First of all, I am really sorry that it took me a while to update. I had a busy week and spent most of my free time with studying for a Biology test which I had today. Wasn´t even worth it, thouch. That was crap ;-)
And then, this is also a very short chapter. But it is important because there are some significant hints on the following story.
I hope you enjoy it, though.
We often give our enemies the means to our own destruction.
Aesop
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Raindrops drenched my sporadic clothing as I stepped out of the hospital, crossed the parking lot and loosened my belt as I reached the nearby forest. My body felt unusually cold to me, due to the fact that Bella's tiny, fragile body was not pressed against me anymore. She was back in her room, deeply asleep and for once, full of peace. Peace which could not last anywhere but in her mind.
My jeans fell to the ground and I stepped out of them without really coordinating my movements. I felt empty and more alone than ever before now that I had to leave her behind, if only for a few minutes. Now that she was back, it was even harder to tell her goodbye.
The little satisfaction which overcame me with every transformation did not last long, since not a second passed before I was bombarded with the other's thoughts.
"Jake, man… what took you so long? Oh, I see…Well done."
"What is going on?"
"Seems like it´s just another joke of hers. No sign, no trace"
"Fucking leech."
"It´s as if she was never here."
"That god-damned leech. I wish I already saw her burn."
"Jared, calm down. It was never certain that we'd find something tonight."
"Well, I don´t know about you, but I was certainly hoping for it."
"She's just playing games all the time."
"What if it´s a trap, though?"
"Leah, why do you always have to meet trouble halfway?"
"Paul, I am just trying to figure out what is going on here."
"You act as though our lives depended on your judgement."
"Oh, god. Please not."
"Jared!"
"What Embry, you're on her side now, or what?"
"I am on nobody's side."
"I'd bet my ass you are. Don´t forget, we can all here what you think."
"Leave him!"
"Oh, wow. Embry listen, she's taking good care of you."
"Stop it!"
"Sam –"
"No .Leave them alone. It´s none of your business. Leah is right. It might be a trap. But we can't deal with that tonight."
"So, what are we going to do?"
"I think we'll stop it for now. Leah, Quil, you'll stay phased and patrol with me. The other's can go. There is no need for the whole pack now. I think you all need a rest. We'll meet tomorrow at my house.."
"Why don´t you put Leah and Embry on patrol and leave yourself? We'd sure have something interesting to listen to tomorrow."
"Jared, if you don´t stop immediately –"
"Okay, okay. I am just trying to lift the mood."
"Since Leah messed it up."
"Oh, just shut your mouths!"
"Man, can't you just pretend to like each other?"
"Seth, this is none of your business."
"This is our pack. So it´s all of our business. Since when is it Leah's fault if she says something which is right?"
"Seth, stop defending me. I can look after myself."
"Well, obviously –"
"Enough !You all act like children and I'll have to think of some serious changes if this doesn't change. We all know how difficult this situation is. It´s not better or worse for anyone one of us. Jake? I suppose you want to stay with Bella tonight?"
"Yeah, Sam."
"Then go. We don´t need you right now. And Jake? Remember what I told you."