Yeah, I know It's been forever. I haven't been in the creative state of mind, year twelve just sort of pushed it from me. I'm also not in the twilight mood, currently obsessed with 'Pirates of the Caribbean' instead… I'll post them when I've at least done the three movies, I'm up to the second currently.
Anyway, just cause I posted this don't get too excited I have absolutely no clue want to write next, I need to think of a plot with the angels, you know they come and attack or something, not sure. As soon as I do that, I'll get excited and I'll start writing again. If you have ideas lay them on me, I'd love to see what you guys thing.
This chapters not very creative, don't know why it took me so long to finish it off… hardly any of it's mine, but oh well. Sorry for the wait and send me ideas! I want this finished!
(BTW, it's not on hiatus I'm just lazy.)
Chapter 55:
Cat's POV.
Turns out I didn't need to have another yelling match with Seth, he was worried yes but he didn't argue about it. He went and sat with Bella and she talked to him about it, though I could see he was worried, he seemed to understand, like me.
I wasn't sure how Jacob felt about this, but I wasn't about to start asking him as he'd probably just shout at me again. Guess he hasn't really had the chance yet, when we'd approached the house the two wolves had called out for Edward, I couldn't keep the giggles in at how they sounded.
I jumped off the wolves backs when we reached the house, Edward, Emmett and Jasper standing on the porch waiting.
"We have a problem." I confessed Edward looked at me but I turned to the wolves.
"Jacob? Seth? What's going on?" Edward questioned Jacob slowed next to me before then pacing back a few steps, shaking his head a little and wriggling his nose. Guess the smell was too much. Seth whined quietly, hesitating, and then he fell back behind him.
To answer Edward's question, Jacob let his mind run over the confrontation with Sam, moving through it backward. Seth thought with him, filling in the gaps, showing the scene from another angle.
They stopped when they got to the part about the "abomination," because Edward hissed furiously and leaped off the porch.
"They want to kill Bella?" he snarled flatly. Emmett and Jasper, not having heard the first part of the conversation, took his inflectionless question for a statement. They were right next to him in a flash, teeth exposed as they moved on us.
"Hey," I said arms raised at the two of them. "Planning on it." I said seriously.
Hey, now, Seth thought, backing away.
"Em, Jazz—not them! The others. The pack is coming." Edward explained. Emmett and Jasper rocked back on their heels; Emmett turned to Edward while Jasper kept his eyes locked on the wolves.
"What's their problem?" Emmett demanded, indicating to the wolves. I crossed my arms and glared at his insensitiveness.
"The same one as mine," Edward hissed. "But they have their own plan to handle it. Get the others. Call Carlisle! He and Esme have to get back here now." Jacob whined uneasily.
They were separated. he realised, I bit my lip, thinking the same thing
"They aren't far," Edward said in the same dead voice as before, answering him
I'm going to go take a look, Seth said. Run the western perimeter.
"Will you be in danger, Seth?" Edward asked. Seth and Jacob exchanged a glance as I looked at the young sandy wolf.
Don't think so, they thought together
But maybe I should go. Just in case… Jacob decided
They'll be less likely to challenge me, Seth pointed out. "I'm just a kid to them.
You're just a kid to me, kid. Jacob confessed
I'm outta here. You need to coordinate with the Cullens. He wheeled and darted into the darkness. Jacob didn't argue.
Edward and Jacob stood facing each other in the dark meadow. I stood between them, waiting for someone to speak as I listened Emmett muttering into his phone. Jasper was watching the place where Seth had vanished into the woods. Alice appeared on the porch and then, after staring at me with anxious eyes for a long moment, she flitted to Jasper's side. I hoped that Rosalie was inside with Bella. Still guarding her — though now it was from the wrong dangers.
"This isn't the first time I've owed you my gratitude, Jacob," Edward whispered. "I would never have asked for this from you." Jacob thought. When it came to Bella, there were no lines he wouldn't cross.
Yeah, you would. I looked at Edward and nodded, Jake was right. Edward thought about it and then nodded.
"I suppose you're right about that." Jacob sighed heavily.
Well, this isn't the first time that I didn't do it for you. Jacob reminded him
"Right," Edward murmured.
Sorry I didn't do any good today. Told you she wouldn't listen to me. Jacob didn't sound like he meant to say it with a sneer but it was an 'I told you so' statement.
"I know. I never really believed she would. But…" Edward began
You had to try. I get it. She any better? Jacob hoped, Edward's voice and eyes went hollow.
"Worse," he breathed. I didn't wait around to hear anything else. I ran to the house and up to the lounge where Bella was with Rose.
The lounge had completely changed now from what it was a few hours ago. The furniture wall all pushed against the walls or removed from the room completely to make more space. In the centre was a hospital bed, rails on either side, surrounded by machines, an IV being one of them.
Bella lay on the bed, tubes and needles stuck into her arms and nose as she was hitched up to the machines. There was no sound other then the UV dripping, the heart monitor didn't beep. No one in the house needed it to to know how her heart was doing. I could hear it, it wasn't a rhythm, it faltered and jumped.
"Cat," Bella smiled as I walked in, pausing for only a fraction at the door when I saw the room, something only Rosalie noticed
"Hey," I said walking up to her. I stood next to her bed and brushed a stray hair from her face
"What happened?" she asked concerned, I shook my head with a smile
"Nothing, it's alright. But Jake's staying." I admitted, her face brightened "And Seth's here too."
"Why?" she wondered
"Bit of this and that." I shrugged, worry would only worsen her condition. I may be allowing this but allowing her death was not the deal. She should be as healthy as we can get her, without harming her child that is.
"How are you doing?" I asked softly after a few minutes of silence, she sighed a little and glanced at the machines and tubes.
"This body isn't enough for him." she sighed
"Bella, it's not 'a body' it's you." I corrected her, a little annoyed "You need to be as healthy and comfortable too, otherwise, how do you know he is?" I asked, glancing at her swollen stomach. She smiled at me and ran a boney hand over the bulge. She then looked at me confused
"Where's Sophie?" she wondered, I frowned. Sophie hadn't returned. She'd ran off before us to get here, but maybe after realising that she was enemies with Embry now, she couldn't take it and needed some time.
"She's just taking a breather. She'll be back later." Or at least I hope she would be. If not, no matter how angry at me she was, I'd go get her, I'd find her, and I'd do my best to help. She was still my sister after all, whether she agreed with my choices or not.
"You two didn't have another fight did you?" Bella frowned, guilty that the two of us were not on the best of terms.
"No. She just needed a little space." I said. "What about you?" I asked "Do you need anything?" she shook her head
"I'm fine." she promised. I turned towards the door as Edward, Emmett and Jasper all walked in.
"They're patrolling." Edward said simply. I nodded and left the conversation at that. Next to me Bella began to yawn and I encouraged her to sleep. She told me I had to get some too and I promised I would. I, unlike everyone else here, couldn't stay awake forever.
I moved to the couch as Rosalie watched over Bella, not more then two metres from me, and yawned, Carlisle and Esme came back not long after, greeting us all before Carlisle looked over Bella, with a very close watch on from Rose.
I could feel my eyes getting heavier and I was just beginning to drift off when I was started by sudden howling. Everyone tensed and a few stood. I recognised it as Seth's howl before it suddenly cut off mid howl.
"Oh god," I muttered groggily. Not two minutes later I heard Jacob's thoughts approaching and Edward left the room.
False alarm, false alarm, Jacob thought Sorry. Seth is young. He forgets things. No one's attacking. False alarm. I slumped back into the couch, a little annoyed I'd been startled for no reason.
There's nothing out there — you got that? I guessed Edward answered because he was back in the room again.
"It was a false alarm," Edward was explaining in that dead voice, just repeating what Jacob'd told him. "Seth was upset about something else, and he forgot we were listening for a signal. He's very young."
"Nice to have toddlers guarding the fort," Emmett grumbled
"Better then no one." I confessed, my eyes shut again.
"They've done us a great service tonight, Emmett," Carlisle said. "A great personal sacrifice."
"Yeah, I know. I'm just jealous. Wish I was out there." Emmett confessed
"Seth doesn't think Sam will attack now," Edward said mechanically. "Not with us forewarned, and lacking two members of the pack."
"What does Jacob think?" Carlisle asked.
"He's not as optimistic." Edward confessed
"What a surprise." I sighed, I couldn't blame Jacob for being worried though, I mean, who wasn't, other then Rosalie that is. I listened to Carlisle footsteps before I jumped again
"Don't touch her! You'll wake her up," Rosalie whispered harshly, Carlisle sighed
"Rosalie," he murmured.
"Don't start with me, Carlisle. We let you have your way earlier, but that's all we're allowing." Rosalie said.
"Rose, it's better that Bella's as comfortable as possible. He's not going to do anything with you watching." I assured her. Rosalie looked between me and Carlisle for a minute before relaxing and I gave her a reassuring smile.
Bella choked a little in her uneasy sleep, and both Edward and Rosalie moved in to hover over her. Her body jerked, and she whimpered. Rosalie smoothed her hand across Bella's forehead.
Edward's body stiffened and his expression turned dark, causing Emmett wrenched himself between them before there was time to blink. He held his hands up to Edward.
"Not tonight, Edward. We've got other things to worry about."
"Emmett's right," I agreed "We don't need to make things worse for ourselves." I said simply. No one answered me, a few eyes flickered in my direction, Alice being on of them, though her face couldn't hide the disapproval as she did.
Things calmed down long enough after that for me to fall asleep on the couch. I don't know how long I slept for but when I woke there was a blanket on me and the sun was up. It was a piercing howl that awoke me and I jumped to a sitting position.
I knew the difference between a howl of outrage and a howl of urgency by now, this one was the latter.
Despite my sleepiness I jumped up and ran out of the house, ignoring everyone and anyone as I swayed a little from getting up to fast. Emmett was next to me, holding me steady and I gave him a smile before leaving the room.
I ran through the trees and arrived in time to see Jacob standing defensively, Seth was no where to be seen but I could hear and feel his footsteps against the earth. Facing Jacob was a small grey wolf. One I'd always recognise.
"Leah!" I cheered and jumped on the wolf, knocking her to the ground. She growled before spinning around and pinning me to the ground but I only giggled as I looked up at her nose. She huffed, snarled at me before getting off.
"Nice to see you too." I smirked as I sat up.
What are you doing here? Leah wondered
"Well…" I began
She's protecting Bella and her monster. Jacob cut me off with a snarl, I glared at him
Really? That's something I'd expect from Sophie. Leah muttered
"No, Soph's completely against it." I sighed, no sign had been seen of Sophie since yesterday. She was probably off sulking on a cloud, and I wanted to go comfort her, but I'm the last person she probably wanted to see. If only Embry could get up there.
Why the hell are you here? Jacob questioned Leah, practically ignoring me.
You think I'm just going to sit home while my little brother volunteers as a vampire chew toy? Leah questioned
Seth doesn't want or need your protection. In fact, no one wants you here. Jacob said harshly. I glared at him this time.
Oooh, ouch, that's gonna leave a huge mark. Ha, she barked. Tell me who does want me around, and I'm outta here.
"Me." I answered. She snorted at me
"What?" I asked frowning "It's true." I muttered. I loved Leah, despite what everyone else thought, I thought she was great, strong even for everything she'd been so far through.
So this isn't about Seth at all, is it? Jacob asked
Of course it is. I'm just pointing out that being unwanted is not a first for me. Not really a motivating factor, if you know what I mean. Jacob gritted his teeth.
Did Sam send you?
If I was here on Sam's errand, you wouldn't be able to hear me. My allegiance is no longer with him.
I watched at they stared at each other while Jacob went through Leah's head. There was nothing there to find. Her declaration was nothing but the truth.
You're loyal to me now? Jacob asked with deep sarcasm. Uh-huh. Right.
My choices are limited. I'm working with the options I've got. Trust me, I'm not enjoying this any more than you are.
The conversation was interrupted by Seth. I saw through their ever connected minds that he was at the house talking to Edward. Edward's face, framed in the same window as last night, showed no reaction to the news. It was a blank face, dead.
Wow, he looks bad, Seth muttered to himself. The vampire showed no reaction to that thought, either. He disappeared into the house. Seth pivoted and headed back out to us. Leah relaxed a little.
What's going on? Leah asked. Catch me up to speed. I opened my mouth to answer but Jacob got there first.
There's no point. You're not staying.
Actually, Mr. Alpha, I am. Because since apparently I have to belong to someone — and don't think I haven't tried breaking off on my own, you know yourself how well that doesn't work — I choose you. she admitted
Leah, you don't like me. I don't like you. Jacob reminded her
Thank you, Captain Obvious. That doesn't matter to me. I'm staying with Seth. She said strongly
You don't like vampires. Don't you think that's a little conflict of interest right there?
You don't like vampires either. Leah pointed out
But I am committed to this alliance. You aren't.
I'll keep my distance from them. I can run patrols out here, just like Seth.
And I'm supposed to trust you with that? Jacob questioned
She stretched her neck, leaning up on her toes, trying to be as tall as Jacob as she stared into his eyes.
I will not betray my pack.
Jacob fought the urge to howl like Seth had.
This isn't your pack! This isn't even a pack. This is just me, going off on my own! What is it with you Clearwaters? Why can't you leave me alone?
Seth, just coming up behind us now, whined; Jacob had offended him.
"Jake." I muttered disapprovingly as I sat on the grass listening.
I've been helpful, haven't I, Jake? Seth questioned
You haven't made too much a nuisance of yourself, kid, but if you and Leah are a package deal — if the only way to get rid of her is for you to go home… Well, can you blame me for wanting you gone? Jacob questioned
Ugh, Leah, you ruin everything!
Yeah, I know, she told him, and the thought was loaded with the heaviness of her despair.
"I want you to stay." I confessed "Mainly cause I don't want Jake out here alone." Seth seemed to brighten up at that
Seth and Jacob suddenly seemed to be feeling guilty. Something that was coming from Leah's thoughts.
Jake…You're not really gonna send me away, are you? Leah's not so bad. Really. I mean, with her here, we can push the perimeter out farther. And this puts Sam down to seven. There's no way he's going to mount an attack that outnumbered. It's probably a good thing…"Seth babbled
You know I don't want to lead a pack, Seth.
So don't lead us, Leah offered. Jacob snorted.
Sounds perfect to me. Run along home now.
Jake, Seth thought. I belong here. I do like vampires. Cullens, anyway. They're people to me, and I'm going to protect them, 'cause that's what we're supposed to do.
Maybe you belong, kid, but your sister doesn't. And she's going to go wherever you are— Jacob stopped as a thought passed over Leah's mind, something she'd been trying to keep unwraps. I frowned.
Thought this was about Seth, Jacob thought sourly. She flinched.
Of course I'm here for Seth.
And to get away from Sam. Her jaw clenched.
I don't have to explain myself to you. I just have to do what I'm told. I belong to your pack, Jacob. The end.
"You can't blame her for wanting to get away Jacob." I said
Jacob paced away from us, growling. He realised he couldn't get ride of Leah. He realised that this was an option she'd always take over being connected to Sam. Even if it meant moving in with the Cullens as their lapdog.
I don't know if I'd go that far, she thought answering Jacob's thoughts. She tried to make the words tough, aggressive, but there were big cracks in her show. I'm sure I'd give killing myself a few good tries first. I frowned at her
Look, Leah…
No, you look, Jacob. Stop arguing with me, because it's not going to do any good. I'll stay out of your way, okay? I'll do anything you want. Except go back to Sam's pack and be the pathetic ex-girlfriend he can't get away from. If you want me to leave — she sat back on her haunches and stared straight into his eyes — you're going to have to make me.
Jacob snarled for a long, angry minute.
Seth, are you gonna get mad at me if I kill your sister? Jacob questioned. He pretended to think about it for a minute.
Well... yeah, probably.
"I will." I promised him. He glanced at me and I saw the sadness appear for a split second before he sighed.
Okay, then, Ms. Do-Anything-I-Want. Why don't you make yourself useful by telling us what you know? What happened after we left last night? Jacob questioned
Lots of howling. But you probably heard that part. It was so loud that it took us a while to figure out that we couldn't hear either of you anymore. Sam was… Words failed her, but I could see it in all three of their heads. Both Seth and Jacob cringed.
After that, it was clear pretty quick that we were going to have to rethink things. Sam was planning to talk to the other Elders first thing this morning. We were supposed to meet up and figure out a game plan. I could tell he wasn't going to mount another attack right away, though. Suicide at this point, with you and Seth AWOL and the bloodsuckers forewarned. I'm not sure what they'll do, but I wouldn't be wandering the forest alone if I was a leech. It's open season on vamps now.
You decided to skip the meeting this morning? Jacob asked.
When we split up for patrols last night, I asked permission to go home, to tell my mother what had happened—
Crap! You told Mom? Seth growled.
Seth, hold off on the sibling stuff for a sec. Jacob said Go on, Leah.
So once I was human, I took a minute to think things through. Well, actually, I took all night. I bet the others think I fell asleep. But the whole two-separate-packs, two-separate-pack-minds thing gave me a lot to sift through. In the end, I weighed Seth's safety and the, er, other benefits against the idea of turning traitor and sniffing vampire stink for who knows how long. You know what I decided. I left a note for my mom. I expect we'll hear it when Sam finds out… Leah cocked an ear to the west.
Yeah, I expect we will, Jacob agreed.
So that's everything. What do we do now? she asked. Leah and Seth both looked at Jacob expectantly. I followed their gaze as he thought.
I guess we just keep an eye out for now. That's all we can do. You should probably take a nap, Leah.
You've had as much sleep as I have.
Thought you were going to do what you were told?
Right. That's going to get old, she grumbled, and then she yawned. Well, whatever. I don't care.
I'll run the border, Jake. I'm not tired at all. Seth was so glad Jacob hadn't forced them home, he was all but prancing with excitement.
Sure, sure. I'm going to go check in with the Cullens.
Seth took off along the new path worn into the damp earth. Leah looked after him thoughtfully.
Maybe a round or two before I crash… Hey Seth, wanna see how many times I can lap you?
NO! Jacob shouted. Barking out a low chuckle, Leah lunged into the woods after him. I giggled as I stood up while Jacob growled uselessly.
"Come on." I smirked and walked back towards the house, Jacob next to me. When we were a few yards from the lawn Jacob phased and pulled on his shorts. I kept walking. I knew he wasn't in the mood to deal with me either.
I wonder how strong this imprint really was? Because at the moment, it wasn't doing well at helping either of us.
The door opened before Jacob and I got to the steps, Carlisle was the one standing there rather than Edward. His face looked exhausted and defeated.
"Are you all right, Jacob?" Carlisle asked.
"Is Bella?" he choked out.
"She's… much the same as last night. Did I startle you? I'm sorry. Edward said you were coming in your human form, and I came out to greet you, as he didn't want to leave her. She's awake." Carlisle explained. He turned to me.
"I haven't seen Sophie for a while." He admitted. I sighed and nodded.
I turned to look at the trees behind me.
"I think I'll go see how she is." I decided softly.
Sophie's POV.
First I went home, I went in through my window, and just sat against the glass frame. Watching Embry down there, planning on attacking the Cullens. The fact that he didn't have a choice.
I'd have to fight him.
I knew the foetus was dangers, but I couldn't stand killing Bella to get to it, whether she was dying anyway or not. That thought… just…
I shook my head and stared out into the light rain. Even the weather wasn't making me feel any better.
Tears poured down my face again.
I'd at first wanted to go back to the Cullens, distract myself. But I couldn't be around any of them, they were currently a reminder that I was against my soul mate. That I couldn't do anything.
We were technically enemies now.
Enemies with the your other half.
I felt like my body was fighting against itself. A pain had risen in my chest, one I couldn't get rid of.
This was awful. Embry was my enemy. My sister was against me. My friend was dying.
How could things have gone so wrong? How come, after all the questions are answered and all the confusion is gone. After everyone was smiling and happy, things went so dark.
There was a knock on the door and I turned to see my mother.
"Hey sweetie." she said softly, walking towards me. "We haven't see you in a bit." she confessed
"Sorry, we've been at the Cullens." I admitted turning away, I didn't want her to know I was crying. I obviously didn't do a very good job.
"What's wrong Sophie?" she asked.
"It's nothing." I whispered, she sat next to me and turned my face towards her, wiping away my tears.
"Then why are you crying?"
"It's a long story." I said, my voice barely a whisper
"I have time." She assured me. I bit my lip as my eyes welled up with tears again
"It's awful. Everything's gotten so bad!" I burst
"What happened?" she wondered
"Bella and Edward came back two weeks ago." I began, I looked her in the eye "And Bella's pregnant." she stared at me and her face went hard with concern. "Bella wont let us get rid of it, she wants to keep it! And nothing Carlisle does can help. It's killing Bella, she's so weak and frail and she can hardly move without someones help. None of the Cullens have gone and hunted in weeks." I sobbed
"But Cat's protecting it!" I said "If she wasn't then maybe we could pin Rosalie down long enough to knock Bella out and help her, but none of them will let us. She's going to die and Cat's letting her!"
"And now the wolves know about Bella and are planning an attack on the Cullens to kill both Bella and the foetus together! Jacob managed to realise he was an alpha and didn't need to follow Sam, so he broke free, he went to warn the Cullens. None of them are strong enough to fight." My face was drenched as I got to the worse part.
"Sam's still planning an attack, and although I love the pack and I've grown fond of them, their plan is wrong, it's not the right thing to do, so I'll side with the Cullens and protect Bella, whether she's dying or not but…" my breath hitched as I panted and I looked at her "I'm going to have to fight Embry." I whispered "We've basically been pitted against each other and there's nothing we can do."
"I don't want to have to fight him, I don't want him as my enemy! How did everything get so wrong?!" I cried, sobbing again.
My mother wrapped her arms around me and pulled me to her, holding me close as I cried. She didn't shush me or tell me everything was going to be alright, she didn't say anything, she just let me cry. I was glad, for she couldn't promise everything would be alright, and shushing me wasn't going to help at all.
She knew that.
She also knew there was nothing that could be done about it. But maybe she did know something that could help Bella.
"Mum, please tell me you have something that could help?" I whispered. I heard her sigh.
"I might, but I'm not sure what exactly might be good for Bella in this scenario." she said softly
"Just try, please." I muttered, hiccupping as I said it.
"I'll see what I can find. But don't get your hopes up, this kind of thing is a rarity." I stopped sobbing. A rarity?
"Has no one ever survived?" I wondered
"I don't know." she whispered as she stroked my hair. "I don't know."
Third Person POV.
"Soph?" Sophie turned to see Cat standing in her doorway. She was sitting in her bed, her mother gone and the darkness filled the room. She turned away from her, Cat was the last person she wanted to see.
Cat took a deep breath but she walked into the room anyway.
"How are you feeling?" she wondered
"I'm fine." Sophie said harshly. Cat frowned
"No you're not." she disagreed. Sophie turned to look at her, a cold expression in place. "I know you're angry at me, but that doesn't stop me from worrying about you." Cat admitted "I can't imagine how it must feel, to be against him." Though Cat had some idea as Jake was angry at her still.
Sophie turned away from her twin.
"I don't need you to try and guilt trip me." she said. Cat looked confused
"Guilt trip?" she asked "Why would I be guilt tripping you?" Sophie glanced at her
"'I know you're angry at me, but that doesn't stop me from worrying about you.'" Sophie repeated with a raised eyebrow.
"I'm not trying to guilt trip to Sophie, I'm generally worried." Cat said seriously "You're been pitted against Embry. Sam is probably going to force him to fight against you, despite you being an imprint. It seems as though we've completely slipped Sam's mind." Cat admitted shaking her head. Sophie turned her gaze away and Cat stood up with a sigh. She looked down at her twin harshly.
"Just because you're angry at me doesn't give you the right to think I don't care about you. Guilt tripping you? You think I'd stoop so low as to use Embry for such a thing?" she asked and Sophie looked up at her. "I can't believe you've learn to hate me enough to say that." Cat muttered. The sorrow was clear in her face.
Sophie looked at her angrily.
"Hate you?" she began
"Saying that makes it seem so." Cat cut her off as Sophie stood up to face her.
"I don't hate you,"
"And I'm not guilt tripping you." Cat added. "Our different opinions have actually caused us to loose that much faith in one another to believe those things?" she asked sadly "I can't believe we'd be pitted against one another like that." she muttered. Sophie sighed and her expression faltered.
"Sorry for interrupting your quiet time." Cat said before turning to the door.
"Thanks Cat." Sophie said, the blonde turned to her sister "For caring." Cat smiled
"You can't stop me from doing that, no matter how angry you get." she smirked. Sophie rolled her eyes and Cat turned to leave the room. "When you decide to go see him, I'm happy to come." she said as she left. Sophie frowned and sighed but she smiled that she'd always have her twin no matter how bitchy she became.
"Wait up, I'm coming too." Sophie said and followed Cat from the room and down the stairs. Cat paused halfway down. "Someone's gotta be man enough to shout at you." Sophie said as she walked past her. Cat's eyes narrowed but she followed her sister anyway.