1

Sweet Serenity

Chapter 1

Vampires . . . huh, every time I hear about vampires Twilight comes up. The way Stephanie Meyer portrays vampires is semi-correct. We don't sparkle in the freaking sun and not all of us have golden eyes. I mean honestly? Sparkling in the sun? ...that doesn't make sense to me. Well at least some are things right like the special abilities. Oh! I totally forgot to introduce myself. My name is Charlotte Rae Payton. I'm 5'3 caramel skin complexion, long dark-brown hair, and average weight. If you haven't noticed by now, I'm a vampire . . . well half anyway. My mother was a vampire and my father is human. I never really understood how that happens but it did. My mother didn't tell my father she was a vampire til' she was pregnant . . . I wonder how he reacted? Anyway, after my mother had me, she fled and I never met her. My father didn't know what to do except love me as his daughter and take care of me. I'm quite sure I was a handful even though he said I wasn't. He remarried when I was three years old and was completely honest with his new wife about me being half vampire and she accepted me anyway. As the years past, it wasn't even like I was some mythical creature. I don't drink blood but, I do have a lot of special abilities. I can read minds, paralyze people from their senses, see the future, extreme speed and, extreme strength. I don't use them against people because it's wrong. I have a little sister and a little brother, and they are human. I'm in high school, eleventh grade to be exact. I've always lived in big cities up until now. My parents are moving us to a small town called Rosamond. There's nothing but the desert there and no malls . . . haha just kidding. Our new house is ok, not a lot of space. We used to live in Boston. It was a long drive from Boston to Rosamond. I have my license( I just got it! )But, my dad wouldn't let me drive to Rosamond. I have a car also. It's a Shelby Mustang GT 300. As we settled into our new house, I prepared myself for school the next day. As I was packing my backpack, my sister walks in. " So are you ready for school?" Camille says. "Yeah why would you care?" I replied. "Well because I care for my bloodsucking sister." I swear I wanted to smack her. She thinks the whole vampire thing is cool and expects me to change her. "Hardy har, you're funny. Shouldn't you be getting ready for school tomorrow?" I said, hoping to change the subject. "Yeah, aren't I always ready?" She said confidently. "No your not ready-" Camille cut me off in the middle of the sentence. " Stop reading my mind !" she said angrily. "I didn't read your mind, it's written all over your face and I would love for you to stay and chat but get out my room." I was in no mood to be bothered. "Or what? You're going to suck my blood?" She said with a Dracula accent. " Get out of my goddamn room now!" Ok. I'm mad now. She giggled then left. I rolled my eyes then went back to packing my backpack. Two minutes later my step mom, Bethany, walked in. " Hey sweetie, you ready?" she said with a soothing tone. " Yeah, I just finished." I replied without looking at her. " Charlotte, I hope you know it's probably going to be harder for you to . . . resist." She was talking about my thirst for blood. It was getting stronger every year, in fact, it's the reason why we moved. Earlier this year I attacked a kid at school and nearly bit him. I felt so bad that I didn't go back to school for two weeks. Even after those two weeks I felt perturbed, so we moved. Til' this day I have nightmares of that day. " Yeah, I know but, I'll be fine. I promise." I replied to her with a reassuring look. "Alright, goodnight." She said then walked out the room. I know everything will be fine. Right?

I got up at 5:00 a.m. this morning and took a shower. As I stood in the shower, letting the water fall on my cold body, I couldn't help but think what if I couldn't control my thirst and I hurt someone. I tried to get the terrifying thought out of my head by turning on some music. After I dried myself off, I put on some gray, skinny jeans, a black T-shirt, and a gray sleeveless vest. I was in the mood for heels but, instead I put on my black converse. I straightened my hair then went down for breakfast. I cooked bacon, eggs, and toast. I ate quickly or I guess anxiously. I grabbed my backpack and car keys then drove to school. I was half an hour early before the bell rang so I decided to get my books. It was quite, almost eerie. Not many people were here since I was early. Finally the football rang and I closed my locker. Now first period math . . . ugh I hate math. It's like my school arch nemesis. I walked into a class of peering eyes. I decided I would read minds today since it is my first day. Boy 1- "Nice ass." Ugh that's repulsive and I mean utterly repulsive. Boy 2-"FOOTBALL" . . . Okay someone likes football. Girl 1- " can't believe Becky is wearing the same pants as me and now I don't stand out!" Oh trust me honey, you stand out with all those piercings. Girl 3 -" Whose the new girl? She's pretty, even prettier than Dominique Wholestine." Who's Dominique Wholestine? Well so much for mind reading. I gave my paper to Mr. Donovan then he assigned me a seat. So far so good, my senses were taking a break, although some smell delicious. As the day went on, it became easier and easier. I met a couple of people. I met a girl named Sharon, a tall, lanky, blond haired girl and a guy named Byron. It's almost lunch and I'm sitting in English. The bell was to ring in three minutes but I couldn't stop looking at the clock although it made time feel longer . . . two minutes. This class is so boring even though it's only my first day. Finally the bell rings. I grabbed my books and headed for the lunchroom. One thing I hate the most about coming to a new school in the middle of the year was finding a spot to sit at during lunch. As I waled through the lunchroom, the butterflies come back as a reminder that I need to hold back my thirst. I walked quickly and cautiously to the only empty table that way I wouldn't have to deal with the pressure of people pushing me away. As soon as I sat down, the whole cafeteria went quiet. People were whispering to each other like I had done something wrong. I would have read their minds but, I have a headache and when I get headaches I can't read peoples minds. I pretended like nothing was going on but I soon understood why people were whispering. A group of tall, muscular boys approached me slowly and hesitantly. One of the tall boys decided to finally speak. " Excuse me miss but, you're sitting at our table." He said. This guy had to be at least 6'3. His skin was tan as if he were Native American . . . well all of them had the same skin tone. "I'm sorry. What's your name?" I said. All the boys and including the whole cafeteria looked at me. "Alex Morrows." He replied. I looked around the table, hoping he would understand what I was indicating. "Sorry, no Alex Morrows written anywhere on this table or these seats, but your welcome to sit down. That's if your ok with that." The whole cafeteria went back into there little conversations as if nothing happened. The boys hesitated but then finally sat down. I smiled to let them know I wasn't here to cause any trouble. " You know you have a lot of guts for standing up to us right?" One of the boys said. "Yeah I guess." I replied. Alex stared at me, studying me. " Oh, by the way I'm Jordan. That's Tyler, David, and Jacob." Jordan said. "I'm Charlotte Payton." I replied. I have always been shy and now that shyness was kicking in. " Nice to meet you Charlotte." Alex said. As I looked at them I noticed a horrible stench. I didn't want to make a scene so I endured it. During lunch we talked. They were really nice to me and didn't seem to be the bully types. After lunch, I headed off to physical science. I sat down in the back so I could be secluded to myself. Soon as class started I paid attention but, something caught me off guard . . .

Chapter 2

An angel of some sort walks in, slowly, knowing that he was late. " It's nice of you to join us Mr. Reese." Mr. Gibbs says. "Sorry I'm late Mr. Gibbs, I just arrived to school." He said with a soft, velvety tone. "Alright just sit down." This boy was tall with dark-brown spiky hair, medium tone skin, and medium built body. He was truly gorgeous. I tried to look away, in fear that he would notice I was staring.

"You're quite gorgeous yourself, if I may say."

I heard his voice in my head after I looked away. The only way he would know what I was thinking would be . . . he's a vampire . . . I didn't know what to say so I tried to be defensive.

"It's rude to read peoples thoughts then decide to talk to them in their heads, Y'know? It drives people pshyco."

He sat at the table to my left, gazing at nothing, but he must be in deep thought. I looked away as well to make it look like I was avoiding him.

"Yes. That makes it funny. Not many vampires come by except for my family. Although, you do have a weird scent among your skin."

Should I tell him about me being half vampire? I'm not sure. The last time I told a vampire I was half vampire she tried to kill me. Oh . . . what the heck, why not?

"Well, for your information, I'm only . . . half vampire."

I said slowly. I looked at him and he flinched. As I waited for him to respond, I concentrated on the physical science work. I was figuring out formulas for elements. He never responded so I just finished my work. The bell rang around 10:46. I tried to gather my things together as quickly as I could so I could catch up to him but, he was to fast for me. I guess I'll just leave it alone . . .

I arrived home around 2:30. Nobody else is home except my cat . I sat down at the kitchen table and started my homework. It took me about 15 minutes to notice that there was a note on the fridge for me:

"Charlotte,

Your father, sister and I went back to the old house to get the rest of the things. Sorry we left without you. We know you're still having trouble with . . . you know what. We will be back tomorrow. Try to get some sleep.

Love, mom"

Great . . . home alone in a brand new house. What to do? I finished my homework around 6:15 then I cooked myself some enchiladas. I ate slowly because the house was creeping me out. After eating I washed the dishes while listening to music. I was so tired. Today had drawn a lot of energy out of my human side. I went upstairs and took a shower, got into some pj's then hit the sack . . .

I looked at the mirror but saw someone totally different from . . . me . . . her eyes were bloodthirsty and not to mention blood dripping profusely from her mouth. Behind her was a mysterious pile of . . . bodies . . . I tried not to look but something was pulling me toward it, closer and closer. The pile was a pile of everyone I loved. I screamed loudly but no one could hear me . . . not even myself although I could feel the muscles in my throat starting to strain. The site of the dead bodies made my stomach twist and turn in unmentionable ways. I started to run but no matter how fast or how far I ran, the bodies were there. Since I couldn't go anywhere I turned around to see if the bloodthirsty side of me was still there. As I slowly turned my head, I felt someone breathing on my neck, making the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. I swerved around quickly but did not see anyone . . . suddenly I felt someone grabbing my neck tightly, making me choke. Now I was about to see the face of my killer . . . he was pale white with long, black, silky hair, and his eyes were bloodthirsty as well and he said, " I'm coming for you my dear Charlotte, soon." The tone of his voice was like acid on my skin. " Fuck you." I said. Two seconds later I blacked out . . .

I woke up around 5:30 in the morning with cold sweat all over my face. That nightmare had felt so real, as if it actually happened. I tried to shake off the nightmare and started getting ready for school. After I was finished getting ready I ate breakfast( Frosted Flakes). This morning feels a little glum. The sky was a light gray and the air was still. I grabbed my bag and my car keys then left the house to school. There was nothing good on the radio this morning so I turned it off. I made it to the school around 7:10 a.m. and the bell doesn't ring til' 7:25, so I went to my locker to grab my books. As I walked down the deserted hallways, the gray sky was caving in on me, causing me to feel glum. It felt as if someone had passed away and the life that they brought to the atmosphere had just . . . disappeared. The air was cold and still, making the hallways even more depressing. I finally reached my locker, opened it and . . .

" You look beautiful today."

There he was, standing as still as a statue. After I closed my locker, I looked him for about twenty seconds because I had been caught by his mysterious, bold, and soft beauty. "Thanks. You too . . . well I mean you look handsome." I said nervously. He chuckled. What was so funny? " What?" I said firmly. His face was so angelic, so pure, it was hard to pay attention. " It's just . . . you're so adorable when you're all flushed." He replied. I felt my cheeks getting hot, which means I'm blushing. All of a sudden his body stiffened, face tight, and his fist clenched so hard it looked as if the skin on his knuckles would rip. I turned around to see what he was looking at. It was Alex and he was walking toward me. " What's wrong? It's just Alex." I said to him. He stood up firmly then walked away without saying a word to me. I wonder what's his problem? ...

Alex walked up to me cooly. " Hey Charlotte."He said. " Hey Alex. What's up?" I responded. " Look, since you sat at our table yesterday, you have to sit with permanently." He hesitantly grinned. I wasn't sure if he was inviting me or threatening me. " Are you threatening me or inviting me?" I was seriously confused. " You can say it's a threatful invitation." I admit it, I laughed. I laugh at the dumbest things. He laughed to. " I accept." I said. I can tell he had something else to say. " What?" I said. " Look, I was wondering if you would like to hang out this weekend with me . . . and the guys?" He said as he looked toward the ground. Ok I was not expecting that. " Um . . . , sure. What do you plan on doing?" I replied. " Actually, we are having a bonfire out in the mountains. It's lots of fun. We do it every month or so." He said. That actually sounded like fun and I'm not an outdoor person. " That sounds like fun. So where are going to meet up?" I say. " We're actually meeting up here after school that way we can follow each other to the spot. That way you can't get lost." Me? Get lost? " Do I look like a person who looks like they get lost easily?" He smirked and chuckled under his breath. Ok I am the type of person who gets lost easily. The bell had rung and it was time to go to class. " Well, I'll see you later." He said then walked off. A couple of seconds later, he turned around and waved. Of course I waved back. The rest off the day was pretty boring. The mysterious boy I had met, wasn't in physical science so I just assumed he went home early. And as I accepted earlier, I sat at the table with Alex and his friends. Jacob stared at me the whole lunch period. I felt uncomfortable but I didn't show it. The ride home was just as gloomy as the ride to school. When I arrived home, my family was home. " Hey guys!" I yelled Camille came running downstairs and my parents were in the kitchen. I assumed that my 4 year old brother, Joseph, was sleeping. " Hey honey. How were your first two days of school?" My dad asked. I walked right him and started looking for something to snack on. " They were ok, I guess. I was invited to a bonfire Friday in the mountains." I replied while making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. " That's great sweetheart, but do you think you're ready?" My mother said. She always worries about me. She says it's her "motherly nature." "Yeah I'll be fine. I promise. Besides nothing unusual has happened lately." Well not counting my horrifying nightmare. " Well . . . ok just promise me you'll be careful." She said. " Promise." I replied. " Cool! Can I go?" Camille asked. " No. You don't even go to the high school." I replied. I can tell she wanted to argue but she just ran back upstairs. After I finished eating, I went up stairs and started my homework. My cat, Mr. NubbNubbs sat on my lab and purred. "Hey nubs. How are you?" I asked.

"I'm good. I'd be even better if you scratched my back."

He said. My mind reading was working again. I always found it hilarious when I could read my pets minds and talk back to them. I scratched his back and he let out a loud meow. I giggled then went back to my homework. It didn't take me long to do my homework. I watched a little bit of tv afterward. Around 7:30 I changed into my pajamas and went to sleep.

"Charlotte...Charlotte...Charlotte. You've gotten so big since the last time I saw you. I can't imagine how much you will have grown the next time we'll meet."

"Go away."

" Never Chalotte. I will never leave you alone until I have you all to myself. Why are you toying with yourself? The humans will never accept you even if you are half. It doesn't make a difference, half vampire, half human. They're stubborn creatures. They don't deserve to exist among us. Greed and hate fills their veins. C'mon Charlotte Rae Payton, join me. I can make you everything you've ever wanted to be. I'll grant any wish. I can help you. Your mother would want this for you, I know."

"GO AWAY! NOW!"

I woke up in a cold sweat again but this time it was Friday morning. I don't remember the earlier days of the week. Damn. I can't take those nightmares anymore. He taunts me. His name is Darius. Leader of all vampires. He considers himself a savior, a god of some sort, but really he just wants power all to himself. He has been after me since day one. He is very persistent. He also believes my blood belongs to him since I'm the only half vampire. I will never give into him. No one owns me. I took a shower and dressed for school. I had apple pancakes for breakfast, then headed for school.

The day went by exceedingly fast. I was in 7th period choir, singing but I can't keep my eyes off the clock. I am nervous about the bonfire. I've barely met these people and they're telling me how excited they are that I'm coming. Maybe it won't be so bad, maybe I'll make lots of friends and it won't even occur to me later on that they might not accept me if they found out I am half vampire . . . ok slow down Lillian, just relax, everything will be all right..RIIIIIIINNNNNNGGGGG! Oh . . . my heart studdered. I think I'm ready. Just breathe. I walked out side to see all the kids that were going to the bonfire and a couple of adults. I guess they just wanna make sure everything goes accordingly. I looked over to Alex and waved for me to come over. " Hey you ready?" He said. No! " Yes. Totally ready." I replied. "Good 'cause its gonna be a long ride, probably an hour or so." I just stared at him. I should say something shouldn't I? "Well lets get going." I said. He nodded then got into his truck. I walked to my mustang and got in. So far so good. For the next hour it was all driving. I decided to put music on to pass the time but it didn't stop my anxiety. When we finally got there I realized why they chose this spot. It was made up of all rock. No plants and no animal life. Just rock and a huge lake. It was so beautiful that it made me speechless. I got out the car but couldn't keep my eyes off the lake. " Woah." I said. " Yeah I know it's quite amazing." Alex said as he was walking toward me.

" Yeah but not as beautiful as you."

He thinks I'm beautiful? Wow. I turned around to see what everybody else was doing. They were setting up everything. They even brought a grill to make hot dogs and hamburgers. It took half an hour to get everything set. After they were done we all sat and talked. I met a lot of cool new people. I was having the time of my life. Now it's almost ten o'clock. The stars were shining brightly and they shined hard on the lake. I sat away from the group to get some air, although we're outside. It feels good outside. The small breeze hit my face lightly, leaving me refreshed afterward. A couple minutes passed that I sat there. Alex walked toward me. He must've noticed me sitting away from everyone. " Hey, what are you doing over here all by yourself?" He asked. It sounded so sincere. " Just putting in some alone time." I replied. " So tell me more about you. What are your parents like?" He asked as he gazed at the lake. " Well My dad is very loving. He's always been there for me. And my mom . . . well I've never met her," I looked at him and he was still gazing at the lake. " According to my dad, after she had me, she gave me up to him then fled away." I said while looking down. " What a bitch." He said. I laughed. " Yeah. So what about your parents?" His eyes are so beautiful. They're light brown. " Well, my father died when I was 10 from cancer and ever since it's been me, my brothers, and my mother. Since I'm the oldest, I'm always the man in the house." He said. He finally looked at me. I blushed, I don't know why I did but I did. " I'm sorry about your dad." I said sincerely. He nodded. Ten seconds passed before either one of us said something. " So why did your dad move you out here?" I was tired of questions but I didn't want to be mean and ignore him. " I was having trouble at my other school, so he moved us out here because he wanted my stepmom to be closer to her family." I got up and started walking toward my car. " Hey wait up!" He yelled. "Where are you going?" He asked. " It's getting late and I'm tired. My dads probably flipping out because he told me not to be gone after nine thirty." I said but truly it was a lie. I just wanted to get away from him, not because of the questions, but because I am starting to develop deep feelings too early. " Oh ok. I guess I'll see you later." He said. He actually sounded sad when I said that. " Oh hey I was wondering if you wanted to go to the dance with me on the 15th?" He said. Is he asking me on a date? What should I say? I was in total shock. " Ummm . . . sure. I'd love to." I responded. He smiled brightly. He nodded then walked away. I can't believe I said yes. What was I thinking? I arrived home around eleven thirty. I walked in the house slowly and quietly, trying not to wake everybody. I walked upstairs into my room then closed the door. I put my back against the door then slid down to the floor. I can't believe what happen. On the first week I'm already set for a date. Ugh. This is unbelievable. I got up from the floor then changed into some pajamas and went to sleep.

Last night's sleep went by very quick. I don't even remember what I dreamt about. I got up around six this morning. I'm glad its Saturday. I can sit around and do whatever I want. I came out of my room around 8:30. I walked into the kitchen and started to make me something to eat. While I was eating, my dad came downstairs. " Hey sweetheart. How was the bonfire?" He asked. " Loads of fun. I made a lot of new friends." I wasn't about to mention the date I accepted. He would flip out. He told me I wasn't allowed to date 'til I was eighteen and already moved out. To bad he doesn't know I've already dated a couple of guys. " I'm glad you had fun. Did you meet any boys you like?" Before I could even put the food in my mouth, I dropped the fork. " Dad, we are not having this conversation. Period." He chuckled, grabbed his coffee, then went back upstairs. I finished eating then went back upstairs into my room. When I walked into my room, I felt a sudden chill down my spine. Not only the chills but I was starting to hear voices.

"Charlotte, What are you doing?", "If you don't stop, its straight to hell with you." , "STOP NOW!"

Where are these voices coming from? I know it isn't the mind reading. It's so annoying. "Hello Charlotte." The voice said. " Who are you?" I said. To be honest I was beginning to get scared. "Turn around." He said. I quickly swung around to see that it was the boy from school. "What the hell are you doing in my room? !" I yelled confusedly. " I thought I would visit and try to get to know you better." He said. "What? No! Get Out!" This guy is creepy, how did he get in here. "I came through a window. Your sister's window. Only because it was unlocked. It's always unlocked." He said. I stared at him blankly. I was afraid to move. " You know there are such things called doors. You open and close them to get in and out of places. Windows are made to bring in fresh air." I said sarcastically. His faced turned immediately smug. " I thought your father wouldn't like it if some strange boy came to talk to his oldest daughter." Well that is kinda true. He wouldn't like it. "Wait!" What's your name? You still haven't told me." I said. "Daniel, Daniel Maruchanian." He said. That's a nice name. "Thank you but yours is more interesting than mine." Brandon said breathlessly. " Explain to me why my name is so interesting." I said slowly. He walked around my room and looked at my things. " I once knew another Charlotte, who looked exactly like you, but that was in 1864." He said. Did he say 1864? " Wait, how old are you?" I said curiously. "Let's just say long enough to know that you're her just reincarnated." Ok who believes in reincarnation these days. " Or she's an ancestor of mine. And it's a coincidence that we have the same name." I replied. " Perhaps. She was such a malevolent woman. Very devious. You on the other hand, you couldn't hurt a fly." He said jokingly. "Haha very funny but you haven't seen me when I'm angry. Look I appreciate you visiting me, but I need you to leave." I said while pointing to the window. " I know you want to know about her." "True, but I have better things to do." I replied impatiently. " Sure you do. Like hanging out with those mutts." He replied angrily. " What do you mean?" I said. He looked at me hesitantly. " You really don't know do you?" I shrugged. " Those boys that you sit with at lunch . . . they're . . . " He stooped suddenly. " They're what?" I said. He stared at me blankly. " Never mind. I'll see you at school." That was the last thing he said because he bolted out my window and disappeared. I wonder what he was trying to say. Well it doesn't matter now. I sat down on my bed and started watching tv.

Chapter 3

Alex's Point of View

I can't believe she said yes to me. I thought she would refuse. Well that goes to show that not all vampires are bad. I hope the guys won't be angry with me.

"Too Late."

When I turned around, I saw Jacob in his wolf form. " What's the problem Jake?" I said.

" What's MY problem? No, what's your problem. Why are you being nice to that leech? She has no feelings. She's using you. If you don't kill her, I will.

"No, you won't," I said while walking in the dark forest. " I'm not letting you hurt her until she gives me any reason to let you do so. Besides, I have a date with her." I laughed quietly to myself.

" You fall to easily for females."

It's true. I'm a sucker for women. I can't turn them down or hurt their feelings. " I can't help it. My father told me to treat women respectfully." I replied.

" I bet he didn't teach you that for female vampires."

I know he's just trying to be a smart aleck so I just walked away from him. A few minutes later Jacob came back but in his human form. " I really don't understand you Alex. Before she arrived you wouldn't talk to those leeches but now your going on a date with one." He said ruefully. " It doesn't matter to me if she's human or not. She's a nice girl." I said confidently. We continued walking in silence. I couldn't bear it anymore so I said something. " Promise me Jake that you won't hurt her." He looked at me with discomfort. I know he wants to refuse but he knows better. "Fine." He replied. I could see in his eyes that he was disappointed in me. One day he will understand.

Somewhere Else

"Everything is going according to plan." The uncanny voice said. "Good, Good. You are proving to be quite reliable Mr. Maruchanian. Keep this up and we'll both get what we want. I'll get little Charlotte and you'll get your freedom back." The raspy voice replied. Daniel looked his apprentice clear in the eyes. " Darius, may I ask why you want Charlotte so much?" He asked reluctantly. Darius moved closer to Brandon as if he was going to whisper it in his ear. " Charlotte, Ah Charlotte. Her ancestor Charlotte happened to be my wife. When the humans had discovered that she was a vampire . . . they killed my beloved Charlotte," He paused for a second to regain his concentration back. Trying to remember something as painful as this made him stumble. " Charlotte looks just like her ancestor and I want to marry her but, she refuses to join me. Although she may look like Charlotte, she acts nothing like her. Charlotte would never refuse me." Darius said veraciously. " Charlotte was quite the rebel, always doing what she wanted when she wanted but knew that she had to obey me." He continued. Daniel stood obediently, listening to Darius's every word. "Well, I think it's time for you to return home now. Remember this, one slip up and your life will be cut short." Aro said threateningly. Daniel nodded then headed home. He wasn't about to slip up. He would do anything to get his freedom back.

Back home

I t's been six weeks that I've been here and I think it's time to say, I like it here. I have a lot of new friends, good grades, and nothing unusual has happened lately. The dance is next weekend and I'm terrified. Not because I suck at dancing but because of my father. When it comes to dating, my father goes crazy. The last date I went on my father had I gun in his pants to scare the poor guy off. Let me tell you, it worked. My so called date ditched me that night. I was angry for two months. Well anyways let's move on. It's Saturday morning and I have decided to tell my dad about my date next Saturday. I walked down stairs to find something to eat. When I walked into the kitchen my dad was already at the table drinking coffee and reading the newspaper. " Good morning Charlotte." He said without letting his eyes leave the newspaper. " Hey dad." I replied. I grabbed a bowl, milk, a spoon, and honey bunches of oats then sat down at the table. As I poured the milk and cereal, I decided to tell him. " Dad, I have a date next Saturday." I blurted out. He stop reading his paper and looked me straight in my eyes. Oh crap, I shouldn't have told him. Why couldn't I have lied? Oh, I know why, it's because I suck at it. "Whose the guy?" He was serious and I was scared to death. " Alex." I replied with a mouth full of cereal. He paused for two seconds then sipped his coffee slowly. " That boy I met in the market?" He said surprisedly. I nodded because I was eating at the moment. "Ok." That was the last thing he said and after that he went upstairs. To be honest I was expecting a lot more than "Ok." Maybe he knows now that he can't baby me anymore. Well that went easier than I expected it to. After I finished eating, I put every thing back and washed the dishes. I really didn't have anything to do so I just went back upstairs into my room. Mr. NubbNubbs was sitting on my bed playing with his favorite toy. " Hey nubs. What do you wanna do today?" He stopped playing with his toy and curled around my arm. " That sounds good." I replied. Ten minutes later Camille came walking through my door. " Telephone." She said then went back downstairs. I moved nubs from my arm and picked up the phone. " Hello." I said. " Hey girl, it's Sharon. I was thinking we could go shopping together today." She said excitedly. " Shopping where? There is no place to go shopping here except the food market." I replied. " Well it's obvious not here but in LA." LA? That's two hours away from here. I let out a long sigh. " Sure-" She cut me off with her high pitch screech. Apparently, she was happy. " Ok! I will be over in ten minutes." After that she hung up. GGGGRRRREEEAAAT! I love shopping... not. I was hoping to relax today, not go shopping with...Sharon. No offense but she is too annoying and erratic. All she wants to talk about is shopping and Edward Cullen...its super annoying. As I waited for her to get here, I watched TV, although there was nothing to watch. When she got here, we immediately left. "So, I was thinking we should go to Valencia but then I think we should go to Ventura, 'cause then we can stop by the beach. She said excitedly. "It doesn't matter to me." I replied emotionless. "OMG! We should go see Eclipse! Please, oh, Please!" She screamed childishly. I sighed. I didn't feel like shopping so why would I want to go see a movie? "Ok." That was all I said. She yelled happily. I just want this day to end. We decided to see the movie first. During the whole movie she kept saying "Edward I love you!" and "Edward, I want to have your kids!" It was actually quite funny. The movie was actually good. Although I have nothing against Edward, I prefer Jacob. He just seems better for Bella although she prefers to have Edward, but who am I to judge a fictional character.

We went to every store. I didn't know Sharon had this kind of money either. "Sharon what do your parents do for a living? I asked. As she browsed through a clothing rack she said, "My dad is an Astrophysist and my mom is a botanist." Damn, her parents make big dough. "We moved out to Rosamond because my mother likes desert plants and my dad wanted to work from home so he didn't mind moving." She said. "That's cool." I replied. "What do your parents do?" She asked in return. " My dad is a psychologist and my mom is an elementary teacher." I said. "cool, I want to be an elementary teacher someday but my parents think I can do better than that." She handed me a pink blouse to try on but I nodded in disgust. We both busted up laughing. "So I hear you're going to the dance with Alex." She said. Alex and I haven't really told anyone about our date. "Yeah." That's all I could say at the moment. She stopped looking at the clothes to look at me. "What?" I said. "Alex...He is cute but I don't think he is your type." My type? When did I have a type? " Explain." She looked at me with a hesitant look.

"Should I tell her? I don't want to hurt her feelings."

"Tell me Sharon. I don't have all day." I said. I was becoming impatient by the second. "Ok, well he looks like he would hurt someone and you on the other hand, well... you can't hurt a fly." Gee, where have I heard that before? "Look, Sharon, you've only known me for like six weeks, so what makes you think that I can't hurt a fly? Just because I'm reserved doesn't mean I can't do any damage." She eased up a bit after I said that. "Sorry." She replied. I nodded forgivingly.

We shopped for another hour then decided to go home. I didn't get home until ten o'clock. Everyone was asleep when I got home. I walked up the stairs quietly and into my bedroom. When I closed my door, I turned around to see Daniel in my room. "What the hell are you doing in my room again?" I whispered angrily. He chuckled and just stared at me. "Hello? Can you hear me?" I whispered. "I just wanted to see you but you weren't hear so I just decided to wait for you." He replied. "How long have you been waiting?" I said as I sat my bags on my bed. "All day." All day? "What the hell were you doing in my room all day? Wait! Did you go through my things?" I said. He stood up and walked toward me. He rustled through my hair. This dude is creepy. "You have a pleasant scent. I'm not creepy. You're so hilarious you know. I didn't violate your things. I sat all day, nothing more. I wanted to talk to you." He said. "Thanks. What did you want to talk to me about? And what were you going to say about Alex the first night you came into my room?" I said timidly. "Can we keep one subject?" He asked. I nodded yes. As he rustled through my hair he said, "Alex is...well, he is different like you but I'm more interested in learning about you." I sighed heavily. "You said one subject." I reminded him. Daniel looked at me intensely. His eyes pierced through to my soul and I felt violated. "I just want you to tell me what you were going to tell me that night. It's been bugging me." I said weakly. Every night I had thought about what he was going to say. Daniel had been in and out of school so I never really got a chance to asked him about Alex ans I surely wasn't going to ask Alex if there was something wrong about him. I was intimidated by Alex...and Daniel. "I think it's best if you just found out yourself besides don't you have a little rendezvous with him next Saturday?" he said elusively Great everyone knows about us going to the dance together. "I thought you wanted to know about your ancestor Charlotte?" That had caught my intention. Of course I did, that was another thought that bothered me. "Yes I do." I replied quietly. "Well, you better sit down because this is going to take awhile to explain." Daniel said. I was about to find out some answers...