Chapter Five: Promises.
Part one.
Renesmee:
I awoke to an empty bed. It was still warm from Jacob's presence; who was now missing. I sighed. I wondered where he could have gone. The thought slipped my mind as I noticed my laundry hamper was overflowing with dirty laundry. Rubbing the sleep out of my eyes, I crawled out of my bed, and stumbled my way to the bathroom.
I looked at the horrifying girl who stared back at me. She had big bags underneath her eyes; sleep deprivation. Her hair was a mess. Her boobs were slightly falling out of her pink tank top, and to top it all off her lips were beyond repair. They were cracked in every which way possible. I grumbled when I realized this girl was me.
I used the toilet, and brushed my teeth before I climbed into the shower. I lathered the soap deep into my scalp, and took deep breaths of the rose perfume it gave off. I than washed my body with some Ivory soap. When I had completed rinsing my body of any excess soap, I carefully turned the water off. I stood in the shower dripping water off of my body, when a light knock came to the door.
"Renesmee?" Came my Father's voice.
"Yes Dad?" I answered.
"Are you okay? You've been in there for an awfully long time."
"Edward!" I heard my Mother hiss. "She's been in there less than half an hour. Leave the poor thing alone."
"That's a long time, Bella," he responded.
"I'm fine. Don't worry," I interrupted. "I'm just getting out now." It was quiet after that. I pulled the glass doors of the shower opened, and grabbed a big, yellow fuzzy towel. I wrapped it carefully, and skillfully around my body. Tucking a small part of it in the side. I took a risky glance at myself in the mirror.
I was skinny, and very pale. Pale... very pale. I could see my boobs outstretch beneath my towel. They were an average size. Not too big, and not too small. But... I was skinny to no end. It bothered me.
My hair stopped; dripping water droplets to the floor, my mid back. It was curly even when it was wet. Oh I loathed it. But, today I loved it. It was not wavy, nor poofy; but all in beautiful curls; ringlets. I smiled contentedly as I exited the bathroom and crossed the hallway to my bedroom. I opened my walk in closet Alice had hoaxed my mother and Esme into. My mother had protested, but Alice can be pretty demanding at times. I somewhat enjoyed the closet. Alice insisted I buy all new clothes to restock my closet But, being like my mother, I would have rather wash my clothing, and wear it more than once.
The left side of my closet was all drawers and shovels. Consisting of Pajama's, under garments, and the shelves full of any type of shoe possible. On the right side was a rack full of sweaters, dresses, and other fancy wear. At the back of the closet was another set of drawers which contained ordinary pants and t-shirts. In the middle of the closet was a glass table and a small black, leather sofa.
Walking around the table and sofa, I made my way to the back of my closet. I sighed when I pulled open a drawer. Having a much laundry as I did; my drawers were still jammed with other articles of clothing. I pulled out a pair of gray track pants from one of the drawers closer to the left, and a black tank top from another drawer closest to the right. I pulled out some underwear and a matching red bra. I pulled my towel off, and pulled my clothing on. I grabbed a pair of white fuzzy socks from another endless drawer, and pulled them on my cold feet. I walked over to my shoe racks, and grabbed a pair of my white Skechers. I strapped them securely to my feet, and exited my closet.
Forgetting about accessories, I walked over to my desk and sat into the chair. I brushed all of my hair back out of my face, and swept it up into a messy bun; curls sticking in every which way. I escaped the chair, and looked around my room. I had yet to make my bed; so I did. I fluffed every pillow, and smoother every wrinkle from every sheet and blanket.
I tidied all the shelves in my room; removing every piece of dust visible to my eye. I turned the lamp off beside my bed on the left bed stand. I removed the glass cup from the right, and returned it to the kitchen; placing it carefully into the sink.
"Renesmee?" my Father called.
"Yes, Dad?"
"What are you doing today?"
"Well," I began my day plans. "I'm going to finish cleaning my room, than I have some laundry I have to take over to the laundromat. Why?"
"I'm just curious... Why don't you wash your clothing at Grandma and Grandpa's?"
I hated when he referred Carlisle and Esme to 'Grandma and grandpa.' It was an understatement to their role in the clan. "I need to get out of town, Dad," I stated.
"Why?" he questioned me. I stared at him, as he glared back at me in the kitchen.
"Because... I don't know. I just want to be alone. Is that too much to ask for?" I replied angrily.
My mom took that moment to enter the living room/kitchen. "Edward," she said in a pleading voice; placing her hand on his chest. "She'll be fine... Let her be. She will be fine to go do some laundry on her own. Stop being so over protective."
My father looked at me, nothing but frustration in his eyes. "Fine," he finally agreed through clenched teeth.
With that, I returned to my room. I emptied my hamper into a few baskets, and put them at the front door. "Mom?" I called, looking around for her presence. Gracefully, she appeared by my side.
"Yes darling?" she chirped.
"Can you help me bring these over to the house to put in my car?" I asked.
"Sure," she smiled. Picking up two of the baskets. I picked up the last one, and we escaped our small cottage of a house. When we arrived at the house, my mother helped me throw the baskets into the car.
"Shit!" I blurted. My mom's head instantly snapped in my direction. "I forgot my ipod," I stated.
"Don't speak like that," my mom scolded me.
"Sorry," I apologized; ashamed.
"It's fine," she responded. "Let's go back to the house, and you can get your ipod."
"Okay, thank you Mom." My mom smiled, and we both raced back to the cottage. I entered the house, grabbed my ipod and headphones, and quickly ran back to the house. I climbed into my car, and turned the keys into the ignition. The air conditioner instantly hummed silently into life, and the stereo turned on as well. I pulled my seat belt over my body, and opened the garage door with the click of a button. The door opened slowly... too slow.
When it had finally opened, I pulled out of the garage, and drove down the long drive. I drove my way into Forks, and stopped by Grandpa Charlie's. I wasn't expecting him to be home, but surprisingly he was.
As I turned off the engine to my car, I climbed out of the car and made my way up to the step's. I knocked two light taps on the front door. Two minutes later, Charlie opened the door.
"Renesmee!" he said my name like he hadn't seen me in forever. Okay... Two months. Long time. Gotcha'.
"Hey Grandpa!" I greeted him. He opened the door, and invited me in. I instantly wrapped him up in a sweet embrace. "I missed you soo much!"
"I missed you too!" he replied in my hair. As he let go, he asked, "where are you off to today on this unfortunate rainy day?"
I sighed; it was always rainy in Forks. "It's always rainy in Forks, Grandpa," I giggle lightly. "But, I'm off to the laundromat to do some laundry," I said, twirling my keys around in my fingers.
"I see..." he said awkwardly. "Why don't you join me for dinner at the diner tonight?" he asked.
"Uhmm..." I hesitated. "I suppose I could," I said, giving him a smile full of teeth. I didn't have any plans tonight. Plus, I hadn't seen Charlie in a long time. "I'll be there at five," I said, glancing at my cell phone. It was just hitting noon.
"Sounds good, I'll be there as well," he responded sitting down into his chair. The television of course had a sports program going.
"Well, I guess I'll let you get back to your game," I broke the silence. "I'll see you later tonight."
"Sounds good Ness."
"Okay, see you later Grandpa!" I waved as I exited the house. I pulled on my seatbelt in the car, and turned the keys back into the ignition. I made my way to Port Angeles and found the closest market store. I hadn't known all my way across Port Angeles yet. I climbed out of my car, my wallet, and head phones in ear. I hummed lightly to the beat of the music as I entered the super market.
I found my way to the section of laundry detergent and bounce sheets. I picked up a small twenty load bottle of Gain; vanilla. Accompanied by a box of Bounce sheets. I scanned the rest of the store, when I was interrupted by a young man.
"Do you need help finding anything? He asked politely, interrupting my tunes.
I pulled out the right headphone. "No thank you," I smiled.
"Are you sure? You look kind of lost," he replied.
"I'm fine, thanks. Just looking around." I put the headphone back in my ear, and continued to hum to the beat as I walked down all the Isle's. I grabbed a bag of Oreo's last minute, and stood in line for the check out. I put my things down onto the check out counter and waited patiently for the cashier to ring my things in.
"That's twenty-two dollars, and seventeen cents," she said.
I nodded, and opened my wallet. I notice I had no cash, so I pulled out my black, platinum credit card and passed it to the clerk.
"Renesmee Cullen?" she asked. I nodded, slightly annoyed that everyone was slightly fascinated by our last name. She slid the credit card through the slot, and returned it to me. I put it back in my wallet. She bagged by things as my receipt printed. She passed me the recipt, accompanied by a pen. Signed my name skillfully, and returned the paper and pen to the cashier.
She put a smaller piece of the receipt into one of the bags, and handed them to me. "Receipts in the bag," she said, a smile on her face.
"Thanks," I said. As I was about to leave, the same boy who had stopped me in the aisle before, offered to carry my bags.
"Sure," I replied. I passed him the bags, and fled the super market as he followed behind. With a click of a button, I unlocked my car. "Put them in the backseat," I ordered.
"Sure thing," he responded. He opened the back door of the car, and put the things on the seat. I climbed into the drivers seat, and turned the keys in the ignition. "Have a nice day," he said, closing the back door of the car.
"You too," I replied absent minded.
"Uhmm..." he hesitated. I rolled down the window of my car, and turned the radio off.
"Yes?" I didn't have time for this.
"Can I get your number?" he asked hesitantly. Ugh. Freaking boys. Always, 'can I have your number?'
"Sorry... I don't give my number out."
"Oh, okay.." He just... walked away. I laughed really loud at his retreating form, and rolled up the window to my car. I pulled out of the parking lot, and drove to the nearest laundromat. I brought in each of my baskets of laundry one by one, and stacked them in front of a washing machine. On my last trip, I grabbed my bags of things from the back seat, locked the car and returned to my clothing.
Using three machines, I sorted my laundry into darks, colours and lights. I plugged my headphones into my ears, and began eating away at my Oreo's. After fifteen songs had gone by on my ipod, my clothes were finished washing. I changed them all over into dryers, and popped in some loonies.
As I waited for my clothing to dry, I continued to listen to my music. When it completed drying, I folded my clothing, placed them back into their baskets, and carried them back out to my car. I continued to listen to my ipod on the way home, and stopped for gas. I hated that everyone stared at my car; it was annoying. It's just a car people!
I looked at the time; 3:46. I had just enough time to go home, get ready and go meet Charlie for dinner. I sped home to the big house, and raced my baskets over to our smaller house.
As I entered with the last basket, my father greeted me. "Hello... How as your afternoon?" he asked, standing in front of me; eliminating the path to my room.
"It was fine," I said through my teeth.
"That's good... What did you do?"
"Edward!" I heard my mother scream from the bedroom. "Leave her alone! She's not a child! Now get in here, and help me finish this!"
"Yes Love," he answered, and left the room. I raced to my bedroom, and put away my clothes. I exited my room, and entered my parents.
"Mom," I interrupted their make out fest.
"Yes?" she asked, pushing my Dad off her; repulsive.
"I'm going out for dinner with grandpa tonight..." I told her.
"Why? Is something wrong with Charlie?"
"No, nothings wrong. I stopped by his house on my way to the laundromat, and he offered to take me out for dinner. So... I accepted his invitation."
"Okay dear, that's fine."
"Okay, thanks Mom!"
I was about to leave the room, when my mom interrupted, "Renesmee?" She was the only one to call me by my first name.
"Yes mom?" I answered, turning to face her.
"Jacob called for you while you were out."
"Oh... I'll go call him now. Thanks mom!" I waved to her, and found a phone.
I dialed Jacob's number.
"Hello?" Billy picked up a few rings later.
"Hey Billy! It's Nessie... Is Jacob around?"
Billy chuckled lightly before answering. "No, he's out planning something with the pack."
"Oh..." I said, slightly confused. Planning something? Jacob never, ever planned for anything. "Okay... Just let him know I was returning his call. And, I'm going out for dinner tonight with Charlie."
"Sure, sure," he replied.
"Okay, thanks Billy! Bye!" I hung up the phone quickly, and hurried off to my room.
I wore a mini jean skirt, a pink tank top, and a pair of white sandles. I let my hair down to flow halfway down by back. I put my bangs up into a duff puff, and put on a coat of mascara. Voila! Beautiful.
I grabbed my keys out of my bedroom, along with my ipod. "Mom?!" I called. "I'm leaving now!" I walked to the front door, and opened.
"Goodbye sweetheart! Be careful on your way back over to Grandma and Grandpa's!"
I rolled my eyes as I slammed the door. Esme and Carlisle were not 'grandma' and 'grandpa.' They were Esme and Carlisle. The leaders of our clan.
I drove quickly to the diner to meet Charlie. I wasn't sure what to expect; maybe him in his uniform. My estimation was correct. Charlie was waiting for me in the back corner of the diner, with his jacket still on. He must've went in quick after I left. Must have known I was coming over or something. Odd.
"Hey Grandpa!" I said as I took my eat across the table from him.
"Hey Nessie!" he responded. "How was your afternoon?"
"It was alright... Did some laundry."
"As you said," he chuckled. "Hungry?" he asked, pointing at the menus.
"When am I not hungry?" I laughed, picking up the menu.
"You got that right! What are you going to have?"
"I think I'll just have fries, thanks."
"Sounds good... I'll take the steak."
"Sounds good to me," I said, smiling and placing the menu back on the table.
A few seconds later, a waitress came around the corner with a pad of paper, and a pen. "Are you guys ready to order?" she asked.
"Sure are... One large fry," Charlie winked at me. "And, a steak for me please."
"Okay... Anything to drink?"
"I'll have a coke," Charlie answered.
The waitress looked to me next. "I'll have the same, thanks."
Charlie and I sat in silence as we waited for our food. "There's a surprise," Charlie finally blurted.
"Oh?" I replied, dumbfounded.
"Well... Jacob has a surprise I should say."
"OH!" I said louder. "What is it?" I recovered, trying to seem less excited.
"You'll find out sooner or later..."
"Charlie!" I said, stomping on his foot really hard.
His face turned purple. "Ow!" he grumbled, out of breath.
"Oh! I'm soo sorry Charlie! Is your foot okay?" I asked, frantic. I forgot how powerful I was.
"I'm. Fine." he grunted. "Really." I sat for a few minutes as Charlie's face returned to it's normal colour. "I never. Knew. You were. That. Strong," he breathed heavily.
"Sorry!" I apologized again, afraid I might have hurt him too much.
"I'm fine... You and your mother. You are both very strong; especially recently."
I had forgotten Charlie wasn't aware of our situation. He only needed to know the "need to know" parts.
"Oh... ha, ha..." I set off a fake laugh. "So... this surprise... What is it?" I hated to pry, but it was necessary; exceptionally necessary considering Jacob was involved.
"I can't tell you... You'll find out sooner or later," Charlie chuckled.
We were interrupted when the waitress brought in our food and drinks.
"Thank you," I said.
"Thanks..." Charlie responded to the smell of his steak. "Like I said Nessie," Charlie went on, cutting his steak. "You'll find out sooner or later."
"I pick sooner," I giggled, pouring some ketch up beside my fries.
"Hold your horses young lady... Don't get too ahead of the game," Charlie smiled, shoving steak into his mouth.
"Fine," I mumbled, shoving food into my mouth. I ate very quickly, anxious to get home.
"Well, thanks for dinner G. Pa!" I said.
Charlie's eyebrows shot up like rockets. "What did you call me?"
"Or, sorry... Grandpa," I corrected myself.
"Alright... Your welcome. I had a good time. Enjoy your surprise."
"Thanks," I said, giving him a hug.
"No problem... See you later Nessie!"
"Bye!"
I exited the diner, and ran into my car. It was raining; as usual. I drove usual on my way home with my air conditioner on. When I parked in the carport, I sat silently alone for a while. When I turned off the ignition, I went into the big Cullen house. I decided to say a hello to everyone; I hadn't seen them in a while.
I walked straight in, and had already grabbed attention from someone roaming.
"Nessie!" Alice squealed.
"Hey Alice!" I responded, but was cut off with a big squeeze. She later jumped on me in over excitement.
"How are you?" she asked when she finally climbed off of me.
"Not bad... Just waiting for my big 'surprise.' Even Charlie knows Alice!"
Alice just looked at me giggling. "Oh yes... Everyone knows! Why do you think your father is so tense?" Alice asked, bursting into another round of laughter.
"Huh?" It finally clicked... My Dad was on my case about some surprise that was for me. "What's this all about Alice? I need to know... Now!" I demanded.
"You'll find out shortly, don't worry sugar plumb! Just... go home, and wait patiently."
"Fine," I grumbled. "Good night."
"Good night!" She replied, kissing my forehead.
I stomped out of the legendary Cullen house, and raced home. I slammed the door on the way in to grab my ipod, and slammed it on the way out. I sat on the small swing in the backyard which hung from one of the tree's. The small piece of wood steadied my body easily.
I popped in my headphones, and pressed play. I began to swing lightly, and bopped my head to the rhythm of the music. I was interrupted with the sound of a cheap engine. I ripped out my earplugs, and looked around. I could still hear the noise, when a light tap hit my foot; to my senses. A toy race car moved back and forth, hitting me repeatedly.
I grunted, and noticed a piece of paper on top of the car. I hopped off of my swing gracefully, and ripped the paper off.
Written on the paper were big red hearts; everywhere.
I looked down at the race car again, and noticed a small, little, black box. I bent down lower to reach the box. I got down onto my knees in the leaves, and grabbed the box. My heart sped faster than usual. I opened the little black box, and there happened to be a little conversational heart.
"I love you." it read. A small tear ran down my cheek as I thought about Jacob. He must have sent this. But, I still didn't understand why my father was so tense about this. I searched the race car even more. Strapped inside the car, was another small box. I took it out as well. I opened it frantically.
"Keep going." I read aloud. This was rediculous.
"Jacob!" I yelled. "This isn't funny! It's childish!"
No answer.
I searched the car for more evidence. Another smaller box... I opened it. This time,there wasn't a conversational heart inside. But a small piece of paper. I unwrinkled the paper, opening it up to read the message.
"Get your keys, and get in your car." I read aloud.
"Are you freaking serious?" I groaned in frustration. I went into my house, grabbed my keys, and made my way to the big Cullen house. I went into the garage, and got into my car. Now what? I thought mentally. I turned the keys into the ignition, and everything lit up. Taped to the steering wheel was another conversational heart. This was ridiculous! The conversational heart read, "I still love you."
I laughed slightly. I'm having second thoughts about loving you, I thought. I rest my head on the back of my seat, and took a deep breath in. I finally took the time to look at the ceiling of my car. Another piece of paper. I wondered how I hadn't noticed it before, than again, Alice probably planted it there when I left. I ripped it off the ceiling of the car; pissed off.
"See you soon." Was all it said, along with some directions.
I followed the directions patiently. When I arrived, I was slightly confused. It was literally the middle of nowhere. No. Where. Got that? I stepped out of my car, and was watching as the sunset was setting. The sky was orange, and pink. It was beautiful. I closed the door as I took my keys out of the ignition. I sat in the long, blowing grass; in the middle of nowhere.
"Nessie?" I heard his voice. The voice of an angel.
I turned to see his angel like figure. "Jacob," I smiled.
He came and sat beside me in the blowing field. He pulled me into his lap, and I rested my head onto his chest. "So, this is the surprise?" I asked in a whisper.
"Not all of it... I have something else for you," he replied. He juggled me around in his big arms, and fumbled to get something out of his pocket. "Close your eyes, and open your hands," he demanded.
So I did.
Closed my eyes, and held out my hands. Something soft touched my skin.
"Open your eyes now," he commanded.
I did.
In my little cupped hands, was a small bag. A weaved little bag. Bull of strings.
"It's beautiful," I whispered, tearing up.
"That's just the outside," he said. "Open it.
I tugged on the little strings of the small bag, and opened the little purse like thing, and reached inside the bag. What my hands touched next, was cold. Circle like. Finger like. I gasped, and pulled my hand out. My lower lip spat out into a pout.
"Are you freaking serious?" I said my line; frustrated.
"Take it out," Jacob said, kissing my forehead. I still lay in his lap, almost falling through the space between his legs. Stupid tall people. Long legs. I thought.
I stuck my hand back into the small bag, and pulled out the ring. I shut my eyes, and squeezed them as tight as possible.
"Nessie, look at it."
"No," I said, still scrunching my eyes closed.
"Please?" he begged. I couldn't say no to that. Especially since he was kissing my head repeatedly, smelling my hair.
"Fine," I said stubbornly. I opened my right eye, taking precautions. Jacob sighed into my hair, and kissed me again. It was a gesture I'd die for...
I opened my other eye, and examined the ring.
It was silver, with a big emerald in the middle accompanied by diamonds. "What's this for?" I asked. It must have cost Jacob a fortune.
"It's for you, of course," he answered.
"Why?"
"I thought you deserved something special."
"Your special. And... mine?" I said, uneasy.
"Yeah. I guess. But, I thought I'd give you something else, a promise."
"Oh." I responded. A promise?
"And, it's special. And yours."
"I guess so," I said, putting the ring on my right hand. It was a small ring. I guess Jacob must have not wanted to get it too large. I put it on my pinky. "It's very pretty," I whispered.
"So are you," Jacob responded, nudging my hair with his nose again.
"Thank you."
"Your welcome."
I could smell Jacob. The smell of wood. It smelled wonderful. It smelled of Jacob.
"I have something else for you," he informed me in a hushed whisper. A light breeze danced across my skin, and sent a shiver down my spine. Jacob felt it, and squeezed me closer to his body.
"Do you?" I asked, a little chilled. I was still in my skirt, and tank top. My hair provided some heat.
"Yes... It matches your promise ring."
"Promise ring?" I repeated.
"Yes... it's a promise from me to you."
"Is it? What's the promise?" I asked.
"The promise is to love you forever, and after that."
"Okay... I think I like that promise," I responded, looking out at the sunset.
"I do too," he whispered, continuing to kiss my head. "Do you want the other part?"
"I suppose," I sighed heavily.
"Okay." He reached back into his pocket, and pulled something out. "It matches... To the best of my ability, and the jewelers. If you don't like it, I'll take it back and bitch. Okay?"
"I'm sure it'll be fine Jacob," I giggled lightly.
"Sure, sure... Open your hand," he commanded. So I did.
Jacob dropped a pair of matching earrings into my hand. They matched the ring. They had a small emerald, and they were silver.
"They're beautiful..." I said, tearing up again.
"Sure, sure... But, your gorgeous."
Jacob and I sat in silence for a long time. I stared at the earrings, ring and sunset as he took in the scent of my hair.
"I think we need to go... Before my Dad gets angry."
"Your fine... I already talked to your Dad."
"Oh?" I replied, dumbfounded.
"Relax," he said, kissing the top of my head again. My eyelids closed as I felt every piece of Jacob, and his radiating heat. "I love you," he whispered.
"I love you too..."
"Is that a promise?" he asked.
"You know it," a smile spread across my face.
"Good. I'll hold you to it..."
"Okay."
Suddenly, a loud ring came from my car. I jumped out of my skin nearly.
"Hold on!" I told Jacob.
"Okay," he replied.
I opened the door to my car, and crawled inside to look for my phone. The ring tone was extremely loud. When I located my phone, and looked at the caller display. Dad. I groaned, and opened the phone. "Hello?"
"Hi Nessie... Is everything okay?"
"Everything's fine Dad," I spat at him.
"Okay... It's after eight. You need to come home."
"Why?" I asked, hurt.
"Because I said so. Your probably tired," he answered.
"Fine," I said. "But, Jacob's coming with me."
"No, he's not... You come home right now missy."
"Whatever Dad... Where's Mom?"
"She's right here."
"Let me talk to her!" I ordered.
"Fine..." he gave in.
"Yes dear?" came my mother's voice.
"I'm only coming home, if you agree to allow Jacob over."
"That's fine darling," my mom said.
"Okay, I'll be home soon."
"Okay, good bye Renesmee."
"Bye." I hung up the phone.
"Jacob?" I called. "Let's go. I have to go home."
"Okay," he replied, getting up from the long grass. He got into the passenger seat of my car. It was a silent ride home, and a silent walk back to my house.
"Mom!" I called, entering the house. She came rushing to my side. "Guess what?!" I squealed, Jacob still behind me. "Actually, wait... Come in here with me first!" I said, still squealing pulling her into one of the bedrooms.
I pulled out the small bag Jacob had knitted for me, and brought it into my mother's sight. Her mouth dropped to the floor, and for the first time in my entire existence, I was scared.