Mutated Mate [it will be edited...at some point in my life, doubtfully]

chapter 22

Leah’s POV

I ended up spending the night in the bathroom, evident in my lack of strength. I didn’t want to leave in all honesty. I didn’t want to face the world just yet, but, that was yesterday’s attitude. I was Leah. Strong and stubborn. Even if I was basically an orphan, dealing with a murderous father, an evil mate, and possibly dying, so help me no one will know it.

Apathetically dragging myself to the shower I washed away everything. Not only was I cleaning my body but my heart and mind of everything I recently had to deal with. I’m going to be me and that was it.

Dressing in black cargo pants and black hoodie, I stomped downstairs to find it deserted. Uncle Jack must’ve still been angry, should’ve realised that since he didn’t come check on me. Sighing, I went to the kitchen and mechanically started making pancakes.

He needs me more than I need him now, especially after how I’ve been behaving these last few weeks. Placing them on the counter in a container I scribbled him a note telling him I was fine and going to school. He would recognize the peace offering that anything that may be happening now is not concerning me and it shouldn’t him.

Starting my bike I headed to school, but I wasn’t feeling it. I felt void. During the day I smiled at Julies jokes, listened to their daily gossip, gave my input when needed but nothing was sincere. I didn’t care. My heart wasn’t in it.

Sitting in class putting effort into paying attention I didn’t even blink when a kid came in with a note. The teacher read it and looked to me “Leah to the principal’s office”. Mel shot me a look but I just shrugged at her and walked out.

Knocking and entering on Principal Sakata’s room I was surprised to find it empty. Slumping on the couch I started to pick at my nails until I head the door open. “You called for me sir” I said turning around only to choke on the words.

Rather than the kind Asian principal, stood a tall and sturdy built man. He had shaggy brown hair with wisps of grey, and matching brown eyes. “Leah” he smiled, his British accent filling the silence. That was the reason they had never met before. He lived a continent away from my mum, his mate. Another face I hadn’t seen in 5 years, in front of me was Andrew.

He walked towards me and pulled me into a hug. Too shocked to react I just stood there limp in his arms. He smelt of jasmine and fresh pine. Blinking out of my stupor I suddenly grabbed onto him tightly, I put all my remaining energy, my concerns into hugging this man, not wanting to let go.

Surprised at my sudden hold on him, he started patting my hair and making shushing sounds in my ear. This was the man who I almost blamed for my ruined childhood but still took care of a young, scared little girl despite her being his mates child. Albeit it for a little while but he still was there for me when other’s weren’t, even if I couldn’t remember it much I still knew where my gratitude lies.

Pulling away I fell back onto the couch and watched him drag and angle a chair towards me. Back in control of myself I looked at him properly. His faded blue jeans were dirt stained, his hair a little too long, and eyes a little too sad. They held something behind them but I didn’t know what. Tilting my head towards him I gave him a genuine smile. “What are you doing here?”

He didn’t reply immediately … but looked at me appraisingly, subconsciously, I straightened my spine and squared my shoulders and subtly tried to pat down my hair, God knows what a mess it was.

“You’re all grown up. You look so beautiful, just like your mum” I ignored the stab of pain against my chest and focused on what he was saying “How are you? I didn’t realize you lived here but as soon as I found out, I had to come see you”