*DISCLAIMER: I do not own the rights to the Twilight Saga and it's characters. This is purely artistic fiction drawn in inspiration from Stephanie Meyers words.
Bella rolled over onto her side, making the mistake of opening her eyes too soon after she woke up. The afternoon sunlight that streamed in through the window blinded her. She groaned and shielded her sensitive eyes by shoving her face into her soft pillow; the comforting yet gentle scent of fresh linen and lavender greeted her nose. Too exhausted last night to notice, it surprised her that Charlie washed her bedding before she arrived. He seemed to be more oblivious with housework if it didn't involve power tools or a lawnmower.
She stood from the mattress, stretching her arms above her head, and bent forward to release the tension in her lower back. Bella tried to stifle a yawn as she walked the short distance to the bathroom. She meticulously placed her toiletry bag on the counter, rifled through its contents, and stowed each item in its designated spot.
She pointedly avoided the mirror when she removed her clothes. As she turned the water on, the silvery and faded moon-shaped scar etched into her delicate wrist caught her eye. She paused, tracing over the indentation with the tip of her left index finger. Bad memories she wished she'd forgotten permeated her mind. Not now. Not today, she told herself. She shook her head, attempting to expel them from her mind.
She tentatively stepped into the shower's generous stream of water and found the temperature comfortable. The longer she stood in there, the healing, warm influence gave her a faint revitalization. After she finished washing, a thick layer of steam billowed above the tile floor in the bathroom. She grabbed the fluffy grey towel hanging up on the back of the door and wrapped it over her midsection; a crooked smile graced her rosy lips. Bella dried and dressed quickly, opting to towel dry her hair. She vowed that there would be fewer hairdryers and hot, unforgiving flat irons in her future as long as she lived...
She jotted down a list, tallying what food was necessary for the meals she planned for dinner this week. There was hardly anything in the fridge aside from a mountain of condiments, and the pantry wasn't much better. How Charlie lived solely on diner food and take out stressed Bella out. She stuffed the handful of twenties he left on the table this morning into her pants pocket and ran out the door, the keys to her truck in hand.
It was gonna be a good day—she was sure of it.
Bella pulled into a space toward the end of the row farthest from the entrance. There weren't many cars within her immediate vicinity and that helped her relax a little. Today marked the first time in years that she had been around people—other humans—apart from her father.
Several moments passed before she shut the engine off. After confidently opening her door and stepping out, she stumbled backward. Desperate to maintain her balance, she searched for the interior door handle and held onto the leather bar with a death grip, causing her knuckles to turn white. Once she had both wobbly feet on the ground again, Bella searched for the culprit: a broken patch of unfinished asphalt under the running board.
This recent setback dampened her positive outlook for the day. Bella let out an exasperated sigh, grumbling about her predictable incoordination. She wrapped her arms around herself to settle her growing anxiety. It was a genuine miracle she hadn't slipped and fell, and still a high possibility with the continued rain.
She collected herself enough to head inside, slammed her door shut, and turned on her heels to walk in the opposite direction. Her low gaze was met with a strange sight. Across the parking lot stood Mike Newton, who looked the same as the last time she saw him. The only difference being a few inches of added height and a patchy white-blond beard. He was packing a mound of groceries into the back of a brand new silver Jeep Cherokee.
She tried to pass by unnoticed. However, when she reached the automatic glass door, she ran smack dab into a young woman who was leaving. They avoided collision at the last second.
"Hey! Watch where you're going, idio—" the shrill voice accused.
Bella peeked up at the woman in front of her and an icy chill rocketed up her spine. She was face to face with none other than an older version of Jessica Stanley.
"I'm s-sorry," Bella mumbled. A look of confusion flashed over Jessica's sour expression. Bella tucked a strand of hair behind her left ear, magnetizing her eyes to her shoes.
"Oh, my God. B-Bella? Bella Swa—Cullen?" Jess stammered, grabbing Bella's shoulders.
"Yeah..." Bella shut her eyes tight, "it's not Cullen. It's Swan." Her mouth felt dry.
"Holy shit. No kidding?" Jess let her hands fall then crossed her arms over her chest. "I guess that beats asking you how the hell you've been."
"Guess so. Well... what about you? How've you been?" Bella quipped.
"Did you see Mike on the way in?" Jess called, stepping to the side to flag him down. "Babe! Look who's here!"
"You make it sound like I'm some sort of celebrity." Bella scoffed, pinching the bridge of her nose. Strike. Two for two. She couldn't escape bumping into someone she went to school with, but more than one?
She observed Jess's wide grin and the enormous diamond ring on her left hand with rampant curiosity. Were they married? That was... odd. Mike half jogged through the parking lot to catch up to them. Realization and then unmitigated shock washed over his face when he locked eyes with her.
"Long time no see. We thought you moved to the other side of the planet. What brings you back to Forks?" He slid his right arm over Jessica's shoulders, sporting a possessive stance. Jess didn't acknowledge him.
"Visiting my dad," Bella bit her lower lip, digging the toe of her shoe into the wet pavement. "I see you two are still together."
That bugged her somehow to know they were still a packaged deal. As spiteful as it was, and she knew it wasn't nice, she hated that Fork's high-school's voted 'least likely to marry' couple was going strong.
"Yeah, we got married last year. Big, big, big ceremony. Half the county was invited. You never RSVP'd." Jess flipped her salon perfect hair over her shoulder and stared down at her ring, inspecting her immaculate manicure. "I'm finishing my bachelor's in nursing at WSU and Mike manages the store full time now."
How wonderful...
"Sorry Jess, I think it got lost in the mail. I'm happy for you both." Bella nodded with fake enthusiasm, trying to sell her piss poor excuse for a lie. She covered for the obvious reason she didn't attend—Edward threw the invite away in front of her. Another blunt reminder of how her life was utter garbage at the moment.
"How's Cullen doing? I don't see his Volvo." Mike lazily scanned the parking lot. Jess gently elbowed his side. He glared at her for a moment, the cogs turning a bit too slowly inside his head. Then it clicked. Mike was always as perceptive as a box of rocks—even more ignorant. He straightened and covered a nervous cough.
Without skipping a beat, Jess continued, "it's good to see you, girl. We'll have to get brunch and catch up sometime."
"Yeah," Bella struggled to find the words. Dead silence for over thirty seconds.
"Anyway, we gotta jet, Swan. See ya around," Mike announced, shifting his weight between his feet.
"See ya," Bella muttered.
She received apathetic half hugs from both Mike and Jess before they each got into their Jeep. Bella had little intentions on actually following through with seeing them again. It would be nice to have some friends, though. A far cry from the crippling loneliness she experienced in Alaska.
Bella went about her business, shopping for groceries to fill the cabinets and fridge at Charlie's. He'd given her enough money to buy food for the next month. Thankfully, there were no more unplanned reunions down the dairy or bread aisle. Just a boring, thoroughly anticipated trip to the store.
She packed away all the groceries into their designated spots in the kitchen, setting a box of pasta next to the stove for later tonight. Chicken Alfredo sounded good for dinner. Bella cleaned out the fridge and glanced at the clock on the adjacent wall in the entryway. As she had no further plans for the day, she settled on starting some chores, which included washing some of her laundry. The meager amount of clothes packed away were stale smelling because she hadn't worn them in a very long while. She used her remaining free time to finish organizing her room, making it much more bearable. It felt like her own space again instead of an empty, timeless void.
Charlie got home just after five; Bella had already started cooking the Alfredo.
"Phew, get a whiff of that. Smells great, Bells." He set his gun and badge down on the table near the wall opposite the sink. "How was your first day back?"
"It was good. I ran into some old friends at the store." She finished adding the spices to the pot on the stove, stirring in the chicken with the sauce she had prepared separately.
"Oh? That's great. Did'ja make any plans?" Charlie grinned and sat down at the table. He didn't break eye contact with her.
"No, I didn't." She murmured, turning back around to stir the pasta.
"Aww, why not? You gotta stretch your wings, leave the house for some fresh air."
"I will." Bella paused. "Honestly, I was thinking of going to La Push tomorrow..."
"Yeah? That's even better. I'll give Billy a call after dinner. The news'll have him doing burnouts in his living room." Charlie grinned mischievously.
"Dad." She grunted, rolling her eyes.
"He still asks about you every game night."
"Really?" She straightened.
"Every week."
"Food's done. Come get a plate." Bella deflected and turned the burner to the stove off.
"Now that's what I'm talking about." He stood and thumbed one of the few plates from the cupboards. "Thanks for dinner, kiddo. I'm glad you're home."
"Me too, dad. Me too."
They settled down at the table and quietly ate their food. Once their plates were bare, she put the rest away for leftovers.
"G'night dad, see you tomorrow." Bella called from the landing to the stairs.
"Night, honey." He responded, picking up the phone from the receiver on the wall.
Bella heard the riotous sound of her father's laughter, trying not to notice how long he stayed on the phone with his oldest and best friend. It was nice to hear him laugh, which made her smile. She missed being here—being around him. They were so similar it made living together easy.
She curled up with her favorite worn copy of Pride and Prejudice, snuggling into the down comforter. Sleep came easier on her second night.
She dreamt of La Push, First Beach and walking next to the tide pools with Jacob Black.
Her life was getting better. Piece by little piece.
Bella awoke to the sound of gravel crunching under the tires of the cruiser. It was too early, but she struggled to fall back asleep. Birds were loudly singing in the maple tree just outside her bedroom window. Sunrise hadn't begun yet. The sky remained a hazy pale blue for another hour. She laid in bed for a long while, basking in the morning calm. As the sun crept into her room, warm rays of golden yellow dipped over the end of her comforter.
Eventually, she dragged herself downstairs for a cup of strong coffee. She didn't like the bitter taste, so she added a fair amount of milk until the color changed to a lighter shade. Bella was nervous for today and also strangely composed. It was nearly half past 9 when she slumped back upstairs to get herself ready for the day.
Her hair was messy from sleep, and she fought to style it into soft wefts that didn't scream 'I just woke up'. She abhorred using hairspray, so she pushed her long, unruly bangs back with a headband. Bella brushed her teeth and quickly splashed her heart-shaped face with cold water. After she finished in the bathroom, she dug through her sparse closet and pulled out a favorite flannel she stole from Charlie, along with a pair of fitted jeans. This type of outfit was her favorite. Easy, casual and comfortable.
She wasn't sure where she was headed today. There was no fool proof way to tell if Billy was home aside from waltzing up to his front door. Jacob would be nineteen now, nearing twenty—what if he didn't live with Billy anymore? What then? It wouldn't hurt to just scope it out. Maybe she could figure it out on the way there. Charlie said he ran a shop with some friends... could that possibly of meant other members of the pack? She threw on her converses and headed out the door.
The drive to La Push was relaxing and well missed. She loved going down that winding stretch of bumpy roads, occasionally staring out into endless rows of pine trees and the grey ocean. The sunshine she had coveted earlier was swallowed up by more rain clouds. Bella frowned and reminded herself to appreciate that it wasn't snow. Alaska was a frozen wasteland for most of the year. Rain was bearable.
The further she went on the reservation, she didn't recognize a new stretch of buildings on the east end. It seemed like it was expanding and thriving. Something that was long deserved and owed to the Quileute tribe. Bella almost forgot what she was in La Push for, spacing out while she mentally compared the changes between now and her last visit.
Her sweeping gaze fell on a medium-sized white building with steel siding. An extra-large, rustic looking sign was illustriously displayed out front, closer to the main road. Black & Call Auto Repair was painted on the sun-bleached wood in royal blue lettering. Four massive bay doors were positioned on both the southern and northern most walls of the shop. From what she could see inside, one or two cars were on the hydrolic lifts inside. Out of the dozen or so cars parked beside the building, a Harley Davidson softtail stood out from the rest. Bella knew she'd find Jacob here... the question was: did she want to? Did he want to see her?
Her heart thundered wildly inside her chest as she parked. Her eyes fixed on the reflection of her driver side mirror. Someone was approaching her truck at a fast pace. Mentally preparing herself for what came next, she peaked her head around the corner, and opened her door. She recognized the person instantly.
Seth Clearwater, once a lanky, beanpole of a kid, had grown into his monstrous stature and muscular features. His raven-hued, waist length hair was expertly braided and followed the contour of his back, save for a few fly-away strands that framed his square jawline. His warm, sienna colored skin clashed against the messy black jumpsuit and bulky work boots he wore. She was subsequently scooped into his waiting arms.
"Bella—" Seth crooned, "I never thought I'd see you again!" His arms crushed her to his broad chest, and she gasped for air within his embrace.
"S-Seth... air."
"Oh! Shit. Sorry, sis." He whispered, setting her down on her feet again. "I don't know my strength."
Sis? The term of endearment puzzled her. Bella regained her balance, forcing a full breath into her lungs with a compulsory wheeze. She didn't expect him to swear. That was new.
"It's good to see you, too." She murmured. "You grew a lot since the last time."
"One hundred percent pure wolf. I'm all grown up now." Seth flashed a wicked grin. He flexed, patting the hidden biceps on his left arm with his right hand. She chuckled and shook her head.
He continued, slouching as he released her, "hey, so, why are you here? I thought you married Edward. You're a Cullen now."
She winced. Ouch.
"Was. I was a Cullen. Guess it didn't stick." She fidgeted nervously, pointing to the noticeably pale line on her bare ring finger. Bella left her wedding and engagement bands with the divorce paperwork.
"Hey, hey—you're good. I get the picture." His smile lessened. "You don't have to share any details."
"Thanks."
"Welcome," his wild grin returned with vengeance, "I know some guys that would love to see you."
"Oh yeah? The entire pack works here, huh?" She fake punched his shoulder, feeling right at home in his company.
"All except Leah, Brady and Collin. She didn't wanna work with cars and they're too young. We opened maybe... two months ago? I dunno. I forget what day of the week it is." He tossed his head back with a laugh that was contagious.
"I didn't know Jake wanted to have his own shop."
"That was more so Embry's idea. Jake went along with it after the wedding... stuff kinda fell apart, y'know?"
"Right." She stared blankly at the ground as they walked back toward the only bay door that was open.
"No biggie. Things are great." He added, "especially now that you're back in town." Seth elbowed her gently.
When they reached the opening, a larger man rushed toward her and threw her over his shoulder, twirling her around.
"Gah! Put me down!" She squealed, swatting at his back. Was this common practice? Did they miss her that much? Bella felt so tiny in their presence.
"No can do, girl." A familiar voice proclaimed. Embry. His chocolate, doe-like irises and long eyelashes gave him away. They were charming, much like Seth's pearly white smile.
"Ugh. Please?" She grimaced. Nausea strangled her senses. Everyone in the pack was above six feet on average.
"She doesn't look so good. You better put her down before she yaks all over the place." A sharp tenor voice scolded. Bella glanced up, peering at Paul, who said the snide comment.
"She's tough. She can take it." Quil chuckled, coming out from under the Ford Escort he was working on. Grease and a smattering of various colored fluids covered the front of his jumpsuit. He clutched a hefty wrench that was similar in length to her left thigh.
"I'm not so sure about that, Quil." Bella grimaced. Embry let her down, and she braced herself against both him and Seth until her uneasy stomach quieted.
"Eh? What's with the hold up?" A baritone voice shouted. Bella recognized the voice before the face. Sam Uley. He rolled out on a mechanics board from under an older Dodge Ram.
"Hi Sam." She stared down at him with a sheepish grin, and he softened.
"Hey, Bella." His brow furrowed with thought.
"How's Em' doing?" Bella asked quietly.
"She's good. Just celebrated our third year being married in May, and she's due with our little girl in March."
"Aww, congrats papa bear." Her heart felt lighter upon hearing that news.
"Thanks," Sam shrugged, "gotta get back to work." He rolled back under the truck before yelling at Quil to finish his work.
"Yeah, that means you too, twinkle-toes." Paul shoved Seth, stringing him along to a desk lined along the back wall.
"I'm goin'—I'm goin!" Seth huffed.
"Hi Paul." Bella glared at him.
"Swan." He nodded curtly before walking around the corner into an adjacent room lined with comfy chairs, presumably the waiting room.
"Where... w-where's Jacob?" Bella whispered. She pulled on Seth's sleeve, leaning closer to his side.
"He's in the manager's office." He muttered, pointing toward another room with a tiny window. The shades to the window were closed and the steel door was shut.
"Uhm... I don't think I should interrupt him." Bella mouthed, wringing her hands together.
"I'll do it." Jared popped up from behind the clean waist-height desk. He was finishing writing something on a clipboard.
"Oh... it's you. Hey." Bella waved.
"Sup' vampire girl. Did'ja get bored with yer precious leeches? Ready to play with the big bad wolves?"
"N-no," her jaw tightened, "I'm here because I wanted to see Jake. I'm back in Forks. For good."
"Sure, sure. That's what they all say." He winked.
"What? That you're overcompensating?" She said flatly. The room broke out in a riotous fit of laughter.
"No!" Jared barked, "err—Kim doesn't—wait. Nevermind. What I meant was—"
"Shut it, dumbass." Embry interrupted, pulling him into a playful headlock. Jared struggled in his arms for a moment, knocking his clipboard to the floor with a loud clatter. The door to the office flung wide open and what she could only assume was Jake came barreling through the minuscule opening.
"Knock it off, knuckleheads! We've got custome—" he trailed off. All color drained from his rich tan face.
When she left, he was still a teen. This time, when she looked upon his chilsed yet soft face, she was met with a grown man. He grew even taller, filling out his impossibly sinewy physique. The top to his jumpsuit was tied at the waist, revealing a much too tight black tee shirt. A sinful favorite of hers; it showcased his broad, muscular upper body.His long, silky onyx hued hair was held in a loose bun, some spilled out over the flat plane of his wide neck. He had bad five o' clock shadow—clear evidence of the beginning to a beard was bizarre to her. Jake wasn't masquerading around as a kid trapped in a man's body; he was a young adult.
All she could muster was one word.
"Jake." Bella murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.
He didn't respond. The entire room went silent. She plucked up some courage.
Bella spoke again, "Are you gonna say something?"
She stared directly at him, her chestnut brown eyes locking with his sable hued ones. He was dumbstruck, jaw slack with sheer surprise. Every man in the shop stood up or stopped what they were doing to watch their interaction.
"Shit." Embry, Quil, Jared and Seth said in complete unison. Paul had come back into the room and exchanged a knowing glance with Sam.
"Hey—it's me—Bella Swan. We've known each other since we were toddlers. We used to be best friends," Bella pleaded, "what's wrong? Why won't you talk to me?"
Jake stumbled forward one step, followed by another uneven two. His hulking six foot six frame dwarfing hers. She sucked in a hiss of air, involuntarily flinching from his overwhelming presence. He fell to his knees and drew her into his thick arms, embracing her with all that he was and had ever been. They sat there for a long while. Quiet, reveling in their shared contact. After what felt like hours, he pulled back and peered down at her.
"I thought you never wanted to see me again." He murmured.
"I lied, Jacob. I'm not very good at it," Bella replied, fighting back tears to no avail. They spilled over and wet her rosy cheeks. Jake used the flat pad of his rough thumb to wipe one stray droplet away.
"Boy, am I ever glad to hear that." He sighed, content with the love of his life in his arms. Jake turned his head, averting his eyes to look at the rest of the pack, who were all playing witness to their reunion.
He continued, addressing them, "and what are you all looking at?"
Every single one of them panicked, scattering to find something to do or continuing with what they had been doing prior. Jake looked back down to Bella and they both laughed together.
Everything was as it should be.
*It took me far too long to edit this one. : But... ta daaaa! Let the fluff commence!
*Where the hell have you been, loca!? ; ) Leave a review/favorite! I wanna know how you like the story so far!
*I'm trying to update every week/every two weeks!
*Ya'll aren't ready for chapter 3! :0