5 Chapter 5)

As they all got into the car Seth took his phone and decided to play his music, apparently what they played was to old school for him. Not that Ryan listened to really old music, he just played it a lot while he was with Leah since that was something more that she was into.

"Alright guys, now sit here and listen to the greatness that is Juice Wrld." Seth said as he leaned back while playing 'Relocate' it was actually one of Ryan's favorite.

Leah rolled her eyes but she smiled a little looking out the window, as they rode to the beach Ryan thought of anything to say but couldn't think of anything. Really he was just trying to be a good friend, so he was going to go with the approach of just being there and being someone that she needed until she started the conversation.

For the ride Seth rapped and sung along to all the songs that he played, it wasn't until they were parked that he gave Ryan his phone back before jumping out with Meredith right behind him. Ryan and Leah sat there for a moment in silence, at the moment the beach was full of teenagers and there was a bon fire going on, the same he used the night before.

Looking closely he could see Jacob, Embry and Quil all hanging out and laughing, Ryan at that moment couldn't see the shifters they were. Instead he saw just some teenagers who at the moment were cat calling at some of the girls who were sitting on the other side of the fire giggling.

Ryan started to roll up three blunts to smoke before he got out, Leah was right behind him as they opened up the back and took a seat. They watched the water like last night as they lit up, Seth found some friends and were hanging with them, one was even a girl who he seemed to be wanting to impress.

Laughing Ryan took a drag while shaking his head at the things he was doing. Leah didn't seem to notice as she took five big drags and looked out at the water, she was in her head at the moment but at least she wasn't crying at the moment.

"You know, I thought we might get married. I know I am in the last year of high school, and I know there are all sorts of things that could have happened, but I didn't think it would be this. Emily was like a sister to me." She said while sighing.

Ryan didn't speak, he didn't think she was done yet.

"Mom use to joke about it, about me marrying him having some kids and moving into a house near theirs." She said softly.

There was nothing for him to say to that but he knew that she was waiting on something so he said something, "Well then it is a good thing you didn't marry him. Who is to say this wouldn't happen down the line, at least it is over now and you don't need to worry about it ever happening, it might be hard now, but things will change."

She nodded her head as they both sat in silence while taking long puffs, this plus what he had earlier had Ryan high but he didn't stop, he never really did.

"You're right, but I don't want you to be right. I am not going to be one of those girls who is going to sit there and complain about it either, I can hate them and be mad about it, but I don't have to be bitter about it." She said sitting up straighter, he was seeing his best friend being confident again.

Ryan smiled but he knew that she wasn't all the way there, she might be shoving it under that mask and trying to be brave, but she was still sad. He knew that the moment she was alone that she would draw into herself again, but he didn't plan on letting that happen, this was his best friend.

This was a different Leah Clearwater then the one who was in the movies and books, she wouldn't be bitter or care about the imprint that Sam did on Emily. No matter what happened in the future Ryan would always be there for her, he wouldn't let her go into that dark place like her other self.

Reaching over he pulled her into his arms, "You don't need to be strong with me Leah. Let yourself be free, even if you need to cry, my shoulder, chest or neck will be there for you to cry on."

A shudder ran through her as she leaned her head on his shoulder them both laughing a little at Seth who just tripped trying to show off.

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They spent their time at La Push until the sun went down, it wasn't until around nine that they left along with most of the teens hanging out there. Seth was actually able to get a girls number, though she was one of the kids who went to the high school and didn't live on the reservation so they could only meet up after school.

Leah teased him the entire way back to their house, though Ryan could see that she was still down about everything. He knew that she wouldn't be over it so fast, plus he was sure that she was already thinking of something to help her get over it.

Weed only did so much.

When they made it back Meredith dragged herself into the house, she went over to the spare bowl that had already been set up for her in the corner. As for Ryan and the rest they went straight to the kitchen, they could hear the sound of the TV though from the living room, most likely where Sue and Harry were.

Not wanting to disturb them they went ahead and heated themselves some food, Ryan laughed getting the biggest bowl he could find. Seth nodded following him while Leah rolled her eyes, she was high and hungry too but she didn't think they needed that much.

Ryan just gasped while glaring at her playfully seeing as she commented that out loud, which he found to be blasphemous. Shaking his head he walked to the table and dug in, as they were eating Sue and Harry walked into the kitchen.

"Hey guys did you have fun?" Sue asked with a wide smile, Harry stood there with a small smile but he was a silent man she kept talking when they nodded, mouths to full to speak, "Well there is some news that you all should know, it is about Emily."

Ryan noticed that it seemed harder for Leah to swallow at that moment but she didn't say anything.

"She is going to be fine, they were able to fix the scars on her face. Unfortunately the scars will be remaining on her face so she will be having to stay in the hospital longer while she heals." Sue went on to explain.

Ryan was watching Leah the entire time, he didn't really care much but if she wanted him to be there for her, then he would be. Everyone seemed to be watching her, Seth was happy his cousin was okay, but he was more worried about his sister.

Their parents were also watching her.

"Would you all please stop watching me." Leah asked as she set down her spoon, "I am just fine. I.... Well I was hoping Emily wouldn't be with him, but we are way past that now. C-Can we go see her?"

Sue smiled a little sadly while hugging her daughter, "We can't tonight since she just got out of surgery some hours ago. Though we can swing by there tomorrow if you really want to."

Leah nodded but she looked over at Ryan, "Will you come with us?"

Ryan smiled slightly, "Of course I will."

Harry sent him a nod which was unneeded, most of Ryan's time was spent just sitting around his house leveling up his skills. If he wasn't doing that then he was high most of the time, or at basketball, so he had plenty of free time to go with them.

Plus it was Leah asking, there was no way that he could refuse, he took his best friend job seriously.

Leah beamed at him before Seth changed the subject and started to talk about the girl he met at the beach, his mom giving him a sly smile while his father laughed. Ryan smiled as Leah reached over taking his hand, he knew that at the moment she needed strength so that she wouldn't break down again.

When they finished their meal Ryan went into Seth's room and took out his spare clothes, it was just a few he kept over whenever he stayed over. Seth always kept them in his closet, he always joked about wanting Ryan to be his older brother rather then having Leah as an older sister.

Though Ryan knew that Seth was over protective when it came to his sister, it wouldn't surprise him if Seth had threatened Sam earlier today. He chuckled at the thought as he went to take a shower, they always allowed him to go first since he was a guest, he never turned them down either.

An hour later he was laying on the couch while trying to sleep, the house was quiet, Meredith was sleeping with Harry and Sue tonight.

When the clock struck midnight Ryan heard the creaking of a floorboard, opening his eyes he saw that Leah in nothing but a t-shirt and short shorts was walking towards him. Noticing him looking at her she shuffled in embarrassment some, "Well I can't get to sleep and I was hoping....."

Ryan knew what she was trying to say as she trailed off, all he did was lift his blanket, without a word she crawled in next to him holding him close with a sigh. He pulled her in close and she relaxed, it wasn't even five minutes later that her breathing evened out and she was asleep.

Kissing her forehead Ryan fell asleep too, he didn't catch the small smile that graced her face as he did so.