For Sarah. Love you babe.


Claire sat huddled on her narrow dorm bed, hugging her knees to her chest. Tears stained her pillow and comforter. She wished Quil was here, but at the same time, she knew that college was something she had to do alone. For almost her entire high school life, college had been this beacon of individuality and independence. Then Quil'd come along, and La Push, and everyone. Leaving, even to go only a few hours flight south to CSU. Even the beautiful sunshine and the promise of tanning and the beach didn't improve her mood.

She missed Quil. She missed Leah. The fact that neither of them was there hurt so badly that it didn't seem fair.

She flopped back on her pillow, burying her face and letting the tears continue.

A tiny crumpling sound came from inside her pillowcase. She sat up, bleary face confused as she dug around inside the worn case.

An envelope tumbled out with her name on it. Claire's heart leapt to her throat. The writing was Leah's hasty, neat script. She eagerly tore open the letter from her best friend.

Claire,

By the time you get this, you'll be miles and miles away. And that sucks. I never left home for college, so I'm not positive of what it's like, but I know about leaving everything behind. Feeling like you're starting over, completely on your own. It's terrifying.

I know this isn't very motivational right now, but trust me. You'll be scared. You'll want to come home. But eventually you're going to stretch out and realize you've grown wings. Instead of drowning, you'll be treading water. Fuck, you'll be Michael Phelps. Sorry for the mix of metaphors, but they're both true enough.

And don't worry. You'll be with Quil forever. A few measly years aren't going to change how he feels about you, or you about him. And I'll always be here. La Push will always be here.

We love you, Claire-bear. You're so great.

Lee-Lee.

Claire gave a watery smile as she pinned the note to her wall.