Tangled in this Love

AN: So, here is the first chapter to my new story. It's part of my little universe. I do hope that you like it. I tried betaing it as much as I could. My betareader is in FL with her boyfriend, so I have to do all things myself. Anyways, I apologize for any mistake found. This is based on Caleb's POV, so it's going to be long. Anyways, enjoy. I promise to post the second chapter soon. Also, I started writing my story about Gianna and Harrison, for those that PM me and want to read this story.

Again

Caleb's POV

"Caleb, you came!" Leslie Brooks squealed, as she opened the screen door and pulled me in to a tight hug. "Wow, you are so elegant. Thank you for coming!" she said, as she pulled away and led me inside.

"I couldn't miss it," I said, swallowing hard and forcing a smile. "I got you and Brady a present."

"I have something even better," she said. "I have a friend that would like to meet you."

"Me?" I asked confused.

"Yes," she nodded and ushered me out to the backyard. "Go ahead. She's in the backyard, on the swing set near the storage hut."

"Who is she?" I asked, turning to face Leslie. She was smiling suspiciously. She motioned me to go and closed the screen door. I turned around to face the big yard and I could hear the muttering from the guests that were inside.

"Oh, sorry, son," Brady said, as he walked inside the house. "She's back inside." He chuckled. "Follow me."

"Who is she?" I asked curiously.

"You'll see," he said.

He pushed me into a small room and I stopped. I could sense her. She stood in front of me, her back facing me. I turned to Brady, but he was heading the opposite direction. Her fresh scent of lemon and strawberries made my heart contrite with tender memories.

It wasn't intentionally that I broke the rules. I knew that she existed. She had been present in my thoughts since that day I met her. Even when I told myself that it would be best to forget her. I still recall that fateful day when I first saw her. She was so tiny and beautiful, so perfect. Her purple pacifier fell on the floor, when I was walking back to the restaurant kitchen to fetch some Iced Tea for a customer. It was strange, how my soul knew that it was her. I felt a force that made me look at the direction. My eyes were fixed on hers. I couldn't stop staring. In that instant, my life became fulfilled. It had a purpose and that purpose sat in front of me. She smiled at me and struggled to get off her booster seat. I didn't pay attention to the sounds that were on the background. All that I cared about was her and my need to protect her.

I carefully leaned over and picked up her pacifier, my eyes still resting on her. She clapped contently in her seat and opened her arms for me. I wanted to shield her from the world, but that was just a fleeting feeling. As soon as I looked at the person that sat beside her, I knew that my chances of getting close to her were obsolete.

"What are you staring at? Are you gonna give her the pacifier or not?" Byron Brooks asked curtly. I nodded and looked down at my hand and stared at the purple pacifier. "Well," he said curtly. "Are you gonna give her the pacifier or do we have to leave the restaurant?"

"No," I said quickly, walking around the table and stopping. "I can go and wash it for her. I don't want her to get sick. I wouldn't want that for her." I said, my eyes fixed on her cute face. "What's her name?" I asked, smiling down at her.

"None of your… oh," he paused, pinching the bridge of his nose and shook his head. "This isn't good, dude. This isn't good." He muttered under his breath and stood up from his chair. "I have to go. Can you get me the check, please?"

"No," I said, raising my voice. "Wait, I'm not your waiter. Don't go so fast," I said pleadingly. "I know that you… you don't get along with my brother. You probably think that I'm like him…." I said, unable to conjure a single proper sentence. I was captivated by the tiny princess that giggled contently and tried to reach out for me. "I don't know what to do. I didn't know that this was going to happen to me."

"Just stay away from her. She's too good for you," he ordered me and I involuntarily stepped away from the table.

"I know," I muttered. "She's the best part of me." I said.

"No," he glowered. "She's nothing to you. Stay away from her," My day darkened and the last thread of hope slowly vanished from my heart when he said those words. "I can't believe this. I have to go and tell my brother. He's gonna be pissed."

"I would like," I began. "I would like to speak to your brother about… um, his daughter and me. I don't want to be away from her. I care for her. She's like a beautiful sister to me-"

"You want, what? You aren't in no position to tell me what to do, you got it?" He interjected furiously. His eyes adverted from me and then to the little girl that sat to his right. "Cal, are you done?"

"Nope," the little girl said nonchalantly, as she licked the ketchup off her French fry. "I still have to finish Sunshine's food." She said, her little face was covered with the red goo and she smiled happily at me. "How are you?" she said in a singsong voice. "I'm Caleigh Brooks. That's my sister,"

"Cal, why did I tell you about talking to strangers?" he scolded her.

"Not to talk to them," she said, pouting. "But he's not a stranger. He is a friend. He's nice." She smiled, tilting her head to me. She looked at my imprint and tapped her shoulder. "She's my little sister, friend."

"Nice to meet you, Caleigh," I said weakly.

She giggled and continued eating her food. My imprint's eyes continued to stare at me. She was smiling the most adorable dimpled smile. "Come 'ere," she managed to say. I forgot about Byron and walked over to her. I leaned closer to her and she motioned me to get closer. I don't know what power possessed me, but I had to do whatever she asked me to. "Coseer," she giggled.

"She said closer," Caleigh interpret for me and sighed. "She can barely speak," she said, shaking her head like an adult.

I leaned closer to my imprint and was surprised when she wrapped her tiny arms around my neck. She hid her face on the crook of my neck and sighed satisfied. It was like she had longed for me. As if our souls had merged together and she knew that I would protect her and keep her safe from harm. I would never be the same again.

"Caleb," One of my coworker called my name, as he approached the table.

"Caybey," My imprint giggled. "Caybey,"

"No, Sunny, it's Caleb," Caleigh corrected her.

"Cay?" she said confused. Her sister Caleigh shook her head and returned to eating her fries.

"I'm sorry, Steve, how can I help you?" I chuckled, as I looked at my imprint making faces at her sister.

"What a pretty baby," he chortled, touching Sunshine's cheek. "I see that you have a new fan," Steve laughed. "I took a picture of them earlier. She didn't even smile at me. Maybe I can take a picture of all of you?" he said, eyeing Byron and then me. "I'll take it for free, because Caleb is my good friend." He said, winking at me.

"Sure," I said, smiling at my little imprint. She pulled away from her hug and kissed my chin tenderly. She poked my face with her index finger and started studying my features. I stroke her hair and kissed her forehead. She smelled like lemons and strawberries, mixed with her natural innocent scent. It was like a comforting pillow where I could rest my weary head. I leaned my forehead to hers and she did too. I looked in to her light brown orbs and smiled contently. Her eyes were a soft shade of brown with honey specks around the iris. I didn't fear anyone or anything when she was beside me.

"Make it fast, I have to go," Byron gritted, interrupting my train of thoughts. "I don't have all day."

"OK, I'll get the camera," Steve said, glaring at Byron. "Dude, give me five minutes," he said, punching my arm. "Don't let the little girl fall." He said cautiously.

"I won't," I said, bouncing Sunshine in my arms.

"Watch out, stupid. You could hurt her." Byron said, as he walked over to where we stood and placed a hand on Sunshine's arm.

"I would never hurt her," I said defensively. It'd never crossed my mind to hurt anyone, not even my imprint. "I would never harm her, Byron." I said, annoyed. "She's my life. You should know…"

"Don't you fucking get smart with me, boy."

"Do you have to use such foul language in front of her? She's just a little girl. She doesn't need to hear you cuss."

"Fuck you," he hissed. "She's my niece and you are nothing to her. Remember your place," he said, snatching her from my arms. Sunshine bottom lip quivered and big fat tears fell down her face. She reached out for me, but her uncle kept her away from me.

"Cay," she sobbed, wriggling in her uncle's arms. I felt my heart breaking with every sob that escaped her lips. It was inhumane to cause an angel so much pain.

"Please," I whispered my heart shattering with her cries. "Can I carry her? I can calm he-"

"Ready?" Steve said from behind me. "I got the camera ready." He said, winking at Caleigh. She nodded happily and hopped on the same spot. "You like my digital camera?" he asked her. She nodded and stood beside me. "Ok, I'm going to take a picture."

"Sure, make it fast." Byron said, turning to get Caleigh. He narrowed his eyes and motioned his niece to his side. Caleigh obeyed and slumped her shoulders, as she walked over to him. "Caleigh, smile, so we can get out of here."

"I can't take the picture," Steve said, shaking his head. "The little baby girl is sad and the picture won't come out nice. Can you hand her to him? Cale is great with babies." He said, smiling impishly at me. I silently thanked him when Byron reluctantly handed me my angel. "See, she already stopped crying. Cale, you are a genius!" he said exaggerating.

"Hurry the fuck up,"

"And you kiss your mother with that mouth?" Steve said, arching an eyebrow with annoyance. "Fine, whatever, on the count of three." He said, getting behind the lens. "One, two, three," The flash caught me off guard and Sunshine's tight hug was a surprise too. She peppered my face with tender kisses. I felt content. It'd been long since I felt so complete. She accepted me unconditionally. I wasn't a loser in her eyes. I wanted to triumph in life, because I wanted her to be proud of me.

"Let's go, Sunny," Byron said, prying her from my arms.

"No!" she squealed. "No quiero! Uncke By, no!"

I felt like someone ripped my heart out of my chest. I watched them, unable to do anything to secure a smile from her lips.

"She said 'I don't want to', in Spanish," Caleigh whispered, as she tugged the leg of my pant and hugged my leg. "I'll see you soon."

"Bye," I said dejectedly, as I watched her run to her uncle. They left the restaurant, leaving me broken and hurting for my imprint. I could see them from the restaurant's windows. Sunshine had felt the pull that my soul made to her and couldn't stand the separation that was forced upon us. She was bawling and crying her little eyes. I wanted to run out of the restaurant and follow after them. I had to know that she would be fine.

"What the hell is wrong with that idiot, Cale?" Steve asked me, shaking his head.

"I don't know," I lied and went back to work.

I thought about my imprint and decided that when I was done with my duties at work, I would stop by Leah's house. If someone would understand, I knew that it would be her. I needed her to know that I'd imprinted on her youngest daughter and wanted to be part of her life. I was anxious and excited, because I would see her again. I had a different outlook on life, thanks to my Sunshine. I was finally going to have a better future.

But shit constantly happened in my life. I was constantly being butt-fucked by destiny. I wasn't planned and I definitely didn't have the best parents in the world. My dad was a great man, constantly working and barely spent time at home. He loved us, I knew that he did, but our monetary situation wasn't the best. Mom, well, let's say that her world revolved around my brother Emerson. And that left me outside the loop. My brother was their first son and he still required a lot of attention. He was disrespectful, conniving and just an ass. I know that it isn't polite to talk about your siblings, but damn it, he didn't see how great his life was. All he did was complaint. My parents doted on him and casted me aside.

"You are a good boy, Caleb," Dad would often say and pat my shoulder, before he went back in to the house.

If they only knew how desperately I needed their attention. I was silently crying for crumbs of their love. I went to school and got straight A's. I didn't smoke, drink or do any drugs, but that wasn't enough for them. I couldn't act out, because then Mom would say that I was selfish. They were always telling me that they loved Emerson and I the same, but it didn't look the same way to me.

After many forgotten birthdays, I gave up on the idea of becoming the perfect son. I got tired of waiting for my parents to look at me. I was aware that Emerson Call was their favorite son. He was the one that was so fucked up, that needed the most attention.

"His imprint doesn't love him," Mom always said. "You need to be grateful that shit like this doesn't happen to you. You are a healthy, strong boy and you don't need the extra attention that we have to give Emy." She sighed and then submerged herself in her drinking habits.

I would nod and go in to my room and sulk for hours. I did need attention too. Whenever I needed to talk to my father, he was too busy giving Emerson advice. I also needed his expertise in life. There was never time for me… and if there was time for me available, it was to give me a sermon about how much my brother Emerson needed all of their love and time.

If I ever acted out to get their attention, then I was a bad brother. Because, apparently, Emerson needed them more than me. Honestly, I was excluded from my brother's life. I was never closed to him. We never had a chance to bond. I knew that he was a mess and sometimes, I wish that I had helped my brother, but the difference in age was big. We had nothing in common, only our parents and last names.

Emerson was fucked up beyond reasons. He did drugs and there were times, that I would come home and find him stewing in his own vomit. I pitied him. His own imprint didn't accept him. She didn't want him around her. He tried hard to be what she wanted, but all she wanted was Byron Brooks. The mere mention of his name angered me.

"Ugh!" I shouted, as I walked out of the restaurant and into the parking lot. I'd parked my motorcycle at the far end. "I hate my life." I shouted, kicking a pebble that I crossed in my path to my motorcycle. I put on my helmet and got on the bike. I peeled out of the parking lot at top speed. I had to clear my head.

I tried hard to think of something else, but misery loves company. I thought of my brother. I wondered what I would find the moment that I stepped into the house. Would he be drunk? Wasted beyond his control?

I didn't know how Emerson slowly fell into the pits of darkness. Didn't he have any self pride? I knew that imprinting was everything, but, why couldn't he be happy with having Marie Black as his friend? She asked him many times if they could be friends, but he never accepted it. It was his way or nothing else. He became bitter afterwards and slowly drifted away from us. He was rude all the time and would curse at our mother whenever she told him how useless Marie Black was. Little did I know that the same day I'd imprinted, my brother would fight Byron and they would both die.

I remember the day of Emerson's burial. It'd been another rainy day in La Push. The sky was filled with gray clouds and the funeral service had been too suffocating for me. I had to get out of this place. I had to run away from my house. I wanted to find a place where I could find peace, because I was falling down a pit of suffering. Deep down, I wanted someone to find me and take me away from this misery. How wrong was I? I was ten miles away from home and no one cared enough to come and get me. I wandered through the woods, alone, desperate for someone to have compassion of me, but there was no one. Or so I thought.

I was drifting into a vortex of depression. It'd been four days since I'd seen my little imprint. I missed her. I thought of her smile and my suffering slowly eased. At least, I had her.

"Cay," A distant voice said. I looked around and found her running towards me. I blinked hard, because this was too much for me to bear. I'd been thinking of her. I suddenly felt the pull beckoning me to her. She was wearing a purple and pink rain coat with little flower pattern rain boots that were a size too big for her. She ran into my arms and I gently scooped her up. I inhaled her soft scent. I needed to memorize the way her tiny arms felt when she hugged me. I was proud of her. She was like a precious little sister to me. I needed to protect her from everything. I was angry, because they'd not been paying attention to her. She'd wandered alone in to the woods. I immediately got into protector mode and held her tightly in my arms.

"Sunshine," I whispered in to her hair. She felt so delicate in my arms. I don't know how it was possible, but the sky wasn't gloomy anymore. The sun peeked out of the clouds and the rain ceased to fall. "Oh, Sunny, my girl. What are you doing alone? It's dangerous." I asked her, as I slowly pulled away from our hug. She shrugged and pulled her purple and pink pacifier out of her raincoat pocket. She handed it to me and I reluctantly took it. "Are you giving me this?" I asked confused. She shook her head and smiled impishly, snatching the pacifier out of my hands. She shoved it in her mouth and motioned me to put her down.

"Bye," she giggled and began to run away. I ran after her, making sure that she was safe. We ran for a few yards, when I stopped on my tracks. I hadn't noticed that I was near the northern side of the cemetery.

"What are you doing here?" Benedict Brooks asked me, as he scooped his daughter in his arms. "Why is she with you?" Sunshine stared sadly at me, as if she knew that the worst day of my life, would suddenly befall on me.

"I was walking and found Sunshine running in the woods," I said, looking down at the floor. I had only phased a few months ago. "I needed to protect her."

"No," he sneered. "You probably came to laugh at us. You are glad that my brother is dead, aren't you? You were there the day my brother died. You could've stopped them!"

"No, I couldn't," I said sincerely. "I never wanted your brother or mine to die. It was a stupid way to die. They could've talked, but they were too full of themselves to reach a middle ground."

"You are just like him," he glowered. "Who the fuck gives you the right to speak of my brother like that? Get out of here," he shouted, his voice echoing in the distance. "Get out of my presence and don't ever cross my path. You aren't welcome anywhere my family is."

"I can't," I said, shaking my head. I pointed at Sunshine and she looked at me. "She's my imprint. I can't be away from her. How would you feel if you aren't with Leah?"

"You… you… fuck… you imprinted on my daughter?" he stuttered, slowly placing Sunshine on the floor. "Go with Mama," he ordered Sunshine.

She shook her head and walked towards me. "No," she said, shaking her head.

"Don't you dare touch her," he whispered angrily. "You have three seconds to get away from my face. I swear that I'll kill you if you ever mention that she's your imprint again. My daughter can't be with a Call. Your brother took my best friend away from him. How can I look at you, when every time I see you… I see your brother. I'm burying my brother and the wound is still too fresh. I'll-" he paused, his voice trembling.

"I can't stay away from her," I said honestly. "I rather die than live without her,"

"Then die," he groaned. "Die and disappear from this world. You are as worthless as your brother." He said, as tears fell down his face. "I hope that you die!"

He walked back to where his daughter stood and carried her off. Sunshine began to cry, her arms flailing, as she begged me with her eyes to take her away.

"Cay!" she wailed loudly. "Cay, please,"

I wanted to run to her, but what could I do. I was only sixteen years old. I didn't know anything. I was desperate. I didn't have any real friends in the pack, because my mother's gossiping and my brother's destructive ways had alienated everyone we once cared about. I had no one; I was just a body that occupied space. I was empty, destroyed and now, nothing would ever made sense, because they took the only good thing from my life; my imprint.

"I'm sorry," I said, swallowing the lump in my throat, as I raised my hand, hoping that I would feel a warm hand guiding me in this wretched life.

The next day, I forced myself out of bed. I packed my belongings and didn't even bother saying goodbye to my parents. I would let them know later, it's not like they would miss me. They were grieving and mourning for Emerson, their true son. My absence wouldn't be felt... it was truly useless. I put my duffle bags in the passenger seat and placed my motorcycle on the bed of my brother's truck and drove down the street. I stopped to fill the tank with gas and went on my way to my new life. I drove around, not knowing where I truly wanted to go. I was so deep in thought that I didn't notice that I was driving up Brady and Leslie Brooks' driveway. I looked ahead and found him sitting outside on his porch, rocking softly, as he clutched at a piece of cloth that apparently held a lot of value to him.

I ran my hand over my face and cursed my luck. I'd struggled to get out of the car; there were things that I had to say to him. If he was like his son, I would only expect the worst. I swallowed hard and forced myself to walk over to his house. The first thing I thought that he would do was insult me. But he surprised me, when he motioned me to sit beside him.

I reluctantly agreed. Why the hell was I here? "I heard that you imprinted on my little Sunny." He laughed wearily. I nodded and looked at my brother's truck. "I know that you'll be a good boy to her."

"That's not what your son thinks," I sighed and leaned back on the rocking chair. "I can't be around my imprint, Mr. Brooks. How am I supposed to survive? I don't want to end up like my brother."

"You won't." he said reassuringly. "You are stronger than Emerson. You also have to understand my son," he said knowingly. "He lost his brother and seeing your face reminds him of your brother. I don't condone what he's doing… it's not fair to judge you for the mistakes of your brother. I don't like his attitude, blaming my son's death on you; it's not what a man would do. But, I can't do anything regarding Sunshine. She's his daughter. I wish that he would let go of all that anger and hatred… but, he's a stubborn kid. I'm sorry that I can't help you on that matter."

"It's alright," I said, sighing. "It's nothing new for me. I'm use to being treated this way."

"You don't deserve to be treated that way either. You are a great young man, the opposite of Emerson," he said, shaking his head. "Your brother and my son were fools. There were different ways to solve their problems. It's not fair that you have to carry the burdens and sins of your brother's mistakes."

"It's alright. I won't complaint, though. I have a beautiful imprint. She makes everything worth it. I know that I won't get to see her grow… that's kinda painful, but, she'll be alright. She won't remember me in the future, so I know that she won't suffer. She's too good for me, anyway. I might've fucked up her future and caused her pain." I said, pressing my hands together and looking at the beautiful horizon ahead of me. I sat closer to the edge of my seat and thought of how much it was hurting me being away from my imprint. "I can take it. I have to try at least… I just have to get away from here… from La Push and all this shit that seems to tie me down." I got up and paced around the length of his porch. I noticed Mr. Brooks' eyes following me. There was a knowing smile on his lips. "Mr. Brooks, can I ask you a favor?"

"Of course," he said, nodding. "If I can help you in anything, let me know. It's the least that I can do,"

I smiled thankful and stopped pacing. "I have something for you. It's not much, but it is the most precious thing I possess,"

"For me?" He asked surprised.

"Yeah," I nodded, smiling forlornly, as I looked down at Brady Brooks. I reached for my wallet and pulled out a copy of the picture that Steve had taken the previous day. It was my only valuable object that I owned. I clutched it tightly and felt the tears sting the back of my eyes, but I wasn't going to cry. I gave the picture one last look and felt my heart shattering in all directions of the world. My imprint's innocent smile was engraved in my soul. I would never truly forget her. I had to move on and continue leaving the life that had been set for me. "This is for you. It's a picture of your son and your granddaughters. It was taken on the morning before, um, well, you know." I said, handing him the picture. He nodded and frowned sadly.

"You are a good boy, Caleb," he muttered sadly under his breath. "Don't let this be a dead-end in your life."

"Sir, I don't mean to be disrespectful," I paused. "I don't want to talk about it."

"Just know that if you want to talk about anything," he laughed, inspecting the picture. "You can count on me. Here," he said, standing up from his seat and reached for his wallet. He pulled out a business card and handed it to me. "I'll be available for you. If you need anything… let me know."

"Sir," I said confused.

"Don't worry about a thing," Brady said and sat back down. "So, you are also in the picture?"

"I'm also in it." I chuckled. "I hope that you don't get angry because of that."

"I won't get angry," he said, his eyes scrutinizing me. "I'm glad that you are in the picture. One day, I can show this picture to Sunny and she'll know that you were in her life."

"Please, don't," I said despondently.

"You don't need the picture?"

"No, old man, I don't need it."

"Why?" he asked, arching his brow. "You'll need the strength, this picture can provide it."

I shook my head and sat back down. "I've decided to move on without my imprint. She won't need me now. Maybe… who knows? In the future… perhaps, she'll know that I wanted to be there for her,"

"She'll know,"

"Don't interfere, Mr. Brooks,"

"I can't promise you anything," he said with a straight face. "By the way, have you eaten?"

"No," I said honestly, placing my hand on my stomach. "You heard it growl?" I asked, smiling at him. Brady nodded and stood up from his seat and walked towards the screen door.

"Are you staying out here?"

"Um,"

"Get your ass in here," he chuckled. I followed after him, inside the house that still held a bit of my imprint's scent. I smiled, when I saw the pictures posted on the wall. I saw Sunshine, looking as adorable as ever.

"She's a sweet child," Mrs. Brooks said proudly. "This one is when she was one year old. She has such a beautiful smile and is such a good girl." She said. "It's been long, Caleb." She said, linking her arm with mine and together we walked to the kitchen. I felt strange. I was expecting them to mistreat me and curse at me for what Emerson had done, but I got the opposite. Why couldn't I have been born to a kindhearted family like the Brooks?

"Mrs. Brooks," I said, stopping in front of the dining table.

"Hush, son, you are staying for dinner," she said, shaking her head and placing a gentle hand on my arm. "I can hear your stomach growling. When was the last time that you ate?"

"Um, I don't remember,"

"Sit," Brady said, pointing at the seat across from his. "What are we eating, Leslie?"

"We are eating Puerto Rican food."

"Puerto Rican food?" I asked curious.

"Yes," she nodded. "I'm Puerto Rican and Quileute. I thought my sons Spanish and Benedict is teaching his daughters."

"Oh, OK, no wonder. When I met Sunshine, she spoke Spanish. Caleigh interpreted." I said wryly.

"It's alright, son," Leslie said. "Right now, the sun seems to be hiding behind thick dark clouds… just have faith that the breeze will blow away the clouds and you'll see a clear day again."

"I wish," I muttered.

"Have faith," she grinned. "Yes, Sunshine is still a little girl. But you don't know how fast the Brooks' kids grow. She'll be a young lady pretty soon and her parents can't keep her away from you."

"I don't want to cause you any problem," I said, watching as Leslie walked to the kitchen to grab the food.

"Nonsense, Caleb," Brady said. "Just enjoy the dinner my wife made." He chortled and motioned me to sit.

I asked if she needed any help serving, but she shook her head and told me to get out of her kitchen. She served us white rice and black beans with grilled chicken and salad, with homemade orange juice. I'd never eaten such a delicious food. I was a wolf, so I ate a lot. We ate in a comfortable ambience, as we talked about trivial things. I was finally satiated after my third plate. It was Brady's turn to clean the table and put away the dishes. I helped him and the morning turned into afternoon. I don't know how long I stayed. I felt like I'd belonged in this home.

"Thanks for the help," Brady said, patting my shoulder kindly, when I put the last dish in the cupboard.

"It's the least I can do, old man." I said, patting his shoulder.

He nodded and turned to face the kitchen window and sighed. "Why don't you stay in our house?"

"I can't do that,"

"Yes, you can," he said annoyed. "You can stay and Leslie and I can care for you. Embry won't mind."

"If Benedict finds out," I paused and shook my head. "He'll have my head and yours."

"He's my son and he'll deal with it. This is my house, not his. I can invite anyone that I want." he said solemnly.

"Thanks, Mr. Brooks, but I have to get going," I said, extending my hand for him to shake. "Thank you for being so kind to me."

"It's nothing," he said, squeezing my hand. "You are always welcome in my home,"

"Thanks," I said, taking a step back. "I should get going. I promise to give you a call every now and then."

"You will?"

"Yeah, if you want me to, of course," I said nervously.

He looked pensive and leaned against the counter. "I would like that very much. I have a question for you,"

"Ask it, old man,"

"What are your plans?" he asked curiously.

"I'm going to go to my aunt's house for a while, until I can get a job.

"Which aunt?"

"Aunt Heather," I said, raking my fingers through my hair. "She lives in the Makah reservation."

"Are you planning on finishing high school?"

"I don't know,"

"Finish it," he said sternly. "Go to college and get an education. What grade are you in?"

"Junior year in high school, why?"

"Good, study hard and get good grades."

"I have good grades," I shrugged.

"Continue getting good grades. You can go to college, too."

"I don't have any money to pay for college. Tuitions are expensive and I can't stay at my aunt's house forever. I'll have to work and pay bills, Mr. Brooks."

"Don't worry about that for now,"

"I have to, Mr. Brooks. From now on, I have to look out for myself." I said confused. "I should get going now." I said, walking towards their living room. "Thanks again for the food."

"Wait," he said, halting me on my tracks. "I know that you are confused son, but, I can help you. It's the least I can do."

"Why would you want to help me? I'm the brother of the guy that killed your son,"

"You are Caleb Call," he paused and smiled. "Don't forget who you are. Your destiny is different. Take advantage of this old man's wisdom. Don't let this moment define you, got it."

"Thanks," I muttered and exited the house. I walked over to the front steps and halted. "Mr. Brooks, I wish you the best. I know that nothing I say can bring your son back, but I wish I had done something that night to prevent this tragedy."

"I know," he said, smiling dejected. "Where are you going now?" he asked, stepping out of the screen door.

"To my Aunt's house in the Makah Rez," I said, walking down the front porch steps. I spun around and found Mrs. Brooks staring out the screen door. I waved at her and she looked down at her joint hands and slowly waved back.

"To the Makah reservation you said, right?" he asked nonchalantly.

"Yes, sir,"

"Good luck, son. I wish you the best. Remember to study hard. And don't worry about college. I'll cover your expenses." He said casually.

"I can't let you do that, Mr. Brooks," I said alarmed.

"I told you not to worry about it. I'll go visit you at your Aunt's house. Don't forget to call me tomorrow to give me the address."

"Sir,"

"We'll go visit you this Friday." He chuckled. "I want to know that you are well taken care of, son. If your aunt isn't treating you kindly, I'll haul your ass back here. Got it?"

I nodded and smiled gratefully. "Thanks for caring," I mumbled, heading back to my truck. I opened the driver's side door and climbed in. This was it. My last day in La Push. I waved at them and drove away.

On my drive to the Makah Reservation, I promised to push Sunshine's memories to the deepest part of my heart. I wasn't going to suffer like my brother did for his imprint. I knew that she wasn't at fault. She was better off without me. I was sure of it. I had promised myself that I would forget her, no matter the consequences. I was going to become someone else. I wasn't going to be a weakling anymore. I was better than Emerson Call. I was going to prove to Benedict, my parents and everyone else, that I was going to triumph. I wasn't going to let a stupid thing like a bond between my imprint and I hold me back. I was going to live a better life. I don't know how I was going to do it, but I had to try it. I had to do this for myself… I had to live for me.

The following Friday, Brady and Leslie Brooks came to visit me at my aunt's house in the reservation. My aunt treated me kindly. She was like the mother I didn't have. I was thankful for her attention and hospitality. The Brooks continued to visit me every Friday, until I graduated high school. Brady Brooks kept his promise of paying for my college tuition. Even when I was away in college in Chicago, Leslie and Brady would take the time to call and visit me on campus. I was indebted to them. I became a stock analyst, making a small fortune of my own. I sighed sadly, because those three, my aunt Heather, Leslie and Brady, cared more for me than my own parents.

It had been exactly twelve years, since I left La Push and everything behind, when I got an invitation to join Leslie and Brady in their 36th anniversary celebration. I didn't want to go, but they had been so kind to me. How could I deny them that simple favor? I packed enough clothes for the long weekend and drove to O'Hare Airport. Eight hours later, I was in Washington, renting a car and driving to La Push. I inhaled deeply, when I reached the sign that said Welcome to La Push. This was it; there was no turning back for me.

Now I stood in front of her, questioning my moves and what I would do next.