A/N: I know this is a little long, but I couldn't find a good stopping point in there and I haven't updated in a while so...
I met my father's fierce glare with unapologetic confidence and I could see that only made him quake with more anger. He needed me, I thought simply. My father hissed not so quietly and Jake stirred a little. I instinctively reached up to stroke his face and ensure he stayed asleep, but my father grabbed my wrist firmly. I clenched my teeth in frustration and resisted the urge to rip my arm from his grasp. His eyes blazed impossibly greater at my thoughts, but I truly didn't care.
This isn't about you or me. He's hurting. I mentally shouted and my father looked down at me like he didn't even recognize me, making my gut twist. Jake was definitely waking up now and I cursed under my breath. I knew sleep might be the only reprieve from his sadness and I was desperate not to disrupt it, but his eyes lazily opened to look at me and he half-smiled. My father growled low in his throat and Jake shot up like he had been electrocuted.
"Shit, I'm sorry Edward." he apologized, his eyes flashing with regret. I scowled furiously at my Dad and mentally yelled Leave him alone! I turned my attention to Jake and his eyes were wide, drinking in the silent brawl between us.
"Aw Ness, don't be upset. It's my fault." Jake offered selflessly and I snuggled into him, earning another hiss. I glared up at my chronically overprotective father. "Oh just give it a rest, Dad. We weren't doing anything and you know it."
His eyes nearly bulged out of his skull at my boldness and I wished I could shrink into Jake's chest against my back and disappear. Dad was practically panting with anger and he walked swiftly to my bedroom door, throwing one more threat our way before slamming it, "You're just lucky I'm the one who found you two."
Jake shuddered in fear of my mother and I laughed. I grabbed one of his hands and traced the lines of his palm lightly, calming myself. He shivered at the sensation and I fought off my grin. When I saw the underlying sadness return to his eyes, my own chest felt a searing pain and I threw my arms around his neck, squeezing him with all of my might. My thoughts flowed out to him with much less restraint this time. I wish I could take it away honey. I'm so sorry, my Jacob. I'm here.
He held me to him just as tightly, as if reaffirming my last statement to himself. And I meant it. Come hell, high water or overprotective parents, I wouldn't leave him. The fierce conviction in my heart overwhelmed me and if I was being quite honest, scared me a little but that didn't make it any less absolute. I jolted in his arms when my phone buzzed on the nightstand. He reached behind us and grabbed it for me.
I saw the screen light up to show an unknown number and my stomach flipped because I knew instantly who it was.
Can I take you to dinner tomorrow night?
As soon as I read it and tried to absorb it, another came in.
This is Alex by the way.
I laughed and mulled over the offer. It seemed harmless to have a little fun and get out of the house for a night. Jake yawned and started stretching his limbs beside me. I fought to keep my eyes firmly on my cell phone and not the small line of skin visible along his waist as he stretched. There was a distinct hiss from downstairs and I grabbed the pillow next to my head, throwing it with all of my strength at my bedroom door in a resounding thump. Jake looked at me for an explanation, but I shook my head and typed out a response to Alex. I pressed 'send', still feeling Jacob's eyes on my face.
Just dinner, right?
About twenty seconds later, he responded and I grimaced.
Did you have something else in mind?
I gritted my teeth and feigned an aloof attitude, while butterflies destroyed my stomach.
Nope, dinner sounds great.
I stood up and searched for an outfit for school today. Aunt Alice had left the 'first-day ensemble' choices on my dresser and I quickly picked one of the rejects. I caught Jake still staring at me, so I walked over and cupped his cheek, sending him my frustration.
"Stop feeling weird. My Dad, and everyone else for that matter, can just deal." He gave me a soft smile and kissed my cheek quickly. My breathing hitched in an embarrassing overreaction, but it was drowned out by the deafening bang from downstairs as my father obviously broke something. We both laughed and I relished the lighter atmosphere between us.
"Will you drive me to school this morning?" I didn't want to be needy with everything on his plate right now, but I figured he would spend the rest of the day with Billy (rightfully so) and I wasn't ready to give him up yet.
"Sure, honey. Go get dressed and we'll head out."
I hurried to my adjacent bathroom and threw on the outfit, relatively pleased with how it looked. I also tried to tame my frizzy curls with the brush, grumbling as they only seemed to grow with my effort. I finally just pulled all of my hair up into a messy bun on the top of my head, determined not to waste time with Jacob on styling my bird's nest. I brushed my teeth and applied the slightest bit of make-up, a tiny dab of blush and some mascara. I didn't feel the need to wear much more and I certainly didn't want Jake to notice a bunch of make-up on my face like I was showing off or something.
I emerged from the bathroom and he was still lounging happily in my bed. He gave me a playful grin as I groaned and pulled him up by his wrist. It was like he purposefully exerted not an ounce of effort to help me. We walked downstairs together and I grimaced, reaching the bottom step in preparation of armageddon.
Dad was seated stiffly in the living room, hunched over with his hands clasped tightly in his lap. Mom was leaning over him and squeezing the rigid muscles of his shoulders. Neither of them looked up at me and I tried not to be offended. It was probably better if they ignored me, since Dad proved he couldn't play nicely. His head shot up at that and I fought off my smirk of triumph.
"I'm leaving," I called out softly to the rest of the house. Aunt Alice flitted over to hug me and compliment the outfit that she picked out. I asked where Aunt Rose was and she explained that she was occupied with Uncle Emmett at the moment. Grandma and Grandpa came down too and gave me hugs.
"Renesmee, dear, you didn't eat breakfast. Can I make you something?" Esme asked. "Or Jacob?" she added quickly and I beamed at her kindness.
"I'm actually taking her for coffee before class," Jacob chimed in and I looked at him in surprise. He flashed me a smile and thanked Esme for the offer. I was eager to leave then and get to our surprise breakfast, so I pulled him with me toward the front door, ignoring his chuckle.
I stopped with my hand on the doorknob and breathed out my agitation from this morning. "Bye Mom," I barely whispered. Bye, Dad. I didn't wait for their silence to register as rejection, hurrying down the front steps with Jacob at my heels.
I was almost to my car when I heard my Dad's voice call out, "Bye my love, have a good day." I tossed a smile in their direction as I opened the passenger door. They were standing on the balcony, with Mom wrapped around his body from behind, resting her head on his shoulder.
Jacob climbed in the driver's seat and turned on the car as I buckled my seatbelt. I ran my hand over the leather of the seat, reveling in the sensation. Jacob laughed as he pulled out of the driveway.
"I still can't believe your parents bought you this car with how little you drive." I fought off my immediate swelling defense. Yes, an Audi TT for a new driver (let alone a seven year old) was extravagant. But I wasn't often materialistic and I was a sucker for a red statement piece. Sure, I might have been expecting a cute red headband or pumps, but the ruby-colored car was everything I could ever dream for. I think the addiction to sleek, shiny vehicles was part of my Cullen DNA. I shrugged and shoved his shoulder playfully.
"For someone who reaps the benefits of it so much, I wouldn't be so quick to diss my baby." He grinned and gripped the steering wheel possessively, making me laugh.
"What's on your agenda for today?" I kept my tone light, but some of his vigor died off.
"Breakfast with you (the highlight), grocery shopping with Rach, and a doctor's appointment for my Dad this afternoon." I reached over to hold his hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze.
"I'm sorry you all have to deal with this Jake. Promise me if you guys need anything, you'll ask me." He nodded and leaned over to kiss my forehead quickly, keeping his eyes on the road.
A burst of inspiration struck me and I whipped out my phone to text Rachel.
Hey Rach, Jake said you guys are grocery shopping later. Can I come over to the house after school and cook dinner for everyone? I know Billy has a doctor's appointment.
I wasn't an exceptional cook, but I could manage my way around a kitchen. Surprisingly, Esme was a decent cook and so was my Uncle Jasper. It was a hobby of his and he made really elaborate dishes like chicken cordon bleu, lasagna, and my particular favorite- crab cakes. He would spend all day in the kitchen making his masterpiece and bring me with him to a local women's shelter to drop it off. It was kind of our secret activity about once a week and no one really brought it up to him, though I knew at least Dad and Aunt Alice were aware. I loved watching him cook and even helped a little, so I felt reasonably equipped to tackle something simpler on my own. I wanted to do something special for Jake and his family and I was thrumming with the energy of feeling useful, even in a small capacity.
Jacob rounded the corner to our favorite coffee shop and I checked my buzzing phone as he parked. It was Rachel.
Ness, that's perfect! Thank you so much sweetheart- I'll make sure we stock up on ingredients. I know it will mean a lot to Jacob and Billy.
Jake cleared his throat and my head shot upward. He was smirking at me and my cheeks heated as I fought to hide my excitement.
"Who are you texting?" I hesitated and bit back my smile. I really, really wanted it to be a surprise for him, but I never had much success keeping anything from Jake.
"Is it… uh, a guy?" His smirk faltered a little and I swatted his shoulder.
"No, you dork. It's your sister and if you ruin the surprise I'm planning, I'll be pissed." His smile immediately recovered, much more warm than playful this time and I felt a little dizzy staring at it.
"Well, alright then, I won't spoil it. Let's get you some caffeine." I beamed at his compliance and jumped out of the car. We walked into the little shop and even though it was half past seven, the place was pretty sparse. Our booth was mercifully vacant and I quickly ordered at the front register with Jake, eager to claim our spot. My staple order was a chocolate chip muffin and a dirty chai (chai tea latte with an espresso shot). I could never wrap my head around Jacob's attachment to straight, black coffee with two Splenda's. I was absolutely disgusting to me no matter how many times I stole a sip and he always said he was grateful so I'd have less incentive to drink it.
We sat in our booth and waited for the waitress to bring our order. It wasn't the regular one we usually had and I definitely preferred Julia over the new girl. She was eyeing Jake so blatantly that I'm surprised she wasn't drooling. He gave her polite, one-word answers and kept his eyes trained on my face, so I know he picked up on it. That was his usual MO when someone hit on him in front of me and yet, everytime I wondered if this girl would be the one he said yes to. Surely it would happen at some point. Someday, with some woman he would say yes and stare at her face and hold her hand the way he held mine now underneath the table. I shook off the thought because my heart clenched painfully in my chest and I was happy to live in denial a little while longer.
She brought over our drinks and my muffin, lingering for a moment to ask how 'our' day was going. Her entire frame was shifted toward him, so I took that as a cue to dig into my muffin, knowing she didn't give a shit about my day.
I watched Jacob's eyes scrunch up in the corners and I knew he was growing tired of their conversation. He lifted our entwined hands up so they rested on top of the table and smiled over at me.
"That's really great, Megan. My girlfriend, Ness, is interested in medicine too." I choked on my muffin and struggled to compose myself, nodding along. Jake looked like he was about to explode with laughter and I narrowed my watering eyes at him. The waitress, Megan apparently, turned to me and appeared incredibly annoyed.
"What a coincidence," she was practically cooing with false delight and I tried not to roll my eyes.
"Aww, Ness. Look at the time, we've got to go. Can we get the check, please?" Jake was nothing but polite, but I knew the whole thing was bullshit. I had more than forty minutes before class started. Megan just sighed and walked away. Jake barely lasted before she was around the corner before howling in amusement. I kicked him with enough force that he actually felt it and it only egged him on.
"You… should've… seen… your face." He was quaking with laughter and bit my lip until I drew blood to fight off my own.
"I could've choked to death. You have to warn me next time I'm playing accomplice."
Some of the amusement in his expression died off and that underlying intensity rose to the surface. I felt my breathing pick up as he squeezed my hand and looked deep into my eyes.
"I didn't expect you to be so surprised. Is it that insane of an idea to you?" His eyes were burning into mine and that vulnerable curiosity turned my brain to mush. What was he asking? About us?
"Is what such an insane idea?" My heart was pounding in my chest and I wanted to look away from his gaze but I felt tethered to it, to him. His eyes crinkled at the corners again, but it wasn't annoyance this time. It almost seemed like he was hurt and my chest ached at the thought.
"Never mind, let's get you to school." He abruptly stood and pulled me with him. I was about to tell him we had to wait for the check, but he hastily threw down enough to cover it and a generous tip. We didn't speak until we got back into the car and his hands clenched the steering wheel fiercely.
"Jake, please don't shut me out. Just talk to me." He only tensed more as he sped down the highway toward my school. At this speed, we'd be there in five minutes tops and I hated how he was rushing to get away from me. I placed my arm carefully on his shoulder and gave it a gentle squeeze, trying to relieve the tension like my Mom does to my Dad. It seemed to help a little, but he kept his eyes firmly trained on the road.
We pulled into the school parking lot in record time and he grabbed a spot in front, shutting off the engine but I had no intention of leaving yet. I shifted in my seat so I was facing him and he purposefully stared straight ahead, ignoring me.
I let out a frustrated huff and watched the side of his mouth quirk upward. "Are you trying to piss me off? Because you're doing a hell of a job." He continued to suppress his grin and I grumbled, reaching for the door handle.
He grabbed my elbow and pulled me into him with a surprising amount of force. My waist was digging into the center console between us, but I couldn't bring myself to care with my ear over his heartbeat and his arms around me. His hands weren't gentle like usual. They were clutching like he was scared I would run away if he let go and I burrowed further into chest, twining my hands around to his back in reassurance.
"I'm not going anywhere, Jacob." He didn't give me an audible response, but he planted soft kisses on my hairline that made me melt.
He shook slightly beneath me and I held him tighter, trying to alleviate the stress I couldn't understand. "Why won't you talk to me? I know you're holding something back."
He drew in a sharp breath and spoke quietly into my hair. "I feel like you grew up overnight, Ness. And everything with Billy is stealing my attention but I'm scared when I finally get through it, you'll be long gone."
His words pierced my heart sharper than a knife ever could. I couldn't even muster the strength to speak my thoughts aloud. I placed my hand on his cheek and flooded him with my unyielding love for him. Adding a tinge of hurt that he thought I could simply outgrow him or get bored as he tended to his father.
He pulled my hand away and kissed my fingers gently, sending an embarrassing shudder through me. He cradled my face in his hands and the regret was evident in his expression.
"I'm sorry, honey. I know how much you love me. I'm just overwhelmed right now." I nodded and kissed his cheek, ignoring the way my stomach flipped.
"It's okay, but you need to know that you can lean on me and I won't break or run away. I'm here, Jacob." I leaned into him as I spoke, resting my head back over my favorite place in the world. He just hummed in response and kept his lips on my forehead for awhile.
I groaned when it was time to leave and swiped his jacket from his headrest, wrapping it securely around my shoulders.
"Ness, it's almost sixty degrees out. You really need my jacket?"
My guilty blush was inevitable, but I sure as shit wasn't having this discussion today. "Shut up, Jacob." A slow, stunning grin spread across his face and I rolled my eyes.
"And you worry I'm going to ditch you." I muttered, slipping out of the car without looking back. I tucked my hands in his sleeves and relished in the immediate impact of his dizzying scent bombarding me.
I walked quickly into the school and nearly collided with a girl on crutches. Nice going, Ness.
"Oh my god, I'm so sorry!" I rushed to steady her before she could tumble over, noting the giant, lavender cast running from her knee to her foot. She seemed a little startled, but overall okay. Her long, inky black hair fell in soft waves past her shoulders and her caramel-colored eyes stared back at mine in surprise.
"Don't worry about it. Thanks for catching me. I'm so clumsy with these damn things." She laughed and I did too, eager to be forgiven and floored that she was acting at fault.
"I'm Renesmee, nice to meet you." Her eyes flashed in recognition and she beamed, extending her hand to me.
"So you're the famous Renesmee who's got my boys all riled up. I'm Selena, Will's sister." I wanted to smack my forehead; how many girls on crutches with Will's eyes were walking the halls here?
I shook her outstretched hand and bent to throw her backpack over my shoulder. She gave me a grateful smile and we talked the whole way to her first class. I thought Will and I bonded quickly, but I instantly knew Selena would be my best friend. She was incredibly genuine and a little sassy, but I loved how she spoke her mind irrespective of anyone else's opinion. She told me how the guys all came over last night, since the Richards' house was the typical hangout spot, and they filled her in on the 'hot new girl'. I felt my automatic blush and she giggled, nudging my shoulder as we neared her classroom. I walked her over to her chair, setting her bag down beside it, and turned to rush to my own class. Alex was directly in my path, smirking as he brushed past me and mussed up Selena's hair.
"Hey Spitfire, what are you doing back here this early? You had two more days of bed rest scheduled." I was completely shocked by the chiding, almost paternal tone of his voice. Every interaction I'd had with him thus far, he was carefree and teasing. Now, he had a wrinkle of concern on his forehead and he actually brushed a stray lock of hair behind her ear.
She acted unaffected by the small gesture, but an intense emotion flashed in her eyes, too quick for me to identify it. She shrugged, feigning nonchalance, "I got bored."
He heaved a disapproving breath and she pushed past the topic. "Plus, I wanted to meet this girl you're all drooling over."
My cheeks flamed again and I stared at the tile flooring, clenching the strap of my backpack tighter. Alex groaned and shoved her playfully, "Thanks for that."
He glanced at me and I thought I saw a subtle coloring in his cheeks too, but I didn't have the courage to call him on it.
"Well, I have to get to class. It was really nice meeting you, Selena and sorry I almost plowed into you." She let out a snort and dismissed it easily again.
I risked a furtive look at Alex and he was grinning at us. "Bye, Alex."
I didn't give him the chance to respond, speeding to my class and running in at the sound of the final bell. Will smiled at my flushed face and panting breaths, removing his backpack from the seat he held for me. Gratitude swelled in my chest and I decided I really loved the Richards family.
A/N: So now she's met the whole gang. To clarify, Selena is a sophomore and the rest of them are juniors. Please review!