After the quick walk from the lobby to the gate, a flight attendant with fiery red hair ushered us into the plane. Most everyone was flying economy, so the first class section was almost empty. I had a whole row of seats to myself, and I definitely needed to be alone. I closed my eyes, trying to sort through the hurricane of my emotions. My mind drifted to earlier that day, before I left.
" Hey Ness!" called a familiar voice. I turned around and saw Jacob walking quickly towards me.
" Hey Jake! What's up? " I called after him. I felt the smile creeping across my face. I realized he didn't have his car nearby, so he must have come as a wolf. In the back of my mind, I wondered why he was at our house. He hardly comes anymore. The only time I ever saw him was down in La Push.
"I actually came to check on you. I haven't seen you in a while, and wanted to make sure you were alright. " Jake said. Oh. Right. I almost forgot the whole imprint thing. I knew what I was fixing to have to tell him, and I don't think he'll be happy. I knew, I guess I've always known, that Jacob could only be my friend. I would never see him as someone I love. I couldn't lead him on. I just couldn't. I took a deep breath and said...
" Jacob, we need to talk. "
" Um.. okay. " He said with question and worry in his voice. I started walking deep into the woods. We needed to get out of earshot. I knew that still didn't cover the whole mind-reading father thing, but we were making do. I turned around to make sure he was still following me. He was. Of course.
"Nessie," Jacob said softly, " I think we're good. " Oh. I didn't realized we'd walked over half of the forest.
" Okay. " I said. My voice was shaking a little, but that was nothing compared to the earthquake my body was experiencing.
" Renesme, you're really getting me worried... " Jake trailed off. I gulped and began to speak.
" Jacob, I-I know you love me..."
"Ness, I love you more than the world." I could hear how confused he was.
" I know and-and I love you too... but not the way you love me. " I searched his eyes looking for something, anything, that would let me know what he was feeling. I stood there looking at him for what seemed like ages. Then, he finally spoke.
" Oh. " He took a quick breath and then continued. " Ness, that's okay. You don't have to love me." His voice cracked and I couldn't think. I was completely clueless on what to do.
" I'm so sorry." I barely even said. I had no idea if he heard me.
"No." He said firmly. " Don't be sorry. I will always love and be there for you. I will be anything you need. A protector, a brother, a friend. All I want is for you to be happy. If you're not happy with me..." He sounded so strong, so bold. I already felt the tears in my eyes.
"Thank you Jacob. " I squeaked and quickly wrapped my arms around his neck. He held me tight.
" You know what? " Jacob asked.
"Hmm?" I said whipping away the cold tears from my eyes.
" You just might be the coolest blood-sucker I know. " He said with a warm smile across his face.
"Well, duh!" I said sarcastically and lightly punched him in the arm. He didn't even flinch.
" Let's head home, kid. " Jake said lightly. I just nodded and smiled, because I knew that was all I needed to do. He would accept me as I was. And I loved him because of that...