CHAPTER 30

I walked into the garage to find Jake working on a new truck. He had the hood up and was tinkering with something. "Hey, dude! What's wrong with the truck?"

He pulled his head out from under the hood and said, "Guy says it keeps stalling on him. I just popped the hood to take a look. Haven't found anything yet." He walked over to the bench and sat down on one of the stools. I peeked at the engine. All of a sudden I wanted to start digging in there and find the problem. I loved that kind of a challenge.

"So, what's up, Embry? What did you want to tell me?" Jake asked.

I dragged myself away from the engine to walk over and sit beside him on the other stool. I didn't really know how to start. I guess I should just jump right in. "I found out last night that my dad is alive and he's living in Port Angeles." I looked over at Jake. He didn't seem very surprised. In fact, he didn't see surprised at all! He just sat there, staring at the floor.

"Jake? Did you hear what I just said? My dad lives less than an hour away!"

He took a deep breath and looked at me and said, "I know." What? He knows!

"Are you fucking kidding me, man? How do you know?"

He took a deep breath and ran his hands through his hair. He stood up and started pacing. "Jake! Talk to me, bro. You're freaking me out here!"

He stopped and looked at me and said, "You remember yesterday when I came into the garage and you asked me if I was pissed about something?"

"Yea. I didn't believe you were pissed at Bella. You're NEVER pissed at Bella."

He smiled quickly, then it was gone. "Well, that was a lie. I was pissed because . . ." he stopped. "God, this is so hard," he muttered.

"Damnit, Jake! Just tell me!" I yelled at him.

"I took Leah to see him, OK? We went to see your dad in Port Angeles."

"WHAT! ?" I exploded . "You and Leah . . . went to see him? Why? How did you know where he lived? What the fuck is going on here, Jake?" Jake and Leah? The two closest people in the world to me? Why would they do that to me?

"Leah got this great idea to ask Charlie to find your dad. She wanted to find him for you and Sam. So you can make you your peace with him, or whatever. Look Embry, her heart is in the right place, but I told her this was a bad idea. Anyway, Charlie called and told her that he found him, and she needed a ride to Forks. I had no idea why I was taking her town. She didn't tell me until we were on the way. And that's only because I thought I was taking her to a doctor to see if she was pregnant!"

Pregnant? "What? Why would you think she was pregnant?" I asked.

"Well, I have seen your thoughts, dude! I know you two are hot and heavy. She comes to me, telling me it's really important that she goes to Forks, but she can't tell me why. What else am I supposed to think? She told me she wasn't pregnant, by the way."

I put hand up to my face and wipe my eyes. "Jake, just tell me why you went to see him."

"Well, Charlie gave us his address, and we went back out to the car, and Leah tells me she HAS to go and talk to him. I know how stubborn she is, Em! If I didn't take her, I knew she'd find some other way to get there. I sure as hell wasn't going to let her go alone." I nodded. He was right. She is stubborn. "Go on," I said.

"So, we drive to Port Angeles and find his house. He didn't want to let us in at first, but I let him know we were coming in whether he wanted us to or not. Then . . . he told us everything, Em. Why he left, where he went. It's a weird story, dude. I really don't think I should be the one to tell you. You need to hear it from him."

"God! I hate everyone knowing, but me! Mom, you and Leah. I feel like you're all conspiring against me or something!" I got up and walked out the garage door to stand in the yard. Everyone I loved! What the hell was happening to me?

Jake walked outside to stand beside me. "Look, Embry. We aren't 'conspiring against you.' We all love you, man. But this is something I don't think you can understand unless you hear it from him. To see him tell it. Dude. It was really something. I was so pissed when I walked in there. I wanted to beat the shit out of him. But then, he started talking, and telling us everything, and . . . well, I don't know. I didn't want to believe it, but I found myself feeling kind of sorry for him."

I couldn't believe what I just heard! I looked over at him and said, "What? You felt sorry for the guy? Are you fucking kidding me, Jake?"

"No, I'm not! That's why you need to hear it from him. Look, I told Leah not to tell you. I told her that I was afraid that it wasn't worth the pain it would bring to you and to Sam. But, he really got to her, Em. She even gave him pictures of you and Sam from the wedding, and he hugged her when we left. I knew then she was going to tell you."

"Yea, right. SHE didn't tell me. My mom did."

"Your mom? Oh, she must have told her first," Jake said.

I looked at him. "My mom just said that she heard from my dad toda . . . oh. I guess Leah told her not to tell me." I hung my head. Leah. The note. Now I get it. Why? God, this hurt! Why would she do this to me? I balled my hands into fists. "God, I can't take this, Jake!" I yelled.

"I'm sorry, Embry. I really am. I should have stopped her. I should have tried harder to talk her out of doing this. I am so sorry, bro." He put his hand on my shoulder and I shrugged it off and walked a few steps.

I stood there just full of anger at Leah. "How could she do this to me, Jake? She says she loves me! How could she go behind my back and do this? And then tell my mom not to tell me?"

Jake walked up to me and said, "Embry, like I said, she thought she was doing something to help you, not hurt you. She does love you. Any idiot can see that! But, I don't know! Who can understand anything women do? It's not logical to us, but to her I'm sure it makes perfect sense!"

I looked over at him and laughed. He was right about that! "Yea, I guess. I just can't help feeling . . . betrayed somehow. You, too, you know? How could you not tell me yesterday? How could you keep this from me? I thought we told each other everything."

He hung his head and said, "I almost did tell you. I wanted to." He looked back up at me. "You're my best friend, Embry, my brother. I hated not saying anything. But I left it up to Leah to decide what to do, and I thought I would wait and let her tell you. I'm sorry, Em. I really am." He looked sorry. I knew he was. I could never stay mad at him. I reached out and pulled him in for a bro hug. "I know, Jake. I forgive you, bro." We hugged it out and pulled apart.

I could see unshed tears in Jake's eyes as he said, "Thanks, Em." I nodded. "Listen, if you decide you don't want to see him, I'll back you up, OK? I'm here for you either way, bro."

"Thanks, that means a lot." He smiled. I looked away and turned my gaze towards the road. My thoughts turned to Leah. I said softly,"I need her, Jake. I need her so much. What am I going to do?"

"Talk to her, bro. She loves you, she really does. And she didn't mean to hurt you. Maybe this will all work out, I don't know. But don't hate her, Embry. OK? Don't do that. You two belong together."

I smiled and looked at him, "Yea, I know. I just need some time, I guess. Mind if I take a look at that engine? I could really use a distraction right now."

"Hell yea! Come on, let's go." He slapped me on the back and we walked back to the garage to get lost in work.

Leah POV:

I woke up the next morning and just laid in bed. I couldn't bring myself to move. I know I just saw Embry last night, but all of a sudden I missed him so much! I was terrified that I would never be held in his arms again, or feel his lips on mine. I wanted him to be here, to hold me. I just wanted him to tell me that everything would be alright. I felt so horrible at what I had done. I should never have gone off to find Joshua without telling Embry first. What was I thinking?

I heard the phone ring, but I ignored it. I looked at the clock and realized that Mom was at work and Seth was at school. It was late! After ten. The phone rang again, but I ignored it. Finally, after the third time, I realized that maybe it was important and I should answer it. I picked it up and said, "Hello?"

"Leah! Finally!" It was Jake.

"Jake? What's wrong?" Like I had to ask. I knew.

"Embry is in the garage working. He didn't go to school today. His mom told him last night about his dad. She didn't tell him that you told him, but I told him the truth, Leah. I told him that I took you to see his dad."

I closed my eyes and almost dropped the phone. "Leah? Leah! Are you still there?" Jake called.

"Yes, Jake. He hates me now, doesn't he?" The tears were coming fast.

"No, Leah, I don't think he does. He's angry, and hurt. But I tried to let him know why you did it. I told him your heart was in the right place. Leah, he loves you. I told him not to hate you because you two belong together. I believe that and I know Embry does, too."

"I hope so. I love him so much," I said softly.

"Listen, I didn't tell him what his dad told us. Neither did his mom. He wasn't happy about that, but after hearing his dad tell us, I really believe Embry needs to hear it from him. I also told him I would back him up if he decides he doesn't want to see him. Embry is my best friend, Leah. I will be there for him either way."

"I know, Jake. I'm glad he has you."

"Well, whatever. I gotta go. I just wanted to give you a heads-up. Are you OK?"

"Not really. I need to see Embry, but I'm afraid."

"Are you fucking kidding me?" he shouted into the phone. I had to hold the phone out a little as he went on, "That's not the Leah Clearwater I know! Quit feeling sorry for yourself and suck it up! You started this whole mess. He needs you, Leah. You have to be strong for him."

I smiled. "Thanks, Jake. I needed that."

"OK. Talk to you later," he said then he hung up. I put the phone down and decided Jake was right. I needed to suck it up and be strong for Embry. I crawled out of bed and headed for the shower.

Embry POV:

Jake and I started working on the truck, but as much as I wanted to, I couldn't get Leah out of my mind. Jake had gone in the house to use the bathroom and get us something to drink. I stopped working and sat down on the stool. I knew in her own weird way, she was trying to help. Just like the DNA tests. I smiled as I remembered that. She was going to do them whether I wanted her to or not. She was stubborn! But, I loved her. I really did. I couldn't hate her. I could be pissed at her, but I needed her way too much to ever hate her. I needed her right now.

I stood up to go tell Jake when he came back into the garage with two Mt. Dews in his hand. He held one out to me so I took it and told him, "Hey, I was just coming to find you. I can't stop thinking about Leah. I think I need to see her."

Jake smiled and said, "Um, well, I just called her to give her a heads up that I told you the truth about us going to see your dad. She's pretty sure that you hate her, and I told her to quit feeling sorry for herself and suck it up! I told her she needs to be strong for you."

I shook my head. "I don't hate her. She should know that."

"Then go tell her, dude! Go! Get out of here! I'm pretty sick of all this drama. I need a fucking break!" Jake grinned at me.

I laughed and took off for my truck. All of a sudden, I couldn't get to her fast enough.

Leah POV:

I had just gotten out of the shower and made my way to my room. I had a towel wrapped around me when I thought I heard someone knocking at the door. Not just knocking, pounding! I looked out the window and saw Embry's truck. My eyes grew wide in amazement! He's here? I heard him yell, "Leah? Are you home? I need to see you, baby!"

Baby? He didn't hate me! Without thinking, I flew down the stairs to the door. I unlocked it and opened it and practically jumped into his arms. I wrapped my arms around his neck and held on. He laughed and moved inside and closed the door. "Oh Embry, please don't hate me!" I mumbled into his chest.

He tried to pry me away from him to say, "Leah, look at me." I finally backed up enough to see his face. "Baby, I don't hate you. OK? I was pretty pissed, and I still am, but I need you way too much, Leah." Then his lips came down on mine and the fire started. He took from me and I took from him. Our mouths devoured each other and his hands were running up and down the towel I was wearing. He finally reached down and scooped my legs up so he was carrying me. I broke away from his mouth and smiled at him. He carried me up to my room and closed the door. He set me on my feet in front of my bed, and he stepped back just a little kick his shoes off. I reached out and pulled his t-shirt over his head and threw it on the floor. He smiled at me and undid the button and zipper on his shorts and slid them and his boxers down and stepped out. I smiled and undid the towel and let it fall to the floor. I looked into his eyes and could see the desire there that I knew was just for me. His hands were on my hips and I put mine on his chest. He bent down and whispered, "I love you, Leah. I need you, right now." I nodded and met his lips with mine.

He pushed me back to sit on the bed and I scooted back to lay down and he came down beside me. We kissed and let our hands roam everywhere. He knew just where to touch to bring me to the edge of insanity, and I was learning where to touch him to do the same. I couldn't get enough of him! Before I knew it, he was hovering over me and sliding inside me. I held onto him tight and wrapped my legs around him to ride that feeling until I shook and he shuddered. It was so incredible! I kept holding onto him to try and keep that feeling a little longer. I didn't want to go back to the real world.

Finally I relaxed and he rolled over to lay beside me. We were facing each other and he smiled. "Thank you opening the door, baby. The towel was a nice touch."

I laughed and said, "You know I had no idea you were coming over. I thought you might never want to see me again."

He leaned in and kissed me very softly on the lips. "That will never happen, Leah. I might get pissed once in awhile, but I never want to let you go. Do you get that? I love you more than anything in this world. You are mine, forever, Leah."

I smiled. "I love you, too, Embry. I realized last night how intense that feeling is. I laid in your bed last night and put my head on your pillow just to smell you. I even pulled one of your t-shirts on and wore it." He smiled at that. "It made me feel like I had your arms around me. I love you, too, more than anything in this world. I will always be here for you, Embry. Always." I leaned forward and kissed him.

We lay there wrapped up in each other for a long while. We talked a little and kissed a little. His ran his hand slowly along the side of my body and I had mine in his hair. We avoided talking about what I did. There would time for that later. Right now, was our time to just be with each other. To love each other.

Our kissing picked up in intensity and we made love again. It was so beautiful. Like we were made to be together and share this. When it was over, we lay together trying to catch our breath. Embry reached out and wiped the tears from my face. I didn't even know I was crying! He smiled and I smiled back. This moment was perfect. One I would always remember.