as of lately, I haven't been happy with what I'm writing. but I'm damn trying to really not let writer's block be a thing. in a way, I'm ready to write some fluff so expect that soon.

When Noelle got home, her first instinct was to run into her room. Her fingers didn't take long to find the perfect vinyl for the bubbling emotions conjuring up in her. And as the first notes took a soar, she beelined to her closet. Where deeply hidden behind the cardigans and the endless amounts of shoes was the one of the handful things she kept from her past life.

The silk and long-sleeved white dress was tailored To Noelle's body 15 pounds ago. And though she missed the semi flat stomach and visible collarbones, she was more than happy to trade them in for coffee cake and corn dogs. The dress was a dream for her, though a tight fit she still managed to get herself squeezed in. Marveling at how tight it got on her butt and chest but wondered if this outfit would be suitable for something more. The once elegant dress now made her feel like a sexy stripper. But that thought was soon wash away by her sudden sadness of what the dress was originally intended for.

The tears were soon accompanied by a shaking rumble of laughter as she stared in the mirror and turned around to squat and do a little twerk. And Noelle did that for the next few minutes. Dancing and swaying around the room to Ray Charles. Makeup streaming down her face but the dress so easily swaying around their room until the knock on her door made her jump up. The door opened and Matt's face peeked through, and as his eyes only held the deepest sympathetic love he could offer. Noelle's face scrunched up in regret, she promised she wouldn't do this again; Didn't want to ever do it again but she found herself here. And Matt was a witness to all her setbacks. But he pushed the door opened and revealed the other thing that Noelle was glad she kept.

The powder blue suit that he was so willing to wear as her guys maid. It suited him perfect, pure 80's vibe and a complete handsome guy to be by her side on one of the biggest days of her life. And when he walked toward her, bow tie tied tightly around his thin neck, he asked her to dance. And Noelle lost it then and there, she loved Matt with all her heart and never once doubted his love for her. Her best friend and her number one supporter. His arms wrapped around her tighter than any spanx or bridal gown.

"You look beautiful. "he whispered.

And she wrapped my arms around his neck. Clinging to him like that heartbreaking night and every night after that that ended with her sobbing into that bow tie.

"I'm so sorry…" she cried as he swayed us them both in his room. Her body becoming much heavier as the tears took over. But held on tighter, reminding her that he was there.

"Why you sorry, Elly?" he whispered. His heart ached for his best friend. Though he knew it was the breakup that got her, it was losing a person that held all the secrets she kept hidden. He was her first everything and she allowed herself to give all that she had to him.

"Because I can't move on. " And she wasn't sure if she could. The green eyes haunted her. The sandy brown hair haunted her dreams and every time she opened the company newsletter, she saw him there. Writing a column for the magazine she believed he'd be done with.

"Its harder then you think."

And as she cried and looked up at her best friend, she knew that love wasn't just a romantic thing. But an overall feeling that could be found in various areas in life. And Matt was a big part of then love is till had. Even now, dealing with the crazy broken-hearted girl who wears her wedding dress when she's sad and missing the ex-groom. He's here, happily wearing his own tux he stashes away for nights like these to remind her that she is loved. Maybe not by the green-eyed fool but by someone. And that alone kept her going.

Matt slept next to her, tux still on and in place. Noelle sat against the wall; dress still snuggled on her as she looked down at her cell phone screen. She was about to hang up when it finally was answered.

"Hola, mi gordita." And that's when the world inside her settled. A serene feeling when she called back home. Mother's familiar nickname, one that many would find offense, but Noelle had grown to love it as she grew up.

"Momma." Noelle spoke softly.

"I was about to send a search team. "Noelle's mother spoke, happy to hear her oldest daughters voice. Noelle chuckled lightly and pulled the blanket over her. The rustling of her mother's own blankets being heard along with the meow of the newest member of their family.

"We've been busy. We open this week and Margo's really been up our ass about shit. "

Losing her daughter to the real world was hard, especially when she traveled all over the world opening stores. But there were pictures and moments of impulsive phone calls where she saw how happy Noelle was. How good she felt doing new things and leaving a lot of her past behind.

"I bet; Margo always said a hometown store would be the biggest store she'd ever pop up. "And Rosie, Noelle's mom, knew her daughter was in great hands. Margo never had a daughter, and Noelle helped fill that void. And Margo ensured that the young girl stayed on track with school and anything else life threw at her. And that gave Rosie a little bit of peace as her daughter collected flyer miles and visited places they had only dreamed about. But Noelle always knew, nothing beat the haven of her mother.

"So, what's wrong? "Rosie asked. And Noelle sighed because her mother always knew. How else can mother's instinct be shown?

"Same shit. "

Her dad could be heard in the back. His voice rising with suspicion and completely worry. Noelle rolled her eyes while her mom explained to her father again the secrets of her heart. And as Noelle fidgeted, she could hear the rustling of the phone to only indicate one thing.

" ya tienes que seguir Adelante. "he spoke and Noelle sunk down. Feeling the pressures of her father suddenly way down on her.

(You got to move on )

"it's not that easy dad. " Noelle complained.

"sí lo es. Olvídate de él. el es un idiota. te lo dije." Her dad's voice was stern and rising a few octaves. And Rosie only knew a big argument was coming. Noelle and her father, too alike to not be related.

(I know that. Forget about him, he's an idiot. I told you.)

"but I loved him dad, its not that easy. " she cried

"Si lloráramos por todos los que no nos amaron, no tendríamos tiempo para amarnos a nosotros mismos. " (If we cried for everyone who hasn't loved us, we wouldn't have time to love ourselves. "

And that's when Noelle wanted to throw everything away because though her dad nagged and scolded her. She knew he had a reason behind it.

"it just sucks. "

The rustling of the phone was heard again, and Noelle soon heard the sound of mother.

"gordis, I know. And I want you to know that even if I don't know the feeling, I know you're stronger then whatever he made you feel. " Rosie took the phone from her husband who shook his head with protest. He didn't know how to handle a heartache, let alone one that inflicted so deep within his oldest. His strongest of his children.

"Las personas como él son débiles, porque te hacen sentir pequeño. " he spoke.

(people like him are weak because they make you feel small. )

It fell silent and Noelle understood. Though she wanted to cry and yell back, she knew he was right. And every life lesson she had to go through was much more real than any fantasy she knew.

"No llores, te amo y él nunca te mereció. recuerda tu valor. I love you." He spoke and Noelle nodded with a quick I love you back before the phone was back to her mom. (Don't cry, I love you and he never deserved you. Remember your worth.)

"you okay?" she asked her daughter. Knowing how conversations with her father could affect her.

"yeah, just dad being dad. "Noelle picked at the end of her dress. Before looking over at Matt who was cuddled up into her pillows. Mouth open and she couldn't help but search for her phone.

"he means well. He's just not good with this, you know that. "

Noelle shrugged while her mother explained. But Noelle knew this talk, the same talk she always hard when her father had given her a case of tough love.

"he's gotten better. "

And Noelle snapped pictures of Matt. Zooming in on his face for future memes.

"yeah, I mean with your bother's own heartache last year, I think he's learned a bit."

And that caught Noelle off guard. She knew her brother had taken a hit hard with his last girlfriend but never had she seen her father act so vulnerable and loving to his children. Noelle knew her father was tough love and validation. Her mother was the source of unconditional love and affection. But there was a soft spot for the only boy in the family. Which in return was the reason why her little brother was babied.

"yeah took the boy in the family to make him sensitive, huh?" Noelle rolled her eyes. Jealousy leaking through her voice.

"No, it took him realizing that he can't protect you guys his entire life. Especially with love. "

"so, what have you been up to? Sarah said you and Matt went to the beach. "Rosie changed the subject, knowing the light was already lit in her daughter.

"why is she exposing me? "

"how did it go? You hate the beach. "Her mother ignored Noelle's initial response. Her youngest daughter Sarah was always keeping tabs on her older siblings. Sometimes black mailing them, mostly her brother, when she noticed them posting odd things on their social media. In Noelle's case, Sarah watched Matt's.

"it went well. The Quileute Tribe invited us to a bonfire. It was fucking cool. "

"oh yeah? "

"Yup. We went for a few hours since the depot. It was fun. "

Tiring but overall something she'd do again.

"oh… "

The silence grew between them. And Noelle felt like the word vomit was coming up. Even the hardest bite wouldn't stop her from erupting.

"there's this guy … "

And Rosie sat up, wide awake as she heard her daughter speak.

"a guy? "Rosie sounded confused but completely curious.

"yeah, a guy… and he seems nice. "

And nice wasn't enough to describe him.

"oh…. is he cute? "her mom asked, and Noelle couldn't help but chuckle

"Yeah. He's cute. He's taller then dad. "

Noelle's dad was 6 foot and a string bean. Jacob was over 6 foot and completely built like a body builder.

"nice… where did you meet him? "

Her mother asked.

"Um, a coffee shop. He lives on the reservation."

"oh really? So, you went for more than just story telling? "her mom joked

"no, no… I went strictly for the story telling. I don't even know why I'm mentioning it. "

"Noelle, you know you're allowed to look at other people romantically, right? Like you aren't bonded to anyone."

And her conservative mother was now urging her to date.

"I just feel guilty. "

"why? Because there's a life past him? "

Noelle remined quiet. A sigh from her mom.

"Look, if this boy is just for the next few weeks. So be it. Maybe he'll stick around for a few months or maybe a few years. Maybe you have his kid in an accidental slip up… "

And Noelle laid back onto her bed. Not understanding what advice she was getting.

"mom…"

"I'm just saying. Your sister just turned 13, I need a baby in my life. I wouldn't be mad."

Noelle chuckled and settled back. Fingers running through Matt's blonde hair .

"Noelle, let yourself hurt but also let your self live. Okay? "

Talks with her mom always seemed to set Noelle straight. Keep her on a path she was meant to be.

"I love you, momma. "

"I love you, my gordis. Good night, I got to go get your dad away from the tv before he breaks it. "

"is he watching fox news again? "

"yeah, and I warned him it wasn't good for his blood pressure. "

Noelle chuckled

"good night mom love you guys. "

"we love you too. Give yourself a chance! "

And the call ended

When he walked into the store, he was meant with several stares. A bunch of young kids walking around with baby blue fuzzy trees. Books in their hands and a giant section for that magic book he promised he'd get for Claire once it came out. Once she had heard that Magical Adventures of Stevie would have a shop in Forks, she never shut up. And Jacob had already ruined her last copy when he spilled a beer all over it. But his mission was on the four eyed girl he was sure he was in love with. How could he not when she looked up at him with THOSE eyes. He tossed and turned in his bed, eyes on the dreamcatcher hanging over his head, so unsure what to do next. She wasn't like the other girls he picked up; this one was a mate for life. His soul's other half and the future mother of his children if he didn't fuck it up. And that alone made him realize he should go to bed and not miss work. He felt the need to provide and start giving her everything she desired. And living with his dad was probably not a good idea so he looked at homes and apartments moments after seeing her the first time. Right now. He was unsure of what life had for him. But she was it, she was all that made sense.

"Jacob! what's up, Man!"

Matt had noticed him the moment Stacy's eyes left his instructional form. The young girls' green eyes were on the tall tan man and he knew that look too well. Eyes scanning him up and down before she grinned so wide, he wasn't so sure to say hi or walk the other way.

"Just thought I'd stop by. "Jake confessed blushing. Matt couldn't help but shake his head knowing too well why Jacob was here. He urged Stacy to move on, though she tried to rebuttal Matt gave her a look that instructed her to leave.

"So, Jacob, you stopped by a book store? That Margo owns?"

Jacob knew Margo wasn't a fan of him or his father. But he didn't care. So, he shrugged it off. Matt knew all the details. From hearing the petty comments from Margo, the conversation with Seth and the sudden Romeo Juliet plot, how could Matt not put two and two together.

"I guess there's more to it." Matt knew all too well. The looks Jacob was giving Noelle had really stick with him. He hadn't seen someone be so soft with her before, attentive but not enough for her to feel smothered. He watched her, and he'd never seen something like that with his best friend.

"Let me call her… "Matt left to the backroom and soon Noelle walked out with a stack of books in her arms. Eyes going wide once she took him in. He loved how her glasses would fall off her nose, and shed scrunch up her face to bring the back up.

"Jacob?"

"Arn't you a sight for sore eyes?" his eyes trailed down her body. Taking in her comfy appearance of a black hoodie and a pair of jeans. Hair held up by a scrunchie.

"says the guy who came to my job. What you doing in these parts of town." She laughed watching everyone's eyes settling on the two.

"I wanted to know if you wanted to hangout later. " he asked

And though the question caught her off guard, and a little unsure of what to do. She had to rethink of her mom. And what she really wanted from this world.

"What time?"

Noelle looked over herself in the mirror. Though exhausted, she looked composed and ready. Date or not, she felt the nerves.

"There's my girl." Matt leaned against the bathroom door with a grin. Arms cross over his chest as he took in his friend. The same ballerina top she wore this morning, same black skinny jeans and doc martens. But her hair was combed, makeup done and the red lip made her look ready for a night out at town. To Matt, she looked like an old Noelle ready to leave the house and be a normal twenty something. Not the holed-up girl shed been the last few months.

"Should I really be doing this?" she asked

"Its just dinner with a friend, Noelle. Right? " he questioned. Catching her eyes through the mirror.

And then she remembered he was right. Jacob was just a friend and it was a first step to a new life. A life without Julian and a life she'd embrace. But Matt was able to sense her nervousness, he knew this was much more for Noelle than a friend date. Her budding crush on the guy was visible the moment he walked into the store. He had seen it and Margo had confirmed it. So, her nerves were much more than she was able to handle.

"you'll do great. And if it all goes to shit, we take another trip to Bora Bora on Margo. Okay?" his hand rested on Noelle's shoulder before she turned around and hugged him.

"Okay. I'm ready. "

"Good girl, pit check?" he asked lifting up her elbows and allowing her to laugh loudly and wiggle against him.

Noelle raised her arms and Matt leaned down to take a whiff. Inhaling and tickling an amused Noelle. He gave her a thumbs up and handed her a coat.

"Go make a friend!"

Noelle walked down the street. Purse hung by her side as she made her way to the diner where shed meet Jacob. And before she knew it, there was a giant black truck driving by her. And as much as Noelle wanted to reach in her purse and pull out the pink pepper spray, she relaxed instantly seeing a grinning Jacob.

"Now, you really think I'd take you to this little diner?"

Jacob felt the pull more than anything just seeing her there. Waiting for him and eyes sparkling with amusement and want. And even when she had explained her situation, they night before, he couldn't help but push. His persistence was a strong trait in Black men, and he would make sure it didn't die with him. So he went for it, asking her to dinner as friends and though he knew an objection was much more likely, he was stunned to hear her say yes.

"I like this little diner. It's where I met you "

And her words made him realize that there was something much more to her than the shy imprint girl he met. The one with mismatched hair and the cute bangs. But the words were true and Noelle couldn't stop herself from saying them. Though shy, she liked being honest and she just felt that Jacob should know he had weaseled himself into her mind. Jacob grinned and reached over the console to open the passenger door. Though the truck was lifted, he felt she wasn't the type to complain.

"hop in, I know a great pizza place outside of town. "

Noelle didn't think twice and pulled herself up. Happy to have worn jeans over the dress she initially thought of. And as she settled her bum on the seats, she turned to look at Jacob who was just taking in the best view he had ever seen in his car. A beautiful imprint, face soft and anxious.

The small talk was normal, both unsure on how to act. Thought he night before they spent a good amount talking, it was done in such a loud area. And now, they were alone and no other variable around to help steer the conversation. So, Noelle looked around.

Jacobs car was clean and pristine. The new car smell was evident, and she did a quick survey. And he noticed cause the smirk on his face said everything. He paid Claire to clean the insides. Quil handed the outside and little Claire did her best to remove any pieces of food wrappers and grains of dirt she could fine.

"I got her the beginning of the year. Felt I had to treat myself. " he explained not letting his eyes leave the road.

"She's big. "she explained. Looking down at all the leg space she had, feet practically dangling from her seat.

"She's my baby." He reached for the volume and Metallica played. Noelle only gave him a soft smile and bobbed her head. Occasionally singing along.

"You like Metallica?" he asked

"I know a few songs. I haven't really listened to them since high school. "

And the thoughts of her emo and rock phase soon bombarded her. It's the reason why Julian her bonded. He like the alternative vibes, classic rock and she liked the heavier stuff. Playful arguments erupted their love affair.

"What do you listen to now?" Jacob broke her out of her thoughts.

"Umm, I like folk music. Very mellow type of shit. Classic rock… I'm currently obsessed with The Eagles."

Noelle liked everything her mom liked and everything her father had tried to like but he stuck with the Spanish translations instead.

"I like hotel California." Jacob threw in. Unsure of what to say, nervously adding the first song that reached his mind. Noelle's silence was deadly. And even when he zeroed in on her breathing and heartbeat, hers was calm. A soft rhythm that only told him she was relaxed. And he was thankful she was calm, but that made him nervous. He didn't want to seem boring. And that's when she erupted into a short chuckle. Her head rested against the seat as she looked over at him. Hair falling around her face, framing it.

"So does every drunk girl at a karaoke bar." She explained

"I'm offended. "Jacob spoke those words and something in Noelle clicked. Something in her made her really understand something about him. And she admired him, eyes looking at his focused face and understanding she was meant to be in this moment. All nerves removed from her body as soon as those words left this mouth. He had a sense of humor, one that seemed to hint something like hers.

"same."

The little Pizzeria was outside of town but not too far away that Matt could drive here within half an hour just in case. Though the way the drive went, she felt she wouldn't need Matt to interfere.

The moment they walked in; they were seated. Some couples littered the floor, some teenagers made a mess of their table. And Noelle and Jacob sat at a rounded booth in the back.

"so. What do you like on your pizza?" Jacob asked. Eyes scanning the menu as if he didn't know what he already wanted

Noelle followed suit. Eyes on the several different toppings and bread crust flavors.

"No fish. "she spoke. Wondering if he would argue.

"Anchovies off the list… done. "

Noelle was happy that the one thing she despised was off. Onions were next but she didn't want to be too picky.

"What do you like?" she asked hoping he would just choose.

"I can eat anything."

And before Noelle could make a joke shadow sat on top of them.

"Isn't that nice. "the waitress spoke. Stopping by us and grinning at Jacob. Long red hair and a tight t-shirt that only made Noelle crumble at her self-confidence. Then she thought back to that one black louse she had that can turn heads when she wore it. Why she didn't wear it? Well, because Jacob's her friend. Noelle's eyes reverted back to the menu as she felt the insecurity set in.

"Must be easy to feed, huh girlfriend? "she asked me

My eyes darting to look up at her and then to Jacob who was looking me over confused.

"Umm. He's not my boyfriend. "

His face fell, a look of disappointment but was quickly regained composure.

"Oh.. okay. Sorry." Though Noelle heard no remorse in her voice. The waitress, though trying to get Jacob's attention and failed, asked what they wanted to dink and Noelle being Noelle, was always on deck with her drink order

"I'll have dry martini. Extra olives on the side. " I slapped the menu closed and handed it to her while she looked at me startled.

"Umm, I'll have a Guinness. "Jacob ordered seeing how Noelle had changed. he was smug, but also fighting the urge to reassure her he wasn't looking for anything with anyone but her.

"You annoyed?" he asked

"No…" she spoke and he smirked.

Her lips were in a slight pout, dark red and pouty .

"You like Guinness?" she asked changing the subject to dissolve any weird territorial feelings she had suddenly.

"Its my favorite. "

"Its mine too."

"Oh really?" he asked getting closer, eyes giving her the goosebumps from how enticing he was being.

"Yeah and Jason Momoa's. "Noelle grinned and Jacob just scoffed. Not understanding how girls looked at that guy like some sort of god. He was jealous and Noelle lightly chuckled into her menu.

"Have you decided on your toppings. "

Noelle bit her lip and wasn't sure how she could say what she wanted. Matt and her always got different pizzas, she had a particular topping not many liked. And she didn't want Jacob to have to eat what he probably didn't like.

"Most people don't like my toppings." She sinked lower into the booth. The image of a grumpy Noelle made him not understand how someone so moody could be so adorable.

"What is it? Anchovies is off so I'm good with that."

And even if it was Anchovies, he'd give in and eat them.

"Black olives. Lots of black olives." She explained. Eyes looking up at him that only asked to not be judged or even made fun of.

"That's what you want?"

And Noelle nodded. Something so simple that made her want to clutch her belly from past judgements.

Jacob reached over and ruffled her hair. Pulling her closer to him. And though she was stiff and tense, she didn't push away.

"You're a little weird."

"So, you have any siblings?" he asked.

Noelle was on her second slice. The pepperoni pizza was covered in olives like she asked, and Jacob didn't mind her picking off some from the other slices for the one she had in her hand already.

"Yeah two. A brother and sister. You?"

And she happily ate. Not even caring how she looked and to Jacob that image would be forever in his mind. Seeing the girl shove a giant slice in her mouth and not even show some remorse. Yup, he had to make sure to remember that for later.

"I have two sisters. "Jacob commented. A mouth full of his 5th slice.

Noelle sat the pizza down on her plate. Wiping her mouth with the napkin and using her tongue to remove whatever she had in her teeth.

"Let me guess, you're the baby."

The Cheshire grin he had only made her realize that she was right. And Jacob followed it off with a giant grin while she looked him over her martini glass.

"And you're the oldest?"

Noelle nodded, sitting back and watching Jacob eat. So animalistic she couldn't help but feel herself squirm.

"I am. How did you know that?" she questioned.

"you're pretty bossy and a know it all. Kind of like my older sister Rebecca. Rachel has it too. It's the twin thing but the two minutes between them made Rebecca reign as alpha. You just have this vibe to you."

Noelle was impressed and royally put in her place. And many would be offended, she was just a little. But she knew, people had told her, and she was well aware she liked to be in control.

"Touché."

"You aren't mad?" he asked

Noelle shrugged and ate the little extra bowl of olives they brought her.

"I am bossy, older sisters usually are. Especially with stupid brothers."

An that's how she got back at him. Reminding him she was always miles ahead. And he was caught off guard. Her evil little smirk bringing him joy because she was it for him.

The night wasn't ending soon. Jacob and Noelle had spent the first hour talking about little things from non specifics of her family. Dad and mom married at 18 and 21 and she came a few months later. She had a Brother and little sister who shared her spunk. She learned that Jacob really did like cars, far more than her dad will ever. He and his dad were close, best friends. But when he couldn't go to his dad for some things, his friends were a giant extension to his little family.

The two were different but they both saw that the other held a moral responsibility to their loved ones. And it was where the attraction grew. Jacob's heart was beating when she spoke about her family life and how that really was the foundation of her friendships. How shed willingly would get up in the middle of the night to pick up her friends from drunken parties. Relocate around the world despite the distance from her family. But she had let him know Julian was a huge part for her. He kept her sane as he also traveled the world with her. He was her little piece of home when she traveled.

And he, He was a small res boy. She thought it was the same as a small-town boy, but he reassured her it wasn't. He was bonded by culture and blood where he was from. Happily, entrusted with his community's youth and though it was all a pain to time manage. It was worth it for him. His alone time was all about the 2 beat up cars in the back and an old Harley he found in a junk yard.

Noelle's hobbies were simpler, reading and knitting with a bottle of whiskey. She liked playing the sims on days she had nothing to do. Enjoyed painting ,though she was no good ,she enjoyed the mess.

And even when the kitchen closed and Noelle and Jacob laughed hysterically about a hypothetical joke involving Seth and Matt. There was a cemented something between them. And Jacob saw it the moment Noelle stopped laughing and met his eyes. A softer gaze that melted his heart. Steady bumping of her heart and the once tensed shoulders were relaxed.

Noelle was happy. Forgotten the world outside and happily sat next to a chuckling Jacob. He made her laugh. She was sure she pulled most of the weight in the joke department. She didn't mind it, she liked hearing him talk. She liked having him around. Noelle had a mixed variety of drinks. Jacob had counted 6 drinks, all different but strong and any other girl would have been blacked out.. And Noelle's eyes were slowly falling and he could tell she was fighting the buzz. She was adorable, grinning and teasing him. And she wondered how he managed to drink all those beers and feel nothing. But he knew, the wolf metabolism was great because he never gained weight but he also couldn't ever get drunk. Though he wished he could, he was never able to.

"you ready?" he asked her and she nodded.

The waitress watched as Jacob scooted out of the rounded booth and then reached for her. Her hand easily melding with his and slipping her fingers between his. Like a couple. He tugged her along carefully while she remained close to him and smirked at the waitress.

She didn't want to say anything. Shed be slurring and he knew that. So, he didn't do anything but tease her. Playing the radio . They were in the middle of a song when it was interrupted.

"Another killing in Seattle. This is Gina Bernam with channel 11 news. A women's body was found in the alleyway of her apartment building last night. She's one of the now 14 different cases surrounding the city. More at 12. "

"What do you think they are?" Noelle's voice was soft, fingers in her mouth biting off the nails.

Jacob's hands gripped the seats. He had a hunch to what was causing the murders, but the way Noelle spoke made him puff out his chest and relax. He looked over to her big eyes. Elbows on the center console and tucked under her chin as she looked up at him.

"Ummm, idk. Its Seattle." He lied

"yeah but 14? " She wasn't stupid. This wasn't normal.

"Seattle isn't the safest of places. " he explained

Noelle shrugged

"No where is. But 14 people with mutilated bodies is terrifying. Most of them were women. "Noelle and Matt had followed up on these murders. Mostly because Matt was sure he was Maloney and I was Ice cube. But this wasn't SVU, and they didn't have the knowledge to solve these crimes.

He then noticed the fidgeting of her hands. Immediately going to her mouth as she chewed the nail. He reached over and swatted he hand that earned him a quick bite to his hand.

"Did you just bite me?" he asked skeptical and looking over the tiny teeth marks on the side of his palm.

"Well you came at me first."

"I didn't think you would bite me?"

"Well now you know better." She was happy with herself, sitting back comfortably in the passenger seat. The heater on and keeping her cozy.

"you're far from Seattle, perfectly safe in forks." He reassured her. But Noelle knew different she knew her life was much more than sitting on the sidelines.

"I lived in Seattle before. The first 2 bodies were found down the street where my condo is you know."

Jacob tensed but listened

"But you aren't there now." Jacob kept repeating that over and over again in his head.

"Still scary. "

The silence grew between them. Radio head playing lightly.

"I won't let them hurt you. "

Noelle grinned and went back to her position of staring up at him with her hand under chin.

"Really now?"

"Yeah, wouldn't want them to get rabies from when you bite them. You think this is infected?"

She swatted his arm and he chuckled

"You're such an ass. "

I wanted to introduce some characters and get that out of the way. So, now we will be well off and you'll probably already guessing where the drama will be. and I can't wait to write it all. it's the build-up that keeps me impatient.