The Consequences {Jacob Black}

Preface

"Annie!" A fist pounded on my door. I groaned and rolled over, burying my head under the pillows. "Annie, you need to wake up. Your sister is going to be here soon. I'm going to take you down to the house to pick up her truck!" He pounded again. "I'm opening the door!"

I still couldn't bring myself to move. Not even when I felt Jake's string bean body land atop mine could I manage to care.. "Annie, come on. When was the last time you, me, and Bella all hung out together?"

I groaned and turned myself so that I was facing Jake. "You and I were five, Bella was like seven. And you haven't stopped talking about your crush on her since," I laughed. Jake flipped around, bouncing the bed obnoxiously and kissed my forehead.

"I know you're not happy about Bella coming to live here Annie, but you need to get over it. She's pretty much here, Annie. Come on. Let's head to the Rez and you and I can get the truck. You can hang out with me this weekend. Let's get."

"Ryanne Lee, you better be awake!" Dad called from the staircase. "I'm heading out to get your sister!"

"I'm up, Dad! Jake and I are heading to the Rez. I'll be back before you get home," I called through the door. I shoved against Jake's chest, pushing him off the bed.. "Let's go," she murmured. Jake smiled that wide smile that I loved so much. Of course, I'd never tell him that. We walked out to his dad's truck in a comfortable silence, listening to the sounds of the forest around us.

"After you, milady," Jake said in what was by far the worst accent I had ever heard. The passenger door had been broken for so long, it wasn't even a thought anymore. Well, the memories were still there, but dredging them up was painful- for all of us. I punched Jake in the shoulder as I pushed myself into the truck. "You know I prefer you over your sister," Jake said after we had been driving quietly.

I knew he meant my company. I was always the fun sister. But the fact of the matter was that Jake had always had a little thing for Isabella Swan. I teased him about it, pretending it didn't hurt that even my best friend liked my sister more. But, you know, I'm not bitter. I slid closer to him once we were in the car, scratching the back of his neck in the way that I knew that he loved.

Billy met us in the doorway of his house. "Ryanne Lee!" he said as I got out of the car. I walked over, pressing a kiss to the cheek of the man who I considered a second father. "Are you staying for breakfast?" he asked, returning the kiss.

"Unfortunately, the sister is coming in today and my father would like me to be there for the homecoming," I replied, distaste evident in my tone.

"Down, Annie," Jake laughed behind me. I followed him into his room, picking up his dirty laundry as I went. I picked up a basket from the ground, settling it against my hip as I added laundry. "Here's the keys. Don't push her too hard."

"I helped you with her Jake," I replied, shoving the keys in sweater pocket. "I know how she runs." I brushed passed him and into the washroom, sorting the clothing before starting a load. "I'll see you back at my place," I called. Jake grunted. "Hey Billy, I started another load. I'll be back tonight," I said quietly.

"You are a woman after my own heart," Billy replied. I smiled. "Sarah would've been proud of you," he added. I didn't tear up like I wanted to. I had learned better than that. If I started crying, Jake started thinking about his mother, which got Billy thinking about his wife, which got me feeling guilty. It just ended poorly for all of us.

I leaned over and pressed my lips to his cheek. "I'll be back in a little while," I said. He understood it as a thank you. If I acknowledge everything that happened, thought, I would break down. Billy knew that; Billy respected that. Jake walked me out to the car, silent as always.