Broken Moon
Disclaimer: I own nothing.
AN: This chapter is on Alexis Clearwater's POV. It'll be the last time that I use another character's point of view. I have been suffering from writer's block with this story, but now I know where I want it to go. If anyone has any suggestions or comments, I will gladly take it and use it. Anyways, enjoy this chapter, which is not as sad as Diego's. It has a happy ending and Diego might too, it all depends on how I feel as I continue the story. Thanks to Laura for giving me the idea at the end! Much appreciated!
Shadows
Alexis' POV
OK, so I was a little childish at times. I was the youngest daughter of six children. My parents were loving and caring. They were great, sweet and kind. My mother was beautiful, with long dark hair and beautiful blue eyes that rivaled the sky. My father was gorgeous, strong and always had a sunny disposition. They were the ideal parents... They were in love and everyone that stared at them together could see that their love was deeper than the ocean and wider than the expansion of the universe. I wanted something like that for myself, since I was a little girl. I always wanted to be loved and cherished.
To begin my story, you need to know a bit about me. As I mentioned before, I am the youngest of four girls and the youngest of six siblings. I have two brothers; Seth Jacob, the oldest and Seth Diego, the youngest. I have an older sister, Mallory Moon and two identical older sisters; Addivani (Addison Vanessa) and Ally (Allegra Suzanne). Chronological speaking, I am eleven years old, but due to my vampire and werewolf blood, I matured faster than a normal human child would and look eighteen years old. I have a special ability that allows me to manipulate people, but I seldom use it. I don't like to bend people to my own will and advantage. I find it morally wrong and unacceptable, but then there are times, that it's just necessary and I end up breaking the rules.
I was a happy girl and I love my family dearly. I adore my grandparents and my Bella and Edward. I love life and everything that reminds me of nature. Like my father (read And Then Came You- Seth's favorite food is Four Cheese Mashed Potatoes), I have a fascination with mashed potatoes and food. But everything that I loved and adored fell to second place after I imprinted. I always thought that imprinting was supposed to be magical, sweet and bubbly, but it's the opposite, it's bleak, painful and dark. I have no hope and the sun doesn't shine or rise for me anymore. I have this deep need to see Chase Ateara, but all I have are the memory of his dark eyes, staring sadly at me, as he waved goodbye. I could see the sorrow in his face, as he walked out of the living room that day. I often wondered if he was feeling the same way as I did. We were chosen by a cosmic force to be soul mates. Perhaps, everything I felt, he felt too. I wanted to run to him. I searched for him at his house, but Quil had taken his children to a nearby town to stay with their grandmother.
It had been a little over a week and I couldn't bring myself to go chase after Chase Ateara. I followed his scent one night to a small reservation, but I was afraid that Quil, Chase's father, would react worse than before. I knew that he was worried for his daughter's future... but I had no doubt in my heart that she was going to be well taken care of by Diego. If Diego took such good care of my mother, Nessie and our sisters, I knew that he was going to treat her like a princess. I know that Diego and I bicker a lot, but he is my best friend and it pained me so much to see him so sad. We are siblings and we need to take care of each other. I didn't like to see him so dejected and sad. I stared at him for hours, as he laid on the floor in the middle of the living room, crying disconsolately, after the Atearas left. I cried even harder when I saw Chase followed after his father and sister. He turned around briefly and waved sadly at me. I managed to offer him a sad weary smile, trying hard to blink back the unshed tears that were threatening to fall. He waved again, before he vanished from the living room and exited the mansion, taking my heart with him. I didn't even have time to talk to him and ask him how he felt about the entire imprinting dilemma.
I sat in the tire swing, my feet dragging as it moved back and forth. It was sunny outside, but inside my heart everything was cloudy. I sighed, when I saw Diego amble towards his truck. He got in it and peeled out of the driveway without glancing back. He'd lost the spark in his eyes and all that remained was the shadow of a lost little boy. I didn't understand why Quil had reacted so harsh on the whole imprinting situation. I tried to investigate, but I always came out with more questions than answers. I wanted to help my brother, because I knew deep down in my heart that if I helped him, I would be helping myself to get closer to Chase.
"Hey," Addivani said, as she walked to where I was. She gently pushed me and stared down at me. I sighed, when I saw my reflection in her brown eyes.
"Hey, Vani," I whispered, my eyes looking downwards at the reddish earth.
"Do you want to talk?" she asked worriedly, as she continued to push me. "I might have the words to console your contrite heart, sis." she said softly and smiled caringly at me.
"I doubt it, but if you want to listen to the pathetic ramblings of a brokenhearted girl, then by all means, stay..." I said sarcastically, as I stopped the swing and stared at her.
Addivani laughed halfheartedly and hugged me. "I'm here for you, Chiquita." she whispered, as she pulled away from our embrace. "Look, I know that I am not the best confidant in the world, and I'm sure as hell ain't Moon, but I care for you! I may be blunt and a little too cynical at times, but I do love you, Alexis. I can feel your pain and I swear that it's not comfortable knowing that a piece of me is hurting." she said sadly.
"I know." I whispered, a tear escaping my eyes. I quickly brushed it with the back of my hand and sighed heavily.
"I know I am no Moon," she said, gazing at the mansion.
"You said that already, Addison." I said annoyed.
"Let me talk, Lexi!" Addivani said annoyed.
"Fine," I whispered and continued to stare down at my feet, as I swung.
"Like I was saying, I am not Moon when it comes to making a person feel better, but I do have something that I want you to know."
"What is it?" I asked intrigued.
The corner of Addivani's lips curved into a winsome smile and there was a mischievous spark in her eyes. "Good, I got your attention." she said proudly. "I know where Chase and Ivy are staying! I also know the reasons why Ateara went all crazy on Diego and Papito!"
"You do?" I asked, as I placed my hands on her arm and shook her. "Tell me!"
"Well, I know where they're staying and I have to say, thanks to Ruben, I know how to get to their grandmother's house in the Makah reservation."
"Ruben?" I asked. Addivani nodded and smiled. "You have to take me there now!"
"Chill, Mamacita! You need to hear why Quil went ballistic!"
"We have to go to the Makah reservation, now! I need to see him. You can tell me the reason Quil went crazy on us, on our way there." I said desperately, as I managed to get out of the tire swing. "How did you manage to get that information, Addivani?"
She shrugged and stared down at her perfectly manicured hands. "I got connections."
"Who helped you?" I asked intrigued. "Come on, tell me!"
"Someone," she said haughtily.
"Tell me!" I begged, as I finally managed to get out of the tire swing and took her hand in mine. "Tell me, please!"
"OK, it's more like a few people helped me." she laughed, giving my hand a gentle squeeze.
"Names, please! I want to thank them personally." I said happily.
"Fine!" Addison snapped. "Moon, Embry, Dad, Ruben, Jared Jay and Romeo Black helped."
"Romeo Black? Why would he care?"
"He's imprint Nala, is Ivory's best friend."
"For real?" I asked surprised.
"Yes," Addison Vanessa said, her lips pursed tightly together as she stared at me. "I guess Ivory is depressed about the whole thing, so her friend doesn't want her to be sad anymore. She told Ruben why Quil hates Diego so much!"
"I like Nala!" I said.
"No you don't!" she said disgustedly, and pulled her hair over her shoulder. "You don't like her!"
"Well, I do now!" I said gently, as I started to walk towards the house.
"Whatever!" she said apprehensively. "She is Samantha Uley's best friend too. Samantha our enemy!"
"You are right, I hate her!" I said, nodding. "So, tell me more." I said, when I heard Allegra coming down the pathway to meet us. She was wearing her hair in a bun, and a summer dress that made her look so beautiful.
"Addivani, Lexi, let's go! Moon is waiting for us in the car." Allegra shouted, as she turned back and walked to the house. "Come on, hurry!"
"I need to change into something nicer. I look like crap. I don't want Chase to see me like this."
"Alexis, you aren't Addison, so stop acting conceited!" Allegra shouted from the kitchen.
"But I need to look good." I whined, running my hand through my hair.
"You are beautiful, if I do say so myself." Moon said, as she walked to where we stood. I smiled at her and gave her a side-hug.
"Thanks," I said happily. She kissed my cheek and grasped my hand and started to drag me towards the driveway.
"You are welcome, come on! Let's go to the Makah reservation and get that idiot of Quil to accept Diego and Ivory to be together and-" Moon said riotously.
"Let's get Chase too!" I interjected and screamed cheerfully.
"Yeah!" my sisters yelled as we hugged.
We drove in silence, on occasion; Moon would stare at me from the rearview mirror and smiled lovingly at me. She really was sweet and kind to all of us, despite our actions against her in the past. She was always so bright and positive and I knew that her new attitude had to be because Embry imprinted on her. After two hours in Papa Edward's gray Bentley we made it to the Makah reservation. My heart was beating fast and I felt my mouth turn cottony and dry.
"I can't do this!" I cried, as I fanned my face with my hands. "I can't do this, Moon."
"Calm down, here drink some water." Allegra said from the front seat, as she passed me Moon's water bottle. "Calm down, Lexi."
"Thanks, Moon." I said, opening the bottle and taking a sip of the water. "Thank you, Allegra."
"Don't mention it!" Allegra said, as she patted my hand sympathetically.
"OK, relax, breath and let's get this show on the road." Addivani said nonchalantly, as she ran her hand through her hair and adjusted her silk blouse.
"Addivani, you aren't the one that's going to be talking to Chase, so give her some space." Allegra said annoyed.
"Allegra," Addivani hissed. "Seriously, can't you feel the agony of our little sister. Even Moon can feel it and she is not our identical sister."
"I'm sorry! But this is ridiculous. What are you getting out of this, Addison?" Allegra snapped.
"Nothing for me, but Alexis gets to stop walking around the house with that blank expression on her face and that lost look in her eyes and Chrissy can have her favorite aunt back!" Addison retorted.
"Oh," Allegra said guiltily. "I'm sorry!"
"Hey!" Moon and Allegra said at the same time. "I thought I was Chrissy's favorite aunt!"
"It's OK; she loves you all! But I think she favors Alexis. Lexi gives her candies and spoils her more than you two. I also know that I have been a bitch in the past." Addivani said, rolling her eyes at us. "But I've changed. If Mallory can see past my imperfections and love me, I think that-"
"Addivani, I love you, but this is not your time to shine." Moon said, laughing. "Come on, Lexi; let's get you your man!"
"Thank girls, but I don't think I can do this!" I said frightened. "I'm too nervous! What if he hates me? What if Quil kicks me out of the house and forbids me to never see his son?" I began to hyperventilate.
"Chase is seventeen years old, Lexis. He is a big boy! I am sure that he will not let his father dictate his life. I hope!" Allegra said softly, crossing her fingers.
"Come on, we are wasting precious time, Lexi! Take a deep breath and relax." Moon said, as she gestured me to breath.
I nodded, smiling nervously and fanning myself. The car was extremely hot and my body temperature wasn't helping. Moon touched my face with her cool hands and I thankfully squeezed her hands.
"How do I look?" I asked, as I stared at my identical sisters and at my Moon.
"Like a girl in love!" Moon smiled.
"I'm not in love yet. I am smitten." I retorted nervously.
"Oh, great, are we going to talk about how you are feeling, Alexis Marie, or are we going in there and create havoc or what?" Moon shouted, narrowing her eyes at me.
"Moon is right!" Addivani laughed. "Why are you so pumped up, anyways?"
"I don't know! I'm happy, I guess." Moon shrugged.
"You ate chocolate." Allegra told on her.
"Ohh," Addivani bobbed her head softly. "Dad doesn't want you having chocolates, Moon! Remember last time, how you ended naked in the fountain in La Plaza in Bogota."
"That was embarrassing!" Allegra scoffed and patted Moon's head. "Dad told you not to touch them."
"I did have some chocolate that Embry left on his counter and I feel fine. I'm not getting naked or anything. Plus, being naked in a water fountain is not so bad, once you have tried it. So let's stop focusing on Moon and focus on Lexi! Come, on Lexi, let's get this bull by the horns and kick some ass!!" Moon said excited.
"Fine," I said hesitantly. "Just drop the enthusiasm a notch, please."
"Sorry," Moon said sheepishly.
We got out of the car and made our way to the last house that was at the end of the road. I sighed deeply and held Moon's hand tightly. She gave me a sympathetic smile and forced me to continue walking beside her.
"You can do this!" she said telepathically. "You have us beside you! We can get through to Quil together."
"Are you sure?" I whispered nervously in my head.
"Positive!" Moon said satisfied. "If not, we can have Addison touch him and make him do anything she wants."
"Will it work on a werewolf?" I asked curiously, as I stared at the gated entrance of the house.
"It works on grandpa all the time!" Moon laughed.
"It does?" I asked, and Moon nodded.
"Yep, come on let's go!" Moon said, as she tugged at my hand and practically dragged me.
Allegra and Addivani followed after us. "What are you two giggling about?" Addison asked intrigued.
"Stuff," Moon shrugged and opened the front gate of the white house. "OK, Lexi, this is the address. You have to be positive and believe in yourself, in your future and that-"
"Moon, I am not in a boxing match." I whispered distressed, interrupting her rant.
"Sorry, you know what I am trying to say." she said, smiling winsomely at me.
We walked up the driveway and stopped when the front screen door opened and out came Ivory. Her hair was pulled in to a long braid that fell over her shoulder and down to her waist. She stared at us shocked, but then smiled and ran to greet us.
"Hi," she said kindly.
"Hello!" Moon said cheerfully and leaned forward to give her a hug. Ivory reluctantly reciprocate the gestured and slowly pulled away from Moon.
"Hey!" Addison and Allegra said in unison, waving at her.
"Hi," I mumbled.
"What are you guys doing here?" Ivory asked perplexed.
I looked back at my sisters and waited for them to answer. Moon sighed and placed a caring hand on my shoulder and motioned me to answer.
"Well, I-we, um, you know, came to talk to your Dad." I said anxiously.
Ivory scratched the back of her neck and sighed loudly. "Oh, he's not here."
"Where is he?" I asked worriedly.
She turned to face the house and then at us. "He's on a cruise with my mom. Why?" she asked curiously.
"Oh, well, we wanted to, um, invite you and your brother to the movies tonight, if you wanted to... of course." I lied.
Ivory smiled and gnawed at her bottom lip tensely. "That'll be nice. Is Diego coming?" she asked, bobbing her head nervously.
"Um, if you want him to come, I can let him know." I smiled.
"That would be nice, if you guys don't mind. I wouldn't want to interrupt on your family time..."
"Oh, no, we don't mind." Moon giggled and then turned serious. "So, where is Chase? We came to talk to him." I poked her side, but she just stared at me nonchalantly. "So, where is he?" she said impatiently, when Ivory remained silent.
"Quil, he is in the auto shop." Ivory said.
"I thought you said that your dad was in a cruise with your mother." Addivani snapped. "So, what's going on? Are you lying to us?"
"Oh, no," Ivory said embarrassed, as she raised her hands in front of her. "Quil is my brother Chase. That's his name."
"Come again?" I asked, placing my hand near my ear emphasizing the fact that I didn't think I heard correctly.
"Yes, my brother Chase real name is Quintilian." Ivory laughed. "Don't tell him that I told you. He might kill me if he finds out that you know his real name. But that is a family name. It's passed down from father to first son."
"Oh, gosh, what a fugly name!" Addivani and Allegra laughed. "I understand now why he named himself Chase. It's to chase away the horrible name!" Allegra and Addivani were laughing hysterically, when Moon smacked them on the side of the head.
"Geez, Moon," Allegra cried, as she rubbed her head. "I thought you were a pacifist and didn't believe in hurting others."
"I am, but you two are annoying me!" Moon hissed. "Sorry about that Ivy and Lexi." she apologized. "So, in what auto shop is he in?"
Ivory straightened her back and took Moon's hand. "You drive and I'll direct you towards the shop." she said determined.
"Um, OK," Moon shrugged.
"Is it far from here?" I asked nervously.
Ivy shook her head. "No, it's like five minutes in car."
"What a coincidence," Addivani said casually. "We have one. Come on, I'll drive. Moon, keys!"
"Here," Moon said casually, handing Addivani the keys.
"Thank you." Addivani said, as she dragged Allegra with her.
Moon and Ivory walked hand in hand towards the car, whispering things, that I didn't even bother to hear. I was preparing myself mentally to face Chase, my imprint.
"So, is it true that you imprinted on Quil?" Ivory asked intrigued, as she opened the door and sat in the backseat. Moon followed after her and I was the last.
"No, I imprinted on Chase!" I said sharply. "If I think that I imprinted on Quil, I'll be seeing your dad's face all the time and I sure as hell don't want that."
"Sorry," Ivory said shamefacedly. "I didn't mean to get you upset."
"Ignore her." Moon said, smiling kindly at Ivory. "She is just nervous about the whole situation. She's usually sweet. Just make her some mashed potatoes and she is your best friend… Hint: the same for Diego"
"Thanks, I'll keep that in mind." Ivory said timidly.
"So Chase's name is Quilateral-whatchamacallit!" Addivani snorted. Allegra stifle her laugh and cleared her throat, when she heard me growled.
"It's Quintilian!" I hissed at my identical sisters. "Moon, why did we bring them?" Moon shrugged and continued to look out the window. "Quintilian,"
Ivory nodded. "Yeah, he changed it to Chase when we were in grade school." she explained.
"So, his name is Quil?" I said annoyed.
"Yes, Quintilian Ateara." Ivory informed us.
"Then why do they call them Quil-" Allegra began, but Ivory cut her off.
"Our grandfather liked the way Quil sounded, so he made everyone start calling him Quil, instead of Quin. Since he was so tall and burly, everyone just followed along and it remained Quil until this day." she said awkwardly, as she stared at the road. "You identical sister in-law, turn right on that street."
"My name is Addison, for your information." Addivani snapped at Ivory.
"Sorry," Ivory mumbled and turned to face Moon. "Make another right and continue straight and make a left on Chelton Street." Ivory said. "Stop next to the gray building."
"OK, we are here," Ivory said happily.
"Breath, Alexis." Moon said supportively. "You can do this! Remember that this step is to reach for your goal, your happiness, kiddo!"
"I am breathing, Moon! So leave me alone!"
"Fine!" Moon grunted, and pushed me away from her.
"Moon, don't push me!" I growled annoyed. I was nervous and anxious to get this over with.
"Shut up and hurry up!" Moon hissed and in a flash, opened the door and pushed me out of the backseat.
I tried to get back inside, but Addivani hit the lock button and they wouldn't let me inside the car. I inhaled deeply and scowled at them. Might as well get this shit over with. I walked inside the building and asked the person in charge to let me speak to Chase Ateara. I was pointed towards a black door that led to the locker rooms. I sighed when I inhaled Chase delicious scent. I took a deep breath and walked inside.
"Um, hello?" I whispered, when I saw a tall, lean and muscular man, rummaging through his locker.
He laughed heartedly, but didn't turn around. "Yes, how can I help you, Alexis?"
"I-I how did you know it was me?" I asked confused.
He laughed softly and turned around to face me. He was wearing a gray mechanic jumpsuit and a towel in his hands. I felt my heart leap with joy and my breath caught in my throat. I had to practically remind myself to breath.
"I could smell you, why?" he said, smiling brightly at me.
"Oh," I said timidly, as I ran my hand through my hair. Oh, men, did I look like a mess? "Wait, you could smell me? How? This room is covered in oil, gasoline and other strange scents that I can't-"
"I can smell you, Alexis. Plus, I can feel when you are near me. You came to the reservation about a week ago, right?" he said, as he flung the towel over his right shoulder. He stared at me and I felt self-conscious. Did I look good to him? Why was I being so vain in that instant?
"Yes. But," I whispered, and paused, when he took a step closer to me.
"I ran after you." he said nonchalantly. "Is there anything you wanted to ask me? Did you need to see me? Can I help you with something?" he asked impishly, as he reached for my arm. I felt the sparks flying when he touched me. Oh, I need something to lean on!
"Um, yeah, do you want to- movies, popcorn- Ugh! Look, I don't really know what I am doing here. I just wanted to see you and well, I-" I choked nervously.
"I missed you too." he said, smiling warmly at me, as he leaned closer to me.
"Excuse me?" I swallowed hard, when I felt his hand touch the small of my back, giving me the necessary support not to fall flat on my ass.
"I missed you." he whispered, leaning his head against mine. "I drove to your house two days after you imprinted on me. I wanted to talk to you, but I thought that you needed sometime to grasp the reality. It really wasn't a good week for me. I wanted to see you before, but I needed to think and gather my thoughts on this whole situation. I understand that I am your soul mate, I don't mind that. I really don't, I'm glad that it happened to us. It really doesn't bother me. I know that I should've manned up against my father, but I needed to be sure, that what happened to me was really what I thought it was. Wow, you are more confused than me!" he laughed, clasping my face with his hand. "I came to the realization that I can't live without, Alexis."
"You did?" I cried, as I looked down at my feet.
"I did."
"But,"
"I also imprinted on you on that day. I wasn't sure if it was that, but after a week of feeling so lost and confused… I can't live life without you, silly." he said, wiping the tears that were falling down my face. "We can't run from our destiny. You are my life" he whispered, as his arms wrapped around me and engulfed me in a fiery embrace.
My hands became numb, my throat tightened and my knees gave up and I would've stumbled on the floor, if it wasn't for Chase's firm hold. Our hearts were beating erratically, but I knew that the shadow that had covered my heart was lifted the moment his lips met mine in a wonderful, mind-shattering kiss that I would never forget.