CHAPTER 8: ON BOARD

Disclaimer: S. Meyer owns Twilight.

A/N: Hope you don't mind, but part of this story will be in Embry's POV. I had to throw his two cents in, didn't I? Also, my thanks to Wolf Born Woman for the idea she gave me for this chapter.

The girls helped my sister with the food and picnic supplies. Kapono, Embry and I untied the surfboards and trekked down to a spot picked out by Rebecca. She spread a big blanket, and Ephraim plunked down on it, immediately, complaining that he was hungry.

"Already?" Rebecca groaned. "I swear you could eat a whole kalua pig all by yourself."

Handing him a small plate of potato chips, she warned, "That's all you're getting until lunch time. We'll eat in a couple of hours. The boys want to get in some surfing first. You understand me?"

"Yeah, I havta wait." He sighed like he was about to die, but then brightened and asked, "I wanna surf. Can I?"

"Over my dead body."

"Awww, Mom. How come you're so mean?"

Rebecca glared at her son. "It comes from having children."

Ephraim pouted, and gave a snort.

My heart was pounding. Here I was, smack dab in the middle of paradise at the ocean's door, with my family and friends surrounding me. Best of all, I'd have my arms around Bella—just the two of us, hoverin' on a cushion of rushing water. It'd be the adventure of a lifetime.

# # # # #

It was a mighty weird feeling for me—Embry Call, being confident for once. I went over all the basics of surfing with Leah, while still safely on the shore. Good thing I had a mind like a steel trap. I remembered every little detail Jacob taught me. She was getting impatient, and rarin' to go. Her enthusiasm was contagious. Having her with me on the board wrapped in my arms, her body pressed firmly against mine, got my enthusiasm racheted up too.

The thought occurred to me that I not only won the contest, but it looked like I won the girl too. Who would've thunk? Of all the girls on the rez … Leah Clearwater, huh.

That she-wolf used to scare the beejesus out of me, but now, she had a smile only for me, and was sweet and playful. And damn, that look in her eyes spoke of love. It was unbelievable. I'd fallen … hard. My only fear was that it would all crumble to nothing when we set foot back in La Push, and I'd be Embry, the ever-lonely once more. For the moment though, I was ridin' high in more ways than one.

Leah patrolled with us, and it was impossible not to be present when she phased. So, yeah, she was naked a lot of the time, but I was afraid to look. No telling what she would've done. That wildcat was totally unpredictable. Walking around for the rest of my life with my eyeballs gouged out came to mind.

Now that I got a good look at her in a swimsuit, I did notice every line and curve of her body, and man oh man, did she have the curves.

I glanced over at Jacob and Bella, they seemed to be having fun, even though Bella looked a little terrified at first. I didn't know what he said to her, but she seemed to shake off her fear and was goin' for it. Shocking!

And Kapono? He was already out in the ocean, like Poseidon, himself, leaving the mere mortals—Jake's sister and nephew—on the beach, sitting on the blanket.

"You ready, Lee."

"What do you think? Let's go."

We ran to the shoreline, and into the sea, climbing on our board when the water reached our waists.

# # # # #

"Jake, I don't know about this. You know how clumsy I am."

Yeah, do I ever! "Don't worry, I'll be right behind you, holding you upright. So see, it'll be fun."

"Now stand along the middle line, and bend your knees."

Bella hopped off the board. "I'm not doing this. It's too dangerous."

"Dangerous … but consortin' with blood-thirsty vampires doesn't faze you? Jeez, Bells, I thought you were braver than this. Look … It's not like we'll be ridin' the big ones. We'll do the smaller waves 'til you get the hang of it. "

Behind us, I heard Leah shouting, "Don't be such a wuss, Tink. This is great, you should try it!"

I shot a glance over my shoulder and witnessed Leah with Embry on their surfboard, glidin' on top of a wave 'til it crumbled.

"Well, I guess I had you pegged wrong."

Rebecca was sitting nearby, with Ephraim on her lap. "Leave her alone, Jake. She's scared."

"Scared of what? It's just a little water. You should see her on a motorcycle. But maybe she's sworn that off too. After all, it's a dangerous sport."

Her eyes narrowed, and she looked like a snake about to strike. I'd swear there was smoke comin' outta her ears too. "Step aside, Jake. I'll show you who's scared."

I backed up to let her position herself on the board, and with my arms about her, and my cheek alongside hers, gave the girl her initiation into surfdom.

We paddled out and caught our first wave. Bella wobbled a bit, but with my strong arms supporting her, it was a successful encounter, if I do say so myself. By the third try, she seemed to be enjoying herself.

"So, whaddya think, Bells. Is this fun or what?"

"It's unbelievable. What a rush."

"Told ya so."

One more rush, and Rebecca was callin' us from the shore. "Come and eat, gang."

Bella decided to stay on the blanket with Rebecca after lunch, but Leah was out on the ocean with Embry as soon as she swallowed her last crumb. Kapono chided my girl, "Come now, wahine, you're so lucky to be in Hawaii. Are you gonna waste your time sitting here?"

Rebecca took offense at that remark. "Thanks a lot, Al. Is that what we're doing … wasting our time, talking."

"Aww … you know what I mean, honey. You live here. This may be her only visit."

# # # # #

Jacob looked at me with his puppy dog eyes, but it wasn't going to work on me this time. "I'm a bit tired. All this sand and sea has worn me out. Just let me sit here with Becca. You go on with Kapono, I know you're dying to go out there again."

"Listen to your lady, my man. Kilauea—the waves are comin' in stronger, really pumpin'. C'mon …"

Jacob reluctantly left me, and followed Kapono. The two of them ran toward the surf with their boards tucked under their arms, and Kapono shouting, "Choo-hoo!"

Rebecca cleared her throat. Uh-oh, Ephraim was sound asleep on the blanket, it was just me and her and the sky, the sand and the deep blue sea. "So … what's the story with you and my brother?"

Gosh, this was awkward. "Um … we're friends."

"That's funny. Jake writes to me all the time, and that's not what he says. You know he's in love with you."

Fidgeting with my hands, I squeaked, "Yeah, I know."

"If you know, then what are you going to do about it? If you don't return his love … and soon, he's going to be heartbroken. I'm sorry, but I just don't understand you. What's not to love about the boy? I realize he's my brother and all, and I'm probably prejudiced, but damn, even I can see what a catch he is. You should really think about it."

"I will."

Well that was a sobering discussion. I tried to avoid her eyes, gazing instead at the ocean. And every time I lifted my head, there was Leah with Embry, balanced on the board, waving at me with the biggest grin I'd ever seen on her face. It was nice to see at least one of us happy.

I also had the privilege of watching my wolf boy skillfully maneuver himself among the ocean swells. I had to admit, it was a sight to behold. He was just as proficient as his mentor, and I felt a twinge of pride.

On his way back to us, he sauntered near two girls in bikinis, leaving Kapono, Embry and Leah still skimming over the water. One of the girls was rummaging through her tote bag, muttering under her breath. She spotted Jacob, and flashing him a smile, stopped him in his tracks. I had no idea what she said to him, but she handed him some keys. Ever the Boy Scout, he ran to her car as I watched, bristling, and brought her something she apparently left behind. Why did he always have to be so willing to help … especially girls in bikinis? I didn't appreciate that the person he was helping kept fluttering her eyelashes at him, or that she had her hand on his arm either. Trollop!

I was halfway off the blanket to tell the possessive little vixen to take her hands off of him when Jacob turned away, picked up his board and plunked down beside me. Nudging me with his shoulder, he explained, "Couldn't let her do without her sunscreen. You know how it is, right?"

In my current state, I'd let her burn—to a nice, not so lightly browned, crisp.

Before we left the beach, Jacob jumped into the ocean for one last dip. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw that same girl dive in and start swimming toward him. All at once, she suspiciously began slapping at the water, yelling for help.

Jacob was immediately at her side as she went under, and swam with her back to shore. She was limp in his arms, and we all ran to her aid, as my wolf boy gave her mouth to mouth. Suddenly, the actress grabbed his neck and gave him resuscitation in earnest. Jacob yanked himself free of the lamprey eel, looking dazed. What was with this girl? Did he look as if he was on the auction block? I felt like slapping her silly, and throwing her back in the ocean.

# # # # #

The drive to Rebecca's was monopolized by Kapono with his stand-up—or sit-down in this case—comedy routine. Jeez, the man had a story for every occasion. Despite the laugh riot goin' on, it was plain as day that Bella hadn't added a single word to the conversation. I kept glancin' at her, but she was closed up tighter than a clamshell, off in her own little world. That stupid girl's kiss was preyin' on her mind, no doubt. Well, hell, that wasn't my freakin' fault, but I thought … on the other hand, that little incident seemed to reeeaaally upset her. Wake up, Bella. Your destiny is sitting next to you, right here, right this minute in this very SUV. Sweeeet!

We unloaded the vehicle, and changed clothes inside the house, then were on the road again to Laie, and the Polynesian Cultural Center. Bella remained quiet for the first hour while we toured the place, and I finally pulled her aside.

"Are you okay?"

"Fine."

"Yeah, you're fine … only you don't act like you're fine. You're not mad at me, are you?"

"Now, why would I be mad at you?"

"You tell me. Look … I know you're upset about somethin', and I'm bettin' it's that damn, idiot girl at the beach. How did I know she was fakin' it? I thought she was drownin'. What was I supposed to do, ask, Hey, girl, are you drownin' or just pretendin'?"

She was avoiding eye contact, lookin' over my shoulder, or to one side or the other. "I know it wasn't your fault. It was just … I don't know …"

I grabbed her chin, and turned her head gently toward me. "Yes, you do."

"Don't be putting words in my mouth, Jake."

"Okay, but are we good now?"

Our eyes met. "We're good."

I pulled her against my chest, huggin' her fiercely. and whispered, "We're still in Hawaii, Bells. Let's soak up the spirit."

A tiny smile emerged, as we drew away from each other, and she took my hand. "You're too good for that girl."

"Yeah, I know."

I snickered, and Bella punched me in the arm. Well, it was actually more like a love tap.