My family was scattered around the room, looking at ease. My parent’s faces brightened as soon as I walked in and my mom rose out of my father’s arm and danced towards me to give me a hug. I saw her wrinkle her nose as she pulled away.
“Not my fault,” I muttered to myself. They all laughed and Alice danced towards me, pulling on my hand. She sat me down on the couch, curling her legs under her. My mom fell back into my father’s lap on the floor and he kissed her cheek.
“So you probably are wondering why charlotte and Peter were here Nessie?” My father’s voice was serious. Rose and Emmett sat up and Jasper hovered closer. Esme stood to go into the kitchen, Carlisle following her. I nodded at my father.
“Well Nessie when you were born and we had trouble with the Volturi, the news spread that we were gathering people to stand against them, though they were only needed as witnesses at first. charlotte and Peter didn’t come because they heard about you, thought that you were an immortal child and wanted nothing to do with you or us. They fear the Volturi. So after all these years they decided to come and visit to come and see us. They wanted to meet you but as soon as you got here Charlotte’s mind shifted towards attack. She never had the best control,” my father’s voice was serious and his teeth ground together.
“You overreact to much Edward,” Emmett laughed from behind the couch, his deep tenor voice vibrating the room. My dad hissed at him and Emmett chuckled again. Rose cleared her throat, flipping her hair.
“He’s right Edward. You are to protective,” My mom put her hand on my dad’s cheek and he smiled at her, taking a deep breath.
“But everything is fine now because there gone. uy Nessie?!” Alice sinabi perkily from beside me. I shifted my eyes away from my parents and looked at her glowing face. The face that showed she was up to something.
“Will you skip school tomorrow and go shopping with me? Please Ness, please?” her perfect voice wined. Jasper laughed and sank down onto the floor against her knees. Emmett and Rosalie moved from behind the house and sat down on the floor near the piano. I looked towards my mother who nodded her head at me. She was just happy that she wasn’t the one being asked to shop.
“Yea I’ll go. Why are we going?” Alice’s trilling laugh made me grit my teeth.
“I need to tindahan is all. Rose is going with us and Esme might go, but she may have to stay here tomorrow,” I nodded and smiled at Rose who winked at me.
“Renesmee sweety you should be getting to bed,” I glanced at my dad who was pulling my mother to her feet. He had used my full name…I didn’t mind my full name but I was used to Nessie and Ness. My mom had hated that name at first, tried to hurt Jacob when he had called me that. That struck something in me. I closed my eyes and sifted through the beginning. Why had she been mad? I focused on the memory, trying to remember what had set her off in the first place. But the only part I remembered was my mother flying gracefully at my Jacob and Seth getting in the way to save him. I remembered that I was glad that Seth had jumped in front of him because he was mine. Even when I was little I had this unexplainable claim on him. I always had.
“Nessie bed,” my father’s voice was tight. I stuck my tongue out at him. I knew he was pagbaba my thoughts. The rest of the family chimed their goodnights as I went to hug my parents. I found a pair of pajamas that Alice had bought me and climbed into my cold bed. I was shivering. I feebly wished Jacob was here. But at least I wouldn’t have to sit in high school tomorrow and pretend to listen, though I wouldn’t get to see Emily and Nahuel…Speaking of Nahuel. I grabbed the phone off of my nightstand and dialed his number. He answered on the first ring.
“Hey Nessie,” His voice was bright.
“Hi Nahuel. I was just letting you know that I won’t be in school tomorrow. I have to go shopping with Alice,” His voice was duller when he answered.
“Oh okay,” he sounded kinda sad. My door opened and Alice stuck her head around the door, her spiky black hair pulled into a pony.
“You can invite him,” she whispered. I smiled and she closed the door.
“You can come with us if you want.” I said. He laughed.
“Yea I’d pag-ibig to. You need someone to carry your bags,” I giggled.
“Rosalie will pag-ibig you. Just be here around the time school starts. I’ll see you in the morning Nahuel,” He laughed.
“Night Ness,” I clicked the end button and sat back on my bed. Ever since Nahuel had moved here he had been one of my other best friends. He was like me, though he had killed his mother when he was born, something that upset him. But since we were so similar my dad thought he had other reasons for sticking around. I was the only person like him that wasn’t his sister. I wondered how Jacob would take that if he knew Nahuel liked me madami than a friend. But I suppose Jacob wouldn’t care because he didn’t pag-ibig me that way. I groaned and leaned back against my pillow, closing my eyes. It still smelled like Jacob. I fell asleep, my dreams about my best friend.
***
“You know Rosalie, not everyone is as pretty as you.” I mumbled. I heard the rest of my family, that wasn’t packed into the bathroom, laugh downstairs. Alice was picking out my outfit and Rose was doing my hair, trying to decide whether or not to do it straight or curly.
“Ness you are beautiful. Even I can see that,” Rosalie flipped her hair and glanced into the mirror, leaving my hair curly.
“For the pag-ibig of all the is holy! Were just going shopping!” I yelled. Rosalie laughed and Alice shot me a stern look.
“You can never know who you’ll see. Plus would I really let my niece out of the house wearing a pair of shorts and a t-shirt?” We all knew the answer to that question. Alice danced back out of the room and brought in my outfit. I rolled my eyes at her. A pair of straight black skinny jeans and a blue sando with a vest to go over it.
“It may not fit you though. You know how fast you grow Ness, but its slowed so it should fit, but that’s why were going to go shopping,” I narrowed my eyes at her and grabbed the clothes, changing in my room. I took a deep breath and grabbed my cell phone back off of the mesa where I had left it. I hit the first speed dial and held my breath. He answered on the third ring, his voice groggy with sleep.
“Hello?” he muttered.
“Hey Jacob!” I chimed brightly. His voice was instantly madami awake and alert.
“What’s wrong Ness?” His voice was thick with worry and I could just see his face.
“Nothing Jake. I was just wondering if you would come to see me tonight when I got back from shopping? Or should I go there?” I heard him laugh and mutter something about shopping. Then he sighed.
“Just come here Ness. You can come here whenever you want,” I could tell he was tired. He had probably been up all night patrolling.
“Okay then I’ll be over later,” I said. He sighed.
“Good cuz I need you over here anyways,” he murmured, whether to himself or me I wasn’t sure.
“Why?” my curious tone was oddly nonchalant in a way.
“Because I miss you Ness,” There was a knock on my door but I barely noticed.
“I miss you to Jacob! I wished you would stay with me all araw like you did when I was little. But I have to go before Alice and Rosalie yank me out of my room,” He chuckled.
“Good luck with Blondie and Psychic. I’ll see you later Ness,” I smiled.
“By Jacob. Go back to sleep,” he laughed but I could tell he already was.
I hung up and danced out of my room. Nahuel was talking with Carlisle, looking completely at ease. Rose and Alice must have already been in the garage. Nahuel looked up at me and smiled, his teak eyes warm and friendly.
“Hey Ness! Ready to go?” He asked cheerfully.
“Yea I am. Bye Carlisle.” I gave him a fleeting hug and Nahuel followed me out into the garage. Alice and Rose were already sitting in the Volvo. I climbed into the backseat and Nahuel followed me in, sitting susunod to me, not that there was anywhere else to sit. Alice pealed out of the driveway. On the way out I spotted Jasper and Emmett in the front yard, fighting for fun and most likely for a bet. My parents were sitting on the ground, watching, mostly each other, and the fight. My mom waved brightly to me though.
Nahuel chattered with Rose and Alice the whole way there, but my thoughts were consumed with other things. Mostly Jacob. I was trying to sift through my thoughts about him. Why suddenly was I noticing things about him that I had never noticed before? Like how his smile was beautiful and he made me happier than anyone else. Like how I wanted to be around him forever. I loved my Jacob, but he only loved me as my best friend. I sighed when Alice pulled into a fancy designer store. I swiftly climbed from the car and into the store. A woman with presa blonde hair slid towards me.
“Hello sweety. Can I help you find something?” I flashed her a wide smile and her eyes widened.
“No thank-you,” Alice’s cold arm enclosed around my elbow and she drug me with a smile towards a rack of dresses. She sifted through them quickly, finding three. A blue one with light sparkles, a dark red one that I would never wear, and a short white dress. She grabbed four set of high heels and shoved me into a dressing room. Jeez that was fast. I sighed and began to try them on as she danced throughout the store, adding madami to the pile as I did. I stepped out of the dressing room with the first blue dress on. Rose smiled and nodded. I looked down at it. It hugged tight to my body, stopping at my knees. It looked like something a girl would wear to a dance. I didn’t bother trying the red one on and skipped to the white one, which stopped in a flowing bunch at my knees. So far it was my favorite. It went well with my bronze hair. Alice added skirts and pants, and blouses and vests and jewelry, eventually stopping to dress me and give her opinion. I sighed as Rose danced away, coming back with clothes for herself. My thoughts weren’t envious towards Rosalie’s perfect beauty. She came out of the dressing room with a short red satin dress on that stopped above her knees, a satin bow connected to the side. Nahuel eyed her oddly, almost with disgust. I laughed and he winked at me. I could tell that he wasn’t bored. He was getting a kick out of seeing me get angry over having to try on so many outfits. Alice came out next, twirling. The dress was silver and brought out her black hair more, making her look twice as beautiful. She flashed me a devious smile.
“Which one are you going to get?” she asked.
I glanced at the blue and white ones.
“Your getting both. And everything else!” she said, not even letting me answer. I rolled my eyes and changed back into my original clothes. Alice and Rosalie were already waiting for me, their arms full of clothes and shoes. Nahuel had piles of clothes to and I giggled at his expression. He smiled at me and shook his head.
“Girls,” he mumbled. Alice laughed, leading us to a register. She handed the cashier a credit card and I didn’t look at the total, knowing it would be a very high number, something that wouldn’t even put a dent in the Cullen’s funds. I sighed and helped carry the bags out to the Volvo, shoving them in every place possible. Alice flitted around to the drives side and started the car.
“Alice are we going home?” I wanted to go so I could go see Jacob. Nahuel laughed from beside me, grinning. I smiled warmly at him and then my eyes turned to Alice.
“Your future completely disappeared so I suppose I know where your going,” Rosalie ground her teeth together.
“Dumb dog,” she muttered.
“Rose,” I whispered. She smiled at me.
“Sorry Ness. Your werewolf has never been my paborito person,” she sniffed and tossed her blonde hair over her shoulder, looking into the mirror. And I knew why Jacob and Rose hated each other. Jacob always thought that Rosalie had only been around for me, and not for my mother. He had never warmed up to her even after he saw how much my mother and Rosalie liked each other now. I sighed and leaned my head against the cold window, watching as rain began to fall. Forks was certainly the wettest place on the earth. Nahuel touched my hand and I looked at him.
“You going over to the werewolf’s?” he asked, his voice taut. I sighed and nodded.
“Oh,” he murmured to himself. I let my bronze curls drape over my face as I leaned my head back, knowing we would be there fast because Alice drove like a maniac. Everyone in the family did. Emmett, Jasper, and my father probably drove the fastest, though sometimes I wondered if Rosalie could outrun them in a car. She was a handy mechanic, something that had surprised me. I opened my eyes again when I heard the tires hit the driveway. Alice was in the garahe after a few seconds. I climbed out of the crammed car and walked around to Nahuel. I wrapped my arms around him.
“Thanks for coming. I know it was boring.” He laughed and hugged me back.
“Anytime Ness. Anytime,” he ducked out of the car and into the pouring rain, disappearing into the thick woods. Alice handed me a few bags and I knew that she could tell that I was impatient to see Jacob. I walked them up to my room, slinking fast up the stairs to avoid Emmett and my parents. No doubt Rose would tell them as soon as I was gone. She was a tattletale when it came to Jacob. I changed out of the outfit I was wearing and slipped a pair of old basketbol shorts and a t-shirt on. I opened my window and hopped easily up onto the frame. I dropped through the rain, and set off towards the woods. I stayed under the trees, trying to avoid getting soaked. I mostly achieved my goal, staying under the thick cover of the trees. When I spotted Jacob’s house I sprinted towards it and ducked under the eaves, knocking on the door. It took him about three segundos to open the door. A smile burst across his face.
“Nessie,” he sinabi brightly. I threw myself into his arms and he wrapped them around me, making me feel warm. I pulled away and looked up at his face. He glanced at the living room and I looked towards the people sitting on the couch. Paul had his arm draped around Rachael and Seth was stretched across the floor.
“Hi guys!” I sinabi cheerfully.
“Hey kid,” Paul
“Hello Nessie,” Rachael.
“Hey Ness,” Seth.
Rachael was Jacob’s older pretty sister. She had come back to La Push and she had met Paul down on First tabing-dagat and he had imprinted. They were happily married now. Jacob nudged me forward, his arm wrapping around me. Rachael eyes me fondly and Seth sat up.
“So anyways as I was saying before kid interrupted,” I shot him an icy look and he chuckled, Rachael leaning into him. Jacob pulled me down onto the ground. I sat susunod to him, leaning my head against his bare chest. He wrapped his arm around me and Seth pretended to gag. I aimed at kick at him and he scuttled out of the way laughing.
“But uh anyways Sam and Emily are leaving tomorrow which means you’ll have extra patrol to handle with both packs Jake,” I clung tighter to him without realizing it and he laughed, shaking my body. Paul sighed as Rachael pulled out of his arms, standing.
“We have to get back,” she murmured. Paul grunted and punched Jacob lightly on the shoulder, nodding at Seth.
“See you kid,” he sinabi in my direction.
“You know kid has a name,” I snapped at him. Jacob laughed at me and Paul only rolled his eyes and turned around the corner. I heard him murmur something about a quick temper before he left. Seth stood in one fast jerky moment.
“Yea I’m gonna hit it to. Leah and I are supposed to go over to Charlie’s for hapunan with mom tonight,” He stretched and I looked up at him, not planning on moving away from Jake.
“Will you tell him I sinabi I pag-ibig him and I’ll come to see him soon?” Seth laughed.
“Sure thing. Bye Ness. Jake.” He nodded to us and disappeared out the door, yanking his sando off on the way out. Jacob started playing with one of my soft curls and sighed under me.
“How was shopping?” I groaned and he swept me up onto the couch, leaning against the front of the couch, still on the floor. I pulled my fingers through his black hair absentmindedly.
“Boring. Alice and Rosalie go way overboard. I don’t know why they make me buy all those clothes,” I sighed. He leaned his head back and I kept pulling my fingers through his hair.
“Sounds better than what I did. We had patrol all araw today, though we haven’t really had many vamps around,” he sighed.
“Jake? Do you miss being in Sam’s pack?” I was afraid to ask the question. He surprised me when he laughed.
“There my brothers so I miss them but I was tired of doing the wrong thing. They were going to kill you Ness, which at the time meant killing your mom. I didn’t want that so I told him no and as Alpha I was able to walk away, break away from the pack. Not the best araw of my life, but I had to ligtas your mom, and in the end you Nessie.” I smiled, though he couldn’t see. After a moment I yawned. He stood and looked down at me.
“Go to sleep Ness. Your eyes are drooping. Didn’t you get sleep?” His tone was worried.
I was tired.
“I don’t get a lot of sleep without you near me Jake. It’s to cold in that house no matter how high they turn up the heat,” he sighed and disappeared around the corner, coming back with a thick blanket. He draped it over me and kissed my forehead.
“Sleep Nessie. I’ll be here when you wake up,” I let my eyelids close. After a moment I spoke.
“Jake?” I heard him shift his weight.
“Yea Ness?”
“Will you stay with me?” I opened my eyes to see for a brief moment a flash of hope and something else tumawid his face. He reigned it in quickly though.
“Always Ness. For forever,” he whispered, passing a hand over my hair. I smiled and closed my eyes, slipping into warm dreams.
Snoring woke me up. Loud snoring. I opened my eyes and pulled myself off the couch, looking at Jake, who was passed out on his floor again, with only a unan under his head. His face as peaceful in sleep, no worry or confusion. I sighed and sat down on the ground susunod to him. He stirred for a moment and I heard him mutter my name. I couldn’t help but smile. Jake dreamt about me? I shook the thought out of my head. Jacob belonged to the girl who he had imprinted with. Maybe it was a baby which was why he was never with her and always me. I shook my head and wondered why that thought brought tears to my eyes. I leaned my head against the sopa and looked at him. I stretched and I heard my muscles roll, my shoulder popping loudly. Jake’s eyes snapped up and he rolled to his feet. I looked up at his groggy expression.
“Uh Jacob?” He looked down at me and his expression softened.
“Oh sorry Ness. How long you been awake,” he asked as he slipped back down to the ground.
“Two minutes?” He sighed and I pressed my hand against his warm cheek, telling him to get some sleep.
“I’m fine Nessie. I’m not going to sleep when your awake. That would be no fun.”
“Hmmm,” I couldn’t think of anything to say because I was momentarily distracted sa pamamagitan ng his smile.
“What do you wanna do Nessie?” I sighed and leaned my head against his shoulder.
‘I’m fine right here,” he laughed and wrapped his arm around me. His hand shot out and he grabbed the remote, flicking through the channels. I closed my eyes again.
“Are you falling asleep again?” he asked a laugh in his voice.
“Hmmmm,” I sighed. He laughed again and I didn’t bother to open my eyes, knowing they would only drop shut again. I wondered why I was so tired? Alice and Rose really knew how to wear someone out.
***
“Hey Blondie why is it good to have a blood passenger?” There was silence, a few dry chuckles.
“You get to park in the handicapped section.” Laughter shattered the room. I rolled my eyes at Jacob and punched his arm, probably giving myself a bruise.
“Watch it mongrel,” Emmett sinabi from his position on the floor, Rosalie on his lap looking rather angry.
“I enjoy Jacob’s jokes,” my dad murmured from the piano, where he was playing my mother’s lullaby softly. She had her arm around him, her head on his shoulder.
“Edward do not test my patience,” Rosalie growled. My dad through his arms up in the air.
“I’m so scared!” My mother touched his shoulder gently, her body raking with laughs. Alice giggled and I watched in shock as Rosalie tore herself from Emmett’s arm and kalapati at my dad. My dad turned and my mom stepped neatly out of the way. He caught Rosalie sa pamamagitan ng the forearms and slung her to the ground, protecting his piano. Jacob laughed. Rosalie jumped to her feet and kalapati at him again, but he dodged out of the way.
“You’re a cheater Edward. Fight her without pagbaba her mind,” Emmett growled. Rose brushed her hair back, her hands like claws at her sides. My father jerked up suddenly and glanced at my mother in horror. She winked at Rosalie.
“Bella!” he said, exasperated. Rosalie jumped at him, knocking him out the open front door and down the stairs. He rolled out from under her and slammed her to the ground. We all stood to follow.
“I got my money on Edward,” Jasper murmured. Alice trilled a laugh from beside me and Jacob wrapped his arm around my shoulder, shaking with laughter.
“I got it on Rose,” Emmett said, stepping down the front stairs to get closer to the fight. Edward still had Rosalie pinned on the wet ground.
“You got me muddy!” she shrieked at him, turning in a blindingly fast movement. Suddenly he was under her and she had him firmly pinned. His eyes were wide with shock and Emmett laughed loudly. She jumped up and shook her hair out, staring my father down. He winked at my mother and then I knew he had let her win. Jacob’s laugh stopped short when Rosalie threw him an icy glare.
“Hey Blondie. I can still take you any day.” she raised her eyebrows at him and I wrapped my arms firmly around his bare chest. He looked down at me, his eyes humored.
“It’s all right Ness. I won’t rip Aunt Blondie to pieces,” Rosalie shrieked at him and Emmett let out a loud growl.
“I’m serious mongrel! Lay off!” Emmett’s voice was tight, but joking at the same time. I looked up at Jake who just had a wide grin on his face. Rosalie rolled her eyes and darted into the house, Emmett following her after a moment. Edward sighed at me and Jacob and my mom patted Jacob’s shoulder. He ruffled her hair as she passed after him. I looked up at him, my eyes tight. He kissed the tuktok of my head.
“I’m yours Nessie,” he murmured, reassuring me. I sighed into him. He had brought me tahanan about an oras nakaraan when I had woken up and he had been here since then.
He pulled me into the house and I sniffed the air. A really good smell was coming from the kitchen. Jacob pagtunaw it to. I laughed and jerked him towards the kitchen. Esme was inside cooking, Carlisle pagbaba a book sa pamamagitan ng the counter. He smiled at us.
“Hi guys.”
“Hey Doc,” Carlisle smiled warmly at Jacob. He was the peacemaker and had never had a problem with Jacob.
“I hope you guys are hungry,” Esme said, her beautiful karamelo hair tied up in a twist at her neck.
“Thanks Esme,” I pulled Jacob to sit at the small mesa inside the grand kitchen, finished with beautiful appliances that had never been put to use before Jacob and I. Esme set pagkain in the middle of the mesa and I picked at it, eating bits and pieces of it. I didn’t even pay attention to what it was. Esme and Carlisle disappeared out of the kusina so it was only Jacob and I. My dad had resumed playing the piano in the other room and Jasper and Emmett were wrestling again outside. Rose and Alice were murmuring in quiet whispers that were to quiet for my ears.
“I’m bored.” Jacob laughed.
“There’s not much to do anymore around here Ness,” he said, tucking a curl behind my ear. I leaned against his hand and he kept it their for a moment. But I place my hand over his so I could ipakita him something.
“Being a werewolf isn’t that fun Nessie. Just means I get to run,” he sighed.
“Can we go to First Beach?” he glanced at the glass pader behind me.
“It’s a bit late Ness,” I looked at the window. It was completely dark outside now. I sighed.
“Don’t leave,” I whispered. A warm smile spread across his face.
“I have nowhere else to go,” I felt pain lash across my face and I pulled away from his hand.
“What?” his voice was confused and he leaned forward.
“What about the girl you imprinted with?” Suddenly the other room was completely silent, but I didn’t care. They were the ones that had told me.
“Ness that’s not something I can explain right now.” I jerked out of the my upuan and he stayed sitting.
“When then Jacob?! Or once she’s old enough or whatever are you going to leave me for her? Why won’t you tell me!’ I cried, a tear slipping down my face.
“Ness I can’t” he choked out, his black eyes sorry.
“You can’t or you won’t?” He didn’t answer.
“That’s what I thought,” I slammed through the kusina door and glanced at everyone in the room who were looking at me with silent sad eyes. I ignored them and rushed towards my room, slamming the door shut, enough to make part of the wood crack. I sat on my kama and stared at the walls, listening to Jacob downstairs.
“Edward!” he pleaded. I heard someone stand.
“Not today Jacob. Another day. But not today,”
“But she hates me!” his voice was cracked.
“Good,” Rosalie murmured. Anger stirred in me and I heard a thud. I didn’t want to know what it was.
“Jacob we can tell her soon, just not now,” I heard Jacob sigh and when I looked out my window I saw him in his giant russet lobo form, racing back home. I cried myself to sleep that night.
“What’s wrong?” I glanced at Emily. She had her hair down today, looking pretty as usual. She was bouncy with excitement. It was Friday and I hadn’t seen Jacob since Tuesday night since I had exploded at him.
“Huh? Nothing. I’m fine,” she rolled her eyes at me and I sighed. Did I really look that depressed? I felt that depressed. I missed my Jacob and I needed to see him. It hurt to not see him or talk to him. But he wouldn’t tell me so I wasn’t going to see him. School had passed slow and I couldn’t help but think about Jacob. Nahuel and Emily tried to cheer me up but it wasn’t working. I felt like they were keeping a secret from me.
The final kampanilya rang and Emily and Nahuel gave me cheery goodbyes. I walked slowly out the parking lot. It wasn’t raining but clouds still hovered in the air, letting no sun shine through. I spotted Rosalie’s red mapapalitan and climbed in behind Alice.
“Why are you guys dressed like that?” Alice had on her silver dress and Rose was wearing her red dress.
“We always dress like this. But we have a few errands to run so it’ll probably be a bit later when we get home.”
“Okay,” my voice was dead.
“He’s just a dog,” Rose sinabi from the front seat. I wasn’t sure if she had intended me to hear it or not. I growled and she laughed quietly.
“It’s not funny! Imagine being away from Emmett if he was your best friend!” Rose twitched and I knew that she understood.
“We know Ness. You’ll see Jacob soon and he’ll explain everything.” I eyed her suspiciously and she laughed at my expression.
“You already know though! Both of you do!”
“Dogs have problems keeping their mouths shut though,” Rosalie growled, tightening her grip on the steering wheel.
“Just trust us Nessie. Jacob isn’t leaving you for some girl. We promise,” I sighed and looked away. My feelings for Jacob had changed so much. I wanted him to be so much madami than my best friend. But he would always only be my protector and my best friend. Rosalie and Alice made many stops, climbing in and out of the car. They picked up bags and other things, nothing that I was paying attention. When we finally hit the road to our way tahanan it was about seven and I was annoyed. Rose pulled into the driveway and I stared at eh trees, which were wrapped in thousands of twinkling lights. I shook my head. I was surprised to see that the house was completely pitch black but I could hear quiet breathing. Alice cleared her throat and shoved me up to the door. I looked at her like she was stupid and opened the door.
“Surprise!” I jumped back at all the screams, into Rose’s arms.
Inside my house were a bunch of people. Bright lights pulsed everywhere and there were balloons and cake. Everyone from school was packed into the room, including Emily, Carter, Blake and many others. Behind them were Seth, Quil, Embry, Leah, Jared, Paul, Rachael, Brady, and Collin. But behind the mga asong lobo was the rest of my family. My mom and dad, Carlisle and Esme, Emmett, Jasper, and now Rosalie and Alice. But everywhere I looked around the room I could not see Jacob. Had my best friend not come to my birthday party. I glided through all the people, smiling and laughing. Emmett and Jasper messed with the sound system and started the music. Everyone began to dance as Alice lead me up the stairs. She pushed me into my closet and I sighed as she held out the white dress. I pulled it on and slipped a pair of blue heels on.
“Thank-you Alice. I needed this.” She laughed and linked her arm through mine.
“We have plenty of surprises for you as well.” I rolled my eyes at that as she lead me down the stairs. There were plenty of gasps as I came down the stairs but I went straight to my parents. My mom hugged me.
“Oh Ness! You look so beautiful!” If she could cry I was sure she would. My father smiled at me and my mom leaned her head against his shoulder. Emmett chuckled at me and Jasper winked from up at the DJ post. I hugged Esme and Carlisle and thanked them.
“It was all Alice and Rose,” I hugged Rose fiercely and she smiled brightly at me.
“Anything for our Ness!” Emmett’s arms wrapped around her waist and they disappeared into the crowd of dancers.
“Where’s Jacob?” I whispered. Alice’s face tightened. Before she could answer my father suddenly bent over with laughter. Was he crazy? How was that funny?
“What are you laughing at?” I asked him through my teeth. He pointed at tall, cute Seth Clearwater. He was gliding towards Emily, his face so blank and amazed at the same time that it was comical. He was looking at her like he had never seen the sun before. I sucked in a deep breath, hissing. Seth and Emily? Emily looked up at him as he offered him his hand. Her spun her towards the dance floor.
“Seth just imprinted,” I whispered in horror. I was happy for Emily, but it was like torture for me. Seth could have who he wanted and no doubt Emily would except him, but who did I have? No one. A cold finger tapped my shoulder and I spun around. Nahuel offered me his hand and I forced a smile onto my face. I was passed around a lot, dancing with my mga kaibigan and all of my family. Emmett thought it was quite comical to spin me around and around until I could barely see straight. Alice made me dance with my dad. I leaned my head against his shoulder.
“I’m sorry Nessie. We did invite him,” I already knew he was talking about Jacob. I sucked in a deep breath.
“It’s okay,” I murmured. He released me when a slow song started for couples. He walked towards my mother and I watched as all of my family grabbed their true loves and danced across the floor with them. Depression spread over me and I watched them, tears sparkling in my eyes. The person that I loved was not here. After a minuto I heard a deep voice clear behind me. I turned expecting to see Quil or Embry. My puso stopped for a moment. There Jacob was. Wearing a pair of cut off shorts and no shirt.
“Dance with me?” was all he said. I smiled and took his hand. He lead me to the middle and I leaned my head against chest. His arms wrapped around me and I sighed.
“Thanks for coming,” I whispered. He pulled me tighter to him.
“I couldn’t stay away.” I looked up at him, knowing he was telling the truth.
“Why?” He didn’t answer. His eyes strayed towards my father who nodded, his eyes tight.
“Because. You know how you wondered who I had imprinted with?” I nodded, tears stinging my eyes.
“Well I did imprint on a baby. But at that time I just wanted her to be ligtas and to be happy. As she got older I became her best friend. But now I pag-ibig her. madami than anyone I’ve ever loved. She would always be mine, whether she excepted it or not. But now that she’s old enough its time that I told her,” Tears stung my eyes and rolled down my face.
“Who is she Jake?” My voice was barely a whisper. The song shifted into a very quiet Claire De Lune track. He sighed, looking exasperated.
“I pag-ibig you Nessie. That’s why I didn’t kill you, because from the moment I saw you I knew that I wanted you for forever. I imprinted with you Nessie,” I stood there, nagyelo for a moment.
“Me? You pag-ibig me?” He laughed and kissed my forehead.
“Always have Ness. Always will,” I wrapped my arms tight around him.
“I pag-ibig you Jacob!’ I cried, slinging my arms around his neck. He sighed in relief, picking me up of my toes and spinning me around just slightly.
He set me down and tipped my face up to his. He kissed my softly and I sighed when he pulled away.
“Good.”
“Not my fault,” I muttered to myself. They all laughed and Alice danced towards me, pulling on my hand. She sat me down on the couch, curling her legs under her. My mom fell back into my father’s lap on the floor and he kissed her cheek.
“So you probably are wondering why charlotte and Peter were here Nessie?” My father’s voice was serious. Rose and Emmett sat up and Jasper hovered closer. Esme stood to go into the kitchen, Carlisle following her. I nodded at my father.
“Well Nessie when you were born and we had trouble with the Volturi, the news spread that we were gathering people to stand against them, though they were only needed as witnesses at first. charlotte and Peter didn’t come because they heard about you, thought that you were an immortal child and wanted nothing to do with you or us. They fear the Volturi. So after all these years they decided to come and visit to come and see us. They wanted to meet you but as soon as you got here Charlotte’s mind shifted towards attack. She never had the best control,” my father’s voice was serious and his teeth ground together.
“You overreact to much Edward,” Emmett laughed from behind the couch, his deep tenor voice vibrating the room. My dad hissed at him and Emmett chuckled again. Rose cleared her throat, flipping her hair.
“He’s right Edward. You are to protective,” My mom put her hand on my dad’s cheek and he smiled at her, taking a deep breath.
“But everything is fine now because there gone. uy Nessie?!” Alice sinabi perkily from beside me. I shifted my eyes away from my parents and looked at her glowing face. The face that showed she was up to something.
“Will you skip school tomorrow and go shopping with me? Please Ness, please?” her perfect voice wined. Jasper laughed and sank down onto the floor against her knees. Emmett and Rosalie moved from behind the house and sat down on the floor near the piano. I looked towards my mother who nodded her head at me. She was just happy that she wasn’t the one being asked to shop.
“Yea I’ll go. Why are we going?” Alice’s trilling laugh made me grit my teeth.
“I need to tindahan is all. Rose is going with us and Esme might go, but she may have to stay here tomorrow,” I nodded and smiled at Rose who winked at me.
“Renesmee sweety you should be getting to bed,” I glanced at my dad who was pulling my mother to her feet. He had used my full name…I didn’t mind my full name but I was used to Nessie and Ness. My mom had hated that name at first, tried to hurt Jacob when he had called me that. That struck something in me. I closed my eyes and sifted through the beginning. Why had she been mad? I focused on the memory, trying to remember what had set her off in the first place. But the only part I remembered was my mother flying gracefully at my Jacob and Seth getting in the way to save him. I remembered that I was glad that Seth had jumped in front of him because he was mine. Even when I was little I had this unexplainable claim on him. I always had.
“Nessie bed,” my father’s voice was tight. I stuck my tongue out at him. I knew he was pagbaba my thoughts. The rest of the family chimed their goodnights as I went to hug my parents. I found a pair of pajamas that Alice had bought me and climbed into my cold bed. I was shivering. I feebly wished Jacob was here. But at least I wouldn’t have to sit in high school tomorrow and pretend to listen, though I wouldn’t get to see Emily and Nahuel…Speaking of Nahuel. I grabbed the phone off of my nightstand and dialed his number. He answered on the first ring.
“Hey Nessie,” His voice was bright.
“Hi Nahuel. I was just letting you know that I won’t be in school tomorrow. I have to go shopping with Alice,” His voice was duller when he answered.
“Oh okay,” he sounded kinda sad. My door opened and Alice stuck her head around the door, her spiky black hair pulled into a pony.
“You can invite him,” she whispered. I smiled and she closed the door.
“You can come with us if you want.” I said. He laughed.
“Yea I’d pag-ibig to. You need someone to carry your bags,” I giggled.
“Rosalie will pag-ibig you. Just be here around the time school starts. I’ll see you in the morning Nahuel,” He laughed.
“Night Ness,” I clicked the end button and sat back on my bed. Ever since Nahuel had moved here he had been one of my other best friends. He was like me, though he had killed his mother when he was born, something that upset him. But since we were so similar my dad thought he had other reasons for sticking around. I was the only person like him that wasn’t his sister. I wondered how Jacob would take that if he knew Nahuel liked me madami than a friend. But I suppose Jacob wouldn’t care because he didn’t pag-ibig me that way. I groaned and leaned back against my pillow, closing my eyes. It still smelled like Jacob. I fell asleep, my dreams about my best friend.
***
“You know Rosalie, not everyone is as pretty as you.” I mumbled. I heard the rest of my family, that wasn’t packed into the bathroom, laugh downstairs. Alice was picking out my outfit and Rose was doing my hair, trying to decide whether or not to do it straight or curly.
“Ness you are beautiful. Even I can see that,” Rosalie flipped her hair and glanced into the mirror, leaving my hair curly.
“For the pag-ibig of all the is holy! Were just going shopping!” I yelled. Rosalie laughed and Alice shot me a stern look.
“You can never know who you’ll see. Plus would I really let my niece out of the house wearing a pair of shorts and a t-shirt?” We all knew the answer to that question. Alice danced back out of the room and brought in my outfit. I rolled my eyes at her. A pair of straight black skinny jeans and a blue sando with a vest to go over it.
“It may not fit you though. You know how fast you grow Ness, but its slowed so it should fit, but that’s why were going to go shopping,” I narrowed my eyes at her and grabbed the clothes, changing in my room. I took a deep breath and grabbed my cell phone back off of the mesa where I had left it. I hit the first speed dial and held my breath. He answered on the third ring, his voice groggy with sleep.
“Hello?” he muttered.
“Hey Jacob!” I chimed brightly. His voice was instantly madami awake and alert.
“What’s wrong Ness?” His voice was thick with worry and I could just see his face.
“Nothing Jake. I was just wondering if you would come to see me tonight when I got back from shopping? Or should I go there?” I heard him laugh and mutter something about shopping. Then he sighed.
“Just come here Ness. You can come here whenever you want,” I could tell he was tired. He had probably been up all night patrolling.
“Okay then I’ll be over later,” I said. He sighed.
“Good cuz I need you over here anyways,” he murmured, whether to himself or me I wasn’t sure.
“Why?” my curious tone was oddly nonchalant in a way.
“Because I miss you Ness,” There was a knock on my door but I barely noticed.
“I miss you to Jacob! I wished you would stay with me all araw like you did when I was little. But I have to go before Alice and Rosalie yank me out of my room,” He chuckled.
“Good luck with Blondie and Psychic. I’ll see you later Ness,” I smiled.
“By Jacob. Go back to sleep,” he laughed but I could tell he already was.
I hung up and danced out of my room. Nahuel was talking with Carlisle, looking completely at ease. Rose and Alice must have already been in the garage. Nahuel looked up at me and smiled, his teak eyes warm and friendly.
“Hey Ness! Ready to go?” He asked cheerfully.
“Yea I am. Bye Carlisle.” I gave him a fleeting hug and Nahuel followed me out into the garage. Alice and Rose were already sitting in the Volvo. I climbed into the backseat and Nahuel followed me in, sitting susunod to me, not that there was anywhere else to sit. Alice pealed out of the driveway. On the way out I spotted Jasper and Emmett in the front yard, fighting for fun and most likely for a bet. My parents were sitting on the ground, watching, mostly each other, and the fight. My mom waved brightly to me though.
Nahuel chattered with Rose and Alice the whole way there, but my thoughts were consumed with other things. Mostly Jacob. I was trying to sift through my thoughts about him. Why suddenly was I noticing things about him that I had never noticed before? Like how his smile was beautiful and he made me happier than anyone else. Like how I wanted to be around him forever. I loved my Jacob, but he only loved me as my best friend. I sighed when Alice pulled into a fancy designer store. I swiftly climbed from the car and into the store. A woman with presa blonde hair slid towards me.
“Hello sweety. Can I help you find something?” I flashed her a wide smile and her eyes widened.
“No thank-you,” Alice’s cold arm enclosed around my elbow and she drug me with a smile towards a rack of dresses. She sifted through them quickly, finding three. A blue one with light sparkles, a dark red one that I would never wear, and a short white dress. She grabbed four set of high heels and shoved me into a dressing room. Jeez that was fast. I sighed and began to try them on as she danced throughout the store, adding madami to the pile as I did. I stepped out of the dressing room with the first blue dress on. Rose smiled and nodded. I looked down at it. It hugged tight to my body, stopping at my knees. It looked like something a girl would wear to a dance. I didn’t bother trying the red one on and skipped to the white one, which stopped in a flowing bunch at my knees. So far it was my favorite. It went well with my bronze hair. Alice added skirts and pants, and blouses and vests and jewelry, eventually stopping to dress me and give her opinion. I sighed as Rose danced away, coming back with clothes for herself. My thoughts weren’t envious towards Rosalie’s perfect beauty. She came out of the dressing room with a short red satin dress on that stopped above her knees, a satin bow connected to the side. Nahuel eyed her oddly, almost with disgust. I laughed and he winked at me. I could tell that he wasn’t bored. He was getting a kick out of seeing me get angry over having to try on so many outfits. Alice came out next, twirling. The dress was silver and brought out her black hair more, making her look twice as beautiful. She flashed me a devious smile.
“Which one are you going to get?” she asked.
I glanced at the blue and white ones.
“Your getting both. And everything else!” she said, not even letting me answer. I rolled my eyes and changed back into my original clothes. Alice and Rosalie were already waiting for me, their arms full of clothes and shoes. Nahuel had piles of clothes to and I giggled at his expression. He smiled at me and shook his head.
“Girls,” he mumbled. Alice laughed, leading us to a register. She handed the cashier a credit card and I didn’t look at the total, knowing it would be a very high number, something that wouldn’t even put a dent in the Cullen’s funds. I sighed and helped carry the bags out to the Volvo, shoving them in every place possible. Alice flitted around to the drives side and started the car.
“Alice are we going home?” I wanted to go so I could go see Jacob. Nahuel laughed from beside me, grinning. I smiled warmly at him and then my eyes turned to Alice.
“Your future completely disappeared so I suppose I know where your going,” Rosalie ground her teeth together.
“Dumb dog,” she muttered.
“Rose,” I whispered. She smiled at me.
“Sorry Ness. Your werewolf has never been my paborito person,” she sniffed and tossed her blonde hair over her shoulder, looking into the mirror. And I knew why Jacob and Rose hated each other. Jacob always thought that Rosalie had only been around for me, and not for my mother. He had never warmed up to her even after he saw how much my mother and Rosalie liked each other now. I sighed and leaned my head against the cold window, watching as rain began to fall. Forks was certainly the wettest place on the earth. Nahuel touched my hand and I looked at him.
“You going over to the werewolf’s?” he asked, his voice taut. I sighed and nodded.
“Oh,” he murmured to himself. I let my bronze curls drape over my face as I leaned my head back, knowing we would be there fast because Alice drove like a maniac. Everyone in the family did. Emmett, Jasper, and my father probably drove the fastest, though sometimes I wondered if Rosalie could outrun them in a car. She was a handy mechanic, something that had surprised me. I opened my eyes again when I heard the tires hit the driveway. Alice was in the garahe after a few seconds. I climbed out of the crammed car and walked around to Nahuel. I wrapped my arms around him.
“Thanks for coming. I know it was boring.” He laughed and hugged me back.
“Anytime Ness. Anytime,” he ducked out of the car and into the pouring rain, disappearing into the thick woods. Alice handed me a few bags and I knew that she could tell that I was impatient to see Jacob. I walked them up to my room, slinking fast up the stairs to avoid Emmett and my parents. No doubt Rose would tell them as soon as I was gone. She was a tattletale when it came to Jacob. I changed out of the outfit I was wearing and slipped a pair of old basketbol shorts and a t-shirt on. I opened my window and hopped easily up onto the frame. I dropped through the rain, and set off towards the woods. I stayed under the trees, trying to avoid getting soaked. I mostly achieved my goal, staying under the thick cover of the trees. When I spotted Jacob’s house I sprinted towards it and ducked under the eaves, knocking on the door. It took him about three segundos to open the door. A smile burst across his face.
“Nessie,” he sinabi brightly. I threw myself into his arms and he wrapped them around me, making me feel warm. I pulled away and looked up at his face. He glanced at the living room and I looked towards the people sitting on the couch. Paul had his arm draped around Rachael and Seth was stretched across the floor.
“Hi guys!” I sinabi cheerfully.
“Hey kid,” Paul
“Hello Nessie,” Rachael.
“Hey Ness,” Seth.
Rachael was Jacob’s older pretty sister. She had come back to La Push and she had met Paul down on First tabing-dagat and he had imprinted. They were happily married now. Jacob nudged me forward, his arm wrapping around me. Rachael eyes me fondly and Seth sat up.
“So anyways as I was saying before kid interrupted,” I shot him an icy look and he chuckled, Rachael leaning into him. Jacob pulled me down onto the ground. I sat susunod to him, leaning my head against his bare chest. He wrapped his arm around me and Seth pretended to gag. I aimed at kick at him and he scuttled out of the way laughing.
“But uh anyways Sam and Emily are leaving tomorrow which means you’ll have extra patrol to handle with both packs Jake,” I clung tighter to him without realizing it and he laughed, shaking my body. Paul sighed as Rachael pulled out of his arms, standing.
“We have to get back,” she murmured. Paul grunted and punched Jacob lightly on the shoulder, nodding at Seth.
“See you kid,” he sinabi in my direction.
“You know kid has a name,” I snapped at him. Jacob laughed at me and Paul only rolled his eyes and turned around the corner. I heard him murmur something about a quick temper before he left. Seth stood in one fast jerky moment.
“Yea I’m gonna hit it to. Leah and I are supposed to go over to Charlie’s for hapunan with mom tonight,” He stretched and I looked up at him, not planning on moving away from Jake.
“Will you tell him I sinabi I pag-ibig him and I’ll come to see him soon?” Seth laughed.
“Sure thing. Bye Ness. Jake.” He nodded to us and disappeared out the door, yanking his sando off on the way out. Jacob started playing with one of my soft curls and sighed under me.
“How was shopping?” I groaned and he swept me up onto the couch, leaning against the front of the couch, still on the floor. I pulled my fingers through his black hair absentmindedly.
“Boring. Alice and Rosalie go way overboard. I don’t know why they make me buy all those clothes,” I sighed. He leaned his head back and I kept pulling my fingers through his hair.
“Sounds better than what I did. We had patrol all araw today, though we haven’t really had many vamps around,” he sighed.
“Jake? Do you miss being in Sam’s pack?” I was afraid to ask the question. He surprised me when he laughed.
“There my brothers so I miss them but I was tired of doing the wrong thing. They were going to kill you Ness, which at the time meant killing your mom. I didn’t want that so I told him no and as Alpha I was able to walk away, break away from the pack. Not the best araw of my life, but I had to ligtas your mom, and in the end you Nessie.” I smiled, though he couldn’t see. After a moment I yawned. He stood and looked down at me.
“Go to sleep Ness. Your eyes are drooping. Didn’t you get sleep?” His tone was worried.
I was tired.
“I don’t get a lot of sleep without you near me Jake. It’s to cold in that house no matter how high they turn up the heat,” he sighed and disappeared around the corner, coming back with a thick blanket. He draped it over me and kissed my forehead.
“Sleep Nessie. I’ll be here when you wake up,” I let my eyelids close. After a moment I spoke.
“Jake?” I heard him shift his weight.
“Yea Ness?”
“Will you stay with me?” I opened my eyes to see for a brief moment a flash of hope and something else tumawid his face. He reigned it in quickly though.
“Always Ness. For forever,” he whispered, passing a hand over my hair. I smiled and closed my eyes, slipping into warm dreams.
Snoring woke me up. Loud snoring. I opened my eyes and pulled myself off the couch, looking at Jake, who was passed out on his floor again, with only a unan under his head. His face as peaceful in sleep, no worry or confusion. I sighed and sat down on the ground susunod to him. He stirred for a moment and I heard him mutter my name. I couldn’t help but smile. Jake dreamt about me? I shook the thought out of my head. Jacob belonged to the girl who he had imprinted with. Maybe it was a baby which was why he was never with her and always me. I shook my head and wondered why that thought brought tears to my eyes. I leaned my head against the sopa and looked at him. I stretched and I heard my muscles roll, my shoulder popping loudly. Jake’s eyes snapped up and he rolled to his feet. I looked up at his groggy expression.
“Uh Jacob?” He looked down at me and his expression softened.
“Oh sorry Ness. How long you been awake,” he asked as he slipped back down to the ground.
“Two minutes?” He sighed and I pressed my hand against his warm cheek, telling him to get some sleep.
“I’m fine Nessie. I’m not going to sleep when your awake. That would be no fun.”
“Hmmm,” I couldn’t think of anything to say because I was momentarily distracted sa pamamagitan ng his smile.
“What do you wanna do Nessie?” I sighed and leaned my head against his shoulder.
‘I’m fine right here,” he laughed and wrapped his arm around me. His hand shot out and he grabbed the remote, flicking through the channels. I closed my eyes again.
“Are you falling asleep again?” he asked a laugh in his voice.
“Hmmmm,” I sighed. He laughed again and I didn’t bother to open my eyes, knowing they would only drop shut again. I wondered why I was so tired? Alice and Rose really knew how to wear someone out.
***
“Hey Blondie why is it good to have a blood passenger?” There was silence, a few dry chuckles.
“You get to park in the handicapped section.” Laughter shattered the room. I rolled my eyes at Jacob and punched his arm, probably giving myself a bruise.
“Watch it mongrel,” Emmett sinabi from his position on the floor, Rosalie on his lap looking rather angry.
“I enjoy Jacob’s jokes,” my dad murmured from the piano, where he was playing my mother’s lullaby softly. She had her arm around him, her head on his shoulder.
“Edward do not test my patience,” Rosalie growled. My dad through his arms up in the air.
“I’m so scared!” My mother touched his shoulder gently, her body raking with laughs. Alice giggled and I watched in shock as Rosalie tore herself from Emmett’s arm and kalapati at my dad. My dad turned and my mom stepped neatly out of the way. He caught Rosalie sa pamamagitan ng the forearms and slung her to the ground, protecting his piano. Jacob laughed. Rosalie jumped to her feet and kalapati at him again, but he dodged out of the way.
“You’re a cheater Edward. Fight her without pagbaba her mind,” Emmett growled. Rose brushed her hair back, her hands like claws at her sides. My father jerked up suddenly and glanced at my mother in horror. She winked at Rosalie.
“Bella!” he said, exasperated. Rosalie jumped at him, knocking him out the open front door and down the stairs. He rolled out from under her and slammed her to the ground. We all stood to follow.
“I got my money on Edward,” Jasper murmured. Alice trilled a laugh from beside me and Jacob wrapped his arm around my shoulder, shaking with laughter.
“I got it on Rose,” Emmett said, stepping down the front stairs to get closer to the fight. Edward still had Rosalie pinned on the wet ground.
“You got me muddy!” she shrieked at him, turning in a blindingly fast movement. Suddenly he was under her and she had him firmly pinned. His eyes were wide with shock and Emmett laughed loudly. She jumped up and shook her hair out, staring my father down. He winked at my mother and then I knew he had let her win. Jacob’s laugh stopped short when Rosalie threw him an icy glare.
“Hey Blondie. I can still take you any day.” she raised her eyebrows at him and I wrapped my arms firmly around his bare chest. He looked down at me, his eyes humored.
“It’s all right Ness. I won’t rip Aunt Blondie to pieces,” Rosalie shrieked at him and Emmett let out a loud growl.
“I’m serious mongrel! Lay off!” Emmett’s voice was tight, but joking at the same time. I looked up at Jake who just had a wide grin on his face. Rosalie rolled her eyes and darted into the house, Emmett following her after a moment. Edward sighed at me and Jacob and my mom patted Jacob’s shoulder. He ruffled her hair as she passed after him. I looked up at him, my eyes tight. He kissed the tuktok of my head.
“I’m yours Nessie,” he murmured, reassuring me. I sighed into him. He had brought me tahanan about an oras nakaraan when I had woken up and he had been here since then.
He pulled me into the house and I sniffed the air. A really good smell was coming from the kitchen. Jacob pagtunaw it to. I laughed and jerked him towards the kitchen. Esme was inside cooking, Carlisle pagbaba a book sa pamamagitan ng the counter. He smiled at us.
“Hi guys.”
“Hey Doc,” Carlisle smiled warmly at Jacob. He was the peacemaker and had never had a problem with Jacob.
“I hope you guys are hungry,” Esme said, her beautiful karamelo hair tied up in a twist at her neck.
“Thanks Esme,” I pulled Jacob to sit at the small mesa inside the grand kitchen, finished with beautiful appliances that had never been put to use before Jacob and I. Esme set pagkain in the middle of the mesa and I picked at it, eating bits and pieces of it. I didn’t even pay attention to what it was. Esme and Carlisle disappeared out of the kusina so it was only Jacob and I. My dad had resumed playing the piano in the other room and Jasper and Emmett were wrestling again outside. Rose and Alice were murmuring in quiet whispers that were to quiet for my ears.
“I’m bored.” Jacob laughed.
“There’s not much to do anymore around here Ness,” he said, tucking a curl behind my ear. I leaned against his hand and he kept it their for a moment. But I place my hand over his so I could ipakita him something.
“Being a werewolf isn’t that fun Nessie. Just means I get to run,” he sighed.
“Can we go to First Beach?” he glanced at the glass pader behind me.
“It’s a bit late Ness,” I looked at the window. It was completely dark outside now. I sighed.
“Don’t leave,” I whispered. A warm smile spread across his face.
“I have nowhere else to go,” I felt pain lash across my face and I pulled away from his hand.
“What?” his voice was confused and he leaned forward.
“What about the girl you imprinted with?” Suddenly the other room was completely silent, but I didn’t care. They were the ones that had told me.
“Ness that’s not something I can explain right now.” I jerked out of the my upuan and he stayed sitting.
“When then Jacob?! Or once she’s old enough or whatever are you going to leave me for her? Why won’t you tell me!’ I cried, a tear slipping down my face.
“Ness I can’t” he choked out, his black eyes sorry.
“You can’t or you won’t?” He didn’t answer.
“That’s what I thought,” I slammed through the kusina door and glanced at everyone in the room who were looking at me with silent sad eyes. I ignored them and rushed towards my room, slamming the door shut, enough to make part of the wood crack. I sat on my kama and stared at the walls, listening to Jacob downstairs.
“Edward!” he pleaded. I heard someone stand.
“Not today Jacob. Another day. But not today,”
“But she hates me!” his voice was cracked.
“Good,” Rosalie murmured. Anger stirred in me and I heard a thud. I didn’t want to know what it was.
“Jacob we can tell her soon, just not now,” I heard Jacob sigh and when I looked out my window I saw him in his giant russet lobo form, racing back home. I cried myself to sleep that night.
“What’s wrong?” I glanced at Emily. She had her hair down today, looking pretty as usual. She was bouncy with excitement. It was Friday and I hadn’t seen Jacob since Tuesday night since I had exploded at him.
“Huh? Nothing. I’m fine,” she rolled her eyes at me and I sighed. Did I really look that depressed? I felt that depressed. I missed my Jacob and I needed to see him. It hurt to not see him or talk to him. But he wouldn’t tell me so I wasn’t going to see him. School had passed slow and I couldn’t help but think about Jacob. Nahuel and Emily tried to cheer me up but it wasn’t working. I felt like they were keeping a secret from me.
The final kampanilya rang and Emily and Nahuel gave me cheery goodbyes. I walked slowly out the parking lot. It wasn’t raining but clouds still hovered in the air, letting no sun shine through. I spotted Rosalie’s red mapapalitan and climbed in behind Alice.
“Why are you guys dressed like that?” Alice had on her silver dress and Rose was wearing her red dress.
“We always dress like this. But we have a few errands to run so it’ll probably be a bit later when we get home.”
“Okay,” my voice was dead.
“He’s just a dog,” Rose sinabi from the front seat. I wasn’t sure if she had intended me to hear it or not. I growled and she laughed quietly.
“It’s not funny! Imagine being away from Emmett if he was your best friend!” Rose twitched and I knew that she understood.
“We know Ness. You’ll see Jacob soon and he’ll explain everything.” I eyed her suspiciously and she laughed at my expression.
“You already know though! Both of you do!”
“Dogs have problems keeping their mouths shut though,” Rosalie growled, tightening her grip on the steering wheel.
“Just trust us Nessie. Jacob isn’t leaving you for some girl. We promise,” I sighed and looked away. My feelings for Jacob had changed so much. I wanted him to be so much madami than my best friend. But he would always only be my protector and my best friend. Rosalie and Alice made many stops, climbing in and out of the car. They picked up bags and other things, nothing that I was paying attention. When we finally hit the road to our way tahanan it was about seven and I was annoyed. Rose pulled into the driveway and I stared at eh trees, which were wrapped in thousands of twinkling lights. I shook my head. I was surprised to see that the house was completely pitch black but I could hear quiet breathing. Alice cleared her throat and shoved me up to the door. I looked at her like she was stupid and opened the door.
“Surprise!” I jumped back at all the screams, into Rose’s arms.
Inside my house were a bunch of people. Bright lights pulsed everywhere and there were balloons and cake. Everyone from school was packed into the room, including Emily, Carter, Blake and many others. Behind them were Seth, Quil, Embry, Leah, Jared, Paul, Rachael, Brady, and Collin. But behind the mga asong lobo was the rest of my family. My mom and dad, Carlisle and Esme, Emmett, Jasper, and now Rosalie and Alice. But everywhere I looked around the room I could not see Jacob. Had my best friend not come to my birthday party. I glided through all the people, smiling and laughing. Emmett and Jasper messed with the sound system and started the music. Everyone began to dance as Alice lead me up the stairs. She pushed me into my closet and I sighed as she held out the white dress. I pulled it on and slipped a pair of blue heels on.
“Thank-you Alice. I needed this.” She laughed and linked her arm through mine.
“We have plenty of surprises for you as well.” I rolled my eyes at that as she lead me down the stairs. There were plenty of gasps as I came down the stairs but I went straight to my parents. My mom hugged me.
“Oh Ness! You look so beautiful!” If she could cry I was sure she would. My father smiled at me and my mom leaned her head against his shoulder. Emmett chuckled at me and Jasper winked from up at the DJ post. I hugged Esme and Carlisle and thanked them.
“It was all Alice and Rose,” I hugged Rose fiercely and she smiled brightly at me.
“Anything for our Ness!” Emmett’s arms wrapped around her waist and they disappeared into the crowd of dancers.
“Where’s Jacob?” I whispered. Alice’s face tightened. Before she could answer my father suddenly bent over with laughter. Was he crazy? How was that funny?
“What are you laughing at?” I asked him through my teeth. He pointed at tall, cute Seth Clearwater. He was gliding towards Emily, his face so blank and amazed at the same time that it was comical. He was looking at her like he had never seen the sun before. I sucked in a deep breath, hissing. Seth and Emily? Emily looked up at him as he offered him his hand. Her spun her towards the dance floor.
“Seth just imprinted,” I whispered in horror. I was happy for Emily, but it was like torture for me. Seth could have who he wanted and no doubt Emily would except him, but who did I have? No one. A cold finger tapped my shoulder and I spun around. Nahuel offered me his hand and I forced a smile onto my face. I was passed around a lot, dancing with my mga kaibigan and all of my family. Emmett thought it was quite comical to spin me around and around until I could barely see straight. Alice made me dance with my dad. I leaned my head against his shoulder.
“I’m sorry Nessie. We did invite him,” I already knew he was talking about Jacob. I sucked in a deep breath.
“It’s okay,” I murmured. He released me when a slow song started for couples. He walked towards my mother and I watched as all of my family grabbed their true loves and danced across the floor with them. Depression spread over me and I watched them, tears sparkling in my eyes. The person that I loved was not here. After a minuto I heard a deep voice clear behind me. I turned expecting to see Quil or Embry. My puso stopped for a moment. There Jacob was. Wearing a pair of cut off shorts and no shirt.
“Dance with me?” was all he said. I smiled and took his hand. He lead me to the middle and I leaned my head against chest. His arms wrapped around me and I sighed.
“Thanks for coming,” I whispered. He pulled me tighter to him.
“I couldn’t stay away.” I looked up at him, knowing he was telling the truth.
“Why?” He didn’t answer. His eyes strayed towards my father who nodded, his eyes tight.
“Because. You know how you wondered who I had imprinted with?” I nodded, tears stinging my eyes.
“Well I did imprint on a baby. But at that time I just wanted her to be ligtas and to be happy. As she got older I became her best friend. But now I pag-ibig her. madami than anyone I’ve ever loved. She would always be mine, whether she excepted it or not. But now that she’s old enough its time that I told her,” Tears stung my eyes and rolled down my face.
“Who is she Jake?” My voice was barely a whisper. The song shifted into a very quiet Claire De Lune track. He sighed, looking exasperated.
“I pag-ibig you Nessie. That’s why I didn’t kill you, because from the moment I saw you I knew that I wanted you for forever. I imprinted with you Nessie,” I stood there, nagyelo for a moment.
“Me? You pag-ibig me?” He laughed and kissed my forehead.
“Always have Ness. Always will,” I wrapped my arms tight around him.
“I pag-ibig you Jacob!’ I cried, slinging my arms around his neck. He sighed in relief, picking me up of my toes and spinning me around just slightly.
He set me down and tipped my face up to his. He kissed my softly and I sighed when he pulled away.
“Good.”