Chapter Text
Jacob didn't really feel as though this were that big a deal. Considering what he had to go through the past few weeks, he thought that this would be a piece of cake. Bella had just went on a walk, and lost track of time.
Until he found out how long she had been gone and what must have happened. It wasn't hard to connect the dots.
When he had heard that Bella was missing, he had panicked. Where could she be? He ran all the way to the Swan household. Charlie was outside, looking anxious. He gave no sign that he noticed Jacob's arrival, but for a nod of the head.
"Charlie," Jacob nodded back. The worry in his tone was evident. Maybe that was what persuaded Charlie to look at Jacob.
"She went out with that Edward boy," he spat without preamble. "That was almost five hours ago. We have people scouting the forests. They were headed in that direction," he said, indicating the pathway to his left. " 'Figured they were going for a walk."
Jacob thought about this. "How do you know they're not still together? Not still walking, or have gone to his house?"
"I saw him." Jacob rose an eyebrow.
"When? Where?"
"About two hours ago. He passed by the house. 'Said that he needed to retrieve something from Bella's room and that she would be coming out shortly. No need to worry. Then he left."
"Just like that? Didn't say anything else?"
"Nothing."
"Strange," Jacob said, thinking. He glanced up at Charlie. "Did he look different to you? Different than when he went into the forest?"
"Come to think of it," Charlie said gruffly, "he did. He looked sad.. Well, maybe that's too strong a word. He looked.. somber. Solemn. Like he just did something that put a bad taste in his mouth."
Jacob nodded, as if he expected as much. He then proceeded to nod again, clearly coming to a decision of some sort. "I'll find him. Where do the Cullens live?"
"Not sure. Bella always drove there, or got picked up. Maybe you can call Alice? She's a nice girl; she'll tell you if he's there." Charlie passed his phone to Jacob, the number already dialed. Jacob hit the call button.
Ring, ring. Ring, ring.
"Hello," greeted a tinkling feminine voice.
"Hello, Alice Cullen? This is Jacob Black. I know it must seem strange for you to be getting a call from me, but I'd like to know if you have seen your brother Edward in the past hour? It's very important that I speak to him."
"Jacob Black, you said? I'm afraid I have seen Edward, but it won't do you much good. He left about ten minutes ago."
"He didn't tell you where he was going?"
"I'm afraid not. He was very quiet, except for his mumbling under his breath. Jasper thinks he may be upset. I suspect there may be some trouble in paradise for him."
"You think he and Bella got into a fight? Well, you may not be far off," Jacob said. "If it's not any trouble, do you think I may ask another question?"
"Yes, of course. What is it?"
"What was it that he was mumbling about?"
"When he was coherent, he said things like, 'Unbearable', 'Idiotic' 'La Push' and 'Werewolves'."