Disclaimer: Owned by SM


March, 2012

~12~

During my spare period, I begin to work diligently on the paper I really should have completed last night. Thoughts of Mom and Carlisle, not to mention the cursed photographs, had clouded my mind too much to focus, even after running an extra mile. Regardless, the computer lab is usually relatively empty and fortunately right now, I am the only one present.

This changes quickly. Just as I am ready to print off my completed essay, I feel a presence behind me. Sam Uley slings his arm over the back of my chair, and squats down so that his tall, bulky frame is down to my level.

Sam took a while to warm to me when I first began to hang around La Push in October. Despite Jacob's dad being friends with mine, Sam still felt I represented the enemy, both because Charlie is the chief of police, and because of my history with the East-Enders.

Even though he now talks to me, it's not like we're really friends.

Sam leans in close before quietly speaking. "Bella, I was wondering if you could do me a favour. It's about Leah…"

Leah Clearwater is a touchy subject for anyone in La Push. When her brother Seth got expelled and had to enrol at Forks High, Leah decided to be a good older sister and follow him. The only problem was that Leah fell into the wrong crowd, at least according to the LPR's. Essentially, Leah became an East-Ender.

Worse still, Leah and Sam used to date. Although they are broken up now, Sam is still pretty protective of her, and she likes to rebel.

"…See there's this video going arou—"

Sam stops abruptly when a throat clears behind us.

Edward is standing in the doorway to the room, notebook in hand, glaring at Sam.

"Sorry," Edward mutters, "Didn't know I would be interrupting. I'll come back later."

I don't understand the accusatory tone in Edward's voice until I look around and see the close proximity I share with Sam. I lean back in my chair, my eyes hardening. What business is it of Edward's anyway? It does not, or should not, concern him what I do or who I spend my time with.

Besides, Edward is not one to talk given the way he flaunts little Lauren Mallory.

I can feel my body getting warm with anger, my hands shaking slightly. Just as I am about to give Edward, whom I haven't spoken to since last July, a piece of my mind, he spins on his heel and stalks off.

Sam chuckles lightly and stands up.

"We'll chat later Swan. I can see you have your own shit to handle. I'll see what I can do about Leah on my own." Whatever that entails sobers Sam up, turning the smile that was on his face a moment ago into a deep, worried frown.

Before I can speak, intrigued by what Sam came in to tell me, or ask of me, he leaves the computer lab too.

I sigh heavily, releasing the last dregs of anger still humming under my skin, and print off my essay.