Chapter One

I might as well start at the beginning. It's not a normal life story anyway, so best not to confuse you more.

It was another boring day of homeschooling. I couldn't go to school because of how different I am. The first issue is that I am thirteen years old, yet taller than most adults. I am mentally an adult, for the most part at least. Second problem is that I am part vampire. Apparently I can't control my thirst for blood, but that's just what Carlisle thinks. He has been around for about 380 years but has never seen anyone like me, but I haven't slipped up yet. I eat human food anyway. A half vampire half human baby at birth, he knew I wouldn't be normal. Yes, Nessie was half human too but both of my parents are vampires. Apparently there was some gifted vampire who could allow others to have children, and of course all of the females in the house jumped at the opportunity. But I digress. I could go on listing all of the reasons they don't think I should go to school, but I would be here for a while.

I should probably tell you about myself because I haven't left a clear mental picture so far. My full name is Sydney Aria McCarthy Cullen. I am 13years old and am 5'10". I have blue eyes and and blown hair that can't decide whether it wants to be curly or straight. My mother is Rosalie Hale McCarthy Cullen and my father is Emmett McCarthy Cullen. My aunts are Alice and Bella and my uncles are Jasper and Edward. I have 4 cousins. The twins Emma and Lizzy who are Alice's daughters and Reneesme and her younger sister Layna who are Bella's daughters. Our family had not been graced with sons yet, but the wolf pack kept us busy enough.

Uncle Jasper opened the door to the indoor pool I was in and said I have two more minutes to swim. Those traitors knew that Uncle Jasper was the only one who could convince me to do something, and it's probably because he's my favorite uncle. Don't tell Edward I said that though.

"Five more minutes please Uncle Jazz, pretty please!" I said with a puppy dog expression that I picked up from Aunt Alice.

"Please don't use that face with me!" He pleaded, knowing I would win. I gave him my most sorrowful expression, and sent sad feelings his way.

"Ugh fine five more minutes but if Esme and Rose yell at me I'm blamin' you." He said giving up.

"Thank you so so much! This is why you are my favorite uncle!" I said, grinning.

A faint 'hey no fair!' was heard from the third floor. Edward hasn't gotten me out of homeschooling yet, and he's so whiny. Boo-hoo. I thought, pulling my shield down so he could hear me. You'll get over it eventually. Jasper has even saved me from a few minutes I would've spent learning what I believe is the worst subject ever, creative writing.

I'm a naturally creative person, so you would think I love the subject. I just don't particularly like other people reading what I write, which is kind of the point of the class. Dad did once, and I didn't speak to him for a week. He learned to stay out of my journal after that.

I can also never finish the stories I write, and as I get really into it I get writers block.

I soon realized that if I valued my existence that I should probably get out of the pool. Shit. I ran out of the indoor pool room and down to the "classroom." Dad has waterproofed all of my stuff (and the floors) so on days like this I didn't soak everything.

I made it down to the classroom right on time. "Thanks Syd!" Ness said as I walked in. "What?" I asked her. "We got out of writing. Aunt Alice is taking us shopping! And BTW, I would change unless you want to go to the mall in a swimsuit." Ness replied. Did she really just say BTW? "Did she see me throwing a fit over the lesson?" I questioned, a smirk spreading across my face. "Of course. Full blown Sydney drama tantrum." She said, with a grin on her face. I honestly don't need the tantrums, because of my little 'gift'. I am a sponge. I. Am. Not. Spongebob. Hardy, har, har, so funny. I can take anyone's gift and use it. I need to be within 100 feet of them to copy their gift, but I can always use it. Layna has the gift of persuasion, and I love using it. I can read minds (Edward), see the future (Alice), use persuasion (Layna), shield myself and others from mental and physical attacks and or gifts (Bella), cause pain (Lizzy), communicate through touch (Nessie), change my appearance (Emma), use the elements (Emma and Lizzy) and feel others emotions (Jasper). I'm special apparently. It's actually a headache when done at the same time.

I changed into a blue tank top and black shorts. I decided against wearing heels; Alice makes us go to every store and we spend like $4500 every time. Only do that once. Alice had to carry me in because my feet were so sore, which looked ridiculous! I tower over her tinyl 5' frame, so you get the picture.

"Come on, come on girls, we don't want to be late!" Aunt Alice yelled, sprinting through the house and out to the garage. Late for what?

"I wonder why she's worse than normal." I commented to Reneesme.

"We are dress shopping for the party she's throwing you for your 13th birthday. Duh." She sassed. Such rudeness in such a tiny body.

Well this should be fun.