7) The Room Stood Still

Brooklynn kept me up all night telling me about Jacob and his friends but nothing could have prepared me for what I saw when I entered the tiny kitchen. Standing before me were 9 Quilete men, if they could even be considered merely human, that could put any model you have ever seen to shame. They all had those same gorgeous mocha eyes and deep black hair of various lengths. If it wasn't for the small differences in their facial features they could easily be mistaken for brothers. It was like I had walked into and art exhibit were all the bronze god-like statues have come to life. I was just about to snap out of my daze when I locked eyes with him. There he was the same exquisite guy from the store, Embry, leaning against the back door just staring at me. My mind was telling me to look away, trying to remind me I was in a room full of strangers, but I couldn't tear my eyes away. My heart started beating in away it has never known before, it was as if someone sneaked into my dreams at night and made them real in the form of Embry. If I had my way I would've spent the rest of the day staring into my own little piece of heaven but my sister's not so gentle pull on my arm brought me back to earth.

"Everyone this is my sister Ashlynn, Ashlynn this is everyone." She then proceeded to point them out individually, the six sitting at the table were Brady, Collin, Seth, Paul, Jared and Leah. Kim, Jared's girlfriend, was standing behind him with her arms around his neck and next to her was Quil leaning against the window. Sam and Emily were leaning against the counter, Emily was beautiful even with the scars that pulled at her face, seeing them instantly made me grab at my stomach.

Jacob was of course the one on the other side of Brooklynn with his arm around her waist. The last one, of course, needed no introduction, he was the first and only one I really noticed in this room full of people.

"Well hello everyone! It is so nice to finally meet you, I have been hearing about you nonstop sense last night." Finally they all were able to pick their jaws up off the ground and immediately started talking all at once, of course wanting to know how this happened. It was Brooklyn that was able to get them to calm down enough to listen.

"OK so I know you guys are shocked but just imagine how I felt when I found out I had a twin sister I never knew about. I should have told you sooner but I needed time to process the fact." She then went on to tell them the whole story, about when we were born, about my father and how he died, and how I was living with her now. After seconds of her finishing they were already coming up to me and giving me hugs and welcoming me to the family.

"Whew, now that all of that is taken care of, how about we sit down and have a nice relaxing breakfast." Emily's voice was so gentle and sweet, I couldn't help but feel at home. With cheers of agreement, Emily puts enough food on the table to feed a small country. "Brooklynn why don't you explain the rules of food in this house with your sister."

"Oh yeah, Ash with this group if you expect not to starve you have to get your food first, so dig in." Laughter filled the room at once as I filled my plate with pancakes and bacon. "Well it looks like the table is already taken so come on Jake and Ash lets go eat in the living room." I turn to follow out of the room when I hear his voice, this is the first time he has spoken sense I met him, but somehow I knew it was him.

"Wait, I'll join you guys." Embry grabs his monstrous plate and walks with us into the other room. We all sit on the floor around the coffee table and start eating in silence. When we were just about done, it was Embry that spoke first. "So Ashlynn how do you like it here so far?"

His voice is like a drug for my mind that makes it almost impossible to form coherent sentences. " Um, uh, yeah I like it very much actually. It is just so beautiful, I can't wait to see more of La Push."

"Well maybe after breakfast I can give you the grand tour, I mean if you want. Or Jacob and Brook can come with us too, whatever you want." The way he stumbled over his words were so adorable I couldn't help but laugh under my breath. I looked over at Brooklynn for some sign as to what I should do and she just smiled wide and gave me a little nod.

"That sounds great Embry, and no I don't think we need to bring the babysitters. Besides I kept Brook away from Jacob enough yesterday, I think I would rather not have to witness how they make up for it today." My teasing must have been infectious because soon the rest of the gang was coming out of the kitchen to join in on the banter. Brooklynn told me before that Paul was the joke-ster in the group so it only seem fitting that he would start in first.

"Yeah, trust us Ashlynn you really don't want to see that."

"Probably not but I am sure Embry wants to show her," Seth decided to chime in. The room started to roar with laughter as Embry tripped him up, sending him face first into the couch. "Oh come on Call, I am just trying to help you out, consider me your wing man."

"Seth, the only time I would need your help with the ladies is if I was trying to scare them away. Seeing as how I find Ashlynn rather interesting I would rather kept her around for a while, so if you want to help me, then shut up!" By this time everyone in the room was laughing uncontrollably, but I was too focused on what Embry just said. He found me interesting, what does that mean? Like he wants to get to know me or that I am odd and would just be funny to keep around, grrr why can't guys ever make sense. Wait, he did say he wanted me around, and when a guy that looks like him says that, I'll take it. "So Ashlynn, how about that tour?"

"That's ok Embry you don't have to keep Seth away from me, I don't scare easily!" As I tease him I notice a wave of relieve wash over him, as well as everyone else in the room, not sure exactly want it means. "But yes I am definitely ready to go get some fresh air." I stand up and start following Embry out the door but Brooklynn stops me.

"Have fun kids and don't stay out too late!" Everyone starts laughing again and I just roll my eyes and walk out the door. However I was too busy glaring back at my sister so I ended up walking into a wall, a extremely warm wall, only to look up and realize it was Embry.

"Oh sorry, first day on the new legs, you know how it is," I tried joking hopping he didn't notice the crimson blush spreading acroos my face.

"That's ok I can be stunningly distracting when I want to be." He responds with a cocky smirk.

"Oh really, I hadn't noticed!" I skip right pass him off the porch and start walking up the driveway. I am not about to let him find out just how true that statement is. When I think I have my face straight again I turn away. "So where to first oh fearless leader?"

"Um, I was thinking we would go to First Beach, it is my favorite place to go on the rare sunny days that we get here in La Push." Apparently he wasn't as quick to recover from my statement as I was. Good, it's about time he is the one wondering for a chance.

"Well then lets go slow poke!" Whenever I am around Embry its seems like another part of me takes over, like I throw caution to the wind. So without another thought I hold my hand out for him to take.