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springfaaerie · 3 months ago

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'Silver Moon' Chapter One

'welcome to forks'

Pairing(eventual): Helena Swan (oc) x Seth Clearwater

Warnings: none? ⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆

Helena Swan was used to both bustling airports and near empty ones but still, she somehow found herself feeling anxious in the small airport she walked through, fumbling with the oversized hoodie she had bought upon landing. Her uncle, Charlie, had warned her about the cold and told her that it wasn't anywhere near the heat of Australia from where she had recently hailed but, apparently the warning fell upon death ears as she stared down at her suitcases distastefully. The contents inside were of no use. Said uncle had texted her that he was stationed in front of the designated pick-up area just outside the gates, where she was currently headed. She hadn't remembered much about her uncle, she honestly didn't recognize the man on the other side of the phone as he sent his condolences along with the promise of a new home with him in Forks, Washington. She didn't have much of a choice, packing her life into two suitcases and a backpack and getting on the first plane out of Western Australia, leaving behind a dead mother she wasn't able to bury and a home they had called theirs for almost a year, the longest they had stayed anywhere.

Her heart ached at the thought. Happiness and stability had been so close, within her reach. The sixteen year old had almost gotten comfortable, maybe that was her mistake. Her mother, Charlotte Swan was known for never staying anywhere too long and when she decided on staying in Perth, the most populated place they had ever called home, Helena thought maybe, just maybe, this was the end. Where they could settle down and make roots, where she could go to a real school and have actual friends and make real memories. God, she was naive for believing. Her head hung down, her thoughts overtaking her again as she exited the reasonably heated airport and felt the cold Seattle air chip at her already red cheeks. A voice called out to her, one that went unnoticed, before she heard a siren, causing her along with everyone around her to stare at the old school cruiser that sat parked a few feet away.

A man with brown curly hair and a thick mustache clad in a traditional police uniform, minus the ridiculous hat, waved her over with a tight lipped, awkward smile. He met her halfway, quickly taking her suitcases into the trunk, the girl catching sight of a shotgun before it closed again. He stuck his hand out for a second before he dropped it, settling for another wave. "You must be Helena, otherwise I just took some random girl's stuff and put it into my trunk."

Her eyebrow raised curiously and they stood for a quick second before he nodded, remembering something. "Right, Noa, my bad. Still not used to that," he apologized quickly, gesturing for her to get into the now open passenger side. She complied with a nod, putting her seatbelt on while he went around to the driver's side. The car came to life and with a quick flip of the siren, they were off, Charlie informing her that the drive home would be three and a half hours. He offered the radio, to which she raised a book, a collection of poems it seemed, the man nodding before turning his attention back to the road.

Charlie attempted to strike up a conversation, "so uh, how old are you now? Bout, fourteen? Should be just startin' high school then, right?" He glanced over at her, the girl shaking her head as she looked away from her book over at him. They shared a lot of similar features, she noticed, though his were obviously more masculine and her straight brown hair couldn't hold a curl compared to his ringlets.

"I'm fifteen. As for school, I was homeschooled so I'm not really sure what grade I'd be placed in."

"Right, well it's Christmas break so no need to worry about it now, we'll figure it out after Christmas," Charlie reassured his niece, though she seemed not to need it as she merely nodded before returning to her book, mumbling a small, "okay."

Noa felt rude, she knew it wasn't polite to avoid conversation but, she hadn't done much conversing during her sixteen years. She only ever really talked with her mother and the occasionally older person so her vocabulary was quite dated sometimes, the books she read only furthering this, and she tended to be made fun of whenever she did strike up conversations with locals her age wherever they went so, she usually kept her mouth shut. She finished her book of poems quite quickly, about an hour and a half into the drive, moving to her fourth book and second novel since she started her trip from Australia to America. It had been given to her by an old neighbor who had spotted her leaving, handing it to her in the hopes that she saw 'the light' when it came to her mother, the title leaving her quite stuck. The book on narcissistic mothers had been stuffed into the bottom of her backpack as she got quite nauseous whenever she saw it but, now she was out of options as her other books were securely placed in the trunk and she didn't want to trouble Charlie with pulling over and letting her grab them. She sighed, opening up the book reluctantly; she only got a few twenty pages in, not even reaching the end of the foreword before she shut it quickly. It was far too much to dissect when her mother had most likely not even been buried yet.

The reminder caused her to shut her eyes tightly in fear of crying in front of her uncle. Life was so unbelievably unfair sometimes. What kind of world wouldn't let a girl bury her mother, her only family for ten whole years? Noa shifted in her seat awkwardly, unsure of what to do as her iPod had died halfway through her flight. "So...I have a cousin, right? What was her name again?"

Charlie nodded, frowning at the mention of his daughter, his only child. "Uh, Bella, yeah. She uh, she had a bit of a hard break up so she's not really herself lately, so I'm glad you're here. Maybe it'll get her out of that funk." Noa nodded. She had never been in a relationship or anything close to it, she hadn't even had a friend before. She had no say in any relationship matters, she thought to herself, she knew nothing about them apart from the books she read. Charlie wasn't done though, "I thought it'd be good for both of you actually, I uh, I thought you'd be able to understand Bella's pain, empathize with her, you know?"

Noa made a face, sending Charlie an unimpressed glance as she said, "I lost my mom, Bella got dumped by a boy who, no offense but, statistically she probably won't even remember in five to ten years." Charlie's face reddened as he cleared his throat, apologizing. They went back into silence, though this time it was much more awkward. Noa wondered then if she had been too harsh, the girl overthinking the rest of the car ride as she hadn't had much else to do.

When they pulled up to the house, Noa inspected her new home. It was paneled and white with peaked ceilings and only three windows on its face, the paint chipping, and certain parts of the roof in need of repair from far too much rain exposure. Charlie refused help as he carried her luggage up the dark emerald green stairs that led to the front door. He ushered her in first, Noa leading as she took in the foyer, glancing over at the kitchen to the left. It was small and old, seemingly never updated with brightly painted yellow cabinets and a table with three chairs that didn't match. The sight made Noa smile as she noticed the similarities between Charlie and her mother. "You and mom are alike, she never was one for interior decorating."

Charlie laughed, the sound new to her ears, and she turned to face him with a smile of her own. They seemed satisfied then, the awkward air lifted and they were both thankful for it. "I'll show you to your room." After an embarrassing amount of effort on his part, he left the girl's second suitcase at the base of the stairs, assuring her he'd bring it up later despite her protests. He barely made it up the stairs behind her with her smaller suitcase, Noa having to steady him at the top. It took a minute, or three, for Charlie to catch his breath before he pointed towards the third room on the second floor, all the way towards the back. He wheezed out a few words and Noa nodded, taking the suitcase from him before heading towards what she assumed was her room.

Her guess about the room being Charlie's previously was assumed to be correct as he came up behind her, surveying the room as did she. The walls were still a plain white, though he encouraged her to paint them to her heart's desire. There was one window with rain droplets and mist covering most of it across from the door, the forest that made up the backyard still easily visible from her room. That made her smile before she took in the rest of her new room. It was small and empty, apart from a full sized bed with an olive green duvet and pillowcases, along with a handmade quilt draped over it. In the corner, near the window, there was a desk and a small book shelf, her smile widening, Charlie taking notice. "I know you said you like to read so, I picked it up second hand, hope you don't mind."

The girl was already planning on how she'd arrange her books and small treasured items she had kept over her years of travel, "I love it, thank you." She assured Charlie that the green blanket was more than okay, the color actually being her favorite which pleased him greatly. He left her to be alone, with a promise of retrieving her second and heaviest suitcase that still sat at the bottom of the stairs. Noa debated on whether it was worth it to fill the closet with her clothes, knowing she'd never get to wear them in this weather. She took a few pieces out that could still be used, leaving the others in the suitcase that she shoved to the back of the closet. When Charlie entered again, she said, "I know you told me it was the rainiest city ever but, my wardrobe isn't really Washington appropriate. Are there any clothing stores in town?"

He nodded, scratching his mustache a bit as he set her other suitcase down. The girl went to work unpacking it as he answered her, "yeah, there are a few fancier stores up in Port Angeles, passed it on the way here but there's a second hand store not too far from here. I can drive you if you want. Or I can ask Bella..."

Though she didn't want to disturb her broken hearted cousin, the thought of making her uncle drive another mile after the six hour drive there and back he had just done for her was devilish. She shook her head no, arranging her books perfectly on the bookshelf. "I'll just ask Bella myself, it's okay. You've done enough for me today, I don't want to be a burden."

Charlie shook his head, staring at the girl who was an almost exact carbon copy of his dearly departed sister. Tears came to his eyes but he kept them from spilling and he hoped the distance between them was far enough that she didn't notice. She continued to arrange her items around the room as he told her, "never a burden, Noa. It's good to have you here, you need anything just ask. You hear?"

The girl nodded with a smile, thanking her uncle before he excused himself. She packed light, learning to never get too attached to material things as they moved too much for her to have a lot of belongings, so she finished unpacking just as fast. She looked around the room, deciding on what else she needed, making a mental note for the store later. Knowing what was next, she inhaled deeply. The thought of meeting Bella made her anxious, Noa unsure of how to even approach her. Charlie hadn't told her much about his daughter's personality or temper. She thought of the many personalities she could have while she exited her room and stood in front of Bella's closed door. It was devoid of any paint of distinctive signs such as 'keep out' or 'do not enter' which put her slightly at ease. She knocked three times before letting her hand fall limply at her side. There was only a lifeless hum that she took as granted access, cautiously opening up the door.

She noticed upon entering that she had obviously gotten the bigger room, noting the smaller size of Bella's. Though they had most of the same pieces of furniture, Bella only having a mirror and a dresser to add, hers looked more lived in, which was obvious as she had been living here longer than she had. There were pictures of who she assumed were friends and family, her desk cluttered with old papers and her computer opened, a cup of water set dangerously close to it. Bella sat, facing the window in her desk chair with her back to Noa, not saying anything. The room felt stuffy, as if the doors and windows hadn't been opened in weeks, she felt uneasy. "Um...Bella?"

It took her a few seconds but Bella turned around, surprised to hear a new voice she hadn't heard before. When she took in Noa's somewhat similar appearance, she calmed, remembering little about her younger cousin she only ever saw a handful of times growing up. "Helena, I'm sorry about your mom," she said in a hoarse voice, not really meeting her eyes as she said so. There was sincerity in her words, though it felt slightly rehearsed and Noa nodded.

"It's Noa but um, thanks," she replied, her hands wringing awkwardly. They stared at anything but each other, Noa suddenly interested in Bella's pale blue walls that were adorned with paintings and more pictures. After a while, she cleared her throat awkwardly. "So uh, I don't have many clothes and Charlie said there's a store right down the street and I was wondering if you could-"

Bella cut her off before she could finish, uninterested as she said, "take my truck, keys are on the hook by the door. Just don't try and take it past sixty or it'll give out. Take a right at the stop sign and take it all the way to the first stop light then make a left. It'll be in the little center about a mile from there." She left her with only those directions and nothing else, Noa replaying the directions a few times in her head so she wouldn't forget. She thanked her cousin, to which she got no response, before she retrieved her wallet from her room, making her way down the stairs.

The tv was on and Noa peeked into the living room, spotting Charlie on the couch. He nodded towards her, a hopeful look on his face. "Bella's taking you then?" He asked, watching her pull her hood over her hair before she shook her head, the action making him frown before he looked back towards the current game. "You have your license then, and cash?"

Noa shook her head as she held up the turquoise wallet she had picked up in a shop in Lebanon two years ago, "it's okay, I can walk and uh, I have enough money I think, I exchanged all my money for US before I left." He seemed to ponder the idea, asking her if she knew where she was going, nodding contently when she repeated the directions Bella had given her, bidding her farewell before he took another sip of his beer. She frowned as the cold air hit her again, missing the warmth from the old house, giving it one last look before she headed off down the street towards the second hand store.

She couldn't lie, a few times she got confused and often found herself on the unmarked highway that had only a few cars occasionally pass through but, a few honks and a few curses thrown her way and she got the hang of it by the time she arrived at the small thrift store. She often visited them wherever she traveled, preferring used clothes as she often had to get rid of her things when they moved so she found no need to buy new things in every country. She lost track of time as she shopped for clothes and items to decorate her room, finding her cart to be unreasonably full.

"Preparing for the apocalypse or something, girl?" A voice asked jokingly, causing her to turn. She smiled awkwardly upon seeing an older man in a wheel chair, his eyes almost closed shut at the intensity of his smile. His skin was brown, darker than her own and his hair was bone straight and black as tar, with thin black eyes to match. He seemed rough around the edges but sweet, Noa nodded at him as she admitted sheepishly, "I just moved here today actually, I wasn't prepared for this weather so I did go a bit crazy. I'm not a fan of the cold."

The man nodded, both of them silently looking at her cart before her words hit him. He snapped his finger, remembering then. "You must be Charlotte's kid then. Helena," his smile fell once he said it, apologizing as his eyes glazed over. Noa tilted her head to the side as she inspected the man's reaction, "you knew my mom?"

Another smile found its way onto his face as he confirmed that he did. "Your uncle and I have been friends since we were youngins', your mom...wasn't the type to socialize," he said with a smile as he remembered the woman, Noa smiling as well, the girl forgetting to correct him on her name. She never knew why her mother insisted on calling her Noa instead of Helena when the latter was perfectly fine but, it was much too late to try and change it around now. "It's good to see you, I doubt you remember me since you went away so young, name's Billy."

Noa nodded, imagining the man with less wrinkles and, according to him, a wheelchair, since he had only been recently bound to the chair, and the pieces started to slowly pull together. She looked around then in search of someone, "yeah, you had a few kids too huh?" As if he had heard her, a boy rounded the corner, resembling Billy in his youth with a greeting smile on his face. He looked older than her, though only by a year maybe. The boy pulled her into a hug without warning, catching Noa off guard. She couldn't remember the last time she had been hugged.

"Helena! It's good to see you, almost didn't recognize you without mud on your face," he joked, causing Noa to scrunch her nose childishly. She smiled at him, it felt nice to remember people, though she still felt anxious as this was the most people she had talked to in years. He noticed immediately she was a bit rough around the edges, remembering that she had just lost a mother. "Sorry about your mom, I lost mines when I was only a few years but..." he didn't know what else to say, considering he didn't remember his mother, Sarah. He suddenly felt embarrassed to have even brought it up and Noa only nodded, not sure how to respond.

Billy paused, taking in the mention of his late wife so casually while Jacob kept his head down. "Forgive my son, Jake. I doubt you remember my older girls, Rachel and Rebecca, the twins? They were around Bella's age so probably not then." When Noa shook her head Billy reassured her that it was okay as the girl's had moved years ago, something she could tell hurt both Billy and Jake. Jake, it was really Jacob he had explained, seemed more interested then, perking up suddenly at the mention of Noa's cousin. "How is she?" He asked.

Noa shrugged. "Um, I've only been here for a few hours and exchanged a few words with her but she seems a bit...sad? But, I guess that's to be expected," she admitted, not knowing how much was too much when it came to sharing. She still didn't know any of them very much and she felt very displaced in it all. She felt very uncomfortable at the casualness of the conversation and her cheeks turned red. Jacob nodded solemnly, deeply affected by her cousin's emotional state for some reason. "Are you guys friends, like Charlie and Billy?" Jacob's face burned, the boy coughing awkwardly as he looked anywhere but at the girl in front of him. Billy laughed a bit, Noa catching onto his teasing after a few seconds of him doing so.

Billy looked around, frowning as he looked up at her before glancing at the setting sun. "You come here alone, girl?" He asked curiously. When she nodded he frowned, tsking in disapproval. "You shouldn't be out driving near sundown by yourself, it ain't safe, especially when you don't know the roads. You only been here bout what, a day, few hours maybe?"

Jacob nudged his father, the boy reminding him that he didn't need to parent everyone as he always did, though Billy didn't listen. "We told Charlie a few of us would come over, keep him company so he wouldn't be alone especially after Charlotte...we'll give you a ride back home to make sure you get there all right." Jacob scoffed, mentioning his need for a change of clothes, Noa catching that he looked as though he had been working on some sort of machine with oil and dirt staining his jacket, pants, and sneakers. Billy scoffed back, the man was sassy, Noa deduced. "I'm sure Bella has more important things to worry about than your dirty outfit, Jacob. Let's go."

Noa didn't really know what to make of their interactions as she never had a dad, nor was she a boy. She didn't know what to say or when to say it so she simply kept her mouth shut, turning to take her items towards the checkout line. The girl was rightfully confused when she learned about sales tax, something Jacob found hilarious while the cashier seemed to think she was some foreign thing that didn't know left from right. "Why not just put the prices on the tag?" She mumbled as she exited the store with the two in tow, Billy offering to hold a few bags on his lap.

"Welcome to America," Jacob beamed sarcastically, causing Noa to let out a genuine laugh, the girl's chest vibrating. She didn't feel the sharp cold this time as they headed towards Billy's truck. The boy inspected it, explaining to the girl next to him with much pride that he had been the one to fix it up recently for his father, mentioning his own car he had just built from scratch. Noa seemed impressed, voicing her compliments to the boy as she admitted to never really understanding mechanics, to which Jacob offered to teach her. She felt more at ease then, less anxious on the drive back to Charlie's house and even conversing with the two once they arrived and made their way up the steps.

The front door swung open and her uncle looked at the three waiting patiently with a confused stare. Billy pushed himself forward in his chair, knocking into the still closed screen door, "open up before I ram down the door with this chair, old man." To that, Charlie scoffed, complying still as he let the three enter. "Who you calling old, Mr. 'I've Been Getting A Senior Discount for Almost Ten Years Now'?" He shot back, the two erupting into harmless banter then, leaving the two teenagers alone.

Noa stared after them awkwardly, her and Jacob still holding onto her items. She stared down at her full hands before looking at Jacob's, smiling a bit in embarrassment. "I guess I went a bit overboard, huh?" Her comment earned a laugh from Jacob, the boy nodding as he gestured to his full hands, "at least you don't have to worry about buying...well anything, it seems." The two shared a laugh then, quite childishly. Noa gestured for him to follow, the two venturing up the stairs and towards her new room. Jacob stopped at Bella's closed door, his face falling as he debated on whether or not he wanted to knock, Noa watching silently.

He decided against it, joining Noa in her room without a word. "How long has she been like that?" she asked curiously whilst she separated her new things to be cleaned later. Jacob shrugged, looking out her open door to the empty hall, "it's been like this since the end September, a bit after her boyfriend left." Noa caught on to the way he had said 'boyfriend', raising an eyebrow before the boy sighed, unable to hide anything from anyone it seemed. "He just, he wasn't that great. Always had her in some kinda trouble, she was never home. It seemed like they really liked each other though until he and his family skipped town randomly."

Noa frowned, tossing her 'new' clothes into the corner, reminding herself to buy a hamper for them later. She thought about her response, struggling to form some sort of opinion on the events just revealed to her. "Maybe she needs a hobby," she suggested after a while, remembering a book she had read on the stages of grief, which she had picked up and finished ironically a few weeks before her mother died. Jacob nodded, fiddling with the sheer curtains Noa had bought to surround her bed, though she could tell he wasn't listening to her much. "Why don't you invite her out somewhere?"

Jacob looked up at her, giving the girl his full, undivided attention. His cheeks turned red as he asked, "you mean, like on a date or something?" Noa seemed to think about it, answering honestly, "I'm not sure exactly but, from what I've read on depressive states, it helps to be out of the house, out of one's comfort zone and inner turmoil. Maybe she needs someone to pull her out of that. Maybe she needs you." Jacob eyebrows furrowed, the boy going into deep thought. It was like this for a bit, as she threw her clothes and washable decor into the laundry and cleaned her other items at the kitchen sink, the two bouncing ideas off each other as they wondered what would help Bella, Noa learning more and more about her cousin as the minutes went on. She learned she was very clumsy and not very athletic or artsy, most of those traits seemingly genetic as Noa related to them. She wasn't fond of much outside of books and her now-ex boyfriend, which made Noa frown. "Maybe she just needs new interests. She has to get out of her comfort zone in order to grow."

"Who?" Charlie asked, coming into the kitchen as Noa placed her final item, a crystal blue flower vase onto a drying rack. The door bell rang suddenly, causing them all to turn, Charlie being the first to react and open the door. He smiled upon seeing them, letting in a teenage girl and a woman around his age, greeting them politely. It was easy to tell that they were mother and daughter since they looked so much alike; raven black hair with wide eyes, though the older woman's had gotten tighter and more accusing with age. They were both of slender build with brown skin that resembled Jacob and Billy's own. The two carried what she could only assume was food as the smell hit her nose almost immediately upon them entering the home, her stomach growling. Charlie led the two from the foyer into the small kitchen, Noa feeling small under their gazes. The older woman smiled at Noa, causing her to smile back, though it fell when she got pulled into a hug by her suddenly. "I'm Mitena, you probably don't remember me or Tama. We haven't seen you in so long, look at your face," she smiled, admiring the teenager in front of her.

The girl next to her, Tama, nudged her mother with her hip as her hands were full, frowning a bit as she chastised her. She offered Noa a comforting smile, apologizing for her mother's forwardness. "It's nice to see you, Helena, though I wish we were seeing you under better circumstances," she said kindly, her voice soft. Noa didn't have siblings, nor did she know anything about them besides the basics and what she read in books but, she swore she felt so safe hearing the older girl speak. She seemed like the embodiment of an older sister and Noa couldn't help but cling to whatever she said, whether it was towards her or towards someone else. "I prefer Noa but, thank you, Tama...me too," she said finally, the girl's exchanging one last smile before Tama went to greet Jacob, the boy suddenly on edge around the older girl.

Instead of a knock or a doorbell, the door simply swung open and four entered. They were all older, around Charlie's age or a bit older, which caused Noa to calm her anxiety. She tended to get on better with people much older than her anyways rather than kids her own age. The eldest of the new arrivals, a man with a baseball cap and glasses from two decades ago was the first to greet Charlie, his skin a deep copper and wrinkled from age and sun exposure. A woman his age clung to his side, her skin pale and her eyes light and aware, pulling Charlie into a hug as they exchanged words Noa couldn't hear as they were too far away. She had stared too long, the two elders spotting her and promptly making their way over with Charlie close behind. The man looked overwhelmed at the influx of people in his house, especially at a time like this but, he kept his mouth closed. The woman was the first to hug Noa and she was grateful the man settled for a firm handshake and a simple condolence. Charlie introduced them, "this is Quil the Third, your great uncle, and this is your great aunt Molly."

The woman, Molly, pinched her cheeks, Noa frowning at the amount of physical contact she had received within the past few hours. She didn't like it. "Oh my god, I haven't seen you since you were this high," she smiled happily, her hand reaching down to her knee which wasn't very much considering how short she was. "Your mother...oh, she was...my favorite niece," Molly seemed to struggle to find the right words, appropriate words to describe her deceased niece.

Quil scoffed, "she was your only niece, woman." Molly rolled her eyes at his reminder, giving him a playful smack to his shoulder as she told him to 'mind his own'. Their attention was called elsewhere and Noa hoped the last two wouldn't be so touchy. Thankfully, they weren't. The last couple that entered, their eyes carefully watching Mitena and Tama, seemed more calm and reserved and much to her relief, they didn't hug her or mention her dead mother. The woman introduced them, Sue and Harry Clearwater respectively, and gave her a smile as she looked her over, no doubt thinking about the resemblance to her mother, Charlotte. Sue only smiled at her and Noa smiled back, she figured she wouldn't have minded a hug from her then. "It's good to finally see you again."

Charlie looked after them, his eyes trained on the door as if he was waiting for someone. "Where's the kids? They stay home?" At that, Tama turned, her eyes locking with Sue's as they exchanged a glance that Noa couldn't quite interpret before Sue sighed. "Seth wanted to stay over at Brady's and Leah..." she didn't finish, her and Tama sharing another look before Sue could only sigh again, her husband placing his hand on her shoulder comfortingly.

Sue smiled her worries off, her attention on Noa again. "Well, we'll just have to have you over for dinner then so you can meet them. You're about fifteen, sixteen now? Same as Seth, I'm sure you'll get along great," she assured her. Noa came to the conclusion that the Quileute's were all friendly and forward, something that she wasn't used to but part of her wanted to be. For now, she'd simply smile and nod as she had been doing all day. "Now, is Bella going to join us or am I gonna have to go up there and get her myself?"

Though he knew she was partially joking, Charlie still frowned, casting his gaze towards the stairs with a shake of his head. "I'll probably just end up bringing her a plate again. I swear I don't know how long it's supposed to last, how long does it take a girl to get over a boy anyways, two weeks?" The women in the room, minus Noa, all stared at him as if he had gained two heads then, the man shrugging in defense as he took it back quickly. Noa stifled a laugh at his reddened cheeks, covering her face with the plate Mitena had handed her.

"She should be happy those Cullens are gone, not sulking over them," Harry grumbled, filling his plate up with the food the women had placed on the countertops. He had begun to stuff his face before he had finished reaching the last bit of tupperware, Sue chastising him for talking with a mouth full of food. The name Cullen, ignited something in the room then, changing the entire atmosphere. Jacob and Tama grew uncomfortable, the boy looking anywhere but at his father while Tama kept her head down while their parents, ironically, seemed to be the most pleased with what Harry had said. Molly kept quiet while her husband scoffed at the mention, the woman giving Noa a comforting smile from across the kitchen when she noticed her confusion.

"Do I even wanna know why they hate the Cullens so much?" Noa asked quietly as she and Jacob stood next to each other, filling their plates once the elders were finished. Jacob glanced behind him quickly to see if anyone was watching, turning back to her when he noticed most of the adults had filed out of the kitchen, Tama mentioning she'd bring up a plate to Bella's room and disappearing. She wondered what Bella's ex boyfriend and his family had done that had caused such a reaction, unable to come to a concrete conclusion. "It's all a bunch of dumb stories. I mean, I think it was pretty shitty of them to just up and leave Bella behind like that but, still. They're all too stuck in the past."

Leave Bella behind? Noa frowned, she looked to Jacob in confusion, "would it have been better for them to take Bella along with them?" Her question was serious but Jacob didn't seem to like it, continuing to fill his plate before he sat at the kitchen table. She glanced back at her barely full plate before she spared a glance in the direction of the family room. The tv was going, broadcasting a game she knew nothing of, and there was wild chatter that she couldn't keep up with. She wasn't used to this, or anything close to it. Before she became too overwhelmed, she took her plate, which she would barely eat, and quickly headed for her room, bumping into Tama on the way. They apologized simultaneously before Tama looked at Noa oddly, "you okay?"

Noa debated on lying, something she had learned to be quite good at because of her mother. She felt Tama already knew the answer so she decided against it, sighing, "it's all just a little much, you know? I'm not used to all these people and all this noise, it's just a little overwhelming when I've only been around one person basically my whole life." There was a knowing, understanding look in Tama's eyes as she nodded, "I get it. I'm an only child too and it gets a bit crazy sometimes but, I'm sure you'll get used to it."

"I hope so, I don't really have any other choice," Noa responded with an awkward laugh. Saying it out loud made it feel so real, her heart began to hurt. There was no going back home, to her mother. They would never eat dinner together again or, do anything together because she was gone and she wasn't coming back. She was surrounded by so many people but she still felt so alone all she wanted to do was curl up under her covers until she couldn't cry anymore. And once Tama released the hold on her shoulder, that's exactly what she did. spring speaks: first chapter done! hope you enjoyed!! pls comment if you want to be added to the taglist!

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amirrorneverlies · 5 months ago

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It’s Never as Good as the Books - A story told with Jacob Black

“You deserve a relationship that enables you to sleep peacefully at night.”

※ Bella ※

“Book boyfriends and girlfriends are the way forward.”

※ Jacob ※

“I really need to get myself a library card!!”

※ Bella ※

“You don’t have a library card? I have two!”

※ Jacob ※

“It’s cute that you think that’s a flex… like, for real.” Smiles.

※ Bella ※

“Excuse you. Cute? Please. I have Rizz, I’ll have you know.”

※ Jacob ※

“Yes Bells…. You have all the Rizz!”

※ Bella ※

“Okay… Jacob Black… why does it feel as though you are making fun of me?”

※ Jacob ※

“Me? Never.” Shaking my head. “I’ll tell you what, you can practise on me if you need to!” Grinning.

※ Bella ※

“Nope. I feel judged now. You can't handle my Rizz.”

※ Jacob ※

Completely forgets everything she says as she says it, because…

“You have really pretty eyes.” Damn!!!!! Did I say that out loud?

※ Bella ※

Eyebrows jerking, with widened eyes. “Oh. Hmm.” Clearing my throat. “Yeah. I know. All the better to see you with.” Kicking myself as the words leave my lips. Leaning into his crazy moment.

※ Jacob ※

Thankfully, her response made me burst out laughing, almost forget my slip. Almost. “Really? Wow! I didn't know Rizz meant quoting old fairytales! No wonder my lines never work.”

※ Bella ※

“See.” Holding my hands out to the sky. “You… are… welcome! Who else can give you all these helpful dating tips.” Winking at him exaggeratedly.

※ Jacob ※

"Tips??" Raising a brow. "Now there are multiple tips? Let me take out my notepad." I pretended to pull a notebook from my pocket and mimicked writing on it.

※ Bella ※

Watching him with a mild smile on my lips. “There are multiple tips, however, I didn’t say I would shower them all on you at the same time. You need to work up to each one, young apprentice.” Mimicking the Yoda voice badly.

※ Jacob ※

Yoda impressions?? I mean terrible ones… but still… Bella might be the most perfect woman! I laughed and tucked away my imaginary notepad. “Okay, I'll respect your teachings. One lesson at a time. So, do I get to practice on anyone in particular?

※ Bella ※

Dusting off my shoulders, free from the invisible specs of doubt. I felt a little pride in myself. “Uhm.. I’m sorry?” Glancing around the two of us. “I’m not a wing person, Jacob. I help with the theory. Practising... don’t you boys have girls you want to date?”

※ Jacob ※

Well, this was awkward! "Wing person?" I cracked a smile. "You know I always thought the two-on-one approach was a little unfair... I mean... if you like someone... it should really be a one-on-one kinda thing, don't you think?"

※ Bella ※

“Uhm…” giving his question time to ruminate. “Most teens your age don’t have the confidence to step up to a person they like to do that. But. Yeah. I agree. If you like someone, have some faith. Step up.” I tilted my head slightly to smile at him. “You know Jacob Black... you are too mature for your age. Slow down a little. You’re starting to make me look bad.”

※ Jacob ※

I laughed... glad that my subject change worked. But the heat in my cheeks told me I was blushing as soon as she said people my age rarely had the guts to step up to the person, they liked... she had no idea how true that was! Would I ever have the nerve to hit on her? "Is that your way of saying confidence is key?" I chuckled at her comment on my maturity. "I can't help it if I was born from generations of wise chieftains!" I boasted. "It's not something you can just turn off."

※ Bella ※

“I mean, all the books I read seem to think so. At this stage, I feel like they must have some truth to it?” As though I could speak on the topic. ‘Miss let’s stay in the back with my head down, and hope no one notices me.’ So far that method of thinking hasn’t worked since my move to Forks.

Mindlessly curling a strand of hair with my fingers, I shook my head. “I’m sure, you’re working up to becoming a great chief yourself someday. If that’s what you want.” I had every faith in my friend's abilities to achieve whatever he set his mind to.

※ Jacob ※

My brows pulled together... "Wait... you've read books about how to... flirt?" Was that a thing? I mean it probably was right? They had self-help books for everything... Spirit's... Embry had learnt to play the guitar from a library book, I was pretty sure he still hadn't returned...

Should I be reading books like these? I smiled at her and nodded. "I mean... I think it is. I wanna have my own job and everything first. But who knows... Rachel or Becca might come home and want it instead." I doubted it... but if they did and it was what would keep them here? Then I wouldn't try to stop it.

※ Bella ※

“No!” The word shot out faster, and louder than expected. Clearing my throat while shaking my head. “No... I meant the novels I read have a basic underlying premise.” Was I feeling a blush creeping up my face?

“I’ve no intention whatsoever to flirt with anyone.” Dating isn’t high on the agenda when you were hoping to make it day by day without breaking down or regressing into a dark hole at the mention of things that others thought to be normal.

However, I forgot my thoughts catching the meaning behind his words. “If your sisters come back?” I hadn’t pushed to ask why they didn’t visit before now, after all it was personal and none of my business.

※ Jacob ※

I laughed... she answered that fast... Was it too fast? Then my brows shot all the way up. "No intention... Like... Ever?" It probably sounded like teasing. And I knew her break-up was rough... and not a normal teenage relationship break-up rough. It was life-altering for her. I see that. I know I didn't know her as well as I liked to pretend sometimes. But I could tell she wasn't the same as before.

"I hope that you don't feel like that forever," I told her.

Then I acquiesced to her subject change. "Um... yeah." I rubbed the back of my neck. "I mean if one of them wanted the job and it kept them here... I could accept them. I'd have one of my sisters back."

※ Bella ※

I just shrugged my shoulders slowly in answer to his question, because I really had no true response. Could I change my mind? Yes. Of course, however, right now I couldn’t see a future where it would be possible.

Thankfully, Jacob accepted the request to change the topic, but then again, his reply seemed a little… off maybe? “You would accept them?” Clasping my hands I worked them considering his choice of words. “Do you not accept them now?”

※ Jacob ※

My face heated. Okay, I phrased that badly. "No, I just mean... The job... the seat on the council, I would give to them. The twins never really wanted it before. They always said I should take it... but if it made one of them want to come home for good. I could give it up for them. Because having them back would be far more important. For one of them to be home..."

※ Bella ※

“Oh. Sorry. I totally misunderstood where you were going there.” Giving him a nod of understanding now. “You miss them, don’t you?” I could comprehend his emotions and empathise with them. I missed my family but knew this distance between us was necessary. “When was the last time you visited them?”

※ Jacob ※

I nodded... "I can't help it... I remember them more than my mom... and they..." I paused. "They tell the best stories about her too." I smiled. "But I don't really get to visit them. Dad's seat on the council means we can't really be gone long, and I can't go and leave him home alone either." I paused again dropping my gaze to the ground. "Rachel came home for winter break... and Becca..." Something twisted inside. "Um... She... calls... sometimes."

※ Bella ※

My heart just died a death. Why did I even ask the question? Seeing the discomfort on my friend’s features broke my already broken heart, for so many reasons. “I — “ My jaw worked with no words coming to save him from what I caused.

“You are a good son and brother Jacob Black.” Realising once again how alike we were. And why our friendship seemed to work. “I’m sure they miss you too.”

※ Jacob ※

I waited for that look… the one everyone gets when I talk about Mom. But Bella’s was different… like she felt bad for bringing it up. But there wasn’t any pity that I could see… That was the worst. “I know they do… and they do their best.”

I smiled at her then. “I don’t mind you know?” I tried to reassure her. “Talking about it. I quite like too actually… I just… don’t really have that many stories… and some of them I’m not even sure I haven’t made up to fill the gaps.”

※ Bella ※

“Do you want to tell me? I don’t mind if you want to keep them for yourself. However, I’d love to hear them.” I wouldn’t push, it was his choice and always would be. Nodding my head towards the path.

“I’ll even let you walk with me while you share.” Then adding. “And you can share my bag of chips and a box of cookies in my backpack.” Food would work better as a bridge between hurting and remembering the good times.

※ Jacob ※

I was stunned into silence for a minute. She wanted to hear stories about my Mom? Why did the idea of this make my palms sweat? “Well…” I swallowed. “If there’s free cookies involved….” I shrugged like this was what sealed the deal. But honestly, I couldn’t see myself ever telling her no.

I walked with her in the direction she’d indicated. “I only ever talk about her with Quil and Embry… What do you wanna know?”

�� Bella ※

Sliding the strap of my bag off my shoulder, walking in step but then thinking better of it. I stopped, taking out the small box of cookies I bought at lunch but didn’t eat. Holding them out for him. “I knew food would seal the deal.” But then I saw the look in his eyes. Damn! I didn’t mean to put him on the spot.

“Uhm. Listen. It’s okay to have her to yourself and those you trust.” Trying to show him I didn’t mean to intrude. “Tell me about school.” I just wanted to… well. I didn’t know what I was trying and failing to do.

※ Jacob ※

I smiled and took the box from her, opening it as I spoke. “No... I trust you… but the stories… they aren’t secret.” I held the box out to Bella to take the first one… It was just polite really.

“Plus… school is boring when you aren’t a nerd.” I teased her. “It’s just… I guess when I talk about her… it’s not like picking a story. Usually, I’m talking to my friends or Dad about a memory, and Mom… comes up because she was there you know.” I laughed then… I was going to have to up my storytelling game if I was ever going to take my father’s place.

I looked at the little box, then Bella’s backpack, and grinned. “Okay... She always had snacks… like always. She has this purse, and it had a picture of a wolf on it and there was always food in there… even if you caught her without the bag… she’d still have a bag of nuts or something in her pocket. We all just used to think that she was one of those moms, you know… Always feeding the kids. I never realised it was for Dad… in case his blood sugar dropped. She started to notice the guys and I were raiding her stash, so then she started keeping chips and sugary treats in there too.”

※ Bella ※

“Thank you.” Taking one of the offered cookies. (Which were mine to start with!) I began walking again. Bag over my shoulder, with one hand pushed deep into my pocket from the cold air. Smiling when he began speaking about his mom. As he spoke, I guessed Sarah had those snacks for Billy due to his diabetes. However, hearing the story from Jake’s point of view. I laughed with him.

How did I do that around him? Smiling and laughing! “I’m hoping you gave your mom the snack queen title for that.” Shaking my head. Thinking I would have been lucky to find a leftover tic tac at the bottom of Renée’s bag.

※ Jacob ※

I resisted the urge to chuckle when Bella thanked me for one of her own cookies… I mean sure it was funny… but it was also kind of adorable. She was probably the most generous person I had ever met. And I didn’t mean because of her sharing cookies or buying us dinner… not even making us all breakfast the morning we came to work on the shed.

Why were all those examples food-related? There was no denying I had been a bottomless pit when it came to food lately. Dad said it was like I was storing up for winter.

She was generous with her spirit, her gratitude… I wondered if maybe that was what it was like… coming out of the darkness she'd gotten lost in, seeing the world and people around you again and appreciating each second with them.

“Embry told her she was the best cook on the Rez… His mom tried, but honestly, unless it was lasagna night at the Call’s… we ate at mine or Quil’s.” I tried to think of another story… munching on a cookie as I thought. “Okay… tell me something about your mom… I need prompts to get my mind working.” I chuckled.

※ Bella ※

Half smiling as I chewed on half a cookie. Walking aimlessly with my friend by my side. I listened carefully to the fact that I was being let into this safe side of his memories. Recalling Sarah Black from the few group photos Charlie had in an album, and Mrs Call who had been comforting Leah weeks ago when the young Clearwater was upset. “There is nothing wrong with a good lasagna night,” I said. “What’s the one dish you think of when you think of your mom?” I asked. Before he asked me about my mom.

“Reneè…” contemplating what to share, “Well… she is a young soul. Or at least that’s what my nani used to call her. She’s the best to have fun with. Road trips, concerts, midnight drives just to get snacks.” Leaving out the part, where she didn’t think about the fact that I needed to be awake for school the next day.

※ Jacob ※

I laughed… “Oh yeah, it’s a good lasagne and it's always good fun… Mama T is definitely the funniest Mom on the Rez… even if she is a little overprotective.”

“Mom’s cooking…” I thought about it for about a split second. “Grilled Halibut… I can barely remember the taste… but I remember her barbecuing on the back porch and I remember the sizzles of the butter when it dropped onto the charcoal. Dad was always so excited… mostly because he’d caught the fish and would spend the next week boasting about it. Quil and Embry would come over and if it wasn’t raining the twins would put the kitchen table outside and we’d…” I realised I was rambling and smiling like a fool… but I wasn’t embarrassed. I knew Bella wouldn’t make fun of it… “It was always a great day, you know?”

※ Bella ※

My eyes caught all the excitement in Jacob. The way his voice went up an octave, his body felt little lighter, with a telling bounce in his step. This was something I never knew about him. Maybe I knew a little, however witnessing it today, bought warmth to my heart. I didn’t know when I began smiling. I couldn’t take my gaze away from him. Because seeing how happy these memories made him feel, made me want to bottle some of it up for my dark nights.

Shaking my head, when he talked about his sisters and his mother. His dad… and friends. He had a full life. And I loved this for him.

“I get it.” Not from personal experiences. However, I learnt through his eyes and demeaner. Oh... wait… “It sounds like the nights when you and Billy, or when the Clearwater’s have Charlie and me over. How a simple night turns into something a little special.” So, maybe I have been lucky enough to experience it first hand?

※ Jacob ※

I grinned because I knew she would get it. “It’s always about the people… I mean good food is good too… but the company? It makes all the difference. Even if it is just one other person... if it is the right person, you’ll never forget it… you know?”

I kept walking with her. Noticing that I had to shorten my stride to keep next to her. Then I remembered we were walking without a real destination in mind. “So where exactly are we going? Or are we just… wandering?” I munched on another cookie.

※ Bella ※

His question stopped me in my tracks, with a few moments of silence as my eyes moved around us. Of course, I’d been elated when I saw Jacob, however, we didn’t have any plans, and I was wasting his time. All because I didn’t want to go home to an empty house while Dad worked. “Uhm… Yeah… I guess…” Pulling on the strap on my shoulder. “We are… but if you’re busy, I’ll let you go... And you can keep the cookies too.”

※ Jacob ※

I stopped walking and gently took Bella's wrist… stopping her too… “Bella…” I let go realising that might not be something she was comfortable with. “I am busy… I’m busy hanging out with my friend… I think you know her. Her name is Bella Swan.” I smiled, but there was concern behind it. She seemed to carry around this feeling that she was a burden to the people around her.

“You know that I want to hang out with you, right? There’s no other reason for me being here other than the fact that I really like spending time with you. And there is nothing wrong with just walking for the sake of it. All this good fresh air and exercise and stuff.” I grinned at the end hoping to inject a little humour into the situation.

※ Bella ※

I couldn’t help the flinch I felt at his touch. My eyes stuck on the place he had held me gently. It wasn’t his touch; it was the sensation of warmth. Of softness. Of Jacob. Shaking off the whirlwind of thoughts, I allowed my gaze to travel up to meet his. Had he grown some more? Was this boy having a growth spurt again?

Chewing my bottom lip as I let my heart sink. I’d been trying so hard to keep my mask up that I hadn’t seen how selfish it was of me to expect him to be…. Wait a minute... what was Jacob saying? He was busy with… with… me?

A rush of heat filled my cold heart. How had I become so lucky with his kindness and friendship? And the smile. Jacob Black had the most wonderful smile ever. So, welcoming, and never afraid of sharing it.

“Jake!” Playfully smacking his forearm hoping the touch would show him I was okay with his. “Thank you…” biting down the concerns that had been raised within me. “However, you know you can tell me to leave. I never want to outstay my welcome. Or stop you from anything you have planned.” Even while meaning every word, I said. I could feel the relief spreading with every passing second.

Pushing my elbow into his side as I spoke. “I heard fresh air is good for a growing boy like you.” Making a point to show him I noticed him. I wanted him to feel as seen as he always made me feel.

※ Jacob ※

I shook my head, but I was smiling. Instead of keeping the attention on the part that I knew made her feel a little exposed, I quirked a brow and asked… “What do you think I would be up to that I couldn’t just ask you to tag along?”

Then I laughed and spoke. “Actually, don’t answer that…” I wasn’t sure if her growing boy comment was about my age again or the fact that the new jeans, I got only two weeks ago were currently just skimming my ankles. “I’m pretty sure it's good for everyone… even the palest girl to ever come from Arizona!” I teased her, giving her a gentle nudge back because I had a feeling; she probably bruised like a peach. “How is your hand healing?”

※ Bella ※

Parting my lips to list off all the things a young teenage boy could be getting on with in his free time. I clamped my mouth shut when he asked me not to answer. “You really need to say at the start if it’s a rhetorical question.” Well… knock me down with a feather! I could make jokes too!

Shrugging my shoulders I held my hand out. It had a simple square plaster covering the healing cut. “Charlie wants it covered when I’m not home. Otherwise, it’s getting better just fine.” Biting on my lips before adding. “I’m sorry about how the night ended I… Uhm… I have this thing… I zone out at the worst possible times.” I couldn’t tell him the full truth without sounding like a crazy or zoop.

※ Jacob ※

I laughed… “You were about to say a million different things, weren’t you?” I chuckled again. “I will have you know I am very well-behaved.”

Without thinking about it I brought my hand underneath the one she showed me, cradling it for a second before remembering she wasn’t a very touchy person… at least right now. Or maybe always, I wasn’t sure. “It’s probably a good idea, the last thing you want is an infection. But you have nothing to be sorry for… It happens.” I shrugged. “I mean look at what happened when we built the shed?” Then I paused and thought carefully about how to word this. “I sort of thought that maybe the song I played upset you… If it did, I didn’t mean to and I’m sorry for that. But… at least you’re okay and maybe you won’t even have a scar.”

※ Bella ※

“I was thinking about homework and chores. I don’t know where your mind went, young man.” Scoffing with a little eye roll, but so liking the sweet sound of his laughter. I shifted a little when Jacob took hold of my hand, he did it without thinking. And I reminded myself not to feel overwhelmed by the action.

My eyes flashed with sadness, my shoulders shrunk at the fact that Jacob had seen past my mirror illusions and saw just how broken I had become. “I… Uhm…” What would I do? Lie? As I always did. Or… “Music has gone from being a love to something I feel really anxious around.” Because I couldn’t say I hated it. I’d worked on myself, and grown, I could get myself out of that messy situation without reacting if I could foresee it coming.

※ Jacob ※

“Sure!” I teased her… but I knew it was true. Bella seemed to see the best in everyone. But she did it without being naïve… she balanced to two well.

My heart broke a little with her confession. I nodded and bit into a cookie while I tried to pull together the thoughts; that the onset of emotion had sent scattering away. “Sometimes… we lose touch with the things we used to love. I don’t want to sound cliché and tell you everything will be fine… but usually, people find a way back to the things they love the most, it can just take a while. You might not even notice when it happens… I’m not making you a promise. But…” I smiled then.

“Maybe you need a different kind of music… you should come to the village on the day of the farmer's market. There are always elders gathered around, singing blessings or telling stories. You don’t need to understand the words to appreciate it. It’s the first Saturday of the month. Rain or shi-“ I stopped before saying shine and laughed. “Rain or no rain.” I gave her all the information so she could come by herself or come along with me… but this way. She could choose.

※ Bella ※

“Thanks Jacob.” My eyes lowered as I took in the information, memorising it for a later date. “For trying to… you know… help.” He didn’t have to do this. Spending time with me, I was certain he could use for a million and one other more important things to do.

“I’ll give it a think. see how I feel.” I didn’t promise, like him I left it to hope and time. Music had been a companion for the majority of my life. And I hoped someday, it maybe could become the same again.

“And don’t think I’ve forgotten. You said we would go up to those cliffs, we saw from the road when driving to your place.” If we were going to spend time together. We had to do things he found interesting too.

Nodding my head towards the path before us, gesturing for us to continue with our walk. So far this last afternoon was turning out to be exactly what I needed.

The End

#BellaSwan #Bella #AUWorld #Twlight #TwilightRP #TwiRP #JacobBlack #Jacob #Jake #Stories

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