Chapter 11 - The Ball Game

A new day….
Tara sat on the bed with her sketch book in hand. Her pencil whisked over the paper rapidly. She almost looked like she was in under a spell as she drew incessantly. She patiently waited for Seth to come by since he promised to spend the day with her. They were going to start the day with a hunt but as usual, he over-slept. When he finally arrived at the house, he quietly crept up to the room. Upon hearing the sound of her pencil moving from outside the door, he peeked in. She didn't even look up as he entered and tip-toed across the room and then sat on the bed next to her. He was feeling guilty for not showing up on time.
"Sorry I'm late." He spoke softly, hoping she wasn't mad.
She smiled, rolling her eyes but still drawing.
He stared at her with fascination. Within seconds the white paper in her lap was filled with the image of a majestic cathedral.
"There's a storm coming," he said as he glanced out the window at the dark clouds that filled the sky.
"I know." She tilted her head slightly, still concentrating on her work.
"Do you hear it?" He figured she probably could hear a storm from miles away.
She suddenly stopped drawing and listened. "Almost, but I can definitely smell the rain coming. Plus, Alice told us yesterday." She continued drawing again.
"Oh…right, Alice." He peeked over her shoulder to look at her sketch. It's was nearly complete now as she finished shading the windows of a familiar building he'd remembered seeing somewhere once before. "Hey, that's really good. You doing that from memory?"
"Mmm-hmm…" Her pencil still whirled around the paper as she shaded.
"Where is that?" he wondered.
"Rome….Saint Peter's Cathedral."
He was impressed by the beautiful detail she put into it. "That's really amazing."
She paused and looked him in the eyes, flattered by his sincerity. "Thanks," she said, delighted by his compliment.
"Welcome." He smiled.
He wanted to kiss her but she spoiled the opportunity when she turned her attention back to the paper again and continued. Her expression became more serious again.
Seth eyes became fixed on her again, taking pleasure in watching her work. It was futile trying to keep up with the movement of her hand as it spun around the paper in a blur. His averted his gaze up her bare arm until it reached her shoulder. Her blue tank top exposed the flawless, ivory skin on her arms. He lifted his hand and gently brushed the silky wisps of hair off her neck. It made her tense up but she didn't stop drawing. It wasn't until he leaned over and pressed his lips to the bottom of her neck that she froze completely, closing her eyes. "Umm, w-what are you doing?" she sighed.
"Distracting you," he grinned devilishly. "It seems to be working."
She bit her lip as he continued to softly kiss a trail to her shoulder.
"I'm sorry, should I stop?" He asked while letting his fingertips slide down her arm, right down to her hand and back up again.
"No please continue, I was kinda in the mood to break some more of your bones," she said in a sarcastically musical tone.
He chuckled. "Mmm, me too. I guess I must be one of those masochists then."
"Yes, I'm starting to think you are," she agreed. She opened her eyes when he reached over and touched her chin, turning her face towards his.
"You're eyes are still a pretty gold, I think I'm still safe for the time being," he said, knowing her eyes darken when she gets too excited.
"Then perhaps you shouldn't push your luck." She playfully tapped him on the head with her pencil.
He smiled, giving up for the moment. As she continued to finish her picture, he reached down and picked up another one of her a sketch books off the floor and flipped through the pages. The first one was of Bella and Edward at the museum embracing each other. The second was of portrait of Renesmee. He flipped through, drawing by drawing of each family member until he stopped at one that caught his interest. It was a drawing of a very familiar tan wolf, standing on a cliff. "Hey, when did you do this one?" he wondered.
She glanced at it from the corner of her eye without stopping. "Mmm… a while ago."
He continued flipping the pages. There were more wolf drawings throughout the book. "Wow, you were like obsessed with me….and you accused me of stalking you," he teased.
"Tsk!" She calmly reached over to grab the calmly book but he moved his arm away from her.
"Come on now, lemme see." He said as he grabbed her wrist in an attempt to stop her from taking it.
She sighed. "You're really not gonna try this again are you, cuz you know you will lose."
Seth knew he didn't stand a chance against her strength but it amused him to try and muscle his way out of the situation, knowing she'd surely succeed in tackling him. He enjoyed the cat and mouse game with her only because he trusted she wouldn't hurt him. She was very carefully not to use too much force as he struggled pointlessly to keep the object in hand. Tara effortlessly pinned his arm down, then stretched across him to get the book. She paused as her body pressed against his and their eyes met. In her moment of distraction he slid his arm around the waist and then playfully spun her onto the bed. He grinned, feeling victorious, even though she let him do it. When he leaned in to kiss her, she flipped him over hurling him onto the floor on his back and then leaped on top of him pinning his arms down. "Ooof, ow!" he said feeling a bit stunned.
She sighed shaking her head. "Mmm, when are you gonna to learn to listen?"
"Probably never," he smirked.
"I told you, you would lose at this game."
"Actually, I think I'm winning," he said, knowing he got what he wanted.
She squeezed her grip tighter on him. "Ah, ok that does hurt just a little." He winced.
She leaned in close to his face tasting his heady breath. "I think you really do need to learn the hard way."
"Is this all supposed to scare me? Cause it's actually kinda turning me on," he teased.
She grinned shaking her head. Then she loosened her grip to get up. "You like danger too much."
As soon as Seth's arms were free, he grabbed her again and pulled her in tightly for a kiss. His blood boiled under his skin as his lips touched hers.
She let him have the moment, not wanting to resist anymore. She felt her body warming up as his body heat transferred to hers. Her icy skin felt scorched as he pressed it against her, burning her lips.
"Ahem!" a voice came from behind them somewhere.
Tara slowly rolled over as they both looked up at Jacob and Renesmee staring at them.
Renesmee snickered. "Do you guys mind keeping it PG? I gotta sleep I here ya know."
"Yeah guys, there are children present," Jacob said pointing a finger at Renesmee.
Renesmee nudged Jacob's arm. "Hey! I'm not a child!" she complained.
"Yeah, yeah I know. You keep reminding me!" He rolled his eyes and reached for her sweater, zipping it up over her chest that was a little too exposed.
She playfully swatted at him. Then she directed her attention back to Tara. "Alice says the thunderstorm isn't far. You wanna play a game tonight?"
"A game?" Tara said curiously as she rolled off of Seth and sat up.
"Yeah…baseball. It'll be fun," Renesmee said gleefully.
"Um..what about us?" Seth said, exchanging glances with Jacob as he sat up as well.
"You can't keep up, sorry," Renesmee said but then she paused, thinking for a moment. "Hmmm, though you could be Umpire," she offered.
"We can play if we phase," Seth said.
"What are you gonna bat with your teeth?" Tara laughed.
"No, smarty pants, you could bat for me and I'll be doing the running. We'll just be on the same team." Seth said.
"Plus we can catch," Jacob added.
"Don't you mean 'fetch'?" Tara teased.
"Har-har, very funny!" Jacob replied. Renesmee giggled at her joke and Jacob playfully tickled her making laugh harder.
"Sure why not. Baseball is probably safer activity for you anyway," she winked at Seth as she stood up smoothing out her blouse, leaving Seth on the floor in disappointment.
Renesmee grabbed Tara's arm gleefully and they started leaving to meet with the others. Seth gave Jacob an unpleasant look as he lay on the floor alone now.
"Hey don't worry, from the looks of things you'll probably thank me later for saving you."
"No… I really don't think so," Seth frowned, shaking his head.
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They all agreed to meet at the giant open field in the Olympic range. The Cullen's let Jacob and Seth take the jeep to carry the equipment and save some energy for the game. Renesmee tagged along with them for the ride. When they arrived, she grabbed their gear and met up with the others on the field so the boys could undress and phase. Once the vampires saw the two wolves appear from behind the trees, they took their positions. Thunder roared in the distance as they geared up for the game.
They flipped a coin to make teams. Emmett and Carlisle got Tara and Seth while Jacob teamed up with Edward, Bella and Rosalie. Alice took her usual position as pitcher, Esme was umpire and Jasper sat behind home plate to catch.
Carlisle's team took the field first, with Tara and Seth in the outfield and Emmett and Carlisle standing between bases.
Renesmee stepped up to the home plate twirling an aluminum bat though the air like a pro. She took her stance waiting on Alice who stood completely motionless on the pitcher's mound. Suddenly Alice moved for the windup. She moved so fast, the wolves hardly saw the throw and the ball was already in Jasper's hand with the blink of an eye.
"Strike one!" Esme called.
"Come on Ness! You can do it! Just like I showed you… keep your eye on the ball." Edward encouraged her.
She stood ready again for the pitch. Alice wound up and threw it. This time Renesmee hit the ball with a force that made thunderous crack. As soon as Jacob heard the impact he started running for first base taking huge leaps though the air.
Seth watched the ball as it soared. He took an enormous vertical bound and snatched the ball in his mouth.
"Out!" Esme shouted.
"Shoot!" Renesmee stomped her foot.
Edward stepped up to the plate next and put his arm around his daughter, kissing her on the head. "Good job sweetie. Don't worry, they won't get this one."
"Go get em dad!" she cheered. Then she ran over to Bella who put her arm around her and they both watched as Edward readied himself for the pitch.
Tara took the ball from Seth and threw it back to Alice who immediately dropped it when it landed in her hand. "Ugh! Dog slobber!" she griped, wiping her hand on the front of her shirt.
The others laughed hysterically.
Alice turned around and gave Seth an unhappy look. Then she reached into a bag next to the pitcher's mound and grabbed a new ball, thankful they had extras. She then wound up for the pitch and hurled the ball at Edward. The bat made a loud boom as he smacked the ball clear across the field. Tara ran into the woods after it. They watched as she disappeared into the forest and then saw her leaping above the trees for a catch. She missed the ball by inches but within seconds it flew out of the forest through the branches. Emmett caught the ball but it was too late, Edward already stood safe at third.
Bella got ready to bat next. She loved playing sports now that she had the agility and skills for them.
"Come on Bella, send me home!" Edward yelled to her.
"This one's for you my love," she winked at him while positioning herself.
"Aw," Renesmee cooed at her parent's affection for one another.
Jacob just rolled his eyes and started making gagging noises. She waved a scolding finger at him and he playfully nudged her back with his cold wet nose making her giggle.
When Alice threw the ball, it zipped past Bella into Jasper's hand as Bella swung the bat missing the ball.
"Strike one!" Esme called out.
Emmett stood on third with Edward. He laughed and elbowed him when Bella missed the ball. "All for you my love," he mimicked her in mocking tone while batting his eyes at Edward.
Bella scowled at Emmett and threateningly pointed the bat at him.
Edward turned to Emmett. "I can't read her mind but I think if I had to guess what she was thinking, it's probably, Shut your word-hole," he said.
Bella stood ready again. "Okay, this one's really for you," she grinned.
"Let's go Bella, bring Edward home!" Rosalie shouted.
The ball flew towards Bella and this time she smacked it in Carlisle's direction but it bounced off the ground so he couldn't get it mid-air. Carlisle swiftly picked up the ball and threw it home but Edward had already slid into the plate.
"Safe!" Esme called.
They were up one now with Rosalie last to bat.
"No cheating!" Edward warned Emmett out in the field, who occasionally missed a ball when he had to play against Rosalie.
When she hit the ball, she smacked it into left field heading straight towards Tara who then leaped up and caught it. She quickly threw it to home where Bella was headed. Jasper caught it just before her toe hit the base.
"Out!" Esme shouted, making Rosalie growl.
Three outs. The teams switched.
"I'll take the outfield," Edward claimed.
"No way! Lassie takes the outfield just like our team buddy. You get third this time," Emmett complained, trying to keep things even in the game.
"Don't worry dad, me and Jake got this." Renesmee said just before she high-fived Edward and then she ran to her position with Jacob near the edge of the forest.
Carlisle let Tara bat first. She'd never played baseball in her life but she had a concept of how it was done. Tara grabbed a bat and readied herself at the plate. "Am I doing this right?" she asked Esme for help.
Esme got behind her and reached around positioning her arms and legs correctly. "There, just like that.” She corrected her. “Remember, keep your eye on the ball," Esme said helpfully with a smile.
"Thanks," Tara replied, focusing on Alice
"This will be an easy out," Rosalie snorted.
Tara concentrated, waiting for the ball. Seth watched her intently, waiting to run.
Alice threw the ball.
Tara got ready to swing but something caught her eye in the distance and she missed it completely.
"Strike one!" Esme yelled.
Renesmee and Jacob were dancing around the outfield shaking their rear ends at Tara trying to distract her attention. "Hey! No fair! You guys are so immature!" she griped pointing her bat at them.
The other team all laughed.
"They cheat, just ignore them. Keep your eye on the ball like I said," Esme said pointing at Alice who was ready to throw again.
She stepped up again. The ball came screaming at her and she smacked it with a mighty force that sent it high in the air and it disappeared deep into the forest.
Seth bolted for first base.
"I GOT IT!" Renesmee shouted as she sprinted, disappearing to the trees.
The ball had bounced off a tree limb and landed in a small bog covered with moss and shrubbery. "Yuk!"She thought, as she stepped in it to pick it up.
"INCOMING!" she shouted, throwing the ball. It soared over the trees and came down in the middle of the field where Edward ran to catch it.
Renesmee started to run back when she heard the sound of a snap behind her in the distance. She quickly spun her head around looking as far as she could see but saw nothing. Her sense of smell was not as acute as the rest of the vampires but she picked up the very strong scent of a doe in heat as she sniffed the air. She shrugged her shoulders and turned back around seeing Jacob standing there. It nearly startled her. He protectively followed Renesmee to check on her when she didn't come out of the woods.
Jake hadn't noticed the mud everywhere from the heavy down pour they got earlier and he stood right in a huge puddle of it.
“Ugh!” he thought as he shook out his huge paws.
Renesmee laughed as he flicked the goop everywhere. As she laughed even harder, he started to come closer, putting his paw out like he was going to wipe it on her.
"Jacob Black, don't you dare! I swear, Alice will be furious if you get this outfit all dirty so don't even think about it!" She warned.
Jacob didn't listen. He crept towards her slowly with a toothy grin and tongue hanging out. She leaped out of the bog to dryer land but he jumped in front of her.
"I'm warning you! You better not!" she giggled, failing to keep a straight face.
Just before she could run, he pounced on her and she fell on her back in the mud. "Jacob! You are so gonna pay! Look at me! I'm filthy!"
Jacob knew how to take care of that for her. He began to lick her face and arms profusely making her squeal and laugh.
Renesmee thrashed about as he licked her, making so much of a commotion that she didn't even hear the click of the gun barrel… but Jacob did.
He suddenly stopped and looked over his shoulder seeing that he was faced with a double barrel shot gun about fifty meters out. Without thinking, he quickly put his entire body over Renesmee, covering her. Her laugh was the last thing he heard before the shot was fired.
The sound echoed through the forest. Jacob's blood covered Renesmee and she screamed when his body fell to the ground. She turned her head and saw the two hunters who were closing in on them fast.
The Cullen's all froze when they heard the sound of the gunshot and the shrill screams of Renesmee. They quickly raced into the forest.
"Jacob, NO!" She hovered over to his bleeding body and touched his face. He breathed shallow. His eyes turn towards her but his head remained still. Then she heard something behind her.
"Are you alright Miss?" the voice said as the man approached. Renesmee turned quickly and lunged at the hunter in a furious rage. She knocked him down and grabbed his gun, effortlessly breaking it in two.
"Oh my God!" the second man shouted. He started to raise his gun at her but she was too quick. Before he lifted the barrel she grabbed him by the throat and snarled at him fiercely. She smelled strong scent of female deer emitting from his body, the fake kind hunter's used to lure in their prey. A stream of fluid dripped out from his bottom pant leg as he trembled with fear and his gun fell to the ground. Renesmee never felt this way before. Fear and anger completely took over. She leaned close to him barring her teeth, desiring to sink them in his throat. The man screamed as she started to attack.
"Ness! Stop! Let him go!" a crackled voice said from behind her. It was Jacob. He'd phased back to a human and begged her not to kill the hunters.
Her fury dissolved once she heard his voice.
The rest of the group came into view, observing the situation. Edward knew right away the hunters had just witnessed several unexplainable events; A young girl just snapped their guns like twigs, a giant wolf just turned into a man, and now, eight very scary looking individuals accompanied by another enormous wolf just appeared out of nowhere. Both men looked like they were in shock.
Renesmee let the one man go. He ran towards his friend and they screamed as they ran away leaving their guns behind.
Rosalie started to chase them when Edward stopped her. "They're getting away! We can't let them go! They've seen too much!" she struggled with him wanted to run after the men.
"We can't hurt them, not even to protect ourselves. You know that!" Edward reminded her.
"Then just scare them! Threaten them not to say anything… do something! They'll go to the police!" Rosalie argued.
Carlisle was already kneeling next to Jacob, examining his wounds. "Don't worry, we know the Chief of Police, now get over here and help me!" he shouted at the both of them.
They all ran over to Jacob. His body trembled violently. Emmett removed his oversized shirt and handed it to Carlisle to cover him at the waist. Jasper sensed his fear and used his skill to calm him.
Carlisle spoke sternly. "We have to move him fast! Edward, I need you and Emmett to carry him to the jeep as fast as you can and then drive him to the house. We can't take him to the hospital. It's too risky now that there are witnesses. I will be ready for you when you arrive."
Renesmee sobbed as she held his face in her hands. As soon as they got him in the vehicle, she sat in the back seat holding him and keeping pressure on the wound to stop the bleeding.
Jacob kept his eyes fixed on her. "It hurts," he could barley whisper. "It hurts real bad."
"I know, I know," she said softly, stroking his cheek. "Hold on Jake. Don't close your eyes. Hold on for me!"
Edward drove insanely fast. The bumps were really hard on Jacob but there was little he could do. He didn't have time to be careful and slow down but he also hoped the pain would help keep him alert till they got him home. Edward listened to Jacob's thoughts. He wanted Edward to talk to Renesmee for him since he couldn't speak. "He's holding on for you Ness. He's fighting. He says he won't leave you and he loves you. Keep talking to him," he encouraged.
Her tears fell on Jacob's body. She began to ramble on to keep him awake. "I love you too Jacob. I'm gonna marry you soon and we're gonna be happy and have lots of vampire-wolf-mutant babies just like you always joked about remember? You'll see." She tried to smile through her tears.
The pain kept Jacob from smiling back but she saw a small twinkle in his eyes that let her know he liked her humor.
"That's it Ness, he's listening to you. He says, just as long as they are all as pretty as you."
That made her smile and cry even more. She kept on talking to him the whole way back. Renesmee's words tore Edward's heart into pieces. He tried to push the pedal harder but it was already to the floor.
As they neared the house, Edward could hear the thoughts of Carlisle and the others as they anxiously waited for their arrival. He pulled up close to the house and carried Jacob's limp body to the same room Renesmee was delivered in. Jacob finally fell unconscious.
"Edward, you stay. I need your help. Everyone else has to go out of the room so I can work," Carlisle ordered.
Renesmee shrieked as Bella pried her hands from Jacob's. Jasper ran over to help calm her so they could get her out of the room. Carlisle instructed Edward to start an IV so he could try to stopping the bleeding.
Everyone else waited outside silently.
Carlisle moved quickly. Being at home allowed him to be much more expeditious, not having to pretend to function only at a human speed like he would at the hospital.
Jacob lost a lot of blood during the return trip but he needed to get the slugs out so he could close up the wounds. Several grueling minutes passed as he labored. Renesmee stood outside, looking into glass door that separated her from Jacob. Bella came over and put her arm around her daughter.
Jacob's heart beat started to become unsteady. His thoughts quieted and then Edward no longer heard his mind screaming in pain. Suddenly, his heart stopped and there was only silence.
"I need to intubate him, start CPR now!" Carlisle demanded.
Everyone stood frozen, staring at the room in horror.
Tears streamed down Renesmee's face. "No!" she screamed.
Bella held her tightly.
Once Carlisle had the air tube in place, he placed the electro pads for the Automated External Defibrillator (AED) to Jacob's chest and waited for a charge. Within seconds, the monotone voice from the machine gave instruction.
"Shock Advised - Stand Clear," the machine spoke before it executed.
Renesmee sobbed when she saw Jacob's body jolt from the shock it sent though Jacob's body. She cringed and covered her ears trying to block the sounds. Bella embraced her, covering her head and caressing her hair. Everyone else watched with gloom on their faces.
The machine spoke again. "Analyzing Rhythm - Shock not advised - Start compressions."
"Come on Jacob! Don't do this to me!" Carlisle began doing chest compressions as the defibrillator monitored Jacob's vital signs.
The AED spoke again. "Analyzing Rhythm - Shock advised - Stand clear."
They both stood back and watched as the machine sent another charge through Jacob body causing him to thrash again but still, nothing. Carlisle started compressions again as Edward push air into his lungs.
Then Carlisle charged the machine to try once more, but his body didn't respond. "It's no use…I- I lost him," he sobbed.
Suddenly Renesmee no longer felt his presence. It was as though the connection she felt with him had been severed. She broke from Bella's grip and ran into the room. Edward let her run past him to his lifeless body. She put her hands on his face and leaned in close. "Jacob no! Please don't leave me! I love you please, please come back." She grabbed his face in her hands and touched her forehead to his as she sobbed. Moist droplets fell from her face onto Jacob's cheeks.
Everyone in the other room stood motionless and despondent. Each of the vampires held their mates in a somber embrace. Even Rosalie looked pained at the sight of Renesmee wailing over Jacob's body.
A tear ran down Seth's face as he listened to the steady hum of the heart rate monitor on the AED. It’s tone rang in his ears with a stabbing resonance. He couldn't take it anymore and fled out of the house. He only made it to the edge of the yard until his legs gave out underneath him and he fell, crouched on the ground, sobbing. His best friend was gone.
Tara followed him and slowly approached from behind. It tortured her to see him in so much pain. She knelt down beside him and put her hand on his shoulder. He reached out to her and pulled her close burying his face in her shoulder and broke down in her arms.
Edward felt like someone jack-hammered his insides as he watched Renesmee begging for her Jacob, listening to every tormenting thought in her head. He remembered the moment Rosalie told him Bella was dead and the blow he felt and how he wanted nothing more than to die right there. He just couldn't bear it any longer. Edward reached for the AED unit and pressed a button on it, starting another charge.
"Edward?" Carlisle said as he grabbed Edward's hand, questioning his actions.
"We can't give up. Try again!" Edward demanded.
Carlisle knew he couldn't stop him from trying. He nodded at Edward and let go of his hand.
The machine whirred up again, ready for a charge.
Esme pulled Renesmee back so they could work. Bella came in too and they both stood with her holding her tightly.
Edward leaned down near Jacob's ear and spoke to him. "Don't you give up! Don't you dare leave her! Fight damn it!"
As the machine sent a violent pulse through Jacob's chest, they stood motionless waiting for a response.
Finally, it made the sound they had been waiting for - the monitor beeped.
Then, it beeped again and the machine spoke. "Shock not advised - Rhythm detected."
They all exhaled with relief. Bella hugged Renesmee smiling. She extended a hand out to Edward and he took it, squeezing it tightly and they exchanged smiles.
Carlisle removed the pads from Jacob's chest and started working on his wounds. He made Renesmee stay back until he could finish. Esme and Bella stood with her, huddling closely as they all watched.
The others also heard the Jacob's heart beating again and sighed with relief.
Outside, Tara still held Seth in her arms tightly. His warm tears soaked her shirt. Tara heard a commotion inside, realizing something happened. She yanked Seth to his feet and pulled him back back inside the house.
By the time they returned, Carlisle had speedily removed the slugs from Jacob's body and stitched him up. Edward helped by holding his body for him so he could reach his back.
While Carlisle worked, Jacob's body started to move. His hand grabbed Edward's arm and his eyes opened. He looked right at Edward and tried to speak but the tubes were in his way.
"It hurts," he thought.
"I know stay still," Edward ordered.
Jacob reached up and tried to pull the tube out of his mouth. Edward grabbed his arm. Jacob kept repeating Renesmee's name in his head.
"She's right here, she's fine. Stop struggling," Edward told him when he heard Jacob's mental cries for Renesmee.
Renesmee ran to his side. Carlisle gave him morphine and within seconds he passed out so Carlisle could finish. Jacob saw Renesmee's face just before he closed his eyes. She held his hand the entire time Carlisle labored. He worked extremely fast and got Jacob bandaged and cleaned up in perfect timing before the rest of family arrived. Charlie was informed of the news and brought Billy, over immediately. Sue accompanied them.
It pleased Carlisle that they came when they did - thankful they didn't witness him nearly dying. Renesmee still sat at his side, holding his hand. Her eyes never moved off him.
"Ness, why don't you go clean up. You have Jacob's blood all over you," Edward suggested, stroking her head.
"But I don't want to leave him," She thought.
"He'll be fine. He's going to be sleeping for several hours. Don't worry, someone will stay with him."
Renesmee nodded. She leaned over and kissed his forehead and then started to leave the room with Bella. Before she walked through the door, she stopped and turned back, quickly wrapping her arms around Carlisle. "Thank you."
He hugged her back tenderly. "You're welcome Ness."
Renesmee hugged her father also for not giving up. Edward held her for several minutes before he let her leave.
"I love you," he whispered to her.
"I love you too," she thought.
Billy, Charlie and Sue all entered the room to see Jacob and receive an update from Carlisle. Billy shook Carlisle's hand and thanked everyone for saving his son. He told them he would be forever indebted to them.
Seth came in and hugged his mother, then greeted Charlie and Billy.
Tara accompanied Renesmee while she cleaned up and changed her clothes. She hurried eager to go back to Jacob.
When Renesmee finished, Tara walked with her back to Jacob's room. She planned to look for Seth but then noticed him already in the room. She also noticed the company he was with and didn't think it would be a good time to expose the lie she had created at Sue's house. She made eye contact with Seth but she backed away from the door and retreated back. Seth excused himself and followed her to Renesmee's room. He sat next to her on the bed. "Why'd you leave?" he asked.
"I just don't think this is a good time to introduce the real me. You're family has been through a lot. It would only make it worse," she explained.
"Oh." Seth thought about it. "I supposed that's true. I don't think they will be leaving any time soon though, you can't hide up here the whole time."
"I'll be fine. I can stay at least until Jacob wakes up and everyone calms down a bit. Then we'll figure it out after that," Tara said.
Seth nodded in agreement. "He'll be a sleep for a while. I'll come back in little bit. If I don't go back now though, Sue will come looking for me," he said as he reached up and stroked her hair.
"Go then," she told him. Seth kissed her forehead before he slipped out of the room.
Jacob slept for hours. Everyone took turns checking on him but Renesmee refused to leave his side at all. Charlie went back to work, deciding he would return later to check on Jacob's status, Sue sat in the kitchen for a while having coffee and visiting with Esme. Billy nodded off in his chair and Seth excused himself to take a nap in Renesmee's room, falling asleep in Tara's arms.
The rest of the vampires sat quietly and waited. They didn't need to occupy their time like the humans. They could sit motionless for hours without a distraction, although Emmett finally decided to see if there were any good sports on TV and found a good fight on one of the channels. Some of the others came in and sat, enjoying the stimulation from it.
Renesmee loyally sat at Jacob's side in the chair Edward brought in for her to sit at comfortably. She held his hand tightly in hers, caressing it through most of the night until her eyes refused to stay open anymore and she fell asleep. Her head lay in the most uncomfortable-looking position on the bed next to his leg. As she slept, she dreamt of Jacob, caressing her hair softly. Soon, she started to realize it wasn't a dream though. He really did run his hand through her soft curls. She looked up at him and he smiled at her. "Jake!" She squealed, excited to see him awake.
"Did we win?" He asked her in a very groggy tone.
"What?" she whispered.
"Did we win the game?" he asked more specifically.
Renesmee smiled. "Yup, we sure won," she confirmed, but she wasn't talking about the game but the battle for his life.
"Good. Seth owes me ten bucks then." Jacob said, referring back to the baseball game. Renesmee laughed with tears running down her face. She moved closer to him.
"Why are you crying?" he asked.
"Because, I'm just so happy you're okay."
Though his hands were still weak from the drugs, he managed to reach up and wipe the tears from her cheek. She grabbed his hand and held it. "You took those bullets to protect me you silly wolf."
"Of course." More tears streamed down her face. "Hey, don't cry, everything's ok now." He comforted her.
"I'm sorry, I was so scared. I thought I lost you. I don't know what I would have done."
"Well I'm gonna be just fine and I'm not going anywhere, okay?" he said.
She nodded and put her head on his chest. He stroked her back with his free hand. The other one lay at his side with the IV still in his arm. "I'm so sorry Jake," she apologized.
"For what?" he asked.
"I lost it out there, I was so upset. When that hunter shot you, I thought….." She didn't want to finish the words. She didn't want to say that she had feared would die.
"Shhh, don't…." he said.
She lifted her head from his chest and he wiped hear tears again. "Tell me what happened to the hunter though. I can't remember… Ness, did you….?"
"No," she shook her head and put her hands to his face showing him that she let him go.
"There were two?" he asked. He only remembered seeing the one.
"Yes. I'm so afraid of what they might do now. I'm so sorry I've exposed us." She worried.
"No! This isn't your fault, not in any way. They probably thought I was attacking you. It wasn't anyone's fault. We were just in the wrong place at the wrong time. I should have sensed they were there. I was just too caught up in the game I guess," he assured her. Then Jacob had another thought. "Is Charlie here?" he asked, wondering what Charlie might know about the accident.
"He left for work. He says he's going to see if anything has been reported and he says if it has he will do his best to cover it up," Renesmee said.
"That's good. I really owe him," he said.
There was a quick moment of silence as Renesmee smiled and looked deeply into his eyes. He smiled back her. "Love you Jake," Said finally said breaking the silence.
"I love you too Ness." He reached up and touched her cheek with his warm hand.
"I never want to lose you," she said, placing her hand over his.
"You couldn't get rid of me if you wanted to," he replied.
She knew he was still a little too weak to resist him from all the drugs Carlisle had given him. She slid closer to him and caressed his warm cheeks. Then she decided she didn't want to wait any longer. She took his face in her hands and carefully leaned over to kiss him on the lips, hoping he wouldn't resist.
He didn't. He knew Edward and Bella might not approve but he decided to take the risk. Jacob longed for her kiss and her touch endlessly since her new growth. All of her past thoughts passed right though him when their lips met. She exposed every vision and cognition of affection she had for him. It was better than he had imagined.
While they were still in an embrace, Carlisle walked in. "I thought I heard your voice," he said cheerfully.
Renesmee pulled back and turned her head to face Carlisle. The blood had rushed to her cheeks making them red.
"How do you feel?" Carlisle asked Jacob.
"Better," he admitted.
"Are you in any pain?"
"No but my back is itching like crazy."
"That's a good sign. Lemme have a look at your wound," he said.
Renesmee hopped off the bed and stepped back so Carlisle could examine him.
Carlisle didn't expect Jacob to move too quickly, but it surprised him when he sat up in the bed. Jacob felt a sudden burst of energy. Renesmee's kiss put him on top of the world. He felt as though nothing could keep him down now.
When Carlisle removed the bandages he got another pleasant surprise. "Amazing," he said astonished. "You're healing very nicely. You sure make my job easy. I wish all my patients did this well."
"Thanks." Jacob responded.
"No problem," Carlisle replied with a smile.
"No really…I mean it. Thank you for saving my life. I really owe you for all you've done."
Carlisle patted Jacob's shoulder. "You're very welcome Jake," he said more seriously. "And thank you for not dying on me. You would have ruined my perfect record." He kidded.
Jacob chuckled. "My pleasure."
Just then, Bella peeked in. "Jake!" she said, excited to see him sitting up. She dashed over to his side. "Lookin' good!" she said.
"Hey Bella!" Jacob reached his hand up for a high-five and she gently tapped his palm and then gave his hand a gentle squeeze. She was happy to see him doing so well.
Edward quietly followed behind her and snuck over to his daughter to give her a hug. Jacob glanced over, wondering if he knew about the kiss as he tried desperately tried concentrating on anything but that. "Good to see you're doing well, Jake," Edward said.
Jacob felt a moment of relief, like he'd gotten away with stealing a cookie from the cookie jar until it was shattered by Edward's next comment.
"I hope you haven't forgotten our deal though. Just because you put your life on the line for Renesmee doesn't mean I'm going to allow you to break your boundaries."
"Uh dad…" Renesmee interrupted. She ran the series of events through her head so her father could see that she was the one who's been initiating the physical contact.
Edward groaned. "Ness…" He started to comment but was interrupted by more people at the door. Several smiling faces stood in the threshold waiting to enter and see Jacob.
"Hey, can you handle a few more bodies in here?" Seth asked as he pushed Billy through the door.
"Sure come on in." Jacob said, relieved.
Edward and Bella stepped to the back of the room to make room. Seth moved Billy close to his son. He reached up and embraced his hand, thankful to see him alive.
"Hey thanks for giving us all a big scare like that," Seth said smiling at him, happy to see his friend alive as well.
"Yeah I heard you cried like a big baby," Jacob grinned, teasing him. He'd seen Seth in the images Renesmee showed him when she touched him.
"Uh, well yeah, you got any idea how much it would cost me to change that sign outside the shop!" He joked, trying to play it off.
Jacob grabbed some gauze off the bed and threw it at him, "Yeah then you'd have to change it to "One Ugly Mutt."
They all laughed.
After several minutes of seeing Jacob's personality return back to normal, several more of Jacob's friends arrived to see him. Quil, Embry and Sam all piled in the crowded room. Renesmee stayed but Edward and Bella moved just outside the room, looking in so the others could have a turn with Jacob.
They all hugged Renesmee, unable to resist her sweet disposition. When Renesmee made physical contact with them however, they saw the entire roll of events that took place. Sam became cautiously aware that Renesmee displayed signs of aggression that had not been there before. He knew that meant they'd be watching out for her as well, to see how she develops as she matures. He was also now very concerned about the safety of the pack and how the incident posed a threat to their secrecy.
Edward listened in to every thought, being forewarned now of their position. He glanced over at his daughter as she huddled back over to Jacob's side. He struggled not to listen in to her thoughts which had drastically changed within the past few days. Edward knew it wouldn't be long before he would totally lose his little girl to Jacob. She was well on her way to becoming a woman. Something he wasn't quite ready for yet but had to accept sooner or later. Bella noticed he seemed distracted. She reached for his hand, opening her thoughts to him. "Are you listening to anything good over there?"
Edward smiled. "Nothing important. Everyone's just very happy to see Jacob back to normal," he spoke in a low tone.
"Well that's important. I am too. I'm very happy for Renesmee most of all. I don't know what she would have done if…"
"Don't even think about that. He's fine now."
"I know, but it just makes me think about the future".
"We can't change the inevitable Bella. This is the part of being a vampire I warned you about. Watching the ones you love…die."
She put her head to his chest and he stroked her soft brown hair softly. "Don't spend all eternity thinking about these things. You'll just go mad. We have to embrace what we have now and enjoy it. Ness isn't a child anymore, and soon she'll be a full grown woman. Even her mind is maturing. Her thought patterns are changing," he continued.
"You better be careful about listening in. I don't think Jacob is gonna be able to hold out much longer. He's completely in love with her, and now with all these changes, the way he looks at her..." Bella thought.
"I know, don't remind me," Edward moaned.
Bella chuckled. "Well you know it won't be long before they get married and …"
Edward squeezed her hand tightly before she finished. "Yes, I know that too. That's why I wish to spend as much time with her as possible before that happens."
"Aw, because you'll miss her when she's with Jake?" Bella thought.
"No because as soon as they get back from the honeymoon, we're moving to Alaska." Edward said as he tapped the side of his head with his finger.
Bella had a flashback of their honeymoon and thereafter and suddenly realized why he would need to get away, far away. She burst out laughing making the whole room turn and stare at them.
Tara hoped to see Jake and Renesmee and perhaps rejoin Seth again. She peeked in the room but saw it was over crowded and decided it was still not a good time. She turned to head out, planning to go out for a run, maybe even hunt, just anything to free up some of the energy she had. As she started down the hall, she came face to face with Sue. Leah was with her now and both of them were headed to Jacob's room. Knowing it was too late to change or disappear she kept walking, hoping not to be noticed and Sue almost didn't, had Leah not spoke up.
"Hi Tara," Leah said to her walking by.
Tara balled up her fists and closed her eyes, irritated by Leah's antics.
Sue spun around. "Tara?" she said to her.
Tara turned around. Sue's eyes grew wider as she looked at her. At first she thought it was just Alice in passing since they are close in height and hair color but now she could clearly see it was not. She could tell it was Tara but she clearly spotted the difference. She looked more like one of the Cullen's now.
"You…you look very different Tara," Sue said in a suspicious tone.
"Yeah, you're looking a little pale there Tara, you okay? Leah sneered.
Tara turned to Sue being respectful. "Mrs. Clearwater. I owe you an apology," she began.
"I'll say," Leah interrupted.
Tara gave her a callous look. "If I'd be allowed to finish, I'd like to explain."
Edward picked up on the conversation from the other room and he whispered a warning in Seth's ear.
Seth quickly excused himself and headed out the door into the hall where he saw the three of them together. "Oh great!" he thought.
He quickly ran over to intercede. "Uh mom I can explain..." he interrupted.
"Well someone better because I'm pretty confused right now. Tara was just saying she owes me an apology for something."
"Um, you were?" he said looking at Tara.
"Yes, I haven't been honest with you."
Seth interrupted again. "Uh...well mom I have some confessions myself..."
Sue stared at the two of them anxiously wondering what was going on. "What are you? You're one of them? One of the Cullens?" she asked.
Tara nodded, carefully watching her reaction.
"How did you change your appearance like that?"
"I have a gift. We all have gifts."
"A..gift?" she cocked an eyebrow.
"Sure...your son turns into a wolf...I can basically change into whatever I want to. Or I can make it so you can't even see me if I desire, sorta like a chameleon."
"So.. you're more like a shape shifter?" she hoped.
"No...I don't change physically. It's an illusion. I can manipulate your mind into seeing things."
"Then what are you really?"
Leah became impatient and finished the sentence. "Ugh! She's a vampire mom!"
"Damn it Leah!" Seth hollered. "Could you just stop already and let us handle this?"
"Handle what? Beating-around-the-bush some more?"
"Enough! Both of you! Look, I'm not stupid. I have eyes." She looked at each one of them. "However, I don't think you're brother needs help with this. Let him tell me on his own please."
Leah grumbled and then shut her mouth.
"I apologize for making you believe I was something I'm not but I was afraid of how you would react if Seth brought me to your home to meet you. This is what I really am."
Seth reached for her hand and entwined his fingers with hers.
Sue caught it and stared wide-eyed at them together. "You two are more than just friends?" she asked a little stunned.
Seth hesitated to answer. "Yes. We are."
"H-how much more?" She really worried now.
He stared sweating now, worried about her reaction to the next blow. "A lot...I imprinted on her," he finally admitted.
Sue's knees became wobbly and she began losing her balance.
"Mom!" He quickly grabbed her and held her up. "Oh God, please don't pass out."
"No, I-I just need to sit."
Seth helped her to a chair.
"But how…when?"
"The night she came to town, the night I first saw her."
His mother gasped. "I just don't understand. You imprinted on a ….a…."
"Tara mom, her name is Tara. She's still the same girl that came to the house that you met, she just looks a little different now but it's her. Seth pointed out.
"But she's….she's…a.." She couldn't finish.
"A vampire." Tara finished for her.
Sue looked over at her. Tara stood with her hands folded behind her back as she spoke.
"I understand your concern Mrs. Clearwater. You should know, I have asked your son if it's at all possible for him to remove this imprint on me so that he could be set free from the situation. Not that I want him to mind you, because care for him deeply and want nothing more than to be with him, but not if it's at the expense of causing him any anguish or disrupting his life. I would never wish to see any harm to come to him because of me, I swear to you."
"This can't be undone," Sue said. She knew that very well. She wasn't looking anymore pleased about the situation.
"No it can't mom, and I don't want it to. I love her."
Sue felt her head spinning again. She knew there was no winning this situation. An imprint is forever. It truly is 'Until death do us part' and she knew he would never leave her now. Sue also began to realize there would be no grandchildren in her future, at least not from her son.
"It may take me a while to absorb all this," she said to Seth.
"I know. I knew it would. I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner. I was too afraid of how you'd react and afraid of losing you."
"Losing me? Did you think I'd disown my own son?"
"No, no I don't mean that…it just that dad… he didn't react well to all this stuff, the changing…the vampires…everything. His heart couldn't take it."
Sue stood up and grabbed Seth's face in her hands looking up at him. "Your dad's death had nothing to do with you or any of this. Don't you ever blame yourself! He had an unhealthy heart, and he knew it. He joked about it all the time. It was just his time sweetie."
Seth embraced his mom. He wiped the tears from his face with one hand. She removed much of the guilt he'd been carrying for so long.
While they stood there for a few moments longer, Charlie came in after just getting off work. He came to see Jacob and give them some news.
"Everything okay?" he said as he observed the emotional moment between Sue and Seth. "Is Jacob alright?"
They all turned to face him.
"Yes he's doing great. He'd love to see you. Billy's in there with some of the boys," Sue said putting her hand on his arm.
Seth moved closer to Tara again.
"You might want to grab Carlisle, I have some news for him too," he said as they headed down the hall.
Tara immediately ran and got him.
Jacob sat up in the bed eating some pizza that Billy ordered for all of them. Billy was telling the boys some childhood stories about Jacob making them laugh. Charlie came in and greeted Jacob with a hug.
Carlisle flew to the door within seconds. He moved so quickly and quietly no one had even noticed his presence till he spoke. His voice startled them.
"Hello Charlie, I was told you had some news to share with us?"
Everyone in the room became quiet and listened. The rest of the Cullens circled around the room too to hear the news.
"Uh yeah, about that…I just wanted to let you know there was a police report filed by a couple of men who claim they were attacked in the forest by…"
Everyone stood motionless, waiting for Charlie to tell them what was reported.
"…a young girl," he finished.
They all just looked at each other and then suddenly Jacob snickered.
"A girl? That's it?" he asked.
"Well, no…that's not all they reported. They mentioned being attacked by two large wolves also."
"But we didn't attack anyone!" Seth said angrily.
Charlie held his hand up signaling to wait. "They are claiming the girl that attacked them wasn't human either, that she had super strength. Strength enough to snap a shotgun in half…."
Bella gasped. Edward remembered he had the guns in the back of the jeep still.
"They also said they saw one of the wolves change into a man right in front of them," he finished.
They all started to worry now.
"What will happen now Charlie?" Carlisle asked.
"Well…I'm supposed to file the report and start and investigation. However…I informed the men I had a long list of reports ahead of theirs and that I would be getting around to it once I located Big Foot, The Loch Ness Monster, and Frankenstein." Then his serious face turned into a grin.
Carlisle smiled too. The boys started snickering and then suddenly the mood became lighter in the room.
"Thank you Charlie. We appreciate all you've done for us." Carlisle shook his hand.
"I do suggest you all stay out of the woods for a while though. Let this thing die out quietly."
"We will be sure to do that Charlie." Carlisle assured him.
Renesmee gave Charlie a hug and thanked him too. Bella smiled when she saw them together.
"Welcome kiddo," he patted her back smiling too. Then he suddenly pulled back slightly, looking at her.
"Did you get taller since the last time I saw you?" he wondered as he remembered her being much shorter on his last visit.
Renesmee giggled. "Growth spurt," she said shrugging her shoulders.
"Right. Growth spurt." Charlie chuckled.