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𝐉𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲
A week after Bella and I went to the movies, things seemed to be back to normal. At least, for the most part.
We were texting every day, from a simple check-in text to short conversations about how her day was going and mine. They were short, but a major improvement to the past few months. I wanted to see more of her, to spend more time with her, like before, but I knew I couldn't press too hard. She needed time.
Paul was doing more patrols this week since Sam was busy helping Embry adjust to the transition, and it was only him and Jared on patrol. I didn't understand why patrol was such a big deal since the Cullen's were gone and they were the only vampires in town, but I didn't question it.
I decided to spend some much-needed time at home with Jake and my dad. Having been staying with Paul so much over the last few weeks, I hadn't gotten to spend as much time with them as I'd like. Both of them were more than happy to have me back.
This morning my dad made pancakes—this was a weekly tradition since I was little. The kitchen smelled like butter and coffee and something just slightly overcooked, but it was familiar. Comforting. I leaned against the counter while Jake set the table, both of us still a little slow-moving from sleep.
"You want some?" Dad asked, flipping another pancake onto the growing stack.
"Yeah," I said, nodding slowly, though my stomach wasn't exactly on board. I sat down as Jake dropped into the chair beside me, already halfway through pouring syrup like he was prepping for war.
The plate in front of me looked good—golden edges, fluffy center—but I didn't reach for it right away. I picked up my fork, twirling it between my fingers. I wasn't nauseous, just... not hungry. Which was weird, considering I hadn't eaten since dinner last night.
"You okay?" Jake asked without looking up, already digging in. "You look kinda spaced."
"Just tired," I mumbled. "Didn't sleep great."
It wasn't a total lie. I'd woken up around four for no real reason, then tossed around until the sky started to lighten. I figured it was due to Paul being out on patrol and me missing his warmth beside me, either way, I was exhausted.
Dad slid into his spot with a grunt, mug in hand. "Well, sit still long enough today and you'll make up for it. That's my plan." I laughed, finally cracking a smile at dad's attempt at a joke.
I finally took a bite. It tasted fine, maybe a little bland. I added more syrup.
Jake started complaining about Embry being gone and hanging out with Sam and his gang, and Dad chimed in with his usual denial of Sam being in a gang. I, of course, didn't say anything on the matter. I hated lying to my brother, but I also couldn't tell him the truth. Besides, I was a bit too tired for the usual breakfast conversation. My head felt just a little foggy. Nothing major. Probably the weather. Probably my lack of sleep.
