Chapter 1

Disclaimer: I own nothing but the idea's that deviate from Ms. Meyer's original story line.

I hope you enjoy this story and let me know what you think. I enjoy reading the reviews left even if I don't respond to them all. Also when leaving reviews all I ask are no flames. I encourage constructive criticism and of course all positive comments.

One Friday after school Alice begged me to go shopping with her. I'm not sure why I agreed, but I did.

"Bella, how about this one?" Alice asked for the hundredth time holding up a shirt I hated instantly.

"No Alice," I sighed. This had become my catchphrase for the entire shopping trip. "I like this one though." I had picked up a shirt that was the complete opposite of what she was showing me.

"But that color won't look good on you," Alice objected. "I've Seen how you'll look in this one and Edward will love it on you." I had learned that Alice was a seer and Edward could read minds. The good news is Edward couldn't read my mind. I didn't want him to know about my Angel. I didn't tell anybody about my Angel.

"Alice," I was so frustrated. I decided then and there I hated shopping with her and would never do it again. I walked away from her and headed to the car.

About an hour later she finally joined me with at least twenty shopping bags. She dropped me at my house and told me half the bags were for me. I told her no thanks, got out of the car, left the bags, and walked into my house.

Later that night, Edward stopped by and climbed through my window.

"You really hurt her feelings," Edward told me. "She just wanted to do something nice for you."

"I'm sorry I hurt her feelings," I said. I didn't want to fight with him tonight. Alice was just one of the many straws that was piling up and irritating me. "But I did tell her I didn't like any of the things she showed me. I even showed her what I did like. I'm not going to accept anything from someone who doesn't take my feelings into consideration."

"I'll talk to her," Edward finally said, but after I told him that I started thinking about how little Edward takes my opinions into consideration. "Would you like to play baseball with my family tomorrow? The others are going to be in town and we are making a family event of it."

"Sure," I agreed. I was too tired to argue after shopping with Alice. "I'm going to go to bed."

"Alright, Love," Edward said and gave me a peck on the cheek. "I'll pick you up in the morning."

I waited until he left and shut the window. He had tried to stay the night more than once, but I didn't feel comfortable with that. When he held me I would think about how I felt when my Angel held me so many years ago. That was the only time he held me, but I remembered it like it was yesterday.

The next day dawned gray and cloudy. I wasn't sure if the baseball game was still going to go on, but figured Edward would let me know if the plans had to change. While the day stayed gray and cloudy, it never rained. Edward picked me up about noon and we headed to the field where they were going to play baseball. He said the rest of his family was already out there just waiting for us.

We drove so far, but then we had to run the rest of the way. Edward put me on his back and took off running at vampire speed. Every time he did that with me, I always felt nauseous afterwards. He set me down near Alice and started introducing me to his family members I hadn't met yet. I hadn't looked up yet though because my stomach just wasn't settling.

"Bella," Edward hissed at me. "You are being rude."

"Edward," I heard a voice reprimand him. It reminded me of my Angel. "Darlin' are you ok?"

I couldn't answer him right away. My head snapped up and I looked into the eyes of my Angel. His eyes were currently black and I suspected it was because of what Edward had said to me. I stared at him for about a minute longer before I flung myself in his arms. I had missed him so much and didn't know if I would ever see him again.

"Bella, he's not safe," Edward said. "You need to come back over here. I can't hear his thoughts anymore."

I shook my head 'no'. I wasn't going to leave my Angel's arms and I knew he wouldn't force me to either.

"Don't make me," I begged my Angel.

"Never, Darlin'," my Angel promised me.

"She is my mate!" I heard Edward say. "And you are Alice's."

"What?" I questioned. Nobody had said anything about mates to me before. It was also then I realized that my Angel was Alice's Jasper. Everyone at school had told me how Alice and Jasper had been inseparable so they were surprised he had actually left for college without her.

"What's wrong, Darlin'?" my Angel, Alice's Jasper, asked when I started pulling away. He wasn't mine anymore. I couldn't keep him. He belonged to Alice. I also knew I wasn't going to stay with Edward any longer.

"Nothing," I sighed. I tried to look cheerful, but he didn't look like he believed me. "Why don't you guys start the game? I assume I'm only going to be watching, right?"

"Yep," the big teddy bear of a vampire chuckled. I learned this was Emmett. He was so nice, but so mischievous.

The game started and I stood back and watched them play. Edward appeared to be the fastest and Emmett seemed to have the most strength behind his swings, but it also appeared Jasper was holding back. I wasn't sure why.

"What are you confused about, Darlin'?" Jasper asked while he was waiting for his turn to bat.

"Why are you holding back?' I answered with a question of my own.

"Ah, you noticed," Jasper commented, but didn't elaborate. He had said it so quietly I barely heard him and I don't think the other vampires heard him this time either.

"What did Edward mean when he said he couldn't read your mind anymore?" I was curious about that as well. As far as I knew my mind was the only one he couldn't read. I would have thought he would have mentioned if one of his family members was also immune to him.

"I'm not sure," Jasper answered honestly. "He's always been able to before. Hell he was reading it earlier today at the house."

"Oh," was my brilliant response.

It was then Jasper's turn to bat. Right before Alice threw the pitch she froze in a vision. I have no idea what the vision was, but Edward came running to me and moved me away from Jasper before I knew what was happening. I tried to get back to Jasper because I knew he would keep me safe, but Edward held me in place.

"What is going on?" I demanded. I wasn't scared, but I was irritated at Edward.

"Alice saw some human drinkers approaching," Edward said. "You must stay behind me."

I didn't get a chance to argue with him, but I desperately wanted Jasper to hold me again. I knew I couldn't speak these thoughts though since he was Alice's mate. It wouldn't be fair to Alice for me to approach Jasper in such a way. I knew he needed to focus so he could protect Alice if the need arose.

"Major!" I heard one of the two figures call out that were approaching us. I knew then it was Char and the other crimson eyed guy who had helped me when I was younger. I had learned his name was Peter during one of the many visits they had. I don't think they realized I knew their names because they had never told me their names directly.

"Peter," I squealed and was bolting for him and Char. I think I stunned the Cullens because none of them moved to stop me.

"Princess," Peter smiled and caught me when I launched myself at him. I saw Char chuckling as Peter was spinning me around. Jasper had started approaching the duo after he saw me shoot past him. Edward was the next to come back to his senses.

"Hey Sug," Char said when she gave me a hug. "So are we going to go shopping again?"

"Uh..." I wanted to go shopping with Char, but I hadn't found a job here yet. Actually, Edward was monopolizing my time so much that I didn't even have a chance to look. I had a little money left from my job in Phoenix so I figured I could do a little and hope Char wouldn't go overboard like last time.

"Bella!" Edward grabbed me away from Char and Peter. I must have squeaked because the next thing I knew Peter, Char, and Jasper were all growling at Edward. He ignored them, but kept talking to me. "I told you to stay behind me. We've told you how dangerous human-drinkers are!"

"They are not dangerous!" I argued. "They have never hurt me before so why would they now?" I was so pissed off at Edward. "You need to back off. You are suffocating me. You know what? I'm done! I don't want to see you anymore Edward!"

I have no idea why I broke up with my vampire boyfriend in the middle of nowhere, but I knew my Angel and his friends would keep me safe.

"No!" Edward roared. He grabbed my arms again and started squeezing. "You are mine. You are my mate!"

"Edward," I started whimpering. "You're hurting me. Let me go."

That was all it took before my Angel had ripped Edward away from me. I was then in Char's arms while Peter stood protectively in front of the two of us.

"Jasper, No!" Alice cried out.

"Jasper, stop!" Carlisle called out. "Don't hurt Edward."

Why were they so worried about Edward? He had been the one hurting me. Why shouldn't Jasper hurt him? Was I not important to them since I broke up with Edward? I started feeling my self-worth go down the drain. I also was feeling bad that Jasper was defending me instead of taking care of his mate.

"Now, Princess," Peter suddenly turned to me. "You are wrong." That was all he said before turning back to watch Jasper and Edward. I knew Jasper had held back during the baseball game, but now he wasn't. It was such a magnificent sight.

"Stop!" Esme called out when Jasper ripped Edward's arms off his body. "Please!"

"Major," Peter called out. With that Jasper did stop and looked at Peter, then me and Char. He threw Edwards arms to Peter and rushed to my side.

"Are you ok, Darlin'?" my Angel asked me. His eyes were still black and he was running his hands up and down my arms. It was like he was checking me for injuries.

"I am now," I said honestly, being in his arms always made me feel safe and secure.

"What the hell is going on?" Emmett asked. His wife and mate, Rosalie, looked just as perplexed.

"It's a long story," my Angel chuckled, but continued to hold me securely.

"Maybe we should head back to the Cullen house," Peter suggested. "That way we can talk and Bella won't get too cold."

"Of course," Carlisle quickly agreed.

"Come on Sug," Char said to me. "You to Major," Char amended when she saw I had no intention of letting go of my Angel.

"NO!" Edward roared. He still didn't have his arms. Actually Peter was still holding them. "Bella, Love, please."

"Huh?" I was confused. Why was he begging me?

"Don't go with them," Edward sneered towards Peter, Char, and Jasper. "Ride back with me, Carlisle, and Esme."

"No," I said. There was no emotion in my voice when I spoke to him.

"Love, please, you need to get away from Jasper. He is manipulating you," Edward was still begging. He must have seen the confusion on my face because he elaborated. "Jasper is an empath. He can feel other's emotions as well as manipulate them."

"Huh," I commented. I realized how I had felt so calm at times over the years even though I had just been freaking out. Every time I felt that calm though, I could still sense my own emotions underneath. I gave myself a moment to feel my emotions before I spoke to Edward again. "He's not manipulating my emotions right now."

"How the hell do you know that?" Alice started freaking out. I'm not sure why, but I suspect her power of seeing the future didn't work on me, even though she had made comments about seeing me.

I just smirked at the pixie who was steadily becoming someone I truly hated and I never hated anybody. I then decided to forgo an answer all together and started walking away from the group. I really had no idea where I was heading, but I figured Jasper, Peter, or Char would tell me if I was going the wrong way.

As it was, Jasper didn't let me get too far before he picked me up bridal style and started walking in the opposite direction I was. I guess my sense of direction really was terrible. We eventually made it to where the Cullens had parked their cars. Jasper put me in the passenger seat while Peter and Char climbed into the back. The four of us had been silent on our way to the car and I suspected it was because they didn't want the others to overhear our conversation.

"So how did you know it was us walking up and how did you know my name, Princess?" Peter finally asked after we had been driving for a few minutes.

"Well, I knew it was you and Char because you called out to the Major here," I started and indicated I knew Jasper was the Major.

"How do you know my name and that he's the Major," Char interjected before I could continue.

"I know your name, Char, because the Major here told it to me," I chuckled and paused to see what kind of reaction that would get from my three vampires.

"When the hell did I tell you her name, Darlin'?" Jasper seemed very perplexed.

"On my 16th birthday," I answered. "When she called you to help convince me to go shopping with her you said 'Please let Char take you out.' Peter's name it seems like was always being said by Char followed by her smacking him upside the head. I always assume he had said some smart ass remark to deserve that."

"That's cold, Princess," Peter pouted, while Char and Jasper just laughed at how right I was.

"The first time I heard you call Jasper 'Major' was when you showed up at my house right after the electricity had been shut off," I smiled softly at the memory while my vampires all growled lowly. While having no electricity was not a happy memory, remembering Jasper holding me while I fell asleep was so worth losing the electricity for a few days. "I was dozing off and Jasper was holding me on the couch when I heard Peter say 'Major, we have to go.' Of course, it was confirmed that I wasn't dreaming when Char called Jasper on my birthday and referred to him as Major when he answer the phone."

"Damn," Peter chuckled. "And here we thought you didn't know much about us. We should have known you'd be more observant than a normal human."

"Thanks," I grinned cheekily at him before resting my eyes for the rest of the drive back to the Cullens.

The drive back was relatively short. I know Peter still had Edwards's arms and didn't plan on giving them back until we knew for sure he wouldn't go after me again. I was trying to figure out what the hell I was going to do now. My first step was convincing Edward I didn't want to be with any longer. My next step was dealing with the family. I wanted them to stay a part of my life, but I wasn't sure if they would want me around after breaking up with Edward. Then there was Jasper. The thought of him made my heart swell. I wanted to stay with him forever, but I knew I wouldn't be able to. He had his mate, Alice. Maybe Jasper, Peter, or Char would still change me though. I know Edward promised to change me if I married him, but I hadn't agreed to marry him. I had actually decided to break up with him after his family's baseball game. Maybe I should just leave this world behind and move on with my life. When I thought that though, it felt as if my heart was being ripped from my chest. When we pulled up to the Cullens I didn't have any answers to my thoughts, just more questions and heartache than I could have ever imagined.

"Darlin' you ok?" Jasper asked while he was helping me out of the car. "Your emotions were all over the place on the ride."

"Yeah, I'm fine," I smiled trying to calm my emotions. I had forgotten about Jasper being an empath.

"Alright," he sighed but let it go. We walked into the house and I saw Peter and Char had gone ahead of us. It only took a few more minutes before the rest of the Cullens arrived.

"Can I have my arms back," Edward growled when he walked through the door.

"Are you going to keep your hands away from Bella?" Peter asked while waving Edward's arms around. Instead of waiting for Edward to answer he threw the arms to Carlisle. Carlisle caught Edward's arms then he took Edward into his study to reattach his arms. Alice and Esme went with to assist him.

While Edward was getting his arms reattached, Char and I made plans to go shopping the next day. I told her about shopping with Alice yesterday and how much of a nightmare it was.

"Well of course it was," Peter interjected. When I just stared at him he continued, "She's a psychotic pixie bitch. Just because she can see the future doesn't mean she's always right."

"Bitter much?" I questioned. I was waiting for Jasper to defend Alice since they were mates but he just laughed with Peter.

"Ignore him Sug," Char laughed. The four of us chatted for a few minutes more. I hadn't noticed where Emmett or Rosalie went when they got home. I guess I wasn't really worried about it since I had only just met them. Granted Emmett seemed like he would be a great big brother, not that I would get the chance to actually find out. I'm sure he doesn't want to get to know me after how I broke up with his brother in front of the entire family.

After about an hour, Edward, Alice, Carlisle, and Esme walked back into the living room. Edward had his arms reattached, but he looked like he was still in pain. Edward went to walk towards me, but I moved closer to Char while Jasper and Peter shifted to block him.

"I want to see my mate," Edward demanded.

"Do you want to lose your arms again?" Peter fired back. That caused Edward to take a step back. "Now why don't you all sit down and we'll explain how we know each other."

I didn't move away from my three vampires until I knew where everyone else was going to be in the room. I wanted to make sure I stayed as far from Edward as possible. I had also noticed that Emmett and Rosalie had walked back into the room at some point. They sat down on the love seat while Edward, Alice, Carlisle, and Esme sat down on the couch. Jasper moved to sit on the recliner while pulling me onto his lap. I went very willingly and curled into my Angel. Peter and Char stood behind the chair Jasper and I were sitting in, almost like they were guarding us from the rest of the vampires in the room.

"Would you kindly unfurl yourself from my mate," Alice trilled out. I had completely forgotten about that detail. I should never have presumed Jasper wanted me to be so familiar with him. It was hard for me to remember that Jasper was Alice's mate though. Every time I looked at Jasper it was like nobody else mattered.

I tried to sit up and pull away a bit because I didn't want Carlisle, Esme, Emmett, and Rosalie thinking I was trying to cause problems between Jasper and Alice. I didn't get far, about a fraction of an inch, before Jasper's arms tightened around me and held me right where I was. I also felt Peter and Char's hand on my shoulders showing their support of where I was sitting.

"We met Bella about eleven, almost twelve, years ago," Jasper started. "She was six years old and was playing at the park. Instead of leaving when it started getting dark she kept playing. At some point she realized she wasn't playing by sunlight, but by moonlight and got scared. She hid underneath some of the equipment. We waited a bit to see if someone would come looking for her, but after about half an hour of her hiding, no one came. I approached her and picked her up. She was never scared of me. She refused to look at Peter that day and didn't acknowledge Char when she tried to talk to her and sooth her."

"When I saw you that day I was in awe," I looked at Jasper as I spoke, but knew the rest of the vampires in the room were listening. "I knew I was safe with you. I had been so scared when I realized it was dark. I thought my mom would come looking for me, but when she didn't show up I just got even more scared. I felt calm when you walked up to me, but underneath the calm I knew I was still scared about being at the park after dark. After what Edward said earlier about you being an empath, I started to understand why I would always feel so calm around you. But even when I would feel calm, I could still sense my own emotions. I may not have understood what was going on completely, but I always knew you would keep me safe."

No one said anything for a few minutes. All the vampires in the room were absorbing what I had said, even my three vampires. While they had been there when I needed them most, we never talked much about anything when they were around. It was surface things.

"You didn't feel safe with me Princess?" Peter broke the silence with a fake pout.

"I figured since Char and Jasper would always hit you upside the head I should probably steer clear," I said seriously before sticking my tongue out at him.

"Again, Princess, that's cold," Peter pouted some more and I couldn't help but laugh at him. Jasper and Char were both shaking their heads at Peter's antics while the Cullen's just looked a little confused.

"I'm sorry," I gave him my best puppy dog eyes and I got off Jasper's lap and gave Peter a hug. Jasper didn't try to restrain me this time. I suspected it was because I was moving towards Peter and he knew I wasn't in any danger. "Please forgive me Petey." I was trying very hard not to bust out laughing.

"Ah, Princess," Peter was trying to glare at me for the nickname, but at the same time looked like he would be beat red if he had been able to blush. He returned the hug before letting me go. I went back and sat with Jasper again.

"What made you feel safe with them," Carlisle spoke up. He was intrigued by how I had actually known about vampires before I had met the family.

"His eyes," I answered honestly. "No matter the color, every time I saw him I always knew he would protect me. After that first time, Jasper, Peter, and Char, would show up randomly when I was in trouble. Most of the time, I was lost and they would take me back home." I didn't want to tell them about my mom's financial problems. I still had never told Charlie and my vampires only knew because they had come over when the electricity was off.

"What do you mean the color of his eyes?" Edward demanded. I hadn't thought about the fact, the Cullens would frown upon Jasper having red eyes. That would mean he had drank from humans. Hell I never even thought of that before. It still didn't bother me.

"Sometimes they were topaz, other times they were black," I answered him honestly, even though I had chosen to omit the part about him having red eyes. I personally thought his crimson eyes were really sexy. "But I've always known the crimson eyes were trustworthy as well." I had to throw that out there because I wanted Jasper to know I didn't mind them and what they symbolized. As soon as I had said it, Peter put one hand on my shoulder. I reached up to hold his hand there with one hand, while reaching my other hand behind Jasper's neck to hold Char's hand. I could only imagine the picture of solidarity we presented.

"How can you say that," Alice spoke up. "I've seen how happy you'll be with Edward. I know you will become one of us."

"Alice," I interrupted her. "I highly doubt you've seen anything regarding me." That caused multiple of the vampires in the room to gasp, but I choose to ignore them and continued on. "You keep telling me you've seen me in outfits I would never where or doing things that I would never even consider doing without you providing a major guilt trip. While the only thing you are right about is the fact I want to be changed, but I've never kept that a secret."

"But-" Alice tried to start.

"No Alice," I interrupted her. "I think I should go." I was getting very irritated with how things were going and Alice wasn't helping any. I knew Jasper was trying to keep everyone calm, but even his gift wasn't working fully on me. "It was nice to meet you Rosalie, Emmett. I'm sorry that it couldn't have been a better meeting." Both of them gave me a nod, but didn't say anything. "Peter, Char would one of you mind giving me a ride?" I figured I should ask them instead of Jasper. I already knew Alice was getting bitchy at me because of how close Jasper and I appeared to be. I didn't want to ask him and cause more problems for him. "I'm sorry for any trouble I've caused your family tonight," I had turned to Carlisle and Esme last. "Please know it wasn't my intention, but I would appreciate if you keep Edward away from me. I don't feel like having him try to persuade me to take him back. I have no desire to be in a relationship with him any longer."

"Of course," Esme nodded. With that I stood up and walked away. I refrained from saying anything to Jasper. I didn't want him to have to choose between his mate and me. I knew it would end up with him choosing his mate.

I walked outside and waited for someone to come out and give me a ride. I hoped I would still get to spend time with my vampires, but I would understand if after today they didn't want to be with me any longer. I was replaceable. I found this out when I was a kid and trying to raise my mom because she was too busy with the next guy she found.

"Hey Sug," Char said walking up to me and giving me a hug. We got into the car and I realized Peter was also with us when he slid into the back seat. "So are we still on for shopping tomorrow?"

"Actually, I won't be able to," I sighed. "I haven't been able to find a job since I got here. Edward and Alice have kept me too busy to even look. I have hardly any money left in my savings from before I moved here."

"Well how about we go around looking for apps for a bit then go window shopping?" Char suggested.

"Don't you still have the black card the Major gave you Princess?" Peter spoke up from the back seat.

"Yeah," I sighed. I tried to forget about that card unless I was desperate. I had never been desperate enough to use the card. The only time I had really used it was when Char took me shopping for my 16th birthday. "I figure it would not be a good idea to use it anymore. I'm sure Alice would frown up that being his mate and all."

We had got to my place so instead of continuing the conversation I got out quickly and went inside my house. I didn't want to deal with having it thrown in my face every time I was around him that he couldn't be mine.

I saw my dad had fallen asleep while watching the game. I woke him up and sent him to bed. Fortunately he was out of it enough he didn't realize how upset I was. I took a quick shower and headed to bed. As I was falling asleep, I avoided thought about my vampires because I knew they were no longer mine. I'm sure Peter and Char only came around because of Jasper being their friend and since he had his mate I didn't think Jasper would want to see me any longer so by default I didn't expect to see Peter or Char either.

It took me forever to fall asleep but when I did I slept hard. Part of the reason being I was nervous that Edward would try to come into my room. He did that all the time. My normal bed time routine included making sure all my windows were locked as well as my bedroom door. Just in case, I also put some stuff on the window sill so if the window was opened I would hopefully be woken up by the stuff falling.

When I woke up the next morning, or afternoon since I really slept in, I noticed right away all the stuff on my windowsill was exactly how I left it and the windows were still locked. That was one thing I wasn't worried about any longer. I decided to grab a quick shower before getting ready for my day.

After breakfast, I headed out so I could fill out applications and hopefully find a part time job. I didn't agree to go with Char so I was very surprised to see her sitting in her car waiting patiently for me.

"Hey Sug, ready to go?" She had rolled down the passenger window when she saw me walk outside.

"How long have you been sitting here?

"A few minutes," she smiled at me. I still had not agreed to go, but Char was waiting for me to answer her original question.

"Yeah, I am," I smiled as I slid into the car. I had noticed that neither Peter nor Jasper were with her today. "Just us girls?"

"For now," Char smiled. "The guys are going to meet us back here later."

"Oh," I was hoping she just meant Jasper and Peter, but I wasn't sure. I could only hope Edward didn't show up.

"Also, Jasper made me promise that you would use the black card to get yourself something today," Char continued on. "You did bring it right?"

"Uh, yeah," I answered honestly. I always had it in my purse in case of an emergency. "But I don't really want to use it. It's not fair to use his and his mate's money."

"His mate?" Char questioned.

"Yeah, Alice," I elaborated. It killed me a little inside to say that, but I figured if I said it enough, I would eventually be able to accept that Jasper was not mine.

"That pixie bitch is not his mate," Char growled. It didn't scare me, but did intrigue me. "She has been trying to get her claws in him for years. Jasper needed to learn the ways of the Cullen's because of his gift. Over time he formed a solid friendship with Carlisle and Esme while truly seeing Rosalie and Emmett as his siblings, but he can't stand Alice or Edward."

"Oh," was my response again. I wasn't sure how to take that information. It thrilled me to know that Jasper didn't want Alice, but that didn't mean he wanted me. "So I was thinking about applying to a few places around Forks and Port Angles. I figured since I'm still in school, I should find a job with an easy commute. I would prefer Forks, but I realize there aren't very many options."

I had changed the subject for now and Char seemed to be ok with that. She didn't try to dissuade me from finding a job. She did push me to use the card Jasper had given me and I finally gave in. I bought one outfit with it after watching the price tags.

"Are you hungry?" Char asked after we had been wandering around the mall for a couple hours.

"A little," I answered. "If you want to drop me off at home I can make myself something there." I didn't want to put her out.

"Nope, the guys are waiting for us at a little restaurant here in town," Char smiled at me as we walked back to the car.

"Really, you guys don't have to go out of your way for me," I tried to convince her I didn't expect anything from them.

"We know," Char chuckled. "But we want to spend time with you. Peter about went ballistic when we went to check on you to find out both you and your mother had moved. It's a good thing Jasper was on his way up here to visit the Cullens otherwise things could have been very bad."

"I left a note for him," I commented. I didn't understand why Jasper finding me gone would have been a bad thing.

"You did?" Char sounded surprised.

"Yeah," I was slightly confused, but chalked it up to them not going in my room or something. "When the decision was made for me to move up here to live with my dad I wrote a note telling you three. I left it in my room and addressed it to 'Major' since I didn't know his actual name at the time."

"Peter tore apart your room," Char sounded apologetic about that comment, but quickly continued. "We never found a note or anything."

"I'm so sorry," I apologized.

"Why are you apologizing?"

"Well I didn't and don't want you to think I'm ungrateful," I turned to face Char as she was driving. "The three of you have done so much for me over the years. I hated leaving without being able to let you know where I was going and that I was ok."

"Well thank you for thinking of our feelings," we had reached the restaurant and Char reached over to give me a hug. "Give me your cell; I'll put all our numbers in so you can get a hold of any of us whenever you need."

"I, uh, don't have a cell," I muttered.

"What?" Char screeched and pulled me to a stop. We had started walking into the restaurant before I told her about not having a cell phone.

"What's wrong?" Peter asked walking up to us. I hadn't even noticed him arrive.

"She doesn't have a cell phone!"

"Why not?" Peter looked really confused by this conversation.

I just stood there. I knew they wanted an answer but I was too ashamed to tell them. They had done so much for me and I just couldn't tell them it was because I wasn't able to afford it. I knew they would tell me I should use the black card Jasper had given me so long ago, but I kept it for emergencies only.

"Let's go in and eat," my Angel said. He placed a hand on my back and guided me inside. He must have sensed my panic at the question and decided now wasn't really the time or place to get into it.

The four of us walked in and were seated quickly. After looking through the menu I decided on what I was having. My vampires had looked as well. I wasn't sure if they would order something for show or just watch me eat.

"Hi, my name is Liz, I'll be your server today, what can I get you?" A chipper blonde waitress introduced herself but focused on Jasper and Peter.

"I'll have a grilled chicken salad with ranch," I ordered after my vampires placed their order.

"Anything else?" Waitress Liz chirped to Jasper, dismissing me as soon as I was done ordering.

"No," Jasper's response was void of any emotion.

I had just sat there. I knew I shouldn't be jealous because he wasn't technically mine, even though I couldn't help but thinking of him as mine, as well as Char and Peter.

A/N: I hope you enjoyed the beginning.. Again, I look forward to reading any thoughts and comments you may have!