Disclaimer: I do not own anyone or anything from Twilight!
The message of a secret meeting got around to all of the 'freaks', but thankfully not to Sam Uley. Leah figured fate must be smiling down on them because not only did Sam stay out of the loop about the meeting, he also had to leave the next week overnight which meant the secret meeting could be held then without having to wait until the first of the next month when he left for an entire week on some secret business nobody really knew anything about. If they played their cards correctly, it may be possible to plan the big escape to happen during that week, which would be a lot sooner than originally anticipated. For most the 'freaks', this was a symbol of hope; something to fight for. This was a change none of them thought they would ever get.
It had been decided that Leah would lead the meeting. Everyone knew her and better than that, everyone trusted her. It was only logical that she be the one to explain the plan. Edward would be by her side, he was the one who knew the outside world best considering he was the newest to the group and so he would answer any questions they had about what life would most likely be like outside of the freak show. He knew most of them would be afraid because they hadn't been a real member of society for a long time; some of them, the ones who had been born in to this life, they had never been a part of society and of course the thought of going out in to the unknown was absolutely terrifying.
"First of all, I want to thank you all for attending this meeting today." Leah looked over the group of people she had grown to care about over the years as they stood in the middle of the forest. They had all agreed it would be best to have this shindig take place in the woods just to be safe incase something went wrong and Sam ended up coming back. Jasper, Jacob, and a couple of others who already knew about the plan were acting as lookouts. "You all know why we are gathered here today. We can no longer stay in this place or it will be the death of us. I know the idea of leaving is frightening, but is it any less terrifying than what will eventually happen to each of us if we stay here any longer?"
She paused to gauge the reaction of everyone around here. Most of them seem scared, yet curious at the same time so the winged woman continued on with what she'd been saying. "Most of you have been here for as long as I have and remember the old days, but the old days are gone. We can't sit around waiting for a change that will never come. The old days are dead and nothing will ever change that. This place used to be safe, it used to be a home to us and now it's nothing more than a prison and I refuse to stay here and watch everyone I care about die. I will not stay here and let myself die. Every second we stay in this place, we die a little on the inside and you know it's true."
"You talk a good game, but what are we supposed to do if we leave?" One of the older 'freaks', Tia, who had the ability to turn things to stone with one touch, asked as she took a step forwards. "We are not like everyone else and no matter where we go or what we do, we will be defined as different. People can be cruel and at least here we are accepted by each other. If we leave, how can you or anyone be sure of what will happen? We would be trading one bad situation for another that could end up being worse."
This time Edward decided to answer. "You are absolutely right; we can't know for sure what is going to happen. I am not going to stand here and lie to you all by saying it will be easy, but I will tell you is that whatever we face out there, no matter how bad it may be, has to be better than what is waiting for you if you decide to stay."
"Leah and Edward are right." Rosalie, who happened to still be pretty beat up, but improving every single day, walked through the small crowd until she was standing next to Leah. "I was like you Tia, but despite my fear, I am going to leave and do you want to know why?"
When she paused Leah knew what she was about to do and tried to stop her. "Rosalie, you don't have to do this."
"Yes I do." The blond replied before taking a deep breath to calm her nerves. "If you think the bruises on my face are bad then what I am about to tell you will shock you to the core. A few of you know what I am going to say, but for those of you who don't, well, I would suggest either sitting down or holding on to something so you won't fall. This is going to a gruesome story and some of you may feel the need to vomit, but every word that is about to come out of my mouth happens to be the truth and once you hear it I know without a doubt none of you will want to stay and if you do then you must be crazy. Okay, here goes nothing..."
Leah grabbed Rosalies hand to remind her she wasn't alone. The winged wonder was so proud of her friend for finally opening up and making a stand against Sam. If Rose could do this then they could do anything and that included leaving this horrible place to make a life for themselves in the real world.
TBC...
Please R&R like always!