The Twilight Series belongs to S. Meyer, no copyright infringement is intended. I'm just playing with the characters.
Chapter 36
Inside Out
To say she was shocked and speechless by Edward's declaration would be the understatement of the year. His words and the conviction resonated throughout the room—and she wasn't the only one affected.
He was only making her decision so much harder. All the worries she had about whether they could have a future together were rapidly flying out the window. It seemed possible to have her cake and eat it too, but was it what she really wanted?
Amelia broke through the silence, her small voice piping up, "Bumpa, Leah and Edward can marry and have babies just like Auntie Bella and Sam."
Everyone laughed nervously, albeit two of them had chuckles which were much softer and less hearty than the others. Leah was the only one who noticed and she darted a glance to her brother and Angela. He looked a little green and it was the first time she saw how Angela glowed.
She debated on calling her brother out on it but in the end she decided against it. It was their news to share. After dinner they moved back outside and Charlie started a fire. The conversation focused on safe topics though she still felt the scrutiny of Sam's gaze and occasionally Paul's.
If she had ever wondered what it felt like to be a bug under a microscope—she was getting the experience now. She was quickly learning to ignore it as she snuggled further into Edward's arms.
Just as it began to get dark, she glimpsed a tall figure pushing someone in a wheelchair. As the pair came closer, she realized it was Jacob bringing Billy over. The Clearwaters and Blacks were nearly next door neighbors. Only the woods and a few houses separated them. It was probably the very reason their two families had been close.
This had changed shortly after Harry died. While both Harry's friends stepped in to support his widow. Leah remembered hearing from Bella that Charlie and Billy's relationship became strained when Sue and Charlie found more in common than just Harry.
"Hey, Billy," Charlie greeted. "Jacob," he replied his voice cold and disdainful. At least some things were consistent; Charlie's dislike of Jacob.
Seth trotted over to the pair and remarked, "Hey, Billy." In the dark she couldn't see the look her brother gave Jacob nor hear the words he whispered to him but Jacob was quick to tell his father goodbye and quickly turn to leave in the direction he had come from.
Seth pushed Billy over to the group while they reorganized the chairs to make room. Once again, introductions were done. Both Leah and Seth bringing their respective partners over to Billy and introducing them to their tribe's chief. These days the title of chief was more of a honor versus an actual role; though Billy along with several other elected members were part of the tribal council which helped to make decisions regarding the reservation, federal funds granted to the tribe, and other various things.
It had been forever since she had heard them but after they exhausted talking about what everyone was up to, Sam and Bella's wedding, and the gossip around La Push and Forks—Billy offered to tell some of the legends. The very same legends Bella had used as a basis for her book. Amelia excitedly clapped her hands and ran over to Billy, clambering onto his lap before any of them could blink.
"Please, Billy, tell the story about the wolves."
The sound of Billy's voice brought the legends of their tribe to life. She closed her eyes while she listened; her fingers twining with Edward's. She could envision herself as a maiden of the tribe or perhaps even a spirit warrior finding her family, friends, and tribe surrounded by an evil that threatened their very existence.
Maybe she should suggest Bella write another book but this time focusing on the spirit warriors. Or just a female warrior and the struggles she had to find peace and blessings with being the only one of her kind. It was an intriguing idea.