Love poems (Leah Clearwater story)

Chapter 6 ~ Thunder and Lighting

Vivienne's walk back home was filled with a lightness she hadn't felt in years. The unexpected but meaningful conversation with Leah had lifted her spirits, and she couldn't help but smile as she thought about the girl's words. Leah had seen something in her—something warm and bright—and that made Vivienne feel special in a way she hadn't before.

As she approached the house, she noticed the garden bursting with colors in the bright sunlight, the flowers looking more vibrant than ever. She opened the front door and stepped inside, her smile as radiant as the sunshine that had graced the day.

Tiffany was in the kitchen, preparing dinner, and Simon was reading a book in the living room. They both looked up as Vivienne entered, and their faces lit up at the sight of her.

"Hey there, sunshine!" Simon greeted, using the new nickname that seemed to fit perfectly. "You look like you had a great day."

Vivienne nodded, her smile widening. "I did. I ran into Leah and we had a really good talk. It felt... nice. Like I'm finally starting to find my place here."

Tiffany wiped her hands on a towel and walked over to Vivienne, giving her a warm hug. "I'm so glad to hear that, sweetie. We want you to feel at home here, and it sounds like you're starting to."

"Thanks, Tiffany," Vivienne said, returning the hug. "I think I am."

Simon closed his book and stood up, joining the hug. "You know, Viv, it's great to see you smiling like this. It's like you're bringing a little bit of sunshine into the house."

Vivienne laughed softly. "Leah actually said something similar. She said I remind her of sunshine."

Tiffany beamed. "Well, she's right. You do."

Feeling the warmth of her family's support and the budding connection with Leah, Vivienne knew she was on the right path. She had come to La Push with uncertainty and a sense of loss, but now she felt a growing sense of belonging and hope.

As they sat down for dinner, the house filled with laughter and conversation. Vivienne looked around at her father, Tiffany, and even Embry, who had joined them with his usual wide grin. The room was filled with warmth and love, and for the first time in a long while, Vivienne felt truly at peace.

Later that evening, as she got ready for bed, she thought about the day and all the unexpected turns it had taken. She slipped under the covers, the smile still lingering on her face, and listened to the familiar sound of the rain that had returned. It was a comforting reminder that even in a place known for its rain, there could be moments of sunshine that made all the difference.

With thoughts of Leah and the promise of new friendships, Vivienne drifted off to sleep, feeling hopeful and content.

In the middle of the night, Vivienne was jolted awake by a deafening crash of thunder. Lightning flashed, illuminating her room with a harsh, eerie glow. The storm had come on suddenly, and the wind howled through the trees outside, rattling the windows with each gust. She pulled the covers up to her chin, her heart pounding in her chest. Thunderstorms had always scared her, stirring up memories of fear and loneliness from her childhood.

As she lay there, trying to calm herself, she heard it again—the haunting howls echoing through the storm. The sound was closer this time, more distinct, sending chills down her spine. The howls seemed almost mournful, cutting through the noise of the rain and thunder.

Her mind raced, filled with questions and fears. The howls were more than just the cries of ordinary wolves. They carried an otherworldly quality that made her skin prickle with unease. Vivienne tried to push the thoughts away, but the howls grew louder, more insistent, as if calling out to her specifically.

She slipped out of bed, wrapping herself in a warm blanket for comfort, and tiptoed to the window. Peering through the rain-streaked glass, she could make out the dark, shadowy outlines of the forest beyond the house. Another flash of lightning revealed fleeting glimpses of movement among the trees, but it was impossible to see clearly.

Vivienne's fear and curiosity battled within her. She needed to understand what was happening, but she was terrified of what she might find. She decided she couldn't face it alone. Embry had always been a comforting presence, and maybe he could help her make sense of the strange sounds.

She quietly left her room and walked down the hall to Embry's door, knocking softly. After a moment, Embry opened the door, his expression shifting from confusion to concern when he saw her. "Vivienne? What's wrong?"

"There's a thunderstorm," she whispered, her voice trembling. "And I heard the howls again. I'm scared."

Embry's face softened with understanding. "Come in," he said gently, stepping aside to let her enter.

She sat on the edge of his bed, still clutching her blanket. Embry closed the door and sat down beside her, offering a reassuring smile. "You don't have to be scared, Vivienne. It's just a storm."

"But the howls," she insisted, her eyes wide with fear. "They sound so close, and they're not just normal wolves, are they?"

Embry hesitated, his expression unreadable. "I know it's unsettling, but you're safe here. We're all safe."

Vivienne bit her lip, feeling frustrated and still frightened. "But why won't you tell me what's really going on?"

Embry sighed, looking conflicted. "It's not that I don't want to tell you. It's just... complicated. There are things you're not ready to know yet."

"But I need to understand," Vivienne pleaded, her voice shaking. "Please, Embry."

Embry looked at her, his eyes filled with a mix of empathy and resolve. "I promise you, when the time is right, you'll know everything. For now, just trust me. Trust us."

Vivienne nodded reluctantly, feeling a mix of frustration and gratitude. "Okay, Embry. I'll try."

Embry smiled softly. "Good. Now, let's get you back to bed. You need your rest."

He walked her back to her room, the howls still echoing faintly through the storm. As she climbed back into bed, Embry offered her a comforting pat on the shoulder. "Try to get some sleep, Viv. Everything will be clearer in the morning."

Vivienne nodded, pulling the blanket tightly around herself. "Thank you, Embry."

He gave her a reassuring nod before leaving the room. Alone again, Vivienne lay there listening to the storm, the howls gradually fading into the distance. Despite her lingering fear and confusion, she felt a small measure of comfort knowing Embry was there for her. She closed her eyes and willed herself to sleep, hoping that the morning would indeed bring some clarity and peace.