#jabella

"Already, I am disapproving your goals." An offended smile stretched across my face as I leaned against his figure to snatch my crinkled paper out of his hands. Alas, his quick instincts played against me as he quickly stretched his arm the other direction, making me fall on his lap.

I scrambled myself off his figure, the breeze grazing my face as a few strands covered my vision. "Just keep reading! You're only half-way."

"Half-way, huh?" Jake retracts his right arm slowly as his left snakes around my waist, pulling me closer to his figure in fear of me shivering in the cold. "Looks like Bella has gotten quite ambitious this year. What's next, sky-diving?"

I only stared at him in silence, mischief playing within my eyes.

"Oh my gosh- Bella!"

"Just keep reading, Jake!"

Hesitantly upon my playful remark, he continues to read my list of goals I wanted to achieve this year. In attempt to properly fill my life with meaning, and some more, I decided to sit down on my desk, grab a pencil, and make a bucket list. At first, nothing registered in my mind, and I had sacrificed a dozen scribbled paper that were scrunched up and thrown across my bedroom before I decided on my goals.

⎯ Finish a book ⎯ Keep the Rabbit going until the end of the school year

⎯ Fill my sketchbook with anything and everything.

My eyes switched between Jake and his gaze on the list, a small and contagious grin appearing on his refined features as I catch myself grinning too. I assumed he read the last goal as he moved his hand from around my waist and to my shoulder, eagerly pulling me to him as he placed a firm kiss on the side of my forehead.

"Well, I have no doubts with that one." His tone was laced with happiness, dark-brown eyes meeting my own as he gave me back my list. "Artsy Bella and her sketchbook against the whole world."

I only rolled my eyes, "Well; me and my sketchbook against the forests and cliffs of Forks."

My gaze turned to what was in front of us, the two of us sitting at the near edge of a cliff as we overlook the vast green forest below us. Over the horizon was mountains decorated with white snow at its peak, clouds decorating the far sky as the sun shyly hid behind it.

My sketchbook, open bare with my favourite pencil resting in between its bind, revealed a rough sketch of what was laid beyond me: the jagged lines of the far mountain drawn smaller, scribbles to represent the forest, and a bit of the cliff we rested upon appeared like a cameo.

"After this page, I wanna' do a similar sketch but in a different view." I slightly widen my eyes as I point slightly to our right, catching Jake's attention as he followed my finger, "Over there would be nice. Maybe if we reach the peak I could get a good look-"

"Now wait just a minute..." He catches me off-guard, his warm hand wrapping around my wrist as he gently pulls it down to the ground. "Are you only using me as a means for transportation?"

I only stayed silent.

"Isabella Swan." A hint of tease was noticeable in his tone, that same-old grin stretching across his face. "I can't believe you would see me like this..."

"Yeah, well, how else am I supposed to get there? Hike miles and break my leg in the process?" The truth was let out, and Jake's laugh was uncontrollable. The slight squeaks and wheezes in his joyful behaviour was hard to break through with my reasoning. "Jake! Hear me out!"

"I am but a mere mode of transportation. Oh, how my wolf is offended..."

"I-I'm sorry!" I didn't know what else to say with his comment, half-guilty towards his animal form yet I knew he was joking. My mouth reflected his smile, a small giggle escaping against my will. "And plus! Wasn't it you who said you would support my 'artistic abilities'?"

Jake seemed to have calmed down... finally. He was still catching his breath after seemingly laughing for five minutes, exhaling deep breaths while escaping light giggles. "Well, yes. But that still doesn't change the fact that you..."

His hand clenches over his heart, "My beloved imprint, my Bella, would... use me!"

"Oh, get over it, Jake!" I had enough of his antics as I tackled him to the ground. With my mere human strength compared to his, I knew he was playing easy with me as his body gave up gravity and sprawled over the grass. His arms were crossed underneath his head as comfort as he watched me get comfy on his torso.

I laid my head over his chest, just above the area where his heart beat rhythmically. Despite it beating rather faster than a normal person, but then again; he wasn't normal, it still brought me comfort and reassurance. Alongside his warmth that engrossed my every being, his beating heart made me more grounded to this earth than ever.

"So." I flipped my body over so that I was facing Jake's face, his chin overtaking his features before he slightly lifted his face to make eye contact. My arms crossed underneath my neck as I rested my own chin against my wrists. "Are you gonna take me there next time?"

He only rolled his eyes at me, his right arm uncrossing underneath his head to rest over my lower figure. "Yes, I will take you there next time."

Grinning at my victory, I pulled myself closer to his face as I planted a soft kiss on those lips of his. Soft, blush-pink, and of course, the right temperature.

"What's next? Are we going to Canada next?"

“Man, I am craving for Emily’s food right now.” We were all running back to the house when Paul opened up our shared telepathy space. From the minute we started heading back, we all collectively shared an air of silence. It was fair considering that at the end of every patrol, all of us wanted to go home and rest.

“Me too. I am dying to get my paws on her muffins. Or better, her chocolate chip cookies.”

“Ooh, don’t get my stomach growling even more, Seth.” Embry teased our youngest member to the pack, and our wolves flicked their snouts to reflect our light-hearted giggles. Our paws were busy taking us back to base, and to be honest, I was ready to transform back and finally walk on my own two feet.

“What about you, Sam? Are you missing Emily?” Seth asked, his nimble and flexible legs were able to keep up with our eldest alpha. I saw his head turn to his direction before I heard a small scoff from Sam.

“Are you kidding? I miss that woman like crazy.” Except me and Seth, the rest of the guys only groaned in annoyance. With me imprinting on Bella and having to deal with my uncontrolled love-sick thoughts about her, they have to deal with two wolves that would take all day to describe why they love their imprintees. And honestly, it’ll take me a whole week to even get halfway.

“Not as crazy as Jake-y boy over here.” Paul bickers, and I only rolled my eyes at him. The two of us have a love-hate relationship with one another. It’s kinda like; I’m not gonna leave you out in the woods while dying a slow and painful death, but I’m also not gonna take your bullshit while I’m already annoyed at you.

“I wish I could imprint on someone.” Seth comments. I turn to his direction and despite the moonlight being covered by tonight’s clouds, the sparkles in his eyes were still evident. It was a collective agreement with the group that we will teach him and tell him anything he wishes to know. He was only fourteen when he phased, the boy deserves to know everything.

“Your time will come.” Sam’s deep and brotherly voice responded before his wolf playfully bit his side, and Seth whined in shock. The rest of the guys laughed at their interaction, truly giving the ideal relationship between the eldest and youngest. “What makes you want that though? You’re still, practically, a baby. Even Leah would agree.”

“He will always be a baby to me. That’s my brother.” Leah, who ran behind us, connecting herself to the mind telepathy space and we all chuckled. All of us were aware of her over-protective tendencies over Seth, and if it weren’t for me being an only child, I would probably be the same.

“Seth probably thinks that because he’s been watching Jake and Bella.” Quil teasingly called out. Seth woofed at his direction, probably his way of telling him to stop saying anything else. Even though he didn’t say anything, the rest of us could sense that he was embarrassed. I was more-so interested by that newly heard fact.

Quil’s wolf caught up with mine before telepathically informing me, “Not just you but also Sam and Emily. Honestly, I think the boy is a huge romantic.”

“I am not!”

“Ooh! Who brought this upon you, Seth-y?” Paul shifted his attention in annoying someone from me to the younger wolf, and I think it is a collective agreement for the rest of the group to do the same thing too. All of us, except for Leah who was laughing from the back as she watched, began to sandwich the poor boy as he was squashed on both sides. Even I partook in this. Who am I to miss out on teasing Seth?

“Guys! Oomf-”

“Haha! Seth has a crush~” Embry teased in a singing-tone, and the rest of us began to chant that same line like there was no tomorrow. I could basically sense Seth’s ears going completely red, it might as well colour his entire face too.

“Guys- oh my gosh.” Leah had to stop herself from laughing before announcing that we were only a few metres from base, so we all had to eventually let the boy go and stop the bickering. It’s a shame. I always enjoyed it when our group would tease the younger, either as a whole or individually. Whenever he was with us, it was as if he brought the sunshine with him; we couldn’t help but smile and laugh contently.

Finally, we arrived at the front of Sam and Emily’s humble abode before we all chose our respective trees and transformed back. All of us went out from behind the tree one by one, and just when we were about to enter the house, Seth came back, but not as a human.

“Seth? What’s wrong?” Sam asked protectively. We were all still connected to our mind telepathy. “You can’t phase back?”

“Yeah…” He responded sheepishly, his head hung low in embarrassment. The group turned to give a look at one another, pitying the fourteen-year-old who was still trying to get a grip about the entire ‘we-can-turn-into-wolves-actually!’ situation. I can’t help but soften my gaze at him.

If it weren’t for the sweet, sweet melody of Bella’s laugh that erupted within the house, I would’ve helped the entire group help Seth phase back. However, the instincts of being her imprint, but more importantly, her boyfriend, I was more desperate to see my woman. I didn’t waste any time to drag my feet towards the house despite the quick protests of the rest of the group, probably rolling at my eyes when they figured out I was going to Bella.

I was a few steps into the kitchen area when I heard Bella and Emily’s contended laughs in the living room. A plan to scare my girlfriend came into mind and I was about to cheekily fulfil it, but a certain conversation came through my ears which halted my steps.

“Jacob. He makes you happy, doesn’t he?”

Oh, now this is a conversation I definitely want to eavesdrop. Bella let out a sheepish giggle when the air between them fell silent before she slowly gathered her words.

“If it weren’t for Charlie suggesting the idea to go to Jacob’s, and building that death bike,” The two girls scoffed light-heartedly as I smiled like an idiot. I remember those days. I’m glad they didn’t remain a memory. “…I would probably still be in the same mental state that I was a few months ago.”

I couldn’t help but frown at that comment. It was a rare occurence for Bella to let out some heartfelt words, and to be quite frank, I’m kinda upset that I’m physically not in the room where this is happening. I would expect myself to be the person she would go to for anything emotional. But, to be fair, this is Emily. She has a gift in letting people open up about themselves. Sam was right, she would make a great mother.

“Jake- he…” She starts off, “He’s… incredible. He makes me feel everything, something I wasn’t able to do before because I was so- numb to emotions. Even with this whole imprint thing, I don’t feel physically chained to him, unlike a certain guy…”

“Who, Edward? Really?”

“Yeah.” She scoffed. I hear her smiling in her tone, but I only know that’s her way of coping with the severity of her past experiences. “It wasn’t until I took therapy that what I had with him was not ideal. It was a… very controlling relationship. An imbalanced one too, what with- him being a vampire and I’m not.”

“I see, but Jake’s a werewolf. I think you and I both agree that they are on the same level of supernatural beings.”

They share a laugh before Bella continued, “Yeah, well, the only difference between them is that I don’t feel pressured to become a vampire simply to be his equal. With Jake, werewolf or not, he embraces me. That feeling of inferiority isn’t there. We’re both learning, together.”

Don’t cry, Jake. Don’t cry, you idiot! Gosh, this girl makes me feel grateful by just breathing the same air as her.

“And plus,” I hear her add, “I love him. A lot.”

I couldn’t help hide myself behind the wall anymore. With a stiffled grin, I revealed myself and leaned my tattooed shoulder against the frame of the door, my arms crossed as I admired my girl. She and Emily were sitting on singular sofa chairs, both busying themselves with embroidery. Their chairs face one another as the coffee table held a tray of steaming tea and a plate of two cookies.

Bella must’ve sensed someone behind her as she saw Emily grinning behind her, and she turned around. Gosh, she is beauty. Her pushed back brown locks made her facial features more visible, the paleness of her skin bringing out the darkness in her lashed eyes. She was breath-taking.

“Jake!” She called out my name, excitement laced around her tone as she gently placed her embroidery on the sofa chair and ran to me, her arms wrapping around my thick neck as I graciously wrapped mine around her hips. We shared a contended giggle as we finally reunited for the day. Her shampoo was intoxicating, her whole scent was in general. “You’re back. How was patrol?”

“Same old. Nothing out of the ordinary.” I responded, only summarising my day because I couldn’t be bothered to think about what happened when I have my beauty right in front of me, wrapped within my own grasp. “And how are you? I’m sorry you had to be left here. And Emily too.”

I heard Emily scoff with a smile as she came up to us from behind, “Now that I’ve got Bella with me, my days have been moving way too fast for my liking.”

“Tell me about it. It’s as if the hours have shortened.” Bella commented and the two girls shared a giggle, their eyes turning into crescents to reflect their happiness. It was endearing to witness, how Bella is so involved and invested with my own community. She fits right in. “Oh yeah, where are the others? How’s Leah?”

I let out a soft grin, “You care about Leah and not the other wolf boys? How caring of you.”

“Yeah, well, she’s the one who have to deal with your loud cackles.”

“What was that about making fun of us?” Paul’s voice boomed into the house and immediately ran to the direction of Bella’s voice. “I see you’re getting bold now, girl. Come here!”

The rest of the pack entered the main space of the house where a plate of chocolate chip cookies filled the space of the round table in the middle, while Paul and Bella had their occasional fight-offs. Of course, I would always keep my eye out on Bella considering Paul’s uncontrollable strength, but judging by their faces and the way how he holds himself back, I think I can extend my trust out to him.

“Is this you holding yourself back because you’re scared of me, huh, Lahote?” Bella pressed Paul’s buttons, but she knew the real reason as to why he had to do so. Sam laid a brotherly gaze onto the two kids as he munched down his chocolate chip cookie.

“Alright, alright. Don’t go overboard on her, Paul.” Emily calmed the two of them as her right arm wrapped around Bella’s shoulder, and her left arm wrapped around the side of her waist. He only rolled his eyes in an entertained manner before his arms went to snatch four cookies. “These last few patrols don’t have anything to report. Does that mean you guys can have a bit of a break?”

“Ooh, yes please!” Seth exclaimed, his eyes sparkling even more as his gaze turned towards Sam who was in the middle of chewing and savouring the flavour of his fiance’s baking. “Let’s go on a break! I wanna’ run around without having to look for danger.”

“Me too.”

“Me three!”

“I think it’s best if we go for one more patrol tomorrow night.” Sam’s booming voice filled the room, and the rest of the wolf boys groaned in tiredness. Even me. His eyes were only fixated on Emily as he provided her with an answer, “Just to be cautious. It’ll also keep me at ease to double-check.”

The pack stayed silent for a brief moment before Emily grabbed the empty plate that used to have two dozens of her cookies, her free hand placed on Embry in reassurance, “I’ll cook up a full meal for you guys IF you return in time for dinner.”

We all widened our eyes in excitement, even Bella who had witnessed the exploding flavours of Emily’s home-cooked meals. If we all drooled over her sweet, baked goods, then the idea of a full, savoury meal was enough for us to keep going throughout the entirety of patrol.

Sam caught the sparkles in everyones eyes and filled the entire house with his laugh, motioning his imprintee to come closer to him as he gave him a firm kiss on her forehead, “I guess we’ll be returning even BEFORE dinner hits.”

We all shared a light giggle before we all began to separate and get ready to go home. Emily made sure to say goodbye to Bella with a big hug, reminding her that her own embroidery piece will be right next to hers, waiting for her nimble fingers to work on it once again. I stayed behind Bella the entire time she and Emily made one last small talk before saying goodbye for the time, my fingers lightly scratching over the fabric of her top to physically remind her that I am here. After about a few minutes, the magical words of “goodbyes” perked my ears as I gently led Bella to the front door.

My left hand remained placed over the small of her back as our feet led us outside the house. We were the last to leave so Sam and Emily stood just under the frame of the entrance. As I opened the door for Bella into her beloved truck and did the same for myself, I saw Sam and Emily wave us off with warm smiles through the front window. I only smiled to their direction, focused on hitting the engine just right to keep it up and running, while Bella waved her wrists off as Emily did the same thing. It really was endearing to see their growing friendship.

Entering the road at night gave an eery yet calming atmosphere. The front light of the truck was our only light source yet having the windows down to hear the quiet sounds of nature gave us the right amount of peace.

Bella always made sure to snuggle up by my side as I drove her to her house, making sure to drop her off and seeing her safe and sound within the walls of her home. The rolled-down windows were no issue as my radiating warmth was enough to keep Bella from shivering. We didn’t bother to turn on the radio and switch it to the night channel where it mainly had soft rock playing, all we wanted was solace within each other’s embrace.

I put the clutch on brake when I smoothly parked at the side of the road, making it easier for Bella to enter her home as I opened her door as per usual. Taking her hand in mind, in fear she might slip on the drop down, she led me with a gentle tug towards her front entrance. She stood on the last step nearest to the door while I remained two steps below.

“Do you think Charlie will allow you to stay over again?”

“What, even though I just did last night?” I rebutted with a slight smirk, and we both shared a laugh at her attempt of convincing strict, old Charlie to let her boyfriend sleep over. It took a bit of convincing last night to even get a straight ‘yes’ from him, so I doubt tonight will be any different.

It was a cute attempt, though.

“Okay.” She says with slight defeat, hesitating to let go of our interlocked hands. Slowly, each of her fingers disconnected from mine before our index fingers were left, and I took this chance to sneak a quick kiss on her lips by pulling her in and keeping her steady with my hand on her hip. We both smiled.

Against our wishes, we pulled back and lingered in each other’s gaze before Bella turned her back and headed for the front door. I didn’t let her leave my sight until I heard the lock click from behind the house, then I left.

Oddly enough, with my wolf hearing, I heard rough footsteps going up towards the second floor when I hear my name whispered at the side of Bella’s house. Curious, I went towards the direction where I see my girl leaning outside her window, her hand waving frantically to me.

“What are you doing?” I ask with a giggle, but still making sure to not speak loudly in fear of Charlie.

“Oh Romeo, Romeo. Wherefore art thou, Romeo?!” She recites the famous line from that tragic love story from oh-so-long-ago, and I couldn’t stop myself from bursting into laughter. I bend over forward with my arms clutching my stomach, and when I straighten my figure, she was still acting like she was Juliet.

“Oh Romeo, it wrecks my heart being without your absence.” She says dramatically, and as my heart strings tugged at her precious antics, I couldn’t help but to play along.

“My Juliet, being without you is like getting my soul ripped out of me! Oh Juliet, how I miss you already!”

This went on for a few minutes, exchanging dramatic yet heart-felt lines that scholars may confuse that it could be derived from the story. Never the less, we found amusement in this comedic antic before a certain figure walked out of the house and leaned against the side of the house.

“Jake.” He said my name in a tone that most parents say to their kids to get them to stop. No matter how old my physique makes me look, I will always quiver at the strict gaze of a parental figure. Embarrassingly enough.

“Yes, Charlie. I’ll make my way now.” I put my hands up in surrender, but before satisfying his wishes, I took one more look at Bella. She was already looking at me, the amusement faded from her eyes as sorrow was replaced.

“I love you.” I say.

“I love you too.” She responds.