Author Note:

"Oh my god, Okay, it's happening! Everybody stay calm! Everybody stay calm! Stay fucking calm!" (A little Office quote for you guys). But seriously, this chapter is it. But don't expect things to be instantiations, it would be a pretty boring story if it was. Besides, I don't believe in love at first sight, and due to Lily's background, she definitely doesn't believe in it. I don't own Twilight, only Lily.

Also, sorry about the weirdness this week. I was messing around with things and ended up deleting chapter two. Therefore, I had to reupload it. Again my bad.

Daffodil

Lily POV

(October 31st, 2003)

"Lily, your cookies look fucking great. Come on in and put them over on the table. Everything is set up, we just have to wait for everyone." I heard Leah said as she opened the front door to let me in.

I quickly ran in. Hoping to avoid being stuck in the rain. Leah had decided to celebrate Halloween with a party this year. Thankfully her parents had decided to visit Leah's cousin at the Makah reservation and had taken Seth with them. Although I'm pretty sure that they had expected the party. It was also fortunate that they had gone up as it was pouring rain outside, which had made a beach party out of the question.

"You picked a great night for a party, Leah. Lighting, rolling thunder, and pouring rain make a perfect atmosphere." I said sarcastically while taking off fitted hip length olive green raincoat and slipping off my matching ankle rain boots.

Leah snorted. "I can't predict the weather. The meteorologist said it was only going to be light rain. He was the wrong one. Besides, it just means a smaller party."

"You're right. Besides, I'm not up with dealing with a bunch of people, especially after work." I was correct in my statement. Getting off a 12 hours shift, all I really wanted to do is go straight to bed, but since I had tomorrow off, I decided that it was okay for me to be here and have fun. I also wanted to spend time with Leah, we hadn't had much time together, but that was expected.

Work had been going great. I was continually feeling more assured with myself and my skills as a nurse. Every day I learned something new and had a multitude of new experiences that were making me a better person. The only downside was that I wasn't able to spend much time with Leah or my dad, but we still tried. Yet, I had found myself a new friend in Carlisle, he was incredibly smart and kind, I hoped that one day I would be as competent as him. There was one downside, he was slightly off, and I had yet to figure out why. Something about him never sat right in my stomach. There was a feeling of danger when I was around him, but due to his kind and considerate nature, I found myself shrugging it off. It was confounding. I also had learned a considerable amount about his family, and I could hear the love he held for his wife, it always made me smile when he would talk about her. I hoped that one day I would find someone who would smile just because he was mentioning me or sigh when he said my name.

"Is Sam coming tonight?" I probably shouldn't have brought it up, but I was genuinely curious.

"He said he was but who honestly knows, he'll probably flake like he's been doing lately. There's nothing in stone nowadays." She said with a seething tone. "He's always claiming to be busy, whether it's work or now some special job that the council has given him, which I'm pretty sure is a lie."

"Leah, he is probably telling the truth. He's never lied to you before, so why would he now?"

"No, he's lying, I can tell. Call it intuition if you want, but there's something in my gut that he's not telling me. Something tells me that he's cheating, I just can't prove it."

Hoping to appeases her, I turned to her and said, "A little trust can go a long way, honey, besides I'm sure that he'll eventually tell you if he is hiding something."

"I'm not satisfied with that, Lily. I want to know now," She replied, looking at me with a hard stare, as I was the one how had wronged her.

"So, who have you invited to the party?" Hoping to move the conversation to something lighter.

"Well, I definitely didn't invite that Luke Newton, I swear he gets creepier every day."

"Thank the heavens, I don't think I could deal with him all night. He's been asking me out every time he comes to the hospital, which is suspiciously a lot. Especially when I'm on duty."

"Think he's purposefully getting hurt to see you? If that's true, you need to tell your dad and get a restraining order. That's definitely on the line of being a stalker." Leah said as she straightens some of the fake cobwebs in the corner.

"I think he has to be more forward, and I'll need more evidence to get a restraining order, right now it's worrying, but I believe he's harmless. He'll find someone and forget about me." I replied as I sat down on the couch. "Still, if I feel it is going too far, I'll talk to my dad."

"If you're sure, Lily."

"I'm sure."

"Okay, then."

The door rings, and Leah went to open the door. The first few guests looked like they had been in a shower with the amount of rain that had soaked them. Soon after the first guest arrived, everyone else meandered in, and the party started. It was a typical high school type party. People were dancing to the music and some drinking the vodka laced fruit punch. I was on host duty with Leah, making sure everyone was having a good time.

It was about 30 minutes into the party when I heard a shout call out, "Oi, Lily." I walked over to where the voice came from and saw Leah talking with a tall, dark-skinned male. He was thin and lanky, more of a runner's body than a football or swimmer. I took note of what he was wearing, a red plaid button-up, and long light blue jeans. He had a well-defined jaw and cleft chin while also having a thin nose that I thought didn't fit well on his oval face. Taking a look at his eyes, they were almost a pure black onyx hidden behind thick-framed glasses. He had traditional long black hair that fell like curtains around his face. I didn't recognize him but knew it was probably one of Leah's friends or perhaps someone she worked with.

"You called your highness." I sarcastically snarked out.

"Lily, this is Isaac Reed, Isaac; this is Liliana Swan," Leah said as Isaac and I shook hands.

Leah smiled, obviously feeling proud of herself. "Isaac is a friend from high school, and I think you both have somethings in common."

I immediately knew where this set up was going and didn't appreciate it. This was not the first time Leah had tried to set me up with someone, and I have continually told her I was not interested in a relationship. I was happy focusing on work and just assumed it'll happen when it happens. I leaned into her ear.

"I know what you're doing, you horrible sneak. It's not going to work."

Leah edged closes and covered her mouth with her hand. "Just give him a chance, you never know he might be the one."

Isaac must have known we were talking about him because he puffed up his chest. Hoping it was a good sign that I had started whispering.

"Well, I'll leave you to it." Leah rushed out as she walked away. I glared at her back as she walked away.

"So, Lily, I heard you are a quite gifted artist," Isaac said with a grating voice. I found myself recoiling just from the sound. This conversation is not going to go well, I thought to myself.

"I think I'm alright. I'm not a natural. It's just something I do for fun," I said, keeping my voice as monotone as possible, hoping he'll take the hint from my voice that I'm not interested in him or this conversation.

"Oh from what Leah has told me you're amazing no need to downplay your abilities, did you bring your sketchbook, I love would love to look at it."

I took a second before replying, hoping that his voice would suddenly become less jarring. "I didn't bring it, it's kind of private book. I don't share it with anyone besides my close friends and my dad." It was true. I rarely shared my art; it was my way to escape, and not all the pictures were positive. I found that working with my hands was the best way to calm myself after a hard day at work. I always wanted to learn how to knit, but unfortunately, I found myself unable to figure it out by myself. Every time I tried, I would just end up with a tangled mess. I wanted to be able to add knitting to my crafting list, nothing was better than receiving a handmade gift. I suddenly registered a hand waving in front of my face pulling me out of my thoughts.

"Lily, you in there." The grating voice asked.

"Oh, yes. Sorry about that. You were saying?"

With a smile that failed at being charming, he replied, "Are you sure you won't give me a little peek. I mean, I can be your close friend."

"Maybe one day," I said, knowing it was a lie. I didn't think that this conversation would end up going somewhere. He wasn't my type. If I had to describe my type, it would be a tall, muscular man who would make me feel safe in his arms, and when I was around him. Of course, I wanted him to be handsome but not the stereotypical type of hansom. I wanted a pleasing voice, something deep and enchanting. I wanted someone with a kind heart. Someone who would protect the ones they love, no matter the consequence. Finally, I wanted someone who saw me as equal, someone who would support my decisions even if we disagreed.

"Okay, then. I heard that you made those delicious sugar cookies. Is that true?"

"Yes, I made them last night and finished icing them right before I came here. Leah asked if I could bring something, and I agreed. I piped the outline of the cookies before I flooded them with the rest of the icing. It was an easy way of providing character to the cookies. But I'm you don't want to hear the full process. It's kind of boring." I rambled out.

With another failed sexy smile, he responded. "No, that sounds very interesting." He said with an apparent lying tone. "You're going to make a perfect housewife and mother one day just after you quit that nursing job. I mean, that job is just for fun, right."

"What the fuck, did you just say" I retaliated back with a harsh voice. He better chose his words carefully.

"I mean, you're the perfect catch, but it's the man's job to provide for you. There's no need for you to hold a job once you get married."

"You really believe that bullshit. It's 2003, not 1950. Besides that job is my life, not something I do on a whim. Do you know how hard I had to work to get where I am?" I was starting to get really mad and felt my face going red with anger.

In a patronizing voice, he responded to my question." Calm down, Liliana, there's no reason to get angry. I'm just stating facts. Sure, you worked hard, but what about when you have children. Who's going to care for them while you're at work? You need to be at home where you belong. You don't believe in that feminism bullshit, do you?"

"I do believe in that so-called bullshit Isaac. It is time for equality. Who's to say I want children at all. It's my body. I decided what happens to it, not my future husband. Who's to say I want to be married in the first place? My voice started to rise.

"Now that's not very ladylike, yelling at a man. Trust me, your husband will want someone who doesn't talk back. You just need to accept that he knows what's best for you."

"I don't care if I'm ladylike or not, and it is not your place to tell me what I am or am not. Ladylike is subjective." I was done. I was done with this conversation. I should have walked away the second he opened his mouth, but I am too nice, as Leah would say.

"Sweetie, you just need to accept your place in this world. You'll have an easier time finding a husband who will take care of you."

"I don't need someone to take care of me. This conversation is over." I said, storming away when. I noticed everyone staring at us as if we were some kind of soap opera. I needed fresh air.

Leah was at my side immediately. She hadn't heard the conversation; she was busy in the kitchen, grabbing more chips rushing out when she heard the raised voices and could tell from my face when she got close that I was pissed. "What are you fuckers staring at." She roared. Everyone turned their heads and started back in their own conversations.

"You okay, honey? What happened?" Leah asked as she walked us into her bedroom so we could talk undisturbed.

"That asshole you tried to set me up with is a fucking misogynist. He believes women belong in the kitchen. He said that once I get married, I will quit my job and stay at home." I rushed out, trying to control my anger.

"I'm sorry, Lily, I didn't know. I swear. Want me to go kick his ass?" She said, getting angry as well. We weren't misandrist, but we did hold the belief that women could choose their futures, not men choosing for them. If they wanted to stay at home and raise their children, that was perfectly fine, but as long it was their choice. No woman should just let a man choose for them.

"No it's fine, I'm just going to go and get some air. That should relax me, and as long as he doesn't open his mouth again, I'll be fine."

"Alright, honey, just take as much time as you need. The rain has stopped for a bit so you won't need to wear your raincoat. I suggest using the back porch. No one is out there."

Giving her a hug, I replied, "Thanks Leah, Love you."

"Love you too, Lily."

I walked through the crowd of people, I noticed people staring and whispering to the people they were near. But I didn't care. I went to my raincoat and pulled out my pack of cigarettes, turned, and headed to the back porch. Just as I walked away, I heard the front door open.

Sam POV

(October 31st, 2003)

I opened the front door and walked into the party. There weren't a lot of people, but it was still enough that I was going to have to look for Leah. I could hear murmuring about Lily and how she had been in an argument, but I couldn't discern what the argument was about. I was taller than everyone in the room, but due to that, I could only see the tops of people's heads, not their faces. Suddenly a man pushed by me heading to the front door. He bumped into me and said a quick sorry but left and slammed the front door behind him. I shrugged it off. I had bigger problems to deal with.

I was late, I knew that, but there was nothing I could do. I didn't get off of patrol till Paul had shown up, and he was becoming notorious for being late. Paul had phased two weeks after I had. He was an angry guy, always flying off the handle. It was harder for him to control when he wolfed out. So we made a deal that he would stay away from everyone till he had control. We made up a lie for the school that he had mono, and they agreed that he should stay away till he was sufficiently better. It was hard becoming the alpha, having all these responsibilities forced upon me. I still didn't know if I was doing a good job or not. It was a sacrifice, but protecting my people was more important than anything. However, my relationships have suffered as a result. I tried to be there for Leah and my mom, but it was getting harder and harder. My mom had accepted the change, but Leah, Leah, was another story. She never believed me when I said I had new responsibilities to the tribe. She constantly pushed my buttons and seemed to enjoy pushing my limits. I was close to phasing every time we were together, but I had been strong and resisted the urge.

I heard footsteps walking behind me, and a hostile voice reached my ears. "You're late."

Turning to face Leah, I saw the scowl on her face. "Sorry, I got off late."

"So, that's the lie you're going with today?"

"It's the truth, Lee-Lee," Trying to appease her.

"Whatever, I've already dealt with too much bullshit to deal with yours," She said, scoffing.

Genuinely curious, I asked, "What do you mean?"

With a frown on her face, she replied, "Lily got in a pretty vicious argument with Isaac Reed."

"That doesn't sound like Lily," I stated. From what I've gathered from our belief interactions, she didn't like to argue or even raise her voice.

She nodded her head. "Normally she doesn't, but Isaac really pissed her off. I'm surprised she didn't deck him for what he was saying to her. It really bothered her."

"So, what was the argument about?"

"He was saying some crap about how women belong in the house, and she needed to respect men better. I wasn't there, but that's what I can discern from what people have said."

I felt myself bristle at that statement. My mother raised me as a single mother working her ass off to support me, even though it wasn't exactly what she wanted, she showed me how strong a woman could be. I would never agree with the statement that women automatically belong in the house. Women should never bow down to a man. "So, I'm guessing he left. A guy bumped into me, leaving as I walked in."

"I told him to leave as soon as Lily stepped outside."

I nodded in agreement, "Good."

She stepped closer to me, "Now that that conversation is over. Are you going to tell me where you were? Or are you going to lie again?"

I sighed I had hoped she was going to let it go but of course not. "Leah, I had to do something for the council. It's non-negotiable, and it's important. Look, I'm sorry, but what's the deal it's just a party. It's not like you don't have plenty of them."

"That not the fucking point, Sam. You're a fucking flake all the time, and you never show up on time or sometimes at all. It's like you don't want to be around me anymore."

I felt a tinkling of anger at her statement. "I do want to be around you Lee-Lee, It's just that I have new responsibilities. I wish you would just comprehend that."

"So these new responsibilities are more important than your fiancé. That's some fucking crap, Sam. I'm beginning to think you have someone on the side, and I swear if that's true, I'll fucking castrate you."

My anger rose higher, and so did my voice. We were about to cause a scene, but we were both beginning to let our anger get the better of us. "There's no one else, Leah. I don't know why you keep accusing me of that. Why don't you fucking trust me."

"Because you haven't given me any reason to trust you." Her voice rose.

"Oh, so us being together for three years isn't enough of a reason?!" I felt myself shaking. I needed to calm down.

Her voice was even louder, getting to the point of screaming, "NO! You've been lying to me for weeks, and I know you've been lying. If you just tell me the truth, it would fix everything. We're not supposed to have secrets!"

I needed to get out of here and breathe, or I would phase. I felt myself shaking even more. "I'm going to go get some air. I'm not going to argue with you again about this. Especially in front of everyone."

"Fine, get out. Go fucking do whatever you want. This is not over."

I sighed and headed to the back porch. I would wait until everyone left and try to calm Leah down. Maybe this time it'll work. Walking to the back porch, I could smell the scent of tobacco and toffee. The smell was that of expensive bourbon, one of my favorite drinks. It was, for some reason, a pleasing scent. The closer I got, the more relaxed I became. Opening the door, I saw the sight of an angel bathed in the light of the moon. It was peeking out of the dark stormy clouds. She was wearing a long-sleeved tight-fitting red shirt showing her lean arms. The angel was in long tight black jeans exaggerating her long legs and full hips. Her hair was pulled in a ponytail. I knew who it was, that long strawberry blonde hair was distinctive, no one else around had hair like that. I don't know why, but I needed to stare at that face facing the forest. Walking closer, I noticed the lit cigarette in her fingers, she was holding it in a casual way as if this wasn't her first time. The cigarette was almost completely gone, but it explains the smell of tobacco.

"You know those are really bad for you, right? I said as I came beside her and started staring at the moon, only looking at her at the side of my eye. Nerves overrode me. I couldn't fully stare at her face.

She sighed, and her smoky voice came out. "Yeah, I know, but right now, I could care less." She took a hit of the cigarette. Inhaling deeply and then slowing blowing the vapor out of her mouth, creating a hazy smokescreen around her.

"When did you even start smoking? you didn't last time I saw you."

"Ehh a month or two ago. One of the other nurses got me hooked. I really only do it when I'm extremely stressed or angry. Tonight it's the latter." She replied smoothly, flicking the ash off.

"What does your dad say?" I said just wanting to keep her talking, her voice was electric.

"He disapproves, but since I'm 19, he can't really tell me I can't. The only rule is I can't smoke in the house, which I wasn't going to do anyway." She said, taking another hit.

There was a slight moment of silence when I finally broke it. "I heard about the fight, sounds like he was a dick. Sorry." I paused and then continued talking. "I would have stepped in if I was here."

"It's not your fault that's he's an awful person."

"Still –"

"Really, Sam, it's not your fault; besides, it wasn't worth causing a real fight. Plus, I think I handled myself pretty well." She said as she looked up at the moon, staring as if it would give her some secret. "So why are you out here? Shouldn't you be with Leah?"

I shook my head even though I didn't know if she could see it. "We had another argument. I didn't want to have a full out fight in front of everyone. So I decided I would come out here to cool off and give Leah time to chill out."

We sat there in another moment of silence; it seemed like it lasted forever, and I was on the edge of my seat, waiting for her to speak again. She broke the silence as she put out her cigarette and flicked the filter out into the wet yard. "I don't blame you for keeping secrets, everyone has them. Besides, I'm sure you'll eventually tell her. I trust you."

My eyes widened, that's all I wanted Leah to understand. Yet it came from her best friend. "Thank you," I whispered. It seemed like the spirits and universe demanded we look at each other face to face because, at the same time, we turned to each other.

My heart boomed. The strings holding me to the earth snapped. All that was holding me grounded was her. She was my life what was whispered in my ear. I felt my blood pressure rise, and my arm reached out. My body moved on its own, and my arms wrapped around her. I needed her to be as close as possible. I needed her to stay in my arms forever. Looking at her intensely, it was as if I was seeing her for the first time. Her hair was shining, and I could notice the blonde streaks breaking through her red. Her eyes had grey flakes running through them. Her lips looked as if they demanded to be kissed, yet I knew that I couldn't. Her body felt perfect against me. Her head came to my chest, she seemed so soft and small. I felt the need to protect her, she was now my world. This whole feeling was confusing, but it felt so right.

"Umm Sam, can you let me go?" Her voice broke the moment, but at that moment, I recognized that she was the voice I heard in my head. Every time I wanted to snap, Every time I almost lost control, it was her voice that calmed me. I realized I needed to let her go, but that was the last thing I wanted to do.

"Yeah, sorry about that," I said as I slowly unwrapped my arms, although my heart was breaking by doing so.

She sheepishly smiled with a blush and small smile on her face. "It's okay. You're hot. Are you feeling alright?"

I sputtered, awkwardly stuttering out. "I'm just fine, Lily. I'm feeling great. What about you?"

I watched as she put took the pack of cigarettes off the railing and turned to me. "I'm great, I think I'm ready to go back inside. Are you coming?"

"Yeah, I need to tell Leah I'm heading home." It was a lie, I'm going to Billy's. It was late, but I needed answers. I needed to know why Lily was suddenly my universe. Why I felt my bonds to Leah disappear.

"Oh, okay. I can tell her if you want. I guess you want to avoid another fight tonight." She said while opening the door into the house. The music almost drowned her out.

"That would be great," I said, walking off the porch.

She replied in a slightly sad tone, "I'll see you later then."

"Yeah."

I ran towards the tree line. I hadn't driven over, so I didn't have to worry about my truck looking suspicious, just sitting there. Stripping my clothes, I quickly tied them to my ankle and phased.

"Yo! Sam, I thought you were at your bitch's house for a party." I heard Paul's voice break through the silence. My thoughts ran through what had happened at the party when they suddenly turned to Lily. If I couldn't get her out of my head before, I now will never get her out. "What the fuck happened dude, Why is Liliana Swan in your head. I mean not like I blame you that girls got a great ass. What I wouldn't do to fucking hit that. I would even take the bullet her daddy would shoot for it." I snarled, if he was anywhere near me, I would have attacked. Of course, Paul had heard this. "Dude, the fuck, I'm just stating facts."

"Shut the fuck up, Paul. I don't need this shit right now." I ran faster than I ever had before. Shorting the distance in what seemed like seconds. I needed answers, and I needed them now. Paul seemed to understand that egging me on wouldn't end well, so he thankfully remained silent. "I'm phasing back. Keep up your patrol. I'll be back as soon as possible and take your shift. I need a clear head, and patrolling will help."

"Sounds great dude, I have a shit ton of sick work, that I'm not going to do." He said. I didn't have time to explain while he needed to actually do his work. So I just phased back.

Walking up to the little red house, I saw that the lights were out. Great, their asleep, I thought. I banged on the front door with all my might, hoping it would wake Jacob up and get Billy up. I saw a light flicker on and heard footsteps heading to the front door. I stood there as the pouring rain came back. I didn't even notice the freezing rain, my thoughts were running a million times a minute. The door lock unlatched, and Jacob opened it. "Sam, what are you doing here. It's midnight." I heard his cracking voice say.

"I need to talk to Billy. NOW." I didn't mean to yell, but I didn't have time to be polite.

Jacob looked spooked and probably rightly so. Who liked seeing a tall shirtless man standing there, almost taking up the door frame and demanding to see someone. "Sure, Sure. You should come on in before you get sick, I guess." He said with his voice cracking on the second sure.

I walked in and sat down at the table. It brought back memories of when I was here a month ago, and they explained that my life would never be the same. I had a feeling that my life was about to change again. I waited patiently as Jacob woke his dad, I might not have shown it, but I was freaking out. My heart wanted nothing more than to run to Lily and wrap her around my arms, but my mind continually reminded me of Leah that I loved Leah. The war was making me sick.

"Sam, what are you doing here," Billy said as he rolled into the kitchen. The look on my face must have told him that Jacob needed to not be a part of this discussion. With a no debate will happen voice he turned to his son. "Jacob, go back to your room and don't leave it."

Jacob look annoyed but nodded and walked back to his room.

"Something happened, and I need to discuss it with you. I also need to talk to Harry, but I can't get ahold of him since he's gone to the Makah reservation." I said, holding my head in my hands.

"If it's pressing, I'll call him immediately after we discuss what happened. If it's not, I'll wait till morning. Although I have a feeling it will because it is warranted waking everyone up. Now, what happened, son."

"I was at Leah's party, we had just argued, and I went out to the porch. Lily was out there, and the second our eyes met, the world seemed to fall away, she was the only thing I could focus on. Right now, she is still the only thing on my mind. What is wrong with me, Billy. I love Leah, but now it feels like Lily is my whole world."

Billy's face became grim like this was something he never wanted to happen. "Nothing is wrong with you, Sam. It is imprinting that is making you feel that way."

"What the fuck is imprinting Billy."

"From what the legends and journals tell us, it is when the world shifts for the wolf that they essentially meet their soulmates. The gravity like you felt shifts, and the person who is the imprint becomes the wolf's first priority. They will do anything and everything to protect their imprint. I'm sorry, Sam, but the spirits have chosen Lily to be your imprint."

I growled, "So what does that mean I just have to leave Leah. Just like that. Fall in love with a different woman."

Billy sighs, "The imprint does not necessarily mean that you have to be lovers. But Leah is not your first priority anymore. Lily is, and you will feel the need to do anything to make her happy."

My head drops back down to my hands. "Is that why I've always felt a calling to Lily. Even before this, she was a thought in my head. I phased not because only because of their comments about me cheating on Leah, although that didn't help, it was mainly their disgusting talk about Lily. When we first meet at her birthday party, I felt a warm shock run through my body."

Billy's face turns to shock, "Are you saying you have been having these reactions before you even phased." I nodded to his statement. "Nothing like that has been recorded in the journals, the spirits must truly want the two to be together."

I stood up so quickly that I shoved the chair back. "But I love Leah. She is the one I chose." Emphasizing the "I."

" I understand, son, but it is your souls that are fated to be together; that is why you have imprinted. Also, your relationship does not have to be one of lovers, it could work out that your relationship will be that of friends." He said in a calming voice, although that made no difference, my head was spinning like a top. "I think that the best thing that you can do is get to know her then decided what you want. I will call Harry and explain what is happening. If it does come to the decision that you would like a romantic relationship, he will hold no ill will to you. It is what the fates have decided."

I took a deep breath. I could not form thoughts anymore. "I understand that it is what fate has decided, but what about my choices? Do they not matter?"

He looked at me sternly, "We do not control what the fates give us. We can only adapt to the situation and chose the road ahead."

I nodded, understanding that for the rest of my life, I would be fighting with myself. If I chose to love Lily like a lover, I would always regret hurting Leah. I will still be wondering what it could have been if I only accept it as a friend. My heart wanted to fully love Lily, to learn her inside and out, she had always been calling to me.

"You do not have to decide now, but you must choose soon. The longer you are indecisive and the longer you are away from your imprint, the more you will be in pain, and so will she."

I turned to him, "I understand. Thank you." I started to head to the front door, trying to keep my cool.

He called out before I had fully passed the thresh hold "Sam it is hard now, but the spirits would not have given you such a gift if you did not deserve it. You are a good man. No matter your decision in how this will play out, remember that."

Lily POV

(October 31st, 2003)

I shook my head, trying to shake the feeling that my life had just changed with one single look. I was crazy to believe that the spark I felt as Sam held me actually meant something. I closed the door behind me and noticed that everyone had left. Had I been so engrossed in my conversation that I didn't hear everyone leave. I saw Leah slowly cleaning up with tears in her eyes. "Where did everyone go?"

"I sent them home." She said with a sniffle. I was a bit taken back, I had seen Leah cry, but she was never one to openly show how much she hurt. I walked up and wrapped her in my arms, and then the dam broke, she was full out sobbing. I stood there stroking her hair and whispering, "It's okay, Hun, it's okay." It seemed like quite a while before she pulled away and rubbed away her tears.

"What happened?" I said as I put her face in my hands so I could look into her eyes.

She held back a sob, I could tell by the way her voice came out as tight and high pitched "We had another fight. I'm getting so tired of them. Worst is we did it in front of everyone. Now everyone knows we're having problems and so soon after we announced we were engaged. They were all there staring at me with pity in their eyes. I couldn't stand it. So I sent everyone home." She took a deep breath. "I'm guessing he left, he didn't come in with you."

I drew her back into my arms. Wishing there was a way to ease her pain, but I knew there wasn't. I knew they were both wrong in this situation: if they were just honest with each other, this pain would disappear for both of them. "Yes, honey, he left, he said he was going home."

She scoffed, "Bet that's another lie."

"Leah, you have to give him some trust, maybe he is keeping secrets, but they might not be as serious as you think. I'm just saying that he is too good a guy to hurt you. And you need to beat it into his skull that he's hurting you. He needs to understand that this is killing you. But above all, you too need to have such explosive fights and actually sit down and talk this out."

She shoved herself away from me. "So says the girl who never had a fucking relationship. What the hell do you know?" She said in a harsh tone.

That comment slightly hurt me, but I pushed my sore feelings aside. "I'm going to let that comment slide because your hurting now and don't mean it. But it's my advice whether you want to take it or not."

I could see the wheels turning in her head. "I'm sorry, I don't mean to be a bitch to you. You're the only one who sees the pain he's putting me through. Hell, even my dad is on his side and just tells me to believe Sam, but something isn't right, I just know it. How can I just let it go?"

I grasped her hand and squeezed it. "I know it's hard, but you both need to get over your egos and have a real heart to heart. You need to control your anger, Leah. Nothing will be figured out if you fly off the handle every time you see him. It's always been your downside, Leah, you fly off the handle and get blinded by anger."

"I know, it's just so hard to keep control. I've never really had a reason too."

I pulled her back into a hug. "Well, now is a good time to practice. Now come on, let's clean up and then we'll go to sleep. Things will be slightly better in the morning; if not, just push him out of your mind and enjoy our weekend together."

She gripped me hard, almost squeezing the life out of me. "I'm so glad I have you." She whispered.

"You'll always have me."

Smoking isn't cool friends, take it from a smoker. Well that's a wrap for this chapter. Hope it lived up to the expectation. Also I know I got a little controversial with the feminism talk but it's important for later chapters to see how lily views love and relationships. As always feel free to review.