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FIVE; MOVING IN

"WELCOME, GIRLS," Billy Black greeted as he opened the door of his home. Jasmine and Amelie stepped inside, both wearing hesitant expressions. Jasmine could hear the faint chatter coming from the backyard of the Black home, and she was wondering what they had been discussing.

After much debate over what Amelie and Jasmine would decide, Harry settled the arguments by formulating a gathering at the Black house with the council. Most people had offered to take Amelie in, despite the girl's clear disagreement after feeling like such a burden.

"Everyone's out in the backyard. Sue and Emily made lunch," Billy informed, smiling.

Jasmine nodded. "Thank you, Billy."

Jasmine felt slightly empty without Leah by her side, who refused to attend because of Emily's presence. She knew Sam would also be there, and Leah didn't think her heart could handle the sight of her cousin and ex-boyfriend sharing a love she used to have.

Cheers and applause ensued when Jasmine and Amelie finally made it outside. Everyone had been awaiting for their arrival, and it made Amelie even more nervous for the upcoming discussion.

Amelie was immediately surrounded by members of the council, but Jasmine was approached by Emily first.

The girl was smiling and Jasmine couldn't bear to stare at her for long without glancing at the scars running down her face. "Hey, Jas. I wanted to thank you for your RSVP to the wedding."

She simply nodded. "I didn't want to cause any trouble. I know you and Sam are happy."

"We are," Emily assured.

Sam came up to the two, looking a little stern. He understood that Leah and Jasmine both gave Emily the cold shoulder after she began to date Sam, and he knew that it troubled Emily greatly. "Hi, Jasmine. How are you?"

Jasmine remembered that one of the people who volunteered to take Amelie in was Sam, and she was hoping that her sister wouldn't have to move into Emily's house. She knew Emily would be a wonderful caretaker, but she was still leery of Sam's true intentions.

"Getting better," she answered.

"Jasmine," Harry called, motioning to the plastic chair beside him. "Come sit so we can begin."

She side-stepped Sam and Emily to join Harry. Everyone began taking their seats, and Amelie sat beside her sister, gripping her hand for support. They exchanged a glance, knowing that this meeting would decide Amelie's future.

Jasmine could feel another pair of eyes staring at the side of her face, and when she looked over, she was caught by the burning gaze of Seth. Jasmine offered him a soft smile, and his grin grew wider.

"Alright, everyone," Harry started with a loud voice. The talking began to die down as every eye turned to him. "I think we all know why we're here today. An innocent girl is forced to come to terms with a new living situation because her mother was incapable of following her civil duties as her guardian. We need to decide where Amelie is going to stay before she goes off to college because her and her sister cannot come to terms with a solid agreement."

Amelie knew everyone was stealing glances at the healing bruises littered across her face. She refused to cover them up because she was a survivor, and she wasn't afraid of people knowing anymore.

"Well, almost everyone here has agreed to be your guardian, Amelie," Billy nodded. His son, Jacob, was seated next to him. "All of us have enough funds to house another daughter."

Sam raised his hand. "If I may suggest, I think Emily and I are the best case scenario for Amelie. We've recently begun to live on our own in Emily's house and we can provide Amelie with a good life."

Sam saw Amelie's situation as an opportunity to make amends. He knew that Emily was in desperate need of a friend right now, especially since Leah agreed to attend the wedding but still refused to answer any of her calls.

"We wouldn't mind giving Amelie a home either," Billy spoke up. Amelie understood that Billy was upset about his two other daughters not visiting La Push as much as they used to.

"Us as well," Tiffany Call spoke up, her son, Embry, nodding in agreement beside her.

Joy Ateara gave a small hum of agreement alongside her son, Quil.

Harry looked to the two girls. "Well, this is where we approach the dilemma. I understand everyone is willing and capable to take care of Amelie, but she can only be in one house."

Emily raised her hand. "With all due respect, Sam and I are the only ones without another child living underneath our roof. We're very stable when it comes to money, and there's a guest room in my house that's never been used."

Amelie and Jasmine exchanged looks. Everyone was silent, waiting for their final decision. "Can I have a moment alone with my sister?" Jasmine asked. Harry nodded in agreement, and the two Jones girls excused themselves inside.

Jasmine gave her sister a thoughtful gaze. "I don't know if living with Sam and Emily is what's best for you."

Amelie shrugged. "I don't know either, but they're right — they're the only ones out there who don't already have responsibilities tied to another kid. I'm trying not to become a burden for anyone, and Sam and Emily look like the best choice right now."

Jasmine pinched the bridge of her nose. "Do you know them well enough to trust them?"

"I barely know anyone out there," Amelie responded. "Jacob Black, Quil Ateara, Embry Call — they're all strangers. But I know that you used to trust Emily, and you got to know her before she started dating Sam. I trust you."

Jasmine nodded. "If it's what you think is best, then we'll follow through with it. Are you absolutely sure?"

Amelie released a deep sigh. "I'm going to have to be."

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"You're letting her live with them?" Leah exclaimed, her voice booming throughout the small house.

"Leah," Sue gave her a stern look. "This was Amelie's decision, and we support her through and through. I know this is going to be difficult-"

"Difficult?" She scoffed. "No, you know what's difficult? Attending the wedding of your cousin and ex-boyfriend as a bridesmaid. Or watching everyone begin supporting the relationship that ruined your own. That's difficult, mom. But allowing a close friend of mine live with them and watch them become her legal guardians? I can't allow it!"

"You can and you will, Leah," Harry spoke. "This isn't about you — this is about what's best for Amelie."

They heard approaching footsteps and again, Leah was silenced. Amelie came around the corner with her bags. Jasmine was assisting her, and Seth was assisting Jasmine.

"You all ready?" Sue asked with a smile.

Leah pursed her lips and sat on the couch, not saying another word. Amelie nodded and the group began to herd out of the door. Jasmine passed by her best friend, and placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. Leah shot her a small smile.

"You're still staying with us, right?" Seth asked Jasmine when they exited the Clearwater home.

"Yeah, just until I leave for college," Jasmine grinned. "I don't think Leah would enjoy it very much if I was hanging out with Sam and Emily too."

They all piled into the car and took off to Emily's. Jasmine could tell her sister was nervous since Amelie was practically bouncing in her seat with anticipation. Jasmine calmed her by laying a hand on her knee, putting her to rest.

"There's nothing to be scared about," Jasmine assured. "Emily will take care of you just fine."

Jasmine always knew Emily was destined to be a mother. There were some women who just had it coursing through their blood, and Emily was one of those girls who people knew would raise a brilliant child. Although Amelie was well grown, Jasmine knew her sister would be in safe hands with the gentle woman who loved to cook and take care of others.

"She's right, Amelie," Sue repeated from the front seat. "And if you have any troubles, you know you can always come to us."

Meanwhile, Seth was struggling to grab ahold of himself since he was sitting right next to his crush. Jasmine would casually adjust her posture every few minutes and her arm would brush against Seth's, sending his mind into a frenzy. He couldn't help acting so childish around Jasmine — she always made his heart beat faster and his palms turn clammy.

After a short ride, they pulled up to the small home. Sam and Emily were eagerly waiting outside, a plate of cookies resting in Emily's hands.

"Ready?" Jasmine asked Amelie, squeezing her forearm gently.

The girl took a deep breath and nodded. "Ready."

"Welcome!" Sam's voice boomed.

There was still small tension between Sam and the Clearwater family pertaining to Leah. Sue understood the reasons behind Sam and Emily's relationship, but the motherly instinct inside of her was on Leah's side. Harry was the most accepting of the relationship, even though it scarred his eldest child. Seth was probably the most affected besides Leah — he used to look up to Sam and name him as a significant role model. To witness Sam's betrayal changed the relationship drastically.

Sue offered a slight nod as Harry and Seth brought down Amelie's bags from the trunk.

Emily invited the family inside to clear some of the awkward moments. Emily was practically bouncing off the walls from excitement, eager to finally have another friend. Sam was happy from seeing his fianceé happy.

"We're ecstatic to have you here, Amelie," the woman began. "First, I'd like to ask what you want for dinner."

"Um," Amelie said, scratching the back of her neck uncomfortably. "I haven't had a homemade dinner in a while. I usually just eat takeout, unless you can amount up to Sue's cooking."

"I don't think anyone can ever amount up to Sue's cooking," Emily laughed. She was clearly the only person in the room who was happy from the whole ordeal. Amelie was grateful for their help, but their situation made it unbearable with the Clearwaters.

"I think we'll head out," Harry cleared his threat, sensing his wife's silent signals. "Will you be okay, Amelie?"

"Yes," the girl nodded. "I'll be fine. Thank you."

Jasmine kissed her sister on the cheek and gave her a few words of wisdom before departing. Amelie could faintly hear Seth excitedly asking Jasmine questions as they exited through the screen door.

"So, Amelie," Sam cleared his throat when their new guest took a seat at the table. "Enlighten us on your school life. Do you have any extracurricular activities after school?"

Amelie thought back to her months in high school, where Eli stalked every corner of her mind and never left any room for anything else. Now that she's forced to mull over it, she realized she never had any real friends at school except for her sister. The simple reminder saddened her.

"Not really. I didn't realize how out of the loop I had been," she whispered.

Emily saw the sudden shift in Amelie's mood and smacked Sam over the head for asking the depressing question. "Well, I'm sure you'll become involved soon," Emily spoke. "And if you're ever bored, I could teach you how to cook. I have amazing recipes that I'd love to teach you."

Amelie gave a genuine smile. "That would be great."

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The guest room in Emily's house was small but beautiful. Emily had bought a new duvet for Amelie's arrival and decorated the room with small generic pictures and strung lights. Amelie appreciated the effort as she set her luggage down on the bed.

However, the walls in Emily's house weren't soundproof, and Amelie could hear the small conversation her and Sam were having from the next room over.

"I don't know, Sam. I love having her here but we never really factored in the aspect of you patrolling and shifting. What if the enemy crosses the land and you have to leave abruptly? She's going to ask questions once things get suspicious."

"Don't worry about it," Sam said, brushing her off. "Look, if I can keep the secret from the rest of La Push, I can keep it from Amelie."

"And what about Paul or Jared?"

"I've already given them the alpha's order. Just relax, Emily. I can tell that Amelie's arrival has lifted your spirits and that's all you should be focusing on."

Amelie was suddenly intrigued by the idea of Sam and Emily harboring a secret from her. It made her a little uneasy, but she tried to give them the benefit of the doubt by placing faith in the two of them.

She couldn't sleep that night. It definitely wasn't from lack of food — Emily had fed her like she had never eaten before. However, Amelie still tossed and turned in the new bed.

She heard a rustle coming from outside and grew suspicious. She padded over to the window to inspect the situation, and frowned when she saw a half-naked Sam standing outside. He was talking to another boy she recognized as Paul Lahote.

She watched the two converse for a little before they suddenly became serious. Amelie tilted her head in wonder, silently questioning why they were behaving so weirdly.

Then, Sam and Paul were no longer human, but giant wolves.

amelie knows!!