A/N: O.K., so after this OH SO LONG WAIT (sarcasm), I updated once again. Finals week is coming up, so I wont even be looking at the book until it's over. ( May 3rd), and once I get done with that, I'll try to update more regularly until the book ends. :) Have fun!
Disclaimer: I don't own it, I do own Reina, Abby and Cassady though!
Chapter Twenty-Two-and I never knew the meaning of Christmas
Jacob slid back in the house silently, attempting to shut the door. It had just started snowing last night, giving the pack a nice reminder that Christmas just around the corner. It had been about 2 weeks since Reina joined their ranks, and brought another connection for the four girls that were already there. Jacob shook his head, as he thought back on the pranks, and torment the girls had been putting the boys through.
The Cullens had backed off Cassady and The Pack greatly, though the attitude is still there, giving Cassady much pleasure when she torments them. Lately, her morning sickness had increased, and caused her to stay in bed most of the day. Jacob had left this afternoon to get her christmas gifts, and the babies gifts, even though he had told her that he had to run. Sam had done the same, leaving those without imprints to actually run.
"Jacob?" Cassady called from their room, her voice filled with sleep, and the evidence that she had just woke up there.
"It's me baby. Give me a second, and I'll be in there, ok?" He called back, taking the gifts, and putting them in the babies room, under the massive pile of junk that had accumulated in that room. Jacob slid it underneath the spare bed in the room, and walked out, down the hall, and to his room.
Cassady laid on the bed, her face buried in the pillow, deep breaths being heard with Jacob's advanced hearing. The covers rested on her hips in a mess, leaving jacob with the sight of her back, where her shirt had lifted just so. Jacob smiled at the messy hair that was everywhere, and the spread out position that she had accomplished putting herself in.
She shifted, flipping her hair over to one side, and glanced at Jacob, with a frown. Jacob walked over to her, carefully climbing on the bed, attempting not to jostle her. Cassady waited as he curled up on to the bed, before shifting towards the abnormal heat that radiated off of him.
"How was patroling?" Cassady mumbled in to his chest, as she breathed in his manly scent. He needs to try out for the Old Spice Commercials. He always smells like what you would expect old dude to smell like. Cassady thought as Jacob shrugged.
"It was O.K., wish I was with you though," Jacob mumbled into her hair, sighing as he felt her snuggle closer.
"Suck-up," Cassady grumbled, as Jacob laughed at her.
"I am not a suck up, I just know what I miss." Cassady shook her head, as the phone rang, causing her to roll her eyes. She flipped over and picked up Jacob's cell phone to see it was Bella calling.
"Hello? Bella? Yes, Jacob's right here... No, I dont particularly feel like handing the phone to him..What is it that you need, and I can tell you his answer?" Cassady paused, tapping her fingers against Jacob's chest as he raised an eyebrow. " A Christmas party you say? Christmas is in four days... On Christmas eve? He's welcome to go if he wants... Tell your bitch to shut up... Yes, I know I'm Jacob's bitch so I have no room to talk... Look, you giant ice cube... Am I invited?... I kinda figured I wasn't... and I was right... Alright, whatever... Look, I'll let him know... Because he's lying right next to me... Because he doesn't care what I say to you...Yes, Bella, I will let him know that you want to see him... Alright, I'm not going to listen to you bitch at me all night... Sorry... BYE!" Cassady snapped the phone shut, and tossed it on the floor as Bella's Ringtone, Scars By Papa roach, played.
"So, I'm supposed to tell you that there is a party Christmas Eve. You and your pack are welcome to come," Cassady paused, smiling at him, " I'll stay home, and get some rest, since the pack will be up bright and early. God knows, they're going to drive Emily, Abby and I up a wall." Jacob nodded, kissing Cassady lightly on her mouth. Her smile turned into a grimace, before it went back to a smile. Jacob shook his head, ignoring the grimace, before curling her up to him and whispering in her ear, "Sleep time," and falling asleep.
Christmas Eve was hectic as all the girls got the food ready for tomorrow. People would be coming in and out of the house all day on Christmas day, and they wanted to be prepared to handle the amount of guests, and wolves, they would have to deal with. While Cassady worked on her third pan of Macaroni and Cheese, Emily, and Abby were dressing upstairs to go to the Cullen's Christmas party. It took Cassady all three days to convince them to go, but after much bribing, and lots of persuasion, Cassady convinced them to go.
It was just as hard to convince Sam, and the pack to go, as it was Abby and Emily, but after much promising, and much ordering, she convince all of them to go, including Jacob. Jacob, who was still very pissed at Bella for what she had done, was not fully cooperative with the idea of keeping peace with the Cullens, but Cassady was.
Jacob had, also, not taken kindly, when he found out that Cassady was not invited. This set off many arguments between the two, ending with Cassady glaring at him, and ordering him to go. Jacob would stomp out, and Cassady would pout until he came back. That was how it was until she convinced him to go.
So, Cassady was now in the kitchen, cooking the food for the next day, counting down the minutes before the pack would get there in their many cars, and head out to the Cullens, leaving her in the house to get it prepped for tomorrow. Cassady sighed, as she finished setting the third Macaroni and Cheese in the oven. She turned toward the kitchen table and picked up the greens that she would need to cut for tomorrow, so that they could boil all day. She turned towards the counter, picking up the knife and slowly cut the greens, zoning for a moment. Jacob walked in to find her leaning over the counter, cutting precisely and staring at the greens. He walked over to her, and wrapped his arms around her waist, scaring her out of the world she had been in. Jacob kissed her cheek as she leaned in to him, letting the heat that he held seep in to her body, taking away the coldness that seemed to easily invade her lately.
"I'll miss you," Jacob mumbled in to her ear. Cassady turned, and looked at him, before lightly kissing him on the lips, smiling. Jacob frowned at her, as she stuck her face in his chest and inhaled.
"Does your man smell like an old spice man?" Cassady giggled hysterically. Jacob shook his head, and smiled, as Abby came rushing in to the kitchen.
"Fuck, Fuck, Fuck," Abby groaned, as she ruffled through one of the drawers, a frown set in to her face. She looked beautiful in long black dress with nice black heels. Her hair was pinned in a messy bun, but it fell just right to look elegant. Her baby pouch was just barely visible underneath her dress.
"Where are my prenatal vitamins?" She groaned, as Cassady pointed towards the bathroom.
"Top drawer on the left hand side, I moved them just in case they got all mixed up in this mess of a kitchen," Abby nodded screaming her thanks as she jetted towards the bathroom, and grabbed them.
Jacob let go of Cassady was trying to get a sneak taste of the food when Emily came in, and smacked his hand. Cassady turned and looked and frowned at him before looking at Emily. Emily had a knee high red dress that gave away her baby bump just enough. Her red heels were not as high as Abby, but were enough to be noticeable. Her hair fell down her back in waves, and unlike Abby she wore no make up, giving her a natural beauty, even with the scars. Cassady smiled, rubbing water from her hands on to her raggedy jeans.
"You two look beautiful!" Cassady sqeauled, as Emily glared at her.
"Cassady-" Cassady held up her hand, and shook her head.
"Nope, I don't want to hear it. Go, have fun, do it for Reina. She deserves that much," Cassady said, smirking at the defeat that fell across Emily's face.
"Alright, are you sure your going to be ok here by yourself?" Emily asked, frowning, as Cassady nodded.
"I'll be fine. I'm going to finish up cooking, and curl up in front of the T.V. And watch a Christmas story until you guys get back. If your not back home by 3, I'll go to bed." Jacob shook his head.
"We'll be home before midnight. I want to enter Christmas day with you," Jacob said quietly, as Cassady looked over at him.
"That's only three hours, if the boys get here on time, and I think thats them pulling up right now, too." Jacob shrugged his shoulders, as Cassady finally gave Jacob a once over. His hair was in it normal mess, while he wore a tight black shirt, giving everyone a glance at his muscles. He wore jeans that fit, not too loose, or too tight, but just enough to make his butt look squeezable, and his legs look good. Cassady smiled as she tried to fix his hair, only to accomplish making him look like he'd just had rough sex before going. Cassady sighed, before giving up.
"CASSADY!" She looked up at the doorway just in time to see Sam glaring at her.
"What now Sam?" Cassady groaned, as she pushed Jacob away, and walked over to her cousin in law.
"I still do not agree to this, and I am not comfortable leaving you at home, by yourself," Sam growled, as Leah smack him from behind. Leah stepped forward to show her jeans, and t-shirt, compared to Emily, and Abby's dressy appearance. Cassady frowned.
"Okay, I get the guys, but Leah? I thought they asked that the imprints be dressed up," Cassady stated, remembering the conversation, more like argument, that went one between Jacob and Edward that ended with an agreement that the pack could wear jeans, and the imprints had to dress up.
"I am not an imprint, yet. Therefore, I am pack, and am wearing jeans, and a t-shirt to this piece of shit party," Leah growled, as Cassady shook her head.
" Alright, you have fun. Don't do anything I wouldn't do," Cassady stated, as Emily, and Abby came up, walking toward Sam. Sam shook his head, and kissed Emily lightly before turning and kissing Abby on the cheek. Sam kissed Cassady on the cheek, and then looked at the girls, and sighed.
"We'll be back by midnight, Jacob will annoy the shit out of me if we're not. You need anything, all of us have our cell phones on us. If for some god knows reason you can't get us-" Cassady held up her hand to sam, and then when Jacob went to something put her other hand in his face.
"I get it. I know the numbers, all of them. I'm a big girl, guys. Go have fun, and come back with stories. Now shoo!" Cassady stated pushing the group out the door, only to stop when it came to Jacob.
"I'll miss you. I'll be back before Christmas day, ok?" Jacob asked, as Cassady smiled and nodded, pushing him out the door too, before slamming the door in his face.
Jacob turned toward Quil's car and jumped in, slamming the door shut with a pout on his face. Quil began driving when Sam and them took off, since he was second car in a set of four. The drive to the Cullen's was silent, and stayed that way as the pack walked up to the door.
Abby knocked on the door, and it wasn't a minute before someone opened the door. Edward stood in a suit type outfit, one eyebrow raised, as he took in the wolves.
"Come in, we were just about to get started," Edward said coldly, as Abby walked in, ignoring his nasty attitude. Emily, and Abby glance around, noticing the cold, and unemotional interior of the house. It was decorated for Christmas, but it didn't feel like Christmas, and Abby shivered.
"ABBY! EM! LEE!" Reina called, rushing out, and hugging them, giggles, and smiles galore, as all three girls hugged. Reina turned, and gave Sam a hug, before doing the same with Jacob, and all the others boys, until she reached Jared. Smiling, she held him close to her, and kissed him lightly, before looking over the group once more, frowning.
"Where's Cassie-bear?" Reina asked, looking at the pack, before looking at the Cullens, who had now gathered in the open hall.
"Don't let her hear you calling her that, she'll kick your ass," Sam grumbled, as Emily elbowed him, grinning.
"She's at home," Jacob said quietly, eyes downcast, as Reina raised an eyebrow.
"Is she sick?" Reina asked, as Jacob shook his head, and glancing at Bella, who was smirking. Jacob shook his head, under orders not to say or do anything mean, cruel, unusual, fearful, or painful to the Cullens, and that included Bella.
"Did she feel like not coming?" Reina frowned, a disappointed and fearful look falling on her face. " I didn't say anything, or do anything wrong, did I?" Jacob shook his head, attempting to diffuse the thought process that Reina was going.
"The invitation wasn't extended to Cassady for tonight," Sam said in a smooth, business tone that most never heard. Reina looked over at the Cullen's who stood there, expressionless, while the pack was wearing mostly frowns.
"So, let me get this straight, I INVITED the pack here, because I wanted to BRING my family together, and you DUSCHE BAGS did not 'extend the invitation' to Cassady, who just so happens to be one of my BEST friends? Right?" Bella gave a sharp nod.
"We felt the need-" Reina held up her hand, and shook her head.
"No, I'm sick of this shit. Lets get this straight, right now. Bella, I dont give a flying fuck about you and your jealousy issues with Cassady. Get over yourself. You're just like every other psychotic chicks who can't make up their mind. Think you deserve both guys, just because your too fucking stupid to get yourself out of bad situations. Grow some balls, and get over yourself, you make us girls look bad. Really bad in my book. Your jealousy issues, and control issues do not mean that you have ANY right to deny, not only my FRIEND, but JACOB'S IMPRINT the right to come tonight." Reina paused, snorting.
"And since I'm started, I might as well, keep going right? Get in to the 'deep rooted problem' with Cassady." Reina pointed to Bella. "You're jealous of her because you believe she took your escape route. If you didn't want to be with Edward, Jacob would always take you back. Well, he imprinted, not only that, but fell in LOVE with his imprint, and respected her enough to ignore you instead of giving in to your whims, and mystical wants. Retarded bitch." Reina point to Edward.
" You don't like her because she has everything you want. A life, a family, a home, and a lover. She's what you would have preffered Bella to stay, but you can't fix it now. Bella is the one you chose." Reina pointed at Jasper.
"You're just pissed that you can't control her emotions, and she insults better than you." She pointed at Emmett.
"You're an overprotective asshole, who needs to look at the bigger picture instead of just the little bits and pieces that they give you. I'm deeply saddened that I call you my grandsire." She pointed at Carlisle.
"I can't BELIEVE that you would stand there and let all this shit go on just because it's so much more easier to be ignorant. I can't. That goes for you too, Esme." Reina pointed to Alice last, and glared at her.
"And you. You sat back and watch, waiting, stirring the pot, just to get some enjoyment out of this shit. YOU are so far in my shit books it's not even FUNNY!" Reina glared at them.
"So, I'm taking MY family, and going over to their house for christmas. I'm going to spend time with people who care about me, and love me, and I'm going to have a good time. No drama, no worries, just love. I'm going to spoil the SHIT out of Emily, Abby, and CASSADY, since they are pregnant, and they deserve to be spoiled. I'm going to take Jacob home, so he can stop looking miserable, since the only reason he would have come would be because Cassady force him to." Reina then looked at the pack.
"Nevermind just him, the whole pack is on orders to come. Stupid thermometers that think they can control everything, you aren't GOD!" Reina let out a deep breath, before looking at the pack.
"Can you give me a minute to get my presents for you guys?" Sam nodded, smiling at Reina, as she took off at a normal speed to the living room.
Bella took a step toward Jacob, as the rest of the pack growled. Jacob shook his head, and raised an eyebrow at her, as walked closer.
"Jacob, I-" Jacob shook his harder.
"You what? You're sorry? You love me? I can't do this anymore, Bella. I don't love you. I thought I did. I really, truly thought you were mine, but you're not. Cassady is, though. She's everything to me, and you just don't get that." Jacob paused smiling.
"She stood by me through hell and back, even though she could have walked away. I've cut her open, scratched her up, denied her twice, knocked her up, left her, fucked her over, gotten her almost killed twice, and she's STILL there. You wouldn't even give me a spare glance after the battle with victoria. You made your choice, now stand by it, because I refuse to be tormented again, and I refuse to torment her again." Jacob paused.
"The difference between what you did to me, and what I did to you, was that I decided to give my love to the person most worthy of it. The person that was willing to lay down her life for me, and give me everything I wanted, even though all I wanted was for her to be happy." Jacob sighed, running his hands through his hair.
"She's loved me, cared for me, and rescued me. She's strong, maybe not as strong as the wolves, or vampires, but she's strong mentally. She's funny, quick-witted, and loving, so loving. She doesn't understand the word giving up, and I don't think she ever will. She takes everything on herself, even though she doesn't need to. She's brave, and has no sense of self worth, and I love her." Jacob looked Bella in the eye.
"She did something that you would have never done, Bella. She stood in front of you, and was willing to get killed, be killed, to make me happy. She was wrong, so terribly wrong, but I was wrong to confuse her like that. I won't make that mistake a second time. So, The Pack and I will be here when the Volturri get here, and after that, leave us alone. Let me live my life to the fullest, with the woman I love, and the kids I'll have." Bella nodded, turning her back to him, and running out the room at speeds normal people couldn't. Edward glared at Jacob before running after her, leaving the rest of the Cullens to glare at the group.
"I've got the presents," Reina said quietly, as she walked in holding several gifts in her hand, and lightly kicking some in front of her. Jared bent over and picked up those gifts and looked at Sam.
"Well, Carlisle, I'm sorry for the disruption. I will have Reina home at a decent hour if I could accomplish it. Merry Christmas," Sam said in an authoritative voice, as Carlisle met his eyes.
"Don't worry about bringing her home, though she might want to find a place to stay," Carlisle said coldly, as Reina's eyes widened. Emily grabbed Reina as she went to go swing at Carlisle. Abby smiled brightly at Carlisle.
"Find a place to stay? Hah, she's got to choose between the house that will take her. Cassady's going to have a field day. She's been trying to get another female in that house with Jacob for WEEKS!" Abby laughed, as Jared shook his head.
"Nope, she's mine. My imprint, My home," Jared said, as Reina looked at him. " No one else can have her. She's mine, mine, mine, all mine!" Emily shook her head laughing.
"She's always welcome in my house. Since Cassady moved in with Jacob, and Abby with Paul, the house has been so quiet. It's not fair," Emily grumbled, as Sam raised an eyebrow.
"Are we already arguing over where she's staying? Honey, abandon that jerk, and come be with me!" Quil called out, smiling, as Reina shook her head.
"We'll be by in a couple days to get her stuff, 'kay?" Leah said perkily, as she picked up what Reina had dropped. Sam lead them out the house as Emmett followed, slamming the door behind Jacob who was last. They all climbed in to their respective cars, Reina joining Jacob and Quil in his car. Quil started driving, as Jacob turned and looked at the depressed Reina.
"Rei?" He asked, as Reina looked at him.
"Yes?" she asked, her voice not holding the normal bouncy tone it usually held.
"You do realize you have family?" Reina frowned at Jacob. "We don't care, or do things for you because Cassady asks, or because you're Jared's imprint, but you're pack. You're our family now. I don't care what those Cullens say, or do. You're always welcome in my home, and for however long you want. I would want you there, not to just make cassady happy, either. We're glad that you came this Christmas, and really glad that you get to spend it with a real family, not one that dresses up, but one that will probably be screaming, hollering, joking, and cooking until midnight. Waking up at ungodly hours tomorrow, and eating breakfast that the boys made, because the girls refuse to do anything but the turkey. Have fun, enjoy yourself, and let everything go, it's not about the drama, or issues, but the love that comes with christmas, right?" Reina smiled her normal smile.
"Yeah, I get it, thanks Jacob." Jacob shrugged.
"It was something you needed to hear. Plus, Cassady would kill me if you came in looking depressed. She's already moody, I dont need her trying to kill me and the Cullen's." Jacob winked, and Reina rolled her eyes.
Quil turned into Sam's driveway, where everyone could hear, and see Cassady singing 'Merry Christmas, and Happy Holiday' by N'sync, while prancing around the kitchen by the window. Jacob smiled, as he glanced down at his watch. It was 10 minutes until 11, giving him an hour to spend with Cassady before they welcomed Christmas in together.
"Jacob," Quil said, knocking Jacob out of his thoughts, as he climbed out. Reina walked past Jacob's door as he climbed out, and met with Abby, who wrapped her arms around her shoulder. Jacob followed behind Abby and Reina, as Sam opened his door, and screamed in to the house.
"Cassady, we're back!" Sam screamed over the music. A loud banging noise was heard, and cussing was followed, as not a minute later, the music was cut down, and Cassady walked in to the living rom.
"Hey, you guys are back early," Cassady said smiling as the pack bustled in, and took a seat somewhere, or got comfortable leaning against a wall. Jacob walked up and kissed Cassady on the lips lightly before smiling at her widely. Cassady smiled back, before noticing Reina's saddened face.
"Whats wrong?" Reina shrugged, causing Cassady to raise an eyebrow. Reina avoided Cassady's eyes, even though Cassady's eyes had not left Reina.
"I said, what's wrong?" Cassady growled, leaning against the door way to the kitchen glaring around the room.
"The Cullens kicked me out," Reina mumbled, as Cassady raised an eyebrow.
"Alright, and?" Cassady said coldly, as Reina looked at her with wide eyes.
"That was kinda rude, don't ya think Cassady?" Sam asked, as Cassady shook her head.
"No, it wasn't rude, it was truthful. If she wants to mope over a family that couldn't give two shits about her on christmas eve, while in a house with people who would take a bullet for her, fine, let her be stupid. Until then, I'm not giving her pity." Cassady nodded her head, exiting the room, as the living room went quiet.
Cassady had began the third batch of Collard greens when she felt arms wrap around her, one on the shoulder, and one on the waist. Cassady looked down at the arms to see Reina's arms, and smiled as she continued cooking.
"I'm sorry for the things I said, but I do not regret saying them. I regret the way they came out. I do care about you getting kicked out, but I do not feel that you should let it get you down. It's christmas, worse things can, and will happen. This is our time to come together, and be together," Cassady said in a calm voice, as she felt Reina nod behind her. Cassady turned, and hugged her, as she felt the girl begin to lightly sob.
"We're here, and we've got you. We're not going to let anything happen to you, and you're not going to be on the streets. You're pack, and family, and the Cullen's, sadly, need you. We're going to get through this, and live our lives the best we can, ok?" Reina nodded, her sobs slowing down, and then ending.
"Good, now get that strainer full of Collard greens. I'm going to need them. I've been through 7 bags already, and they shrink so much..." Cassady mumbled, as she stired the pot that was on then. Reina snorted, opening the bag and tossing it at her. Cassady caught it with one hand as she stirred with the other.
"So, are you going to stay with Jared?" Cassady asked, as Reina blushed. Reina shrugged, as Cassady snorted.
"You're having sex with him on a regular basis, I think you should," Cassady said, as Reina's eyes widened, and she looked at her.
"Don't look so shocked. I'm pregnant, not stupid. I got myself this way by having sex, not artificial insemination. Not only that, but we girls have a way of looking a certain way when we're having sex. Everything becomes a dirty joke. It's not necessarily a good thing either." Cassady poured the batch of collards in. "Try it, he's your imprint. He'll make you happy, and everyone of us imprints who live with each other found it easier to deal with it. Do it." Cassady looked at Reina and smiled.
"I think I will," Reina said, smiling at Cassady. Jacob stood in the door way, watching the two girls, arms crossed on his chest. He made some noise, and walked in, causing Cassady to turn around and kiss him.
"Do you know what time it is?" Jacob asked huskily, causing Cassady to blush lightly.
"What time is it?" Cassady asked resting her head on his, as he smiled.
"It's 11:55, and I have five minutes until Christmas day. What do you want from Santa, Cassady?" Jacob asked, smiling as he laid a hand on Cassady's lightly potruding belly.
"Hm, I got what I want for Christmas, though I have a gift that I might give a little early," Jacob glanced down at his watch, and smiled.
"It's midnight, so it's not early," Jacob watched, as Cassady smirked, and puts her hands over top of his.
"Baby, it's twins. We're having twins."
A/N: Any other guy would run, what's Jacob going to do?