26. Message
I hopefully lifted my window once again. The pouring rain could be heard more clearly as I
stared at the empty space, hoping that it would be filled by Leah. Was I really so pathetic that I
would spend my Sunday night waiting on a girl who would never show? After a while of waiting, I
decided to give up. The open window was making my room chilly. I put on my pajamas, which was
just a pair of shorts, and decided to go to bed. I had just dozed off when I was jostled awake by a
warm hand on my shoulder. I must've still been dreaming, because I was awakened by the most
gorgeous thing that I've ever seen. I realized that it wasn't a dream when Leah began snickering at
my reaction. "How did you get in here?" I asked sleepily as I rose up and sat on the side of the bed.
"The back door was unlocked. You really should check it before you go to bed. I caught an odd scent
in the woods around there a few weeks back. It almost smelled like a wolf, but it was different. I've
never smelled an animal like it." She said with a confused look.
"As long as the animal can't open doors we should be fine." I assured her. I was embarrassed by the
sudden realization that I wasn't wearing a shirt.
"I'm glad to see that you're still working out. You've made a lot of progress since this summer. If you
weren't so pale, you could probably pass for a member of the pack." She teased as I rummaged
through my dresser for a shirt.
"Did you just come here to tease me about my paleness, or was their something else?"
"I actually came to apologize."
"I should be the one apologizing. I said some things and jumped to some conclusions that I shouldn't
have. I had no right to say what I said."
"No, you were right... You absolutely terrify me. You've resurrected some feelings that I haven't had in a
long time. I'm afraid that you're going to suddenly leave one day. Our friendship has healed a lot of
wounds for me. The bitterness goes away when I'm around you, but it's been creeping back in ever
since we stopped talking. I've spent every night since then patrolling the woods by your house. I keep
trying to tell myself that I've been doing it to watch out for you, but I just spend most of the time trying
not to give in and come see you. I can't stay away from you anymore." She choked out.
"Then don't stay away. I've hated every second that you've been gone. I've spent every night wishing
that you would just appear through that window."
"Let's agree not to do that to each other again. I would love to still be friends with you and hang out.
Can you ever forgive me?" She pleaded.
"I've already forgiven you. Could you find it in your heart to forgive me?"
"You're forgiven, but I think that you owe me a game of one on one soon. I've been seeing a lot about
Forks' star basketball player."
"I don't know about all of that, but I think I can definitely beat you in a game sometime."
"Don't get delusional. We both still know that I'm the best."
"I guess we'll just have to find out."
"Well, I guess I better go so you can get some sleep for school tomorrow."
"Maybe we can play that game next weekend." I said as I gave her a goodbye hug.
"Make it Saturday morning. Loser buys lunch." She bargained.
"I guess you'll be buying me lunch then."
She gave me a smirk as she headed towards the window. "Wait! Why don't you just use the door?" I
questioned.
"It's more fun this way. I'm serious about locking that door. I haven't smelled that scent since that one
night, but something about it didn't set right with me." She urged as she leaped out the second story
window. I watched her as she floated effortlessly to the ground. I didn't even hear the sound when
she landed.
Sudden realization hit me as I was laying in my bed. I was thrilled that I had mended my friendship
with Leah, but I still had a tough decision to make. Hayley, Candace, and Carley would be expecting
an answer from me tomorrow. I tossed and turned into the late hours of the night while going
through my options. I hashed out the benefits of each choice. I decided to pray about my decision.
After praying, I went through each name in my head until I found the one that I felt peace with.
When I whispered her name aloud, it was as if everything had suddenly clicked. It was like I had
found the key to unlocking the door to the correct decision. I pulled out my phone and sent her a
message. I hope that this doesn't wake you. I have something important that I need to tell you. I
think that you already know what it's about. I'm skipping school tomorrow if you want to meet me on
First Beach in the morning. If not, then we can meet tomorrow evening.
I pressed the send button and sealed my decision. There was no turning back now. I was surprised
when I got a response back.
I meet yu first thin morning.
She must've been half asleep when she sent it, but I understood it nonetheless. I would see her first
thing in the morning. I just hope that my decision doesn't damage any friendships.