*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.
*This story features dark Edward.
* Jacob maintains his pre-wolf personality, but a little animosity with his transformations.
*Includes a stronger Bella arc.
*The timeline begins after the infamous cliff jump incident in New Moon and divulges from the original.
*Quileute wolves do not imprint on anyone unless both parties are at least 18. There are NO huge age gaps (ex. 4 and 16), and it happens between anyone regardless of gender or sexual orientation.
*Quileute wolves also do not cut their hair out of respect for their personal and spiritual beliefs. It does not affect their transformations.
*There will be warnings for certain chapters that contain disturbing imagery that some may find triggering.
*This chapter features a pov change.
*This chapter contains PG-13 imagery! Mature content ahead!
JACOB POV
Bella changed into more somber clothes before we left, hurriedly brushed her hair and then teeth. I joined her, looking into the mirror and smoothing down the multiple strays that had fallen out of my bun. My hair usually cooperated but today it seemed as though it had a mind of its own. I didn't have any dress clothes to change into, so I went as is to the viewing. I doubted many others would wear dress clothes to the viewing. We arrived a few minutes before five in the evening, and I took some extra time visiting Sue Clearwater. I anticipated Leah would be there after the viewing started, semi-dreading the thought because of our pack connection. Both Sue and Seth were pacing the carpet towards the front, taking turns welcoming large assortments of guests wishing to pay their respects.
You alright, Leah?
My voice echoed. Silence.
I know you hear me. I'm here if you wanna talk.
Thanks for the sentiment, Jake. I'll be just peachy.
Her response was delayed, and I winced at the emotion in her voice. It sounded icy more than upset. She plodded in through the double-doors to the funeral home and willfully ignored a hug from Sue. When she reached me, Leah gently shoved my right arm and glared at me. I knew she was trying. I fought back the urge to force her to behave. The atmosphere was heavy enough. She went to speak to her father, and subsequently ended up straightening Seth's tie on the way. Leah ignored most of the people who came in through the door, leaning against a pillar in the back of the viewing room. She saw Sam and the rest of his pack enter first. Leah made a b-line towards the refreshments Sue had set up in the kitchen outside of the viewing room.
Keep them away from me.
On it—try to stay calm, please.
It was important that she stay composed. I could sense that she let go of her anger towards Sam, but she was right in walking away from the rest of the goon squad. Any back-handed, sarcastic comment from either pack wouldn't be well received in this setting. We did not need a tussle at the viewing, or for someone to phase in front any humans. I was without my peacekeeper, the opposite of kryptonite for me. Bella had been with Charlie since we arrived, helping him consolidate his feelings and regrets. I zeroed in on Sam, Emily and the rest of my old pack. They stuck out like a sore thumb. I greeted them slowly, one by one; hugs abound. Paul impartially snorted at me when I tried to bury the hatchet and greet him. He simply patted my shoulder. We were on speaking terms again, but I was thankful I couldn't hear him or Jared. Both of them walked away after Sam's ok. I was confident Sam would enforce a strict no-fighting order for this specific occasion. Quil and Embry gave me equally strong bear-hugs when they got close enough.
"Hey guys... Sam, Em." I whispered, enjoying the mental silence at the present time. It was great.
"Where's Bella?" Emily questioned, pulling me into a surprisingly strong embrace for her tiny build.
"She's with her dad. Harry was one of Charlie's best friends." I pointed to them and waved to Bella. She smiled happily, giving a small wave in our direction. I think Charlie was in the process of showing her all the fish they'd caught in a twenty-year span. That's what I could make out with all of the sounds in the room. I knew she wouldn't dare interrupt her dad's monologue. She understood that honoring memories spent with the person who passed was an important part of the healing process. Even if it was about salmon and trout from every size and color variation. Dad seldom talked about mom, but every once in a while, he told stories about her. It helped.
"We'll go say hi after we pay our respects. Is Leah here?" Emily murmured, peering towards the ground. She must have wanted to make up with her cousin and comfort her in this time of need. Her heart was in the right place, but it was the wrong setting.
"Yeah, she's out there. Probably trying to avoid as many people as possible. But Em... it's not really the best time. Harry's death is already hard on her, maybe try later when she can't phase in front of hundreds of people." Emily flashed a dejected expression, which then turned into a melancholic one. She nodded in agreement after a short respite. Sam squeezed her further to his side.
"It's ok Em'. We'll talk with her later." He reassured her, fixing some of her long black hair over her shoulder that was covering the right side of her face. They walked away to talk with Sue. Embry and Quil stuck around; it was like old times with just the three of us. I really missed their company. Before phasing, they were my best friends. Being a wolf complicated everything. Quil could be mischievous like me, but I knew he had my back and Embry never faltered.
"Hey, how's Bella?" Quil asked with a wink, elbowing me in the ribs. I arched an eyebrow at him.
"She's good. Nothing really changed since yesterday, dude."
"Sorry, man. Embry filled me in on the whole 'imprint' situation. I was wondering if anything happened since then." Lightning struck my brain in that moment.
"No, we haven't—I haven't yet. But Leah did." I glanced around, whispering to them.
"No way, dude. I never thought she'd end up with someone," Quil made a disgusted face, sticking out his tongue, "she's such a cold-hearted bitch."
"Hey, she's not that bad, Quil. I'm glad she did. You have to remember that Sam imprinted on Em' while he was dating Leah. They were together for years," I looked back towards the kitchen, "she deserves some happiness."
Even though she wasn't beside me, I felt deep pride for our two-person pack. I wanted to defend her name. I'm sure she was thankful the others hadn't seen her imprint. She was a private person, like Bella. Becoming a wolf, losing her father the same day, and discovering her ex was fated to be with her cousin was harsh—traumatic even. She was owed peace. Leah was a good person that bad stuff had happened to. She would heal with time. I was confident Angela would help her find her way. She had me to lean on now, too.
"That's some good news. Glad she got away from the Sam/Emily pain-fest." Embry added and crossed his arms.
I can stand up for myself, Jake.
I know you can, Leah. But you're in my pack now, it comes with the territory. No trash mouthing anyone while I'm around.
Whatever.
She poked her head around the column by the coffee station, glaring towards us. The corners of her lips tilted up on the right side to reveal a reluctant smile from across the room. We locked eyes for a moment and laughed to ourselves.
"Yeah, I guess you're right, Jake. Who did she imprint on? Do we know him?" Quil shuffled his feet.
"No, and it's not a 'him'. She imprinted on a girl who goes to Bella's school. Her name's Angela. You'll probably see her around soon enough." Quil and Embry exchanged incredulous looks and then shrugged.
You love who you love. The connection happens regardless of skin color, gender or background. Thankfully, there seemed to be some exceptions to imprinting. It typically only happened with people 18 or older and with no huge age gaps, either. We were told it was because both people could live the rest of their lives together as complete partners. It was beautiful magic, and it made me proud to be a Quileute Native.
"I wonder when we'll imprint." Quil responded, thoughtfully scratching his chin.
"Don't rush it, man." I patted his shoulder and Embry's.
Before I had started to fall in love with Bella, I was similar to Leah. I previously thought imprinting was a curse. I saw it as losing yourself entirely to another person and unwillingly becoming their slave. As I spent more time with Bella, I realized it was deepening the bond you shared and allowing yourselves to connect on multiple levels. Physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. It left no room for questions. Even though I hadn't imprinted on her yet, I was secure in my love for her. It would only grow.
Bella, Charlie and I stayed until the end of the viewing. Sam's pack left within the first hour; Emily lingered a while afterwards. She was determined to visit with her aunt more. We helped clean up some of the snacks and beverages that had been prepared for the viewing. Sue thanked us for our time, and we said our goodbyes to Charlie for the night. He had wanted to make sure Ms. Clearwater got home ok and discuss the funeral arrangements tomorrow. He was a paul-bearer and had a speech planned. I gave a big hug to Seth before we left.
Hey, come talk to me for a minute before you leave.
Ugh, do I have to? I'm kind of peopled out for today.
Please? I wanted to talk to you about tomorrow and possibly watching over Bella at school again. You'll get to see Angela...
I mused, knowing it would pique her interest.
Alright, alright. I get the picture.
Leah met us outside the funeral home, where we were out of ear shot from Charlie.
"So, when do you want me to watch her tomorrow?" Leah said flatly, tucking her hands into the pockets of her dress pants.
"When she's at school in the morning. I asked Embry to take over when we're at the funeral tomorrow, then I'll pick her up."
Bella seemed upset at the thought of everyone going out of their way to protect her but realistically, I just wanted to make sure she would be safe. I couldn't risk any opening. Putting her life in jeopardy was simply not an option. Her brow furrowed and her mouth formed into a solemn frown, her body leaned further towards mine. I looked down into her chocolate eyes.
"I know you don't like it, but we can't give Victoria the chance. She's too crafty and we don't know her next move with those baby vamps."
"We can always find out. Alice has visions," she noted. Not this again. It didn't sit right with me to trust the Cullen's after what they had done to her. There was that and what's-his-face's phone call. It was borderline foreboding. It felt that way to me at least.
"Bells, I would like to limit our exposure to the Cullen's as much as possible—for obvious reasons. We also don't know his motives. It's still a high possibility he could read Alice's mind and try to take you when the packs are fighting—"
"This whole conversation is super enlightening and all, but can I go now?" Leah interrupted. I could sense she was drained from the day and fighting to stay awake.
"Yeah, you can go. Thanks, Leah." I patted her shoulder, and she shied out of my reach.
"See ya, Black. Later, Bella."
She waved briefly to her and turned her back, disappearing into the darkness surrounding the streetlight we were standing under. I heard paw pads hitting pavement momentarily and then the sound dissolved into the idle of crickets and frogs of the night.
"Ready to go home?" I breathed into Bella's hair, inhaling her sweet scent. She squeezed her arms around me tighter, I kissed her forehead tenderly.
"Yes, please. I'll text Alice and see if she talked to Carlisle."
"Sounds good," I agreed.
We took our time and got back to her house around 7. Charlie obviously wasn't home and wouldn't be home until much later. I parked the bike down one of the side streets adject to the house. I planned to take it back for the funeral but didn't want to worry about moving it from the driveway after Charlie got back. Bella changed into pajamas, and she sat cross-legged on her bed, staring blankly at her cellphone for a while. I was opposite her on the floor, less than a foot away, tossing a stuffed teddy-bear up and down. I thought about buying her a stuffed wolf to keep her company.
"Alice said she talked to Carlisle. He agreed that it would be best for all of them to fight the growing threat of newborn vampires coming." Her face went white, "I don't know if I can do this, Jake." I instantly knelt beside her, holding her soft face in my hands. With our height difference, I was eye level with her now.
"It's gonna be okay. Whatever happens that day—I'll protect you. If I have to, I'll keep you safe from him and the leeches. I'll be with you the whole time," I gazed lovingly into her dark eyes, "did she say when all of them might be back in town?"
"No. Let me ask her when Victoria plans on coming here with her army first." She picked up the square, red device and shakily typed a text message to Alice. The screen lit up with a reply less than five seconds after she hit send. It was unnerving how fast she typed.
She hasn't made the decision yet. I see a total of 22 vampires as of now in Seattle with her. Wait. Hold on. – ALICE
Bella straightened and she pressed her forehead to mine, staring down at the screen. I took this opportunity to sneak a kiss on her cheek. She smiled softly and tossed her phone onto the bed.
"Charlie won't be home for a little while still. Do you want to keep me warm?" Her voice was filled with sadness. My heart hurt hearing that, but I was conflicted. Her invitation was oh so tempting.
"Miss Swan, you're asking me to lay with you. Me? Lay with you? In your bed?" I laid the sarcasm on thick and laughed with my whole body. Then I stood up, walking around the other side to cuddle her. She didn't need to ask twice. I drew my arms around Bella and pulled her close, resting my chin on the apex of her crown.
"You're really not gonna like the next part then." She chuckled wryly. She shifted out of my grasp in mere seconds and pushed down on her headboard with both of her hands. Bella hooked one leg around my side and straddled me in one swift motion. My breath hitched in my throat, the shock growing in my expression. My eyes were wide with twin feelings of confusion and surprise. Wait. What?
"Bella. W-what're you doing?" My voice wavered as my heart hammered inside my chest. I didn't understand her thought process, or how I was feeling right then. Why was she on top of me? I didn't know if I was ready for this next step in our relationship...
"This!" She ran her hands against my sides in a grabbing motion—she was trying to tickle me. I roared with laughter and repeated her gesture, my hands molded to her barely-there love-handles. In the struggle, we had completely flipped. She was losing the tickle fight, largely in part due to my hands being much bigger and the fact I had an unfair advantage in size alone. I was a lot stronger than her as well but careful enough to never hurt her. We paused and stared into each other's eyes. A loud buzz came from Bella's phone sitting on the comforter beside our faces. She grabbed it and we read the response.
She will be coming here in three weeks' time. It will happen the day after you graduate, in the early afternoon. I see blooms of wildflowers. Rosalie, Emmett, Carlisle and Esme are all on their way back to Forks now to prepare. — ALICE
Bella stared down at the message and was visibly puzzled. Even I didn't understand why she didn't mention the other Cullen. She typed a response slowly, turning onto her side. I spooned her, watching quietly over her shoulder.
Edward is already here. He's been locked away in his room. I haven't spoken to him since he arrived. — ALICE
Bella's face was devoid of color. She trembled lightly, accidentally dropping the phone onto the comforter inches away from her face. How long had he been here? Since yesterday? What if he had been watching all along from the shadows? The mere idea of Bella within a hundred miles of that dirty, blood-thirsty vulture made me feel sick, furious and more than anything—nervous. I broke away from my intrusive thoughts to tend to her. She was frozen in place, as if she had never let the phone go from her hold. I shook her gently, applying a kiss to her forehead.
"Bella? You okay?" I whispered. She blinked rapidly, her motions finally catching up with her mind. Bella turned over, burying her face into my pectoral muscle. She scrunched her knees up to her chest and loosely drew her arms about them. When she resurfaced, her chocolate-colored eyes darted from me to the door, then at the window, back to me again and shut tightly. She sighed deeply, slowly reopening them. I locked eyes with her.
"I don't think so, but it doesn't matter."
"Of course it matters. What's on your mind?" I brought her closer to me, purposefully nudging her phone away from us with my elbow.
"What's not on my mind? That's a better question to ask."
"Ah, I see. What is it that worries you the most?"
"I don't know. It's too much all at once. I have to worry about Edward and what he's scheming." Bella covered her face with her hands, "I'll be graduating high school right before this supposed war. I don't want to be a liability while you're fighting. Oh and that I have to be babysat every waking moment." She exhaled sharply, "I'm also afraid Victoria will change her mind and attack me when no one suspects it. I'm beyond overwhelmed with all these what-ifs."
"Alright... When you put it that way, I can see why you'd be overwhelmed, Bells." I paused, trying to think of ways to diminish her anxiety. "Do you want to talk more in depth about everything? Would it help you feel better discussing it?"
"Hmm. I'm not sure to be honest. Talking to you does help, but I feel the way TV static sounds. I wish I could turn my brain off," she huffed silently.
The cogs inside my head started to turn, "would keeping your mind preoccupied be a better option, then?"
"Maybe. I guess then I wouldn't be constantly worried." She was staring away from me.
"Your wish is my command." I thought about what would best distract from the craziness in our lives at this moment. Only one thing popped into my mind. Kiss her. Brilliant! Caution pinged into the forefront of my mind. She might not want that though, she did say she was overwhelmed. Kissing might be too much right now. I'll test the waters.
I cupped her face gingerly, "Bells, look at me."
She tilted her chin up a tiny amount, her eyes locked with mine. I rubbed the tender skin along her jaw, working one hand into her brunette hair to cup the back of her skull. While we were silent, I felt her heart begin to race under my touch. I studied the golden flecks hidden inside the twin pools of dark bronze of her eyes. My heart mirrored hers, picking up the pace with growing anticipation. She knew what I was thinking with one look. Her eyes fluttered closed, and she came forward to close the gap between us. Her feather soft lips touched mine and my eyes closed in succession. All thoughts melted away with her body contoured to mine in almost every way. Her hands laced into my hair, finding their respective places to my undoing. Bella pulled my hair down from the bun it had been in all day. The instant relief and tension release was unbelievable. She pulled me even closer to her, and there was absolutely no where left to go. We were as close as we could be, legs tangled wildly together, arms wrapped tightly around each other—our hearts glowing as bright as a bonfire's embers.
Our kisses divulged from delicate and precise to more passionate as time went on. I found myself wanting to explore this part of our love much too eagerly. Slowly resisting because I didn't want to push her too fast. She was under so much stress, I refused to add to that list. Less than a half hour ago I didn't even know if I wanted more than kissing. Kissing her was so intoxicating, it was enough to make me forget anything else before now. Bella didn't seem to want to stop, either. She was pawing at my shirt collar, the familiar and irresistible sound of her quiet mewls between panting for air made my blood simmer with hungry desire. I knowingly lost myself in the heat ignited between us. She was everything I ever wanted and then some. This was more than anything I dreamt of. A sudden wave of depravity washed over my crumbling resolve and I couldn't stand it anymore. I wanted it all—no, I needed her.
Bella felt like warm silk in my fiery hands, and her scent—God, her scent. The warmer we got, the stronger it became. My senses devoured the intense, ambrosial nectar of her essence; my body no longer followed thought, moving of its own accord. My hands traveled lower, desperately feeling the curves of her supple body. I embraced her fully, my arms encompassed her upper torso. I was on top of Bella, my hips anchored hers to the bed. Our lips separated and I kissed further down from her mouth. I found purchase on the sensitive highway from her jaw to her neck, and across the dip of her newly bare collarbone. Her skin was so velvety smoothe, the decadent freesia and lavender notes of her perfume were mouthwateringly sweet. I listened very carefully for how she responded to me, I was in tune with her physically. More than I'd ever been previously. Her back arched up against me, hands threading into my messy hair, her hips lifted and moved in tandem with mine. The sensations drove me nearly insane, I needed to feel more of her skin on mine.
I sat up too quickly, gathering her into my lap. She coiled her legs around my center without prompt. I was fighting against the urge to rip off her clothes and my own in a fit of decided lust. In this moment of pause, where I fought my inner nature, Bella did something I didn't expect. Her hands lifted her baggy shirt up, revealing the flat plane of her stomach. Wait—no. What was I doing? Stop. My morals came crashing down around me. I shakily held her hands still with my own. I had to slow down. I didn't mean for it to go this far, I loved her too damn much to even consider it.
"Why'd you stop?" She breathlessly murmured, her frame trembling. Her face was rosy, the expression muddled with confused longing.
"Bells... it's not the right time." I tried to reason with her and myself. Passion still had a heady, enormously strong and heavy grip on me. If she kissed me again—I knew I might not stop. I had to find the will.
"When will the right time be? I want this. I want you. I don't even know if we'll survive the next few weeks." She begged impatiently, nuzzling into the crook of my neck. She began kissing in a frenzied line across my jugular and the angle of my jawline. I squeezed my eyes shut, the feeling was almost unbearable. In a good way. Too good. My vision went hazy.
"I-I... I don't k-know." I managed to grit out. "Please, Bella. I want you t-too but..."
She did not say anything else. Her hands deftly slid under my shirt. When I felt them glide over my bare skin, my thoughts turned to mush. She lifted her shirt again and pressed our exposed middles together. I stifled a groan, biting my lower lip hard. I would not last much longer. My concrete morals were waning, only held in place by a singular, sheer thread. One more movement, one more kiss and there was no going back. A loud clatter startled both of us, Charlie must have come home. We'd lost track of time... I heard footsteps shuffling up the stairs after the front door slammed close.
"Charlie's home," I hissed softly, I threw her off me onto the pillowy down of the bed and rushed to the confides of her closet. I closed the door and noticed the rustling of her comforter. The door to Bella's room creaked open.
"You awake, Bells? I thought I heard voices." He called, I could see him dimly in the light from the lamp on her bedside table. I was peaking through the slats of the french door, expertly holding my breath.
"Uh, yeah, sorry Dad. I called and talked to mom." Bella raised her phone, which lit up with the dial screen. "Just got off the phone." Clever girl.
"Oh. Right. The time change in Jacksonville." He nodded, pausing, "where's Jake?"
"He went home—wanted to spend more time with Billy. Speaking of, we're having dinner with him tomorrow night."
"That sounds great. I should come, too. Been a while since I've seen hot wheels." Charlie always joked with my dad. When I was growing up, it was common place for them to throw pleasant, sarcastic quips back and forth at each other.
"I'd call and ask first. We haven't told Jake's dad that we're dating yet. That's why we were gonna have dinner."
"Nonsense, Bella. Billy is like a brother to me. And I know for a fact he wanted you two to get together for a long while now." Charlie looked around, "almost as much as I did."
"If you say so dad. I'm gonna get some sleep. You should, too. Good night." Bella was hiding most of her face with the comforter. It was a good thing, because I could see the edge of her blush from here.
"Right. Thanks for earlier, by the way."
"For what, dad?"
"For humoring your old man. I appreciate it. Night, honey." Charlie patted the door frame and closed her door. I waited for the telltale squeak on the floorboards by his room.
"Jake?" Bella whispered, sitting up in her bed.
"Shh. Not yet." I cracked the door open an inch, listening for the door to Charlie's bedroom to shut. Click.
I painstakingly reopened the closet door, avoiding the part in the track that made noise. Balancing my weight, I tiptoed back to her bed and sat down beside her. She looked up at me with a incredulous and playful smirk.
"Don't give me that look." I warned jokingly.
"That was close. Are you gonna stay with me?" She muttered, reaching for me. "I'm sorry for pushing the envelope. I promise not to rush you."
"Yeah, I always wanna stay with you. Don't apologize—I started it. I thought kissing might keep your mind off things, but I'm the reason it got out of hand."
"No, Jake, you always stop. I didn't want to this time. I was the one who kept egging you on," she threaded her fingers with mine, "I will admit, you did a great job distracting me. Is it bad to say I want more?" She searched my eyes for an answer.
"It's not bad. Anything between us will never be bad, or wrong. It's only natural. I just think tonight isn't ideal timing for that, Bells." I moved into my spot beside her, tucking her into the comforter. I was far too hot to be under it right now.
"Yeah, you're right. I got carried away with being wishful." She traced over the skin on the top of my hand, lifting both of ours up into the air together. Bella studied the size difference between my bear paws and her long, dainty fingers.
"Stop blaming yourself. We both wanted it—I still want it. But we should wait."
"True. I can't help it, it's my fault." She paused, "I don't know when the right time will be."
"Why do you think you're the only one who's at fault?"
"Skeletons hidden in the closet, I guess. I spent a lot of time repressing anything to do with that sort of stuff."
"Nah. It's just messy in there. Was that a radio on the floor? I noticed it a while ago. Kept forgetting to ask."
"Not the one that came with the Chevy. That one was installed by Emmett for my birthday. When they left I ripped it out and smashed it."
"Wow and I thought I had anger issues. Kidding, kidding... you pulled that out on your own?"
"I was upset." She crossed her arms, giving a small harumph.
"Why'd you hide it?"
"Didn't want Charlie to think the truck had been broken into."
"That makes sense. You need to sleep, it's getting late." It was close to 10PM. "Don't worry about timing. You'll know when the time is right."
"Thanks for the update, I know what time it is." She smiled and nestled her head into the crook of my neck. Her arms wrapped around me and I did the same with her. She fell asleep not long after that, and I turned off the lamp. I hoped she'd get some rest. I didn't sleep for a long while. My mind fixated on the Cullen that was entirely too close. The one that had ulterior motives to return to Forks. Namely with Bella. I wouldn't allow that.
BELLA'S POV
The alarm clock stabbed through my subconscious and morning came so much quicker than I anticipated. My only saving grace would be dinner with Jake later today. That was so very far away from now. Now—being six in the morning—I had absolutely zero will to exist outside of my bed. It was warm, comfortable and held my favorite person in the whole world. Maybe it wouldn't matter if I skipped school today. Could I get away with faking sick? No. It was too close to graduation. I didn't want to sit through another monumentally boring day and listen to Jess whine about Mike and ask me fifty questions. That was extremely low on my list of priorities. Bottom tier, to be exact.
"Good morning," Jake moved a stray curl away from my face.
"Eh. Morning." I grumbled.
"Didn't sleep well?"
"No, I did. It wasn't long enough, as per usual."
"You'd sleep forever if I let you." He smiled warmly, "c'mon, you need to eat breakfast."
"I know," I rubbed the sleep from my eyes, "are you driving me to school?"
"Do you want me to?" He fluffed my hair a small amount, and kissed my forehead gently.
"Always." I yawned, stretching my limbs.
"That's not gonna be a long time. You graduate very soon, Bells."
"But I'll still get to enjoy it for now."
"Yes, you do." Jake helped me stand from the bed and went down stairs. I rushed through the motions of getting ready for school, half-heartedly caring about what I looked like. I planned to change my clothes into something a little less slumpy after school.
Forcing a few bites of cereal down my throat, I took a few gulps of milk from the bowl. Washing it in the kitchen sink, I put it into the dishwasher to rinse. Jake finished a pop tart inhumanly fast in front of me, I wasn't quite sure if I'd ever get used to how much food he could eat. I knew that was like an appetizer for him. I brushed my teeth silently beside him and we departed for Forks high. It would be another typical day, full of boring, usual 'learning'. I already knew all of the material in all of my classes. When we pulled into the parking lot, I saw Leah sitting on the curb by the door. She looked especially sad in that moment, but she saw—more so—heard my loud truck and perked up a little.
"Do you think Leah is excited to talk with Angela?"
"Oh, no doubt. She probably couldn't stop thinking about it last night."
"Aww. That's very sweet... but Angela is dating Ben. I hope she doesn't get hurt."
"It's not like a crush, Bells. They'll inevitably end up together. Most high-school relationships don't last anyway," Jake looked thoughtful, "imprints are different. It's true love."
"You're such a sentimentalist." I hooked my bag over my shoulder, uneasily opening my door.
"You are too." Jake was quickly at my side and we walked towards the building.
On my own, I might have skinned my knee today because of the newly uneven pavement between the curb and asphalt. The road commission must have redone it yesterday after school and I didn't notice how much higher it was than I perceived it. Jake straightened me before I fell forward, catching me with one arm. My balance was thrown off by all the heavy books I hoarded in my bag. I secretly wished I wasn't so awkward, I attracted catastrophe like a magnet.
"Don't you know how to walk?" Leah joked, stifling a laugh with her hand.
"I must have skipped that part in the instructions."
"Clearly. Good thing Black is light on his feet. He's got that whole savior complex thing down."
Jake looked like he was going to say something but then decided against it and shot an icy glare in her direction. Leah stood from the curb; her face drained of color and became a lot paler. She looked away from me and peered down at the pavement. I glanced behind me to see what it was that had bothered her. Then I realized once I saw Ben's Honda civic. Both Angela and him were mid kiss, not a rare sight for most teens in the high-school parking lot. In fact, that was tame given the cesspool of ranging hormones gathered here at one time.
"Alright, it's been fun. I'm gonna go wash my eyes out with bleach." She scowled at the ground.
"Yeah... see you later, Leah." Jake urged, his right eyebrow arched. Leah stalked off across the lot, probably to phase. She disappeared behind some cars before I could say anything in reassurance. Unfortunately, I'd have to go to school soon. Jess's voice was audible before I actually saw her.
"Oooh. What a gentleman, dropping your girlfriend off at the door." She crooned and sharply elbowed Mike's ribs. He angrily eyed her and walked faster into the school without so much as a word. She followed him after winking at us.
"I'll pick you up later, Bells. Have a good day at school," Jake paused, pulling me in for one last hug, "try not to get a migraine." He whispered. I knew he was referring to Jessica and I chuckled.
"I'll do my best. See ya later, Jake." I lingered to watch him walk back to the truck, turned and entered the building. It wouldn't hurt to be a few minutes late to first period. It was just Calculus, nothing special.
The hours ticked by and the last bell to release us at 2:30PM sounded. Had I been on autopilot all day? I didn't remember a single thing. Not even lunch. I threw my notebook, pencils and history textbook into my messager bag quickly. When I made it to my locker, I made a mental note of what I needed to study for later. I switched the necessary subjects and practically skipped to the door. Minus the skipping part. I probably would have fallen flat on my face if I dared to try. When I opened the door, I saw my behemoth of a truck rumbling in the parking lot in the very same spot as this morning. It was relieving to see Jake again, I was surprised not to see Leah around though. Ben left school early due to feeling sick and Angela caught me before I descended the steps outside.
"Hey, did you get a chance to read those chapters for bio 2?"
"No, I haven't yet. I was going to tonight."
"Shoot, I was a little confused on chapter nine. Text me when you get to it so we can go over it, please." She pleaded, linking her arm with mine.
"Yeah, I'll message you. I was gonna go to Jake's place for dinner tonight so it might be a little later. Is that ok?"
"Dinner with his folks? That sounds very nice and official. Yeah, later is fine. It's not due for a few days anyway. No rush."
"His mom passed a while ago, so it's just us and his dad. But yeah, I'm definitely nervous." I wasn't bothered about talking about Sarah. I didn't have many memories of her sadly.
"I'm so sorry, I didn't know. Also, it's normal to be nervous. It's not the first time you're meeting him, is it?"
"No, Jake and I have been close friends since we were very little. I practically spent every summer here growing up. Billy was like a second dad to me. Now, it's a little different."
"You'll do great, don't worry Bella. It sounds like he already thinks of you as another daughter."
"Yeah, you're right," I thought about Billy's distaste for the Cullen's and how he gave me the cold shoulder. He paid Jake to try to break Edward and I up at prom. Hopefully Billy still wouldn't see me in that same light, and instead as a sheep that had been led astray off the safe path. A lost lamb—hunted and lied to by a murderous lion.
"Alright, I'll see you later. I've gotta go take soup to Ben and go grocery shopping for my family. See ya tomorrow." Angela gave me a tight hug goodbye, walking to her car moments afterwards.
Once she made it to her white Ford focus, she waved to Jake, and he waved back. The interaction warmed my heart, but I also knew something Angela didn't. She was Leah's imprint, so that made her practically family to him and eventually... to me. My thoughts swirled around my mind. I wondered when Angela would find out about the secret world of vampires and werewolves she would soon be drawn into. I shook my head and refocused onto the chevy. I needed to mentally prepare to tell Billy I was dating his son—even worse still—that we were destined to be imprints. How would he take the news?