Title: Time to Wait
Genre: Angst?
Rating: T
Pairing: Jacob/Bella
Words: 500 even
Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.
Prompt: "Another month gone and still no…"
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Time to Wait
He crossed another day off the calendar; the neat black lines were the only sense he had of passing time. Time was the enemy now, each day another day without her.
He truly thought it would get easier, living without her—living without her living. But time doesn't heal all wounds. The gaping hole in his heart still throbs with the same pain he's felt since she left his arms that warm August evening.
Warmth. Warmth was what she always associated with him, with the pack. She craved his warmth, his hugs, his smiles. She wouldn't admit it to herself, but she craved his kisses, too. He felt what she felt that day on the cold mountain, but she fought those feelings and suppressed her desire.
He couldn't hold back a sigh as he looked at all the filled squares. He would have to turn the page tomorrow. He hated doing that. He hated what it symbolized—another month gone and still no Bella.
He'd almost given up hope after that first month. The Cullens packed up and left town in the middle of the night, eerily reminiscent of the year prior. Only this time, Jacob was the one left crying in the woods.
Charlie hadn't heard from Bella, and the pack assumed the worst, even if they were careful not to think it around him. Jacob couldn't give up though—he told her he would be here until her heart stopped beating, and he hadn't had confirmation that she was really gone.
A howl outside the window reminded him it was time for his patrol, so he slipped off his shorts and ran out the back door, phasing before he hit the trees. He was stuck so far in his head that it took a minute to realize that the pack mind was in chaos.
Did you see her? Is she really human? What did Charlie say? Damn leech lover ought to be shot leaving him to worry like that. I'll kick her ass.
His pack mates all seemed to notice his presence at the same time, and they stopped their bickering to see how much he had heard.
Embry and Seth were running toward him, ready to help him as he heard the news. Seth was the one who had seen her, when he was over at Charlie's watching the game with his soon-to-be stepfather. Jacob's knees gave out as the younger boy replayed the memory.
Bella stepped out of the unfamiliar rental car, looking even more gorgeous than usual. Her fair skin was sun-kissed, and her long hair was styled with highlights and layers. She greeted Seth and her father with a sheepish smile and a hug, going on to explain her six-month absence.
The scent that had haunted him suddenly drifted by on a breeze, and his wolf turned to trot back toward his house almost without his permission.
She was standing in the yard, looking out toward the woods. His time of waiting was over.