A/N: Mahoosive apologies to everyone! I am an absolute disgrace and I'm sorry it has been such an age since I last updated. I have been a very naughty girl and I deserve a spanking (*wink, wink* Mr Pattinson).

But, I have had work experience the past two weeks. I've been working at a school and I've basically been spending all my free time wiping snot off my clothes and getting playdough stains out of my trousers.

Oh well at least I'm not working in an office. Seven hours of photocopying? That's my personal hell. Right there. I think I should stop talking now and let you read. Enjoy!

Chapter 12 – Remembered

We took Leah's body into the forest. Carlisle had phoned Sue and explained everything to her and she was on her way down with Charlie and Billy.

This whole thing seemed like a dream to me and I kept wishing I would wake up. Leah had always seemed so strong to me, unbreakable. And now she was gone. It wasn't logical, I couldn't be true. Edward, Emmett and Jasper built the pyre and laid Leah's fragile – looking human body on top. Her face looked peaceful and content and I knew she was at rest.

Sam, Jacob and the others eventually pulled themselves together enough to phase back to human form. Their tears fell down their russet faces and onto the dirty ground. This would be very hard for all of them, but most of all, Jacob. He and Leah had become close, almost like brother and sister. What would happen now? He had just lost his Beta, his second in command. Would Seth take over? I didn't have time to let my thoughts wander; I heard footsteps and Charlie, Sue and Billy wandered out from the trees.

"Dad!" I ran to Charlie.

"Oh, Bells!" He squeezed me tightly. "Are you okay? Oh god, I'm so glad you're alright!" I felt the wetness on his cheeks as he embraced me.

"Sue, I'm so sor-" I turned towards Sue but she wasn't looking at me. Her large, almond eyes were fixated on Leah. She slowly walked forwards and fell to her knees beside the pyre. Her long fingers reached out and stroked Leah's face and hair.

"I'm so sorry," she whispered in Leah's ear. "I'm so sorry Leah. I'm sorry you were dragged into this life, this life you never wanted. I have let you down. Forgive me Leah."

Charlie put his hands on Sue's shoulders and slowly moved her away towards Seth, who reached for her hand. She sobbed into his chest.

"I think it would be right if we each said something." Carlisle immediately held everyone's attention. "Jacob, why don't you go first? Leah was part of your pack, after all."

Jacob wiped his eyes, let go of Nessie's hand and walked forward. "I know we didn't always get along Leah. But, you were part of my pack. I've heard your thoughts in my head and I'll never be able to get your voice back. The pack won't be the same without you." Jacob stepped back.

"Leah, I want you to know that I am ashamed of the way things turned out between us." Sam was talking now. "I loved you like you'll never understand and it broke my heart when I had to leave you. I think I broke your heart too and for that, I am eternally sorry. I'm gonna miss you, Lee-Lee."

We carried on round the circle. Everyone had their turn to remember Leah. Seth was next. He just about managed to compose himself enough to talk.

"Leah, you were the best sister, the very best. The pack will be lonely now and no one will ever replace you. I love you." Seth turned back and started to cry.

It was my turn. I bit my lip; I had no idea what to say. I walked forwards.

"Leah, we were never very close, but you made Jacob happy. Thank you for that. He really liked having you as his beta, although he probably never told you that. You managed to fit in with our family like I never thought you would. Sorry about the smell though." Jacob gave a small chuckle. "I guess what I'm trying to say is I will miss you Leah."

I swallowed. That was a lot harder than I had anticipated. My eyes were stinging again. Nessie spoke next.

"You were my best friend Leah. I'm so glad that we got close and that you were there for me when I needed girl time. Thank you for being me and Jacob's maid of honour. You were stunning. What you did today, saving Jasper like that, I think you've proven that anyone can get along, even vampires and werewolves. You were courageous and brave. I'm really going to miss you." Her bell-like voice faltered slightly. "Goodbye."

Everyone had spoken. Jacob grabbed the torch and set the pyre alight. The flames billowed up into the sky, but there was something about them. They were shiny, almost silver coloured and with them floated tiny waves of shimmering smoke. It was beautiful, but also a bit unnerving. What were they?

Billy gasped. I guess he knew what it was. "Leah's spirit," he whispered. My mind flew back to the dim human memory of sitting around a camp fire with Jacob. I was listening to the story of the spirit warriors. Of course. They must all have one. And now, finally, Leah's was free.

A/N: Oh my god! Only one chapter left! Ahhhhh! Well, I hope everyone reviews this chappie! And when I say everyone I mean EVERYONE and that includes people who add me to their favourite authors or Eternal Night to their favourite stories. That's right, I'm watching you! Lol.

Jaliceforever xxxxx