Viking's Mate (Twilight OC X OC)

Chapter 30: Regionals Tournament

A few days later, I woke up early for my normal morning run with Shinobi. As I was walking down our front steps, I noticed ice on the ground, and I realized today must be the day of Bella's accident. I had a counter plan all ready for it, and called up Rose as I took off running down the road to another section of the town about a mile away. She agreed to meet me there.

I ran up to Tyler Crowley's house. It was still early, not even 6am yet. My plan was for Rose and me to let the air out of his tires completely, and for good measure, replace his battery with a dead one Charlie had in the shed at home. Both were common things that happen to cars in the cold, so no one would suspect foul play. 

Rose and I worked efficiently together, keeping a watchful look out for any other early risers. It took us less than three minutes, then we shared a devious smirk and a high five before she flitted away back home. 

I would feel bad about costing this kid money, but he's asked me out three times. Two of the times he did, I was already dating Ivar. My sympathies don't go very far for him.

On the safe side though, in case fate wanted to intervene and still cause an accident for Bella, I had Edward and Alice both keep close to Bella for the day. The crisis was apparently diverted when she safely made it home after school. This was good for the vamps, because that car accident was the event that caused her to witness Edward's vampire skills.

A few weeks later, Bella invited me to join her and her friends in a trip to La Push. I declined because Alan and I had an extra practice session in preparation for the tournament the next day. I spent the day wondering if Bella would talk to Jake, or if Sam or someone would give the creepy 'Cullen's don't come here' comment. Bella seemed neutral when she came home that night, so I didn't push it.

Sam ended up being missing for about three weeks before he finally came back. Leah called me, telling me he was back but acting really strange. I told her to give him time to cool off, but apparently she didn't listen. She called the next day after that, and told me she broke up with him. She wanted to focus more on school and work, rather than on a boyfriend who would run off and disappear and give no explanation. According to her, Sam was almost relieved, and didn't put up any fight. My little interferences over the years worked. They were never engaged, and they broke up mutually before he imprinted. I feel good about saving my friend some heart ache.

On the other end though, my two best friends have gone silent. First was Jared, and then a few days later it was Paul. I know why, it's because they shifted, but it doesn't make it suck any less to be ignored. I had called a couple times, not obsessively, but just in attempt to hear their voices on the phone.

Today is the day of the Regionals martial arts tournament. Alan and I and are heading into Seattle together, driving with his family. Ivar is going to come later to the event, he had to go hunting in the morning with Rosalie and Esme. I had hoped that my boys would have been at my tournament, since they had been excited about it for a while.

Last night, Jared had emailed me, which he never does, saying I can't see them for a while because it's not safe for me. He claimed a flu virus, and that Paul had caught it too, and that they both were going to be 'super busy' in the next few weeks. It was a short message, barely two sentences. 

Since I don't want to make them feel any more guilt for ignoring me, I decided to write them a letter, and I mailed is out this morning before I left for the tournament.

Idiots,

Hey you two. I want you to know, I understand. Thank you for trying to keep me safe. I love you both so much for it. I don't want you to feel guilty over having me stay away, no matter what the cause it. I understand you are doing your best, and I appreciate you. There will never be anything you could do that would intentionally hurt me, I know that, and I am letting you know that I'm ok. Take all the time you need to get better. I will just say, you can still keep me safe from whatever while writing a short email or text. I don't need details, but I will be over the moon knowing you're ok. There is nothing you can say to drive me away, you are stuck with me, we're family. Stay strong, stay safe, and know that I will be there for you two when you're ready.