Enchanted | Jacob Black

nine

It was 7 pm on a Friday, and all I had done for the last few hours was wonder why Jake still hadn't called or visited.

I told myself I was fine. I told myself I was done waiting.

But I was lying.

I pulled the blanket tighter around my shoulders and stared blankly at the muted TV screen across the room. A few months ago, I spent my Saturdays with Jake, Embry, and Quil, and now I sit like a lonely loser. Even Dad wasn't here to keep me company; he was at the Clearwater house again.

Until my phone buzzed.

Nate.

I hesitated for a second before answering.

"Hey," I said, trying to sound more awake than I felt.

"Hey," he replied, his voice easy. Okay, don't say no yet; just hear me out."

I smiled despite myself. "That's never a good start."

"There's a party tonight. Daniel Walker's. Nothing huge, just a bonfire, some beer, and music. Maybe you'd want to come with me?"

"I don't know..." I trailed off, imagining the looks I'd get if I showed up, especially with Nate.

"It's just a few hours," Nate continued. "I'll pick you up at nine. We can leave if it sucks. No pressure."

His voice was calm and gentle; for once, I didn't feel like pretending I was okay.

"Okay," I said softly. "I'll go."

I texted my dad quickly, telling him I was going out for the night. He replied, "Okay, be safe. Be back by midnight."

No surprise, he was never overly strict with me.

With a sigh, I dragged myself up and went to my closet. I didn't feel like dressing up, but I didn't want to look like I'd been crying every night, either. I settled on a flattering pair of blue jeans and a green knit top that hung off one shoulder. As I stared at myself in the mirror, the hair straightener hanging off the hook on my bathroom wall caught my attention. I decided I had enough time and may want to put a little effort into my appearance. So, I quickly straightened my waves before applying some makeup.

I had just stepped back to the mirror to adjust my sweater when there was a knock at the front door.

My stomach dipped. For a second, I thought maybe... Jake? But then I heard the second knock, a little louder this time.

"Harper! Open up!" came a familiar voice.

Embry.

I frowned, confused, and headed down the hall. Embry and Quil stood on the porch, concern etched across both faces as I opened the door.

"What are you guys doing here?" I asked, surprised.

"We need your help."

I raised an eyebrow. "With what?" I asked as I walked back inside. I could feel them following me before they closed the door. I turned around to face them. "I'm not letting you guys copy off my homework," I said.

They chuckled, "It's not that," Embry said.

"Jake's been a wreck," Quil said, softer now. "Like, worse than usual."

I hesitated near the hallway, torn between annoyance and curiosity, sighing as I walked by them to sit on the couch. "Why should I care?"

"Harper, come on," Embry said quickly, following me. "Just hear us out."

I sighed and mumbled, "I'm sure he's fine."

Quil sat down across from me, his expression more serious than usual. "He's not fine, Harper. He hasn't phased all week, and he's not patrolling. He just... disappears."