Ebb and Flow (Twilight x Reader)

The next morning Edward picked Bella up again. And he walked her to classes. And he sat with her at lunch.

As I watched them from across the cafeteria while listening to Jessica rattle on about something or other, I wondered how long this obsession was going to continue.

It was then, though, that I had to stop myself and really assess the situation. He wasn't doing anything out of the ordinary like that of a normal boyfriend. But the way he looked at her like she was something to eat, and the way she looked back like she'd drop everything and do anything he asked. . . that was the obsession.

Not to mention the stalking part.

But it seemed I wasn't the only one to notice. In gym class, Mike brought it up.

"So Bella and Cullen, huh?" he quipped.

I rolled my eyes. "Unfortunately, yes."

"I don't like it."

"You think I do?"

"He looks at her like. . . like she's something to eat." Briefly I wondered if Mike could read minds.

"I know," I said with conviction. "And she looks at him like she worships the ground he walks on. It's. . . it's unhealthy."

That night, after Edward drove Bella home, the two of them sat in front of the house for hours just. . . talking. Every time I'd look out the window I would see them sitting on the porch together. Eventually twilight fell, and Dad would be home soon. Part of me wanted to leave them there and let Dad discover what was going on so he could hopefully put a stop to it, but this was Bella's choice. I wanted her to make the choice herself to stop spending time with Edward. If anyone else made it for her it would only fuel their relationship.

When I opened the front door, their heads both turned to me.

"It's getting dark," I said, leaning against the doorframe and folding my arms. To Bella, I added, "Dad's going to be home soon."

Bella's eyes widened, as if she'd forgotten time passed. "How late is it?"

"Late enough," I replied.

"You should probably head inside, Bella," Edward said, and my head snapped towards him, surprised he was agreeing with me. He stood and Bella walked him to his car, where they talked under their breath for a few more moments.

Eventually I got impatient and moved towards them. "Bella, come on."

It was at that moment, however, that Edward froze. His head jerked to the side, where he was looking down the street.

"What is it?" Bella asked, following his gaze.

"Another complication," he muttered.

My brow scrunched. What was he talking about?

The flash of headlights through the rain caught my attention as a dark car pulled up to the curb just a few feet away, facing us. I tried to make out the shapes in the front seat of the other car, but it was too dark.

Edward slipped inside his car. Then he revved the engine, and the tires squealed against the wet pavement. The Volvo was out of sight in seconds.

"Hey, guys," came a familiar voice from the driver's side.

"Jacob!" I exclaimed, squinting through the rain, mood brightening within moments. Just then, Dad's cruiser swung around the corner, his lights shining on the occupants of the car in front of me.

Jacob was already climbing out, his wide grin visible even through the darkness. In the passenger seat was a much older man, a heavyset man with a memorable face—a face that overflowed, the cheeks resting against his shoulders, with creases running through the russet skin like an old leather jacket. And the surprisingly familiar eyes, black eyes that seemed at the same time both too young and too ancient for the broad face they were set in. Jacob's father, Billy Black.