Jared tapped his foot against the wet pavement. Rain poured down heavily onto his head as he stomped down the road. He was having a terrible day. First, when he woke up, he had gotten into another bathroom time argument with his sister, and instead of his father handling it correctly, he took both his and his sister Alyssa's phones. Alyssa always went home straight after school, which was two blocks away from home, so it would be no big deal for her. But Jared needed his phone for emergencies. Like his afterschool JROTC meeting being canceled two hours early, and the school phones for his school in Seattle being shut down for their annual check the second regular school hours shut down.
Jared, scowled, reducing himself to the mile long walk to the nearest pay phone in Seattle. It was freezing cold. He jumped when their was a loud car horn beep. A huge, silver Volvo pulled up next to him. Jared stopped in place, watching as the window rolled down. It was Edward Cullen. Edward wore a warm smile, but Jared pursed his lips.
You need a ride Jared?" Edward asked.
Jared thought about how his father wouldn't approve at all. But at least I'd get home faster. It's not like I care what he thinks anyway. Jared thought slowly. He nodded.
"Hop in." Edward called. Jared ran around the car and opened the passenger seat, sitting in the seats.
"Thanks. And sorry about the water."
"Don't," Edward started, pausing to watch Jared shake his head, flinging water all over the windows and windshield. "Mention it." He chuckled.
"Sorry about the rain... and your car." Jared added, trying to staunch the rainwater in a neater way. He squeezed his head and areas of clothing, glad his coat was made from Flax, a very water resistant fabric fiber.
"It's alright Jared. It's only water." Edward said with a small smile. Jared smiled symphettically as Edward turned the key in the ignition.
Jared looked at Edward out of the corner of his eye, remembering the previous events of about five months ago. Edward turned to look at Jared, a morbid smile on his face. Jared suddenly felt self-conscious, knowing Edward was a mind reader.
"Jared, me and my family meant no harm. I would never allow any of them to put you or any human in a life threatening situation, such as the one Alice described to you." Edward spoke quickly and sincerely. Jared nodded. "Thanks. I mean, I don't really care that much anymore. Nothing's happened in a while and life is pretty boring."
"Ah, but life is never really boring for a human, Jared." Edward spoke after pressing on the accelerator. He went slowly, probably to allow them more time to talk. Jared thought to himself absently.
"What about for bloodsuckers." Jared joked. "Just kidding. My dad calls you guys that, and so does the pack. But I don't think you're all that different from humans." Jared started quietly. Edward opened his mouth to talk, but shut it. There was a warm smile on his face now.
"How old are you, Edward? If you don't mind me asking?" Jared asked after a few minutes of silence.
"To this year, I am 124 years old." Edward said. He pulled a cell phone out of his pocket. "Jared, I want you to call your father. As you probably know, we Cullens cannot cross the border of La Push. I can only take you to the Welcome Sign. I suggest you arrange a ride."
"Oh yeah, thanks." Jared said with a cool exhale. He grabbed the phone, and dialed the house phone. It rang three times before the gruff voice of Jacob Black appeared on the line. "Hello?"
"Hey, dad." Jared said casually, turning to watch the raindrops appear on the window to his right.
"Jared? Why are you calling me now? Don't you have two more hours?" Jacob yawned into the phone.
"No sleepy head." Jared smirked. Hearing Jacob snort on the other line. "Meeting was canceled a minute after the buses left."
"What?!" Jacob snapped. "Why didn't you call-?"
"You took my phone, asshole." Jared sneered. "Anyway, I'm catching a ride to the treaty line; I need you to be there in about thirty minutes."
"What? Who are you riding with? Jared you have to check with me or your mother before you hop into cars with strangers." Jacob hissed. Jared listened closely, hearing the sound of an umbrella being knocked over. It would appear that Jacob is trying to find his shoes, considering they kept the umbrellas in the hall closets.
"But that's the thing, he's not a stranger." Jared laughed. "Edward offered me a ride." Jared chuckled. Edward grinned sheepishly when he sensed that Jared was toying with the alpha.
"I don't automatically know about all of your weird friends Jared." Jacob drawled out, annoyed. Jared snorted.
"I caught a ride with Edward Cullen." Jared smirked. Jacob smacked the front door open. "What?!"
"Yep." Jared popped his 'p' like a bubble of gum.
"How could you be so stupid?!" Jacob snapped. Jared flinched, but recovered quickly. "It's not stupid. Stupid, is taking my phone when I'm going to school almost an hour away, and leaving your child with no way to contact you in case of an emergency. Now are you going to pick me up or not?" Jared scowled.
Jacob let out a loud slew of angry swear words, so Jared took his ear away from the phone. "Hey Edward, your rich right?"
"Yes." Edward chuckled at the situation.
"Then why are you carrying around a flip phone?" Jared snorted. Edward and Jared laughed together.
"Your father's done talking. Tell him we'll be there in a half hour. Do you want to stop for coffee, or hot chocolate, or do you just want to go home?" Edward asked.
"How about ice cream?" Jared asked.
"Sure." Edward smiled.
"Alright, I gotta go dad. See you in thirty to forty minutes." Jared said into the phone. Jacob inhaled loudly, probably to swear again, but Jared shut the phone. He handed it back to Edward, who pocketed with an amused chuckle.
"Do you always talk to your father with disrespect, Jared?" Edward asked. Jared pursed his lips, fighting back a smile. "Only when he deserves it." Jared shrugged. Edward nodded. "He is a very stubborn, hot headed man at some times."
"I'm just lucky my mom's visiting her mother in Phoenix." Jared chuckled. Edward watched inwardly as Jared thought of how his mother's anger was ten times worse then his fathers when provoked. Edward chuckled.
"Do you partake in favorites, when it comes to your parents?" Edward asked with a chuckle. Jared dully noted that Edward had stopped the car in front of an ice cream shop.
"Not really. But if I had to choose one, it'd be my mom." Jared said, and then chuckled. "Nah, but seriously, I love them both to death. I couldn't live without either of them." Jared smiled at Edward. Edward smiled warmly.
"They both do seem like wonderful people. What would you like?" Edward asked, gesturing towards the little shop. There were only two other cars in the driveway, it was very empty.
"Um," Jared squinted through the rain and settled his view on a big green sign. "Erm... Vanilla. And what would you like, liver with a creamy topping of blood flavored chocolate sauce?" Jared smirked.
"Hardy har har." Edward sarcastically laughed, but all the same bit back a chuckle. The door closed with a soft click, and Jared leaned back against his seat.
Edward was back in two minutes, holding a soft serve vanilla cone. The door opened and closed and Jared took the cone in Edward's out placed hand.
"Thanks." Jared smirked. "How much do I owe you?"
"Nothing." Edward assured him, turning the key in the ignition. Jared sighed. "Come on, what was it? Two dollars?"
"Just a dollar. But I have all that and more. I insist that I pay for you, after all I asked you on this outing." Edward said, turning to Jared with his pitch black eyes.
Jared sighed. "Fine."
"Besides," Edward said, driving the huge Volvo into the road.
He sped down the road and took a deep breath, although he didn't need to breath as a bloodsucker. "I wanted to break the ice with you, about the whole Cullen thing. I want you to get to know us Cullens for the people we are. The ladies just got a bit carried away. You see?"
"I understand what you're trying to say." Jared said slowly, turning to glance out the window. He frowned. Wow, they were going to be at the treaty line in minutes.
"Jared, come to dinner at my house. I'd like to treat you." Edward said.
"When?" Jared blurted out excitedly. He then reeled in his excitement. "I mean whatever. When?" He said coolly, and Edward laughed.
"Tomorrow. I could pick you up afterschool." Edward offered. "Your parents might be a bit unforgiving if they knew where you would go."
"Already on it, Eddy." Jared started, turning to look out the window. "I'll just tell Mikayla to cover for me."
"Mikayla Jones, yes, your red headed best friend. And how are the others?" Edward asked. Jared smirked.
Janellie Sanchez was Jared's age, sixteen, and best friend to a small group of people that included Jared, Mikayla, and Alyssa. The rest were Matt, (Jared's only male best friend), Gabe and Adrianna, a couple that were best friends to Alyssa, and also in the same grade, and Riley, another of Jared's best friends.
None of Jared's friends were completely straight. Riley was dating Janellie, who was also in an opening relationship with a senior named George. Matt was completely adverted from the female anatomy, and preferred men over women, though not opposed to being friends with them.
Gabe was a shy, skinny, smooching boy with short brown hair, thick rimmed glasses, pale skin, and brown eyes. Gabe was a professional moocher, with reward gains in small rewards and large rewards. He knew perfectly well the benefits of fitting his personality to the person or people he was around, would get him physical and emotional rewards.
Adrianna was Gabe's girlfriend, and Alyssa's BFF. Adrianna had a very severe case of Schizophrenia, and was prone to psychotic rages. She was pretty, but very sick in the brain. Sometimes she was dangerous, yes, but at most times these days, as long as Gabe was around, she was calm. She's hadn't had a fit in a long time. Adrianna was a light skinned girl with auburn hair, almost always pulled up into a bun or a short ponytail. A kind and loyal little girl. Adrianna and Gabe didn't associate much with the older kids, just Alyssa.
Riley was in Jared's Army Training Session, and they had gotten pretty close. Riley was a large, muscled woman, with short ginger hair, and pale skin with red freckles. "Ginger." As Jenellie had so often joked with her. Riley was stronger then three Jared's put together, and he had fun climbing onto her back when she was doing push ups, getting into position on her back and pretending to do them himself.
Jared frowned. He was supposed to be going over to Jenellie's for a sleepover. He and all his friends would be there. Jenellie, Riley, Matt, Mikayla… But his father wouldn't let him go after the stunt he had just pulled.
"Jared." Edward started, stopping the car. Jared couldn't see why, they had a while to go. "Might I suggest something? Apologizing to your father for your rudeness is one thing, but making him see that you getting in a car with me isn't a bad thing."
"But he hates you!" Jared snapped. "Sorry, no offense. But he's such a hypocrite. He's always talking about your family, and how you guys aren't real people. He calls you guys' monsters. Animals! But what the hell is he? A god damn Shape Shifter!" Jared growled. He turned to the side to stare out the window, fuming angrily. Edward nodded to himself. The problem was rooted much deeper. Jared could say that he loved both of his parents, but somewhere deep down, hatred boiled in his brain at the thought of his father.
"It's alright Jared," Edward said with a soothing tone. "I think he is highly entitled to his own opinion. Shapes shifters think very little of our kind, and honestly, we think very little of theirs. The hatred runs deep Jared, and not only are they dangerous creatures that can snap at the slightest provocation, but they can never change their ways." Edward said, shaking his head woefully.
Jared smirked. That's what they say about you guys. He thought, and Edward nodded. "They aren't wrong Jared. A monster is a monster, no matter what they eat." Edward said almost hatefully, making Jared look away from the window and towards him. Edward frowned, but pressed his foot into the accelerator and the car shot down the road again.
"My kind is dangerous Jared, just like your father's kind. That women, Emily," Edward said, looking at Jared's thoughts. At the word dangerous, Emily's face had popped into Jared's mind. Edward could see how Jared thought about Emily's mauling, and what it might have looked like. The terrifying event happened three years before Jared's birth, and while he had heard the story from his mother, he couldn't imagine Sam attacking Emily in the first place. Edward watched how attentive Sam was, and while Emily still loved him, he could sense a small amount of fear whenever she had to be near him in wolf form. The few times Jared and her had watched the woods for sight of the pack's return, usually after an unofficial battle or attack on some vampire, Edward could see fear in the woman's eyes. And he knew Jared could sense it too.
"Yes, werewolves are dangerous." Edward repeated softly, his voice a breath. "Did you know that the reason for Emily's attack was behind her rejection to Sam? Your Aunt Leah used to be engaged to Sam, but when her cousin Emily came up for the wedding, Sam looked into Emily's eyes and imprinted. All his love for Leah went out the window, and all he could think of was Emily." Jared paid extra attention to the story. He had never been told the story in such detail. It was only what his mother knew about it.
"Emily loved her cousin Leah, and didn't want to betray her. She ignored Sam, but, and I mean no offense, but she was too weak. The pull of the imprint was entirely too strong. Sam was a new born wolf, the first of the current pack, and didn't have anyone to help him with his anger. It wasn't until after Emily's last rejection request, when he begged her to send him away, when she denied his request and came to stay in La Push to be closer to him, was when he got help from the council. When they discovered his secret and helped him cover it up as a bear attack. Poor girl, but even though she was mauled, I think Leah got the worst of it." Edward sighed.
Jared looked out the window again, a deep frown on his face. "Yeah, I do too."
"If she doesn't imprint, it seems she'll live a long life of misery. What she and Sam had, was true love. And when she lost it to the person whom she once thought of as a sister, it broke her. I don't think I could be in her shoes Jared. Love is a fickle, but very powerful thing. Just try to imagine what goes on through Leah's mind when she's being forced to endure that woman's presence at the bonfire outings? The pack meetings where she has to endure both of their presence, watching them flirt shamelessly in front of her. When she has to run patrol with Sam, listening to his thoughts of Emily and how much he loves her, how she was the best thing that ever happened to him. Sam ordering her to keep her thoughts to herself about Emily, and always so angry! I've seen their memories, and I've seen how she looked like before the imprint. Before Sam was changed. She was always happy. Always smiling, cracking jokes, looking ever so airy and light, and not like she carries a giant weight on her shoulder all the time."
"She's much better now." Jared said almost defensively. She used to be really unstable, but now she smiles a lot and she looks a lot happier…"
"Yes… It's you who makes her smile like that, Jared." Edward said. "She and your mother were the best of friends when they met, three years before your birth. Your mother helped Leah a lot, offering emotional support and just being a great friend. When you were born, as most women do, they fall in love with babies. She loved everything about you. From your gummy smile, to your chocolate brown eyes. Even now, fifteen years later, even though she is reminded everyday from Sam's thoughts, she sees something in you. You're her Jare-bare." Edward spoke. Jared grimaced.
"What?!" He squealed. She doesn't really call me Jare-bare in public, does she?
"Nope, just in her thoughts." Edward smirked. "In public it's Jelly Roll."
Jared frowned angrily. Edward let out a deep chuckle. "Jared, I'm kidding." He said after a few seconds of silence. Jared's thoughts turned to Edward mentally, instead of looking at him.
"Really?"
"Yes. She calls you Jared. I'm telling the truth." Edward laughed.
"Good." Jared muttered. It was silent in the car as Edward drove on, and Jared stared out the window at the passing trees. It was at least five minutes until Edward spoke again. "See you tomorrow Jared?" He asked, his musical tone more like a question.
"Yep. What should I wear?" Jared asked, turning to face him.
"Casual Jared. Whatever you wore to school is fine. Edward squinted his eyes and leaned forward. After a minute or two, winked. "Their within hearing distance now."
"They?" Jared started, turning to look at him.
"The whole pack came to bring you home. In case I try to pull a fast one." Edward spoke slowly. He sped up, and Jared looked to the sides. Welcome to La Push was written in shiny, bold letters. The sign was nearing. Edward speed up the Volvo car, and Jared closed his eyes. He opened his eye lids when the car went completely still, and Edward smiled. "Your basically home Jared. Just cross the road, and they'll be there. I must warn you… You are in trouble."
"Damn right you are!" Jacob snapped. Jared jumped. Jacob was standing in front of their car, less then three feet away from the hood of the car, standing on the La Push side of the treaty line. Jared hadn't heard the truck pull up, but it stood a few couple of feet from Jacob.
"Get out of the car, Jared." Jacob growled. Jared rolled his eyes. "Thanks for the ride, Edward."
"Your welcome." Edward said, smiling symphettically. Jared opened the door, and climbed out, adjusting his backpack as he went.
He waved quickly as he crossed the line. Jacob waited until Edward waved back, and pulled the car into reverse, to snap. "What the hell were you-?"
"What the hell were you thinking?!" Leah stomped out of the woods. Behind her, the pack was appearing from behind trees.
"Yeah, what's your problem, Jared?" Sam growled.
"What's my problem?" Jared repeated slowly and sarcastically. He noted that Edward's car had stopped it's slow retreat. Jared remembered what Edward had told him about the wolves being dangerous. Let them hurt me. Jared thought. I don't care. "I don't have a problem, I just caught a ride."
"With only the most dangerous threat to your safety!" Paul snapped at him, his lips curling agitantly. "Do you even care about the extra patrols we've been doing to ensure your safety-?!"
"Of course I do, but I don't need them anymore!" Jared glared at Paul with an equally large sneer.
"Excuse me, gentlemen and lady." Edward spoke. Jared and the rest of the pack turned around to face Edward, who was now leaning on the hood of his car.
"What?" Jacob snapped, and Jared jumped as his right shoulder was grabbed tightly, pulling him backwards. He turned around to face Leah, who grudgingly nodded to Sam. Jared smirked. The pull of an imprint was great, too great to beat, but somewhere in Sam he didn't want Leah near vampires. Always sending her on guard duty or sending her to patrol areas where vampires rarely roam. Sam still felt protective of Leah, Jared could see that.
"It's not his fault, it was raining and I couldn't have let him walk in the rain." Jared heard Edward spoke to Jacob. Leah pushed him towards the passenger side of the truck and they both climbed in without saying a word. Jared couldn't hear anymore, but he supposed that Edward was trying to explain that the Cullen's meant no harm.
Leah turned the key in the ignition with an irritant twitch of her lips. Sending the truck in reverse, Jared quickly buckled his seatbelt just in time for her to do a wild U-turn. Now they were heading back to his La Push home. They drove for a few minutes in silence, but then Leah snapped.
"What the hell, Jared?!" She repeated her earlier words.
"Calm down Lee." Jared snapped at her. "I know what I was doing."
"The Cullen's tried to kidnap you!" She snapped at him. "And you jump into a car with one?"
"No, they didn't try to kidnap me! It was just Alice being a little bitch! The Cullen's won't hurt me."
"Yes they will." Leah snapped at him. Their voices were louder now, shouting at each other.
"You won't even listen to me!" He yelled, grabbing her arm. "He told me he wouldn't hurt me."
"And you listened?" Leah yelled back, pushing his hand off of her shoulder.
"You know Jared," Leah chuckled angrily. "Maybe if you stopped to think that there are worse things that your teenage hormones, you wouldn't be in this mess!" Leah growled.
Jared shared an equally angry face.
...
Alyssa and Adrianna jumped when Jared kicked the front door open, stomping into the living room. They wordlessly watched as he slammed the door shut and promptly locked it. Both girls immediately jumped off the couch when he started for them, and watched him jump and lay himself onto the soft couch they had currently been sitting on.
"What hap-?"
"Shut up." Jared snapped, and Adrianna stopped mid sentence. The kitchen door swung open and Gabe walked into the living room, holding a small tin of mini cupcakes. His smile brightened even more when he saw Jared. "Hi Jare-!"
"One more fucking word and someone's getting decked." Jared warned them loudly. He grabbed a pillow near his feet and slammed it onto his head, crushing it softly.
Gabe hurried to Adrianna and Alyssa's side, and they ducked their heads together. "What's wrong?" Gabe whispered very softly.
"I heard dad yelling at him on the phone. I think he took a ride with a stranger." Alyssa whispered extremely quietly, under the impression Jared couldn't hear them. Jared had nothing to say.
"I don't want to get hit. Let's wait until he calms down before we ask." The three of them turned to look at the door when they heard the familiar jingle of keys in the lock.
"It's your luck day kids, your about to hear all about it." Jared called out.
The door opened again and Jacob walked inside, shutting the door with a kick of his foot. Gabe, Adrianna, and Alyssa shuffled out of the room in single file when Jacob nodded his head towards upstairs
Jared threw the pillow down when he heard their feet hit the stairs. He met Jacob's stern glance with a blank and calm stare.
"The Cullens..." Jacob drifted off. "... Alright, I'll make this quick. I'm sorry for yelling at you, and embarrassing you. I'm sorry, okay?"
Jared stayed silent, and switched his eye view to the ceiling. "Edward told me how you were walking home and you had no way to contact something, and I'm grateful for them bringing you home. But I don't want you getting close to them. Their dangerous Jared."
"So are you." Jared said softly. Jacob's upper lip curled.
"Jared, we're a different kind of dangerous then the Cullens. We're regular humans with, a little problem." Jacob finished. Jared's eyes narrowed angrily. Jacob backtracked.
"Basically what I'm trying to say is, you are not to see the Cullen's one on one again. It's for your own good-!"
"I'm not a fucking child!" Jared snapped angrily. "Nor can you tell me who I can and can't hang out with like I'm a fucking teenage girl. I can take care of myself just fine and I don't need you ordering me around-!"
"Watch your mouth." Jacob snapped. Jared's eyes narrowed and he jumped off the couch. Without a word, he turned around and walked up the stairs. Jacob frowned deeply, but didn't stop him. He listened as Jared stepped into his room and collapsed onto his bed.
Jacob collapsed onto the couch and folded his ankles over each other. Gabe was the first to emerge on the first floor, poking his tiny head around the couch. Adjusting his glasses, he spoke shyly and softly. "Can we come downstairs now?"
"Of course." Jacob said blankly. "You guys can watch TV. I'm going to go call your mother." Jacob spoke, directing his words at Alyssa, who emerged overhead of Adrianna.
Jacob stood up and walked off towards the kitchen, remembering how much easier it was when Jared was a baby.
...
Paul held Jared on his lap gingerly. Jared was concentrating on the tiny baby spoon Paul held. "Come on Jared." Paul muttered poking the spoon towards Jared's face. Jared looked away from the spoon and adjusted the party hat atop his head. Jared was clothed in a plain white baby onesie, with Happy B-day written in thick, curly cursive black letters across the chest fabric.
"Paul, he doesn't want peas." Rachael said when she walked in. Paul frowned. "But I just opened them for him."
"Pea flavored baby food is his least favorite. Bella said he won't show the least bit interest in it, and he'll throw a fit if you try to feed him that."
Paul sighed and passed Jared to his fiancé, slogging over to the fridge.
"Are you excited Jare-bear?" Rachael squealed, adjusting Jared in her arms. "Your turning one! No more months for you tonight. Your going be so happy! Uncle Sam will be here in a few hours to take you to Auntie Emily's for the party!"
Jared covered his tiny ears with his tiny palms. Paul jogged back to the table, now holding a jar of baby food of apple sauce. Jared recognized the jar and smiled warmly, reaching out for his Uncle Paul with a hopeful expression.
"I knew he'd like this." Paul smirked, taking Jared into his arms. "Any updates yet?'
"Leah just called. She and Seth are preparing the birthday cake. Bella and Jacob just picked Renee and Phil up from the airport, and Embry and Quill are chopping firewood for the finale bonfire. Oh, and Quill's going to drop off Claire for a while so she could play with Jared."
Just as the spoon was about to enter Jared's wide and happy mouth, Jared's lips pursed into a miserable frown. Paul snickered. "What's wrong buddy? You don't like Claire?"
Claire. Who was now five years old, always had stubby hands. She was always putting her stubby and sticky hands all over Jared, and enjoyed using him as a prop doll when she played house. She always spilled Jared's food all down his front, and spanked his hands if he tried to cry. No, Jared did not like Claire at all.
Jared opened his mouth and clamped it over the spoon, sucking it clean. Paul smiled knowingly. "Well if its any consolation buddy, I'd rather take care of you then take care of her, as much as I'm doing."
"Your not doing much." Rachael huffed. "All you do is hold and feed him, you never change his diapers, that's always my job."
"That's because it'd be nasty." Paul rolled his eyes playfully. He hugged Jared closer to his chest as he continued to spoon feed the young toddler. As Rachael sat in the chair next to Paul and started a conversation, Jared slowed his eyes and leaned against Paul's heated body, Paul succeeded in feeding Jared five more mouthfuls, but by then Jared was way too tired. Paul lifted him into his arms and carried him into the living room. He laid Jared on the couch, wrapping him securely in one of the blankets laying across the back of the couch.
He and Rachael sat together on the couch next to him, now speaking in hushed voices. Jared's sound of soft breathing filled the room, so Rachael turned on the T.V, setting the volume low.
Twenty minutes later, Quill opened the door to the house slowly, tiptoeing in with Claire at his side, also being quiet. Paul could hear their tiny steps, so he elbowed Rachael softly and jetted his chin in the direction of the hallway door.
Quill kicked the door opened loudly, and ran in the room, his steps like thunder, and shouted as loud as he could, "Happy Birthday!"
"Surprise!" Claire screamed.
Jared jerked awake violently and looked around, shaking. He sobbed loudly at being woken so abruptly, and kicked at the blankets frustratingly.
"You asshole!" Paul snapped at Quill, who realized his mistake. "It's okay Jared." He rushed forward, moving the blankets to see Jared's face.
"He was sleeping-!"
"And I'm trying to apologize." Quill snapped at Paul. "Are you okay Jared? I didn't know you were taking a nap."
Jared calmed his sobs into sniffles when Quill swept him into his warm, strong arms. Jared blinked and sniffled, but looked around at Claire, who was now patting him on the back carefully.
"See, he's fine." Quill smiled, laying Jared back on the couch and tucking him in.
"Just get out." Paul muttered, fixing Jared's blankets.
"Fine. Claire, you be good alright?"
"Yes Quill." Claire smiled innocently.
"Take a seat you little demon." Paul joked, and Claire ran to the couch closer to Jared, all the while making hissing noises like a demon.
Quill laughed, hugging her goodbye and patting Jared's back before jogging back the way he came.
"Get ready Claire, your future is going to be hell with him." Paul smirked at her. She was stroking Jared's back, he had rolled onto his stomach, laying his head on his folded arms as a pillow.
When Jared awoke next, it was to Sam carrying him to his truck. Jared yawned in Sam's arms, turning around to grip his humongous forearm for support. Sam smiled and opened the front seat, maneuvering the seat down to gain entrance to the back.
Jared gasped as he saw the brightly colored, wrapped present next to his car seat. Sam chuckled and placed Jared in the seat, holding Jared down as he strapped him in the child holder. Jared kept trying to lean over the side of the seat to grab his present.
"Jared, sit down." Sam hissed. Jared frowned, going still. When he was fully buckled in, Sam fixed the front seat and shut the door.
Jared waited until Sam was inside the truck cab, and started up the car. Once Sam was occupied, Jared leaned over and grabbed the big present box. Sam glanced at the mirror above his head, and fought off a smile when he saw Jared trying to wrestle open the present quietly. Jared's hands moved over the box, looking for a way to open it. He had never opened a present like this before. But he saw his mother and father open presents once in a while. Jared quickly grew frustrated when the truck started to move fast, and he still hadn't figured it out.
Jared clawed at the box with his tiny, soft hands, uttering out a soft cry when he thought about what was in the box. He slammed his fist against the brightly colored red paper, and heard a loud thump. Whatever was inside the box, wasn't paper.
Frustrated, Jared threw the box hard, hitting Sam in the back of the head. Sam rolled his eyes, but reached one arm behind to place the box back on the seat next to Jared. Jared felt a funny feeling in his throat, so he cried. Sniffles filled the car when Sam didn't react fast enough, so Jared placed his hand over his mouth.
"We're almost to Emily's. You need a bottle?" Sam asked. There was a blue diaper bag Sam had put in the car for Jared. He took one hand off the wheel and dug into the bag. He resurfaced with a blue bottle filled with apple juice. He reached behind him, shaking his fist at Jared. Jared took the bottle from Sam's outstretched hand, and eagerly held it to his lips.
…
Jared blinked at sudden lightness. Sue had just taken a picture of Sam holding him when they first walked through the door.
Fifteen year old Seth happily took Jared from Sam's outstretched arms. Sam tilted his head to Seth in greeting, and hugged Sue around the middle. "Where's Emily?" He asked.
"Down at the beach with most of the guests." Sue playfully chasted him. She came close to Jared and gave him a kiss on the cheek. Jared squealed and twisted his hand into the fabric of Seth's shirt, trying to reach his head.
"What are we waiting for?" Sam asked curiously.
"Me." Leah starkly answered, stepping into the house, shutting the door with a kick of her foot. In her hands she held a big box that that look the size of a crib, yet she effortlessly held it under one arm.
"Hello Leah." Sam said softly, and she pursed her lips. Tension filled the room, but she strode over to Jared and Seth and plopped a kiss on Jared's cheek. Jared squealed excitedly and let go of Seth's shirt, quickly grabbing her shirt to hold her close.
"Happy Birthday Jared." Leah crooned excitedly. She gave him a quick hug, and a playful smirk to her brother Seth.
"Their all ready down at the beach for us." Leah called to her mother, who gave a small smile. "Okay, let's all head down to the beach." Sam hurried forward and took the box from Leah's arm. She glared at him, and he offered a shrug in return. Without saying a word, she took Jared from Seth's arms, and left the house with her mother in tow.
"Did Emily bring the cake down?" Seth asked Leah, who nodded. Jared burrowed his face into her neck, inhaling her scent. He smelled a hint of vanilla, and the strong essence of the forest after it rained.
"Are we going to wait a while for the bonfire, or do they already have it going?" Sue asked her daughter, one hand on Leah's lower back.
"We're waiting about an hour or two." Leah explained. She looked down and adjusted Jared on her hip. Jared reached up to touch the beaded necklace around Leah's neck. His tiny, soft fist clutched it tightly as he tried to pull himself to her eye level. Leah scowled and walked away from Sam, standing on the other side of her brother.
...
When the small group reached the party, it was to a happy gathering. Bella descended onto Leah first, with a huge kiss on the cheek and a tight hug around her and Jared, who squealed and clutched his mother's hair to pull her closer. Seth wrapped his arms around her with a bright grin, smiling when Jared came up behind Bella. "Jake!"
Jacob smiled and rubbed Seth's head, pulling him in for a quick hug. "Oh, is this for me?" Jacob asked Sam, and Jared babbled angrily, hitting Jacob's arm when Jake reached out for the present. The whole group laughed, watching Jacob assure Jared that Jacob that he was not about to steal his presents. Jacob pressed a kiss to Jared's forehead, and Jared smiled, clutching Jacob's hair.
"Gimme." Leah snapped at Jacob, sticking her tongue at him. "He's mine." She teased.
Jared and Leah laughed together, and Leah took off running as Bella chased her towards the crowd of people gathered around an unlit bonfire pit, a table full of food and presents, and a large stereo speaker ringing out beautiful music. Jared's peals of baby laughter ringing among the beach.
...
Jared was bouncing back and fourth on his heels when the final bell rang the next day. Mikayla's face was pressed into his neck while they went outside and sat on the curb outside the main entrance. She adjusted her white clothed arm around his shoulders in a huge side hug, inhaling his scent.
"Weird." Jared told her, laughing. "Why do you keep doing that?"
"I don't know." She laughed, taking her metal flask from her pocket. She took a large swig.
"Enjoying the coffee, Kayla?" They heard from behind them. It was Riley, who was sporting a grin as Jenellie danced behind her, hurrying to join the group.
"You know it." Mikayla laughed loudly, turning to throw an arm around Riley's burly shoulders. "Dammit." Jared growled, turning to smack Jenellie's side as she sat on his lap. "Did you go into my locker?!"
Jenellie was wearing Jared's black pair of ray ban sunglasses. She leaned forward and pressed her lips to his in a heated kiss. Jared kissed her back for a few moments, then pushed her away.
"Give me my glasses." He said sternly, smiling at his best friend.
"Come on silly." Jenellie laughed, adjusting her t-shirt. She wore a tight black t-shirt which clung tightly to her body, showing off alot of skin.
"George," Jared shouted to Jenellie's boyfriend, who wasn't too far away, talking to one of his friends. "Come and get your whore!" Jared shouted and snatched his glasses off of Jenellie's face. He rolled over and ended up on top, pinning her to the street.
George's laugher egged him on, and Jared placed his hands on either side of Jenellie's head, bringing his lips down to Jenellie's. George's laughter cut off.
"Hey!" George snapped. Jenellie wrapped her legs around Jared's waist, and he reached a hand up to brush Jenellie's hair away.
"Eww." Riley snapped, watching Jared and Jenellie roll around on the side walk like a pair of sucker fish.
"That's disgusting." Mikayla cried out. Jared detached Jenellie's from him, leaving her snickering on the floor, and turned around to face the girls. "I'm sorry, did you two want some?"
"No!" Both Riley and Mikayla snapped.
Jared launched himself across Mikayla and grabbed Riley's shoulders, pinning Mikayla's lap with his legs as he kissed Riley heavily. He squeaked when Riley's fist landed on his stomach. Jared growled, trying to catch his breath as Riley sputtered with heavily undisguised disgust.
"Jared, I told you to stop doing that. I don't like guys, and even if I did, your just way to freaky. Why'd you call us here?" Riley snapped at him, and Mikayla pinched his legs. He lifted his legs off of her, turning on his side to face all three girls, who sat side by side.
"I need you to cover for me. Edward should be here any minute, and I know you three are going to my dad's garage, so I need you girls to lie for me." He spoke, propping himself up on one elbow.
The girls looked to each other mischievously, and then turned back to him. "What kind of lie?" Jenellie asked.
Jared adjusted his sunglasses and smirked at them.
"I know we three are in the same boat, metaphorically. Since me, Riley, and Mikayla had exclusive access to after school boot camp drill class, you need to tell my dad you guys decided to skip to hang out his garage. I'm suppose to be at drill class, if he asks." Jared smirked at them.
Riley rolled her eyes at him. "You think your so clever, don't you Jared? Have us cover for you when your dad asks why your the only one of your friends who went to drills, and then come home and pretend nothing happened?" Riley asked, folding her arms over her knees. Mikayla and Jenellie leaned their heads over onto either of Riley's shoulders.
"Yep." Jared smirked, shrugging his shoulders.
"Jared, your dad is a shape shifting werewolf." Riley spoke coldly and confidently. She and the others had long since become used to the bizarre secret about the Bloodsucking Vampires and the Protecting Werewolves. "Your dad has certain powers, such as the one that is going to cause big problems if you go along with your plan as you planned it. His sense of smell is terrifically accurate, and this is bad news. The Cullen stench is going to stick out like a splash of yellow against a black portrait. The second you get close to Edward, such as when you get into his car-!"
"When you go into his house-!"
"When you shake any of their hands," Jenellie finished for Mikayla, who nodded along with her.
" Yep," Riley continued. "Have Edward drop you off at Chief Swan's place. He'll be at work, and I'm sure he won't mind you using his shower. Make sure you scrub yourself more then twice. When your ready, I'll just tell your dad that we're all planning on spending the night over there anyway, so you can just stay the night at your grandpa's without worry." Riley smiled.
"Good plan." Jared smirked, his eyes glinting mischievously. Riley narrowed her eyes at him, as if daring him to touch her.
"Yeah, you owe us Jared. You missed the slumber party." A boy's voice spoke from behind them. Jared scowled when Matt's arm hooked around his waist.
"Get off." Jared snapped at him, rolling towards Riley. "Your weird." Jared glared at Matt, who was wearing a pink scarf over his black, French jacket.
"Matt, where's your French hat?" Mikayla asked, a smile twitching at her lips at how uncomfortable Jared was when Matt tried to sit next to him.
"In my locker. What's this about Jared needing a cover?" Matt asked, sitting on the street after brushing off invisible dirt off the sidewalk.
"Jared's going to the Cullen's for dinner." Jenellie spoke with a low fancy voice.
"Ooh." Matt squealed, scurrying next to Jared, who tried and failed to climb onto Riley's lap. "The scandal. Well ladies, if I know the Cullen's schedule, we should get going now, before the Cullen's get here. We do have to fend off Mr. Black's taunts." Matt spoke, curling his lips.
Within minutes, the girls and Matt had scooped up their bags and were ready to go. They cried out fake, fancy goodbyes as they ran away towards Jenellie's mother's van, which had just pulled up. When the girls and Matt were gone, heading towards Jacob's garage, Jared sat on the curb with a sign. Five minutes later, when Edward's Volvo pulled up, Jared fell all of his worries and insecurities melt away. It was as if waves of calmness were pouring onto him. When Jared stood up, he realized that Edward was not alone. He was with Carlisle, and Jasper Cullen.
...
Gabe, Adrianna, and Alyssa were jogging through the forest between La Push and Forks. Dancing right on top of the treaty line. Adrianna was feeling adventurous. "Come on guys, let's play hide and seek." She said for the fourth time, pointing over to the Cullen's side of the line. Alyssa stared at it with distrust, but pursed her lips with a stern nod.
Gabe, just happy to be there, followed Adriana into the small rocking creek with a smile, unaware of the dangers that stood on the other side of the treaty line. Alyssa hesitated, but after a quick surveillance of the surrounded forest, whatever she was looking for, whether wolf nor vampire, was not in sight.
"Come on." She shouted, and ran after her friends as they jumped the creak and landed on the other side, Gabe a little clumsily, but Alyssa managed to grasp his hand and pull him to a stand before he could plummet to a seven foot fall.
"Thanks." He mumbled, pushing his glasses back into place with his free hand. Adrianna, after making sure each of her friends were okay, made hand motions in front of them.
"What?" Alyssa snorted.
"Your it." Adrianna poked Alyssa's chest. "Just for that cranky tone."
"Shoot." Alyssa laughed, spinning around on her toes to face the La Push side of the forest. She heard scrambling behind her as Gabe and Adrianna ran as fast as they could into the forest. "How long do I count?" Alyssa yelled quickly.
"A whole minute!" Adrianna yelled back. Adrianna met Gabe's eyes, and frowned when he tried to take a right.
"Let's go left." She said to him. Gabe frowned. "Can't I go on my own?"
"No." Adrianna said, playfully glaring at him. After a second, though he was smirking too, her smile softened. "You go right, I'll go left. Let's try and trick her." She smirked. Gabe ran to the right, fully intent on hiding behind a tree. He heard Alyssa shout, "60, here I come!" He found the perfect tree, with a huge blanket of moss hiding most of its branches. Gabe scuttled up the tree and hopped over it's lowest branch. Another tree had been knocked over next to it, so he climbed underneath it, flattening himself against the floor. He then proceeded to hide in a hunched up position, tucking his chin to his knees.
He must have been sitting still for a full five minutes. Adrianna was indeed a good hider. But alas, he heard her familiar screech of mock fright when Alyssa tumbled into hiding spot. Both girls shouted friendly curses as they rejoiced, and Gabe giggled. He reached behind him, knowing it would take a while for them to find him. Gabe backpedaled twice and laid down on the grass. Above Gabe's head, he was unaware of the danger lurking above him.
"Now James?" Victoria spoke ever so softly, a girlish voice sounded in the vampire's ear. To his right lay his wife of almost two hundred years, their anniversary coming in just weeks, and towards his left sat his friend over three hundred years, Laurent.
"Why rush?" James whispered, brushing his blonde hair behind his ears. He leaned over and inhaled a little of Gabe's scent. "Mmm. He smells sweet. I think I'll take first bite."
"Wait, James. Remember your promise?" Victoria asked, looking down at Gabe. The time to attack was soon. Gabe was laying on his back with his eyes closed, breathing in softly, and his heart pumping his warm blood. Gabe's eyes were shut, but as soon as he opened them, he would see them, and the time to pounce was very near.
"Yes I do remember." James whispered. He had decided that in expanding the coven, he and Victoria were ready to adopt and turn their own child. "Do you want him? I mean, he's a little scrawny."
"I know, but he's so young for his age, and skinny and so cute."
"Wouldn't you rather have a daughter?" Laurent asked, pointing towards Adrianna and Alyssa, who were pushing around bushes, looking for Gabe.
Gabe giggled quietly where he sat, sensing Adrianna and Alyssa coming closer.
"He's perfect." Victoria leaned forward, as if to get a closer look.
"Okay then. And what do we do with the females?" Laurent asked, licking his lips in anticipation.
"Well, there's our dinner." James shrugged, watching the girls itch closer.
"Gabe!" Alyssa shouted. "This isn't funny!"
"Yeah, we know you went this way." Adrianna shouted, looking behind a tree. Gabe opened his eyes, planning on rolling out to surrender. Halfway through his inhale, he choked.
Victoria waved with a little smirk twitching at her lips.
Alyssa and Adrianna jumped at least two feet in the air when Gabe screamed loudly. "Arrgh!" He rolled out violently from under the fallen tree, immediately sprinting towards Adrianna and Alyssa.
"What's wrong-!?" Alyssa's confused question turned into a long, shrill scream when James, Victoria, and Laurent jumped onto the forest floor.
Both girls screamed when Gabe crashed into them. The three of them smacked into the wet ground with a loud, muffled scream. Gabe didn't let them catch their breath. Immediately he scrambled to his feet, grabbing both Alyssa's shirt, and the cuff of Adrianna's shirt. He jerked them to their feet and immediately they sprinted across the grass, their heartbeats going a mile a minute.
"What do we do?!" Adrianna screamed, her legs putting her ahead of Alyssa. Pure adrenaline rushed through her as she grabbed the shoulder of each of her friends.
"Nothing much." James appeared in front of them in a blur, and crossed his arms confidently.
"Ah!" Alyssa screamed the loudest, spinning around. They fell and screamed again when they crashed into Victoria. Gabe wrapped his arms around Adrianna and Alyssa's shoulders, taking them down to the ground as they got to their knees.
"What do you want?" Gabe squeaked, trying and failing to maintain a smooth and steady voice. He couldn't understand what he was doing here. Not too long ago he was sitting in Mrs. Black's kitchen, eating cinnamon buns and joking with tea with the girls. Now he was seconds to losing his and his friends lives.
"That will be explained." James replied in a husky voice.
Alyssa and Adrianna shivered underneath the warmth of Gabe's arms.
"Now." James spoke loudly, circling the kids. "Your going to like this one." James smirked, stopping in front of Gabe. He grabbed his arm and pulled him away from the girls, who grabbed each other in fright.
"You, will be turned." James smirked.
"And you two," Laurent said throatily. "Will be killed." He directed his words at Alyssa and Adrianna. They screamed when James tilted Gabe's head back.
"Wait!" Gabe cried, and James let go of Gabe's head. "Yes?"
"Please. Please," Gabe gasped, looking back at Adrianna and Alyssa on the floor. "Please let us go."
"We can't do that-!"
"Then take me!" Gabe shouted, interrupting James. Gabe's chin shook, but he thought off the trembles and forced himself to stay strong. He had to, for Alyssa and Adrianna.
"We plan on it." Laurent smirked.
Gabe sobbed. "Take me. And please, let them go." Gabe looked to Alyssa, who was shaking her head.
"No," Alyssa choked out through her hoarse, tearful voice.
"Please." Gabe repeated. James looked at the girls. Both of them were shaking their heads at the floor and crying.
James looked to the girls and back to Gabe, who was now on his knees pleading. "Please, I promise I'll go willingly. And I'll do whatever you say. You don't want them. No please-!"
"Let them go Laurent." James grinned, enjoying the sight of the two girls clawing each other. When Laurent tried to separate them.
"But James-!"
"I said let them go." James grinned. Laurent released them and they fell to the floor.
"We really don't have much time." James sighed, gesturing towards La Push. "I believe they've already figured out there's a problem."
Alyssa looked towards the forest, trying to sense where they were. Gabe sighed in relief when the girls were allowed to stand.
"Move, that way." James pointed towards La Push. The girls faltered, looking at Gabe.
James smirked. "I don't think so. A deals a deal." Alyssa and Adrianna, stricken with fear, backpedaled slowly, their eyes on Gabe all the while. He nodded at them, warning them to stay back. Neither willing to turn their back on the vampires, or Gabe, they couldn't help walking with their heads turned back at him. When they broke through the trees, Victoria uttered a warning that if they didn't start running, the deal would be off.
They started sprinting towards the treaty line. "Oh my god!" Adrianna screeched after a full minute of running. They both leaped over thru creek, landing on the rocky slide.
"Call for help!" Alyssa sobbed. She looked back. "We still might have time to-!"
Gabe screamed in agony, a long, blood curling scream that sent a shock to their brains, and shivers to their veins.
"Help!" Alyssa screamed, running towards La Push. Adrianna followed her, screaming almost as loud as Gabe, who was sobbing and shrieking in agony.
"He sounds like he's in hell!" Adrianna screamed, leaping over a fallen log. Alyssa followed her closely. "That's where vampires go! It's supposed to burn really bad! Help!" She screamed. They turned into a clearing, but stopped.
"Jared!" Alyssa exclaimed in relief. She didn't realize tears were pouring down her face until the breeze blew on them. Jared was standing with his back turned to them, leaning against a large boulder.
"Jared!' Adrianna yelled, running forward. Alyssa hurried to follow, but hesitated. "Adrianna... I think something's wrong. We have to get help." She said, but could no longer hear Gabe's screams. They were cut off like a cord on a radio was cut off, drowned out fast and died.
Halfway to Jared, a figure stepped out from the boulder, and stood next to Jared. Alyssa crashed into Adrianna, but neither of them fell. Jared turned to the figure slowly, a wicked smile on his face.
"Edward Cullen." Alyssa whispered, watching Edward grab Jared's shoulders. Jared raised his wrist, and Edward grabbed it. He held it delicately to his lips and inhaled his scent.
"Run Jared!" Alyssa screamed, running forward. Edward bared his teeth, and Alyssa froze in place at the look of extreme happiness and pleasure as he was bitten. He didn't scream or shriek like Gabe, instead growled. His features contorted like wax, melting to reveal a more sculpted, marble like face. Adrianna leaned against Alyssa, watching with a look of slight awe as Jared's eyes turned blood red. They didn't fit him. Alyssa watched as Edward stepped back, revealing Mikayla behind him.
"She wasn't there a second ago, right?" Alyssa asked Adrianna. Adrianna shook her head no, watching Mikayla walk forward to grab Jared's shoulders. Edward placed a hand on either of their backs, pushing them together lightly.
"Gross." Alyssa whispered as she watched Jared and Mikayla kiss. She always felt weird watching the two of them together. They had love, something that felt very private when expressed with each other. Alyssa breathed a sigh of relief when they broke away from each other.
Mikayla leaned back lightly, her facial expression unknown. Alyssa watched as Mikayla licked her lips. Jared's head darted forward to kiss her neck. She didn't say anything when he bit her. Alyssa glanced at Adrianna, who seemed, amused.
"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" Mikayla shrieked Gabe's agonized scream. His screaming started up at the same time as Mikayla's, and Alyssa and Adrianna joined them as they were startled.
Alyssa screamed long and hard as she realized hands were on her shoulder, shaking her.
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLYYYYYYYSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!" Adrianna screamed with her. She was planted on top of her, Alyssa woke up in her bed and realized quickly that Mikayla's screams were her own.
Her bedroom door smashed open as Jacob ran in, Bella right behind him. Adrianna looked at them, climbing off of Alyssa with an amused look.
"Are you alright Liss?" Jacob asked, hurrying to her bed side.
"Yes." She muttered, blinking. "No." She climbed out of bed and ran into the hall. Two doors down, she opened Jared's door and ran inside.
Jared laid with his arms folded behind his head. He was dressed in a plain black t-shirt and a pair of cargo shorts. Mikayla was also beside him, already dressed for work and ready to leave. Her head laid on his chest as she sat with her headphones on her ears.
"What?" Jacob asked, grabbing Alyssa's shoulders. "Nothing." She looked again as Jared moved in his sleep, his arms lifting and curling around Mikayla, pulling her closer. "I just had a bad dream."
Jacob shut the door, putting his hand on Alyssa's back. She looked a little sick, so he carried her back to bed. Alyssa frowned, her dream giving her a weird feeling that something was wrong... But everything seemed normal.. At least Jared seemed okay.
(A/N: Sorry for the long wait, but so many things have changed and happened. I haven't wrote for so long. I'm going to go over Jared's visit to the Cullen's next chapter.
Love,
BellatrixRemairaBlack.)