In the almost 30 minute drive to the reservation, my dad asked me about 10 times if he should turn around and take me home. I tried to reassure him every time that everything would be fine. I would be.. at least I hoped I would.
We stopped and got some breakfast from McDonald's. It was super greasy but it was delicious. I had hardly eaten anything in the last few days. My stomach was screaming for food but I had been so out of it I had barely noticed. The breakfast sandwich tasted like heaven. I ate it all in a matter of seconds and my dad gave me half of his. I felt bad but I knew he was happy to see me eat.
We took my car. Charlie was going to be driving to the lake in Billy's truck. The cruiser wouldn't have made it through the rocky terrain, plus there was more room for their stuff. Charlie pulled into Billy's driveway and immediately jumped out. He practically ran to Billy's car. I chuckled. It was like he was a teenager again. The way he was acting was the same as Jacob got when he talked about his cars and mechanic skills. I saw Jacob then standing over by the garage. He looked excited but also shy. It was adorable. Mostly because I was feeling the same way. I slowly got out of my truck and walked over to him.
"Hey Jake" I said with a smile. Jacob flashed me his amazing smile and then took my hand and led me into the garage. I managed a quick goodbye to Charlie before sitting down on the lumpy old couch that sat inside. He started showing me his projects he was working on. He was almost jumping out of his skin when he was showing off his newest project. 2 practically destroyed motor bikes that he was reconstructing.
He talked to me about his stuff for almost 2 hours. Then we went for a walk into the woods where we talked about the wildlife and all the cool stories of him playing with his friends. By early evening we made our way to this lady's house. She was supposed to be preparing the "big feast" in my honor. I was a bit embarrassed at first but Jacob calmed my anxiety. Right as we got to the door, Jacob stopped me.
"Listen, Emily looks a bit... different. Whatever you do don't stare. She doesn't mind at all, but her husband does. He will make a big scene." Jacob looked at me desperately. I just stood there looking bewildered. What could be so bad that I needed this warning? I nodded, but paused. I was suddenly scared of what was behind the door. Jacob didn't look completely convinced but he put on his best smile, opened the door and walked inside. I took a deep breath and walked in. There, in the middle of the kitchen stood a lady. She was quietly singing to herself. The delicious smells filled the house. My mouth was actually watering.
Even though she was turned away I knew the lady must be beautiful. She turned to the side and she looked perfect. Her thick black hair was naturally wavy. Her eyelashes were full and long. She had a natural beauty not to mention a body that would make even Rosalie jealous. I immediately felt under dressed and insecure about my stringy straight hair. I looked at Jacob confused. What was so scary about her?! I was expecting her to have an extra hand or something extreme.
"Who's there?" She called.
"It's just us, Emily!" Shouted Jacob. "I have the 'guest of honor' right here!" He ran into the kitchen and tried to take a muffin but she playfully slapped his hand.
"Now now Jake. Wait until everything is ready!" Jacob groaned and sadly put the food back.
"How are you, hun" I was startled that she spoke to me. Before I could answer, she turned to face me completely. I then understood why Jacob said what he did.
Emily's right side of her face and neck were completely scarred. She looked like she was scratched by a wild beast. Her right eye was completely destroyed the scars down her neck were fading but still very noticeable. The right side of her lip was pulled into a permanent frown. I then realized that my mouth was hanging open. I closed it and looked at the floor embarrassed. Emily either didn't notice or didn't care. She acted like nothing had happened. She had gone back to cooking.
"I-I-I'm doing ok.." I stuttered. Jacob rolled his eyes at me but also didn't say anything. I so badly wanted to pull him aside and ask what happened but I knew it would be rude. I decided I would ask later tonight if it came up. "Th-the food smells great!" That definitely was the truth! I had never smelled something that good in my life.
"Aww thanks dear! It was made especially in your honor. Why don't you pick out a seat before everyone else arrives. Once all the guys get here, the food will be served"
I sat down next to Jacob who was staring longingly at the chicken. This meal looked like it was made for 200 people. Pretty soon the rest of the guys showed up. A few of them brought their girlfriends. It made me feel better that I wasn't the only girl there. Right before food was set up, a man way older than the rest of the boys came in the door. He made a beeline for Emily and gave her a long hug before kissing her. He kissed her on the lips and then down the scars. I immediately felt the familiar pain shoot through my chest. I would never have that..
Before I knew it, Jacob was piling so much stuff on my plate. A chicken leg, mashed potatoes with cheese and bacon, Mac and cheese, a salad and a muffin. I don't think I've ever seen my plate filled like Jacob filled mine. Everyone else was already digging into their meals two of the youngest boys tried to start a food fight but a stern glare from the man stopped them in their tracks. I started eating. The pain in my heart was making it almost impossible but my stomach was so happy to be eating again. This feast reminded me of a thanksgiving meal.
I actually managed to eat most of everything that was on my plate. I felt so full and suddenly felt exhausted. I was barely able to stand. With a sleepy wave at everyone, Jacob had to help me up and we slowly started back to his house. When we finally made it back to his place I suddenly remembered that there was only one bed. I couldn't believe that I had actually forgotten to pack a sleeping bag. Jacob being the gentleman that he was offered me his bed. I felt bad to take his comfy bed but he kept insisting on it. Instead of him sleeping in the living room, he decided to sleep on the floor. As we were laying there we continued to talk. We talked about the day and the amazing dinner. I couldn't help it anymore. I asked about Emily.
"Jake.. what happened to Emily?" I was hesitant to ask but I couldn't stop my curiosity. Jacob paused. I could tell he was thinking of what to say. Finally he sighed and looked at me.
"She was attacked by a wolf. One day she surprised one and it lashed out. Probably thought it needed to protect itself... I remember that day." He shuttered. I suddenly had a horrible vision of Emily being attacked by a vicious beast. I started to tear up.
"But she seems so happy and positive about everything! I would picture someone with her injuries crumbling down and being afraid of everything!"
Jacob laughed a sarcastic laugh. "She wasn't always positive. Right after it happened and her face was stitched together, she was depressed, she was angry, for a while her and Sam split because she felt like he deserved someone better than her.. but with the support of this community and her now husband, Sam, she slowly got better. She still has bad days but they are few and far between. Usually her 'cure' is a big hug from Sam. He looks at her like she is perfect. Like she has no flaws. I hope to one day find someone who I can look at like that..." he paused and I had an awkward feeling that he was staring at me.
He sighed and rolled over "goodnight Bella. Sleep well.." before long I heard his breath even out. I listened to him breathe for a bit. Suddenly I realized that I was alone with my thoughts. I started to think about what he was doing. Did he find someone more his type? Was he actually happy? The pain in my heart came back with a vengeance. I didn't want to cry but I could feel the tears slowly start to fall. I buried my face in Jacob's pillow and quietly sobbed until I couldn't anymore. Slowly as the burning pain started to die down, I drifted off to sleep, my dreams filled with the cullens laughing at me, mocking me at how stupid I was to believe I could fit in with them. I would be alone forever.