Second Life (Book Two in the Awakening trilogy)

1: Soot and Ashes

JACOB

It's been 39 hours since I found El's note, she still hasn't turned up. Not here or in Forks, not even La Push. She could've died and not come back yet, or she only died and will never come back. I don't know anything anymore, I don't know if El's alive, I don't know if the bond is still there, I don't know if she's ever coming back, I don't know anything. I've been searching for at least 38 hours, I gave her time, and myself time. I need El to function, I never knew how much I needed her until I lost her.

ELIZABETH

The sounds of leaves crunching wakes me up. I shuffle to my feet looking around me. I glance at my body, covered in soot and ashes. The crunching gets closer, if I wasn't naked, I probably wouldn't be hiding. I raced up a tree, I'm hiding in the top where the most leaves are. I hear my name being called as the crunching gets louder. The voice sounds so familiar, but I can't put my finger on it. After the sound gets distant I jump down and race to where I left my clothes. I quickly throw the fresh clothes on and race back to the house. I jump over uprooted trees and duck under limbs, my feet carrying me faster than ever before. I slide to a stop by the back door. I take a deep breath before opening the door with hesitation. I step in and notice nobody's here. I walk to the bedroom and grab clothes heading for the shower.

I start the water and wait for it to warm up. I strip my clothes down and step in. I focus on scrubbing the soot and ash off my body. I scrub my hair until the water turns clear. I allow the water to run down my body for a few minutes before stepping out and putting clothes on. I stare into the mirror at my reflection. It seems so foreign, my eyes are darker along with my hair, my skin a few tones paler. My eyes are chocolate brown instead of hazel, my hair auburn instead of light brown. Other than those minor differences I look identical to how I was before. I hear the front door close and slowly walk out into the bedroom. I tiptoe to the living room and peek around the corner. Did this happen because of me? Did he seriously let it get this bad? He looks the same, other than he has stubble now, his eyes are bloodshot like he hasn't slept in years. I stare at him in awe. His head jerks around and his gaze meets mine.

"El!?!" His voice brightens. I run up and wrap my arms around him. His pull me closer to his body. A sob escapes my lips.

"I missed you." I whisper into the crook of his neck.

"I know you can tell by looking at me." A slight chuckle slips from both of us.

"I know, go clean yourself up. I need food so I'm probably gonna pig out." I smirk. He puts me down then our lips meet.

"Okay."

"I love you Jakey."

"I love you too El."
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Jake walks into the living room in a pair of jeans and his hair how he normally has it. My eyes wander over his abs, I subconsciously bite my lip. Jake chuckles and puts his hands on his hips.

"See something you like?" He asks gesturing to his abs. I roll my eyes and turn my gaze to the TV. "I'm taking that as a yes."

He sits down beside me running a hand through his hair. Jake pulls me onto his lap and slides his hand under my shirt. I unbutton my flannel and leave it on my shoulders exposing my bra. Our lips meet, moving in sync. His phone goes off in his pocket causing him to groan. I giggle as he answers.

"What?" Jake grumbles.

"Carlisle said that you need to bring El back." A voice rings through the phone.

"I will."

"Now."

"Fine." Jake hangs up the phone and throws it aside.