Her New Moon

18

It had been a couple of weeks since Jacob transformed. Bella felt herself spiral again, and Driana stayed by the girl's side. It drained Driana while keeping the packs secret from Bella, who constantly wondered about Jacob. Driana was present whenever Bella tried calling the Black's residence. Billy Black would lie, telling Bella no visitors were allowed due to Jake's illness. Sam continued avoiding Driana, much to her dislike. However, Paul and Driana became closer.

"That's mine!"

Paul stuck his tongue out at her. "Be patient. Besides, I bought these." Driana rolled her eyes, making Paul laugh. "I'm only joking." He gave her a blue Pixy Stix.

"Oh, you remembered which color I liked."

Paul scoffed. "Duh! I even separated the colors. I know how crazy you get when someone takes a blue one."

Driana slightly frowned, fiddling with the powdered candy. "Thanks, Paul."

Paul leaned back, tucking the package away. "If Jared or Embry stops by, we should tell them we ran out."

The girl giggled, waving her Pixy Stix around. "I definitely will."

Paul tilted his head back, flicking the remaining powder from the paper straw into his mouth. "Are you and Jacob better now?"

Driana shrugged. "The air cleared a bit. I guess I scolded him a bit harshly. Though, I did tell him the truth. I made it clear that he shouldn't push things with her. Heck, if I had known months ago that Bella was who Jacob liked, I'd tell him to forget it. The boy tried pursuing Bella by ignoring the boundaries she placed. I swear, he wasn't born stubborn as a dog but a mule."

Paul chuckled, scarfing down another stick. "It must ease your head when Sam hasn't allowed Jacob to visit Bella."

"Very," Driana huffed. "It wasn't right, but I shoved it in Jake's face by guilt-tripping him over how he affected Bella now. I told him she needed you as a friend, not a lover. I explained that if he didn't control his actions, he'd end up as a rebound. That opinion kept us apart. But we're getting along now."

"Feisty, are we?" Paul teased.

Driana threw an orange straw at him. "Shut up. The big sister came out of me."

"I admire that, though," Paul confessed, absentmindedly ripping a blue stick open for her. "You spoke your mind and said what you thought was right." He handed the candy to her.

"That day Jake transformed, I was planning to tell him. However, if I did, I might've triggered the shifting gene, and down I'd go." Driana sighed, eating the powder.

Paul frowned, rolling the empty stick. "I would've fought Jacob if he mauled you. Regardless if it was an accident."

"Why?" Driana furrowed her brows.

He stayed silent in thought before shaking his head. "Just cause."

"Protective, are we?" Driana mocked Paul's tone. Paul stayed quiet, eating more. Driana pouted. "Or is it because you still care?"

"I told you we'd have time to talk about it."

Driana twirled the stick between her fingers. "You never stopped."

Paul sighed, sitting up straight. "And what if I never did?"

Driana shrugged. "I don't know." She turned away from Paul. "There was so much pain. All I could think of was you'd become a total stranger to me."

"Everything worsened after my transformation." Paul ran a hand through his hair. "I admit I've been a total dickhead. If I could beat some sense into my old self, I would. Not just for me and everyone, but especially for you. You didn't deserve to deal with me."

The girl smiled. "The transformation made our lives interesting. We had our moments, but they weren't dull. Even if we were pulled into this world or not, we'd still have our ups and downs."

"You're right." Paul offered another stick, and Driana gladly took it. "Would it be bad if I asked for another-" He paused, looking horrified.

Driana looked behind her, not seeing anything. She quickly gathered everything, thinking that they were in danger. "Paul, what do you smell or hear?"

He got up, pulling Driana along with him. "It isn't about what I smell or hear, but what is in my head. Sam wants my help but needs you."

The girl rolled her eyes. "Again? Besides, why does he need me after not talking to me for months?"

Paul closed his eyes. "One of the reasons we broke up was for your safety, remember?" He stared into her eyes, placing hands on her shoulders. "Sam did what any of us in the pack feared doing with someone they care about."

Traveling to the hospital, the pack waited outside the emergency room. Jacob, Jared, and Embry sat on the waiting chairs. The three had similar concerned expressions, whispering amongst themselves. Jared noticed Driana and Paul, filling them in.

"Emily's face had been scarred-" He eyed the people who paused to talk to a nurse behind them "by a bear." Jared shook his head. "The bear went after Emily, and Emily said things for it to leave. The bear didn't like that, clawing Emily, who stood too close."

Driana covered her mouth in shock. "But she's breathing, right?"

Jared nodded in response. "It was only the surface, nothing too deep."

"Where's Em?" Leah's voice boomed as she neared closer. The girl slowed down, confused at the presence of Jared, Embry, and Jacob.

"Leah," Driana called, distracting her. "I'm sorry about Em." She turned to stare at the boys, wrapping her arms around herself. "I was with them when I heard the news. They're here for support."

Leah nodded in understanding. "Is she in there?" Jared confirmed by inclining his head toward the room. Leah rushed forward to open the door, staggering back at the sight. "Uhm, I'll just come back." She lowered her head, quickly leaving.

Driana frowned, arms dropping to her sides as she carefully peeked into the room. Emily Clearwater's face was bandaged. Beside her was Sam Uley, holding her hand.