Chapter 185

• When the time comes for the caskets to descend, I don't even hesitate as I step forward and pay my final respects with Edward by my side. Likewise, when some of the men are supposed to begin shoveling the large pile of dirt next to the two graves, I don't even think twice when I leave the safety and comfort of Edward's arms and call upon the earth to do my bidding. The Earth immediately responds to my command and begins to cover my grandparents' caskets and fill those two deep graves. My reaction feels like the most natural thing in the world. This, using my gifts as a witch to help my family, is my responsibility. It's my duty to help the Pack in any way that I can.
• Wanting everything to be perfect for Nanna and Pop, I spend some extra time and coax the grass to grow faster and prepare the seeds of some wildflowers that will sprout up in just a few days over these newly covered, adjacent graves. The extra attention and connection to the Earth in this area makes me certain that my grandparents' have successfully been put to rest. This beautiful spot is exactly where they were meant to be and it gives me an incredible sense of peace.
• When I finally turn around I see that the crowd has been dissolved and most of my family has begun to move towards the changing areas down at the barn. My eyes immediately search out Edward and it doesn't take me long to find him about a stone toss away talking to Alice and Jasper. They look as though they are in deep conversation so I quickly avert my gaze. I still don't feel ready to meet any one of Edward's sisters and I'll gladly put it off for as long as I can. Soon, my perusing eyes lock onto a lonely figure of a very familiar female whose unresponsive eyes appear to be transfixed by the heart shaped headstone belonging to our grandparents. Leah. She doesn't appear to have moved even an inch from her spot at the foot of the two graves where our entire family gathered after we paid our final respects. She's standing there alone now as though she's frozen, her face is completely blank and unresponsive, but I can sense that there is a storm brewing inside of her, just below the surface.