Chapter 1.

This is going to work I convinced myself, everything will soon be back to normal after this. I sighed, wanting more than anything for me to be right.

I was stood in the far corner of my box room, looking in my full-length wooden mirror. The reflection showed a pretty, young lady with copper skin and with two curtains of thick, black, wavy hair framing her hard face. The girl was wearing a royal blue cocktail dress; it had a snug-fitting bodice that hugged her waist and a waterfall of satin that brushed just above her knee. The stranger had an air of confidence surrounding her, as if the makeup on her face was a shield, a wall that no one could get behind.

I stepped away from the mirror. Giving up on perfecting my facade, I plonked myself on the edge of my single bed and let out another long sigh. I could see that i was trying way too hard, why was I so worried? The fact that my highschool sweethard disappeared for a week a month ago still made me anxious. Where had Sam been, and why didn't he contact me? Of course I'd asked him, but still to no avail.

'So, where did you go last week?' I asked trying to keep my voice light and curious, but failing to keep my urgent tone from escaping.

'Nowhere important.' He said hesitantly, shrugging me from underneath his arm as he got up to leave.

As soon as he removed his muscular, warm arm from around my shoulder, i felt my heart drop. Why didn't he want to spend time with me anymore? Had i done something wrong? I was definatley to clingy. Detecting my sudden angst, he quickly added, 'Look Lee-Lee, i'm sorry it was a flying visit, i'll make it up to you soon. I'll call.' He forced a half-hearted smile and ran out through the front door.

I absentmindedly ran my fingers through my hair and played with the ends the way that Sam used to when we first started dating. We used to be inseparable; he practically lived at my house and there was never a day he didn't tell me that he loved me. Ever since his sudden absence and his anxious behaviour, I can't help but feel we're drifting apart. I suffered in silence – i was so conscious that people would think that I was desperate. Now, I had given him time to resolve whatever his problem was and tonight was time to forget all my doubts and be back to normal again.

My mother and father, brother and me had been invited to a family get-together down at La-Push tonight, and the weather was perfect for a barbeque and bonfire on the white sands of the beach. I invited Sam in hope that the friendly vibe would help ease the tension between us, and get things back on track. With one last quick glance in the mirror, I opened my door and walked down the steps. From the kitchen i could hear my mother moaning at my fathers shirt not being smart enough; i had to suppress a laugh, Mum always 'wore the trousers' in their relationship. I walked in to the kitchen, my heels clicking rhythmically underneath me, and leant on the kitchen counter.

''You look beautiful, Leah!'' My mum gushed as she whirled around trying to find a more suitable shirt for Dad. I smiled a thanks – if she thought so, Sam would think so... surely?

I heard a small knock on the door and i half ran to get it. He was 10 minutes late, but hey, who cares? At least he turned up, I couldn't help but think. I enthusiastically opened the door, and grinned. Sam had made an effort too; he was wearing a pale blue, pinstriped shirt, with the top three buttons undone, a pair of new, fitted jeans, and a navy blue blazer that complemented his shirt joyfully.

''Hey, Lee-Lee'' he smiled as he stepped toward me, and pulled me into a tight, warm bear hug.