New Dawn

Goodbyes

Released from the dark haze of sleep, my eyes flickered open. As my vision cleared, I found Jacob leaning over me – watching.

I giggled, "Morning."

His smile didn't find his eyes and as I looked closer, I could see dark circles above his cheekbones and dried tears on his cheeks. Then, the memories of last night came screaming back to me and my smile vanished.

"Did you sleep at all?"

"No."

"Why not?"

"I didn't want to miss anything." He kissed my forehead and pulled me to his chest.

"Jake, I'm not going."

He placed his finger over my lips, "We have a lot to talk about. Wanna get dressed and go to the cliffs?"

"Alright." Moving out from under him, I quickly threw on an outfit. I turned around and Jacob was hidden under the blankets, "I'm clothed now." I blushed awkwardly.

His head popped out from under the quilt and he smiled, "You gotta give me more warning when you're gonna change Ness."

"Sorry." I blushed deeper. "I didn't even think about it."

His smile brightened and he moved beside me. Brushing a piece of hair out of my face, he spoke softly, "So innocent."

"Should I let you get ready?"

He stiffened and his expression hardened as he grew distant. Lost, was my Jacob and a new one stood in his place. "I'll meet you out front in five."

Releasing my hold on him, I headed to the front door, down the porch, and toward Jacob's bike. Looking back at the old house, I was sure that, that day would not be the last I saw it. There was nothing and no one who could make me leave my home.

Jacob threw open the front door and practically ran to my side – he was still distant and acting strange. Forcing a smile, he moved to his bike and started it up, "Ready?"

Feeling his sadness, I climbed on the back and wrapped my arms around him – holding him close to me. This talk wasn't going to be a good one; that was easy to detect. So, I wanted to enjoy the last bit of Jacob I had left. I lost myself in his smell and the feeling of his muscles moving. The ride ended much too soon.

Jacob held out his hand to help me off. Accepting it, I swung my leg over the motorcycle and climbed off. He quickly followed. Together, we walked in silence to the edge of the cliffs. Jacob stopped and leaned against a tree while I moved to the very edge of the cliff and looked out over the angry ocean.

"So what do you wanna talk about?" I kept my gaze on the waves.

He moved beside me. "Your mom's been calling all night."

"And?"

He took a deep breath, "Know I love you Ness and it's gonna kill me but I need you safe and that means you have to go." His voice was hard, "You can't stay with me."

I stepped back, "Then come with me."

Jacob turned away from me, "Please don't ask me to do that Ness."

"Why not? If you love me and I love you then why can't we just run away somewhere? I'm just as safe with you as I would be with anyone else. We could go anywhere Jake. Do anything. Please, it doesn't have to be like this." I moved closer to him, reaching out. My body ached and the pull in my heart tugged sharp – Jacob didn't pull away from me.