The Stories of Leah Clearwater - (Book One)

Chapter 5 - The Betrayal

Weeks passed and I had no ambition to do anything. I felt so empty and alone. I would get up jump in the shower, get dressed, go to school, come home, do my homework, and stay in my room. The phone rang and my mom answered it.

"Hello?" Emily would ask for me.

"Hi Emily," She listened quietly as Emily spoke. "No she hasn't really come out of her room. She has her routine. She leaves for school, to use the bathroom, and sometimes for dinner." My mom told her. My mom was quiet again, "No she's not really been eating much. She's lost a significant amount of weight. Harry and I are watching her closely." My mom did several; "mmhmm's" Then she spoke "I can see if she'll talk to you." My mom knocked on my door. "Leah, your cousin is on the phone and she would like to talk to you."

I didn't respond. I leaned over and unplugged my phone from the wall. I knew she was calling to tell me about her and Sam. I didn't want to hear her pathetic, guilt fueled apology. It was nothing to me. It was like putting a band aid on a wound that clearly needed stitches. I don't know if she was hoping to save a little of our relationship, but no way in hell would that happen.

"Emily she isn't answering me." I heard my mom walk back out to the living room where Charlie and my dad were.

"Leah still won't come out of her room?" Charlie asked.

My dad shook his head. "No and she's not talking to anyone either. She just shrugs or nods. It's weird."

Charlie was left without words.

"I never thought Leah would be like this. It's so hard to watch her. She's lost weight, Sue's really worried and so am I. What do we do? Force her to eat? Force her into therapy? This is something we're really not sure how to approach. Sue's tried. I don't want to upset her."

Charlie nodded, "Ever since I've known her, she's always been a happy person. Harry I'm really sorry."

My dad smiled faintly, "Thanks Charlie."

It was Christmas time. Emily had moved down from Neah Bay, to be closer to Sam. He had moved in with her. Emily continued to try and mend our relationship. She'd come over often and visit with my mom. I made sure my door was locked, or I would sneak out of the house through my window. Amanda, and Juliette tried to understand why I was so heartbroken, but it was hard from an onlookers view.

"So any plans for winter vacation Leah?" Juliette asked.

I looked up from my book, "Huh; plans? No. Probably will do any homework I have. Maybe do some reading. Not much else to do."

She smiled, "Well maybe your mom will let you come along with me to Seattle for a day?"

I shrugged, "Maybe. I'll ask her."

She smiled, "Oh I hope she says yes."

I faked an enthusiastic smile, "Oh me too." Honestly I didn't have any interest in Seattle. I let the weekend pass, and returned to school on Monday.

Juliette was at my locker, "So what'd she say?" She was clearly excited.

"She said no. She would have let me go, if she could trust me to eat but I'm under strict supervision now."

She pretended to pout, "Well that stinks. I'm sorry. I promise I will bring you back something. Maybe we can hang out during vacation."

I pulled out that fake smile once more, "Alright yeah definitely. I will see you later."

I shut my locker and decided that, school wasn't for me today. I went down to the nurse, and faked an illness.

My dad came down and picked me up and drove me home.