Chapter 39
That same morning, Jacob and the pack returned before Seth had taken his leave. Each went to their own tents and when Jacob returned, he saw the children, Embry's included, sleeping to one side snuggled up together to help keep warm. Aidetzi was sleeping right on top of Embry while Kevin and Kyle were asleep, facing one another and further from the wall. Jacob sighed and looked at Renesmee, who was still asleep. As quietly as possible, Jacob went to Renesmee and cuddled up to her. She sighed a little when she felt him and turned her head to look at him.
"Morning," Jacob whispered to her.
"Morning," Renesmee smiled back. "Everything go alright?"
"Still as a stream," Jacob said. "I see Embry and Aidie slept over again."
"Yeah," Renesmee nodded and yawned. "Caevia's been feeling slightly sick so she asked if we could let the children sleep here. I was actually planning to spend the day with her and help her with a few things. Will you and Embry look after the children?"
"Sure," Jacob said.
"And make sure to stay awake," Renesmee teased.
"I'll stay awake," Jacob answered and kissed Renesmee's neck. "How are you feeling?"
"Tired," Renesmee answered. "I was reading to the children for a good portion of the night. Aidie wasn't tired and she insisted that she wanted to know whether or not Elinor and Edward ended up together."
"Of course they do," Jacob answered.
"I'll be reading Persuasion to them next. That'll have Aidie at the edge of her seat."
"Which one was that?"
"It's the one with Anne and Captain Wentworth. Anne didn't marry Captain Wentworth when they were young because family and friends told her not to and he was hurt by her rejection. They met again years later and still had feelings for each other but were denying it. Eventually, Captain Wentworth couldn't take it anymore and he professed his love and the two of them finally got married. And since he'd earned a decent fortune as a soldier in the Navy, he was of higher marrying quality. At least, that's how Anne's father would word it."
"Sounds like her other stories," Jacob said and kissed Renesmee's neck. "Maybe you should read them something different this time."
"What did you have in mind?" Renesmee smiled.
"Emmett gave us Treasure Island and we've still not read it. I admit I'm curious and it'll be a nice change from all the romance." Renesmee giggled a little while Jacob kissed her neck a little more.
"Do you think Aidie would like it?" Renesmee asked.
"I can't say. I don't know what it's about."
"It's about a boy that joins pirates to look for buried treasure," Renesmee said.
"See? Now that's something different." Jacob kissed Renesmee's neck again. Renesmee smiled and snuggled up to Jacob under the covers so he could warm up. Jacob started dozing off until he felt some feet walking on top of him and Renesmee. He figured it was the children and ignored it until he felt a tiny finger poking his forehead.
"Dad," Kevin's little voice came. Jacob reached up and took a hold of Kevin's hand so he would stop poking him and looked at him.
"Don't poke people, Kevin. Especially when they're trying to sleep."
"We want to go outside and play," Kevin said.
"Eat something first," Jacob said as he lifted himself out from under the covers. Kevin began to nudge Renesmee, who'd fallen back asleep, but Jacob made Kevin stop. "Let your mother sleep," Jacob said. He grabbed the basket that had some left over potato cakes and some apples and let each of the children grab their own helping. As the children ate, Renesmee finally woke up again and started getting out of bed.
"Morning mommy," Kyle and Kevin said while Embry and Aidie said, "Morning Aunt Renesmee."
"Morning," Renesmee replied. "Embry, Aidie, I'll be with your mother today. If she says she wants you here again tonight, you're always welcome."
"Okay," Embry and Aidie replied. Renesmee went to Jacob and gave him a kiss.
"I'll be with Caevia if you need me," she said before putting on her heavy coat, her boots and stepping outside.
Jacob stayed with the children inside while they all ate their breakfast and he didn't let them outside until they were dressed warmly. The children ran outside with Jacob following after them. Jacob saw that Renesmee and Caevia were sitting together next to a fire, not doing much more than talking to one another. He overheard Caevia saying that Embry was still in their tent sleeping.
"Kevin," Jacob said to get his son's attention. The other kids looked at him and he waved his hand for the rest of them to come over. He kneeled down so they were all at the same level and spoke once all the kids were facing him. "I know a quick game we can play."
"A game?!" Aidie said eagerly and bounced up and down. "What kind of game?"
"It's a game me and your dad used to play when we were little," Jacob said. "What you do is you sneak up on someone that's sleeping and you tickle their feet."
"That's funny," Aidie giggled. "Can I do that to Embry?"
"No!" Embry yelled.
"No, no, Aidie," Jacob said. "The person has to be asleep. But, I can think of another Embry we can play with."
"You mean Uncle Embry?" Kevin asked.
"Exactly," Jacob smiled at Kevin. "So who's brave enough to do it?"
"Isn't that the same as poking someone that's trying to sleep?" Kyle asked.
"You're thinking about it too much," Jacob teased.
"I'll do it!" Kevin answered eagerly. He was about to run to Embry's tent when Jacob took a hold of Kevin's arm.
"Calm down, Kevin. You need to sneak up on him. If you go to his tent yelling, you'll wake him before you even get to him. Follow me and stay quiet."
Kevin nodded eagerly and followed Jacob as he walked to Embry's tent. Kyle, Embry Jr. and Aidetzi followed behind staying as quiet as Jacob. When they reached the tent, Jacob listened closely to check if Embry was asleep. He heard the shallow breathing, confirming he was sound asleep. Jacob motioned for Kevin to come around so he was in front of the door. Then he whispered to Kevin to stay quiet and kneel down while he gently opened the door. Further away, Renesmee and Caevia saw Jacob and the children standing in front of Caevia's tent and started to watch.
"What are they doing?" Caevia asked.
"I'm not sure," Renesmee answered.
When Jacob had the door open, Kevin started to crawl over to Embry Sr.'s feet as Jacob had instructed him to. Embry Sr. was sound asleep the whole time Kevin crawled over and the children watched. Jacob pointed where Embry's feet were and when he was ready, Kevin reached under the covers and tickled Embry's feet. He reacted suddenly, kicking his feet up and yelling while Jacob grabbed a hold of Kevin's coat and pulled him out of the way of Embry's feet, meanwhile laughing hysterically. Caevia just sighed heavily as Embry Sr. practically launched out of the tent, yelling at Jacob knowing instantly it was his idea and the two began to wrestle while the children just watched.
"Do they ever grow up?" Renesmee asked.
"No," Caevia answered bluntly and Renesmee laughed. While Embry was tackling Jacob, Aidetzi went to Embry and started patting his legs saying she was sorry.
Jacob laughed while Embry wrestled with him, all the while reassuring Aidie that she was not at fault for Jacob's mean prank. Still wanting to participate in the game, Kevin climbed up Embry's back as if he were climbing a tree and essentially held onto Embry while Jacob and Embry wrestled. As a response, Embry Jr. climbed up Jacob's back and held on. Meanwhile Aidie went right to Jacob's legs to try and impede Jacob while Kyle stood back and just watched the nonsense playing before his eyes. Eventually, Embry tired of fighting with Jacob and grabbed his son off Jacob before pushing him aside and saying he was going back to bed. He put Embry Jr. down and patted Aidie on the head before going back into his tent to sleep. Meanwhile, Jacob continued to laugh and Kevin was happy to join.
"That was fun!" Kevin said. "What game can we play next?" he asked eagerly. Embry Jr. came over, as did Kyle, to see what Jacob would suggest. Aidie went over to Caevia to tell on Kevin.
"Mommy," Aidie said. "Kevin tickled daddy and woke him up!"
"Yes, I saw," she answered. "But you know it was Uncle Jacob's idea, right?" Aidie nodded and Renesmee just snickered. "Good. So what you have to do is you have to tickle Jacob's feet and wake him up while he's asleep."
"That would be funny," Aidie giggled.
"Yes it would be," Caevia smiled. "And it would make your daddy very happy if you did. But you have to keep quiet about it. It's our little secret okay?" Caevia said, putting her finger over her lips. Aidie smirked, put her finger over her lip, and giggled before going back to the group.
"That's not exactly helping," Renesmee teased and the two just laughed.
After Jacob's and Embry Sr.'s tussle, Kevin suggested they climb trees and see who could climb up the fastest. Jacob accepted the challenge and took the kids to the woods so they could climb competitively. In the meantime, Leah was alone in the tent reading. It was too cold to just be sitting outside in the snow. She kept checking the pocket watch periodically anxious yet unnerved about seeing Hailey. Her stomach had been flipping all the night before and all morning. Since no one came barging into the tent to speak with her, she was certain Seth hadn't said anything about Hailey. That knowledge was able to help her relax even if only a little. When it was about to be 10, Leah took a deep breath before putting down her book and getting bundled up to meet Hailey. When she was ready, she grabbed a basket and stepped out into the cold. As she walked out of the village, Sokajili stopped by her side and whispered, "Remember. We tell them today," and walked away again. Leah felt herself shiver with nerves. She couldn't begin to imagine what her aunt and uncle's reaction would be, but she was certain this was going to be a very long day.
She was slightly relieved when she finally left the village, but that relief dwindled when Hailey wasn't at their usual spot. She looked at the pocket watch, thinking that perhaps she was early. She was right on time. She waited about five minutes, moving from side to side getting more and more impatient and colder and colder. She was ready to go back to the village in a huff when she saw someone approaching. She thought it was strange to see Hailey on foot, but then she realized it was Seth. Stunned, Leah speeded over to Seth and stopped before him.
"Seth, what are you doing out here?" Leah asked.
"I went to have a little chat with Mr. Dauer," Seth said calmly. A little too calmly for Leah's taste.
"You what?" Leah said, stunned. "What do you mean you 'had a chat' with him? What did you do?"
"I mean just what I said: I had a little talk with him. I explained that Sokajili expects you and him to confess to your little affair and that if he wanted anything further to do with you than he would have a lot of hoops to jump through."
"Seth!" Leah exclaimed in horror. "What is wrong with you? Why would you do that? I told you about this in confidence! Not so you could wonder off and try to intimidate him!"
"Frankly Leah, if telling him I expect him to do right by you intimidates him, than he doesn't deserve you to begin with." They both started hearing the trotting of a horse. They looked in the direction of the sound, but no one was in view just yet. "I assume that's him. So I'll leave the two of you to talk."
"Don't you say a word about any of this. Do you hear me?"
"Yeah, yeah, Leah, I hear you," Seth said as he walked the rest of the way to the village alone. As he walked away, Hailey started coming into view. He didn't get Leah's attention until he called her name. When she looked at him, she saw there was a small bruise forming on his jaw.
"What happened?" Leah asked immediately after seeing the bruise. Hailey hugged Leah and gave her a kiss before ever answering.
"Your little brother punched me in the face," he said frankly.
"Wait, he what?! He told me he just went to talk to you!"
"He did talk to me," Hailey said. "He just happened to punch me in the face first. He said it was for being a coward."
"I'm sorry-"
"Don't be," Hailey interrupted. "I told him we were keeping this quiet because we weren't ready to tell anyone. Then he tells me that, evidently, your Medicine Man or whatever the fuck he is expects us to tell your aunt and uncle or he will."
"Yes," Leah nodded. "That is actually what I wanted to discuss with you today."
"Well, let's get to the shop and discuss it there. I'll make us hot chocolate while we talk. I'll even make it with coffee instead of water."
Leah eventually smiled at Hailey's tenderness and attempt at humor. She was relieved he didn't seem too angry about Seth hitting him or even about them having to tell her family. But then, they had a lot more to discuss. So they got on the horse and rode back to the general store. Thankfully, when they got back, there was no one up front browsing around. So Hailey went right to making some hot chocolate with the left over coffee from that morning.
"So," Hailey began as he put the coffee in a pot over the stove to get it reheated. "Your brother mentioned that according to your people's laws, it's his word that goes. Is that right?"
"Technically," Leah nodded. "He's of age, so he is the head of our side of the family. However, to say that my uncle wouldn't have his own opinion and wouldn't expect that to be heard loud and clear would be naive."
"Alright," Hailey said. "So how do you want to do this?" Just then, the bell to the entrance rang and Hailey swore under his breath. "Hold that thought," he said quietly. "And keep an eye on the pot." Leah got herself out of site before Hailey left the kitchen. When the door was closed, Leah went to the stove and kept an eye on the pot of coffee until he returned about 10 minutes later. The water was starting to simmer by then. "Sorry."
"It's alright," Leah said, staying at the stove when Hailey returned so they were right before one another. "I guess all we can do is make our relationship known and…see what happens from there. I'll talk to them when I get back and deal with them. Then I'll let you know what they say."
"Well, I'm not letting you talk to them alone," Hailey said with a light chuckle. "It's not right to make you do that yourself."
"Trust me, Hailey, it's best I talk to them myself first. And besides, I won't be alone. Sokajili will stand up for me and Jacob will say good things about you. And if need be, I can make sure my brother makes his right as the head of the family known."
"At least let me come tonight when the shop closes. I can easily tell Mitch that I'm going for a ride."
"I would suggest waiting until we see each out next at least," Leah said.
"And what if they insist you never see me?" Hailey asked.
"I don't know," Leah answered honestly. The two of them were quiet a moment. Hailey swore when he realized the coffee was about to boil over, and then proceeded with making the hot chocolate, putting in cocoa and sugar. He mixed the drink and poured it into two mugs once it was done. He handed Leah her mug and she accepted it, but continued to look solemn.
"Do you suppose they'll be less angry if we claim this was very recent?" Hailey suggested, but Leah shook her head.
"Sokajili is already aware this has been going on for quite some time," Leah said. "He'll expect me to tell the whole truth. If I lie, he'll say something and it'll make the situation worse."
"Alright," Hailey sighed. "I told your brother how long we've been together anyway." Hailey brought his cup up to his lips and blew to cool it before taking a sip. "Do you think your aunt and uncle will tell you never to see me again?" Leah didn't answer. She just stared at her cup of hot chocolate. Hailey took a deep breath and put down his cup. Then he took Leah's cup and placed it on the counter beside his. He closed the gap and hugged her tight. Leah hugged him back and rested her head against his chest. He started kissing the top of her head to relax her. He laced his fingers behind her back and started to gently rock her back and forth.
"I'll talk to them," Leah finally said.
"Alright," Hailey said and kissed her head. Leah stayed with Hailey for another hour before Hailey rode her back to the village, just a mile out so no one could see them.
"I'll send Jacob to talk to you tonight," Leah said as she pulled out the pocket watch. "Is eight alright?"
"Eight's fine," Hailey smiled. "And he'll let me know what happened?"
"Yes," Leah nodded. "And he'll put in a good word for you. He promised he would."
"Then I'll wait until tonight." Hailey leaned down and gave Leah a kiss. "I love you."
"I love you too," Leah answered.
Hailey and Leah hugged one another before they finally parted and Leah returned to the village. Her basket was in hand but it was as empty now as it had been when she left. When she got back, she instantly noticed Sokajili look straight at her expectantly. In the meantime, she looked for Jacob and finally saw him playing with the kids at the edge of the woods. While Sokajili went to retrieve Sara and William, Leah made a bee line for Jacob. He and the children were playing with some wooden toys he and Embry Sr. had made when Leah finally reached him.
"Jacob," Leah said.
"Yeah?" he asked, continuing to play with the children and not looking at her.
"Sokajili's expecting me to come clean to your mother and father. Now would be the time to put in that good word you promised me."
"You mean about the Meat Monger?" Jacob asked.
"About Hailey, yes," Leah said. "And I promised Hailey you'd meet him tonight and let him know what happened. Eight o'clock he's expecting you."
"What?" Jacob asked, finally looking at Leah.
"I have a pocket watch he gave me, so I'll let you know what it's almost eight. I assume you'll be running there anyway."
"Why can't you tell him what happens?"
"Because I might not be able to," Leah said frankly, yet meekly as well.
"Oh relax," Jacob said. "If it comes to that, I'll make sure mom and dad at least give you the courtesy of telling him yourself." Jacob stood and told the children to go to Renesmee and Caevia while he went with Leah. Sokajili already had Sara and William going to their tent and, when he saw them, motioned for Leah and Jacob to come to Sara and William's tent so they could talk. "You ready?" Jacob asked Leah as they approached, Sokajili waiting for them patiently.
"No," she answered honestly.
"Oh well," Jacob chuckled under his breath.
"You go ahead," Leah said. "I'll grab Seth."
"Seth knows?" Jacob asked.
"I told him last night," Leah said. "He actually went to talk to him this morning. Apparently he punched Hailey in the face and called him a coward." Jacob laughed, managing not to laugh too loud but he couldn't help himself.
"I'll have to remember to pat him on the back later," he said.
"Shut up," Leah mumbled before finally walking away to look for Seth. She finally found him at a fire cleaning some clothes. "Seth."
"Hello, Leah," Seth said, looking up at her. "I assume we're talking to Aunt Sara and Uncle William?"
"Yes," Leah said. "You will be on my side right?"
"Yes, Leah," Seth sighed and stood up. "Are we just going to Aunt and Uncle's tent?"
"Yes," Leah said. The two of them started walking to Aunt and Uncle's tent. William, Sara and Sokajili were already in the tent while Jacob waited outside for Seth and Leah. From outside, Leah could hear Sokajili, Sara and William making some small talk while they waited for them.
"After you," Jacob said, stepping aside from the entrance to the tent so Leah could go in. She took a deep breath and stepped inside. Seth went in after her and Jacob was the last to step inside the tent. Though the conversation was pleasant enough, Sara and William still looked rather uneasy, though it was more so when they noticed Leah appeared uneasy as well.
"What is this about?" William asked Sokajili, wanting to get straight to the point now that everyone was in his tent.
"Well, Kayechiwetchwe," Sokajili started, "I've discovered a new development that is in need of discussing. It's regarding Leah."
"Leah," Sara interrupted suddenly, "is everything alright?"
"Everything is fine," Leah insisted.
"I've come to find out that," Sokajili interrupted, "since summer as she said; Leah has been meeting a young man."
"You've been seeing someone?" Sara asked, smiling eagerly. Though everyone noticed, save for Sara, that William appeared less than pleased to hear the news. "Oh Leah, that's wonderful! That certainly explains where you've been going. Why haven't you just told me? I would be less worried if you had just said something."
"I'm more concerned about why she felt the need not to say anything," William said. "I assume the two of you are here," William looked at Jacob and Seth, "because you've already known about this, which begs the question of why you've never mentioned anything."
"Kayechiwetchwe, don't be so sour," Sara said. "Whoever this young man is, I'm sure he's a good, patient and kind young man." Jacob snickered a little under his breath and Leah glared at him.
"What's so funny?" William asked suspiciously.
"Nothing, father," Jacob said.
"So tell us about him, Leah," Sara continued to ask eagerly. "I assume he's not of our tribe? Is he a Hou? Perhaps we know him already."
"No, he's not a Quileute. He's not Hou either," Leah mumbled.
"He's not?" Sara asked, now becoming concerned and William appearing to lose his patience. "He's not of the Makka is he?"
"Sara," Sokajili stepped in. "Please allow Leah to explain." Sokajili looked at Leah as if expecting her to speak immediately, but she was silent. He motioned his hand towards William and Sara while he looked at her, indicating he expected her to speak. Leah took a deep breath and looked at William and Sara. She knew her uncle had started off suspicious and less than pleased. She suspected he already knew what she was going to tell him. Sara seemed as though it was beginning to become undeniable, though she'd wanted to give her the benefit of the doubt.
"It's the younger Meat Monger," Jacob said for her when she didn't talk soon enough. Deep down, Sara couldn't deny that she wasn't surprised. It explained a few things, definitely. Yet she'd been hoping it wasn't. William, on the other hand, guessed from the beginning. And while he didn't appear surprised, he certainly wasn't happy.
"Is this true?" Sara asked meekly, looking at Leah. All she did was nod.
"And what, may I ask, has possessed you to start a relationship with the Meat Monger's little lackey?" William asked pointedly.
"Calm down, Kayechiwetchwe," Sokajili stepped in once again. "I'm sure it's not as bad as you are assuming."
"Not so bad?" William barked back. "When Uileila ran away suddenly to be with her pale faced lover, was that 'not so bad'? When her children, the two of you," William pointed at Leah and Seth while raising his voice, "came running back to us screaming and crying that their mother was murdered by that same pale faced lover, was that 'not so bad'? Or has all of that slipped all of your minds? Leah, when your mother left, that devastated your aunt. All the more so when she found out this man she thought worthy to leave her family for had killed her in cold blood-"
"Daddy didn't kill mother in cold blood," Leah finally spoke up. William looked at her as if she was insane, but Leah persisted. "Daddy was not well when he drank. When he wasn't drinking, he was normal and he never harmed mother, but when he drank he changed. He was drunk when he killed mother."
"I fail to understand why that matters," William interrupted. "I don't care how or why, what I care about is what happened, and what happened is you saw that man kill your mother."
"Father," Jacob spoke up. "In all fairness to the Meat Monger, we can't punish him for something her father did."
"Are you honestly defending this beast?" William raised his voice again. "As I recall, the times we have seen him, he's been little more than a brute and a troublemaker."
"I'm defending him because I've seen how he is with her and he makes Leah happy and I know he loves her."
"How long have you known about this?" Sara asked suddenly.
"Leah told Seth yesterday," Jacob answered. "I found out about it earlier in the year."
"Why didn't you say something to us the moment you found out?" William asked. "If you'd said something earlier, we could have addressed this before it turned into something serious."
"She wasn't romantically involved with the Meat Monger when I first found out they were meeting. When I found out, they were still just bickering."
"All the more reason you should have said something sooner!" William yelled suddenly and everyone in the tent jumped at the outburst.
"Kayechiwetchwe, Jacob is right," Sokajili said. "It is not fair to that young man to judge him for something he didn't do. Now I understand that you're apprehensive of the man and for good reason, but he at least deserves an opportunity to prove that he will be good to Leah, especially since there's obviously something there worth giving a chance."
"If he's able to love Leah, then there has to be something worthwhile there," Seth said. Leah looked at him meanly, but didn't speak to him.
"Uncle," Leah finally spoke up. "I remember more than anyone what happened all those years ago and I remember what made daddy do what he did. Hailey isn't like that. I can't think of a single time I've seen him drink. We had a rough beginning, but I've come to see that he is a good man and there is a lot more to him than just a pale faced beast."
"And suppose I have a lapse in my good senses and I allow this nonsense to continue. How would you two have a real life together? You think the 'good people of Forks' will accept your relationship? What of your future children? How will they be treated by those simple minded bigots?"
"We won't have children," Leah answered. "He never wanted children, so he took measures to ensure he would never have them." William and Sara looked at Leah slack-jawed.
"He can't have children?" Sara repeated.
"What use is he then?" William asked. "How can you consider him a man of any quality when he falls short in one of the most basic aspects of being a man?"
"It's not a failure, Uncle William, it's a choice he made and that I supported."
"I would argue it's for the best," Jacob said. "As you said father; they would be facing a lot of challenges. Would it really be appropriate to throw a child into that as well?"
"It's not appropriate for them to be together at all," William said. "I expect this to stop. Is that perfectly clear?"
"Uncle," Seth stepped in. "With all due respect, according to our tribe's laws, it's my say in whether Leah can be with him or not."
"Excuse me?" William said.
"When mom and dad got married, father was the head of our family. Since he's gone, by our tribe's laws that makes me the head of the family. I've met with the Meat Monger and I know he loves Leah. Believe me, if he didn't, I would be the first to tell him to stop seeing Leah. But he does love her and he makes her happy."
"Our laws don't apply to your father, Seth," William said pointedly. "That man took advantage of an impressionable young girl and murdered her. Our laws hold no comfort to the likes of him."
"But they did to our mother!" Seth bit back. "And as such, I am the head of our family!"
"No, Seth, I'M the one that's head of our family! I'm the one that decides. I raised the two of you as if you were my own so I'M the one that's head of this family. You became a part of OUR family the moment you came running to us scared and crying! Your aunt and I kept you both safe from the townspeople when they came here with fire and weapons ready to force you back! You are a part of OUR family, and my word goes! Now I expect your meetings with this Meat Monger to stop," William said firmly to Leah. "And if I find out the two of you are continuing to see each other, than he will have me to deal with. Are we clear?"
"Kayechiwetchwe-" Sokajili attempted.
"Quiet," William interrupted Sokajili. "When Seth and Leah came here, Sara and I took them in as our own. By the laws of our tribe, the two of you are my children and that means that it's MY decision as to whether this Meat Monger is worthy of Leah or not."
"Yes, but I'm her brother," Seth persisted. "In the absence of our father, that makes ME the head of our side of family. When we were young, we answered to you and we're both grateful for everything you and Aunt Sara have done for us, but we are grown and I'm head of our home. I've met the Meat Monger myself and I know he loves Leah. I agree they should not have been secretive, but they knew they would face opposition. It's only natural they would want to stay quiet about what's going on."
"Seth is right," Sokajili said. "It is their father that, by our tribe's laws, would be head of the family. Whether he's pale faced or not is irrelevant. Since their father is dead, that responsibility lies on Seth."
"And I became their father when that monster murdered Uileila! I will not tolerate you seeing that Meat Monger behind our backs and I certainly won't tolerate you," William directed his attention to Seth, "questioning my authority when your aunt and I took you in when you needed us most!"
"Seth is of an age when he's able to assert that authority," Sokajili said. "You can't deny him that right based on a bias formed years ago. The Meat Monger has nothing to do with what happened to Uileila. It is true that should have never happened, yet just because Leah fell in love with a pale face does not mean history is doomed to repeat itself."
"What exactly do you want, Sokajili? Do you want me to act as though it's alright that Leah lied to us about starting up an affair with the Meat Monger? It's not just that you've been seeing the Meat Monger, Leah. It's the fact that you tried to keep this from us. More than anything, that is what is most unacceptable."
"She is telling you now," Sokajili said.
"After you, undoubtedly, threatened you would tell us anyway if she didn't," William spat back. "Do not assume I'm stupid, Sokajili. I know that, if she'd had her way, Leah would have kept this from us for as long as she could manage. Frankly, Leah, I'm disgusted that you would start seeing this Meat Monger and then lie to us about it right to our faces. You should be ashamed of yourself."
"Is it a wonder I kept this to myself with how you're reacting?" Leah finally bit back. "If I had been honest and told you about Hailey from the beginning, you would never have allowed us to see one another! We kept our relationship a secret from everyone because we didn't want to be scrutinized."
"Well, I hope you enjoyed it while it lasted," William said. "I expect this to stop. This is not up for discussion."
"Uncle!" Leah attempted to persist.
"You be quiet! You are to never see the Meat Monger again. That's final and this discussion is over."
"Father," Jacob said, "at least allow Leah the courtesy of telling the Meat Monger. I would think-"
"You may tell him," William said. "Leah, you're not to leave the village without either myself or your aunt by your side."
"What?!" Leah yelled. "You're putting me under house arrest?!"
"That's the least of it," William said. "Either myself or your aunt are to be by your side so we can make sure you're not acting any further out of turn."
"Father, you're being ridiculous," Jacob said.
"Don't you question me, boy! You're on thin ice as it is! You knew this was going on and you lied to me and your mother. I assume Renesmee was aware of this as well?"
"Don't you dare place any blame on Renesmee," Jacob nearly roared. "She kept quiet because I told her to. If you want to blame anyone then blame me."
"You can rest assured on that point," William replied harshly.
"Aunt Sara," Leah attempted to appeal. "Please, I know I haven't been truthful about this, but please try to understand."
"I do understand, Leah," Sara said as she began to whimper. "But I already lost your mother. I won't lose you too. Please promise me you will never see that man again."
"Aunt Sara," Leah attempted to plea again.
"You are not to see that man again and that is final!" William yelled again. "I expect this to be the end of the matter."
"Kayechiwetchwe, you're being unreasonable," Sokajili defended. "After all, you had your doubts about Renesmee in the beginning, and look at her now. She's a cherished daughter, my student and mother to the children of your only son. You can't deny this young man the opportunity to prove his worthiness and assume history will repeat itself. It's just not fair to Leah."
"Not fair, you say. Not fair? Was it 'fair' when Uileila ran away and left Sara despite her pleas? Was it 'fair' that my wife's sister had to be murdered by her own husband? Was it 'fair' that the horrors her niece spoke of caused her pain? You didn't comfort her when Uileila left, Sokajili. I did. You did not sit by Sara's side and watch her cry with no power to correct what had happened. I did. So don't you presume to tell me what's 'fair'!"
"You can't keep bringing up the past!" Sokajili yelled right back. "Uileila was killed years ago now. You cannot rob Leah of happiness for misfortunes that fell on her mother."
"Misfortune?!" Sara said, yelling and surprising everyone. "My sister was strangled to death by a drunk man in a fit of rage and you have the nerve to reduce it to 'unfortunate'?!"
"I'm not 'reducing' what happened to anything! What I am doing is trying to help you understand that her mother's mistakes are not necessarily hers. Leah has at least come to you and told you about this young man in the hopes that we could all come to an agreement about him-"
"We have come to an agreement!" William interrupted and then looked directly at Leah again. "Now, I expect this to be the end of the conversation. You're never to see that worthless beast again, and if I EVER find out otherwise-"
"Kayechiwetchwe," Sara interrupted him as he yelled with a snap of her own, but then placing her hand on his arm to calm him and to calm herself. Both of them took a moment to breathe and calm down. When he was calm again, he returned his attention to Leah.
"I trust I've made myself clear?" He stared at Leah waiting for her to nod. But instead she appeared defiant yet near tears. "Have I made myself clear?!" William yelled. This time, Leah finally nodded. "Good," William said firmly. "Now all of you get out." Leah immediately stood and left the tent. Seth followed after her while Sokajili and Jacob remained. William was breathing and trying to calm down. "If you think it's necessary, go to the Meat Monger and tell him he's to never meet Leah again."
"Please, father. At least let Leah be the one to tell him."
"You are to do it," William finally looked at Jacob sternly. Jacob looked back at his father for a moment until he finally nodded his head and left. When they were all alone, Sokajili spoke up.
"Ever the brute," Sokajili huffed. "Yell first, ask questions later."
"You may be my older brother, but don't you dare speak to me as if you're my father," William snapped back.
"Kayechiwetchwe, please," Sara interrupted. "Don't argue anymore." William looked at Sara and felt his heart ache at the sad look in her eyes. He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her head to comfort her. Eventually he looked back at Sokajili. "I said leave us alone, Sokajili."
Finally, though it wasn't without giving William and stern and disapproving look, Sokajili left the tent so William could try to comfort Sara in peace. After the argument, Leah went straight for her tent. She made a point not to cry and to walk as if nothing was wrong. She did not want anyone looking at her or asking her any questions. She wanted to get to her tent and be left alone as soon as possible. When she finally reached the tent, she went right to her bed and sat down as she cried. She took out the pocket watch Hailey had given her. She opened it and listed to the hands tick and the sound made her cry harder. Finally, Seth came into their tent and sat beside her.
"I'm sorry, Leah," Seth said. "I tried."
"Please just leave me alone," Leah pleaded and rested her head to her knees as she clutched the watch to her chest. "I just want to be alone."
Seth lingered a moment, contemplating whether he should leave or stay. He did eventually leave, allowing Leah some time to herself. Leah remained alone in her tent the rest of the day, refusing to speak to anyone and clutching Hailey's watch. Only Jacob had been allowed to speak to her and it was only to give him the time and plead that he tell Hailey that she loved him and wished things could've happened differently. It was long past dusk by the time Jacob finally left to go to Forks. He'd checked with Leah until it was nearing eight and by the time he left, the moon was out and the sky was dark. It started snowing just before he left and by the time he reached the General Store, the snow was coming down gently, yet relentlessly. Leah confirmed that Hailey would be expecting him, so Jacob waited outside until Hailey came out under the guise of feeding the horses. He needed to do that anyway. When Hailey noticed Jacob waiting in the trees, he nodded his head to the left towards the stable telling Jacob to follow him inside. Jacob looked around a moment to ensure no one would see and followed when he was confident no one else was there. When Jacob was inside the stable, Hailey pointed towards the corner and told him to stay there so no one would see him.
"So what happened?" Hailey asked as he started feeding the horses.
"Father has concluded that you and Leah are to never see each other again," Jacob answered. He was surprised that Hailey didn't seem to be very upset by the news. At least, he didn't appear so.
"I see," he answered.
"You don't seem upset by the news," Jacob replied harshly.
"Quite the contrary," Hailey said. "I'm extremely upset. I'm just not surprised." Hailey finished feeding the horses and faced Jacob. He crossed his arms and sighed heavily. "What's the next step?"
"Pardon?"
"How do we fix this?" Hailey clarified.
"What do you mean, 'we'? And what makes you so sure you can fix this?"
"I'm not sure I can fix this, but I'll be damned if I won't try. How's Leah taking this?"
"She's not happy," Jacob answered. "She asked if she can keep your watch."
"Of course she can," Hailey answered. "I'd be offended if she tried to give it back," Hailey managed to joke a little. "So what can I do about this?"
"I suppose that depends on your intentions," Jacob said. "If you don't plan to marry her, then you won't get far. The fact you can't have kids is already quite a nasty blemish against you as far as my parents are concerned. That's to say nothing of your….let's say 'behavior', when we first met you."
"What the hell does that have to do with anything? That was over two years ago," Hailey complained.
"You called us crooks, threw your cigarette on our lands, and you insulted and assaulted Leah."
"She threw the ball at me first!" Hailey said a little louder than intended. He cleared his throat and took a deep breath. "She threw the ball at me first," he repeated more calmly.
"Doesn't really matter, Meat Monger. The point is you didn't exactly make a good first impression."
"Fine, but I've not been that wretched since then."
"Sure you have," Jacob said. "You and Leah started hitting each other again the second time you came, then after that, you and Mitch came trotting into the village uninvited and you accused Leah of stealing from him. Then you took her suddenly and scared my mother half to death. You and Leah may have had some time to get to know each other, but from what little my parents have seen of you, you're little more than a crude, foul-mouthed pale face trying to steal their niece."
"Fine," Hailey said, getting agitated. "So I was an ass when we first met and I can't have kids. Is there anything I can do to improve my image?"
"I can't say for sure. I just hope you're good at pulling miracles out of your ass."
"Believe me, I'll squat and produce one if it's the last thing I do," Hailey bit back.
"Thank you," Jacob replied sarcastically. "I was thinking I needed that imagery in my mind."
"We'll you're fucking welcome," Hailey bit back just as sarcastically. Jacob just stared at Hailey a moment while he watched the man seemingly try to think of a way out of the situation he and Leah were currently in. "You said marriage might help, right?"
"You would marry her?"
"Yes, I would marry her. If she'll have me and loves me enough to spend her life with me, then I'll marry her in a heartbeat."
"That's a relief I guess," Jacob sighed. "I was under the impression you never wanted to get married. Hence the appeal in an Indian lover I suppose."
"What the hell is that supposed to mean?" Hailey asked defensively.
"It means, based on the way the two of you seemed to dance around the topic and not talk about it, I was under the impression that you were with Leah mostly because you wanted a woman that would sleep with you without making you put a ring on her finger. I hear pale faced women aren't well known for such neutral behavior, so an Indian lover with no expectations seems like a fair investment for a man like you."
Quite suddenly, out of blind rage and offense, Hailey punched Jacob right in the face. He gave a little bit, but he stood strong. Hailey's hand, however, did not fare so well. After that punch, Hailey felt as though he'd punched a wall. His hand wasn't broken, but it was certainly throbbing. He grasped it desperately and tried his hardest not to yell.
"Jesus fuck," Hailey cursed under his breath. "What are you made of? Steel?!" Jacob watched as Hailey walked back and forth, holding his injured hand and trying to will the pain to ease.
"I'm relieved you love her enough that my statement got a reaction out of you."
"You implied she's a whore!" Hailey said, managing not to yell but definitely raising his voice. "What was I supposed to do in response to that?"
"Well, give your hand a minute and I'll tell you what to do," Jacob sighed. Hailey took another few moments to let his hand relax. When the pain was finally gone, he stood up straight and looked right at Jacob. "Better?"
"I'm fine," Hailey spat back.
"Good," Jacob said. "Now, if you really mean what you said about marrying Leah, then first and foremost, you need to present her with a bracelet that shows you want to marry her."
"Give her a bracelet. Got it. What else?"
"After you've done that, you need to go to my parents and you need to make your intentions known. From there, you will need to prove to my parents that you're worthy of her and able to take care of her. Usually, this means bringing them fish you've caught, giving the bride supplies for clothes, and so on. Then you have to do favors for the mother or Leah's aunt in this case. This could be anything from sowing for her, helping her clean, helping her get food, anything the mother of the bride would need help with. After you've done all that, you sit down with the father again and ask if you've earned his permission to marry his daughter. If he says no but you still want to marry his daughter, then you start the whole process over again until he says yes. That also means a new bracelet for every proposal attempt."
"So basically, I have to keep buying her bracelets and doing them favors until your father says yes?" Hailey said, still agitated.
"Correct," Jacob answered. "If you try hard enough, it will impress my father eventually. If you keep proving you're not so bad and that Leah will be safe and well taken care of with you, he'll waver eventually. Though, a word of advice," Jacob continued, "if you really want to ensure my father will let you marry Leah, focus on impressing my mother."
"Why? She's not the one that has the final say."
"Oh, yes she does," Jacob grinned. "My mother and father are just as much in love now as they were when they were young. My father will bend over backwards and move mountains for my mother. If my mother tells father the sky is green, dad will not only agree but ensure everyone else knows the sky's green too. If she asked him to give her a star, he'd find a way to do it for her. And that's part of the reason my father is so adamantly rejecting you and Leah being together. When Aunt Uileila ran away, it broke my mother's heart and my father couldn't do much more than watch. So you have to prove to my mother above all else that you're nothing like Leah's father. If you can do that, then you have a good chance."
"I know I'm nothing like Leah's father," Hailey said defensively. "I'm not perfect, but I'm not haunted by my past. I have nothing to run away from and nothing to hide from Leah. She doesn't have to fear that I'll snap one day because I've never dealt with an ill-fated childhood."
"Then prove it," Jacob said. "Prove that you're trustworthy. Get on my mother's good side. Prove that you'll be able to provide a life for her. You get on my mother's good side, and you'll be guaranteed permission to marry Leah." Finally, for the first time since they started talking, Hailey smiled.
"You think this could work?"
"It will if you try hard enough," Jacob said.
"Good," Hailey said. That did, however, present the issue of where to get a bracelet. There was no jewelry store in town to speak of. The tailor sold wedding rings, but that was about it. And he didn't want to give Leah one of his grandma's bracelets that Mitch had lying around. He wanted to give her something that was just hers. "I know Mitch and I are going into Port Angeles for Christmas this year," he finally said. "I can get a bracelet then."
"No," Jacob said, and Hailey looked at him strangely.
"What no?"
"You can't just buy her a bracelet. You need to make it yourself."
"Make it myself?" Hailey asked, a little flabbergasted. "I can't make it myself. I don't make jewelry."
"Well, figure it out," Jacob said. Hailey sighed and rubbed his face.
"I'll have to think about this, then," he finally said. "I'll see what I can put together."
"Good," Jacob said.
"I'll tell your father-in-law when I'm ready to see you," Hailey replied. "In the meantime, tell Leah I said I love her and that I'm working to rectify this."
"Do you want me to tell her you're planning to ask her to marry you?"
"No," Hailey said. "I want to ask her myself. I just need this confounded bracelet."
"I'll tell her you're working on it, then," Jacob said. He glanced outside and left the stable when he was confident no one would see.
"Jacob," Hailey said, getting his attention.
"What?"
"Is there any way I could see her tonight?"
"I wouldn't test your luck," Jacob said. "I'll wait for Edward to mention you." Jacob made his way back to the tribe in no time. Most had already retreated to their tents for the night, Renesmee and the children included. Firstly, Jacob went to Leah's and Seth's tent. He patted on the little door and Seth was the one to poke out his head. "Is Leah still awake?"
"Yeah," Seth said.
"Do you mind letting me talk to her alone a moment?" Seth glanced at Leah to make sure she was up for it and when she nodded, Seth got out of the tent. "And Seth, I want to talk to you after this. Stay by one of the fires that still up and I'll grab you when I'm done talking to Leah."
"Alright," Seth agreed. Seth walked away and Jacob stepped inside the tent where Leah waited eagerly. She looked like she had stopped crying, but her eyes were still a little puffy.
"So what happened?" Leah asked.
"I told him the two of you weren't to see each other anymore, and he told me to tell you that he loved you and was working to rectify this turn of events." Leah finally smiled a little when Jacob said that. She should have realized Hailey wouldn't take this lying down.
"What is he going to do?"
"He didn't say," Jacob lied. "He just told me that he would find a way around this. He also said you could keep the watch."
"Good," Leah said. "I'd like to keep something of his if we can't make this work. You can help him right? Whatever he's planning, you can help him?"
"I'll see what I can do," Jacob answered honestly. "I'll send Seth back. It's freezing out there."
"Thank you, Jacob."
"No need to thank me," Jacob said as he walked out of the tent. Seth was waiting by a fire that was left over from dinner. A woman had been preparing to put it out, but Seth requested she leave it and he would put it out shortly. Jacob made sure they were alone then sat next to Seth.
"So how did things go with the Meat Monger?" Seth asked.
"Rather well, actually. He plans to ask Leah to marry him." Seth shot a glance at Jacob, shocked.
"What?"
"He asked me what the typical procedure is for marriage in our tribe, I explained our traditions, and he said he's going to follow them in the hopes it will win over my parents." Seth was quiet a moment before looking at the fire again and moving a little closer for warmth.
"I see the 'never to see her again' statement went right over his head."
"The man's just not willing to take no for an answer," Jacob said. "But he loves her. I admit, I'll be impressed if he follows through with this."
"So will I," Seth said. "I'll be even more impressed if he actually gets your parents to agree to let him marry her."
"Believe me, I will be too. I did tell him that he would have a better chance if he got on my mother's good side. Mother could make father part the Red Sea. So if he gets on her good side, he's as good as married to Leah."
"Certainly no argument there," Seth said. "Do you think Hailey's good enough to marry my sister?"
"Not really," Jacob answered honestly. "I told him he'd better prove he is, though."
"He certainly has a lot of 'proving' to do," Seth chuckled. "Does Leah know?"
"Not about asking to marry her," Jacob said. "He wants to surprise her I suspect. He said he would buy her a bracelet and I told him that wasn't acceptable. He needs to make it himself."
"Well, I would think that goes without saying," Seth joked.
"Evidently it doesn't," Jacob continued with a smile. "I think knowing he'll have to make it himself will push things back?"
"Why? All he has to do is braid something out of wood or fabric and it'll be perfect."
"You forget pale faces are used to using metal and useless rocks for their adornments. A woven bracelet would be 'subpar' by their standards."
"No kidding," Seth said. "You've seen Esme's rings right?"
"They weigh more than she does. They're hard to miss. I'm sure something so audacious is a little beyond the Meat Monger's means though."
"Look at you with your big words," Seth teased. "So when will he start this process?"
"I'm not sure," Jacob said. "All I know is when he's ready, he'll tell Edward next time he's at the shop and Edward will relay the word back to me."
"Well," Seth said. "The man's nothing if not persistent I guess."
"I suppose anyone would given the situation," Jacob said. Then he stood from their spot and stretched before looking at Seth again. "You'd better get back. It's freezing out here and you should get some sleep."
"And you need to get on patrol," Seth replied as he stood. "I'll see you in the morning," Seth said before walking back to his and Leah's tent.
He knew Embry and Quil had probably already gone on patrol by now, but Jacob didn't leave right away. Instead, he went back to his own tent noticing the light from the fire still beaming. When he was close enough, he overheard Renesmee reading. It sounded like she was finishing up Persuasion. When Jacob stepped inside the tent, he saw that all the kids were at his tent for the night again. Kevin, Kyle and Embry were sound asleep while Aidie listened intently as Renesmee told of how Anne found the note Captain Wentworth had written her professing his love to her.
"'I can listen no longer in silence,'" Renesmee read, glancing at Jacob when he entered and holding up her finger to let him know she'd be a moment. "'I must speak to you by such means as are within my reach. You pierce my soul. I am half agony, half hope. Tell me not that I am too late, that such precious feelings are gone forever. I offer myself to you again with a heart even more your own that when you almost broke it, eight years and a half ago. Dare not say that man forgets sooner than woman, that his love has an earlier death. I have loved none but you. Unjust I may have been, weak and resentful I have been, but never inconstant. You alone have brought me to Bath. For you alone, I think and plan. Have you not seen this? Can you fail to have understood my wishes? I had not waited even these ten days, could I have read your feelings, as I think you must have penetrated mine. I can hardly write. I am every instant hearing something which overpowers me. You sink your voice, but I can distinguish the tones of that voice when they would be lost on others. Too good, too excellent creature! You do us justice, indeed. You believe that there is true attachment and constancy among men. Believe it to be most fervent, most undeviating, in
'F.W
"I must go, uncertain of my fate; but I shall return hither, or follow your party, as soon as possible. A word, a look, will be enough to decide whether I enter your father's house this evening or never.'" (Jane Austen, Persuasion)
The soft little sigh that Aidie emitted seemed as though it came from a love struck teenage girl rather than a toddler, but she was entranced. Jacob couldn't fight a small chuckle and sat down next to Renesmee waiting for her to finish the rest of the book. After Captain Wentworth and Anne Elliot effectively walked hand and hand into the sunset together, Aidie was thrilled and begged Renesmee to let her pick another story for them to read. Renesmee insisted that she needed to go to bed and sleep and then they would pick a new story tomorrow night assuming they were all spending the night again.
"Is Caevia still feeling off?" Jacob asked when Aidie was tucked in, keeping his voice down.
"She's still a little under the weather at the moment. She's getting better, though, so I'm sure Embry and Aidie will be sleeping at home tomorrow."
"Perhaps Kevin and Kyle could spend the night with them and we could have some alone time," Jacob whispered into Renesmee's ear, then began kissing her neck. With a gentle smile, Renesmee pulled away and looked at Jacob.
"Not now," she whispered. "The children are sleeping."
"Alright," Jacob smiled and kissed Renesmee's nose.
"So where did you go?"
"To the General Store in town to talk to the Meat Monger."
"Oh," Renesmee said. "So how did it go? The talk with your parents I mean."
"Not well," Jacob said. "Father was livid and mother was just as adamant against the relationship. Father said that I needed to tell the Meat Monger instead of Leah. She's not allowed to see him anymore."
"Poor Leah," Renesmee said.
"The Meat Monger insists he'll find a way around it," Jacob said.
"Like what?" Renesmee asked. Realizing Aidie was still technically awake and he didn't want her to hear this, Jacob brought his lips kissably close to Renesmee's ear.
"He's going to ask her to marry him," he whispered to her. The two of them retreated from each other so they could look at one another. Renesmee was a little stunned.
"Well," she finally said. "That's a bold next step." Jacob smiled and chuckled a little. "Does he mean it?"
"Oh, he means it," Jacob whispered back confidently. "That doesn't mean father will tolerate it, but he's assured me he's going to try. I suggested that when doing the favors to my mother portion of this proposal, he needs to make sure to impress her."
"Indeed," Renesmee agreed. "If there's anyone that can calm the storm and part the seas, it's your mother." Jacob held in his laugh so as not to wake the children.
"That's actually exactly what I said." Renesmee smiled and the two gently a moment. "So how're you feeling? I feel like I haven't spoken to you all day."
"That's not fair," Renesmee teased. "We talked this morning." Jacob and Renesmee smiled at one another a moment before Renesmee continued. "I'm feeling fine. The babies were very active today. When one would kick, the other followed."
"Are they still moving around?"
"No, I think they've gone to sleep. They were kicking a little over dinner when I was eating your mother's potato cakes, but they haven't moved much since."
"They just know good food when they get it," Jacob joked.
"Not that I don't love having you here, but shouldn't you get out to patrol?"
"In a moment," Jacob answered. He moved just a little closer to her and gave Renesmee a quick and loving kiss before pulling away and moving towards the door. "Now I'll go. I'll see you in the morning."
"I love you," Renesmee said.
"I love you too," Jacob replied in Quileute and made Renesmee smile.