Change doesn't happen overnight

⋆˖⁺‧₊☽◯☾₊‧⁺˖⋆

Erian emerged from the ocean water, laughter bubbling from his chest as he swam to shore with his pack members, his family. His short black hair clung to his forehead, and he ran a hand through it, pushing it back and revealing dark eyes that held a spark of mischief.

As he made his way onto the sand, something caught his attention. A flash of black hair, dark like ink, shimmered in the sunlight. Erian looked up and saw a girl standing by the edge of the road. She gazed at the ocean with a smile of pure bliss, her eyes closed as if savoring the moment. For a brief second, Erian was mesmerized by her beauty, unable to look away. She seemed mysterious, and something about her stirred a strange, almost magnetic pull in his heart.

Before he could gather his thoughts, she turned and walked away to join two other people, Jacob and Bella. The three of them got into a truck and drove off, leaving Erian standing on the beach, his eyes following the vehicle until it disappeared from sight.

"What's up with you, Erian?" Paul's voice broke through his reverie. "You look like you've seen a ghost."

Erian shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts. "Nothing, just... thought I saw something."

Jared, grinning mischievously, splashed water at Erian. "Who? Some girl?"

Paul laughed, giving Erian a playful shove. "Yeah, you seemed pretty distracted. Was she cute?" Erian chuckled, his face heating up slightly. "I didn't really get a good look."

Paul raised an eyebrow, smirking. "Sure, sure. We believe you."

Jared snorted, rolling his eyes. "Sounds like you've got it bad, man."

Erian shook his head, trying to play it off. "You're crazy."

As they resumed their playful wrestling and diving, Erian couldn't shake the feeling that there was something special about the girl he had seen. He glanced back at the road one last time, a sense of anticipation and curiosity bubbling within him. His heart raced slightly at the thought of seeing her again, even though he didn't know who she was or why she had such an effect on him. Despite his dismissive words, Erian couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement. There was something different in the air, something that made him believe that perhaps, just perhaps, his life was about to change in ways he couldn't yet comprehend.

༄.°

As Rain, Bella, and Jacob arrived at their destination to try out the motorcycles, Bella stared out into the distance, the wind blowing through her hair. Jacob busied himself setting up the bikes, while Rain looked on with concern. Bella finally turned her attention to the bike in front of her, taking a deep breath before saying, "Okay." She climbed onto the bike with determination, though her eyes betrayed a hint of fear.

Jacob stepped in front of her, noticing her apprehension. "You look scared," he said gently.

Bella shook her head, trying to sound confident. "I'm not."

Rain, unable to hide her worry, walked up and placed a hand on Bella's shoulder. "Maybe this isn't a good idea, Bella." Bella gave her sister a resolute look. "I'm doing this." Rain sighed, and backed off. Jacob moved closer to Bella, placing his hands on hers to guide her through the controls. "Brake?"

Bella squeezed the brake lever. "That one," she confirmed.

"Clutch?" Jacob prompted.

Bella held the clutch. "Good," Jacob commented before moving on, "Gas." Bella flipped the switch and started the engine. Jacob stepped back, asking, "Ready?" Rain watched anxiously as Jacob moved out of Bella's way. "Now slowly release the clutch," he instructed. Bella looked down at her hand, then glanced up as if she saw someone in the distance. Distracted, she released the clutch too fast, causing the bike to lurch forward awkwardly. She quickly grabbed the brake to steady herself.

"Whoa. You alright?" Jacob asked, concern etched on his face.

Bella nodded, determined. "I'm gonna go again."

Jacob chuckled awkwardly as Bella restarted the engine. She drove past Rain and Jacob, increasing her speed despite Rain's worried look. Bella kept glancing back, her grip on the controls tightening. As she began to lose control of the bike, she exclaimed, "Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, who!"

"Hit the brake!" Jacob shouted, but it was too late. Bella was flung off the bike, tumbling on the ground and colliding with a large rock.

"Bella!" Rain and Jacob yelled in unison. They quickly hopped onto the other bike, racing to her side. Rain was the first to reach Bella, helping her sit up as Jacob arrived. Blood trickled from a wound on Bella's head, and Jacob crouched down in front of her, worry in his eyes. Bella, disoriented but resolute, said, "I want to go again."

Jacob looked at her incredulously. "Are you trying to get yourself killed?"

Bella, stubborn as ever, tried to stand up. "I want to go again."

Rain pushed her back down firmly, her voice stern. "No, forget it. No more bikes."

Jacob nodded in agreement, his gaze shifting to Bella's injury. "Oh, man, your head."

Bella reached up, touching the wound. She flinched from the pain and looked at her bloodied hand, panic rising in her voice. "Oh, my God, I'm sorry."

Jacob looked at her, confused. "What, you're apologizing for bleeding?" Bella looked at Jacob for a moment, then chuckled softly and said, "Yeah, I guess I am." She glanced down, feeling a bit embarrassed. Jacob stood up, removing his shirt to reveal his toned, muscular body. "It's just blood, Bella. No big deal."

Bella stared at him, momentarily distracted, while Rain couldn't resist making a funny comment. "Well, well, Jacob, if you're trying to audition for a superhero movie, you've got my vote." Jacob rolled his eyes at her playful remark but smiled. He crouched back down in front of Bella and gently pressed his shirt against her wound to help stop the bleeding. "Here," he said softly.

Bella continued to stare at him, her eyes wide with a mixture of amazement and confusion. "What are you staring at?" Jacob asked, noticing her gaze.

"You're sort of beautiful," Bella admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. Jacob chuckled, shaking his head. "How hard did you hit your head?"

"I don't know," Bella replied, looking down, feeling a bit dazed.

Jacob laughed again. "Let's go."

Rain stepped in, helping Bella up and supporting her as they walked back to the car. "Come on, Bella, let's get you patched up properly," Rain said, her tone both caring and teasing. As they made their way to the car, Jacob glanced back at the scene they were leaving behind, a mix of relief and amusement in his eyes. Rain held Bella steady, her protective instincts kicking in as she kept an arm around her sister. "You're not getting out of this one without a lecture from me later," Rain warned with a smile, trying to lighten the mood.

Bella managed a weak smile, leaning on Rain for support. "I'm ready for it."

"Good," Rain replied. "Because I've got a lot to say about your stunt back there."

Jacob opened the car door, helping Bella get settled in the seat. Rain climbed in beside her, making sure Bella was comfortable. Jacob started the car, casting one last glance at the bikes before driving off. As they headed home, Rain kept a watchful eye on Bella, her concern evident despite her attempts to keep things light. "You scared me back there, you know."

"I'm sorry, Rain," Bella said softly, her head resting against the seat.

"I know," Rain replied, her voice gentle. "Just promise me you'll be more careful next time."

Bella nodded, closing her eyes. "I promise."

Jacob glanced at them through the rearview mirror, a smile tugging at his lips. "Don't worry, we'll keep her out of trouble." Rain laughed softly. "We better. I don't want to lose my sister to a motorcycle accident." 

⋆˖⁺‧₊☽◯☾₊‧⁺˖⋆

By: SilverMist707

You are amazing, and the world is better with you in it. Keep shining! <3