Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight or song title.
CHAPTER 4: Indoor Living
"Amelia! Ay dios mío!" My mother's cry of relief was the first thing I heard when I entered the house. My dad and Charlie hurried from the kitchen. I noticed my dad's hair looked like he had run his hands through it to many times.
"Amy, where have you been? We have practically the whole town looking for you," My dad did look a bit mad, but the relief showed more.
"I'm sorry I should have called…"
"Should have called, of course you should have called. We believed you were hurt or dead. I don't know what was going on in your head," My mom scolded. The relief of me being home disappeared, making room for her anger. "Y-you're grounded. You're not to leave the house. I don't know for how long, but you're grounded."
"What?! You're not letting me explain myself. This isn't my fault," I practically pleaded.
"Amy we got home and didn't find you. We didn't know where you had gone off to. Who knows what could have happened to you," My dad tried to reason with me.
"I know, but you have to understand I didn't do this on purpose. I was walking home after school; I wasn't able to get a ride. Then when I was walking by the edge of the forest I heard a noise, like someone in trouble. I went in to see what it was. I know that was a stupid idea, but I really wasn't thinking. And when I was looking for the source of the noise I see this bear killing this person. I pretty much passed out after that. This guy found me in the forest and took me to a house," I explained. If I was expecting my story to quell any worries my parents had I was disappointed.
"Why would you do such a thing? I swear you don't think, ever," My mother yelled at me hysterically.
"I know Ma, I told you I wasn't thinking," I said trying to keep myself calm and not begin yelling back.
"There was a bear attack? That's strange there are no bears around here. Hopefully someone got out there to check on that," Charlie finally entered our conversation. "Who was this guy, Amy?"
"His name is Jacob Black. These two other guys helped too, Quil Ateara and Sam Uley. Jacob was the one who brought me home," I answered. At the mention of the names Charlie smiled.
"Ah, Jake always playing the hero. Should have known him and his friends would have helped. Why didn't I think of them?" I heard him mutter.
"So you know them?" I asked the obvious question. He nodded.
"Yeah, Jacob was my daughter's best friend," He answered. He then turned to my parents. "It was a good thing those boys found her. She couldn't have been in safer hands."
"Yes, but that doesn't excuse why she didn't come home sooner. She was acting irresponsibly," My mother argued.
"They invited me for dinner, Mom," I explained.
"It's fine, at least you're home now," Dad sighed. "Thanks so much for the help Charlie."
"Don't worry, it's my duty. Have a good night. And don't get into anymore trouble, Amy," Charlie said. My dad and he shook hands, and Charlie waved goodbye to my mom. I watched him walk out of the house with my dad. I could see them talking from the front window. My mom walked into the kitchen; I could hear her preparing some tea. My dad finally came in and I saw that he looked truly worn out.
"I am sorry, Dad," I whispered. The room was silent; it scared me. Then to my surprise my dad pulled me to his chest.
"I know Aims. But you have to understand that we were imagining the worst," He said as he gave me a quick peck on the head.
"I know Dad. So I'm grounded then," I stated. There was no way for me to get out of this. I was going to be stuck at home for a while.
"Yeah," My dad smiled at me before ruffling my hair. We went into the kitchen to join my mother in a cup of tea. That night I had a nightmare. In the morning the dream became hazing. The only things I remembered were a pair of scarlet eyes and the feeling of being strangled. I followed my morning routine thinking of what had happened yesterday.
I had enjoyed the time I spent at Sam's house, I felt comfortable. My thoughts couldn't help but drift to Jacob. His behavior was strange. I understand that saving me might have been an inconvenience to his hunting trip, but he had acted so cold. I pushed these thoughts aside and finished getting ready.
"So did your parents say yes?" Veronica nearly tackled me to the ground before class started. I jumped, letting out a gasp of surprise. I was distracted; Jacob Black wouldn't leave my mind in peace.
"Yes to what?" I asked deeply confused. Veronica just gave me a shocked look.
"What else were we talking about in lunch yesterday? The trip to the beach on Saturday," Veronica stared at me as I smacked myself in the forehead.
"Oh God, I completely forgot about that. I just- it's that- well Veronica I'm sorry, but I'm grounded," I stammered.
"Grounded, but why? You've only been here, what four days. In how much trouble could you have gotten in just four days?" Veronica blurted out.
"It's a pretty long story," I answered letting out a sigh. A little white puff of air appeared in front of my mouth. "I'll tell you in lunch." Veronica gave me reprimanding look before replying.
"You better." The bell rang and we made our way to first period.
"You're the girl that was lost yesterday, aren't you?" A melodious voice questioned from behind me. I turned to look at who had spoken. It was a very beautiful and petite girl, who sat diagonally behind me.
"Uh yeah," I answered. My whole first period was spent with people staring at me and whispering to their friends. I was guessing this was how the whole day was going to be spent. I was sitting in the Calculus class waiting for the bell to ring. There weren't many people in class yet.
"I'm Alice. It's a good thing they found you," She smiled at me prettily and I felt self-conscious.
"I'm Amy, and thank you I guess," I responded trying not to stammer. How did you respond to something like that?
"I know, and you're welcome," She replied. Then her friends arrived. I turned back to the front of the classroom. The beauty of the girl had surprised me as well as her friendly nature. I noticed the boy that sat diagonally behind her, and who she was talking to now, was just as beautiful as she was. The girl behind me was turned towards them, but was not paying attention to their conversation. I noticed that she threw me a few quick glances.
I was right about people staring at me during the day. It was like my first day here all over again. Right when fourth period ended Veronica dragged me to one of the girl's restrooms. Once again she caught me by surprise, but I didn't struggle.
"Ok why didn't you tell me that the entire town was out searching for you last night? Is that what got you grounded?" Veronica questioned.
"My answer to the first question is that I wanted to explain it completely to you. And yes to the second question," I said.
"So what happened?" She asked.
"Well the thing is that my dad texted me during art yesterday telling me neither he nor my mom could pick me up. I was going to ask you or Ryan for a ride, but by the time I opened the text both of you were gone. So I walked home. I was walking along side the edge of the forest when I heard this noise. I decided to go see what it was, it sounded like something was in trouble. What I found was this huge animal, I'm guessing it was a bear, pretty much eating this person. I fainted at the sight of the head in front of me," I explained.
"I woke up later to find myself in an unfamiliar house with three huge guys. One of them had found me in the forest and taken me to their house. When I woke up I began freaking out and all. They calmed me down and told me who they were. They then invite me for dinner. It was strange and all but they were really nice. I didn't realize that the time had flown by. By the time I noticed what time it was it was late. My parents were worried and furious."
"Oh wow, you had an adventure yesterday. You're fine now right?" Veronica asked. "You're not suffering from post-trauma syndrome or anything like that?"
"No I'm not. It was a big scare that's all, I'm functioning alright," I responded. "But I feel like I could function better if I got to eat. Let's go to lunch; I bet Ryan's wondering where we went off to." Ryan was disappointed to find out that I was not going to be able to go to the beach with them. I told him that they wouldn't miss me much anyways; I wasn't the greatest conversationalist when I was freezing cold. I preferred the indoors right now; it was too cold in Forks for me.
The rest of the week was uneventful, but then again nothing could top the excitement from the bear attack. My mom would be waiting for me right after school, and I would spend the rest of the day doing homework. Then came the weekend. Since I wasn't able to go to the beach Saturday I decided to begin working on a paper for English. Before long I became bored with what I was doing and decided to go downstairs for a snack. I found my dad on the couch shifting through many papers.
"What are you doing Dad?" I leaned over the back of the couch trying to look at the papers. My dad glanced up at me.
"Just looking at the bills," My dad answered as he let out a deep breath.
"Oh, well then have fun with that," I said as I went into the kitchen to grab something to snack on. On the table was a bowl of fresh fruit, I grabbed an apple and headed back upstairs. I sat on my bed and looked out the window. It was cloudy like always, hopefully it didn't rain on the group at the beach. Feeling inspired and not looking forward to writing about Hamlet, I grabbed my sketchbook and a piece of charcoal. I decided to go outside in the backyard for my little moment of sketching.
"Where you off to Aims?" My dad called as I passed him by.
"I'm going to go draw in the backyard," I called back to him before the back door closed. I got comfortable in the wicker-work couch we had in the backyard. I could feel the nippy air biting at my fingers and nose as I worked. Thank God I had two pairs of socks on. I was really into the sketch that when my dad called me the first time I didn't hear him.
"Hey, Amy! Amy! Amelia!" My dad kept on repeating. I was finally pulled out of my concentration.
"Yeah Dad?" I asked confused. My dad was leaning against the doorway.
"Finally, there's someone here to see you," My dad smiled at me before entering the house. I really was confused now. Veronica and Ryan couldn't be back yet. I didn't have any other friends here. I followed my dad inside and there in the living room stood Jacob Black.
"Hello Amy," He gave me a light smile.
"Hey Jacob, this is a surprise," I said.
"Yeah, well Quil wanted to know how things turned out for you," Jacob answered, his smile still on his face.
"Hey Dad is it alright if Jacob and I go in the back?" I asked.
"Yeah, but not for long," He responded. He had gone back to checking the bills.
"Come on," I indicated for Jacob to follow me with a nod.
"You have to ask your dad to go in the backyard?" Jacob quirked an eyebrow.
"With you, yeah. I'm under house-arrest at the moment," I answered.
"So you got into big trouble then," Jacob stated.
"Yep, but it's not too bad, I just can't go out," I shrugged as I sat in my previous spot.
"You did explain to your parents what happened," Jacob questioned.
"Yeah, but my mom was really angry with me not calling. But don't worry it's not like I have anywhere to go here," I looked up at him. Jacob nodded at what I said and stayed silent.
"You can sit down if you want," I patted the spot next to me on the couch. Jacob looked at the spot for a while before taking the seat. "You're not cold?" Jacob didn't have much on to protect against the cold, just a long-sleeved shirt and jeans.
"No, I don't get cold easily," Jacob replied. "Do you?"
"Yeah, I love the cold, but I have to wear like millions of sweaters and socks," I joked as lifted up my feet.
"Nice socks," Jacob commented amused.
"Why thank you," I boasted. I was wearing a pair of long socks that were striped in multiple colors.
"I'm guessing you're an artist," Jacob said suddenly.
"How'd you guess?" I asked. My question caused Jacob to laugh. He had a nice laugh, deep and husky, just like his voice.
"The sketchbook kinda tipped me off, as well as the pants," Jacob laughed again. I looked at my jeans that were splattered with paint and had a few rips here and there. They were an old pair of jeans.
"So why did you come here really?" I was curious to know his real reason.
"I already told you…"
"Yeah, yeah, I know Quil was wondering whether I got grounded or not. But if he really wanted to know he would have come with you," I remarked.
"I just wanted to see if you were alright, but Quil did want to know," Jacob confessed. I could only smile at his hesitance.
"Well in that case, I've been better. I was just taking a break from homework, doing some drawing," I said as I picked up my sketchbook.
"Are you any good?" Jacob asked softly.
"I think I'm decent, but everyone has their own opinions," I shrugged. I handed my sketchbook to him. "You can see if you want." He opened the book carefully staring at the first drawing. It was of a still life. Something I had done during class back in Yuma. He continued to look through the sketches. I watched him; his face was expressionless as he saw each one. He then stopped at one and I noticed his lips stretch into a small smile.
"Those are my best friends," I said as I snuck a peek at the drawing. It was one of the times we had a sleep over at my house. "From left to right it's Cecilia, Penelope, and Mel."
"This is very good," was Jacob's simple statement.
"Thank you," I replied. Jacob continued to flip through the sketchbook finally stopping at the last one, the one I was just doing before he arrived. He just stared at it. It was of a wolf in the middle of a clearing. The trees and foliage was the background.
"I was just drawing that one before you got here," I said as I looked at it too. Jacob stayed silent. "I think that it's turning out pretty good. I really like wolves, well actually dogs, but they're distant cousins or something like that. I always wanted a dog, but I was never able to have one."
"Why?" Jacob asked softly as he looked at the wolf.y
"My sister is allergic," I answered. "It's a shame 'cuz she likes them too."
"It is a shame," Jacob said as he closed the sketchbook and handed it back to me. My dad poked his head out at that moment.
"I was just making hot cocoa, do either of you want any?" My dad asked.
"Yeah, how about you Jacob," He nodded his head.
"Alright then it'll be done in a few minutes," Dad said before going back inside. We were quiet after that.
"I know this isn't really my business, but I was wondering where Emily got her scars. You mentioned them when you dropped me off," I asked, but feared I might have crossed a line.
"Oh, I guess you would be curious. Well she got them a while back, when Sam and she were first beginning to go out. She was mauled by a bear," Jacob said.
"Oh wow, and I was going on about the bear attack. That's terrible," I was shocked to say the least.
"You didn't know so don't feel bad," Jacob comforted. I nodded in understanding. I just couldn't believe sweet, kind Emily attacked by a bear. "Come on; let's go inside to check if the hot chocolate is ready." We headed inside to find my dad pouring the cocoa in mugs. A plate of Chips Ahoy was in the middle of the table. My dad took two mugs to the living room where I saw my mom watching television. Jacob and I grabbed our own mugs and sat at the table. I grabbed a cookie and dipped it into the hot chocolate.
"This is my comfort food," I said as I bit into the cookie. I was remembering the day at the diner, when I first saw Jacob.
"Comfort food?" Jacob quirked his eyebrow at me after having sipped from his mug. I nodded as I bit into my cookie and sipped from my own mug. My dad always knew when I needed a cup of hot chocolate to cheer me up.
"Yeah, don't you have one?" I asked Jacob as I watched him pick a cookie and bite into it.
"I find comfort in all foods," Jacob smiled around his mouthful of chocolate chip cookie.
"You're a typical boy," I replied which caused Jacob to chuckle. I didn't really understand this boy. The majority of the time I spent with he was completely silent, closed, not saying much when he answered my questions. He kept making me feel like I talked too much. Which I probably did, it happens when I'm nervous. But there were times, like right now that I was able to see another side. A side that was a little bit friendlier, more open.
"Just because I'm not picky?" He asked, incredulous. I only smiled at him. "Ok fine, I like eating Emily's muffins with a glass of ice cold milk. My mom used to make the best banana nut muffins in the whole state, but Emily's are a close second."
"She doesn't make them anymore?" I asked.
"What?" Jacob asked confused with my question.
"Your mom, she doesn't make the muffins anymore," I clarified.
"Oh, she passed away years ago," He mumbled. I really felt like kicking myself at that moment.
"I really know how to put my foot in my mouth at times, don't I," I grimaced.
"Hey don't worry about it. That was a long time ago," Jacob smiled at me encouragingly.
"Do you miss her?" I whispered. Jacob just stayed quiet. The atmosphere in the room became tense. I winced at my own stupidity. I thought of our earlier conversation and quickly changed the subject. "So have you ever had a dog?'
"I guess you can say I have," I noticed the corner of his mouth twitch. He seemed to be holding back a smile.
"What do you mean?" I asked. It felt like he was laughing at an inside joke. Jacob just smiled and stood up.
"Thank you for the hot chocolate, but I have to get home. Maybe we'll continue this later, any chance of parole?" Jacob grinned. His joke made me laugh.
"Right now I'm not sure," I chuckled as I walked him to the front door.
"See you later then," Jacob waved before walking down the walkway to his car.
"Bye," I waved at him. I went inside where my dad and mom were watching me.
"A new friend?" My dad asked a smirk on his lips.
"I guess you could say," I answered as I headed back into the kitchen. "He saved me remember?"
A/N: I forgot to mention in the beginning that the events in Eclipse happened a little sooner in my story. So what happened in Eclipse already happened much earlier in my story. Therefore Bella, Alice, and Edward are still in school. Please REVIEW!! I have over 600 hits and only 17 reviews, I'm disappointed. On another note, thanks to those who have read and to those who have reviewed my story.
