Chapter 1:

Just Plain Confused

"Claire, stop fidgeting, you look great," replied my aunt Emily. She looked at me in her rearview mirror and noticed that I was attempting (and failing) to straighten the wild curls that were piled on top of my head.

"…Well, you wouldn't be so happy if you were in my position," I mumbled as I made a futile attempt to drag my skirt down. Of course, it rose back up. "Emily, I don't think these clothes are very appropriate. If you didn't want any sort of fabric to cover my legs you should've just made me walk in my underwear," I grumbled.

Emily sighed and just gave me a quick glare in her mirror. I just rolled my eyes. I heard giggles next to me and I glared at Kim and Rachel.

"Come on, Claire. It's not the end of the world. Plus, Quil won't stop looking at you. You're looking hot tonight," reasoned Kim. Kim turned to Rachel who wiggled her eyebrows and they both laughed.

"I really can't believe that I agreed to this," I said as I turned my attention to my window. Emily, Rachel, and Kim both begged to give me a "make-over" (which I personally didn't think I needed) so I would look "hot" tonight. I really was not that kind of person and now (since I agreed) I was in uncomfortably revealing clothing and I had tons of curls piled on my head. I looked like a lion. A very unattractive lion.

Emily pulled her Jeep into park and Emily, Rachel, and Kim got out. I hesitated. I really didn't want to go out in public wearing this way too short skirt and… showy top that showed a lot in the top area.

I wouldn't say that I had an ugly body, I was pretty fit, but I did not have the curves my sister had or the chest to fill up her clothes. I had brown eyes, tan skin, freckles, and long black straight hair. Simple as that. I honestly thought that I looked pretty average, but whenever I was with Quil he made me feel like I was the most beautiful girl in the world. But, I knew that that wasn't true.

"Claire. You. Are. Coming. With. Us." I locked my hands on the door. They would have to force me out of the car… and of course, they did.

I felt someone grab my legs, and someone else grab my waist. I held on to the door with all my might. "No! I'm not going with you guys. I like it in the car. I should just stay here. Run along now," I screamed. I knew I wasn't going to win this fight. "No!" I screamed again. I heard Kim and Rachel giggling and I knew what was going to happen next.

The next thing I knew, I felt hands poking at my sides and I let go of the door. I was a very ticklish person, and I immediately felt like I wanted to die when I had three people tickling me. I shrieked out. I couldn't take it anymore. "Okay! Okay! Put me down," I screamed. I felt Rachel and Kim put me on the ground. I got up, dusted myself off and grumbled, "I hate you guys."

"Umm… is there something going on here, ladies?" I heard a familiar voice chuckle. I turned around to see Quil, Embry, and Jared looking at us with amused faces. I know it was a total exaggeration to say that I looked like a tomato, but at that moment I seriously did. I felt the blood beat to my cheeks and I new my new tan was not covering it up very well. I looked down at my feet.

There was a silence as Rachel, Kim, and Emily went with Jared and Embry to the bonfire. Every couple weeks the pack would hold a bonfire on the beach, down here in La Push, Washington. Today happened to be a nice day and it was actually kind of warm, which was definitely unusual here. It was actually starting to feel like summer instead of mud season where the rain fell constantly.

When I looked up, thinking I was alone, I saw Quil. He gave me a weird look, almost like he had seen God or the Wizard of Oz. I blushed and managed to give a little, "Hi, Quil."

He snapped out of whatever thoughts he was in and gave me the goofiest look that he always reserved for me. It was the grin that I loved most. His smile grew and I saw his cute dimples. It reminded me of why I was completely in love with him.

Quil had always been my best friend, taking care of me ever since I was two. He always watched over my sister, Nikki, and me. Only a couple years ago, back when I was about fourteen, I started to fall in love with him. He made me feel like I was the prettiest girl in the world, he would always listen to me, he was smart and helped me with my homework, and he was just always there for me. Not to mention that he looked fine. Being a werewolf definitely had its advantages. He was unbelievably warm, he never aged (although in reality he was thirty-one with the looks of a twenty year old), and he was ripped. He had the most magnificent six-pack in the whole entire world. Well, so did Embry, Jared, Paul, Seth, Brady, Collin, Jake, and my uncle Sam, but my uncle stopped phasing because was too old and gave up his position as alpha to Jake.

"Claire…" he stopped as he looked at my ridiculous clothing and hair. "You look…" He stopped talking and just stared at me.

"Completely ridiculous? Yeah, I know," I helped. I managed to give a nervous laugh.

Quil chuckled, but he shook his head. I heard him mumble, "Only you would think that."

I knew he was saying that I was too self-conscious—which I was. I looked back at my feet. I didn't know why, but I kept taking a sudden interest in my shoes.

Quil quickly returned to his goofy smile and took my hand. "Come on, let's not miss the food." I chuckled and tightened my grip on his hand.

The pack finished eating and hearing the legends about the werewolves. All the couples were together and I stared at them enviously. I always wished that I had been imprinted on. I didn't know much about it, but I knew that Jared imprinted on Kim like Paul imprinted on Rachel, and Uncle Sam on Emily. It was only described to me that imprints were "soul-mates" and "couldn't be apart from each other" and that it was a "strong bond". I saw Rachel smile up at Paul while he had his arm around her. He smiled back down at her. They just stared at each other, completely in love. Jared gave Kim little kisses and Kim giggled. I sighed as I stared at them enviously. Also, I had wished that I had their warm arms around me because it started to get chilly. I shivered.

I felt someone whisper in my ear, "Are you okay, Claire?" It was Quil. Watching out for me as always. I nodded, but Quil saw my sad look all too quickly.

"Don't lie to me, Claire. What's up?" He put his warm arm around me and I suddenly felt a wave of exhaustion. I sighed and leaned into Quil's embrace. "Nothing," I replied into Quil's shoulder. But he didn't let it go.

"Claire, seriously, what's up?" I could hear the whine in his voice.

I shook my head in his shoulder. "Nothing, it's no big deal, Quil," I reassured.

"It's no big deal, Quil," he mocked. "Come on, Claire. What was the sigh for and if you don't tell me, I'll tickle it out of you." I could practically hear the grin that he definitely had on his face.

"It's stupid."

"No it's not, just tell me."

"No."

"Please?"

"No."

"Please?"

"No, and stop being so childish," I teased.

"Okay! You asked for it!" Quil started tickling me and I no longer felt exhausted. He tickled me everywhere and I started shrieking.

"Quil! Stop, stop, stop, STOP," I barked out. "Stop… hehe…stop," I got out between giggles and shrieks.

Quil grinned and said, "You want me to stop?"

"Are you deaf, man? God, YES. Stop." Was he an idiot or what? He continued to tickle me.

"Well, tell me what's wrong!"

"Fine! Just stop," I screamed. Quil let go of me. I had to catch my breath and calm down. I looked at Quil and he had his questioning face. I whispered because I didn't want to be heard and leaned into Quil's side so I could talk in his ear. "I… don't know. I just… I see Kim and Jared and Jake and Renesmee, and I just can't help but wish someone had imprinted on me. I just get a little envious. I want… to be loved that way." I looked at Quil and he just turned sad and put his arm around me. "It's- It's just stupid."

Quil's grip tightened and he leaned into my ear. "Claire, you'd be surprised. This imprinting thing seems to happen often. You'll find the one you were meant to be with, whether it's an imprint or not," he reassured.

"I'm not imprinted on, am I, Quil?" I just had to ask. I always felt a little connection… well actually a big connection with Quil. But I felt like it wasn't reciprocated.

Quil opened his mouth, but nothing came out so he closed it. "I… uh…umm…well," Quil stuttered. He gave me a helpless look.

"That's okay. I'm not, it's okay." I looked out towards the ocean. It was getting late, but the moon managed to come out from behind the clouds. It glowed, shedding it's light on the ocean. I didn't like ruining the mood that I had just a while ago, but this imprinting thing always kept creeping its way back into my mind.

Quil just said again, "Claire, you'll find who you're meant to be with. Trust me."

I nodded. "Yes. You're probably right. I just wish that it was like that…" I was done with this conversation.

"Hey, I'll be right back, but I have to talk to Sam for a second," said Quil as he looked over my shoulder. I looked back to see Sam staring at Quil. It looked like he was slightly angry, but I really wasn't sure. I just nodded my head.

Quil kissed me on top of my head and he made his way over to Sam. They looked like they were starting to get into a heated argument after about a minute of talking. Then, they moved towards the forest and I lost sight of them.

I looked around and no one seemed surprised and they just went back to conversation. I looked ahead of me where Kim was in Jared's arms. Kim just gave me a sad smile.

"Are you having fun, Claire?" Kim gave me a small smile.

I nodded and got up. I decided to step away from the party and just walk along the beach. I went up to Emily to just let her know where I was. She told me not to stray too far.

I didn't understand what was going on. Why were Sam and Quil mad all of a sudden? Quil just stared and gave me a weird look the whole time and then Kim just gives me a sad smile? Did she hear it, too? Oh, God.

I shook my head. Clear it all out, Claire. Don't think about it. I sighed. This was never going to work…

I walked along the beach for a while before I headed back to the bonfire. I was a little far off from the bonfire where I couldn't be seen. I looked to see if Quil was there and he definitely was. He was flirting with Nikki. My sister. I wanted to barf. But, hey, she was amazingly gorgeous.

I stared at them as I saw Nikki say something and it made Quil laugh. I felt a pang of jealousy in my stomach. I did not like how this was going. Nikki, being the flirt she was, decided to put her arms around my Quil. I meant, Quil. Nikki had a boyfriend for crying out loud. Yes, he was obnoxious, but still! Nikki said something else that was funny and Quil shook his head and ruffled Nikki's head. Nikki's smile grew. I frowned. Quil looked awkward for a second, but then he put his arm around her shoulder. I felt another pang in my stomach. I almost felt sick. Nikki knew how much I liked Quil. She knew I was in love with him. And Nikki just had to kiss him.

WHAT? My head screamed. I felt my blood boiling and I was pissed. Quil was flirting with Nikki! He liked her! I couldn't believe it. I took my eyes away from Quil, but before that, I noticed everyone stopping what they were doing and looking at each other nervously.

I was so heartbroken. I forgot about being hidden and almost sprinted to the parking lot. I was getting out of here.

"Claire!" I heard Quil shout, but I didn't stop. I was walking like I had never walked before. This was the extreme kind of power walking. Tears welled up in my eyes and started to spill over. A sob escaped. It wasn't Quil's fault. He was allowed to like whomever he wanted, but I couldn't help but feel hurt. But Nikki was another story. She knew. She knew! I wanted to scream.

"Claire!" He was getting closer. I sped up and started to run. I didn't have a car. I was brought here by Emily and didn't have any keys. Crap. I started to head for the road and decided to run home.

"Claire!" Quil continued to shout. He was catching up, of course. There was no way I could outrun him.

"Go away," my voice croaked. Damn tears. I brushed them away vigorously.

I felt a warm hand on mine and I was forced to stop. I was pulled back. But I refused to look at Quil's face.

"Claire," he whispered. He put his hand under my chin and made me lock eyes with his. He looked very sad. He brushed my tears away. His hands were so warm. I continued to cry.

"Claire, that was not what you thought it was."

I was mad now. He was trying to deny that that kiss happened? What? I glared at him. "Oh, so are you trying to tell me that you didn't kiss Nikki? Are you trying to tell me that there was no flirting going on? God! It's okay! If you like Nikki…fine! But Nikki. Oh my God. She knew how I feel about you. She's known ever since I was fourteen!"

I couldn't stop screaming. I pulled myself away from Quil's grip. Quil had this shocked look on his face. I don't know why, it's not like he didn't know. Everyone knew. I started to walk away before Quil ran in front of me and stopped me.

"What did you say?" Quil asked and I just stared at him. "How do you feel about me?"

"Oh my God, Quil, are you seriously blind? I've been in love with you for three long years, and you didn't even notice! I can't believe it!" I shook my head as I made my way past Quil.

This time I felt his hand wrap around my wrist. I turned around and looked up at Quil.

"Claire. I don't like Nikki. Trust me, I don't like her."

"Then why did you kiss her?" I asked perplexed.

Quil shook his head. "She kissed me! I pulled away as soon as she did! She's drunk, Claire." Quil just kept shaking his head as he looked past me. He looked as if he wanted to say something else.

"You look like you have something else to say," I said. He looked down at me from his ridiculous height and grinned.

"You know me so well."

I didn't know how to respond to that. "…Are you going to tell me?" He looked off to the side. "You aren't, are you?"

He shook his head. "Sorry, Claire, I can't. It's a secret." I looked at him with a confused face. A secret? I was just tired, so I let it go. I just nodded my head.

Quil took my hand. "Claire, I just want to make one thing clear. I'm totally flattered that you like me. You are my best friend, and you are the only girl for me. It will always be you who I want to spend my time with, okay?"

I was totally confused. What did that mean? I just nodded my head. Whatever it meant, it made my heart melt.

We headed back to the bonfire. Quil was with me the whole night. He ignored Nikki the whole time. I could tell that he was angry with her. I also realized that Nikki was completely wasted and she started to flirt with Embry. He had a look of desperation. I couldn't help but laugh.

I sat next to Quil at the bonfire and we just talked like we normally did. I didn't exactly understand what he said to me on the road, but I found comfort in it. He did say I was the only girl for him. That had to have meant something, right?

Eventually, it got late and I started to yawn. I felt Quil wrap his arm around me and settle me on his lap. I rested my head in the crook of his neck (the most comfortable place to be) and quickly fell asleep. I felt a quick kiss on the top of my head. Then I wasn't sure, but I thought I heard Quil whisper, "I love you, Claire."

"Claire," I heard my name being called. I opened my eyes a bit and yawned.

"Mhmmm…" I mumbled as I moved my head closer to Quil. I really liked the warmth that these werewolves brought.

I heard a chuckle. Then Quil's mouth was right next to my ear and Quil said, "Claire, we're leaving you have to get up."

I groaned. "Five more minutes? I don't want to move," I complained. I heard Quil chuckle again.

"Is it okay if I pick you up?"

"Mhmmkay…" I mumbled. I felt Quil's arms tighten around me and I felt him lift me up.

As Quil walked, I heard Embry come up to Quil and talk. "Hey, Quil."

"Hey, man, what's up?" I heard Quil ask.

"Nothing. But what happened? Everyone's wondering what the hell happened between you and Claire."

I heard Quil sigh. "Claire saw Nikki kiss me," said Quil simply.

"Well, no shit, Sherlock. We all figured that out," laughed Embry.

"God. Claire was wicked upset. She told me she loved me. I mean, I didn't think it would happen this fast. I had no clue."

Quil stopped for a second and there was a short silence. Then Embry said, "Are you serious?"

"What do you mean?" asked Quil.

"You seriously didn't know Claire was in love with you? Come on, man. Everyone knew that," stated Embry.

"What?"

"Dude, she would always stare at you. She would have those big eyes and she would always want your attention. She blushes all the time when she's with you, and you didn't even notice that she had 'Claire Ateara' written in her diary when she was a kid? Nikki teased her about it all the time." There was a silence after that, and I fell back to sleep. I was too exhausted to listen anymore.

The next time I woke up, I felt my shoes being taken off and I felt my bed underneath me. I felt someone bring the covers over me and give me a long kiss on my forehead.

"Quil?" I managed to get out.

"Yeah, Claire-bear?" I heard my favorite voice in the world.

I was going to ask him about what happened today. I was completely confused. Did he like me or not? But then I was too sleepy, so I just said, "Good night, Quil."

"Good night, Claire." I felt another kiss and I was out.

So… I decided to take another shot at fanfiction. I was bored one day and immediately got back into writing. Of course, I will only continue with reviews. I just… don't see the point if no one enjoys it. But, I'm willing to try it out! Hopefully you will R&R. If there's something you want to change, be my guest and tell me! Well… I hope to hear from you!

Erin