CHAPTER 11: POLYNESIAN REVUE AND A DEJA VU

Disclaimer: S. Meyer owns Twilight

A/N: This chapter is a bit longer than usual. I just couldn't leave you with a huge cliff hanger. So feast on the words this Thanksgiving Day; have a feeding frenzy. lol.

Leah and Embry were already seated when Bella and I arrived. It made me sort-of nervous when I saw where they were seated. We were ringside. What did that mean?

"Is there some reason we're so close to the stage?"

"I don't know," Embry answered. "The usher said we had to sit here."

"Did he say why?"

"I asked, but he said, we'd find out soon enough."

Jeez, now I was more than sort-of nervous.

I found out soon enough, all right. Near the end of the program, we were told that there would be volunteers—and I use that term loosely—chosen for audience participation.

The emcee announced, "We now come to the best part of the show; the part you've all been waiting for. It is time for you to come join us on the stage. It's like dancing with the stars, only faster, yeah?

"Our first participants will be the winners of the Aloha, and the Travelots Contests." Looking behind him, he directed the dancers, "Kanes and Wahines, pick your partners."

There were a total of ten of us lined up to publicly humiliate ourselves. Among them was the couple that won the Travelots Contest. He was a puny, sunburnt, redhead, and his girl, a short blonde with a matching skin tone. Speakin' of skin tones, I looked over at Bella and she was a seasick green.

I was game, and so were Leah and Embry, that is 'til Lani and Malia made a beeline to Embry and me. They led us to the stage area, and while the drums set the place to quakin', and with tassels flying, they did a bump and grind, Tahitian style.

Lani and I were spotlighted first, and she was so close to me, that it was practically obscene. Then if that wasn't bad enough, she danced around to the back, and brushed her other cheeks against mine. Damn, I was nearly blushin' as red as Embry. Leah was enjoyin' dancin' with her partner tho', and Bella … well, she was flustered beyond belief, especially when the guy hunkered down, skimmin' along the front of her body.

Thankfully, the mating ritual didn't last long. The dance partners kissed each of us on the cheek, and brought us back to our seats.

Bella's hair was hangin' in her eyes as she seated herself, and I stifled a chuckle. She looked like she'd fallen outta bed.

"My gosh," she muttered. "I feel like I've been violated."

"Yeah," Leah agreed. "Wasn't that great?"

"Speak for yourself, woman," Embry groused. "I don't mind being hustled, as long as it's someone I'm mutually attracted to."

Leah smiled. "Like me for instance?"

"You got it, babe."

We all walked outside. Embry and Leah went their own way, while Bella and I headed back to stroll along the beach.

"I'm going to miss this place. Thanks for bringing me here and sharing it with me, Jake."

"I can't think of anyone else I'd rather share it with."

The tiki torches were all lit, and as we walked by, I could see the strands of hair still danglin' in her face. It didn't help that the breeze kept blowing it into her eyes. She pulled a hair clasp out of it.

"Here, let me." I gently smoothed the hair back, and secured it with the clip. "Better?"

"Yeah, thanks."

With my arm wound about her waist, I asked, "So, did you enjoy the show?"

"Up to the point where I got dragged onto the stage. And don't deny it, your cheeks were red as a tomato too."

"Okay, so, yeah … it was a little much."

She fisted her hand and punched at the air. "I wanted to take a poke at that Lani. I can't believe how she was rubbing herself against you."

"I'm sure it was all in fun."

"For who?

"I swear she was doing it on purpose."

"What can I say? I was a helpless victim."

I couldn't help grinning at her.

"There's nothing funny about this, idiot."

"I'm not sayin' it's funny. I'm just ecstatic that you're jealous. This is freakin' awesome."

Her hands began flutterin' about, over her head. "I am not jealous. I just think that girl's actions were inappropriate. What is it with these Hawaiian females? Are they all hot to trot?"

Hot to trot …? Cute! She's definitely jealous. Score one for the wolf boy.

"Okaaaay … I think we pretty much covered that subject. What say, we call it a night?"

I took her hand and we slowly trekked to the hotel, and our suites.

# # # # #

We came to room 617. I opened the door, and there was Embry and Leah, attached at the lips. I cleared my throat, and Leah waved me away. My gosh, what was I going to do? It was getting late, and I wanted to go to bed. Looked like they did too, but evidently not to sleep.

I sighed; Jacob pursed his lips. "Let's go get some coconut ice cream. The snack bar's still open."

Letting him lead me to the shop, we got our ice cream and started eating it on the patio outside his room. I took my time, savoring each spoonful, lingering there as long as I dared, then gave Jacob a hint by yawning.

"Do you think they're done in there?"

Shrugging, he canted his head. "One way to find out."

He stood, pulling me with him to 617. Leah must've heard us coming, because she opened the door, and complained. "Will you two please go away, and leave us alone? You do have another room, so bye-bye."

The door shut in my face, and I was left totally stunned. I glanced at Jacob who looked as dazed as I felt.

"You want me to break them up?"

"Absolutely not. Leah will never speak to me again.

"So now what?"

Jacob threw his hands up in the air. "Don't look at me. I didn't plan on this."

"Well, what am I supposed to do? I'm tired. I just want to get some sleep."

"C'mon, Bells. My bed's big enough for both of us. You can sleep in one of my tees. I promise; no funny stuff."

I sighed in exasperation. Leah Clearwater strikes again. I followed Jacob across the hall. This was like a bizarre déjà vu.

Good gravy, his T-shirt fit me like a tent. Jacob stood there in his robe, not wanting to embarrass me by showing off in his boxers, and snickered. "You look reeeeaaally sweet enough to eat."

"Thanks … I think."

"I'll turn off the light, so we can get into bed."

Climbing onto the mattress, I pulled the covers up. Jacob slid in, and turned over, facing away from me.

# # # # #

Embry and I talked about this and that … what we wanted to do with our lives. He and I had so much in common, it was unreal. I realized that he was one of the smartest guys in the pack, but he was never boastful about it, always quiet, and laid back. I admired him for that. He was respectful toward me too, not like Paul and Quil with their snide little remarks. We were both enrolled in college courses online, and we both wanted to broaden our horizons and get out of La Push for a while at least, going to live on campus at the University of Washington, hopefully.

The one thing I never dreamed about Embry was that he could be so aggressive. I thought of him as shy and reticent. He was neither of them tonight and I was loving every minute of it. The boy had some seriously seductive moves. And then—bam!

We'd been chatting a little, mixed with hugging and kissing, alternating between the use of our tongues. Sitting on the bed, we somehow managed to lie face to face on the mattress, and Embry started to get a little wild. Then, out of the blue, he stopped, and began apologizing.

He caught his breath, and stammered, "Sorry, I'm so sorry, Lee. I …"

"Sorry? What on earth for?"

"For thinking …"

"For thinking what? That you want me? I've got a news flash for you, Em. I want you too. Can't you see that?"

I stared at that beautiful boy for a few seconds, then attacked his lips until we were gasping for air, but when I started to unbutton my blouse, he halted me in my tracks.

With his hands clamped around mine, he begged, "Please, don't."

I was confused. A guy who was strong enough to back down from an amorous opportunity? That was unheard of, at least in my part of the woods. "Why not? Don't you want to?"

"Hell, yeah, but there's more to it than that. I'm in love with you."

"I love you too. I never thought I'd be able to say those words to anyone else, ever again. But I do. So, what is it?

"Look, I know you're a virgin, but …"

His eyes softened. "No, that's not the problem."

"Then, what?"

"I'm thinking that neither of us has imprinted, and I don't know for sure if we ever will, but I can't be like Sam. I won't make love to you one day and then leave you the next. Can you understand that?"

I did understand, and I began to cry. Imagine … badass, Leah Clearwater crying.

"Oh damn, now I've done it. Don't cry, Lee. You're feeling rejected, I get that, but you'll see it's for the best."

I shook my head. "No, I'm crying because that's the sweetest thing anyone's ever said to me. Oh gawd, how I love you, Em!"

He stroked my cheek gently. "Are you tired? You want to sleep?"

I sniffled. "Yeah."

"C'mere, sweetheart."

He pulled me to his chest and kissed the top of my head. "I won't hurt you like he did. I don't have it in me. I love you too much.

"Go to sleep now. I'll stay here with you."

Gawd, he was so self-effacing, worrying about what his actions would mean for me. What other guy would think that way? I drew his arms about me more tightly, comforted in his loving embrace.

# # # # #

I must've been really tired 'cuz I drifted off quickly. Unfortunately I woke just as quickly to the sound of Bella whimperin' again. How does she ever get any sleep—or Charlie for that matter? Maybe she should see a hypnotist or somethin'. There's gotta be a permanent solution. I seemed to remember that the last time this happened tho', her nightmare stopped when I had her in my arms. Would it work this time?

It was pitiful listening to her whimper like that, so I flipped over and wrapped my arms around her shoulders, drawin' her close. I whispered in her ear. "Bells … Bells … It's me, Jake. It's okay, honey. It's not real, just a dream, that's all it is."

I heard her breathe a little sigh, and relax. Actually I was hoping to hear a bit more talking in her sleep, but we both slept soundly for the rest of the night.

In the morning, Embry let himself in, and quipped, "Well, this looks cozy."

"Yeah, well not as cozy as you and Leah, pal."

One of his hands shot up. "Hey, nothing happened. I swear."

"Sure, sure."

Bella wriggled out from my hold on her and sat up with the covers bunched under her chin. "Um, can you guys please leave so I can get dressed?"

Gesturin' to my buddy, I said, "Hey, Em, can you toss me my robe?"

The terry bathrobe sailed across the room, and I snatched it one-handed out of the air, giving it to Bella. I laughed as I watched her squirm and tumble beneath the blankets, putting it on. When she finally finished wrestlin' with it, she got up, grabbed her clothes, and walked out the door.

# # # # #

Her eyes were red as she ruffled through her suitcase. Had she been crying?

I got a little concerned. I hadn't once seen Leah in an emotional state. "Lee, are you okay? Embry didn't get rough with you last night, did he?"

"Just the opposite. That boy has such a deep love for me. I never knew anyone could love so deeply."

"You're a lucky girl."

Leah stared off into space, a knowing smile on her lips. "Yeah, I just found out how lucky."

# # # # #

I don't think Jacob believed a word I said. "Wow! And she didn't tear into you, for leavin' her all frustrated?"

"Nah, she started crying."

"Are you sh**in' me? Leah Clearwater, sheddin' real tears? That, I would've loved to see."

"It was beautiful, man. You know, you guys had her all wrong. She just needed a little TLC."

"Tender lovin' Call?"

"Hey, yeah; I like that." I pointed both of my thumbs at my chest, smiling to beat the band. "I'm just what the doctor ordered."

Jacob chuckled. "I hope, by some miracle, I'm a prescription for what ails Bella too."

I gave my friend a high five, and we both howled like the lovesick idiots we were. One of the maids knocked on our door. "Are you guys all right in there?"

"Yeah, we're fine," I answered. Jacob and I burst out laughing as soon as we heard her footsteps fading away down the hall.

# # # # #

"You sure you girls don't wanna go another couple of rides?"

"We're good. You and Embry have your fun. Bella and I will sit here and admire the view." She wiggled her eyebrows at Embry.

I agreed, but I wouldn't have put it out there so bluntly.

It was a beautiful afternoon, the breeze blowing through our hair, and we were contented as two ladies could be, sitting on a blanket, and watching our fellows tame the ocean.

Having my eyes glued to my wolf boy paddling out to the next wave, I noticed a smudge of dark grey that seemed to be circling Jacob's surfboard. I nudged Leah.

"What is that near Jake's board?"

My first thought was that some flirtatious hussy was puttin' on the act of drowning, but that would be too coincidental.

She turned her attention to me. "What? Sorry, I was busy ogling Em. What did you say?"

"I said, there's something floating out there by Jake. Can you see it?"

Leah shaded her eyes, then terror made them suddenly bulge. She shot up on her feet. "Oh my god, it's a shark!"

My heart leapt up into my throat. I watched in horror as the grey object came alive, its jaws open wide, clamping onto Jacob's thigh. He let out a bloodcurdling cry as the shark dragged him down under the water. The lifeguard began yelling, and men, armed with a harpoon gun, raced to a catamaran. They sped toward the area where Jacob went down.

I was feeling weak; frozen to the spot, gripped tight in the throes of fear. My hand found its way to cover my mouth, obliterating a silent scream. This couldn't be happening. We were in paradise. This was supposed to be a time filled with happiness. If Jacob didn't survive, I wouldn't either. I prayed those men would arrive in time to save my Jacob. Please, God, don't let him die.

# # # # #

Paddlin' toward the oncoming swell, I was suddenly taken by a searing pain in my right hip. I was screamin' in agony, yet totally unaware of what the hell was happenin' to me. Somethin' was towing me away from my board and down under the water.

It had a death grip on me, and I couldn't get away. The creature—whatever it was—kept taking me deeper and deeper. I was in panic mode by now, desperately tryin' to free myself. My lungs were ready to burst, and still I was plunging downward, thrashing around uselessly. With a last ditch effort, I took a stab at using my fists to fight off the monster, when I was let loose. I swam to the surface to get a gulp of some needed air. In my hurry, I broke an important surfin' rule, and managed to konk the top of my head on my freakin' board, knocking myself out.

# # # # #

Leah was gesturing wildly from the shore, and pointing to the damaged surfboard. Jake!

I saw the men in the catamaran stroking their oars rapidly into the water, and one of them aiming a harpoon. It went off, and I overheard a man, say, "I missed him, dammit, but there he goes. Did you see that? The guy surfaced, when the shark let him go, but I think he hit his head on his stick. Someone brave enough to search for him? There may be others out there."

I reached the boat and someone grabbed hold of my board.

"I'll do it, he's my friend."

I dove in, desperate to find him. It didn't take long. I followed the trail of blood. Jacob was at the end of it; a limp rag, wavering in the brine. His leg was bleeding profusely; his right hip gone. The shark had ripped it off almost to the bone. I had to get him to shore before more sharks started to collect from the scent of his blood.

The cat stayed by our side, the man with the harpoon, standing watch. I dragged Jacob onto the beach, and turned him face up. He wasn't breathing. I started mouth to mouth, while the lifeguard came with a paramedic, who stuffed the wound with gauze to stop the bleeding. The girls came rushing over. Bella was totally hysterical, and the lifeguard had to pull her away several times trying to calm her down.

After a few rescue breaths, Jacob's chest moved, and a stream of salt water began to bubble up from his mouth. I rolled him onto his left side to allow it all to escape his lungs. He wasn't awake yet, but he was now breathing on his own, and we all breathed easier ourselves. Damn, Jake, nearly gave me a heart attack!

I collapsed, sitting down hard on the sand, while the paramedic continued his job.