Chapter Fourteen
"Leandra." Jasper called, but I didn't stop. "Leandra, stop. Stay in here." I continued, when I really should have stopped. My hand closed on the knob before I felt his hand close on my arm.
Whatever was happening out in the living room was obviously something I really didn't need to see. He stopped me, and I looked up at him. By the second, literally, his tension was rising.
"No matter what you hear, you stay in this room." He told me firmly, and hearing the stress there made me nod. I was scared, because he was too, but I also knew me doing whatever I wanted wasn't the way to go.
"Okay." I mumbled. "What's going on, though?"
"Just promise me you'll stay here. Don't come out." He stressed and I took a breath. Nodding as I returned to my bed.
"I promise." I mumbled as he waited. I sat down.
He looked at me for a second longer.
"I promise." I said again. This time, he turned with a nod, and left the room. Closing the door firmly behind himself.
As badly as I wanted to come out, just for a little look, the tone of his voice had been one I couldn't ignore.
In many ways, Jasper was a big part of raising me. That fact wasn't lost on me, and I knew he understood it as well. Just as much as everyone else, and I felt as well as saw the fact that every bit of his intention was to keep me safe. It was a feeling. I'd just have to trust him. I didn't know where he was going, but I obviously wasn't allowed to go.
I was too tense, though.
I paced, alone for several minutes. By the very faint sounds further in the house that I ignored, I finally gathered that whatever it was had to do with Bella, and it scared me to remember that Carlisle was out there somewhere. I wanted so bad to help somehow, but I also knew it wouldn't do much good to break my promise to Jasper.
He told me to stay in here no matter what I heard.
The silence was almost as terrifying as the sounds had been, and I finally crouched back by the window, covering my ears and letting a slow sob escape. I didn't like the silence.
I knew it was stupid to be the one scared when I didn't know anything at all, but it was impossible to fight. Even when I heard activity in the bathroom across the hall, I didn't budge because I'd promised.
It was good I promised because before that promise could lose its meaning several more minutes later, I was covering my ears again at the very loud, very unexpected sounds of many different wolf snarls outside.
The snarling was very loud, frightening, making me jump with each one. My heart pounding faster, harder with each passing second. Everything was happening too quickly to really get a good sense of what was going on. I couldn't make myself pay attention anymore.
I buried my eyes in my knees, still covering my ears in defense of the loud snarling and suffocating growls coming from right outside. I cried. I continued to cry, wishing I could do something, anything besides sit there like a coward, but I was too afraid.
Over how tight I compressed my ears between my hands and how hard I cried, I couldn't hear much anymore. My head was still ringing with the sounds of the wolves' snarling, I must have stayed there for a few minutes.
But I stayed. Through it all, I stayed. Not knowing was killing me, but I kept my promise to Jasper and stayed in my tightly curled ball beneath my bedroom window. I was flat out terrified, but I knew right there was the safest place I could be.
When the silence once again fell, I finally dared to uncover my ears. My cheeks were flooded with tears, my cheeks felt hot as I finally dared to peek outside. Trembling roughly, I unfolded only long enough to turn over and peer out the window.
I didn't see much from where I was, but I did see the shadows off to the right of several different individuals stretching into the darkness toward where my bedroom window was situated.
Was it over? Whatever 'it' was?
I ducked back down. I didn't want to risk it, and accidentally see something I didn't want to see. I sobbed again, curling back up.
I yelped, mostly screamed just a few minutes later when my bedroom door suddenly opened and I was no longer in here alone.
Esme reached me a second later, and I didn't waste another second. I hugged her instantly, taking a deep breath, seemingly for the first time in an hour.
"Are you okay?" She asked tensely, and I nodded. Taking a few more deeper breaths. I didn't know what to ask her first. My mind was absolutely flooded with questions.
"A-Are you?" That question chose itself. "I-Is everyone..?"
"We're fine, sweetie." She assured me. "Everyone is fine." I breathed again in relief I didn't know I needed, unfortunately sparking a few more tears. She hugged me again briefly before she stood and helped me to my feet.
She hugged me into her side and walked with me out of my room. The terrifying sounds were gone, but I still trembled.
I briefly looked up at Carlisle as we approached the living room and whimpered, hugging him tightly next. It helped a lot when he returned it.
"Are you okay?" Carlisle asked after a moment. The same thing Esme asked. I nodded again. He sighed. "I'm so sorry."
"For what?" I asked quietly, finally looking up. Thankful to see the gold returned to them. I calmed down even more once I saw that he and Esme both looked unharmed. Emmett behind them gave me a small smile.
"What happened?" I asked shakily. "I don't know anything."
"The baby's been born." Carlisle answered. "And as we speak, Bella is being turned. She'll be finished changing in roughly three days." I pulled back, shaking off whatever shock I was in.
"You've seen it?" I asked. "It's a baby?"
"Leave it to shorty to change a subject." Emmett chuckled.
"We haven't seen her yet." Esme replied. I had to remember that they had been gone this whole time.
"Where?" I was so curious, it nearly hurt.
"Right here." I looked over at Edward's reply in the doorway. He smiled a little, which told me he knew my curiosity was about to kill me. In his arm was a bundle of thick white blanket, and I suddenly found myself standing up on the couch in an effort to see what was inside it.
"I believe it's only fitting," Edward spoke again as he started closer. "That Leandra meet her next." I wanted to ask why, but I was too curious. "After all, she knew about her long before the wedding."
That was true. I'd forgotten about that part. It was weird to think about that now. Now, there was an extra family member.
Edward came to stand beside me, giving me the best look, but he lowered the bundle a little so everyone could get a good look.
It was a baby. Even squirming and pretty annoyed, she was pretty cute.
"This is Renesmee." He told me, and I smiled a little at the name. I thought it was beautiful.
The baby, Renesmee, opened her eyes, and looked up at me. The others were quiet as I looked closer. Amazed that she could hold my gaze so intelligently. The one baby I'd met hadn't been able to do that.
I thought about how much worry had surrounded this little baby, and how much the family had gone through while she grew. How much I'd gone through as a result. She was so small, it was impossible to place any heavy blame on her.
"Whoa." I muttered, gaining a few quiet laughs.
"Do you understand now?" Edward asked me, and I glanced up at him before looking right back down. "You knew about her before she even existed." That was just starting to sink in. I was just too amazed to speak.
I reached my hand out, letting Renesmee take my finger in her hand. Like I'd done for Kaylee before. Edward murmured a quiet warning, one I didn't heed.
Her small fingers closed on my finger, and though it was slightly painful of a grip, it didn't hurt near as much as when she pulled my finger closer and attempted to bite me. Her teeth grazed the skin, and she'd just started to apply pressure, but I yanked my hand back quickly, and she gave a single frustrated cry as Edward corrected her gently.
That was weird, but I also found it funny. I was certain it relieved everyone when I just laughed a little.
"No." I told her, and she actually looked at me. "No biting."
In baby fashion, she jerked her head, turning away from me with a huff, and I had to laugh again.
"Sorry." I told her defensively, and I didn't even feel weird for arguing with a baby.
I briefly wondered what this would mean for me, though. Something I surprisingly hadn't thought about yet. There was another kid here now. Though I was technically her aunt, which was weird enough to think about, but I still had to share everyone.
I quickly decided that as long as it wasn't anything like it'd been the last few weeks, I could handle it.
"It won't be." Edward assured me, and I nodded with a sigh. I trusted him.
Esme was next to hold her, and the smile that came to her face was one that made everything seem right. Her smile made everything okay, and I found I was lighter now when I jumped down from the couch.
All traces of jealousy were gone at just seeing how happy Esme was cuddling that baby. She was ecstatic, and that made me feel ecstatic for her which left no room for that old jealousy.
I looked up as Carlisle hugged me into his side, and I was so relieved to see the gold returned to his eyes. I knew eventually he'd be talking to me about going, because this was as long as I could stay, but for right then, I could just be happy where I was. What came next could wait for a second.
"Is everything gonna be okay now?" I asked quietly, and he looked down at me. "Does this mean I can go outside again? Can you guys go hunting again?"
"I think so." He replied with a sigh. "For what it's worth, Leandra, I'm amazed. I'm very proud of you."
That was worth a lot. Because he was proud of me, I was able to be proud of myself. Though I felt I didn't really do anything worth being proud of, I'd made it through something like this in one piece. There were many days I felt like I would go nuts stuck in my own head while being ignored, and it was really hard on me, but I hung in there. That in itself was reason enough to be proud.
"Thanks." I sighed as well in reply. It did mean a lot to hear that from him.
I looked over, surprised as Jacob and Seth both came walking in. I was even more surprised as Jacob walked right over to Esme, and peered into the blanket. Not in an overbearing or pushy way, but more like he stood with her. An extra, not taking over. I caught the difference.
That must have been okay, because nobody stopped him. I couldn't see why that wouldn't be okay. Jacob had been here for the last half of the entire thing. Why shouldn't he be able to see what the result of all the stress turned out to be?
"Hey." Seth seemed tense, coming to my other side. It was weird seeing him so tense. He was usually the most laid-back. I had to wonder if he was one of the wolves I heard outside.
"Hey." I mumbled in reply.
"Everyone good here?" He asked, and I nodded.
"I think so." I said, glancing back up at Carlisle.
"Cutting it kinda close, aren't you?" Jacob asked, and by the way he was looking over here, he meant me. I gave him a look.
"I'm confident we have a little time." Carlisle replied.
"I'm sorry he's not throwing me at Heather fast enough for you." I grumbled, and Jacob actually smirked.
"I just mean you probably don't want to be here when she wakes up." Jacob replied, and strangely, he was being civil. I'd pretty much ignored him the entire time he was here, and he did the same.
"I know." I replied. "I just wanna stay as long as I can. It's hard for me to feel safe anywhere but here, even when it's dangerous."
He glanced down at the bundle in Esme's arms, before looking at me again.
"How are you around babies?" He asked, and I frowned. Honestly confused.
"What do you mean?" I asked.
"Don't answer that." Edward growled from where he stood beside Esme. "Jacob, don't even go there."
Jacob shook his head. "I've heard-"
"You're lucky to even be here right now." Edward cut him off. "I trust Leandra completely. You will not insult her by making assumptions like that."
I still didn't understand, but I felt grateful that Edward would trust me, for whatever reason. I had a feeling that Jacob was worried about the baby, but I didn't quite understand why. It wasn't like I'd ever intentionally hurt her, if that was what he was worried about.
The few times I'd held my youngest sister, I was more afraid of accidentally hurting her than anything.
"Okay." Jacob relented, holding his hands up defensively. "But if she starts looking rabid-"
"Hey." I frowned.
"Say it." Edward challenged. "Jacob, you're on very thin ice. I appreciate your help outside, but that by no means gives you the right to talk to her like that. Enough."
"Come on, guys. Don't fight." Seth sighed. "Jake, she's part of the family. Get used to it already."
"Is something going on that I don't know about?" I asked, now hesitant. Was there more I should be let in on? Edward seemed extra willing to punch Jacob right in the face, and was just itching for a reason. Despite his mentioned appreciation.
"It's nothing you need to worry about, sweetheart." Esme assured me, and though I didn't quite believe her, I let it go.
I closed my eyes, so suddenly exhausted. Just like I was told, everything happened so incredibly quickly, and my head was still spinning. I was so glad to hear that Bella was going to be okay. So relieved, it was nearly painful.
Knowing that everything was going to be okay made it easier to leave the next morning. It was nearly noon before Heather showed up for me. It made it easier to hug everyone goodbye, and hope that it would last me the two weeks I'd need to be gone.
"Remember." Carlisle crouched in front of me on the porch on my way out. "This is only temporary. If you need anything at all, at any time, call me." I appreciated his reminder. It made me feel a lot better. He handed me my cell phone and hugged me again. This time, he kissed the side of my head. That was a new thing, but I wasn't bothered by it.
With my bag sitting in the back seat, Heather drove me away from my home. Though she was upbeat about it, she knew how hard this was on me.
She was dressed in her work clothes, which told me she had left work to come pick me up. It was a Monday, so I'd be spending the afternoon with Mark. The boys would be home from school by 3:30 and she would be home by 5:30. I could deal with that.
I tried not to draw out the goodbyes, but I couldn't really help it. I hated the idea of leaving them, but again, I knew it was for everyone's benefit.
The trip there was quiet. I didn't say much, and neither did she. It was the first time I was seeing her after what I did. I didn't know how to start apologizing to her for leading Ken straight to her house. How was someone supposed to apologize for that?
"Have you had lunch yet, honey?" She asked as she pulled into her driveway. She was trying so hard to be comforting.
"No." I replied quietly. "I'm not that hungry."
"Don't worry." She said. "I'm sure you'll be back home soon."
I was a little depressed, but I didn't want to be negative out loud. I didn't want her to think more was going on than what she was told.
"Until then." She said, turning off the car. "You're welcome here for as long as you need to stay."
"Even after what I did?" I asked shamefully.
"Honey, I'm not mad at you for that." She replied. "You had no idea, but I am upset that you would do something like that."
"I know." I sighed heavily. "Believe me, I heard all about that."
She laughed quietly. "I bet you did. I made sure of it. I called because I already told you. I love you like one of my own, and I'm going to do whatever it takes to help your parents keep you safe. If that means being the tattle-tale, so be it."
I nodded. I wasn't mad at her for calling them. I kept my eyes down sadly, the guilt in my stomach making it ache. She clearly saw it, though. Reaching over, she cupped my chin gently in her fingers and had me look at her.
"And while you're here, I'll protect you like one of my own." She added. "I don't want you to worry about anything, okay? Nothing."
I believed the determination in her eyes, so I took a breath and nodded.
"How, though?" I was curious. She smiled, smoothed my cheek and let her hand fall.
"Well, he might know where I live now, but that doesn't mean he's welcome to come around. A restraining order is in place, so if I have to beat the hell out of him, it's not my fault." She smiled briefly, getting out of the car.
She was pretty awesome.
I jumped out as well, rounding to the back seat for my bag and my pillow. She pulled it out and set it down so she could grab something else. I lifted it, and she smiled her thanks.
I followed her into the house, dragging my huge bag with me.
I had to admit there were worse places I could have gone. I trusted her the most to keep her word, and I knew she was the toughest human woman I'd ever met. I trusted that if it really came down to it, she would protect me. I'd seen it before.
Mark jogged down the stairs as we were just coming in the door, grinning as if he was just caught in a rush.
"Bed's up." He told us. He smiled at me. "I hope you don't mind sharing a room with the boys. We're a little scrunched for space."
"I don't mind." I replied easily. I'd have preferred that anyway.
"Oh, good." He seemed honestly relieved. "Well, make yourself at home, sweetie. Do you want me to carry that up for you?" He gestured to my bag.
"Sure." I said, and he reached out. I let the strap fall from my shoulder into his hand, and he lifted it easily.
"There are two bottom drawers cleared out in the dresser." He told me on his way up the stairs. I took the hint and followed him. "If you need more space, just let me know. We'll figure something out."
Up the hall, and into the first door on the right was the boys room.
On the closest side of the dresser, just far enough out of reach of the door was an inflated air mattress. It was probably the only spot to put it in the room besides the middle of it.
There was already a sheet on it, but wasn't completely made. He set my bag beside the bed, and I dropped my pillow on the bed.
"I hope this thing holds out." He nudged the mattress with his foot. "It's always iffy around here."
Last I heard, this air mattress had a hole in it. I now knew that Mark and Heather were unaware of said hole, but I wouldn't be the snitch.
"I'll let you get settled." He smiled again, and I nodded my thanks. He nodded as well, turning and leaving the room. I was grateful for this time alone. I needed it to keep from making this whole situation harder on myself.
I took my time putting a few pieces of my clothing away in the two empty drawers. Taking a second to breathe in the smell of my pillow. It smelled like home, and it comforted me.
When I descended the stairs again, Heather was in the kitchen talking to Mark. Her voice wafted up the short hall as I approached.
She showed absolutely no signs of worrying. She acted like nothing in the world was wrong. Like her father hadn't just shown up out of nowhere. She had every bit of her confidence.
"Hey, sweetie." She greeted lightly. She set the glass of water she held down on the table in front of her to rest it. "I was just talking to Mark here about you being home during the day. Sit for a second." She gestured to the seat with a sandwich placed in front of it. I took the hint, sitting down.
"Mark will be here with you most of the time." She informed me. "He works from home, so if you need anything, you can find him in the office. I've also been told of your tendency to.. Wander the second not enough attention is on you." I waited as she paused, giving me a stern look. "There won't be any of that here, okay?"
I shook my head.
"I mean it, Leandra." She said. "As much as I wish I could be in twelve places at once, I can't. I need to trust that you're safe at all times, so I'm asking you to stay here during the day."
"But-"
"No buts." She argued. "You're not to go anywhere alone while you're here. Am I clear? If the boys are with you, that's fine. If one of us is with you, that's fine, but not alone."
"Okay." I reluctantly agreed.
"I know it seems like I'm being a little overbearing, but that's how I do it." She smiled a little. "Just be honest with me, and I'll always return that favor. If I find out you've been out alone.."
She trailed off for a second, and Mark winced with a head shake at me. I laughed a little. It didn't seem like much of a threat when Mark reacted like that.
"We'll cross that bridge if we come to it." Heather went on. "Just stay inside, sweetie. That's all I ask."
"Okay." I agreed again.
"You won't have any chores, but I do ask that you pick up after yourself. Clothes where clothes go, dishes in the sink, trash picked up. Things like that."
"Oh, don't worry." I shook my head. "I always do. My room's always clean at home. I might have to work a little bit on the boys' room."
"Feel free to pitch in whenever you want." She laughed a little. "Lord knows Mark here could use a hand."
"Hey." He feigned offence. "I do a pretty good job around here, don't I? You could eat off these floors."
"You know.." She stressed. "Just from the health hazard alone, that expression makes me cringe every single time I hear it, but from a mother's stand-point, I kinda want to smack you for saying it."
I knew she never would, but the look on Mark's face confirmed that. He grinned at her, and she rolled her eyes a bit, fighting a smirk.
She looked at me again. "But seriously, though. If you need anything, please feel free to ask, and for Pete's sake, if there's one specific food you absolutely refuse to eat.. Let me know."
"I'm not picky." I assured her.
"Oh thank god." She sighed, relieved. "Zack is the worst."
"Josh has his moments." Mark pointed out. "But thank goodness we finally have one good child." He patted my head gently, and I laughed again. They were good at distracting each other.
"We just want you to feel at home while you're here." Heather ignored him with a small smile. I nodded, understanding.
"Thanks." I replied, sighing.
"You're welcome, sweetie. I know this can't be very easy on you. I want to make it easier, any way we can."
I appreciated the fact that she understood that. Maybe this wouldn't be so bad after all.
She had to go back to work, and Mark did too, so I was on my own. It was a really good thing I had a lot of practice being on my own now, because it would have really driven me crazy.
I was quite curious to know what kind of work Mark did, but I didn't want to bug him by asking.
So I amused myself with picking up the boys room a little bit. I put the dirty clothes in an empty box because I didn't see the hamper anywhere, and placed the questionable articles of clothing on a chair in the corner. The boys could sort those, because I didn't know if they were dirty or not. I took downstairs three cups, a plate, and two spoons. A couple of candy wrappers went into the small trash can next to the other dresser, and I took the bag out.
It honestly wasn't that bad or even that hard to sort. I just wanted something to do. It was nice to be productive for once, and it passed enough time. Somehow they both got home about the same time, just before 3:30.
Heather must have told them that I'd probably be coming, because they were only mildly surprised to see me sitting on the couch.
"Hey." Josh greeted me with a smile, approaching as he pulled his backpack off.
"Hey." I mumbled, forcing a sad smile.
"I guess they dropped you off." He understood, and I shrugged.
"Your mom picked me up." I corrected quietly. "But yeah."
"How long?" Zack asked, sitting next to me. His backpack was still on.
"My dad said two weeks as most." I replied, glancing over. "But it's still two weeks."
"Probably won't be that long." Josh sighed heavily, falling tiredly into the chair. "Don't even worry about it."
"I'm trying." I nodded a little. "I cleaned your room."
"What?" Zack laughed, looking over. "Really?" When I nodded, he laughed again and stood up. He immediately started for the stairs, removing his backpack and dropping it on the floor on his way up.
Josh and I both waited, listening and moments later, it came.
"Holy crap." Zack called from the room, and we both laughed. "Guys, come here."
I frowned a little, confused as I looked over at Josh. He shrugged and stood up. I followed suit, prying myself off the couch and trailing Josh up the stairs. I was curious to find out what he found so amusing.
"Look." Zack grinned, pointing. "It's the air mattress."
"I know." I followed Josh in. "I saw it earlier. Is this the one with the hole in it?"
"Lay on it." Zack suggested. "Just so we know if it's aired up enough."
That seemed reasonable, so I did. It seemed really flat. Like almost-touching-the-floor flat with just enough air in it to puff up the other end. It must have been a pretty big hole.
"Yup, it's got a hole. Seems kinda.." I trailed off, laying down.
The second I let myself relax into it, though, Zack jumped up and dropped full weight onto the other end. I screeched so loud as I was catapulted up, flailing as I fell back down. Hitting the floor nearly completely on my head, but my shoulder hit first.
I was stunned at first, and hearing Zack's laughter only served to piss me off. Josh was biting his lip as he quickly approached to help me unfold, but his eyes gave away the laughter he tried to hide. The fact that he didn't let any of that laughter out saved him.
I sat up with the most heated glare I could manage. I felt the spot my head had hit the floor as it throbbed in pain, but other than that, I was fine.
"You've been initiated." Josh smiled. "That's how you know he likes you."
"Ow." I grumbled, puffing a thick strand of hair out of my face.
"I'm sorry." Zack couldn't breathe. "I had to, but it was fun, wasn't it?"
"I think I know how that hole got there." I fixed my shirt.
Josh smirked as he saw the look on my face right as Mark arrived quickly in the doorway. I accepted Josh's help, standing.
"What is going on in here?" Mark demanded.
I was already trying to think of ways to get him back, but as mad as I was, my brain refused to think straight.
"Zack flung her." Josh answered nonchalantly. Mark took only a second longer to piece it together, sighing in frustration.
"Zack." Mark scolded. "You can't be doing stuff like that. You could have really hurt her. If you want to roughhouse, go outside. You don't fling your friends." He frowned down at the now-deflated air mattress with another heavy sigh.
Inevitably, we wound up over at Andrew's house. I knew he was probably dying for some kind of interaction, so it was my suggestion that we go there to keep him company.
Zack owed me that much.
Andrew greeted us happily, and it was a very nice change from the way I felt before. I was so relieved to know that just being around them could make me feel better again. I liked the normalcy again, and I allowed it to give me a boost.
Andrew led the way up the stairs into his room.
"Has your dad still been working a lot?" Zack asked as I flopped down onto Andrew's bed. It was comforting.
"Yeah." Andrew replied. "But he told me yesterday he's gonna try to be around more."
"Mom says that a lot too." Zack shook his head with a small laugh. "It never really happens."
"I'm sure she wants to." I said, turning my head and looking over at them. "It's not like she's lying on purpose." I felt like I knew Heather well enough to know that.
"I know." Zack nodded. "I'm just saying."
"And at least you guys have your dad." Andrew pointed out. "I only have my dad."
"How come he hasn't gotten married again?" Josh was honestly curious.
"Well.." Andrew mumbled, looking down. "He did say he's got a girlfriend.." The way he trailed off made me think he wasn't as excited about that as I was when I understood.
"What?" I asked, surprised as I pushed myself up. "That's huge. Since when?"
"Few weeks ago." Andrew shrugged. "I mean, it's not a huge thing-"
"Kinda, it is." Zack laughed. "Why didn't you tell me?"
"Because I didn't want to screw it up." Andrew replied with a laugh. "I jinx things a lot."
"Well, I'm happy for him." I said. "He's such a nice guy." That was a lot, coming from me, and Andrew knew that. He smiled at me.
"Have you met her yet?" Josh piped up, and Andrew shook his head. "You probably should. You know your dad better than anyone, and you'd know if he should keep her around or not."
"That's up to him." Andrew shook his head again. "How am I supposed to tell him who he should or shouldn't wanna keep around?"
"Because you're the kid." Josh replied. "It's your life too."
"I second that." I threw in almost apologetically. "At least make sure she's not some psycho. Women can be psychos too."
"They really can." Zack affirmed, nodding. "You just don't hear about it that much."
"I'll ask." Andrew relented. "But I'm not gonna bug him about it. He said before he's not sure I should meet her yet, but maybe it's been long enough now." I nodded.
"Just don't go into it expecting her to be a psycho." I suggested. "Your dad is smart. He wouldn't pick someone bad."
That seemed to help.
"So.." Andrew looked at me. "How come you're staying with them?" It was time for a subject change, obviously. I easily recalled the talk I'd had with Carlisle about this same thing.
"I don't know." I shrugged a little. "Nobody would really tell me anything, except it shouldn't last that long." I was surprised when that worked so well. He nodded.
"What are you gonna do during the day?" Andrew asked me, and I sighed.
"I have no idea." I answered honestly. "Heather says I'm not allowed out on my own."
I stopped myself from going any further, rethinking the direction this conversation was going. I wasn't sure if Josh and Zack even knew about Ken. I didn't want to be the one that let the cat out of the bag.
"So.." I added. "I'll probably read, or stare at the wall, or something."
"Well, if she said that, then there's probably a reason." Andrew laid back. "I wouldn't try it."
"Me either." Zack said, and I looked over at him. "It's not like she's mean, but you should do what she says to do." I laughed a little at the thought of Heather being mean.
Heather was quite annoyed, though, when she got home and found out Zack had popped the air mattress, but I assured her it was fine. Josh offered to share his bed with me again, and I agreed.
My first night there, I couldn't help feeling the familiar burning of homesickness in my stomach, but I fought it. I knew this was how it would have to be. I comforted myself with the thought that by being here and doing what I was told, I was helping my family. I wasn't sure how long that would work for me, but I held onto it as I fell asleep.
The second day started early thanks to school. That didn't really apply to me but I got up too.
By noon, I started to see how hard it would be to do what Heather told me. I was nearly bored to tears, and the silence was driving me crazy. Mark was working, Heather was gone, and the boys were at school, so I was left alone anyway.
Mark descended the stairs near lunch time to find me upside down, laying in the recliner.
"Hanging in there?" He asked, and I only whined in reply. He laughed. "I'm sorry, kiddo. I know this isn't the best." Using the leg of the coffee table as leverage, I rotated the chair to face him. He studied me for a second before laughed again. "Do you want to go for a walk? I could use some fresh air, and I don't think a few laps around the park would hurt."
"Maybe not the park." I muttered. "Doesn't have to be there."
"We'll figure it out." He smiled. "Come on."
I fought my way out of the chair, immediately ready to go despite my spinning head, much to his amusement. He grabbed his shoes, and allowed me to lead the way outside.
It was more than enough just to walk to the main street and back. We didn't talk much, but I appreciated the fact that he was willing to do this for me. Walking helped me get rid of just a little bit of that nervous energy that had been building up all morning.
Last night had been the first 'day' of Bella's transformation. Tonight would be the second, which meant she should be done the following day. From what Carlisle had said, three days was how long it would take.
I wasn't sure why I was nervous. I knew Carlisle had handled it many times, but it wasn't so much that that bothered me. It was more of the fact that someone I'd known as a human wouldn't be human the next time I saw her. Whenever that was. How long would it be?
It was such a huge thing to me, and I felt the questions I had physically weigh on me. Would she remember me, or would she be too different? Were memories kept, or swept away? What about her dad? What would happen to him? How would they hide the fact that she was there?
Would she still be like herself? Or would she have to learn all that again? What exactly was a newborn like? I knew she'd still look like herself, but what would change? I knew there had to be a change.
There was so much I didn't know, I realized, and once again, the curiosity was killing me, but there was also a fear there I couldn't ignore. What would all this change about my daily life? What had all this even taught me? I wanted normal.
We returned to the house to find Heather's car sitting in the driveway. I recalled that she came home for lunch.
"Mark." She called from the kitchen the second he opened the door. "Leandra better be with you." I tensed a little, unsure by her tone. She was a little mad.
"Yeah." He called ahead, ushering me inside and closing the door behind me. "I'm sorry, hon. We just went for a walk."
I stepped a little to the side as she came walking in from the kitchen. I looked up apologetically at her, and she offered a tense smile in return.
"Hang out in here for a second, sweetie." She told me, already pulling Mark outside. I sighed as she shut the door again. I hated that I'd just gotten him in trouble.
I didn't stay there, not wanting to accidentally eavesdrop. Instead, I went upstairs.
Nervousness had settled back in my stomach like a lead ball as I sat on Josh's bed. Even making me a little nauseous.
I looked up a few minutes later when Mark arrived in the doorway.
"I'm sorry." I mumbled first, and he smiled.
"Don't worry about it." He assured me. "It's not a big deal, but it might be a good idea to hang out here from now on." I nodded a little, looking down. I had a feeling that was coming.
"Okay." I sighed, only a little disappointed. The walk hadn't taken enough of the nervousness away for me to miss it that much. I looked back up. "Can we still go to Andrew's?" It was only up the street.
He pursed his lips for a second in thought. "I think that would be okay. Just there, though. No further and not alone."
"Okay." I agreed easily. Andrew's situation was just interesting enough to distract me, and I didn't want to lose out on discovering who that mystery woman was.
"Okay." He repeated with another smile, patting the door frame before continuing on up the hall.
I was upside down in the chair again when the boys returned about the same time they had the afternoon before, but to my surprise, they weren't alone. As it turned out, Andrew followed them in. That was actually just fine with me.
"I thought you'd be lonely." Andrew explained as Zack led him into the living room.
"Today.. Was probably the longest freaking day." I grumbled, spinning the chair a little.
"You're still in one piece, though." Zack offered a brighter side.
"Barely." I said, scooting over as Andrew squished himself into the chair beside me. Right side up, so it was a little awkward, but I didn't care. I was grateful for the contact.
"So fill us in." Josh pressed, but he wasn't looking at me. He was looking at Andrew. "Did you talk to your dad or not?"
Andrew sighed a little, leaning back.
"I talked to him." He replied, but he seemed hesitant.
"And?" I pressed next, and he looked down at me.
"He said he'd talk to her about meeting me." He admitted. "He said I already know her, but he wouldn't say from where."
This just got a whole lot more interesting. He seemed a little uncomfortable being the source of our fascination.
"He was weird about it, though." Andrew went on, frowning. "He wouldn't even tell me her name. Like he was worried about it."
"When?" Zack asked before I could.
"I don't know yet." Andrew answered. "He still has to talk to her."
"It's been like a whole day." I pointed out. "How long until you'll know?"
"I don't know." He repeated with a sigh. "I'll let you guys know when I know." As badly as this mystery was going to grate on me, he needed a subject change, so I quickly thought of one.
"I think I got your dad in trouble." I said, looking toward Josh.
He smirked. "How?"
"I was so bored earlier, so he went for a walk with me." I explained. "Your mom got home before we got back, and found us gone."
"What is the big freaking deal?" Zack sighed, falling onto the couch.
"Did she yell at him?" Josh asked, and I shrugged.
"I didn't listen in." I admitted. "But he told me after she talked to him that we could only go to Andrew's house, and that's it."
"Dang." He sighed, but he shrugged as well. "Well, at least we can go there."
"Oh boy." Andrew didn't seem that thrilled, but when I looked at him, he was laughing a little.
Mark descended the stairs then and took our focus. He handed out chores to Zack and Josh, which surprised me a little because Andrew was here. Andrew didn't seem to find that weird, though.
I was so grateful for them, though. I couldn't even begin to thank them for their distraction. I wasn't sure if it was because I was lonely all day, but I was more happy when they got home than I'd been in a long time.
Andrew and I escaped out into the back yard when Zack had to vacuum the living room. Josh was busy cleaning the bathroom. I felt the back yard was acceptable, even if it had no fence. We walked laps around the yard, using the house itself as a limit.
I studied him, though. Something was still bugging him. Something was weighing on him badly. I assumed it was the fact that his dad was dating again, but I knew I needed to get him to spit it out. Otherwise, it would eat at him.
"I kinda get it, I think." I spoke first, and he looked over. "I remember when my mom brought her boyfriend home."
He looked back down. He paused long enough to pick up an old tennis ball before continuing. Something else to focus on.
"It's okay to be weirded out." I tried again. He shook his head, so I sighed. "You're acting weird. What's wrong? Really."
"I can't tell you." He eventually sighed.
My eyes narrowed. "And why not?" My thoughts immediately moved to hate this woman.
"Because you'll get mad." He answered quietly, and I frowned this time in confusion. What gave him that impression?
"I can talk to you about anything now." I reminded him. "That means you can talk to me about anything. That's the way it goes."
"I wasn't really telling the truth in there." He relented, glancing over at me. "I know who it is, but.. My dad told me not to tell you yet."
"Wait." I stopped walking. "Me? Why?" What did I have to do with the situation?
"Because you'll get mad." He repeated, stopping with me.
"You're freaking me out." I told him, and he sighed, shaking his head. "Please tell me. I won't tell anyone else if that's what you're worried about."
He was quiet for a moment longer before he spoke again.
"I'm still trying to.." He trailed off, sighing. "It's really weird to me too. Can I just.. Can I tell you tomorrow? I really need to think about it first."
He'd never asked for more time to think about something. I remembered doing that to him on many occasions, so I understood perfectly where he was right then. I remembered how kind he'd been in those situations, so I really wanted to return that favor.
"Okay." I mumbled, despite how the mystery was crushing me. "No problem." He sighed, in relief this time, nodding.
"Thanks." He said. "I kinda just want normal right now."
That broke my heart. He was normally the most normal person I knew. If he craved normal, how heavy must this be for him?
"Distract me?" He requested. "How come Heather doesn't want you out on your own?"
"Because I did something stupid." I admitted, and we continued walking.
"Which was?" He prompted. I really hated the idea of secrets between us, but this was probably something I shouldn't tell him. He had his, and I had mine. As badly as I wanted to tell him, I couldn't.
"I can't." I sighed, and he glanced over. "It's not because of yours, but.. It's not really my thing to tell."
"I know that feeling." He replied, and thankfully, he understood. In an attempt to comfort him, I reached down and took hold of his hand. He held mine in return, which told me he was okay. He'd never not been okay, so I was grateful for that little bit of normal.
"Are you gonna stay for dinner?" I asked quietly, looking over at him.
"I can't." He replied apologetically. "I've got homework I should get done. I got a little behind."
Again I was disappointed. It really wasn't like him to fall behind on homework, either. Whatever was going on had been going on for awhile. How long had he known about this woman? How long had he known who she was? What was he hiding?
"I'm really worried." I admitted, and he smiled a little. An attempt to comfort me, but I read him like an open book. It was so weird to have the tables turned this way.
"I'm fine." He shook his head. "Really. Don't worry about me so much. It's just a lot."
"I get it." I mumbled. "But I don't like it."
He squeezed my hand, and I returned that squeeze.
He'd never been so guarded. As long as I'd known him. He was always so open, and I'd always been the guarded one. I didn't like that my best friend was changing so much.
He eventually did leave, about half an hour before Heather got home from work. By the fact that she brought pizza home with her, I knew it'd been a very long day for her. That, and I just sensed it.
While everyone was eating in the kitchen, I chose to sit with her. We didn't really talk, but by the way she placed her arm around me and hugged me into her side, I knew she appreciated the company. I couldn't imagine the boys doing this for her. Not in a bad way, but because they weren't really observant.
Sometimes company was just needed.
She squeezed me a little, kissing the top of my head, and again, I felt bad for worrying her earlier. I wanted to ask her to tell me everything she knew, or everything that was worrying her, but I knew she wouldn't tell me. She'd laugh, and tell me it was nothing I needed to worry about, but that would just make me worry more. I wanted to skip that part.
I had to admit, though. Aside from when everyone else was busy, my first day and a half here was really providing the distraction I needed to make it through. That nervousness was still there, but I had other things to think about.
How would the rest of my time here go?
A/N: I don't have an excuse to give you guys for why this chapter took so long. Twice-a-week therapy hasn't been kind to me, but I'm really hoping that there's light on the other side of it.
I'm so happy to have gotten this out, though. I really hope it was at least a little bit worth the wait. I tried my best every day to get something written down. :}
THANK YOU to my usual reviewers! I LOVE you guys! Seriously. THANK YOU!
Chapter fifteen will be along as soon as I can get it out to you. As soon as I get some semblance of normal back into my head. I have a lot planned here, but I don't want to screw it up.
Until next chapter, guys. (: (: (: