Naturally

Naturally (A Jacob Black Fanfic) -26-

Leah’s Perspective

When I stared at Olivia, all I could see was what Seth was missing. He might not know it but I certainly did.  I recognized the look of adoration on her face staring at him. I remember it from a dinner party I had shortly attended. I recall seeing her unfamiliar face in the corner, hiding behind Jacob’s towering figure, staring intently on Seth who was telling me something about passing his college exams and becoming an official intern.

I was so interested in her features. Her face was a lot like Merris’s, the same shape, same nose, and cheek structure. The only difference was her hair line. Merris had banes that seemed to thin her face while Olivia had pulled her hair back to reveal all. No doubt she was beautiful but something behind her blush told another story. Her smile wasn’t as quite as wide as it should be. Her eyes weren’t as excited as I would’ve hoped.

When I asked my brother who was she, his whole face scrunched together in a sour mask. He only said that she was Jake’s girlfriend but I knew differently. She wouldn’t look so sad if she was happy with Jake. She wouldn’t look so lost. I got a hint why when her eyes flicked back to Seth from the crowd. I saw such deep longing in them that my heart swelled. I knew instantly that she didn’t belong to Jake.

I had that same look a long time ago and I knew what she was feeling at that moment.

Unfortunately I was unable to console her myself. I had more own troubles when both Sam and his new wife rounded the corner and Jake shot me that warning glare that obviously get-the-hell-out-of-my-house. I couldn’t help her because I was still trapped in unhappiness myself.

Unlike her, I had an escape. College gave me something to work on and I excelled at it. Poor Olivia was tormented, trapped in an unhappy life, reminded everyday of what could be but wasn’t. Not long ago was I in her same shoes.

So when she called me up, I took the opportunity to aid her the best way I could.

“I’m glad you could make it,” she told me upstairs. Only hours ago she had pleaded with me and now her voice was replace by pure appreciation. Never in a while had I felt useful like that. It warmed my heart.

“Anything to help,” I insisted. “You should know the truth.”

And she did. All she wanted was to help and she needed somewhere to start. I understood where she coming from. With Marisol shutting everyone out, someone had to explain to her how severe her status was. Hopefully Merris will see that I only did this for the long run and how much she would gain from it.

Olivia was the most sincere person I can think of right off the bat, second after Merris. The only difference is that Merris was brutally honest while Olivia was just more kind hearted.

“Let’s head outside onto the Balcony. We don’t want her to hear,” I added, the distance noise of a TV reminding me of her closeness.

We made sure the close the door tightly behind us, aware Jacob might follow us. He’s always been suspicious of me and no doubt he’d think I’m trying to make Olivia turn on him. But for once, this wasn’t about him.

“She doesn’t like me at all,” Olivia started, staring into the blackness of the night. It reminded me of my own turmoil when I was stuck here, like a black hole that sucked the happiness out of everyone. La Push was nothing but a tick. I bet she felt the same, alone and confined in a failure of a life. “Every time she looks at me, she squints, like she’s disgusted.” She let out a sad sigh. “I understand. I’m the other woman. I’m her replacement.”

I offered a small smile. Olivia could see things from such a clear perspective. It’s unfortunate that she knows she’s under a bad light but she is and we have to start there.