Enigmatical
By wired2damoon
Chapter 10: Plans And Extra People
A/N: This is a belated birthday present for me (virtual hugs and cookies if you can figure out when my birthday was) so here's something for you Jacob/Nessie fans! Hope you like! xx
- General POV -
The soft morning clouds passed over the waking sun, casting shadows in the modest, lightly-coloured room. A soft tapping was coming from outside the window, effectively stirring the girl that lay in the soft, cushion-covered bed.
"Its too…early…" she mumbled, turning her head away, her bronze-coloured curls spilling down over her shoulders and down her back.
Faintly, she could hear her name being called, and she recognized the voice immediately.
"Ness…c'mon Nessie I know you can hear me, let me up."
Gritting her teeth, Reneesme Carlie Cullen sat up, slid off the bed, pranced towards her bedroom window, threw open the curtains and stared down, directly underneath her window where her early-morning visitor was standing, ready to throw another pebble.
"It's 6am Jake! What the hell is the matter with you? Some of us do like to sleep in an odd time you know," she called as she slid open her window and stood back, placing her hands on her hips.
There was a soft whoosh as the tall, tanned, muscular young man jumped through the open window and landed with a thump on her bedroom floor.
"Sorry Ness, but you said come over ASAP," he grinned, running a hand through his long, dark hair.
Nessie rolled her eyes, "well I kind of meant after dawn you know, the time normal people get up."
"Are you included in that category Ness? 'Cause you're far from normal…" Jacob Black replied cheekily, knowing he'd be in trouble for that one.
"Jake!" she exclaimed hotly, hitting him hard on the arm.
Jacob winced as a flicker of pain shot up his arm but he didn't have time to retaliate as he could now see that Nessie was planning on going back to bed.
"Oh, no you don't!" he smirked, reaching forward and wrapping his arm around her waist, effectively dragging her back into his embrace.
"Jaaaake…" she whined, "I'm tired…"
He turned her around gently to face him and wrapped both his arms around her waist. "Yeah well you should of thought about that before you decided to call Quil to help him with his hopeless romantics in the middle of the night," he laughed, planting a chaste kiss on the nape of her neck.
Nessie's eyes fluttered closed for a fraction of a second as his lips grazed a sensitive spot just below her ear lobe before she bit her lip and pushed her palms against his chest.
"Jake, I have to get to Claire's in two hours to help her pick out an outfit for her date tonight and I still have to have a shower, get dressed, eat breakfast and stop over at the bakery for Lana and fill the car with gas and-"
"-Shh…Ness…take a breath. Why are you so tense all of a sudden?" Jacob asked, his voice filled with concern as he pulled her into a hug, rubbing his hand against her back comfortingly.
A shy smile passed over Nessie's face as she buried her head in his chest, "because I'm kinda nervous about something I did."
Jake's hand stilled, "what did you do Ness?" he asked, almost fearing the answer and dreaming up worst case scenarios.
Nessie laughed at the seriousness of his tone, he always was the worrier, "it's no big deal or anything Jake…I just…um…" she trailed off.
Jake stepped back and held her at arm's length so he could stare down into her eyes, "you just what Ness?"
A sheepish grin spread across her beautiful face, "remember the girl Claire set Quil up with, Courtney?"
Jacob frowned, "yeah…"
"Well, I kinda made a few calls, set Courtney up with another guy, who Alice tells me has a great chance of being Courtney's future husband, and instead hired another girl I know named Rachel to pose as Courtney."
Jacob's jaw dropped, "you what? H-How?"
A sheepish grin passed over Nessie's beautiful face, "well…she's a native French girl, an aspiring actress who owes me a favor and well, the way I see it is that she would do a way better job at making Claire jealous."
Jacob rolled his eyes, "and won't Claire know the difference? Hasn't she met this Courtney girl?"
Nessie frantically shook her head, "nope, Claire hasn't actually seen her in about five years. She used to work in a hair salon and she and Lana are still on good terms. The reason Claire picked Courtney is because her mom mentioned she was going through a bad time after a break-up, Claire really can be sweet sometimes…" she trailed off, snuggling into Jacob's chest.
"So it was Lana who actually set this up?" Jake asked, feeling more confused by the second.
Nessie grinned evilly, "yep. She was the one that asked me to check with Alice and then basically demanded that I find someone else. Lana's totally pro-Quil and Claire."
Jacob shook his head in disbelief, "seriously, I think you're all crazy. Do you really think this plan will work?"
Nessie stepped back, folded her arms and stared pointedly up at him with shining brown eyes, "of course it'll work! When do my plans never work?"
Jacob sighed, knowing she was right, as per usual, and mumbled, "alright, alright, so what's in for Quil exactly? This girl isn't going to be completely psycho is she?"
Nessie's lips screwed up for a second, as her eyes darted to the floor, "no, no, she's not psycho per se, just a little…odd. Or at least, she'll act a little odd. Claire will just hate her, it'll be great!"
Jacob shook his head again , "you do know she'll be severely pissed when she finds out about this, don't you?"
A dark look passed across Nessie's eyes, "you know, for such a small, fragile human, she deeply scares me sometimes…" she paused for a moment, "but, it's all for the greater good, and I can more than handle Claire's tantrums."
Jake nodded in understanding, "well, I just hope you know what you're up against Ness…there's nothing more terrifying then Claire Young scorned," he laughed, leaning down and kissing Nessie's nose.
Nessie tilted her head, smirked, leaned up on her tip-toes to wrap her arms around his neck and mumbled, "it's not me who should be worried, it's Quil," before she pecked him softly on the lips.
She knew that Jacob was still hesitant around her, she was only technically still fourteen after all, but she just couldn't help herself.
Jacob let out a soft groan as he wrapped his arms around her waist, deepening the kiss, his tongue gently tracing her bottom lip - begging for entrance. Nessie happily complied, her fingers clutching his hair.
It was days like this, where they were entirely alone, when they could finally relish in each other's bliss.
You know, until the return of Edward Cullen that is.
Then, the romance…stops…
Luckily the two will be too busy playing "match-maker" with their best friends to worry about their own certain frustrations…
- Quil's POV -
"She's from Dublin, she loves electric guitar, her favourite animals are dogs and-"
"-Embry! Shut the hell up!" I roared, gritting my teeth as I ran my comb through my hair. My rambling friend scowled at me, "no need to yell Quil, what's got your panties all in a twist anyway?"
I glared in the mirror at him, "you know well Em! How many times do I have to tell you, I have a date tonight!"
A frowned passed over his face, as he struggled to remember me telling him such things, but no doubt his head was way too full of "Erin-thoughts" to possibly pick out my "useless information."
Sighing, I ran a hand over my face and began pacing back and forth.
Embry, watching my every move, quietly asked, "so…when's she gonna get here? Or do you have to pick her up?"
I stopped in my tracks, my fists clenched at my sides. I was already hating this and I hadn't even stepped out the door yet.
"She rang me earlier, asking me if she could come here and get a ride with me, so she'll be here in…" I paused to look at his watch, "oh about two minutes."
Embry's eyebrows rose, "wow…so what're you gonna do?"
I started to laugh bitterly, "I've absolutely no idea! I mean, I dunno how long Claire wants me to 'date' for and I don't wanna hurt an innocent girl in the process by suddenly saying 'actually no, I don't think we can go out anymore because you see I'm actually in love with someone else and only dating you because she asked me to.' So I'm really in the deep end here Em."
Embry frowned and looked up at me from where he sat on our living room arm-chair, "well…you could always just tell Claire you went on a date with her but just ring the girl and tell her you're sick or something…"
I considered that. But there were two blatantly obvious faults with Embry's suggestion, one, I hated lying to Claire (not to mention extremely bad at it) and two, I didn't want to disappoint Courtney, I mean even though I'm not interested, she sounds like a nice girl and I didn't want her to think I'm a jerk for not even trying to go on one date with her.
After voicing my thoughts to my friend, he murmured, "well, then go on one date with her. Then, at the end of the night, just say that you don't think it'll work out, she's a nice girl and will find someone better than you…girls like it when you say something bad about yourself when you're breaking up with them…"
Wise words spoken from the "Dating Master."
I have to say, that sounded like a better plan. It would mean, I wouldn't hurt Courtney by stringing her along and I'd keep Claire happy by showing her that I made an effort with the whole dating scene.
Perfect.
"Yeah, that's what I'll do, thanks man," I murmured, grateful that Embry had some time to date before he imprinted.
"Hey no problem, that's what-"
The doorbell rang, effectively interrupting him.
"HEY GUYS, THE DOOR!" came the yell of Seth Clearwater from down the hall.
"Yeah Seth, we heard," Embry replied, rolling his eyes.
I clenched and unclenched my fists nervously. I haven't felt this nervous since I went on my first date with Lauren Masterson in sixth grade.
Why was it only hitting me now that I have absolutely no idea how to act around women? You know, women who aren't Claire?
"Oh shit, oh shit, SETH GET THE DOOR!" I yelled suddenly before turning to Embry, "I can't do this Em. I can't spend time with a woman who isn't Claire with her expecting it to go places it clearly won't, I just can't do it…" I rambled, furious with myself that I sounded like such a wuss.
I could hear Seth trudging down the hallway now, huffing and moaning, saying something about "lazy fucks" before halting at the door, outstretching his hand to pull the handle.
I took this opportunity to look engrossed in my blank cell-phone screen, my eyes clearly adverted from the door as it swung open.
"Uh…hi…I-I'm looking for Quil?" came a soft, uncertain voice.
Seth smirked, "hey honey, I'm Quil."
Man, Seth has some serious sleaze issues…
Rolling my eyes I shoved Seth aside, "don't mind him, he's an idiot. I'm Quil," I extended my hand to shake hers. I could feel her eyes rake over my body, starting from my feet and travelling upwards. So, I decided to do the same - try and look at her (and actually see her) just for curiosity's sake.
She was tall, by my standards so that's pretty tall, about 5'10" maybe 5'11" - still dwarfed by me though. She was slim - too slim in my opinion (I'm a curves kinda guy) and had the longest legs I've ever seen in my life.
"Nice to meet you Quil, I'm Courtney," she responded, breaking my silent inspection of her.
There came an abrupt, awkward silence where we stared at each other, and I saw Courtney blush under my gaze. Suddenly, I was reminded of Claire and my heart sank.
This girl was no Claire Young.
"Well…have a good night then," Embry chimed in, giving me a soft shove out the door. "Dude, that girl is as hot as a supermodel! You lucky dog!" Seth hissed as I turned my back to them.
I ignored him.
As I stumbled out to the driveway, led Courtney to the car and opened her door, I chanced a look back and my friends. Seth was staring at me enviously with a hint of amusement and Embry looked slightly worried.
Crap. There really was no going back now.
-Claire's POV-
"Ok, so, one more time. Purple or black?"
"Purple."
"Black or blue?"
"Black."
"Purple top and black jeans, yeah that looks ok."
I'd been modelling clothes for Ness and Erin since early this morning and I think I've finally got myself an outfit (with little time to spare).
"This is ridiculous, I've never spent this long getting dressed in my entire life!" I groaned, flailing my arms about as Erin and Nessie smirked at me, sitting relaxed on my bed.
"Claire, it's your first, proper date, of course you've to spend time deciding what to wear," Nessie cooed, rolling her eyes.
I sighed. I guess you could say I'm not that kinda gal.
Nessie giggled, "but won't it be worth it in the end? To look nice for…Cody."
I glared at her. That little pause at the end of her sentence made me very uneasy. I've been getting the feeling for a long time now that Nessie suspects something, but I've always managed to 'dodge' those particular conversations.
"Yeah well, we're only going to the movies, it'll be dark," I reasoned, muttering to myself.
Nessie and Erin exchanged fleeting glances.
Apparently, I've a lot to learn about the art that is the 'dating'. Yay for me!
I sighed, looking at my two friends with a frustrated look. "So…who wants to help me with my hair?"
I was finally dressed and appropriately groomed with about a half-hour before I had to meet Cody at the movies.
"Well, I'll be going now…" I murmured in the hallway, trying to ignore my mother's smirk.
"Alright sweetie, have a nice time, behave yourself now…" she smiled smugly. I glared at her, she was enjoying this way too much. I suddenly remember partly why I don't go on dates.
"Ok, bye Mom, Ness, Erin," I muttered dispersing hugs, offering them a soft smile that hopefully didn't turn out like a grimace, before opening the door and walking down the driveway.
As I got into my car and started the engine I glanced up to see the three of them staring out at me.
Well, this should be interesting…
- Quil's POV -
"-and I said, no way, and she said-"
"-So what do you Courtney?" I cut across the rambling blonde, my head already beginning to hurt. Man, this girl was just a long run of constant dialogue. Granted, Claire is too but like I said, this girl isn't Claire.
The girl took a deep breath, "oh…uh…well I used to be a hairstylist but recently I've made a career change into dog-grooming."
I snorted. Oh the irony.
"Dog grooming eh? Interesting…so how do you know Claire?" Okay, okay, I know I promised myself I would mention her tonight but I was getting desperate to make conversation at this point. We were nearly in Port Angeles now, just five more minutes of conversation…just five more minutes!
"Oh, I know Claire from when I used to style her mom's hair a few years back," she mumbled off-handily, before leaning forward in her seat and resting her hand on my knee, "so…tell me more about you, Quil," she smirked in what I seriously hoped wasn't a seductive way.
As we pulled into the parking lot, I let my eyes travel down to where her hand was placed on my knee for a fraction of a second, and instantly felt uncomfortable.
"O-Oh look w-we're here…" I stuttered, pulling to a stop and parking before wrenching my door open sharply and practically running from the car. Oh would it be more appropriate to call it fleeing? Humm…
I could tell that this would not go well…
- Claire's POV -
I took a deep breath as I shaking wrenched open the door to the movie theatre. I was just feeling slightly nervous now, as it hit me that I had no idea how to behave on a date, never mind a first date. I was practically running to the restrooms now, for one last glance in the mirror before I had to meet Cody in the lobby but it seemed that wasn't going to happen.
"Claire, Claire over here," came a loud voice from my left. I scrunched up my eyes, silently hoping that I looked half-way decent before turning slowly.
And there he was, in all his handsome glory. Cody Daniels.
If only he was Quil…
I shook my head, after all I made a pact with myself that I'd leave those particular thoughts about my best friend at home tonight and try to get on with having a normal life…
"Hey Cody," I murmured softly, making my way over to him.
And so our date began. We chattered easily as always and made our way to the popcorn stand where there was quite a long line. It seemed Cody didn't mind, he was already to engrossed in telling me all about his day.
As his voice rang in my ears I let my mind wander to the people around me. I saw two people standing to my left, a tall, long-legged blonde and a muscular, tanned, insanely tall…like over 6'7"…wait…
"Quil?" I exclaimed loudly before I could stop myself.
The couple turned towards me and my thoughts were confirmed.
There stood Quil Ateara, with a model-esque babe hanging out of him.
His eyes widened, his mouth hanging open.
"Claire…?"
I felt Cody stiffen beside me.
Like I said, this should be very interesting indeed…
A/N: Okay, so I'm not entirely happy with this chapter, I'm actually thinking of re-writing it but this is how it'll stay for now. Let me know what you think. -wired2damoon-