Her New Moon

13

"Sam told me to give up on him!" Leah cried into Driana's arms.

Driana held Leah steady, comforting her as she rubbed her back. "He wouldn't have told you that for no reason. I think this whole thing with what he's doing messed up his head."

"Emily planned to talk to him, but she said he never showed up," Leah informed. "I don't know what's going on."

"Me neither," Driana said, hiding the irritation in her voice.

Jared and Paul wouldn't explain what happened to Sam, who avoided Driana recently. She couldn't find him on the reservation. It bothered her. Sam's constant absence began after Leah's second cousin, Emily Young, returned to the Makah Reservation. The girl could only think that Emily had scolded Sam about Leah's feelings, which could've made him disappear should Driana also say something.

"I thought we were going to be fine," Leah continued. "I gave Sam space for him to figure himself out."

"Do you want me to talk to him?"

Leah shook her head, sniffling.

"Come on, Leah. What's something I can do for you?"

"Watch me cry my heart out."

Driana sighed. "We could eat?"

"I don't feel like it."

"How about we annoy Seth?"

"I have no energy."

"Leah."

"Driana."

Driana pursed her lips. Another thought entered her mind, causing her to smile. She stood in front of Leah, holding her hands. The teary-eyed girl stared up at her friend, confused at the sudden action.

"I heard he sang a good song," Driana sang. "I heard he had a style. And so I came to see him." She nodded at Leah, who rolled her eyes and grinned softly.

"And listen for a while," Leah continued, standing up. "And there he was. This young boy, stranger to my eyes. STRUMMING MY PAIN WITH HIS FINGERS!"

"One time!" Driana hyped her, dancing slightly.

"SINGING MY LIFE WITH HIS WORDS!"

"Two times!"

"Killing me softly with his song!" Leah belted, joining Driana in dance. "Killing me softly with his song!"

"Telling your whole life with his words—"

"Killing me softly with his song!"

The door opened abruptly, freezing the girls in their place. Harry Clearwater could only stare at them, speechless. He coughed, muttering words, before shuffling out of the way. Sue entered Leah's room, laughing at her husband's bewildered expression before composing herself.

"We're heading to Billy Black's place," Sue told the girls. "He's invited us to dinner."

"You could bring your disco party over there," Harry said.

"Dad!" Leah complained as her parents left the room. She huffed before facing Driana, her face no longer solemn. "Now I'm embarrassed."

Driana snorted a laugh. "Let's go."

Seth ran out of his room, rolling back and forth on his heels excitedly. Driana gave the boy a questionable look. Seeing Driana's expression, Seth leaned down, whispering to avoid Leah's comments.

"Have I ever mentioned Jacob Black is a cool guy?"

Driana chuckled. "No, Seth, you haven't."

"Well, he is!"

Chief Swan entered the living room, looking stunned at the sight of Driana. The girl waved politely, shuffling closer to Seth as if starting another conversation. Harry opened the door, gesturing for everyone to head toward the pickup. Seth beelined toward the truck bed, jumping over it with one hand. Leah scoffed over his agility while Driana glanced at Sue and Harry knowingly. The drive to the Black's house didn't take too long. Seth teased Driana and Leah over their messy hair from the wind. Leah chased the boy, who ran inside the house, both giving Billy Black a quick greeting.

"How's it going?" Billy Black greeted Sue.

"Same old, same old," Sue replied.

"You can go on in," Billy offered Harry and Sue. He turned to Driana, giving a soft smile. "Bella's here, too."

"She is?" Driana asked, surprised.

"Where are the kids, anyway?" Chief Swan inquired, looking out into the darkness.

"Jacob! Bella!" Billy called.

No response.

"Bella?" Chief Swan yelled.

"Coming!" A faint voice responded from the treeline.

Jacob emerged from the dark, followed by Bella Swan. Both giggled as they hurried to where their fathers were. Driana couldn't help but notice their clasped hands. Bella noted Driana's features, letting go of Jacob's hand. The house became crowded but manageable to walk around. Then, the adults decided to sit outside while the younglings stayed inside. Leah and Driana stayed close to one another while Seth clung to Jacob. However, Jacob mainly paid Bella attention. An odd thought entered Driana's mind, a gut sense.