the past several days. I slowly stretched out, starting with flexing my toes and working my way up my body. I take inventory of what hurts, what doesn't hurt, and what needs more attention. The previous days come back to me in a flash and I relax back into the bed.

Three full nights had come and gone at Diana's and neither one of us had left her house. She insisted that I needed rest to try and heal up as much as possible. She also insisted that she needed to be here to help me with my recovery.

The morning after my first night was awkward to say the least. I had slept soundly, but once awake found it hard to leave the protection of the little room I was in. The feeling of belonging had long since left me and I was astutely aware of the fact that I had been taken in by a practical stranger.

I had managed to convince myself to exit the safety of my room and was met with the smell of bacon assaulting my nostrils. Diana had fed me and then checked over my stiches to make sure everything was healing correctly.

After she was assured that I was full and comfortable she asked the question that I had been wondering myself, "So Emma, what is our plan moving forward?" It was so direct and I honestly wasn't sure what the answer was myself.

I guess she could see I was struggling for words because before I could formulate a response she interjected, "I'll let you know kind of what I was thinking. Maybe that'll kind of help you out?"

I nodded for her to continue.

"I was thinking that, for at least the next few days, we stay here and let you rest for a while. I have already made phone calls this morning to have people taking care of the dinner for me while I am out and insisted that I just needed some time to myself so we wouldn't be disturbed."

I objected, "Diana, I am so thankful for all you have done for me but I really don't want your business to suffer because– "

"Nonsense, the dinner can very well survive without me for a few days. Now that being said I think we need to come up with what we want to tell people about you. I believe for safety reasons we might want to leave a few details out here and there…" she trailed out. I knew she was referring to my situation and I couldn't help but agree.

Diana continued, "…but overall I think we should try and keep you story as close to the actual truth as possible. I want you to be comfortable here and that starts with being authentic to who you are."

I smiled at that statement, Diana kept proving again and again how righteous of a person she it.

From there we started to formulate a backstory for myself, starting with my name. I had argued that I need to change it, stressing how he had connections that could easily find me if my actual name ended up in the wrong place.

"At the least, we should keep your first name," Diana has suggested, "we will just make up a generic last name for you. Ever seen a sur name you always wished to have?" Diana joked at me.

I contemplated, it would have to be something common that would blend me in, "Johnson?" I mused. It was common enough, I went to high school with at least four people with that last name.

Diana thought about it and agreed, "Nice to meet you, Emma Johnson."

Over the next three days we got the other big details sorted out; some truths, some bended truths, and some outright lies became my reality. We focused on the bigger questions, knowing that the trivial things could be mainly retained as truths. We both agreed that someone knowing my real favorite color was not going to be the end of the world.

The story of Emma Johnson started to come together.

I was a freelance photographer from Southern California, where I went to college at a small school down there. Truth, I did live there and go to school down there and I did work as a freelance photographer, at least I did for a bit. While I did work at a freelance photographer right when I got out of college, that all stopped when I met him. He insisted that I stop my work.

I came to La Push because I wanted to escape to the beauty of the northwest pacific. Somewhat truthful, I did come here to escape and I did find La Push breathtakingly beautiful.

I don't have any close family that would be wondering where I am. Truth, both my parents died when I was young and I had lived with a distant aunt until I graduated high school. Since then I have been on my own, with little to no contact with the people I share blood with.

Diana and I met on my first night here when I was eating in her dinner, truth. I asked her about what the best place to stay in town was and she offered up her spare room to me, not so much the truth. Apparently, Diana is known for taking in strays, people in a tight spot who need help. She insisted that people would not be surprised to find out that someone was staying in her spare bedroom.

The hardest part for both of us was trying to find a way to explain my injuries, most of which could be covered. My torso, back, and upper legs that were splattered with the most damaged could be concealed by clothes.

The bruises that were scattered on my neck and the obvious bruising under my eyes were harder to disguise. Though the swelling in my nose had all but disappeared, the bruising was still dark. I could lessen the hue of them with some smartly place make-up but it would still be evident that some sort of trauma had occurred.

We bounced a few different ideas off each other, but eventually settled on a car accident. It would explain my facial and some of the other bruises, as long as no one got a full look at the damage. Also the car accident line would explain my lack of a vehicle.

Through the creation of my backstory Diana really got to learn about me. Here and there I would throw in tidbits about my life with him, about not being free to go places without him or about how had not been allowed to work. I would say something that would help draw a picture of my previous life for Diana, she would grow quiet for a moment as if she was giving me the option of sharing more or not. I never shared more. She would quickly change onto the next topic.

I wasn't the only one divulging about their life, Diana loves to talk about things she loves. Her number one topic was hands-down her son, Paul. I knew from his room alone that he had been a successful athlete, but now I feel like if needed I could recite his senior year football stats in my sleep.

I learned about how he hadn't been the smartest in school but just had a knack for building things and that had lead him into his life a self-employed contractor. Diana explained that they use to live in a trailer on this same land but when Paul was 17 he started building this house for her with the help of his friends. After he finished hers, he started on his own. It had been a constant finish a project and start a new one since then. Diana was constantly bringing up of friends of Paul's. Names like Quil, Jared, and Sam were common reoccurring roles in Diana's stories.

Besides her son, she shared with me about her passions. That she went back to school in order to become a nurse after Paul was born. Explained to me about the most interesting cases she saw while working in the local hospital in Forks, a neighboring city. Eventually she retired and opened up the dinner, which she had been running for the past five years.

Through the days that we spent together a bond began to form between the two of us. Diana made me feel as ease and not pressured to share more than I was comfortable with.

With all of this in mind, I rolled out of bed ready to face the next day with Diana. I exited my room to see that Diana already had breakfast ready and she was sitting at the table waiting for me. I thanked her for the food and began eating. She looked a little nervous, like there was something she needed to tell me.

"So," she began slowly, "tonight there is a little get together with some of the families around here and I think we should go."

My first response was fear; I didn't feel ready to meet people yet. I understood that I was going to have to leave this house eventually, that was the whole reason behind creating a backstory for me, but I was hoping I could put it off for a few more days or weeks. I knew deep down that while I had formed this connection with Diana, I still felt scared to interact with other people.

After thinking for a moment I replied, "I don't know… I don't want to intrude on anything… and just how many people are going to be there?"

"It's really casual get to together," she said cheerfully, "it will be the perfect place for you to meet everyone. I can't wait to introduce you to Paul, it's been so hard not calling him and telling him about you! I don't want to pressure you into going but I think it will do you good to get some fresh air down at the beach."

The beach.

It was happening at the beach. This was going to be my first chance since coming into town to go there. I knew as soon as she mentioned the beach it that I was going to attend, "Okay, I'll go." I told her.

She grinned excitedly. Diana went on to talk about some of the people that I might run into, what she was wearing, and reviewing my history again but I was only half listening. The other half of my mind was underwater, soundless with salt in my eyes.

The anticipation and dread was building in my stomach; continuously growing as the minutes ticked down in the car ride to beach. My brain was fighting between the anticipation of being in a place that I had been constantly in mind for months and the dread of meeting new people. I played with the tie on my dress nervously.

Diana and I had gone through the clothes I had and settled on a pastel blue wrap dress with long sleeves that extended to right below my knees. I fight my frame fine and covered the majority of the bruises. I had carefully applied the layers of make-up needed to cover the bruises on my neck and face, though my under eyes and nose still showed through somewhat.

The dress was not one I wore frequently due the the thinness of the fabric, but Diana had made such a big deal about telling me how lovely I looked in it and exclaiming how perfect it was for the beach that I couldn't change.

I wasn't exactly sure where Diana's house was in correlation to the beach since it was dark when we had driven away from it so many nights ago. So when we finally turned off one road and I could see the expanse of water in the distance, I was surprised. As my gaze wandered the waters I felt the muscles that I hadn't realized I was clenching, relax.

It was almost exactly how I remembered it, only today the waters were less forceful and more subdued. Instead of rising to a threating peak and then crashing violently down, the waves seemed to swoop down in a caressing fashion. They seemed more tentative, as if trying to fall down as gently as possible.

The waves grabbed my attention but it was the water farther out that I was here for. Unfortunately, I was not able to study the deeper waters to the degree that I wanted to, for once we parked I obliged to help Diana carry the food we brought over to the… bonfire.

Bonfire.

My mind immediately flashes to a pair of bronze eyes.

Will he be here?

I quickly shake that thought from my mind, bonfires are probably a really common thing on this beach. Looking around I can see the remnants of quite a few fire pits having been dug out in the sand. He won't be here, I rationalize.

I had not told Diana about me having been to La Push before; it had never come up naturally in our conversation and I honestly didn't feel comfortable trying to explain my weird connection I had with this place. The pull I felt to return here.

How had I not realized that the party happening on the beach near dusk wasn't a bonfire, I wondered as I walked the rest of the way to the fire pit, several steps behind Diana. As we drew closer I began to take inventory of the people present, four women stood near a collection of coolers and tables. Over by the fire pit were two men stacking and re-stacking the wood in the actual pit. Diana veered us towards the coolers and thus towards the women. I took in each ones appearance and tried to put a name to the faces before me based on what Diana had told me earlier. I regretted not paying more attention to her musing earlier as I realized I could not remember anything had she told me.

We arrived and Diana introduced me, "Girls, I hope you don't mind but I brought a friend with me today. Her name is Emma and she's staying with me for the time being." I placed a forced smile on my face that felt awkward, did a small wave in their direction, and prayed I came off as charming and normal. Diana then introduced each of the women starting with a very pregnant, short girl named Kim, a native woman with short hair named Leah, a girl who couldn't be a smidge over 16 named Clair and final a beautiful native woman, who was also very pregnant, named Emily.

Emily had three scars that tore through the beautiful features on her face, and I wondered what had caused them. I could tell that the scars had been there for a significant amount of time due to the way they were healed and the way the color had completely faded out of them. I told my self to ask Diana later tonight.

Kim was the first to speak up, "Of course we don't mind you bringing a friend Diana," she told Diana before turning to me, "It's nice to meet you Emma, just how did you end up staying with this crazy old bat?" Everyone laughed and Diana batted playfully at her shoulder. I laughed as well to try and hide the nerves that were battling inside of me.

"I'm a photographer," I explained, "I came up here on a whim to get some scenic photos and somehow stumbled into Diana taking me in," I was focusing on keeping my voice level and friendly. If there was one thing I was good at it, it was lying. I might be going crazy inside but I kept a calm exterior look.

"A photographer," Emily exclaimed, "I have been looking to find someone to do maternity shots for me, is there any way I could see some of your work?"

I froze for a second, I didn't except to be getting jobs at this party and definitely did not have any form of examples of my work. It wasn't exactly the first thing I thought over grabbing in my haste to leave California.

"Of course I can get you something to look at later," I said while throwing in another fake smile. Diana gave me a look that helped calm me.

I was going through my background in my head, prepping myself for any other questions they might have for me. I saw Emily eyeing the bruise on my face and I started thinking through the correct lines. Luckily I was saved by the girl named Leah bringing up needing to start setting up the food, and we all busied ourselves.

While working I noticed but a few more guys showing up, now bringing their numbers to five. I discreetly looked at each ones faces from afar, secretly hoping I might see a gentleman with a pair of fine eyes. I had yet to speak with any of the men, as they were currently fighting over the proper way to start the fire. They were so wrapped up in their task I was able to observe them openly.

They all shared the same similar skin tone that I was beginning to attribute to the natives around here, in fact they all looked like they could be brothers. Each was frightening large and defined; they looked as if they could snap me with just small push. Along with them looking like brothers, they all acted as if they were brothers. They rough housed hard, jumping on and pushing each other. I would put money on them having been brought up together.

Their sheer size alone was enough to intimidate me, that added with the fact that I was nervous around men in general had me steering clear of all their activity.

Eventually we finished setting up; everything having found its correct place.

Kim stood up straighter, stretching her back and complained, "I hate how easy tasks become so much harder when you have an extra twenty pounds in your midsection."

I heard Emily agree as one of the guys immediately came over and starting massaging Kim's lower back, "Are you okay? Is there anything I can get for you? You should probably sit down and take it easy," he said.

She pushed his hands off, "I'm fine Jared, you worry too much," she scolded at him in a loving way. "Come over here and meet Diana's new friend," she said dragging him over to me.

I looked down so that it wouldn't be obvious that I was watching their interaction and started playing with the tie on my dress again.

"Hey Emma," Kim said, "this is Jared my husband."

I looked up at him and smiled, "Hello."

He just looked at me, not saying a word. His face had gone white, it was as if he had seen a ghost. The silence between us grew thick and Kim had to elbow him in the side to get him to snap out of it.

He blinked. I felt uncomfortable. He quickly whipped his head around, the sudden movement making me jump back a bit. "Jacob!" he yelled at one of the guys, "come over here really quick."

Kim gave me a look and a shrug like it was normal for the men to act so strangely.

Another man, who I assumed to be the aforementioned Jacob, jogged over to us. "Hey what's up?" he asked to Jared.

"I thought you would like to meet Diana's friend Emma," he said before turning his gaze to me.

Jacob then turned and looked at me, it took a second but then the same look came over his face. I felt like a specimen being scrutinized by the two men, eventually Jacob seemed to gather his senses, "If you would just excuse us for one second." He then grabbed Jared's arm and dragged him away from us.

Kim and I observed them furiously whispering to each other as if arguing about something. Then after it looked like a decision had been made Jacob took out his cell phone and called someone while Jared walked away to talk to the other guys.

Kim finally broke the silence, "I am sorry about that, boys really are the strangest of creatures. If you will excuse me I need to go talk to my husband about manners." She strode off after Jared and left me alone for the first time.

I was freaking out. What had just happened? They almost look like they recognized me? Who was Jacob calling?

My breathing began getting heavier and heavier, I felt a panic attack coming on. I started walking down towards the water putting everyone at my back. I could feel my lungs constricting. When I reached the water's edge I looked up.

Finally.

I could see the deep water beyond the waves, finally able to study it in detail. The calm and steadiness of it deflated the pressure in my chest that had been building up. I let out several long breaths. The sun was falling deeper in the sky, almost balanced on the horizon and giving off a warmth that relaxed my muscles. I was mesmerized by the way the light from the sun danced on the surface of the calm water, throwing beams of yellows and oranges and pinks. I don't know how long I stood there, it could have been seconds or minutes. Time just stopped for a bit a I let my mind sink into the motion of ocean.

I was pulled from my safety zone when I heard someone calling my name, I turned to look.

"Emma!" Diana was yelling from up near the fire that was now blazing bright, "Come meet Paul he just got here!" She was pointing a new man that was not here before my freak out. He was large, the largest of all the men here by several inches, and for some reason he was also shirtless. I could see the muscles tensed in his back, they looked like they were carved out of stone. He currently had his back to me are was talking with Jared and Jacob.

When he heard Diana say his name he looked up at her and then followed her gaze to me. I watched as his face turned, I had a second to notice how defined his jaw was before my eyes snapped to his.

Oh.

It's him.

Author's Note:

Sorry for the cliffy but it was too good to not have. I am so thankful for all of you that have followed/favorited this story! I am especially thankful for those who have reviewed, I really appreciate them and take the time to read them. Up next is Paul's POV.