Lacuna (Book two to Attraction)

5.

I don't think that I can do this, we're in way over our heads with this one. Camouflaging my skin is one thing, however I haven't been this close to a human since the last time I was a human. This is all just too much for me, the hazel contacts Renesmee lent to me, the nervous feeling that won't go away, the thought of harming my mom. No! I couldn't possibly live with myself if I were to do something. Quil must notice my apprehensive expression because he gives me a sympathy glance.

"Hey, it's going to be okay. You can do this, okay?" He utters quietly, can I really though? 

"Yeah..." I whisper in disbelief.

"You're going to be fine." Sam adds, I wish he were right.

The three of us stand by one another, I watch Paul and Layla pull the car into the driveway of Layla's house. Paul insisted that he go with Layla to pick my mom up from the airport, since she likes him so much we knew she would buy the fact that I was busy helping Quil tidy up their house where she would be staying.

My throat immediately begins to ache as the passenger door opens, this can't happen, I can't do this. When I turn to face Sam I can see my panicked expression in the mirror of his eyes, maybe the burning in my throat shouldn't be taken so lightly. I don't know how or why they all trust that being around a human right now is something that I am actually capable of doing.

"Okay, I can't do this." I mutter barely opening my mouth. 

"You can." Quil whispers, I sigh.

While mentally trying to keep my cool and ignore the rising sensation in my throat I also try to remember I am doing this to set a trap for Jeffery, this has to work at some point.

"Willow! You look stunning." My mom grins when she sees me. Her heartbeat is increasing.

Both Layla and my mother's heartbeats are filling my ears like a tune of the dinner bell which terrifies me.

"Hello, Willow. Good to see you as always." Layla greets, I force a smile.

The kindest and most convincing that I am able to in this moment. My mom grins happily before wrapping her arms around me lightly, I squeeze my eyes shut making the contacts irritate me slightly while clenching my jaw firmly. Her eyes pore over me once our hug ends, she's studying the way I look and how I feel, I know I must look different in a way and it's no secret that my skin will feel cold to her. Thankfully I chose to wear a long sleeve which will hopefully be some kind of a helpful barrier from her skin to my own.

"Your eyes look so bright, have you been eating kale?" My smile is forced, I can feel all eyes on me in this moment including Paul who doesn't look the least bit worried.

"That's exactly she's been doing." Paul answers for me and I am thankful, he must be able to see the way my jaw is clenched. I'm afraid if I speak I just might... I don't even want to think about it. A gust of air brushes through my nose providing no cooling feeling to my aching throat.

"How was your flight?" The words sound strained, like my voice is hoarse.

"It wasn't so bad, I flew coach this time and I had a mimosa this morning." She smiles, I nod trying to keep my smile formed nicely. Maybe if I am able to act normal then perhaps she won't suspect a thing about me.

"Are you feeling alright, honey? Your skin feels very... Cold. Are you getting sick?" She asks worriedly.

My eyes automatically flicker to Paul for some kind of help, what can I say to dissolve her concern?

"I haven't been taking any iron pills which I probably should." My voice answers but I feel unsure that she's going to buy this excuse. Her eyes soften before narrowing with concern momentarily.