Chapter 19 "Drift Into My Head"

Disclaimer: Not SM, just two girls that love some pretty wolves and wanted to continue their story where SM left off.

A/N: Sorry for the delay in posting this. Real life has been a real bitch to us lately. We hate not being able to post the chapters on time and it takes a pretty serious setback for us to delay the whole two weeks. Thanks for understanding.

Found myself today
Singing out loud your name,
You said I'm crazy,
If I am I'm crazy for you.

Sometimes sitting in the dark
Wishing you were here
Turns me crazy,
But it's you who makes me lose my head.

And every time I'm meant to be acting sensible
You drift into my head
And turn me into a crumbling fool.
"Crazy For You" - Adele

NPOV

-0-

"So what did you do?" Lillah gasps, causing Holona to jump in her arms. The baby doesn't wake from her sleep though, she is snuggled up tight in Lillah's arms, clearly comfortable being held by her mother. She is also apparently growing comfortable with me. Lillah mentioned earlier that Halona was fussie this morning around the time I normally show up. As soon as I arrived, she settled down. It's a little unbelievable to me to think that this baby has grown to expect my visits with her mother. It makes my leaving in a few weeks a little harder, because I really do enjoy this time with Lillah and Halona.

Thinking about this morning reminds me of the reason why I was late getting here, and pushes me to answer Lillah's question. "We took everything down as fast as we could to make sure there was no evidence in the clearing and ran."

"What did she say when she got there?"

Shaking my head, I have to laugh now at how silly everything was this morning. Aunt Rosalie finally followed up on her promise from last Friday. Around four in the morning I received a text from Grandmama Esme telling me that Aunt Rosalie and Uncle Emmett were on their way to "visit me" and she wanted to make sure I let Charlie know. Thank God she gave me that heads up.

"She came storming in. She's lucky Grandpa Charlie didn't have his gun on him. As soon as she opened the front door, he was in the living room, I could hear them arguing. She kept saying she knew I wasn't there and that Emmett was searching the woods for me."

"Oh no! But you guys had cleaned up your spot in the woods, right?"

Looking over my shoulder I give her a reassuring smile, "We had, but our scent would still linger enough that Uncle Emmett could have found it, had he looked. Thankfully, he only went on a run."

"Do you think he really knew and was just covering for you and Jake?" Lillah wonders aloud.

I hadn't really considered that Uncle Emmett would cover for us. Stirring the sauce in the pot on the stove, I weigh this possibility. He's pretty laid back and seems ok with Jacob but realistically, if he was keeping things quiet for us, it was all for me. "I don't know, it could be that he didn't want to lie to Aunt Rose about what he might find. Plus, Dad would be able to pick his brain and find out the truth when they get back anyway."

Lillah wrinkles her nose and nods, "Yeah, I forget about that little detail. Thank goodness neither of my parents could ever read my mind or Embry's." We both laugh at that thought. Lillah and Embry's relationship didn't really start out like a normal one. Halona stretches and wiggles in Lillah's arms at the sound of our laughter. I watch my friend cradling her baby girl. It's still hard to believe that Embry is a dad. However, there is no denying he and Lillah are great parents.

My friends voice breaks into my thoughts and I glance up at her pretty face. "Sorry, what?"

"You said you wanted to test something on me- something to do with your gift?" Lillah prompts me and I shake my head at myself. While I love spending time with her, I can't seem to get my head out of the clouds lately. I've found myself losing track of our conversations more and more. Of course, my thoughts center on Jacob; the more time I spend with him, the more he's on my mind.

Pulling myself together I try to recall what I wanted to test with Lillah. When I remember, I frown slightly. Turning off the burner and moving the pot to the back of the stove, I turn around and face her, "I did, but I thought Embry wanted to be here? I know Jacob wanted to be here too."

"If it has to do with your gift, it can't be a big deal, right?" Lillah smiles at me as I move to sit next to her at the table.

I consider her point, "No, it's not a big deal, just- they wanted to be here."

Lillah tilts her head, "Do you really want them hovering over us if it isn't a big deal? Because, they will; Embry will be freaking out every moment and I'm guessing Jacob will be the same."

My eyes go wide as I look up at her. The image of the two of them is clear in my mind and I know without a shadow of a doubt that she is absolutely correct. "You have a point," I sigh.

"They mean well," Lillah offers, smiling broadly, "they just worry about us. I'm pretty sure Embry would dress Hallie and I in bubble wrap if he thought it would keep us safe."

"Yeah, that makes sense. But don't you think- I don't want to upset Jacob, or disappoint him. Won't Embry get mad?"

Lillah pats my hand, "It will be fine. Personally I'd just rather try now without them here; get a true measure. How about this, we'll still do a 'test' when they are both here, this can just be our practice run?"

"I guess-," I hesitate, still a little worried.

Lillah grins, "I promise, it will be fine. Nothing to worry about and no pressure, just us girls here. Tonight you can do the 'official' test with the boys around. Plus you still need to run the test on Embry too, right?" I nod slowly and she bounces her head like the decision is made, "Good. Until then, tell me what's going on."

"Ok," I can't help grinning at her. She definitely knows how to handle Embry, so I trust her ideas on how to calm Jacob. Taking a deep breath, I begin explaining, "The thing is- I can touch Jake on places other than just his face and he can hear my thoughts. Grandaddy Carlisle is curious about whether it works on anyone else. It's possible it only extends to Jake, which fascinated Grandaddy."

Lillah perks up at my explanation; she's always been interested in me being able to share my thoughts with others. Even though I've only demonstrated it to her a few times, we've had fun coming up with ways for me to drive Jacob a little crazy. I don't use it against him, but I definitely feel like it sometimes gives him the nudge he needs.

"Show me what you got, girly girl. I'm very curious to see if it works on me too." If Lillah weren't holding Hallie, she'd be bouncing up and down in her seat. After we decide it might be best for her to put the baby in her bassinet I scoot my chair closer to hers and take a few steadying breaths. I don't know what I expect or even want for the outcome of today's experiment. I've been thinking about it for a while, how cool it would be if this is something only Jacob and I share. Possibly because of our strong imprint connection.

I love that Lillah is so willing to be my guinea pig in this adventure. I don't know anyone else I'd rather try it out on. She's such a great friend; I feel lucky to have her. Taking a few deep breaths I concentrate on Lillah's face before letting my hand rest on her bare arm and close my eyes. Using images of her little family I focus on transferring my thoughts to Lillah.

When she doesn't say anything as I flash mental pictures of Embry holding Hallie I speak quietly, "Anything?"

Without raising her voice an octave Lillah whispers, "No". I frown but hold onto that image as I reach up and touch her cool face. The gasp that follows tells me she's seeing what I'm showing her and I drop my hand to my lap. As I open my eyes the first thing I see is Lillah's eyes wide in front of me. "I didn't see a thing until you touched my face, Ness."

Sitting back in my chair I take it all in; wondering what this means, how my gift will grow and shift as Jacob and I spend more time together. Whether, eventually, I'll be able to share thoughts with others in the same ways, or if it will always only be my wolf.

"That's really special and amazing." Lillah insists and I nod in agreement. I'm a bit astounded now that I've confirmed what we already thought might be the case. "How do you think Jacob will react?"

"I'm not sure," I answer, honestly.

"When will you tell your grandfather the results of your test?"

I hadn't even thought about when we'd get back with Granddaddy Carlisle about the theory, being so focused on just trying it out. "I'll probably wait until Jacob and I go see him again, maybe this Friday after dance. I think he would prefer we tell Granddaddy together."

Lillah is talking but my mind is going in a million directions. I'm even more curious about my gift and it's uses. When she asks me if I'm ok I pull myself out of my own head and assure Lillah I'm fine. "Just thinking about how it might evolve over time." I explain.

Her lips purse and Lillah nods in understanding. "That's exciting though. You and Jake have so many more years to share with one another. I imagine it will change."

"Yes, I don't doubt it will. I'm very curious to see where it goes, to be honest. Part of me thought it might just be Jake, but another part was prepared for you to be able to see my thoughts too."

Lillah assures me that seems normal to her. We spend the remainder of the afternoon cooing over Hallie, talking about our men, and preparing dinner for tonight. All topics that always manage to put smiles on both our faces.

-0-

As soon as I walk through the front door of Granddaddy's house in Seattle I'm being pulled into my mother's arms.

"Ness, I've missed you so much!" She leans back from the hug, takes a quick look at me then glances over her shoulder to Granddaddy Carlisle, "You said she'd stopped growing. This is not the same little girl I left behind two weeks ago."

"Mom," I can feel the blush rising up my chest to my cheeks. Just when I can't stand it any longer, she turns back, placing her cool hand against my cheek.

"You will always be my little girl, but it looks like these two weeks have been good for you."

Nodding, I place my hand against her cheek and give her a quick summary. She smiles and pulls me tight against her again, "I'm so happy for you, baby."

Over my shoulder I can hear Dad stepping over to Jacob, "Good to see you again, thanks for bringing her to Seattle for dance while we've been gone."

"Sure, my pleasure."

As I step back from my mom, Jacob's arms are there waiting for me. His hand rests on my hip as my father continues speaking, "Are you two heading back tonight?"

I hesitate, unsure of what plans Jacob might have for us. He gives me a quick grin then turns back to Dad, "That was the plan, just wanted to stop by and update Carlisle on a few things."

Granddaddy Carlisle nods then his eyes dart over to Dad, "Nothing to worry about son, just an exercise I asked them to try for me. Testing Renesmee's gift on a few people, check the boundaries. Jacob, Ness, if you'll follow me, we can take care of that right away so we can continue with the celebration of Edward and Bella's return."

"Sure," Dad sighs, "though, before you leave, Jacob, I'd like to have a quick word with you."

"Of course," Jacob nods as he leads me toward Granddaddy's office.

We quickly update Granddaddy on the tests, including the test I ran on both Lillah and Embry. Jacob and Embry still don't know that Lillah and I did a "practice run", but since we did the "real" test that evening, I'm glad we did the practice run earlier in the day. Jacob was standing over me, his hands tight against my shoulders. Embry had insisted that Hallie needed to be asleep before we started. Once she was asleep, he then wanted to be sitting right next to Lillah, holding her as close to him as possible without her sitting in his lap. Thankfully the real test turned out the same way; nothing outside of the face. Same thing with Embry.

My head jerks to focus on Granddaddy when I hear him call my name, "Sorry, what?"

"I was just saying I'd like to run a quick blood test, just to see where we are on the birth control."

"Oh, sure," I answer.

Granddaddy takes my blood but doesn't make us wait for the results this time, "I'll let you know if there is any need to change the strength."

When Jacob leads me back out, Mom is outside of the office waiting for us. She points down the hall, "Jake, he's down in the study if you want to go talk with him."

"Is he going to rip my balls off?" Jacob asks with a wink.

Mom shakes her head, "Not that I know of. Any reason why he should need to?"

"Not that I know of," Jacob smiles at Mom. He leans down and gives me a brief kiss on the lips. "Be right back, Tathut."

"Ok," I whisper, watching him walk away. I've grown to appreciate Jacob's butt recently. Honestly I've grown to appreciate all of Jacob's body, but I like watching him walk away. His jeans fit very nicely.

"Come on," Mom laughs, pulling me into the kitchen.

She makes me a sandwich, asking question after question. When I mention taking Jacob's blood, she pauses and looks up from her task, "Ness-."

"It's ok, Granddaddy ran a bunch of tests. He says Jacob's blood is most compatible with my body. I've actually been eating food- like a lot- lately. I've been hungry. Jacob loves it."

She tilts her head, apparently considering something then gives a brief nod, "I'll check in with Carlisle, but I think I understand how that works. Glad to hear you are getting to be even more normal."

When she hands me the sandwich, she moves to the entryway of the kitchen. After a brief pause, she returns to me, placing her hand on my shoulder and leaning close. "I talked to Esme," she whispers, "your place is all ready- for you and Jacob."

Turning quickly, I can feel my smile taking over my face, "Really?"

"Really. I'll work on your father, so it won't be a shock to him. You can move in the week before classes start." I jump up from the stool I'm sitting on and wrap my arms around my mother, holding her tight.

"Thank you so much. Honestly, Mom, thank you." There are tears falling from my eyes and I can't hide how excited I am. Not only will Jacob be in Seattle with me as much as possible, but my wonderful mother has worked it out for us to actually live together. No more tent or sneaking around. Jacob and I sharing a place. I can't wait.

-0-

"What did Dad want to talk to you about?" I ask as Jacob drives us back to Forks. Mom and Dad are staying in Seattle an extra day; Dad mentioned he has some business to take care of in Seattle.

"Oh nothing, just updating me on the status of a few things."

Twisting my head, I try to read his face. While it doesn't seem like he's lying, I definitely feel like he isn't telling me everything. That is very unlike Jacob.

However, I don't want to press this issue too much. Leaning my head on his shoulder, I move my hand to rest against his and push a thought into his mind, "So he didn't rip your balls off?"

"Nah," he chuckles. "He did mention that Rosalie was certain we had been up to something, but he seemed to blow her off as just being overprotective of you and hating me."

I'm laughing at the idea when my phone buzzes. Glancing at the number I pick it up quickly, "Hi Grandpa, what's up?"

Grandpa Charlie's distinctive chuckle fills the car, "Hey kiddo. Your mom just called and said they won't be home until Sunday. You on your way?"

"We are, Jacob and I are about half way there." Jacob smiles when he hears his name.

"Hmph, well, I'm going to grab a quick snack at the diner and I'll see you at the cottage."

Even though I'm on the phone, I shake my head like Grandpa can see me, "Sounds good. Make sure you order vegetables instead of fries."

He mumbles low in the phone but I can still hear him, "Just like your mother." That comparison makes me very happy.

"Hey, before I let you go, if I'm asleep when you get back, wanted to mention that Sue invited us over for dinner tomorrow night."

"Is that so?" I ask, suddenly very excited for him. "Is this like the families meeting?"

"None of that, Ness. She just wanted me to mention it to you, said you should bring Jacob."

Jacob obviously hears the conversation and nods enthusiastically. "Ok, sounds like a plan. You go eat dinner, Grandpa. I'll see you when I get home."

"Ok. Jacob staying over again?" Grandpa grumbles.

"Grandpa," I say cautiously.

"I know, imprint-crap, but it still seems a little crazy. That boy cannot be comfortable in your bed."

Jacob shrugs and I can't help laughing, "We make it work."

"HMPH. I don't understand why you don't just get a bigger bed."

My eyes dart up to Jacob. I haven't told him yet about the news Mom shared with me, but figure this is as good a time as any, "I think that is a good idea, Grandpa. I'll take care of that soon."

"Yeah, good idea. I've got lots of those. Like Jacob going to sleep in his own bed."

Grandpa is still grumbling when I manage to hang up, promising to wake him up when I get home.

"Getting a new bed?" Jacob asks, clearly catching the part I wanted him to hear.

"Yep. In our new place in Seattle. Mom and Grandmama Esme got it all worked out."

"Seriously?" Jacob grins, his eyes darting between me and the road.

"Seriously. We have a place in Seattle. Whenever you are able to be there, I want you there!"

He kisses the top of my head, "I can't wait, Ness."

"I leave in just a few weeks to move in," I sigh, realizing how quickly this summer has passed. Now that the time is approaching, I need to know Jacob will really be there. I can't not have him close.

"Don't worry," he says, answering the part of my thoughts that I didn't share with him. Even without my gift, Jacob is able to read me so well. "I don't know if I'll be there right away, but very soon, Ness. Very soon. I really can't be away from you," his voice dips low on this last confession.

Getting as close to him as I can with my seatbelt on, I duck my head under his arm and whisper, "Same, Jacob. I love you. I really can't imagine not having you close."

"It will happen, don't worry."

As much as I trust him, there is still a twinge of concern. Not knowing his plans and when he'll actually be able to join me in the apartment is scary. However, I know I have to trust him and that he is just as anxious to be together as I am.

-0-

"Ness! I'm so glad you could join us," Sue pulls me close as soon as I walk into the Clearwater's house. She is so warm and friendly; perfect for Grandpa Charlie, not that I'd ever tell him that.

"Hey, Sue." I give her a smile as I lean back and point over my shoulder, "Hope you don't mind that I brought these two with me."

She places her hands on her hips and narrows her eyes for a moment. I'm barely able to hold in my laughter when she shakes her head, "I guess it's fine."

"Awww, Sue, come on, I'm like the son you never had," Jacob jokes as he hugs her briefly.

"She has a son, you idiot," Seth rolls his eyes as he and Jacob do some complicated handshake.

Sue winks at Seth, "And a fantastic son at that."

Jacob's arm snakes around my waste just as I turn back to see Grandpa Charlie shuffle into the house. His eyes don't quite meet Sue's as he closes the door behind him and shows her the flowers he has hidden behind his back. "Um, thanks for having us over for dinner, Sue."

"Jake, Ness, Seth, get in here and help me," Leah calls from another room. Jacob and Seth exchange a quick look and grin just as I feel Jacob's hand gently press against my back, moving me forward.

Just as I'm about to turn my head back to check on Grandpa, Jacob whispers low, "Come on, let's go help Leah."

When we turn the corner into the kitchen, the smell of the food makes my mouth water. "What smells so amazing?"

"Salmon," Leah whispers dismissively. She then cocks her head to the side. "He's worse than a teenager."

I'm about to ask what she means when Jacob leans against one of the counters, pulling me to him so that my back rests against his chest. His hands hold my hips as his chin dips to rest on my shoulder. Standing like this, all thoughts leave my mind. All I can do is feel every inch of his body that is touching mine, wish that we were anywhere else in the world right now. When he speaks, I jump in surprise because I'm so lost in the feel of him, "Give him a break, Leah."

My focus returns to the conversation at hand just in time to see Leah roll her eyes, "He needs to just man up. How long have they been dancing around this?"

"I thought you didn't like them being together," I whisper, surprised by this change.

"Well, I'm not thrilled, but I know Charlie is decent. Too decent. He annoys me taking this long. Either you like her or you don't. You shouldn't play with a woman's feelings like that."

"Give it a rest, Leah," Seth huffs. It appears this is a regular fight between the two siblings. Seth had told me a while back that Leah didn't like Grandpa being around their mom, but I always assumed her dislike of my grandfather was out of loyalty to her own father. While I'm sure that may still be true, I never would have guessed Grandpa Charlie being so hesitant with Sue would also be a reason for Leah to dislike him. However, this doesn't seem to be a problem for Seth, "I like that he is so respectful of her. She is still our mom."

Leah shrugs, but is clearly still irritated, "Whatever, help me set the table."

Nothing else is said beyond Leah barking out orders of where to put the food on the table. Once everything is out, she calls Grandpa and Sue into the dining room. Sue makes a big show of getting a vase and setting the flowers in the center of the table. Leaning into Jacob, I share my thought with him, "They are so cute together."

His chest rumbles with laughter that he doesn't allow to escape, but I get the message. Dinner is delicious and I make sure to compliment Leah as such. Seth turns to me at one point, his eyebrow raised. He glances at my plate then at me. I'm not sure what is going on until Jacob clears his throat and whispers low for Seth, "New development, she has an appetite when she isn't living off animal blood."

Seth sits back slightly, obviously trying to figure out what is going on. I twist back to Jacob just in time to see him pointing at his throat. "Jacob," I hiss and swat my hand at his stomach.

"Oh!" Seth whispers. When I glance back at him, he at least doesn't look horrified, which is good. While Seth and I haven't had time to hang out like we use to, he is still a very dear friend of mine. He gives me a reassuring smile, "That's cool. Imprinting at it's best, huh?"

Nodding, I glance back at Jacob. His smile is huge as he looks down at me. He kisses my nose, whispering, "I love you."

"Ok, I really don't need to see that at the dinner table," Grandpa Charlie jumps in.

Sue reaches her hand over and places it on Grandpa's, patting gently, "Charlie, they are in love, it's sweet."

It looks like Grandpa wants to reply, but stops when Sue's hand squeezes his gently. Seth looks over at me, his eyes practically in the back of his head he's rolling them so hard. I'm barely able to keep my laughter in.

"So Ness," Sue jumps in, obviously trying to change the subject, "how are the college plans going?"

"College?" Grandpa jumps in before I can answer. My heart sinks as I realize I still haven't told him about leaving. I meant to while Mom and Dad were gone but- well, Jacob distracted me a lot. Plus, truth be told, I haven't been looking forward to telling him. Besides Jacob, he was the person I was dreading telling about leaving the most.

Sue glances between Grandpa and I, "Yes. College. University of Washington in Seattle, right Seth?"

"SEATTLE?" Grandpa Charlie roars. "What do you mean Seattle? When is this happening?"

"Charlie," Jacob jumps in, "it isn't a big deal, we'll be back on the weekends."

All of the color leaves his face, "You are going with her?"

"Grandpa," I start quietly. Jacob grabs my hand and squeezes tight. He doesn't say anything, giving me the opportunity to explain. I know he'll jump in if I ask him, but it's my grandfather; I need to be the one to tell him this. Taking a deep breath, I pull all my strength together and look Grandpa Charlie in the eyes, "I should have told you sooner, I'm sorry. I'm leaving in a few weeks for Seattle, but like Jacob said, I'll be back on the weekends. I can't stay away, my family, you, are here."

"But why do you have to go?" Grandpa Charlie's voice is almost a whine. He clears his throat, then proceeds a little more gruffly, "And why is Jacob going with you? What are you going to do there, Jake?"

"Because I want to study art," I whisper. I don't mention the original reason for my decision, he doesn't need to know that. "And Jacob is going because-," I hesitate, not wanting to mention imprinting, but also unsure how to tell him I can't live without Jacob.

"Charlie," Jacob jumps in, "I love Ness. I want her to have this opportunity to learn. I would move heaven and earth to make her happy. Learning about art makes her happy. I'm going with her to be a supportive boyfriend, and to be with her. We've told you about imprinting- I can't be away from her five days a week, but I also won't deny her the chance to grow. So I'm going with her. I'm working on few things while we are there, but like she said, we'll be back on the weekends. My family, my pack, is here. While I trust Leah to take over while I'm gone, I still need to be here as much as possible. Ness understands that, and us coming back on the weekends seems to be the best compromise. We will be here any time she isn't in class."

My heart thrums in my chest as Jacob speaks. He always seems to be able to summarize my thoughts so eloquently. He truly understands me and knows when to back off and when to step up. I'm dying to turn and kiss him in thanks, but instead I squeeze his hand tight and send my love through our connection.

"I guess- that makes sense," Grandpa Charlie replies, slumping slightly. The fight seems to have left him.

"I'll still be here, Charlie," Sue turns to him, giving him a sly wink. This perks him up, a small grin grows on his face.

Before he can get too excited though, another thought pops in his mind and he turns back to me, frowning, "What about Bella?"

Obviously, Mom has avoided mentioning the move to Grandpa too. Well, since I've already broken his heart once tonight, might as well finish off the job. Taking a deep breath I open my mouth to begin when his hand flies in the air.

"Don't bother," he sighs. "I get it. I knew they couldn't stay here forever. I was lucky they stayed these last few years with you."

"She'll be back, Grandpa," I whisper.

He nods, "Yeah, I know. Just not the same."

Jacob's thumb is making small circles over my hand, trying to ease the tension. Abruptly, I lift myself from my chair and move to stand next to Grandpa Charlie. He glances up at me then stands too, pulling me into a tight bear hug. The leather and peppermint scent surrounds me as I lean into him, wrapping my arms around him tight. "I love you, Grandpa," I whisper softly.

"I know, kiddo. Love you too," he whispers against my hair.

Relaxing my grip on him, I lean back to look into his eyes. He gives me a soft, understanding smile. While I don't use my gift on him a lot, I lift my hand, hovering it over his cheek for a moment until he nods.

Placing my hand against his scratchy beard, I speak slowly into his mind, trying to give him a little push, "With us gone at least during the week, it gives you a chance to spend more time with Sue. I think you should take her out on a date. She is a great woman and you deserve to be happy, Grandpa."

He sighs when I remove my hand. He places a brief kiss on my forehead, whispering, "Alright, I hear you, Ness."

When Grandpa releases me, I slowly return to where I was sitting before. Jacob wraps me in his arms, whispering his love for me into my ear.

After all that, my appetite has left me, but the others finish their food in silence. A few minutes pass before Leah jumps up, "Who's ready for coffee and dessert? Ness, mind helping me in the kitchen?"

I'm startled by this request, my eyes jumping to hers in question. She shrugs then tilts her head toward the kitchen. Glancing at Jacob, he shakes his head, obviously as confused as I am. Not wanting to keep Leah waiting, I get up to follow.

As I pass by Grandpa Charlie, he grabs my hand, "Just to be clear, there's not anything else you want to spring on me, right? No more secrets you aren't telling me."

I give him a quick peck on the cheek, "Nope, you know everything now, Grandpa."

"Good. Good." He releases my hand, giving me a quick smile before turning back to face Sue.

I can hear Jacob and Seth whispering behind me as I turn into the kitchen. Leah has a tray filled with coffee and plates waiting for me. Giving her a hesitant smile I attempt to make small talk with her, "What's for dessert?"

"Strawberry pie," she says. I'm about to try to come up with something else to say to her when she spins to face me. "You'll definitely be back on the weekends?"

"Ahh- yes, that's the plan."

I want to ask her why, but she answers that question without me prompting her. "I wanted to say thanks to you, for mentioning to Lillah about me wanting to open a yoga and pilates studio. She reached out to me the other day; she was really excited about the prospect."

"Oh, that's great!" It takes a lot to contain my shock. I thought for sure Leah would be upset with me for mentioning it to Lillah. I don't think Lillah told Leah she heard it from me, but it isn't a big leap to figure out how Lillah found out.

"Yeah, she was giving me all kinds of ideas. She's really- sweet. Anyway, she wanted to do a class on the weekends, maybe Saturday mornings. She thought you would be available to join us then."

"That should work," I smile at her.

Her eyes dart down to the floor then back up at me, "I did want to ask you. I know you'll only be here on the weekends, but once I do get space for the studio, would you have any interest in teaching ballet? It's really not my thing, but the more I think about it, it might be worth adding as an option. Especially for little kids. Lillah mentioned she'd love to give Hallie the chance to take ballet when she is older."

"Oh. That's very flattering of you to consider me, Leah." I'm honestly shocked by this conversation. First because this is the most Leah and I have ever talked to one another. Second because if I am connected to her business in that way, she and I would have to talk even more than this on a pretty regular basis. Leah has never struck me as someone that wants to talk much, especially to me. "Would you mind if I think about it, maybe talk with Jacob?"

"That's fine. It won't happen any time soon. I'm going to rent space at the community center here on the Rez to start. I just- wanted to mention it to you."

"I really appreciate you thinking of me," I give her a soft, what I hope is friendly, smile. She jerks her head in an uncomfortable nod then turns back to grab the dessert.

"Come on, Seth starts whining if he has to wait more than five minutes for food."

Grabbing the tray, I follow Leah back to the dining room. When I sit down, Jacob leans against me, speaking directly in my ear. It takes a moment for his words to register, the sensation of his lips against my ear distracting my mind.

"Everything ok?"

Sliding my hand in his I replay the time in the kitchen for him. Once I finish, Jacob's head jerks up and I see him catch Leah's eyes. She narrows hers for a brief second then nods once to Jacob. He turns back to me, pulling me close to him again, his lips tight against my ear as he speaks.

"You are amazing. Have I mentioned that lately? How did you do all that?"

"I don't know," I whisper into his mind. "I just- listened and supported my friends? I really didn't do anything, Lillah was the one that reached out to Leah."

"Yes, but you put the chess pieces into position. You truly are amazing."

Leaning into Jacob, I grin up at him, moving my hand to his cheek, "I'm just being a good friend. You are the amazing one. I love you."

He again kisses my nose. This time Grandpa Charlie doesn't complain. When I twist my head to see why that is, I find him leaning closer to Sue, whispering into her ear as she giggles.

My eyes dart to Leah. She is exhaling softly. She doesn't look upset, just resigned, like this development was just inevitable.

My heart suddenly breaks for Leah and Seth. The last two wolves that haven't imprinted. I've heard that Leah dates, but I'm not sure about Seth. It has to be hard on them.

"I don't know if it'll ever happen for them," Jacob speaks so softly I barely hear him. "I hope so, though. They both deserve it. I can't imagine not having someone to ground you. To share your life with."

Tightening my grip on his hand, I flash a picture of Sue into his mind followed by my thought, "I think they did have someone to ground them. She was their focus, their reason to stay human."

"What do you think will happen if Sue and Charlie finally get together?" Jacob hisses.

"I don't know," I reply honestly through my hand in his, "but maybe it'll give both of them a chance to finally be open to imprinting."

"I hope so."

Leah's eyes dart back to Jacob and I. I'm not sure if she heard what Jacob said, but the look in her eye is clear. She doesn't want our pity. It doesn't surprise me, Leah has never wanted anyone to feel sorry for her.

I try to convey with my eyes that it isn't pity, but understanding. Seeing her and Seth here with Sue, I truly do think that if Sue and Charlie finally make progress, Seth and Leah's lives will change drastically. Somehow though, I have a feeling it will be for the better.

-0-

A/N: Thanks again for your patience!