A/N: Thanks to Leon McFrenchington for the beta work! Please review!
Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight. I wish I did. I would be soooo rich.
Ciao. JJ :)
**************************************************************
1. Not Normal
Nothing about me was normal—nothing about my life was normal. If there were another five-year-old out there with raging hormones, vampires for parents and a shape shifting wolf-man for a best friend, I would just love to meet them.
In retrospect, I really couldn't complain about my life; I had a doting and unconditionally loving family, and all the money happiness could buy, but lately, I'd been so angry—resentful—about the cards I'd been dealt. My heart beat, I slept, sometimes I even enjoyed the occasional bloody steak or two; but even that sometimes was not enough to make me feel human—not even remotely.
I walked down the staircase to the living room to find my favorite aunt and uncle, Emmett and Rosalie, in their usual positions—perched in front of the flat screen, bickering over who had control of the remote.
"Nessie… good to finally see you out of your cave. Welcome back to the land of the living," Emmett said with a big goofy grin on his face. I was in no mood for jokes.
"Don't you mean the land of the undead… or whatever it is you are?" Again, my mouth had gotten ahead of my brain. I instantly regretted those words—the look on Rosalie's beautiful face made me cringe. Such an exquisite face should never look so sad. Rosalie was the most beautiful woman I'd ever seen. Everyone in my family was beautiful—even the men. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean it," I said as sincerely as possible.
It had been two days since Jacob and my parents got on a plane headed back to Forks. Our goodbye was awkward and slightly embarrassing. The loss of his presence had definitely taken its toll on my mood. I was starting to feel depressed.
"It's okay, Ness. How are you feeling, today?" he asked.
"Just peachy," I replied sarcastically, looking around the room and peering into the kitchen. "Where are Jasper and Alice?"
"Visiting with Tanya, Kate and Garrett. They should be back late tonight," Rosalie replied before Emmett could.
"Oh. Cool," I said absentmindedly.
Tanya and Kate were my "aunts." Garrett met Kate during the almost fight with the Volturi five years ago—the fight that nearly happened because of me; because I existed. Carmen and Eleazar, the former leaders of the Denali coven, decided to move to Dublin and spend time with the Irish coven.
"I'm surprised you decided to stay here. I thought you'd jump at the chance to go back to Forks."
"I didn't feel like going. Besides, Jacob would probably be too busy hanging out with his pack." I did want to go but at the same time, I was disappointed that things with Jacob didn't go as planned. I was saddened and bitter about his rejection. He hurt my feelings; which was something I wasn't accustomed to—I always got my way.
Also, I was thankful for anytime Dad spent away from the house. Without his intrusive mind reading, I was guaranteed some privacy. Lastly—and this was my main reason for not going—being in Forks would mean I'd have to see Jacob with Leah. Ah, Leah… beautiful, bitchy Leah. She was everything I wasn't—she was a woman and I was still growing into my body; she was confident, funny and most importantly—Jacob's age. I envied the easiness of their relationship; how they were so comfortable with each other. I couldn't blame him if he did like her. Leah was of his species after all—a more compatible, logical match. It only made me hate her more.
Needless to say, yes—I was definitely jealous.
I plopped down on the couch next to Rosalie and rested my head on her shoulder. She held my face tenderly between her thin fingers, examining my face. "Thirsty? Your eyes are so dark. When was the last time you hunted?"
"I don't know. A while, I guess." All of a sudden, the light bulb went off in my head. Hunting would be the perfect excuse for sneaking out of the house. Without Dad around to hear what I was thinking and Alice's inability to see my future, I could make a break for it—get a taste of freedom if only for a few hours. "Rosie," I turned up the Nessie charm on full blast, "would you mind if I went hunting later? I could use the exercise and time by myself."
"Of course, darling. Just don't stay out too late."
"Thanks, you're the best." It was almost too easy. Rosalie would never suspect what I had in mind. "I'll be up in my room if you need me," I kissed her on the cheek and sped up the staircase.
I made a quick detour before reaching my room. My parents—my whole family, actually—stashed large sums of money in hiding places all around the house. I just happened to know where my parents kept their cache. I hopped onto their bed, removing the grating covering a wall vent and reached inside the small, dark hole. I took a few hundred-dollar bills and one of Mom's IDs. It might come in handy. "Score," I muttered quietly to myself. I shoved the money and ID into my back pocket, carefully replacing the vent cover before peeking into the hallway to make sure the coast was clear.
I was happier than usual. I actually skipped to my room. The prospect of getting out into town was exciting. I had been to Downtown Denali only once before; it was when we first moved here and I had begged my grandparents, Carlisle and Esme, to take me to the hospital with them.
I scoured my large, walk-in closet for something decent to wear. I decided to forgo my normal uniform of vintage t-shirts and tattered jeans for something a bit dressier—something Alice would approve of. Ironic considering that six months ago, I had put my foot down and told Alice to back off with the fashion advice—I was sick of being her life-sized Barbie doll. I found the perfect outfit: a beaded black top, dark blue skinny jeans and a pair of knee-high black leather boots. I searched for my backpack, hidden beneath a stack of dirty clothes, and folded my outfit neatly, placing it inside my pack. I tossed the backpack out my second floor window to the backyard.
The sun was starting to set behind the snowcapped mountains. I changed into my hunting gear; torn jeans, hiking books and a crappy, holey sweatshirt.
"Damnit!"
I forgot to put my makeup bag inside my backpack. It would look suspicious if I walked downstairs with a face full of makeup to go hunting. I tossed the little bag out the window as well. I gave myself a once-over in the mirror, smoothed out my wild curls and decided I was decent as I was ever going to be and headed downstairs to say goodbye to my babysitters.
"Bye Rosie, bye Em. I'll be back in a couple hours."
"Okay, sweetheart. Sure you don't want any company?" Rosalie asked.
"No, I'm alright. I'll see you later. Don't wait up," I said jokingly; vampires didn't sleep.
I hurried out the back door and retrieved my bags. Downtown Denali was 15 miles away—merely a ten minute run. Running was not an option tonight. Unlike the rest of my family, I tended to sweat. It was an unfortunate, unattractive human trait. I ran to the garage shed, hoping for once that Jake didn't put his dirt bike in the garage with the rest of our vehicles. Much to my delight, it was in its usual spot, resting on its kickstand on the rocky pathway next to the garage. Jake taught me how to ride it last year after much begging. I couldn't very much start the bike right there; the noise would garner too much attention. I rolled the bike over rocks and hills for at least half a mile; with their damn vampire hearing, I wouldn't be surprised if they heard me. I kick-started the bike and waited; for what, I wasn't sure. I was expecting Rosalie and Emmett to come tearing through the woods, searching for me, but they never came. My adrenaline was pumping. I put the bike in gear and headed off.
****
I parked the bike on the outskirts of town, hiding it behind some tall, overgrown bushes. I went into the nearest gas station bathroom, changed into my better outfit, applied my makeup, then ran back to the bike and stashed my bag along with it. The streetlights were dim, barely casting light, but it didn't bother me at all. I could see perfectly with or without the light. I walked down Main Street, passing bums, a diner, a couple gas stations and bars. Trucks and cars tore down the road at speeds seemingly unsafe considering the icy conditions. In front of me, I saw a bunch of people who looked to be around my age—by my age I meant teenaged, I wasn't five years old tonight—filing into a cafe. Hanging from the window were flyers for a local band that was having a show. I slipped inside, it was packed. There were so many scents in the air, my senses were on overload.
The band was setting up their equipment on stage, waitresses were flying around the room taking orders, kids were huddled in groups whispering and gossiping about the latest town scandal. I had never been more excited in my life. I found an open table in the dark corner of the room.
A woman, in what I guessed was her mid-twenties, approached my table. "What can I get for you?"
"Oh, nothing thanks. I'm just here for the band."
The woman rolled her eyes, and I heard her whisper a quick 'whatever' while walking away. Fifteen minutes went by and no one so much as looked at me. I didn't care, I just liked the feeling of bring in public. It was refreshing. The band started their set. They were absolutely terrible which sent me into a fit of laughter.
"What's so funny?" a barely audible voice resonated in my ears.
"Hmm?" I looked up. A boy around 16 or 17 stood before me. He had dark hair and eyes. I didn't know whether or not to think him attractive seeing as how I was surrounded by ridiculously good-looking people and they set the standards for looks way too high. One thing was for certain—he was no Jacob Black.
"I said… what's so funny?" he asked again.
"Oh, nothing. Just something I remembered."
"Here by yourself or is this seat taken?" he motioned to the empty chair opposite me.
"By myself. You can sit down if you want," I offered.
"Thanks. I'm Blake."
"Nessie."
"Do you go to Denali High? How come I've never seen you around?"
"I'm home schooled. I don't get out much," I replied honestly. "So…"
"So…" He stared at me. A brief moment of awkward silence passed between us.
"Did you come here by yourself?"
"What?" he yelled.
"I said, did you come here by yourself?" I yelled back over the noise.
"No, I came with friends." He pointed to a table the next row over where a blond boy and pink-haired girl sat. He waved maniacally to get their attention. When that didn't work, he walked over to their table, dragging them back to mine.
"Chuck, Clementine, this is Nessie," Blake introduced me.
"Nessie? Like, Nessie the Lochness Monster?" Clementine huffed.
"More like Hot-Ness Monster. Hello, gorgeous. Ignore my bitchy sister."
"Smooth, dude. Really," Blake shoved him. Chuck nearly toppled over out of his seat.
"Hey, I thought you said we were leaving? Can we get the fuck out of here already? This band totally blows," Clementine was now out of her seat, glaring at Chuck and Blake.
"Chill. We'll leave in a minute," Blake told her, never taking his eyes off of me. Clementine stormed off, Chuck following close behind her. "So, we're going to this bar down the street—we've got fake ID's so we can get in and—"
"Oh! I've got an ID, too! I swiped it from my Moth… my sister." Good thing I thought to grab one of Mom's. "Can I come with?" I asked excitedly.
"Sure. Let's go."
****
"What're you having?" Chuck yelled into my ear. It was just as loud in the bar as it was in the café, only much better music was playing from the speakers.
"Umm…" I looked at the variety of bottles, not recognizing a single one. "I'll have the strongest drink they make."
"My kind of girl!" Chuck exclaimed, slamming a $20.00 bill onto the counter. "Bartender! Four Three Wiseman shots please!"
The bartender's hands flew as he poured the ingredients of the drinks into little glasses. He handed us two each. Chuck and I joined Blake and Clementine who were seated at a table in the center of the room.
"One for you," Chuck handed his sister a glass, "and one for me." I handed Blake his drink. "Bottoms up!"
I swallowed the drink in one gulp. The fiery concoction was hot going down. It tasted awful but the immediate reaction my body had—I never felt anything like it before. I felt warm, slightly dizzy, and I wanted another. "More?" I asked.
"Definitely!" Clementine was in a better mood, as was I. The effects of the alcohol did wonders to my mood.
"I'll come with you," Blake offered.
I followed Blake through the crowd, trying not to get lost in the sea of people swarming the counter. He reached back for my hand—which I hesitated for a moment to take lest my gift decide to kick in—and pulled me into him. He was warm and the smell of alcohol was heavy on his breath. "There's an opening! Push through. Don't be afraid to use your elbows!" he joked. With my supernatural strength, even my elbows could do some damage. "So," he leaned into me and whispered, "another shot or would you like something else to drink?"
"How about both?"
"Sounds good to me! What do you like to drink?"
"I'll have what you're having." I had to stand on my tip-toes to talk into his ear. He was taller than me—but not as tall as Jake. I breathed in his scent, the combination of the alcohol and his cologne was sharp; it tickled my nose and caused a dull burn at the back of my throat. I definitely needed to hunt when I got home.
After a few minutes of waiting, we finally got the bartenders attention. "Can we get another round of those Wiseman shots and two of whatever he wants to drink," I turned to Blake. "I'm paying."
"Usually the guy buys."
"I insist."
"Okay… we'll have two Jack and Cokes, too, please."
The bartender nodded, turning his back to us to grab liquor bottles from the shelf.
"So, you guys come here often?" I asked Blake; we were standing even closer now as the crowd pushed its way into us.
"A couple times a week. It's better than that stupid coffee shop. There's nothing else to do in this shithole town."
"From the sound of it, I take it you don't like it here?"
"And you do?" he asked, looking surprised.
"I told you… I don't get out much. But honestly, no… I hate it here." I looked around at the people surrounding us. Their faces ranged in age and shade, each one a complete mystery to me. My phone started vibrating in my pocket—I forgot that I even had it. I looked at the screen—six missed calls, all from Rosalie. I would be in trouble for sure when I got home tonight. I didn't care, though—I was having too much fun.
"That'll be $32.00." The bartender held out his hand for payment. I pulled out the wad of cash stuffed deep in my pocket, taking one the hundreds and giving it to him.
"Whoa there, Moneybags. You secretly a drug dealer or something?" Blake teased.
"Accrued allowance from the last 5 years."
"Whatever you say. Here," Blake's voice shook me out of my thoughts, "take these. I'll get the shots." Once again, we made our way through the crowd, being careful not to spill our drinks. Clementine was busy talking to two men at a pool table, whereas Chuck looked miserable sitting by himself.
"It's about time! What the fuck took so long?" Chuck threw his arms up above his head.
"Hey, man… you see that line over there?"
"I'm surprised they didn't let you through," Chuck was smiling at me. "If I saw you behind me, I'd let you through in a heartbeat."
"Dude, just stop already. I don't think she's interested," Blake rolled his eyes.
"It's called persistence. That's how I get them."
"Whatever, asshole. Here's your drink." Blake pushed over one of the shot glasses Chuck's way. "Hey, gimme Clem's, too. She's busy sucking face with that guy over there." He pointed past his shoulder where Clementine was now wrapped around one of the men she was talking to. I laughed at the sight of it. "My sister, ladies and gentlemen. She works fast."
"Shut up and drink your shot!" I demanded. We downed our shots and my body tingled.
"Drink this," Blake handed me a tall glass.
"What's this again?"
"Jack and Coke. It's good."
I sipped through the straw, slowly at first. It was sweet with a kick. I finished my drink before Blake had finished half of his.
"She's a partier! Shall I get you another, milady?" Chuck asked in a very bad British accent.
"Don't mind him. When Chucky here get drunk, he starts speaking in tongues," Blake started, laughing at the expense of his friend. He wrapped his arm around me—and I didn't mind. "I'm gonna go outside for air. Come with me?"
"Yeah. Okay. Chuck, watch my stuff?" I left my jacket on the table. I didn't need it; I was warm from the alcohol surging through my veins.
****
"Careful now," Blake laughed. Everything was spinning, and I was swaying side to side. He caught me before I could fall. I leaned back against the wall, resting my head and closing my eyes, attempting to regain my balance.
He reached into his back pocket, pulling out a pack of cigarettes. I knew smoking was bad for your health but I had to admit, he made it look pretty damn cool. He inhaled deeply and breathed out a big cloud of smoke.
"Want one?" he held out the pack to me.
"I've never smoked before."
"Try it. You might like it," he smiled deviously. It reminded me of Emmett and when he would try to talk Rosie into doing something she was not in the mood for. He looked really young in comparison to Jake, and a little weathered, but I did find him attractive.
"You know, I'm starting to think you might be a bad influence on me."
"Maybe just a little… So, you want one or not," his devious smile returned.
"Okay, but don't make fun of me if I start choking." He held out the cigarette and I brought it to my lips. He lit the end and I inhaled. The spinning worsened but only for a moment; I felt really relaxed and I needed to sit.
"I think you're drunk." Blake sat next to me against the wall.
"I think you're drunk."
"I'm pretty sure we're both drunk."
My phone was buzzing again. "Fifty bucks says it's my sister." I looked at the screen—yep, it was Rosalie, again. "I'm going to be so busted." I started to laugh uncontrollably at my predicament. I had successfully planned my escape but I didn't even think about how to explain myself when I got back. And now I was drunk. I was so screwed.
"What's so funny?" Blake was laughing, too.
"If my parents were here… Oh my God…" I managed to stop giggling long enough to get out a coherent sentence, "I would be so dead."
"What do your parents do?" He took a loose strand of my hair and curled it around his fingers. I don't know why, but I liked it.
My mind was a mess and I couldn't remember the 'story' clearly. "Umm, my dad is a… wait, what the hell is he again? Oh, yeah, he's a doctor. Dr. Cullen. That's my dad."
"Wait? Cullen? Are you serious? My mom works at the hospital with your dad."
"Lucky her."
"I've met him. He's… nice. A little strange but nice."
"Uh huh," I needed to drop the family talk. In my inebriated state, who knew what family secrets would be brought to light. "Listen, can we not talk about my family? Let's get some more to drink!"
"Whatever you want, I'm here to please."
"Are you," I teetered back and forth as he helped me up, "flirting with me?"
"Just a little. Is it working?" The corners of his mouth curled up into grin.
"Maybe," I replied flirtatiously. "Just a little."
"Come on, Chuck has probably killed himself by now."
****
Clementine had rejoined her brother at the table. They were huddled closely together in conversation.
"Where have you two been?" Clementine asked.
"Outside. For a smoke. Where's your new boyfriend?" Blake said as he sat in one of the empty seats, pulling me onto his lap.
"I don't know what you're talking about," she replied.
"Uh huh," he muttered.
I was looking at the people on the dance floor. The music was blaring, everyone moving in synch with the beat. I had never danced with anyone outside of my family—never like these people and never to music like that.
"Dance with me?" I whispered into Blake's ear.
"What? Oh, no. I don't dance." Rejected again.
"If you don't dance with me, I'm sure Chuck would," I purred. It probably came off more seductive than intended but I couldn't help myself—I was feeling really brave and really, really good.
"How about if I just stand there and you can dance around me?"
"Compromise… I like compromises," I pulled him to the dance floor and just like he said, he just stood there. I had no idea what I was doing so I observed the other girls around me and imitated their movements. I caught on pretty quick. My hips swayed with the beat; I turned my back to Blake, pressing myself into him and placing his hands on my waist.
"You're… umm, you're a pretty good dancer."
"Thanks," I turned to face him. He looked flush, embarrassed. "You don't wanna dance anymore, do you?"
"Maybe if we drink some more, I'll be a bit more cooperative."
"You big baby. Come on."
The bar was starting to clear out which made it easier to get to the counter. "So, what'll you have this time?" he asked.
"I'll have a…"
"I think she's had quite enough tonight." I froze at the sound of the all too familiar voice. "Don't you think, Jasper?"
"I agree. Quite enough."
"Ohhhh shit," I mouthed silently to myself, turning very slowly. "Hi, guys. So… what brings you out to this part of town?"
I was face to face with the two angriest vampires I had ever seen in my life.
I was so busted.
************************************************************
In case you were wondering A Three Wiseman shot consists of:
1 part Johnny Walker whiskey, 1 part Jim Beam whiskey, 1 part Jack Daniels whiskey.
It really is a horrible tasting drink. Yeesh.
Hope you enjoyed the first chapter. If so, please remember to leave a review!