Isa & the Happily Ever After System

11. Hovering Shadows

Per Dr Cullen's request, I wouldn't return to school for another week as I recuperated. All the Cullen kids kept me up to date on my classes even getting notes from other students in my Computer Science class.

To say they hovered would be an understatement.

Charlie was content with it as he was glad someone was looking after me when he had to work late to catch up on work he'd missed.

One night I woke up in a haze, I could have sworn Rosalie sat by my bedside petting my hair as I slept.

It would seem I couldn't escape the canon of a Cullen watching me sleep.

It was a bit unsettling but they'd yet to do anything that really creeped me out. My tolerance was perhaps too high.

Jasper would help when my pain meds would wear off but it was too early to take another, by sending soothing vibes my way, relaxing me so I wouldn't tense and make the pain worse.

Emmett made sure the house was well supplied with venison, even making a delicious jerky alongside Esme.

Rosalie treated me like I was a baby, defenseless and fragile.

Alice kept me from snapping if they hovered too much by shifting my attention on something new; fashion magazines, new movies to watch, school gossip that she thought was hilarious.

And Edward was my shadow. Always watching, always trying to anticipate my every need. No doubt working in tandem with Alice to make sure I didn't need anything.

When they were at school Leah called to check on me a couple times. Sarah Black came with her famous cinnamon rolls, and her warm motherliness.

Sue Clearwater checked on me after she got off work to make sure I was on schedule recuperating. Her nurse persona was quite terrifying.

By the time I got back to school I was hoping to get back to some norm only to realize I hoped for too much.

No longer was I invisible. I'd gotten good at slipping beneath the radar those first two days of school and now that was all ruined.

First thing the morning of Monday, February 14th brought forth Angela Webber rushing forward with a giant gift basket.

"I can't thank you enough for saving Isaac." Tears ran down the tall amber haired girl's cheeks. "Thank you, thank you, thank you."

"Angela."

Angela looked at me as I stopped her abundance of thank yous.

"I'm just glad he's safe."

"Do you think ..." The shy girl looked down before looking up with determination. "I'd like to be friends."

I smiled.

"Alright."

Jasper stepped up from behind me and took the giant gift basket. "I'll put this in the trunk."

Angela's eyes widened in surprise, "The Cullens brought you?"

"My dad doesn't want me to drive yet since I'm still getting some of my strength back. They offered to drive me instead."

Angela grinned, "You are amazing. You save kids and you befriended the most popular kids in school."  She shook her head, "Do you think you could join me at lunch?"

Rosalie's voice drifted close by as she wrapped her arm around my shoulder. "She's eating with us."

"Oh ok." Angela turned, "See you later then."

"You've got yourself a fan." Edward sidled up to my other side.

I looked at Rosalie, "Since when am I eating with you?"

"You don't have your car with you, remember?" Edward chuckled.

"Right." I wondered between the Cullens and my dad if I'd ever be able to do anything by myself again.

My instincts were right. During the week I was shadowed by vampires. On the weekends I shadowed Jacob as he worked on his father's old engine, or we'd go explore tide pools with him Seth, Embry and Quill.

Embry was more reserved than Jacob but when he got comfortable around me he could be quite playful and sometimes mischievous.

Quill was like a ball of sunshine. Very personable and friendly.

Embry and Quill were lovable kids, I hoped this time they'd just be able to be kids.

Jacob was determined to help me get strong and fit again, so we worked out together and he'd call during the week to see that I was doing my stretches each morning. I was grateful though he never gave off the feeling that he was crushing on me, instead I think he took on the role as brother seriously. His sisters were away at college and he was happy being able to be reliable for someone.

I'd yet to meet the Alpha.
I wasn't even sure if he shifted yet. According to canon he should have in 2003 when the Cullens arrived but the system warned that certain key events would happen later.

The only info I had about him was from when he was a senior in high school and almost began dating Leah. Leah would rant about how stubborn he was but the boys would speak about how Sam always treated the kids with respect. He had a soft spot for the young kids of the tribe and would often protect them from bullies and such. He was a father figure for some of them with similar backgrounds to him, he'd help them to stay out of trouble.

I hoped that in the future there wouldn't be a reason for more to shift. I hoped with everything that the pack could stay small.