"Good." My father said in satisfaction as he and my mother exchanged glances.
"But…" I began, and his eyebrows rose. "If it's okay…I'd like to go hunting with Rose and Emmett later."
"That's fine." My mother nodded. "But be careful."
I rolled my eyes. Why were they all of a sudden so concerned about my safety?
"I've got Emmett." I smiled.
"That you do." My father sighed. "Up to the house, then?" he glanced at both of us.
"Sure." I agreed.
My father reached for my mother's hand and we exited the small cottage that we called home.
Following the narrow path up to the Cullen house where the rest of the rest of my family spent the majority of their time, I almost felt sad. What would happen if the time ever came for us to leave? Why was I feeling this way so often lately? Maybe it was my emotions toying with me…the thought of not seeing Jacob as often was already getting to me. I'd have to call him later and break the news to him…and I was sure he'd have something to say about it.
When we reached the house, we found Jasper and Emmett playfully wrestling in the front yard. There was always competition with my uncles, and my father often joined them in their games...
"You can take him, Jazz!" I shouted to Jasper, though I knew it wasn't the truth. Jasper was incredibly strong, but Emmett was our grizzly…and he had the strength of one.
Emmett put Jasper in a headlock and smiled. "Want to put money on that, Ness?"
I shrugged. "I might…we'll see who gets the biggest catch on the hunt today."
Jasper managed to loosen Emmett's grip for just a moment, allowing him to weasel out of the hold. When he did, he made a running leap toward my father, and tackled him to the ground.
"Too slow, Edward." He snickered. "You're usually quicker than that."
Gripping Jasper's shoulders, my father effortlessly flipped him over and sat on his chest. "So are you." He smiled.
Over one hundred years old or not, they were still boys at heart…
"Okay, guys." My mother rolled her eyes. "Everyone is strong…and fast…we get the message."
Giving Jasper a playful smack on the cheek, my father jumped up from the ground and brushed himself off.
"Don't ever let Jasper teach you to fight, Ness." My father smiled.
"He's right…" Emmett crossed his arms over his chest and smiled with him. "And remember, Renesmee…" "Biggest catch…"
"I'll pay her to get ahold of you…" Jasper grumbled.
"We'll see." I smirked at them both.
"Edward." My mother touched his arm. "We need to get going."
"Emmett…Renesmee says she's going along with you and Rose today." My father raised an eyebrow and looked at him. "Watch out for her, will you?"
Emmett grabbed my arm and pulled me to him so he could drape an arm around my small shoulders. "I'll make sure she doesn't run off with any wolves."
"Ugh." I turned around and shoved him hard in the chest. "You're impossible."
"I'm just looking out for you." He grinned smugly. "And for the record…I've got years of experience on Jacob…"
"Oh, Emmett." I said shortly. "Don't pretend for a second that you and Jacob don't get along…"
"Alright…" my father cut me off. "Ness, give us a call when you guys get back. Your mother and I are going in to town for awhile."
"Are you visiting Charlie?" I wanted to know. "I can wait until later to hunt…"
"No, go." My mother insisted quickly. "You can visit with him another day…"
"You haven't been in to see him in ages." I voiced. "Why is today any different?"
My tone suggested accusation. What was my problem today?
"Renesmee." She sighed. "It's not different…I'd just like to talk to him…"
There was something they weren't telling me…but I decided not to push the subject any further. They didn't usually keep things from me, and if it was anything important, they would surely tell me.
"It's just Charlie, Ness." Emmett shrugged. "C'mon…I'll go get Rose, and we'll head out, huh?"
I pursed my lips and nodded.
"We'll see you later." My father reached out and touched the top of my head. "Try and keep up with Emmett and Rosalie…and stay out of trouble." He grinned at me. "I'll tell Charlie that you said hello."
"Give him a kiss for me." I called as they headed toward the driveway. "Tell him that I'll see him soon."
"I will." My mother answered. "Have fun, sweetheart."
Fun. I tossed the word around in my head. Fun was spending afternoons with Jacob on the beaches of La Push. It was late nights with the pack at Sam's cabin, sharing stories and eating Emily's cornbread…and thrilling rides with Jake on his motorcycle…
Since I was some form of "grounded," I wasn't sure when my options of fun would open again.
When the Volvo had left the driveway and I heard it accelerating down the highway toward Forks, I followed Emmett into the house to fetch Rose.
All the hubbub this morning had made me thirsty…
