Being There
Disclaimer: all characters and copyright belong to Stephanie Meyer.
A/N-thanks for the awesome reviews everyone. Your continued support of this little tale has been amazing. Here is the next chapter which is pretty long by my standards, LOL ;)
Part Twenty One
Bella did not return to school for the rest of the week, the doctor had told her she needed rest to reduce her stress levels so she stayed at home. Charlie insisted on taking the rest of the week off too and with Leah,Jake and Billy all insisting on helping, Bella was never alone for a moment. Even though it was nice at first being waited on hand and foot, Bella began to get restless. She was tired of being inside all the time. She couldn't wait for the beach party; the pack had already began to build a big bonfire which was going to be the centrepiece of the celebrations. All they had been told was that it was a chance to relax and celebrate the fact that Victoria was dead.
"I need to make a list of food," Bella said one day as she began to scribble down some ideas in her spiral note pad.
Jacob snatched it out of her hand. "No, Bells you need to rest remember. Emily is taking care of that."
Bella scowled. "Emily? I forgot she was going to be there. It's going to be hard on Lee having her cousin shoved in her face all night."
"Emily is just as much a victim as anybody," Jacob reminded her.
"She could have just let Sam be a friend to her. Leah told me that the wolf is whatever the imprint needs them to be, whether that's a lover, friend or brother." Bella snapped.
Jacob sighed. He was tired of Leah sounding off to Bella about imprinting; all it did was rile her up and she would become as snappy as Leah when Emily was mentioned. "It's not as simple as that," he tried to explain. "Emily felt the pull toward Sam too."
"She's Lee's cousin. She should have fought harder,"Bella would not be convinced. "So I take it she forgave Sam when he told her about kissing Leah."
"Not exactly. Sam says that things are pretty tense between them. I half think that is why she is insisting on cooking for the celebration just so she can put her stamp on it. Leah is a terrible cook." Jacob mused.
Bella crossed her arms. "I see, she wants to score points. It's not fair, Jake."
"I know but it's not our place to interfere. That is up to the three of them to work out." Jacob put his arms around her trying to console her, but Bella was not in a good mood; being cooped up for so long had made her irritable.
"I think Sam should at least talk to Lee again. She's been waiting for him to, even though she won't admit it." Bella admitted.
"Sam thinks it best if he gives Leah some space. His head is not in a good place right now." Jacob massaged Bella's tense shoulders, trying to get her to relax.
"They need to talk," Bella insisted.
Jacob turned her to face him. "It's up to them, Bells. Promise you won't interfere."
Bella frowned. "I'm not promising anything. And I will make up some food for the party, don't you dare try and stop me." She pushed his hands away and stomped off to the kitchen.
Charlie came into the room as Jacob stared after her. "You better get used to that son."
"Used to it?" Jacob questioned.
"Bella's hormones are all over the place. Ask your dad what your mom was like. Renee was either extremely hyper or angry." Charlie chuckled. "Just don't take her mood swings personally."
Jacob felt embarrassed getting advice from Charlie Swan of all people. "I'll just go and check on her," he mumbled. He found Bella in the kitchen chopping up some salad. The knife was going up and down at high speed and he couldn't help himself from snatching it from her before she unintentionally injured herself.
"Why'd you do that?" She looked at him in bewilderment. All her snappiness from before seemed to have vanished.
"I just thought I would help," Jacob said lamely, not wanting to tell her the real reason.
Bella smiled at him. "Okay, you finish chopping that up and I'll start on the main course." She gave him a quick hug before heading off to rifle through the freezer. Jacob gaped at her, maybe there was something in what Charlie said after all.
XXXXXX
The day of the beach party dawned nice and bright. There was still a chill in the air but at least the sky was clear of clouds and the forecast was for a dry day and night. Bella woke up early and poked Jacob in the back. He still routinely sneaked into her room of a night after Charlie had gone to bed. Neither of them could sleep with out the other beside them. He rolled over onto his back and groaned, rubbing at his eyes.
"It's still early, Bells," he grouched, glancing at the bedside clock.
"Come on sleepyhead there is still a lot to prepare. I've covered up most of the food and..."
"Which you didn't have to make," Jacob reminded her.
Bella glared at him. "I won't be outshone by Emily of all people."
Jacob flung an arm across his face. "Not that again. Let it go, honey."
"No, Leah said..."
"Ugh, damn Leah! She has got to stop harking on about the past."
"Well you would say that? Men always stick together," Bella threw the covers back and stomped out of the room. A moment later Jacob heard the sound of the shower running. He was finding it hard to negotiate Bella's moods, one moment she was laughing and joking without a care in the world; the next she would snap at him for something minor. He had asked his dad about it and Billy had launched into a long monologue about Sarah's hormonal rages when she was carrying the twins. At least Bella wasn't throwing plates at his head...yet.
As usual he had to leave via the window when they heard Charlie beginning to stir. Bella gave him a passionate kiss goodbye, wrapping her body around him and making it incredibly hard for him to leave. He nearly dragged her back to the bed to finish what they had started until Charlie's morning throat clearing had him jumping out of the window before he was discovered. He looked up at the window to see Bella waving goodbye before she disappeared. He was due to meet up with the guys at the beach so with one last reluctant glance he headed for the nearby trees and phased.
XXXXXX
Embry and Jared were still piling the branches on the bonfire when he arrived. It was now huge and towered high above them. Jacob craned his neck to see right to the top. "I think that's enough guys."
"Come on man, this could be like the world's tallest bonfire. We could get in the record books." Jared quipped as he added more wood.
"You just want to dance around it beating on your chest to impress Kimmy." Embry teased him.
"Do not call her Kimmy, she hates it." Jared stated pompously.
Jacob and Embry cracked up laughing at his tone. "You really are under the thumb now, Thail." Embry said jokingly.
"You're just jealous." Jared snapped. He stalked off in a temper.
"Didn't he used to be able to take a joke?" Jacob asked as he watched his pack brother disappear out of sight.
"Yeah before he imprinted on 'Miss I will control your every move.'" Embry said irritably.
"Don't you like Kim? I thought she was all quiet and shy." Jacob replied.
Embry snorted. "That's what she likes you to think. She won't let Jared do anything or have any fun at all. You'll see what I mean at the party tonight."
Jacob frowned, he thought that Jared at least was happy with his imprint, but once again there seemed to be a negative aspect to imprinting. It may not be as complicated as the love triangle between Sam, Emily and Leah but the very fact that Jared was being forced to change into someone he wasn't because of the whim of his imprint was disturbing. He resolved to speak to him when he had some free time to check how things really were between him and Kim.
"Bells has cooked up a feast," He said changing the subject. "I had to pry the saucepans out of her hands otherwise she would still be at it."
Embry laughed again. "Sounds like Emily is going to have some competition then."
"Yeah, that's partly why Bells is going overboard."
"That's girls for you." Embry agreed. "Well I suppose we had better get the tables set up for all this food."
"Definitely. I'll race ya..." Jacob tore off down the beach with Embry following swiftly on his heels.
XXXXXX
Bella rummaged through her wardrobe for something to wear. She wanted to try something different while she still had her figure. Her bed was covered in her standard uniform of jeans and t-shirts and not much else. "I must have something a bit dressy." She muttered to herself.
"Knock, knock..." Leah announced her arrival as she barged into the room. She was carrying a plastic bag.
"What's in there?" Bella asked curiously.
"Our outfits," Leah turned the bag upside down and tipped the clothes onto Bella's bed.
Bella sauntered over and her eyes widened as she took in the skimpy tops that Leah had brought with her. "I can't wear something like that."
Leah laughed at her reaction. "Yes you can. You've got a great figure, just show it off a little."
"I'll freeze," Bella retorted.
"Bella you'll be surrounded by the pack. We all run at 108 degrees, you'll be fine. Now try the top on, pair it with those dark skinny jeans of yours." She suggested.
Bella picked up the tiny top. "I'll try it but it doesn't mean I'll wear it." She pulled her t-shirt over her head and replaced it with the top.
Leah looked her up and down in approval. "Jake won't be able to take his eyes off of your chest when you wear that. Girlfriend you look hot."
"I never said I would wear it, Lee." Bella backtracked, feeling overly exposed.
A sly grin crossed Leah's face. "Oh you will. I'll make sure of it."
XXXXXX
Jacob waited impatiently for Bella to arrive. She had called to say that Leah was giving her a lift to the beach. He paced up and down nearly knocking Seth off of his feet as he passed him. He looked up at Leah's brother and nearly fell over again with laughter. Seth was wearing the biggest pair of earphones he had ever seen. Under his arm he was carrying a collection of old LP's. He glared at Jacob as he continued to laugh.
"What's so funny?"
"You. What on earth have you got on your head and please don't tell me you borrowed your dad's old records." Jacob gasped out.
"They're classics. I'm the DJ for the night. Lee promised me." He pulled the earphones off of his head and slung them around his neck.
"No, please Seth anything but Harry's stuff. I know you're his son but you know what bad taste in music he has."
"I happen to like my dad's music. None of you has any taste. Tonight I plan to educate you all." He boasted.
"Or send us running into the ocean," Jacob quipped.
"You'll see." Seth wasn't the least bit bothered by Jacob's teasing. He gave him a smug smile and continued on his way, singing under his breath as he strolled along.
Finally the sound of Bella's ancient Chevy marked her arrival. Jacob sprinted toward the truck and yanked the passenger door open. Leah rolled her eyes as he pulled Bella out of her seat and into a tight bear hug. "I missed you." He whispered into her hair.
It was only when he loosened his hold and really looked at her that he realised what she was wearing. He blatantly ogled her chest as he drank her in. "Wow honey, you look beautiful. Where did you get that top?"
"Are you talking to me or my boobs, Jake. Eyes up here." Bella lifted his chin so he was forced to look into her eyes.
He gave her a sheepish smile. "You can't stop a man admiring the view honey."
A smirk crossed Bella's face as Seth walked past, his earphones back on his head. She waved at him and he gave her a sweet smile just as his eyes travelled to her chest. He swallowed nervously as he tried to tear his eyes away from her. Bella heard Leah laugh behind her as Jacob growled at Seth irritably. Seth quickly jerked his eyes away and hurried off.
"I think you should put a jacket on Bells. It's going to be cold. "Jacob suggested.
"I have a gorgeous 108 degree werewolf to keep me warm." Bella teased him.
Jacob wrapped his arms around her, completely covering her top half with his body. Bella and Leah glanced at each other and laughed. "What's so funny?"
"You are," Bella leaned up and pulled his head down to hers, kissing him passionately.
"Ugh do you two ever quit?" Leah grouched. "I'm off to prise my dad's LP's off Sethy otherwise we'll be listening to the Birdie Song all night." She stalked off after her brother, yelling out to him. As soon as he heard his sisters voice, Seth increased his speed,knowing exactly what she planned to do.
Jacob and Bella laughed as they watched the siblings banter back and forth. "Leah is lucky to have a brother like, Seth." Bella mused.
Jacob kissed the back of Bella's neck, his hands wandered under her skimpy top as he caressed her stomach gently. "Yeah, he's a good kid. Like I said Leah has a lot of good things in her life if only she would let go of the past."
"Don't start that again." Bella warned him. "It's not that simple. She really loves, Sam."
"Hush, Bells. Sam and Emily are approaching." Jacob slid his arm around her shoulders and felt the tension in them. He just hoped that she would be able to remain civil to Emily.
"Hey Jake, Bella," Sam greeted them as they neared.
"Hello Sam. How are you Emily?" Jacob asked politely.
Emily smoothed her long black hair over the scarred side of her face. She gave Jacob a sweet smile, but it slipped from her face as she glanced at Bella. "Fine thank you. I hear you cooked too, Bella." There was a hint of sarcasm in her tone.
Bella plastered a fake smile on her face. "I sure did, it's the least I could do for these guys after putting themselves on the line for me."
"Yes, you were lucky that they were prepared to risk their lives for someone like you." Emily said in gentle tones.
"What do you mean someone like me?" Bella snapped.
Jacob narrowed his eyes at Emily. "Yeah what do you mean by that?"
Sam stepped in front of Emily. "She meant nothing, didn't you?" He gave Emily a warning glance.
Emily stared at him for a second before smoothing her hair again, a habit she had formed. "Of course. You misunderstood me, Bella." She kept her tone sickly sweet.
Sam put his hands on Emily shoulders and gently moved her forward. "We better check on the food. We'll see you guys later."
Jacob nodded. "Yeah."
Bella forced herself to say goodbye to Emily but once they were out of sight she vented her anger. "What did she mean, Jake?"
"Emily is jealous of you, Bells. Can't you see that? She gets like that when she feels threatened. You have to understand before you came into the pack's inner circle she was like the den mother, now the pack congregates at either mine or yours. Her greatest skill is her cooking and you're matching her in that area too. Just cut her some slack tonight, okay. We're meant to be having some fun." Jacob chided her.
"Fine," Bella said grudgingly.
Jacob leaned down and kissed her gently. "That's my girl. Come on and let me show you the bonfire, you won't believe the size of it."
XXXXXX
Bella was certainly impressed by the sheer size of the bonfire. She made Jacob carry her on his shoulders so she could see right to the top. "Wow, who's gonna light this thing?"
"You are, Bella." Embry appeared by their side and he held up a burning branch to her. Bella smiled happily and took it from him.
"Do I need to make a speech?" She asked.
Laughter greeted these words. "Go for it, Bella." Paul's voice made her turn her head. She felt Jacob tense up, she knew that he was finding it hard to hold back from going after Lahote, but he had promised her that it would not be tonight.
Bella turned back to look at the bonfire and held the burning branch high up in the air. "I declare this beach party well and truly open." She announced chucking the branch onto the mass of wood. It caught ablaze immediately and the glow from the flames illuminated everyone's faces as they smiled happily at each other.
The music started up and everyone groaned as Seth played one of his dad's LP's. Harry Clearwater used to be in a band and they had actually raised enough money to cut one album. Harry was the lead singer and to say that he wasn't the most in tune was an understatement. He had played this album every Sunday morning for as along as his children could remember; while Seth seemed to think it was the best music he had ever heard, Leah hated it.
"Turn that racket off," Leah yelled at her brother.
"No way." Seth yelled back at her.
"Do as she says." Sam called out, laughing along with everyone else at Seth's obstinate expression. "Before I Alpha order you to..."
"No, Sam. Let him play the music." Emily interjected with a beautific smile on her face. "I want to hear it."
Sam frowned and looked as if he was trying to disagree with her but something stopped him saying the words aloud. "Maybe just the one time then, Seth." He backtracked.
Leah glared at her cousin who gave her a sickly sweet smile in return. Emily had done that deliberately to bait her. Seth saw right through his cousins ploy however and quickly changed the LP for something more mainstream. Emily's smile slipped from her face as Leah grinned at her brother. They may bicker but he always had her back.
XXXXXX
The night wore on as everyone relaxed and enjoyed themselves. Jacob asked Bella to dance, which she refused to do. He wasn't backing down though, he scooped her up into his arms and carried her over to the bonfire where the others were and placed her on her feet. She glared up at him and crossed her arms, refusing to give in.
"I can't dance, Jake. I'm too uncoordinated." She complained.
"Bells look at Kim," he whispered. "If it wasn't for Jared holding her up she would be flat on her ass by now. Come on it's just for fun. See Sethy is enjoying himself." He pointed over to the youngest member of the pack.
Bella glanced over at Seth and clamped a hand over her mouth to stop herself from giggling. He was doing all sorts of crazy dance moves, flipping over, spinning on his back and generally goofing off. Leah was shaking her head at her brother's antics but she was smiling.
"Alright I'm convinced." Bella allowed Jacob to take her in his arms and they spun around in an awkward circle.
"Jake, you're just as bad as me." Bella said in surprise as he tripped over his own feet.
"Told ya," he laughed as he spun her round making her dizzy. "I may be graceful as a wolf but put me on a dance floor and I am as clumsy as you."
"Ha ha," Bella sank back into his arms and they continued to sway awkwardly.
The biggest surprise was when Embry asked Leah to dance. She snapped at him at first before Bella shot her a meaningful look. Leah reluctantly caved in and grabbed Embry by the hand and yanked him into the centre of the dancers, accidentally on purpose knocking into Emily as she passed. Sam shot his pack brother a dark look as he took Leah in his arms and began to dance with her; he was a good mover, so was she. In the end the others all moved off to one side as Leah and Embry took centre stage re-enacting the dance moves from the film 'Dirty Dancing.'
Paul wolf whistled at them and the others began to cheer them on. Only Sam held back, he stood stiffly by Emily's side, his dark eyes riveted on Leah as she gave Embry a playful wink as he spun her around. For once her usual scowl was missing and she let go of her bitterness and enjoyed the moment.
Emily glanced up at Sam and frowned. She didn't like the way he was looking at her cousin. She tugged on his arm. "I want to check on the food." She demanded.
Sam tore his eyes away from Leah. "What?"
"The food. I want to check it." She snapped at him.
"Alright," he said reluctantly as he followed behind her, glancing back at Leah and Embry as he did so.
XXXXXX
After all the high energy dancing everyone was now hungry and thirsty. They all headed to the tables that had been set up and were literally groaning with food. Bella's offerings were on one side and Emily's on the other. Jacob began heaping his plate high with the food Bella had prepared and everyone else naturally followed him. Emily became upset that they were sampling Bella's food first and Sam had to usher some of them over to hers in order to placate her. Kim put her arms around Emily and the to girls walked off, giving Bella a dirty look as they passed.
"Are you alright, Bells?" Jacob asked as he saw her watching Kim and Emily walk off in a huddle.
"I think I have made an enemy of Emily and Kim too." She mused.
Jacob put his arm across her shoulders. "I told you, Em is just jealous. Don't worry about it. Here I got you some food." He handed her a heaped up plate.
"I think you might need to help me eat all this." She said in amusement.
Jacob snatched a piece of chocolate cake off of her plate. "Your wish is my command." He retorted playfully.
XXXXXX
The food was eaten and the bonfire was beginning to burn itself out at last. Everyone sat around the dying embers of the bonfire and talked in low voices. Jacob and Bella sat off to one side, wrapped in each other's arms. It had been a fun and relaxing night for both of them and they didn't want it to end.
"I think now would be a good time to make our announcement." Jacob whispered to her.
Bella smiled up at him lovingly as he caressed her stomach with his warm fingers. "Yeah, let's do it."
Jacob stood up and helped her to rise. Standing behind her and embracing her from behind, he called for everyone's attention. "Hey guys, Bella and I have something to share with you all."
All eyes turned onto them and Bella flushed red with embarrassment. Jacob kissed the top of her head reassuringly. "We threw this party not only to celebrate the fact that the cold one that was causing so much trouble is dead but also to announce that Bella and I are having a baby."
There were a few seconds of stunned silence before Embry jumped to his feet and ran over to them. "You certainly don't waste any time,dude." He laughed. "Congratulations." He gave Bella a quick squeeze and jabbed Jacob in the shoulder.
"Thanks man," Jacob said.
Embry was soon replaced by Seth. He shyly gave Bella a kiss on the cheek, making sure not to look at her chest and then shook Jacob's hand. "Wow that's wonderful news. Maybe I could play my dad's album for the baby, they say music soothes the..."
Leah cuffed her brother on the back of head. "No way, Sethy." She shoved him to one side and hugged Bella tightly. "Congrats." She whispered.
Bella hugged her back. "Thank you." She replied softly.
One by one the other's did the same. Emily was the only one to hold back, she had a weird expression on her face as she stared over at Bella and Jacob. Jared brought Kim over to Bella and she stiffly gave her congratulations. As Jared was about to hug her she ordered him away and he reluctantly complied. Jacob frowned when he saw this and vowed again to have words with Jared.
Paul was the last to come over. He stood awkwardly in front of Bella. "Congrats," he said, rubbing the back of his head nervously. "That's great news."
"Thanks," Bella replied weakly.
Paul held out his hand to Jacob who refused to take it. Paul dropped his hand and cleared his throat. "Look man I know that you're pissed at me for what happened but I..."
"Don't say anymore right now." Jacob said coldly. "You put not only Bella's life at risk that day by your actions but our baby's too. Just get out of my face Lahote."
Paul stared at him in shock. Before he could say anything in response another familiar voice made them all turn around.
"I see the cult is having a meeting is it?" Quil's angry voice floated out of the darkness.
"Quil," Jacob breathed. He placed Bella behind him and confronted his friend. "It's not what it seems."
"Really," Qulil sneered as his gaze swept the beach. "Just tell me exactly what it is then, Jacob." His arms were shaking as he spoke.
The others surrounded Jacob and Bella protectively as they all waited for Quil to make his next move.
A/N-thanks for reading!
