Chapter Three
Sam's POV
"Hey dude everything is all packed up and ready to go." Jared states echoing throughout the empty house. Paul follows crossing the threshold to the front door. " I grab another box filling it up with the last of my belongings. Emily left about noon. As agreed we decided to put the house on the market. Neither of us wanted to keep it. It just didn't feel right. Too many memories.
"Okay cool. If you guys want to get a head start. I'm about to finish." They both nodded and headed out toward the front door. Jared's truck roared as it sped through the dirt road onto the pavement. Grabbing the box, I made my way to the garage to load onto the bed of my Chevy. I went through the house one last time before locking up and sliding the key under the welcome mat.
The house reflected in the rear view mirror. The crisp air hits my face while driving onto the highway. A few miles in and my mind starts to wonder. It all happened so fast. This whole situation is so confusing. This wasn't supposed to happen according to the legends. The "perfect couple" should be fulfilling their engagement with the expectations of having children shortly. Although I feel some sort of emptiness within, I also feel relief. I finally have some clarity and perspective without a cloud hovering over me. I'm able to feel and express myself without contradiction. Slowly, but surely I'm learning to deal with this new norm.
Two days ago, I confided in Jared and Paul about the situation of Emily and I. Of course all hell broke loose, but nonetheless they both sensed a shift and understood. Upon our conversation, we agreed it was okay for me to occupy the room in the warehouse that we are currently transforming into a bar. I mean the purpose of that room was kind of like our own man cave to get away when we needed to. Thankfully construction just wrapped up last week and we are looking at opening in a week or so. Due to circumstances everything seems to line up at good timing.
From a distance Jared's truck comes into view. Jared continues handing Paul boxes at the entrance of the warehouse. I pull the truck up in reverse next to Jared's. We continue unpacking and getting everything situated. Not only my stuff, but around the bar as well. Soon enough the sun started to set. I take a seat at the newly built table. Jared opens up the reclining metal doors to the patio. Paul takes a seat beside me with a 12-pack of beer from the storage room.
"To new beginnings," Jared states. We all take a big gulp and enjoy our surroundings. The sunset cast a hue of purple across the lining of the mountains. Through observation the inside shows real progress. The guys finished constructing the bar stools and tables, pool tables toward the back wall and hanging the lights across the warehouse demanded by Rachel before she comes in tomorrow to finish setting up the remaining decor.
"So two month til the wedding. Are you nervous?" Jared states. "Nah man. I'm more excited, since bridezilla is content lately. If anything Leah takes more of the heat from Rach. Now she has a lot on her plate. Jake told me she's still trying to convince Becca to come," Paul replies. Ideally Becca, Rachel's twin sister, was supposed to be Rachel's maid of honor, but due to her living in Hawaii she doesn't think she'll make it. Nobody has seen her in about 5 years since she got up and left after high school with some surfer dude. Naturally Leah stepped up and helped with the responsibilities for her oldest friend.
The two continue talking about the wedding, but realize my absence in the conversation. "So what's your plan, Sam? Are you going to talk to her?" Jared asks, taking another swig of his beer. "I don't know, man. I just kind of want to get my shit together first." "When's the last time you spoke to Leah?" Paul intrudes. I gruff sarcastically, "Like a simple word or like an actual conversation?" "She looks like she's in a good place. She actually said hi to you at the meeting. That must be something," Jared mentions "Really?" Paul sighs as he takes another sip and adjusts himself to the chair leaning closer onto the table. "I think you should know, man, but she might be seeing someone." My head whips in his direction. I feel a surge of coldness rush through my veins causing an uncomfortable feeling in my chest. Jared and I looked at him seriously as an indication to continue.
"For the past few months Rach, Jacob and the guys constantly make little side jokes with her about not showing up around anymore or her leaving early because of "work" or "school" in Port Angeles. But last night Rach and I were talking about the table arrangements for the wedding and mentioned Leah might have a plus one. As a joke I made a comment along the lines as to why when everyone she knows is going to be there. Rach got all defensive stating she's allowed to meet other people and what not. I don't know man. You know how they all get overly protective of her."
My hands started to sweat because of my rise in temperature. "I mean we all are protective of her in some way," Jared comments feeling a bit hurt as do I. Jared was really close to Leah during high school. Other than having a few AP classes together, they really bonded while working part-time at a local diner during the summer. He was the one that kind of set us up. Of course after all this supernatural shit they drifted apart. He wasn't afraid to continue standing up for her when the others would call her a bitch or sexualize her when she first started phasing. Although Leah would constantly remind us she doesn't need protecting or she can defend herself Jared still did.
The sense of being watched my heart came back to a steady beat after composing my range of emotions. I cleared my throat and drowned the rest of my beer. "I'll talk to her tomorrow."
Soon the whisky was brought out and we continued on our night. The guys left a little after two in the morning. I have to admit the whiskey had a toll on me tonight. As tired as I am, I need some fresh air. I made my way through the forest, nearly reaching First Beach. I plopped down onto the cold sand. The full moon is high in the sky, reflecting off the ocean. I get my wallet out of my back pocket. Stowed away behind all the cards is a small folded polaroid photo booth picture.
The first one is a basic smiling frame following a silly one with her tongue sticking out and I'm throwing some devil horns. Lastly, a frame of our first kiss. I remember clearly she didn't want a typical movie/dinner type of date. Instead we went to a fair in a nearby town. The night was full of thrill and adventure, just like her.
Memories filled my head. I feel a smirk coming on only to be brought down after Paul's comment. Did she really find someone new? If so, when, where, how? The beat of my heart starts to speed up along a spike in my body temperature. All these questions continue to run through my head. With the mix of alcohol still heavily in my system it's hard to take control of myself at this time. A familiar shot of heat raids up my spine.
Subconsciously landing on all fours, my paws dig into the ground and head a few miles south. I hult to a sudden stop. Surprisingly the dull fluorescent lights peak throughout the apartment. It seems there is minimal activity. Through the kitchen window, just on que she makes her presence. She shimmies out a black leather jacket and tosses it to one of the sofas. Her boots clack with every step across the kitchen tile. Obviously she went out tonight. Leah always had a way of making something casual look so fashionable. Her white v-neck hangs a bit low to reveal a slight glance of lace, her black jeans hug every curve, and finish with a red lip and soft curls.
She continues to move through the kitchen gathering items. She reaches for two glasses and the bottle from a top shelf. In the distance, headlights creep through the trees onto the dirt pathway. The driver gathers a few things before exiting from the truck and steps into the apartment. Leah gives one of her winning smiles revealing her dimples.
"Don't you think you had enough to drink tonight?" he asks as he approaches her in the kitchen. "I'm not that drunk. Besides, we didn't really have a celebratory drink. Just the two of us I mean." Placing the takeout bag onto the counter he traps her between the counter and his arms. Taking the opportunity he slightly pecks the exposed skin on her shoulder and neck. "Or you're just trying to get me to your level so you can take total advantage of me." A smirk arises across her face. Turning around swiftly she smoothly slides onto the counter making sure to rub up against him. "Of course," she states innocently. Taking his position already between her legs, his hands start to rub up and down her thighs. A growl escapes through my bare teeth.
Unfazed by his touch, she hands him the drink. "To…." Leah pauses trying to think of what to toast to. "To your intelligence and ambitious ways. Because having a degree only makes you hotter." " I'll take it," Leah laughs. With a click of the glasses they down their drinks. Leah closes her eyes savoring the taste. As for the man before her holds his gaze on her. A gaze of fondness, admiration… love.
Hey I know it's been a while since I updated! Hopefully the next few chapters come out sooner. Hope you enjoy it! :)