Her New Moon

9

Time passed by. Driana continued making promised visits to Alex before heading home. It kept her mind busy from wandering far into the thought of a particular blond. He popped up in her head twice or three times a week, yet it would fade whenever she spent time with the wolf pack. Since the absence of the Cullens in Forks, folks from the reservation had no worries stepping foot back in the hospital. The visits to the old hill became regular as bonfires happened weekly. The wolf pack was able to visit Driana without any confrontation about treaties.

"Whoo!"

Jared jumped off the cliff, diving straight into the water. Sam brushed off his shoulder, pulling a cocky expression before showing off a flawless gainer. Paul scoffed, throwing a wink at Driana, who gave a flat look. He chuckled and backflipped into the water.

Whenever Driana wasn't with the wolf pack, she spent time with Jacob, Quil, and Embry. The four would be at Embry's, observing the dirt bike they would work on together. Driana understood some of the mechanical and tool lingo, helping out when she could and throwing opinions.

"I don't know," Jacob sighed, passing Embry a wrench. "I do have a crush on her."

"Then ask her out," Quil spoke.

"Why not ask the expert?" Embry gestured with his head.

Driana fiddled with a torque wrench. She looked up when it became quiet, surprised to see all three boys staring at her. It took her a while to realize as she was busy zoning out. Laughing in disbelief, she pointed at herself.

"I'm the expert?"

"Well, yeah," Embry said, pausing on the bike. "You've dated before, which makes you the expert." He quickly worked on the bike when Driana shot him a glare.

"I am not! Besides, what about Quil?"

Quil snorted. "I don't think I'm the right person for that." He placed his hands behind his head in a relaxed position. "I am a heartbreaker." He smirked at Driana.

Jacob whacked the back of Quil's head, knocking him off his seat. "Idiot."

"Yeah," Embry agreed with a chuckle. "At school, he asked out a senior named Jackie, who's been dating this guy for a long time."

"Quil, you idiot," Driana muttered, shaking her head.

"Hey! On the bright side, I never snagged," Quil defended.

"Keep that for your guy talk," Driana grimaced, covering her ears. Her actions made the boys chuckle.

"But I do need advice," Jacob pleaded, redirecting the conversation to his issues.

Driana sighed, letting her hands fall onto her lap. "What exact advice are you going for?"

"I hardly see her. Yet I end up thinking about her. I'm scared to start a conversation or visit her."

"Pussy," Quil coughed out.

Jacob glared in response, and Quil pretended to look at the sun-setting sky.

"Jake, how will you find out if you can't start talking?" Driana asked.

"Look, she was in a relationship with this guy, which is the tricky part. However, she hasn't left my mind. I don't want her to shut me out if I say something stupid. Well, I did before, but we laughed it off. I don't know how to begin."

"Are you close with her?"

"Our dads are," Jacob huffed. "She mainly conversed with my older sisters, Rachel and Rebecca, when we were little."

"And now it's your time to shine," Driana encouraged. "Pluck up the courage and call her. Hang out with her if you can."

"What if I chicken out?"

"Pussy!" Quil coughed again, more forcefully.

Embry shoved Quil, making him complain about falling off the chair again.

"You won't," Driana assured. "Imagine yourself as cool. Turn on your charm."

"I have charm?" Jacob tilted his head to the side like a pup.

Driana laughed. "Yes, Jake, you do. You're a nice kid. With some practice, you'll perfect your lines in no time."

"Thanks," Jacob shyly smiled.

"Look at Jakey getting all in his feelings," Embry teased.

"Shut up," Jacob mumbled.

Driana left Embry's on her way to visit Sam Uley's place. She wasn't surprised to see Jared on the opposite side of the road, heading in the same direction. He waved, jogging toward her and meeting in the middle. They continued walking, the gravel under their feet crunching as they went.

"You shouldn't be alone walking on the rez at night," Jared scolded.

"I'm already with a shape-shifter," Driana humored. "What's been happening lately?"

Jared sighed, shoving his hands in his pockets. "Sam's been moping. It sometimes affects me and Paul whenever he thinks about Leah."

"He still hasn't talked to her?" Driana asked. "Sam lied to me, then. He said they patched things up a couple of weeks ago."

Jared scoffed. "Not at all. According to him, Leah sometimes sends messages in a week. Of course, Sam doesn't respond. It gets to the point where he avoids her out in public."

"I don't think Sam should be afraid. He shouldn't lead Leah on," Driana commented.

"It's not easy when you have a secret to hide."

Jared paused, and Driana followed to where his gaze was. Sam headed toward them, looking frantic. Without a word, they quickly followed Sam to his house. Nearing the tree line, he shifted into a wolf, running off into the woods.

"What's he upset about?" Driana concerned.

"Emily Young," Jared breathed out. "This is going to be harder on Sam than we thought."

"What about her?"

"Nothing," Jared shook his head, dismissing her question.