I just want to thank everyone for your patience in waiting for me to update again. I know it's been a while but life happens and life is 3 kids and summer vacation. I'm so happy to be able to write again. I hope it's not too choppy and that you guys like it! I won't keep you waiting any longer. Enjoy!
The rest of Saturday night was spent studying Jake's renovation book. It amazes me how many ideas and samples there were to choose from. After laying Anna down for bed and cleaning up from our dinner, I make a cup of tea and start on putting things together. Picking out muted medium dark blue painted cabinets to tone down the brightness of the bright navy blue currently in there and pair black handles to accessorize them. The color would look great against the cool gray river stone countertops and natural wood slat backsplash. I also make sure to circle the deep setting metal farmhouse sink and the flush lighting for the ceiling. The whole kitchen is basically a square with the cabinets and appliances put in a U shape around the walls, leaving the middle open. A small island sits centered in the middle of it all and I choose the same colors for the cabinets and top. I write in a note for an herb/pot hanger above it. I could picture the kitchen meeting with the walls of the dining room. It was modern, but still kept with the soothing nature setting he seems to like. Sighing I imagine baking cookies with Anna in the future and the picture puts me in such a great mood I go through the rest of the book.
The hallways are painted a toasted almond and I pick barn doors to replace the shutter doors on the laundry room. I also set the doors and frames/bordering to be the same white throughout the house. For the bathroom I pick out river rock to decorate the outside of the deep bathtub he's already circled to match the standing stone walk in shower he has circled as well. I put in a note to continue the wood floors to match the rest of the house and pick out a lovely slate blue paint that brightens the space with black fixtures for everything. Picking out natural wood shelves and cabinets, I finish it off with replacing the sink with a deeper and cleaner version. By the time I set aside the book, it's late and falling into bed is easy.
"Do you see me? Look around"
John's voice has my hair standing on end as I look around the house I had escaped. It's the same as when I left it. Clean, organized, glaringly false. I shudder at the memories of beatings and angry threats beneath the gleaming surface.
"Charlie. Charlie. Charlie." His voice tsks. "Look around."
"Stop." I croak as I try to open the front door. It's handle refuses to move and I feel terror stab me at my inability to flee the voice I couldn't see.
"Don't tell me what to do! I said look around." The threat is clear in his voice and as I turn slowly a hand smacks me down to the ground.
Crying out I grip my cheek and fight back tears of pain. Glancing up I find John. Tall. Imposing. Dangerous. The sight of him makes me feel sick and I slowly try to sit up, never taking my eyes off of him. A smile stretches across his face and I have to fight against flinching. I watch as he squats down in front of me.
"Did you think you could escape me?" He asks in a falsely light voice. Seconds later his hand grabs my hair and yanks me forward. "You should know better you little bitch. What's mine is mine!"
"I'm sorry. I'm sorry." I cry out trying to appease him. My hand grabs his wrist trying to pull his fingers from my hair. It only makes his grip tighten.
"What have I told you about fighting me Charlie?" I don't answer him and he yanks hard, throwing me off balance. "ANSWER ME!"
"I won't win." I gasp as the burning in my scalp comes to a point.
"Then. Let. Go. Of. My. Hand." He emphasizes each word in a terrifying growl. I let go and feel his grip lessen just slightly. "Look around Charlie. Look around, because I'm coming for what's mine."
Before I can reply my head is slammed against the hardwood beneath my body.
Jolting up in bed I'm consumed by the panic of my dream. The blanket around me suddenly feels constricting and I fall off the mattress in my haste to untangle myself from its suffocation. The sound of my body hitting the ground startles Anna awake and she watches me with wide eyes, soaking in the terror of my actions. My breathing comes faster and I scramble for the bathroom as Anna's cry fills the air and I fight to remind myself that she's not in danger, but the vomit hitting the toilet bowl doesn't allow me much leeway. Tears burn my eyes as I choke on my sobs and the taste of stomach acid. Even though it was just a dream, I could still feel the burning of my scalp and the throbbing of my face hitting the ground. His words echo like a song on repeat in my ears. Even with Anna's cries filling my ears and slowly catching my attention, it takes me minutes to pull myself together. I flush the toilet and brush my teeth, avoiding looking in the mirror, before I make my way back into the room.
Guilt rips through me when I find Anna's terrified gaze. Her little chest heaves and she clutches the blanket to herself like it'll protect her from whatever she thinks is harming me. The stance is familiar and I feel a headache coming on at the memories trying to pour through my thoughts. Shushing her, I'm quick to sweep her into my arms. Her tears soak my sleep shirt as I rub her back and calm her down. After about an hour we're both laid back down in bed and cuddled up with Anna sleeping. My eyes are stuck on the window and I'm forced to realize it's still dark outside and much too early to even be awake, but my fears are still just beneath the surface…John is just beneath the surface. Slowly extracting myself from Anna's grip, I make my way out to the kitchen and find the stove telling me it's only 6am. Turning on the coffee pot I grab the phone of the charger and debate for a moment before dialing the number I've been avoiding for two weeks.
"St. Clair ICU this is Maria."
"Hey Maria, this is Charlie. I wanted to call and check on mama today." I say quietly so I don't wake up Anna.
"Charlie! It's so good to hear from you baby girl." Her voice is warm, but low. "We've been so worried, you're mama the most."
"I've been afraid to call. I never know when John will be there." Anxiety bleeds into my tone as I think about my dream.
"He's here most days, and he tends to watch us like hawks. Probably hoping for you to call." She says sympathetically. "I'd let you talk to your mama, but she's resting and had a restless night. I can wake her if you'd like?"
"No, I don't want to interrupt her sleep." I say feeling my throat tighten. "How is she?"
The line is quiet and I feel my heart stop, before she sighs. Forcing myself to pour some coffee, I wait patiently.
"Her blood tests are the same, but her oxygen stats are low. We needed to put her on the transplant list, but finding a pair of lungs isn't as easy as that." Her voice is soft, as if she's scared of spooking me.
"Transplant?" I croak. "Have you figured out what it is?"
"You know she's been sick, but the doctors say she's been sick a long time baby girl." She pauses before continuing. "It might have started off as an infection, but it had gone untreated for so long that it's completely deteriorated the muscles of the lungs and is causing damage to her heart. Antibiotics will keep it from getting worse, but it won't fix the damage already done."
"Her heart?" I feel my lips tremble around the words and feel the world start to spin. I force myself to continue. "So if she doesn't get this transplant…how much longer?"
"Charlie, your mama told us you might call and ask. She didn't say we couldn't tell you, but she wanted us to tell you that no matter what she will always love you." She sounds hesitant. "My advice, with your situation, it might be best not to know."
"When?" I push shakily.
"Baby girl hear me out." She insists gently. "If I tell you, you'll spend the rest of her time left on this Earth on edge and waiting for the news. She wouldn't want you to live like that. She's so happy you've gotten away. So happy that you and Anna get to start fresh away from John."
"I love her." I say tearily.
"She loves you too. Loves you enough to not beg you to come back to watch her fade away. This is better…at least in her mind." She explains.
"How?" I feel helpless.
"She's a mother and mother's want what's best for their children." She says firmly. "In her mind you are in a house, with a stable job, and making a life for yourselves. You have a chance to make friends, get married, and live without the threat of some man breaking your wrist again."
"Can I still call?" I ask with a sob.
"Till her last breath." She says. "I need to go baby girl, Mrs. Carlson needs her catheter checked."
"Thank you Maria."
Hanging up the phone, I let my head drop. Tears blur my vision and my body shakes as I fight to stay silent in my grief. My mother is dying and she was doing it alone. All alone with a man who'd rather put a boot through her teeth than treat her the way she deserves. Alone while I hide on the other side of the country. I let the grief fester for minutes before I force myself to stand straight and wipe my snot and tears. I don't have the right to cry. If this is what she wants, then this is what I would try to give her. Sipping on my coffee I drag out the ingredients for blueberry muffins and set to work.
Jacob's POV-
"Do you think she'll show up?" Sam asks as he helps me prepare the bonfire.
I don't answer him. It was a question I'd been asking myself all day. Lately she seemed to be settling in, but you could still see her anxiety and hesitation lurking beneath the surface. I wouldn't expect anything different. While my days had been wrapped up trying to figure out ways to get closer to her, her days were spent in survival mode. While she had started growing more comfortable around everyone, lunch times still found her clinging to Anna as she tried to blend into the background. Showing up to a bonfire with more people might be too much. Sighing I stand up straight and glance for the hundredth time at the parking lot, only to find her truck still not there. What I do find is Abby getting out of her old pickup. I have to look away to keep from getting upset as flashes of the way she treated Charlie surfaces.
"Abby rarely comes to bonfire night. What is she doing here?" I ask Sam lowly.
"She overheard Billy and Sue at the store yesterday." He says frowning. "I was hoping she'd continue the course of ignoring the girls."
"Well if Charlie and Anna show up, let's hope she practices some better manners." I grouch.
"Looks like we'll get to see." He replies, tilting his head towards the lot.
I feel my heart rate pick up when I look and find Charlie parking her truck. I glance over to see Abby with my dad, her eyes watching the truck with the same guarded look I've seen Charlie have. Not wasting any time, I make my way up to meet her. The first thing I notice is her scent, it hangs in the air subtly with hints of fear and a host of anxiety. Observing her while she's getting out Anna I see her hands shaking slightly and her shoulders are tense. I hold back a frown when I see the worn sweater she wears, the fabric probably thinned from years of use and only layered with an equally worn jean jacket. Her jeans have slight tears in the fabric, but just enough to look "trendy" and not so much old. Her shoes are just as worn as her top. Anna on the other hand is sported with new gear. The little girl is dressed in long jean overalls and a cream knitted sweater underneath. A thick red toggle coat sits over it and she wears pristine leather winter boots. It's obvious the clothes in the bags she carried in yesterday were all for Anna ensuring the little girl was taken care of before herself and it makes something primal rise in me. Taking a deep breath to calm myself, I make a noise so I don't startle her and catch her attention.
"Hey! I'm glad you came." I tell her honestly. It earns a small nervous smile from her as she sets Anna down.
"That obvious I was thinking of bailing?" She asks.
"Just a little." I tease back. I keep talking as she pulls out a diaper bag and flannel blanket big enough for Anna. "It's good you came though. Emily hasn't stopped asking about meeting you and my dad's been looking forward to saying hi."
This earns me a bigger smile and I'm filled with pleasure that she likes my dad. The nosy old man had been showing up to most lunches lately and seemed to draw Charlie out of her shell more than anyone else. Even with all of Renesmee's efforts, she'd only managed to draw her out of her guarded shell a little. Maybe dad could work his magic a little more tonight. Glancing back I see Abby and dad watching the two of us. Dad looks happy at Charlie and Anna's presence, while Abby looks like her questions have been answered. Her gaze locks onto me and I meet it head on. Standing up straighter, I move slightly in front of the girls. I watch as she registers my silent message and only turn back to Charlie when she looks away with a tight look on her face. Charlie finishes putting on the bag and grabs Anna's hand.
"Okay, I'm ready." She says unconvincingly.
She steps beside me and I'm surprised when small fingers grab mine. Looking down I find Anna staring up at me with big mossy colored eyes. Smiling brightly at her I grasp back at her hand, earning a giggle. Looking back at Charlie, I find her observing the scene with cautious and thoughtful eyes. I'm quick leading them down to the beach.
"So this is pretty much everyone." I say gesturing around. I point at individuals as I name them. "You already know Jared, Kim, Seth, Embry, Sam, and Quil. That's Claire, Quil watches her for her parents. I think you already met Leah, but she's not here tonight. The two over by the food table are Paul and my sister Rachel. Emily is around here somewhere, I'm sure she'll track us down soon."
"Is this everyone?" She asks as she takes it all in.
"Well you have Sam and Emily's son Dean. He's 3 years old and a holy terror. Maybe being around Anna will teach him a lesson in calm." I laugh pointing at the little boy sitting in Sue's lap by the fire. "Oh and that woman is Sue. She's Seth and Leah's mom. Brady and Collin are working tonight, so they're not here."
She's quiet as she takes it all in. Glancing over at my dad, I'm positive he can see my need for help and he makes his way over. Anna lets go of our hands as she squeals with glee upon spotting my dad. If I thought he was good for Charlie, it was nothing compared to the effect he had on Anna. The little girl had become absolutely enthralled with my dad. Anytime he showed up for lunch Anna would sit with dad as he spoiled her with small bits of candy and told her stories of nature spirits.
"Charlie I'm so glad you and Anna could make it!" Billy exclaims as he lifts Anna onto his lap. Charlie lets her go easily and I'm once again struck with pride with her ease with my dad.
"Well your son was very nice to invite us and I thought it would be nice for Anna to see something other than the house and work." She says, smiling softly.
"Having fun is a good balance." He agrees as he holds up a piece of caramel for Anna. "We like to gather like this every couple of months. We don't do it so much in the winter, so this will be the last time until spring. Do you like hot dogs?"
I zone out on the conversation and focus on Charlie. Her shoulders are still tense, but my dad's presence has seemed to relax her a little. Her cheeks are pink from the slight wind coming from the ocean complimenting her smooth skin, but my favorite sight is that the sunset has her eyes practically glowing. The mossy green reminds me of the woods, but with the sunset I'm reminded of a picture from science class of bioluminescent plants. Her raven hair is pulled back into some kind of braid, small strands of hair falling out of it to frame her face. Everything about her draws me deeper. So deep I almost don't catch the sound of footsteps walking up to us. Looking up I capture the same glowlike eyes, but ones that are set into a much older face. Abby Rainwater.
Charlie's POV-
Despite standing on a beach full of people, it had taken everything inside of me not to cancel coming to the bonfire. After the phone call this morning I'd spent the whole day unable to sit still. The cabin being in already pristine condition I had to settle with pacing around restlessly. Anna didn't seem to notice my anxiety of my phone call and the thought of surrounding myself with people I didn't know. The only thing that helped me get the little girl ready and actually leave was the knowledge that I could leave at any time. So here I am standing in front of Billy and next to Jake. Billy animatedly explains helping ourselves to food and how the story telling will start after the sun sets. Anna sits on his lap completely at ease and I can't help but feel envious. The little girl is already at home while I struggled to keep from fidgeting. I can't stop my eyes from flitting around the beach expecting something bad to happen or worse..keeping myself from focusing on the man standing next to me.
It's almost impossible to ignore the feeling of Jake's eyes watching me or the feeling of his body heat radiating next to me. Confusing thoughts tumble through my mind about how I hope I look alright. Never have I ever been worried about shallow things like that, but for some reason I'm wishing I'd at least bought myself something nicer to wear tonight. I fight not to frown at the thought and wish something could help take my mind off of him. As if hearing my wish the universe provides me with the worst distraction in the world. My first hint is the tensing of Jake beside me. My second hint is Billy's sudden slowing down of his words and a cautious look taking over his face. My third and final hint is the sound of footsteps beside me.
"Charlie." A woman says stiffly.
My anxiety skyrockets when my grandmother comes into view. I try to say something, but nothing comes out. I feel myself bite my lip and my hands reach out instinctively for Anna. Seeing the woman herself, Anna jumps into my arms immediately and I lift her against me. Her little nose is cold against my neck when she buries her face there. Abby stares at me silently as she waits for a response. I see her gaze sweeping over every inch of us. My heart pounds against my ribs painfully and I'm ready to run back to the truck, but the feeling of heat and pressure settle over my lower back. Glancing over I meet Jake's supportive gaze before I look back at Abby. I don't pull away from his touch, instead letting it keep me grounded.
"Hello." I croak out. I feel myself flush at the fact that I can't muster more, but her rejection three weeks ago is still achingly fresh.
"So you decided to stick around." It's not a question and the almost accusatory tone in her voice isn't missed.
"Abby…" The warning tone in Billy's voice makes me jolt slightly and I tighten my hold on Anna.
"Anna's never seen the ocean before." I hear myself say. Surprise lights up in Abby's eyes at my answer and it gives me the courage to keep going. "Plus it's peaceful. I think it'll be good for her."
She doesn't respond and I have to fight the urge to look down and break our staring contest. My anxiety feels like it's crawling across my skin at the confrontation I find myself in. I almost break into tears of relief when Billy breaks the tense silence.
"If peace is what you're looking for then you came to the right place." He says, making me jump slightly at the abruptness of his words. I divert my gaze to him thankfully.
"I think Anna could benefit from it." I tell him honestly.
"I completely agree. She's lucky to have you keeping her best interests at heart." He praises, reaching forward to shake her foot teasingly. "I mean just look at how good you're doing already. These are some snazzy boots you got there Anna."
Her head turns and she gifts him a quick smile and a mumbled thank you making him chuckle. The feeling of Jake's hand grows firmer and I feel myself lean against it slightly despite my initial urge to pull away. Glancing at him I smile before turning back to Billy.
"I found them at the consignment store up in Port Angeles." I tell him with forced lightness. "I saw them and the lady at the counter said they were a steal."
"Where's your mother?" Abby breaks in suddenly. My gaze swings back to her. She stares at me firmly and I see fire in her eyes. I feel my own eyes harden at the audacity of her question.
"Why don't I take Anna to get some food. Jacob, come help me." Billy says, reaching for the little girl in my arms. Anna bails instantly and I shoot him a nervous, but appreciative look. Jake's hand disappears and he helps his father to the table of food.
"You made it clear that you had no interest in the situation." I tell her lowly and slowly, glancing around to make sure we weren't drawing attention.
"I couldn't take care of you, doesn't mean I'm not curious about why you're handling your sister and not your mother." She says standing stiffly.
"Does it matter?" I ask blatantly. "If she could be here she would and I don't need you taking care of us. I came to you for help, nothing more."
I pause and look over her shoulder to the ocean. I focus on the waves hitting the shore and take a deep breath. I want to go home. I want to curl up in bed with Anna. Glancing over at her I feel my anxiety lessen when I see her being cooed over by the woman Jake pointed out earlier. Anna shyly accepts a cookie from her. Turning my gaze back to my grandmother, I stand straight and force myself to stand my ground.
"You don't have to like it, but I'm staying and so is Anna." I tell her firmly. "I promised mama I would find you and I kept that promise. I'm not asking for you to be involved with us if you don't want to, but I have neither the money or energy to go somewhere else."
"Headstrong, just like your mother." She says grouchily.
"Strong." I emphasize. "My mother is strong."
She doesn't say anything else to me, her gaze running over me one last time, something shining in them, before she walks away. Standing still for a moment I push down the overwhelming urge to grab Anna and leave. My heart pounds and my stomach twists uncomfortably in response to the conversation. Staring out at the ocean again, I finish pulling myself together before I go to join my sister.
"I hope you're hungry, because Sue is insistent you're too skinny." Billy warns me as I walk up.
"I could eat." I tell him lightly. The woman across the table beams and hands me a plate loaded with all sorts of things.
"You need to eat to keep your energy up. How else will you be able to run after the little one." She says in a mothering tone that reminds me briefly of mama. "I'm Sue, you work with my son Seth."
"Charlie." I reply, shaking her hand. "Thank you. It all looks delicious."
"Sue was just attempting to bribe Anna's affection with some cookies." Jake says holding Anna in his arms.
"From the chocolate on her face, I'd say she's succeeding." I laugh, reaching out and wiping some crumbs off her face. "How did you manage to take her from your dad?"
"With my good looks." He says cheekily.
Our eyes meet and I'm glad my cheeks are pink from cold, because I feel a blush rising up. Looking away from him I'm met with another woman staring at me with a smile. My first impression is that she's beautiful. From her raven hair to the different shades of chocolate in her eyes. I barely register the scarring taking up one whole side of her face. Her lips are pulled back into a bright smile and she waves a hand at me and I smile back. Heat brushes up against me and I feel myself flinch away a little, before holding myself steady.
"I see you've met Emily." Jake says smoothly.
"I was just about to introduce myself, but you beat me to it Black." Emily laughs. Her eyes turn back to me and she holds out a hand.
"I'm Charlie." I reply shaking her hand. Suddenly the name clicks in my head and I blush. "I actually wanted to thank you for the table! It's really beautiful and I really appreciate it."
"I'm so glad you like it!" She exclaims, handing me a fork and napkin. Walking around the table she joins Jake and I. "It's been sitting in our shed for years."
"I really want to pay you for it." I insist as we all walk over to sit on logs around the fire.
"It's a gift and I won't accept anything for it." She tuts at me. "That table is too beautiful to be gathering dust. It's a gift enough to know it's being used."
My eyes keep sweeping next to me and onto Anna. While I feel like I've been through a battle, Anna is happily munching her way through a plate of food and excitedly accepting the cookies Sue and Billy keep slipping her. It further reminds me that staying here in La Push was the best option. She was already coming out of the shell John had shoved her into. How could I possibly take that away from her? Taking a deep breath, I turn back to Emily and give her a small smile.
"I'll make sure we put it to good use then." I promise, relieved to find the stress and anxiety fluttering through me out of my tone.
"I don't know if Jake told you, but this will be the last bonfire we'll be having until it warms back up again." She says as I sit on a log next to Billy with Anna in his lap. Seeing me next to her, she jumps down to settle in front of me. Emily sits on the next log instead of next to me. "I'd love it you'd come to some of our group dinners every now and then. Anna could play with my son and we could help you settle in on the reservation."
Her kindness and authenticity is impossible to miss and it brings guilt rushing in at the anxiousness her words bring me. Shoving it down, I nod lightly in an attempt to not seem rude. If she notices any reservation in my response, she doesn't let on as she beams at me brightly. Before I can say anything else Jake settles into the open spot next to me and others start gathering around the fire. I take the distraction and start work on my plate. The food is absolutely amazing and as Seth throws more wood on the fire I find myself practically shoveling it down with gusto.
"Emily is known as the chef of the group." Jake whispers, leaning in just enough for me to hear. My heart speeds up and I'm glad the fire is so warm, because a light blush rises to my cheeks. "If you think the pasta salad is good, you should try her muffins."
"I'll make a mental note." I murmur back, tilting my head to look at him with a small smile.
"I'll get you and Anna some hot chocolate." He says standing up and taking my empty plate.
Everyone is settling down as I look around. The mood around the fire seems relaxed as people finish plates of food and sip on warm drinks. I don't even need to try to avoid eyes, because everyone seems to be focused on their own conversations. Allowing myself to relax along with everyone else I take in the scene around me. The beach is as beautiful as ever, the sun slowly setting behind the waves and stars starting to twinkle brightly above the gathering. The fire has hints of greens and blues in it giving off an illusion of magic. I'm so invested in it, I startle slightly when Jake settles back down next to me. Not hesitating, I reach into the diaper bag and pull out the empty sippy cup, filling it with one of the cups of hot chocolate he hands me. Anna snuggles back against my legs and I hand her the cup before tucking the flannel blanket around her to block the cold air around us. Taking the other cup from his hands I let it warm my hands.
"So what exactly happens from here?" I ask him lowly.
"My dad tells our legends. It's our history and beliefs." He explains, his side brushing me.
As if sensing our conversation Billy clears his throat and begins. My fall into the legends was like a spell. The atmosphere around us was almost magical and Billy's voice hypnotic. Tales of chiefs, wolves, and wives weave around me so detailed and entrancing that the world around me almost fades. The only thing holding me to reality is the growing focus of Jake being next to me. Heat from his body radiates like a heater, and the small pressure of his arm against mine has small zaps of electricity buzzing along my skin under my clothes. Letting my eyes shift sneakily to him, I find his gaze on me and snap my eyes back forward. I focus my gaze on Billy and desperately hope my blush isn't obvious while thanking the universe no one can hear my heart pound. Though just a brief look, I'd seen something in his eyes that made my stomach knot up, but not with the usual anxiety. Letting out a steady breath I check on Anna, only to find her leaned completely back and snoring lightly. Debating for what feels like eternity, I finally lean further towards Jake.
"I should probably get her home. She's pretty tired." I whisper just loud enough for him to hear with a slight nod to the sleeping toddler in front of me.
Without an answer Jake leans down and tugs Anna up and into his arms before helping me up. Billy doesn't break from his tale of the third wife, but nods to us with a smile as I grab up the diaper bag. Waving at him and the rest of the smiling group I follow Jake towards the truck. Anna's small form cuddled against him without issue.
"The legends are fascinating." I say, finally breaking the comfortable silence. "Descending from wolves is pretty neat."
"You liked that?" He asks with a smile in his voice as we stop at the truck.
"Well who wouldn't like having the power to shift into wolves?" I laugh as I unlock the doors. He doesn't hand over Anna, but instead loads her into her carseat for me. I lean back against the truck door and rub at the back of my neck awkwardly. "Although I am sorry I couldn't finish out the night."
"I'm just glad you could come at all." He says shutting the door. He stares down at me with an odd look on his face and I feel my heart speed up again. "Did your mother never pass down our legends?"
His question has me standing up straight. The thought of my mother makes my heart ache, but I know his curiosity wasn't hostile. His eyes watch me and I can see worry bleeding into his stance.
"If she did I don't remember, but it was nice to hear them tonight." I tell him honestly with a reassuring smile. "They were magical, and I have to give it to Billy, he sure knows how to hold people's attention."
"He does have a talent." He says simply.
Silence overlaps us again, but it's strangely comfortable. Staring straight ahead, I pretend that I can't feel his eyes on me. I pretend I can't feel the odd emotions it stirs in my chest. I pretend my thoughts aren't a storm of fleeing away and of something I dare not let in. Clearing my throat, I open my door and give him yet another small smile. My movements seem to startle him, but I'm still given a bright beaming grin as he steps back away from the truck. Jumping in I start up the engine before waving to him and pulling out. It's as I'm driving away as the thoughts I desperately tried to ignore start surfacing. Somehow and sometime in the short time here, Jacob Black had started to earn my trust and with it came something much deeper. Something I'm not ready to acknowledge. Something with implications that frighten me.
I apologize if it's a little stunted, but I hope you guys enjoyed it. I'll try to get the next update up within the week. Please let me know what you think :)!