The Morning's Dusk

Chapter 15

The day after making up from a fight is always strange. Every time, though, I have mixed emotions. I want him there with me, but at the same time there's that one unresolved issue that we never settle. It makes my stomach turn. So instead of lying in bed all day, I decided to look out my window. Of course, the totally unpredictable weather had taken effect in Forks again. It had rained and was really cold.

I got dressed in warm clothes and boots. Then headed out. It was too bright outside for my vamp family. I took a walk up the twisty path and around to the business-y part of town. I didn't feel like going to La Push, even though I really wanted to see Jacob. I walked a little closer to the woods and heard footsteps behind me. I turned and saw Jacob. I laughed and said, "Hey, stalker." He smiled and grabbed my hand. I started, "Wha-" He laughed, "Nessie, stop talking. C'mon, I wanna show you something." He tugged me along toward his house in La Push.

When we got there, he unlocked the door and led me to the couch. The news was on. He said, "Okay, they've been announcing the same thing over and over. See, here it is." He turned up the volume and I watched. "In recent news, a group of teenage boys have gone missing. If you have seen them, please contact the number on screen." A picture of the other pack popped up. Jake said, "The last guy left called in his own murder. I'm not sure if they're doing anything yet, but-" I stopped him and said, "You're saying that if they do investigate, there's a possibility.." He shook his head and said, "They had someone call the cops about problems with wolves. Me and the pack will have to leave. It's too dangerous for me here. So we'll have to enjoy our last day together. I'm leaving tomorrow morning, first thing." My voice became increasingly desperate as I said, "So soon? But-we promised never to leave each other! I'll go with you! Then we won't ever have to be apart, right, Jake?" He pushed his hand through his hand and said, "Your dad would never let it happen." I crawled onto his lap and looked him straight in the eyes. I took a deep breath and said, "We could run away together. Elope, even. We love each other, and that's what matters. My family can either fix this so that you stay, or I go. But..I'm not letting you disappear."

He whispered, "Its not that easy." I shook my head and said, "Yes, it is." I put my arms around his neck and kissed him. "It is," I breathed in his ear.

I dialed Jacob's number at incredible speed. He answered and I said in a rush, "Edward fixed everything! He called the number and told them he was the teenagers' dad and that it was a stupid prank they played, and that they were in trouble." Jake breathed a sigh of reliief and we agreed to meet up in the woods.

The forest was really dark. Jake was waiting for me and I had snuck out of the house. It was midnight. I grabbed his scorching hand and we walked past the black trees. He said, "Look at the moon, Ness." I laughed and said, "A full moon. You won't turn into a werewolf, will you?" He laughed and dropped onto the ground, pulling me with him. He pointed at different stars and we named all of them. We fell asleep on the forest floor, my head on his chest and his arm around my shoulders. I felt different-like I was a little kid and we were on a hunting trip where we camped out together and named stars. And it was...perfect.