Chapter 5: Little Talks

The next few days were just a blur of activity as I went shopping for school clothes and supplies with Leah, Jessica, and Angela, then to the movies with Jake, and a group outing with the girls, Jake, Quil and Embry. Even being surrounded by my friends, my thoughts were always on Sam, the mysterious way he carried himself and the way I missed him after only being around him once.

I was cooking dinner for Charlie, a rare evening without Jake since he had to take his dad in for some testing in Seattle and would be gone overnight at minimum, and I decided to try to get to know my uncle some more. In our time together I had already learned a lot, he'd been a police officer his entire career, working his way up to the Chief of Police for Forks before transferring to be the Chief of Police here in La Push. He'd been married once, to a woman named Carla who eventually decided that life in the sleepy town of Forks wasn't what she wanted, and they'd amicably separated and divorced. I also found out that right before I moved here he had just defined his relationship with Tiffany Call, who is the mother of Jake's best friend Embry, and that he had hoped that things would progress into something permanent. He had no children of his own, but was content in being a father figure to my brother Paul and to Tiffany's son Embry.

And now me.

Charlie is quiet for the most part, just as socially awkward as I can be, but even in the short time being here I can feel the parental type of love from him that I never got from Renee. It's yet another meal without Paul, just as Jake predicted my brother was rarely home, and I decided tonight was a good night to get Charlie's take on it.

"Do you know much about the patrolling that Paul does?" I asked over dinner, and he nodded.

"Yeah, he, the Cameron boy and the Uley boy do some basic patrolling around the rez. Since Uley was the only one out of school, I've kind of taken him under my wing and am trying to get him enrolled in the police academy."

"Do you like Sam?" I ask and his eyes meet mine.

"Yeah, he's a good young man, why?" He asks.

"Jake seems to think he's trouble." I try for nonchalance, and Charlie seems to buy it.

He chuckles, "Sam's never given me a lick of trouble, if nothing else it's your brother Paul that's the hot head of the group. That kid was constantly getting into fights growing up."

"I could see that in him," I laugh.

"Sam is just an old soul. He's mature as hell for just being twenty-one and I'm excited about his future. What's got you so interested in Sam?" Charlie asks with a knowing smile.

I can feel the heat on my cheeks, "Just curious."

"Just curious, huh? He must be bitten by the same curiosity bug." Charlie replies, a playful smirk under his mustache.

"Why do you say that?" I ask. I can tell that my attempt at feigning disinterest has failed by my uncle's mirthful grin.

"Sam's been asking me questions about you too." He replies and the butterflies in my stomach threaten to take flight.

"Oh." I once again go for nonchalance.

He raises an eyebrow but doesn't press, "What about you, Bella, any friends, or boyfriends you've left behind?"

I shake my head, "Nothing ever stuck. It's not easy to make lasting connections when you're never still."

His dark eyes soften slightly, "I can't imagine what it was like for you."

"Renee never seemed to be able to stay in one place long enough. I've dated, and had friends, but nothing that could last the distance with all the moving around." I shrug.

"My sister has never been one for sitting still, that's for sure. I rarely ever heard from her, and if I did it was just for her to ask for money," He shook his head and sighed, "I'm sorry you had to deal with that. I wish I had of known, could have had you here on the rez with your family at least." He replies.

"You had no clue where I was, and Renee made sure to keep us apart. There's nothing for you to be sorry for, I'm here now."

"You have no idea how happy that makes me," He says with a smile, "it also seems like you're fitting in here and I love that you're making new friends. Leah is a good girl, and I like her girlfriend too."

"You're okay with her being gay?" I ask.

"Why wouldn't I be? Her choice of a partner doesn't impact my life at all. She can live her life anyway she wants, as long as it doesn't break the law." He chuckles.

I smile at him, "That's good to know. She hasn't had a lot of support from the tribe."

"They'll eventually get over it." He shrugs, "How about you and Jake? You two seem incredibly close."

I nod, "He's my best friend. I was so excited when he found me online after Renee left with me, and honestly, he was my one constant no matter where I was or what was going on with Renee, you know? I've never had a friend like him."

"He's a good one, Bella. His dad has done a fine job with him. It was hard losing Sarah when Jake was so young, and then the twins high-tailed it out of La Push as soon as they were able to, but that boy has always been there for his old man. You couldn't find a better man than him."

"Jake is very special to me, and if we were to try dating and it didn't work, we'd probably lose that." I reply, voicing my biggest concern, outside of the temper I've witnessed with Jake.

Charlie seems to sense my hesitance and he gently prods me, "Bella, I know he's been a great friend to you over the years, hell he even helped figure out that you were Jerome's daughter, but you're not obligated to be more than that no matter how much he may disagree."

I'm surprised at his comments and I'm not exactly sure what to say, so he continues, "I can see he's been glued to your side since you came back, and if that isn't what you want you can tell him."

"How... what..." I stumble over my words and Charlie glances at me.

"If Jacob is being too pushy, I will step in, no questions asked."

"Did Paul say something?" I ask hesitantly.

"Don't be upset at your brother." Charlie begins but I wave him off.

"I'm not. I appreciate Paul looking out for me. It's different." I smile.

"Your brother loves you, and he's worried that Jake's a little too agressive with his crush on you. As much as I'd like to chalk it up to Paul being overprotective, I also know when the kid is on to something. Jake's a good young man, but even the best of intentions can lead to unwelcome advances and I wanted you to know we're here if you ever feel uncomfortable, with Jake or with anyone else Bells."

"Thank you so much. Having real family with you and Paul... it's just...," I feel the burn of tears in my eyes and I quickly look away. Thankfully Charlie doesn't push, and after several minutes of quiet he begins speaking again.

"Paul hasn't had the easiest go of it. When he found out about you, it changed him. He became focused, and the knowledge that you were out there wanting a relationship him gave him hope. The kid was rough for a bit there, but between finding you and Sam's mentorship Paul has turned his life around."

"You have a lot to do with that too." I reply quietly and Charlie blushes slightly and scoffs.

"He's a good kid. You both are." With that, he stands up and brings his plate to the sink, "You okay with drying?"

"Of course."

My text alert sounds minutes after Charlie went to bed, and I grab my phone expecting it to be Leah or Jake, but I see a number I'm not familiar with.

It was really nice to meet you at the bonfire. Will you be at the beach tomorrow night?

B: I'm sorry, I don't recognize this number, may I ask who it is that you're looking for?

Looking for a Little Bird.

Butterflies take flight in my stomach and my fingers hover over the keyboard, but I am too nervous to reply.

Sorry, this is Sam. Paul gave me your number, I hope that's okay.

I almost drop the phone, but I control myself and nervously type out a reply.

B: It's definitely ok. I was planning on being there tomorrow. You?

S: Yea unless duty calls, or I have to work at the station.

B: My uncle said you work with him, do you like it?

S: I do. It's a career that I am seriously considering long-term. What about you? Are you thinking about staying here in La Push?

B: I am giving it some thought, it feels good to have some permanence, and to finally have family.

S: Family is good.

We keep texting, getting to know each other better. I learned that his mother is Alison Uley, and his father Joshua left when he was a baby. He grew up in a single parent household much like mine, except he was on the rez. His mother also fought with substance abuse, and there was also a rotating cast of boyfriends throughout his life much like my own. As soon as Sam turned eighteen, he'd moved out and gotten a small apartment over the Ateara's family store, and he worked there part time along with his rez patrols and the time he was interning with my father. Eventually we'd switched from texting to talking, and his rich voice felt as familiar as my own. I don't know why it felt so easy to talk to Sam, but he seemed to feel the same way, and we spent hours on the phone talking about everything. We continue our easy conversation until the sound of a wolf howling interrupts and Sam goes completely silent.

"Did you hear that? It sounded so close." I reply nervously.

"I have to go check it out, I'm sorry to cut our conversation so suddenly. Would it be okay if we spent some time together tomorrow at the bonfire?" He asks.

"I'd like that a lot." I admit.

"Good. I can't wait to see you tomorrow, Birdie."

My heart warms at his easy use of his nickname for me, "Okay Sam, be safe out there."

"Always." He replied warmly before we said our goodbyes.

"You talked to Sam Uley for over four freaking hours last night?" Leah says as she's painting my nails. I'd come over to her house to get ready for tonight's casual bonfire at the beach with friends, and in true Leah fashion she'd managed to drag my secret conversation with Sam out.

"I'm just as surprised as you are." I admit and she looks up at me with wide eyes.

"Does Jake know?"

I shake my head, "No. He's warned me off about Sam several times, but I can't explain it, Leah, I am just into to him."

"How did that even happen?" She asks.

"Paul introduced us, and he's the one who gave Sam my number. I guess maybe Paul is trying to set us up?"

Leah chuckles, "No, Lahote wouldn't do a damn thing without Sam's approval. This has to be all Sam."

"What do you mean by approval?"

Leah averts her eyes and works on removing some polish from my skin, "It's like they have some sort of pecking order. Paul and Jared seem to follow Sam around like puppies."

"Did you hear that Quil has suddenly disappeared too?" I asked and she just shrugged, "Jake has been pretty pissed about it all day. Apparently, he doesn't believe the story of Quil being sick, saying it's just like Sam, Jared, and Paul. Why does Jake blame everything on Sam?"

"Your guess is as good as mine. Jake is a good guy, but he's too paranoid at times." Leah dismisses, "What are you going to do about Jake and Sam?"

"Be friends with them both." I reply and Leah raises her eyebrows.

"You know that's not going to be possible. Jake wants a lot more than a friendship Bella, and Sam moving in on you could be a pretty bad thing." Leah warns.

"Sam's not moving in on me," I scoff, "He's twenty-one, I'm eighteen, I'm sure he's got a line of women who can legally drink and have fun."

Leah laughs, "Sam is the fun sponge, remember? He doesn't have a line of women, he is entirely too boring for that. However, you are the only person I've ever known to get him to talk for hours. Jake is going to lose his shit."

"You make them seem like territorial animals. Is one of them going to pee on me to stake their claim?" I laugh and Leah chuckles but it doesn't meet her eyes.

That feeling that Leah is hiding something from me intensifies, and the only thing I can think is that she doesn't want me with Sam. My only question is why.

"You are so gross." She replies, and I wave my hands around to dry the polish, once again deciding that it's not the appropriate time for me to push her.

The atmosphere is much more laid back tonight, with just a bunch of kids from La Push high, Forks high and the local community college. Jake catches my eye and waves, causing the girls he was talking with to scowl at me.

"If looks could kill." I chuckle and Leah follows my eyes.

"Oh those two, ugh," Leah rolls her eyes, "That's Katie and Layla, they've been chasing Jake for a while." She snickers, "Their only competition was each other, before you."

"I'm not their competition." I scoff and Leah bumps into me with a chuckle.

"Anyone with eyes can see the way Jake looks at you. You are definitely their competition in their minds. But, we all know they don't hold a candle to you." She grins and I shake my head at her.

I feel my phone buzz in my pocket and pull it out, smiling briefly when I see a text from Sam.

S: Dealing with an emergency, may be late.

B: Is there anything I can do to help?

S: Not with this. See you soon Birdie.

I slide my phone back into my pocket right before Jake approaches and pulls me into an easy hug. He, Leah and I get food and take our seats, and I'm happy to see Seth walking over as well. We make room for him, and eat together, enjoying the delicious food and warm salty air.

"Where's Embry?" Leah asks Jake and he frowns.

"Not answering texts, I don't know what his deal is." Jake replies.

"He's sick, that's what Tiffany told my mom. I think he's come down with whatever Quil has from the best my mom can tell." Seth replies and Jake's frown deepens.

"Great, I guess the mystery illness will keep him from using a damn phone too." Jake replies, anger dripping from his voice.

"Is Jakey-Poo sad that all his little friends are gone?" Leah teases but Jake glares at her. I feel him shaking next to me, and he pushes off the sand.

"Fuck off, Leah." He growls.

"Jake-" I begin but he glares at me.

"Let me guess, she means more to you than me too." He gestures towards Leah, "Real nice Bella, I'm here from the jump but people you just met surpass what we have!" He yells before turning around and sprinting away.

I scramble to get up myself, but a hand on my arm stops me, "Let him be, Bella. He's been really emo lately, and if Sam is meeting you here you really don't want Jake around for it in that kind of mood." Leah warns.

I stare off in the direction that Jake went, but I sit back down, and eventually Leah rubs a soothing hand on my back.

"Billy's not been taking great care of himself; it's likely wearing Jake down a bit." Seth says to me quietly and I nod.

We continue to eat and talk, and Leah and Seth introduce me to a bunch of the kids from Forks, and when Jess and Angela come to sit with us they bring more of their friends over. I get a text from Sam letting me know he was on his way, and I take the time to send Jake a text to check on him, getting a simple response that he had a bad headache and was heading to his house. I'm so immersed in talking with the group of Leah's friends we're sitting with that I miss Sam's arrival until he's sitting down next to me in the sand, and I smile as his warm shoulder bumps into mine. A glance at Leah shows me raised eyebrows, but she says nothing and turns her attention back to Jess.

Sam leans closer to me, and his breath tickles my ear as he whispers a quick question, "Having fun?"

I nod, "It's been nice meeting people. Have you heard from Paul?"

"He's on patrol tonight; he's who relieved me." He replies.

"Why do you guys patrol?" I ask and Sam tucks a piece of hair behind my ear.

"We keep the rez safe." He replies vaguely.

"Just the three of you?" I ask.

"Want to take a walk with me?" He replies instead of answering.

I nod, and he stands, offering me his hand. It's warm, just like my brother, and Jake, but unlike them I can feel almost an electric current running between my hand and Sam's. He stops walking and looks at me.

"I feel it too." I admit and his eyes widen, "What is it?"

"Let's keep walking." He murmurs as he squeezes my hand, "I want to show you something." I can feel the stares of Leah, Jess, Angela, and Seth, but I pay them no mind as I let Sam lead me further down the beach.

We walk together quietly at first, and I sneak glances over at him occasionally, "Were you able to get everything settled?" I ask.

"For now." He nods, "Paul is covering me so I can be here, I know that he can handle things."

"Paul seems to think very highly of you too." I chuckle and Sam smiles at me.

"Does this mean I am getting the brother's stamp of approval?" He asks and I shrug my shoulders.

"You'd have to ask him, I suppose."

"Maybe I will." He grins at me.

Sam keeps walking, and we eventually detour into the forest, "Are you bringing me here to kill me and hide my body?" I chuckle.

He laughs, a beautiful sound from the normally serious man, "You've got me figured out. Actually, I was going to take you to one of my favorite places in La Push. You okay with a little climbing?"

I nod and continue to follow him. He carefully navigates the dark path, and when we get to the top of the cliff he's taking me to, I stop suddenly.

"You're not afraid of heights, are you?" He asks and I shake my head.

"No. I've just never seen anything this beautiful before." I breathe out.

"You've never truly seen yourself then, Birdie." He murmurs and he wraps his arms around me from behind, threading our fingers together and squeezing my hands. "Is this okay?" His warm breath brushes over my neck as he angles his mouth towards my ear. I simply nod in response. The black ocean swirls below us, with the light from the full moon bouncing off it, "Sometimes we take it for granted."

"The beauty?" I ask and I feel him nodding, "You're right. Even though I spent the first ten years of my life here, I never appreciated this until it was gone. Now I get it, I've been fortunate enough to see both coasts, both oceans. We're so lucky."

"I've never seen the Atlantic." Sam replies and I squeeze our entwined hands.

"We'll change that one day."

We stand there drinking in the inky water and the way the moon illuminates it. The sky remains clear, and we can actually see stars. We sit down on the smooth stone, craning our necks to see the vivid constellations, and we eventually lay back to gaze at the clear sky, "It's never this clear."

"That's what Leah has been telling me too. She swears I brought Florida weather here with me."

"What is Florida like?" He asks.

"It was one of the best places we lived. Renee was married to a guy named Phil, he stepped right in and became a real father to me. He's actually who helped me take the DNA test, and who paid for me to come back to Forks. He coaches minor league baseball, and he's passionate about it. He's great with the guys and their families, and with me, but then he and Renee separated and she refused to let me live with him. Things with her just..." I trail off.

"What made you come back here?" He asks.

"Renee." I sigh, "She's not good at committing to much of anything outside of drugs and alcohol. I'm sorry Sam, I know this is close to home for you with your parents as well."

He moves to wrap an arm around me pulling me flush against him and I rest my head on his chest, "Neither of us won the parental lottery, huh?"

"Nope." I chuckle, "Paul doesn't talk about our dad a lot."

"Paul's angry, with good reason. It's almost cliched at this point that us rez kids will fuck up in one way or another, and our parents have certainly laid the path for us to repeat their bad decisions. I just do what I can to keep Paul and Jared on a better path. Same with the younger ones, I guess I feel like I should be setting a better example. We're all a bunch of kids raised in broken homes, and outside of Jacob none of us have had much stability. He's got a great dad, but he's also had to grow up fast because of Sarah's death, then the twins leaving and Billy's health." Sam says.

"You've taken on a lot of responsibility at such a young age," I reply and I feel him sigh, "do you ever wish you had left the rez once you graduated?"

This time, I can feel him hold the deep breath he'd taken, and exhale slowly. I move the hand that is resting on his chest to rub soothing circles, and I feel him searching out my hand with his own. Sam's incredibly warm, and the heat that is radiating from him is more than enough to keep me from getting too chilled in just my jean shorts and tank top. I wanted to ask him if he's getting sick, but a sharp howl from a wolf caused both of us to jump up and his worried dark eyes met mine.

"I need to get you back to the bonfire." He says and I practically have to run to keep up with his long strides. He picks me up once we've climbed down, and he runs to the beach, depositing me onto my two feet once we're closer to the bonfire, "Stay with Leah and Seth, please."

"Sam, where are you going?"

"I have to check some things out, Paul and Jared are patrolling alone." He murmurs.

"Please be careful." I reply and he smiles at me briefly.

"Always. I enjoyed tonight, Birdie."

"Me too." I reply before he presses his warm lips to my forehead, pausing there to breathe me in. The way he holds me is like a lover's embrace, and I press my lips to his covered shoulder before he reluctantly pulls away.