A Different Perspective

Two

The drive to La Push was easy. The gloomy state of Washington was not exactly known for its summer fun activities. The streets were practically empty. I pulled up to the coastline that was the city of La Push. The ocean was in view and the air smelled heavily of salt. The natives of the land, the Quileute and Makah tribes, were on the beach. The sky was grey and the weather was cool, but I could see people swimming and enjoying themselves. I got out of the Jeep and immediately spotted my younger brother, Benjamin.

The 10 year old was running along the beach, a smile on his face. He was being chased by 16 year old Embry Call. The Quileute teen had a devious grin but I knew that he meant my brother no harm. Before I could call out to Benjamin I saw a flash of reddish-brown skin. I was tackled into a hug immediately.

"Bonnibel!" a familiar voice said by my ear.

I smiled. "Jacob!"

The tall native released me and my smile only widened. Jacob was my oldest friend. I had known him for as long as I could remember. His black hair was cut short. He wore a black shirt and shorts. His feet were bare. His dark brown eyes sparkled when he looked down at me.

"I was hoping I would catch you," he said, his teeth contrasting greatly with his rust colored skin.

"You always know where to find me," I replied. We hugged properly. Jacob's body heat was insanely warm, far warmer than a human's should have been. His touch was comfortable in the chilly summer weather.

After he pulled away a small frown formed on his lips.

"Hey, Bonnibel, what's wrong?" he asked.

"What do you mean?"

"Come on, I know something's off. Are you okay?"

While Jacob was not a vampire with the ability to read my thoughts, he was attuned to my emotions thanks to his abilities as a shape-shifter. I learned a few years ago that Jacob and members of his tribe were descendants of the Children of the Moon, the original werewolves. I knew about his lifestyle long before Edward and I had met. Learning about a vampire boyfriend really wasn't shocking when your best friend could turn into a wolf on command. I had also learned why Jacob's presence always made me cheer up. After he had explained his heritage, he told me that he had imprinted on me when I was very young. He was always in my life, acting as an older brother and protector until he was my very best friend. Now that we were the same age I could feel that Jacob had romantic feelings toward me, and while he did not exactly approve of my relationship with Edward, he kept out of it. He would never explain further, but apparently, the two had history.

"I'm fine," I lied.

Jacob's frown deepened. "Bonnibel-"

"Bonnie!"

We turned our heads to the voice.

Benjamin came running to me, dragging along poor Embry.

The boy hugged me tightly.

"Hey Benny," I said. I nodded to Embry.

"Hey Bonnie," Embry said. He stood sheepishly beside his pack member.

"Did you guys have a good day?" I asked my brother.

Benjamin nodded and his light colored eyes widened with excitement. "Embry is helping me learn how to swim! He said in a few weeks that we'll go deeper in the ocean!"

I looked at Embry. "Oh really?"

"Benny's gonna be the best swimmer in all of Washington one day. I just know it." Embry smiled fondly at Benjamin. The same look of warmth that Jacob had when he looked at me was clear in his eyes. Like Jacob, Embry had imprinted on sweet Benjamin years ago. It had come as quite a shock to the Quileute pack. Never before had a male imprinted on another male. Embry had been shaken up by the discovery, but with words of encouragement from his brothers, he accepted his fate. Now, he looked after Benjamin like a brother and a friend, though it was possible the two could enter into a romantic relationship one day.

"Can we stop for snacks on the way home, Bonnie?" Benjamin asked me and I blinked, looking down at him.

"Um, maybe, Benny. We'll have to see if Mom and Dad have plans for dinner."

He nodded, and his damp multi-textured curls bounced.

"Embry, can you wait here with Benny for a second? I just need to talk to Bonnibel. It won't take long."

The Quileute boys looked at each other for a moment, a connection passing between them.

"Yeah, sure. Take your time."

Jacob smiled politely. He took my arm and led me away from my car and brother.

"Alright, now tell me, what's going on? And don't lie to me, please," Jacob said.

I sighed and pinched the bridge of my nose in annoyance. "Jake, I'm fine."

His eyes bore into mine. I wanted to lie to him. It would be easier than telling him how every day on earth felt like a prison. I wanted to tell him that I was happy when I really couldn't stop thinking about the dread of going into a future blind. His eyes searched mine and I caved.

"I'm just...going through some stuff right now. I'll be fine."

That answer did not satisfy the shape-shifter.

"Are you still taking your medicine? Still going to your therapist?"

I laughed, a sound without humor.

"Yes, Jacob. It's just that things are a little rough right now. I'll be fine," I repeated.

"You know you can talk to me, right? I'm here for you," Jacob said. He took my hand, holding it tightly.

"I know," I told him. "And I appreciate it, really, but this is just something I have to figure out for myself. If things get worse, I'll let you know. Okay?"

He hesitated, but eventually nodded. A look of defeat was on his face for only a second before he flashed me a heart-warming smile. That was one of the things I loved about Jacob. He was understanding and knew my boundaries. Thanks to years of being in my life, he probably knew me better than I knew myself. A breeze rushed past us and Jacob lifted his head. He sniffed the wind.

"Storm's coming," he said with certainty, and I never doubted his heightened senses. "You guys should head home before hell breaks loose. Tell Toni and Jamie I said hey."

I smiled and hugged Jacob. Even with the feeling of uncertainty, I was glad to have Jacob in my life. Even if Edward and the Cullens moved on and forgot me one day, Jacob would always be by my side no matter what. I kissed his cheek and smirked when he began to blush.

"Yeah yeah," he said, wiping his cheek. "You love me, I know. Now just get home safely, alright?"

I nodded and returned to my car.

"C'mon, Ben. See you later, Embry."

Benjamin got into the passenger's seat of the Jeep. Once I ensured that he was properly buckled up we began the drive away from La Push. As we crossed the city line I could hear the distinct howl of a wolf. I looked out of the window to see a large, rust colored wolf running alongside the road, hidden among the trees and bushes.

I grinned and continued on my way.