I do not own Twilight or its characters. Stephenie Meyer does.
CH. 26: James Island
BPOV
The next couple of days went quickly. It was the day after Jacob's funeral. I had gone back in forth in my mind about going. I was still upset with Jacob and I wasn't sure if my presence would even be wanted by Billy. For all I knew he blamed me for Jacob's death. I also wasn't sure if I trusted myself not to blow up again like I did in the meadow. I knew Edward was right that I needed closure but I didn't think the funeral was the proper time. I ended up making a few casseroles for Charlie to take with him.
At Charlie's request I did make a phone call to Billy. To my surprise he apologized to me. He blamed himself for initially pushing Jacob towards me. He apologized also for Jacob's behavior but couldn't offer any insight why Jacob acted like he did in the end.
Billy told me he understood that I didn't want to be there at the funeral. Also, that when I was ready that I could come to La Push.
I kept myself busy the day of the funeral, I happily let Alice drown me in ideas for the wedding. We were getting married August 13th.
I got to try on the dress for the first time and fell in love with it. It was perfect and needed very little altering. I had convinced Alice to let me wear semi-flats instead of these sky high heels she originally insisted on.
The cake was going to be three tiered once again. Only one layer would actually be edible cake though. The other layers would be Styrofoam covered in fondant. At least we wouldn't be wasting much.
In addition, I agreed to let the guest list be expanded slightly. Angela's father was going to marry us so I thought it would be nice to invite her mother too; as well as Angela and Ben. Esme asked politely to invite the Denalis, which I agreed to. Charlie wanted to invite Billy and Sue. It would still be a small wedding in the backyard.
Jasper started to build us an arch and Esme was going to plant some type of climbing flowers that would climb up it and bloom in time for the wedding.
Edward left last night after I fell asleep to go hunting with his brothers. He hadn't traveled far since before the dream quest. I insisted that he go while I was spending the night. Even though everything was safe once again, I felt better when I slept in our bed when he was away.
After I finished breakfast, Esme told me the girls were expecting me in the garage.
I stepped in and couldn't believe my eyes. My truck looked brand new, but still looked from the 1950s. It had a fresh apple red paint job and no more rust. Rose was placing in a new headlight when I walked in. Alice was in the cab with doors open.
"It looks great," I felt guilty that I couldn't be more of a help. I helped sand areas but I wasn't getting the results Rose did.
Rose looked up and gave me a smile.
"Just in time to help us wash it and wax it." She announced.
"Finally I think I got rid of that smell. Does it smell alright to you?" Alice stepped out of the cab. I stuck my head in and took a wiff. The scent of pine hit my nose. There was no more tobacco smell.
"It smells like a forest." I told her.
"Good, I wanted to make sure that other smell was gone, but it didn't smell girly either." She looked pleased with herself.
"The upholstery looks good too." I complimented her.
"I'm glad you like it, but it was mostly thanks to Esme." Alice walked over to a bench and placed her cleaner on it.
"Esme will take the Chrome. Alice get the tires. Bella and I will wash the rest of the truck." Rose suggested.
"That is fine with me." Esme came in to the garage. I noticed she had her hair pulled back and was wearing fairly old clothes. I looked around and for the first time notice Alice and Rose was dressed similar.
"Alice, I had no idea that you owned such clothes." I giggled looking at her.
"I do now. I bought them yesterday at a second hand store to wear." She was settling herself in front of the first tire.
"Let me get this straight. You bought old clothes to wear to wash the truck?" I shook my head in amazement.
"I wasn't going to wear my own." Alice scoffed. She pulled a new toothbrush out and started to spray the tire down with a white wall cleaner. She started washing the tire with a deep concentration on her face being very meticulous as she started to scrub.
"Here, try this to wash the floor of the bed," Rose handed me something that looked like a scrub brush on a pole.
I climbed in carefully and Esme handed up a bucket of soapy water. I got the brush wet and started scrubbing it down. Since it had just been painted it wasn't really that dirty. We were just making sure it looked perfect before trying to sell it.
I was near the end before clumsiness caught up to me. I wanted to get the last corner so I placed the bucket on the edge of the bed. Esme was working on the bumper so I stayed in the truck. I stepped on a wet area, cursing that I didn't think this out better.
My foot slipped and in the process of trying to catch my balance my hand holding the pole swung out and hit the bucket off the truck.
"Argh!" Alice squealed from below. She stood up dripping wet. My mouth dropped open in shock.
"Alice, I'm so sorry," I gasped. Rose's laughter peeled from the other side of the truck.
"It's not funny." Alice pouted.
"Alice, why didn't you move?" Esme was desperately trying to hold in her laughter. I started to fight my own giggles.
"I didn't see it coming until it was too late. I was concentrating too hard on cleaning the tire rim." She whined. Rose and Esme both laughed. "It's not funny." Alice grabbed a wet cloth and tossed it at them, which they neatly dodged. I'm not sure what happened next but water and sponges started flying. Soon we were all wet. I tried to stand to get out of the crossfire at one point and slipped and crashed on the floor of the bed.
"Time to settle down," Esme called out. "Bella, dear, are you alright," She sounded concerned.
"I'm fine." I tried to stand again and fell before I could make it all the way up. Rose and Alice collapsed into a fit of giggles.
"Let me give you hand." Esme hopped in and lifted me out with easy. She placed me on my feet.
"Go get something dry on while I fix you some lunch. By then the truck should be dry enough to wax." Esme guided me out of the garage.
I entered Edward's room and pulled out a different t-shirt and a pair of jeans. Alice knocked then walked in before I could answer.
"Here wear this," She placed a nice forest green dress on the bed with cap sleeves.
"Alice, I can't wear that to wax the car." She was fairly sensible earlier. And I say 'fairly' since she bought her clothes to wash a car.
"Rose and I will finish up with the waxing while you eat. I just got a call from someone who is interested in the car and will be here in about an hour." She told me.
"Will he buy it?" I asked curiously.
"I think by the time the boys arrive home tonight you'll be a richer woman." Alice winked at me. She started to head out the door and paused. "Oh, by the way, check all your ring tones. I think Emmett fooled with more than just Charlie's."
"Who else's?" I groaned. Alice just smirked and indicated just a moment with her finger.
I'm too sexy for my car too sexy for my car
Too sexy by far
And I'm too sexy for my hat
Too sexy for my hat what do you think about that
I'm a model you know what I mean
And I do my little turn on the catwalk
Yeah on the catwalk on the catwalk yeah
I shake my little touche on the catwalk
I closed my eyes in irritation and I heard Alice giggle as she left the room. I opened my eyes and grabbed my phone before it went to voicemail. I smiled when I saw that it was Edward.
"Hello," I answered.
"Hello, beautiful, I thought I was going to miss you again. I tried calling earlier to wish you a good morning." Edward's velvety voice came over the line.
"I'm sorry. I left the phone in your room since we were washing the truck, I didn't want to get it wet." I explained.
"How is that project going?" Edward asked. I wasn't sure if he was really interested or not.
"Good. The truck just needs a coat of wax. Alice just told me a buyer will be out here in a bit to look at it." I told him excitedly anyways.
"Maybe you should wait until I can be there. I can come back now." Edward sounded slightly condescending.
"Why?" I frowned.
"Because I want to make sure you get a good deal and not taken for a ride."
"That is ridiculous. Rose and Alice will be here. From what I understand Rose will handle most of the negotiations." I huffed in annoyance. There was a brief silence on the line before I heard Edward chuckling.
"Then perhaps it's the buyer who is going to need help." he sounded amused.
"How's hunting, did you catch yourself a mountain lion?" I asked changing the subject.
"Hunting is going well. No lion, but an elk and a wolf so far." There was an awkward pause. "Sorry." He mumbled.
"About what?" I sat on the edge of the bed tired of standing.
"The wolf. I forgot you were sensitive about that." He sounded upset with himself.
"Why wou…oh." I realized what he was talking about. "It's fine really. You didn't upset me." There was another pause. "When will you be back?" I asked.
"Tonight, but maybe after you're asleep so don't wait up." Edward answered.
"Will you at least wake me when you do get back?" I asked. I missed him so much. I couldn't wait until we could hunt together.
"I will." He sound pleased.
"I should go so I can eat before he gets here."
"Alright, beautiful, take care of my heart. I left it with you." He sounded reluctant to let me go.
"I will. Do me a favor and smack Emmett off the top of his head with a tree please." I got ready to hang up.
"Do I have to ask what has he done now?" Edward sounded curious.
"Oh, he knows what he did. Love you."
"I love you too,"
I hung up the phone and headed down the stairs. Esme had a sandwich and bowl of soup waiting for me. I glanced at my numbers to see what other ones that Emmett might have messed with.
Barbie Girl – Rose
Material Girl – Alice
Fame theme – Emmett
Witch Doctor – Carlisle
Take Me Out to the Ball Game – Phil
Momma Mia – Renée
Calling all the Angels – Esme
Yankee Doodle Dandy -Jasper
I shook my head in amusement. Some of them were pretty funny. In fact Esme was actually really sweet. I came to one more and frowned before deleting it. I didn't need that number anymore.
BS&EC
I rolled over in bed in the morning to collide with a cold form that immediately embraced me.
"Good morning, beautiful," Edward purred. My eyes locked with his warm golden ones.
"You're back," I squealed nearly tackling him and kissed him hard on the mouth. I pulled back sharply after a moment. "Wait did you just get back?"
"We got home around one this morning." He answered leaning to kiss me again. I placed a hand on his shoulder to stop him.
"You promised to wake me up when you got back," I pouted.
"I tried," He started to chuckle. "You had some very unlady like response telling me to let you sleep." His eyes were twinkling in amusement.
"Oh god, I'm sorry." I turned red in embarrassment. Luckily he didn't seem insulted by it.
"That's alright, you made up for it with asking me if I preferred satin or lace. What do you need to know that for?" he smirked evilly.
I'm sure my face was even redder. After Rose sold the truck, we went out shopping. I couldn't deny Alice since I promised her awhile ago.
We hit a lingerie store and with the girls' help I found myself owning more skimpy underwear sets. I had tried to figure out something for the honeymoon as well. I had a hard time trying to decide between satin or lace, not sure which Edward would prefer.
"It was for bridesmaid dresses." I fibbed. Edward gave me a smile of amusement. I'm sure he didn't believe me.
"I don't believe you," he eyed me suspiciously. "Tell me." His fingers grazed my cheek and he was trying to dazzle me. I blinked a few times before responding.
"Alright. Fine." I locked eyes with him again and smiled.
"Well?" he asked after a moment.
"I just told you. I'm not about to tell you out loud. Since you're a mind reader…opps that right, you can't read my mind. Can you?" I teased giving him a smug smile.
His mouth dropped open right before he started to scowl.
"Not funny." He started to attack me with his fingers flying over my skin making me shriek in laughter.
"Stop… gasp… Please…stop." I was laughing so hard I couldn't speak. "Edward… before I have an accident." I finally was able to get out.
He stopped but wouldn't let me up.
"I'm serious, I need a human moment." I begged squirming.
"Tell me first." he insisted with devilish glint in his eyes.
"No. You have to wait."
"Isabella," he huffed.
"Eddie," I mocked back knowing that he hated to be called that. He scowled before sighing and let me up.
"Aww, don't be that way. I'm sure once you know, you will like it." I hoped. I brushed his cheek with my own hand. "I want it to be a surprise for that vacation you promised me. "
His eyes glazed over as he looked thoughtful. His eyes grew darker and slightly hooded.
"I will be right back." I left him to ponder.
I was at the door to the bathroom when he called out to me.
"Baby," I turned in surprise. He only called me that a couple of times before when we were 'practicing'. He was in front of me instantly cupping the back of my head as he leaned in for a deep kiss. When he released me I was dizzy.
"In the answer to the satin and lace debate. The answer is neither, I prefer all natural. Although, if you wanted to try to change my mind, I wouldn't be apposed to it." He pulled back smirking. "I will go make you breakfast. Anything you want?"
You. I stood flustered trying to catch my bearings. "A banana. Don't slice it though, I want it whole." I boldly licked my lips and hurried into the bathroom. I heard Edward groan as I closed the door and leaned against it.
BS&EC
After breakfast I quietly sat next to Edward on the piano. He played my lullaby first as well as some more songs. I rested with my head on his shoulder watching his fingers fly over the keys.
"You're quite today. Missing the truck?" he teased lightly.
"Hmm, I will miss it some. I'm still surprised that got Rose close to forty thousand for it. That was more then the Volvo right?" I smiled as he wrinkled his nose.
"Yes, but not more than the Vanquish," he stated. "What's with heavy thinking though?"
"I feel guilty. I know that Charlie couldn't have paid nearly that price when he bought it. I feel like Billy might have gotten ripped off." I sighed, playing with piano keys.
"Don't. You girls put a lot of work into that truck. Did you know that as punishment for his stunt at Newton's Emmett had to clean the engine with an eyebrow brush as a scrub brush?" Edward laughed.
"No, I didn't know that. But to be fair, we weren't the only ones to work on it." I hated to admit it, but it was only running thanks to Jacob. Edward sighed.
"So what are you trying to say, love?"
"I want to give the money to Billy. He needs it more than I do. But I'm not sure if he will take it. If he may not hate me for the death of his son, he still is a very proud man." I looked away not sure how Edward would respond.
"First, Jacob's death isn't your fault. Two, you're the most generous person I know. If you would like to give the money to Billy, I'm sure we can find a way. Maybe if he receives an anonymous grant he will take it or least give it to someone else in the tribe that needs it." Edward suggested.
"Like the Pacific Northwest Trust?" I looked up at him challenging him. He seemed fluster for a brief second before recovering.
"I have no idea what you're talking about?" He shook his head. "But something like that. I can set it up if you like."
"Please." I kissed his cheek.
I gauged his reaction before I continued. He seemed in a good enough mood.
"There is more. I want to go into La Push today. I have thought about it over the last few days. You're right; I want closure before we get married and move away."
"I can bring you as far as the border and I will wait for you to get back." He had no visible reaction. He stilled my hand that was lightly hitting the keys and laced our fingers together.
"Love, if you chose to forgive him, not saying you have to, I would understand." Edward told me calmly.
"How can I after he tried to have you killed?" I frowned. That was unforgivable in my book.
"Yes, but at the last moment he did safe you. To me that is commendable, even if all prior actions were horrendous." He paused, and I remained silent. "I also would never hold it against you if you do miss the friend he once was."
"That person was long gone though, that wasn't the Jacob, my friend, I knew in the end." My voice stayed flat. Edward nodded and then changed the subject.
"So, may I get you that new car now or do I have to wait until you're officially my wife?" he stopped playing and wrapped an arm around me.
"I could just borrow the Volvo if I need a car and you're not here, can't I?" I glanced up at him through my eyelashes.
"So, the t-shirt and sweatshirt weren't enough, you're going to take my Volvo now?" he brushed some hair away from my eyes looking amused.
"Will you let me take it?" I retorted biting my lip slightly.
"If you want it, it's yours." He pecked me on the mouth. He pulled out the keys and handed them to me.
BS&EC
I was driving through La Push when I realized I had no idea where the graveyard was. I tried to remember passing one in my travels and I couldn't. I didn't want to bother Billy and I wasn't sure how the wolves would react if I showed up at Emily's.
I spotted a figure walking on the road with little girl on his shoulders. I recognized him as Quil. The little girl must be Claire.
He turned as I approached squinting to look inside. When he saw that it was me he raised a hand in greeting. I slowed to a stop and put down the window.
"Hey, Quil," I greeted him cautiously.
"Bella." he greeted back sounding friendly enough.
"Um, can you tell me where I can find the graveyard?" I asked.
"If you're looking for Jacob then you won't find him here. He was placed in a burial canoe and then placed in the trees out on James Island. We will go back out there in about nine months to bury him in the ground." He explained.
"Oh," I exclaimed sheepishly. I guess I could just go to the beach then. "Thank you."
"Bella, wait a moment. I owe you an apology." Quil looked ashamed.
"Shouldn't I apologize to you?" I frowned gripping the wheel.
"You haven't done anything to me. But I did something I wish I wasn't talked into. Hell…opps sorry, Claire." But the girl was too busy watching a butterfly to notice. "Jacob convinced me to bless the wood for the vision quest. I had no idea it would work. I'm sorry for the trouble."
"I only blame Jacob for that mess." I admitted. He gave me a sad smile.
"Take care of yourself. Try not to rampage or anything once you're changed. I hate to have to take you out." He snickered.
"You would have to catch me first." I laughed.
"Wolves are faster," he called good naturally as he headed off.
He waved as he started walking again talking to Claire as she happily pointed things out.
I changed direction and went to the beach. I climbed out and walked along the beach until I sat on the fallen log I sat on many of times with Jacob. I pulled my knees ups and rested my chin on it.
I stared at the waves for awhile before speaking. From here I had a good view of James Island.
"I'm still so mad at you. If you were still alive today I wouldn't hesitate to kill you again. I hope you suffered when you died. I hope that it was painful so you have a glimpse of what it like for me to think when you tried to kill Edward. I will never forgive you for trying to kill him. Instead you must lie in the bed you made yourself. In fact, that is what you wanted anyways right? To die in that fight. Well, congrats, I guess you won after all.
I blamed myself for a long time thinking I led you on. But when I look back on it, even if I did, it doesn't excuse you for what you were doing. I'm sorry if I hurt you but it was never intentional. I only wanted my friend, but that wasn't good enough apparently. I tried to let go when I realized our friendship was too complicated, but you refused to let me let you go.
I don't believe it when you said it was because you loved me. If you loved me at all, you never would have tried to take Edward from me, much less kill him. What you did was vindictive and out of spite. Killing Edward would've killed me too. But maybe you couldn't understand that since you don't understand the vampire bonds.
Did you even think about what could've happened to Seth, your own brother, as well? Or any of the other members of your pack? Seth and Edward got along fine together, even had each other's backs during that fight. So I know it's possible for wolves and vampires to get along."
I stopped talking when I heard footsteps near me. I looked up to see Seth approaching. He gave me a sheepish grin and a small wave.
"Just making sure you're okay. I heard yelling." He paused beside the log.
"I'm fine, just yelling at Jacob," I explained. Seth looked out to the ocean and then back at me.
"Oh, I see. Has it helped?' He asked.
"Not really. I just wished I could know why he couldn't just let go and let me be with Edward."
"Don't we all." Seth nodded.
"The rest of the pack has seemed to accept it. Or am I wrong?"
"They have. The ones that have imprinted seem to get it more. That and our Spirits have spoken." Seth answered. "I wish I could give you the answers you want. We have all seen in his head and begged him to see reason, but he was convinced that becoming a vampire wasn't right. What made him think he was smarter than Spirits is beyond us all. I just hope he's at peace now."
"Aren't you mad at him, he sent Victoria right to you." Seth seemed so calm when he talked about Jacob. He once idolized him and Jacob almost got him killed.
"Most of the pack feels betrayed by him. Leah might have beaten you to him and killed him. Sam had to order most of us to the funeral mainly out of respect for Billy. I was mad for awhile, but life is too short to hold a grudge. It's all over now; he can't hurt me or anyone else now." Seth shrugged. "Though, we all might have to get a stupid blood test. The Chief is convinced more than ever that we are on drugs. Looks like the vamp doctor will do it, so questions won't be raised at the hospital about our miraculous healing or if anything out of the ordinary is in our blood."
"Sorry about that. Jacob wasn't taking drugs was he?" I asked.
"Very doubtful. It would be hard for him to hide something like that. I got to run. Say hi to Edward for me." Seth waved before jogging off.
I remained in silence watching the waves.
"You know Seth is a very smart boy. Everyone could learn a lot from him. I don't know why being friends couldn't be enough for you and I will never now. I wish I got the answers from you that I deserve. But I'm going to have to settle for that I won't. The funny thing is, I know if you gave Edward half a chance you two would've got along. I wanted you to find someone to love you like I do Edward. I wanted you to be happy, but knew I wasn't it." I bit my lip try to decide whether or not to continue.
"Edward proposed to me and I told him yes. We are going to be married in a couple of weeks. After that I will be leaving Forks.
I'm grateful that you did try to save me in the end. But it's almost like too little too late. As harsh as that sounds, you have put me through the wringer these past few months.
Every memory I have of you now has been tarnished and will only bring hurt to think about. You were like a completely different person than who I once knew.
I was ready to say good-bye and good riddance to you today. But after talking to Seth I realize he's right in a way. Except for me, life will go on too long to stay angry with you. I don't want to become bitter or angry like I have been the past few days. Maybe one day I will be able to separate the good memories from the bad ones. I hope I can. We did have some good memories at one time.
Good-bye Jacob. I hope you found peace."
I waited a moment before getting up and headed to the Volvo. I got in and headed away from the beach and La Push. It felt as a huge weight had been lifted. I was able to let go. What is in the past was in the past now. There was no need to keeping dwelling on it.
I passed Emily and Sam walking along the road. Emily waved and Sam nodded his head in acknowledgement.
When I reached the border I pulled over to the side. The passenger door opened and my Adonis slipped in. Without a word he reached for my hand and gave it a gentle squeeze before letting go. We rode in peaceful silence home.
A/N: Bella may not have gone to the funeral but did get her closure. She did reach out to Billy in her own way as well. Even though he's grieving he doesn't blame her for being upset with Jacob still. As for the pack some if not most are angry with Jacob as well. They would feel betrayed by him for going to Victoria. Jacob did know that Seth was up there with Edward and Bella. So he put a brother in harms way as well. I doubt that would go over well.
I looked up the Quileute burial practices because I was unsure if they were like ours. I found out about the burial canoes and that chiefs and prominent members were placed out on James Island. Yes, in the trees at first that wasn't error. Whether or not they still practice this today I couldn't find out. The information I found out was on the quileutenation/org and few other sites dedicate to Native Americans.
I don't own the songs that Emmett selected for Bella's phone. They were only suppose to make her laugh and maybe blush a little not completely embarrass her. In case of confusion, yes I know Jasper is not a Yankee, Emmett purposely chose it to poke at him.
Thank You For All Reviews
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Preview Alert
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Preview :
I jumped down and landed next to Jasper. She still seems in control, but should we help him? I shook my head. Emmett had this coming. I glanced at Alice, who was now on the porch trying to control her giggles. He will be fine. Well at least physically. She winked at me.