Storming Sky

A LITTLE LESS CONVERSATION

A LITTLE LESS CONVERSATION

"Can I ask you something?" Jacob said. We were watching the sun set on the beach and just enjoying each other's presence. It was a different kind of peaceful. I think I had finally got the Capulets and the Montagues to get along. Maybe Romeo and Juliet could be together without it ending in bloodshed.

"Of course," I told him. "You can ask me anything."

"Why didn't you tell me you've been having nightmares?" He asked, playing with my hair.

"I just...I don't really tell anyone about them," I answered softly. I hadn't really ever considered telling Jake about them. My family knew, but that's because they lived with me. To be honest, Edward telling Jacob was the first time it had ever been mentioned outside of my bedroom.

"Why?" Jacob pushed. I shrugged.

"I've had them for as long as I can remember. They're always the same," I told him. "They've just become a part of me, I guess."

"A part of you that you're ashamed of?" Jacob asked. I had never thought of it that way before.

"A weakness, I guess. I don't know," I sat up. This conversation was uncomfortable. Jacob could sense that.

"What are they about?" Jacob redirected, seeing he was getting nowhere on the other path.

"It's always the same," I told him. "It starts off with my parents - my human parents - fighting, and then my mom driving off. After that, it's always the crash, then the enemy, whoever that is at the time."

"Who is it usually?"

"Before Bella, it was always my dad. He was the enemy," I answered.

"Who is it now?"

"It alternates. My subconscious picks, I guess. Mostly Victoria. James. The usual."

"You never talk about your human parents," Jake pointed out. "Do you miss them?"

"My mom died and I have no idea where my dad is. Edward told me once that he just signed custody away no questions asked. So I guess I don't really care where he is."

"Why did your mom leave him?" I shrugged. I was five when this all went down. I don't remember much.

"Sorry if it's getting too personal. My mom died when I was little too, if that helps. I barely remember her."

"I'm sorry," I told him. I had a few really good memories of my human mom. She would have been a great mom, if she were still alive.

"Do you miss your human mom? Wonder what it would be like if she hadn't died?"

"All the time," I admitted. It wasn't something that I shared openly with my family, but there were plenty of times growing up I wished vampires were not a part of my life. There were plenty of times I cursed at the universe for sending a vampire to kill my mom. Jake didn't need to know that, though.

"Me too," Jacob nodded. "We're more alike than you know, Danielle Cullen."

"I know," I said. "I've known that since I met you."

"How?" Jacob sat up, shocked.

"When I was in elementary school, one of my teachers said that I had sad eyes. She said I was beautiful and my face showed my spark, but my eyes showed my sadness. I have been trying ever since to not let anyone else see my 'sad eyes.' When I saw you, I saw the same thing. You have 'sad eyes' that you're trying to hide."

"That's deep," Jacob said in awe.

"I knew that you were like me. That you had an eternity of secrets and an eternity of burdens, but you still pretended everything was okay, because at the end of the day, you didn't want the people you love to know how much their secrets and burdens hurt you."

Jacob just nodded and rubbed my back. After a moment of silence, he said "You want to know the best part about loving someone that has the same problems as you?"

"Sure," I said, turning back to him.

"You can tell them, because they understand. They understand how heavy the bag you're carrying is, and they're willing to help you carry it. You just have to let them."

"So what you're saying is I should be telling you about my nightmares?" I smiled.

"Of course I want to you to tell me about your nightmares. I want you to tell me when Edward is driving you insane and when you feel like you're so insignificant in this supernatural world. I want to know your hopes, your dreams, and all of your fears. I want to know everything about you, Danielle. I love you, and I want you to let me. You have been alone in this scary world for so long. You have someone now. Someone who will understand literally all of it. Someone who will love you through all of it. I'm here, but you have to let me help you."

"Okay," I said, nodding. "Okay."

"Come on, let's get you home," Jacob said, as the sky started to turn dark. "You know what happens with werewolves when the moon comes out," he joked. I rolled my eyes.

"You're an idiot," I smiled.

"I know you are, but what am I?" He smiled back.

"I'm dating a child!" I yelled in response. He just laughed and picked me up, swinging me around.

Jacob might act like a child, but he really did bring out the best in me.