The woods are cool and calming. I've just had a row with Mom. My paws make a comforting sound. I'll miss these woods.
I run the fastest. Even faster than Jake, which he hates.
I do not!
Shit! I didn't notice that Jake had just phased. Too wrapped up in myself. As usual, no doubt everyone will think. Oh well. He might as well know. I'm leaving for a while. I need to get away; I need to clear my head.
You sure?
Jake won't stop me. He's needed to run before.
Good luck Leah.
I want to get a new life. Away from all this crap. Mom's got Seth and Charlie. Seth's got the pack, and the pack doesn't need me. I'm useless. The spare part.
Hey Leah, where are you going?
It's Seth. Why does everyone have to phase now? I'm going away. Tell Mom I love her ok?
But why?
Do I have to spell it out for you Seth? For gods sake I hate it here! I'm going!
I run and run until dark. I'm not planning on staying wolf for very long, but I'm too tired to find a city, and go through all that rigmarole. It's hard sometimes being a werewolf. Shape shifter. Whatever. And not for the usual pain in the ass stuff like imprinting and having all my thoughts read. Being a wolf just isn't practical. Like bursting out of my clothes. The guys keep sweats; I've finally found a dress that I can use. It's annoying not having any underwear, but there is no way on gods earth that I am running around with a bra or pair of pants hanging off my ankle. Although sometimes I think it would be pretty amusing to tie some lacy French lingerie on my ankle and see what the guys say.
I sleep deeply, and wake up refreshed. I hunt-it's still pretty gross, but not as bad as it used to be- and set off again. I think I'm somewhere in Canada, but I'm not totally sure.
Suddenly someone joins me. Embry. One of the original pack, the only one of them who hasn't imprinted. I think I kind of quite like Embry.
Why thank you Leah.
Crap. I'm rubbish at hiding my thoughts.
Yes, you are.
Will you stop that?
Sorry. Can't help it. Force of habit, replying with snide comments.
Yeah well go bug Quil with them.
He snickers. I usually do.
I decide that I need some privacy and I turn and head back to Washington. Not to La Push. No way. But maybe a nearby town. Perhaps Seattle? Near there anyway. I have money pinned in different parts of my dress.
Well prepared.
Shut up Quil.
Quil's here. Oh goody. Not.
I arrive in a town that's near Seattle and I phase and pull on my dress. Handy thing this.
The first thing I buy is a pair of flip flops-I'm getting looks for going barefoot. Not that it's anyone's business if I go barefoot or not. Next I go to a McDonalds and buy food from a bored looking guy. He's pretty cute and he's looking intently at me. I would stay and flirt, just in a pathetic attempt to prove to myself I'm over Sam, but I'm too hungry to bother. Denial can wait another day.
I sit and eat. I'm halfway through when a shadow falls over me. It's the guy from behind the till. He's more than cute, he's hot. Not my usual type, blonde for one thing, but I still blush a little when he smiles.
"Mind if I sit here?"
I shake my head and he sits down and watches me eat for a minute all two.
"I'm Joel Temperton." He offers his hand.
"Leah Clearwater." I shake it.
"That's a pretty name."
I snort. Hmm attractive Leah, real cute, snorting like a horse. "There are prettier names."
"Like…?"
"Like…Emily."
He wrinkles his nose. My interest in Joel rises. At any case he seems to like me, which is nice for a change.
"So where are you from?"
"Er…La Push."
"Oh."
A silence falls.
"I'm from round here. Listen, please don't take this the wrong way, but do you…need help?"
My hand freezes halfway to my mouth, a fry dangling there. I stare at Joel. Perfect. Just peachy. He wasn't interested in me; he thinks there's something wrong with me. He probably thinks I'm a junkie or something.
"No." I snarl. I'm shaking. Oh god Leah, calm down, you can't phase here! Way to go, now he must be certain you're a druggie. I think I've managed to utterly convince him I'm mental in any case.
"Are you sure? Because, well, I live with my mom and my sister, but we've got a spare room…and you look like a runaway."
He's looking at me in concern. I don't know what it is about him, but I don't feel like getting pissed at him.
"Well, I'm not a runaway; you'll be pleased to know." I mumble. "I just had to get away."
He nods. "From what? Oh god, sorry you don't have to answer that."
"It's ok." I pause. It is ok. "It's just…stuff at home got too much. My mom's remarrying…my Dad only died like a year and half ago. My boyfriend fell in love with my second cousin, who was like a sister to me when we were kids, and they're engaged and I still…you know?"
I look up. I can't believe I just told a total stranger that.
"I'm sorry, I-," I'm embarrassed.
"It's ok" Joel grins. "You sure ate that fast."
My meal is gone. I eat a lot. Just like the rest of the pack. I smile weakly and stand up. Joel stands up quickly.
"So, do you need a place to stay?"
A pause. I don't know him, but let's face it, if he tries anything I can take care of myself.
"Yes, please"
And with that I let Joel lead me out.