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Chapter Forty Six: Crumbling Façade.
The meeting with the Elders the next day was awkward and formal. They knew of my relationship with Edward Cullen and, by extension, the Cullen family. Their judgmental glances spoke more than Billy's warning before he departed the meeting. They would be watching and I didn't doubt they would be watching, not only myself but the whole Tribe. My information proved more than useful for them, as they hadn't expected several of the names that appeared on my 'expected to phase' list to be there. But, they stated the only action we could take was to be watchful. We would all have to observe for signs of onset phasing; fraying tempers, burning fever, and sudden growth. Should we notice any of these symptoms, we were to alert the Elders, and Sam was to be ready for the panic of the new wolf's initial phase.
There was also another secret being kept by Sam and the Elders; Jared Cameron had phased. His disappearance from school had coincided with his induction to the wolf pack. He was on patrol while we discussed my findings, ensuring the protection of the Tribe from the 'dangerous' vampire coven living in Forks. No one would listen to my attempts to reassure them that the Tribe was not in danger from the Cullens. While they were critical of the company I kept, the Tribal Elders didn't seem overly concerned that Jared hadn't returned to school since he phased; they cared more for the protection of the Tribe. When I questioned Sam on the subject, he explained that Jared was receiving home schooling packages, though I suspected these were being left on his bedroom desk untouched.
After the meeting, I left for work, my mind whirling with the new information, Mike's attempts to gain my attention lost to my thoughts. If my calculations were correct, Paul may be the next to phase. He was the next oldest and he was infamous for his temper. Barely a week at school went by without him getting into a scrap; he would make for a fierce and temperamental wolf. I would have to watch him, ensuring he didn't phase before the whole school during one of his fights. It was universally agreed that no one, other than those involved, would be privy to the Tribe's secrets, which included preventing phasing in crowded spaces where possible. Sam explained that he felt drawn to isolation and the forest when he began what he now understood to be the onset of phasing, but we would have to be wary. We could not risk the safety and security of the Tribe as several giant wolves came into being.
As I entered the Reservation's high school the next day, my eyes sought out the potential wolves automatically. Paul Lahote was aggressively shoving his belongings into his locker, while Jacob and Quil Ateara were joking around with Embry, and I wondered whether their friendship would survive the transformation. Jake and Quil wouldn't be able to tell Embry anything if they phased and it would strain their relationship with Embry, but I hoped they could work through it. The three boys had been close since they toddled along First Beach, it would be devastating to think their friendship would be ruined by our secret.
The day passed quickly, despite the reluctance of Monday cloaking the students with boredom and tiredness. As I exited the building at the end of the day, I felt a warm hand on my arm. Warm, but not wolf hot. Looking back, I saw Jake smiling down at me. His growth spurt was evident in his lanky build and height.
"Hey Jake." A smile automatically began to stretch across my lips.
"Hey Bells." He mimicked as we continued to follow the flow of students into the small parking lot, "How's things?" A brief collage of memories and revelations flickered across my mind in response and I realised Jake would probably be joining the pack soon. He would inherit the pack's hatred for the Cullens and would resent me for my relationship with them too. My expression faltered slightly, but I quickly regained composure and drew my arm away from his grasp.
"Everything's fine." I nodded, not looking at him.
"Bells?" Worry tainted the tone of his voice, but I ignored it. He would understand in due time.
Sweeping my eyes across the crowd, I spotted Leah Clearwater walking towards the school entrance, struggling against the flow of students. She looked awful. Her eyes were red and raw and her cheeks splotchy. An uncharacteristic frown downturned her lips and she appeared hunched into herself. Concern squeezed my heart and I rushed towards her, leaving Jake behind.
"Leah?" She didn't appear to hear me, so I grabbed her arm, "Leah? What's wrong?"
"Bella." Leah finally turned to me, pulling out of my grip. Pulling her coat closer, she began to inch away from me. Her eyes wouldn't meet mine, as students jostled us.
"What's happened, Leah?" Moving towards her, I was surprised as she flinched away from me.
"I've papers to collect." Mumbling in response, she tried to escape me again, but I continued to pursue her.
"Leah, what's going on? You look…" I trailed off, unsure how to tell her she looked as terrible as she probably felt.
"What do you want, Bella?" She snapped as a flash of anger lighting up her sad eyes. In all the time I had known her, she had barely ever lost her temper. Sam and Leah occasionally fought, but neither raised their voice or used aggressive tones. They tended to have quiet arguments in private until they could resolve their problems. To hear her annoyance in such a harsh tone surprised me into taking a step back.
"I…you…are you okay?" Stuttering over an answer, I watched pain twist her features, before her face hardened into a cold scowl.
"Why don't you ask Sam?" Leah sneered and strode away. I froze in shock, unsure how to process this turn of events. Her anguish and resentment was clear in her every word, written across her face and body. Never had I seen such agony and I yearned to chase after her and attempt to help, but I was stuck to the ground. I couldn't imagine what had hurt her so badly, but if it was to do with Sam, I could scarce thinking of why. Possibilities grow in my mind, but I refused to believe them, as I hurried home.