Note: Want to know how Claire hurt herself in the previous chapter? And how she interacted with May? Check out my one-shot 'Magic friend'.

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Music:

Stronger – Sugababes

The miracle – Queen

My way – Frank Sinatra

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Chapter 20: Billy – Stronger

I can hardly believe where we're at right now. How so many different kinds of people got together. It's nice I have a moment to myself this Sunday morning. Just making some breakfast. Don't get me wrong, I like people coming around, but sometimes you just need some quiet to think. So much has happened and it made us stronger. I'm healthier and happy. What would Sarah say if she saw us now? Her face appears in my mind, a proud smile on her lips. 'I love you all.' I miss her at times like these, to share things with.

Oh well. Time to get ready. Doing the dishes and cleaning up a bit. Only a little less than two weeks until my fiftieth birthday. It sounds weird, me being that age, I feel younger. But, it's a big event anyway, everybody has been asking me what I want. The kind of party, the presents. I have simple wishes, I just want us all together at a bonfire. With lots of food and drinks.

And stories, I've asked everyone to come up with one. They don't have to be real, as long as they're told well. To capture the attention, to listen quietly. It would be perfect. Of course some still want to do more. So the packs have been fixing up my house. And okay, I admit, it was necessary and they've done a great job.

Folding out the paper, I read while waiting the last minutes until my weekly session with May. She's become my personal physical therapist. A vampire, in that position, I'd never expected that. But it was clear from the moment she arrived, that she was something special. The way all the boys talked about her. Even Charlie noticed it. He came by the day after the stabbing incident. Looking so tired from dealing with the after-affects of the investigation. We had a couple of beers while he vented. He was still getting used to all the supernatural stuff. To having a granddaughter that grew so fast. Yes, I agreed with him that our children became adults way to fast. Sue had been great for support and they were becoming a couple. Like Harry was giving them his blessing. They really needed each other.

There was a soft knock on the door before it opened. "Hach ch'i ," May greeted as always. "Hach ch'i ," I said in return. Talking in our native tongue a bit was nice. She walked to a closet and pulled out a massage-table. It was one of the first things she got after meeting me. That day on the beach, when she touched my feet for the first time and did her thing, it was so strange. No one ever really went near them, I don't know why, did they smell that bad? They get washed often enough.

But it was the gentle massage that surprised me most. And how respectful she was. Her cold fingers sending up small waves of energy through my legs. It tingled and I felt a little warmer. Amazing. And I didn't even realise yet what it meant, what really happened. Only after she repeated it week after week, I noticed something.

My body started to produce insulin again, over time I hardly needed my medication at all. In fact, I've stopped using it completely two weeks ago. May helped me onto the table and I rolled over on my stomach. It wasn't weird anymore, to only wear a shirt and boxers in front of her. She didn't care about that. When she was working, she hardly looked anyway.

In a trance she was only busy with feeling how things flowed. I hardly ever felt any aching of muscles or joints. She started at my feet routinely and worked her way up my legs. Slow and determent, applying just enough pressure. It felt good and soon her fingers didn't feel so cold, or was that just because my skin was warmer.(?) I guess I got used this…spa treatment.

Normally she would end at my lower back, but this time she briefly went up higher. Along my spine to my shoulders. Then she finished and I turned on my side to look at her. The past few months I've made that a habit. Ever since the fight she seemed to give more of herself. It started to worry me. She was the hero that day, though she refused to be seen that way. We didn't expect anything more of her than what she was doing normally. I checked her eyes, they now had a light caramel colour. Normal you would think, but ever since she incorporated seals into the menu with the Cullens, yellow was the norm. So this was a sign that my hunch was right. Her look was serene, but as always she was never totally satisfied with her work.

She thought no one noticed that, but we all did. I decided to ask her about it. "May, why aren't you pleased with what you've done?" I questioned her while swinging my legs over the side to sit upright. She gave a small sigh before answering. "I've gotten better at healing and still it doesn't seem enough to give you feeling back in your legs." You're a chief, an alpha, you shouldn't be in a wheelchair.(!)"

She glanced at me from behind her eyelashes. I frowned at her statement. "You set the bar too high, I told her, and a body doesn't make a chief." And no one expects you to do that much." May opened her mouth to object, but I put up my hand and stopped her.

"Do you even realise that my health is the best it's been in years," I explained. "You know I'm not using my medication anymore." And I'm no longer aching either, plus I'm more mobile, I can do most of the daily stuff myself." Taking a breath, I noticed her listening seriously to me. So I continued. "Just before you came, I was thinking that I don't feel like I'm fifty, I feel a lot younger." My big smile emphasised this. She smiled back, her eyes lighting up. "Really?" she asked. "Yes," I affirmed with a nod. "Hachli ho." I couldn't resist some Quileute. It seemed to please her immensely, her smile got bigger.

Then she brought my wheelchair close and helped me in it. I rolled myself towards my bedroom to get dressed. May cleared away the table. "You don't need anything else, right?" she confirmed, because she knew the answer. "No," I said, waving goodbye from the open door, my back turned. "Okay, she added, I'll see you later then." The door opened and closed in a second.

Not uncommon for her to leave quickly. Probably to do some hunting. Or she went to visit one of the boys. I got a sweater and pants out of my closet. The first one I pulled on easily, the pants took some more work. Moving over to the bed I lifted my legs in. After that I rolled onto my right side and pulled it up. For the last bit I rolled to the left. There, zip up, button secure. Oh yeah, I've got to tuck in my shirt.

Back in the chair, I decided to finish the paper and have another cup of coffee, the mug was still near the kettle. Half an hour later, someone knocked on the door. "Dad, are you there?" Rachel called, "can we come in?" Paul was probably with her. "Yes, of course," I replied. They both walked in and sat at the kitchen table with me. "Is there some coffee left?" Paul inquired. "I think so," was my answer. He got a cup and poured the last bit.

Once he was seated again, he wanted to know how I was doing. Rachel too seemed very interested. I told them I felt great, 'not a year over forty'. My daughter laughed, he grinned. After that they got a little mysterious. Said they found the best present for me, a big surprise. But they wouldn't say what it was of course. Only that it arrived a day after the party. I didn't push them for an answer, I knew it was useless. They were disappointed by that, which pleased me in return. During the day more people stopped by and I visited Old Quil at home.

A week later May called to cancel our session, she said there was an emergency at the hospital. I was fine with that, though I sensed there was more to it. Not sure why, I just get a gut feeling sometimes. Monday morning Sue dropped in, she talked about some boy waking up out of a coma the whole time. How everyone called it a miracle. She covered a shift at the hospital for a friend last minute. Forks seemed to be buzzing about the case. Charlie later confirmed it was true.

Ugh, the story kept nagging me during quiet times. Luckily there were few with my birthday fast approaching. Wednesday was 'tasting food'-day. Many of the women and girls wanted me to taste their cakes, muffins and cookies. They made them with as little sugar as possible. Still, I was so full after they left, I skipped dinner.

Thursday Jake visited me early, a serious expression on his face. Immediately I got worried. He sat down while I sipped my coffee. "What's wrong son?" I asked. Looking at me I saw the adult, the alpha, in his eyes. Legally he was an adult now, still, he had been for almost two years already. Too soon, too fast, sigh. "Nothing, he answered, I just have something to tell you and I don't know how?" I covered his hand with mine and squeezed it for support.

He frowned in thought for a moment. Then he asked a strange question. "Do you believe anything is possible, if you just try really hard?" – "Hmm, I answered while thinking, I don't know, I guess that depends on who you are." Why?" I don't understand." – He took a deep breath. "Have you heard about the boy in the hospital?"

I nodded; "Yes, the one that woke up from a long coma." Sue told me about him on Monday, he seems to be the talk of the town." Jake looked straight into my eyes before he talked. "That wasn't a miracle." Those few words had a lot of impact. Immediately that gut feeling was there again. "Does this have something to do with May cancelling last Sunday? I asked. "She's never done that before." Though I'm a little confused, the boy woke up on Wednesday, right?" There was a grim silence.

"Yes, May had something to do with the boy waking up, Jake replied, everything in fact." I suddenly felt a lump in my throat. "She gave all of herself to heal him," he said, his tone emotional, "if Carlisle hadn't been there, she might have died." I stared at him, my jaw dropping. "Died?" I questioned. Jake told me the whole story then. How bad she looked and what it took for her to get back to normal. There's one bit he left out though; why did she do it?

I asked him straight away. He was even more intense after this. "She wanted to test herself, to know what she was capable of," he explained. I shook my head, that didn't seem enough of a reason. "She must have been thinking about doing it for some time, Jake continued, and the boy, Alex, was the perfect case." He gave a big sigh. "She wants to give somebody else the same gift, he rolled up his eyes, as a birthday present."

Again his eyes bored into mine. I knew what he was saying, but I needed a moment to respond. So many emotions started to whirl inside of me. Shock, surprise and a little bit of anger. "She did that for me?" I exclaimed. "I told her last time she was here that she expected too much of herself." She didn't think of how upset the whole family would be?" I let go of my cup and clenched my fists briefly. "What now? I went on, you're going to let her try?" You want me to give her permission?"

Jake smirked a little before responding. "Yes on the last two questions." She'll do it with or without our consent." So, I figured I'll help her with my energy, of course." Carlisle will be there too and he's set some rules." We won't let her go that far again, ever." His tone was steady now and resigned. My mind drifted away. How do I respond to that? Did I really have any options? Could she really do it? And how would I react if I could feel my legs again? If I could walk again even?

It seemed like a dream, not real. Too much to comprehend. I blinked with my eyes. - "Dad?" – I felt Jake's hand on my shoulder. He shook me softly. "Hmm, I mumbled, yes, sorry." I looked at his face, there was a hint of amusement there. A better response was required. "I don't know what to say son, I said, this is huge."

Several questions popped up in my head. Because I realised this was going to happen. Jake answered rapidly. First: When and where? – Tomorrow morning, town hall. – Who knew and who was going to be there? – Right now only the Cullens knew and Jake's pack, they wanted to be there. Well, most of them. Anyone else was up to me. – How were we going to explain my sudden improvement to outsiders? – New, experimental medication and surgery (?). Special therapy. We could say it came slowly, act like nothing drastic happened. I'd have to pretend for a while. – "Think about things," he said, I want to visit Sam and his family." You'll have some time before I come back." I nodded 'okay'.

Well, the first thing to decide on wasn't that hard. Of course both packs were welcome, the women too. Sue… and Charlie…? I wanted my friend there, but was that wise? Maybe not. I'd have to check what he is aware of. How much could he accept? Old Quil without question. The Cullens? I wasn't sure of all of them, except Carlisle naturally, and Bella's little family, we were bonded to her. Maybe Esme, she was nice and after the ordeal with the boy Alex, she'd want to keep a close eye on May. The rest of them? If they didn't insist, I think I'd rather have them stay at home.

That left us with still a lot of people. I don't think I'd feel comfortable with all them watching me while May worked. No, only the ones directly involved should be close. I'd be alright behind a screen, yes that would be fine. Coming out when it was over. I took a deep breath, I could imagine it and yet it also felt unreal.

Would it be different if I'd seen her from the outside, healing somebody else? Suddenly darling Renesmee popped up in my head. She had been there with Emily, she could show me. Yes, I knew what her gift was, but I didn't like her using it on me. Not that she ever tried, Bella asked her to communicate the normal way with humans. Such a good girl. I had to get used to her, but soon I just fell for her charms. And how could I not like her, love her, she was Jake's imprint, his soulmate. Also, I'd accepted Quil and Claire, we all did.

When my son returned, I told him what I wanted, who I wanted there. Then I asked him to take me to Renesmee or to bring her here. He said he would pick her up. An hour later she entered my house. "Billy!" she greeted cheerfully, before sitting on the chair next to me. Looking at me curiously she asked why I wanted her to come. I told her straight up; "I want you to show me May healing Emily." Jake raised his eyebrows in surprise. She didn't question me however and lifted up her hand. Though just before she touched my cheek, she looked to my son for permission. He only nodded.

She carried on, slow and gentle. Playing back the memory in detail. I stared in wonder at it all. It was like a movie in your head. My mouth opened involuntary and my lips formed an 'O'. I closed it quickly once it was over. Jake had a big smile on his face. "That's everyone's first reaction," was his comment. I explained why I wanted to see this and felt good. But I requested her not to show things like that to often, it was too intense. She beamed a 'yes Billy' at me.

Next morning it was just as I had planned/ asked for. It was quiet as I wheeled to the front of the room. Behind the screen was the massage-table. Jake lifted me onto it. I undressed and only wore my boxers. Someone covered my lower back with a towel. May came in from the side, glowing, looking almost human if it wasn't for those bright yellow eyes. She greeted me briefly with a nod. Carlisle explained; "She hunted very recently and so full, it's unwise to speak." Okay, wow, must be from one or more seals.

May moved over to my feet and Jake followed her. I glanced at them from the corner of my eye. He softly gripped her upper arm and then she touched me. The temperature surprised me, it seemed a little warmer than tap water. The massage she started to give me was firmer than usual. The pressure was on the edge of painful, but manageable.

Soon however I forgot about that. My skin was getting warmer as she moved up. I could feel how much effort she was putting into it. Like she was sending more blood through my veins. Infusing my weak muscles. Wild and tingly, a river of energy shot along my spine to the rest of my body. I never felt anything like it! So overwhelming! My heart was pounding and I knew I was sweating.

Focus on breathing old man. I listened to myself and heard May too. She sounded like me, if I had wheeled myself to Forks, deeply panting. How much time had passed? I wasn't aware of anything besides May and her hands. She had worked every inch of me as she reached my shoulders. A sigh escaped me. "Timmain, stop!" Carlisle ordered, time is up." Her touch disappeared immediately. I turned my head and rolled a little onto my side.

The clock was just in my sight. It told me that over thirty minutes had gone by. I blinked my eyes. Yes it was true. Then I looked at May, who was being checked out by the doctor ( Carlisle was in that mode). He was satisfied that she hadn't outdone herself this time. I was next on his list. Walking over to my feet, he moved his hand and gently grazed the bottom of my right foot. It tickled and I pulled up my leg without thinking. "Dad!" Jake gasped in shock. He came closer and stared at my leg. I did it again and tried my left leg too. They both moved, I could feel them. Wiggling my toes, check. Lifting them up of the table. That wasn't so easy, I managed an inch. The doctor was taking it all in as he asked me questions.

After he was finished and gave me the all clear, I sat up. Jake gave me my shirt and leaned against the table. He had a hard time believing it was real. Surprisingly enough I felt I could accept it fairly well. While I was buttoning up, May moved in front of me. Taking her hand I realised it was cold again. Lifting my head, I was met with black eyes. Mine widened as I was startled. Hers were never that colour in my presence. They were glistening, not dull, a good sign.

She seemed to be waiting for me to say something, so I did. "May, this is amazing, I said in awe, you really did it." See?!" A big smile graced her face. She looked so young right now and a bit fragile. So emotional, she would be crying if she could. She needed something, so I pulled her to me and hugged her. Not expecting that, she stayed limp for a second before wrapping her arms around me.

"You are special you know that," I told her in a low voice. "You're so good, we don't see you as vampire anymore, you are simply family." She sucked in a breath and made a small sobbing noise. I leaned back so I could see her face. Her lower lip trembled before she spoke. "You mean that?" she asked huskily. I nodded. "That means so much to me." To me you're family too." It was easy to tell that she was very happy. It almost bubbled through out touch. She moved aside as Rachel peeked around the screen.

Smiling at her, I swung my legs back and forth. Her jaw dropped as she walked towards me. "Oh dad, she whispered, look at you, it's a miracle." She turned to May and said 'thank you.' That wasn't enough and she couldn't help herself, she hugged a stunned healer. Jake handed me my pants. I lifted my legs in and that made my daughter tear up. Such a simple thing, but also very big. I wanted to try and stand, so I slid off the table. Oeps, a bit wobbly, I had little muscle-tone after sitting for so long. My son caught me and held my shoulders for support. After I had my pants fully on, he helped me to sit back up.

In the mean time Paul had made his appearance. "Wow, look at you, he exclaimed, that's a big improvement!" The corners of his lips curled up. "Good thing Rebecca isn't here yet, he added, we'd never be able to explain this." I furrowed my eyebrows. What did he just say? Rachel scowled at him and his hand flew to his mouth. "Rebecca is coming?" I asked, my voice failing me a bit. My daughter rolled her eyes. "Yes, she said with a frustrated sigh, tomorrow, it was our surprise." Paul looked guilty and mouthed an 'I'm sorry' to his girlfriend. Excellent, this was the best present they could give me. I smiled wide and asked Rachel to forgive him. She would. Wow, could life get any better?!

There was no time to get into that. The screen was pulled away and everyone came to see me. May was praised to the heavens and hugged a lot. Soon she was guided outside by some of Sam's boys so she could hunt again. Slowly most people made their way outside. To give us privacy. It made me think, this was too much for a birthday present. I wanted to give her something in return, but what? She never indicated she wanted anything. Motioning with my hand I gathered my family around me. And also Sam and Edward. He might know something, being a mind-reader.

I told them that I wanted to thank May somehow. And needed their help with it. They all got a blank stare and stayed silent. I frowned; "Nobody can think of anything?" Oh, come on! There had to be something. Jake looked at Edward and saw something, they've gotten to know each other well. He moved right in front of him, a stern look on his face as he towered above him.

"You know something, I can tell, what is it, say it!" Edward averted his eyes before answering. "Yes, but it's a wish, which can't come true." He said nothing more. Jake wasn't satisfied. "How do you know?" he questioned, or is this just your opinion." Because this is May we were talking about." And she's just performed a miracle, in case you haven't noticed," he added with sarcasm.

Sam joined the conversation. "What is so unbelievable about this wish," he inquired. There was mix of emotions in Edwards eyes. He hesitated before saying; "she…, doesn't want to be a vampire, but something else." Everyone stared at him. "Like what, human?" Jake all but demanded. Bella's husband sighed and shook his head. "No, not really, he answered, it's something I really can't relate to, but you can, hmm." He gave my son an intent look. You could see his mind working. I was thinking too and as it came to me, he was there too.

"She wants to be a werewolf?" Like us?" His voice was high with shock. "What? No." Paul shook his head in disbelief.

Edward was calm now and responded. "Well, think about it, with her background and all the time she spends with you lot, she's practically half way there." There was a pause to let it sink in. "Remember you're first conversation Jake, he continued, in her mind you have all the good bits of a vampire and also a heartbeat and you can eat normally, among other things." My son knew what he was talking about. "But what about her gift?, he asked, werewolves don't have that." The mind-reader explained that she was probably willing to sacrifice that. Still, this talk was getting us nowhere. This was a fantasy. It was silent again.

Suddenly we realised Seth was here too. He blurted out an idea. "What if, she could copy our phasing, he asked, would that work?" That got everybody talking. Edward immediately said 'no', vampires couldn't change and one also needed the gene. He even hinted that it could be dangerous. Jake agreed, no one had ever touched someone while he or she was phasing. It was something explosive. But nothing was sure, we were in uncharted territory. "I'd say we offer it to May and let her decide." I made up my mind. "And ask Carlisle what he thinks."

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So what do you think? Will May take them up on their offer? If so, what will happen do you think? Nothing?

PLEASE REVIEW

PS: Translations: Hach ch' i (hach-chee-eh) means "Good morning", | Hachli ho ( ) means "I'm good/ well".