I don't own the characters, All belong to the talented Mrs. Meyers. etc..etc...

It's hot out, too hot but the clouds are dark and dreary as usual. Living in Chalmette is the worst; I can name so many reasons why. Technically they consider us part of the Greater New Orleans. Notice how I stress the Greater. I don't find our small town so great. We're a little east of New Orleans and most of the history buffs find us Why? That's easy because we are the location of the Battle Of New Orleans in 1815. Who hoo! Sound excited don't I? I don't really like history too much. It's all over the town like we are the only place to have a war.

I am currently a senior at you guessed it Chalmette High School, school of the Owls. I was supposed to graduate last year, unfortunately after the death of my sister Selenie I didn't care much for school studies. My parents didn't blame me; in fact they've been on autopilot for the past year. I hate the word Cajun, that's what everyone calls us; technically I'm the only one who insists in talking without that dreadful accent. I plan on going somewhere, someday. My parents were definitely trying to stay true to Cajun form by naming me Arelise, atrocious isn't it? Arelise Gabriellea Thériot as if I could hide where I came from. Definitely the first thing I change when I get out of here. Needless to say I go by Gabrielle or my close friends call me Gabby.

Not much changes around here, everyone dates in high school and gets married shortly after. I prefer not to date for that simple reason. Unfortunately since I am on the dance team The Chalmette Charmers, can you believe that name?! As I was saying I am on the dance team, I have danced since I was two, this makes me quite popular although I choose not to partake of such stupid classifications. I could care less what they call me. I just like to dance. It is the one time I can forget my troubles, my life.

I don't understand why they find me so interesting anyway; I go out with my girlfriends occasionally unless there is a chance high school guys will be there to hit on me. I hate that. Why they find me at all pretty has always been beyond me. I'm 5'6 and petite that part I don't mind but my flaming red hair kills me. I got it from my great-grandmother, that was her gift to me pale skin, flaming red hair and green eyes. I was fortunate enough not to get freckles or curls so I guess I lucked out some. Every one says I look like a porcelain doll. I don't get it but whatever. Who cares right?

My sister, she was who I thought was beautiful, the most beautiful girl in the world with long black hair and green eyes. She was my best friend. I miss her. She should never have been taken from me. She was murdered and I witnessed it but I remained silent, why? Because it was a vampire that killed her. Yes, guess what? They do exist. Who would believe me right? Why he didn't kill me? I will never know. I remember the day. I was supposed to meet her at the coffee shop. I heard a noise in the alleyway and peeked in to investigate. I don't know why I didn't scream when I saw him draining her life, but I didn't. I knew she was dead, her pale body hanging limply in his arms.

He tossed her away as if she were trash and approached me. His cold hand lifting my chin and smiling, "You look so much like Tillie." I didn't ask how he knew my great-grandmother. I didn't want to know. Granny Tillie died years ago and I had heard stories of her being into voodoo, although I chose not to think of her that way. In small towns rumors like that were always going around and she was known for her homemade cures. You would think they would have a little respect. I was brought back to the present by his cool breath against my cheek. His head fell to my neck and inhaled deeply, I knew I was dead but he didn't bite me. He simply met my eyes again in an oddly caring way. He stroked my cheek and smiled then before I could blink he had disappeared.

I didn't talk for a month after that, I hate to even remember the incident. I have never been the same. I could tell who they were every since that day. Just intuition I guess, I never realized that the strange group of kids that started here my freshman year were vampires. I didn't hold them accountable for what happened per say. It wasn't their fault. I had watched them enough to know they prefer animal blood. How could I do this without them seeing? Another gift I guess, I have always been extremely quiet. It didn't however change the fact that I harbored hate for their kind and it manifested itself on them.

Melanie my best friend came in physics and sat down beside me happily. "Hey Gabby guess what, he looked at me."

"Who?" Why did I bother to ask, I knew what she would say.

"Edward Cullen." I groaned looking where he and his brother Jasper sat at an angle in front of us. "Great." I answered monotone. She elbowed me, "Come on he has got to be the most perfect male species on this planet." I chuckled, "Species is correct." She quickly looked at the floor, "He's looking at us, it's almost like he can hear us."

I looked up meeting his intense eyes. He had a curious look on his face, one I couldn't quite place. "He is." Was my only comment causing him to frown. His brother Jasper grabbed his arm catching his attention. I of course knew they weren't brothers none of them were truly a family except in the way of what I would consider a coven.

She leaned to me again, "You have to admit Gabby he is perfect. What girl doesn't want a perfect guy?"

"I prefer one with flaws myself."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean I don't want a perfect man." I glanced up where they sat pretending to work and sighed. They were all prefect to me except Jasper. I knew he had a hard time sticking to their diet. He and Alice had been together the first year they were here and then they branched out. I saw they remained friendly but Alice was extremely bubbly and she dated a lot. It was amusing to watch their disgusted reactions when she found another boy of the week. I always thought it was funny how she wrapped men around her finger. I also noticed he seemed more outgoing now, not with anyone but family but still it was a change.

He was the darkest one, the dangerous one. Perhaps that's why I found him more appealing. He had scars on his neck, they trailed down but I have no idea how far. Oddly enough no one else ever noticed them. I was certain the story of how he got them was pretty gruesome. I didn't realize class was over and the bell had rung until I saw everyone had left but the two vampires' who were whispering back and forth and I.

I sighed grabbing my things effectively pushing my book off of the desk in the process. I stood to grab it but it was suddenly in front of me attached to a pale arm. I looked up meeting deep ocher eyes.

"I could have gotten it." I said taking it away and placing it in my bag. I glanced up to see Jasper in his seat watching curiously. I suddenly grew nervous and dropped my purse everywhere. "Crap!" I managed kneeling. Why did they have to stay in here? He kneeled grabbing a few things and handing them to me.

"Is there something you needed Edward?" He seemed shocked that I wasn't melting at his feet. I guess most human women did. Scratch that, I knew most women did.

"I did actually, I wondered if you were performing at the game?"

"Yes, why?" I was the one curious now, what was he up to? He smiled. Why did he have to be cute, not that I cared he wasn't my type. "I just wondered, you dance quite gracefully not like the other girls. Jasper and I were thinking of going. If you were dancing then I know I could convince him to go." At this he winked. I guess I was supposed to be flattered.

"Whatever, I have to go." I didn't realize as I had bent over my necklace slipped out. It was my great-grandmothers. She had insisted I be the one to have it after she passed. I had no idea why. It was some sort of symbol. I didn't realize until I looked at the leather band around his arm that it matched. His eyes grew bigger and he lifted the necklace in his fingers stroking the symbol. "Where did you get this?"

"Does it matter? Besides can't you read my mind?" Yes I was a smart ass. I didn't want to answer his question it was truly none of his business. He moved closer and I felt myself backed against the table. "Arelise, where did you get this?"

I so hated the use of my first name. I also hated him for paying enough attention to know it. My closest friends barely remembered it. It was then I saw a hand on his shoulder and he stepped back. I turned my head seeing Jasper, his eyes boring into mine. He glanced from my necklace to my face and a small smile crossed his handsome face.

"I'm sorry Gabby, you better go you'll be late for class." He spoke to me? Wow what did I do to deserve the honor of two vampires talking to me in one day? Edward moved back again looking at me with question in his eyes.

"Thanks." I mumbled lifting my backpack and heading out of the room as quickly as I could.

Jasper turned to Edward, "What's wrong with you? You can't just approach her that way, it will scare her."

"She wasn't scared."

"I know but you couldn't have known that until you approached her." He argued back. Edward nodded, "I can't read her well, sometimes I can get thoughts and sometimes images but not like I can usually read. How did she know I could read her thoughts?"

"I don't know."

"I want to know, and I want to know how she got that necklace." He said as he grabbed his stuff. Jasper shrugged, "We'll have to talk to Carlisle."

"Jasper, she knows what we are, I did hear the word vampire in her thoughts. I don't know how or why but she knows and why wasn't she scared of us?"

"I don't know maybe when we talk to Carlisle we can get some answers."

"Or you can."

"What does that mean?" Jasper frowned eyeing him. Edward smiled, "She likes imperfect, therefore she finds you more interesting than the rest of us. I could pick that up." He shook his head, "Not a good idea me and temptation don't mix."

"Well you may be the key my friend."

"No I won't she can't stand me."

"So make her change her mind brother, use that vampire charm." He laughed as he said it. Jasper scowled, "Not likely."

They didn't see me around the corner watching them curiously. I didn't trust them and I knew better than to tell them anything. They were all the same deep down, even if these particular vampires had not been a problem. Eventually they all were. I looked down at my watch realizing I was really late now. I turned almost running into Alice.

"Sorry." I mumbled. Alice smiled, "It's ok, are you all right? You look sort of pale." I spoke softly after a moment of trying to find my voice, "Just not feeling well."

"Oh, well maybe you should visit the nurse she might help no?"

"No."

Alice looked perplexed at me a moment then smiled, "Well I hope you feel better." She then happily headed towards her next class.

At lunch I sat alone, I didn't eat just looked out the window watching as the leaves silently fell. My friends know if I am like this it was best to leave me alone. It was then I heard a tray scrape the table and prepared to go off looking to see who was across from me. When I met those large brown eyes I decided not to be sarcastic, at least temporarily. It was like a cruel punishment that this so called boy could be so darn cute. Had he been human I probably would be making a fool out of myself much like the rest of the girls. Of course they didn't pay attention to any of the human girls, which is why I was left wondering what they suddenly found so interesting about me.

He didn't smile just played with an apple he had in his hands but unfortunately his eyes never left mine.

"I wanted to apologize for my brother earlier. Sometimes he gets away with himself."

"So I saw."

"Gabby, I hope we don't make you uncomfortable. Most of the kids around here avoid us but find us incredibly beautiful. Human instinct tells them we are dangerous. I am surprised yours hasn't told you this as well."

"I don't go much on instinct, I prefer to go on faith. It doesn't matter which I prefer to go on. I don't bother you so why are you here?"

"I have a few questions." He gestured to my necklace. "You hold the answers to those questions."

"Well." I leaned on the table closer to him, "Suppose I don't want to answer your questions?" I hated that he didn't send that annoying Edward to ask me this, it would have been so much easier to get rid of him. I find myself in the peculiar predicament of not wanting to be so rude. What was going on with me? I mentally slapped myself.

He smiled at me then, a gorgeous half smile that I am sure most of the female population would swoon over. He leaned closer to me. It was utterly too close, he was way to far into the careful little bubble I create around myself. I felt his breath tickling my face and I knew half of the cafeteria were staring and pretending not to. "Gabrielle, you'll find that I can be very persuasive." He whispered calmly. I didn't fail to notice his eyes glancing to my lips. Why did he do that? Crazy vampire. He really must be psychotic.

I think he finally realized how close we were because he took a deep breath and leaned back in his chair. While I was glad to have my little bubble back to myself I was curious about the expression his face currently held.

"You will be at the dance studio as usual tonight?"

He knew my routine! Wait how did he know that? I bit my lip suddenly nervous and somehow I think he knew it, he smiled lightly. "What I do is none of your business, I might think you are stalking me you know."

"Not stalking, just observant, can't I watch a beautiful girl without being accused of stalking?"

"Not given your current status, I don't plan on being your next fix Jasper." I knew I was being a brat, heck I was trying very hard to get him to leave and it wasn't working.

"Ah, so you do know who I am. I like the way you say my name darlin'. It's very alluring, much like you but I dare say and hopefully it won't be too disappointing that I have no plans of you becoming my next fix. I find you much too interesting and would prefer to keep you around."

This guy was full of it wasn't he? He must be under the mistaken illusion that someone found his antics charming, I for one did not. I grabbed my tray if he wouldn't leave I would. "Whatever, enjoy your lunch don't choke on it. I don't know CPR."

"I am sure it wouldn't kill me, what do you think?" He smirked then. He has quite the little mouth on him doesn't he? I leaned down for a moment so only he could hear, "Probably not but I am quite sure I could figure out a way to help you out." His smile fell then and the look he gave me was deadly. I turned walking to the counter and placing my tray on it. I was glad to get away from him. Something inside told me for whatever reason he was not finished.

I walked outside groaning when I realized it was raining. What's new I suppose. The corridor was empty and I began to walk towards my locker. I felt a cold breeze and looked up to find him leaning on the wall in front of me. What does he want now! He moved closer until I had turned and was pinned to the wall, his face close to mine as his hands rested on the wall on both sides of my head. "I won't hurt you darlin', I don't want you to be afraid of me."

"I'm not." I answered even though he did make me nervous when he was this close. He looked into my eyes and then down at my hands, "Why are you shaking?"

"Get to the point Jasper, someone might assume we are dating and really, I don't want to ruin my reputation."

"You don't want them to see us together?"

"No!" I answered nervously watching the door and praying no one came out. I knew he wouldn't ruin anything but instead would give way to a million questions I had no intention of answering. He smirked then moved his right hand to my cheek. "Well you must forgive me then."

"For what?"

"This." His lips were suddenly on mine and I stiffened in horror. I could hear the door and several people who had exited the cafeteria and now stood watching. Great! I so hate this guy! Vampire! Whatever!

He leaned back grinning, "So you have fun explaining about us love and we'll talk more later." I could feel my insides boiling with the need to smack him. He walked off turning to wink and making sure they all saw. My mouth fell open. What a jerk! Great his annoying brother would be better than this.

I felt Melanie and my other friend Lisa at my side. "What was that? You and Hale!" Melanie asked excitedly. "You have been holding out on me!"

I felt sick this was going to be a pain. Mel looked at me concerned, "You look pale, are you ok?"

"I feel sick you guys." She took my arm, "Come on we'll go see the nurse." Lisa followed beside me, "Seriously Gabby you and Jasper?" I felt them stop and gasp. I groaned, Please cut me a break here! Looking up I sighed. I knew it. He smiled looking at them, "Ladies." I was sure they would pass out any moment. He then focused on me, "Are you ok love?"

Crap! I am so going to kill him! He smirked knowingly. I could see his family in the distance, his older brother Emmett looked like he was fixing to pee on himself he was laughing so hard. I am starting to think vampires are mental or something.

I decided to play along after all two can play this game. "I am feeling sort of nauseated."

"Really? What a shame, you should see the nurse. Want me to take you?" He was so smug. Revenge will be sweet you just wait and here I thought he was the reserved serious one. Shows how much I know. "No my friends can do it, I wouldn't want you to miss class Sweetheart." I tried to sound awestruck and I think I just vomited. Truly I think I did. He was a bit taken back and I pulled away from Mel trying to maintain my posture and not crumble like an idiot.

"I'll see you later right?" I questioned him placing my hands on his chest. It was his turn to be confused. He glanced down at my hands and then back to my face, "Right." I smirked, "Right then, later.' Take this mister know it all. Grabbing his collar I kissed him quickly and got my desired reaction he was rigid and looked at me stunned. Turning I hit Mel telling her to get her jaw off of the floor and come on. She shook her head I guess to clear it, who knows and continued to walk with me to the office. Somewhere along the way I lost Lisa. I think she passed out of shock. If he is going to play this little game then I will just play it back. Yuck I really feel sick now, I just kissed a vampire, twice.

Jasper walked back over to his family with an uncertain look. Emmett's laugh was booming. "I guess she surprised you a little huh Jazz." He frowned, "She's just trying to play it off. She has no idea she can't win."

Edward slipped his arm around his shoulder, "Well then I guess you will just have to show her."