*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.
*Sorry for the delay in releasing this ch, my lovelies! D: I've been fighting some serious depression lately and just haven't had the motivation to write.
*Here you go!~ Hope you enjoy it. : )
Bella held the tiny ornament in her palm, gazing down at its bright red exterior. Running her thumb over the faded white paint on the outside, she smiled at the words 'Merry Christmas 2001'. The old item held sentimental value, a cherished relic from her childhood that Charlie had safeguarded in the attic. Renee had insisted on buying the little thing. She wanted Bella to have something from 'home', despite the fact Bella only visited Charlie once or twice for Christmas.
As snowflakes fell silently outside the cabin, Quil stoked the fireplace, adding to the cozy atmosphere. The familiar tune of Silent Night drifted up from the TV, some cheerful holiday special playing in the background.
"Hey, you okay?" Quil nudged her in the side, and Bella involuntarily flinched.
"Yeah... yeah, I'm fine," she said, looping a metal hook through the top of the ornament.
"You sure, babe? You were staring at thing for a few minutes."
"Just lost in thought." She hooked the bulb onto the pine tree with the rest.
Embry looked up from piecing together his popcorn garland, concentration painted over his expression. Quil began hooking acrylic icicles in place, a neat line alternating left and right from the top of the tree to the bottom. Once he finished, he sat down beside Embry on the couch, taking his hands in his, helping him thread the needle on each piece. Bella turned around, facing the kitchen, and reached into the bottom of the near empty box on the floor. She pulled out the last bulb, a plain evergreen one, and placed it on the tree opposite of where she'd put the red one.
"There. All done." She clapped her hands together and flopped down onto the far end of the couch. "We just need Jake to put on the angel."
"Someone say my name?" Jake peeked around the corner from the kitchen.
"I did. We need you to put the angel on top."
"You're supposed to be watching my cookies and pie!" Quil shouted. "They could be burning!" He stood from the couch and ran into the kitchen, tending to the rack of cookies still baking in the oven. Snickerdoodles. Embry's favorite.
"Sorry, Quil," Jake said, walking through the archway into the living room.
"Thankfully, they're not burnt, but the cookies are done. Remind me next time not to put you on baking duty. You'd burn the whole house down."
"Yeah, yeah. I hear ya." He searched the pile of boxes on the floor, finding a smaller one with the angel inside. The porcelain doll was flawless, like it had never been taken out of the box. "Tree looks good by the way."
"Thanks." Bella got off the couch, wandering over to Jake. She couldn't help but to gravitate toward him, as though he were the sun itself.
Quil mock curtsied from the kitchen, humming as he twirled about, taking the snickerdoodles from the oven with a tan mitt. "You're looking at the next designer for Houses magazine."
"I was talking to Bells, Quil." Jake chuckled, hooking an arm around Bella.
"I helped," he said, setting the cookies on top of the oven to cool. "Fifteen more minutes on the lime meringue pie." As he walked back into the living room, Embry all but threw down the garland he was working on.
"I think it's long enough." He held up the string, which was roughly the same length as his height.
"Just a few more, hun. This will barely cover the center of the tree," Quil said.
"I can't see straight anymore. Can you just do it?" He fluttered his eyelashes. "Pretty please?"
"How can I refuse?" Quil pressed a kiss to Embry's cheek.
The tinny sound of the doorbell rang throughout the house, alerting all three boys.
"We're not really expecting anyone? Are we?" Jake asked the others. A chorus of 'no's' chimed in.
When Jake made it to the door, he could see who it was and immediately opened it. Seth, who was covered in snow, waved sheepishly from the doorway.
"Hi, Jake," he said, brushing some of the snow off of his shoulders.
"Hey, Seth. Been out for a run, huh?"
"Yeah. Mom's working late and Leah's busy with Sunny. I figured I'd stop by and see what's up."
"You're just in time for cookies, Seth," Quil said from around the corner.
"Ooh. Cookies. Love those." Seth's bright, sunshiny smile was infectious, and stretched from ear to ear. Bella mirrored him, a quaint grin tugging at the corners of her lips.
"Do you mind helping Embry out with the popcorn garland? Him and Quil were working on it," Jake said. "I'm good with my hands but not like that."
"Sure, I can help. I have lots of patience," Seth replied.
"Do you want a shirt, Seth?" Jake gestured to him.
"Uhh... I wouldn't want to trouble you for one, but it is a little awkward being the only one not wearing a shirt right now." Seth laughed, rubbing the back of his head.
"It's no big deal. I'll grab you one," Jake said, heading up the stairs.
"Thanks." Seth bent down to untie his shoes, stepping out of them before he walked any further inside.
When Jake returned with a shirt, Seth was sitting down beside Embry, helping him lace more popcorn on the garland. Bella was sat in the chase part of the couch, watching quietly, trapped in her mind again. Memories from the past few Christmases were in full swing inside her thoughts. Christmas with the Cullen's was anything but trivial. Alice always made sure everything was absolutely perfect, from every wrapped present to strategically placed mistletoe. Bella was happy that she wouldn't need thirty-one lavish dresses for each day in December.
"You guys gotta get a run in today if you can. It's real beautiful outside," Seth said, pausing to put the shirt on.
"We will. Would be a waste if we didn't," Jake said.
"Ugh. Snow." Bella grimaced, taking a cookie from Quil. He was circling the room with his plate of snickerdoodles.
"Aww, c'mon honey. Snow's not that bad," Jake replied.
"I hate snow. The only saving grace is that it's not raining," Bella said. Alaska had been even more unforgiving in the snow department. She didn't miss it.
"That's true."
"Why do you hate snow?" Seth asked.
"I lived in Arizona for a long time. I'm used to dry, scorching heat. I miss it."
"Then why are you staying here where it rains six out of the seven days?"
"Because I wouldn't dare leave Jake behind." Bella squeezed Jake's hand.
"You two should move back when you're able."
"We haven't talked about it." Bella hung her head. "I'm staying here so I can keep my feet on the ground and rebuild my life. Plus, I could never take Jake away from his family."
"That's what holidays and stuff are for. We can always come back," Jake said.
Bella continued, "I started with nothing but now I have everything. Well, everything except a degree. That one's gonna take a while."
"Are you gonna go to community or university?" Seth asked.
"Whatever will take me. I do have my eyes on WSU."
"That's a good school. I'm sure you would do really well there, Bella."
"Thanks, Seth. Your vote of confidence gives me courage."
Quil and Embry were stuffing their faces with the cookies; Jake was just as bad. Seth only took one and so did Bella. After they finished, the boys gathered up and got ready to go outside. Jacob bounded down the steps, ushering the rest of them. Bella watched from the window up until the part where they stripped their clothes off. When she looked back over her shoulder, there were four playful wolves in the snow, jumping around and bumping into each other with tongues lolling. She smiled, settling back onto the couch to read a book her therapist recommended to her.
Seth continued down the drive, saying goodbye to his friends with a drawn out howl. The three of them returned the favor, following with shorter howls. As he ran along side the barely visible path, he thought a lot about Jake and Bella and how they were so happy together. Like together, together. They had been through so much, it was about time they got together. The reoccurring thought of imprinting made its rounds inside Seth's mind and he shook his massive head with a defeated growl. He had to cross the road for the next part so he stopped and patiently waited in the piling snow for it to become clear.
Seth began to tread across the two way when a black truck came flying around the corner. Seth easily jumped out of the way but the truck skidded onto its side, flying into the guardrail. Fearing he had hurt someone, he shifted back, changing into his shorts and shoes that were tied around his ankle. A meek voice was calling out from inside the truck. It sounded like a woman. When he approached the vehicle, he touched the driver side door, which was now facing the sky. He hopped up on top of the bed and wrenched it open, looking down below as he called out for them. The woman was faced down, moaning in pain as she lay there against the passenger side door.
"Hey, are you okay in there? Are you hurt?" Seth called out to her. She didn't respond right away, but when she did, her voice was familiar to Seth. He'd heard it before. He couldn't remember where, but he knew this person.
"I'm... I'm okay, just a broken arm I think. Can you help me out?" she said, her voice quivering.
"Give me your other hand. I'll pull you out," Seth said.
Seth reached into the truck, arm outstretched for the woman. She rolled over a minute amount, crying out as she did so. When she faced Seth, the unthinkable happened. Time came to a screeching halt, and with it so did Seth's heart. Once his heart started again, it was racing, his palms becoming sweaty. He faltered, struggling to hold onto the side of the truck, his mind falling into a thick haze. This person, this woman, was his imprint.
"What're you waiting for? Help me out, please!" She cried, the tension in the wintry air coming to a standstill.
Seth snapped out of it, instantly climbing into the truck bed to lift her. He was careful not to squeeze her broken arm, and did his best maneuvering in order to not to bump it. When he had secured her inside the safety of his arms, he jumped up and out of the truck and then down onto the pavement in two long strides. Her face was frozen in shock, unable to make light of any of the things that had just happened. The wolf, the man, and now this.
"Where did you come from?" She shook her head in disbelief. "There was no one around when I took that corner. All except a giant wolf. It was huge! We need to get out of here in case it comes back."
"Something tells me it's not going to come back. Do you have a cell phone with you?" Seth said.
"Yeah, it was in my purse. It's still in the truck."
"You stay here, I'll grab it and call 911."
"Wait! Please don't leave me alone. I seriously don't know if that wolf will come back."
"I promise everything's going to be okay. I've got you." Seth assured her, propping her against the guard rail, gingerly situating her arm. "Let me get your phone, okay? You've got to trust me."
"Weirdly enough, I already trust you. The bag's purple. Please be careful."
"I will." Seth walked away for a split second, hurrying into the cab of the truck and grabbing her purse. He walked back with it and set it into her lap.
"Wow. You're like a gymnast or something." She dug into her purse and grabbed her cellphone. "Also where's your shirt? It's freezing out here."
"It's a long story, but I'll be okay. How's your arm?"
"Hurts like a motherf-it's great." She grimaced, clutching onto her obviously broken forearm. It was bent at a slight angle. The wrong angle.
"I know, angel. I know. Hold on a little while longer. I'm gonna call the emergency services now." Seth took her cellphone and dialed, trying to keep her warm. When he was done with the call, she put her phone back into her purse and stared up at him.
"How are you so warm? It's literally below zero out."
"I was just born that way." Seth smiled, his pearlescent teeth standing out against the backdrop of his tan skin.
"Seriously? Weird," she said. "Thanks for saving me. I thought my goose was cooked."
"I just happen to live close to here and I heard the squeal of your tires. I figured there was trouble because of the ice on the ground. People get into accidents on this stretch all the time."
"That's convenient and brave. So what is your name, oh mighty savior?"
"I'm Seth." He reached out his hand to shake her other hand and she giggled.
"Seth? As in Seth Clearwater?" All the pieces to the puzzle came together. She was a friend of Leah's. That's where he'd heard her name before, and why she seemed so familiar.
"The one and only." He grinned.
"Oh my gosh. You're Leah's little brother." Her eyebrows shot up to her hair line.
"Yeah, I am. Who're you?"
"You wouldn't remember me. When we were all little I used to spend the night at Mrs. Clearwater's house all the time. Leah used to be my best friend. I'm Allie."
An ambulance could be heard, slowly chugging its way up the curve. Seth stood back and watched with difficulty as Allie was taken care of by the paramedics. When the time came to take her away to the hospital to treat her broken arm, she hesitated.
"Uhm... can I ask for you to ride with me? I'm scared."
Seth wanted badly to go with her but they wouldn't allow him inside the hospital without a shirt. "I would but I'm sure my family is wondering where I am."
"Right. Well, thank you for saving me again." She leaned forward on the gurney and hugged him as best she could.
"When I get home and change, I'll come up and see you. If... if that's okay."
"Sure. I know my ólo will certainly want to know who saved me."
(father)
"What's your last name? So I can ask for it at the front desk."
"Locklear."
"Alright, Allie Locklear. I'll see you in a bit."
"Thanks, again." She waved with her other hand as the door to the ambulance closed.
Seth stood there and watched as the ambulance disappeared around the bend. Judging solely on her mannerisms, Seth wasn't sure if she liked him or not. His wolf was doing back-flips inside his mind, happily drowning in the fact that he imprinted. Finally.
When he phased again, it was quiet for a few minutes. Then the sound of all the others came rushing in at once.
No way, Seth. That's awesome, Embry said.
My baby's all grown up, Jake said.
Smooth recovery with the whole wolf thing, Quil said.
I can't stay long. I'm due up at the hospital, Seth replied.
We know, lover boy. Jake chuckled. Just remember, take it easy on her. She can't know about us for a little while. At least when you're getting to know her.
I understand, Seth said.
Good. Now get out of here and go see your girl, Jake said.
Seth flung open the door to his bedroom, rushing around the tiny space to find clothes that weren't wrinkled or dirty. He settled for a black t-shirt and flannel, along with the only pair of jeans in his drawer that weren't ripped. Once he was finished, he spritzed a little cologne on the center of his chest and brushed his long jet black hair. He grabbed his keys off the counter and hopped into the cab of his old square-body truck. Seth shifted it into gear and it rumbled down the driveway.
The entire drive, Seth was muttering to him self under his breath. Will she like me? What if she doesn't? Thoughts he couldn't seem to get rid of, ones that rattled around his mind nonstop. Seth shook his head briefly, arriving at the hospital in record time.
He popped down his visor to check his reflection in his mirror, pulling his hair into a low ponytail. Seth straightened the collar to his flannel and exited his truck, making his way to the front desk. As Seth walked through the glass double doors, his senses were overwhelmed by the sterile atmosphere of the hospital. He ignored it, approaching the desk where a nurse sat looking at a computer.
"Hi. Excuse me. I'm here to see Allie Locklear."
"Okay, hun, gimme a moment and I'll find her room," she said, tapping away on the keyboard in front of her.
Seth waited patiently, wringing his hands together from nervousness.
She continued, "she's in room 302 A. Here's your badge for visiting."
"Thank you so much. Have a good day."
Seth took the thin sticker and slapped it onto his right peck. He turned about on the balls of his feet, walking up to the elevator. Once Seth pressed the button, the doors opened and he slid inside the thin space. There were two other people on the elevator, too. They looked Seth up and down as he leaned his head forward to fit inside, eyes wide in wonder.
When the elevator reached the third floor and opened, Seth stepped out and looked for the signs on the walls to find Allie's room. It wasn't that difficult, considering she was one of the first ones. He turned once and headed down the hall, finding the door to her room. Seth could hear laughter coming from inside, and he hesitated once. He overcame his worries, knocking on the door as he entered.
"Knock, knock," he said.
Allie sat up in bed, her left arm now in a plaster cast. There were three people already in the room with her. Possibly two younger siblings, and her mother.
"Hi. We were just talking about you," Allie said.
"All good things, I hope." Seth chuckled.
"Yes! Thank you so much for saving our Allie. I don't know what would have happened if you didn't." The woman from the corner stood up and pulled Seth into a hug. "Goodness, you are tall. Allie wasn't kidding."
"Yeah, I ate all my veggies growing up."
She stifled a laugh. "Allie tells me you're Leah's little brother."
"I am. My name's Seth."
"So good to meet you, Seth. Once again, thank you so much for saving my daughter."
"It was no big deal. Really."
"In my eyes it is. Please, have a seat." She gestured to the open chair in the corner.
The two children in the other corner came up to Seth and hugged each arm.
"Thank you for saving sissy," they said in unison.
Seth beamed. "You're welcome."
The group continued to talk until it became dark. At that time, Allie's father had arrived and also thanked Seth for saving his daughter. Seth felt right at home with her family, and his wolf was happy being by his imprint, seeing she was safe. He thought about Paul and grimaced, remembering how his first interaction with his imprint went. Seth was grateful it turned out this way, despite the fact she got hurt.
There were no more missing imprints...
*I hope you enjoyed finding out about Seth's imprint! : )
*All that's left is Rachel letting down her walls and choosing Paul!~
*Leave me a review and heart while you're here! I love to read them! :D
