CH. 8 (Elle)

I sat out in the middle of no where. Everywhere i looked i saw white, the ground was blanketed in a thick layer of snow.

This place must have been a Field or maybe even a lake at one point but now it was hard to tell.

I prayed with everything i had in me that this wasn't a lake and that if it was, my weight wouldn't crack the ice.

I felt so alone, i was scared and worried.

It was the last day before 30 days of non stop darkness. When the sun set tonight the sun wouldn't rise for another 30 days. If someone didn't come find me soon i feared i would be left out here and i would freeze to death.

It was quiet, the only sound was the cold wind blowing. Far off in the distance i could almost make out some trees.

I wanted to get up and go, i put my hands down into the Snow and tried to hoist my body up. My ankle was definitely broken and sadly i had been here for sometime that my legs were numb. How much longer before my body experienced full hypothermia. I closed my eyes trying not to cry, to cry would only worsen things as my face would get wet and the harsh wind would give my cheeks frost bite.

I took in a few deep breaths and opened my eyes.

I noticed the slight movement, at first mistaking it for a tree. The wind was now picking up and snow flurries distorted my vision. Soon the figure made it's way to me, Thick heavy arms encased me and picked me up with ease, my numb legs hanging limply while i used what little strength i had left to bury my face into my saviors neck. I looked up and tried to see the face.

All i could see was brown curly hair and a little of amber eyes. I smiled knowing that My Knight in shining armor was Emmett.

"Thank you." I rasped.

*BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP*

I sat straight up in my bed, i dreamt again of Emmet saving me, he always saved me in my dreams, the scenario was never the same but in the end he was my hero.

I closed my eyes and swooned over my dream. Even though i had been in peril i was happier about Emmett saving me than actually being saved.

I showered and brushed my teeth and made my way down for breakfast. There on the table was a plate already made and a sticky note. I picked up a piece of bacon and the note and read:

---Elle Honey, Starting a new job at a daycare center today, hope you enjoy breakfast and have a wonderful day at school. When you get home from school there is some chopped fruit and yogurt for an afternoon snack, i should be home with plenty time to prepare dinner. Love you Honey, Cat---

I put the note back on the table and ate my breakfast in a hurry. I don't really know where Emmett was this weekend, but after he let me stay in his room and somewhat apologized i was really looking forward to seeing him. I rinsed my dishes and left them in the sink to dry, i grabbed my books and my purse, my jacket and my keys and then headed out he door.

On my way to school i passed Dad's shop and saw Cole getting out of his hummer, i honked and he smiled and waved.

I continued on my way to school and parked. I saw Kate's SUV and noticed it was parked next to a silver Volvo. I shrugged and walked up the stairs and found Kate and the Cullen's, minus Emmett.

I wonder where he is, I hope he's ok, would it be weird to just ask, or would it be rude not to? I had an internal battle all while trying not to let my disappointment show.

Alice Kissed my cheek and hugged me, Kate and Ness hugged me, I waved at Edward and Bella and then Jasper gave me a playful nudge.

No one acknowledged Emmett's absence so i wan't going to be nosy no matter how bad i wanted to know. I sighed and followed everyone to the lockers. Kate looping her arm through my left and Alice on my right.

"Emmett had to go out of town" Alice said, "Sorry i didn't mention anything before."

I smiled at her and the fact that he wasn't sick or anything. "That's fine, would it be rude to ask where he went."

She shook her head smiling. "Not at all, he went to Italy, he needed to do something, i'm not entirely sure what but he should be back tomorrow." She said.

"I just hope things won't be weird," I said.

"Hey, things won't be weird, just be yourself and get to know him, he's actually a great guy Elle." Kate said.

"I was being myself before when he decided to randomly give me the cold shoulder." I said sadly.

Suddenly it was Kate who was growing uncomfortable. "I'm afraid i haven't been entirely honest. Elle you're my best friend and i was just trying to look out for your well being and best interests. Well instead of helping things with Emmett and you, i kind of messed them up." She said quickly, rushing her words out so her confession would be over and done with.

"What?"

She sighed and unhooked her arm from mine, Alice's remained. She ran a hand through her long pale blonde locks and sighed once more "I told him you are my best friend and you deserved the best and if he couldn't be the best or love you then he needed to stay away from you." She confessed.

I was shocked, she was the reason Emmett had suddenly started ignoring me, She knew and she didn't tell me. "How do you expect someone to just Love a complete stranger they just met?" I asked feeling betrayed by my best friend.

"Well you love him." She said weakly.

"I never said I love him," I sounded angrily. "If I did though, everyone's different Kate, or maybe i'm just some freak who THINKS she loves a guy she just met when really it's just me confusing Love for Lust, I don't know...and now, Urgh. I don't even know what to say to you right now!"

She sighed deeply. "I'm sorry Elle, i didn't mean to make things bad, i swear."

"Kate, you're my best friend, but right now i just can't talk to you in fear that i will say something hurtful. Please give me some time."

She nodded sadly and went off to the lockers.

"Are you alright Elle." Alice's sing song voice asked softly.

"I will be, i just couldn't handle her right now, i know i would have said or done something i would have regretted."

"Things will be fine, i have a really strong feeling that things between you and Emmett will be good, and once you're on good terms with him then you will be able to forgive Kate, she really did mean well, she just went about it in the wrong way. She doesn't know all of the things Emmett has endured in the past two years...She's heard but hasn't witnessed." Alice confessed.

I knew better then to ask what he had gone through, that was his own story to tell, and i knew she was right, Kate did mean well. I hoped what Alice said was true, i hope things with Emmett and i did get better, at least to where we can talk civilly without him staring daggers at me.

Study Hall was interesting that day, Kate didn't even try to talk to me, Jasper on the other hand tried to fill the awkward void with random conversations.

At Lunch i sat and talked to everyone, Even Bella who i didn't feel that close to. Turned out we like some similar books and we both really missed our old sunny homes, she was from Phoenix. But that's pretty much all that was said, she was a little awkward and quiet but something told me she was keeping herself reserved around me, i hope i didn't do anything to offend her.

Edward was polite but i felt that he and Bella were a very close couple and hardly let anyone into their little bubble of perfection. The only one that seemed super close to them was Ness, but she was like a mini Alice, she was overly talkative, bubbly, and cheery.

I really did miss Emmett but at least i knew i would see him tomorrow.

I left school after Lunch and went to work.

I got there and slipped on my work shirt, then fed the dogs.

Today was bath day, this should be interesting.

Giving all of the dogs and puppies baths was almost an all day event and that was with Cole and I helping each other.

Cole and i became friendlier, He told me that he moved here from California but lived almost everywhere before that. He loved dogs and he is a runner. He and his Brother moved up here to work on the fishing boats, and escape his "Desperate" Ex.

"Yeah, she was a big time user, she used me for my money, and my status back home, and then when she had her own 'recognition' she started treating everyone like they were dirt beneath her shoes. She was a bitch and i don't even know why i stayed with her for so long."

"Maybe it was the sex." I said Mater of Factly.

"Maybe." He pondered.

I laughed, "I was kidding, but hey what ever floats your boat, you're into bitchy crazy users and i'm into tall, muscular, and dark haired guys" I said imagining Emmett as i said it.

"So i'm your type then?" He said grinning broadly.

I blushed from embarrassment, i hadn't stopped to think that he would fit that description.

"You would be if you weren't my co-worker." I said trying to point out that i wouldn't date anyone I worked with, "things always end messy when that happens."

He laughed and nodded. "Yes they do. But tell me, you gotta have a boyfriend or a crush, is he who you just described?" He asked with his back to me.

"Well no boyfriend but i do like this guy and yes he does fit that description." I said beaming with excitement.

"Ok last question," He said turning to face me this time catching me eye. "Does he fit that description or IS he that description?"

I gasped and blushed deeply, my eyes going wide i had no clue what to say.

His eyes lost their playful light and he laughed a humorless laugh. "Thought so. Well whoever it is better hurry up and ask you out before someone else does."

"Yeah." Was all i could say.

After that Cole put in his headphones and worked while listening to music, i hope i didn't offend him or bruise his ego, it's not my fault i like someone already. You can't help who you like.

When the time came i clocked out and made my way home.

I got home and took the dishes from the sink and into the cupboard, i grabbed the fruit and yogurt and headed up to my room, i dropped my books on the bed and then put my food on the bed side table, and took off my jacket and shoes then went into my closet and got into more comfortable yoga pants.

I did all my homework within two hours, and then went downstairs to help Cat with dinner. Once we were done my parents and I ate peacefully, making small talk about school and work, then i went upstairs and got on my laptop.

There was nothing to do, and with me not talking to Kate i was extremely bored.

I took out my phone and text Alice.

[ELLE: Hey Wanna come over, i'm super bored.]

[ALICE: Sorry Can't...Family & I are going out of town, family issues we are leaving tonight.]

[ELLE: OMG, I hope everyone is ok.]

[ALICE: Great aunt is on her deathbed, no worries, she lived a long life but i'm not sure when we will be back, Kate and Tanya are coming as well.]

[ELLE: Well please give your family my condolences and i hope everyone has a safe trip, i'll miss you guys. ttyl]

[ALICE: Thank you, TTYL]

Dang, that really sucks, i hope her family is alright, no matter how long a person had lived that is still sad and has to be hard on her family.

TUESDAY - FRIDAY:

True to her word Alice and her family did not show up to school, the only thing that had made me smile was a weeks worth of bright sunny days. Although it was a little harsh due to the brightness of the sun reflecting on the white snow, i had to actually wear sunglasses whenever i was outside.

School was boring, i sat alone in all my classes and no one attempted to talk to me. I felt so alone and almost lost, and I knew for a fact that people had began to spread rumors about The Denali's and The Cullen's. I didn't even bother going to lunch, that would have just been a pathetic fiasco.

Work was getting easier, Cole and i were back to joking with each other which made the second half of my day go faster.

On Friday Alice Text me, Her Great Aunt had passed away in her sleep, the burial was to be held on Monday and they should be back either Tuesday or Wednesday depending on her will and any loose strings that needed to be dealt with.

I wanted to Text Kate or Alice, but i didn't. I knew that they, as a family, needed to mourn the loss of their Great Aunt.

Monday had come again, i went to school and work and now i found myself sitting in the den with my parents.

"Oh No," Cat complained.

I looked up to see what she was so sad about.

"I was going to take my little class to the local park on Wednesday, but i guess i better not." She said. "Tomorrow's our last day of sun before a light snow storm."

Great, even more sucky stuff. I sighed and told my parents good night. I went upstairs in hopes that My friends would be back in school tomorrow but i had a gut feeling they weren't.

Just as i predicted, no sign of them.

As the bell rang signaling the end of fourth period my cell vibrated.

I pulled it out and read a text from Kate.

[KATE: Hey we all just got back into town, we're having a sleep over and Alice wanted me to text you to go over after work.]

I squealed and text back immediately.

[ELLE: Sure Thing, Hey sorry for being a jerk to you before you left, still friends?]

[KATE: DUH! Now hurry up and finish work so you can come over.]

I did my best, i was working with a permanent smile plastered on my face and i didn't even care, my friends were back and i was gonna be able to see them.

AT 5pm I clocked out and changed back into my cute top instead of my work shirt, i walked into my Dad's office and told him i was spending the night with Alice. He just smiled and told me to behave myself.

I made my way to the Cullen's house and parked. This time Alice wasn't there to greet me in the drive way and i didn't blame her.

This wind was crazy.

The sun was still out and it was shining brightly behind their house but it was already beginning to snow a bit and the speed of the wind was blowing my hair up. I knocked on the door and Esme answered.

She hugged me and lead me inside. I noticed their window shades were drawn, Esme usually had her windows opened but i could understand them being down today, she was probably still mourning. I didn't bother giving my condolences or saying how sorry i was because i'm sure they heard it enough over the past week and a half.

"Elle dear, the Kids missed you so much, they just insisted you come over first chance you got. Thank you for coming." Esme said.

"Oh No, please, Thank you for having me."

She waved her hands as if to brush away my comment. "You know you're always welcome here, The kids are down in the theater room setting up for their movie night." She said leaving me to make her way to the kitchen.

I took that as my dismissal and made my way to the basement.

The Cullen's had a huge basement that Esme had redone into an epic theater room. I opened the door and made my way down the stairs.

As soon as my feet touch the floor Alice tackled me into a hug.

"Ugh, you don't know how much i missed you."She said squeezing me tightly.

I smiled, "I missed you too, but if you squeeze me any harder i think i'm gonna pop."

Kate embraced me next and we apologized to each other then she introduced me to her Boyfriend, the infamous Garrett.

He wasn't what i pictured. If i hadn't heard so much good things about him i wouldn't have known, he was a bit rough around the edges and had that bad boy rebellious swagger about him, but just as Kate had told me many time, he was actually quite nice and you could tell he was really in love with Kate or "Katie" as he lovingly called her.

Edward and Bella shouted a "hey" from their seat and Ness hugged me as well, that tall tan guy i had seen last time was right behind her.

"Elle, being away was almost unbearable." She said with a smirk and a glint of mischief in her eyes. I heard a few chuckles and wondered what i had missed. "Anyways, this is Jacob Black. He's a family friend, my BEST friend."

He shook my hand with is own big clammy hand, just like Cole, he seemed to not be effected by the weather, he was toasty warm.

I heard a cough come from Edward and it broke my train of thought.

All these hello's and i hadn't noticed the two guys talking in the back of the room.

Jasper and Emmett.

I sat down in one of the seat, trying my hardest not to look at Emmett, My heart was racing and I don't know how in my giddiness to come over here to see my friends i had forgotten about Emmett.

I noticed a trend in the seating, It was all boy girl, and i began to wonder if Alice had set it up this way, Edward tried to bury his face in Bella's shoulder to stifle a chuckle.

Seriously what was up with him today, he's usually so poised.

I shrugged it off.

I looked for Alice and contemplated about sitting next to her but noticed she was sitting one seat away from that Jacob kid and the other seat Jasper soon filled.

My heart began beating fast, i was anxious to have Emmett sit next to me, but at the same time nervous, and oh my god what if he didn't sit next to me that would be so embarrassing.

Edward started laughing again, and Bella started smacking his arm while Alice was shooting him death glares.

I'm glad someone was having a laugh because i sure wasn't.

Before i could register another thought Emmett sat down right next to me.

Alice stood up and spoke.

"Ok SO since it's movie night and unfortunately the girls picked last time the guys get to pick tonight. But it better be worth it." She said looking at each boy.

"I already put it in." Edward said. Alice killed the lights and pressed play using a tablet as a remote control. The previews started and Emmett leaned in towards my.

"Hey" He said, His cool breath smelt like honey and his husky voice was just as thick. "I'm really sorry for being a jackass to you before i left, and i really hope you don't think i'm a huge prick." He said.

'No, i don't think that, i know it's hard being at a new school.' I said honestly, that's what i had first thought was going on when he started acting that way.

He nodded slightly.

"I'd like to start over." He said sweetly.

"Yeah, i'd like that too." I said smiling. He smiled back, a huge dimple barring smile.

I let myself get comfortable in my seat and the movie had started.

We watched 28 Days Later, Resident Evil pt 1, & Dawn of the Dead...I hate Zombie movies.

I somehow survived watching the movies without screaming but when Alice turned the lights back on i realized i was holding onto Emmett's arm.

Everyone began talking critiquing the movie.

"Sorry" I said blushing like and idiot.

"It's ok, it's not like you hurt me or anything." He said with a smirk that only made me blush more.

I removed my hand and Kate came and sat in front of me talking about the movie.

"I mean oh my gosh, it was so fake, but i'm not gonna lie i did jump a few times, and i think i almost broke Garrett's hand on a few scenes." Kate said.

I laughed "No, it was super scary, i'll be surprised if i don't have nightmares." I said.

"Oh lord we should send her home now before she keeps the whole house up with her screaming." Jacob said jokingly.

I took notice of the way Emmett leaned forward and seemed to be staring down The Jacob guy. Ness furrowed her brow at Jacob and even smacked his arm.

He held up his hands in surrender and smiled a way too white smile "I'm kidding, I'm kidding."

"I gotta get going." Garrett announced.

Bella and Edward called it a night too, We all told them bye.

"Are you tired?" Emmett ask me, concern in his eyes

"No" I said shyly, "But, do you know where i'm sleeping tonight?" I asked with a slight laugh.

"You, Red. Are sleeping in my room again." He said smiling.

I loved that he had his own nickname for me and it made my heart do flips upon hearing it.

"No, i couldn't. I can't just kick you out of your room." I shook my head in protest.

"You can and you will, plus i volunteered. I can take the sofa, or even go over to Jacob's If need be. But trust me when i say it's not a problem" He said.

I smiled at him, "Thank You, where does Jacob stay?" I asked curiously.

"I live in the lake house out back." He said proudly. "I'm so cool i get my own pad."

Emmett rolled his eyes. "More like we don't allow mutts in the house." He said laughing.

I sensed their was a little teasing brotherly love type thing going on between them, but i wasn't familiar with it so i kept my mouth shut.

I ate some Pizza and downed a bottle of water then everyone soon went their own ways to go to bed, sadly we did all have school tomorrow.

I went up stairs to Emmett's room, he followed right behind me.

He opened his bedroom door for me and ushered me in. I sat on his bed and watched as he opened one of his drawers.

"Here you go." He said handing me one of his folded t-shirts. "Sorry it isn't anything fancier, but i noticed you didn't bring anything with you." He said shyly causing me to smile at him. "If you'd like, i can ask Alice to get you a pair of pajamas or something." He said rubbing his neck.

"Thank you, this is fine, and very generous."

He gave me a a half smirk. "No Problem" He said. "Um i'm just gonna take a shower really quick."

I smiled and nodded.

He opened another drawer and took somthing out, then headed to his en suite bathroom.

I listened as the water turned on and waited two minutes before undressing and getting into his shirt.

It was soft and smelled really good. Standing at a generous 5 feet and 10 inches, Emmett's shirt barely covered my butt, i wondered if I should place my jeans back on?

After contemplating it I decided to opt out of having to wear the jeans to bed, it would be uncomfortable and I'd end up looking ridiculous.

Afterward I pulled my hair into a high messy bun and sat on his bed.

A few minutes later the water turned off, my insides were exploding with butterflies and i was both nervous and giddy.

Then he opened the door to the bathroom and revealed himself.

His body was glistening with water droplets and all he wore was a pair of body hugging boxer briefs.

"Cool, My shirt fits." He said smiling his dimpled smile at me.

"Yeah," I smiled as I awkwardly tugged at the hem a little. "Thanks again."

"No problem. Hey if you want, i have a spare toothbrush in here if you want to use it." He offered. Don't worry, it's brand new Red, still in it's package." He said assuring me. I got up and walked to the bathroom. "That is, unless you want to share my tooth brush." He said huskily into my ear.

His velvety voice did amazing things to me and embarrassingly i was blushing.

Is Emmett Cullen flirting with me?

I saw the red Colgate toothbrush still packaged laying on the counter. He grabbed his own and topped it with toothpaste, then i opened mine and he topped mine with tooth paste.

I should feel weird, standing in this steamy bathroom wearing nearly nothing brushing my teeth along side an almost naked guy who i barely know. But, somehow it felt right. I felt at ease and comforted at being near him and him being near me, talking, and joking, and laughing. It was almost second nature.

When i finished i rinsed my mouth and went back into the bed room.

He followed suit right behind me. Then took off to the door.

Something inside of me was breaking as i watched him make his way to exit the room.

"Emmett." I said, breaking the silence.

I don't know what had come over me but i couldn't just let him leave. He turned and looked me in the eye, this small action made my breath catch in my throat but gave me a boost of unknown confidence.

"Look, i wouldn't normally do this, considering i don't know much about you. But seeing as how you seem pretty trust worthy, i was wondering if you wanted to sleep in the bed with me, that way you wouldn't have to go to Jacobs in your underwear or go to school all stiff from sleeping on the sofa." I said biting my bottom lip.

What if he said no, Can i handle his rejection. Or worse what if he says yes, can i control my hormones?

He smiled his half smile and looked at me with soft eyes. "Are you sure?" He asked.

"Yes." I said giving him my own smile. and for the first time that night it was a smile without a blush.

He turned off the bedroom light and walked over to the bed.

"Scoot." He said indicating he wanted to lay on the left side of the bed.

I obliged him with a roll of my eyes and a smile on my face.

"I have to sleep by the door in case intruders come in, they will have to get through me to get to you." He said smirking at me.

I knew he was teasing but his words made me feel protected.

We laid in bed, in the darkness, and just talked.

We talked about me in Texas, Him in Washington. It turns out he was in a relationship with Jasper's Twin, but she had left him for another guy. I hated her instantly, who could leave him, he was a sweet guy, despite his muscular exterior he was actually quite vulnerable. He told me he went to Italy to find her, he had to see if he still loved her so that he could move on. Apparently upon seeing her he knew she no longer held his heart.

I told him about my Mom, how she died when i was younger, places i want to travel to, things i want to do, things he wants to do. It's amazing how much you can get to know someone by just laying in bed with them.

"Go to bed Red, We can talk more tomorrow." He said as he pulled the blanket up a little more. I stayed on my side and balled up, snuggling into the blanket.

"Good Night Elle." He said softly, his words sounded so familiar to me. If i opened my eyes i could have bet money his dimpled smile would have been on his face.

But i couldn't will my eyes to open. I yawned again. "Goodnight MY Emmett."

Even in my sleepy state, i caught what i had said. Oh well, no sense in panicking. i can't take it back, then again i don't know if i want to take it back.

To say that he was mine felt good, i only hoped that with time it would come true.

. . . . .

In the morning I woke up feeling extremely good. I had one of those amazing dreams about Emmett, this time i wasn't in danger or hurt, it was just laying in bed talking. I hugged my pillow to me and buried my face deeper into it.

I slowly opened my eyes when i realized my "pillow" was breathing.

I looked up to see a smiling Emmett Cullen in all of his Gorgeous Morning Glory. "Good Morning." He said soft and sweetly. I noticed his arms were wrapped around me, apparently sometime in the middle of the night i found my way into his arms. heck, i wasn't complaining if he wasn't.

I smiled up at him "Good Morning Yourself. Sorry about this." I said as i started unwrapping my arms from his waist.

He chuckled slightly, "Don't be, it felt nice holding you in my arms." He confessed. He slowly drew his arms away from me, almost like he didn't want to let me go. "Alice brought some clothes and stuff for you, She left them on the dresser for you." He said getting up and making his way to his closet.

I smiled and watched him move around his room gathering things in his arms.

"I'm gonna go and get dressed down the hall that way you can have some privacy." He said, then he snapped his fingers. "Almost forgot my toothbrush."

He fetched it then left the room, closing the bedroom door behind him.

Much to my dismay, i got up from the warm blankets and padded over to the small pile of clothes Alice had brought me. Alice was a life saver, not only was there clothes but there was also deodorant. Everything still had tags on it and everything was beyond Expensive. I shook my head and smiled, this was so like Alice.

But i had to admit, she did know my style.

I got dressed and freshened up, then i exited the room. There sitting in one of his over sized recliner seats was a very handsome Emmett, dressed in an all off white ensemble. He wore very light beige Linen pants and a white undershirt with a long sleeved off white sweater, only he had them pushed up to his elbows casually.

His outfit matched mine perfectly. Almost as if we had coordinated it.

Alice had Lent me a Creamed color sweater dress, that was very thick and reached just above my knees, She paired it with thick black stockings and a pair of all black suede Louboutin Heels.

We made our way down stairs and everyone was waiting for us.

Alice, Ness, and Kate beamed along side Esme, heck even Jasper and Edward were smiling. Bella and Jacob just kind of smirked but didn't put much though into our nearly identical outfits.

"So how are we all riding to school?" Ness asked.

"Boys With Em, Girls With Elle." Edward said.

"Well i'm riding Solo unless someone wants to ride Shot gun because i brought my car over last night." Kate said.

Bella and Ness offered to ride with her.

Alice handed me an ecru peacoat that covered all the down to my knees, just under my dress' hemline and a cute cream beret with rhinestoned embellishments here and there.

We drove to school and once we got there it was as if gravity pulled Emmett and I together, because we were soon walking side by side through the school, people stared at our group but none of us really paid too much attention to it.

Let them assume what they want.