The Break of the New moon - A Sam Uley fanfic

35

Skylar's
The day was bright, with the sun peeking through the clouds as we pulled into the parking lot of La Push school. I glanced back at Niki, who sat quietly in the back seat, wide-eyed as she took in the building. Paul, seated in the back with her head had been unusually quiet during the drive, a little too wrapped up in his own memories of the place.

As I parked, Sam leaned over from the driver's side and gave me a reassuring smile, one that said he was here for us—for me and Niki. He had been great lately, more involved, more present, and Niki had been warming up to him in ways I hadn't expected.

"You ready, kiddo?" I asked, turning back to Niki, whose small fingers were gripping the straps of her backpack tightly.

She nodded but stayed silent, her nerves clear as day. This school would be a huge change from the private tutors she'd had in LA. Here, it was different—more open, more connected to the earth and community.

Paul finally snapped out of his own thoughts and turned to Niki. "You'll like it here," he said, his voice unusually gentle. "I spent a lot of time in these halls. Learned how to throw a decent punch here, too."

I shot him a look. "Not exactly the most comforting thing to say, Paul."

He chuckled, unbothered. "Just saying, it's a good place. You'll fit in." He turned to Sam. "Right?"

Sam nodded, catching Niki's eye in the rearview mirror. "Yeah, you'll do great. And we'll be right here with you. No pressure, okay?"

Niki gave him a small smile, the kind that said she appreciated his words even if she wasn't quite sure how to feel yet. It was sweet watching them. Sam caring for her made my heart swell.

We climbed out of the truck, and as we approached the entrance, Niki stuck close to me. Sam moved beside us, his presence steady and calming, like a wall I could lean on without even asking. I was grateful for him more than I could put into words.

The principal greeted us warmly when we entered the school. "Welcome, welcome! You must be Niki. We're so glad to meet you."

Niki gave a polite nod but stayed glued to my side, clearly still overwhelmed by everything.

As we toured the building, Sam stayed close to Niki, answering her questions, pointing out different parts of the school as he recognised places he had hung around as a child and teenager. He had a way of making everything seem more approachable, more relaxed.

At one point, Paul broke away from us, pointing out the gym where he used to hang out with his friends. "I spent a lot of time in there," he said, mostly to Niki. "But the library... well, let's just say I wasn't the biggest fan."

I couldn't help but laugh. "Some things never change."

Niki looked between us all, finally speaking up. "It's... big."

Sam crouched down beside her, his voice soft. "It might seem big now, but you'll get used to it. You're brave. And I'm sure you'll make lots of friends here."She looked at him thoughtfully, then gave a small nod. It wasn't much, but it was progress and she smiled as a few young girls walked past saying hello to her.

As we wrapped up the tour, I felt a sense of relief. Sam's support, Niki's quiet courage, even Paul's banter—it all felt right. La Push might not be where I started, but it was becoming home in ways I hadn't expected.

And for Niki, this could be the beginning of something good. Something stable. With Sam and Paul by our side, I knew we'd be okay.

After dropping Niki to school we head over to Sam's I sigh happily as I see the pack bound out of the house excitedly I had missed being around the pack house I just wanted to give Niki Atleast a week at school before I bring her back around the pack.... Her only friends can't be her uncles and aunts.

Before I could open the door Jared was dragging me out of the car "finally you're here!" Embry ran over "Quill broke another toaster" Quil groans "it wasn't on purpose" Jacob scoffs "idiots" I feel Sams arm go around my waist "so your telling me I need a new toaster?" They all go silent and I look at Sam who has a stern look he looked over at Leah "I thought you would've kept them under wraps?" She shrugs glaring at him "not my problem?" Sam stiffens "Leah-" before he can continue I poke his side "Jared is next in command ? Shouldn't he get in trouble?" Jared gasps "traitor"  Jared's over-the-top gasp was the final straw, and I laughed, leaning into Sam's side as the pack continued to argue and banter. It was a mess of voices, a jumble of chaotic energy that had somehow become home, and I realised just how much I had missed it. The noise, the laughter, the teasing ..it filled the space in a way that made everything feel lighter.