The sky darkened, the horizon sparkling in colors ranging from the deepest purples to the most majestic of oranges and reds. The hues dyed the sky, shimmering among stars and a slowly rising moon. The skyline is shaded by trees of all shapes and sizes, and the young human watched this was an amazed expression from the tinted windows of the Jeep.

"Wow," Bella murmured, eyes twinkling with fascination. "That's the most beautiful thing I have ever seen."

"Meh," Xan shrugged. "I'd rate that...six out of ten? Nah, maybe a seven, if I'm generous."

She was sitting in the back seat, leaning as far as possible towards where Edward and Bella sat, facing the road.

"You know what would be a great birthday present?" Bella said. "Just staying here, watching the sun set with you, alone..."

"With me, playing in the grass like any other thirteen-year-old," Xan giggled. She seemed remarkably more happy since she had been accepted in the Cullen coven--well, actually, no, she didn't seem happy, she was.

"Nice try, Bells," Edward laughed, "but we're going to that party."

Bella groaned. "Do we have to?"

"Yep," Edward said. "Lighten up, will ya?"

"Yeah, lighten up," Xan chuckled. "I mean, what's the worst that could happen?"