It's been so long.

Well, I know it has because of seasons changing (in Forks, the only way to know the seasons are changing if you have enhances senses like me) and all that, but it hasn't really felt that long.

She grew so fast, it's hard to keep up. But I was able to manage, since my life has been halted forever. It will be forever because I don't plan on quitting any time soon. I needed to stay like this forever.

For her.

It's hard for me to believe that I'm technically only eight years old. We, my family and me, all keep that part quiet. As far as any outsider is concerned, I'm a happy, healthy 18-year-old. I'm not too tall, only slightly taller than my mother's 5'4" stature. My body is slender, almost athletic looking. I guess you could call me athletic, the vampire blood in my veins does help me run and jump faster and higher than a normal human. My aunt, Alice, never really let me cut my hair, so it's still long curls. Mom insisted we trim it on occasion, though. So there was a three-way compromise (there was no way they were going to make a decision about my hair without me) that we leave it at around hip level. I like my golden curls.

I never really noticed the changes happening in me so quickly. Never really took notice that I grew out of my clothes really fast. Never thought anything of the fact that I grew in three years what a normal kid would grow in six. It was just who I was.

Needless to say, I'm glad I finally stopped. I've been in this body for about three months now, and I'm glad it stuck. I like it. I feel sexy.

Good thing, too. There's someone I want to impress...

"Nessie..." Dad warned me from the kitchen. Shit. I forgot he was home... he was able to hear my thoughts. "And watch your language. I'll be nice and not tell your mother of that little slip."

"I didn't say anything, Dad." I knew Mom didn't like me swearing, but when you hang out with the people I do, you sort of just pick it up. So I kept it to myself. But then Dad heard it. I couldn't win.

"I know you didn't, and honestly, I don't care what goes on in that head of yours. Just keep it clean when I'm around, alright? Some things I just don't want to know." He smiled that smile of his. It made Mom putty in his hand.

It just annoyed me. And it's one of his many traits I inherited. Fabulous.

"Where is Mom, anyway?" I just noticed she wasn't in our little cottage. I loved this place, just the three of us. Quite the odd family, I looked the same age as my parents. Technically, I was. I tried to not think about that.

"She's at the main house with Alice and Rose doing God knows what." He came out of the kitchen, drying his hands. Dish duty. "I was about to go over there. You can come, but change first. Don't need to deal with Alice today, alright?"

I glanced down at my wardrobe. Sweats, a large t-shirt, socks, and my hair in a messy bun. That's one off the traits I picked up from my mom. We just don't care about that sort of thing. Except I care more when there's people around. Especially one in particular...

"I'll just meet you there. This might take a bit."

He nodded with that grin again. "Good luck and see you in a bit." He kissed my forehead and left.

I looked through my wardrobe for an ensemble that Alice would approve of. I decided on a tan plaid Burberry skirt she recently got me and a matching white top that had the plaid on the collar and hem. I found a white headband (I couldn't seem to find the plaid one to match... I think I leant it to Rose), a white belt, and my tan ballet slippers. I examined myself in the mirror. Perfect. Even the little hemp bracelet I wore religiously since my first Christmas matched.

I nodded at my reflection and headed to the main house. Everyone was there watching a movie. I entered the room and Dad glanced at me and nodded. I think he approved of my fifteen-minute makeover. He was sitting on the floor in front of the couch Mom reclined across. She was twirling her fingers in his hair. They loved each other so much and I loved to see that. Made me happy to be here, a embodiment of their love for each other.

Alice danced in with a bowl of kettle corn for me. "Edward said you were freshening up before coming over, so I popped this for you when you got here. And, by the way, I love the outfit! We're going shopping this weekend and getting you more of that plaid-it looks great with the color of your eyes and hair!" I couldn't argue with her because I always enjoy shopping with Alice. She liked it because I let her treat me like her little doll, unlike my mother. She protests the whole time. Alice has good taste in clothes. I just know how to accessorize well.

"Thanks! I kind of have the munchies, anyway." I took the bowl from her and sat on the floor in front of Rosalie. As soon as I sat, she started playing with my hair.

"You can't help yourself, can you?" Emmett asked her. She had to rearrange herself next to him to play with my curls.

"She's the only one with curls like this. Shove it," she retorted.

"You're just irked that she had to move her legs from across your lap," Jasper teased. "Your mood just changed from relaxed to annoyed in about half a second."

"I'm not!" Emmett stated, shocked that his brother would even hint at something like that.

"You're a horrible liar," Edward stated.

I turned around and placed my hand on his cheek and played for him his face when Rosalie moved her legs and leaned forward to play with my hair, smiling my father's smile the whole time. Emmett groaned in defeat. Dad just laughed. Obviously he saw my instant replay.

I turned to the movie, it wasn't too far into it. Still playing the last of the opening credits. I couldn't recognize the movie. I think I recognized the actor on the screen, but nothing else was ringing any bells.

"It's The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen," my father answered my silent question.

"Your grandfather brought it over for me because all my favorite literary icons are in it. Captain Nemo, Tom Sawyer, Dr. Jekyll, and even Dorian Gray!" Mom added. "You'll recognize them, too. I think you've read all those books, too at some point."

"I recognized them, alright. This should be good!" I sat back and let Rosalie continue with my hair while I enjoyed my kettle corn. I learned to love human food over the years. Made things easier when I visited La Push.

About half way through the movie there was a heavy knock at the door. I knew exactly who it was. Dad didn't have to say he heard him coming and Alice didn't have to say that she didn't see him coming. I just knew.

And to my surprise, my heart skipped a beat or two.