Trouble // Paul Lahote [EDITING]

02.

By the time I woke up, my clock already read 11:30. As much as I wanted to remain in the warmth of my bed, I had plans with Leah in an hour and being late was equivalent to a death wish. I groan as I step into the coldness of my room. My feet softly patter to my closet where I throw on a hoodie and flannel. I toss my hair up as I grab ahold of my board.

I walk onto the porch locking myself out and leaving my sleeping cousin alone. I get into my car, somehow it's more frigid than outside, and make my way to the diner to meet Leah.
Leah was my only female friend here in Washington. The Forks girls saw me as an outsider and hadn't taken a liking to me. Leah was the only one to give me a chance. Though, if Sue wasn't Prairie's aunt, I don't think I would've been so lucky.

As I pulled up the to run down diner, I could see Leah tearing up her straw wrapper through the window. Something was wrong. Really wrong. I climbed out of my car and made my way towards her. As I walked through the door, a little bell jingled above me. I strolled over to the booth where Lean sat. Her eyes had a hint of pain in them.

"You know, I must really love you." I tell her with a goofy grin.

"Oh yeah." she responded in the same playful tone.

"Yeah. When am I ever out of the house this early?"

She laughed in response, but it was shallow. Pained. I glanced up at her.

"You ok?" I asked softly.

She signed and looked out the window. Hiding her expression from me.

"Damn Sam." she cursed.

Ah, once again Sam Uley had to get in the way. Stupid boy. I mentally curse him. Sam was Leah's ex-boyfriend. I'd never known them together, but I saw the damage he had caused her. The aftermath of their relationship and the broken heart it left Leah. She had told me about the pleading, "it's not you, it's me's" he so often gave. And the forgiveness he always seemed to lust after.

"Leah," I started slowly. "He sucks. How many times is he going to make you cry before you realize it?"

"It's not that simple. You've never been in love. You won't get it." She eyed me as she said this.

I grinned at her. She got me there.

"What did he do this time?" I asked softly.

"Him and Emily are engaged." she deadpanned.

A soft oh escaped my lips.

"Yeah."

She avoided eye contact. I could tell she was on the verge of tears and didn't want to show it. Leah was brave. Much braver then anyone gave her credit for. The fiancé in question was Emily, Leah's cousin. The fact she didn't let tears flow at this was a testament to her bravery.

"I'm sorry Leah. I really am." I said as I reached for her hand. For a small place, La Push sure had a lot of drama.

"Yeah." she sighed as she took my hand. "I mean it's just how it's going to be now, but I can't stand being around them. I can't" She looked up at me through her eyelashes.

I knew what she meant.

"Sorry." she apologized. "I'm not trying to bail on the bonfire, I just can't be around them-"

I cut her off with the shake of my head.

"It's ok. Do what you need to do. Besides," I said with a half-cocked grin, "I've got Jacob."

She rolled her eyes in response.

"I'm sure Billy's thrilled," her voice dripping with sarcasm.

"Ouch that hurt." I laughed. "I'm a good influence. Older and wiser."

"Older and more idiotic maybe." She shot back.

We laughed together. Leah was so easy to be around. I could always be myself around her. The rest of our lunch continued in a similar fashion of laughing at each other. Earning us some pointed looks from the older patrons. We wandered out of the dinner and parted ways with a hug.

"Thanks Ro. You always know how to make me feel better."

"That's my job."

I watched Lean make her way to her car and disappear down the road. I was alone again. Left with my thoughts. I sighed. What was wrong with Sam? The story didn't make sense. Maybe Leah told me wrong, but it seems like they loved each other very much. Hell, it seems like Sam still loves her. And to leave her for her cousin. Good Lord, I thought with the shake of my head. I had seen Sam with Emily and honestly, it was off putting. He looks at her like there was no one else in the universe. Maybe that's why everyone seem to look the other way after Leah. It's like everyone just forgot about her and Sam. La Push just keeps getting weirder.

I climbed into my car and decided to headed over to Jacob's early not wanting to be alone any longer. When I pulled up to the Black residence I was greeted by a mop of black hair jogging form the garage.

"Hey Ro!" Jacob yelled at me. Always enthusiastic. I looked him up and down. His clothes were covered in oil.

"Umm Jake," I started. "Did I caught you at a bad time?"

He shook his head.

"Nope. Come 'ere." he said taking my hand. His hands were oiled too, but I didn't protest. I laughed as he half dragged me to his garage. I was met with a complete mess. Pieces of metal and piles of tools and oil everywhere.

"Uh Jakey, what the hell am I looking at?" I asked shocked.

"What do you mean? Do you have no vision?" He asked gesturing around the hunk of metal.

I just blinked back at him in response.

"Ro, it's a rabbit!" He exclaimed with typical Jacob style enthusiasm. "Like the car," he added as I clearly had no idea what he was talking about.

"Oh cool. So the car is under all the crap?" I asked as I proded the metal.

"No, this is her. Well ... some of her. It needs a lot of work but it's going to be great!" He grinned at me.

"Yeah. I bet Jake." I said with a smile. Jacob sure was contagious. Like the sun. He just radiated happiness.

The rest of our day was spent drinking warm sodas and my poor attempts at assisting the rabbit build. Before long the garage was cast in golden light from the setting sun. Our cue to head to the bonfire. I stood and Jacob tossed me my keys.

"Let's party," He said with as much excited as he could muster.