After our little talk, Jared and I ran back to the house, for it had started to rain again. I didn't go into the dining or living room, but I did start to do the dishes that had begun to pile in the sink. Very calming to say the least.
The door behind me opened and a warm draft entered. Another plate slid into my hands and I quickly glanced up to see Jacob. He brushed past me and went to leave. I rolled my eyes.
"You're welcome Jacob." I paused. Jacob? "Wait, Jacob!" He stopped just before he exited, giving me a slightly annoyed look. My heart started beating faster. God, it was like I was asking someone out! Nervously, I started to wring my hands together, a nasty habit of mine. When I didn't say anything –I was trying to find the right words- he raised an eyebrow.
"Yes?"
"U-umm, well, I-I just wanted to thank you for helping me out that first day."
He gave me a confused look and crossed his arms. I tried again.
"When Tyrone was hitting on me the first time, and you slammed him into the locker. I wanted to thank you for that."
His eyebrows shot up in surprise, and his arms uncrossed. He looked in a different direction and rubbed the back of his neck. A red tint was forming on his cheeks.
"Don't mention it. Anyone would've done the same."
I bit my lip so I wouldn't retort angrily. If this was going to work, I had to throw myself in his mercy. I sighed.
"Look, Jacob. I know it's not easy with me around. I don't blame you for hating me. I know it's got to be tough on you. I'm the first girl around since she left, and everyone's accepting me in, no problem, so I understand that your aggravated. I know it must feel like everyone's forgotten about her, and maybe you want to hang on to the memory, I don't know. The thing is, I don't think I'll be leaving anytime soon, and it's not going to be easy on anybody if we hate each other, especially the other boys. I was kinda wondering if..." The heat started to go to my cheeks. I felt like a two year old. "...we could start over maybe? Or even be...friends?"
He didn't say anything for a long time. He just stared straight into my eyes, hopefully finding nothing but sincerity. I wanted to be friends with him. I wanted to help him get better. The cold, hard look in his brown eyes changed, it started to become softer, and I held my breath. He sighed through his nose, closing his eyes. When he opened them, it wasn't the same Jacob I was used to ignoring. This was the new Jacob, or possibly the old before Bella Jacob. His look was light and carefree, and his smile touched his eyes.
"I guess we could do that."
The smile that crossed my face was probably the biggest one ever. He matched it. It was good to see him smile his perfect teeth. I smiled and snatched his arm, giving it a tug. He shook his head but followed me anyway. I pulled him into the living room, beaming like a child. The boys looked up from the TV, glancing at us for a second. They did a double take, looking at us in surprise. I smiled wider, if possible.
"Okay, start calling parents, we're gonna have a movie night!"
The looks I received where priceless. They looked at me like I was on crack.
"But it's a school night." Seth objected. I pouted at him
"Oh like you pay attention to school anyway. Come on, it's a celebration! Jacob and I are actually friends!"
Their attention turned to Jacob.
"Natalie, go get the movie." Sam ordered. I guess they wanted to talk to Jacob alone. Regardless, I smiled and ran up the stairs to my room. I pulled out the pink box out from under my bed and started to file through it. No Disney, that's too chick-flick for the guys. No horror, cause I'd get nightmares. My friends thought it would be ironic and funny to get me the most terrifying movies, knowing I hated scary movies, just as a prank. I kept the movies to remember them. I really didn't feel like an action. Comedy it is. Then I remembered that I hadn't asked for the boys consent. I opened the door a crack, sticking my head out it.
"Comedy okay for everyone?"
Chipper agreements where shouted back at me.
"Have any of you seen Jeff Dunham?"
Silence.
"Oh My God! You poor neglected souls!! Don't worry, I got it!"
I filed through the movies again and pulled out both Spark of Insanity and Arguing with Myself running back down the stairs. Everybody must've called already, because they were piling around the couch. Paul was in the Loveseat, Sam and Emily took up half of the couch, Jared, Quil, and Embry (from left to right) was in front of the couch, Seth was next to Sam and Emily on the left side of the couch on the floor, Jacob was like Seth but on the right. The open right half of the couch must be for me.
(A/N: So it goes Paul on the Loveseat, Seth, Jared, Quil, Embry, Jacob on the floor around the couch, Sam and Emily on the left side of the couch, Natalie on the right)
I smiled and set up the first movie, plopping myself in my seat, and enjoyed the show (both the movie and the reactions of my crowd) as the beginning segment started.
~*xxx*~
I groaned as my alarm went off. Another day of school, oh boy. I quickly got dressed and washed my face, put on a light layer of make-up and fixed my hair. Making sure the bruises and my cut was covered; I floated down the stairs, hoping not to disturb Sam and Emily. I ate a small bowl of cereal, washed it, and brushed my teeth before grabbing my bag and keys. Jacob had fixed up my Avalanche a couple weekends ago, without me knowing, so I took that instead of my convertible, which would cause more of a show. I wanted to blend in, not stick out.
I got to school an hour early, which was good, because I haven't done my homework yet. I grabbed one of the tables and pulled out my work, getting started on it. It was rather simple busywork, which I hate. I finished in fifteen minutes (I had homework in every class besides PE) so I pulled out a book I decided to grab. It was a book one of my friends bought for me, Twilight. (A/N: Ironic right?) I was immediately engrossed in the book, and to my horror, I recognized the names. First, the place setting was Forks; second, the main character was Isabella Swan, plus Edward Cullen, and I noticed a couple of the other characters where past graduates. Seriously creepy. I was just getting to the part where Edward saves Bella from the car...
"What 'cha reading?" I shrieked and dropped the book, turning to the sound of the voice. Big Mac laughed at me, stabilizing me so I wouldn't fall off the chair. I whipped my head around to the book, folded on the ground and back up to him. Though my heart was racing, I gave Mac a smile.
"Just a book. I find it kinda scary though."
He chuckled his deep laugh.
"I bet. Come on, you're gonna be late for class." I glanced at my cell, to find I had two minutes to get to class. I scooped up the book, shoved it in the bottom of my bag, and raced off to class.
The entire day, all I could think of was Twilight. Although I tried to put it in the back of my mind, it kept coming back. The story characters had no relation to reality right? At least, that's what it said. So why were the characters and the real people right on the button? Maybe I was just paranoid. That would explain so many things, but not the book. My mind was so preoccupied that I hadn't noticed that lunch had started until Linda stared to talk to me.
"Natalie, you okay? You're kinda spacey."
I pulled a fake smile.
"Yeah, I'm okay. Just got a lot piling on my plate."
She shrugged it off, and I returned to my fog like state. The next period flew by, but that didn't stop me from noticing Elijah's more-relaxed-but-still-tense state. When I glanced at him, curiosity burning through sanity, I noticed his eyes where no longer coal, but a very caramel like topaz. Just like Edward. I wanted to ask him about it, but I knew biting my tongue would be better. If he didn't like me, he would want me to but in to his personal life. Just like the day before, when the bell rang, Elijah was out the door without a second glance.
"Now kids, today, since it's nice for once, we're going to run outside. We're also going to be joining up with the second PE class."
My eyes traveled lazily over the second group of students, and with a jolt, I realized Elijah was in it.
Bickering and complaining, the students huddled into a mass heap and went out the gym doors into the cold. Outside the football field were four red cones. According to the teachers, we where supposed to run, with out stopping, for as many laps as possible. I was never good at distance running. I'm a sprinter. One the teachers signaled, and everybody lurched forward and onto the hour-long class. I paced myself with Elijah, who was on the other end of the track. First he started out fast, but now he slowed into a comfortable jog. I watched him intently, letting my mind wander occasionally, when a small 'blip' caught my eye. I focused again on Elijah. There it was again!
For less than a second, less than a millisecond even, Elijah would disappear. Now he had a broad smile on his face. I noticed that he would lean forward slightly, then the small blip would happen again. Was he really disappearing? Maybe it was just a trick of the light.
...
Okay, so the Sun's not out. What else could it be? It kind of reminded me of Edward from Twilight, when he saved Bella from the car. It was humanly impossible to do such things. Was he running? That'd make more sense than disappearing. He caught my eye, and his face turned into a deer-in-headlights look. It then melted into a sheepish smile, and waved at me. Surprised, I waved back shyly. He turned forward and started to speed up. Fear leaked into my blood, and I automatically sped up too. He wasn't going to catch me! I knew resistance was futile, with his 'blip' speed, but still. Once he noticed I too sped up, he slowed down and gave me a confused look. Linda caught up to me then.
"Oh my gosh! Elijah, the Elijah Cullen, waved to you! Why aren't you getting your flirt on girl?"
My terror made my head spin, and I couldn't think of a reply. The bell rang, thank God, and I was free from both Elijah's and Linda's clutches. I turned heel and bolted for the locker doors, faster than any speed throughout the period. I changed just as fast and was walking towards my car when I heard my name. I ignored it, knowing it was Linda and almost jogged to my Avalanche. I got to the car and pulled out my purse, grabbing the keys which where right on top. I turned to the car and just about shrieked. My keys dropped from my hands and into the waiting palms of Elijah Cullen. He grinned, raising his eyebrows and shook my keys in front of my face.
"Well, I do hope you found my show interesting." My breath caught in my throat, again! His voice was smoother than silk, making any girl melt on their feet. I was one of those girls. I tried to focus, but was failing horribly. The almost choking smell from before was now replaced with a cologne-like scent. Let me tell you, one of the best things I've ever smelt. What used to be repulsing was now alluring. As much as I wanted to press against him, my commonsense took over.
"Why don't we keep this between us?" He crooned, taking a step closer to me. I grinned knowingly and suggestively.
"I haven't the faintest idea of what you're talking about." He smiled a crooked smile, flashing his perfect teeth.
"Good girl." He winked at me.
My heart beat faster, but I tried to smother it. My expression turned slightly colder and I took a trembling step closer to him.
"You will, however, tell me about it. Or I will find out myself." I grinned smugly at his surprised expression. "The first one has better results. If I have to find out myself, the ending won't be pleasant."
He clenched his jaw, his eyes guarded and furious.
"It never happened." He hissed. I glared at him.
"As far as everyone else knows." I spat. I snatched my keys from him. He was holding his breath, trying but failing to calm down. He sighed and left me, walking over to his brothers and sisters...and Louis. They all switched their eyes over to me, after Elijah said something to them, as I climbed in my monster. I felt their gaze pouring into my back as I drove out of my space and the parking lot.
Almost as soon as I was out of the lot, I blared the music through the cab, trying to keep my mind off of today's surprises, but after a while of it being ineffective I turned it off. My mind was too busy to do try to avoid. I was tense for most of the ride, but like I crossed and invisible line, I felt safe and secure. I think I'll call it the borderline. Anyway, after I passed the borderline, I could relax a bit more and let my mind wander.
Something from the forest caught my eye. It flashed close to the edge again, and I slammed on my brakes just as a sandy colored thing shot in front of me. I was going to hit it anyway, so I tried to serve mid-brake. The thing clipped my right headlight with a thug and a startled, yelping screech, spinning me out of control. I closed my eyes and screamed, my brain going numb. On reaction, I braced myself against the steering wheel. I blinked, and it was like another person was in my body, controlling it against my will. Like magic, my hands spun the steering wheel the opposite way, turning the vehicle to a straight line just as it stopped. The feeling left, leaving me in control of my body again. My breath was coming in shallow gasps, and beads of sweat where forming on my forehead. My brain registered the sandy object I hit. Scrambling, I kicked out of my truck and skirted around it to see the injured beast.
It was lying on its side, whimpering slightly. What I was looking at was none other than a horse-sized wolf. When I gasped its ear twitched. He (I noticed it was a he (not that I looked on purpose)) raised his head and looked at me. I went over to help him, but he growled at me. I froze in my spot. Grunting, he picked himself up, wobbling, and limped to the forest, bounding into it and out of sight. I stared after it, wanting to follow, but I decided it was probably for the best if I didn't. I looked at the damage and nearly broke into tears. The truck was practically folded around an object, which was now in the forest. I went around to the cab and pulled out my purse, finding my cell phone and calling the first person that came to mind.
One ring. Two rings.
"Hello?" A deep, husky voice answered. I wiped a few tears that stung at my eyes.
"Jacob?"
"Natalie? Are you alright?"
"I got into an accident." My voice and hand was shaking.
"What? How-"
"Jacob, please," I begged, my voice cracked. "Look, I'll explain everything later. I think I'm only a couple miles from La Push. Can you come get me? I'm scared."
"I'll be right there. Do you want me to call someone to stay on the line?"
"No," I wiped a tear off my face. My voice had cracked again. I took a deep breath and tried a second time. "No. Just get here as fast as you can."
"Right. It'll be okay Natalie, I'll be there soon." He crooned.
"'Bye."
"'Bye."
I hung up. I ran my hand through my hair a couple of times and tried to stop shaking. If I was ever terrified before, it felt nothing compared to this. I felt vulnerable. Weak. I tried to remember what happened before the crash, but nothing came. All I could remember was that sandy colored wolf hitting my cab with such velocity that it bent the car around it. It's startled yelp still rung in my ears. I picked up my phone again and dialed Sam.
"Natalie?"
"Emily?"
"Oh thank heaven! Guys it's Natalie. What happened? Jacob called in a rush and could only get out that you've been in an accident and that he needed to get you."
"I hit something. A big sandy-colored something."
There was a gasp and then silence on the other line.
I heard a roar of an engine and quickly said goodbye to Emily, hanging up before she could say goodbye back. Jacob practically leaped out of his car, the Rabbit, and closed the distance between us in a couple of strides. He stared at the truck, wide-eyed, before quickly scanning me over. I walked up to him, the tears now pouring out of my eyes, and I reached for him, grabbing him by his white muscle tank top. He wrapped his arms around me, gently rocking me back and forth as I sobbed. His hand rubbed my back soothingly, but he didn't offer any kind of gentle words. After a second, I rubbed my eyes with the back of my hand and laid my head on his chest. He gripped the back of my skull, gently caressing it with his thumb. He tugged me to the Rabbit, and in my shocked state, I didn't even mind when he laid me in the seat and buckled me up before he got in on his own side. The difference of heat made me curl my legs to my chest and lay my head on my knees. He murmured that Sam was going to pick up the truck while he was taking me home. He said it very softly, like if he raised his voice I would break in two. I nodded in response. The car ride was silent. When he pulled up to the house, Emily was already in front, and she raced to my side, asking me questions I couldn't hear.
"She's kinda traumatized right now," Jake whispered to her. She gasped slightly and started to ask him questions. I walked to the door without feeling, past Embry and Jared as they walked up to me, and stopped when I noticed Seth lying on the couch, gripping his side and stomach painfully. Everything cleared in an instant, and I gasped.
"Seth! What happened?"
Seth rolled his head over the armrest, craning his neck to look at me. He winced as the pain reached his stomach.
"Nothing, just an...accident."
"Oh my God." I walked in front of the couch and glanced over his body. He was wearing a black, muscle tank top. I kneeled in front of him.
"Jared, get that shirt off."
Seth smirked at me.
"You like my body?" I grinned softly.
"Sure, whatever makes you happy."
Seth grinned and groaned as he tried to sit up. I bit my lip and almost pushed him down, but he needed to get rid of the shirt. Jared quickly took Seth's shirt off, muttering soft encouraging words to him. In less than a second, Seth was lying back down on the couch. Purple bruises where all over his side and ribs, mainly on the right. I bit my lip and traced one of them softly. On contact Seth threw his head back and bit off a howl of pain. The air escaped through his teeth. My heart skipped a beat in sympathy.
"Oh Seth..."
His chuckle was cut short by a hiss of pain.
"It's not that bad. I bet that it'll be better by tomorrow."
I chuckled lightly. He tucked a piece of my hair behind my ear.
"You're almost healed up too."
I gave him a small smile. He returned it. It grew as he tapped his lips.
"Can I have one?"
I raised an eyebrow at him.
"That's cheap."
He chuckled and threw his head back, letting the air out through his teeth again. I almost kissed him right then, just to make the pain stop. He stayed there for a second, his breath coming out in shallow rasps. After a few seconds he looked back to me.
"See? Not all that bad."
He studied my face, and I his. With the tip of his fingers he traced my jaw line. I bit my lip to stop myself from doing anything rash. His eyes narrowed peacefully and he sighed laying his head on the armrest. He ran a hand through his hair. I glanced around. Embry, Jared, Paul, Jacob, Sam, and Emily where talking in hushed voices, their heads bent together.
"They wouldn't notice if you did." He murmured, following my gaze. I blushed a deep shade. He chuckled. "You're cute when you blush...and any other time really."
I didn't say anything. It wasn't because they'd know about it; I didn't want to lead him on when I myself didn't know my feelings for him. But he was in so much pain right now...
I looked at him. He was still staring at the group; trying to get something out of it I was surly missing. Without really thinking, my hand cupped his jaw lightly. He turned and looked at me silently. I lowered my head to his, my eyes flickering between his lips and his eyes. He was doing the same, but kept his head still instead. I stopped just before his lips, my breath and his slightly speeding. My heart was pounding through my ears. I didn't know how I felt about Seth, and every kiss we've shared was just that, a kiss. But maybe...just maybe...
I pressed my lips against his. In less than a second, our mouths parted simultaneously. My instinct took over then. I pulled his head closer, and my lips moved in slow sync with his. His hand tangled in my hair, keeping a firm lock on my head. It wasn't like any of the kisses I've ever had, that was for sure. It wasn't fast, passionate, and sexy, but slow, romantic, and enriching. We stayed like that for a few seconds, our mouths tangled as one, but I needed to stop, to breath, and to think. I started to pull back, but my teeth caught his lip and I tugged on it seductively. Why? I don't know. Impulse I guess. He got the message though and reached up one more time for a final peck. We were both breathing hard. The fog my mind had went into cleared. We stared at each other. He stared at my lips again. I shook my head slowly.
"I-I got to go." I walked away from him, with him calling after me; I went straight out the door and into the cold world. It started to rain, but I needed to think, and think hard. I sat on the porch steps. What was I doing? Was I in love with Seth? There was a gut retching feeling that told me no, I wasn't. So then why was I so...involved with him? The more I thought about it, the more it started to make sense. No, I wasn't in love with Seth like intimacy, but I craved his man-ness. I craved to be held, and touched, (not like that!) and kissed like I was the most precious thing on earth. That's what I wanted, and I was using poor Seth to get it. Guilt racked through my body. What was I thinking? I was letting my hormones get the best of me. That's not who I am. I think about what I'm going to/are doing, not just do it. It's completely out of character. The door opened behind me, and Jacob sat next to me.
"Care to explain?"
"I don't know what came over me! One second we where talking and the next we're practically making out! I-" I looked at him wildly. He was raising an eyebrow. I stopped. "You weren't talking about the kiss, where you." It wasn't a question. A smooth smirk came on his face. He closed his fist, putting his elbow on his knee and his face on his fist.
"No, but you can carry on. I'd like to hear this."
Heat flooded to my cheeks and I shook my head rapidly.
"No," My voice rose an octave. "That's quite alright. How about we go inside?" He chuckled but didn't decline. I stood up quickly and bustled inside, Jacob close behind. I glanced at Seth on the couch. He was giving me a depressed look.
"Was it really that bad?" He whispered. I blushed deeply.
"No, not at all. One of the best in fact. I wonder how you got to be so good. Girlfriend?"
His face shot up in happiness and a smirk crossed his lips.
"Never had one."
I grinned uncomfortably.
"Maybe you're a natural."
He didn't say anything back. Jacob cleared his throat from behind me and I sat on the coffee table.
"So spill. What happened?"
"Well," I thought back to the moment, it happened so fast. "When I was coming home, after I crossed the borderline and-"
Sam furrowed his brow.
"Borderline?" I blushed a deep scarlet.
"I was freaked out coming home, and like I crossed a line, I felt safe again, so I called it the borderline. It's about five miles or so from here." Each person switched a glance with each other. Great, another secret I wasn't going to know anytime soon.
"Continue."
"As I was saying, after I crossed the borderline, my mind kinda wandered a bit, and I saw something bright flash out my window, so I looked in time to see a huge sandy wolf-" I threw my hands in the air to indicate how big it was "-shoot out in front of the car. I tried to swerve mid-brake, but it still clipped the right headlight with enough force to practically bend the car in half. If I didn't swerve I'd be dead by now." I shook my head. "Now I know why you don't want me in the forest. Those things are dangerous." The air around me tensed and became slightly depressed. Paul was glaring at the ground, his jaw clenched tight; Embry was looking solemn; Seth was staring at the ceiling with a frown on his face; Jacob had his fists clenched together and was shaking slightly; Sam had pain written behind his calm eyes; and Emily glanced sympathetically at all of them. What the hell was I missing here? Trying to clear the atmosphere I continued. "Anyway, I ended up spinning out of control. Something took control over my body. It made me turn the wheel to straighten out the car. When I got out, the wolf was still lying and whimpering. I felt so bad for him."
"Him?" Seth shot up, causing himself to howl in pain before looking at me. His face was turning red. The air around me changed to a light, humorous one. All the guys had smirks or were trying to stifle laughs. Seriously, I felt like I was missing something very obvious. I creased my forehead in confusion.
"Yeah, he. The wolf was a boy. It was quite hard to miss in fact."
Everyone burst out in laughter then, even Sam. Embry was clutching his sides and rolling on the ground, Paul smacked Seth's back, causing him to squeal in pain, and Jacob was bent over the couch, trying and failing miserably to calm down. Emily was stifling her laughs with her hand, giving Seth a sympathetic look. Seth was tomato red, darker even. Close to a rose color. I had no idea what was so funny. When I asked slightly annoyed, they just shook their heads and continued laughing. Seth buried his face in a pillow. I crossed my arms. Afterwards we just sat around and talked, about nothing in general. The phone rang and I picked it up.
"Hello?"
"Hi, it's me, Sue. I was wondering when Seth would be home." I glanced out the doorway and into the living room; everyone was relaxed and having a good time, and Seth was staying as still as possible. I bit the inside of my lip.
"Actually, Mrs. Clearwater, I think it'd be best if Seth stayed over tonight and tomorrow. You see, he hurt himself pretty badly today, nothing that a night's sleep won't heal-" Maybe. "-and he shouldn't be moved. He should be home in the early afternoon tomorrow. I don't think he should go to school either." There was a pause on the other line.
"Natalie, will you please give me to Sam?"
I murmured an agreement and Sam took it swiftly, talking in a hushed tone. I walked back out and sat on the coffee table again.
"What was that about?" Seth asked.
I grinned.
"You're staying here tonight and tomorrow so you can heal. No school for you."
He gave me a shocked expression and tried to yell in defiance. I shook my head.
"You are not going to school; you will sit here and do nothing all day until you heal, and that's final."
"But it'll be so boooring~!" He whined.
"Well, I can miss a day. I'll have Linda get my homework and stuff. You are not moving, and that's final." I stated, crossing my arms. Yeah, I can be stubborn. A smooth smirk lit on his face.
"Will you sleep with me then?" I raised an eyebrow.
"First off, the closet is so much better than the couch," his cheeks flushed a light red. "secondly, I don't think there'd be room for me," he moved over to indicate a spot. "and thirdly, I'm not going to sleep with you. I've got my own room, thank you. Besides, I don't think Sam would be okay with us sleeping together."
"No, I would not be okay with it. Seth, are you trying to seduce Natalie?" Sam's commanding voice came from behind me. Seth shrugged, embarrassed.
"Nothing like that, she's the one who thought of it."
While they started their heated discussion, I went upstairs, took a shower, and came back down. It would just be Seth, Sam, Emily, and I for dinner tonight. We ate in moderate silence, then, after saying good night to the three, I got changed and went to bed.
~*xxx*~