PERFECT SYMMETRY
9. The wisest of animals
Her eyes are scrutinizing her daughter trying to figure out what she just told her, and what is going to be her role in all this. Sue Clearwater doesn't take things lightly and she certainly didn't raise Leah to. They are hard women who think of consequences and take their time making life altering decisions. And despite the huge difference between the young woman moving around the kitchen and the broken too painful one to remember from a year ago, Sue doubts Leah's ready for 's too risky, too dangerous, and a huge responsability to thrust upon her shoulders at such a young age. She can't even try to point a finger here, because this is just like everything Leah's been forced to face during the last two years, no one saw it coming.
"You know I'm not looking for your approval" Leah says joining her mother at the small breakfast table of the Clearwater household.
"I never said you were"Sue replies in the same tone "But I am your mother and that won't stop me from saying what I believe. You're making a big mistake"
"Is that all?" Leah asks didn't seem to think it was a mistake when she was escaping La Push with the two toddlers.
"Leah you're not ready to be a mother" Sue says a little bit more softly not wanting to upset her daughter.
"I'm not going to be anyone's mother"Leah raises an octave and she stands going back to the stove "But thank you mom, for the support. Now if you'll excuse I have to finish breakfast and you'll just be on the way"
"This is my home, young lady. And it's not like it's your responsability to take care of them. Of any of them"Sue says a little bit harsher "There's no impending danger anymore, why can't her family take her with them. And about Claire, you know I would be more than happy to have her living with me, even Lana agrees with me, we...
"No, it's mine." Leah says fighting the angry tears back "It stopped being your home when you moved out with Charlie. So don't try to act like you care now. And Lana shouldn't even bother. Claire's staying with me. Emily signed off the custody papers before leaving. It's done. "
"Leah..."
"No. If you don't have anything nice to say, then don't. The boys will be here soon. And things are already tense, we don't need you bringing down the mood even more" Leah doesn't even look at her mother and she starts throwing eggs into the bowl. Claire comes into the kitchen dressed in a bright pink camisole with her bear trailing behind her.
"Am hungree"Her voice is sleepy and before Sue can reach the girl. Leah's face lits up and she is already there lifting her up, taking her to the sink to wash her hands and settling her in one chair behind a princess decorated glass with milk and three small pancakes. She takes her time cutting the pancakes in little pieces and making small talk with Claire as she eats.
Its then that Sue realizes, Leah's a mother. Even if her and the other don't realize it. She is, and it's a tragedy, because she could've been a wonderful one if the circumstances had been right. But this might be the only way for her to be.
"Finish making breakfast, and I'll change Claire" The three year old girl laughs and runs off to Leah's bedroom. A look passes between mother and daughter, until Leah's lips curve in a smile, and simple nod is exchanged.
Sue might not approve, but this is her daughter. And it doesn't matter if she's broken hearted, morphs into a giant wolf, or becomes the surrogate mother to a child and a half vampire. Sue will be there, because that's what mothers do.
Leah's learning, but Sue will teach her better.
a/N: 4...yes. one more and i'll achieve the five day mark. i'll answer one open question for this and next chapter just be careful with what you ask if you don't want to be spoiled. and remember they are like drabbles so you don't get the whole story just a sense of what's happening but ask and I'll answer, cuz i know it gets confusing.
ps i know sue's not animal but hahaha it was the only part of the song that fitted.