Aside from the overall crappy day, I did make a new friend. And she's a girl. As much as I love the guys, some girl time is much needed.
Her name is Kim, and she's probably the nicest girl I've ever met. Since all I ever did as a kid was hangout with the guys on the rez I never made any girlfriends. I had some girlfriends in Forks, but they slowly stopped talking to me over summer. With me not going to school with them, and not being there to be with Edward, I didn't seem as appealing to them anymore.
I'm going to have to find a way to go see him. Maybe today. No better way to kick off my new freedom. After I get home I can tell mom I'm going over to Jake's or Embry's. Or I could say I'm going into town.
I feel giddy, as I walk to the parking lot with the crowd of students, thinking up a plan to see my best friend. Today may end better than I could have hoped for.
My hope was diminished as I spotted Paul, walking along the cars. Ditched me, then isn't even going to ask if I need a ride, or talk to me? Not today.
I rush towards him, pushing him as I get to him. He stumbles for a half a second, regaining his balance faster than anyone can see.
"What the hell?" Paul yells, turning to me, getting in my face. He's shaking a little. His stupid temper always gets the best of him.
"Where have you been? Or do you forget about everything?" I spat. His temper gets the best of me too. It brings out the worst in me, but I don't care right now. He doesn't care about anything, except for his stupid pack now. He never makes time for me anymore.
He's breathing harder and his shape is shaking harder too. I know that I should stop pushing him, but deep down I don't think he would ever hurt me.
"You don't understand anything do you? Everything's always about you isn't it?" Pauls yells at me with a malice I haven't heard him use with me before.
Jared runs up from behind him, stopping at his side. "Calm down, Paul. There's a lot of kids around." Jared sets his hand on his shoulder.
"And you guys aren't?!" How could they even think that they're above everyone here? They're kids. They haven't even graduated high school. They should be trying out for the football team or worried about who they're going to take to the homecoming dance, instead the legacy of protecting the tribe and land is being thrust onto them.
Jared doesn't seemed so pleased with my rebuttal. He slowing turned to look at me. An expression on his face that read 'really Andie?'. He knows I mean well. I wish none of this stupid tribal stuff happened to them. I know they like some of the perks, but all I see is their lives being taken over.
Whatever I or Jared said or did, or somehow he managed to do it on his own, Paul noticeably stopped shaking as bad. He still wore his angry face, that could make anyone scared, directed towards me.
Before I got mad again, I turned around and headed for embry's car. There was no reasoning with him when he got mad. It's always been that way. This wolf thing has only magnified it.
Looking around I saw people glancing over seeing what's going on. No need people just a younger sister royally pissed off at her older brother, nothing interesting to see here.
Embry and Jake were waiting outside the car watching. They've known something's been up with Paul and I, but of course I can't tell them. They think he's in a gang with Sam Uley.
Sam was the first wolf to turn. Sam's older, he never talked with younger kids until recently, when Jared and Paul turned. That's why people don't know what to think of it. The 3 of them aren't seen separated, hardly ever these days. Since I only know from a default, I can't tell anyone. Sam and Billy's rules. Not even my best friends. The worst part is I can't worn them. In a couple months they'll be next. Jake and Quil have a direct bloodline to the trait from their fathers. Let alone Jake's supposed to be the freaking alpha when he turns. That's the one thing I could never understand. My Jake was so happy and nice all the time. I don't think I've ever seen him lose it once. But Billy is persistent it will happen eventually.
Lost in thought, I get out of the car when jake pulls the seat forward, so I can get out. He hugs me goodbye, "We'll pick you up tomorrow, k?" He says, like its a question he already knows the answer to.
I muster up a smile, "Yeah, that'd be great. Catcha later."
I hurry inside to see if mom is home, I could care less about Paul. He won't like what I'm doing. I grab a quick snack and write a quick note for mom, she isn't home. She insist for us to not call her while shes at work and just to leave a note. The pro to this is she won't be able to tell me no.
It's a little over a mile to the treaty line. And then I'll get picked up.
Surprisingly the weather is nice for a mid-september day. Blue skies with some fluffy clouds here and there. It's a good day for a jog. As I run, my body relaxes, letting go of the strains from today. Running farther than I need, to reaching Forks town limits, I decide to stop to call for a ride.
Finding Edwards name in my phone I press send.
To my disappointment he doesn't answer. He hasn't since July, when I got in more trouble, getting caught talking to him on the phone. He refused to answer since then.
Knowing just who to call, to relish in my rebel ways, I got finished on the phone and ended the call. About 15 minutes later a massive Jeep pulls up. I run to the passenger side and hop in, nearly throwing myself at Emmett for a big hug.
"Thank you, thank you, thank you!" I always could count on Emmett to be the rule breaker.
"I'm always down for a little fun." He said through a wide smile.
After going the long way to the Cullens through a muddy trail, to go mudding with the jeep. We hooked up to the road to the Cullen house.
"I forgot how much I love this thing!" I pat the dashboard grinning.
"If you came over more, than you wouldn't miss it." Does he not know? I would have thought they all would.
"I wanted to, but-"
"I know, Andie. Don't gotta explain." Flashing his perfect set of sharp, white teeth in a quick reassuring smile.
Relief washed through me, I slumped back in my seat. The corners of my mouth coming up. They know. They know I know, and Emmett is comfortable with bringing me over and hanging out like we used to.
When I came over for the first time with Edward, I nearly fainted at the sight of the garage. So many beautiful cars. Emmett was working on his Jeep, when I was in there. We got to talking about the cars, next thing you know when Edward comes out to drive me home, it's been 3 hours and the Jeep has a new radiator.
Emmett's Jeep is why I bought myself one, for my first car. They're fun to work on, easy too, badass, and super fun!
"The others on the other hand, you might need to talk to."
"What do you mean?"
"They… are a little more skeptical." My relief turned to dread. My anxiety ramps up a notch at the fact I might have to say goodbye to a family I love so much, because they hate me.
"I knew you were always a weird one, but how are you not afraid right now?"
"What should I be afraid of?" Yeah, I am nervous about seeing the Cullens for the first time after them finding out about my family, but I'm not afraid. They'll be honest and I'll respect whatever they have to say.
"You're alone with a vampire, and about to go into a house full of 'em." I have never heard anyone say the word aloud, it's always been "leech" or "bloodsucker". I slightly flinch when he says it. It's like hearing a forbidden word for the first time. Emmett takes notice to my discomfort, even though it only lasted a matter of seconds. He leaned away towards the door, out of courtesy, although it's not necessary.
"I've already dealt with the likes of you." I respond in a light, easy going way. To show him I'm not scared of him. For how big Emmett is, I think Paul's almost as wide as him now.
Immediately the effects I wanted sink in and Emmett bursts with laughter, no doubt at me.
"Yeah I think you've gone delusional." He's still laughing, and I punch him in the arm. Already knowing it'll hurt me more than him.
As we pull around the corner, the house comes into view. The massive, white mansion comes into view. The clearing around the house is evident with fresh mowed grass, while at the perimeter, bushes, longer grass, and trees, slowly become more wild as you look farther out. The front door is made up of mostly glass, like most of the rest of the house. A porch wraps around the house, extending to the back side of the house overlooking the river that's a ways out.
Emmett grabs me and hurries me up to the door. Almost a little too fast, he might be more comfortable to be himself around me, now that I'm aware of his… species and capabilities that accompany it. Not that I know any of them. I'm sure speed is one of them.
I slow down as I get to the door, while Emmett barrels through, being more graceful than a ballerina.
The place has hardly changed, in the last few months. I can see a few changes alice has made with the decorations, other than that the same elegant style is held through the house. Modern sheek, from the rugs to the wall paintings.
Emmett has disappeared upstairs. I walk in the living room, a cream colored couch is to my left, with an adjacent coffee table. To my my right, a large, flat screen TV is centered on the wall. All along the far wall are floor to ceiling windows overlooking the forest. Up against the windows is a black grand piano.
I run my fingers along the keys. It's been a long time since I've played on a piano of this magnitude.
"Hello." I jump, turning around to face the way I came, from the unexpected presence. A quiet gesture is spoken behind me.
When I circle around I find Esme, as beautiful as ever across the room with Emmett.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean you frighten you." She looks worried, with her eyebrows pulled together.
"No, I was just looking around, I wasn't expecting you!" I make my way to her. Her motherly worry, and unquenchable kindness make me feel right at home instantly.
She seems to not be expecting my hug, but soon reciprocates.
"How are you, Esme? I've missed you." I question while still hugging her.
"I've been well, darling." As we release each other.
"Good. I see you've been keeping him out of trouble." I nudge playfully at Emmett.
"Whateverrr, sis."
"I try." Esme gives a warm smile. "What brings you here?"
"Today was the first day of school, and I missed you guys. Just came to hangout for a bit… If it's no problem." I add incase there is a problem. Esme's way to kind to ever go about anything that could hurt someone's feelings.
"No problem at all." Another welcoming smile.
Emmett and I play video games for about an hour, while the rest of the cullens make their way in to say hello.
Surprisingly, nothing is brought up during any of the Cullen's brief 'hello''s and 'nice to see you''s. Everyone seems to be as normal as can be like old times.
"Okay, you win! I give up!" My frustration is evident as I lay back on the couch dropping to controller. Emmett starts laughing, bragging about his 50th win in a row.
"Whatever, it's only because you have better reflexes." I say.
"That's for sure." As he gloats he turns toward the door, right before it's opened. I follow his gaze, and see Edward and Bella come through the door.
I immediately jump up without thinking, running over and bear hug Edward. I can't contain my excitement. His arms reach up and reciprocate the hug.
"Edward!" I swear tears come to my eyes. It has been so long. I didn't realize how much I have missed him and this place until now.
"Hey, Annie." With a small, genuine smile, Edward let me down to the floor. "It's nice to see you."
"I've missed you so much. How have you been?" As a step away from Edward, I see Bella off to his right standing by the door.
"Hey, Bells!" I go over to her and give her a big hug too. I see her quite often with our families being friends.
"Hey, Andie." Bella says sweetly.
"So what's been up lately, I haven't been over in forever. And now since I don't go to school with you guys I never see you guys." I say sadly.
"We've been well. How's your new school?" Edward says has he makes his way through the room.