Chapter 22
Jacob's point of view
Most guys who turn twenty-one party the week before, the week of, and the week after their birthday. They either don't worry about their responsibilities, have little, or none at all. I'm not one of those guys. The day before my birthday I wasn't doing what most guys would do. I was shopping with my girlfriend to prepare for our twins. Most guys aren't Alpha that worries about two boys who have trouble converting from human to wolf, have to conduct a tribal meeting, worry about their seven month girlfriend, or worry about what college is going to accept them. I had so much stuff in my hands and I had to balance it all.
I slept on patrol last night, making sure to be on call if Jordan and Ethan phased. Jordan only scared me for the safety of my family, my brothers, my tribe. I've handled wolves with temper problems before. With them I mostly just put with Paul so they can learn from his experience. Just with Jordan I wasn't so sure even Paul could help. It was like he kept all the grief bottled up from his father's death and it was wanting to release. I didn't see a sixteen year old who was angry. I saw a bomb that would go off on anybody at any minute. His mom was depressed, his dad dead…he's got a lot of anger built up. He has a temper already. A bad one. It scared me that when he phases he won't be able to control that anger and the young werewolf anger on top of it.
Ethan was far worse on my worry list. He was so young. Eight. That was way too young to phase! He's still a kid! He's still innocent! He wouldn't understand what was going on! Both weren't prepared for the life that was set for them. I wanted to stop it for Ethan. To at least wait till he was older. Maybe this feels personal because he was also a twin. Could this be Sage's fate too? Or Gracie's?
When I walked through the door of the Cullen household, Nessie was playing the piano. I stayed away just to listen to her play and hum the words. When I walked up to kiss her, she shied away. Even when Carlisle was running test she ignored me. And instead of wanting to shop with just me, she invited Abby along too. Something was up.
Turning twenty-one wasn't something to party over. Especially when you don't look twenty-one or that you live forever. To be technical I was still sixteen since that was the age I phased at. My real age I was twenty-one even when I don't look like it.
Nessie was stronger for which I was thankful for. But we were still putting a band aid over a gushing wound. I wanted alone time with her away from our imprisonment. I was hoping to get that today since we would be in Olympia but more people tagged along until we had an whole entourage. Nessie was bigger now and our "party" was keeping her standing when she should be resting. She was plainly ignoring me on purpose. Maybe partying the day before my birthday wasn't such as bad idea.
I felt out of place. Me and all the others who were dragged here by our girls. They were gushing over every outfit and all the other crap we needed. It wasn't my "thing." Maybe I would be in a better mood if my Renesmee didn't try to deliberately avoid me.
"So when do you hear back from the colleges?" Seth asked as we sat in chair by the windows, mine being closest to the door that way I could bolt if I was given the opportunity.
"Hopefully soon." I answered. Soon because I've got to know where to relocate my family and we've got to set up the nursery and so on and so forth.
"So what's up with you and Nessie? She's been avoiding you all morning." Quil pointed out.
I rolled my head back and growled in aggravation. I had so many things running through my head as it is. I didn't need anybody butting in with my crappy relationship. So I didn't answer but looked at Nessie. She was grazing her hand over cribs, stopping at a black one. It stung when she called for Alice and not me. If she doesn't want me here then why didn't she say so?! I know her mood swings are bad, but please, spare me the pain.
"You could participate in your twins' preparing." Nessie showed me as I could feel her aggravation.
"Oh! So you're acknowledging me now? Good. Real good." I thought back. I could feel how much I hurt her but she should feel guilty too.
I heard others ask my opinion but I ignored them. I only saw Nessie's eyes. There was something behind them that she was holding back. I was actually thinking the wall between us was breaking until she looked away.
Do something, stupid! You have more right to be here than anybody else!
I'm standing. I'm walking over to her. I'm wrapping my arms around her, rubbing her big stomach. She curled into my embrace as if we were magnets connecting together. I guess we were because I don't really remembering to actually go up to her. I don't think she noticed how she stepped into my embrace. It just…happen.
"So what do you think?" Nessie asked, motioning to the same black crib I saw her stand at as she called for Alice.
"Black?" I asked.
"Well, duh, I'm going to add color to it. I was thinking the traditional blue for Sage and lilac for Grace-since somebody refuses pink." Alice said, directing the last comment to Nessie who blushed and hid her face in my arm. Nessie and I both put our foot down for Gracie's part being pink. I mean, they will be running with wolves one day.
"Do you like it?" I asked Renesmee.
Nessie turned her head to look at me. "It's unique and neutral" she said.
"Then I like it. I mean, you haven't been listening to my opinion the whole pregnancy so why start now?" I really had to open my big mouth?
"What's with your attitude?"
"What's with yours?"
Nessie made a sound of disgust and got out of my hold, walking away. I felt like somebody should slap me. And Alice glaring at me didn't help.
"I know your birthday's tomorrow but do you really have to be a jerk?" Alice asked.
I huffed. I didn't need to be a jerk. I had to figure out what was going on with Nessie. This was a day that was suppose to be between me and her. Like it was some private joke we couldn't tell anybody about. We shouldn't be ripping our wound open anymore just when we were barely holding on.
I walked around, trying to procrastinate and find Nessie at the same time. I hoped she was seeing my thoughts on how sorry I was. I found her in a corner, grabbing bottles and all sorts of other stuff. I've got her now.
"Nessie." I thought, appearing right behind her. She whirled around like I had scared her. She backed into the corner and I followed her, making sure she didn't escape me. "Can we talk?"
I got extremely close to her-as much as her huge stomach would allow. I could hear Nessie's heartbeat quicken. I could sense her nervousness. "Why have you been avoiding me?" I whispered, against her cheek. Okay. Seducing her wasn't my plan but if it worked then by all means do it.
"I…" Nessie trailed, dropping everything in her arms. "I had…I saw you…"
Renesmee growled in aggravation and projected to me what she was afraid of. She dreamed that she saw me with another woman. I was doing more than just kissing her when Nessie walked in and saw me. I told her to screw her, her kids, and I didn't want her anymore.
I shivered. Not because I was cold but because I was disgusted. She couldn't dream me with a girl that looked like her? Or that was actually her? "You could have dreamed me with a better looking woman than that. Ugh." I joked, trying to make Renesmee smiled but all she did was pull at the lace on her shirt. She placed her hand on her large stomach, not looking at me.
"Then you better go find her." Nessie said, picking up the stuff she dropped. I bent down to help her.
"I want you. Not anybody else." I thought, placing my hand on her cheek. "I love you."
Nessie looked up at me and nodded. "I'm sorry."
"Me too. I just whished we had today together. Just me and you." I said as we placed everything in a basket and I helped Nessie up.
"You know, most guys want to ditch their girlfriend and party with the boys." she said as we made it back to the clothes department. Where everybody was I might add.
"Funny thing is I'm not like most guys." I smirked. I did the same position I did when we were at the cribs, only this time kissing her neck. I saw the others get the same idea but we pushed or slapped away. It only made things better when Nessie stepped into my hold like a magnet again.
"That's an understatement; but what do you want for your birthday?"
I winced. I didn't want anything as present wise. I think I'm a little to old for that. But I also do know one thing that I could let Renesmee give me. "Well…there are some things."
"Yes?"
"Somewhere with you. Alone." I whispered in Nessie's ear then motioned for us to start sneaking away now.
She shook her head "How about tomorrow? When it is your actual birthday."
"How about now?"
"I can't. I've got a handful of clothes and we're preparing for our babies. Then we've got the tribal meeting-"
"Blah, blah, blah. I know. When do we ever have time alone?" I asked. I gently spun her around to face me and gave her a knowing look. All I asked was alone time. To talk, to…whatever! To do something! I wanted to forget my responsibilities and just be with her. Because I know in a few short months we won't have this opportunity. We'll be walking around like zombies snapping at each other's head. Pretty soon I'll be in college. Nessie will be busy with the twins. It won't be just us anymore.
"The cottage."
"Outside of that imprisonment." No answer from Nessie, proving my point. "We've got what we need. Let's load up, tell everybody see ya, and leave." I begged.
"Ouch. That's how you look at us, Jake?" Abby asked when she overhead our connection.
Nessie saw me my I told you so look and laughed. "Not now." she said, walking away and to another isle.
The next few hours we walked through different stores. The party died down till it was just me, Alice, and Nessie. I kept hoping for that alone time before we have to leave for the tribal meeting. I never got that time alone. We ordered what we needed to, paid for what we bought, and loaded it up. By the time we ended out trip, Nessie was tired.
Nessie sat down in the seat with and sigh and stretched. She rubbed her stomach and gave a short smile. "Traveling seven months pregnant was worse than six." Nessie laughed. When I didn't answer she took my hand and set it down on her stomach. I could feel them move. Normally I would smiled but I didn't. Not this time.
"Jake? What's wrong?" Nessie asked and I couldn't help but roll my eyes. That seemed like it was the most stupid question I ever heard.
I heard myself scoff. Wrong? A whole lot was wrong!
What I never expected to say came out of my mouth, "Let's move." I heard this strange voice that sounded like me blurt.
"Move?"
"Yeah. To Hanover. We have the house. We have all the stuff we need for Sage and Grace. I might have a chance at going to Dartmouth. Let's go, Ness. Pack up and leave. I can run the pack from there and somebody can handle the tribe. We're all set. We can go home, pack up, say good-bye, and hop on a plane. Let's go. Let's get out of this prison." I told her.
Where did that come from?
Nessie mocked gasp and looked at me. "Who are and what have you done with my Jacob?!" Nessie shouted and I couldn't help but laugh. Sometimes I wonder myself. "Sage and Grace are worried too. There's this man saying it's their daddy but he's certainly not acting like it. I know the Jacob we know and love would never say to pack and move away. I'm usually the one pushing him out the door."
I laughed at my Renemsee's mock shock. I was still the same Jacob she fell in love with-well, sorta but that's another already told story. I'm still the father of her twins. I'm still Jacob but I'm the Jacob that can't keep checking the waters before jumping. I'm starting businesses up. I'm going to college and I'm starting a family. It's time to become a man. A man that can actually handle the tricks of this cruel world. I use to think that when life sucked you could eventually die. When I phased I thought that since I'm immortal, I can undo my mistakes. I got lucky. Now I've seen that life doesn't really suck. If you handle it well enough then it might not suck at all. Maybe I have changed.
"So you'll do it?" I asked with a eager grin. I cranked up the car, already knowing she would say yes and sped off.
I was already planning on what to say everybody when I told them that we were leaving tonight when Nessie told me her answer, "No." she said.
I slammed on breaks, accidentally throwing Nessie forward. She caught herself in time and turned around to hiss at me. "What were you thinking?!" she shouted.
"Why did you say no?" was all I could say. Smart of me, huh?
"Be-I don't know! Just not now! I need my family! Believe me, Jacob, I want to pack and move just like you said. Just it be you and me. Just not when the babies are so close to being due." Nessie said.
Close…in two months I'll be a father. We'll be family. Sage Edward and Grace Isabelle will be here. Wise and favored. The meaning scared me. I know they were powerful; but my father seems to think their cheveyo-spirit warriors or close to it. They can't be powerful. Not yet anyway.
A mood swing must have hit because before I knew it Nessie reached up and kiss me. I brought my hands to her hips and pushed her back to her seat. She was huge and we were in a confined area. I don't want anything to happen to her or the twins. The three were already powerful. Three against one isn't fair.
Nessie tried to kiss me again but I pushed her back. Even after seducing me I still said no. Then the tears kicked in and the nonsense about how ugly and fat she was and how I didn't want her rambled on. I drove off with a huff as I let it all get out of her system, knowing from experience that arguing with her would only make it worse. Every time I tried to touch her she would slap me away. I was getting aggravated, trying to ignore the sickening feeling. I swear it feels like somebody is choking me. Happy Birthday to me…
It was silence as we drove home. Eventually Nessie curled her legs underneath her and fell asleep. One hand was supporting her head while the other laid on her stomach. Her bronze ringlets covered her face. I wondered how somebody could be this stubborn but also so beautiful. Granted, Nessie was bigger than normal so I could see where her calling herself fat would come from. To me she was still able to make me feel like I'm on some buzz. So maybe you can say I do get drunk on my twenty-first birthday. I was drunk on the presence of Nessie Cullen. I loved not walking away. I-sometimes-loved our arguments. The was she smiles at her stomach, excited to be expecting our children. How she projects to me our son and daughter's thoughts. I had this perfect life in my reach. I wanted it and I wanted to make sure I didn't loose it.
After a while of being asleep, Nessie jumped awake. She looked around confused then looked at me, sighing in relief. She rubbed her eyes and then attempted to put her hair back in place when all of a sudden her hand flashed down to her stomach. She cradled it and winced.
"Ness? What's wrong?" I was worried about her. Something could go wrong and it would have been my fault. She was suppose to take it easy. Rest, relax, stay away from stress. None of that happen. She thinks she can do the stuff she use to do. I think she forgets she pregnant sometimes.
"Nothing. They just kicked in the wrong places. Now focus on not wrecking and less on me." she said, trying to get comfortable.
I did what she said. "You're not going to the bonfire." I stated.
"WHAT? Why?"
"Haven't you realized that something could go wrong?"
"Jacob…"
"No." I ordered. Nessie turned away and poked out her bottom lip. She's so cute.
"You're going to be there." Nessie said meekly, looking at me under her eyelashes. She's got me and she knows it. I could feel it.
I started to wonder why we were linked so close? The other couples are connected but it wasn't as deep as ours. It was like Nessie and I were one person. She moves, I move. Whatever I feel, she feels. We know when something happens to one another. Could it be because we had the whole vampire mate and werewolf connection? I was her mate, she was my imprint type of deal? I wanted to know why we were so connected when it feels like we were barely holding on.
"I might not." I said, trying to lighten the mood.
"You're Chief. You've got to go."
"No…you see, I've got this girlfriend back home who's pretty controlling. She might not let me go." I laughed.
"Oh, really? Are you going to let that girlfriend know that you're spending the night with me?" Nessie said in a flirtatious voice.
"Nah. I like letting her wonder." Nessie slapped me.
Nessie straightened up in the seat and sighed. She seemed glued to the dashboard. She was hiding something, but right now I was worried about other things.
"What was your dream about?" I blurted, holding her hand.
"How do you know I was dreaming? You're the one that dreams enough for the both of us."
Nessie was right. I still had dreams but now I think she does too. She's getting them from me. I'm getting them from her. It proved my point at how connected we were. And that when both of us woke up exhausted, it made it worse. Now the dreams were more powerful. Neither Ness and I could explain it.
"Nightmare?"
"No. Just…confusing. And a little scary."
"Wanna talk about it?"
Renesmee huffed and projected to me if Sage and Grace were really going to be powerful. Would Aro stand over them with greed on his face. They have powerful parents, it would seem logical for them to be too. We don't want them to be though. We wanted them to be innocent. We didn't want death to be hung over their head since the minute they were born.
I gripped Nessie's hand even tighter. So tight it was to the point of hurting her. In my perpetual vision I didn't even see her squirm. "They can't help who their parents are." was what I said instead.
Nessie could feel my tension and brought my hand to her stomach. I could feel one of my twins kick furiously. The other one just kicked. I thought something was wrong but nothing really happen. All Nessie did was push me away and turned her body away from me. She was hiding something. Actually a lot of things. I could feel it.
"What's wrong?" I asked. I could feel her tension, her worry, her longing. It had me worried. Was Renesmee going to pull away?
"So do you really want to move?' she asked instead of answering my question.
My theory-along with my father's-on us imprinting was to make us better wolves. To be better wolves. To see the world in new eyesight. I think I have became better when Nessie came along. I'm wanting that life I've always wanted. I knew I had potential, even before I phased. I just didn't have the resources that I do have now. Don't get me wrong. I haven't had a broken home or my parents never caring about me. I've had struggles but they could be a lot worse. Now with my new eyesight I wanted a life where me and my family could grow. I loved my reservation. It was my home. But there was another life out there that was right in my grasp.
"I do." I answered. "I really want to."
"Why?"
I considered it for a moment. I've always felt weird. Like I was an alien or something. "Why not? I have everything I need right on the table. They say change is good."
"Even when I've brought up a move, you'd always hesitate before. Now you're wanting to pack up and leave now? Are you sure you haven't lost your mind?"
"Not so sure on that; but I do want to move. It'll be good for us to be away from everything." That wasn't a real reason but I couldn't pinpoint why I wanted to move. I just wanted to. I felt like I had to.
Nessie fell silent, biting her lip. I wanted to move, but on top of that I wanted to marry her too. I had enough money in my pocket to get a ring and we could head to a justice of the peace. We didn't need a big wedding. We had each other.
Nessie was obviously ignoring me. I could sense it. I wondered why. Why one minute was she wanting me then the next push me away?
Kaleb.
To keep the anger from not hurting Nessie, I yanked my hand out of hers and gripped the steering wheel tight. The uncomfortable, painful, sickening feeling flared up. All that could go though my head was to phase. To push that itch. To bolt from the danger. I was uneasy, cautious. All the thought of marrying Nessie went out the window.
She wants Kaleb! She wants Kaleb!
"My Jacob?" Nessie asked but I ignored her. Nessie picked up on it eventually.
"I love you." she pleaded. "It's just…"
She wants to be around him. He wants to be around her. My daughter was pulling them together. I could be the nice guy and let them see each other. Edward let me be with Bella. He's letting me be with his daughter.
But you know, I'm not that nice of a guy. Edward's a way better man than I am. So I don't think I should allow it. I wasn't planning on it. Kaleb didn't want it. Nessie's whatever with it. I didn't want it. So why not keep the two away?
Now I can understand where Paul and Sam are coming from. Neither want their kids to phase. The odds were more in Will's likely than Channing, but stranger things have happen. Paul was worried about his son imprinting and Sam was worried about the total opposite. I've got both worries; but I don't think we've ever understood each other now more than ever. We were the only ones in the pack that were fathers-or in my case soon to be. We didn't expect our imprints to get pregnant this soon and I didn't expect Nessie to get pregnant at all. Not when something bad was about to happen.
I heard Nessie cry but I never comforted her. We were upset about the same but different things. I knew half of her crying was the whole hormone deal. I touch her, she'll just swat my hand away. She wants me one minute then yell at me another. And then when I'm scared of her, she'll seduce me and then cry when I'm terrified to touch her.
"How long till we get back home?" Nessie asked.
My first instinct was to pull her into my arms, not really caring about if she would get stuck or not. I would let her cry. Just the idiot inside of me pressing the gas pedal even harder. When I never answered Nessie slid as far as she could and started to kiss me. At first I tried to pull her back but eventually I just gave up.
"Ness…"
"What?"
"I can't hardly drive with you on top of me."
"And… We're indestructible."
I growled at her. That was something not to joke about. She has a high possibility of dying. Nessie's weak, the babies are weak, and carrying twins puts it at an even more danger! Now Carlisle has said the labor will be even more dangerous due to her being part vampire. What? Does he like slapping me in the face with this stuff? Can I at least enjoy one week where I can enjoy almost becoming a father?
Renesmee saw my face and sat back down in her seat with a laugh. "I guess we're not." she shrugged then rubbed her stomach with a face of discomfort.
"Are you sure you're okay?" I asked. Everything could go wrong. I could loose her. Why can't she see that?
"I'm seven months pregnant. What do you think?" Nessie said. I thought it was another snap but when I turned to look at her, her dimpled smile was all I saw.
"I think you're the most beautiful creature I've ever seen." I answered. "I love you."
I could remember at first I was terrified to tell Nessie that I loved her. Now I wanted to tell my brown eyed beauty with a halo of bronze ringlets and bulging stomach that I loved her all the time. She was the center of my world.
So no my life didn't suck when I had all I have even needed right here with me.
~~~~~ Forever Ours ~~~~~
I pulled up to the secluded parking spot that led up to the meeting spot-which would be held on a traditional spot. Which would be a cliff. I tried to talk my dad and the others into moving it to the beach or something or the woods or anything with a flat surface. When that pleading failed I turned it towards Nessie to stay home. I even used the whole excuse when Emily and Rachel were pregnant they stayed home. And their husbands did too but I was Chief. I had to be there and Nessie pleaded that she wanted to be with me
Since I wouldn't be with her on my birthday I gave in. Yes, I won't be spending my time with my Renesmee on my stupid birthday. Just responsibilities don't really care if you want to spend the day with your seven month pregnant girlfriend. Most guys don't have tribal, pack, and business matters to deal with. I'm not like most guys who are about to turn twenty-one in a matter of hours. And I really don't want to be.
I rushed to get out of the car and help Nessie. I didn't want her moving in any bad position that could hurt her, Sage, and Grace. They were my life. They were the reason why I was doing all this.
I opened the car door and reached down to help Nessie but she stayed still, only wincing every now and then. Carlisle had said that she would have something about premature labor pains. I didn't know what he meant. What I only heard was premature, labor, and pain. I just twisted the words around.
"Nessie?" I asked.
"I'm fine." she grunted, getting closer to my neck. I froze, thinking she was going to bite me again, but relaxed a little when she breathed in my scent. "Just wanted to get a whiff."
"You're sick?"
"I'm fine."
"You're sure?"
"About this? Yes. About you wanting to move? No." my Nessie laughed. I could feel her emotions and it made me laugh too.
"You're doubting my antics, my Renesmee?" I bent down as she moved so that she was sitting sideways. I propped my arms up on her legs and rested my chin on my arms. I smiled at her in a while that I knew would make her go nuts.
"I just want to make sure you're really serious. Because once things get settled and it'll be a done deal, you won't be able to back out."
It left me curious. "Where are you getting at?"
Nessie huffed and dug in her purse, bringing out a think box. "I saw this and thought of you."
I took the box and opened it. I took the item out and looked at it confused. It was a map. I opened it up to see if there was anything specific on it but there was nothing. Was this a birthday present? Do I ask questions or pretend to love it so she won't cry and say I don't love it?
"Um…" was all I could say.
"Not the best gift, I know, but I just wanted to show you that you can pick anywhere on that map and me, your son, and your daughter will be right with you. I'll support you in whatever you do. I'll always love you."
I smiled when Nessie used the same phrase I used whenever I first imprinted on her and held her for the first time. "I know."
"So if you want to stay here then I'll stay here. If you choose to leave then my bags will be packed in three seconds." she finished as she wiggled her way down to her knees and wrapped her arms around my neck. "And that's why I want to give you this."
Renesmee pulled out an envelope and handed it to me. It was addressed to me. From…Dartmouth!
My heart quickened. Part of me wanted to rip it open like a kid would on Christmas but the other part of me wanted to rip it up because reality settled back in. As much as I dreamed of it, we couldn't move. We have the twins, the tribe, the pack, my family…no. My family would be with me. The twins and Renesmee were my family.
I can't open it. What if I'm rejected? What if…
"Open it." Renesmee commented. "And stop doubting yourself. It's not going to set a good example."
"You open it." I handed her the envelope to her and bit my lip.
Renesmee slowly opened the letter, laughing at the faces I made. The excitement was taking over so much that it was starting to flow through our connection. Nessie's hands started to shake and we both laughed. We were both excited and that moment went back and forth between us.
"Calm down." Nessie said. I could say the same thing for her but I couldn't speak. I was focusing on not taking the freakin' letter out of her hands and reading it myself.
Nessie took my hand as she read through it, her face all smiles. All of a sudden her face fell, blinking her eyes quickly. My heart dropped. I didn't get in. I knew I wouldn't. Sometimes maybe life does suck.
My vision went blank when all of a sudden I was storming through a yard. Toilet paper, beer bottles, and solo cups were strewn all over the yard. People were stumbling around, laughing, spraying each other with silly string. They were laughing obnoxiusly and I hissed in discuss.
I stormed into a house, coming into more drunk, obnoxious, loud people. The room reeked but I still pushed through. There was one person Nessie was trying to find.
Me.
As Nessie was fighting through drunken people, she found me. I was pretty much like the rest of the crowd. Drunk, women hanging off of me, the typical college life.
My vision came back to normal and I saw my Nessie bite her lip with a smile. I shook in disgust. Me with that life? Ugh! I like the life I have thank you.
"You're just saying that because I'm reading your thoughts." Nessie said, shoving my shoulder but something caught my attention. The projection…
"Does that mean I got in?" I asked, grabbing her shoulders and making her look at me.
"You got in!"
"What!"
Nessie yanked my face closer to hers. "Jacob Ephraim Black, you are going to Dartmouth University. We are moving to New Hampshire. Me, you, and our twins." Renesmee stated, projecting everything she could to make me believe her.
It finally settled in and I grabbed Nessie and spun her around, both of us laughing. I was actually going to college! Not just any college but an Ivy League one at it! I was actually going to have that life I've been planning to have! It was in my grasp! I just had to make sure I don't let it slip.
"Uh, my Jacob, have your forgotten that I'm pregnant?" Nessie asked right in my ear.
I sat her down and laughed again. I was acting like an idiot, I knew that. I didn't care. Nothing was going to ruin this moment. I was on a adrenaline, excited buzz and it wasn't going to end…until I saw when I started classes and when I had to be down there. We would have to move shortly after the twins were born. Nessie would need help. I have to think about her too.
Renesmee saw my thoughts and put my hand on her stomach. "We'll make do. We'll tell my family once we get home and they can help get the nursery ready. Maybe if Grandpa gives me the okay, I can fly back and help them. And while you're at school, Momma and Daddy can help me with the twins until I get the hang of things. We can do it." she said as she put her hand on my cheek.
"But I have so much on my plate. We have-"
"Jacob. Take yourself out of the position you're already in. Act like you've never phased. Act like there is no freaky connection with us. You're just Jacob Black."
I closed my eyes and did just that. I was just Jacob Black. No Chief. No Alpha. No imprint or mate. Just me. And the normal Jacob Black would want this. He would want to get out and see new things. He would want to be successful. He would want to set a good example for his children. I liked this. I wanted it.
"You think I can do this-that we can?" I asked.
"I believe over one-hundred percent that we can do this." Nessie answered back with a smile. "But I swear, if I can't you at some party without me I will personally hunt you down and send you're furry butt back here."
I would have thought Nessie would be joking if she didn't have the dangerous look in her brown eyes. "Yes, dear." I said.
I kissed her and then bent down to kiss her bulging stomach. "What do you think, my monsters. You think your Daddy can do it?"
I waited for two kicks to come like they normally did when I spoke to Nessie's stomach but none happen. It worried me. They always come alive when they hear me.
"Hello…My two cage fighters? Do you think your Daddy can go to some big college and Mommy stay home with you two?" Nessie asked, poking at her stomach. We were both getting worried until I felt two babies kick in different spots. We both laughed. They thought we could do it. Nessie knew we could. I was beginning to think we could too.
Eventually we made it to the fire and saw everybody. I was back on visiting Cloud Nine. Nessie thought my good mood was suspicious-and aggravating-but I didn't care. I was still on the buzz. I didn't know why but I liked being in this mood. I like how my life with Nessie was just getting started. Plus, why not act like an idiot on your birthday? It gave me a good excuse.
"'Bout time you two got here." Quil smirked as we came to the bonfire.
"We're not that late." I exaggerated, rolling my eyes. I can't help it if I have more important matters to take care of.
"Still took your sweet time." Jared, pretending to be aggravated, muttered.
"At least we're here." Nessie said, smiling at me. We decided not to tell them right now. We figured I'd be swamped with a bad chorus of "Happy Birthday." That was until my sister jumped up and started singing the song I did not want to hear.
As they were singing I noticed Nessie's eyes found Kaleb's. She put a hand on her stomach-probably to calm down Gracie. Kaleb's slut of a girlfriend hung on his arm. She winked at me, which made me want to barf. I noticed she had a diamond ring on her finger. When I noticed it, I heard Nessie's voice crack and took a deep breath. Does he love being on my kill list?
As they finished up, I did the most embracing thing known for a man to do. Blush. Yeah, not so great when you're around your brothers that try to humiliate you every time they get a chance.
"Aww, Jakey Wakey is blushing. So sweet." Rachel cooed, pinching my cheek. I felt like I was five again and her and Rebecca would make me play house. House of Horror for me.
"That was the worst I've heard." I said, trying to ignore the feeling in my chest as I thought of Mom and Becca. You get use to it after a while but the pain's still there. Just when you do something that reminds you of them, it brings back new and old pain.
"It's the thought that counts." my father shrugged.
"I thought it was a nice gesture." Renesmee smiled, nudging me.
"Who's side are you one?" I looked at her. Sitting down close to the fire, biting her lip, was my angel. The flicker of the flame only made things sharper.
"The fat, pregnant chick that needs to eat side." she stated, about to get up but I told her to sit down and relax.
I decided to just give them more to stick on us and bent down, crashing Nessie's lips on mine. I went to the food table to fix hamburgers and hotdogs for the both of us.
'You're not fat, aunt Nessie." Claire said.
"Thank you, Claire." I heard my Renesmee say. "But I think I'm ready for these two to come."
"So we can move, huh?" I thought to her.
"Nosy."
As I was fixing my several hotdogs and Nessie's hamburger, Kaleb walked up. "So why were you two late?"
"Just had so matters to take care of." I shrugged.
Kaleb seemed hesitant to speak but then said, "Thanks."
"For what?"
"For making sure Carlisle got to me quick. And…never mind."
"So when and why are you getting married?" WHAT ARE YOU TRYING TO DO?! HURT MY DAUGHTER!
"March twenty-second." Kaleb said.
I squeezed the ketchup bottle too tight that it was way beyond useable. Ketchup was everywhere but I really could care less. March twenty-second. He was avoiding it.
But shouldn't I be happy?
There goes my good mood.
I noticed my dad was about to start so I walked away, giving Nessie her plate of food, quickly eating mine. I took my place next to the Elders. That meant Nessie was two seats away from me. I wanted to snatch her up and plop her next to me but she needed to be comfortable. We should have gotten here earlier. Stupid traditions.
Looking at her, I sensed something was off. As she ate, she huddled close around herself. She looked cold. Nessie never got cold. Never. I think it was just either my lack of sleep or my imagination. Or it could be my paranoia. I just needed to be by her…
IF KALEB DIDN'T TAKE THAT SPOT ALREADY!
You know what? I've never really like traditions. They get boring. I wasn't going to have my life be filled with traditions that will break. I imprinted on a half vampire for goodness sakes! I have a weird relationship with her! Traditions were to make memories but they can also be meant to break. And that was I was about to do.
I got up just as my father was speaking and sat down in front of Nessie. I leaned my body against her legs and ignored Kaleb. Luckily I felt Ness relax. Kaleb swore under his breath and I smirked.
Nessie started to run her hands through my hair, making my relaxed mood even more relaxed. My father started to speak then, "An imprint, in our belief, is a strong spot for our warriors…"
Why do I have this weird feeling that this is going to be about Nessie and I? There goes my nap.
"When Tahi Akki found his third wife, he made a certain bond with her than no other could break. He loved his other wives, but this one was special. Gravity no longer held him to this Earth. Since then he has passed down that feeling through his sons. The spirits have gave this gift to our warriors. They find somebody who is the one who holds them together in the tough times. It makes them become better men. We are molded to what they need. It is more powerful than any other normal love. It isn't something that we can control. We can't run from it. We can't change it. Some have even classified it as an honor to have a chosen one. The spirits make the two as if they were made for each other."
Luckily I was about to fall asleep-no thanks to Nessie-but when my father brought up the second part, my mouth dropped. "But one story goes that one connected couple was stronger than the rest. They were as if one person. The warrior felt his imprint's emotions. They were connected by something that nobody could explain…"
I've heard this story before. The great warrior imprint on this unique girl from another tribe. They meet secretly at night, the bond between them getting stronger and stronger. They knew what each other felt, seen, knew, thought. It was as if they had one heart.
"This bond has been passed though but has not chosen anybody. Until now. (Great.) The connection looks weak to those with veiled eyes. They may try to break it. It can be broken but if the two are weak. It will release the magic that begs to come out once danger arrives. And we need our chosen ones to help us prepare for what may come." Billy finished and then looked at me to speak.
I opened my mouth to say something but nothing came out. My mind went blank. I can't remember anything. My brain was foggy and cloudy. Where was I? The last thing I remember is…
Who were these people starring at me with worried eyes? Why do I feel like I was shot up on something?
"Jake?" a man asked me. I jumped back in shock, my back hitting something. What was happening?
"Oh, look at the time. Meg's got class in the morning so…later." some guy who sat next to me said. He jumped up and dragged some chick off with him. "I'll get her gone then come back." he later whispered. Why could I hear him? Why did I feel like I wanted to run away?
"Jacob?" I heard another voice say. That's when I started to panic.
"Ness, what's wrong with him?"
"I…" I heard a beautiful voice say. I turned to look at her and relaxed somehow. She was confused as I was. I felt that confusion which made me panic even more.
"He had a mind blank. Jake says Nessie has them all the time. Now it seems like it's spreading." I heard the same guy that left come back.
Nessie…Jake…Kaleb…MIND BLANK? No. No. It couldn't have happened!
I moved off the ground and sat on a log next to Nessie. I can remember who I am and who everybody else was but that was about it. Nessie just looked down at her stomach quietly.
I looked around. Everybody was staring at me. I started to feel weird. "So…when is the story starting?" I asked. My dad was never late on starting a meeting.
"I just told it." Billy said.
I looked at him confused. "No. You didn't. Nessie and I must have just got here."
"You've been here for an hour." Jared said.
I heard Claire whisper to Quil on why was I acting like this. Thankfully he's always been a halfway good liar and told Claire that I was just tired. No. I was just crazy.
I pretended like I remembered, hoping they would believe my lie. Nessie never said anything. She was off in her own world. Even when things went back to normal she never spoke.
"Are you okay?" I thought to Nessie.
She jumped back in shock. "Yeah. I'm fine. Are you going to tell them?"
I took in a deep breath. It was now or never. Everybody had to know now. We had to prepare our move. There was so many things to get ready. I might as well get this over with now or I'll never do it.
"What would you say if I told all of you that Nessie and I were moving?" I asked everybody.
"We would say you were nuts." Emily joked, nudging my shoulder.
"That's already happen so come up with a better answer."
"Um…if you thin you're to take away my best friend and her twins then think again." Abby stated.
I couldn't help but laugh. The excited adrenaline was coming back. I may by crazy for doing this but I didn't care. Maybe with me getting a college education it'll be good for the tribe. I may be able to put this small reservation on the map.
I noticed Nessie was playing with Will and Channing was reaching over to me. "Unca Jay. Unca Jay." she kept saying until I grabbed her. She clapped her hands, showing that she got what she wanted. Pretty soon this would be my life. Nessie holding one kid and me holding the other.
"How bad would you hate me if I did?" I smirked.
"Dude, where are you getting at?" Seth asked.
Nessie bit her lip and smiled at me. She nodded at me, which gave me another boost of confidence. "I've been accepted to go to Dartmouth."
They looked at me and then laughed. That was a big slap in the face.
"No way!" Paul laughed. "You're not smart enough to handle all the rich kids up there. You'd never leave. I don't believe it!"
I looked down hurt and Nessie put her hand on my cheek. I wanted her to project to them the proof but she said this was my dream. They would believe me.
"That…that's impossible!"
"Wanna bet!" I snapped, already tired of them doubting me. "We already have the house ready. I can leave now if I wanted to."
"Prove it."
I scooted Channing over and got the acceptance letter out of my pocket, handing it over to my father. "Read it out loud." I told him.
As my father was reading the letter, I was angry. I didn't know why until I felt it come from Nessie. I had no clue why she was angry but it was directed at the others. She looked to be forcing down a growl only because kids were here.
"Congratulations, son. I'm proud of you and I know you deserve it." my father said. I could read between the lines too. Mom would be happy too.
I got several more congratulations after they found out I wasn't joking, but I couldn't help but notice the upset on their faces. Nessie's anger seemed to have gotten worse but for once I ignored it. I wanted to enjoy the night. I didn't care if they like it or not. This was my opportunity. I was going to take up on it.
Eventually we left. Even on the way home she was quiet. I wondered what her problem was.
Wasn't she happy for me? She said she would support me. Why is she stand offish? We were moving. She wanted a life with me. I was going to give her a good life. Between me going to school and the things I was going to do, Nessie and my children would be okay.
But the nice guy in me thought of how Nessie will be taking care of the twins by herself. Edward and Bella would be there, but knowing Nessie, she would want to do it alone. And the help might be only until we can find the routine of things. Then it'll be just us with now idea on how parenting goes. It's easy, right? I mean, I've been with Nessie since second one. Two kids with a mixture of both of us would be easy right?
No comment.
And the tribe, my pack. La Push was my home. I imprinted on Nessie…I-I'm making excuses. I knew this would happen when I decided to send in applications out of state. If I wanted to stay home then I should have just enlisted around here. We'll leave, come back, leave again. Technically by being Nessie's mate, I was a Cullen too. The thought made my skin crawl at being called a leech name but they weren't the bad guys. I was the Cullens as much as Nessie was the pack's. It was a package deal.
As we made it close to home, I rested my hand on Nessie's stomach. I felt her hand cover mine and I smiled. She was worried about something. Something was wrong.
"So you'll move with me? To make sure I actually do this? Help me with my homework. I won't be able to do this by myself." I smiled at her.
"You'll never be alone, my Jacob."