Enchanted | Jacob Black

seven

As I pulled up, I noticed numerous cars parked outside the Clearwater home. Many people had shown up to support Sue, which was no surprise; everyone loved Harry. 

I found a spot to park and walked toward the front of the blue house. I smiled and greeted the adults standing outside, all members of the community I had seen throughout my life but never really got to know. 

I spotted my dad beside Billy and Charlie Swan; Sue sat at the dining table with them. I gently approached them, stopping beside my dad and catching Sue's attention. 

"Hi Sue, I'm so sorry." I softly said. 

She gave me a warm smile, though the exhaustion in her eyes was unmistakable.

"Thank you, Harper," she said gently, her voice hoarse but kind. "That means a lot."

I offered a small nod, unsure of what else to say. The air felt heavy with grief and the weight of everything that had happened.

Billy gave me a soft pat on the back, and my dad placed a hand on my shoulder. I stayed there for a moment longer, standing quietly with them before excusing myself to give them some space.

I walked around the living room, greeting elders and other kids I had seen in school. I spotted Nate's grandma in the kitchen helping the others cook.

As I watched her, I realized she was most likely why Nate hadn't phased like the others. She wasn't a direct descendant of Taha Aki, just as my mom's parents weren't. So, I guess that spared us and many others from the wolf curse on the reservation. 

I started to feel as if my help wasn't needed. They had enough people here, and I was just taking up space. Seth wasn't home, probably grieving and getting accustomed to his new abilities.

Suddenly, I spotted Quil and his grandfather entering the crowded home. I glanced behind them for any sign of Jake, but he wasn't there. I rushed toward him. Was their meeting already over? Since Jake left, I have been curious about what might have happened. 

"Hi, Mr. Ateara," I greeted his grandfather first, trying to hide the urgency in my voice.

He gave me a warm but solemn nod. "Hello, Harper. It's good to see you, although I wish it weren't during a time like this."

"Yeah... me too," I said softly, my gaze shifting to Quil.

He looked more serious than usual, his easy grin nowhere in sight. "Hey," he greeted. 

"Hey," I echoed, lowering my voice. "Did the meeting end early? Is everything okay?"

"Yeah, it just wrapped up," he replied, rubbing a hand over his jaw. "Everyone's kind of on edge with everything going on."

I nodded. "Where's Jake?"

Quil hesitated, then sighed. "He took off. Said he had to check on Bella. He's still worried she's with that Cullen. He didn't like the idea of her being alone with a vampire, even if Bella swears she's harmless."

My stomach dropped a little. I tried not to let the disappointment show on my face, but it burned quietly in my chest. "Oh."

Quil offered a faint smile. "You know, Jake. He can't help himself when it comes to her."

I didn't answer; I just looked away for a second, focusing on the hum of voices around us. I understood Jake's need to protect her. I really did. But that didn't make it any easier to accept.

"You okay?" Quil asked.

I glanced back at him, "Yeah. Just tired."

"Look, I know things have been weird between you two. But just... be patient with him, okay? He's carrying a lot right now."