This is a very Short chapter because it's more of an introduction to the story than anything else. I hope you enjoy what little there is and I should have the next real chapter up tomorrow. Also *clears throat loudly* I do not own these characters. They belong to Stephenie Meyer.


I didn't want to go. I was leaving everyone I knew and loved behind. Well… almost everyone. At least Aunt Rose and Uncle Emmett were coming with me. I supposed my parents were right though. I needed this time away. To grow, to become an adult, and to learn who I really was for the first time in my life. To know myself and experience life with some independence for once. After all… that's what college is for, right?

"Nessie?!"my mom called from downstairs, "it's time to go!"

Well this was it. The moment I'd been dreading all summer long. I slowly walked down the hall of my family's large home in Forks silently saying goodbye for the next two years. When I got to the bottom the stairs they were all waiting: Rose and Emmett to usher me into the future and the rest of my family and my very best friend in the entire world to say goodbye. You see this isn't just my parents clever scheme to get me to experience life… it's also their clever scheme to get me away from Jake and delay the inevitable.

See for the next two years I'm supposed to be spending my time at Harvard. I'm a freaky genius so it should honestly be a cakewalk. I'm also supposed to make friends. It's like they've never met me before. I was born with a built-in best friend and he's the only friend I've ever had outside my family. I have no idea how to make friends! My parents think that will also be a cakewalk but I don't believe them. I'm supposed to stay there with few visits from my family and NO visits from Jake. We can text and talk on the phone but my parents want the next two years to be Jake free. And Jake agreed… reservedly, but he agreed to stay here while I go.

My mom suddenly grabbed me up in a tight hug "I'm going to miss you so much Nessie!"

And just like that the goodbyes had started and I was passed around the circle from one marble embrace to another until I came to Jake.

"You really won't come?" I asked.

"Nah. You know I'm needed here and they're right… you deserve some independence."

"You know that's not the only reason, right?"

"Yeah but they're right about that too, Ness. You're only 7 years old even if you do look 16."

"But you don't think of me like that. And I certainly don't feel that way about you."

"Sure, sure. I know that but your parents just want what's best for you and so do I. We have forever to figure out this imprinting thing. I'll be here when you get back and I'll talk to you every day."

I embraced him tightly and whispered my goodbyes to the only friend I've ever had and then climbed in the car with Rose and Emmett as Jake watched on. I waved and tried to hide my tears for my best friend who I knew would find the next two years even harder than I would.

As we turned out of the drive and I could see him no longer I turned around in my seat and contemplated the next two years. We had a two day trip ahead of us and I was starting to think that it might be too long alone in my own head. I couldn't help but think about what I was leaving behind. My parents, my grandparents, Alice and Jasper, the whole pack, and of course my Jacob. I smiled to myself at that. He'd been "my Jacob" since the day I was born. We've spent every day of my life together until now. He'd been my protector all my life but he's been so much more. My very favorite baby sitter. My loving and patient older brother. My very best friend and confidant. And I was leaving him behind.

I spent the next two days teary-eyed while I alternated between reminiscing about the past and fearing what the next two years held for me. I knew I could do this but that didn't stop me from being nervous as hell.

When we finally got to the house where we would be "roomies" for the foreseeable future I scoped the place out and chose the first bedroom I came to. Tomorrow I started college. I figured I should probably be well rested.


As I watched Nessie, my universe, my everything, my entire reason for living drive away all I wanted to do was chase after her and beg her to stay where I could protect her and be the friend she needed but I stayed where I was and waved with the rest of them. I keep telling myself this is the right thing. She is young and innocent and she's barely lived. She needs this. And maybe Edward's right… maybe this could delay the inevitable. Even I think 7 or 8 years of life is a little soon to be getting into a mature relationship. And she wasn't even done growing yet. Right now she looked about 16. We had decided she's not quite the 7 year model we'd been thinking. Nahuel had said he stopped growing after 7 years of life but Nessie's growth had slowed down more than expected and it was looking like she was more like a 9 years of growth sort of girl if Carlisle's estimate was correct. Which I'm guessing it was.

So the idea is that if Ness isn't here when her needs start to change… I won't know and my feelings for her won't change. Not until I see her in two years anyway. This way she has room to test the waters of life without an overbearing werewolf trying to protect her from them. I was really just worried about the MALE waters of life if you know what I mean. Even Edward was a little worried about it. I may not feel that way for her yet but you'd have to be blind not to see her profound beauty and appeal.

As I heard Edward walk up behind me I realized I was still staring down the empty drive way with my hand in the air waving like an idiot.

"So…" said Edward. "You look like a man who could use one hell of a distraction."


Please tell me what you think in a review! I would love the feedback.