Disclaimer: I'm not Steph and I don't own the Saga
A/N: Okay, another chapter waaaaaay overdue I know; my apologies. I've just been busy with schoolwork and reading (btw, I reccomend the Vampire Academy series by Richelle Mead) that I didn't have time to type it out. My bad... =( Anyway, I better get back to typing out my Drama Essay. By the way, I'm dedicating this chapter to a friend of mine. Maus, this one is for you!
Chapter 8: An old Friend
Jake's arm lay lazily around my shoulders as we left the cinema, much to my father's disapproval. But my mum nudged him and whispered, "It was bound to happen sometime." She smiled at us and I felt a familiar warmth in my cheeks. Of course, Uncle Emmet wasn't shy about hiding his reaction.
"So, how was the movie?" he asked, wiggling his eyebrows.
"T'waz good," replied Jake. Then he added teasingly, "Though I think Nessie got a bit scared. Nightmares for weeks, I'd say, the way she screamed."
"Aww," cooed Emmet, "Well, at least you had Jake to protect you… I suspect a lot of…ahem… cuddling."
As my blush grew more ferocious at his words, Jake's face also started burning. But he covered up his embarrassment with a chuckle.
"So, where are we going?" I asked, wanting to change the subject.
"We're waiting for Alice, Rose and Esme," answered Jasper, "And knowing Alice, they've probably emptied half the stores by now."
We stood outside the cinemas, waiting for them to come back – but after a while I couldn't handle the staring of the humans. It made me feel so self-conscious, as if I had something on my face. Even though Dad kept reminding me that they were staring at my so called "beauty", I didn't feel any better. I had to get away, I had to. I looked around at the shops, trying to see which one would serve as the perfect sanctuary.
Among the coffee shops and clothing boutiques, I found a shop called "Exclusive Books". A Bookshop! Perfect. I won't get bored and people won't trouble me.
I was about to take off at full speed when Dad caught my arm.
"Walk normally," he whispered low enough for just me to hear. "Remember, humans aren't used to seeing people running at supernatural speeds."
"Where are you going?" asked Jake who couldn't read my mind. 'Want me to come with?"
"Nah, it's cool," I replied. "You can go with Emmet to that Video Game store." I noticed the two of them eyeing that shop with interest. "I'm going to that bookshop; you'll get bored out of your mind."
"You sure?" he asked.
"Positive," I smiled.
Emmet, Jasper and Jake walked off eagerly towards the video game store as I, showing the same enthusiasm, stalked off towards the bookstore. I hoped Mum and Dad would be okay on their own…
As I predicted, everyone in the store were too busy reading to actually notice me. The smell of new books tickled my senses. I loved that smell – black ink and crisp paper. I wished they'd just keep the smell after a few years.
I glanced at the new books on the tables, but because they were crowded, I moved on to the aisles. Though I really loved to read them, at the moment I wasn't in the mood for non-fiction books, so I skimmed those aisles. I wanted to get lost in a fantasy world, where things are different and not as they seem – something I could easily relate to. Human dramas to me seemed foreign and strange – I never really understood how petty things could be so important to humans and how some could cheat on their girlfriend or boyfriend and not feel anything about it. Humans like that almost seemed …heartless. Of course Dad always contradicts that thought of mine. He says if Mum was like that, then I wouldn't be here. Okay, I suppose you do get exceptions.
I found a comfortable chair in the corner of the shop for myself and got stuck into a fantasy world, loosing myself among the pages.
"Hey beautiful," interrupted a voice. I looked up and groaned inwardly. One of the human boys who had been ogling at my mum and I had just come up to me. He had brown hair and blue eyes complimented with a dimpled smile. Behind one of the aisles, I could hear his friends whispering and trying to see if I responded to him.
"Hello," I replied as expressionlessly as I could. I didn't mean to be rude and as interesting as I found humans, I couldn't stand their ogling; and this boy's eyes were practically popping out of his head.
"So, what's a beautiful American lady like you doing in this dump?" he asked after he 'recovered'. "You are American, right?"
"That's right and I'm reading," I answered both his questioned dryly, "What does it look like to you?"
"Oh, I don't know, just trying to kill some time, perhaps?" he replied, "Waiting for your boyfriend? The big Indian who ran off to the video shop with your brothers."
Wow, humans were more observant than what I gave them credit for. He must have seen Jake, Emmet and Jasper. I thought carefully before I answered.
"Yes, I am. I'm waiting for my boyfriend to finish at the store," I replied, loving the 'boyfriend' in reference to Jake sounded.
'So I guess that means that there's no chance in me getting your number?"
I raised an eyebrow. Did he honestly think I was interested? "I –"
"I'm sorry, but is this man bothering you?"
I spun around; the voice sounded vaguely familiar. Another young man, his skin rich in colour, black hair braided and dangerous teak-coloured eyes, stood next to us; his eyes moving swiftly between the boy and me. An early memory of my "childhood" reminded me who this was; Nahuel.
"No Nahuel," I replied, "In fact, he was just saying goodbye, weren't you?"
I flashed the boy a fake smile but my eyes flashed dangerously in his direction, showing my true feeling. He must've got the message because his eyes widened in shock and he back away, not bothering to say goodbye. I turned back to Nahuel who was surprised I recognized him.
"I didn't realize you'd recognize me after these past few years," he said quietly, "How have you been?"
"Good, I guess," I replied, "and you?"
"No complaints," he said, his tensed composure relaxing a bit.
"Nessie, there you are."
Mum, Dad and Jacob walked around the aisle. Dad and Mum recognized Nahuel and smiled, but Jacob's eyes narrowed and (perhaps I imagined this) his body quivered for just a second. He was getting a tad bit angry.
I couldn't understand why though, I mean I was just reading till that boy came and disturbed me. If it hadn't been for Nahuel, then he probably would have still been pestering me…
Ah, Nahuel. That was the reason.
"Nahuel, it has been a while," Dad greeted.
"It has indeed," he replied, "If I may ask, what are you doing here in South Africa?"
Mum chuckled, "We're here on vacation, seeing that Nessie and Jake have a month left before school starts. And you?"
"I was invited by an old friend to come and visit. I haven't seen him in a while."
"Are you here with Huilen?" inquired Dad.
"No, she is back home," Nahuel replied.
A few more quivers shook Jake, something which I shouldn't allow to happen. I shifted towards him and put my palm to his face, sending him an image of Nahuel not harming me. I put my arm around him and leaned my head against his shoulder. Hesitantly, he put his arm around my shoulder, kissing my forehead.
"The others are waiting outside the store for us," he murmured.
"Yes, and I think Carlisle would be very happy to see you, Nahuel," said Dad, "Do you mind stepping out with us for a minute?"
"Not at all," he replied, following Dad and Mum, who were heading towards the exit. I took a step towards them, but Jake kept his feet planted to the ground. He turned and faced me, his eyes burning with concern.
"You sure you're okay?" he asked. "What about that other boy who came earlier?"
"Hey, how do you – "
"Your dad told me," he interrupted.
"Right," I groaned. He couldn't let me keep one secret, now could he?
"Well?"
"It was some human who wanted my number, but I practically ignored him. You're not jealous, are you?" I teased, hoping to ease the tension. I must've worked, because his shoulders relaxed a bit and the corners of his mouth twitched into what looked like a hidden smile.
"Me, Jacob Black, jealous?" he smirked, "I don't think so." He pulled me into a brief bear hug and led me towards the exit.
When we left the shop, I saw the rest of the family sitting on some benches. Carlisle was in a deep conversation with Esme, Dad and Nahuel; Alice was showing Mum, Emmet and Jasper all the clothes that she'd bought; there were two trolleys full. Emmet had his arms around Rosalie, whispering something in her ear. She chuckled, slapping him playfully on his arm.
"Nessie!" exclaimed Aunt Alice when she saw me, "You won't believe all the clothes I got you!"
I groaned, causing everyone to laugh. Knowing Aunt Alice, she'd probably make me model all my clothes this evening.
"So what would you two like for supper?" asked Esme, "or should I say three. Nahuel will be joining us; anything you want in particular?"
Jake's relaxed frame tensed again for a brief second, but relaxed almost immediately.
"Surprise us, Esme," he smiled. I suspected Jasper having something to do with Jake's sudden mood change.
"I'm not fussy," added Nahuel, "What time shall I come over?"
"Round about seven pm?"
"Sure," he replied, "I'll see you all later. Bye Nessie." He smiled at me briefly before disappearing through the crowd.
"Can we leave now, please?" I pleaded. "These humans are starting to freak me out." Just as I had anticipated, the ogling continued as Jake and I left the bookstore. Talk about stalking…
