HELLO. IT'S TIME FOR ANOTHER CHAPTER. I WOULD LIKE TO WARN EVERYONE THAT THE NEXT UPDATE WILL BE A TEASER OF BLIND FRIENDSHIP, SO YOU CAN HAVE AN IDEA WHAT'S COMING. I DON'T OWN ANYTHING.
NEW YEARS EVE!
Embry adjusted the black vest around his shoulders that went with his light jeans and white short-sleeve shirt. It had been a little less than a week since the encounter with Sam; Embry's scratches were still very visible on his arm- in fact they were starting to develop scabs- but his black eye was fading. Bella had been taking him nearly everywhere with her so he wouldn't mess with his scratches. He loved it, actually. She didn't do the stuff other girls did; he wasn't pushed into a mall, or begged for matching shirts. It was easy, just like everything else with her. It was also more peaceful now; Leah and Jacob had left the twenty-seventh saying that Jacob only had one more day before he had to go to work again and he wanted to spend it with Leah.
He ran a hand through his hair to give it a controlled chaos look. He smiled into the mirror-something he hadn't done in a long time His pale eye no longer gave him shudders, his scars were thinner. He just seemed a little better to himself. Two hard knocks on his door got his attention. He jogged out of the bathroom to answer the door. Paul stood there in a black coat and dark washed jeans, his hair covered by one of those hats jazz dancers wear. (On profile.)
"Yo. You ready to get goin?" He asked. Paul was going with him to Bella's New Year's party, they had become good friends after the Tyler incident. Embry nodded and held up a finger as he ran to his bedroom to get a little blue velvet box and his jacket. He shut the door behind him and locked it.
"Let's get goin." Embry cheered. So they walked through the heavy snow fall, making small talk and Paul shouted how cold it was every few minutes. At last they saw the small house with a white balloon tied to the railing. Embry chuckled as he and Paul scurried through the thick snow on the stairs and onto the porch. Some kind of smooth rock was playing and people were chattering. Paul knocked furiously.
"This is the police!" Paul bellowed with a deep voice. Embry smirked when he heard Bella laugh. The door clicked and Bella was standing there in tight black jeans and a red button up long sleeve, her hair in a pair of swirly pig tails. She smiled at the two men, happy to see that the in-coming storm didn't slow them down. She giggled when she saw all the snow in Paul's hats lip. Paul scooped her up in a hug, making her squeal.
"Jesus Paul, your freezing! And dump the snow off that hat!" He guffawed and let her down. He left to retrieve hot chocolate Bella said was on the table when she noticed he was still shivering. Bella kissed Embry's nose with a small smile. He grinned.
"Glad you made it. Alice and Edward haven't gotten here yet. The snow's probably stalling Ed's car" She muttered. He chuckled while sighing at the same time, making some unusual sound. He set his forehead against hers.
"They'll make it. Last I checked Alice is impossible to rein in." He murmured. Alice had spent the day with them once when they closed the restaurant so Edward could go with Tanya to their son, Mikey's doctor appointment. Long story short, Embry was thanking god Bella was there with him when they went downtown. As if he had summoned them, Alice, Edward, and his family busted through the door covered in snow. Edward was cradling Mikey to him, who was crying. His wife, Tanya was rubbing her hands together with relief when they entered the warm house.
"Brrr! It's cold out there!" Alice chirped. She stomped her black leather boots before she took them off and skipped over to Bella to give her a hug.
"Happy New Year!" Alice greeted.
"Happy New Year." Bella replied. "If you want there's some hot chocolate in the kitchen." Alice clapped her hands.
"Oh yes!" she ran off to the kitchen without another word. Edward set Mikey on his wobbly toddler legs to remove his damp coat. His wife, Tanya scooped him up once she sheded her things as well. Her strawberry blonde hair let down to her shoulders. She smiled at Bella.
"It's good to see you Bella! I haven't seen you since the Halloween party last year." She huffed at the end. Bella laughed.
"Sorry. Can I hold Mikey?" Tanya handed her the toddler, who took a handful of Bella's hair. She giggled.
"He got so big!" she reveled. Edward chuckled and gave Embry a strange look. So, this is what Alice had been drumming in his ear about. He had scars, but he seemed harmless. Until he saw the scratches on the scarred man's arm. Did Bella do that, or…? He shook his head when Bella handed him his son. Bella wouldn't tolerate someone abusive; he must have a cat or something.
"There's hot chocolate in the kitchen. Oh and cookies if Mikey can have some." Tanya sighed with relief.
"Thank god! He's been tugging at my hair for something sweet all day! But his father said not until the party!" Edward laughed and kissed his wife's head as she left to give their son a small cookie. Edward patted Bella's back and went to find Emmett, who he wanted to scare. Edward was very quiet when he walked. He always managed to scare anyone, even Emmett by just speaking. Embry wrapped both arms around Bella. They both jumped when a rather frazzled looking Alice popped in front of them. Her greyish blue eyes were wide and her cheeks were a deep crimson.
"Bella, can I talk to you?" she mumbled breathlessly, noticing Embry for the first time. "Alone?" Bella nodded and Embry released her to get something to eat. Alice clutched her forearm with shocking strength that made Bella a little nervous.
"Alice-" Bella started.
"Who is that sexy guy in the kitchen!" Alice interjected with a squeak in her voice.
"I…" Bella trailed off, not sure who her friend was talking about.
"The sexy one! You know, tall, handsome face, huge arms, the most intense eyes I've ever seen, who the hell is he!" Suddenly there was realization in Bella's eyes and her mouth fell open into a little 'o' she bit her lip with amusement. Alice had never shown any interest in guys, always helping her family with chores, but now she seemed almost mesmerized by Paul! Alice was rocking on her heels with anxiety. The mysterious man she had run into was nearly twice her size-his bright green eyes were so piercing that she had stood there stunned for minutes until she scurried off to find Bella. Her shy friends' eyes glint before what she liked to call, an 'Embry smirk' appeared on her lips.
"That's Paul; Embry's friend, slash brother." Alice sighed dreamily.
"Well is he in a relationship or anything? I need info Bella!" Alice shook her a little, making her laugh.
"No. Embry says he gets really nervous when he goes on dates." Alice leaned into her friend with a distant look in her eyes.
"Confident, yet tentative. I like those kinds of guys." Bella saw Paul walking with Embry and got a devious plan. She gripped Alice's wrist and started walking towards the men.
"Bella what are you doing?" the pixie like woman squeaked with absolute fear. Bella looked at her with that smirk again, but said nothing until they were in front of them. Embrys' lips twitched with his own amusement when he saw his…could he call Bella his girlfriend? It was something he had mulled over several times-but he never came up with an answer. He wrapped an arm around her shoulder and played with one of her pigtails.
"So Paul, have you had a chance to get to know everyone?" Bella inquired with innocence that anyone would notice. Alice looked at her boots while heat flooded her face at an over whelming rate.
"No, not everyone." Paul muttered, his eyes on the little pixie woman in front of him. He had been talking to Felix, Emmett's co-worker. The guy was hilarious! Especially when the two of them were together! Bella smiled. She motioned towards Alice.
"Well, this is Alice Mason. She and her brother own a diner a few blocks from here." Alice raised her hand for a feeble attempt of a wave. Her usual hyper attitude replaced with shyness that made Bella seem silly. Paul held out his hand for her to shake. The little pixie bit her lip as she grasped Paul's warm, rough hand. Bella giggled when the two strangers started making googly eyes at each other. Embry pulled her away from the two to give them privacy.
He kissed the top of her head with a chuckle. "You're a devious little thing." he muttered. Bella hummed and laid her head on his chest as her arm wrapped around his slender waist. Unlike a lot of couples, they didn't meet from friends or noticing the others looks, Bella didn't even knew what he looked like for weeks! They were together for the fact they learned nearly everything about each other before the thought of dating even popped in their heads. So in way-it was an accident they fell for each other. Bella looked over to see Paul whispering something in Alice's ear that made her laugh. Alice was probably going with her when she visited Embry. Paul was almost always over there except when he had practice.
Emmett frowned when he saw Paul flirting with Alice. He wasn't too sure if Edward would notice…he found out when a confused Edward asked Alice to hold Mikey, interrupting the two, but, he made things worse. How? Paul started playing with Mikey, plastering a huge toothy smile from the toddler and Alice. Emmett face palmed himself. Edward you idiot! He felt something soft sneak into his hand and turned around to see a slightly annoyed Victoria.
"Don't tell me you're spying on them." She scolded. He pouted. She was good at keeping track of him!
"I'm just protective guy!" he defended. Victoria laughed as she leaned into her boyfriend. She saw Bella with Embry- him talking sweetly to her from the way she was blushing. That guy had a lot of courage; he came to the party without anything covering his face. Bella's parents had been surprised, but got over it. She then noticed that Mikey was making his way over to Bella and Embry. He pulled on Embry's pants, getting the scarred man's attention. Surprisingly, he picked up the child and set him on his hip while Bella snuggled back into his side. The toddler put his chubby hand on Embry's face where his scars were, his eyes shining with innocent curiosity.
Bella grinned as Mikey tugged at Embry's hair. He was laughing and trying to get the little boy to calm down. Tanya came over and untangled Mikey from Embry, apologizing. He just grinned and said it was no problem. He held Bella's hand as she said hello to people. He met her old friend Peter, who got her into skating. He met her cousin, Alec who was studying literature not too far away. The night went by quickly-glass after glass of Champaign, joking with Paul when he wasn't flirting with Alice-and talking to A LOT of people!
4 hours later-10 minutes to midnight
Embry leaned into Bella's body as a gust of cold wind whipped at them. It had gotten hot and stuffy in the small house, so Bella offered some time outside. A few minutes later they were both looking at the stars in their coats, Embry's arms wrapped around Bella's waist once again. The moon was full-making the thick bed of snow on the ground glimmer and sparkle. Embry sighed and set his forehead on Bella's shoulder. Soon everyone would be coming outside as well to see the fireworks that would shoot off at midnight-so Embry was enjoying his alone time with Bella.
"Quite a party." Bella murmured. Indeed it had. Halfway through Alice ran over in hysteria saying she had a date with Paul tomorrow, Mikey came after Embry about three more times, Emmett got a little drunk and tripped over the rug in the hall, and Peter had stuck his head in the sink when Mikey accidently lit his head on fire. Luckily Bella's parents had gone home before any of that happened. Talk about good luck. Embry had gotten a call from Leah saying happy New Year and that was about it.
"Hmmm." Was his response. Another gust of wind carried some snow that hadn't stuck to the ground into the air, almost like a dance. Bella turned in Embry's embrace to bury her cold face in his neck, making him shiver a little.
"Sorry." Her voice was muffled a little. They heard the commotion inside-Mikey fell asleep hours ago so now it was an adult party with…'interesting' games. She was glad she was with Embry. He was just as modest as she was and had dealt with enough stupid games in his years with Paul, who had Alice in his lap inside while they watched Emmett do the dare Edward had given him. It then occurred to Paul through his inebriated mind that Embry and Bella were missing. He shrugged and winced as Emmett fell to the ground with a floor shaking thump-
So loud that Embry and Bella heard it outside. Embry turned when an eruption of laughter came from the house. He looked at Bella with concern.
"I sure hope your house can handle drunken people." Embry was rewarded with her sweet laugh. She was still giggling when she answered.
"Don't worry-it handles me tripping all the time. It can handle this." Embry chuckled and suddenly remembered something. He pulled the velvet box from his pocket. Bella frowned in confusion. Embry rubbed his thumb against the box, feeling slight embarrassment.
"I. ahh…didn't get you a Christmas present so…" he handed her the box shyly. She took it hesitantly and brushed her fingers against the smooth fabric that covered it. She blushed. She opened the little box and stared in awe at the colorful orb that was held by a silver chain.
"It's a mood necklace." She looked at him with her big brown eyes, filled with appreciation. The scarred man removed the necklace from the box and motioned for her to turn around. She obeyed-Embry gently clipped the necklace into place, the orb resting against the Bella's chest. She admired it with a smile. Bella leaned back in his embrace as her finger played with the orb, which was already changing color. She looked down at the light green orb.
"Em?"
"Hmmm?" that seemed to be his best response for certain things.
"What does green mean?" Embry grinned and whispered in her ear, his breath tickling her like always.
"It means you're happy." Bella wrapped her arms around Embry's torso.
"The things pretty accurate then." Bella mumbled into his chest. He tousled her slightly when he chuckled. He lifted her head and pressed his lips against hers-both of their lips cold from the weather. They moved a loving slow rhythm that made their hearts melt. Embry squeezed Bella's waist as she clutched the fabric on his shoulders. The wind got a little stronger and made Bella's hair fly around them.
Embry grew as much courage as he could and traced his tongue against Bella's bottom lip, making her gasp but gave him permission, starting a whole new rhythm. He tangled his hand in her hair when she gripped the hair at the nape of his neck. It was a whole new sensation for the couple-their hearts beating out of their chests. Their lungs started to burn when the front door flew open-making them lurch away from each other. Paul stumbled onto the porch-he looked at their flushed faces and swollen lips. He smirked, his eyes glazed over from all the alcohol he consumed.
"Heeeeyy-it's almost time for the umm…fireworks!" he slurred from his position against the door frame- already forgetting about nearly catching them. Embry rolled his eyes as Paul drunkenly slumped down on to the porch stairs, more people coming. Embry just wrapped his arms around Bella's waist again and set his chin on the top of her head.
"Embry?" Bella whispered.
"Yeah." He responded.
"What does purple mean?" at first he didn't understand until he remembered her necklace-and then he blushed.
"It Uhhh, means your romantic." Bella squeaked. The thing was freakishly accurate. Embry chuckled and gave her cheek a quick peck. Everyone was on the porch now- some too drunk to realize where, others absolutely too tired to care. An equally drunk Alice was leaning against Paul's shoulder. Emmett's head was bobbing in attempt to stay awake, a tired but happy Victoria sitting with him on the bench. Edward and Tanya barely drank anything, so they were just a little drowsy. Edward checked his watch.
"Three…two…one." The bronzed haired man muttered. Just as he did that, the sky lit up with the first round of fireworks. Emmett jumped. Bella giggled from her position in Embry's arms. The group of friends and family watched the explosives turn into a colorful show that was noise filled, but still beautiful. Bella snuggled deeper into Embry's back with a content sigh. The scarred man smiled and kissed the top of her head. To everyone's shock the show lasted about thirty minutes-long enough for Paul to fall asleep with Alice against the pole of the porch. Emmett and Victoria went in about fifteen minutes through the show. Edward and Tanya got Mikey and left, saying their thanks. He was considering getting Alice, but Bella promised she'd get her home. Soon it was one-forty-five and Embry figured it was time to get Paul home.
"I forgot to say thank you for the necklace." Bella murmured. Embry smiled sweetly and kissed her nose.
"Tonight was enough of a present. I'll see you soon." They regretfully pulled from each other and Embry grabbed a little less drunk Paul by the arm.
"C'mon you. We gotta get going." Paul just groaned and let his-brother-like friend drag him away. Alice pouted before she trudged inside the house and fell onto the couch. Bella sat next to her.
"He's so sweet." Alice's voice was muffled by the pillow. Bella sighed.
"He is. He's also a complete goofball when he's mixed with Em." Alice sat up with concern in her eyes.
"You really like that Embry guy, don't you?" Bella bit her lip as heat went to her already flushed cheeks.
"Yeah." She whispered. Alice groaned and flung herself back in to her lying position. Bella watched her friends eyes droop closed. Bella sighed. She would call Edward in the morning to tell him Alice slept over. She put a blanket on Alice and padded off to her bedroom for a good night sleep, playing with the little orb of her necklace.
At the Clearwater's house- a few minutes before midnight
Sam gulped down his beer greedily, needing the alcohol to numb his mind just a little. He had invited Paul to the usual New Year's party the Clearwater's held-but he declined! It shouldn't be a big deal to him; Seth declined as well to go to a party with Collin at some fancy bar. It shouldn't bother him that Paul declined. But it did. Why? He wasn't sure! He growled, getting attention form a far from sober Quil who was sitting on the porch stairs with him.
"What's up with you?" Quil slurred.
"Paul didn't come." The drunken man scoffed as he gave his coach a disbelieving look.
"Are you like homo with him or something? 'Cause you huff and puff a lot when he doesn't obey your every command!" Quil laughed wildly at his own idiotic joke. Sam slapped him upside the head.
"No!" Sam growled viciously. "It's just that he was never like this. Even when he went all zombie he still came to all the holiday parties. Now he's all secretive." Quil shrugged and threw his head back to take a swig of his beer.
"You never know-he could have a lady friend or something. He probably doesn't want Tyler to find out, considering what he did to Em's girl…god I've never seen either of them like that! I mean they never liked each other that much but…" He trailed off. Sam considered the idea of Paul having a girlfriend. It could be possible that he just didn't want to introduce her or like Quil said, afraid Tyler might go all sexual offender like he nearly did to Embry's girl.
Embry…that guy had changed a lot that's for sure. He was always hot tempered just like Paul but he never attacked anyone! He always knew that the limit was with responding to certain things-but the fire in his eyes when Quil moved to talk to that girl…it was unlike anything Embry ever did. His thoughts were swimming now-thinking of Embry and Paul. They were hot tempered jokesters, never listening unless it was serious.
He remembered the time he saw Embry and Jacob wrestling-how Paul grinned at the two. He and Embry were always like brothers. They always defended each other. Sam started putting together pieces in his head. Paul gave up too easily the day Sam confronted him, he disappeared when Sam saw the video of Embry and now that he thought about; someone had said that girls name before she tried to sneak off…Paul had yelled at Tyler...NO! He went ape crazy. This was wasn't right; there was a huge chunk of secrets being Paul was holding. He was hiding something and Sam was going to find out what. He only had one suspicion-Embry Call was involved in Paul's secrecy.
GIGANTIC GASP! SAM'S SMARTER THAN I GAVE HIM CREDIT FOR…WAIT, THAT'S A BAD THING. ANYWAY, I REALIZED THAT I DRUG THIS STORY OUT A LITTLE TOO MUCH. THERE MAY BE SOME PEOPLE THAT DISAGREE, BUT I THINK THE NEXT CHAPTER WILL BE SKIPPED ABOUT A MONTH AHEAD. WHY? BECAUSE THERE ISN'T ANYTHING I CAN DO WITH THE ERR...HOW EVER MAN DAYS THERE ARE IN JANUARAY. AND BESIDES, THERE A LOT OF TURNING POINTS IN FEBUARY THAT I AM JUST DIENG TO WRITE! OKAY THE, SEE YOU NEXT CHAPTER!
THIS CHAPTER BETAed BY SOTHE SAGE