A/N: I've been physically restraining myself from starting any more stories, but I couldn't just leave this alone. Quil and Claire are just too adorable not to play with!

Summary: Quil writes down the highlights of each of Claire's birthdays so he will never forget them. He decides to continue his little journal throughout her sixteenth year... and it just so happens that during that particular year, Claire was snooping around and found it. Deciding not to tell him, she lets him continue writing and goes back to read it every night. You'd be surprised at what you could find out about yourself when you're looking at it from another person's perspective.

Prologue

"Mom!" I yelled, searching frantically through every drawer, cupboard, and shelf I could reach. "Mom, where's my cell phone?"

"Where's the last place you saw it?" She replied, though of course I knew that's what she'd say. And then I'd tell her the last place I saw it was at Quil's house and she'd force me to go over there to get it and make up with him like she's been begging me to do for a friggin' week.

"Uh..." I stalled, trying to think of a place a normal 16 year old girl leaves their cell phone on a regular basis. A sixteen year old girl who hadn't spent every waking moment of her life with a giant werewolf protector watching her every step. "Maybe at that bonfire last week?"

"Claire Young!" My mother shouted in that tone that could only mean I was about to be given a severe tongue-lashing. Every mom does it. You know what I'm talking about.

"You had better not be telling me that you lost your very expensive phone- that I paid for- an entire week ago and aren't informing me about it until now!"

"I haven't needed to use it!" I tried to reason. "Winry and Elisha are at that environmental camp thing where they aren't allowed to use technology, you've had the week off work, and Qu-" I bit my tongue before I could say his name. "And there's no one else I've wanted to speak to."

Of course she noticed my slip up.

"Missy, if you are just trying to get out of going over there, it is not going to work. You are being immature about this entire situation. Get over there right now and find that phone before I get him to bring it over here himself!"

"Were you ever a teenager? God! I'm never going to treat my kids this way!" I grabbed my sweater (even though it was still August- thank you, Washington State) and shoved my feet into the closest pair of shoes I could find. "I'll be back soon. Very soon!"

"Of course you will," My mom told me in a very sarcastic tone, walking into my room and rolling her eyes at me. "Now, please don't be rude to him, hon. He really didn't do anything wrong. If you'd just-"

"Why don't you go marry Quil, then, if you think he's such a saint?!" I exclaimed, storming down the hall and practically ripping the front door off of it's hinges in my haste to get out of there. "Oh wait, I forgot- you don't have a bunch of little wolf-babies in your ovaries so he probably won't like you. Good thing I'm just loaded up with them."

"You know that's not true, Claire!"

I ignored that last comment and began the short walk over to Quil's house, pausing only to reach under the welcome mat and pull out the spare key.

Once inside, I started looking for the stupid phone right away. I found it just where I thought it'd be- on top of his old coffee table. I picked it up, accidentally knocking a book open onto the floor in the process.

My name, written in Quil's messy script, caught my eye. Unable to curb my curiosity, I picked it up and read the short passage.

Age 3

I must say, purple eyeshadow is definitely not my color.

I wouldn't say red lipstick is, either. Or pink blush.

I'm also not a huge fan of feather boas, tutus, ribbons, and tiaras. But...

It's worth it, Claire. If I had to jump off the highest building in the world to see you smile like that just once, I would. Luckily for me, it only takes a little makeover- courtesy of Emily, Kim, Leah, and Rachel- to make you grin like that.

I got you a Quileute promise bracelet as a gift. Though many people believe that it's to be given to your... 'romantic' partner, the real tradition is that it's to be given to the one who is most important to you.

I'm sure it goes without saying who the most important girl in my life is, Claire. You vowed you'd never take it off, and though of course you'll grow out of it sooner or later, I would be lying if I said that my heart didn't burst with joy when you told me your promise.

.

I glanced down at my wrist, to the promise bracelet Quil had adjusted time and time again so it would always fit me. The string was old, and I was constantly trying to keep it from breaking. I couldn't remember ever not wearing it... it was almost like it was part of my body now. Had I really received it so long ago?

I meant to put the book back down, but the next heading caught my eye. And the next, and the next...

Age 4

You ran off on your mom today. I was so scared that I phased- I love how I can say that, as if you know what any of it means right now- and ran off on a wild goose chase to find you. You were hiding just where I thought you'd be, under the giant tree with the branches that sway so low you feel like you're in a fort.

I phased back when I realized you weren't even scared- you just ran up to me and asked me if it was time to go home. I didn't ask what game you had been playing. I just nodded and brought you back.

Please, don't ever scare me like that again. You know I couldn't live without you.

.

Age 5

I was putting you down for a nap today when I realized just how amazing you really are. How did this earth get blessed with such an angel? How in the world was I ever considered good enough to be the one chosen to protect you?

Your steady breathing calms me, fills me with something that makes me feel like I have a purpose. As long as you keep breathing, I know I'm doing something right...

Your heart beats in sync with mine. I don't know if it's a coincidence, or part of all the magic, but it's true. Your sound of your heartbeat is louder to me than any other noise I hear. I don't think that is part of the magic, though. It's just the most important thing in the world to me. It's a matter of survival.

.

Age 6

You turn six today. The guys all say it must be torture for me, having to wait so long for you. I couldn't even imagine putting you and torture in the same sentence. Every moment with you, even if it's a screaming match or a temper tantrum, is always one of the best moments my life. It never feels like you're growing up too slowly. I cherish the time we spend together. Don't worry, no other person in the world will own my heart like you do. I don't want you to be anyone but my Claire.

.

Age 7

You told me you hate me for the first time today. Hate. I very nearly died at that moment. What's the point of my existence if you don't want me to be part of yours? I left, knowing that I shouldn't have raised my voice with you. You misbehave, like all children, but it tears me up inside to punish you. At the end of the day, your mom drove you over to my house and you apologized. I didn't understand why you were sorry. I was the one who did something wrong. I promise never to do anything that will make you feel that way again. You're heart is so pure- there's no place for hate inside of it.

.

Age 8

You won Best Sandcastle at First Beach today. I hope you know that you can always do whatever you put your mind to. No matter what it is, you're capable of anything and everything.

I helped, but it was all your idea, of course. I'll do anything you ask of me, Claire bear, I swear it. Even if it means switching my shift so I can help you with your sand castle. I knew it was worth it when I saw your eyes shine when they gave you that blue ribbon. And it was even better when you cut the ribbon in half and gave part of it to me. You're unselfish and grateful and wonderful, Claire. I could not have asked for someone better to imprint on.

.

Age 9

Ruby McPherson.

I will always remember that name, for she is the one that caused you to come home crying today.

And it was all because of me. I'm so, so sorry my beautiful Claire. I never want to be the reason for your tears. But what could I have done differently to avoid this? I can't change my age, no matter how hard I try. It's impossible for me to get younger, or else I would in a moment. If you wanted me to, and it was possible, I would go back in time and be nine years old with you so no one could ridicule you anymore.

But that's not what you want, is it? You like having a 'Big Uncle Quil'. You told me you don't care about stupid Ruby McPherson. You said I was your best friend in the world, and you wouldn't trade me in for a hundred Ruby's.

I asked why you were crying, then, and you told me it was because she was making fun of me!

I can take care of you, Claire, and still be strong enough to take care of myself as well. Though it's nice to know you care.

.

Age 10

Everyone agreed to tell you on your tenth birthday.

About wolves, and vampires, and even that strange half-vampire girl that Jacob imprinted on. We decided to tell you now because you were still young enough to believe anything, but old enough to know not to tell anyone.

You reacted better than I could have dreamed of, Claire. All smiles and giggles and questions. Luckily you didn't ask the one question I was dreading- the one about imprinting. I won't tell you that until you're more mature. It's a tricky subject to even explain to adults, let alone pre-teens that are starting to discover hormones and might think it means something that it doesn't- yet.

Yet. I shuddered. That seems to be the key word everyone uses to describe the relationship between me and you, and it's wrong. I'm not waiting for anything, Claire. I'm not counting down the days until you're eighteen and we can get married and have babies and live happily ever after. When I'm with you, I live for the moment, and everything is perfect just the way it is. That's a better key word. Perfect.

.

Age 11

I took you for a ride today, after a year of begging. It's the night of your birthday, and we're running through the forest. Right now, nothing else matters.

You were tentative, at first; almost scared. The phobia you have of heights is common knowledge- cliff diving was never an option for you. So of course, up on my back, you froze for a moment before relaxing. Then you didn't want to hurt me by grabbing onto my fur. I kill vampires on a regular basis, and you don't think I'm up for a little hair-pulling? You sure didn't seem to have an issue with it when you were younger and held onto my hair during shoulder rides.

After a few minutes, we're flying through the dense forest, and you're just laughing your head off. Your laugh is like music to my ears, Claire. Do you know that? You can create music with nothing but a simple giggle.

'Okay, okay, that's enough of the sentimental crap', Leah's voice suddenly told me, cutting off my sentimental... NON - crap. I was told to tell you to bring Claire over to my house. Her mom's here, and she thinks one in the morning is a late enough curfew for a ten year old.

She's eleven! I sneer back, but all I hear is 'Sheesh. Get a hobby!' and a ghost of a chuckle before Leah disappears from my head completely.

I have hobbies, and I have priorities. Well, priority. And she's still laughing like there's no tomorrow, which means I'm doing my job right.

.

Age 12

Oh, Claire. Your poor hormones.

I can barely remember what it even feels like to have... sexual urges. It sounds crude to say it, but it's exactly what those things are.

Emily told me you talked to her. I'll have to establish some rules with you soon, before you try something that you'll regret.

You have a crush on me. Those were your aunt's words. Not love, or werewolf magic imprinty-stuff, just a regular 12-year-old crush. It happens, I suppose. Your questions will be the end of me, though. Yes, I noticed your new hair cut. Uh-huh, your sweater is nice. No, I don't have a girlfriend. And I'm definitely not interested in dating anyone right now.

That's what you put me through, you crazy, silly girl! But I'll live with it because I love you. Even if it means putting up with the pack's remarks of 'Got a hot date soon, Quil?' and 'Looks like your girlfriend got a training bra,' and 'What's the plan for tonight, gonna go out for dinner at McDonald's? Hey, does Claire still get the Happy Meal?'.

Of course you don't. You get a Quarter Pounder with cheese meal, with Coke, no ice.

Hm. We really should plan a trip out to McDonald's again...

Age 13

How you've changed.

All summer, I waited, agonized until it was time to see your perfect face again. I was at the airport an hour early so I would see you as soon as you got off the plane from your summer camp.

I swear, you aren't the same person.

You've grown curves- I hate to notice that kind of thing. But it's true; all breasts and hips and legs, catching the eye of any man you walk past. It's all I can do not to rip their throats out- I know what they're thinking.

You're hair's longer, too. Halfway down your back, wavy, shiny. I can't stop staring. I feel disgusting, sick, and wrong to even look at you like that. So I grab your suitcase, hug you for a moment, and pull back as fast as I can without seeming rude.

You looked hurt when I did that, but trust me, Claire, it's for the best. I would never do anything to hurt you unless I was sure it would be the right decision, in the long run.

You grabbed my hand like always, but I pull away after some of the looks we get. I don't care what they think of me, of course. I care about you, and only you, and everything else- like how empty my hand feels without yours- is insignificant in comparison.

.

Age 14

I stole a kiss from you today.

I knew I shouldn't have, and that Sam was going to come up and kill me afterwards, but I did it anyway.

I suppose it wasn't stolen; you gave it to me willingly. It was raining (how cliche), everything was soaked, you were tired, and we were running to my truck so we could get out of the cold. I noticed you slowing down, and though of course I don't mind keeping pace with you, I knew you just wanted to get out of there so I picked you up and began carrying you.

After a few minutes, I realized that your arms had twined themselves around my neck. I glanced down... and instantly regretted it. You were looking at me with an expression that was so fierce, primal... lustful?... I began to slow down and eventually I was just standing there with you in my arms, staring at you while rain continued to pour, and it made you look so beautiful and smell so good that when you leaned forward, I held you a little tighter and gently brushed my lips with yours.

Oh. My. Lord.

You tasted so good, and you felt so perfect in my arms, that that thing- yeah, that thing- suddenly... well, I won't go into detail, even though no one will ever read this. But I was suddenly very aware of it. Yup, I remembered that it had a purpose other than just letting me pee.

So, before things could get worse, I just said 'let's go home,' and carried you back to the truck. I guess, when I phased, the pack found out about it. I never tried to conceal it.

But they either didn't care or just realized my true feelings, the ones of torment, guilt, and indecision, and let me carry on.

.

Age 15

I think I'm in love with you, Claire.

You were laying next to me on the beach, being as tormentingly desirable as you have been lately, and you suddenly flipped over and asked me if I did.

I told you no. When I saw tears spring to your eyes, I immediately felt guilty and wanted to tell you I was kidding. Am I in love with you?

Of course I am. Of course the only thoughts I ever have anymore are of me taking you and holding you and kissing you until neither of us can breathe and not letting you go until I know you're mine forever.

Which, quite frankly, makes me feel like some sick pedophile.

So I told you that no, I didn't. I wouldn't, couldn't love you.

I feel terrible. I'm constantly reminding myself you're only fifteen. But you're so perfect, so beautiful… how could anyone not? I can't tell you the truth. I don't like keeping secrets from you, of course, but what am I supposed to say? You're still much, much too young. If I loved you even a tiny little bit less, I would be too selfish to hold back my true feelings. Luckily your heart is a thousand times more important than mine, Claire, and I could never do that to you.

.

Age 16

I should never have told you about imprinting. You jumped to conclusions, and now you're hurt because of it.

You said I was forced into loving you, into spending time with you. How could I even consider imprinting to be something that forces me into loving you, Claire? As if you wouldn't be my entire world anyway, even if the supernatural side of things didn't exist. Luckily, because of imprinting, I was able to realize that much sooner and spend your entire life with you. It's a blessing for me, Claire, how can't you see that?

I honestly don't know how you think I wouldn't have fallen in love you if it weren't for the whole 'wolf' detail. I'm convinced you're an angel sent down from the heavens. Every boy at your school agrees, or so I've been told- the reason I decided to inform you about imprinting, ironically. I don't ever want to share you.

That is, if you ever become mine.

Oh, Emily's calling.

I think I'll write more this year, because I have a feeling it will be an interesting one, and not something I'll want to soon forget. 'Sweet' Sixteen? Oh, sure. I don't think it'll be quite so sweet...

.

That was the last entry, dated exactly one week ago- the day of my birthday.

"Claire? Claire, is that you down there?" I heard a familiar voice boom from the top of the stairs. Scared out of my wits, I dropped the journal, grabbed my cell phone, and made a bee-line for the door.

I won't tell him, I thought to myself as I bolted home. No, that would be a bad idea. And I'll try to convince myself that I'll never read it again, either...