*DISCLAIMER: I do not own the rights to the Twilight Saga and it's characters. This is purely artistic fiction drawn in inspiration from Stephenie Meyer's words.
*WARNING: Brief mature content (non-sexual) and mature language! Readers proceed at your own caution!
"Your pupils are the size of dinner plates. Have you ingested any drugs in the past hour?" Rachel asked.
"I'm not on drugs. All I've had was three beers with my friends. I'm not even buzzed."
"Alcohol is classified as a drug." She corrected. "Tell me the truth. Is my little brother dealing anything? Coke, weed... harder drugs?" She eyed daggers at Jake, who was now standing beside Paul. "Dad's gonna have a goddamn heart attack. Can't believe you'd be so stupid—
—No, he's not. He's pretty straight edge beside alcohol, but I have to convince him to drink." For the first time in Paul's life, an honest and soft smile tugged on the corners of his lips. His eyes remained trained to hers.
"What's wrong with you then?" Rachel swallowed the lump that formed in her throat. "How many fingers am I holding up?"
"Four, and nothing. Not a damn thing since you walked into my life."
"Did you bump your head earlier today?" She frowned, holding his face in her hands, looking him over for obvious signs of head trauma.
"I didn't hit my head, but I did scrape my knee... falling for you."
Her hands dropped at her side. "Sorry to break it to you pal, but that pick up line might have worked when I was in middle-school. It's not gonna work when I'm in my twenties."
"Hey, it was worth a try." Paul's smile evolved into a mischievous grin.
"Not really. I'm not interested in dating right now, and even if I were—I'm not into the muscle-headed desperate type."
Paul got up off his knees, dusting them off. "Whatever you say, princess. I'll be anything you want."
Rachel grimaced and turned to face Jake.
"First of all, your friend's fucking weird. Second, I need to borrow your jack. I think my tire's got a hole in it. It's been leaking since I left the Clearwater's." She glanced at Paul once before averting her eyes. He was staring straight at her still, like a lovesick puppy. "I drove over something on the way back from Sue's tonight."
"I got i—
Jake was interrupted.
—I got it." Paul said earnestly, extending his hand, "we work at the same shop together. Name's Paul. Paul Lahote. I'll take a look at your tire."
"Listen, asshat," Rachel hissed. "I humored you because I thought you were having a medical emergency, but now I see you're just another 'roided out gym rat who wants to get his dick wet. I'll make it real simple for you. My answer is: N. O. I don't want you, and I never will."
Paul looked as though he got shot with an arrow through the heart, and not Cupid's kind. His cocky attitude failed for the first time, and he was reaping the consequences.
"Paul—you stay here. Go sit down." Jake used an alpha command. Paul wouldn't listen to anyone else, especially not since his wolf was spiraling. It registered her comment as blatant rejection. "I'll grab my kit from the garage. Meet you out front, sis."
"Hurry up." Rachel turned on the ball of her foot, ambled around the side of the garage and disappeared from line of sight.
"She said... she said she didn't want me, bro." Paul slunk into a folding chair. "What's wrong with me?"
"Don't let it bother you, man. Rach's in a rough spot with relationships right now." Jake patted Paul's shoulder. "She just broke off a five-year engagement. Give it time."
Jake headed to the garage; the big metal door creaked open, he didn't even use the lights, instead relying on his heightened senses.
"Well, well, well, nice of you to join us normal folk back on Earth," Leah chuckled. "Not so high and mighty now that you imprinted, huh?"
"Give it a rest, Lee." Quil chimed in, defending Paul. "None of us were in our right mind after we imprinted. You of all people should know that. It messes you up. Big time."
"Not my fault. He started it." Leah lifted her craft beer and downed the rest. Sunny pressed a soft kiss to her cheek, handed her the drink she had as well, and Leah finished it, too.
When Leah imprinted on Sunny, they were unknowingly going to the same gym together. Late at night, right after Leah had just gotten done with a patrol and while she was still under Sam's alpha, she wrapped up a brutal workout where she punched the speed bag so hard her knuckles bled. She sought help at the front desk to clean it up, only to find it unattended.
Sunny was walking in when she bumped into Leah, and the rest was history. Leah bolted straight after, afraid of the imprint, trying to reject it. Initially friends, they developed a deeper connection after a few months. The night Leah met Sunny was the same night she found out Emily was expecting and also when Sam announced he would step down, leaving alpha to Jake. Leah maintains it was the best day of her life.
"She said she doesn't want me..." Paul muttered again, staring into the flames with a frumpy pout. Bella felt a twinge of empathy for him, staring down at her half eaten plate. She dug her fork into some grilled chicken.
"Dude, nothing personal, but she said it because... well, you're giving off creepy vibes. If you want a girl to like you, then you treat her nice. Not like a piece of meat." Jared patted his back.
"Yeah. Gotta let her come to you." Kim added, snuggling further against Jared's side.
"Come to me?" Paul muttered. "How does that work? Girls always throw themselves at me. What do I do?"
"What do you do when they don't?" Embry questioned, facing him.
"I don't know, it's never happened before." Paul said gently. "I liked being single and flirting... but I'd do anything to make her happy. My wolf can sense her broken heart."
"Oh look, Bry, the tough, body-builder, muscle-man does have a soft side." Quil snickered.
"Swa—I mean... Bella? Can you give me girl advice?"
Bella blinked rapidly, choking down an errant bite of potato salad. "Why me? I'm not a good person to ask. I've only been with two people. You should ask someone else."
"One person, B. Now you're dating one. The other thing's dead. A parasite that fed off you." Leah quipped. "That doesn't count."
"R-right." Bella agreed. "I don't know what to say, Paul... I'm not good at advice, but if I had to recommend anything, I'd say be yourself." She washed down her food with a sip of hard seltzer.
Paul continued, "I asked you because I trust you, Bella. You're kick-ass, easy to talk to. Down to earth." He replied, blindly rifling through the cooler beside his chair. "You're not like others—not a girlie girl and not a lesbo, either. Bro material."
"Hey, limp dick," Leah retorted, nuzzling deeper into Sunny's hold. "There's nothing wrong with lesbians. Saying that just makes you homophobic."
"Shut up, am not. I don't judge you for being a carpet muncher. Just like I don't judge Quil and Embry for suckin' dick."
There was an awkward beat of silence.
"I know where to start, Paul." Quil barked a laugh. "Take a fuckin' shower every day. Learn how to use a cleanser, body wash, shampoo, and cream rinse. Separately. Maybe don't be such a jackass. Food for thought."
"What's that? Clean-zer? Some kinda frufru girlie thing?" Paul stopped rummaging for a moment, pulling out a Michaelangelos. "Where do they sell it?"
"They sell it everywhere, dumbass."
"Okay. Use fancy face and body stuff. Don't be an ass. What else do I gotta do?" He leaned forward, elbows on his knees. Paul popped the top off his beer, taking a distracted swig.
"We'll have to start from the ground up. Clothes, shoes, self-care products—the works. You won't recognize yourself when I'm done." Quil chirped. "You one-hundred-and-fifty percent need to update your wardrobe. No one likes a man who only wears work out clothes." He gestured vaguely to Paul's outfit, "this whole 'fourteen going on thirty' thing has got to go. You're a grown man. Wear something other than khaki and polyester."
"What's wrong with my clothes? I phase too often. There's no reason to buy expensive shit 'cuz it's just gonna get shredded."
"Dumb-shit has a point." Leah nodded. That must have been the first and last time she would ever agree with Paul.
"He's a work in progress, babe. Don't push everything on him at once." Embry said, trying to rein in Quil from going off the deep end. "Baby steps."
Quil pressed a kiss to Embry's other hand, holding it to his lips, but ignored his comment. "We'll make a day trip out of it next weekend," he stated, continuing full steam ahead with project 'Bachelor Paul'. "I think we should go to Port Angeles' mall."
A smile engulfed Embry's face as he idly rubbed Quil's shoulder with his free hand. "I've been meaning to visit the record shop out there for a few years now. They have a flea market too, babe. Could look for that vintage Polaroid camera you want while we're there."
—It's settled. We'll pick you up at ten on Friday morning, Paul." Quil lit up like a Christmas tree, eyes glittering with the thought of being a personal stylist for a day.
"Sounds good, bro. I'll do whatever it takes. I don't think I can live without 'er." Paul winced.
He slid further into his chair, taking a big gulp of his beer. His face told the story of the broken-hearted, while his eyes told a different tale. Paul dared to hope. His faith never wavered in his fellow pack mates. They'd saved his life more times than he cared to admit, this was no different.
Once Rachel's tire was fixed, she headed back to Billy's, and the bonfire was pretty much over at that time. The pack trickled out in single file or by pair, except Embry, Quil, Bella and Jake, who were already home.
Bella nestled under the thin top sheet, scooting her bum down until she lay flat on her back on top of the mattress. Jake waited patiently until she curled up on her side to drape his arm around her and bring her closer. The left side of her face was illuminated solely by the pale rays of moonlight peeking in through the slats of the window shades.
"Are you sleepy, honey?" Jake asked, twirling a swath of her chestnut brown tresses.
"Not really." She whispered back.
"Lot on your mind?"
"Yeah," Bella murmured, "a lot's happened the last few days. It's kinda overwhelming. I'm glad you're here, Jake. You help me unwind."
"Happy to be of service." Jake beamed, pearly teeth standing out against his copper skin.
"Do... do you think tonight went well?"
"What? With the bonfire?"
"Yeah. I'm worried that I didn't do enough."
"Bella, honey, there weren't any leftovers—that means the cookin' was good. If anything, you did more than they deserve," Jake explained. "I know all of them like you. Some may not be entirely sold on my imprint yet, but that doesn't matter. They'll come around." He pulled her in closer and pressed a curt kiss to the exposed slope of her shoulder.
"I hope you're right, Jake."
"I know I am. I can feel it."
"Feel it? How?" She stared at a poster on the wall, visibly confused at his remark. Bella entwined her fingers with his, tracing over the dips and valleys in his palm with her index digit.
"It's an unspoken thing... it's kind of hard to explain, but it's the way they hold themselves with you. You impressed all the pack tonight. The ones who I worried about most did a complete one-eighty with how they treat and talk to you."
"You mean Paul and Leah?"
"Yeah... big change, right?" Jake chuckled. "You told Paul off, which equals respect in his book, and Lee just wanted you to open your eyes."
"Definitely a big change." Bella smiled while hugging Jake's arm to her chest, reveling in the heat he generously provided. He stroked the side of her face, thumb trailing down the contour of her jawline.
"I think my favorite part was getting to do a lot of cooking with you today." He said, brushing some of her long hair away from her face.
Bella's eyebrows furrowed in question. "Why that part?"
"Can I be honest?" He hesitated, biting his lower lip in thought.
"S-sure." Bella tensed, somehow always expecting the worst.
"It was my favorite because I got to spend time with you all day. No work, or other people getting in the way. Every moment I get to spend with you is special to me. I loved it because it felt like we were a little family. You, me, Quil, and Embry. As weird as it sounds."
"That's not weird at all. I felt that way, too." Her facial features smoothed, and she stifled a yawn afterward.
"Sounds like you're tired, Bells. We'll talk more tomorrow. Speaking of tomorrow, it's my day to help my dad. Would you mind if we had breakfast there? I'll only take an hour or two for chores, then we can do whatever you want."
"Mmn, don't mind." She mumbled.
Bella could only imagine what Rachel would say after she learned they were dating. She was quick to assume Jake was doing drugs. What else would she accuse him of? Knocking her up? Another concern crossed Bella's mind. Billy's true feelings about them when her dad wasn't there. She visualized what Billy would say; a stern look drawn on his long face, eyes dark and cold in their gaze. A shiver ran down her spine.
Sleep was calling her name, and she tried her best to resist it but it won in the end. Bella slowly fell asleep in his warm and comforting arms.
"Honey? You awake?" Jake cooed. No reply. Just the quiet rise and fall of her breathing, and the gentle 'ba-dum-dum' sound of her beating heart.
He tucked the sheet in along her shoulders, settling beside her. Soon after, sleep swept him into its arms without discrimination. Despite having dreams of their own, they both dreamt about the future and the life they would have together. Happy, healthy, and fulfilled.
Thriving.
Jake squeezed her thigh, "did you not sleep very well?"
Bella stirred, continuing to fidget in the passenger seat of the Chevy. "No, I did. I slept very well."
"Are you worried?"
"Just a tad." She glanced in the overhead mirror, pulling down at the prominent and seemingly permanent eye-bags and dark circles under her brown eyes.
"You know you can tell me anything, right?"
"Yeah, I know."
"Talk to me, tell me what's got you worried." He locked eyes with her briefly in the rear-view mirror, big, goofy grin spread on his face.
"I think... I think I don't know what to expect at breakfast, especially if Rachel is there. I'm worried it's not gonna go well."
"Why wouldn't it?"
"Because she accused you of dealing drugs right out the gate last night and didn't let you defend yourself. What else is she gonna think?" Bella's blood boiled. "I don't know if I can hold myself back."
"Try not to take offense to that." Jake held her hand, rubbing the flat pad of his thumb over her knuckles. "She can't control it. She was diagnosed with generalized anxiety/panic disorder after mom died; Rachel was at basketball practice when it happened. Mom and dad dropped her off. She blames herself."
"I never knew that. We were so close as kids. Both her and Becca." Bella relaxed, "I'm sorry that happened, but I still don't want her to accuse you of anything else. If you can't stand up for yourself, I'll defend you. I love you."
"I love you too, honey. I really don't think Rach' will have a problem with us. Dad wouldn't let her start anything even if she tried. There's nothing to worry about."
Jake removed his hand, putting it back on the wheel, turning right down the dirt road that lead to the tiny red house at the other end. He put the Chevy in neutral, resting his foot on the brake. They were sitting still in the same familiar, long driveway from her entire life. She knew the grooves in the ground, every tree, every root, and every dent in the shed-like garage from Jake learning to drive his old 81' VW Rabbit.
Bella stared off into the distance, watching the pines get sucked under the stark horizon. There was a golden cast to the sky, reds and pinks blooming across the blanket of creamy orange.
Sunrise.
Jake locked the parking brake into place, shut the Chevy off and met her on the other side of the car moments later, reassuring her by holding her hand as they walked up. Rachel's old terrain wasn't there, meaning she'd already left for work. Bella felt a little better now about breakfast. Not dealing with the third degree from two people was helpful for her nerves.
They entered the quaint little red house, same dilapidated siding, needing a paint job. The grass was dead surrounding the house, spiky and yellowed, probably from the recent overwhelming downpour of rain. Jake seemed even larger than she last remembered as they came in through the front door; he ducked down at least a foot to get through the open frame, floorboards creaking heavily under his feet.
"Ah, good morning, son. Nice of you to show up before noon." Billy's sarcastic mask fell when Jake shimmied to the side, revealing Bella had come with him. He recovered, his expression building again into a bright smile. "Good morning, Bella. I wasn't expecting you today. Would you like some coffee? I just made a fresh pot."
"Yes, please." Bella replied, "lots of creamer—
—And sugar. Like your dad."
Bella made a face, confusion marring her expression. "Wait a minute. I always thought my dad was a black coffee drinker."
"Nope." Billy said, matter of fact. "He can't stand black coffee. Been that way since high school. We'd pull all-nighters at the old arcade in Forks, and drink it by the pot. He's hated black coffee sometime after the fifth go around."
"Wow. Never knew that." She fiddled with her sleeves, eyes deflecting to her feet.
"So, what are you two kids up to today?" Billy poured coffee into a spare cup from the counter, adding the right amount of cream and sugar at Bella's instruction.
"Came over to help with chores, figured it would be nice for Bella and you to catch up while I'm busy."
"What for? Do you still think I harbor ill feelings toward my best friend's only child? You'd be mistaken, son. I was simply concerned for her, but now I know she's safe."
"I don't. Just thought it'd be good for you."
"That reminds me. Can you meet me in the bedroom, Jake? I have something I've been meaning to give you."
"What is it? Another carving? Painting?"
"Just take me there, son. It'll save us time." Billy laughed.
"We'll be right back. You gonna be okay, Bells?"
"Yeah, I got this." She lifted her disheveled copy of Jayne Ere. "This and coffee should keep me company."
"What did you need, dad?" Jake asked.
"Will you close that door, please."
Jake did as he was told and stared down at his father.
"What's this about? I swear if you're—
—Jacob William Black. Don't use that tone with me. This is still my house, and you are my son. Show me some respect. I'm not going to scrutinize your relationship."
"Sorry, dad." He bowed his head, long raven braid tumbling across his right shoulder.
"I wanted to give you this." Billy wheeled over to his dresser and opened the sock drawer. He sifted through the contents until he pulled out a medium-sized box. In red cursive lettering, the word 'SARAH' was written on the top. Billy placed the box on the bed and removed a much smaller one from the confines.
"That's not what I think it is... is it, dad?"
"Here. I'll let you find out." Billy dropped the comically tiny velvet box into Jake's massive hands.
Jake opened it, staring down at a pair of rings. Both bands were set in plain yellow gold. One was his mother's wedding band, baring no embellishment aside from a date carved onto the inside, and the other was a vintage, dainty engagement ring. The marquee setting on the other ring held a single, large amethyst in the center, surrounded by circular small diamonds that snaked in an s-shaped curve along the front of the band.
His eyes watered, stinging with tears, thinking back to a far off time when he could remember his mom wear them. How soft her hands felt, and the warmth of her touch, the beauty of her wide smile. After all this time, Billy was giving her rings to him... it felt sudden. They just started dating. Why now?
"If that doesn't say 'I approve', then I don't know what will, Jacob." Billy patted his lower back from his wheelchair. Jake fell to his knees, closing the ring box carefully before placing it into his front left pocket.
The two hugged for a long while, forgetting time.
"Thank you so much, dad." Jake croaked. "I can't believe how good they look, even after all this time."
"I remember she painted her nails cherry red right before we drove to the school. You were at Joy's for a play-date with Quil and Rebecca was spending the night at a friend's." Billy choked up for a moment, fighting back a sob. "It was a Friday. We were going out for a date night while Rachel was at practice. Mom wore a lilac sweatshirt, black dress underneath..."
"I'll take good care of these until the time is right. Even though I know I'm ready, Bella's not ready for anything like that. She won't be for a long while," Jake explained.
"I understand. I figured now would be a good time to pass them down, before I get too old. I always knew you'd find your way back to each other."
"That's funny you should say that, because I felt the same way. It's part of the reason I didn't give into my wolf. You're the other part."
"Thank you for telling me that, son." Billy nodded, rubbing Jake's shoulder. "Whenever she's ready and whenever you're ready, you'll know."
"Yeah, I know, dad." Jake recalibrated, wiping the back of his wrist against his tear-stained cheeks. "Love you."
"I love you too, Jacob. Never forget that. Now, don't worry about me. I don't need your help with anything since Rachel did laundry and pulled some cords of wood last night. I can manage dishes. Go make up for lost time, help her heal."
"I can stay—
—No, Jacob. I said go." Billy dabbed away the stray moisture from his eyes, sniffling.
"But dad—
—Don't sass me again. Remember, I'm your elder." He said with a wink. "Take her to a nice dinner somewhere. She deserves it. Give her everything human she hasn't been able to have the last four years. Those cold ones inflicted a lot of damage on her, body and soul."
"That's a good idea. We could go to the diner in Forks."
"No, that's Charlie's favorite. She's been there enough times. Stay on the rez. There are plenty of small restaurants here, and I believe she would enjoy how quiet it is." Jake nodded, hugging his dad once more.
They headed back into the kitchen to find Bella who was elbow deep in dish water, hair thrown in a low pony tail, hard at work.
"Hey, what're you doing?" Jake asked, mouth hung open in complete shock. "Bells, you didn't have to do dishes. I was gonna get them."
"Couldn't help it. I got bored with my book and figured I might as well make myself useful." Bella stacked the last plate onto the rag on the counter, draining the right side of the sink.
Billy wheeled into the kitchen and glanced from Jake back to her. "Bella, honey, thank you for doing them. Those weren't your responsibility, yet you did them anyway. I appreciate your candidness."
"I know Jake said he was here to do chores, and while you were talking, I wanted to help. It doesn't hurt anyone."
"Thank you again." Billy said, still dabbing at his eyes with an embroidered handkerchief. "Jake doesn't have any other chores to do. You two go on and enjoy the day."
Bella was mildly concerned, observing both of them having teary eyes and sniffly noses. She wondered if they had been talking about Jake's mom. After she dried her hands, she finished the last of her cup of coffee and rinsed it in the sink.
"I'll call you later, dad."
"Don't worry about it, son. Just text me you're home safe and I'll talk to you Wednesday." Billy rolled forward a few paces. "I'm cool. Hip. Funky fresh, as the kids say. I know how to use my cell phone. Rachel's been teaching me."
Jake rolled his eyes and grimaced, "okay, now we're definitely leaving."
"Not before you give me another hug, Jacob."
Jake leaned down once more and hugged his father, this time lingering a few seconds longer. Billy squeezed him tight. It gave him solace knowing his son was a shifter. He didn't feel the same level of worry for him as he did for his daughters. Bella scooped up her book and followed suit. When she leaned down, Billy whispered in her ear.
"Take care of him, Bella. You're part of our family. You'll always hold a special place in his heart, and mine."
She tightened her embrace and flashed a gentle smile when she straightened back to her full height.
"I promise." Bella replied.
Jake didn't notice his dad say anything, or at least he pretended not to listen in. He was more 'preoccupied' with figuring out where to go for breakfast.
"Alright, see ya, dad."
"Goodbye, son. Bye, Bella."
Bella watched as Jake demolished an entire stack of chocolate chip pancakes, five sausage links, two pieces of toast, four eggs, three glasses of orange juice, and still have room afterward.
"How're you liking the crepes?" He asked, taking another sip of his drink.
"They're good. I'm full already." Bella replied.
Jake appraised her plate, noting she had only finished half of one of the two that came with her order. The french breakfast food was a little on the larger side, though. She was still eating more each day, albeit not without difficulty.
"Okay, we can get a to-go box." He beamed, "what d'you think you wanna do after this?"
"I don't really have any plans. I already texted Charlie and let him know last night I was planning on spending more time with you today."
"Ah, beats me. I don't have anything planned, either. I'm just happy to spend time with you regardless of time and place."
"While you're at work tomorrow, I was going to clean the kitchen and bathroom. I also wanted to call and schedule my first session with the therapist I found online. She's just outside of Forks. Not a far drive."
"Bells, it's as much your house as it is mine, but I made it dirty—I'll clean it. You don't have to raise a finger." Jake reached for her hand across the table, squeezing it. "And I'm so proud of you for reaching out to someone. That's wonderful, honey."
He paused, looking thoughtful. "Does that mean you're gonna stay the night again?"
It was becoming a routine of theirs.
"Yeah, I'm sure Charlie won't mind as long as I communicate what I'm doing and where I'm at."
The waitress brought Bella her to-go container, and another order of flapjacks for Jake to take home. They headed back toward the house, simply hoping to enjoy more of each other's company. Upon their return, Quil and Embry were nowhere to be found. For the first time in two days, they found themselves alone.
Completely alone...
*Sorry ya'll, there wasn't any spice in this chapter like I said previously. I promise the next one will have it! Uninterrupted. ;)
*Please leave a review/heart while you're here! They really mean the world to me and I appreciate every single one of you whether you do or don't. :D Stay tuned!