Chapter 3
Party Time
I climbed into the back of the truck whilst Sam held my door open for me, like a true gentleman. I reached for my seatbelt and clicked it into its corresponding piece. Sam and I were like a seatbelt; we were made for each other. I was the belt, the clingy one, and he was the clicker, always there for me, holding me, making me feel safe.
On the journey to La Push, Sam held my hand and I leaned into his big shoulder. Was it me or had he gotten even more muscular than last time? Not that I'm complaining, of course... His body felt as though it was moulded for my comfort. I felt safe and warm as his spare hand wrapped around my waist.
''I've missed you Lee-Lee,'' he whispered into my hair, ''I'm sorry that I haven't been around that much at the moment, it's just... I'm busy with school and stuff that the moment.''
''You're here now, and that's all that matters.'' I said contently, snuggling my head even more into his collar bone. Had he changed his aftershave? It was an earthy, woodsy smell now. It was delicious. It reminded me of lying in a forest somewhere, with freshly mown grass nearby, completely surrounded by nature. I inhaled this new smell again. I liked this new Sam... A lot.
We sat in comfortable silence for the rest of the journey as I contemplated how I was going to show off my gorgeous boyfriend. Most of my family from the Makah tribe would be there tonight, and seeing as though I didn't see them much, I would have to introduce them to my Sam. My cousin, Emily Young, was a year older than me, but we were still pretty close. She was tall and thin, with exaggerated cheekbones and a pointed chin. She had mahogany eyes, thick lashes and shoulder-length straight hair. I suppose that Emily was the closest thing to a sister I would ever have, unless Seth took his man-crush on Jacob to the extreme.
''Oh gosh, we're abit late! Looks like everyone else is here already,'' Mum called from the front of the truck, as we pulled up into the parking lot. She was always one to worry.
I got out of the car and rubbed the creases out of my dress. Sam pulled his arm around my waist and we began to walk over to the beach. The wind blew vigorously at my wavy hair, as if it was warning me not to step on the sand. What? Are my heels to high for you, Mother Nature? I teased in my head. Speaking of heels, I kind of regretted wearing my newest, highest suede ones – I took one step onto the sand and sunk into it. Sam noticed this and tightened his grip around my waist. Ah, how considerate, I smiled.
I could see Seth talking animatedly to Jacob as we made our way over to the huddle of people surrounding the bonfire. The fire glistened blue and green as the driftwood turned to ash.
''...and I did this jump on my skateboard, and I landed it rig- Oh, hi Leah'' Jacob said to me, slightly bitter that I had interrupted his showing off to my younger brother. Even though he was three years older than Seth, he was just as immature and childish. I had to laugh.
''Jake... You remember Sam right?'' I said indicating the could-be model stood next to me. Did I tell him how hot he looked? I'll have to tell him again later...
''Yeah. Hi,'' Jake replied moodily. Was it me or did he was he giving Sam evils? He'd never been this unfriendly to him before, had he? Maybe it's because Sam is older, better-looking and cooler than him.
Sam ignored his hostile greeting, and patted him on the shoulder. ''Jacob, we should catch up some time... I'm sure it was bound to happen in the not too distant future...'' See, Sam was friendly – planning to meet up with a moody teenager like Jake? And unlike 99% of the other boys on the Rez, he was mature.
Realising the awkward air emitting from Jake, I decided to go and socialise with other, more interesting people. ''Anyway, nice talking. Bye,'' I said as I yanked Sam's hand and lead him away towards the fire.
After about an hour of interacting with neighbours and family friends, I decided to go and find my mum whilst Sam caught up with some of his old school friends. I could just about see my mum's silhouette facing backwards to me, the shoulders of her dress sparkling and dancing in the fire light. I walked across the sand, my feet sinking into pits each time I stepped, until I caught a glance of a car just arriving. It was familiar; it was a faded red Renault with apparent rust around the headlights. It was Emily's car.
I abandoned my plan and ran over to her, admiring her outfit. She was wearing a white, long-sleeved, low-cut shirt with a long red skirt, the material flapping in the sudden gush of wind. I took a small amount of pride as I decided that I looked nicer than her, even though she looked effortlessly beautiful.
''Leah!'' she cried as she ran up to me and hugged me. ''Long time, no see! I love your dress!''
''Ah, Emily. Thanks! You too.'' I said smiling at her. ''Wait until you meet my boyfriend! You are just gonna love him.'' With that, I pulled her back onto the sand and went to find my Sam.
