Chapter 11

I threw my bag down on my bed and went to my closet in search of my running shoes. Today was a normal day but I was stressing over one of my songs. I had a great tune but I had no idea what words to put with it. We were also given a head sup for a "pop quiz" we'd be having in music where we have to work as a class and sing a cover of a song. I wasn't too worried because it's just five of us and we all have good voices that can flow nicely together. My only concern was deciding on a song we could all sing.

I decided that since it was such a nice day out I'd go for a run to hopefully clear my head and allow my brain to focus solely on music. I changed into running shorts and tank top, pulled my hair into a ponytail, and slipped into my sneakers. With my iPod blasting, I started my run into town. My usual route involved going into the woods but ever since I learned about the wolves and vampires that hide in them, I tried to avoid them as much as possible.

I decided I'd run the few miles into town, down past the beach, and then back towards my house. About half way to town I saw something in the woods next to me, I slowed to see what it was and was surprised to see Seth pop out and run up next to me, keeping up with my slowed pace. He didn't say anything and just smiled and kept running with me. I laughed but didn't stop.

When we finally reached town, I stopped because I was out of breath and I wanted to ask Seth why he was running with me.

"How are you… not out…of breath?" I panted, resting my hands on my head and trying to focus on my breathing. Seth just laughed.

"We only ran, like a mile." I looked at him incredulously.

"Seth, we just ran, like, four miles…." He looked shocked.

"Huh, interesting."

"Stupid werewolf." I muttered. He pushed my shoulder playfully and I laughed. "Race ya to First Beach?"

"I'll give you a five-minute head start and I guarantee I'll STILL beat you." He said, sitting on the curb. First Beach was about a ten-minute jog from here so it wasn't that far. I smirked and took off in a fast run towards the direction of First Beach. After what I assumed was five minutes, I began turning back to see if I could see Seth. I turned my music off so I could hear him but his footsteps are so light I probably couldn't anyway.

I could finally see First Beach and I knew I was only a minute or two away so I started to pick up my pace. I turned to see if I could see Seth and to my surprise he wasn't far behind. I shrieked at how fast he was catching up and turned into a full-on sprint to the beach. I was so close!

Just as I was about to reach the sand I felt a pair of warm hands wrap around my waist. I yelled out in surprise and giggled like an idiot as Seth spun me around. We fell to the ground and he landed on top of me, making sure not to crush me. I was panting so hard from running and laughing and Seth was smiling down at me, slightly panting himself. I pushed him over and he fell on his back next to me.

"Holy shit your fast." He said to me, surprised.

"Me? Seth, you caught up to me in less than five minutes. And I bet you could've passed me if you wanted to." He just laughed and sat up, pulling me up with him.

"God damn I'm tired now." I took a deep breath to try calming my breathing again.

"And here I thought you had good endurance."

"Shut up I haven't run in a while." I flicked sand at him and he flicked some back.

"Hey can we talk-" I was interrupted by Seth's cell phone ringing. He held up a finger to me and answered his phone.

"Hey mom! What's up?" His smile fell in a matter of seconds and his face paled. My heart started racing because I had no clue what Sue could be saying to him to change his demeanor so drastically.

"We'll be right there." He hung up and looked up at me, tears forming in his eyes.

"Oh my god Seth what's wrong? What happened?" he stood up and pulled me with him, dragging me towards the woods. He didn't answer, he just kept walking. We entered the woods and I pulled my arm away, making Seth turn to look at me with a tear stained face.

"My dad had a heart attack. He's at Forks Hospital and they don't think he's gonna make it." He said solemnly. My heart dropped and I felt my eyes fill with tears. Harry can't die, it's just not possible. He was like a second father to me and I loved him so much.

"Seth I…" I had nothing to say. Nothing I could say would make Seth okay right now.

"Just get on my back and hold on tight please." He said quickly before pulling his shirt off and stepping behind a tree. In a second, a giant grey wolf walked out from the trees and slowly laid down next to me. I froze when I realized what Seth had said. He wanted me to get on his back so he could run to the hospital. If it was any other situation I would've complained and been more hesitant but we didn't have time right now. I grabbed a handful of fur and pulled myself up onto his back, grabbing fur and holding on for dear life.

Seth ran fast, and I mean fast. I kept my eyes shut tight so I didn't get dizzy or more scared from it. We reached the hospital quickly and I jumped down from Seth's back while he phased back.

"Sorry if that scared you." He mumbled, grabbing my hand and pulling me towards the hospital. I didn't say anything, I just kept speed with him the best I could and never let go of his hand.

"I'm here to see Harry Clearwater." He said to the receptionist. "It's urgent."

She directed us to the room and we both ran down the hallway to where we could see some of the wolves standing. They looked up and when they saw Seth their faces fell even more. Seth let go of my hand when he walked into the room and I wanted so badly to reach out and grab it again.

I stayed back by Brady and Collin, letting Seth hug his mom and grab his dad's hand.

Harry was lying in a bed with Leah on one said and Sue and Seth on the other holding his hands. Paul and Jared stood against one side of the room while Embry and Quil stood on the other. Brady, Collin, Kat, and I stood against the back wall. DJ had has hands on Leah's shoulders, rubbing them soothingly while she just stared at the floor by her father's bed.

"Hey dad." Seth said quietly, giving his dad a small smile. "I hear you're not feeling too well." His dad gave a small chuckle.

"Yea, I've had better days son." He smiled weakly up at Seth and I saw a tear fall down Seth's cheek. It hurt me to not be able to go comfort him but I know he needed his space. He needed to be with his family. I wiped a tear from my face and Brady wrapped an arm around me, pulling me into a side hug. I kept my hand covering my mouth to keep my sobs from being too loud.

Sam came into the room at that moment. "Let's give them some space." He said very quietly. The wolves all walked out, including DJ. I touched Seth's back, letting him know I was leaving the room as well. We closed the door and all just sat on the floor outside of the room,

"How did this happen?" I asked quietly, wiping away more tears.

"A vampire got into the woods while he was hunting with Charlie. She stood right in front of Harry and we think the fear is what gave him the heart attack." Paul said quietly. "We weren't fast enough to get to her before it happened."

Everyone stayed silent, all realizing we were about to lose an important friend to all of us.

"Paul and Jared, I want you guys to go patrol the south side of town. Embry and Quil, you guys take the north. Collin and Brady, head over to Forks and check around those woods. She could be anywhere and we need to make sure it's not on our land. I'm gonna go get Jake and we'll join you two in Forks." Sam said, standing up and getting ready to go.

Brady reached his hand down to help me up but I shook my head.

"I'm gonna wait for Seth." I said quietly. He nodded and they all left.

I sat on the floor outside of the room for what felt like hours. Nurses and Doctors came in and out frequently but no one said anything to me. After what felt like forever, I heard the sound I had hoped I wouldn't hear today, the consistent shrill of Harry Clearwater flat lining. My breath caught in my throat and I covered my mouth with my hands as I watched nurses rush into the room.

Leah stormed out in the chaos of it all, tears streaming down her face. She was shaking and I knew she was on the verge of phasing. I stood up, wanting to go check on Seth but knowing I wasn't going into that room any time soon. Luckily, I didn't have to go in. Seth walked out of the room as another doctor ran in and he locked eyes with me. His face was stained with tears, his eyes were blood shot, and his body looked defeated. I wiped my eyes and opened my arms as he took three steps towards me, engulfing me in a hug.

I wrapped my arms around his neck and pulled him tighter to me, rubbing his head and his back in the most comforting way I could. I felt his body shake as he stated crying into my shoulder and I just held him tighter, crying as well.

It's been two days since Harry's passing. Seth didn't come to school yesterday which made sense, but I haven't seen or heard from him at all. The pack says he hasn't been phased either so he's probably just up in his room. I called him last night but he didn't answer. I wanted to go check on him but if he didn't answer my call then he probably didn't want to see anyone right now.

Brady was on patrol and Collin took Kat to dinner tonight so I planned on heading up to bed early even though it was a Saturday.

As I was about to walk upstairs, I caught a glimpse of the piano in my living room and decided I'd play some music before going to sleep. No one was home so I wouldn't be bothering anyone. My mom and dad were with Sue helping prepare for the funeral tomorrow and Selena had stayed at a friend's house, not wanting to be alone tonight. I told her she could stay and hangout with me but she claims I've been lying to her about stuff and that she doesn't feel as close with me like she used to. I know it's because I've been spending a lot of time with the wolves now and since she doesn't know about them, she can't hang out with me as much. It hurts me to know I'm hurting her but I can't tell her the secret, it's not my secret to tell.

I sat at the piano and started playing aimlessly, thinking about what I wanted to play. I wrote a short song for Seth yesterday, for his dad. I wanted to play it for him but I knew it was far too soon.

"Be still and know that I'm with you
Be still and know that I am here
Be still and know that I'm with you
Be still, be still, and know

When darkness comes upon you
And colors you with fear and shame
Be still and know that I'm with you
And I will say your name

If terror falls upon your bed
And sleep no longer comes
Remember all the words I said
Be still, be still, and know"

I stopped playing and wiped away the lone tear that found its way onto my cheek.

"That was a beautiful song Stevie." I jumped at the quiet sound of Seth's voice. He was leaning against the staircase, looking into the living room. He was shirtless, wearing just a pair of grey sweatpants. He looked like he'd been out somewhere, maybe as a wolf. "I knocked, but I heard you playing and the door was open so…" he trailed off with a small smile.

"Seth…" I said, standing up and walking over to give him a hug. "What are you doing here?"

"I went for a run to clear my head and, I don't know, I just ended up here I guess." He looked miserable. His eyes were bloodshot and baggy, his face looked pale, and he looked like he hadn't slept in days.

"Do you want something to eat or drink?" I asked, walking into my kitchen. He followed behind me.

"No, I just want to sleep." I handed him a granola bar and glass of water anyway. He didn't object, opening the bar right away and eating it in a single bite.

"Oh, well do you want me to walk you back?" I asked, bummed that he didn't want to stay.

"Can I actually sleep here instead? I haven't slept since Wednesday night and It's because all I think about is my dad and how his room is right down the hall from me… I just need some space and to be with you." He said quietly.

"Oh Seth," I said, cupping his face in my hand and gently brushing a tear away. "You can always stay here. C'mon bub, let's go to bed." I took his hand and led him upstairs to my room. I opened my window for some fresh air and turned off my lights while Seth got into bed, sitting against the headboard.

"You can lay down yenno." I told him, kicking off my slippers. He smiled.

"I know, I wanna sit up though." I smiled and crawled into bed next to him. He pulled me in for a hug and kissed my head. He didn't let me go and I relaxed onto his chest, loving the way I fit perfectly into him.

"Seth, I'm always gonna be here for you, no matter what happens." He hugged me tighter and I felt him relax against the headboard.

"Good night Stevie," he whispered. "I love you." He kissed my head again.

"I love you too bub." I mumbled, kissing his chest and drifting off into a deep sleep.

I woke up Sunday morning to Seth snoring lightly next to me. I rolled over and noticed I was still wrapped in his arms. I smiled and watched Seth as he slept. He looked so peaceful, the worried creases in his forehead were gone and his face looked so relaxed and calm. I'm glad he fell asleep, I hated knowing he was going on 72 hours of no sleep.

"They say it's rude to stare you know." He mumbled quietly, his eyes fluttering open and meeting my blushing smile.

"You looked so peaceful. I liked it." He told him honestly. I smiled and he released his arms from around me. I fought back my urge to pout.

"I gotta go get ready, the funeral is soon." He stood up and walked to my window.

"Wait, you can use the front door."

"Nah, your parents came home early this morning and I don't think they'd be happy to know we slept in the same bed last night." He pointed to his ear so I could know how he knew they came home so late. "I'll see you in a bit Stevie." He gave me a heartbreaking smile and before I could answer he quietly jumped out my window and jogged over to his house.

The funeral went quick. I stayed by Seth's side and held his hand for most of it. Most of the town was there; the wolves, the elders, and a lot of parents and grandparents of kids I go to school with. I forgot how well Harry was known around town and just how many people his death was going to affect. I did my best not to cry because I didn't want Seth to get any sadder but when I saw the tears in his eyes I couldn't hold mine back.

After Harry was laid in the ground, the wolves all headed back to Sam's house. My dad took Selena home and my mom stayed with Sue in the cemetery. Seth drove me and him, neither of us saying a word the entire drive. He parked the car but didn't get out.

"You go in, I'll be there soon." He said quietly, wiping away another tear. I felt so bad for Seth. Seeing him like this broke my heart and I felt useless knowing there was really no way I could comfort him in a time like this. I nodded and got out, walking inside with everyone else.

Emily had asked me where Seth was and I told her he'd be in in a minute. That was thirty minutes ago though. Seth never came in and although Sam told me to just give him his space, I couldn't just leave Seth to grieve alone. Embry and Quil walked in from a short patrol run.

"Was Seth phased?" I asked.

"No, why?" I just shook my head and ran out the door, I knew exactly where he'd be. He left his truck in the driveway with the keys on the front seat so I hoped in and drove down the road towards First Beach. After parking and jumping out, I made my way to the edge of the forest, where I found the small trail Seth and I had made when we were kids. I followed it for a few minutes before coming to a small clearing.

Seth was sitting against a giant tree across from me. He looked up when he heard me and gave me a small smile.

"I was wondering how long it'd take for you to find me." I walked over and stood next to him.

"Sam had told me not to go looking cause you needed space. I told him he was wrong." Seth patted the ground next to him and I sat down, leaning back against the tree as well. Seth grabbed my hand and traced the lines and bones on it, not saying anything else. And that's how the rest of the day was spent: Seth quietly playing with my hands and me sitting quietly next to him, giving him the comfort of being with someone minus the pressure of having to talk.

Seth skipped again on Monday but came to school the rest of the week. Eventually, he turned back into his usual self and was cheerful and talkative just like he used to be. We fell back into the routine of walking to school together, sitting together at lunch, and suffering through Mr. Daniels' class together.

No one spoke about his dad or asked how he was doing because none of us wanted to bring back the memories and the pain so unless he brought it up first, we did our best to remain quiet on the topic.

Seth and I still hadn't talked about us but things were going great and I didn't want to ruin that so I was okay with avoiding the topic. He still flirted, as did I, but it was fun harmless stuff. Part of me was starting to long for something more with Seth, seeing how easy it was to flirt and be together all the time, but I haven't told him that yet. I haven't told anyone that yet. And I'm not sure when I will.