Disclaimer: if I owned it, I'd be rich. I'm not.

As I hope that you have already found out, this is a QuilxClaire Imprint story. It starts off on Claire's eighteenth birthday. I hopes you like it! PS, I added something a little sad to make it so she's closer to the pack. You'll figure it out.

Chapter One

"Happy Birthday to you!" sang the pack, "Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday dear Cla-aire… Happy birthday to you!" Everyone applauded as I blew out the traditional eighteen candles. Uncle Sam, Aunt Emily, their son Sam Jr, my sister, Amy, the pack and their mates were all there. My mother and father died when I was eight and Aunt Emily and Uncle Sam took Amy and me in. they were the best parents that I could ask for and I'm glad they were there of me.

"What did you wish for?" Jacob asked.

"What kind of stupid question is that?" I asked, "I can't tell you! It won't come true!"

What did I wish for? Easy: Quil. I loved him since I turned sixteen. He's been my best friend for as long as I can remember and I noticed how… attractive he is. Okay, okay, he's freaking hot! But… he doesn't like me that way… at least I don't think he does.

When I turned five, Uncle Sam told me about the pack. I've been in on it. They call me the future Elder. I'd seen everyone in their wolf form. Uncle Sam, Jacob, Leah, Seth, Brady, Collin, Quil, Embry, Jared, Paul… everyone. I used to get a few people confused, but I got it down. Jacob, Quil, Jared, and Paul had the chocolate-y color, Jacob being the darkest, Embry being the lightest. Uncle Sam was a black wolf. Leah, Embry, Collin and Brady were gray. Seth was a sand color. I knew them by heart.

"Okay," said Aunt Emily, "Time for the birthday girl to open her presents!" she handed me a box from her, Uncle Sam, Sam Jr and Amy. I opened it up. In it was a necklace, a silver necklace with a sapphire pendant on it. I thanked them and went on with the present opening. I got some notebooks to write poetry in (because I love to write poetry), an expensive pen (Stupid Embry spent his life savings on a freaking pen!) and a few eyeliner pencils. I thanked everyone for the great gifts. They knew me well.

Everyone finished their cake. I got up to get a soda. I went into the kitchen. Uncle Sam and Quil were talking.

"You have to tell her," said Uncle Sam, "Soon."

"I will, Sam," said Quil, "Do you know how she'll react?"

"Not a clue," said Uncle Sam.

"Don't mind me," I said, going over to the fridge.

"Oh, Claire," said Uncle Sam, "we didn't see you there." I got an orange soda out of the fridge and popped it open. I took along sip of it, not caring about the annoyance of brain freeze. Soon, the can was empty and I tossed it in the recycle bin.

"So, birthday girl," said Quil, "Wanna go for a walk?"

"Sure," I said. Quil and I went out the backdoor and started to walk towards First Beach.

"So, Quil," I said, "What were you talking to my uncle about back there?"

"I promise," he said, "I will tell you soon."

"Why can't you tell me now?" I asked

"It's difficult to explain, Claire," Quil said, "But I swear on my life, I will tell you." He smiled at me. It made my stomach do flips. Why did my best friend have to be so hot?

"You, sir, never gave me a present," I accused.

"You, ma'am, are right," he said. He reached in his pocket and pulled out a little box. "You know I'm not good at wrapping things," he said. He had tied a little red ribbon around the black box. I pulled at the ribbon and lifted the small lid off of the top. In the box was a pair of golden hoops. I looked up at him in awe. Quil was grinning wildly.

"Do you like them?" he asked.

"Like them?" I responded, "I love them! Thank you so much, Quil!" I gave him a hug and then put them on.

"Those are real gold, too," said Quil.

"Quil," I said impatiently, "You didn't buy me real gold earrings!" he stared at me, "How much did they cost?"

"It doesn't matter," he said, "They were a gift!"

"I can't accept this!" I fought

"You can and you will!" he scolded, playfully. I smiled at him

"Thanks, Quil," I said, "You're the greatest best friend ever."

"Please," he said, "I'd do anything to make you happy." There were so many things I wished I could say to that, but I just couldn't. Stupid teenage hormones.

We talked for a while about things I can't remember. I was too wrapped up in the moment. It was a perfect birthday. There was nothing that could make it better. Okay, there were a few things, but, still. It was pretty great anyway.

"You need to get home or your uncle will have my head mounted on your wall," he said.

"Which head?" I joked, "Because I think the wolf one would go better with our décor."

"Ooh, harsh," he said, "Let's go, Birthday Girl."

"Whatever," I said. We walked slowly back towards my house. We laughed about memories from when I was ten, eleven, twelve. I was so grateful for Quil; he was the best friend anyone could ever ask for. Of course, I am a greedy little monster and wanted more than just friendship.

When we got to my house, I said goodnight to everyone and went upstairs. I put my long hair up in a pony tail, brushed my teeth and put my pajamas on. I was about to call 'goodnight' down the stairs again, when I heard Uncle Sam and Quil arguing.

"I made Seth take your patrol tonight because you were supposed to tell her and you didn't!" said Uncle Sam softly, yet loud enough for me to hear.

"I know, Sam, I'm sorry," said Quil.

"Do I need to tell her?" Sam asked, truly concerned.

"No," said Quil, "No, I can tell her."

"Don't mess with her," said Uncle Sam, "She's like a daughter to me."

"So you think you're the only one in her life?" Quil asked, "She means everything to me! You know how I feel; you see it everyday!"

I cleared my throat, making them look up at me. Quil smiled is ever-brilliant smile. Uncle Sam just looked at me.

"You," said Uncle Sam, "Get to bed. You've got exams tomorrow."

I groaned. "Sammie!" I used the name he hated, "Your no fun! I just wanted to stay up and watch chick flicks with my favorite uncle!"

"What did you break?" he asked.

"Nothing!" I said. He gave me a scrutinizing look. "I swear on my grave that I broke nothing."

"One problem, Clairdy-Cat," said Quil, "Your not dead."

"Damn," I muttered. I went over to the counter and got a pig's ear out of the bag. "Does the doggie want a pigs ear?" I teased my uncle.

"Funny," said Uncle Sam, "Go to bed."

"I'm feeling stubborn and obnoxious tonight so I'm going to have to decline your proposition," I said.

"Wow, Claire," said Sam Jr, who is a freshman at my school, "Those are some big words!"

"How come he gets to stay up?" I asked, "What are these travesties? I'm rebelling! Anarchy!"

"You can rebel upstairs," said Aunt Emily. "You, too." She looked at her son.

"I am an adult!" I said, "Legally, I am an adult!"

"Then would you legally like to be kicked out of my house?" joked Uncle Sam

"Damn, you, Sam Uley… Damn you…" I said.

"Go to bed," said Uncle Sam. I gave him a hug, went over to Aunt Emily and gave her a hug and gave Quil a hug. I said goodnight and went upstairs. I quickly fell asleep.

- - -

I was woken up by Sam Jr and Amy the next morning. They were ringing a cowbell and screaming, "WAKE UP! LAST FINAL!"

"Where the hell did you get a cowbell?" I asked.

"Ebay," said Sam Jr.

"Get up, Claire," said Amy, "Last final of the year!"

"Thank God," I mumbled.

I got out of bed and got in the shower. I washed my hair thoroughly then dried off. I put on a pair of jeans, a pink tee shirt and my standard oversized black hoodie. Yeah, yeah, it was the end of May and would get to be about eighty degrees outside, but who really cares? I know I don't!

I went downstairs for breakfast. Aunt Emily had made some eggs and bacon. Uncle Sam had already left for work. He had night patrol tonight. No matter how many times I tell that man the vampires are gone, he just says, "you never know."

I ate my breakfast and got my school bag.

"Claire, make sure to pick up the meat from the store, I already ordered it. It'll be ready by noon." Said Aunt Emily.

"Yeah, yeah, I'll pick it up when I get out of school," I said on my way out. Amy and Sam Jr were already in my car, waiting for me. I got in the drivers seat and put the key in the ignition.

"Do you guys have a ride home?" I asked.

"Jenny's mom is picking me up," said Amy.

"Yeah, and Matt's brother is giving us a ride," said Sam Jr.

"Okay." I said. We drove the short trip to the school. We all got out of the car and parted ways. I went over to my friends, the outcasts. I have no shame whatsoever being an outcast. My friends are some of the coolest people I've ever met.

"Last exam ever!" I said.

"For you," said my friend, Nate, "Not all of us are exempt from the Spanish Exam."

"Most of us are," said Juliet. The bell rang and we went inside. I went into my testing room: Mr. Densbar's room. We sat in alphabetical order, so Bobby Youth sat right beside me. Lovely.

"Hey, Claire," said Bobby.

"Hi," I said.

"So I was wondering," he started, "Do you want to get pizza tonight?" Bobby Youth was the stud of the school. He was a football and lacrosse star and was, I guess, cute. Of course, he didn't even compare to Quil.

"No," I said, "I've got dinner with my family tonight."

"How about tomorrow?" he asked.

"I've got plans," I said. With Quil I finished mentally.

"The next night?" he tried again.

"No, Bobby," I said, "I'm just not interested."

"No one has ever turned down a date with me," he said.

"I guess there's a first for everything," I said, sitting down. He sat down, too.

"Why don't you want to go out with me?" he asked.

"I just don't," I said, "Now leave me alone."

"Or what?" he teased.

"Have you seen my friends who don't go to this school?" I asked, referring to the pack.

"No," he said.

"Well, they're hard to miss," I said, "They're walking land masses. One of them could take you out. Now, please, shut up and leave me alone."

"You really don't want to date me," he said, letting that sink in.

"Did you miss that or something?" I asked.

"This is so weird," he said, "I've never been rejected before."

"I don't even like you as a friend," I said, "What on earth makes you think I want to date you?" the teacher passed out paper and pencils for us to write out essays. Then he handed out the prompt.

Write an essay about a significant person in your life. At least, two hundred and fifty words long. At most, two thousand words.

Immediately, I thought of my good old pal, Quil, like I normally do. I picked up my pencil and started to write my essay.

A very significant person in my life is Quil Atera. He's been my best friend for as long as I can remember. No matter what, he can help me out. He is as loyal as a dog and as sweet as a piece of candy. Everything that I can remember in my life, Quil was there. When I learned how to ride a bike, Quil was there. The very first time I went camping, Quil was there. When I learned how to swim, Quil was there. Every single birthday I can remember, Quil was there. When my parents died, Quil was there. If you've ever had a very best friend that you can count on at any moment, you can understand the relationship that I have with Quil. Sure, he's much older than me, but he's still one of the best people I know. Quil always knows how to cheer me up. He can make me happy, whatever it takes. I know that he'll always be there for me, catching me when I fall and making sure I have no bruises. Quil is stuck to me like glue and I'm so very glad for it. Without him, I wouldn't be able to get anywhere in life. I wouldn't see properly without Quil. Not many people could ever have that kind of relationship with someone like him. Quil is a big, bulky guy that can scare away anyone. He stands at six feet four inches with dark, dark brown eyes and black shaggy hair that hangs just around his chin. Now, he may look scary, but don't let that fool you. That man is one of the nicest people I know and will stand up for me. If Quil Atera weren't around, I wouldn't be able to exist. That is who is the most significant person in my life.

Bobby looked over at my paper as I proofread it. He scoffed.

"Is that your boyfriend?" he asked

I wish I thought. "No." I said, "Obviously not. It says right here that he's my best friend."

"So explain to me why you don't want to date me," he said.

"Are you still on that?" I asked, "I don't want to date you because I'm just not interested. Sorry." I got up with my paper and handed it to the teacher.

"Done?" he asked.

"Yep," I said.

"You can go home now, Miss Young," said the teacher. I looked around the room. A few other people had already left. I left the room and went to the senior parking lot. I got into my car and started to drive home.

That is one hell of a first chapter. Believe it or not, I wrote this all in one day! Yes, I know, it's amazing! Tell me what you thought. Did you like it? Hate it? Please review. Yes, flames are welcome, but seriously, who'd want to flame this? No, I'm not a narcissist (I'm so sexy!).

I've decided that (yes, this was a random and snap decision) I'm going to put one of my favorite quotes at the end of every chapter for your viewing entertainment.

Quote of the Chapter: Dong, where is my automobile?

I love the classics. Who doesn't?

The One and Only…


Sarah! Yay!