Kim

Thank goodness it was Friday. I didn't think I could've taken another one of Mr. Moore's droning lectures in the morning.

I had fallen asleep during today's and when I opened my eyes, I caught Jared staring.

"I'm serious Kim! There is something there! He walks you from History to your next class and he can't stop staring!"

The more and more things came to attention, the more and more I started to believe that this was possible.

Gavin trotted down the stairs next to Olivia.

"I have to agree, Kimi." Olivia peered over Gavin, "He can't keep his eyes off you. Honestly it looks like he could just push you up against the wal –"

"Don't finish that statement," I held up a finger, cutting her off.

Olivia sighed, tossing her hair over her shoulder, "He's looking at you now! Honestly Kimi, if you can't see it then your blinder than I thought. I'll see you Monday."

I waved goodbye to Olivia.

"I thought you would be here."

I passed a silver Camry without giving it a second thought it was the voice that made me stop.

"What are you doing here?"

"Don't be so shocked!" Mom leaned over the passenger seat, "I had to come see my kids."

A sudden anger rushed through my body. Now, she decided to see us. After leaving us last November?

"I tried to pick up Charlotte, but the school said I wasn't on the list." Mom sounded utterly confused.

"That might be because you weren't there to register her. Aiden and I were."

"Oh don't be so negative!" Mom flashed her newest wedding ring, "I'm sure it was just a misunderstanding. Do you need a ride home?"

"Uh, no I'd rather walk thanks."

Mom shrugged and sped off.

Jared

I walked up behind Kim.

"Everything okay?"

She looked up and sighed, "Yeah, just family drama."

I smiled, "It seems more than that."

"Not much more." Kim was still staring where the Camry left.

Kim looked upset.

"It seems more than that." I repeated

She looked back up at me and shrugged.

Most people around the Reserve knew about her mom. Married a few times, never stayed with the same man more than three years. The only reason Kim and her brothers came about were from the one man she stayed with for twelve years. She left after he died.

"Really, it's nothing," She gave me smile.

I started to walk away, "That seemed like a fake smile."

Her mouth dropped and shut quickly.

"How would you know which is fake?"

I glanced at her, "It doesn't reach your eyes."

"And you would know because?" She teased.

I felt my face get warm.

"Relax, I'm only kidding."

"If you weren't we might have a problem."

Kim laughed, "I don't think there would be much you could do."

I raised an eyebrow as Kim eyed me.

"I take that back."

I laughed, "That would be wise."

"So, what made you start hanging around with Sam Uley?"

I looked into her eyes, seeing nothing but sheer curiosity.

"Um, he helped me out when I was going through a rough time." I lied.

"Oh, well, that would explain a lot."

Kim

I didn't mean to intrude on his personal life. I never even thought I would be having a casual conversation with Jared and actually not be freaking out.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to pry." I apologized.

"You don't need to be sorry."

I smiled, remembering the first conversation we had.

"Honestly, Sam isn't that bad of a guy. I mean yeah, he graduated last year and runs La Push like he's the king."

"I'm assuming that you're not going into your house?"

I looked towards the driveway where Mom's Camry was parked.

"Not looking forward to it."

Jared placed his hands on my shoulders, "You'll be fine. If you can sit through Moore's class and only fall asleep once then you're stronger than I'll ever be."

His hands were warm. Even through my long sleeves I could feel his heat radiating through my body.

The moment his hands disappeared, Jared took off.

"See ya after break." He called over his shoulder.

Where's Charlotte?" I asked.

By the time I made the walk from the road to my door, a steady downpour had begun to fall.

Aiden nodded towards the fireplace. Charlotte was asleep just a few feet from it, a blanket covering her tiny body.

"Did Mom take her room?"

"She's upstairs in the attic. I told her the bed was gone. Right now, she's trying to find things that are hers."

"Is she taking her stuff and leaving?" I set my bag down, before taking Charlotte to the couch.

"I'm assuming that's her plan."

I couldn't believe I hated my own mother the way I did. She never matured enough to care for any of us.

"I can't believe this stuff was still here!" Mom came down and set a box on top of Aiden's papers.

The only thing that was in it was old photos and dusty sweatshirts.

"Is this what you came back for?"

Mom looked over at me, "I don't want to be here for longer than I have to. As much as I adore seeing you kids, I can't stay. I hate it here."

"Then why would you even bother coming home? You've never seemed to care before."

Jared

I stuffed my hands in my pockets, savoring the way Kim felt.

My skin was still tingling even though it was the sleeves of her shirt my hands were lain on.

"You're late." Paul narrowed his eyes.

I shrugged, my hands still tingling.

"Did you do it?"

I didn't answer, but plopped myself on Emily's couch.

"Jared –" Sam began.

"Don't even start."

"At least he's making progress." Embry stated, "He finally managed to croak out the first few words."

I grabbed a pillow and chucked it at his head.

"Guys, give it a rest. You might go through the same thing." Emily set down a giant bowl of Doritos.

They immediately began shoveling and although my stomach growled, I ignored it.

"Oh by the way," Embry said through a mouthful of Doritos, "That redhead was back."

Sam's eyebrows raised his eyebrows.

"Where?"

"Near their territory. I didn't think it was much to worry about." Embry mumbled.

"Let's go." Sam stood up, his chair falling to the ground.

Jake and Paul groaned. I didn't budge.

Sam glanced over. I half expected him to force me to get up and go along with the patrol.

"Make sure he doesn't do anything stupid."

"Jared," Emily called.

I didn't answer.

"Jared!" Emily said louder.

I still didn't answer.

"JARED!"

"What?"

Emily pointed her finger towards the sea.

I stood up, walking to the door.

At first, I didn't notice anything out of the ordinary. But as my eyes focused on the figure standing knee deep in the water, pieces began to fall into place.

I bolted out the front door, "Kim!"

Hope you guys liked it! I plan to post as much as I can before the holidays start!

Please, please, please comment and let me know what you guys thought!

Much Love,

IR