Thank you all for your wonderful reviews! I really appreciate it.
And thank you especially VampireNick009 for your review. That is exactly what I'm trying to convey, believable characters. Because I, like you, have found many unbelievable Jacob/Nessie stories. I'm trying to stay true to canon as much as possible.
Disclaimer: I own nothing.
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Black Dawn
Chapter 11--School Sucks But Family Makes it Better
Jacob's POV
Sliding into the sleek black interior of my Vantage, Alice crawled gracefully into the backseat while Jasper slid into the passenger seat. Clicking the button on the automatic garage door opener in my visor, I started the purring engine of my beloved car and waited for the door to open all the way before I peeled out of the garage.
Making my way up the driveway at seventy miles per hour, Alice dug in my discarded backpack and pulled out my schedule that I had shoved into the flap of the bag.
Looking over my schedule, I glanced in the rearview mirror just in time to see her beam, showing off her sharp teeth.
"We all have four classes together and lunch!" She said enthusiastically, practically bouncing in her seat again. "Myth and Ritual, Spanish 1, Calculus B, and World Geography."
Raising an eyebrow, as I got to the highway, I pressed my foot down on the accelerator, reaching speeds of one hundred and ten miles an hour, I asked, "This might be a stupid question, but why are you guys taking Spanish 1 when you're fluent in it and why aren't you two in Trig?"
Jasper chuckled. "Our transcripts show that we haven't taken any foreign languages and so on. We thought it would be best for us to stick together as much as possible, just in case there's trouble."
I saw a weird flash in his eyes as he mentioned trouble and I knew he was thinking about his iffy control on his hunger. Though we knew we had nothing to worry about. Ever since Bella became a vampire and showed us her amazing control, Jasper has been thinking about self-fulfilling prophecy and he has become a lot better with his control. Plus, he and Alice hunted all day yesterday.
Eyebrows furrowing, I tapped the steering wheel. "So you two are dumbing it down for me?"
Alice laughed her bell chime laugh and patted my shoulder. "Don't worry, we don't mind. After all, we're only going to be at that school for a few months."
I scowled and focused on the road. It was completely silent in the car besides our breathing, until I broke the quiet.
"So I'm guessing the class Myth and Ritual is a joke, right? I mean, why take it when we're living it?" I snorted, rolling my eyes.
Alice shrugged. "Nah. It was just the only English class that wasn't already full." She leaned back in her seat and closed her eyes. "Now shush. I need to concentrate. I need to be alert in case someone may know what we are."
For the past year, Alice has been trying o develop her fortune-telling skills. Especially when she couldn't see Nessie, but it was bigger then that.
Not long after our confrontation with the Italian bloodsuckers, her line of vision shifted when it came to the Cullens and the humans they were close to. Of course, this was the half-breeds fault, however, instead of her visions just fading out when it came to the wolves and Nessie, her visions became foggy.
No one knew why this was happening, but Alice has been working at it ever since and I guess these things were getting clearer, even the wolves, which fascinated Carlisle. He thought that the longer she was around us the more attuned she becomes and the fact that everyone we were close to go foggy was because we were becoming more intertwined with their lives.
It was interesting, because Alice could see other things clearly. She could see the Volturi clearly and the Denali vamps and others, but not us.
We were hoping her visions would get clearer soon. Alice especially hopes. Though she doesn't show it, the lack of clear visions makes her extremely frustrated and angry. You should have seen her when she first discovered this. She was in a flying fury reminiscent of a tornado. Just as destructive, too.
It was actually a bit funny as long as you didn't get in her way. Hell hath no fury like a pixie scorned.
Entering the town of Hanover, Jasper told me how to get to the high school, since Alice was still in deep concentration.
Pulling into the student parking area, I peeled into a parking spot. Turning of the engine, I took a deep breath and slid out of my car to join Alice and Jasper.
Looking up at the school, I saw that it was many times bigger then the school I went to on the rez. The building was brick clad and three stories high.
Shifting my backpack, I glanced around the nearly full parking lot and saw everyone staring at us. I steadily and icily looked upon my peers. Most were clad in thick winter coats and wool hats and scarves and gloves and looked rather preppy like the stereotypical New Englander. But none of them looked very rich. Most of the cars in the lot looked like used American brands.
Great, I already stood out. I just pulled up in a very expensive car, wearing designer clothing, and the only form of protection from the cold I was wearing was a thin leather coat (not like it mattered. I could stand out here butt naked and still be completely comfortable). Not only that but so far as I could see I was the tallest person in the lot and the only full blooded Native.
God, I had really hoped I wouldn't stand out, even though that thought was futile. I stuck out like a soar thumb and no matter where I went I'd get the same affect: Stares.
However, I had an advantage. My height and mass intimidated people so all I had to do was look at someone for them to look away.
Making our way to the school entrance, Alice's head held high and there was a skip in her steps. Jasper was like always a little too stiff in posture and I had my head down, hands in pocket.
As I walked to the school I breathed in and once again couldn't taste the briny scent of the ocean on my tongue. I had become disappointed every time I breathed in the outside scent here. Instead of the familiar smells of briny sea, sodden earth, moss covered trees, and a coming inevitable rain, I smelled snow and dirt and pine.
Walking into the brightly lit fluorescent school, we went into the office by the entrance. No one else was in the office besides an older blue haired, plump woman sitting behind a desk.
Alice was the first one to speak when we approached the desk.
"Hello, we're new here."
"Names?" The blue haired woman asked, not looking at us.
"Alice Whitlock, Jasper Hale, and Jacob Black," Alice answered.
At that the woman looked up and her eyes widened in shock as she took us in. Staring at us for a solid minute, she finally shook her head and said, "Hello, I'm Mrs. Cooper." She grabbed some papers off her desk and each handed us a couple sheets. "In every class have your teacher sign the slip and at the end of the day return them to me." She paused for a second, looking at all of us again, before adding, "Have a good day, dears."
We all nodded and smiled and slipped out of the room into the ambling student body.
Walking down the hall, gazing down at the school map, I ignored the conspicuous stares and whispers and giggles as we passed. Comparing the map to my class schedule, I found where my first class, woodworking, was located.
First floor, way to the back of the school, room 150.
Warning bell ringing, we bid each other good-bye. Alice and Jasper disappeared up a set of stairs hand in hand while I headed in the opposite direction.
The halls were nearly empty as I made my way to class. Shoving my papers in my pocket next to my heavy wallet, the halls seemed desolate and the happy looking posters and flyers on the walls and lockers mocked my mood. Approaching the classroom my shoulders weighed heavy.
To be honest, the woodworking class was pretty much a joke and nothing to worry about. The class consisted of mostly guys who avoided my glance. The teacher was also a joke. He appeared to be a burnt out hippy who was content to let the class do whatever they wanted as long as it involved wood. So for the duration of the class I set about a new carving. This work was almost second nature to me.
The next class I had was Myth and Ritual which I shared with Alice and Jasper. After finding the classroom, I met them at the door.
"So how was your first class?" Alice inquired, gazing up at me.
I snorted derisively. "Lame," I answered, "The teacher looks like a burnt out pothead douche bag from the seventies and he lets us do whatever we want. At least no one's tried to talk to me yet."
Jasper chuckled and said, "It's probably only a matter of time." He patted me on the back as we entered the room. There was something about the way he said that that bothered me greatly.
Alice's laugh tinkled back to me.
In Myth and Ritual we were seated next to each other in the back of the classroom. The class was actually very amusing. The teacher handed everyone her syllabus and as predicted we were going to study vampires and werewolves and shape shifters among many other things. That day we started on vampires and I couldn't help glancing at Alice and Jasper and choking on my laughter. The only downside was that all the girls in the class kept staring at me for some unfathomable reason.
Our third class of the day, Spanish 1, was also amusing. Though I've never taken Spanish, Alice and Jasper were fluent. Since it was the first day of classes in the second semester, the teacher tested our Spanish skills and was totally miffed that Alice and Jasper clearly weren't beginners. Unfortunately as the teacher discovered, the rest of the foreign language classes were packed, so they would have to stay put.
By lunch, I was seriously fed up with all of the stares. What the hell was so freakin' fascinating? I wasn't the only new kid here. I wished these kids would just get a life.
While Alice and Jasper found a vacant table, I stood in line for lunch. As I stood waiting, I was slightly startled when I felt a tap on my arm. Turning around, I found a girl with long blond hair, blue eyes, and wearing clothes that were vastly inappropriate for school.
I immediately disliked this girl.
"Hello," she greeted, "I'm Ashlee and I was wondering if you'd like to join me and my friends for lunch?" She was playing with her hair as she pointed out a table full of ditzy girls.
I forced a smile on my face as I gazed down at this girl as I said, "Hi, I'm Jacob, but my family is waiting over there for me." I pointed to the table Alice and Jasper were occupying.
She followed my gaze and her eyes popped open and her mouth formed an O as she looked at the supernatural beauty of Jasper and Alice. Turning back to me after a minute, she said, "Oh, but if you change you mind you know where to find me." She smiled flirtatiously, batted her lashes, and went back to her table.
Disgruntled, I loaded my tray full of food, paid, and joined Alice and Jasper at their table.
Slamming my tray on the table and sitting down, I found that they were both laughing. Obviously, they caught the show.
Jasper bumped me on the shoulder and said, "I told you it was only a matter of time."
"What are you talking about?" I growled, twisting off the top of my soda.
Alice laughed. "He told you it was only a matter of time before someone approaches you. Honestly, haven't you heard what everyone is saying about you?" She eyed me skeptically.
I shook my head and said, "No."
"Well, listen then," she scoffed, shaking her head.
Looking around the cafeteria, I found many people staring again. Glaring down at the table, I focused in on what everyone was saying:
"Have you seen that Red, yet?" Someone whispered with a giggle. "He's over there sitting with that small pale girl and that boy who looks like he's in pain."
"I saw him pull up in an Aston Martin Vantage!"
"He's so obviously rich!"
"I heard he lives with the people he's sitting with. They're all adopted apparently!"
"God, they're all so beautiful!"
The last voice I heard belonged to that blond girl, Ashlee, obviously chatting with her ditzy friends.
"His name is Jacob," she gushed with a giggle. "Gosh, he is so hot and big! Do you think he's big everywhere?" She paused to giggle again and I blushed and gritted my teeth to her words. "He has the most amazing body, don't you think? Tall, dark, and handsome and rich! He's perfect and he's going to be mine!"
I forced myself to stop listening as I continued to grit my teeth. My hands were shaking.
Alice stopped smiling when she saw my reaction and came to my side. Laying a cold hand on my back, I shivered.
"Hey," she said, "Just ignore them. We're all getting the same reaction. For God's sake, Jasper's already been asked out! Just ignore it and pretty soon the people will be ignoring you."
My head snapped up at what she said and I stopped shaking. Eyeing up Jasper, I found that he was glowering and I couldn't help but laugh. Huge guffaws.
Jasper glared at me.
Alice rolled her eyes and sat back down. After a minute, she repeated, "Just ignore it." But I couldn't tell if she was speaking to me or Jasper or maybe to both of us.
"Sure, sure," I replied in between breaths.
The second half of the day passed pretty much like the first. Calculus B was boring, of course. I mean it is math, right? And math equals boring. My automotive class was exactly my cup of tea and World Geography was just a bust. And just like the first half of the day we were surrounded by stares and whispers. I ignored the whispers as much as possible, but some reached my ears still.
When school was over, I was very much relieved. I hated this school, but I reminded myself that I'd only have to face it for five more months, so that helped a lot.
Pulling into my parking spot in the garage and turning off the engine, we all got out and left the garage.
On our way back to the house, Nessie flew out the door and into my arms, yelling, "Jacob!"
Laughing, I kissed her cheek and twirled her around and then hugged her close, taking in her wonderful scent of vanilla and pomegranates. The scent calmed me greatly.
"How was your day at school?" She asked, still in my arms.
"Eh," I said, rocking my hand back and forth. "How was your day? Did your dad make you study all day again?"
She shook her head and laid a palm on my cheek. She was showing me her day.
She woke up shortly after I left for school and discovered my note. She ate the same breakfast I did, but once Bella saw her crestfallen face she and Edward decided to bring her to Boston and to an art museum. She focused in on all of her favorite paintings, showing them to me in detail. After the museum, he parents let her have a hamburger and fries for lunch and then they went back home where she helped Bella cook dinner. She wouldn't show me what they cooked.
She took her hand away as we walked into the house. Dumping my bag on the floor, I walked into the kitchen where Bella, Edward, and Esme were convened.
Bella and Esme were at the counter cooking dinner while Edward watched on, with his arms crossed, leaning against the wall.
I couldn't discern what they were cooking. I could make out the scents of beef and then something sweet with spices. The vampire scent clouded my sense of smell.
Turning away from the stove at my approach, Bella asked, "How was your first day of school?"
Setting Nessie down on the island counter, I said, "'Twas okay, I guess. I hated the stares and whispers, though. Hopefully it'll be better tomorrow."
Bella nodded. "I'm sure it will be."
"What are you making?" I asked, moving towards the stove in curiosity.
"Pot roast, potatoes, fresh green beans, biscuits, and for dessert an apple pie with vanilla ice cream," Esme answered with a smile, showing off her dimples.
"How…?" I began.
Bella came over and wrapped her arm around my waist and squeezed lightly, saying, "Edward told us it was your favorite."
"And that your mom used to make it for your before she passed on," Esme added. "We thought it would be nice, especially when Alice called and said you were having a bad day."
Slightly choked up, I said, "Thank you." I gazed past Bella to Edward meaningfully. He knew first hand that this move was hard on me so I appreciated his effort.
"There's no need for thanks, Jacob," Esme replied, "You're family now."
"Yeah," Nessie chimed, "You're family."
Smiling, I took Nessie up into my arms and kissed her cheek, saying softly, "Yeah, I think I see that now."
Shaking my head with a smile on my face all I could think about was family.
Family.
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Okay, this is the end of Part One. I hope you enjoyed the conclusion of Part One. Jacob finally accepts that he is family now.
I'd also like to say that the classes I mentioned are real classes you can take at Hanover High, though I don't think they have six classes per day, but four. However, I felt like adding six, just because I felt like it. I also have no idea how many floors the school has or what it looks like, this is just what I thought it would look.
I'm not sure when I'll be able to post the first chapter of Part Two. This weekend I'm going out of town so I doubt I'll be able to post. But I'll probably have something for you all by next Tuesday at the latest. And maybe I'll post to chapters, because I'm sure I'll write a lot this weekend even if I'm not going to be able to post.
Part Two will jump ahead seven months. Part One ended in January, so Part Two will continue on in August. It will also continue on in Jacob's POV and I'm still not sure how long Part Two will be. It will probably not be as long as Part One, though. So for now as I know, Part Two could be as short as three chapters or be as long as eight. We'll just wait an see.
Please Review, and I hope you enjoyed the conclusion of Part One!