Disclaimer: The Characters and all recognisable situations belong to Stephenie Meyer. This is a work of fan fiction and no copyright infringement is intended.
An; Possible tissue alert!
Chapter 20
Sadie's POV
Walking across the reservation with Paul to Billy's house, I should have been taking in the beauty of the grounds. The lush green grass, the ancient tribe symbols painted delicately on the tribal centre walls, the intricately carved sculptures, the old weathered totem pole that stood tall and proud, however, all I can really notice is that every person we pass, pauses momentarily to gawp when they observe us hand in hand.
It's starting to make me feel self conscious, is it because I'm white? because I'm with Paul? or because of some other unknown reason, whatever it is I wish they'd just stop staring at us.
Sensing my discomfort Paul gently squeezes my hand and gives a shrug of his large shoulders before leading us up the driveway towards Billy's small red house where I can see Billy, Sue and an elderly man who's also in a wheelchair waiting for us.
"Sadie, sweetie, I'm so very sorry about your dad" Sue acknowledges, wrapping her arms around me into a hug.
"Thanks Sue. Hey Billy, Sir," I nod at the elderly man who smiles back.
"Babe, I'd like you to meet Quil senior, one of the elders and Quil's grandfather"
"Nice to finally meet you Sadie. Please accept my condolences about your father"
"Thank you" I reply, shaking his hand before sitting down in the chair next to Paul.
"We have everything in hand for your father's ceremony tomorrow Sadie, are you okay to talk about this now?" Billy asks with a small smile.
I nod in answer and he explains all the details. Myself, Paul and the pack will start the spreading of the ashes route from the tribe's burial ground at 4pm and will eventually end at the forest by Paul's house where every one else will be waiting. Billy and old Quil will say a few words and from there we will progress to a bonfire on the beach.
"That alright with you babe?" Paul whispers softly in my ear, rubbing my back in circular movements.
"Yes, it sounds great, thank you" I croak, coughing to clear my throat, determind not to cry from their kindness.
"Carlisle is still coming if that's okay?" Billy asks, "I've told him of the arrangements"
"Yes, that's fine. He done a lot for us at the hospital" I reply quietly.
We're soon joined by Jake, Quil and his mother Joy and we sit chatting about nothing in particular, laughing at Billy's bad jokes and eating the donut's that Joy brought along with her.
I'm laughing hard from one of Billy's stories when he stops mid sentence as a stream of howl's echo from deep within the forest. Immediately, Paul, Jake and Quil jump up, looking at each other in question.
Paul turns to face me, the conflict clear on his face. He wants to go with his pack but doesn't want to leave me so soon, so I make the decision for him.
"Go, go with your pack. I'll be fine here with the others" I order firmly.
He smiles with relief, kisses my forehead and starts running with the other two into the forest.
"Stay safe all of you," I shout out, knowing they can hear me.
"They'll be fine my dear, nothing for you to worry about" old Quil states, patting my thigh in reassurance as I wonder what's happening in the depth of the forest.
Paul's POV
Phasing as soon as our feet hit the forest floor our minds are immediately assaulted with images from Collin and Seth who are on patrol.
Four nomads have tried to cross through our territory but seeing the two huge wolves they've turned and fled with Collin and Seth giving chase. Being out numbered, Seth and Collin know unless we all work together they have no hope of destroying them.
Their soon joined by Leah who order's them not to attack until the rest of us reach them, knowing that even with her by their side, it's still a risk taking them on.
Jared, Sam, Alex, Embry, Brady and Alan race on ahead to try and cut them off and before long we have them surrounded with no way out.
"Now" Sam orders and we attack from all angle's. Surprisingly they don't put up much of a fight and as I rip one of the female's arm's off and continue ripping her to shred's, we all bemoan at the lack of a serious fight.
Seth phases back to human to get a fire going, where is Ryan when you really need him? I joke to Leah and we throw the body parts in, trying not to breathe in the fumes of the stench.
"Well done everyone" Sam and Jake both say at the same time, making us all laugh and easing the tension for the younger wolves.
"While we're this far out, break into pairs and give the perimeter one last patrol before we head back" Sam order's which we all do. An hour later and finding nothing to worry about we run home, howling in victory.
We go back to Sam and Emily's were we know she will have left clothes out for us. Phasing back, I quickly pull on the cut off's she's left and walk out the forest to their back yard where everyone else waits to hear what happened.
Noticing Sadie's not there, I look worriedly at Joy, who quickly answer's my unspoken question.
"She's fine Paul, she's wheeling Quil here, they have been getting on tremendously well" she giggles.
Ten minutes later and we all hear a sound we don't often hear much, old Quil laughing. We stop what we're doing to listen.
"Stop laughing QS, it's not funny you know" Sadie whines as old Quil laughs gravelly.
"Qs?" asks Quil, looking at his mom.
"Quil senior" she answers with a roll of the eyes to suggest we should of guessed that.
"Some friend your turning out to be" Sadie mutters harshly.
"You should be helping me think of excuses to get out of this, not laughing" she snaps as Quil, or Qs continues to chuckle.
"She means no harm Sadie, she's just being friendy, wanting you to connect with the women folk now she knows your with Paul" he snorts back.
Sadie sighs loudly, "Well, your not the one who has to go to basket weaving classes now are you?" she whines as we laugh, so that's what's going on, old Mrs Masters has cornered her into attending her weaving classes.
"So, tell me old man, why exactly should every good Quileute wife know how to weave a basket?"
Quil stops laughing to explain how the woven baskets can be weaved so tight that they can hold water and also be used to cook stews.
"In the last great flood of 1820, those baskets were used to carry precious supplies such as medications and the tribe's important papers. Most of the young girls are taught at a young age by their grandmother's how to weave" he states proudly as Sadie sighs theratically.
"Well, Qs, you know how much respect I have for your customs and beliefs, right? But I have to say that, should there ever be another great flood, then I want a jet ski or a speed boat, not a friggen woven basket" she yells as we erupt in laughter and I silently thank Taha Aki for giving me this girl, this great girl who can make even old Quil laugh.
Sadie's POV
Wheeling Qs to the back yard of Sam's house I stop suddenly when I see Paul stand from his chair to greet me.
He's wearing just cut off's and seeing his naked top half for the first time is a sight to behold, is that an eight pack? Oh shit, am I drooling?
"Someone needs to throw a bucket of cold water over me I think" I murmur, not taking my eyes of him as he walks towards me laughing, his eyes glittering in amusement.
"Hey babe, you okay?" he whispers, pulling me against him as Quil steps forward and pushes his grandfather the remainder of the way.
"Umm, er, what?" I ask, looking up at him with a dazed and dare I say, lustful expression.
"So, weaving classes then?" he points out, snapping me out of my haze.
"Yeah. I'll go to one of them, that's all she's getting out of me" I threaten with a grim expression as we walk back to the others who are watching us amusedly.
"So what happened in the forest?" I ask quietly as we sit on the grass.
"Four leeches, but we got em, no problemo" Alex hollers excitedly as he high fives Seth and Brady
Despite their obvious glee, I finally realize what being a wolf entails, fighting deadly vampires, putting their lives on the line to protect us all. I look Paul up and down looking for any sign of injuries. I've just lost my dad, I can't lose him too.
"I'm fine babe, absolutely fine" he reassures, pulling me back against him and wrapping his arms around my waist.
I catch Kim's eye and know by her small smile that she understands my unspoken concerns.
"You never get used to it but you have to have trust in their capabilities" she address's quietly. I nod and rub up and down Paul's arm to remind myself he's here with me, safe and uninjured.
For the next hour or so, we stay chatting with the others until Paul decides he wants to leave as he's hungry so we start the walk back to his with Leah, Jared and Kim.
"You guys want to come in for a beer or something?" Paul asks, looking at me to see if I mind which I don't.
"Sure" Jared agree's after a nod in agreement from Kim.
"Yeah, I'll give Ryan a call and tell him to meet us" Leah says with a yawn.
Once back at Paul's he hands out the beers, going to give me one and then snatching it back with a loud laugh.
"Oh I forgot your underage" he grumbles, "But more for us then"
"That's okay, I don't mind. I don't really like the taste much anyway" I exclaim with a snort.
Before long we're joined by Ryan and unanimously we decide to order pizza. While the guys stand on the back decking chatting with Ryan about the vampires they fought earlier, Leah asks if she can look through the pile of photographs that I'd brought to Paul's the day before.
Handing them over, her and Kim laugh at the photo's of myself when I was younger, putting the embarrassing one's aside to show Paul and the others who snort with laughter when they show them, although Paul informs me I was quite cute even with my two front teeth missing and my hair in pigtails.
"Sadie, can I borrow these photo's? I have an idea and I promise you'll get them back tomorrow" Kim asks quietly.
Puzzled but putting my trust in her, I agree and continue eating my pizza. Chatting with the others I try not to think about tomorrow, the day of my dad's funeral service.
Noticing Leah staring at me, I give her a quick smile to let her know I'm okay and settle back on Paul's lap, snuggling against him as he wraps his arms tight around me, keeping me warm and safe.
( The next day)
Sadie's POV
Trying not to wake Paul, I attempt to get out of bed without him realizing but his arm around my waist tightens into an iron grip hold and he tugs me back against him.
"Bathroom," I hiss sternly a few times and he finally releases me with a grunt as he rolls onto his back and promptly starts snoring.
Switching the shower jets on I step under and start washing my hair thinking about the day ahead, the day of scattering my dad's ashes and the bonfire ceremony.
I let the water wash away the tears that leak from my eyes, wishing I could run far away and not have to deal with it, pretend it's all a bad dream, just for one moment.
'Come on Sadie, you can do this, just remember the good stuff and celebrate his life' I tell myself over and over and over, forcing my lips into a small smile.
Grabbing my jeans and the tee that I'd left in a neat pile last night I quickly put them on and leave the bathroom to find Paul awake and dressed, standing by the bedroom window staring out.
He turns to face me, giving me a sympathetic smile as I cross the room to stand next to him. He moves back and pulls me in front of him and then wraps his arms around me as we both gaze out at the forest.
"It's gonna be a difficult day today I know," he whispers, "But I'll be with you every step of the way, every step"
Nodding, I rest back against him, letting his warmth seep through me.
"Do you want to go for a walk on the beach? We can do whatever you want to" he asks quietly, running his hands through my still wet hair.
"I'd like to stay in, I want to dry my hair and get ready, I dunno, I don't really know what I want to do" I babble nervously with a loud sigh.
"Well, we've got loads of time babe, lets go downstairs and I'll make us breakfast first" he suggests. When I nod in answer, he grips hold of my hand and leads us down the stairs into the kitchen.
Paul's POV
Watching her every move, I wish I could take all her pain away, take us some place where she didn't have to go through all this.
She nibbles at her toast before grimacing and pushing her plate towards me, indicating for me to finish it for her and instead sips her coffee. I don't push her to eat, knowing that her nerves are probably to blame, hell even I don't feel up to eating much and that's saying something.
For the next few hours she keeps herself busy. Drying her hair, making me bacon sandwiches, cleaning the already clean kitchen and eventually crawling on my lap and cuddling in against me with her eyes closed.
We stay huddled together in silence until it gets close to three pm and I realize that Leah and Ryan will be over soon. I nudge her gently and she snaps open her eyes with a frown.
"I'm sorry babe but we need to start getting ready" I coax softly.
Going upstairs, I have a quick shower and dress in jeans and a black tee while she dresses in the bedroom. Shouting out that she's decent, I return to find her in matching attire, staring out the window, just as we had done earlier.
I reach and hold her hand, squeezing gently and leading her, once again down the stairs into the living room. Sitting down, I pull her onto my lap again, stroking her hair in what I hope is a calming influence.
Too soon I smell Leah and Ryan's scent. Not wanting to move again just yet, I call out for them to let themselves in. She gives them a small smile, stands and excuses herself to use the bathroom.
"How's she doing?" Ryan asks with a grim look on his face as Leah watches her leave.
"She's quiet, seems understandably nervous" I reply with a frown.
Once she's back, she looks at us all watching her every move and smiles shyly.
"I'm okay, just sad but I'll be fine, don't worry" she confesses quietly as I wrap my arm around her waist.
"I've been thinking of something" she reveals, "I thought that we could run, holding the urn, kinda like my dad's last run through the forest and then when we get back here, perhaps Dr Cullen would scale to the top of one of the tree's and release the ashes. That way whenever I look out it will be as if he's there somehow. What do you think, does that sound stupid?"
"Sounds like a great idea, you do what you feel is best" Leah replies sombrely.
"And I'm sure the doc won't mind climbing, he's not that old" Ryan pipes up, making her giggle.
As we start walking to our burial ground with Leah carrying the urn, Sadie squeezes my hand when I tighten my grip.
"Would you carry the urn when we run Paul. I'm worried I'll trip over or something and I'd like you to do it for me" she whispers.
"Course I will babe, I'll be honoured" I whisper back, bringing our hands up to kiss her palm.
At the burial ground, she nods and gives a small smile to everyone waiting. She'd asked everyone to dress casual, saying her dad wouldn't of wanted a fuss made and everyone apart from Carlisle who is in his usual formal attire is dressed in comfy clothing. I try and remember to thank Billy and the elders later for allowing Carlisle onto our burial ground, I know it's a one off special allowance they've made for Sadie's sake.
Carlisle comes over to greet her and again offer his sympathy. She asks him if he'd be willing to scale one of the tree's by our house when we get there and shake the ashes out over the forest and immediately he agrees with a proud smile.
Jake walks over and gently pulls Sadie against him for a hug. I do my best not to growl, biting my tongue to stop myself.
"I know my dad is going to say some words when we get to Paul's house, sorry, your house," he corrects when I give him a look, "But I'd like to take a moment to say a few words here on our burial ground if that's alright with you"
Sadie looks perplexed but nods as Jake gently lifts the urn out of Leah's hands and places it on the ground on the Quileute tribe symbol.
The pack and Carlisle, turn to stand in a circle around the urn, everyone bow's their heads as Jake starts to speak.
"I give you this one thought to keep
I am with you still - I do not sleep
I am a thousand winds that blow
I am the diamond glints on the snow
I am the sunlight on ripened grain
I am the gentle autumn rain
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the sweet uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight
I am the soft stars that shine at night
Do not think of me as gone - I am with you still in each new dawn"
He pauses before once again speaking in his calm manner.
"I call upon our ancestors and past loved one's to watch over Sadie on her father's behalf. She is one of us, joined with Paul, part of our pack and tribe. Honour her as such and let her father's spirit roam amongst us, keep his daughter safe and love her as you do us"
We remain silent for a moment longer and I once again squeeze Sadie's hand in support before Jake speaks once more.
"Okay everyone. Let's start running and remember it's at Sadie's pace, follow her"
Everyone turns to face Sadie who's eyes have welled up but she straightens herself up to her full height, sighs and then gives us all a small smile. Jake hands me the urn which I hold tight against me while I keep my other hand tight in Sadie's and then we start running.
Sadie keeps to a light jog at first and then speeds up, following the trial she memorised earlier. Alex starts humming an old Quileute prayer and before long, everyone apart from Carlisle and Sadie who don't know the words have joined in.
I look at her and she has tears streaming down her face but catching my gaze she smiles quickly, grips my hand tighter and quickens her pace.
It's not long before we approach the part of the forest backing onto our house and she slows her pace to a light jog as she see's the others waiting. Coming to a stop, she walks the remaining way, getting her breath back and wiping the tears from her face.
Sue walks forward and hands her a bottle of water, giving her a mothering look to insist she drinks it and Sadie takes a long swig to satisfy her. Looking at the elders and imprints who are here in support of her I smile and nod, proud of them all, proud of my extended family.
I hand the urn over to Carlisle who immediately scales one of large fir tree's in seconds with us all looking up at him. He opens the lid of the urn and shakes the ashes out, letting the wind blow them around the forest as Billy starts speaking.
"O great spirits
We ask for your blessings on this ceremony
And honouring of Scott, this child's father
Immerse his soul in the shining light of unity
Lead him to his higher spiritual path
And show him the way home"
Old Quil takes over the prayers, his voice deep.
"Oh great spirits of the Indian people
Hear my words, for they are words that come
From the heart, soul and mind
Oh great spirit, be my mind
Be my eyes, be my ears, be my heart
Be my soul so that I may walk with dignity and pride
Oh great spirit of the Indian people
Know of me
Oh great spirit of the Indian people
Hear my words for they are for you
They are of you, you are my way of life
In the circle of life"
Once again, everyone bows their heads in a moment of silence. Sadie lets go of my hand and instead turns herself and throws herself against me, burying her head against my chest, sobbing quietly as I wrap my arms around her, whispering that it's okay, it's all going to be okay.
After a moment, she calms herself down, wiping her eyes with a tissue that Leah hands her and looks up at the tree's, a slight smile on her face.
One by one, everyone comes up and gives her a quick hug, whispering words of condolence and telling her how proud her dad would be. She hugs them all back and thanks everyone for coming, even laughing that half of us are only here for the food we'll get at the bonfire.
As we start walking towards the beach where the rest of the pack have already built the bonfire, Ryan, Sam, Jared and Quil run on ahead, Ryan to light the fire and the others to start laying out the logs for seating and to lay the table's with the food that the imprints had stashed away earlier.
"You done great Sadie, you doing okay?" Leah asks, slipping her arm through Sadie's other arm so that she has both of us to support her.
"Yeah I'm okay" Sadie sniffles, squeezing my hand.
Leading her onto the beach, she comes to a halt with a look of amazement on her face when she see's a large stand that Kim has placed by the food which has pictures of Sadie and Scott from over the years. Grinning, she spins around and hugs Kim.
"So that's why you wanted the photo's. God Kim, that's great, thank you so much" she squeaks, pulling me over to look as some of the others come to look as well, joking with her about her past fashion sense.
Gathering around the fire, Sadie stands in front of me and speaks up to everyone.
"I just want to thank you all for coming and supporting me, it really does mean a lot. This is the celebration side of it all, so, have some fun, listen to some Elvis and, once again, thank you all for everything you've done, helping Paul cover his patrols and being here for us both, thank you"
With that, Seth starts his mp3 player up and Sadie laughs when 'Hound Dog' comes on. Leading her over to one of the logs, I sit down, pulling her onto my lap and she cuddles against me.
"You okay?" I whisper in her ear, gripping her tighter.
"Yeah I am," she whispers back, "It went well don't you think?"
"Yeah it did, you were great babe. Leah's right, your dad would be so proud of you, I know I am"
"Your were great as well. I really don't think I'd of got through any of this without you by my side, thank you" she replies, leaning up and kissing my neck softly before snuggling back against me as I play with her hair.
For the rest of the evening we mingle with the others and she tells us funny stories about her dad. She joins in with the other imprints as they dance wildly to 'Jailhouse Rock', making us all laugh when she drags a blushing like crazy Charlie up to dance with them.
When 'Can't help falling in love' comes on, everyone pairs up to slow dance.
I pick her up, holding her tight as she wraps her arms around me with her head in the crook of my neck. As she hugs me tight, I can't help but whisper the words to her.
"I can't help falling in love with you"
AN: Ah, so there you go. Please let me know what you think as I struggled with this chapter!
From now on, old Quil will be referred to as 'Qs'!