The next week was spent moving my stuff to Paul's house. I was kind of glad for the bed rest. Charlie packed everything up for me and I dictated to Paul where everything should go. I wasn't allowed to lift more than five pounds and I could only stand for necessities, like going to the bathroom and such. Paul being his overprotective self would carry me into the living room in the morning before he went to work. Emily would stop by to feed me and keep me company during the day. I used our time together to teach Emily about medicinal herbs and natural remedies. I mentioned to her that her land was better suited to gardening and that after my bed rest was over, we should move our sessions to her place. She didn't have any problems with that. I learned that Emily had been studying to become a nurse when she was attacked. Afterward, she was too self-conscious to return to class. She was in a bad place until she met Sam.
That was one messed up story. Sam imprinting on Emily as she visited her cousin Leah. Who, at the time, was Sam's girlfriend. As Emily was telling me the story when she spoke Leah's name I heard a voice say, "wolf." I froze and Emily noticed and asked if I was alright.
"Leah is going to phase." I said quietly. Emily jerked back as if I had slapped her.
"No, that can't be true. Girls don't phase." Emily tried to reason.
"I know it doesn't make any sense, but that what the spirits said."
"Oh, God! Sam is going to shit a brick!" It was the first time I heard Emily cuss and I don't know why, but I found it completely hilarious. I laughed so hard I was crying. Apparently, it was infectious because Emily began laughing with me. When we finally settled down I put my hand on Emily's knee and said,
"Listen now that I know that Leah will phase I'm going to petition the council to let her know beforehand. Maybe it'll help soften the blow. Let me tell Sam with the council." I didn't want her to have to be the one to tell him.
Charlie arranged for me to drop out of high school and take the GED test for Saturday afternoon. Which was now only two days away. I was sitting at my kitchen table going over the study guide for it when I heard a knock on the door. Paul was out on patrol and it always made me uneasy to open the door when he wasn't home. But I didn't need to worry because before I got there, I heard Jared yell through the door,
"Bella it's me and Kim. Open up!" I chuckled at him as I opened the door and said,
"Man Jared, did you yell loud enough? I think they heard you in Canada." Jared chuckled as I motioned for them to enter. Jared stepped through pulling behind him what looked to be my native equivalent. She had long brown hair and bright chocolate eyes. She was also painfully shy and reserved. I felt an immediate kinship with her. It was different than what I felt with Emily. With Emily, I felt like she was an older sister. One I could go to and sort through my problems with. Kim felt more like a little sister. One that I would need to guide and protect. I knew that if I came on too strong I would frighten her so I smiled gently and offered her my hand. She took is meekly and said quietly,
"It's lovely to finally meet you. Jared talks very highly of you." The way she spoke was very proper. I smiled back and said,
"You too. I've been looking forward to this all week. Did Jared talk to you about our solution to your immersion situation?" I asked as I motioned for them to sit on the couch.
"No, he said he wanted you to explain it." I nodded and asked,
"Would either of you like a drink?" Jared looked at me disapprovingly and said,
"Bella you are on bed rest. If we are thirsty I'll get it. Kim," he turned to her, "you thirsty?"
"No, thank you though." She said smiling sweetly at him. I could tell their imprint was strong. Kim seemed to shine under Jared's gaze. As if when he looked at her the whole world fell away for them both. It was a little overwhelming to witness. I cleared my throat and chuckled as I began.
"Part of my purpose as Shaman s to help preserve and bring back the tradition of the tribe. One of those being the language. I speak fluent Quileute and I would like to petition your school board to allow you to study under me for your language immersion credit. As an imprint, I will need to also teach you how to access the spirit world and healing medicine. My thoughts were, we would go to Emily's so I could teach you both, and I will only speak Quileute. It'll be difficult at first, but I have faith you both are up to the challenge." Kim's face had gone from concerned to elated then to ecstatic.
"I won't have to leave!" She shouted as she threw herself at Jared. "Jared, can you believe it!" Her face seemed to fall slightly and she asked, "what if the school board says no?"
"Don't worry about that," I said leaning back and smiling. "I have an idea that'll make it hard for them to say no."
"Okay, if you say so," Kim said a small smile returning.
We spent a good while talking and getting to know each other. It was getting late and I began to yawn.
"Oh Bella, why didn't you say anything. Here we are keeping you up when you should be resting." Kim said. Concern leaking from her voice. "Is there anything we can do for you before we leave?" I shook my head.
"It's fine Kim. I was enjoying myself, don't feel bad about it. And no, I'm just going to head to bed. Thanks for keeping me company."
"Let Jared at least carry you. You look dead on your feet." I smiled and shook my head I was going to say it wasn't necessary, but Jared said first,
"Paul will kill me if he knew I was here and didn't help you to the bedroom." I wanted to protest but Jared was right so I sighed and said,
"Very well. Thank you that is very nice of you." Jared lifted me easily and walked me back to my room. As he sat me down on the bed he asked,
"Are you sure I can't get you anything? A glass of water for your bedside?" I shook my head.
"There's a glass in the bathroom. If I need it, I'm allowed to go to the bathroom myself." I replied. "Thanks again Jared, and Kim is lovely. Tell her I said goodnight. Oh, and could you lock up for me? The back and the front doors?" He nodded as he stood and left the room. It didn't take me long to find sleep. I woke to the bed dipping and I groggily asked, "What time is it?"
"Ssshhh, its one a.m. go back to sleep." I felt Paul slide into bed with me. As per usual, Paul pulled me back into his chest and nuzzled my neck breathing in my scent deeply.
"I missed you," I said falling back into sleep easily. Paul just squeezed a little tighter his hand coming to rest on my slightly swollen tummy.