I stood in the bright yellow room on the eastern side of the house. Two large antique dressers and a matching queen sized antique sleigh bed stood in the average-sized room. I had refinished them to match the other furniture in the room- a deep cherry finish. I loved the contrast of the dark wood next to the optimistic walls; it reminded me of the contrasts in myself. Dark hair, pale skin; dark, traditionally evil creature, light caring soul. Yellow and blue flowers covered the quilt. The room looked like it belonged in a home & garden magazine beside an article on Victorian style. Esme's style shown throughout. This was my bedroom.

I ran my fingers through the waves of my past-the-shoulder auburn hair and approached the shortest dresser; the one with my socks, underwear, and casual t-shirts. I looked into the mirror and twisted my lips to one side in thought. My face was that of a 19 year old girl. A few light brown freckles dotted my cheeks and nose. I felt that my face was plain and boring- nothing to be excited about. My eyes were a light brown color…the windows to my soul. That thought made me laugh, as my father didn't believe this…for certain reasons. I smiled at myself to see wrinkles appear under my eyes and around my mouth- I thought it was interesting to imagine myself wrinkled permanently.

I was conceived on my parent's honeymoon, and before long, I was born. The pregnancy was difficult on my mother to say the least, leaving her near death. My father used every ounce of strength and courage that he had to save her. That is how I came into existence and eventually ended up in Astoria, Oregon.

"Ness! Come on already," my mother, Bella called.

I left my room and headed toward the common room. "I don't know why we have to continue this stupid tradition. You don't make anyone else go through this," I answered as I entered the room filled with all of my family.

"You know exactly why we do this. It is a special time for you and we want to celebrate it," Alice countered.

Rose spoke up, "We love you, peach. Humor us. Don't spoil our fun."

I twisted my lips to the side and rolled my eyes. I took the seat at the head of the table and looked at the small cake sitting in front of me. It was anything but plain. Bright yellow flowers ran around the edges and colorful candles stood in the middle.

"Okay, I will behave, but please, don't sing." I begged.

Alice rolled her eyes, "Fine."

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY, NESSIE!!" the crowd crowed.

I blew out the candles, making a wish. The same wish I made each of my last twenty or more birthdays. I wished that I could start a family of my own. I searched around the room for the one person that I wanted to see; that could make this event…bearable. My one true love…Jake. He strolled in the back of the room towards me with a huge grin on his face.

"Jake!"

"Hey, Nessie." A smiled tugged at the corners of his mouth, more out of habit than love. "So what is the birthday wish this year?" My heart sunk at his last sentence.

Mom cut a slice of cake for me and Jacob…his piece was larger, of course. I stabbed it with my fork and shoved the bite into my mouth. There was nothing like chocolate and sugar to make me instantly feel better, for now anyway. All I wanted to do was get out of this room.

"Sweetie…what's wrong. What are you thinking about?" My mother had been looking at me and must have noticed the far away look in my eye. I looked up into her accepting and loving face. She had the same maternal look of Esme; the look that I envied.

I noticed Jasper's brows push together and a wave of serenity washed over me, pushing the frustration away.

"Oh…I was just thinking, you know, about…" I twisted my lips to the side, quickly thought of a lie, "…this cake. It's really good. You made it didn't you, Mom."

My mom looked to Dad out of the corner of her eye, disbelief etched on her face. The look on my Dad's face told me he knew the truth, but I trusted that he would keep this knowledge to himself for now.

She cleared her throat, prodding Dad for information. When he didn't reply, she looked at him head on. A smile spread across his face, keeping my thoughts secret.

"Edward?"

Again with the motherly crap!

"She is just trying to make sure you are happy, honey." Dad smiled lovingly at me.

"Why don't you open your presents now? I think you will really be surprised." Alice smiled raising an eyebrow. Of course, she already knew that I would be surprised, after nearly twenty years of trying, she had improved her ability to see my future. I was still fuzzy, according to her, but clearer than Jake.

"You know you guys don't have to do this…I have every material thing a girl could want." I plastered on a smiled, emphasizing the word material. What I wanted more than anything, no one could buy.

"What else do you expect us to do, we have to spoil someone" Rosalie said. She was like a second mother to me, as she was the only one who supported my mother's decision to have me.

I looked around at the loving family in front of me. I should be happy with what I have; parents who love me, aunts and uncles who would do anything for me, grandparents who respected me as an adult, and the most handsome half-wolf husband that a half-Vampire could ask for.

I tore open the red wrapped package, handing the paper to Mom who was waiting with a garbage bag. Inside was a large plain black tote with some books by a new author, munchies, and various travel supplies.

"What do you think?" chirped Alice. She pulled her perfectly red lips over her iridescent white teeth into a smile that would break any man's heart.

"I found those books a very interesting read…if you are into all that science fiction stuff." Jasper smiled and winked at my mother. "I heard that you have been reading the same things your mother was reading decades ago."

"I can't wait to jump into them…I was getting kind of tired of reading the same stories every few months. I love it…but…where are you sending me?" I questioned. "Why all the travel stuff?"

"You'll find out when you open your parent's gift," Emmett grinned. "I can't believe you haven't already guessed. There has been a lack of…noises coming from your room lately" A thunderous crack filled the room as Rose kicked Emmett in the shin.

"Here you go sweetie, I hope you enjoy it." Mom spoke quietly beside me. I hadn't heard her approach, and I started at her voice. "Sorry, didn't mean to alarm you."

I opened the box on my lap and found a set of plane ticket. I examined it closer and my eyes widened. "Is this for real?" I paused, waiting for a response.

Mom said nothing.

"I can't believe it! Jake! Guess where we are going!" I screamed, my face settling into an honest grin.

"Hmmm?" He asked nonchalantly. Mom shot a look that could kill in his direction, and then settled on the floor by her feet. Everyone's mouth hung open in disbelief. Things had certainly changed over the past ten years. No one met my gaze.

In my hand was a ticket that would eventually lead to Esme's Island. It was where my parents had gone on their honeymoon, a magical place by their standards.

"Mom…Dad…this…is amazing. I can't believe it. It's wonderful!" I jumped up and lunged at Mom, wrapping my arms around her neck. She took my face in her cold hands and smiled at me. Her dark eyes were an insane contrast to her unnaturally pale skin. Mom needs to hunt.

"You deserve this. You need this." She leaned in and kissed my forehead. I refused to think about Jake's reaction…or lack there of.

"Thank you guys so much. I don't mean to duck out early, but I think I am going to just takes these to my room and then head out for a little bit."

"Okay honey, have fun." Mom smiled knowing that this was not my thing.

"Like mother, like daughter." Dad said in response to my thoughts.

I took my plate into the kitchen and sat it in the sink. I wandered back to my room and stared into the mirror again, twisting my lips from side to side. I pulled my hair into a high ponytail and traded my formal attire for my favorite faded t-shirt and jeans. I slipped on some comfortable shoes and headed toward the back door. It was still a little chilly here in these May evenings, so I shrugged on a light-weight jacket for show and stepped out the door.