A new beginning

Late night phone calls

Jake's POV

The last two days have been hell. We came home after the party, and I haven't talked with Nessie ever since. I dropped her a text that we arrived home two days ago, she saw it but didn't reply and I am trying my best not to push or overwhelm her. If she doesn't want to talk to me, she doesn't have to. Every time I open my phone to call or text, I force myself to do something different. So I do a lot of running lately.

I wanted to give her space, but now that I knew she was okay, now that I knew her as a woman and not the girl she was, I knew what it's like to kiss her, and she is miles away from me... it was killing me.

The pack wasn't a big help either. Everyone was distracted. Leah stayed with Alex, but Seth came back, he didn't want to push Izzy too much by constantly being around her. Embry and Quil also came back, and they were acting weird as well. Whenever we phased, we could only hear each other's screaming thoughts about the women we missed. It was maddening.

The guys were at my place, we were eating pizza, drinking beer and watching a game, but I was staring at my phone, where a smiling Nessie was looking back at me. Last night I found her instagram account, and I was technically stalking her ever since. Embry noticed it, and he grinned at me.

Dude, you are pathetic. - he laughed. I glared at him, and with a quick move I stole his phone from his other hand. I knew his code, and when I opened the screen there was Kate's instagram account. I just lifted an eyebrow and he sighed in defeat. Fine, I am pathetic too. We can all be pathetic together. - nodded a sulky Seth from his seat across from me. Quil tried to ignore us and watched the game, but his eyes were hollow... much like the time when Claire left the first time. At least we are in this together. Not really. We are at very different stages. - said Embry. - I just met her the first time, and I only had a night to get to know her, which was obviously not enough, and now I am miles aways from her, and I don't know how to approach. What should I say? Hey, I know we only met once and we live super far away from each other but you are my soulmate and I would gladly follow you around the world? It would freak her out. And your girl. - he pointed at Seth. - Is young. She is in high school, you guys are friends. Then there is Nessie. - he looked at me. - Who is super complicated, dude. That girl is strong. Went through hell, and she is still standing. But I guess she has major commitment issues, no offense, but you will get burned a lot before she gives in. And you. - he lifted his gaze to Quil who still tried to ignore us. - You are so weird dude, Claire is a grown-up woman, she is gorgeous, and even though you were nice with her you were so distant at the party, like you are trying to avoid her. What's with you? I thought you would be happy. Happy? - Quil sounded dull and tired. - Nothing changed, why would I be happy? What do you mean nothing changed?Her parents doesnt want me around her. That still stands. Man, she is a grown up woman. Her parents doesnt have a say in this. Stop torturing yourself. Whatever. - he shrugged his shoulders and turned back towards the TV.Don't whatever me. - Embry was getting worked up. You are not fighting here assholes. - I said with a sigh. Okay, boss man, circling back to you then. Why don't you just text her? It's painful to watch. - he turned towards me. I should have just let him annoy Quil instead. I am giving her space. Bullshit. Aren't you friends or whatever? You can text a friend. There is nothing wrong with that.

I sigh in defeat because I know he is right. I am just terrified she will push me away if I come too hard. But without letting myself overthink the situation, I open her name and hit a quick text:

Hi. How are you doing?

Well, that was lame.

Nessie's POV

I've been as busy as possible in the last three days. I've prepared the kids for school, which will start in a week. I helped Carl to ace his final summer school exam, which he successfully did, so he can start ninth grade in september. I had online meetings with musicians and their work and with co-workers from the safe houses, I helped out Alec at the restaurant at night, and realized that I will have to go back to L.A in a day or two.