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** Essie, Abby, Seth, and Embry's a few other's outfits for this Chapter is up on my profile under Sunday Dinner **
Chapter Fourteen: The Big Surprise…
Essie POV
When I lived with Diane, I constantly felt unsafe. A peaceful night's sleep didn't come easily. The neighborhoods Abby and I stayed in were flooded with crime, and it always took the cops an extended period of time to show up, if they were even called after a crime took place. Sleeping in Embry's strong massive arms was totally different. When I was with him, I felt like nothing bad could ever touch me.
"Wakey, wakey sissy." I could feel Abby's index finger playfully tapping my nose. It's something she's always done and something I've always found a little annoying.
"No," I exhaustedly groaned. "Five more minutes." I squeezed my eyes tighter, hoping I could fall back into the best rest I'd ever had.
Speaking of Embry's strong massive arms, where the hell were they? I snapped my eyes open, only to find my sister's beautiful face smiling back at me from Embry's spot. She unfolded a piece of paper and began reading it to herself.
"What's that?" I gestured at the note.
"A letter Embry left for you on the nightstand," Abby replied nonchalantly, as she continued reading.
"Nosey!" I admonished, snatching the letter from her. I wanted to read it for myself.
Hey Beautiful,
You looked so peaceful sleeping that I just couldn't bring myself to wake you. I did steal a kiss or two. I have a few things I need to take care of before Sunday dinner. I'll be counting down the minutes until I have you in my arms again.
Miss You Already,
Embry
I smiled to myself as I sat up. Scanning the room, I finally noticed Embry's mom smiling at me happily, sitting on the edge of the bed while Leah and Bree remained standing.
"What's going on?" I eyed them all suspiciously.
"Embry and Seth have a surprise for us!" Abby all but squealed as she hopped off the bed. "They're bringing it to Sunday dinner."
"Okay…" I replied uncertainly. I wasn't really too big on surprises. The unknown freaked me out.
"We're going shopping in Port Angeles. Seth and Embry want you two to look your best." Tiffany replied, as she grinned at me. "Embry said you two worked things out last night?" I nodded once, unable to prevent a grin from spreading across my face. "That's wonderful!" Embry's mom extended her hand towards mine and squeezed it gently before rising.
"We're gonna stop and get some lunch, too," Bree added. I stared at Collin's imprint curiously. I could understand why Leah was here; she and I got along. I lived with Tiff, and she was Embry's mom. But, why Bree? I mean, she seemed cool enough, but I was sure she would much rather be doing something else with her free time.
Bree must've realized what I was wondering, as she pivoted her weight on one foot nervously and then cleared her throat. "Embry and Seth want you and Abby to get to know all of us girls. We only really have each other to truly be ourselves with. They figured I should to be the one to hang out with you two first, considering the fact that we sort of grew up in similar shitty situations." Ain't that the truth.
Last night, Embry told me about Bree's life before she met Riley and the pack. I already knew just based on how she reacted to what I told everyone—that she had been through some pretty messed up stuff herself.
"Sounds like a plan." I smiled at her. Bree relaxed instantly.
"Can we eat first?" Leah finally griped, putting one hand on her hip. "I'm starving," she groaned. "I can't believe Seth didn't wake me up for breakfast."
"Lunch?" I repeated. How late had I slept in?
"Yeah, it's already almost eleven," Embry's mom replied. "I brought you some of your clothes from my place." She pointed to a small overnight bag sitting on the sofa. "Get showered and dressed. We'll be downstairs."
About an hour later, we were all loaded in Bree's Ford Escape. We decided to stop somewhere and eat first. Apparently, wolves were in better moods on full stomachs and since Leah could already be a little moody, we figured that feeding her was imperative.
Once we got to Port Angeles, we stopped at a place called Kokopelli Bar and Grille because Abby really wanted seafood, and Leah said their food was pretty good. I sat next to Leah, while Abby, Bree and Tiff sat across from us. Our waiter, Hector, was totally smitten with Leah from the moment she sat down. I think he fell in love when she ordered.
"Let me get the crab cakes to start off, and your soup of the day. I really don't care what it is," she flipped through the menu quickly, "and I'll have Pasta La Casa, followed by the Kokopelli cheeseburger, extra pickles with everything on it and…" she handed Hector back the menu, "a diet coke to drink." Followed by a wink.
"I love a woman who isn't afraid to eat real food," Hector commented as he took the menu. I couldn't help but laugh; poor Hector just couldn't take his eyes off Leah—until Tiff cleared her throat.
"I'll just have the house salad and water," she grinned at him.
"The crab cakes actually sound really good, Leah." Abby stared at her menu. "I'll have that and a Pepsi."
"Fish and chips with a water," Bree remarked. "No ice."
"And I'll have the Santa Fe Grilled Chicken Salad," I finally ordered, "with a coke."
"Well, I will be back soon with your drinks and your crab cakes." Hector gave Leah one more admiring gaze before walking away.
"Damn, Leah," I laughed, "you should put that guy out of his misery and give him your number."
"Yeah, he was so cute; he reminds me of Diego." Bree took a quick glance at Hector, who was getting our drinks together some distance away. "But in a totally more macho and straight sort of way," she added, making our whole table laugh, minus Leah. She appeared a little uncomfortable and perhaps even mad, which made us stop laughing.
"He's cute and all," Leah said as she played with her napkin, taking a look at Hector, who grinned at her before getting back to work. "But what's the point? He's not my imprint," she muttered dejectedly. I hadn't thought about that before. Why would Leah even want to date if there was a chance that she could do to someone what Sam had done to her? That must totally suck.
"Do you even want to imprint? Because I was under the impression that you weren't too excited about the idea," I asked, just as Hector returned with our drinks, along with Abby and Leah's crab cakes.
"The rest of your food should be out shortly. If you ladies need anything else, don't hesitate to let me know." Once again, Hector was only looking at Leah.
"We sure will," Tiff cut in with a smile. Once Hector was gone, we picked back up where we left off.
"I don't mind imprinting. I just don't want it to be a stranger," Leah finally answered. "No offense to you chicks," she added, looking at Bree, Abby, and me. "It's just," she sighed heavily, "I want to," She shut her eyes briefly, "no," Leah shook her head, "I need to have known them first."
"Why?" Abby asked. "What's the difference between them being some next door neighbor you knew all your life, versus some random stranger you bump into on the sidewalk? It's an imprint. Period."
"Everything," Leah declared. "I have to know if I felt something for that person beforehand," she explained. "Jared had classes with Kim for years. Years!" she repeated. "And he never so much as even looked in her direction, but then he phases and now suddenly, the sun sets and rises on her ass." A small snarl escaped her mouth as she stabbed her crab cake.
"Leah," Bree uttered as our she-wolf glanced up from her plate, "from what Collin told me, Jared never noticed any girls. He was always more focused on wood shop, sports, and other shit. Had it not been for all of those distractions, I think he would have noticed Kim early on. I mean, Paul used to always think Rachel was so beautiful before the imprint even took place."
"That's right," Tiff agreed, "And don't even get us started on Bella and Jake." Both Bree and Embry's mom groaned playfully. Abby and I laughed. "I remember as a child how he followed Bella everywhere. They were so perfect for one another, even back then. He was so devastated when Charlie and Rene divorced and he found out that Bella was leaving." She shook her head and frowned just as Hector returned with our food. Everything looked so good as he handed each of us our plates, paying particular attention to Leah, still. We immediately dug in.
"Hey, Leah?" She lifted her head from her plate to look at me. "Why do you like me?" Seth's sister tilted her head and raised one brow at me. "It's just from what Embry told me; you don't warm up to folks easily."
"That's an understatement," Bree smirked. "She downright hates everyone in the beginning."
"So what makes us so different?" I nodded towards my sister, Abby.
"It's the imprint bond," Tiffany said out loud. All three of us stared at her in confusion.
"I haven't imprinted, Essie!" Leah whispered loudly. "I mean, you're cute and all chick, and if I was a lesbian you'd so be my type, but don't let the whole tomboy look fool you: I like penis, thank you very much!" She was a little louder this time, and a group of younger guys a table or two across from us began chuckling. "What the hell are ya'll laughing at?" She demanded, glaring at them. The guys immediately stopped and went back to eating their food. After a few minutes, Leah leaned forward. "What the heck are you going on about, Tiff, with this imprint bond?"
"I'm talking about Seth and Abby," Embry's mom explained. Just at hearing his name, my sister's cheeks blushed ridiculously and her smile widened.
"What does that have to do with me?" Leah asked, looking over at Abby for a moment and then back at Tiff.
"Just hear me out. Bree and Riley are siblings. Who is Riley closest to out of all the pack members?"
"Collin," Leah replied.
"That's right," she agreed. "Rachel adores Diego. Paul and Diego are very close. Paul and Jake have an awesome bond as well. It's come to my attention that imprinting doesn't just effect the imprinter and imprintee, it effects everyone else who is close to the imprinter and imprintee." Imprinting was that strong? "In Quileute pack history, there have never been sibling shifters. Now we have two. You and Seth. Embry and Sam."
"There weren't any girls, either." Leah growled, taking a bite of her food.
"You were already so close to your brother before the two of you phased, and even closer afterwards." Leah stopped eating and finally looked up at Tiffany. "Leah, you took to Abby because she was with Seth. I believe Seth and Essie will become close as well because she's Abby sister. Just like I believe Sam will be very close to Essie, since Embry is his brother. You became friends so easily with Abby and Essie because of Seth."
Leah leaned back in her seat. It appeared that she was allowing Tiffany's words to sink in as the thoughtful expression on her face shined through. "You feel that bond, too, don't you, Leah?"
"I'll admit," Leah took a long sigh, "that I do feel more protective of Abby." She stared at my sister, and then shifted her eyes towards me, "But I feel protective of you, too. I guess it all makes sense." Leah finally turned her focus back to Tiffany. "Have you talked to the Council about this?"
"Yes, it's actually what we were discussing when Opal Shadow stormed into our council meeting with her parents yesterday." Tiffany answered as my little sister exhaled loudly, placing her fork on the table.
Her face was filled with remorse. "I can't believe I broke her nose."
"It's alright, Abby," Embry's mom comforted my sister by gently rubbing her back. "Although I don't condone violence, I understand that sometimes a person's anger can get the best of them." No doubt that she must have been referring to the whole Joshua/Embry incident. "You're a good person, Abby. Always remember that."
A small smile spread across my sister's face, and suddenly I found myself wishing that Diane could have been more like Tiffany. Nurturing, caring. Life would have been so different for us. "Alright, ladies; let's finish eating so we can get shopping."
Bree was pretty cool. She didn't talk much; she was a better listener, which was fine, since Abby was like a radio: she never stopped. But when Bree did speak, she gave great fashion advice, and could sniff out a deal like a bloodhound tracks a deer. She found the perfect navy blue flared skirt for Abby. It was under twelve bucks. Although Tiffany was funding this whole thing, I still didn't want her spending a ridiculous amount of money on us.
We split up to find shoes. Abby went with Bree, while Tiff, Leah, and I stayed with each other.
After finding the perfect outfits, Abby, Tiffany, and I headed back to her place. I found out that Claire, Kim, Abby, and I were hanging out tomorrow, which I was pretty excited about. Claire was ready to beat the shit outta Opal and didn't even know us that well. I had a feeling we would get along great with her. Kim seemed somewhat shy, but I knew Abby could break her out of her shell.
Leah was going to get ready at her house, so we were going to pick her up on the way to Joshua's. Time slipped by quickly and before we realized it, it was time to head over there. Even though Embry and his dad weren't on the best of terms, I was really nervous about meeting Embry's dad, because I was worried he wouldn't like me.
"You have nothing to worry about, Essie," Tiffany assured me as we got in the car. "Believe it or not, he already loves you." I hope so, I thought to myself, I really hope so.
When Leah emerged for her house I was completely floored by how great she looked. Donning a pair of dark skinny jeans, she really showed off her curves...curves I didn't know existed.
"Wow, Leah!" I exclaimed, followed by a whistle. "You look amazing!"
"Thanks, Embry and Seth said we had to look our best tonight," she mumbled, stepping down her front porch. "And usually, I would've just told him to kiss my ass, but since it's for you guys, I figured why the hell not?"
"Do you have any idea what this surprise is?" Abby asked her.
"I don't, actually. They thought I would blab if I was in the know...Assholes." Leah rolled her eyes. Fair enough. This better be worth all the mystery.
Embry POV
After talking to Rick, I found my suspicions were true—Diane didn't want a relationship with her son because she couldn't 'love a person who looked so much like the person she hated.' Her exact words, not mine.
Hearing some shit like that, from your birth mother, must've really hurt. To my surprise, Rick told me that he knew who his biological father was at age thirteen after overhearing a conversation between his adoptive parents and grandparents. He was devastated, but he held some hope that Diane would accept him. Apparently not. Compared to Aden West, Joshua Uley was a saint. I realized, after hanging up with Rick, that my dad wasn't so bad after all.
I called an emergency pack meeting at my house, but I decided to let Leah sleep in, The last time Collin woke her up, he ended up with a dislocated shoulder.
"Talk about getting the short end of the fucked up stick." Jake shook his head. The rest of my pack brothers murmured in agreement.
"Giving Rick up for adoption was probably the only smart shit Diane ever did," Paul added, breathing heavy.
"But considering what this man went through, he came out on top. Stanford University is a pretty highly ranked school," Jared replied.
"I couldn't agree with you guys more. Rick's grandparents are in Lake Travis right now, celebrating their forty-fifth anniversary, but Rick is certain that as soon as they hear the news about Abby and Essie being here, they'll be on the next flight back to Forks," I told the guys.
"Apparently, Diane had been calling her parents once a month for years. She had been able to convince them that she was sober this entire time," Seth explained. "But we all know the truth now."
"Bree, Leah, and Tiff are going to keep Abby and Essie busy while we get everything set up at Josh's house," I added. "I want everybody looking their best; this is a big deal, guys."
"You can count on us, Em," Jake assured me.
XoXoXoXoXoXoX
"Embry, if you don't get the hell outta this kitchen, I swear I'm gonna have Paul kick your ass!" Rachel snipped at me. "Bella, Emily, and I have everything under control."
"Why does Jake get to stay?" I complained, trying to sneak a peek under one of the many pots on the stove. Bella smacked my hand with a wooden spoon.
"Because he doesn't hover," Bella nodded towards her fiancé, who was standing as far away as possible from us. He shrugged once and took a swig of his soda.
"Why don't you go play pool with the rest of the guys, or help Sue and Kim set the table," Emily suggested, pushing me out of the kitchen, only to be met by my dad.
"Hey, I was just about to step outside and have a quick smoke, wanna join me?" I was just about to make up some lame excuse about helping Sue and Kim set the table when I heard Essie's voice in my head. Your dad came back. She was right. He did. And I told her I would try.
"Let's hurry, before mom gets here. She hates it when you smoke." I watched my dad blink in surprise. This was the first time I really agreed to hang out with him on my own.
"Yeah, you're right." He chuckled. "She hates the smell." Once we made it outside, Josh pulled out a loose cigar and lit it. Even while wearing long sleeves, I could still see some of the damage from my attack on his right hand. I felt a little guilty that he had forgiven me and I had never even apologized. I guess the best way to start the healing process was to make amends.
"Josh, I want to thank you for everything you done in helping us find Ricky." I hoped my sincerity came through. "And I also want to thank you for what you did for Abby, paying Opal's hospital expenses and all."
"It's the least I could do son, those two girls have already been through some pretty tough times, they deserve to have people looking after them now." Josh smiled and gave me a quick smack on my back, before taking a drag of his cigar and blew it out before looking over at me. Now here comes the even harder part.
"That night, I lost it..."
"Embry, I haven't been with your mother since that night." Josh began to speak. "We saw how much it upset you and we've only been friends." His voice cracked when he said 'friends.' Looking into my dad's eyes, I could see he was being sincere, but I could tell that it hurt him to not be with my mom. If I couldn't be with Essie the way I wanted, I didn't know what I'd do.
"That's not what this is about-well, sort of." I nervously rubbed the back of my neck before continuing. "I'm sorry." As the two words came out of my mouth, I felt a serious amount of weight lift off my shoulders.
"I'm sorry I hurt you that night. If I could take it back, I would." My dad's eyes grew misty for a moment, but he quickly blinked his eyes, preventing any tears from falling. "Being around Essie and talking to Rick, I realize I'm lucky to have you back in my life. I want to try to have a real relationship with you." I extended my hand towards his, and he took it without a second thought, giving it a sturdy shake.
"Nothing would make me happier." My dad grinned at me. Hugs? I wasn't ready for that yet.
"Now, about mom," I took a deep breath. "I know you still love her."
"I never stopped," he uttered.
"I know," I replied. "I know she still loves you, and I know the reason why you're not together-together is because of me." I took a long, deep breath as I allowed the next to sentence to flow out easily. "What I'm trying to say is that I'm okay with it now." My dad blinked a few times as he stared at me, totally shocked. A big grin spread across my face.
"Are you sure?" My dad looked at me carefully.
"Yes, just keep the PDA to a minimum." Nobody wants to see their parents getting frisky. "And please, get a room and lock the door, will ya?" I don't need another repeat. No kid should know what his dad's junk looks like! I cringed at the memory.
My dad laughed nervously. "No problem." In the distance, I could hear my mom's car approaching.
"Mom's on her way." I gestured towards my dad's cigar. "You might want to toss that." He did and I heard my dad's front door open. It was Seth. Neither one of us could stop ourselves from jogging to my mom's car as she pulled up. My dad came strolling behind us, making his way to my mom's side. Essie and Abby were in the back, while Leah sat in front.
Finally! I was going insane not seeing her all day. As I opened her door, I couldn't stop myself from doing a full body scan. Damn! She looked good. She was wearing a black and pink striped skirt, a skin-tight black long sleeved shirt, leggings, and high heels. "Wow, you look amazing."
"Thanks," she giggled, stepping out of the car. I didn't miss her checking me out. "You clean up real nice, too," she added as I leaned in to kiss her.
"I've been missing you all day." I whispered in her ear and felt a shiver travel down her spine. Seems like she missed me, too. I liked that.
Leah huffed as she got out of the car and I couldn't help but do a double take. I hadn't seen Leah look this nice since before she started phasing. "Dang, Leah, you look...like a girl!"
"Thanks," she growled, "considering the fact that I do have a vagina."
"He just means you look pretty, sis," Seth came to my defense as he walked around, holding Abby's hand.
"Whatever," Leah shrugged indifferently, trying not to smile.
"And you look very nice, too, Abby," I told Essie's little sister.
"Thanks, Embry," she smiled back.
"Josh, I would like for you to meet Essie." I noticed a wave of nervousness dance across her face, as my dad walked over to us.
"Don't worry," I whispered quickly kissing the side of her temple. Instead of shaking Essie hand, my dad pulled her into a hug.
"It's so great to finally meet you," my dad said pulling away. "My son has been waiting for you to show up." Essie's nervous demeanor disappeared, as she grinned at my father.
"It's nice to meet you too, sir."
"Please call me Josh, and the pleasure is all mine," he gestured towards himself and then focused his attention to Seth's imprint, "and you must be Abby." He hugged her as well.
"I can't thank you enough, for what you did for me, with the whole Opal situation." Abby's tone was heavy with gratitude.
"Don't mention it; we take care of our own."
"I'm realizing that more and more every day," Abby replied as she smiled at Seth.
"Should we go inside?" I looked down at my watch. Ricky would be here any second now. I gave my mom a quick hug before she headed inside with my dad. I'm sure they had a lot to talk about. I was feeling better and better about our little talk earlier. Who was I to deny them their happiness?
"Let's just wait for a second. Your 'surprise' should be here soon," Seth suggested.
"It's not a car, is it? Because I love my Toyota, Embry." Essie folded her arms across her chest. "And Abby can't drive."
"I'll teach you." I heard Seth whisper in his imprint's ear. Abby's eyes lit up as she smiled widely.
"No, it's better than that, and I would never replace your car unless you allowed me to," I assured her.
"Well, I'm going to head inside," Leah announced, turning around.
"Oh, Leah, please stay," Abby begged Seth's sister. She rolled her eyes once before giving in, just as this silver Acura RDX pulled up behind my mom's car. Slowly, the driver's side door swung open and Abby and Essie's 'surprise' stepped out.
Essie blinked her eyes several times, as if she couldn't believe what she was seeing. Her face paled, and her lips began to tremble. I watched her chest rise and fall dramatically.
"Oh my god!" Essie's hand flew to her mouth. Tears started spilling down her cheeks, as their brother slowly approached us. He looked just as emotional as his eyes moistened before us all.
"Ricky!" Abby squealed, running full speed towards her brother. He caught her effortlessly in his arms. "Where have you been?" She sobbed hysterically.
"I'm so sorry I left you guys. I wasn't sure if ya'll would want me, after finding out about everything," he whispered with raw emotion.
"We'll always want you, Ricky, you're our big brother," Abby cried. "Don't you ever leave us again!"
"I won't. I promise. Never again," Rick spoke with such conviction. I truly believed he meant every word.
Essie slowly tilted her head in my direction. "How did you...?" she choked, trying to get the words out.
"My dad hired-" I couldn't get the words out because Essie lips were suddenly on mine.
"Thank you!" she sobbed, before racing over to her brother, joining her sister in a group hug. I turned around to see Seth recording the whole thing on his phone, smiling all the while.
Leah was frozen in place. She didn't move, and she was breathing heavily.
I knew that look; I've seen it before. Gravity was shifting before her very eyes. Leah had imprinted on Rick.
"Lee?" I whipped around to see Ricky staring at my pack sister as if he had just seen a ghost.
"Richard?" She managed to finally say. What the fuck? They knew each other?
A/N: I guess Ricky's low profile in Forks wasn't so low after all, lol. There it is, Leah imprinted on Ricky, but who would've guessed they already knew each other pre-phase?
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