Chapter 17
Jake's P.O.V
Much to my surprise the Cullens accepted me back into their family easier than I thought. Edward is still a little apprehensive toward my return. He is afraid that I will run again and break Nessie's heart, something that I promise myself that I'd never do again. Adjusting my tie, I made my way downstairs to meet up with them. Looking at their stone faces, all filled with sorrow, I couldn't help but face the reality of the day. "You ready?" A soft voice ask, as she lightly squeezes my hand. Glancing over at my beautiful emotional rock, I shook my head yes.
The drive to La Push was long and silent, leaving me alone with my thoughts. They were definitely the company I wanted to avoid. "Jake." Nessie says shyly as I turn to look at her. she places her small hand on my cheek and tries her best to make me smile, but right now that is impossible. With a defeated look, she pulls her hand away and stares out the window. Stopping outside my former house, we slowly climb out the cars, and the Cullens walk on ahead. I just stand by the Volvo, with my head hung low, gently sobbing. "Jake sweetie," she says as she wraps her tiny arms around me, "I wish I could make this right?" I wrap my arms around her , the only person keeping me remotely sane, and cry into her hair. After a few moments, I slowly move my hand down her arm and take her hand. It was time to face the harsh reality.
The grey sky, that hung low, threaten to drench us at any moment, as we gather on the giant cliff. It seems like a lifetime ago since my sisters and I have gather for such a heart-wrenching occasion. The death of a parent, a reality that most of us will someday face, is never easy. It leaves a painful hole in your heart that can never be filled. "Ashes to ashes and dust to dust." The short balding minister says as they begin to lower his burial vault into the ground; tearing the hole that already consumed most of my heart. Nessie squeezes my hand gently, as she stares at me. Though I can't see her warm brown eyes, I can feel the sympathy that radiates from them. Luckily for her this is one thing that she is likely never to face. Though she did have to suffer with the thought of me and her family being killed by a psychopathic vampire hell bent on reaching a goal. How she stayed strong enough to do what had to be done, is beyond me.
"Let us bow our heads and pray." He begins the closing prayer, my final dose of reality. The tears I have fought so hard to hold back, finally fall. She grips my hand tighter, as she senses I am ready to fall to pieces. "Jakie, you ready to leave?" She ask softly. I just stand and stare at my father's final resting place. The cliff was his favorite spot. As the sun rose, he come here and watch. He said he could feel my mother's spirit beside him. Now he can rejoins his love on the other-side. "Jakie." she says again, as I finally acknowledge her presence, "You ready to go?" Shakin my head yes, I slowly stand up. Wrapping her arms around my trembling body, she holds me tightly, as I finally lose all control of my emotions. Without saying a word, she tries her best to console me and keep me from phasing. What do you say to your mate when they lose a parent, especially when that parent was their mentor and confidant? I don't think there is a Hallmark card for an occasion like this. "Come on, let's go." I finally choke out as we walk back to the cars.
The Cullens wait silently for us to arrive. Though I'm not a mind reader like Edward, I can see what they are thinking as they wear the raw emotions on their faces. I'm sure if they could cry they would, especially Bella. "Let's go home." Carlisle says as he walks over to me and places his hand on my shoulder. Though it is a small gesture it is very comforting. I look at my family and realize how lucky I truly am. In the past seven years we have grown from enemies to cthe closest knit family, that everybody dreams of having. Right now the pain is eminence, but looking at the people who gather around me when I needed them the most, I know everything will be alright.