Mimic | Jacob Black

6. Family Matters

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Edward moved through the cafeteria doors with Bella close behind. There was a knowing smile on his face, and before River could question him as to what was so funny, he was yanked to the side.

"Dude, what's going on?"

He regained his balance and turned to look at Mike, who looked beyond confused. People were leaving all around them, but their friends were watching from a distance, and some of Mike's other friends were as well.

"With what?" River asked, even though it wasn't too hard to figure out what had Mike's mind in a twist.

"With Cullen, obviously!" Mike said. "Why is he suddenly all buddy-buddy with you and Bella? Jessica said he showed up when you guys went to Port Angeles as well."

Mike seemed to be jealous that Bella was now suddenly showing an interest in a guy that wasn't him.

"There's not much to it," River said in a casually downplaying way. "Speaking of Jessica though, you guys went out to dinner, right? How was it?" He wanted to subtly remind Mike that there was someone else who actually did like him, and that he should be focusing on her.

Mike frowned, unable to discern why the conversation had veered in this direction. "Oh, uh... it was good. She's nice."

"Good for you, dude." River patted his shoulder. "Anyway, don't wanna be late for class. I'll see you later." And then he left before Mike could try and question him any further.

Another week passed by and Bella and Edward continued to get closer. Edward would come to pick up Bella regularly and River would tag along as well sometimes. He also didn't mind having the truck to himself more often, he had the option to drive out alone much more now. Speaking of which, they were currently washing the truck, with Edward perched on the roof.

"Can you at least try to act normal? We have neighbours," Bella said.

He ignored her, deciding instead to pivot the conversation to something neither of them were expecting. "Come to my place tomorrow."

Bella and River looked at each other. "Both of us?"

"Yes."

"Your house? With your family?" Bella asked.

"Yeah." Edward jumped down and wiped down the dented front fender. Then he reached under it and, with his bare hands, easily popped a large dent out of the truck's body.

"I get Bella, but why me?" River questioned.

"I know you two are very close, I've rarely ever seen you apart. Having your approval is just as important as having my family's," Edward explained. "So it just makes sense for you to come along."

"But what if they don't like us? Isn't being close to humans against your family's rules or whatever?" Bella asked.

Edward couldn't help but smile. "So, you're worried, not because you'll be in a house full of vampires, but because you think they won't approve of you?"

"I mean, you didn't exactly make them out to be super evil or anything," River said.

Edward's smile died as he looked around.

"What is it?" Bella asked.

"Charlie's around the corner, and..." he trailed off as a black car came from around the corner, pulling over near their driveway. "I'll come get you both tomorrow."

Edward moved across the street and hopped into his Volvo, eyeing the people in the other car as he drove past them.

It was Jacob and Billy–the latter had an intense expression. There seemed to be immense tension as he and Edward watched each other, while Jacob looked on questioningly. After Edward was gone, Billy's expression lightened up as his eyes moved over to River and Bella. Jacob got Billy's wheelchair out from the back and helped him into it, then rolled him up the driveway towards them.