Chapter 4 Leah's Story
A/N First off my dear readers I am thankful for all your support but I would really appreciate if I could get more reviews although I am greatful for all of you who add me to your author alert I would still really like to hear from you. Give me your opinion what do you think should happen next. There is nothing more an important to a writer then to hear from their readers so please review thanks. And to those who have already reviewed thankyou. Also I owe a big thanks to my beta Ari1990 you rock. And once again Like I have said before I do not own anything from the Twilight Saga that all belongs to the lovely Stephanie Meyer and as for the Ocs those are all mine. Also this will be the last update til after the Christmas Holiday so both my beta and I can have a break. And those who are interested in being one of the imprints to my boys let me know in that little review box (just to warn you I am still working on developing my boys personalities so it make take a bit but soon you will meet the So please be patient and just so you know it is first come first serve for who will be an imprint to my boys and sorry girls But Seth, Caleb, Tristan, and all the La Push boys except for Embry are already taken also incase you havn't noticed I am writing abother story involving Jacob and Bella Imprinting please let me know what you think by clicking that little review button thanks love you guys.
Tristan having heard his Nana's mental call gently laid Leah back down on the bed, and kissed her forehead. Then walked back downstairs to figure out what caused his Nana may the nervous yet excited emotions that were racing through her being and inherently his as well because of their bond. As he once again entered the pack meeting room he was concerned, May who was never really surprised in her life was sitting at the leader's desk stunned clutching an old torn piece of paper in her hand. At first Tristan didn't understand what was going on then remembering back to his summers with Nana May and the stories she told of the ongoing war against the Dominion and the savior that would come in the form of a girl he realized exactly what was happening and what May held tightly in her fist was the prophecy.
"Nana what is it?" Tristan asked fearing what exactly the prophecy said and how it would affect his family and their latest addition.
May not sure of what to say just held the paper out for him to take silently telling him to read it for himself, then turned and looked out the window and observed the beautiful landscape.
Tristan was stunned at first but took paper and read
With a broken heart she will leave her first home, scared and alone she will wander till she meets the house of the Panthera who have suffered much because of the dominion. At first things will seem uncertain and fear will race through her being but her pure heart will conquer these fears and will bring the clan of the Panthera closer together, her love will heal many wounds and she along with her brother and a sister that they will later meet will become their true princess and little prince making the Panthera a strong and formidable foe to fight the dominion once more...
Tristan stood stunned as the words on the page came to an end leaving him with more questions than answers. Could the fates be really that cruel that they tear apart not only a young girl's heart but an entire clan as well just to make things go the way they planned. Or did they just see things were meant to be, having no control over what was to happen and were completely powerless.
"Well?" May asked interrupting his thoughts, "Could she be the one?"
Tristan looked at her and nodded his head and collapsed on the couch and sighed, "What are we going to do May?"
"What can we do but talk to her, accept her, love her, and be her family." May answered as she checked the time on the grandfather clock sitting in the corner of the room, "The boys should be home any minute, why don't you go and relax a bit in your room then in an hour we can wake Leah up and talk to her."
Tristan nodded his head and stood up, and walked to the door then stopped just as he was about to leave, "But what about the others?" he asked.
May looked at him then walked over to his side and gave him a hug, "Don't worry about them I will talk to them, you just go and rest so you are ready for your talk with Leah."
Tristan whimpered but nodded as his Nana hugged him tightly to her, then went up to his room to gather his thoughts. To say he was nervous would be small in comparison to the emotions that were racing through his entire being causing him to feel exhausted and lost. But the torrent of emotions that were eating away at the very core of his being could not outweigh the deep concern he felt for the woman sound asleep in the room just above his, how could he help her? Was he even the one that was meant to help her?
If she is the girl of the prophecy, would he be able to protect her? His thoughts continued on until he felt the slightest whisper in his mind from the pack bond "It will be alright Tristan just go and rest and know that you are strong enough to protect her." Sighing as his Nana's comforting words filled his head and a feeling of warmth washed over him, obeying his Nana's command he went and laid down quickly falling asleep himself.
As Tristan laid fast asleep right beneath her, Leah stirred and looked in awe at the room she was in. To say it was beautiful was more than an understatement. It was amazing something that not even a princess would have and it was more befitting of an angel not some lowly little unwed mother. The bed she lay in was soft to the touch, and so cushy that it felt as if she was sleeping on a cloud or the whipped cream topping of a hot fudge sundae. The quilts of the bed looked like they were stitched by the hand of a doting mother. Gold's and reds blended together perfectly yet the little imperfections of the embroidered flowers of the blanket were proof that this was no factory made blanket. After studying the trappings of the bed, Leah glanced around the room and slowly stood up to observe its beauty more closely.
The walls surrounding the area where the bed was were a deep red with gold trim. There was a Rosewood bench at the end of the bed with beautiful gold and red cushions, and a red throw over the back. To the left and right of the bed were rosewood side tables, with gold embellished lamps and red lampshades on each one. Leah was stunned by the beauty of the bed and the items surrounding it, but as she looked around she realized that this was just the sleeping area and that there was more to see.
So she quietly walked around the rest of not room but suite, she first walked down the hall to the left of the bed and found a sitting area, then a walk in closet with rotating mirrors and several racks and shelves for holding clothes and for getting dressed, then across from the closet/dressing area was the master bath with a pedestal tub, steam shower and a closed off area for the toilet. All of these areas though matching the theme of the sleeping area had their own color schemes there were gold's, deep greens, and reds adoring each of these rooms. The furniture of these rooms were so beautiful and pristine that she dare not touch them, for fear of getting them dirty so she continued with her exploration.
Once she was back in the main area she noticed, the big window straight across from the bed and the loft it was under and quickly pulled open the curtains gasping as she noticed the vast landscape that was part of the immense grandeur of the home. The landscape had the most amazing green lawns, and gardens she had ever seen along with what appeared to be a labyrinth that took up many acres of the property. But what she was curious about the most was several statues of lions and other big cats that stood almost in a row across the lawn in front of what appeared to be a carving on the side of the home but of what she couldn't tell.
Giving up on trying to figure out just what the carving was she ventured up the steps of the loft and found the most amazing grand piano she had ever seen. It was like something out of a space movie, it had a futuristic aerodynamic design to it like a black wave curling up out of the sea and crashing onto a sandy beach and to add to its artistic quality it didn't sit on black legs instead it sat on one clear pedestal leg.
No, it certainly did not look like a piano, at least not a normal one. So she continued to walk around it and study it in awe until she saw its design name Pegasus. This was the piano she had heard so much about, as a singer and song writer a talent no one in her pack knew about she had always secretly wanted the very piano that was before her. But being that it cost a small fortune she knew it would never be hers. This was just more proof to her of the family's wealth and she feared that her kind wasn't really welcome here, but if they were going to toss her out she couldn't leave without playing such a beautiful instrument just once. So she slowly walked to the bench, sat down, placed her small hands on to white keys, and began to play a melody like so many others she had promised herself to never play aloud.
As the melody of the song filled the room with beauty and heartache she thought back to a time when her heart had been broken in a different way then what Sam had done a time when it was done by her own parents.
She was 9 years old and was getting ready for her first recital anxiously waiting for her family's arrival to show her momma that she had found her talent a talent for singing and playing the piano. Her voice and skilled playing had gotten her a solo (for which she requested to be allowed to sing the song she wrote about the family she loved). When it was her turn she glanced eagerly out into the audience looking for the people she treasured the most only to find them not there. No instead they had chosen to go to Emily's reward ceremony for a contest that supposedly would help her get into college. Little Leah heartbroken yet determined walked to the piano and performed her solo while tears cascaded down her little cheeks. After that night she never sang or played the piano again.
The song's lyrics and sheet music was later torn up and burned. She dropped out of choir and quit her piano lessons, and tried to become more like Emily. By learning to cook, stitch and other basic things to become a homemaker, only to give up later when her mother lost patience with her and told her to go and play. She then went back to music by writing songs and submitting them into contests making spare money here and there under an alias Carlin Summers. But still she never sang aloud or shared her secret talent with anyone, she was planning to reveal the beauty of her voice by singing aloud at her and Sam's wedding but that never was and now she sat heartbroken at a piano in the place of another young girl whose death she considered in some way a blessing because if she hadn't of died she doubted that this family would have even taken her in. Or maybe they would have maybe this young girl would have taken the place of the sister she lost in Emily, she didn't know.
As Leah continued to play her voice began to ache from the sorrow of so much heartbreak till finally it came spilling out in the form of a song.
Everything's cool, yeah
It's all gonna be okay, yeah
And I know,
Maybe I'll leave and
Laugh about it someday
But not today, no
Cause I don't feel so good
I'm tangled up inside
My heart is on my sleeve
Tomorrow is a mystery to me
As she sang her voice became stronger and stronger and the melodic beauty became more and more apparent with every word. Weaving a spell around anyone who heard it, it expressed heartache and made them feel it in the most beautiful yet tragic way.
And it might be wonderful
It might be magical
It might be everything I've waited for,
A miracle
Oh, but even if I fall in love again
With someone else
It could never be the way I loved you
Letting you go is
Making me feel so cold, yeah
And I've been trying to make
Believe it doesn't hurt
But that makes it worse, yeah
See, I'm a wreck inside
My tongue is tied and my
Whole body feels so weak
The future may be all I really need
And it might be wonderful, yeah
It might be magical, uh oh
It might be everything I've waited for,
A miracle
Oh, but even if I fall in love again
With someone new
It could never be the way I loved you
As the song was coming to the most emotional part, she shut her eyes letting her tears and never-ending love for Sam. She let out the anger she felt at his betrayal flow through her lips and out through her fingertips singing her hardest while almost pounding the keys of the piano.
Like a first love,
The one and only true love
Wasn't it written all over my face, yeah?
I loved you like you loved me (oh)
Like something pure and holy
Like something that can never be replaced
And it was wonderful,
It was magical,
It was everything I've waited for,
A miracle
And if I should ever fall in love again
With someone new
Oh, it could never be the way
No, it will never be the way
I loved you
Sobbing as the song came to a close; she wrapped her arms around herself and collapsed to her knees as the pain and heartache finally caught up to her. She began to rock herself back and forth, but was stopped when she was pulled into strong arms and held close to a strong chest until her tears stopped. Finally having calmed down she looked up to see who the man that held her so gently she wasn't surprised when she saw Tristan.
Tristan who had heard her playing the piano was surprised at the talent she had, although her playing was a bit choppy in parts it was there all it needed was a little nurturing and it would develop into something great. And he would be glad to be the one to do it he had found the thing that Leah and he could work on together growing and developing her musical talent.
He knew that this was something that would help their bond grow stronger and anchor her to his family giving her a place where she truly fit in. As he entered her room he was about to clap when he heard the soft yet the most beautiful voice he ever heard coming from the girl before him. And as it grew stronger in volume the emotions that her voice conveyed was so beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time that he couldn't help but cry with her. He wasn't pulled out of his shock until he saw her fold into herself sliding off the bench and onto the ground crying.
Rushing to her side Tristan pulled her into his arms and held her close as he rocked them both back and forth calming her down and drying her tears. Once she was calm enough to be talked to he pulled her away from his chest and had her look him directly in the eyes. "Leah," he said, "you can't go on like this it isn't good for you or the baby so come for a walk with me and tell me everything." Then he stood up pulling her with him and he guided her out of the room and down the stairs. Then he snuck them both out of the sliding glass door in the dining room and out into the beautiful lawn then to the Labyrinth so they could walk and talk without any interruptions.
At first Tristan let Leah walk quietly along with him silently taking in the beauty of the many flowers, and hidden nooks of the Labyrinth, then after an hour went past he lead her to the center of the Labyrinth so they could sit by the very heart of the place a beautiful fountain that had once again the odd motif involving big cats only this time it was the heads of these creatures all in the intricate pattern of a Celtic knot with water falling from their open mouths. Leah studied the fountain closely walking around it several times while Tristan observed her silently. Then finally she sat down keeping her eyes on the ground and nowhere else.
Tristan knew Leah was nervous when she kept circling the fountain refusing to sit for several moments, but it broke his heart when she finally resigned herself to telling him and sat down but her eyes never moved to meet his and instead looked down burning wholes into the dirt beneath her sneaker covered feet. He knelt before her and gently lifted her face with his warm hand until her eyes met his and whispered, "Tell me Leah, it pains me to see you so hurt."
Leah sighed and said as tears cascaded down her cheeks, "Alright but please don't interrupt. Please I just want to get it out all at once otherwise I fear my resolve will break."
Tristan nodded his head and whispered "Okay"
Leah rubbed her legs nervously and said, "Well I guess I should start at the very beginning. When I was 9 years old that was when things began to change for me. I had finally met my cousin Emily who had just come down from California for a contest, which my whole entire family was to attend. But that changed as soon as I had found what day it was on, it was on the day of my music recital. The day I had planned to reveal to my parents my secret talent music. See throughout my child I was always teased for being a tom boy and clumsy. I was just plain awkward or weird I loved sports and rough housing but I was also a girly girl who loved dolls and longed to learn to cook, but with my short attention span and boundless energy I probably never would.
I didn't really fit in anywhere because the boys saw me as a girl and the girls just saw me as a nuisance and I was teased for it. During this time my parents had always told me I would find my special talent that would make me shine above the rest; I was beginning to lose hope but as soon as I met the substitute music teacher that all changed.
I had just been teased again by the boys and girls in my class when I had wanted to try out for the lead in the school play. Because of that I never tried out for the part and was about to run out of the classroom crying after I had told them all to shut the fuck up, but he stopped me and had me go sit out in the hall after he told them to be quite and that if anyone talks out of turn again that person would be in detention.
Then he came out and talked to me and told me that what I did was inappropriate but he understood why I did it. Although he understood, he couldn't let what I said go unpunished so he had me walk with him down to the office and said I would sit in their until class was through and that I could make up what I missed with him afterschool because I had just earned my first detention.
I was mad when I was given that detention and I thought he was just another adult that didn't understand anything, but when I walked through his door I was completely wrong. He had me sit and with him at the piano and sing the songs that I missed learning during the day and that was when he told me I had an amazing voice and that if I was willing that could be my little secret talent that I never told anyone something that would make me stand out from the rest. At first I thought he was crazy but he had me work on it over and over again until I was ready to share it with the world. That day came the day of the recital I was to play the piano which he taught me to play along with singing. And sing a song he had help me write for my family. I was so excited, but that excitement faded as the minutes ticked by slowly with no sign of my parents until it was time for me to perform. My parents never came they had chosen Emily over me. They were the first to break my heart." Leah paused and took a deep breath then looked at Tristan afraid what his reaction would be to her surprise he had tears in his eyes.
Tristan saddened by the first part of Leah's story started to cry silently, "her life is so much like mine," he thought as he pulled her to his chest and silently hugged her.
Leah sighed and almost curled into the warmth of Tristan's embrace, but resisted the temptation and pulled away and continued her story, "After that day," she started, "Emily and I have always been in competition with each other. And as we grew older the meaner it got. We didn't come to a truce until I met my first love and she met hers then we became like sisters we shared stories about our boyfriends we gave each other advice about everything. Even my mother and I became close once again, I was so happy.
But then something happened my boyfriend Sam Uley," Leah paused when Tristan flinched and tensed at the mention of Sam's name but chalked it off to the anger he felt for her mistreatment and continued her story, "he started acting weird and disappeared for a month. I was broken during this time but my cousin comforted me over the phone and said if need be she would come down and be there for me. But all of the sudden Sam came back and I was happy again we spent days together and we made love for the first time and that was when this little one," Leah smiled and placed her left hand on her stomach, "Was conceived everything was going fine until my cousin Emily Young," again Tristan flinched causing Leah to pause then continue
"Well she came to visit with news of her own and supposedly when she and Sam met they instantly fell for each other once again pushing me a side making me feel stupid for trusting her again. But you want to know what the worst part is my family defends them and tells me I should get over it now, you tell me would you get over it so easily when you gave the man your heart and soul along with your virginity leaving you pregnant I might add, only to have him throw you away."
Tristan stood quietly stunned by what he just heard, she was the other victim of the false imprint that Caleb was victim to. Oh shit he thought then shook his head as Leah's question filled his ears then answered, "No at first I wouldn't but then I would move on for my child and not spare the foolish person another thought."
Leah looked into his eyes making sure he was being truthful to her and he was so without any hesitation she threw herself into his arms and cried, "You want to know what really sucks," Leah laughed nervously, "they came up with this enormously unbelievable story that at first I believed they told me that Sam was a werewolf and that he imprinted on my cousin not me because I wasn't the right one for him. I let them make me believe that there was something wrong with me when in fact it was Sam and not me, how messed up am I?"
Tristan sighed and said, "You're not messed up it was circumstances that changed things for you and Sam. Circumstances that I don't understand, but they were beyond your control and his. I mean maybe he's the messed up one but never you. You are perfect just the way you are I mean Nana May already loves you as do I and I know for a fact my family will love you to.
And it's because of this fact that I am asking, no begging you to make our home your permanent home. I mean if you wish you can get a job and help contribute where needed but please don't leave, you have become a sister to me and I know for a fact that Nana May wants to mother you something chronic and she wants a grandchild that she can watch grow up. My parents and their siblings robbed her of that with us boys but you can give that back to her so please consider it."
Leah sighed she wanted to say yes so badly but she couldn't help notice the family's wealth and feared that they would be ashamed to take in a stray carrying what they may consider a bastard. So she voiced her concern, "Tristan your family is of the upper class how can you want me and my baby in your family I mean couldn't we taint that and you seem so sure of your brothers what happens if their opinions aren't so high of me."
Tristan shook his head, "Leah listen to me for one thing yes my family is extremely wealthy in fact we are the second richest family in the world, but that doesn't affect who we are we don't care about all the status or the importance of keeping up appearances we don't judge and we certainly don't relish in putting those who are less fortunate then us down so you don't have to worry about that. When Nana and I look at you we don't see a girl who made a horrible mistake or someone who likes to sleep around what we see is a terrified young girl who was betrayed by the people she loved and fled her home to protect her unborn child.
That in our eyes make you worthy of our love, but not only that I thought when I met you on the plane I felt that I would never laugh again I had failed in protecting those that I loved. Then you came along and everything changed. Now I know at first everything may seem awkward with you and my brothers but give them a chance once they get to know you and see you the way Nana May and I see you they are sure to love you. So I will ask again please stay."
Leah was stunned at first then she threw herself against him demanding that he hold her and whispered, "Yes," over and over again.
Tristan held her close for a few moments and smiled, "Good now how about we go for a walk then go a grab a snack and then we can go shopping with May and if it's ok with you the boys."
Leah snuggled into his chest listening to his heartbeat then smirked "First off okay for the walk and snack but shopping why in the world do we need to do that?"
Tristan smiling at her cuteness not feeling the least bit concerned at the fast pace their bond was forming laughed and said, "Well Lee Lu we need to get you a vehicle, clothes and more than likely other provisions and items for your new home like different furniture for your room if you desire, a new cell phone so should you ever need anything you will always be in contact with us, a new Mac book pro because they have the best writing and recording system built in and programs for it because I want you singing again,"
"Wait what?" Leah stammered but before she could refuse Tristan held his hand up to silence her.
"Leah let me ask you something," Tristan said, "Does music help you forget the hurt and turn to happiness?"
"Well yes of course it does," Leah stammered, "But..."
"No don't," Tristan ordered, "If music makes you happy then you should continue singing and writing, it will help you heal. Money is no object we will get you that computer and put it to good use also that room and the piano is now yours I won't take no for an answer."
"Oh fine," Leah snapped then asked, "You're use to getting what you want aren't you?"
"No shit Sherlock and the head of the house which I guess makes me the prince and now that I have taken you in as a sister you are the princess so get use to it." Tristan answered smirking as he slowly started to move his hands down to tickle her sides.
"Don't even think about it," Leah growled sensing what his hands were about to do then said "I guess I can tolerate your little princess joke but what is it with Lee Lu?"
"Well," Tristan blushed, "I couldn't resist I came up with the nick name while I carried you to your bed and I thought it was kind of cute so don't growl at me ok?"
Leah rolled her eyes, "Fine but only you can call me that got it?"
Tristan held his hands up, "Ya sure you know you love it." Then with lightening speed he reached out and tickled her.
Leah squealed and wiggled out of his grasp and pushed him into the fountain, and ran once a newly soaked Tristan leapt back up sputtering indignantly and gave chase. They played like this for hours running and chasing each other through the labyrinth until finally they collapsed in exhaustion in the open field on the other side and just lay enjoying one another's company. As happiness at their developing friendship raced through them, both couldn't help being concerned as to whether they would stay just friends or something more. Tristan and Leah recognizing where their thoughts were going got up quickly and headed back to the house while silently preparing themselves for the meeting with the rest of the boys and their planned shopping trip. Not noticing that the sun seemed to shine a little bit brighter upon them.
But while happiness slowly returned to one clan, another back in Washington was slowly falling apart. Sam Uley the alpha of a pack of wolves was becoming angrier and cold hurting not only the elders at his blatant harshness to everyone and everything but also the boys he was supposed to care for and guide through this crazy life as a wolf.
It was as if in 24 hours he had done a complete one eighty and instead of trying to control his anger it was almost as if he no longer cared and they didn't know what to do the only thing they did know was that they needed to find Leah Clearwater and fast. One pup under his care Seth Clearwater felt his anger more than others. It was only his first day as a wolf and already Sam's anger and the packs annoyance at his continued whining for his big sister was not making things any better for him.
He just wanted his sister back and was torn up as to what he should do. He knew that his parents needed him, but they also seemed to neglect him in their desperate search for Leah. It had only been 24 hours since Leah had left and already their family was falling apart. He knew he shouldn't abandon his family during this time, but he also knew if he didn't get away from Sam and the others he may never grow into the man he was meant to be. So with his decision made he waited until his parents had gone to another clan meeting and the pack was at their homes after patrol to leave.
Knowing that he couldn't phase in La push he walked past the treaty line then got a ride from a friend to Seattle and went to the airport and approached one of the airport attendant's hoping she was the one that sold his sister the ticket 24 hours before.
"Excuse me..." he stammered as he approached the desk and pulled out his wallet and the picture that he always kept with him. "But I was wondering if yesterday evening if either of you recognize this girl or could you tell me where she is headed?"
The two attendants' looked at the picture and said, "We didn't work yesterday but Sarah did let us get her."
Seth at first frowned in disappointment but when he heard their friend worked that evening his hopes were restored, but when a 40 year old Sarah approached all business like probably to turn him away he gulped and turned on the on the water works, "Please... please..," he stammered and let out a somewhat fake sob, "I am trying to find my big sister my family and I had a big fight and I need to get away my sister said I could always come to her but I don't know her number because she has just gotten a new cell phone number and hasn't given me the number yet please I just want," sniffle, "my big sister please. Could you tell me where if you know she is headed?"
The woman like so many others were unable to resist Seth's little baby facade, "Oh honey I do recognize her but are you sure she would be ok with you running away from your parents?"
Seth thought about it for a bit and sobbed, "I don't know but I need her please tell me where she is please?"
The woman sighed, "Alright let me look her up in the computer, ahh I see Carlin Summers one ticket Loma Linda California."
Seth jumped for joy not surprised that his sister had used an alias then pulled out the 600.00 he had been saving for a computer out of his billfold and said "One ticket to Loma Linda please."
The woman looked at him and said "the next flight starts boarding in twenty minutes now if I could just get your name."
Seth shifted from foot to foot nervously knowing that he couldn't lie because he couldn't come up with an alias without a fake id for which his sister probably had so he pulled out his picture id and said, "My full name is Seth Orion Clearwater Summers, Summers is my second last name so it isn't on my id. I hope that is ok?"
The woman looked at him oddly and said, "Yeah it's alright, here is your ticket but I must warn you if I get caught letting a minor buy a ticket I could get fired, but I also understand the need to get away from a situation so I beg you have your sister call here and let us know that you are ok and that she gave you the permission to board a flight that way I don't get fired and should your parents come here I can defend myself and you by saying that you had permission and that you are safely with your sister alright?"
Seth smiled and said "Don't worry I will." then he turned and headed to the boarding area whispering to him, "Big sister I will see you soon."
TBC
