4. Silence
Bella's POV
The wait was agonising for all of us. Charlie and Seth were struggling to keep Sue seated, every few minutes she would stand and start pacing around the room.
Seth watched her anxiously; he seemed to have aged over night through the stress and worry. Sam, Embry and Quil were unusually quiet, sitting in the corner with their heads bent to the floor. Esme was flitting in and out of the room with plates of food, which no one touched. Alice kept herself busy by arranging and re-arranging all the flowers in the room.
Jasper, Nessie and I focused our attention on Nahuel. He had calmed down since Nessie brought him back to the house last night but from the way Jasper was hovering near him I had the feeling that he could explode at any moment.
"How much longer?" Sue asked as she got to her feet once again.
"Two minutes," Alice replied automatically.
Suddenly Sue was not the only person pacing. Sam, Embry, Quil, Seth and Charlie all got to their feet and shadowed Sue's movements.
I stared out the glass wall anticipating the expression on Edwards face; it would be composed leaving us no clues as to what was happening. But Jacob's would not be so he was the one I searched for.
Sue ran out the door as soon as she saw Edward and Jake approaching the house.
"How is Leah? What happened? Why can't we see her?" Sue cried.
"Let's go inside and I will explain everything," Edward replied calmly.
Sue must have nodded in agreement, as the next thing I heard was their light footsteps as they walked into the house. Edward entered the sitting room with Sue at his side; his face composed just as I had expected. Jacob followed Edward into the room slowly, his expression was composed leaving us no clues but he looked tired and I could see pain in his eyes.
Edward led Sue to the sofa where she sat down between Charlie and Seth, holding their hands in hers. Everyone else edged closer as Edward perched himself on the coffee table to address us all. Jacob went straight to Nessie and pulled her into his arms.
Nahuel maintained his position on the floor with his head in his hands. He looked so defeated that I wanted to shake him to tell him to have at least a little bit of hope.
"So what's happening? How is she? What happened?" Sue asked impatiently.
"Leah is fine, she's alive that's the main thing," Edward replied.
I heard the whoosh of air as everyone sighed in relief. I was happy that Leah was alive but I had a feeling that Edward had not told us everything.
"She's alive?" Nahuel cried.
"Yes but she is still very weak, we need to keep a close eye on her," Edward replied.
"But what happened? I don't understand," Sue said.
"Something that no one could have prevented," Edward replied. "I don't know how to tell any of you this…"
Edwards composure faltered as he tried to find the right words. It was awful to see the pain in his eyes and to hear it in his voice, I wanted to go to him, to pull him into my arms but I kept my position beside Nahuel.
Jacob left Nessie's side and approached Edward placing a hand on his shoulder.
"They didn't know," Jacob began. "I don't think even Leah knew."
"Knew what?" Seth asked confused.
"Leah was pregnant."
Jacob's revelation should have surprised me but it only confirmed what I thought; there was something missing, something we didn't know that would lead Leah on the path of becoming a vampire… But this can't be it, it doesn't make sense.
"She was pregnant… but how?" Sam asked.
Everyone knew that Leah's periods had stopped when she became a werewolf leading us all to believe that she would never be able to have children. It was evident that no one had been expecting this; all the faces in the room displayed various levels of shock.
"Was?" Nahuel whispered.
Edward and Jacob both turned their attention towards Nahuel.
"I'm sorry Nahuel. Leah suffered an ectopic pregnancy, which caused her fallopian tube to rupture, which is why she bleed. There was nothing any of us could have done to save the child," Edward explained.
Sue gasped, coving her mouth with her hands as the tears began to fall down her cheeks. Charlie wrapped his arm around her in an attempt to comfort her. The wolves were silent as they tried to digest what they had just learnt.
"That's what you were hiding from me. That's what Carlisle missed? How could he miss that? He should have known… he could have prevented all of this," Nahuel cried angrily.
"I promise you we had no more of an idea than you did. How could we know? Leah didn't even know," Edward retorted.
"But he's a doctor… he should have known," Nahuel continued angrily.
"This is not Carlisle's fault, if it wasn't for him you would have lost both Leah and the baby," Edward growled.
I wasn't surprised at Edward's anger, I was angry too. How could Nahuel blame this on Carlisle?
Nahuel stepped back from Edwards hostility and was finally quiet. Edward took a deep breath then turned to address everyone once again.
"I didn't ask you to come here to point the finger. No one is to blame for what happened to Leah. The important thing is that she is alive. Unfortunately Leah has made some changes…"
"No!" Nessie cried interrupting Edward.
Jacob wrapped his arms around her, "It's not what you think," he whispered into her ear.
Nessie pulled away from him, confusion evident on her face.
"I don't understand what do you mean changed?" Seth asked.
"Leah needed a blood transfusion in order to survive. Fortunately, we were able to give her enough blood to stabilise her. Unfortunately due to the transfusion Leah is no longer a werewolf," Edward informed us.
I could finally piece it all together and I heard the shallow gasps of my family as we all realised what this meant. Nothing stood in the way of Leah becoming a vampire now and I felt certain that Alice's vision would soon become a reality.
"Leah is human?" Nahuel gasped.
"Yes."
The silence in the room was deafening, everyone was lost in their own thoughts letting the news sink in.
I looked around the room at my friends and family trying to decipher their thoughts. Sue was still crying but I could see relief in her eyes and I guessed she was just happy that her daughter was still alive. Charlie looked concerned as he watched the tears fall down Sue's cheeks but otherwise unaffected.
Sam, Embry, Quil and Seth looked more like brothers now than they had ever looked. Their dark skin appeared lighter as they all stared at the floor trying to come to terms with the loss of their sister… their wolf sister.
Nessie was staring into Jake's eyes searching for a way to ease his pain. I watched as she raised her hand to his cheek and wondered what she was showing him.
Esme, Alice, Edward and Jasper were watching Nahuel with a mixture of emotions. Esme's expression held nothing except compassion for Nahuel whilst Alice looked concerned and apprehensive. Edward and Jasper looked nervous as if they expected Nahuel to suddenly strike.
I slowly walked towards Edward - whom had gradually moved closer to Nahuel - and took his hand in mine. He did not look away from Nahuel but he gave my hand a gentle squeeze. I looked down at Nahuel whom had resumed his position on the floor with his head in his hands. What is he thinking? How does he feel about Leah being human? What will this mean for their relationship?
Suddenly Nahuel raised his head with a bitter determination on his face.
"I want to see her," he growled looking into Edwards eyes.
For a moment, I thought Edward was going to object but he slowly moved to the side allowing Nahuel to pass him. Nahuel hesitated as he got to his feet looking from Edward to Jacob then back to Edward again.
"Thank you," he whispered to both of them.
Edward and Jake simply nodded then we all watched Nahuel run from the room. As I turned, I noticed Sue, Charlie and Seth were also standing.
"I want to see her too," Sue said shakily.
It was hard to see the pain in her eyes, I knew all to well what it was like to think you were going to lose your daughter and the relief you felt when that nightmare was over. But is it really over for Sue? She doesn't know about Alice's vision but I'm sure it would kill her if she did.
"I'm not stopping anyone from seeing her," Edward replied. "But maybe we should give Leah and Nahuel some time alone."
Sue nodded understandingly before drawing in a rigid breath.
"Let's go home," Charlie said wrapping his arm around her. "It was a long night; we could all do with some sleep."
"Yes I think that would be best," Edward approved.
Sue agreed, we all hugged, and kissed each other as Charlie, Sue, Seth and the rest of the wolves left the house thanking Edward and Jacob for saving Leah.
Renesmee's POV
I can't believe this is happening… not now, not after everything that has happened to Leah. How can I tell Jake? I can't begin to imagine how this will affect him.
I can't tell him… not yet, there's no rush I don't even know for sure yet anyway so there's no point in worrying… is there?
"You're very quiet," Jake noted.
"Just tired," I replied.
It wasn't a lie; I've been struggling to keep my eyes open a lot lately, even after a full night sleep.
Jake turned towards me, concern evident on his face.
"I'm fine," I said before he could ask.
Jake didn't seem convinced but he didn't say anymore.
We pulled up to Leah's house and Jake and I climbed out of Jake's car slapping the doors behind us.
It has been two weeks since Leah's transfusion and we have visited her everyday. The first day we came to visit was awful…
Leah was awake but still looked pale and weak. She watched us walk into the room with a unusual expression on her face. I couldn't figure out if she was angry, sad or grateful, all her emotions seemed to have mingled into one.
Nahuel was quietly sitting beside her holding her hand, watching her face.
"How are you feeling?" Jake asked as we approached her bed.
"How do you think I feel?" she retorted.
Yes, she was definitely angry, but why? Jake had saved her life, how could she be so ungrateful.
To my surprise, Jake smiled at her and she returned his smile surprising both Nahuel and me. I guessed that was something he hadn't seen for a while.
"Human?" Jake asked.
"Very," Leah sighed.
"Oh well I'm sure we will survive without you," Jake replied.
"Yeah I bet everyone is happy to finally be free from the bitter she wolf."
Jake laughed at Leah's reply but I could see and feel his pain. Why does he hide it from her? She probably believes her own words and thinks no one cares about her.
Leah joined in with Jake's laughter whilst Nahuel and I shared an anxious glance. Has Leah thought about her situation? She seems too calm and happy, it's not right. If I had gone through what Leah has, I would be a mess.
"So when are the pack having a party?" Leah asked.
I looked at her confused, why would the pack be having a party?
Jake laughed again, "We thought we would wait until you are well enough to come."
"Great," Leah replied sarcastically.
I was lost, how could they joke about this? Leah has been a werewolf, a friend and a sister for years and they don't even seem bothered that she no longer is.
Nahuel rested his head onto Leah's bed and I watched her raise her hand to stroke his hair.
"Nahuel are you okay?" I asked.
It seemed like a silly question because he clearly wasn't okay but what is wrong with him?
Nahuel didn't answer, Leah sighed as she looked towards me.
"Nahuel doesn't think much of my attitude. He thinks I should be wallowing in self pity and shouting at him for doing this to me."
I had to admire her strength but I couldn't help feeling that she still hadn't grasped what this meant for her future.
"Are you not worried?" I asked.
"About what?"
Jake gave me a warning glance, which confused me. Hasn't Leah been told about the consequences? Leah was staring at me waiting for an answer so I went with the most obvious problem.
"Well Nahuel is half vampire and he's venomous. Are you not worried about what this will do to your relationship?"
"Why should I? Your mom was human when she was with your dad. We will just have to be more careful," Leah replied.
"But you can't have a normal relationship…"
"Why not?" Leah interrupted angrily.
I couldn't believe that I was the one explaining this to her, surely she already knows.
"Leah… Nahuel is venomous, you could become a vampire."
Leah's eyes widened in shock and Nahuel slowly raised his head. Jake looked at me anxiously and I began to wish I hadn't said anything.
"Is that true?" Leah asked Nahuel.
He stared into her eyes for a long moment before he replied, "Yes."
"Why didn't you tell me?" she said angrily.
"I thought you knew," he replied sheepishly.
"Do you think I would be acting this way if I knew?" she bellowed. "I can't believe you never told me, what else haven't you told me?"
I suddenly felt very anxious for Nahuel, I never meant for this to happen I just wanted to understand.
"I'm sorry Leah I shouldn't have said anything," I apologised.
"You have nothing to be sorry for Nessie. Nahuel is the one who should be apologising," Leah replied.
Jake read the anxiety on my face and wrapped a reassuring arm around me.
"Well?" Leah spat.
Nahuel looked scared and apologetic as he searched for the right thing to say. The guilt I felt made my stomach churn, how could I have done this to them?
"I didn't want to upset you. You have been so happy that I couldn't bear to put you through any more pain, you have already been through so much and it's all my fault," Nahuel explained.
The pain was evident on his face causing Leah's anger to subside.
"Oh Nahuel you know I would rather know the truth whether it hurts me or not. The lies hurt more…"
"I'm sorry, I'm so sorry Leah," Nahuel cried as the tears began to form in his eyes.
"I know," she said soothingly as she placed her hand on his cheek.
"Leah there is something else you should know," Nahuel said hesitantly.
"What is it?" she asked concerned by the look on his face.
I wanted to leave, I didn't want to witness what Nahuel was about to tell her. I couldn't bear to watch the pain it would cause her.
"We should go," I said before Nahuel could answer Leah.
"No stay please," Leah said reaching towards Jake and me.
She suddenly looked very tiered and weary making it impossible for us to leave her. I took her hand in mine as I shared a worried glance with Jake.
"Nahuel?"
Nahuel looked towards Jake and I then took a deep breath.
"Leah we won't be able to have children," Nahuel whispered.
"What do you mean? I'm human now, there is more chance now than there was when I was a werewolf," Leah said confused.
"Carlisle had to remove your ruptured tube in order to stop the bleed," Jake explained.
Leah was speechless; I watched her face drop as Jake's words sank in.
"I'm so sorry Leah," I said as I rubbed soothing circles into the back of her hand.
"I can't have children?" she whispered. "I'm human but I still can't have children."
"It's okay Leah. We will be okay," Nahuel said soothingly.
Leah couldn't control the tears that ran down her cheeks and the sobs that broke free from her chest.
"Why? Why is this happening to me?" Leah sobbed. "What have I done to deserve this?"
My own eyes filled with tears as I watched Leah sob into Nahuel chest. I wanted to help her, to take away her pain but I didn't know how. All I could do was feel her pain with her.
"You don't deserve this Leah, no one deserves this but you can't give up. You're alive and soon you will be well enough to start enjoying your life," Jake reasoned.
Leah turned towards Jake and I saw the anger return to her tear stricken face.
"How… how can I even begin to enjoy life? My boyfriend is half vampire, he will not age and I will. We can't have sex because he might turn me into a bloodsucker and I can't grow old and watch my children grow because I can't have any. Is that your idea of a good life Jake?" Leah fumed.
We were all speechless unable to find the words to comfort and reassure Leah. We sat in silence while Leah's sobs slowly subsided and she eventually slipped into a deep sleep…
Jake knocked on the door with two hard wraps. Nahuel answered and led the way into the sitting room.
"Hey guys, are you hungry? Nahuel just made pancakes," Leah said.
She was sitting on the small sofa with a huge plate of pancakes in her lap. Her beautiful dark skin was glowing in the sunlight that was streaming through the window.
"Are you sure you should eat all that? You might put on weight," Jake said.
I slapped his arm for being rude, "What?" he exclaimed innocently.
"Thanks Nessie but I'm used to it," Leah said.
She patted the sofa beside her, "Come sit down, you look dead on your feet."
"I'm fine," I replied as I sat down beside her.
"Are you sure Nessie? You don't look too good," Leah stated.
"Yeah I'm just tired," I replied.
How could I tell her the truth? How could I tell any of them the truth? It's not fair to her, I can't do it.
Leah turned away from me and I thought she mouthed something to Jake but I couldn't be sure.
"So are you ready for the party tonight?" Jake asked.
"Can't wait," Leah replied sarcastically.
I rested my head back onto the sofa as I listened to Jake laugh, it was such a wonderful sound, I could listen to him laugh all day. My eyes began to droop and I finally succumbed allowing them to close.