"Glad to hear you're going straight," I smiled.

"Yeah, you convinced me." He got into the car.

I watched him drive off. I was worried; would he jump of a cliff? I shuddered, worried for him. He's not your problem, Lizzie. I knew it, but I just couldn't stop thinking about this guy. I shrugged. I knew I had to let it go. He wasn't my problem, even if he was going to go commit suicide or something. I checked my watch and groaned. I was meant to meet Alison in ten minutes. Just a five minute walk home though.

I was bored. Dead bored. It had been two weeks since I saw the weird guy and I hadn't seen any newspaper reports, so I guess he didn't jump off a cliff or whatever. My phone beeped. It was Alison, again. I guess I did need to go out. She wanted to meet me at La Push. She liked it there, I'd heard stories, but personally I'd never been. "Mum, I'm going out with Alison! I'll be back by six!" Who knew what she wanted to do, so I'd better give myself a couple of hours. It was one o'clock now.

"Okay! Wear sunscreen!"
"Ok!" I rolled my eyes. My mum didn't seem to care what I did. Ever since my dad mysteriously died by an animal attack a few years back, she had got a new boyfriend, 'Alan.' He was slimy and disgusting and I hated him. All I heard all day was 'Alan this and Alan that.' It made me sick. Besides, there was something strange about him. I shook off the feeling. He made my mum happy and brought her out of depression, so who cares what I thought. I did a quick check in the mirror. My red, or gold, hair was in wild curls but I didn't sort it out, it would bounce back up if I tried to sort it out. Or maybe I just didn't care anymore. It was normal for any sixteen year old to feel that way anyway, with a parent who didn't care and friends who just wanted you for your looks. I wasn't even pretty. But never mind. My freckles were annoying but I didn't wear make-up, so there was nothing I could do. I grabbed my purse and headed to the door.

Alison was waiting for me at the beach. It was really pretty here, I guess I could tell why she loved this place. But knowing her, there had to be something else. She didn't admire places for nature, she admired them for prizes.

"Hey, Al. What do you want then?" I knew I was being rude but I was so irritated with her. She didn't give me choices anymore, I had to meet her at places, or she would spread rumours about me.

"Hi to you too, Liz."
"It's Lizzie. Ok?"
"Whatever. Now, look over there."
I followed her hand towards what looked like…a huddle of boys. Yep, that was her prize.

"Yeah? So? It's a group of boys."
She glared at me. "A group of fit boys. I've heard they're part of a gang. You know I like the bad boy type. "
I rolled my eyes. I wasn't a boy seeker like her. I was fine having a life. "Yeah, Al, I know. I still want to know why I'm here."
Just as I spoke, one of them turned around to look at us. He turned back to the huddle and nudged the guy next to him. That boy turned around to glare at us, but he saw me and his eyes opened wide. He said something and ran towards the forest, stumbling as he went.

Alison giggled, pulling me from my watching. The other boys had turned around, and I realised they were more the size of men, actually. They looked at us and ran after the other boy, or man, into the forest. How could they run through all those dense trees? It wasn't my concern anyway. Why was I so wrapped up in other people's lives lately. I mean, I hadn't even talked to these guys.

"Come on, let's get out of here," I muttered,

"Sure." I smiled. As soon as the boys were out of the picture, Alison lost interest. Typical.

We headed back to the bus stop, me leading the way. I was sure something interesting was waiting for me at home. Saturdays were the bane of my life. There was nothing for me to do and I always felt trapped in my own home. I knew I'd have to cook mum some dinner. She's be too busy with Alan.

"I took the bus here too." Great. Another chat on how hot Alison thought boys were.

So, how's things with you and Kev?" I stared at her, incredulous.

"Uh, what?"
"He said –" she saw my expression and stopped talking.

"What?"
"Uh, never mind."

"Al, what are you hiding?" I knew that look.

"Nothing." We got on the bus and as soon as we found seats I pounced in her again.

"C'mon, please Al?" I knew I'd have to butter her up. "You're my best friend, please?"
She looked flattered. "Okay. So, Kevin was going to ask you out, I think. That's what Justin said, anyway."

"What?" Kevin and I were great friends. Friends. I didn't think he'd ever think that!
"Yeah. Don't tell anyone I told you, though."
"But, I'm, I'm not even pretty!" Sure,, my hair was great, if I ever got lost in a park. I'd fit in at the circus. I knew people loved my hair, I'd had comments on it before.
Alison giggled. "Kevin doesn't think that." Then she added with a huff, "I don't think Justin does, either." Justin was Alison's newest pursuit. He couldn't have been that much of a big deal; she'd all but forgotten him in La Push.

"Well. Let's just forget it, okay?"
"Whatever."

The bus stopped, I hadn't realised how long we'd been on it. Alison was the stop after me so I got off without her. "Bye Al."
"Bye."

I got off, contemplating what the hell Kevin was thinking. I mean, we were good friends. I opened the front door and walked in, surprised to see mum eating some pasta.

"Hey Mum. Um, where's Alan?"
She smiled. "He's gone to work, bless him. He works so hard. He made me some dinner before he went to work. You want some?" She spoke of him fondly, and it reminded me of why I put up with all of his crap. He made my mum happy.

"I'm fine. I'd rather….eat later." I'd rather not eat anything Alan's hair grease has dripped into.

"Ok."
"I've got a paper to write for school. I'll be in my room if you want me."

"Ok."
I ran up the stairs. I'd done my paper yesterday, but it was just awkward being with my mum. I'd been closer to my dad. I sighed. I missed him so much. He was the only person I could talk to. I pulled out my journal and started writing. Even if my dad was gone, I could still talk to him.

Hi Dad.

Today was normal, I guess. This morning Alan came over, or stayed over. He just made stupid jokes and smiled. I know I've said this before but, you'd hate him. I don't know why mum's with him. It's probably to get over you. I miss you.

Alison I went out this afternoon. Remember her? Un-naturally blonde, blue eyes. The biggest flirt. We went to La Push. You'd love it there, if you haven't been already. I know you didn't particularly like travelling, even the shortest of distances. This was worth it though. It was beautiful. The rocks on First beach were different shades of rocks and calm and majestic grey sea. It was tranquil, quiet. There were boys, they looked like they belonged. They had auburn skin and black hair, they all looked like brothers. Can you guess what Alison did? Well, she didn't flirt, because she didn't get the chance. After one looked at us, he pelted off into the woods, the others following. It looked like it was in reaction to us. In reaction to me. I'm being silly aren't I dad? But you know what's stranger? They looked exactly like the guy who borrowed that car a few weeks ago and I talked to. The one with the Mercedes Guardian. They had the same skin tone and hair. It doesn't matter, I just felt for them. Like there was more to them. Remember, you always used to say I was empathetic. Maybe you're right.

Alison told me that Kevin wanted to ask me out. Yeah, Kevin, the blonde kid who was my friend. The one you met at parents evening. I guess I deal with it if it ever comes around, but I feel sick about that.

I'd better go for now, but I'll have news soon. I miss you dad, so much.

I love you,

Lizzie x

I sighed and closed the journal my dad had given me for my 12th birthday. I'd never been one to write, I hadn't had any need back then. I yawned, and decided it was time for bed. In my pyjamas, I climbed into bed and whispered, "Night, Dad."

"Lizzie, sweet, what day is it again?"
I sighed, my mum needed to get a calendar. I made a mental note to get one for when I next went shopping, on Friday.

"It's Wednesday. You have to work the afternoon shift at the flower store, remember."
"Oh, yeah." Knowing her she had probably forgotten.

"I need to head off to school, I'll see you this afternoon."
"Okay. Love you."
"Yeah, you too."

I got to school, the feeling of nervousness swallowed up. On Monday, I was worried Kevin would ask me out, but he didn't. Maybe he'd got his brains back.

In English, Alison bounded up to me. "Hey, Lizzie, Meg and I were going to La Push tonight. You coming? I want to show her those guys. You know, talk to them."
"Uh, no thanks. I've got to, uh, go shopping tonight." It was just so tempting. Sure, I wanted to go watch Megan and Alison drool over boys they didn't even know. I'll pass.

Alison shrugged, as Mr Barter came in the room.

The rest of the week past without incident, just the usual boring week. Friday came slowly, not fast enough. I drove straight to the grocery store, actually looking forward to doing some food shopping. I parked and walked in, remembering that I needed to get my mum a calendar. I knew what type I should get her, a bright and colourful one to brighten up her day.

I walked out with my shopping bags and past a corner. I stopped. There was a man and a girl. And it wasn't any man. It was Alan. Alan was kissing someone else. I couldn't believe my eyes. I ran to the bus stop, hoping he hadn't seen me. As I sat down, I contemplated what I saw. The only sound explanation was that mum and Alan had broken up and they hadn't told me. That would explain why she was downstairs this morning.

I hopped of the bus. I would confirm my answer as soon as I got through the door. I smiled. It wasn't what I thought. Alan wasn't cheating on my mum, and that was definitely Alan I saw outside the shops.

"Hi Lizzie."

"Hi mum. Uh, did you and Alan break up?"
Shock flashed across her face. She was wondering how I got to that conclusion. "It's just that-"
"No, of course not! Why, is he going to break up with me? I knew something was up. What if-"
"Mum, mum, calm down! I don't think he is. He isn't ok? I just wondered because I didn't see him this morning."
So I'd misread the shock across her face. It was because she was worried he would break up with her. Not that he had.

I heard a knock on the door and my mums face lit up. "I'll get it," I muttered. Didn't he have a key by now? I opened the door to his disgusting face. He wasn't worth my mum. No matter how strange things could be between us, I loved her, and I wanted what was best for her. And this isn't what's best for her.

"Hello, Elizabeth." I felt like gagging.

"First of all, it's Lizzie, ok? Second of all, you and I need to talk, alone."

"Sure. Where d'ya wanna talk?"

"Right here's fine, thanks." I hissed.

"Alright, hun. What's up?" He grinned. What was he grinning about. What the hell went on in this man's sick mind?

"What's up?" I hissed. "Well, let me see. What's up is that I saw you practically swallowing another woman! What about my mum?"

He shrugged. "What about her?"

I huffed. This guy was seriously getting on my nerves. "Well, you're cheating on her aren't you? So, when are you breaking up?" I was excited. Although I knew my mum would be hurting after this, I couldn't shake of the feeling of being rid of Alan.

"Yeah. But I'm not breaking up with her. You wouldn't like me to hurt her would you, Lizzie?" He smiled cunningly. God, I hated him.

I huffed and ran. I didn't know where, but I had to get away before the waterworks started. I didn't know where I was going until I found myself at the bus stop and a plan started to form in my head. I pondered, and when the bus came I hopped on without a second thought to spare.

As I sat, the tears came, in ones and twos. Before they could really start though I arrived at my destination. When I was off the bus I started walking to the only kind

of sanctuary I had ever known.