Mimic | Jacob Black

3. Impossibilities

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River stared up at the dense clouds as he hugged his jacket closer to his body. He wasn't used to the drastically different weather here, but he was sure he would acclimatise soon enough. He pushed off the hood of the truck and glanced at Bella, who was reading a book beside him. She was tapping her foot impatiently, proving that she wasn't entirely focused on the words on the page.

"I don't think he's coming," River said.

Bella scanned the parking lot once again, before finally caving and grabbing her stuff. "Let's go then."

River started walking and she quickly caught up. "It looks like it's gonna rain."

"When doesn't it," Bella mumbled.

They had English first, and Mike came to sit by them, getting to know them better. They sat with the same group at lunch, but Bella's attention was always divided.

By the time Biology rolled around, Bella was clearly frustrated. Edward wasn't there, obviously, so she wasn't able to confront the source of her anger.

More days passed and Edward still didn't show, but River started to notice the Cullens glancing at him and Bella every so often. Just passing moments: In the hallway, in the cafeteria, driving into school. Emmett and Jasper seemed indifferent. Rosalie looked at them with chilling eyes. Alice with curiosity. Just what was going on?

River didn't know what else to do other than try and ignore them, immersing himself in whatever conversation the group would start. He was starting to feel like a part of their friend circle, though. Bella as well, but unlike him, she didn't try to ignore what was happening. She was determined to figure out what was going on.

A week passed. River headed downstairs after getting ready for school. He found Bella already packing her bag, about to head out.

"Have a nice day!" Julie called out from upstairs.

"Sure thing Mum," River yelled back and turned back to Bella. "I'm driving today."

"Sure."

They opened the front door and Bella groaned. It was raining. The yard was full of puddles, some frozen. Their truck was being driven in. It couldn't be anyone other than Charlie behind the wheel. That was confirmed once he was close enough for River to see.

"Still don't know why you hate the rain, it's nice," River said.

"It's cold and makes everything wet," Bella said. She took a few steps down the path to the driveway and slipped. River just barely caught her as Charlie parked the truck and hopped out.

"See? This sucks." Bella balanced herself on River's arm.

He laughed. "Just gotta watch where you're walking."

"You kids alright?" Charlie asked.

"Never better," Bella said with pure sarcasm. "Ice doesn't help the uncoordinated."

"That's why I had the tires replaced." Charlie gestured to the truck.

"Yeah, thanks." Bella trudged towards the passenger door.

"Later, Charlie," River said.

Charlie gave a thumbs up. "Oh, by the way, Julie's cooking tonight since I've got to work late. I'm heading down to Mason County. A security guard at the Grisham Mill got killed by some kind of animal."

"An animal?" River questioned.

"You kids aren't in Phoenix anymore. They've been hunting it for the past week. I thought I'd lend a hand."