AN: thanks for the reviews, and thanks to Georgia Dawgette for always making the chapter so much more than it would ever be if she didn't betaed it.
15.
This was the most relaxed and comfortable Bella had ever been at a bonfire. She assumed the difference was because she had joined the ranks of imprinted couples, and was grateful that they seemed to accept her so completely. She'd had fun being a part of the food preparations with Emily, and was now enjoying just relaxing by the fire with Leah while they both watched the ridiculous things the guys would do from time to time.
It was obvious that everyone had needed this time to relax; she really hoped that things would stay quiet for a while. These young warriors shouldn't have to shoulder the responsibility that had been dealt them by fate.
"Bella? Can I ask you something?" Leah asked, startling her from her wandering thoughts.
Bella nodded, while still focusing most of her attention on what the guys were doing.
Leah shuffled her feet on the sand for a moment, took a deep breath and then turned to look at Bella. "I was wondering if you would like to come with me to Port Angeles, there is a dance at our school and I've been invited... I need to find a dress."
Bella smiled. "Of course I'll , did you think that I'd refuse?"
Leah shrugged her shoulders. "I know from Jake's mind that you aren't fond of dances or shopping."
Bella turned to watch Jared talking animatedly with Paul while thinking about what Leah had just said. He was so handsome and carefree in that moment, she wished that he would find some peace of mind soon, and after some time had passed that they could develop their relationship further. "It's true I don't like either of those things very much, but I would love to go with you Leah. You don't strike me as the kind of girl who would drag me around for ages." she said.
Leah laughed. "You're right, I'm not. So, are you going to get a new dress as well?"
"For what?" Bella asked.
"For the dance, I mean Jared is a senior too, I just assumed you'd be going." Leah replied.
Bella shook her head, as she thought about what a dance with Jared would be like. She wondered what it would be like to dance with him, his body pressed close to hers. She sighed. "We haven't talked about it, but I don't think so. He probably planned to go with Kim, and it might be uncomfortable for him to take me instead." She said all this trying to act as unaffected as she could, but she couldn't deny that just the memory of what Kim was to Jared made her jealous. She thought it was strange that she had never really dealt with jealousy in any of her previous relationships, and truthfully she didn't know what to do with the emotion. This clearly wasn't any more Kim's fault than it was Jared's, but that little dose of rational thought didn't make the feeling go away.
Leah grimaced. "Sorry, sometimes I forget just how complicated your situation is. Especially with the changes I've seen in Jared recently, he's just so intense now and I don't mind telling you that it makes me uncomfortable I don't know how you feel so at ease with him."
Bella laughed. "At ease? Leah, our relationship is anything but easy. So far we're either jumping each other or arguing like cats and dogs."
"Is it true that you would rather have Jake than Jared as your imprint?" Leah asked, while glancing quickly over at Jared.
Bella bit her lip. "I've known Jake my whole life, it's easy to be with him and I know he loves me unconditionally. So part of me wished that he was him. On the other hand, Jared really intrigues, challenges and unsettles me in a positive way. Maybe I just wished that if Jared had to imprint on me it would have been under different circumstances. I don't like that there's going to be a constant comparison between me and Kim, not only because of Jared but also because of the friendship you all had with her as well."
For a moment Bella was lost in her thoughts, considering the ways that Jared made her feel more comfortable being bolder and taking a stand when she felt it was necessary. With Edward she had always tried to please him first, but with Jared she knew that she could tell him exactly what she thought, knowing he fully expected her to fight and defend her views when she believed it to be important.
It was interesting that she felt stronger and more confident while with Jared, and even his darker character mixed perfectly with her personality. She knew that he had a sense of humor and could be funny, and she looked forward to the time when she would be able to joke around with him. Calling him grumpy was a starting point, but she wanted even more easiness in their relationship.
Then Leah put a hand on Bella's leg, reminding her that they were still in the middle of a conversation. "Bella, the guys have loved you since Jake brought you around months ago, and now with the imprinting there is the added bonus that you won't become a leech. We care about you; after all you are family now. We don't compare you to Kim; we all know it would be unfair. Jared's imprint on you has a purpose and none of us would ever question that. Besides, I was never friends with Kim anyway, she was always a bit too timid and quiet for me. So definitely no comparison on my part." Leah said the last part with a smile, nudging Bella's shoulder with her own.
Before Bella could reply, she heard her name called, the name only one person ever called her. "Isabella?" Both girls were startled by Jared's gruff voice. "I was wondering if you wanted something to drink or eat."
Bella looked up in Jared's eyes; she was momentarily frozen because of her strong attraction to him, and that he was being so kind to her. She wondered if she would ever get to know the real man behind all the masks he put up. "No thank you... " She held out the "you", glancing at him and he glared at her in warning, clearly knowing she was contemplating trying out her new favorite nickname for him. She decided against using it, thinking it might be better to use it sparingly.
"What were you two gossiping about?" Jared asked, sitting next to Bella.
Leah seemed uncomfortable at his question and simply replied. "I asked her to come with me to buy a dress for the dance."
Bella felt Jared tensing. He murmured. "The dance... I had forgotten all about it, do you want to go Isabella?" She wondered if he had bought the tickets for himself and Kim.
"I ... ahhh... that is... I'm not a huge fan of dances." she managed to say, she could still remember her prom dance and how they basically forced her to doll up and go. No way was she going to put herself in that situation ever again, still with Jared would have been probably a totally different experience. But she didn't want Jared to be forced into taking her just because Leah brought it up, and she wanted to give him a way out.
"Well, I think we should go." replied Jared while he reached over to where she had been nervously wringing her hands and took her left one in his right. "I like dancing and I want to see you in a dress." he eyed her suggestively and gave her hand a squeeze.
Bella's breath caught at his comment, making her nervous in an entirely different way, maybe he really did wanted to take her. She blushed as warmth started to spread through her body, how was it possible that everything he said turned her on? Was it the imprinting or just him? "I really would rather skip the dance Jared... I can get a dress and you can see me in that without the whole pictures, parents, smiles and dancing."
Jared brought her hand to his lips and kissed it. More heat, want, desire. She wondered if he would ever stop making her heart skip a beat. "You really are a strange girl, but I still think we should go. You really need to act more your age Isabella, it's going to be one of the last occasions where we can be carefree."
Bella mulled over Jared's words, she was different by any normal standard, but would it be that bad for once to be young and free? "Okay, we'll go, but I absolutely refuse to dance."
Jared chuckled, and leaned over to give her a peck on the forehead. "We'll see about that. The dance is in two weeks time, so I'll leave you to make plans with Leah." He kissed her again, this time swiftly on her lips and walked back to the guys.
Leah cleared her throat. "Bella, it does seem like Jared is really trying. I believe that was one of the longest conversations that I've ever heard him have."
Bella looked at her with surprise. "What do you mean?"
"Jared was always pretty funny and easygoing, but he never took the time to have serious conversations like he did just now. Also with Kim he tended to be even more reserved, maybe it was her calming influence and shyness. I've always thought that he had depth, but I've never had the chance to actually see it." Leah said pensively. "I think you're good for him, your persistence and stubbornness will come in handy with how reserved he is. It's obvious that you challenge him; he has to work to get to you. Kim was so sweet she would always agree with anything he said. Sometimes, watching them together was enough to make me ill. Keep trying Bella, maybe not today or tomorrow, but I can see that soon he will surrender to you."
Bella smiled softly. "I don't want his surrender; I want him to be happy with me and to make me happy. It seems silly to say it that simply, but that's all I need."
Leah replied. "It's not silly, happiness doesn't come easily. Now back to the dress..." The two girls were soon joined by Emily and they continued to make plans for the dance. It was settled that Bella would get ready at the Clearwater's house and then spend the night at Emily's. "Or at least, that's what we will tell Charlie, we all know where you'll be." smirked Leah.
Bella put her face in her hands trying to shield herself from the embarrassment, as Leah and Emily's laughter rang in her ears. "Fine, make fun of me, but one day I'll get my revenge!" The girls laughed even harder at Bella's empty threat, and eventually she joined them. It was nice to fit somewhere, and Bella finally felt like she really belonged as part of their family.
Jared came to collect her a little while later. "Come on Isabella, I'm taking you home. I'm sure your dad wouldn't like for you to be out too late."
Bella smiled and appreciated that he didn't want to be on Charlie's bad side quite yet. "I'm ready. How are we getting back to my house?"
He took her in his arms. "Fastest way I know." and at her expression he smirked. "You aren't scared, are you?"
Bella grimaced, but was definitely not going to show any fear now. "No I'm not, but try not to run too fast, I am only human after all... grumpy!"
Everyone laughed and Jared growled at her. "Well, now if you had asked nicely I would have probably complied, but seeing as you weren't nice at all we will go at the speed of my choice." He started running quite fast, and she let out a terrified shriek, clinging even tighter to him.
The forest was passing by quite rapidly, and after a few minutes Bella started to enjoy his speed and dexterity in avoiding obstacles, she envied him, and more than ever wished she wasn't so clumsy.
They arrived at her backyard in less than 20 minutes. He put her down and looked at her for a few beats before he swiftly pulled her into his arms and kissed her. When she put her hands around his neck he deepened the kiss and his hands that were positioned on her hips, held her more tightly crushing her to him.
Bella was lost in the feeling of Jared, his strength; power and raw energy were making her dizzy. He broke the kiss and smirked. "I'll see you tomorrow, Isabella. No more grumpy or I'll have to punish you."
She laughed and then with the most innocent expression she could muster asked, "What are you going to do if I disobey?"
Jared's eyes darkened. "There isn't time now, but tomorrow I'll be happy to show you."
She sighed and put her head on his chest, sometimes she just liked to smell him. "I don't think that will be necessary, I'll just play it safe. Goodnight..." With that she gave him a kiss on the cheek, turned away, and started walking towards the house. The day had been rather eventful and she was tired. As she walked her mind wandered to the upcoming dance, and she actually was starting to look forward to it, and of course she liked the idea of getting to see Jared in his tux. Right before she let the kitchen door close behind her, she glanced over her shoulder to see Jared still standing at the tree line, and whispered softly, "grumpy", knowing without a doubt that he would hear.