~A/N This is a new pairing for me, but I'm going to give it try. When I first heard Taylor Swift's "Style" I immediately thought Embry Call. My mind played with the idea of a one shot for a little while, but I decided to make a multi-chapter story instead. It's probably going to be short and not so sweet. The song portrays a mysterious relationship, so I wondered what events might produce those types of meetings. Here's what my imagination created. It's sad, it's angst, tragedy in the worst way. I was crying halfway through the second chapter, so there's your warning. This may or may not be an HEA story.

Summary: Bella was living the life she dreamed of. Her heart was stitched together by her one true love, until an unexpected tragedy struck. Embry appeared one day to find her shredded, alone and lost in limbo. The new relationship slowly seals the cracks of her heart, but guilt and regret prevent her from having complete healing. Someone needs to let go of the past, will it happen in time? Inspired by Taylor Swift's song, "Style." [AU, (Embry/Bella), Jacob]

Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.

Volition

Chapter 1: Clinging

Her cell vibrated against the bathroom counter. She normally had it there for background noise during long, soothing soaks. The music continued on, the phone jiggled once again. Two, back to back. It might be, she imagined. She didn't know why he'd waited so long to reach out. Although, she brought up a sensitive subject last time. Maybe, he was finally trying to permanently distance himself. She hadn't given him an ultimatum, but she'd often rehearsed doing that very thing.

Bella lied to herself every time she sat her phone there. It wasn't just for music. Some nights he texted late. Most of the time it was the typical check in: Hey what's up? You've been doing okay?

She sat up before dunking her head like she planned to do before the two skips in the music. It was decision time: emerge herself deep into the water until she had to rise up for air or jump out and check that blasted cell phone. What he said in those short texts would make her wardrobe decision. She'd be comfy in yoga pants and a tank top married to Netflix with a bowl of popcorn the next few hours or she'd be decked out in a chic little number with her lips painted red if he made the request. It was pathetic, she didn't have to jump into action whenever he suggested. Just once she wished she'd respond,"Nah, I have plans." But he'd know that was a lie. She never had plans anymore. She wiped her hand and leaned over the tub, one foot in, one out. Was she in or out? Was she strong enough to hang tight to her dignity? Her dry thumb swiped the screen.

30 minutes, meet me out front

Loneliness always trumped dignity. She went into action.

OK

One more request after a long pause.

Wear the last thing I sent

It was completely accidental how they got in the routine of being dressed to the nines. She visited his new place to see his converted studio room almost two years prior. He had been building a collection of clothing for models. She admired a very sleek black dress hanging in the wardrobe. It was so lovely, but she'd never owned a piece of clothing anything like it. She didn't think she had even tried on such a thing. He handed the dress to her and asked her to try it on. At first, she dismissed the idea, but he persisted. Once Bella gave in to his pleadings, he got out some equipment and snapped a few candids. She was embarrassed at first, but she eventually came out of her shell and he made her feel attractive, different from her normal self. He told her to keep it and she did. In fact, she was wearing it their first time. There were many more outfits and gifts. That was his way. Verbal sentiments and deep conversations were not. She missed having someone that listened, but she took what she could get. More evidence, that she was still in a bad place.

Straightening out her skirt, she took one final look. She had numerous black skirts. The newest one was fitted, short with a shiny sheen. The sand colored crop top was tight and exposed her shoulders and midriff. The outfit was complete with gold bracelets and a long chain. The strappy five inch heels were the icing on the cake. It would please him, that's why he bought it all. She no longer felt self-conscious in such things. No one, but him ever saw her. Learning to do the makeup and wear the heels were more of a challenge in the beginning, but she was use to those things finally. It had been almost a year. She was exactly how he liked her and he was having the best of both worlds wrapped in a tight little skirt. No commitment, no expectations, no feelings but the lies continued to pour out of her. She did feel something, maybe he did as well, but the very idea terrified them both. He'd actually stated his true feelings in the beginning, but after things went on between them, he distanced himself from such confessions. Was there even one shred of honesty between them?

Bella was by no means, a fashionista, but he took his hobby to the art institute and was growing a successful photography business. He introduced her to new things. He developed an eye for style, expensive taste and women. How many women was the question she often asked herself? Did it matter? Yes, to her, it mattered a whole hell of a lot, but she always pretended otherwise.

Bella couldn't help herself, she always glanced at her wedding portrait before meeting him. With him...she would have never looked the way she did at that moment. He wouldn't have known what to think about the expensive clothes and layers of makeup. They were a jeans and tee shirt sorta couple. They were everything to one another and yet she was practically his best friend's mistress. It just went to show her how one tiny choice changed the entire course of her life.

She promised Jake her love. They pledged their lives together in front of their families, the pack, and half the reservation. In fact, he was the very one that stood up with them...the best man. That seemed like another lifetime ago, a different place in the universe, a different version of herself. She could never get any of that back. She clung to worn out photos, special memories and empty sheets each night.

But on the rare occasions, he called...she clung to Embry.

~Thanks for reading.

Anyone up for this?