Chapter Four

I was allowed to leave just a few hours later. My ribs weren't broken. I only had a small fracture in one of them. They were badly bruised and in a whole lot of pain, but I would be okay.

"I told you." I mumbled sleepily. "I'm small, but I'm sturdy."

"I never doubted that." He replied. "But I also never doubted that they are sturdier than you."

I smiled, looking down at remembering the chase the day before. I could smile about it now. Not the getting kicked part, though. That part would always suck.

"You should have seen them." I said, looking over at Carlisle. "Josh was so brave. I think he likes making people mad as much as I do."

"That reminds me." He murmured. "Again, I'm happy about that. You're making more friends." I knew he would be.

"That was Andrew." I replied. "He took me over to their house. I didn't like Josh at first, but Zack has always been cool." I was quiet for a moment. "I think I like him better now."

I shook my head, smiling to myself. I wasn't about to tell him about Josh's bright idea. The one that made me decide to leave his house early. He was just being a stupid kid, probably trying to show off, but it didn't work.

I sighed, looking over. "Do I really have to keep this stupid brace on for a week?"

"It's to help you heal." He replied, looking to me.

"I know. It just bugs."

I knew I'd earned the glances Carlisle gave me. My attitude had changed so much already, and it even surprised me to remember the way I'd been behaving only a week ago. Only a week ago, I'd have been a lot grumpier about everything.

I was positive that nobody had even dared to dream I'd respond the way I did to such a correction as Jasper gave me, but I know it helped me. I knew for a fact he hadn't done it to be mean, but because he cared how I turned out. It completely changed me. Turned me right around.

No. That wouldn't be needed again. How stupid could I have been to ever treat my family that way? I'd been in the process of throwing it all away, and hadn't even realized it. Now all that was left to do was start learning, paying attention to how humans were supposed to act. Without all the anger, and hatred. I knew, though, if I were to keep spending time with Andrew, Zack and Josh, I'd learn. I'd learn how to react to things properly. To stop expecting the worst from the world.

Maybe, possibly expanding my little world even further. Carefully, of course, but maybe I'd soon learn that not everybody was out to kill me. Even if most of the town hated me. I didn't care about that anymore. I had my family behind me, and three friends who were now determined to help me through it.

"I told them." I said, looking to Carlisle, and at first, he seemed worried. "Not about that. About me. About my life before you found me."

"I see." He said, surprised. "How'd that go?"

"They were.." I sighed. "Awesome about it. I was so worried, but Josh told me that was stupid. That they wouldn't abandon me just because Jack did what he did. I wasn't gonna tell Josh and Zack too, but they were kinda just there."

"I had a feeling that'd be the result." He commented quietly, making the turn onto the drive.

I smiled a little. "Yeah. Josh even said he'd help me out any time I needed it. That he has a bunch of friends that would do the same, so not everybody hates me."

He nodded, so I went on.

"And he has a point. The more people I have around me, the less chance of the others chasing me down. Instead of trying to fight them, I can avoid them as long as they avoid me. That's all I want."

"I'm liking these kids more and more." He nodded again and I laughed a little.

"Even without Josh's other friends, as long as I have the three of them with me, they'll probably think twice about running after me. Especially now that they know who Andrew's dad is." I leaned back against the seat. "It's nice to know that I have more than one person in town on my side. I never thought that would happen."

It was quiet for a moment, before I spoke again.

"I'm sorry." I said, and he looked to me. "How was your weekend? Did you hunt?"

"It was.." He paused. "Interesting, to say the least." He didn't seem up to talking about it, so I let it go. I was curious, though.

The second I walked in, Esme was there. I smiled a little apologetically as she hugged me.

"I'm okay." I mumbled, but I had to admit. I would probably never get tired of having someone be relieved when I was okay.

"I thought you said you wouldn't fight anymore?" She scolded quietly.

"This time, it wasn't my fault." I argued immediately.

"Uh-huh." Emmett suddenly arriving made me jump a little. He was skeptical.

"It wasn't." I defended myself. "We were just walking back from Josh's house, and they were just waiting there. I swear."

"Then why try to lie about it?"

"Because this." I pointed at him. "And I didn't wanna bug everyone for nothing. Josh and Zack helped me out of there, so I.. I don't know. I know I should have said something, but I really thought I could handle it."

"I get it, shorty." He replied, and I could suddenly tell that something was bothering him. "You didn't wanna back down, and got hurt again."

I groaned.

I looked over at Edward walking into the room. I couldn't help thinking. Edward had been there to witness my first real fight that day at the high school. Who knew that that would turn out to be just the start?

I had seen him a few times since they moved back to Forks, and I had a few choice words for him, but I really couldn't tell him off too much. He already looked like he'd been through Hell and back beating himself up.

"Tell them I'm telling the truth, please." I sighed, irritated. "You can tell, right? You can tell if I'm lying or not."

"She's being truthful." He nodded easily, looking over at Carlisle. "She and Andrew left Josh's house, and ran once they saw the group. They were chased down, and Josh and Zack came to help them. Taking the group's attention while they ran back to Andrew's house. Getting Richard's assistance."

"Thank you." I sighed again.

"By the way." Edward murmured, and I looked up at him. "You made the right choice. I'm proud of you." I smiled a little, knowing what he was talking about. Looking down. Esme hugged me back into her side, which I appreciated.

"How was Florida?" I asked, looking back up at Edward.

"Very sunny." He answered and I huffed a little.

"How come nobody wants to talk about their weekend, but I have to talk about mine?" I asked, looking around. It was amusing, but also really frustrating.

"Because your weekend involved bodily injury." Emmett replied first.

"How do I know yours didn't?" I whipped back. I was just joking now, but the look on his face gave him away, just before he looked down. My smile faded a little. "Wait. Did it?"

I honestly didn't know what that would even mean. I couldn't imagine anything or anyone being strong enough to hurt them.

"Everyone is fine, Leandra." Edward assured me, and that helped a little.

"Well.." I mumbled. "It's still not fair. I get I messed up, but come on."

I let it drop, though. If they didn't want to tell me something, I probably shouldn't press it.

"I told you I wasn't lying." I muttered again, stepping into the living room, where Jasper sat focused on the news. Yet again.

"I'm sorry I doubted you." Carlisle followed me, watching as I sat in the chair with a small wince. "Forgive me. I was only hoping there could be a simple solution to this situation."

"Me too." I admitted, sighing. "So.. Am I allowed to see Andrew again?"

He seemed to think about it, and I held my breath. If he said no, I'd probably have to argue, but he had to remember that they'd stuck by me the whole time. It was nice to have that help, and a brave enough friend to try to help me out like that.

"I say she should." Jasper commented, not taking his eyes off the TV. "It might be dangerous, but I think it's helped her. I see a difference in her."

"So do I." Emmett stepped into the room. "I say she should, too. Let shorty have her little friends." I smiled a little, hopeful.

"I suppose." Carlisle allowed. "But not until you're fully healed. You could do without running or roughhousing until then." I smiled wider, nodding. I could deal with that. As long as I wasn't banned from them completely. "And as long as you never try to hide something like that again. I need to trust that you'll be honest with me."

"I will." I mumbled. "Thank you. I'll be good." He glanced to me, and gave me a small smile.

Days passed from there, and the TV stayed on. Someone was always watching it, as if waiting for a clue as to who it was. The numbers in Seattle doing nothing but growing, and they were just as lost as when it first started.

I even started watching the news. I didn't understand what she meant by half of what she said, but I did manage to grasp the fact that it was bad there. Watching as some lady went on about how many people were missing, and those they found dead. Same old, same old. More dead, more missing. Why was my family so fascinated with this? Did they have some sort of interest in dead things? I remembered how close I came to being one of those dead things. That thought alone caused me to shiver roughly, gaining a brief glance from Jasper.

"This is depressing." I commented quietly. "Why aren't they trying harder to catch the guy?"

"It's a little more complicated than that." Jasper murmured, glancing to me.

"How hard could it be?" I asked. "Someone like this shouldn't be hard to track down." I sat forward, trying to get comfortable, which was pretty difficult with the brace I had to wear for my ribs. It was more of a wrap, but it was stiff. To keep me from moving wrong. "Hey, maybe Mr. Serial Killer will find wherever Jack is. Go, guy! Make sure he's never found." Carlisle looked my way.

"That's not funny, Leandra." Jasper said quietly. "Believe me." I leaned back, sighing.

"I wasn't trying to be funny." I clarified. "I'm being serious." I looked down. Being hit hard with sudden emotion. Things I hadn't allowed myself to feel for so long. Things I hadn't allowed myself to deal with yet. The wounds were still fresh. "Hopefully, by the time he gets out, I'm big enough to kill him myself."

"Shorty." Emmett murmured, trying to correct me.

"I can't right now, can I?" I asked. "Or else I'd hunt him down."

"I don't like you talking like that." Emmett shook his head, and I looked over at him from my place in the chair. "You won't be throwing your life away like that."

"I can't help it." I mumbled. "I hate him so much. Letting him live just feels so wrong."

"Ditto." Emmett admitted.

"I know." Jasper spoke this time. "I know how much you hate him, and let me be the first to tell you. It's not good for you to hold that much hate. It'll only grow, consuming you until there's nothing left."

"How do I get rid of it?" I asked, honestly curious.

"Forgive."

I snorted. "Right."

"I'm not telling you to forget. Just forgive. It's the only way to let it go, and gain closure."

"I'll never forgive him for what he did to me." I told him firmly, sitting forward. "No matter how long I live."

Jack was still a very, very sore subject for me. I had a lot of mixed emotions.

"I'm sorry." I mumbled. "I'm still sore over that." I looked back to the TV.

"That's understandable." He replied. "But you did ask, and I answered you. Forgiveness isn't for his benefit, Leandra. It's for yours. Perhaps when you're older, you'll understand."

I couldn't imagine ever feeling differently. Jack had taken everything from me. That's what Jack did. He took, and took, until I had nothing left to give him. Playing his own mind games, torturing me mentally as well as physically. It was his fault I was the way I was now, scarred mentally as well as physically, and Jasper wanted me to forgive him?

Jasper wanted me to forgive Jack for ensuring, single-handedly, that I'd probably never be a normal kid? And because of that, I'd never be a normal teen, or adult? If I even lived that long.

Jasper wanted me to forgive Jack for all he'd done to me, all the blood I lost and bruises I'd had to hide. All the pain and suffering he gave me for six of my ten years alive. I was certain, one-hundred percent positive, that forgiving Jack for everything he'd done to me was not possible.

I could see why he'd say that, though. Forgiving him would give me peace of mind, and just write the bastard off as nothing more than a memory. As much as I wanted to do that, I couldn't. I couldn't let it go. Not now, not ever.

"Maybe." I sighed. "But probably not." He was quiet for a moment, and I knew he was studying me.

"And well done, by the way." He finally spoke again. I looked over.

"For what?" I asked quietly.

"Controlling your anger." He said. "You were getting quite upset there for a second, but you controlled it. You've always struggled with that."

"Oh. Thanks." I smiled a little, surprised. "I didn't even notice."

"You're getting better at it." He gave me a small nod. "Good job."

"Maybe I'm just tired." As if on cue, I yawned, laying my head back on the chair.

"You were up pretty early this morning." Carlisle commented. "Perhaps you should try to sleep." I actually was. Another nightmare waking me up, my cheeks and the sides of my head soaked in tears I had no control over. My dreams causing me nothing but pain.

"That's why I can't forgive him, even if it's supposed to help me." I sighed. "Even when he's not here, he still hurts me, and there's nothing I can do about it."

"Try thinking about something else before you sleep." Emmett suggested.

"That's fine while I'm awake." I replied. "But when I fall asleep, I can't control where my head goes."

I didn't like where my thoughts had gone, so I peeled myself up off the couch. A little bit of rest didn't sound too bad, even if it was just snoozing. I passed Edward and Bella on the way out of the room.

I was pretty sure my family thought my cooperation was temporary. Waiting day in and day out for my anger to reappear. They expected the bitter reclusive behavior that I'd displayed for so long to come back, but with the support I had from Andrew, Josh and Zack, it somehow made it easier. Things being easier to handle smoothed out my mood.

I hadn't seen them since that morning, the morning I'd told them everything, and it was starting to get to me. I missed them, but I didn't complain. I just waited impatiently.

It didn't take as long as Carlisle thought it would. Under a week after I started wearing the stupid brace, they were fully healed, and I could leave it off.

The first place I went once I was allowed to leave wasn't over to Andrew's house, but I did see Richard and Charlie.

Carlisle was off work today, which was odd, because it was a Friday. Esme thought it was a good idea to get me out of the house for awhile, so she asked if I'd like to go along to run an errand with her and Carlisle. I agreed, of course. I didn't mind. I hadn't a clue what we would be doing, but that didn't matter.

Sitting in the back seat, I watched out the window as the town passed by. I was really stuck in my head today, so I wasn't much for conversation. I usually got like this when the sky looked the way it did. When it was this cloudy, I felt cloudy. I wasn't upset or angry, but calm.

As badly as I wanted to see my friends, I liked this too. Carlisle and Esme were different when they did things together. Still the same, but in a different way. It was pretty interesting to watch them.

I briefly wondered if it was like me and my different parts. Parts I let out around my family, I couldn't let out around Andrew, and I was much lighter around Andrew than I was around my family.

Maybe they just brought out different parts of each other without even meaning to. Whatever it was, it always made me smile.

The first place we stopped was at the police station. I chose not to go inside, but I did climb out to stand there and wait. Before Carlisle even made it inside, he ran into Richard, so I wandered closer.

He smiled, seeming honestly glad to see me.

"Andrew's been losing his mind." Richard laughed. "I'm glad I can tell him you're okay."

"I'm fine." I laughed also. "Tell him I say he worries too much."

"I will." He agreed. "Because he really does. Josh and Zack have been asking about you too. Though they've been pretty excited the last couple of days."

"Over what?" I asked curiously. Hoping Carlisle and Esme didn't mind my stalling.

"Well, apparently their uncle is coming to visit sometime soon." He said. "They haven't seen the guy in months, because he lives so far away in Seattle, so I can definitely understand why they're so excited."

"I get why too. Seattle is pretty dangerous now, isn't it?"

"It is." He agreed. "I'd avoid that place at all costs, or at very least be careful until it settles down."

I smiled, nodding. "Tell everyone I say hi."

"I sure will." He said, nodding as well. "Don't be a stranger, sweetie."

"I'll try not to be."

I decided to follow them anyway. We saw Charlie next, hardly having to go inside for just a moment. I was just fine staying beside Esme, holding her hand as she held mine. I'd gotten better about it.

"Here it is." Charlie spoke quietly to Carlisle. He handed him a rather thick folder full of papers. "All the signatures are there. While you're there, I'd demand to know why this keeps being sent back. Just keep an eye on that one there." He pointed to me, but I knew he was joking. Referring to my tendency to disappear. I would probably never live that down.

"I'm not going anywhere." I replied anyway, and he laughed.

"No." He replied. "I guess you're not." I was glad he saw it that way.

We left after a few more words exchanged. I was back in the back seat, curious to know where we were going next, but I didn't ask. I wasn't complaining. As long as I was anywhere but cooped up at home, I was happy.

I soon figured out where we were headed, when Esme laid out the one main rule I had to follow.

"Stay with us, Leandra." She said. "No running or wandering off while we're there."

"We're going to Seattle, aren't we?" I asked, smiling a little.

"Yes." She answered. "So it's important that you listen to me. Stay with me."

"I will." I nodded, sitting up straighter. "Can I ask why we're going there? Richard said we shouldn't go there. Does it have to do with that folder Charlie gave you?"

"It does." She smiled a little. "But I promise it's for a very good reason." I believed her, so I wasn't worried.

"Don't worry about me." I assured her. "I don't want to end up being a number on the news."

"That's an interesting way to put it." Carlisle commented quietly. I smiled a little. "But effective enough."

I was actually excited, watching out the window the whole time we made our way through the city. Late morning activity around us. It wasn't often anymore that I got excited over anything, but for some reason, I was today. This was exciting. A mystery.

It was cloudy here too, which was a relief for them, I was sure. Again, I didn't care. The city didn't depend on sunlight to be busy. Having grown up in a tiny town like Forks, this was very new to me. I'd seen Phoenix, but that was from out a window. Not in the middle of it like I was here.

The last time I was in Seattle, was for Jack's trial. We hadn't been downtown before, though. So this was a whole other part of Seattle that I hadn't seen.

"Okay." I mumbled as I stepped out of the car. "I get why it's so hard for them to catch the guy."

I looked up and around me. Esme gently took my hand, holding it tight as she and Carlisle spoke to each other briefly. I kept my eyes up, looking up at the sky, and the incredibly tall buildings in every direction. I let her hand go for a second, needing to free my hand from my sweater's sleeve so I could hold hers in return. I felt better that way.

The air was cooler, even for early May. It felt wet, though no rain fell yet. I could feel it. That, in itself, was a good indication that the sun wouldn't be making an appearance today. Just over the sound of the city, I could hear thunder further off in the distance.

I suddenly felt tiny, as I looked around. How easily could I get lost here? How easy would it be to go missing like those others? I stepped closer to Esme's side at that thought. A feeling I'd never had before making me feel insecure. It was an odd mixture of dread, and curiosity. Curious, wanting to wander, but knowing that there was danger here told me not to. My heart pounded a little quicker, and I held tighter to her hand.

"Come on, sweetie." Esme told me, turning. Carlisle took my other side, keeping me between them. I felt safest there, surprisingly. The parking lot we'd wound up in was even huge. The large, red brick building in front of us intimidated me. I noticed that this was a courthouse. Different from the one we visited the last time. Four stories tall, this one was smaller than that one, but I still hated it.

I was less excited now, but a bit nervous.

I eased a little once we were inside, but even the lobby was huge. Carlisle stopped to ask a receptionist a question. Being here made me edgy. Wondering what on Earth they'd have to do here, but I never asked.

"I hate this place." I murmured to Esme. She put her arm around me, hugging me into her side as we continued on across the large lobby, headed for some elevators.

"Why do you hate this place?" She asked quietly. Probably trying to distract me.

"I dunno." I mumbled. "I think because of the last time I was in Seattle. This place reminds me of it."

"You won't have to see him again." She assured me.

"I know." I replied. "But I can't help it. Sometimes I still feel like I will. Some day." I paused as she and Carlisle glanced at each other. "He'll make sure of it as soon as he can."

I jumped a little as the elevator arrived, and we stepped inside. I kept my eyes down as we headed up. To the fourth floor.

There, we stepped out into another lobby sort of area, and we were asked to wait. Along the far right wall were two rows of padded chairs, a table centered in the rows with magazines laying on them.

I sat quietly, looking around at the paintings on the tan colored wall. I think the receptionist expected me to cause trouble, because she kept looking at me, suggesting for me to look at a magazine or something. I turned her down politely each time, but it was beginning to annoy me. It was obvious not many people brought their children here.

"I'm sure you'd be far more entertained looking at something." She insisted, and I sighed. My patience with her finally having run out.

"I'm sure you'd be far more entertained if you did some work or something." I finally grumbled. She gave me a look, before turning her attention back to her computer.

"Leandra." Esme corrected, trying to hide her laughter.

"What?" I asked quietly, sitting back. "I'm not causing trouble. She acts like I'm running around here screaming my head off. I know how to behave. Thank you, miss receptionist."

A few seconds later, Esme reached over and touched my nose. Gaining my attention. I looked to her now.

"What's that glare for?" She asked, taking my hand.

"People thinking they know everything." I mumbled. "Always treating me like I'm something gross."

She gave me a small smile. "Think about how they must feel." She suggested. "You're a ten-year-old ball of hostility. What would you do if one of those came rolling your direction? Maybe if you treated people kinder, they'd be kinder to you."

"No they wouldn't." I shook my head a little.

"You're always so closed off." She replied. "You tell people to leave you alone, without telling them. People read and listen to body language just as much as they listen to words. They don't quite know what to make of you, and that scares them." I looked down.

"Why should I let them make anything of me?" I asked. "They're all worthless."

"Now that isn't true." She argued calmly. "Just because you've run into many not-so-pleasant individuals, doesn't mean you should condemn the entire race." I noticed the receptionist's glance, glaring.

"Can I help you?" I barked, and she looked to me. Giving me yet another look. "I don't think we were talking to you." Esme sighed, holding me tighter.

"That, my darling, is what we need to work on." She murmured. "When you feel like you want to snap, just breathe. You wear your anger and your defense on your sleeve, honey, and that puts a lot of people off. Just breathe." I took a deep breath, as she suggested, and surprisingly, I did feel a little better.

"It's so easy to just look at someone, decide to hate them, and tell yourself that you don't want anything to do with them." Esme continued softly. "But one day, you'll get it. You'll learn that not everybody is there to hurt you, sweetie. Remember how hard you had to try the day you first met Carlisle?" I glanced to him, spotting him watching us. I nodded a little. "It's just like that. Only all you'll be showing them, is your smile, instead of your glare. You'll find that it's easy. It only takes a little bit of effort, but you'll see so many results."

"Okay." I finally sighed, smiling over at her. "I'll try." She returned my smile, putting her arm around me.

"One day you'll find your place, honey." She comforted me. "It's just harder for you because you're so special." I smiled a little wider, leaning against her.

All three of us looked up as a man came out of the long hall to the right, and Carlisle patted Esme's hand as he stood.

"Mr. Cullen, I'm so sorry for the wait." The man sighed. "And I'm so sorry you had to come all the way here. I'm this close to figuring it out for you, but there are just a few things I need to go over with you before we can finish up."

I didn't understand what he meant by all that, but then again, I didn't really try to understand.

Apparently, he was going in alone, because Esme made no move to stand with him. Probably because I was here. I didn't mind that.

We sat in silence now. It was true, I was bored, but I didn't want to give the bitch behind the desk the satisfaction of seeing me lift a magazine. I leaned further back against Esme, stretching my legs out in front of me, sighing quietly. I was starting to get hungry.

About thirty agonizingly boring minutes later, Carlisle came back out.

"We'll come back in an hour. By then, it'll be ready." He told Esme, despite the fact that I knew she had heard the whole discussion, and she smiled, which he returned. "He's made it his top priority."

Esme stood, and I followed. I yawned, glancing to the receptionist as we stepped back into the elevator.

"Should we tell her?" Esme asked gently, her smile still in place.

"I'd rather wait." Carlisle replied. "Let her find out when we sign the paperwork."

I was deeply curious now, but I didn't ask. I didn't want to seem nosy. Whatever this was, it was about me. Something they didn't want to tell me until after they signed stuff. What did that tell me?

Maybe I wouldn't have to go to school anymore. Or maybe it had something else to do with my mom? I wouldn't know what that would have been, as I hadn't heard from her since the last time I saw her, but I still wondered.

I stayed right beside Esme the entire time, looking up at the darker clouds. The humidity was gone now, and I knew at any moment, it was going to start raining.

I had a quick lunch, and we stuck to the general area of the courthouse. The small diner just one street up. I wondered why Carlisle would choose to drive there, instead of just walking there. It would have been far easier to just walk, but again. I didn't ask. He had his reasons for everything he did. I trusted that.

I knew they were talking, but I didn't even try and eavesdrop. I knew their eyes were on me. I was actually comforted by the fact that they kept an eye on me. Trouble usually found me when nobody was watching.

It was busy here in this part of town. Very busy. There were far too many opportunities to people-watch to pick just one person. They were everywhere. Enough to be a very decent distraction.

I was suddenly really glad I hadn't tried to come here when I ran away. Someone my size in a place this big would really disappear. Close calls here would be too close. I shuddered.

This time, when we went back inside the courthouse, our wait was much shorter, and all three of us went right into the small office. Inside the small office, though, there was another guy in there as well that I'd never seen before.

"Mr. Cullen." The new guy greeted. I looked down as they shook hands before I looked around. This office was small, but not too cramped. The man we'd seen earlier sat at a desk, while the new man stood off to the side. Esme greeted this man too as he focused on her as well.

"Thank you for coming on such short notice." Carlisle told him.

I looked around curiously, letting them handle their business. Releasing Esme's hand hesitantly, I slowly walked over to a table under a window. On the table sat several photo frames holding certificates and licenses. Whoever this guy was, he was officially official. I glanced back at the large desk, a sign holding the same name there as the ones in the frames told me the guy sitting there was the official official guy. David Morris.

A name I didn't recognize, so that detail fell into the back of my mind.

I just had to figure out who the guy standing to the side was. He smiled at me when he saw me look at him, but I looked forward again.

I looked up, and out the window. Peering down over what looked like a park. Even with the dark clouds, the city was kind of beautiful. In its own way.

"This must be the lucky little girl." I looked back. It was the same one that had come out of the hallway to talk to Carlisle earlier. David. He smiled at me, and I stayed quiet. Until I remembered what Esme had said earlier. About being closed off.

"Yes, sir." I spoke quietly, nodding a little. "I'm very lucky." I didn't know what he meant, but I really was lucky.

Immediately, he seemed endeared.

"You can have a seat if you want, sweetie." He gestured to the chairs sitting in front of his desk. Two of which were already taken by Esme and Carlisle.

"Okay." I responded, but only looked back out the window. He said if I wanted. I didn't really want to. I wanted to keep looking out the window.

He chuckled, but left it alone as he turned his eyes back to what he was doing on his desk. Speaking quietly with Carlisle and Esme.

My eyes found the park out the window again. I remembered the park I'd visited with my dad. I remembered the talk we had. Everything had been so overwhelming back then. I hadn't thought about that in awhile, so looking back at it now gave me a whole new perspective on it. I'd done some changing since that day.

I wondered how he was doing. I was sad that I wasn't a part of that family, but what I gained in return was so much more than I could have asked for. I didn't belong with him anymore, despite the fact that he was my biological father. He wouldn't know how to handle me. My family knew how to handle me, and they would always be there. They had to be.

Though I was still afraid to believe their promise this time, I knew I would. That little bit of hope was all I had. They knew this, and I was sure they didn't want to break that again. I loved them more than I'd ever had a chance to love anything before, and I knew where I belonged. There was a reason I fought, and went to extremes to keep it.

After what happened with Jasper, I could now appreciate it for what it was. Nothing in the world would ever change that again.

"Leandra." Esme called my attention, and I looked back at her. For a second, I thought I was in trouble, but the look in her eyes told me differently. "Come over here, sweetheart." I did as she asked, slowly crossing the small office, and standing beside the chair she sat in.

Carlisle was busy signing his name on multiple pages in multiple spots. I was a little too far away to read any parts of the pages.

"Do you know what he's doing?" David asked me, a smile on his face.

"Signing things." I said, shrugging. I still hadn't a clue what this had to do with me. I thought I was just along for the ride. To get out of the house for a little while.

Carlisle glanced over, smiling as he reached the last page. Signing his name one last time. He closed and slid the packet of papers to Esme, handing her the pen, before taking my hand and walking me around to stand between where they sat. He turned to me, and sighed, smiling a little more as he took my other hand in his as well.

I was a little uncertain, which made me naturally tense. I wasn't exactly scared, but more uneasy by the fact that they knew something I didn't know.

"Leandra." He murmured. "I know this is something that you've wanted for quite awhile, and I apologize for it not happening sooner." I frowned a little in confusion. "I know you've been nervous. I can't tell you why it took so long, but here we are."

He paused, nodding once to the papers he'd given to Esme. I was close enough to see it now.

I looked at what Esme was now signing, beside his name. Knowing I was looking, she moved her hand a little, allowing me to see. I watched her turn the page, and I scanned the page. I saw my name and birthdate at the top, but above that, one word stood out to me.

Adoption.

She only continued signing her name with the warmest smile I'd ever seen. Over a line reserved for a mother's signature, whereas Carlisle's name was signed over a line reserved for a father's. My eyes widened a little, and I looked to Carlisle again. Completely forgetting momentarily how to breathe, much less speak.

"As selfish as it sounds, I'm tired of not being completely, one hundred percent responsible for you." Carlisle continued. "I'm tired of being forced to let others decide what's best for you." He paused, giving me a comforting smile. "After today, I won't have to. We won't have to."

I couldn't say anything then even if I wanted to. I was still speechless, surprised by the sudden tears that sprung to my eyes. There was no stopping them, as they started right as I gasped in a breath. There was no holding them back as it hit me like a bus.

This was more to me than some signatures on a piece of paper. This was all I could ever have asked for. This was more than I ever thought to ask for. They'd offered it, but I had been hesitant. Skeptical, even. I never thought in a thousand years that this would actually happen.

"I may still be learning about the trials of raising a child, and you'll have to forgive my mistakes because there are bound to be many, but I firmly believe that this is what's best for you. If only to be given the knowledge that you are certainly worth trying for." I sobbed a little, stepping forward and hugging his neck. That was all I could do. I held onto him as he returned the embrace, soothing me as I sobbed into his shoulder.

I felt so stupid for crying the way I was, but it was all I could do to express the way I was feeling. I'd been stuck holding onto that uncertainty, the 'for now' that kept me safe for a few months. Since they'd gotten back in March. I'd tried, and I kept myself in limbo, one foot out and ready to run if it ever became needed. Now, having all that suddenly smoothed out like wrinkles in a shirt, and I felt secure.

I was wanted. I was wanted, and I was safe. I was officially theirs. I had somewhere to go for support, and I had somewhere to go that I'd always be accepted. Always accepted, and never hurt. I'd never be hurt again. Not with what I was gaining now.

My stepfather's last name was taken away, and my past shifted backward in the time it took for them to sign their name. Before the ink was even dry, I was different. With everything about me I had to be ashamed of, I now had something to be proud of. I was now a Cullen. Officially.

This was something that could never be taken away from me. This was mine. They'd given me a family. They'd given me a home. A place where I belonged, both legally, and in my own heart. I belonged now, and nobody could deny that anymore. Least of all, me.

I'd never realized before just how much this would mean to me. It was almost overwhelming, but it was like nothing else I'd ever felt.

I never dared to hope, or to count on it. To even fully imagine it. Now that it was done, I didn't know what to do. I never had to be scared about them giving me away again. I never had to worry. That worry being taken, being eased this way only made me cry harder. Nearly bawling now as I turned, hugging onto Esme next as she set the pen down.

She laughed quietly, holding me in return.

"Oh, honey." She murmured softly, smoothing the back of my head.

All the doubt I'd had before was erased. All the worry, insecurities and fear just disappeared. A piece of me seemed to click into place, like I'd finally stepped onto the path I was supposed to take after being lost in the woods for so many years.

I'd found my place. I'd fought for this place, and it was right here. Right where I was. Nothing else mattered to me. The whole damn world could have hated me for all I cared. This was it. This was everything I needed.

"That's it." David chuckled a little as he lifted the packet of paper. "It's done. Congratulations." He stood. "I'll go make copies, and I'll be right back."

I continued to cry even as he left the room. The other guy stepped out of the room as well, closing the door behind himself. I pulled back, sobbing quietly, trying to calm down enough to speak. Esme's smile as she smoothed my hair from my face was the most wonderful thing I'd ever seen. She wasn't worried, she wasn't hesitant. I was hers now.

"Thank you." I finally managed to gasp.

"Thank you." She returned, and I was confused again. "For giving us this option. Honey, you mean the world to us."

"B-But I've been so bad." I shook my head, trying to understand.

"You haven't been bad." She corrected gently. "No. You're just misguided. Confused. There is so much you don't understand, and you're still learning. So I thank you, Leandra. For giving us this opportunity to teach you."

I sniffled roughly, hugging her again. I couldn't help myself.

"We'll always be here." She murmured. "Always."

"Forever." I mumbled through my tears. She paused for a second, and I knew she was looking to Carlisle.

"Forever." She finally agreed.

It took me several minutes to calm down, sniffling and just getting a hold of myself. I knew nothing would change at home. Things would still be as they always were, but now, it was different. This was better.

David came back after a few more minutes, smiling.

"Alright." He sighed, stepping up to his desk and grabbing a stapler. He stapled two identical packets together, and handed one to Carlisle. "There is your copy." He smiled. "Since you decided against a formal hearing, everything will just be handled from here. Her new birth certificate, and social security information will be mailed to you within the next week or so. If it hasn't gotten to you by then, then just come on back and I'll see what's up. It should, though, so don't worry."

Carlisle nodded, standing.

"Of course." He said. "Thank you so much."

"You're so very welcome, Mr. Cullen." He said. "And again, I'm so sorry this took you having to come in."

I was having some trouble processing the way I felt. Of course I was happy, but it was way more than that. It was a level of happiness I just didn't have what it took to deal with.

I really shouldn't have been surprised at the fact that Alice was there to meet us when we got home. She laughed a little as I hugged her tight.

"This shouldn't surprise you so much." She laughed, but I couldn't reply. It seemed like every time I tried now, I just cried. I glanced behind her at Jasper standing there. He smiled as well, so I knew he was okay with it.

I briefly recalled my days stuck in that hotel room with these two. I had been such a different person then. I'd learned too much about myself since then, but they never treated me differently because of it.

Had there really been a time that I was scared of Jasper? Or Carlisle?

I was surprised, though, to find that she'd invited Andrew, Zack and Josh over. As well as their parents. I knew she probably wanted more than that over, but she stopped at them.

I greeted the three of them when they got there, and their smiles told me they already knew. I was happy about that, because I didn't have to tell them, and start crying all over the place. I had to compose myself.

"See?" Josh said with his smile. "Now you don't have to try to kill yourself because you're afraid they'll get rid of you."

"When you put it that way, it sounds stupid." I grumbled.

"It was stupid, dummy." He nodded to me incredulously.

"I like him." Emmett commented, chuckling.

Their parents stayed as well. Probably to give Carlisle and Esme a chance to meet Josh and Zack's parents, and Richard was just happy for me.

I still felt the same way I had before about Heather. Her long dark brown hair framed her face beautifully. She was pretty much the opposite of Mark. Petite. She was very nice, beautiful and soft-spoken, but there was still something off about her. One little thing I couldn't put my finger on. I didn't want to ignore her for her sons.

"Congratulations, baby." Heather smiled at me when I wandered closer. Right away, that meant something. The name she'd called me was one that nobody besides my mom had ever used, so why would she use it?

"Can.. Can I ask you something?" I asked, sitting beside her.

"Sure." She replied, looking over at me.

"Do.." I hesitated. "Have I met you before that day at your house? Somewhere?"

She laughed. "I was your nurse in the hospital after you were transferred home from Seattle."

"Oh, yeah." I immediately smiled. "I remember you. Sorry it took me so long. That time sucked." That explained it, but even as she laughed and nodded, I wasn't satisfied with that. It had to be more than that. "But where else?"

She looked down briefly before she smiled again. "Nowhere."

Why was she hiding it from me? I gave her a look that told her I wasn't buying it.

"Just know that no matter what, you'll always have me and my guys on your side." She assured me. Meaning, Mark and the boys. "I'm so happy for you, honey. You have no idea." I heard it, the truth in her tone. She laughed. "Can I hug you?"

I was a little surprised she would ask, but I also appreciated it.

In answer, I reached forward first. She quickly wrapped her arms around me, hugging me firmly. As far as I could remember, I'd never taken to anyone as quickly as I took to her. There was just something about her. It wasn't just because she looked familiar. She felt familiar.

I moved on from there, though. If she wanted to keep her secret, I wouldn't pry. Even if it did involve me.

I was happy with just sitting there, letting it sink in. I was still in a kind of shock, but I made a promise to myself right there that I would never forget that feeling. I wasn't sure how, but one day, I would do whatever it took to repay them. I was just one kid, but one day, I would figure out a way.

"Are you okay?" Andrew asked, landing in the seat next to me. He jarred me out of my thoughts, and I smiled over at him.

"Yeah." I replied easily. "Why?"

"You look like you're thinking." He laughed. I shrugged a little. I couldn't help noticing that his smile had never faded the entire afternoon.

"What?" I finally asked, laughing a little. "Why are you so smiley?"

"Nothing." He said, shaking his head. "I'm just really happy for you. I know how much you've always wanted this. This is something you've wanted since I've known you. Now that you're really happy, I'm really happy."

"I know it seems stupid." I shrugged a little. "I mean, I always knew I belonged with them."

"It's not stupid." He argued. "There's just something about making it official. Finally having it permanent, especially with how you lived before. It changes how you feel about things." I laughed a little, surprised. It was his turn to ask. "What?"

I shook my head a little. "It's like you're in my head. All the time."

"Is that a bad thing?" He asked, laughing quietly.

"No." I replied. "It's not bad. It's just a little weird, but in a good way."

"Weird in a good way?" He asked, and we both laughed.

"Yeah." I said, shrugging a little. "I've never really had anyone like that."

"Maybe we just think alike." He said. "I knew there was a reason I like you."

"It's just weird to me, hearing my own thoughts coming from you. But you word them better." I explained, and we both laughed again.

"You'll get used to it." He assured me. "So how's it feel being a Cullen now? I know plenty of kids at school will be so jealous." I didn't care about them. Right then, the other kids didn't mean anything.

"It feels good." I had to admit. "Much better than having my stepdad's name."

"He adopted you?"

I nodded. "Yeah. When I was four." I stood up, wandering toward the kitchen. He followed.

"How many last names have you had?"

"Well.." I sighed. "My dad's last name is Thomas, so I was probably that before I got Wallace as my last name." I laughed a little. "So I guess this one makes three. Then, someday, if I ever get married, I'll change it again. I probably won't, though." I rounded the counter into the kitchen, in search of a soda. I didn't get them often, so when I could have one, I wasn't asking questions.

He frowned a little, leaning against the wall. "That last name sounds familiar. Wallace. I know I've heard it somewhere before."

"It's not that rare." I shrugged. "He probably knows a lot of people. Don't worry about it. It doesn't mean anything to me now. Maybe that's why they wanted to adopt me so fast."

"Well.." He smiled. "I'm glad it happened so quick. You deserve this, Leandra. More than anyone I've ever known." He met my eyes, and for the weirdest reasons, I looked down. "And why don't you wanna ever get married?"

I shrugged. I had so many reasons not to get married. Where would I even start? There was clearly a lot he didn't know.

"Do you?" I asked in return. "Ever wanna get married to someone, I mean?"

"Sure." He replied. "It doesn't seem so bad to me. My dad says it can't just be anybody, though. He tells me all the time that he married his best friend." I looked down. Andrew's mother had died when he was really young. I felt a little bad for bringing it up.

"Until I came here, I've never seen a good one." I answered. "I guess I gave up on it a long time ago."

"Then marry me when we grow up." He suggested. I couldn't help laughing a little. He laughed as well. "What? I'm serious. If we're not married by the time we're like twenty-five, then let's marry each other."

"Wouldn't it be weird?" I wrinkled my nose a little. "You're my best friend."

"Everything is weird with you, but that's what makes it fun." He pointed out, and again, I had to look down. "And you're my best friend. Remember?"

"Hey." I looked over at Zack's voice arriving before I could reply. "Did you guys get lost?" Andrew sighed.

"Yeah." I laughed. "Show me the way."

To my surprise, Andrew looked annoyed, and I gave him a questioning look as I stepped passed him, following Zack.

Andrew never lost that small hint of annoyance the rest of the evening. I had no idea what his problem was. Whenever I'd ask him, he'd just give me a smile and deny it.

He and his dad had to leave before the others, and I made sure to hug him extra tight. Just in case he was still feeling bad. We stood out on the porch while Richard had a few last minute words with Carlisle and Esme, finishing their conversation.

"Okay." Andrew sighed. "There is something kinda bugging me."

"I already knew that." I laughed a little. "What is it?"

He looked down, and I swear I saw him blushing. It was hard to tell with how dark it was outside. What was his problem? I was starting to get worried.

"Never mind." He muttered, shaking his head. "It's stupid."

"No it's not." I laughed. "Come on. What is it? Remember? I told you mine."

I reached out and took his hand, trying to comfort him. He paused for a second, before shaking his head again.

"Nothing." He muttered again, giving me a smile. "I'm just really happy for you."

I gave him a flat look in return, but I smiled anyway. "Thanks." Despite the fact that I didn't believe him. Not one bit. Glancing to the side, we were noticed.

"So, uh.." Andrew laughed a little. "I'll see you later."

"Yeah." I replied. "Bye, Andrew."

"Good night, Leandra." He said, giving me one last smile before releasing my hand and turning. Stepping down the steps without looking back. Richard sighed, chuckling and shaking his head as he followed. After his brief goodbye, I headed back inside with Carlisle and Esme.

"I wonder what that was all about." I murmured.

"Don't worry." Esme told me with a smile. "It'll work itself out."

I flopped down between Zack and Josh once we made it back inside. Zack laughed, but Josh seemed unimpressed. He seemed kind of annoyed too, and it was annoying me.

"Smile." I grumbled, shoving against Josh's shoulder. "Geez. Both you and Andrew tonight. Moody, I swear. I think I like Zack better. He's the only normal one."

Josh gave me a look, Zack and I both laughing. Until Josh leaped over me and took Zack to the floor with a light thud.

"Can't say I didn't see this coming." Mark chuckled. "Don't kill him, Josh. That'd set a bad example."

I shook my head, sighing as I scooted over, now sitting on the very end of the couch. Where Zack had previously been sitting. Emmett shook his head as well, giving me a look.

"What?" I asked. "I like this seat."

I looked down, watching Josh pin Zack's face to the floor. Just in time for Zack to roll out from under him and pull him over. That didn't last long either, though.

"Do they always do that?" Esme asked, obviously concerned for their safety. Both Zack and Josh's wrestling was punctuated by their grunts of effort.

"Several times a day." Mark replied. "Don't worry. They're tough. From what I hear, this little lady has been known to get into it as well." He gestured to me.

"What?" Emmett asked. "No way."

"Just that one time." I shrugged. "But I'm pretty good at it."

"It's true." Zack mumbled from under Josh as he sat on his head. "I can't beat her anymore." I rolled my eyes, reached over and shoved Josh to the side, freeing Zack. He peeled himself up off the floor. "She and Josh haven't gone at it yet. I wonder how that'd go."

"I'd win." I told him, watching as he sat up.

"Oh boy." Emmett snorted, grinning.

"Wanna bet?" Josh asked, looking to me.

"Uh.." Heather spoke. "Maybe not tonight, guys."

"You're on." I replied, grinning. "Some other time, though."

"What?" Josh laughed. "Too scared?"

"No." I replied, standing. "I just know you would lose for sure, and I don't wanna embarrass you." He seemed surprised, and I ignored the laughter behind me. I gave him a look, and walked passed him back toward the kitchen.

I wanted some water this time. I could only handle so much soda, and it was starting to mess with my stomach. Water sounded good.

Josh watched after me for a few seconds, before he followed.

"Sorry." I laughed as he came to my side. "Just picking on you." I really wasn't meaning to be mean.

"It's okay." He laughed also. "You probably would win. You're still pretty tough."

"Thanks." I replied. He watched as I grabbed a glass from the cupboard.

"So.." He started. "What did you and Andrew talk about? Outside? Before he left?"

"Nothing." I told him, confused as to why he was asking. "He's acting weird. Why?" Did it really matter?

"No reason." He shrugged, seeming embarrassed.

"Want some water?" I asked, holding up the glass.

"Sure." He nodded. I grabbed another glass and turned. I filled the first one and held it out. He stepped forward, taking it from me and sipping it as I filled mine. We were quiet for a minute, until he finally spoke again.

"You know he likes you, right?" He asked, and I looked over.

"Who?" I asked, reminded of Andrew and my conversation several days ago.

"Andrew." He said. "He won't say anything, but I know he does. I can tell."

Well, crap. I sighed quietly. So what? Now I had two boys that liked me? What the hell was I doing wrong? This was getting out of hand. Could I still say it didn't matter? Maybe if I just left it alone, it would go away.

"Well, he says you like me." I said, and I watched as he looked down, shrugging a little. "Is it true?"

"I guess." He mumbled. "You're alright. I mean, for a girl."

I laughed, shaking my head. I looked down too, and even in the dark of the kitchen, I saw him look at me. How should I play it off? For once, I didn't have much of a snappy come back.

"Thanks." I said anyway.

"Would it be a bad thing if I did?"

I couldn't help the face I made. It wasn't him, but more of the fact that it was a brand new issue I'd never faced before. Thankfully, the face I made made him laugh.

"What about Andrew?" He pressed a little. "Would it be a bad thing if he liked you?"

I couldn't even imagine that, but suddenly, the earlier conversation made sense. I made another face.

"Then I got time." He laughed, reaching out and hugging me into his side. The way he would do with a friend. I appreciated that. I didn't even really know him that well yet, but I could tell he wasn't someone to get his feelings hurt that easily.

"Josh." Zack called, and he paused. "Dad says it's time to go."

"Yup." Josh replied, releasing me. Josh followed me out of the kitchen, Zack and I leading the way into the living room.

"You're welcome." Zack whispered, and I had to laugh again. Even he could tell I was uncomfortable, and he came to my rescue. They might have looked alike, but Zack and Josh were pretty different. Josh was pretty confident in an obvious sort of way. Zack was less obvious about it, but that didn't stop him from helping me out.

I made it to Esme's side, hugging her. She returned it easily, and I could tell that she was happier than she'd been in awhile. I couldn't blame her. I was too.

The second they left, I had just sat down on the couch. I was fully prepared to just sit there for a second and unwind from the day, when Emmett suddenly stood in front of me. I jumped, not expecting him to be there, but something else caught my attention.

"What.." I frowned. "Why are you holding a baseball bat?"

"I'm prepared." He replied matter-of-factly.

"Where did you even get that from?" I looked around for any obvious bat hiding places.

"It's my job as your official brother to put this puppy to good use." He explained easily. "I might like that Josh kid, but he better rethink some things. I've got perfect aim."

I didn't know what else to do. I laughed. Even harder as he gave the bat a practice swing, but as a golf club. It was horrible, but it was funny. I knew he'd never hurt any of my friends unless it was actually called for, which made it all the more funny.

"Nah." He chuckled along with me as he sat down beside me. "Seriously, though. They're good kids. I think you picked them well, shorty."

"I agree." Esme smiled.

I felt even better about it knowing they approved of them. It was almost rare these days to have done something right.

A/N: I was really hoping to give you more than filler, but I liked how this came out. I even cringed at the cheesy parts, but it's so sweet. Let Leandra have it, dang it lol
As I was saying. I like this chapter. It gives more insight to her life at the moment. I know a lot of people will be happy about this. For a second lol
I apologize for this taking so long. I've been insanely busy. It's crazy lol
THANK YOU! To my reviewers. You are my fuel when I forget to eat lol you're all so awesomely awesome. With sprinkles. Because everybody likes sprinkles. (:
Chapter five shouldn't take so long. Holy crap lol
Until Five!