Chapter 3: Running from Problems

"Where are you going?" Embry ask, as I sling my bag past him and into the bed of my truck.

"Seattle," I heave out, releasing the bag with a thud. "My aunt has an apartment in the city. She left it for our use whenever needed."

"Leah," Embry sighs, turning towards me. "Running isn't going to make anything better." He places a firm hand on my shoulder, starring intently down at me.

"I know," I reply lowly, averting my eyes from his gaze while pushing his hand from me.

"Then why are you running?"

"Because, Embry-" But I can't finish the sentence. No use of words will help him to understand how I feel.

"Because what?" The vigor in his voice notifies me of how he really feels about my condition.

"Because of what people will think! Sam, Emily, Paul, my mother, they'll all judge me. Don't you understand? My own mother. I don't even know who the father is!" I yell, probably loud enough to wake the whole Reservation. Hurriedly, I cup my hand over my mouth afraid of causing a scene.

"Lee, please. Don't leave. You can stay at my place. I'm moving out soon enough anyways." I don't stop to consider the offer. My mind is already made up.

"No, Embry," I refuse, shaking my head.

"What about Seth? What will come of him?" I hadn't given much thought to this, but he's older now. It's about time he took care of himself.

"He'll be fine because I know that Jake, Quil, and you will take care of him."

"Leah, there's still people here that care for you." I know it's true.

"One isn't enough," I mumble under my breathe knowing he has heard.

Immediately, I am pulled into his small, yet strong chest. "Leah, everything will work out. Please will you understand that?" I lay my cheek against his chest, embracing in the condolence. Before releasing me he plants a small kiss upon my head. "I promise."

I climb into my truck, shutting the door. "Here," I extend my hand out of the cab holding a letter out to Embry. "Read it and write me back, the address in enclosed. But don't tell anyone or come visit me."

"Alright. You be safe, Leah." He instructs faking a smile.

"You forget who you're talking to. I am a she wolf, after all." He lets out a light chuckle.

"Not only a she wolf, but the she wolf."

"Thanks, Em," I chuckle out, almost smiling.

"Bye, Leah," Embry faintly stutters out, low enough to only where I can hear it.

I try to force out a good bye, but instead I just stare at him as I slowly roll up the window. I spin the dial on my stereo, Mumford and Sons pouring out my speakers. I draw the truck into gear as I turn out of the drive way. I sigh, watching Embry wave from the rearview mirror as I make my way towards Seattle.

I push my door open to my truck, drawing up my hood on my sweater as the icy cold wind bites at my cheeks. I hurriedly walk through the light rain that is falling, coming up to the door of the apartment complex.

As I stride up to the front desk, a familiar man greets me. I gently place my bag down on the floor beside my feet.

"Good evening, Ms. Clearwater?" he questions giving me a quizzical look, as the dim lighting of the lobby shades some of his features.

"Yes, that's right," I confirm, shoving my hood down.

"You're Anne's niece, right?" I give a short nod, as he continues. "She said that you might be dropping by. I'll just go grab the keys ma'am and you may go up to your apartment."

After receiving the keys, I pick up my bag and make my way to the elevator. Stepping in the operator asks for my floor number. He awaits my reply, examining me. If I didn't know any better I would say he was checking me out. Surly not though. In a hoarse voice I tell him my number, turning away from him. As soon as the doors open, I slide through, edger to get out of the confinement of the elevator.

My breath hitches as I find the apartment. I thrust the key into the door, twisting it open. Something falls to the floor as I push my way through. I glance down at the envelope, spotting my name. I clasp it in my hand, recognizing my aunts handwriting.

I drop my back, flinging the door shut. I make my way over to the couch to sit, I break the seal of the envelope. Slowly, with trembling hands I drag the letter out of its home. Steadily, I unfold the letter reading the contents of what my aunt has to say.

Dear Leah,

I suppose you've come to the apartment for some apparent reason. I hope you haven't got into too much trouble. I know you're probably the only one to come here out of your family. Seth is too much of a home body to leave, going out on his own. Your mom, well you know how she is.

Depending on the time that you are reading this I'll probably be in my new home in Louisiana or still traveling around the world.

So, Leah, I'm leaving this apartment in your name. There are a couple of papers that you'll have to sign in the lobby with Johnny. Anything and everything that I've left here is yours. And you can come and go as freely as you please. It is after all your new home.

I hope you're are safe, whatever reason that has drawn you here. All that I ask is that you take care of the apartment and be nice to the staff. I know you probably will if they don't tick you off.

Come visit me in Louisiana once I get moved in. My number is still the same so text or call when you want.

Be safe and smart, dear. Remember that I love you.

Sincerely, Aunt Anne Clearwater

I fold the letter, placing it back in the envelope. I sigh, remembering the time when my dad had given me some significant advice.

"Leah, dear," my father said as I sat crying on my bed. "I know things don't seem good now, but out of everything bad there will be something good to come. I promise." He firmly ran a hand over my wind tangled hair...

The consistent buzzing of my phone resting in my pocket pulls me from my memories. Drawing my phone from its current position, I glance at the screen.

Six unread messages, flashed upon the screen. Reluctantly I opened the phone going to the messages.

Seth: Where are you? 10:21 pm

Seth: ? 11:05 pm

Seth: Leah, text me back! PLEASE! 12:18 pm

Quil: Yo, where are you, Chika? Seth is flipping out! 12:19 pm

Jake: Leah, where have you gone? 12:19 pm

Jake: Damn it, Leah, when I find you! Which I will, you'll be wishing you hadn't left! 12:20 pm

My phone buzzes once more, causing me to jump. Starring down at the screen I try to remember the number that is flashing. Suddenly, it dawns on me. The certain number is hard for me to forget, even after deleting it.

"Sam," I sigh out. Slowly, I pull the message open, hesitating to read what he has to say.

I pause trying to make sure what I've read is actually written. Blinking a couple of time, I come to find that it's actually there.

In the midst of rage, I seize the phone, my grasp tightening. I hurl the phone away from me, with an immense amount of strength. As it slams into the wall, the words that I've read, slowly etch into my mind.

Please, come back, Leah!

TBC