reaching dusk (WATTY Awards 2013)

chapter 2

renesmee pov

The Quileute stories lasted longer than expected. I yawned and leaned my head against Jacob's chest as he carried me back from the bonfire to Leah's room. Mom was right about not wanting to miss this. Billy, Sam and Jacob took turns telling the old legends of the tribe. I was captivated by his expression and the way the light of the fire flickered on Jacob's face, making the story seem all the more magical. He told his part of the legend in such a serious, reverent tone and with an authority that made him seem like a different person.

I could barely keep my eyes open as he carried me into the house. I could faintly hear the door creek and covers being pulled down but it still startled me a little when he finally spoke. I jumped at the sound of his voice, but couldn't find the energy to stand on my own two feet.

"Alright honey, we're here now." He said as he laid me in the bed. He had to untwine my fingers from around his neck and I kissed him softly on the cheek.

"Night Jake." I whispered as he shut off the light.

The next morning I woke to a soft light on my face that streamed through the bedroom window. I stretched and slowly rolled out of the bed. I opened the door quietly, being careful to make as little noise as possible and made my way down the hall.

Leah had graciously taken the other small double bed in Seth's room and I found Jacob still in a deep sleep on the couch. He was sprawled out on the couch with one foot and one hand hanging over the side. The small white blanket was a brilliant white against his ruddy skin. At least this couch was much bigger than Billy's. He almost fit.

"Morning Jake," I whispered softly in his ear.

"Mmm, morning," he muttered nearly unintelligibly. I wondered if he was even coherent.

His eyes fluttered open and spanned the entire room as if he had forgotten where he was momentarily. Then his eyes rested on my face as I sat cross-legged on the floor. He rolled onto his side and mussed my hair.

"Hey honey, it's early. Are you ready to head back, already?'

I pressed my hand to the side of his face letting my thoughts flow freely to him.

"Oh, I see," he replied. "If you're hungry you can go outside and hunt. Just keep it far enough from the reservation, okay.? I thought I would make breakfast for Leah and Seth as a thank you for letting us crash last night. Go on ahead, and by the time you get back I'll be ready."

"Sure, sure." I replied with a smile.

The hunt was easy enough. I couldn't go far enough to catch anything too exciting. Just a few deer that lingered in the woods nearby. The wolves knew I was here so I didn't stir up any disturbances with the pack. They knew my scent well enough by now to keep them from being jumpy.

I finished my endeavor quickly and headed back to the Clearwater's. I could only barely smell the remnants of bacon and eggs so I was sure breakfast was finished. I heard everyone in the kitchen clearing the table and starting the dishes so I headed down the hallway back to Leah's room to gather my things.

The door to Leah's room was closed but I knew she was in the kitchen so I just walked in. I stopped dead in my tracks. If I could actually blush I probably would have looked like a ripe garden tomato. There Jacob stood his face the same as mine.

He had obviously just finished showering, with the towel still wrapped around his waist. His jean shorts and t-shirt were lying out on the bed in front of him. Thank God for the timing! I thought. Even though this moment was uncomfortable enough, if I had been a few seconds later coming inside who knows what I would have seen.