Don't Let it Fall to Pieces

09

There was nothing that annoyed Genevieve like the feeling of waiting for someone to say something they so painfully want to say.

So, as Genevieve sat in the back of Jacob's truck, she wanted to smash her head against the window.

She could practically feel Bella's questions bubbling inside her. Genevieve knew that her and Bella wouldn't be alone until the next morning when Genevieve would have breakfast with Bella once both their parents had left for work. The two rarely ever had time for themselves lately, and for once Genevieve was thankful for it.

She figured Bella wanted to ask her about Seth. No doubt she noticed how close the two were sitting or the arm that Seth had around Genevieve the whole night.

Genevieve, on the other hand, was not at all interested in talking about Seth. She was still trying to digest the stories that Billy had told them; about the Third Wife and about Imprinting. She couldn't help but be reminded of the stories her grandmother told her while she was growing up.

Every year her grandmother would come to Chicago to visit from Maine until she died when Genevieve was 12. She loved her Grandma Sylvia. Sylvia was her mother's mother, and was a fighter until her last day on earth. Sylvia's death was very sudden, especially to young Genevieve who idolized the woman. So, to be reminded of her late grandmother was a lot to think about. Especially when the stories that Sylvia would tell Genevieve before bed were of mythical creatures who were able to control others using the power of their voice. Sometimes Sylvia would tell love stories between the creatures and others, but most of the time Genevieve thought Sylvia was just telling a knock off version of The Little Mermaid to keep her entertained.

"Gen, you okay?"

Genevieve jumped, turning her attention back to Bella and Jacob. She sighed, realizing they were parked outside of Bella's house.

"Yeah, just lost in thought I guess." She shrugged and climbed out of Jacob's car, Bella and Jacob following suit. "I'll see you tomorrow, Bella. Bye Jacob."

Bella opened her mouth to say something, but then decided against it. "See you tomorrow, Gen."

"Bye Gen." Jacob called as Genevieve crossed the street to her home. She turned for a moment, waving at them before reaching her front door.

"Mom, I'm home!" She called as she walked into the house. She could hear the tv from the living room, and started to make her way down the hall.

"How's Bella? You two have been spending a lot of time together."

"She's fine. We went down to the reservation today to see some friends," Genevieve walked into the living room, flopping onto the couch next to her mother. She was surprised that her mother didn't have the missing person's case file in front of her. She'd been looking at the files non-stop since Chief Swan had asked her to look into it.

Lorelei hummed in response, turning to look at her daughter. "Is that were you got that sweatshirt from?"

Genevieve mentally cursed, almost having forgotten that she'd still been wearing Seth's sweatshirt. She tried to give it back to him after the bonfire, but he insisted she'd need it for the ride home. He said he'd be fine without it until they saw each other again.

"Yeah. I forgot a jacket so someone leant me an extra sweatshirt," Genevieve shrugged casually.

"A boy?" Genevieve groaned at her mother's amused face.

"Mom, please don't. You know I'm not interested in dating right now."

"Baby, you can't let that boy ruin your chances with other people. It doesn't have to be anything serious, but you're allowed to explore relationships. As long as you're safe."