Summary: A sci-fi thriller. What happens when a new girl arrives in Forks? Despite her unique status, is she unintentionally causing a catalyst for something bigger? Edward/Bella. River/Vincent.

Disclaimer: I am a new Twilighter. I own nothing. The only characters I do own are River Waters and Vincent Cullen.

History: Takes place in an alternate universe. Edward and Bella, 17 and 18, are seniors in high school. River, 17 yrs. Old, is half human/half alien. Her alien abilities are infinite. River's father, Jeff was half human/half alien. Her mother, Brooke was full blooded alien but looked human to blend in. Both parents worked for the Seattle Police Department.

Vincent, 17 years old, is half vampire/half alien. His human half was dying so he was saved by Dr. Cullen; Quileutes treaty doesn't apply here until after 1941. His vampire ability is similar to Alice's; what makes his different is that he can show people glimpses of different realities depending which path they choose. His alien abilities are infinite. He and River are of the same alien race but different families.

~*~*~*~

Chapter 1: Not a Kid Anymore

After spending seven years camping near Mount Rainer in Seattle, Washington, River, seventeen, made her way to the ranger station. It was here that she was to meet her father, Jeff and her mother Brooke. Instead she was a little surprised to see her aunt Peyton Miller there waiting for her. This threw River off guard some especially as the look on Peyton's' face was grim. River knew better than to read her thoughts. Reading thoughts of a stranger was one thing while family was completely different.

"Wow, look at you," said Peyton, trying to put on a brave front. "You're no longer a kid. I remember the last time I saw you."

"The wilderness has a way of doing that I guess. No human contact for seven years and all that," River said hating the small talk. She really wanted to know what had happened and why her parents weren't here to greet her.

Peyton nodded. She never understood her best friend's method of child rearing. At the age of 10 they had sent their only daughter into the woods for seven years. Granted the same thing had happened to Jeff and Brooke when they were that age but even now Peyton could make no logical sense out of it.

River hated that Peyton was stalling so rather than wait she just asked, "What happened to my parents? They were supposed to be here, where are they?"

Peyton took a deep breath, "Maybe we should take a drive," she said reaching for River's arm.

River pulled back. "There's no one here," she said, "just tell me."

"They died River, three years ago."

"What, that's not possible."

"River, people die all the time."

"I don't understand, how?"

"It was a bank robbery at Seattle National. They were called in. Shots were fired and they got hit. "

River nodded, "And their bodies, what happened to them?"

"I had them cremated since that was what was in their will." River simply nodded again. "Listen River, when you went out on your own, your parents had left some instructions in case something should ever happen to them. They did say that this was totally up to you. Now I know you're old enough and you don't need an adult figure in your life, God knows you've done well without one for seven years but if you'd like, you can come live with me and with your cousin Maia. I adopted her, she's thirteen. I think you two would really hit it off despite the age difference. Your parents all ready enrolled you for this school year just so you can at least graduate and get your high school diploma. But if you don't want to then just say the word."

For an ordinary human this would have been too much to process all at once but River was never an ordinary human. It didn't take long for her to make up her mind.

"Sure that sounds great."

"Okay," Peyton said with a smile, a little surprised that that was easier then she thought it would be.

The two of them got in Peyton truck and made their way to Forks, Washington a place outside of Seattle. River took one last glance at the Mt. Rainer wilderness and sighed. It had been her home for seven years and now it would become a distant memory.

~*~*~*~

It didn't take long for them to pass the welcome sign of Forks. After several turns they arrived at Peyton's house. Maia was instantly outside, anxious to greet her new cousin. Introductions were made and then the two of them led River over to a gift that was hidden underneath a tarp. River took it off and was surprised at what she found.

"This was my mom's bike," she said referring to the blue motorcycle that stood in place before her. "She loved this thing."

"She did," Peyton replied. "Per her instructions, she left it to you. Figured you would enjoy it just as much as she did plus it saves me from actually having to buy you a car, which was their second request in case you didn't like the bike."

River couldn't help but laugh, "Are you kidding, by the time I was eight she had me riding on the back of this thing. She built it herself you know," River said excluding the fact that with the alien technology there was no need for fuel so it could last a more than a dozen lifetimes.

"So I guess that means you like it," Maia said with a smile.

"I love it," River replied. "Wanna take a ride Maia?"

"Maybe later," replied Peyton, a little nervous of her daughter riding on the back of a motorcycle. River understood what Peyton meant by 'later.' "Why don't you take a look at the house first?"

River nodded and the three of them went inside. The downstairs floor contained a living room off to the left of the entrance and to the right was the kitchen with a dining table enough to seat four. Upstairs, down the hall and to the left was Peyton's room with personal bathroom. Down the hall from Peyton's room on the other side of the stairway, was Maia's room located on the right with a separate general restroom. Across from Maia's room was what was now to be River's room.

Maia opened the door to the room.

"We hope this is okay," said Peyton. "You've got your own personal restroom. And a balcony that leads to the best view in the house. There's a river out back which leads into the woods in case you didn't notice."

"I noticed. Thank you. If I can ask, why are you letting me have this room," making reference to Maia's room which was much smaller and had no window view.

"You're the nature girl," replied Maia. "And I actually like my room it's a lot more private."

River looked at Maia and then to her aunt Peyton.

"Totally her idea," Peyton said answering River's question. "You're parents said you like a lot of black and blue so that's what we settled on as far as bedding goes."

"Thanks."

"We got you a few clothes, some school supplies, basic things like that. I guess we'll let you get settled in then. Your class schedule is on the desk. School starts at 8 but since you're going to be arriving two months into the school year, you might want to get there early just in case. If you need anything just go ahead and ask. I know this is gonna be an adjustment for all of us but we'll manage."

River nodded, "Thanks Maia. Thanks aunt Peyton. This is really more than I deserve so I really appreciate it."

Peyton smiled, amazed at River's candor. "You're absolutely welcome. Oh," Peyton said being reminded of something, "There was one other thing, I'll be right back." As she said, Peyton quickly returned but with a box in hand. "These were found among your parents instructions. They're letters they left for you just as a precaution in case something should happen to them. They're for special occasions things like that."

River didn't know what to say so Peyton and Maia quietly left the room, closing the door behind them. River took a deep breath, took the first letter out of the box which read '1st Day of Senior Year' and then opened the door to the balcony. There she stood for a few minutes before opening the letter. And once she read it, the tears could not stop streaming down her face.

­­_____________________________________________________________________________________

Author's Note: Yes I did use the names Brooke and Peyton only because they are my favorite characters from One Tree Hill however this is by no means a OTH crossover even though in my vision former Brooke Waters does look like Brooke Davis and Peyton Waters does look like Peyton Sawyer. And then I did use the name Maia because she is one of my favorite characters from the 4400 so Maia Waters does look like Maia Skouris. Aside from the Twilight characters, everyone else: Jeff Waters, River Waters, and Vincent Cullen- I have no particular reason for choosing those names.