THANK YOU FOR ALL THE REVIEWS :)

SO BEFORE WE BEGIN I NEED TO MAKE SOME THINGS CLEAR

A. LEAH KEPT HER PROMISE TO SAM AND HAS NOT SEEN THE CULLENS, BELLA, AND SAM FOR FOUR MONTHS. SHE KEEPS A STRICTLY PHONE RELATIONSHIP WITH BELLA.

B. THIS CHAPTER TAKES PLACE FOUR MONTHS LATER … JARED AND PAUL HAVE ALREADY JOINED SAM AS PROTECTORS.

LEAH

It was always during my History class, that I felt the true despair of Sam's alienation. Why you ask? Well it just so happens that I have Jared and Kim for my English class, so at the present moment I was watching Jared stare at Kim as if she was the only person in the room.

I don't know why it ticked me off, I mean Jared and I had known each other since we were kids, yet we were never that close, and Kim well Kim was that shy girl that never spoke unless she was called upon. It was not a secret that she had always held a crush towards Jared, but Jared had never really returned the feelings, in reality I doubted that he even knew she existed.

Oh, but all that changed about four months ago. Jared had missed school for about two weeks, everyone was really worried, and it was actually Sam that assured everyone that Jared was okay. When he came back to school, he looked like a completely different person, he was taller and had defined muscles all over his body, he looked a lot like Sam did when he came back.

Of course everyone believed that he was up to no good, especially because he was hanging around with my ex boyfriend. The elders continued to rally behind the boys saying that they were working for them; the actual details of said job still remained a mystery.

So imagine my surprise when Jared walks into History and glances at Kim with the most loving face I have ever seen on a man. Poor Kim spent the entire class blushing behind the textbook because Jared did not look away for a second.

Since then Kim and Jared have been nearly inseparable, and the fact that he is practically screaming out his love to her kills me, because even though I have somehow managed to survive without Sam, seeing other people in love is gut wrenching.

For the past four months I have done practically the impossible to stay away from Sam, which I must add has not been easy. Sam is always waiting in the parking lot after school; he passes by everyday to pick up Jared and his latest groupie Paul for work, sometimes even Kim tags along, which completely irks me because I want to be part of their little club as well. The fact that she may know about what the hell they are up too, and I daughter of an Elder is still out of the blue, infuriates me.

Sam doesn't try to talk to me and I don't either, I promised him that I was going to give him space, so I did. I even broke off my strong ties with the Cullens and Bella because of him. My relationship with both parties consisted of occasional talking on the phone, and I did it all for him, because I believed that it was going to help him get better, and I wanted him better for then I wouldn't have to be any longer without him.

But I must admit that as time passed my heart has began to somewhat give up hope, I mean how much longer can he need? It wasn't that I was giving up on my love for Sam; I was scared that he had already given up on his love for me.

The sound of the bell broke me out of my depressing thoughts; I quickly gathered my books and hurried out of the classroom before I had to endure anymore of Jared and Kim.

I walked down the hallways mindlessly, the school day was finally over and I was beyond thrilled to go home and lock myself in my room.

I groaned once I stepped outside, it was raining, again. My car was broken so I was stuck walking home every afternoon, Seth would always tag along with Jacob and his friends after school, so my walks were usually alone, which on a normal day wouldn't bother me, but as I watched the pouring rain outside, I knew that this walk was going to be dreadful.

I put up the hoodie from my sweater, and with one deep breath dived in to the tumultuous rain.

I knew Sam was around here, undeniably waiting for Jared and Paul, but my instincts were telling me to keep my face down, I didn't want to see him, at least that it is what I kept telling myself.

The pavement was extremely slippery so I had to be extra careful watching my step.

"Hey Leah!" I groaned as I heard the annoying voice of Tim Smith.

Tim Smith was a jock at our small school, ever since Sam dumped me he has been trying to convince me to go out with him, of course I have denied him every time, but I swear the boy doesn't give up.

"Hey Tim" I answered as I continued walking; he was following my pace while seated in his car.

"Do you want a ride home?" he asked me.

I shook my head "No thanks Tim, I want to walk"

"But it's raining" he stated the obvious.

I shrugged "I don't mind, really. But thank you for offering" I smiled kindly.

"Well, okay. See you tomorrow, Leah" he said before his car drove out of the parking lot.

I sighed as I continued my walk, as rain drops continue to fall on my body, I couldn't stop thinking about all the times Sam and I had spent out in the rain.

We used to love running around and making fools of ourselves as we jumped in mud puddles, and kissed while droplets embedded our face, every kiss in the rain always seemed so magical.

I didn't know when exactly I let my emotions take over, but as I continued to replay memories of my lost love, the tears just spilled out.

I stopped walking and steadied myself on a tree, as I let the sobs rake my body. I hated myself for allowing this type of emotion, it had been four god damn months, I was supposed to be over this phase, I should not be shedding another tear for Sam, and yet here I stood crying for the boy who had broken my heart beyond repair.

"Lee?" I froze as I heard his voice behind me.

My tears only increased as I felt his warm body inch closer and closer to mine "Leah, are you okay?" he asked me anxiously.

I couldn't find the strength to answer him; it was the first time that I had heard his voice since the night when he had run into the forest, leaving me behind without a second glance.

"Lee-Lee, please talk to me" he begged.

My knees gave out at the mention of my nickname, the name that always sent my heart on over drive when it escaped his lips.

I would have fallen into the muddy ground, if it had not been for Sam's strong arms that wrapped around me securely.

My heart couldn't take having him so close and yet so far, his hold was hesitant, as I buried my face in his chest and cried.

My tears must have broke him, because his embrace soon turned nurturing as he tightened his hold on me, "Leah, please don't cry" he told me as he stroked my wet hair.

I held onto Sam as if my life depended on it, I was scared to let him go, in fear that he would run away again.

The rain soon subsided, but Sam still held me, I had a feeling that we were both enjoying the brief time together.

Of course once the sun started setting, Sam un wrapped his arms around me and helped me up. I felt weak and tired, as if the past four months of tossing and turning during my sleep was finally catching up to me.

I looked at the ground, feeling way too vulnerable to look at his eyes; he cradled my face in his hands forcing me to look at him.

He look pained as he traced the bags under my eyes, one hand left my face and looked at my too skinny wrist. "I am so sorry" he whispered as he let go of my hand and leaned his forehead against mine.

"It's not your fault, that I am weak" I murmured.

"You are not weak, Lee. On the contrary you are much stronger that you give yourself credit for"

I smiled as I pulled my face away from his "I miss you Sam" I admitted as my eyes once again welled up with tears.

He wiped away my tears "I miss you too Lee-Lee, so much"

"Why do you keep pushing me away? Do you not love me anymore?" I asked frightened.

He shook his head and then looked me straight in the eye "I could never stop loving you, Leah. Never. I hate not having you in my life, but it is necessary for now. Leah, I am trying really hard to get better, I think I am almost there and it is all because of you" he assured me.

"Why does Kim get to know about what you do with Jared and Paul, and I don't?" I sounded like a spoiled brat.

Sam laughed as he walked over to me and pulled me in a hug "Are you jealous, Lee?"

"Yes." I confessed stubbornly.

He pulled away with an amused smile and stroked my cheek, "Once I get better, I will be able to tell you everything. There will be no more secrets between us, I promise"

"Are you going to leave me again?"

He nodded sheepishly "I have too."

I gripped my arms around his torso and pressed the side of my face to his heart "Sam, please don't leave me again, we don't have to act like a couple. We can friends, I promise to not push you, but please I beg you don't leave me again"

"Leah, it's too hard just being friends with you, when every second my heart is telling me that it wants more" he tried to reason.

I looked up at him "Please, Sam" I pleaded

He ran his hand through his hair "This is going to be hard" he muttered.

I shook my head "No, Sam I promise it won't. I can control myself, I swear"

"It's not you I am worried about Leah, it's me. I don't know if I can control myself" he confessed.

"Sam, please. Just do this for me"

He pulled me to him again; he rested his chin on my head "You are going to be the death of me Leah Clearwater"

My eyes looked up hopeful "Sam, is that a yes?"

He grinned as he bent his face so that it was at my level "That's a yes, Lee"

I shrieked as I jumped on him, wrapping my legs around his waist and planting small kisses on his face "Thank you, Thank you …"

Sam was laughing carelessly as he placed my feet on the ground "How about I walk you home?"

I smiled and nodded as Sam picked up my wet books; he placed an arm around my shoulder and walked me home.

I couldn't stop smiling the whole way, Sam and I didn't really talk during the walk, I was completely content with just his presence.

Being just friends with Sam was going to be hard, but I was going to try my best, I saw it this way. I rather have Sam in my life then not having him at all.

All the lights in my house where turned on, and my father was waiting out on the porch with Billy Black, Jared, and Paul.

All their eyes were on Sam and me, "Leah!" Seth screamed as he came running out of the house.

"Hey Seth" I waved.

He ran to me and looked at Sam furiously "Where have you been?" he asked me.

"I was with Sam"

"Why?" he hissed.

"Because he is my friend" I announced.

Sam chuckled at my side, when I said the word "friend".

Seth was looking at us skeptically as he grabbed my books from Sam and retreated back to the house.

"I am sorry about that" I muttered.

"It's okay, he loves you." Sam assured me.

I smiled; we walked side by side towards my porch where my dad was shooting worried daggers at Sam.

"Princess, are you okay?"

I nodded "Yes, dad. I am absolutely fine"

"Good, now why don't you go inside, dinner is ready"

I could sense the tension, so I obliged instantly. I put my hand on the knob and then turned to Sam.

"Bye Sam and thank you for everything"

He smirked "Have a good night Leah"

I walked in and closed the door; my mother was looking at me with a raised eyebrow. I didn't even want to imagine how stupid I looked.

My dad spent ten minutes outside, before he came back in alone, he looked worried,

"Daddy, is something wrong?" I asked him.

He sighed "The Cullens left, and Bella is missing in the woods"

My mouth dropped open in shock "Are they looking for her?"

He nodded "The boys just left"

I knew off the bat that he was referring to Sam, Jared, and Paul. I wasn't completely ecstatic to hear that Sam would be in the woods at night, but Bella was missing, and I needed her to be okay.

"Daddy can I borrow your car?"

"Why?"

"I want to be there when Bella shows up"

"Princess, I don't think that's such a good idea"

"Dad, please!"

He scoffed "Fine but we are all going"

The Swan house was packed when we arrived, it seemed like all of Forks had congregated there in hopes of finding Bella.

We waited for hours until Charlie appeared with Bella in his arms, Sam, Jared, and Paul were all behind him as he set Bella on the couch.

I immediately rushed to her side; I kneeled down in front of Bella and stroked her cold cheeks "Bella, what happened?" I asked her.

She was shivering as she looked up at me "He's gone" she whispered.

My heart broke at seeing her in this state "Oh Bells, I am so sorry"

"What am I going to do Leah?" she cried.

I wrapped my arms around her and pulled her to me "We will figure it out, I promise"

"Thank you"

"Don't thank me Bells, you were there for me and now I am going to be here for you"

My eyes caught Sam, he flinched at my words. He obviously made the connection with what I was saying.

"Bella, the doctor wants to check you" Charlie informed her.

Bella shook her head "I want to be alone"

"Bella …"

"Dad, I want to be alone!" she yelled.

He nodded as he turned to talk to everyone else "Can you stay with me, Lee?" Bella asked me.

I smiled "Of course Bells" .

REVIEW!!!!!!!