A/U: Hi, guys. Thank you for taking the time to read my first story. I hope you all enjoy it, and i would really appreciate any comments. :) I will reply as best I can, and I will try to update at least once a week.

Disclaimer: All things Twilight belong to Stephanie Meyer. I own nothing. (Other than my own characters.)

I woke with a start, and a deep intake of breath. The stars and moon were winking at me through the trees that towered above me. The carpeted forest floor was cold beneath me, but I hardly felt it. The pain and burning my body felt, was beginning to dull. So, it had happened again. The one thing that persisted in my life was inevitable. The only thing was, I could never remember the events that happened prior to my burning. There was nothing, not even any snippets of vague memories. My mind was blank. The one thing I would always remember though, was that I knew why I burned, and always that my memories were lost to me upon wakening, and it happened every hundred years. I looked down at myself.

Ugh, I thought. Why can't I ever remember that I would wake naked?

Getting to my feet, I stumbled slightly, and grabbed the nearest tree for stability. I looked around for anything I could use to cover my modesty, and thanked the stars that I always felt when my burning was almost upon me, and could head for cover. Forests were always a welcome sight when I woke, though they didn't give me much in the way of self coverage. I walked around in the hope to find some leaves big enough, and came across a back pack. Rummaging inside, I found some clothes that looked to be about my size.

Did I place these here myself? I wondered as I dressed. Perhaps I did. I couldn't recall, but it did seem likely that I would, knowing my burning was close. Thanking the stars again for my insight, I looked deeper into the back pack with the hopes that I had left myself some clues as to where I was. I had no idea, and no idea of which country I was in, either. There was nothing but a watch and a wallet that contained a drivers license and a large bundle of money. U.S. Dollars. At least I knew which country I was in. Now just to find out which state, city or town, and try and find myself somewhere to live and get a job. There was a few thousand dollars in my wallet, so I would find myself a motel for the night, and then begin my searching for work and a home. Swinging my back pack over my shoulder, I began walking in a northerly direction, hoping I wouldn't be too long in finding a road or town border.

Walking through the thick vegetation, I was trying to force myself to remember anything of the last hundred years. I couldn't, and the more I forced myself, the more my head pounded. Shaking my head, I stopped trying, and stuffed my hands into the pockets of the jacket I was wearing. My hand came across a smooth, thin rectangle of plastic. Bringing it out, I was delighted to find it was a credit card. That made life a lot easier, if I couldn't find a job straight away. I was also glad to see that it was in my own name. It must have been a newly acquired card, as I was sure questions would be asked if an eighteen year old were to use it when she was supposed to be older. I couldn't recall what age I was, but I had burned more times than I could remember. At least a dozen, so that made me twelve hundred years old, give or take a few centuries. Well, at least I knew it had been a while since I used my own name, when my former self thought it was safe enough to do so now. Little clues that I had left for myself, but never anything bigger than that. It would be too dangerous to, in case someone else had found my pack while I was out of it. That would do me no good, especially when I had to hide my identity.

Snapping twigs wrenched me from my thoughts, and as I whirled around to see who or what had broken them, a flash of something caught the corner of my vision. I snapped my head round, but was too late to catch a glimpse of whatever it was. I stood deadly still, and closing my eyes, I let my inner sense take over. It was a bit like a radar. I could see even though my eyes were closed, and my hearing became so acute, I would be able to hear a pin drop for miles. I could feel what was around me when I was like this. I could feel each tree and branch and leaf, and I could feel the animals and hear their heartbeats and breaths. As I let my sense do it's work, I detected nothing of any danger. No strange heartbeats or breathing, other than the small animals and birds in the forest. Frowning, I forced my sense further, as not all creatures had beating hearts or needed to breathe. Thankfully, there was nothing within my radius, and I thought that perhaps it was just a bird or a bat flying past me. Opening my eyes, I breathed a sigh of relief, and began walking again. I hated the first few days after waking. I was never at my best as I need to heal after burning. I wasn't my fastest or most astute, or had any of the weapons I needed after waking, therefore I was in more danger than normal. I needed to get to a motel quickly, so I could recharge.

After an hour or two of walking, the sun began to peep through the trees, and the extra light let me see a little farther through them. Up ahead, I could see the rough outline of a road, and I smiled to myself. It was easier to follow a road than walk for miles through a forest. My sense only allowed me to see living things, so anything manmade was invisible until I could actually see it with my eyes. The road turned out to run straight through the middle of the forest, as the trees began again on the other side. Now I had a choice. Follow the road, where it might wind on for miles and miles, with nothing to see but trees and tarmac, or start through the forest on the other side, in the hopes of finding a town just past it. Letting my sense out, I searched to see if there was a break in the trees further ahead, but there didn't seem to be. Well, not within my range, anyway. I could sense for a good few miles, but it seemed the trees went on for more than that. So, the road it is then. Straightening my pack, I started along the road, praying that it would lead somewhere soon, as I was getting weaker. I really did need to get some sleep, and heal properly, but I couldn't do it out in the open. I was too weak to be alert to danger at the moment, so I needed the safe walls of a room. Taking a deep breath, I trudged onward.

After what seemed like an eternity, and the sun had disappeared behind some thick, black clouds, I could see the border edge of a town. A weak smile tugged at the corners of my mouth. At last. Now I would be able to eat and rest. Picking up my pace a little, I headed straight for the town. About a half hour later, I edged slowly into the town. Passing the welcome sign to the town of Forks, I mentally noted the population. It was a fairly small town, but large enough for my needs. I just needed to stay inconspicuous for a while, and the population of almost three thousand was enough for me to do so. Walking down what I assumed to be the main street, as it had a number of stores, I quickly found a diner. Entering the small diner, a bell chimed as I opened the door. The few customers that were there glanced back to see who had entered. They quickly lost interest and went back to their food, which I was thankful for. I didn't like attention much, and was glad when they didn't seem interested in the stranger that had entered their town. Perhaps they were used to strangers coming and going. After all, their town was surrounded by a huge forest, that they probably had loads of hikers and campers all the time. Taking a seat at a table for two in the corner, a young waitress attended to me.

"Hi. I'm Angela. Here is the menu, and today's specials are on the board. May I take your drink order, or would you like a couple of minutes?"

Looking up at the tall girl, I found her eyes to be very kind. I smiled at her, and she blushed ever so slightly. She must be shy, too.

"Hello, Angela. Yes, I would like some iced water please." I said.

"Certainly," she answered, and turned to walk away.

"Sorry, Angela," I said, and she turned back to me. "Could you make it a full pitcher? I've been walking for miles, and I really need it."

She smiled at me, a beautiful smile, and wrote the order on her pad.

"Of course. It's beautiful hiking territory, don't you think?" she asked, nervously. I couldn't help but smile again. People tended to do that around me. Talk whether they wanted to or not, and I could tell that she was really shy.

"Yes, it is. Thank you," I answered, knowing too well that I actually didn't see much of the terrain while I was walking. Angela left to fetch me my water, while I studied the menu. It amazed me that I could remember how to read after each awakening, but always thanked the stars that I could. The tricky part was trying to figure out what I could eat, and what I would like the best. I glanced around the diner, inspecting the other customers meals, and looked across at a man wearing some sort of uniform, who was digging into what looked like a slab of meat. It looked delicious. Angela returned with my water, and poured me a glass, and placed the pitcher on the table.

"Are you ready to order?" she asked politely. Now it was my turn to be embarrassed.

"Um … could I have whatever that man is having?" I said, as I pointed discreetly across the diner.

"Police Chief Swan?" she asked, as she glanced over to see what he had ordered. Police. Of course. It frustrated me that I couldn't remember and a frown edged it's way across my brow.

"Yes," I said, calming my features again, as Angela looked back at me.

"Steak?"

"Please," I answered, blushing a slightly deeper shade.

"Would you like all the trimmings and fries? Or we could do a nice salad on the side?" Angela asked.

By the stars! Why couldn't I remember? I thought about what Angela had asked, and her tone of voice sounded like she wished me to have the salad, whatever that was.

"Salad, please."

She smiled and wrote down the order. "Coming right up," she said, and took the menu from me, and headed toward the kitchen area.

Closing my eyes, I pressed the side of my head against the wall. Some things just came naturally to me, while other things had to be worked at. It was so confusing and frustrating, but an inevitable part of my life. I would just have to suck it up and deal with it. Sighing, I opened my eyes, and took my water. I started to sip, but by the forth sip, I was gulping it down. I hadn't realised just how thirsty I was. Emptying my glass, I refilled it and managed to stop myself from gulping that one down too. Being slightly dehydrated, it was a bad idea to drink too much at once, so I savoured the next glass with delicate sips. It was cold and refreshing, and I chewed on a piece of ice as Angela returned with my order.

"Here you go," she said, placing what seemed like a mountain of food in front of me. "Enjoy," she smiled, as she returned to her work area.

It smelled heavenly, and I took my time to appreciate the aroma. My mouth watered so much, I had to swallow, but I would not rush this meal. Firstly, because I would embarrass myself if I ate like an animal, and secondly, this meal deserved to be savoured. Lifting my eating utensils, (I couldn't recall the proper names) I gingerly cut a piece of steak, and slowly placed it in my mouth. Immediately my taste buds came to life, and my mouth pooled again. It was delicious. Probably the best meal I had ever had. Though, not having anything to compare it with, that was just a guess. I devoured everything that was in front of me, and I was pleased that I opted for the salad accompaniment. It had some sort of flavoured oil over it, and it was divine. Draining the last of my water, Angela appeared in front of me again.

"Was everything to your satisfaction?" she asked, clearing everything away.

"Yes, very," I answered, smiling broadly.

"Can I get you anything else?" she enquired. "We have a separate dessert menu if you wish?"

Dessert? I looked around quickly, and saw other people ordering from the dessert menu. I wasn't exactly hungry anymore, but perhaps I could fill myself enough that I wouldn't need to eat again until tomorrow.

"Yes please, I will have a look. Thank you."

Angela nodded, and gathered another menu for me. She handed it to me without speaking, but smiled slightly, and walked away. I suppose she was giving me time to look it over. As I studied the menu, I found a few things that seemed to be familiar to me. Fruit, for instance, and I knew fruit to be sweet. My mouth watered slightly again, at the thought of something sweet. Angela returned, ready to take my order.

"Do you have a fruit platter?" I asked, as I couldn't see it on the menu.

Her smile wavered a little. "No, sorry. But I could ask chef if he could make you one up," she added quickly. She was so sweet and helpful, and I couldn't help but smile at her again.

"That would be great, Angela. If it won't cause any trouble, that is."

"No, that will be fine," she smiled, and quickly went with another slight blush.

Just as expected, the fruit was delicious too, and Angela didn't seem to be in any trouble for asking for something off the menu. I sat with my belly full, and completely satisfied, and I gazed out the window. There was a slight mist of rain forming on the windows, which reminded me I needed to find somewhere to lay my head for a day or two. Angela returned with the bill, and as I counted out the money (including a generous tip for Angela), I asked her if there was anywhere in town I could stay.

"There aren't any motels, but there are a few good bed and breakfasts that would take you in. There is a hostel just on the outskirts of town, which take in hikers, if you don't have much money," she said, looking at her feet to hide her blush. "My mother and father run it. He's the local minister," she added, with a small smile.

"Could you possibly give me a list of the B & B's?" I asked her.

"Sure," she replied. "I'll be right back."

As I waited, my gaze drifted out the window again. The rain was becoming slightly heavier, and I hoped that there was somewhere close by. She returned and handed me a slip of paper, that contained a few names and addresses, including her father's hostel. I smiled at her thoughtfulness, and thanked her sincerely. I gathered my pack and headed out onto the street. Unfortunately, the jacket I had on had no hood, and the boots I was wearing were worn and letting in water. I didn't know how much was on my credit card, but it said platinum, so I knew it would stretch to a few new clothing items. I walked a little ways down the street, and came across a sporting goods store, that had all manner of clothing items in the window. I entered the store, and looked around. I managed to find some sturdy hiking boots, and a very warm looking raincoat. I took them to the counter, and was served by a girl with long, dark brown hair, and a pale complexion. She was very pretty, and looking up at me, I could see her eyes were a warm, chocolate brown. Her name tag on her top indicated her name was Bella.

"Hi," she smiled, but her smile was forced. It wavered slightly on her lips, as she looked me up and down, and back to my eyes. I got self conscious and looked away from her gaze, to my items of clothing in my hand.

"Just these, thanks," I mumbled to her. I didn't know why she was staring at me so intently, and I blushed as she rang up my purchases.

"You just passing through?" she asked, as I fidgeted on my feet.

"Um, I'm not sure yet," I answered, looking back at her. She had stopped staring at me, and was putting my items in a bag.

"You on your own?" she asked. What was with this girl? Was she always so inquisitive?

"Yes, I am," I answered, perhaps a little too sharply, as she looked back at me, with an apologetic look on her face.

"Sorry," she mumbled. "I was just wondering, as you don't look to be old enough to be travelling on your own. I mean, you look to be about my age." She gazed at my eyes again, but I didn't look away this time.

"And what age would you be?" I asked, with a smile.

"Seventeen."

"Yes, well. I am sure I am not much older than you," I replied vaguely, smiling inwardly at my actual age.

"Sorry," she mumbled again. "It's just that …. Well you look …. Oh, never mind."

"Please don't say I look older," I chuckled. She seemed to relax a little, and sighed slightly. I felt a little easier myself. Maybe she was just curious of strangers in her town, and maybe just trying to have a polite conversation, which I had ruined because of my self consciousness.

"No, of course you don't. I'm sorry, it just that your eyes … well, they are beautiful," she smiled.

My eyes? Oh! Of course! I had forgotten about my eyes. Being what I was meant my eyes were a bright shade of violet. A very unusual trait in the human species, but in mine it was very common.

"Yes, well, that would make me an oddity then," I said, a little sadly.

"Oh, no!" Bella stated. "I would say you were unique. But they are a stunning shade of purple," she answered with a slight frown. I couldn't understand her frowning, but I thanked her anyway. I paid for my purchases, and headed for the exit, feeling her gaze follow me as I left the store.

"Maybe I'll see you around," she called after me. I quickly looked back and smiled.

I walked a little ways, and came to a newsagents. I went in and bought a newspaper, so I could determine the day and date without having to ask someone and appear mad. It states that it is Monday 18th April 2005. I finally decide to try the hostel that Angela had spoke about. I was sure there would be less questions about a young girl hiking on her own there, than there would be if I was to check into a B & B. The walk to the hostel took a little over a half hour, and was told that I could stay as long as I needed. I asked if it were possible to pay day by day, as I wasn't sure how long I would be staying, and Mr. Weber, Angela's father, said that would be fine. I was shown to an old camp bed in a small room that housed six beds. Thankfully, I was the only one here at the moment, and I lay down and closed my eyes. Letting my inner sense drift outward, I searched for any danger in the vicinity, and deduced that there were none. I relaxed and soon drifted into a peaceful sleep that would heal me completely.