Mimic | Jacob Black

39. Stagnant

today marks one full year since I first posted this story, which is actually kinda crazy because I definitely didn't think I'd still be writing this (tbh I probably wouldn't if I stuck to my old writing schedule instead of slacking for months)

but we're on the homestretch now (don't ask how long that stretch is, i didn't think it would be that long but anytime i plan something for this story thinking it'll be short, it ends up getting away from me, especially since i have way more ideas written out than i thought i would, and all those ideas will be finally culminating towards the end of this story)

so uh, anniversary chapter, here you go

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A soft breeze passed by, ruffling River's hair. He embraced the overall silence accompanied only by the sounds of nature. As per usual, the sky had a cloud veil, so there wasn't much raw sunlight, but River didn't mind. No matter how many times he sat there, on the rock's edge, he never got over the view.

A sigh came from his left. He turned his head slightly, just in time to watch Bella close her book and set it down on her lap. It was impossible to miss the ring on her left ring finger.

"Finished?" he asked. It was only then that he really looked at the book cover, confusion crossing his face when he read the title.

Magic & Myths of Times Long Lost

"Is that new? I haven't seen it in your room before," River said.

Bella traced patterns into the book's cover as she spoke. "I've been looking for information about Mimics. Anything similar. But... I should have known it wouldn't be that easy. Sorry, I don't have any answers yet."

River shrugged. "I mean, thanks for trying. It's not like I expected it to be easy. Carlisle was definitely right. The Volturi gave it their all when it came to purging this information from the world."

River had tried to do some research online about his situation over the last month–be it books or websites or shows about ancient history and myths–but he couldn't find anything related to Mimics. He didn't want to admit that he gave up pretty early on due to frustration, even though he knew he wouldn't just be able to find the information at the press of a button.

"We'll find something eventually," Bella said optimistically. She offered him a soft smile before redirecting her eyes to the wide open expanse in front of them, leaning her head on his shoulder. "It really is beautiful here. Thanks for showing me."

River hummed quietly. "It is. It's nice to sit here and try and forget about everything." They stayed like that for a couple of minutes before River spoke up again. "You nervous?"

"About tomorrow?" Bella asked, lifting her head. River nodded. "Definitely, but I'm also happy." She sighed. "Getting married... It's still crazy to think about sometimes. We're so different now. I remember when we used to laugh at the idea of marriage."

"Did we?" River asked. Bella tried to hide the sadness on her face.

"Yeah, years ago. Especially after Dad and Julie got remarried..."

It was a couple of weeks before River felt put together enough to reveal what he had learned to Bella. She was just as sad as he was at the idea that he was forgetting their childhood, who he is as a person, but she made a habit of explaining memories to him, the ones he couldn't remember. It did help, but only to an extent. Hearing about them from Bella wasn't the same as being able to remember having actually lived them. She never once mentioned the possibility that he might turn into the first mimic after he first told her, and he happily cooperated in that silence, since he didn't want to consider it either.