Chapter Seven – Wolf Grins

Embry –

I'd taken the lead for a few seconds, but after a couple steps, it was obvious that I didn't have a clue where I was going. Beki gave me a smile, stepping in front of me with an embarrassed chuckle, leading Seth and I to get some food. Food was good. And I definitely needed it. Despite the fact that I'd had a healthy breakfast this morning (it was obvious we weren't going to get to school on time; we'd kind of stalled after that), I felt like I could eat an entire cow. Hunger gnawed at my stomach like some sort of monster attempting to claw its way out of my abdomen.

Beki led us to a line that had been enormous when we'd been let out of class, but was now rather short. I remarked about this, and Beki laughed. "That's what happens when you're ten minutes late for lunch," she said, throwing Seth and I a teasing smile.

The younger Clearwater laughed. "Yeah, totally." He looked just as hungry as I did. Actually, his was to the point where I thought that he might throw up if he didn't get some food soon. I didn't know whether that was possible, but by Seth's expression, I guessed that anything could happen.

She ran a hand through her hair, brandishing her other hand at the counter. "There you go."

I smiled brightly, flashing my best grin at the girl. "Thanks. Hey, you wanna meet up later? I mean, we can go . . ." my mind came up blank. I wasn't from around here, I now remembered this.

Beki took this in stride. "Why don't I show you around town later? You can pick where we go next time," she suggested, her eyes sparkling behind her glasses.

I nodded gratefully. "Right," I said, chuckling at myself. I was so weird. I had to call Jake later and tell him about this.

She waved slightly as she walked away, smiling as she did so. I waved back, as did Seth, before turning to the food counter. With desperation, I asked the lady at the counter, "How much can you buy with a twenty?"

Jacob –

"Quil, I can't take much more of this," I said, holding the phone to my ear. I really couldn't stand much more of this.

"It's only a little longer, Jake. You're just waiting for Charlie to get back on his feet so that he'll stop bothering Billy. Until then, you're welcome to stay at my house," he offered, making me snort with laughter.

"Yeah, right. Like Dad would seriously let me out of his sights for that long." I ran a hand through my long hair, shaking it out wearily. "I mean, you'd think that Bella Swan was his long lost daughter by the way he's mourning over her death. I knew that he'd be upset, because Rachel and Rebecca used to play with her and everything, but I didn't expect this level of . . . grief." I'd struggled for the word, but it was obvious; this was grief of the strictest kind.

I could see Quil shaking his head even as I heard the sigh over the phone. "Just wait until Charlie gets over it. He'll be fine then, Jake. I promise."

I got ready to hang up the phone. "Yeah, well Charlie's not getting over it anytime soon. I mean, he apparently moped over Bella's mom leaving for over a year until he got over it. He's not getting over his daughter anytime soon." I glanced at the giant pile of homework that was waiting for me. "Gotta go. Homework calls, and I've gotta finish it before Dad gets home."

Quil laughed. "Yeah, I'd better do the same. Call Embry once he gets out of school, okay? I'm sure that he can help."

I sighed, thinking about my lost friend. "Right. Take care."

"You too, Jake."

With slightly more depression than I was in when I'd gotten on the phone, I cut off the line, unplugging the phone from the wall. I didn't want any more calls. Especially no more about Isabella Swan.

A/N: Really short chapter, but Ilina/Sarah's is going to be long next time, so I didn't want to get into that.

I just realized that I didn't thank my reviewers last time! I'm such a terrible hostess!!!! So, thank you everyone that reviewed, especially Trixy! That's one of the best compliments that I've gotten on any of my fanfictions, due to the fact that I joined not too long ago! But I'm glad that you all still like it!

Yeah, so review and watch me explode in snacky happiness!