ON HOLD - Seeing the past (R. Hale)

Invitations

The next few chapters will be a little bit shorter and help build a relationship between Leah and the Cullens.

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Two weeks have passed since I have been back to school, and no part of me is excited for the stares and questions that today will bring. I am pulling my shirt over my head when the door to my room opens and closes. "Do you need a ride today?"

Pulling my shirt the rest of the way down I turn towards Bella, "no thank you Bells. I am kind of happy to be allowed to drive again." I say with a large grin, but that falls when I see the disappointment in her eyes. "Would you want to ride with me today though? It has been awhile since it was just the two of us." 

She perks up at this and nods emphatically. "Meet you by the truck in 5?" I nod to her and she leaves the room. 

As I go to grab my bag my door swings open again to reveal Leah and I laugh, "do you all not knock anymore? Is that just not a thing?" She turns back around walks into the hallway and closes the door. Just when I think that she actually left a knock sounds through my room and laughter bubbles from my chest, "come in dork."

She struts back in with a wry smile on her lips. "I just wanted to make sure that you did not need a ride today? Seth and I are about to leave." 

Shaking my head, "no I am actually giving Bella a ride today. It will be nice to feel a bit more normal."

She nods, "okay. Avoid oncoming traffic please. Paul says to remind you that mom invited him and his brother for dinner. I think he is scared that you will skip." She is slowly backing towards the door as she speaks.

Grabbing my keys and bag I nod, "I will text him don't worry. I think some of the Cullens may be here for game night, but I am not one hundred percent sure so please don't mention it to him."

She mimes a my lips are sealed motion before we exit my room and head downstairs. Seth hugs me tight before they run outside. Sue and Charlie are in the dining room eating breakfast. She is in scrubs ready for her shift at Forks Memorial Hospital and Charlie is in his Sheriffs uniform. I kiss both of their cheeks in greeting, "hey I was wondering if it would be alright if I invite a few of Dr. Cullen's kids to game night?"

They both pause mid bite to look at one another seemingly having a silent conversation with their eyes. Charlie straightens up in his chair and clears his throat, "that would be great because we actually wanted to speak with you and Rosalie about your relationship."

His response causes both of my eyebrows to raise into my hairline, "what relationship?"

Sue and Charlie both start laughing and this time Sue replies, "Aj please, Rosalie came to the hospital and then to the house everyday. She spent more time with you than either of us. We know the two of you are together sweetheart."

The sincerity and humor in her words were mixed with an undercurrent of seriousness. My fingers tap idly on the table, "and are you all okay with that?" We are each tiptoeing around something unsaid, but I cannot tell if they know the myth is real.

They look to each other once more for guidance before Charlie looks at me seriously, "we are completely okay with it. We can see how much the two of you care about each other and we want the opportunity to talk about it with you all." He stands, walking over to me he envelopes me in a strong hug. "We love you kiddo. Sue and I just want what is best for you." He pulls back and lightly squeezes my shoulders before carrying their dishes to the sink. "Now head to school before you are late and I have to try to be a stern parent." 

That makes the three of us laugh. I wave goodbye and join Bella in the truck. When I pull out of the driveway she turns to me with a quizzical expression, "how did you know?"