bLeah Clearwater/b
Life as she knew it was quickly spiraling downward, sending her into a bitter sea of depression. Just when she'd thought she was beginning to cope, life had thrown a sharp and painful twist. The world was truly a cruel place. Scratch that. Her cousin was the cruel one. At least, she thought so.
It was bad enough that Emily Young had stolen the one person she'd loved the most away from her, but now she was rubbing it in. Leah was sure of it. That simple request had been a slap in the face. Only ten times as painful. Despire that unbearable pain, she'd deftly complied.
Leah regretted that decision. At the time, she'd figured she'd be able to get over her inhabitions towards the happy couple. Plus, she'd figured, agreeing would be a good way to prove to everyone that she was finally over Sam. But she wasn't, that was the problem. As hard as she could try to prove it to the world, she knew she would never be able to prove it to herself. That was one thing she knew she couldn't do.
Too long had she been in love with him. For the longest time she'd completely devoted herself to him and only him. And what did all that bring her? Nothing but her own misery.
The first few notes of music began to play, cueing her to take her place. Dread pooled in the bottom of her stomach as she did her part as the maid of honor. Every loving look the couple exchanged was another knife in her heart. The beautiful bliss that every moment of the ceremony created further dampened her sour mood. She had to be the only unsmiling face in the church.
"Are there any objections to this coujple's marriage? Speak now or forever hold your peace," the priest said at last, pausing to glance around the room.
More than anything she wanted to scream her withheld objections. How easy it would be to break down and ruin the wedding. She couldn't do it, though. She just couldn't. Even after all she'd been through, Leah Clearwater couldn't bring herself to ruin her cousin's big day. Not even she would be that selfish.
When the moment passed, kisses were exchanged and things were made official. Turning her gaze away from the ecstatic lovers, she allowed a few hot tears to stream down her face. A couple of her fellow pack members sent a sympathetic glance her way as they went up to congratulate Sam and Emily.
Sympathy. It was much better than their usual irritated anger. Maybe they finally understood. Taking in a few deep, ragged breaths, she managed to slightly compose herself. She just needed to keep herself together for a few more hours. She could be alone after the reception.
Eyes lightly glazed over, the girl forced herself to follow everyone to the reception. The reception wouldn't be too long. At least, she hoped it wouldn't.
It wasn't until the last half hour of the reception that Leah did anything more than stand awkwardly in a corner and sulk. Pushing back the almost overwhelming hesitation that she so badly wanted to give in to, Leah approached the newly wed couple.
"Congratulations," she whispered hoarsely, fighting back tears.
With that one task finally completed, she fled for the safety of a bathroom stall. It was too hard. She'd been stupid to think she'd be able to hold it all in for so long. In the quiet lonliness of the bathroom, she sobbed. Leah was sure things would never get easier.