~ Chapter 1 ~ Through Leah's eyes ~
"Can I get you anything else?" I tried to be friendly, but that wasn't easy for me on my best day.
"Another cup, thanks doll," he said, head bent over a news paper.
I refilled his cup, "no problem."
I walked to the bathroom very slowly. This guy was driving me nuts. I hated when people called me by pet names. But I had gotten used to it. Most of the older crowed just picked a name. Only my regulars called me by my name, and the other people that worked here like Theo, he was a cool guy. He was the night cook. We always worked together. At first he thought that he was going to have someone around to mess with. But I wasn't having it, and he soon dropped the jokes. At 6'1" with an attitude Theo didn't want to tick me off. He was divorced and had two great kids, their mom wasn't so nice. He and I would drink and watch games when there was no work. When we did have work and it was slow like this, we would listen on the radio. Hockey was the game out here. I wanted to try it out but everyone said it would be too obvious when I got slammed into the ice and it melted, not to mention when I'd walk away unscratched. It probably wouldn't help with my anger issues. So instead I cheered with Theo. I sent him home early, and had him hang up the closed sign on his way out. Tomorrow we worked the mid day shift, Sunday brunch, and he was no good if he didn't get enough sleep.
I washed my face and carefully dried it hoping to take enough time to find that my one customer would be ready to leave soon. I cut my hair again, very short crop, a pixie cut really. I didn't need the long hair for runs, I only ran south to see my mom. I'm 29 now, technically. But physically I look 23. But more muscular than most 23 year old girls. I didn't need to be fit for fighting; I wouldn't be fighting any vampires any time soon. Exercise was my way of dealing with the anger for a while. But now the bulky muscles where thin, and long. They showed no sign of wearing down, not while I still phased.
I walked out to see him stirring the cup of coffee. Not done yet. I sat by the register and played with the radio, much to low for him to hear. I found some news about crime in Dallas and listened for the signs of newborns. Jasper and told me about the signs, from time to time I'd tip off my mom, and she would tell Sam and they would take care of it.
"How much?"
I looked up to see the old man with his wallet already out, "$4.24"
"Keep the change," he said, handing me a 5.
"Thanks," I said, putting the money in the register.
He walked out, and I followed. I locked the door and went around back.
"76 cents! Bas-"
I was running before I could finish the thought. Thankfully I managed to undress before I phased. I could leave my clothes at work for a while, I would come back later. Now it was time for a run. I would run to the boarder and back. It didn't take me long. Just long enough to get it out of my system. I found if I let the little things that bothered me out they couldn't build up. Relaxed I let my mind wonder, sense I was free of any prying ears.
Only Jacob and Quill phased regularly, Seth and Embry where trying to settle down.
I went over the events in the past 10 years. 10 years ago when my life changed forever. Heartbroken after my long time boyfriend moved on to my cousin, and then the death of my father. The anger of those events over took me and as a result it pushed me over the edge, I became a wolf. Shape-shifter to be exact.
It's been a while, 10 years. My cousin Emily and Sam, my ex, got married. I was a bride's maid, clad in a horrible dress which was only more insult to injury. As if that wasn't bad enough I watched as everyone around me pair up.
Quill has Claire, now 12 years old; I can tell she is starting to see him as more than the brother and protector she once saw him as. Embry went up to the Mekah rez to try to find out his real lineage, after I raised questions about it. He imprinted on a girl named Amber. Really pretty girl, and close enough to him in age, so there was no waiting for them, they where married two years ago. Needless to say he gave up trying to figure out who his father was, and honestly no one really cared.
Then there is my little brother. Seth, I came after him when he joined Jacobs pack. I did it to protect him. Now I know that he is safe I'm glad I followed him. Being free of Sam has been good for me. I think I can safely say that I'm over him. Not that I have a choice. Seth is 25 now, though time stops for us, I keep track of age. It's pointless to keep track, I suppose I'm taking off a year at a time hoping that the passing will have some significance for me. It didn't take long for Seth to imprint either. I didn't think anyone could be so pure, but Seth managed to imprint on someone just as innocent as him. Annie, I can't say that I've ever really wanted a sister, but I'm glad I've got one. That's everyone, paired up, but me.
For a time the Cullens moved up to Alaska to spend time with the clan there. They didn't like our pack too much. Our pack stayed in forks for a while, Quill was glad for that getting to spend time with Claire was all he cared about. The Cullens were the ones that made the move. Bella insisted on staying close enough so that Charlie could watch Nessie grow up. 6 years passed and Nessie was now forever 17, in love with Jacob and going to high school in Alaska with her parents. It was sick to think of really. But we spent 4 years there and it was time to move on. Everyone's graduated from high school, time to start over.
We settled on Vancouver. Still close enough to drive to see Charlie, now that he and my mom where together I was glad for the closeness. A few years ago mom had a breast cancer scare, He took great care of her. Dr. Cullen made sure that she got the best care. She is fine now. But the scare made her and Charlie even closer than ever. I thought they might get married but mom explained she never would. I was thankful; I didn't want to call Bella my step sister, and Edward my step brother. The thought makes me shiver.
The Cullens have a house, just outside town, Jake pretty much lives there. Esme bought an apartment building in town and remolded it, the pack lives there now. Three floors. Embry and Amber have the top floor. Seth and Annie on the second. Quill and I share the first. It works well because he is always going back to the rez. The guys all work out of an auto repair joint. Seth is a student at the university; he was never much for mechanics.
I went back to the dinner; I could see the neon sign from a mile and a half away. 'Couver Covered,' the stupidest name ever, but it was a job. I took my clothes and went home.
Home was good. I wasn't tired so I changed into a tank and shorts and put my headphones in for a work out. I had my own room, the full sized bed, a dresser, closet, and a punching bag. I pushed play and the loud screaming electric guitar filled my ears. I didn't bother to look for the gloves, but just started on the bag. Once I worked up a good sweat I thought it was time for crunches. I counted to 100 then walked to the closet. I didn't have a door, but a bar. I used the bar for chin ups. I never bothered to count them; I just did it till I was satisfied. Normally I would go for a run after all this, but it was midnight. It didn't look good if you went for a jog at this hour. So that meant it was time to move on.
Shower, then sleep.
