Stranger Love

16

Eleanor was sitting on the back steps again, thinking over what Jasper had told her. Some of the others had gone hunting and Seth was with Renesmee. She could hear the child laughing from the other side of the river and couldn't help the tiny smile on her lips. Someone tapped on the wooden railing wrapping around the porch. She looked up. "Oh. Hi."

"You looked lonely," Bella said awkwardly. "Can I sit?"

Eleanor nodded and moved over a bit. "Sure, as long as you don't eat me."

Bella laughed awkwardly and sat as far away as the steps would allow. "You don't exactly smell appetizing. You smell like Jacob, mostly. And I'm doing a lot better. Jasper's kind of baffled by my control."

Eleanor shrugged. She rested her chin on her hand again. "Do you need anything?"

Bella was quiet for a minute. "The ring is pretty."

Eleanor felt her cheeks burn, but wasn't sure exactly what the reason behind it was- the fact that Jacob gave it to her as a promise, or that it meant more than she would tell anyone until the moment was right. Her emotions were too mixed up with learning about her heritage and the fact that she'd rather be at her new home with Jacob and away from all the vampires. "Thanks."

"What did he say? When he gave it to you, I mean..." Bella trailed off. She wasn't looking at Eleanor but rather at the trees where Seth and Renesmee were playing.

"It's just a promise," Eleanor said quietly. "Not a proposal or anything."

It was the truth. When Jacob had given her the ring he said it was just as a promise. She couldn't believe how little time had passed since the first time she saw it. She also couldn't believe that the only people who knew about their marriage were the three tribal leaders, and possible Rachel. Three of the four, she amended her thought. Sue was only filling in for Harry, technically, and Sam didn't know. Or she hoped he still didn't know. She didn't want to deal with his judgment or anger. Then the thought struck her that maybe Sam wasn't a part of the council anymore. Jacob was the rightful alpha, anyway. How did it work with two alphas in the same tribe?

"Bella," Edward said quietly. He walked up to the house from the trees. "Renesmee's asking for you. Seth took her home."

Bella nodded. She offered Eleanor a smile before going back the way Edward had come. Edward took her place on the step.

"Alice's birthday present," Edward commented. "She and Esme repaired a small cottage for Bella and I. She had a feeling we might want our own place, and we would never leave Esme. She wouldn't say anything, but it would hurt her if we left."

"Oh," was Eleanor's only response. She wasn't sure why Edward felt the need to explain himself or even talk with her. The only real connection they had was Jasper, and Seth now that he'd imprinted. Jacob still didn't exactly care for Edward.

"I'm really happy for you," Edward said. The comment came out of nowhere, after they'd been quiet for a while. "Jacob's a good guy. The biggest problem between us was Bella. I didn't think he would move on until he met you. I could see us possibly being friends now that it's behind us."

Eleanor sighed with realization. "You know, I kind of forgot you could read minds."

Edward chuckled in amusement. "I don't mean to. Sometimes people's thoughts are quite loud. I want you to know that I won't say anything until you and Jacob do. It isn't my news to share."

"Thank you," she whispered.

"Jasper feels horrible," Edward informed her. "He didn't know how to go about telling you. He only just told Alice, while you were gone. He really didn't know. He told me he felt some kind of connection to you, but more in the way a protective family member might. Jasper's more sensitive than most."