Chapter 7:
Bella had just finished her Spanish homework when she heard a knock on the front door. She jumped up off the couch and raced to the door. Her heart was leaping in anticipation. She hoped it was Jacob. He still had not made contact with her since she saw him last at LaPush.
"Hey." Angela Weber stood on the muddy welcome sign wearing an apprehensive smile.
"Hey." Bella tried not to show her disappointment that Angela wasn't the guest Bella hoped for.
"I was going to call you but I realized that I don't have your number." Angela explained why she just suddenly appeared at Bella's house.
"Yeah. That does make it hard to call me." Bella chuckled, shoving her hands in her back pockets as she continued their conversation in her doorway.
"So I came over because I hoped you might have the English notes from last Friday." Angela asked.
"Sure. Come on inside." Bella walked into the living room where she had all her school books and bags.
Angela followed her inside clutching her phone while she looked around Bella Swan's home.
"Here they are." Bella pulled her notes out of her navy blue folder and handed them to Angela.
"I really appreciate this." Angela smiled nervously.
"Did you want a drink or something? I have some soda or bottled water."
"No. I'm good."
"Um...so since we are alone I was wanting to ask you something." Angela stared down at her black boots for a moment before lifting her head up and locking eyes with Bella.
"Are you seeing Edward Cullen now?" Angela found the courage to ask the question that several people at Fork High School was wondering.
Bella and Edward had been spotted talking on more than one occasion and Edward seemed to be smiling more often than in the past. Normally he acted as if no one was as important as him in the room but Angela, among others, noted how Edward always brightened up when she was around.
"Oh my god no! I mean he is a nice guy and all but totally not into him." Bella laughed, shrugging her shoulders while shaking her head at the same time.
"How can you not be into him? He is the most beautiful guy I have ever laid eyes on. Not to mention he is extremely smart and comes from a good family." Angela cried out in shock.
"Those things might be true but I already….I already like someone else." Bella revealed.
"Oh you must tell me who could be better than Edward." Angela cried out.
Angela sat down on the couch and gave Bella a determined look. Both girls knew she wasn't leaving the Swan's residence until Bella gave her a name.
"He doesn't go to school with us." Bella sat down across from her, rubbing her thighs while the feeling of awkwardness engulfed her.
She never had girlfriends to whom she could trust with the common "girl talk" stuff and although Angela had never done anything up to now to betray their friendship she just wasn't ready to reveal to the rest of the world her relationship with Jacob just quite yet.
"Uh? Is this someone from back home?" Angela frowned.
"No. He lives in LaPush." Bella answered.
"Wow! How did you meet one of those hunky guys? They are very particular about outsiders on their land." Angela's eyes widen with curiosity.
"My Dad knows a few people from there." Bella pressed her lips together tightly.
"I must say Bella for a girl who is so quiet you sure do seem to attract some great guys." Angela sighed with envy.
"Ha! I don't know about that. Edward and I are strictly friends. He knows that is all I can offer him." Bella stated.
"Oh! So Edward is into you!" Angela fanned herself playfully.
"I don't know if he is or not. I just let him know that I was seeing someone else to prevent him from thinking we could be anything more than friends." Bella explained.
"Too bad. I can't imagine this other guy being as hot as Edward but I have seen a few of the guys from LaPush recently and they definitely have some hot bods." Angela fanned herself once again.
Bella laughed along with her. Bella wasn't sure about the other guys at LaPush but she knew that Jacob definitely had a wonderful body and one day she might get to see more than just his bare chest. Her face flushed as the memory of it popped up in her mind.
"Well, looks like you won't have a problem getting a date to the Winter Festival and Dance." Angela said.
"What is that?'
"It's a day where you can go shopping for great Holiday gifts and there are food and games as well. Then later that night after the town lights up the Christmas tree we have a dance for the entire community. It's pretty cool." Angela revealed.
Bella wasn't big on group gatherings and especially anything pertaining to dancing but it did sound interesting enough to experience at least once. She knew Charlie would want to go. He loved the Holidays. With this being her first actual Holiday living here with him he would no doubt want to make the most of it.
"I can't wait to see it." Bella says with a genuine smile.
"Well, I should get out of your hair now. Thank you tremendously for the notes. I will give them back tomorrow." Angela began to make her way to the front door with Bella on her heels.
"No problem. Anytime. I mean it." Bella replied.
"Bye Bella."
"Bye." Bella waved as Angela climbed into her car and drove away.
Returning to the house she closed the door behind her and made her way to the kitchen to start on tonight's dinner. She wasn't sure what time Charlie would be home. He was working some extra shifts until a couple of employees returned from maternity leave.
Opening the cabinets she reminded herself that Charlie wasn't big on fancy cooking as he called it and that meant preparing something simple. If Charlie had his way they would go to the diner or order pizza every night.
Grabbing a few items from the cabinets and fridge she decided to make some homemade macaroni, baked chicken and of course a garden salad to make the meal as healthy as possible.
An hour later dinner was sitting on the table. She was placing the dinnerware on the table when she heard another knock on her front door. She was surprised, to say the least by another uninvited guest to her house. She wondered when she became so popular?
Opening the door she expected another student or perhaps a friend of Charlie's but to her dismay and utter happy shock it was none other than Jacob Black. He stood staring down at her with the biggest grin on his face. She felt a sudden warm wave or electricity mix with heat wash over her whole body. She was tingling from head to toe.
"Jacob!" She gasped, covering her mouth with her hands as unshed tears stung her eyes from feeling so overwhelmed with happiness.
"Hello Bells." Jacob threw his arms around her and gave her the biggest hug ever. He was trying his best not to hurt her from his super strength. Holding her in his arms he felt tremendous joy.
"Air..need air." Bella laughed as he reluctantly released her and took her hands in his. They quietly just look into one another's eyes.
Bella wasn't sure what to say or do next. She had dreamed of this moment for months and now that it was here at last she found herself excited but terribly nervous. He was everything she could ever want in a friend and she hoped soon perhaps even boyfriend.
"I hope it's okay I just dropped by." Jacob much like Bella suddenly found a tinge of awkwardness between them.
"Of course! Come in. I just finished cooking dinner." Bella held his hand as she led him into the kitchen where the savory smells of fresh cook food awaited them.
"Yum." Jacob's eyes widened.
"Would you like to eat dinner with me? Charlie isn't home and I don't know when he will arrive." Bella offered.
"Sure. If you have enough." Jacob agreed happily.
"Of course I do. Have a seat there and I will get you some silverware. Help yourself to as much as you like." Bella practically walked on air as she walked across the room to obtain the silverware and two cold sodas.
"Wow! This looks amazing. You cooked this all by yourself?" Jacob was impressed.
Bella's cheeks turn a soft shade of pink.
"Yeah." Bella whispered.
"I knew you baked cookies and such but I didn't know you cook like a whole meal."
Bella watched as Jacob began to prepare his own plate while she did the same. They began to eat quietly together. She wasn't sure what to say. Just having him in the same room with her was more than she could have hoped for. However, she did have a few questions on her mind that she hoped he could answer afterward. For now, at this moment she decided to remain silent and just enjoy his company as they feasted on her dinner.
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After dinner, Bella took Jacob up to her room. She made sure to keep the door open so when Charlie arrived home he would worry less about the two of them being alone in her room.
"I'm thrilled you are here, really I am but…" Bella bit down on the corner of her lip, twisting the delicate skin as she struggled to find the right way to ask Jacob where she stood in his life. What was their status? Just friends? Potentially a couple? Plus, she still had a few questions about the physical changes she noticed during dinner but refrained from asking. She didn't like when people questioned her personal life and yet here she was about to do it to Jacob.
"Oh no there is a but…" Jacob teased, crossing his arms over his chest with his legs slightly apart as he stood at the end of her bed while she sat down in front of him.
"I have questions. I know it's truly none of my business but I have to at least ask Jacob. I mean...look at you. You like grew a whole foot. You cut your hair and you got a tattoo. Who does that when they are homesick? You should have lost a few pounds and look awful but you don't. And why were Paul and the other guys also sporting short hair and bare-chested? And most importantly why didn't you call me? Friends don't let other friends worry needlessly about them." Bella exhaled as she finished her swift barrage of questioning.
Jacob closed his eyes, leaned his head back as he prepared the right words to reply. Sam had confirmed that Jacob no doubt had imprinted on Bella. With that in mind, he was allowed to tell her anything he wanted but Sam also reminded him of how it might freak Bella out. Jacob was scared that it might push her away or possibly cause her to be terrified of him. From what Jacob learned from Sam, Bella could leave at any time. It would crush him and it would drive his wolf insane. However, Jacob would never love another woman again. Bella would be his one and only. He could have sex with other women but he wouldn't feel anything more than friendship for his lovers. He would leave, hurt and even kill anyone for Bella.
He knew he was acting hastily by rushing over here to see Bella the moment that Sam gave him permission but he couldn't resist seeing her. He needed more time to prepare her for the truth about who he was and what he was capable of being. Right now, he decided to try and keep their relationship simple. Test the waters. Did she want to be with him as much as he wanted her? Did the imprint affect her the same as him? Like Bella, he had many questions but wasn't exactly prepared to share them with her.
With that in mind, he decided to lie slightly for now and ask for forgiveness later.
"Bella I am truly sorry for neglecting you. I really couldn't do much talking. I hurt all over. Trust me it felt as if every bone in my body was being broken one by one." Jacob stated honestly.
"The thing is after I got better some of the guys and I decided to start this gang of sorts. Part of the initiation was that you had to have your hair cut and of course the cool tattoo. I think we were all still suffering from the fever but it did make us all closer." Jacob once again realized he was telling her more truth than lies.
"I didn't mean to push you away. Dad suggested, no insisted that I keep you away until it looked like there was no more danger in LaPush. He didn't want something bad to happen to you that would cause Charlie pain. He values your father's friendship very much."
"Whose idea was it to start this gang?" Bella asks.
"Sam actually. He is the eldest of the group. He is like the president. We listen to him. He is a really nice guy." Jacob answered.
"Okay that makes sense but what role does Paul play in it and why did he look like he was going to cut your head off when he saw us talking together? I mean, he has some scary anger issues." Bella shivered to recall the way Paul glared at her and then at Jacob. It was a lethal look.
"Paul is a dick. Okay. He is also hot-headed. One of the rules was we weren't allowed to see our girlfriends. And I broke the rule."
"Girlfriend? Are we...I mean…" Bella's face turns bright red. Her previous surge of courage and curiosity had disappeared and now the old Bella who was shy and awkward had returned.
"That's one of the other reasons I came over tonight. I wanted to talk to you about us." Jacob's voice grew heavy and trembled with fear.
Bella wasn't sure how to read him. Was he going to tell her that he met someone else in LaPush or was he going to ask her to be his girlfriend? Swallowing the lump in her throat, she sat up straighter and took deep steady breaths. She feared she would bust out in tears if he had met someone else. Lowering her head she stared anxiously at her feet.
Jacob reached out, lifting her chin up and stared deep into her eyes.
"I know we haven't really known each other for that long but it feels like I have known you for a million lifetimes. You make me happy. You make me feel good about myself. You are the sweetest and smartest girl I have ever known and when I look at you, you literally take my breath away. I can't be around you without feeling this incredible urge to pull you into my arms. I'm crazy about you Bella. Will you be my girlfriend?" Jacob took her hands and gently lifted her up on her feet.
Bella's eyes brimmed with unshed tears. She was breathless. She was ecstatic. No one had ever made her feel so beautiful the way Jacob did. She never felt more whole or loved than when she was with him.
"Yes! Oh yes!" Bella shook her head as a small tear escaped the corner of her eye and trailed down her cheek.
Jacob leaned over her and placed his lips on hers. The kiss began as PG 13, sweet like cotton candy, but quickly escalated. The excitement and magic that flowed between them became scorching hot and both were so caught up in it that neither heard Charlie come into the house and up the stairs. Standing in the doorway he wore one pissed off frown.
"You two want to tell me what the hell is going on here?" Charlie's voice boom.
The two teenagers jumped nearly ten feet off the ground. Bella put some space between her and Jacob but she also purposely placed herself between her father and Jacob.
"Sorry Charlie. We were just so excited to see each other at last." Jacob quickly apologized. The last thing he needed was for Bella's dad to get mad at him.
"How about we make a new rule. When I'm not home you guys stay downstairs." Charlie compromised with the lovesick teens.
"Definitely agreeable." Bella nodded her head eagerly.
"Good. Now I'm going to go eat. Keep this door open." Charlie growled but his eyes sparkled with amusement.
"That was embarrassing." Bella covered her face with her hands.
Jacob snickered. He agreed it was awkward but at least they had their clothes on and were doing nothing more than kissing.
"Could have been far worse." Jacob commented.
"How?" Bella exclaimed.
"Well, if Charlie could have heard my thoughts as we were kissing I would definitely have a few holes in my body from his gun." Jacob teased.
"Oh my god!" Bella smacked his upper arm playfully while her cheeks still burn red.
"I need to get back home." Jacob sighed as he looked over at the digital clock by Bella's bed.
"So soon?" Bella pouted.
"I've been here for more than two hours. I don't want to get grounded." Jacob warned her.
"Yeah, that would suck." Bella agreed sadly.
Jacob pulled Bella into his arms and placed a soft tender kiss on her silky lips.
"I should be able to come over tomorrow night for an hour." Jacob informed her.
"Only an hour." Bella sighed.
"Sorry sweetheart." Jacob planted a loving kiss on her forehead before he released her from his warm arms.
"I will take any time I can get with you." Bella purred.
"That's my girl." Jacob smiled, ear to ear.
"Night Jacob."
"Night Bells." Jacob took a deep breath and forced his body to leave the room.
Bella balled her hands into tiny fists as she tried her hardest to remain in her room. She wanted nothing more than to run after him and beg him to stay in her room with her forever. It was lame and totally undoable but she really liked the way he made her feel. Everything was brighter and warmer when he was with her.
She still felt tingly and warm. Grabbing her pajamas and fresh underwear she strolled into the bathroom to take a long cold shower.
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Alice was laying in bed with Jasper sipping on her third glass of wine when a vision surged through her head.
"Owww!" Alice slung the glass toward Jasper who quickly retrieved it from her.
Jasper sat quietly next to her. He knew her visions had no time limit. Once it was over she would explain everything she had seen or felt. Her visions weren't always crystal clear. On a few rare occasions in the past, she would get symbols or random pictures with waves of emotions that helped her to decrypt their meanings or to warn her who was in danger.
Alice's eyes opened and she stood up. Pacing back and forth as she rubbed her temples.
"I take it this one was as bad as the others." Jasper sighed wearily.
The couple had agreed not to tell the family every detail of every vision she had. She feared if her interpretation was wrong it would only cause unnecessary stress for her loved ones.
"I hate this. I see faces but I can't hear what is being said. Then suddenly I feel this wave of pain and anger overwhelm me." Alice shivered.
Grabbing her glass of wine she swallowed it down quickly and poured herself another glass. She wasn't going to get too drunk thanks to her vampire blood but it did help dull her senses after these horrible visions.
"I take it this vision was about our deadly duo." Jasper sighed heavily.
Jasper knew all too well about the risks of going to war. He had been in several of them. He wasn't a coward by no means but he also didn't care about his fellow soldiers the way he did his family. This family was all he had in the world. Without them, he would be just another rogue vampire slaughtering any human he could get his fangs into. Alice saved him. They all saved him from a lonely and evil eternity.
"Yes. The girl Victoria is the smarter of the two. She is helping James find out who killed their friend. They are planning on seeking revenge. I'm afraid they will be back in our area very soon." Alice warned him.
"Well, hon that's a good damn thing for us. It's what they call home advantage. We know this area better than they do. WE can plan for an attack instead of hunting after them." Jasper replied with a weak smile.
"I suppose that is true." Alice shrugged her small frail shoulders.
"What else did you see?" Jasper could sense she was holding something back from him.
"You know that friend of Edward's. Bella." Alice sighed.
"Yeah." Jasper chuckled. He couldn't understand why the family got so tense at the thought of Edward making a friend, especially, when she was nothing more than a fragile teenage girl.
"She is somehow going to be in their path." Alice revealed.
"What? How?" Jasper asks.
"I don't know. That's what is so frustrating. I see her and there are like these large shadows by her. I can't tell what or who they are supposed to represent." Alice whined as she plopped back down on the couch next to Jasper, laying her head on his shoulder.
"Interesting. This girl is so weird but in a good way. I think that is what draws Edward to her. She is an enigma. I guess we should tell them about her involvement. Carlisle doesn't like to take risks with local humans."
Alice knew he was right but she wasn't sure it was wise to tell Edward just yet. He was already so keen over the girl that if he thought she was at risk his overly possessive side would come out to play. He would stalk that girl night and day to try and protect her from harm. The last thing they needed was for Edward to commit himself to protect her at any cost.
"You can't remain quiet because you are afraid of Edward's reaction." Jasper stated.
Alice frowned at him.
"No I can't read minds but I can read your feelings." Jasper chuckled.
"Crap. Edward can read minds and there is no way I can keep him out of my thoughts day and night." Alice replied in defeat.
"Let's go tell them now while everyone is awake." Jasper got up first and took her hand in his and led them down the stairs to commence in a family meeting so they could hear the latest vision and make plans on how to handle it as a family.
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Victoria found them an old house that was far enough out of the city limits but close enough that they could make a quick retreat if they ran into trouble. It wasn't anything fancy but the owners were long gone and that meant no one would be coming to check up on the residents.
Victoria could see that James was disappointed there was no one to kill at the moment.
"It's better this way. We can leave without any bodies that might lead anyone to us." Victoria pointed out why the house was their best choice.
"You still think the Volturi might be after us." James rolled his eyes hatefully.
"It's smarter to play this out as if they possibly are than to be in total denial and then they show the fuck up." Victoria growled.
"Whatever!" James explored the small house before returning to sit in front of the makeshift fire that Victoria had started in the old fireplace.
"So what do we do next?" He asked her.
"We try to locate his scent or his body." Victoria suggested.
"What if we can't find either of those?"
"Then we start looking at newspaper articles and morgues for John Does. Eventually, we will find his body." Victoria offered.
"Cool." James laid back on the hardwood floor and stared up at the dusty cobwebbed ceiling.
"I won't let anyone get you, babe. Not even the Volturi." James vowed.
"I know." Victoria smiled and laid down next to him.
The sounds of the crackling of the fire and the warmth of the fire put them both into a deep slumber. Neither was aware that miles away a wolf was already picking up a hint of their scent and that very soon they would have more to worry about than just the fear of the Volturi wrath.
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A/N: Sorry for the delay. Real-life has been busy of late. Just a quick reminder that my Twilight vampires are not like the original Authors. Mine do sleep, eat, and get drunk whenever possible. LOL. I hope you guys are still enjoying the story. Just a few more chapters and we will have our happy ending. Xoxo August
PS. I need some new music for my playlist to keep me inspired. Any song suggestions would be greatly appreciated.