"Dad?" Jacob said into the phone. He paced the floor of his living room feeling the nervousness coarse through his body.
"Jacob?" He heard the deep raspy voice of Billy Black. How did he ever leave him?
"Hey, Dad. How are you?" He had no idea what his disappearance would do to his father. And being gone for almost a year now probably worried him more than necessary. He didn't realize how selfish his decision had been until this very moment.
"Oh, Jacob. I'm so glad you called! I've miss you so much, son." He could hear the emotion in Billy's voice and again felt a surge of guilt.
"Yeah, yeah I've missed you too, Dad. I'm coming home though. In December."
"Really? You're finally coming home? Oh Sam and the boys will be so please!"
"Yeah, and I met her. I imprinted. Her name is Kali, and she's...perfect! Dad, I can't wait for you to meet her!" He was beaming just at the thought of Kali and his Dad in the same room.
"That's great to hear, Jake. I'm sure she's lovely."
"How's everything there though, anything new?"
"Um, actually Jake, yeah. Bella got married, she's still human though. I guess she decided to wait a little while longer." Jacob hadn't thought of Bella since the day he meet Kali. It was a relief to now feel anything other than friendship towards her, he could finally just be her friend like she had always wanted. He was also relieved to hear she was staying human for the time being.
"Oh, that's great! I'm glad she decided to wait. Well, I gotta go, but I'll call you soon."
"Please do. Everyone will be so excited that you're coming home. See you in December."
"Bye, Dad." He hung up the phone and sat on the couch. Kali only had three more weeks of class until she was out for a month for Winter Break. He could wait that long.
The next three weeks dragged, as it got colder in this little beach town. It was down to the low fifties. Jacob worked almost every day and called his dad every now and then. He was getting really excited to see him again. Jacob had talked about him and Kali staying up in Washington for Christmas, and while he could see it made Michael sad he knew how bad Jacob wanted to see his family again. So he reluctantly agreed and said they would celebrate when they got back in early January.
Jacob had made all the flight reservations and debated over whether they should get a hotel room, but decided against it knowing it would hurt his father's feelings. Kali seemed to be just as excited as Jacob for their first vacation together. She had heard so many stories about his life back in Washington and couldn't wait to put faces to the names she had heard over and over again. They video-chatted every night talking about different things, sometimes not talking at all, just staring at each other.
Finally the day came when Kali packed her three suitcases full of clothes and shoes and came home for a whole month. She hugged her friends goodbye before they each got into their cars and drove off. The drive flew by, her thoughts swarming around Jacob- she couldn't wait to see him, to hold him again.
She pulled into the driveway to see Jacob standing on the front porch leaning against the wood poll with his arms crossed. Her memory didn't do his smile justice. His beaming white teeth stood out against his tan skin and dark eyes. She jumped out of her Jeep and ran into his arms. He picked her up and she wrapped her legs around his waist and kissed him roughly, forgetting to breath and was suddenly panting when they pulled away.
"Hey." Jacob greeted putting her down on her feet and opening the front door.
"Hey, you look nice." Kali said looking him over. He was wearing black dress pants and a blue button up shirt with a matching blue and white striped tie.
"Thanks. And as soon as you get settled I will show you why." He took her hand and led her inside. She walked into the living room and placed one of her three suitcases to the side of the couch. She turned around to go back outside to get the rest but Jacob put both hands on her shoulders leaning down to her level.
"You sit, I'll go get the rest of your stuff." She looked like she wanted to argue but the look on Jake's face made her change her mind. She sat down on the couch and crossed her arms stubbornly and Jake walked back outside and quickly returned with her other two suitcases, rolling them in his room. He came out in to the living room standing in front of her holding his hand out. She took it and stood in front of him.
"Go put your best dress on, we're going out." He smiled excited for what he had in store for her.
"Okay, give me a couple of minutes." She grabbed her other suitcase next to the couch and took it with her into Jacob's room.
"Take you're time. We're in no rush." She smiled back at him and went to get ready. About thirty minutes later she walked back out in a skin tight red dress that stopped at their mid thigh. She worn gold open-toe pumps, her hair was in loose curls and fanned around her face. She had long gold earrings and a matching gold necklace that went to below her bust.
Jacob stood up slowly looking her over appreciatively.
"Wow." Was all he said as she walked over to stand in front of him. She smiled at his reaction and looked down at the floor her face flushing.
"Thanks. So where are we going?" She asked taking his hand in hers and looking back up to meet his gaze.
"It's a secret! Come on." He grabbed his keys and their jackets, helping her put hers on and walked out to his car. He opened the door for her letting her sit down before walking over to the other side and getting in. He started the car and began driving towards their destination.
"You're really not going to tell me where we're going?" Kali asked as they got onto the closest highway leaving her little town.
"Nope." He smiled at her and she rolled her eyes in response. They talked the rest of the way until Kali suddenly realized where they were going. It was a huge concert hall in the next town over. There were cars everywhere and signs for her favorite band.
"No way. We're going to see Daring Night? Are you serious?" Kali exclaimed excitedly. She knew they were coming but didn't have the money to buy the tickets.
"Merry Christmas, baby. I know it's a little early but they never responded to my phone call asking them to wait a couple of weeks." He joked as he pulled up in front of the building. The valet opened the door for Kali- she was still in shock. Jacob handed him the keys and wrapped his arm around her waist leading her inside.
"Thank you so much, Jacob. You have no idea how much this means to me! I have dreamed about seeing them in person since I was eleven years old." Kali said leaning into him. He placed a kiss on the top of her head. They got to the entrance and handing the guy standing by the metal detector their tickets. He looked them over and smiled.
"Ah, Mr. Black. Right this way." He pointed in the direction he wanted them to head. Kali looked up at Jacob confused. Was there a problem?
"What's wrong?" She asked.
"Nothing." He said smiling. He was definitely up to something. They followed the man into the back of the building. He opened a door at the end of the hallway. Jacob walked behind her, placing his hand on the small of her back, leading her forward. When she stepped into the room she nearly fainted. They were back stage. The band was sitting around on different couches, as if they were waiting on her. They stood at her appearance.
"Hello, you must be Kali." The lead singer, Daniel, said first walking up to stand in front of her. "I'm Daniel." He introduced himself unnecessarily, as if Kali didn't know who he was.
"H-hi..." She stuttered out realizing she could let go of his hand. The rest of the band came up and introduced themselves. She was smiling so broadly by the time they had all said hello. She turned to Jacob in amazement.
"How did you do this?" She asked taking his hand in hers.
"I called a couple of people. Told them about your obsession and how much they've helped you through." He placed his forehead on hers and his hands on both sides of her face. "You deserve this, enjoy this night." He kissed her softly and pulled away looking back at the band.
"So Kali, twenty posters?" Daniel asked with a laugh and Kali could feel her face turn a bright shade for red. She turned around slowly to face him.
"Ha, um, yeah. I just want to say, you guys have helped me through so much. When I was younger I lost a brother, he was only three years old, I was eleven. I had a really hard time dealing with it and one day your song, Never Let Go, came on and I could really relate to all the pain and sadness in the song. I want to say thank you so much for all that you do, y'all are an amazing band and filled with such goodness that no one could ever denied." Kali finished her speech and felt Jacob's hands on her shoulders.
"You never told me that." He whispered to her. She turned to face him.
"It's not something I liked to talk about, usually a buzz killer. But now you know." She shrugged her shoulders and looked back at Daniel and the rest of the band.
Daniel looked stunned but walked up to her and wrapped his arms around her, she hugged him back shocked that this moment was happening.
"I have never heard a story like that. I had no idea the influence our music would make on anyone. But I'm so glad that we could help you. I can't even imagine what you went through." He pulled away and looked Kali in the eyes. "You're amazing. Never forget that!"
"Ten minutes guys!" A guy came into the room and yelled leaving just as quickly.
"Well, that's us. It was a pleasure to meet you. Really. Write you're email and phone number down, I really want to keep in touch." He handed her a pad of paper and pin where she filled out her information.
"Thank you so much for meeting with me! Break a leg!" She smiled handing him the pad back and turning towards Jacob and walking with him out the door they came in. The original guy that led them before was standing outside the door waiting for them. He then led them to the audience to their seats.
"Front row? Jacob, you really shouldn't have gone through all this trouble." Kali said feeling guilty. Her present to him wasn't nearly this extravagant.
"Um, actually I paid for tickets a couple of rows back." Jacob explained sheepishly.
"These are courtesy of Daring Night. Enjoy your night." He pointed to our sits in the middle of the first row removing the "Reserved" signs and they sat down.
"Jacob, I'm sorry I never told you about my brother. I didn't hide it from you intentionally, I really haven't talked about it in so long, I just never felt the need to." Kali sad holding his hand in hers.
"I know. We have all the time in the world to learn everything about each other." He replied, thinking about all the secrets he had hid from her. He just hoped that she would be understanding over why he hid them for so long and why.
They faced the stage as they announced Daring Night onto the stage. They enjoyed the show, standing the whole time. Kali didn't even care about her aching feet, she was just so happy to be in this moment with the man she loved. She couldn't wait to meet his family. Whoever raised him had to be good people.
"This one goes out to a very special friend of mine, I had the pleasure of meeting her today and hearing her story. She is truly one of the most amazing people I have ever met. Kali, this is for you." Daniel announced and the band began the song she described earlier. She felt the tears well in her eyes, all of the emotion flowing out at one time. She felt sadness for the loss of her brother, but at the same time happiness for this moment and where she was in her life.
When the show ended the crowd cheered loudly, Kali and Jacob included. They sat in their seats for a long time, until the audience emptied out.
"Thank you. This was the most amazing night of my life. I couldn't have wished for more." Kali leaned over and kissed Jacob softly.
"You are more than welcome. I would do anything for you." He looked around noticing they were the only ones left. "You hungry?" She nodded and they both jumped up. Kali taking her shoes off in the process. "Oh, here." Jacob leaned down and took his comfortable shoes off. "Wear these."
"Jake, they're going to be too big!" She laughed as he crouched down and placed them on her feet. They were too big, like clown shoes. "I don't mind going bear foot!" He looked up at her and smiled.
"How about this." He stood abruptly, knocking Kali's knees out from underneath her. Then swooping his arm under her back to carry her.
"Ah!" Kali exclaimed wrapping her arms around his neck. "That works too." She placed her head in the crook of his neck kissing him tenderly. "I love you."
"I love you too." It wasn't long before they were outside of his car, he placed her carefully in the seat before walking around to the driver's side and getting in. He started the car, turning the heat on, he wasn't cold but knew Kali would be.
"Where to?" He asked looked over at her.
"Um, Riverfront?" Kali suggest. He nodded and threw the car into gear. Riverfront was Kali's favorite seafood restaurant. It was a silent drive. Kali was exhausted but was trying to stay awake. They pulled up in front of the restaurant. Jacob carried her inside, the waitress looked at them funny before recognizing Kali.
"Oh hey, girl! How have you been? I haven't seen you since high school!" The girl who Kali remembered but couldn't place a name to her face.
"Hey! I've been good, it has been a long time! How are you doing?" Kali asked politely noticing the nametag, Chelsea, was her name.
"I've been good. Got married," She flashed her left hand to see a modest ring on her finger. "I have one son. But it's been nice. Let me show y'all to your table." She grabbed two menus and headed outside onto a wooden porch over the water. The bridge was visible and the streetlights reflected off the water creating a romantic feel to the environment.
Jake placed Kali down in a chair and sat across from her. Chelsea placed the menus in front of both of them. "What can I get you to drink?"
"I'll have a Strawberry Daiquiri." Kali ordered.
"Water, please." Jacob order. When she walked away he looked at her. "Someone has to be responsible." He joked taking her hand in his. She rolled her eyes at him and looked down at the menu.
"I'm really excited to meet your family, Jake. I hope they like me." Kali stated not looking up form the menu. She was really worried that she was going to fly across the country and have his family not approve of Jacob's dating choices.
"Trust me. They are going to love you." He gave a small squeeze to her hand. She looked up quickly to see him smiling at her. She returned the smile just as Chelsea came back with their drinks. "You're waiter will be here shortly to take your orders." She said before walking back to her post.
"I can't believe she's married and has a kid! She was such a smart girl back in high school. She wanted to be a lawyer..." Kali looked off at where Chelsea disappeared too.
"Are you saying she's not smart for getting married?" Jacob asked, almost sounding offended. Kali turned to look at his face he looked hurt.
"Not necessarily not smart, but not exactly responsible. I mean she's obviously not getting paid very well here and she's raising a child. I just know that I've always wanted more for my kids and a minimum wage job just isn't going to cut it for me. So if waiting a few more years until I settle down means I can provide more for my family then so be it." She didn't mean to rant, but she also wanted Jacob to understand that she didn't plan on getting married any time soon.
"Ah." Was all he said. She didn't know what to say to that so she looked back down at her menu to decide what she wanted to eat. A couple of minutes of an awkward silence, that neither of them were used to having with each other, past before their waiter came over. He was a man around his late twenties to early thirties with dark hair and tan complexion.
"Good evening guys, my name is Caleb and I'll be your waiter tonight. Can I start you off with an appetizer?" He pulled out a pad of paper and pin. Kali was about to decline when Jacob interrupted her.
"Yes, can we get an order of the crab dip, please?" He ordered his voice flat of any emotion. The waiter nodded his head telling them he would put that in and be back to get our entree orders.
"Jacob, I don't know what I said to offend you...but I honestly didn't mean it in that way. You know that right?" Kali asked reaching to place her hand on his, he started to move away but decided to keep his hand on the table.
"I work a minimum wage job." He didn't look up from where their hands met.
"Jake-"
"No, no. You're right. I've always said the same thing. That I want more for my children." He looked up to meet her gaze. "But I can't do that. Things didn't really work out like the way I had planned a couple of years ago. I didn't graduate high school, and at the time I didn't think anything of it. Where I come from, it's not that big of a deal if you decide to not go to college and work out of your garage, fixing people's cars. I can't provide a lot of money. I had to save every dime I made that didn't pay the bills for those tickets tonight. Not that I'm complaining, like I said earlier, I'd do anything for you. But I'm never going to make a ton of money, and I'm sorry now that I didn't make more of an effort in school." Kali had tears in her eyes before he finished talking. He placed his hand on her cheek. "No, I didn't say all that to make you feel bad! I just want you to know what you're getting yourself into. What you see is what you get."
"That's all I want, Jacob! I've never asked for more than you. I don't care what job you have or how much money you make. That's never been important to me, you could be a bum for all I care! I love you, Jake." She was trying to hold the sobs in but a few escaped her. He stood up and walked to stand next to her, he then crouched down so he was level with her and wrapped her in his arms.
"I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have said anything." He cooed to her, rubbing her head as she cried into his shoulder.
"No, I'm sorry. I don't normally get this emotional. It's been a crazy long day." Kali finally said when she had calmed down. He pulled away and looked at her, wiping the tears from her face.
"I love you. And I'll try to be a better man."
"No. You're perfect just the way you are. Don't change a thing about yourself for me." She responded placing her hands on both sides of his face. They kissed each other briefly before they heard someone cleared their throat behind them. They pulled away and attempted to compose themselves.
"Don't mean to interrupt, do you need a few more minutes?" Caleb asked as Jacob went back to his seat.
"No, I think we're ready." Kali answered, the both ordered their meal and Caleb walked away.
"Okay, no more sad stuff. We leave tomorrow afternoon at one. Your dad said he would drop us off, and my friend, Sam, is going to be picking us up." Jacob explained.
"Sounds good!" Just then Caleb came back with their appetizer. They began eating and just enjoyed being with each other, not worrying about everything else that had happened that night. They continued with their meal, Jacob talking mostly this time. He told Kali tons of stories about his childhood and of all the people she would meet.
Jacob debated whether to tell Kali about the Cullens or not. He decided he might as well, she would probably meet them at some point. He steered away from the vampire thing, however.
He told her about Carlisle being a very devoted doctor in Forks, his loving wife. Then he told her the known story in Forks, of their five adopted children, Alice, Jasper, Emmett, Rosalie, and Edward. Then came Bella. This was the hardest for him to talk about, he didn't want to lie to Kali. He wanted her to know that he did use to have feelings for Bella, but he also wanted her to understand those feeling were non-existed since the moment he laid eyes on Kali. So he did, he told her about their childhood together, how they grew closer when Edward left her. Then the rivalry between Edward and him, their engagement, and eventually him leaving.
"That's why you ran away? Because Bella and Edward were getting married?" She asked genuinely curious.
"Yes. I couldn't handle being around them. I was too unhappy with myself. But I want you to know, I don't feel anything towards her now. I'm actually happy for them, I'm glad they got married and can live their lives together. Because I have you to live mine with. And I couldn't ever ask for more than that." Jacob explained sincerely. Kali smiled and nodded her head.
"I know, Jacob. But it's natural to still have feeling for Bella, she was your first love. Nothing can ever change that. I have no problem with that fact."
"First love? I guess I never though of it that way. Who was yours?" Jacob asked smirking at Kali.
"My first love?" He nodded. "Hm, I guess as sad as this is. You are." Jacob raised his eyebrows at that. "Yeah, I dated Derrick for three years, and I guess I thought I was in love with him at the time. But ever since being with you, I know what real love is, and what I had with Kevin could never raise a candle to what I have now." They smiled at each other for a long time, they were interrupted by Kali's phone.
"Sorry," She mumbled to Jacob as she reached in her purse and pulled out her phone. "Hello?" She answered. It was her father, he was just calling to double check the time he needed to pick them up. When she hung up she looked back over at Jacob. "We should probably leave, it's getting pretty late." He nodded, they had already paid the bill so they stood and headed back towards Jacob's house.
When the pulled into the driveway, Jacob walked over to pick Kali up, she still had her shoes off, and his driveway was gravel. He carried her inside, managing to unlock the door with her in his arms. Once inside he set her down and she walked herself into his bedroom.
"I don't know about you, but I'm pooped. I'm gonna sleep so well tonight!" She said throwing herself on to his bed. He smiled down at her and laid beside her.
"Are you sure you want to go to sleep already?" He whispered in her ear as he placed small butterfly kissed down the back of her ear and her neck. She moaned into him.
"Hm, what did you have in mind?" She asked placing her hand on his cheek.
"I can show better than I can tell you." He pulled her on top on him so she was straddling his waist.
"I guess I could stay up for a few more minutes." She giggled as he unzipped her dress. He raised his eyebrows at her.
"Minutes? Baby, this is going to take all night." She laughed loudly as the rolled them over and made her feel more loved than she had her entire life.
Jacob woke up to the sound of his alarm clock, telling him it was nine o'clock. He looked down to see Kali smiling sleepily up at him.
"Good morning." He greeted and kissed her forehead.
"Good morning." She rolled over and stretched, the blanket fell ever so slightly. Jacob's eyes roamed over her body not going unnoticed by Kali.
"Can I help you?" She smirked pulling the covers back so she could stand.
"Yes, yes you can actually." He sat up and leaned over with his long arms he pulled her on top of him. She giggled and attempted to pull away.
"Stop! We don't have time. Plus, I'm still sore!" She got up and walked into the bathroom, turning the shower on. "Jacob, go pack! We can't be late!" She called out getting a groan in response. She rolled her eyes to herself and continued to shower, attempting to untangle her hair. She was contempt when she heard the sound of Jake getting clothes out of his drawers.
When she was done she stepped out and grabbed a towel, drying her body and wrapping her hair up. She walked back into Jacob's room to her suitcase to get her clothes out.
"This would be a lot easier if you were always naked, you know." Jacob said looking up from the suitcase he was zipping up. She laughed.
"Sorry, I forgot to bring clothes into the bathroom. Unless you want me to go to the airport like this?" She raised her eyebrows at him.
"Definitely not. I think your father might have a stroke." He laughed to himself and walked into the bathroom clothes in hand. He hopped in the shower as Kali finished getting ready. She decided to keep the clothing simple, jeans and a T-shirt. She grabbed a pair of flip-flops knowing she would have to take them off once going through security. She grabbed her hair dryer and got to work on her hair, by the time she was done, Jacob was out of the shower and already dressed. She laughed when she realized they were both wearing the Daring Night shirts they got the night before at the concert.
"Well one of us is going to have to change." Jacob stated placing one hand on his hip. Kali burst out into laughter.
"Yeah, right." She rolled her eyes at him for the second time that morning.
"I'll go call your dad and tell him we're ready." He said walking out of the room.
She finished with her hair and started on her make-up. Normally she wouldn't worry about such things when traveling. However, she was meeting Jacob's family for the first time when she got off the plane and wanted to make a good impression.
He came back in, "He's here, I'll load up the car. Which bags are you taking?" Jacob asked peeking his head into the bathroom as she cleaned up her stuff.
"The two suitcases by the foot of the bed." She answered walking out with him, putting her toiletries into the smaller carry on bag. Jacob grabbed them and walked outside. Kali followed him into the living room where her dad was standing.
"Hey Dad." Kali greeted him walking over and giving him a hug.
"Hey, darling. Are you excited?" He asked not letting go of her.
"Very much so." She finally pulled away looking him in the eye. "Thank you for driving us." She squeezed his shoulder and smiled. He replied with a smile back.
"Ready?" Jacob asked from the porch. They both nodded and headed to the airport. They had a quick goodbye when Michael dropped them off and headed in. They went through security and were currently waiting at the gate for their flight. They were about an hour early. Kali's legs bounced in anticipation, Jacob noticed and placed a hand on her knee.
"It's going to be okay, Kali. I promise they're going to love you." He smiled giving her a kiss. She smiled nervously and nodded. They finally boarded the flight and took off on time. The entire way all Kali could think about was the man sitting next to her and how lucky she was that he decided to walk into her father's restaurant. The man next to her could only think about how he was going to tell Kali everything he had been hiding since they met. He was terrified over her reaction, he could only hope that she would be understanding enough to allow him to explain everything.
When they landing Jacob couldn't keep the smile off his face. His excitement radiated off onto Kali, making her just as excited. They got off the plane and collected their bags and walk out to the pick up line.
"Sam!" Jacob screamed as he spotted Sam next to an old black truck. He turned towards the voice and smiled when he saw Jake towering over everyone else. He waved and Jacob led Kali toward Sam. When they reached him, Sam embraced Jacob in a hug.
"Oh, Jake! It's so good to see you again! How are you?" Sam asked once they pulled away.
"I'm good, I'm good. Sam, I'd like you to meet Kali. Kali this is Sam, he's the chief of our tribe." Jacob explained as Sam took Kali's dainty hand into his huge calloused hand. Jacob and Sam exchanged a meaningful look that Kali didn't know how to explain.
"It's nice to meet you Sam. I've heard a lot about you." Kali said politely. He nodded.
"All good, I hope." He joked looking pointedly back at Jacob. They laughed briefly. "Come on, I'll help you get the bags." He said grabbing one of Kali's suitcases. The boys finished loading all the bags and got in to the truck. Jacob decided to ride in the back with Kali wrapping his arm around her shoulders pulling her into his side.
"You're dad hasn't stopped talking about this visit since you told him you were coming home." Sam joked from the front seat. This made Jacob smile. He really did miss his father, and knew his disappearance was hard on him.
"Yeah, it'll be nice to see him again." They enjoyed the car ride through the small roads covered in trees that had no brown left on them. They were all covered in moss giving the forest a mystical feel.
"This place is beautiful." Kali commented leaning into Jacob. It was a light rain outside, normal according to Jacob.
"Yeah, it's home." Jacob replied wrapping his arms around her noticing the goose bumps on her arms. "You did bring a jacket right?" He questioned.
"Um, yeah. It's in my suitcase." He nodded. A few minutes later they pulled into a gravel driveway in front of a quaint house. Jacob looked down at Kali and smiled.
"You ready?" He asked. She nodded slowly and they got out of the car. Jacob and Sam grabbed their bags and led her into the house.
"Dad?" Jacob yelled once inside and out of the rain.
"Jacob?" A deep raspy voice came from their left behind a wall. An older man in a wheel chair rolled out. He had long salt and pepper hair that went past his shoulder, his skin was a deep brown and shared Jacob's kind eyes. Kali assumed this was Jacob's father.
"Dad!" Jacob became a boy again. He dropped the bag on the floor and wrapped his arms tightly around his father. She saw tears in his eyes, a side she didn't see very often.
"It's great to see you, son. I'm glad you came home." They embraced each other from a long time before Jacob seemed to remember Kali was there. He quickly wiped his face and pulled away.
"Dad, this is Kali." Jacob said grabbing my hand and pulling me forward. "Kali this is my dad, Billy." She smiled warmly at him holding out her hand. Billy took it in both of his hands.
"Kali. It's so nice to finally meet you. Jacob't hasn't stopped talking about you on every phone conversation." He said smiling.
"It's great to meet you, as well. Thank you for letting me stay here in your home." He shook his head, laughing.
"Of course, dear. It's not a problem at all." Kali smiled again and looked over at Jacob.
"Hey, is there anywhere I can freshen up at?" She asked, he nodded and pointed her in the right direction. "Thanks." She excused herself and the boys walked into the living room. Sam and Jake taking a seat.
"So, you finally imprinted, huh?" Sam said slapping Jake on the back.
Jake laughed. "Yeah, looks like I had to run across the freaking' country to find her, but I did."
"Does she know?" Sam asked, not needing to explain.
"Not yet, I figured she could come to a council meeting and hear all the stories first. I think that would be the easiest way she could understand. She's not like the other girls. She didn't grow up hearing our history, this is going to sound crazy to her." Jacob explained. This was what he came up with on the plane ride over.
"I agree. You're going to have to break this to her slowly." Billy chipped in. Jake nodded in agreement. "Well, I'm sure you too would like to rest for a little while-"
"Actually, I think we were going to go eat, would you like to join us?" Jacob interrupted. Billy nodded and Kali walked back out of the bathroom.
"So, what are we doing?" Kali asked standing behind the chair Jacob was in. She leaned down and draped her arms around his chest.
"Eating!" He exclaimed placing his hand on her forearm. "You hungry?" He asked looking up at her.
"Starving. All they gave us was stinking crackers!" She smiled and stood back up straight.
"Well, I got to be getting back to Emily. I don't like to leave her alone for long in her condition." Jacob raised his eyebrows at him. Was there something wrong with Emily?
"She's pregnant! I assumed Billy would have told you." Sam explained cutting his eyes towards Billy. He simply shrugged.
"I forgot." Was all he said.
"That's great, Sam! I'm so happy for you guys! When is she due?" Jacob asked.
"In February, so we still have a while, but you never know with these things. I'll see you around?" Jacob nodded as Sam walked out the door.
"So where too?" Billy asked.
"I know just the place." Jacob said grabbing the back of Billy's wheelchair and pushing him outside with Kali following along.
They got into an older car, it was the car Jacob had told Kali about. A Volkswagen Rabbit that he build from scrap. Kali sat in the back seat so that Billy could have more space, much to his disagreement, and Jacob drove them through the small country roads. Billy asked both Kali and Jake tons of questions. For Jake it was to catch up with, how he'd been, what he had been doing with his time, etc. And for Kali it was to get to know her, where she was from, her family, what college she went to, what she was studying, any and everything. Kali began to feel she was monopolizing the conversation so she tried asking Billy questions as well, to which he answered happily. She could see where Jacob's positive personality came from.
It wasn't long before they pulled in front of a small rustic diner named Throwback. Jacob helped Billy into his wheelchair as Kali examined the area. This small town was truly a beautiful place, completely different from her home. It was a welcomed change.
Jacob pushed Billy inside with Kali walking by his side. They seated themselves at a four-seated table, removing one of the chairs for Billy. An older lady with graying hair and same complexion as Billy and Jacob walked over with a friendly smile.
"Hey, boys! Jacob, it's been so long! I thought you fell of the planet!" She leaned down to hug Jake's shoulders. He laughed.
"Yeah, I've been doing some...traveling I guess you could say. Donna, this is my girlfriend Kali. Kali this Donna." Jacob introduced them, Kali reached out her hand to Donna but Donna simply walked over to hug her as well. This seem to catch Kali off guard but she hugged her back immediately.
"It's so nice to meet you, Kali. I don't think I've ever met one of Jacob's girlfriends!" She joked. "You must be something really special." She pulled out of the hug placing one hand on Jacob's shoulder. "Now what can I get for you tonight?"
"I'll have a water, please." Kali ordered. Billy and Jacob both got cokes and Donna walked off to get them their drinks.
"Something special, huh?" Kali asked smirking at Jake.
"Yeah, well you are. And don't forget it." He replied winking at her. When Donna came back with their drinks they all placed their order.
"So how long are you staying, Jacob?" Billy asked.
"Until December 28th. We promised Kali's family we would be home for New Year's Eve since they're giving up Christmas." Jacob answered placing his hand on Kali's knee. She smiled up at him lovingly.
"Oh, good, good. So we have plenty of time together!" Billy's voice echoed with happiness it made Jacob's heart ache. He was so selfish when he left he had no idea how it would affect his father or his pack. He wanted to stay so badly, but he couldn't leave Kali. This was something that they were going to have to discuss once she graduated.
They continued with the small talk, Kali loved Billy the more time they spent talking about random things. He was so wise and so kind in everything he said it intrigued her all the more. She had never met anyone like Billy, aside from Jacob of course. They had very similar habits, they both ate the same way and had the same enthusiasm in their voice when they talked about their passion. For Jacob, it usually involved cars. But for Billy, it was his heritage and their tribe. He told Kali a couple of stories from their past and he could tell how much it interested her so he answered all her question effortlessly.
"You know, Kali. If you really want to learn more, we have a council meeting every month and tell all about our history to new members and even the old. You and Jacob should come."
"That would be lovely! Can we?" She directed the last part to Jacob gripping his hand that was still placed on her knee. He looked at her in amazement, as if he could ever tell her no to anything.
"Of course, I was going to invite you myself if Dad hadn't beaten me to it." Jacob replied causing Kali to grin from ear to ear.
"Great! Oh I'm so excited!" Kali said going back to her cheeseburger.
"I'm glad you take such a great interest." Billy responded with approval in his tone. Jacob could tell he was already in love with Kali, just like he knew he would be.
"I've always been a big history lover. It's even better to hear it from someone that grew up with the stories. I take history classes all the time, but it's taught from someone who learned it from a book or another professor who did the same. It's so much more interesting coming from someone that grew up hearing these stories from their parents and grandparents, how the stories just come to life. It's truly amazing."
"Word of mouth is the greatest form of communication, it allows us to relate to one another on a different level. I'm glad I still have that opportunity to tell these stories to my children and possibly my grandchildren one day." Kali smiled at that thought. Her and Jacob with two small black haired children gathered around Billy's living room, him telling stories of their people. It was a happy thought to have and she couldn't get the image out of her mind for the rest of the night. She knew Jacob could tell something was on her mind but didn't ask until they got back to the house and said goodnight to Billy. They walked into Jacob's old room, which only had a twin size bed so it was going to be a tight squeeze, and started unpacking small items.
"Is everything okay?" Jacob asked walking up behind Kali and wrapping his arms around her waist. She leaned into his warmth and moved her head to the left so he could place his in the crook of her neck.
"Everything is perfect, Jacob. I couldn't be any happier than I am in this very moment." She said with a sigh. He place small kisses up and down her neck and she could feel him smiling.
"Good, you just seemed a little distracted toward the end of dinner."
"It was something your dad said. He mentioned telling his stories to grandchildren." She felt Jacob freeze and she smiled at his reaction.
"Well he could have been talking about Rachel or Rebecca they're both older and with someone..." He talked quickly afraid what his dad said had scared her.
She giggled. "No, no. It didn't bother me. It actually made me really happy to think about. I know I kinda freaked you out last night about children and getting married. But I didn't mean that I never wanted to get married and have kids. I do. And the thought of having children with you makes my heart so happy I could just die. I kept picturing two black haired children sitting around your dad with the same amazement I had tonight." He hugged her tighter to him never wanting to let go.
"I love you." He said simply, kissing her neck again.
"I love you too."