Here it is! Part two of my fanfic! Please review so I know if I'm doing OK :) xx


Chapter 2

Charlie woke up at seven am filled with light. She felt so good! She jumped up out of bed, cracked open her door to make sure noone was up. Noone was, fortunately. She grabbed her clothes and ran to the bathroom. She clicked on the shower and yawned, stretching. After the water was hot enough, she stripped and jumped in.

The heat of the water was amazing, numbing the aches of the previous day. She looked down at her hand and it was already starting to heal. When the water started running cold she hopped out and looked in the mirror. She looked better, happier, more peacefull.

She didn't have any clean underwear so she reluctantly put on the previous days and slipped the clean top over her head. It was a pale lime green colour and it hugged her body in all the right places. She slipped on her jeans and quickly combed her fingers through her hair.

When she left the bathroom, she banged into Shane. He was wearing a pair of sweats, and no shirt. His sweats where riding low on his hips and Charlie couldn't help but look. Now she saw him like this she could really tell he had muscles, not like a body builder, but toned and definitely hot.

He shot her a lop sided grin and she could feel her face flushing. "Um, hey, your up! I thought I would have to drag you out of bed myself," she said, trying to start a conversation that wouldn't involve 'oh my god, you're so hot!'

He shrugged. "I heard the water running and I knew it wouldn't be Eve or Michael, so..." he trailed off. Charlie smiled and quickly moved out of the way. "It's all yours. And don't take too long, I know how you girls can be," she joked, walking back to her room. She heard Shane snort behind her and the bathroom door closing.

She stuffed everything into her back pack and slipped on her pumps. She could feel a flutter in her stomach. She couldn't believe Shane was going with her, she couldn't keep the smile off her face. She ran her hands through her honey coloured hair again and decided to let it dry in the sun, on the walk to school. She slung her pack over her shoulder and headed for the stairs. When she stepped into the hall, Shane had just come out of the bathroom. His wet hair was sticking up in odd angles, he had a towel wrapped around his waist and another slung over his shoulders. She had a better look at him from her door and she smiled shyly.

"Do you always get up this early?" Shane asked, towel drying his hair. She shrugged. "Sometimes. You really didn't need to, you know. I could've went myself," she said and crossed her arms over her chest, suddenly feeling self conscious. Now it was his time to shrug. "Had nothing better to do today. And I couldn't let my new roomie face bitch Morrell alone," he said and winked. Her stomach always done somersaults when he winked at her, it was like a reflex. "Well Thank you Shane, I really do appreciate it," she said, meaning every word. Shane smiled, "No problem," he said and went back into his room. Charlie went down the rest of the hall way and practically skipped down the stairs.

She had a few minutes to spare before Shane would be ready so she decided to do a bit of studying since she's not at school. She knew most of it but she signed up for different classes, like myths and legends and she actually found it pretty interesting and she'd also been brushing up on her alchemy. Myrnin would be proud.

She opened up her textbook and started flipping pages, trying to find the one she wanted. Just then, she heard footsteps on the stairs. She turned to find Shane looking at her with a puzzled expression on his face. He was wearing slacker friendly clothes which involved a loose grey shirt and blue faded jeans, with rips in them, he had on just socks and a pair of sneakers in one hand.

"What?" She asked at his confused expression. He shook his head and jogged down the rest of the stairs. "Your studying when you've just been chucked out of school? Amazing," he murmmered and took up the space next to her."What's wrong with that exactly?" She asked, raising her eyebrows. "No, no, nothing, atleast now I know I'm living with a little nerd," he said and nudged her. "OK, I'm going to let that slide, just this once, but if you ever call me a nerd again, there will be consequences. You have been warned Collins," she threatened, jabbing an accusing finger in his direction. He put up is hands in a silent surrender and quickly laced up his sneakers.

"OK, we better get going," Charlie murmmered, putting her books back in her bag. "Look, you really don't have to come if you don't want to, I won't be long, I just don't want to be a bother," she said, giving him one last chance to say no. He laughed warmly, a good sound. "Well, I'm up now. Not much more I can do," he said, shrugging. She stood up and smiled, "OK, come on then," she said and put out her hand, to help Shane up. Shane took it and stood up dramatically. "Such a gentleman," he joked. Charlie glared at him, smiling.

They left the house into the a typical Texas morning, the sun already blazing high in the sky. There was a slight chill in the air, but that would go soon enough. Shane locked the door behind them then they started down the road.

There wasn't alot of people around, there never where in Morganville. And the people that where kept their heads down, not making eye contact with anyone. "God, I forgot how creepy this town could be," she murmmered, adjusting her bag on her shoulder.

She had been away for a hundred years and it had hardly changed. The humans where still scared of the vampires and the vampires made sure of it. Shane chuckled softly. His presence next to her made her feel a lot better, happier, knowing she had someone. Silence hung between them so Charlie asked, "Have you ever been to Common Grounds?" Shane shrugged and kept looking ahead. "Yeah, I think everybody has." Charlie nodded and kept walking, struggling to keep up with Shane. "Want to go have some coffee? You look beat," She said, looking up at him. He nodded silently and yawned wide.

The little coffee shop was mostly full of caffine addicts and students trying to get some extra studying in before class. "Grab a table and I'll get drinks. What do you want?" He smiled. "Coffee. Black," he replied. Charlie made a face at him. Black coffee equals gross.

Shane headed for a free table and Charlie joined the end of the line. There was only a couple of people infront of her, both looking like they've already had enough caffine to last them a life time. When she came to the front of the line she was greeted by someone she hoped she'd never see for the rest of her life. Especially not in Morganville.

"Oliver," she breathed, looking right at him. A slow cruel smile spread accross his lips and it made Charlie cold inside. Oliver wasn't wearing what he used to wear. He had on a hippie tye dyed shirt on, an earring in one ear and his long greying hair pulled back into a pony tail. Good guy disguise Charlie guessed. She lowered her voice. "What the hell are you doing here?" She hissed. Oliver leaned in close and whispered "I could ask you the same thing." Charlie felt anger bubbling up inside of her. "Wait till Amelie hears about this." Oliver smiled again, that cynical smile. "She already knows child. And..." He looked both ways. "I'm her second in command," he finished.

Charlie stumbled back. Why didn't Amelie tell her about this? Why did she keep it a secret? And most of all why did she allow it?

"So, what can I get you?" He asked, turning back into Mr Nice Guy. Charlie was speechless. She didn't understand. Amelie had to have a good reason. Maybe he'd changed? Unlikely but she couldn't think of anything else. "Black coffee and a mocha," she murmmered. She couldn't dwell on this. Everything was going so well and she wasn't about to let Oliver ruin it.

"Coming right up Charlotte," he said, emphasis on Charlotte. She scowled at him and folded her arms accross her chest. "You certainly have bloomed," he said slowly. "How long has it been my dear?" Charlie ignored him, she wasn't about to get sucked in.

Two cardboard cups got shoved in her direction and she slapped a note down on the counter top, not bothering to check how much she'd put down. She swiped them off the counter and weaved her way through people and tables.

She flopped down across from Shane, her good mood fading fast. Shane raised his eyebrows at her. "What got you so grumpy?" He asked, taking a sip of his coffee. She looked over at him and sighed. "Don't ask. Wait, Eve said she worked here, didn't she?" She asked. Shane nodded and looked at her, brows furrowed. "Why?"

Charlie ran a hand through her hair in frustration. Oliver was Eve's boss, that was not good. She had to talk to Amelie. "Nothing. Just...Tell Eve to be carefull," She said and took a sip of her coffee. It would have tasted delicious but it didn't taste much like anything to her. Oliver had always put her in a bad mood. Shane shrugged and went back to his coffee. Her perfect morning was going to hell all because this jackass was here.

After they'd finished they're coffee's they headed out of the coffee shop. On her way out Oliver nodded to her and smiled pleasantly. But it wasn't pleasant, not at all. Charlie glared at him and followed Shane out into the Texas sun.

They walked the rest of the way in silence, just enjoying the sun. When they arrived on campus it was just after eight-thirty and there wasn't a lot of students walking around. "College. So what's it like?" Shane murmmered distantly. Charlie was still disconnected, thinking about Oliver and why the hell he was in Morganville.

"Hey, anybody in there?" He said, waving a hand infront of her face. Charlie plastered on a fake smile and nodded. "Yeah, yeah, I'm sorry," she said looking up at him. Shane wore a concerned expression, searching Charlie's face. "Are you sure your OK? You've been acting strange since we left the coffee shop," he said, brows furrowed. Charlie smiled and put her hand on Shane's arm. "Yeah, I'm sorry, it's just I saw someone I thought I knew and...It was just a little strange, don't worry about it." Shane let it go after that, just walked next to her in silence. Charlie kept stealing glances to her right. Shane was just so nice and sweet and he looked amazing, even with his uneven hair. When they got to Howard Hall Charlie had to take a deep breath before going in. She hated the place and she was glad it was going to be her last time here again.

"I hate this place," she mummbled, making her way up the stairs. Shane chuckled softly next to her and said "I can definitely see why." Charlie smiled at him and walked out into the hall. She saw someone she did not expect to see. Monica.

Monica's face was busted up and the expression she wore could have cut through steel. Charlie felt Shane tense next to her. Whatever had gone on with Monica wasn't something Charlie wanted to get herself involved with. "Shane, I'm so sorry, I didn't think she'd be here," Charlie whispered, turning her back on Monica.

Shane's gaze stayed fixed on Monica, his expression hard and cold. Charlie had a pit in her stomach. This was not the way it was supposed to go. First Oliver then Monica, not good, not good at all.

"It's not your fault Charlie," he said, his voice low and husky. "You," said a voice from behind her. Charlie squeezed her eyes shut and prayed. When she turned around Monica was only a few steps away, her eyes not on Charlie but on Shane.

"If it isn't bad boy Collins," she said slowly, her hands on her hips. Monica's hair was straight and glossy. She was wearing a white mini skirt, a red tee that hugged her curves and red stilletto heels. The whole look was ruined with her bruised nose and mouth.

"Monica," Shane spat, like it was an insult. Charlie just stood there like a statue, not sure what she should be doing. Finally Monica's eyes landed on Charlie and her eyes where burning with fury. Charlie smiled unsurely and pointed to Monica's face. "Looks sore. I wonder what could have happened," she said sarcastically.

Charlie swore she saw Monica's eyes flare red. Monica took a step forward and crossed her arms over her chest. "What the hell are you doing here anyway. And with Collins," she said, jerking her chin at Shane. Charlie shrugged and smiled again. "Don't worry Mon, just came to get my stuff, I'm moving out. Go ahead, spread the joys. Shane here," she put her hand on Shane's fore arm. "Is nice enough to let me stay with him and his friends. OK, we done here? We gotta get going." She tugged on Shane's arm, leading him towards her old room but Monica stretched her arm infront of them. "Hold on a second," she said. "We're not finished. You don't hit a Morrell and get away with it." Charlie sighed and ran a hand down her face. "Look Monica, not right now, OK? I'm already excluded and I don't need this just now." Monica snorted and ran a hand through her hair.

Shane's eyes didn't leave Monica, his expression as hard as steel. "Shane," she whispered, trying to grab his attention, but his gaze still didn't shift. Monica was eyeing him too now, but not in the same way he was looking at her. There was a dangerous vibe coming from Shane and Charlie just knew she had to get him away from her at any cost.

"Shane!" She said more sternly, tugging on his arm again. Shane let her lead him down the hall, distancing them selves from Monica. Monica let them go but before they entered Charlie's room Monica whispered, "I'm letting you go this time, but this isn't over."

When they got into their room, Charlie slammed the door closed and leaned back against it. Shane still looked dangerous and he was looking at the door. Charlie chewed her lip nervously, she didn't know exactly what to do without setting him off, so she silently approached him and put a hand on his arm. Shane's eyes focused on Charlie and his body language relaxed a little, not completely, but a little. His eyes lost the edge and went back to the gorgeous brown Charlie loved.

"Are you OK Shane? I swear I didn't know she was going to be here." Shane smiled a little and shrugged. "It's cool, some stuff happened, not a big deal," he said, his voice still husky. Charlie wasn't convinced and she wanted to know more, but she couldn't push him. She had just met him and he obviously had some un resolved issues with Monica Morrell.

"OK, I don't have a lot of stuff so...Here." Charlie handed him a black trash bag and sighed. "You get the bathroom and I'll get the bedroom," she said, pointing towards the bathroom. Shane flashed her a sly grin and leaned against the wall, his eyes still haunted but trying hard not to show it. "Are you sure you don't want me to get the underwear drawer?" Charlie put one hand on her hip and used the other one to point in the direction of the bathroom again. "Bathroom."

Shane was quiet the rest of the time, whilst they piled things into bags. Charlie's head began to fuzz just as she packed the last of her things, her vision becoming cloudy. Her legs began to shudder under her, but she was forcing herself to stay upright. She took a few gasping breaths, trying to regain control of her body. A burning feeling started in her throat, becoming more and more intense with every breath she took.

The last thing she saw was Shane rushing towards her, yelling her name.

Charlie shot up right, her heart thudding hard in her chest. She was panting hard and was soaked with sweat. What just happened? It all came back to her in a rush. She was packing her place in Howard Hall with Shane when she passed out. She needed blood. The fire in her throat had died down to a dull burn. Uncomfortable but controllable.

A warm hand covered hers and she jumped at the sudden contact. She looked to her left and saw Shane sitting on a chair next to her bed looking worried and relieved at the same time. "Hey," he said quietly, delibrately keeping his voice low. Charlie grinned at him, he was here when she needed him and that was nice.

"How are you feeling?"

"Fine."

"You just passed out!"

"And now I'm fine. Where am I anyway?" It didn't look like the Glass House and it wasn't Howard Hall.

"The hospital. I brought you here when you fainted," Shane said, removing his hand from hers. Charlie checked out the room. It was too clean and white, just the way all hospitals where.

Charlie relaxed a little, lying back in her bed. Her voice was low and husky when she spoke, like she'd stood around TPU yelling for hours. "So when can I go?" Charlie asked, turning on her side to look at Shane. Shane cocked an eyebrow at her like he couldn't believe she'd just asked the question.

"You just passed out for no reason at all and you're wondering when you can leave? Easy girl, there's no rush." Charlie frowned and sighed. "I'm fine though! I was just...Dehidrated!" Shane clearly wasn't buying it because he continued. "You'll get out when they make sure everything's OK." Charlie huffed and stuck her tongue out at Shane.

"There's a couple of people I need to see! I can't stay in her," she said miserably. Shane shot her a quizzical look and shrugged. "Who are these people anyway? They seem important to you." Now it was Charlie's turn to shrug. She'd tell Shane the truth. It couldn't be that big a deal could it?

"Well do you kno who the Founder of this town is?" She asked, her gaze fixed with Shane's. He shook his head, his eyes turning weary. "Well her name is Amelie and she's the Founder of Morganville and she's a vampire. She raised me after my parents abbandoned me," she explained.

Shane looked-to put it simply-surprised. "You where brought up by a vamp?" He asked, tearing his gaze from hers. Charlie nodded and shrugged. "Vampires aren't that bad once you get to know them...Well some of them are but there are good ones and Amelie is one of them," she said, smiling.

Amelie always had a facade around others but never around Charlie. She made her feel loved, wanted, more that her parents ever did. After her human mother gave birth she almost died, but had survived. Charlie's mother left her father after she was born. She said it was his fault her baby was a monster and so was he. She didn't want anything to do with him. Or Charlie.

Her father had left also after going into a state of depression. Amelie had told Charlie that he just...Left, but she knew that wasn't true. He had killed himself because Charlie's mother couldn't accept either of them for what they where. He took Charlie to Amelie before he...Went. He told her to take care of her and let nothing harm her no matter what. Her father had cared. But then had been to selfish to do what he should have done. Stood by his own daughter.

"What have I said?" Charlie asked wearily. Shane focused back on Charlie as her words finally reached him. He shook his head like he was trying to forget something. "No, it's nothing, it's just I'm not exactly the vampires biggest fan," he explained, looking a little ashamed. A little. Charlie shrugged and sat up again. "If you knew vampires like I did, I bet your thoughts would be different. My best friend is a vampire too. His name is Myrnin," she said, a blush creeping onto her cheeks as she thought about him.

"Me and vampires...Don't click if you know what I mean. Vampires killed my mother," he said his eyes directed at the floor. Charlie's eyes widened in realisation. She didn't know what had happened with his family and she immediately felt guilty for bringing up vampires. Shane's face was blank and she could tell he wasn't going to continue. He was hurting.

"I'm so sorry Shane. I didn't know," she said quietly, shifting uncomfortably. Shane shrugged but didn't say anything else, reliving his unbearable past. Charlie decided a change of subject was in order, but before she could say anything Shane asked, "So what happened with your parents that you had to live with the Founder?" Charlie smiled. It had been one-hundred-and-eighty years. The hurt had worn off. Mostly. "Well when my mother was giving birth to me she almost died. When she recovered, she said she didn't want me. She said that I had already put her through too much pain and that she couldn't handle it. She said it was my fathers fault and she left me and him." She paused and looked up at Shane. His eyes where on her, his expression genuially curious.

It had been so long since she had told anyone about what happened and it felt good to get it off her chest.

"My father...He was broken after she left. He took me to Amelie and told her to make sure nothing bad happened to me, to take care of me. When I was old enough to understand Amelie had told me that my father had left too, but there was more to it than that. I knew it wasn't true, he didn't just leave. He was devasted by what my mother did and he...Took his own life," she finished, her eyes steady on his.

"I'm sorry," he said, his eyes comforting and warm. Charlie smiled at him and shrugged. "Thank you, but it's fine. It was a long time ago and Amelie has been great to me since then, she has always been like the mother I never had. And then it got even better when I met Myrnin. He had known Amelie for a long time and that's how we met. I think you would really like him. He's so great," she said grinning.

After another while of talking, the fire in Charlie's throat was blazing. She couldn't let it slip to Shane what she was. She hadn't had blood for a over a month now and it was starting to take it's toll. "Um..." she mummbled, her voice throaty and low. "I'm not feeling great, can you get me a drink of water please?" She asked Shane, trying to get him out of the room. "Sure," he said, smiled and left the room.

Charlie's messenger bag was lying next to the back and she had a sports bottle filled with blood for times like these. She couldn't let Shane see her drinking it because her eyes would flare red and then he'd definitely know something was up.

She retrieved it from her bag and took a long guld of the cold, sloshing liquid. She gagged at the coolness, but the burning in her throat began to ease up. She forced herself to take one last mouthfull of the thick liquid then stuffed it back in her bag. She wiped the blood from her lips and lay back, feeling a lot better.

Shane came back and gave her water. They talked for a little while longer and Charlie finally convinced the hospital people that she was OK and she would be more carefull in the future. When they left the hospital it was a little while after noon and Charlie was gratefull for the heat of the sun on her face.

Half breeds are probably more human than vampire, apart from the blood drinking with the fangs and the red eyes. But she could go out into the sun and she wasn't affected by holy water. Silver, she was affected by but...Still. She always tried to believe that she was human but then things are never so simple in her life.

On their way back Charlie asked if she could stop off at Myrnin's. When they got to the end start of the alley, the porch swing outside of the founder house was currently occupied by a little old woman looking calm in peacefull in the sun, drinking lemonade. "You shouldn't go down there!" The old woman called. Charlie smiled at her and shielded her eyes from the sun. The old woman continued. "It's a trap-door-spider that's livin' down there." Charlie nodded. "Yeah, I know. He also happens to be my best friend. Pretty crazy, huh?" Shane stood silently by, taking it all in. The old woman nodded, swinging in her chair. "Yup. Sure is." "Why don't you two come up here for some lemonade?" She asked, adjusting herslef in her chair. Charlie smiled pleasently at the woman. She'd love to on any other day but just now she just wanted to go see Myrnin. "Sorry, Ma'am, someone I need to see," Charlie said, shrugging. "But thank you."

The old woman scowled and crossed her arms over her chest. "Enough with the 'ma'am.' call me Mrs Day," she said proudly. Charlie smiled and nodded. "Thank you Mrs Day. Maybe another time." Charlie thought Mrs Day was a sweet woman and she also liked how she referred to Myrnin as trap-door-spider. That's exactly what he was like.

When they got to the shack, Charlie led Shane down the stairs and into the lab. "Hey Myrnin!" She called as she descended the last step. "Hey Crazy Ass, get your butt out here and stop being rude! I know you can hear me buster!" Myrnin's shadow appeared off to the right. He looked irritated but when he saw Charlie he suddenly brightened up. "Charlotte! You're here!" He said, folding her into a giant hug.

Today Myrnin was wearing a blood coloured vest, with no shirt under it, with a long black coat over the top, black pants, flip flops and he had a pimp cane in his right hand. He also looked extra manic.

He looked over at Shane and licked his lips. "And you brought a snack, how lovely," he said smiling pleasently. Charlie stuck her tongue out at him. "Number one," she said, putting up her first finger. "Shane is not a snack. He is my new room mate. And number two." Second finger. "I wish you'd stop calling me Charlotte all the time, it seems way too formal," she said frowning.

Myrnin shrugged and turned to Shane. "Hello I am Myrnin, Charlie's friend," he said sticking out his hand, he put more emphasis on 'Charlie'. She grinned at him and winked, happy he'd finally taken something on board. Shane looked uncomfortable, unsure of what to do or say. I now knew how much he hated vampires by the expression on his face.

"Uh, hey, I'm Shane," he said, but didn't take Myrnin's hand. Myrnin looked pleased with himself though and he smiled, half-lidded. "OK, pleasantries over. Charlotte I need your help with some things. And I have a proposal. You can say no if you want to but I would really appreciate it." Myrnin's eyes where pleading and she thought he was just seconds away from getting on his hands and knees and begging her to say yes.

It was hard to say no to Myrnin when he looked at her like that. "What is it?" She asked suspisciously. Myrnin suddenly grinned and gestured to a couple of chairs for Charlie and Shane to sit on. She flopped down on the chair and eyed him.

"Will you work for me? You are a very intelligent girl and I could really use you," he asked, lowering himself onto a chair across from her. Charlie was surprised. She hadn't expected Myrnin to ask that. She had expected something manic and crazy that didn't even make any sense.

She rose an eyebrow at him and sat back. "What's the catch?" She asked, eyes narrowed. Myrnin wore a confused expression and crossed his arms over his chest. "Catch? There is none. I want you to work with me. So. What do you say?" He said, leaning forward resting his elbows on his knees, looking eager.

Charlie thought about it. Working with Myrnin...The man she used to be in love with. could be...Interesting. "OK. I'll do it, I'll work for you," she said smiling. Myrnin jumped up and he danced around like he had just got a new toy. "Great. Come in tomorrow." Charlie shrugged and nodded. "OK, but when I go back to school, it will change so you have been warned. OK, I'm leaving. I'll see you tomorrow, Myr," she said winking at him. Myrnin frowned and sighed. "I do so wish that you wouldn't shorten my name."

When Charlie and Shane left Myrnin's, Shane didn't look much better. It was a bad idea taking him to see Myrnin. He didn't like vampires and she wouldn't make the mistake again. "I'm sorry Shane," she murmured as they emerged from the mouth of the alley. "What for?" He asked, his expression puzzled. "For taking you to see Myrnin. You don't like vampires and I shouldn't have done it. I'm sorry." Shane put a hand on her fore arm and smiled. "Look, it's fine. Don't worry about it. Myrnin wasn't...That bad." Charlie could tell he was lying but she didn't want to press it further.

The Glass House was quiet when they arrived. Michael was asleep and Eve must have been at work. After they left Myrnin's they swung by Howard Hall to pick up her stuff without any trouble. Monica was gone when they got there and Shane looked relieved.

The house seemed to warm when they enter and the familliar feeling made Charlie smile. "So what is Myrnin?" Shane asked, flopping down onto the couch. "He said he wanted you to work for him. What does he do?" Charlie plopped down next to him and crossed her legs at the ankles. "Myrnin is a scientist. He invents stuff, does experiments on different things. He's a very special assett to the town. He has been for as long as I can remember." Shane sent her a quizzical look and Charlie just smiled.

"So you're a scientist?" He asked, raising his eyebrows. "Well kinda. I'm not nearly as good as Myrnin but I can get stuff done. I enjoy it too." She smiled thinking about the days when she used to live here.

She had only looked eight years old when she left. Myrnin had always seen her as just a kid and that's why Myrnin had picked Ada. Well Charlie thought that was the reason. He loved Ada and it had broke Charlie's heart. She admitted her feelings once and he shot her down. It didn't go the way she thought it would go or atleast wanted it to go.

"So," Charlie said changing the subject. "Do you work?" The corners of Shane's lips pulled up slightly and he shook his head. "I'm not working just now but...That might change...Maybe." Shane's brow furrowed, deep in thought.

Charlie didn't know how she was going to spend the rest of her day. She supposed she'd have to unpack so she dragged her self off of the couch and climbed up slowly. She padded down the hall to her room and opened the door. Her room looked the same as it did this morning. She had forgotten to make her bed so she quickly sorted it out then kneeled on the floor, pulling her stuff out of the plastic bags.

All of her clothes where old and crap. She couldn't go shopping and to be honest she'd never really cared about stuff like that. She hung her clothes into her new wardrobe and sat her make-up and her hair brush on the dresser.

A soft knock at the door pulled Charlie out of her day dreams. "Can I come in?" It was Shane's voice at the other side of the door. She smiled at his voice surprised at herself. "Come on in," she said straightening her self out. She quickly ran her fingers through her hair and smiled pleasantly as Shane entered the room and closed the door with a soft click.

"What's up?" She asked sitting on her bed. Shane hovered in the doorway, not daring to come any closer. She patted the space beside her and spoke in a soft amused tone. "Come sit down, I won't bite." Shane smiled slightly and fidgeted nervously. He looked so cute when he was nervous. "Um..." He shook his head and laughed lightly to himself. "You know what? It doesn't matter," he murmmered and turned to leave. Charlie crossed the room to him and touched him lightly on the arm. "No. Do you wanna talk? I'm all ears. We can go down the stairs if you'd rather?" She suggested. Shane shrugged, just a small rise and fall of his shoulders. "I don't want to bother you if you're busy," he said. Charlie took his hand and led him over to her bed.

"Trust me I'd rather talk to you than unpack. it's boring," she said smiling. Shane's eyes brightened up a little. She put a hand on Shane's knee lightly. "Something's bothering you. You can tell me Shane. I know you haven't known me for that long but if you wanna talk, don't hesitate." Shane ran a hand through his hair, causing it to stick up in odd angles.

"I just wanted to say thank you," he said. Charlie cocked an eyebrow at him. She didn't know why he'd thanked her. "What for?" Charlie asked, readjusting herself to look at Shane. He sent her a crooked smile that sent a wave of warmth through her body. "For pulling me away from Monica back there. We don't exactly see eye to eye and, well, just...Thanks," he said, breathy on the last word.

Shane wore a pained expression making Charlie wonder what had really gone down with Monica and Shane.

Charlie folded Shane in a tight hug, wanting to comfort him. He was hurting and even though she had no idea why she felt like all he needed was a hug. Someone to be there for him. Shane was tense at first but started to slowly relax under her touch. He put his arms around her, making her feel small and warm.

"Whatever it is, I'm here for you. Remember that." Shane exhaled slowly and pulled back to meet Charlie's eye. "Thank you Charlie," he said in all seriousness. "I'm glad I let you through the door," he said, winking, some of the old Shane returning.

They talked a little while longer in Charlie's room until they heard the door open and close and Eve's sweet voice flying up the stairs. "I'm hooooome," she sang, clomping around down stairs. Shane and Charlie stood up and made their way to the living room where Eve's voice had come from. Eve's eyes widened as she spotted them coming down the stairs together.

"Did I interrupt something?" She asked with a sly grin. Charlie looked over at Shane and laughed. His face had gone a deep crimson and she clasped Shane's hand and winked. "Yeah, we where just...Well, you know," she said winking. Shane's eyebrows climbed high, almost levitating off of his face. Eve laughed and shook her head, crossing the room to the kitchen.

Charlie took her hand out of Shane's and hip bumped him to the side so she could jog the rest of the way down the stairs. Shane stayed frozen to the stairs until Charlie was safely inside the kitchen. Charlie dropped herself into a chair and sighed. "Coffee?" Eve asked pulling out a cup. Charlie smiled, "Sure, thanks," she said. Eve pulled out another cup and filled the two with steaming hot coffee. She set out cream and sugar and lowered herself into the seat across from Charlie.

"So," Eve said, taking a tentative sip. "What did you two get up to today?" Eve waggled her eyebrows causing Charlie to choke on her coffee. Eve laughed hysterically, sitting her cup down on the table with a little too much force causing the sloshing liquid to run down the sides of the cup.

After they had finished their fit Charlie spoke. "Nothing like that but we went to my old dorm and picked up my stuff. Oh and I had a little trip to the hospital." Eve rose her eyebrows. "Hospital? Why did you go to the hospital? Are you OK?" Eve said putting her hand over Charlie's. Charlie smiled at Eve. Eve was goth and a little weird but she was really sweet annd funny.

"No, I'm fine, I was just a little dehydrated," Charlie explained. Eve sighed in relief and patted Charlie's hand. "You can't scare me like that little girl," Eve said, shoving a black painted finger in her direction. Eve looked great today, pale face, ruby red lips and beautiful smoky eyes. She was wearing a long sleeved black sweater covered in rhine stoned skulls, a pleated mini skirt and a pair of black and white spotted Doc Martens. She had her dyed black hair up in high pig tails.

"So," Eve said, frantically opening cupboards and shutting them with force. She turned around towards Charlie and frowned. "How's chilli?" She asked hopefull. Charlie smiled happily. "Sure, chilli would be great." Eve flashed her a relieved smile and winked. "OK, now I really like you," she murmmered slumping back down.

Shane padded into the kitchen, heading straight for the coffee pot. Charlie smiled at Shane, even though his back was turned. He was just someone you wanted to smile at. When her eyes finally left Shane-reluctantly-Eve was staring at her with suspicious eyes. She nodded towards the door leading to the living room and picked up her coffee and left. Charlie didn't know how to take that so she swiped her coffee off the table and followed Eve through the kitchen door.

"What's up?" She asked, flopping down on the couch, carefull not to spill her coffee over herself. Eve cocked and eyebrow at her and fell onto the floor infront of the coffee table. "You like him!" She exclaimed, jerking her chin at the kitchen door. Charlie opened her mouth to protest but the words dissolved in her mouth. She just shrugged and took a sip of her coffee, not really tasting it. He face felt hot and she grinned like an idiot.

OK, maybe she did like Shane a little. But who wouldn't? But then she thought about Myrnin. She didn't really know but what she did know is that she liked Shane.

Eve clapped her hands and let out a high pitched squeel only audible to dogs. "Oh my god!" She screamed. Shane came bolting into the living room, panic and worry on his face. "What's going on?" He said, wooden spoon in hand. Charlie and Eve exchanged glances and burst into a fit of laughter.

The panic slowly faded from Shane's expression and he stood up straight, out of his stance and shook his head smiling. "Girls," he murmmered. "What where you talking about? Boys?" He asked in a high pitched voice. Charlie fell back full length onto the couch laughing hard, tears stinging her eyes.

Once they'd calmed down Shane spoke again. "So, what where you laughing about?" With that, Eve and Charlie doubled over with laughter again, Shane giving them a quizzical look. Charlie lay there spread out on the couch laughing like she was crazy and she felt good. Laughing like that.

Shane crossed the room to Charlie and...Sat on her. "Shane!" Charlie yelled around giggles. She slapped his back and tried to wiggle out from under him. Shane crossed his arms and smiled wide. He draped his arms over the back of the couch and sighed happily. Eve was still sprawled on the floor laughing hard. "Come on!" Charlie choked out, retstricted by Shane's weight. Shane bounced up and down causing Charlie to make pained noises. "Off!" She shouted pushing him harder. Shane finally stood up and sat down next to her when Charlie moved her legs. She attempted to scowel at him but the effect was ruined by the grin still spread across her face.

When they regained composure for the second time Charlie put a hand over Shane's mouth. "If you ask again what we where talking about, that will happen all over again so I suggest you leave it alone," she said, looking Shane in the eyes. Shane wore an amused expression and she could feel his lips curving up into a smile under her hand. "OK, you win," he said heaving himself off of the couch. "Now I'm going to finish making chilli. I hope you two are as big a fan as I am of garlic." He flashed them a crooked grin and returned to his manly duties as chef. "Eve?" Charlie said, fidgeting with uncertainty. "Can I ask you a question?" Eve's eyes went serious and she nodded, turning her attention to Charlie. "What exactly happened with Monica and Shane?" She asked, keeping her voice low so as that Shane couldn't hear.

Eve wore a solemn expression and she wet her lips before she spoke. "Monica killed Shane's little sister three years ago. She set their house on fire. Shane almost died too but he got out just in time. Alyssa wasn't so lucky. He blamed himself, well, he still does. He said he was supposed to protect her but this time, he just couldn't."

Charlie watched Eve, mouth agape. She didn't realise that it was that serious. She thought it had been a silly rivalry but she would never have thought it could be so...Deep.

"Just...Don't mention it," Eve said in a hushed tone. "He doesn't like to talk about it." Charlie nodded, understanding. "I won't. God, poor Shane!" She whispered. "Oh and Charlie?" She looked at Eve. "Don't give him that pitying 'oh you poor baby' look either. I think he's finally come to terms with it all so...Just act like nothing happened," Eve said getting up.

It was around six oclock when Michael finally woke up and he looked amazing. He was rocking his bed head and he wore a white t-shirt, sweats and went bare foot. His blue eyes where so intense and his smile was sexy and sweet.

"You OK?" He asked jogging down half of the stairs. Charlie was sitting staring at the TV, not really paying attention to what she was watching. Eve was in the bathroom and Shane was heating up the chilli he made just hours before.

She glanced up at him and smiled. "Yeah, I'm fine just...Settling." Michael flopped down into-what she now classed as 'his' chair-and kept his eyes on her. "It's weird isn't it? Being here with people you don't really know?" He asked, raising his eyebrows. Charlie shook her head, her grin deepening. "Suprisingly no. You have all been really kind to me and made me feel welcome. It's hard to feel strange around you guys," she said approvingly. Michael leaned back in his chair and smiled. "I'm glad."

Michael jammed on his guitar for a while whilst Charlie continued to stare at the screen. She wasn't watching the TV but was listening to Michael's beautiful guitar playing. The song was fast and complicated and just...Beautiful. It sounded so emotional and heart felt, like he was playing out his soul.

When he finished, Charlie stared at him in astonishment. "Woah, did you write that?" She asked, leaning forward in her chair. The tips of Michael's ears gradually started to turn pink and he shrugged and nodded, a smile hidden on his lips.

Shane served dinner like the woman he was and took a place next to Charlie. Charlie could see Eve stealing glances at Michael and she realised after a time that Michael was doing the exact same thing, looking at Eve with such intensity. It seemed intimate and Charlie felt like she was intruding.

Charlie shovelled delicious chilli into her mouth. She hadn't realised how hungry she was but then remembered that she hadn't eaten all day. When she finished her first bowl, Michael and Shane where still chowing down. Shane looked over at her eyebrows raised. "Damn girl, you sure can eat," he murmmered taking another spoon full. Charlie went back to the kitchens for seconds, sticking her tongue out at Shane.

When they had all finished, Eve and Michael did the washing up since Shane and Charlie done it the night before. Charlie was glad to be alone with Shane. She liked spending time with him and she hoped he liked spending time with her too.

Charlie retrieved her bag and pulled out tings for studying. She didn't know what else to do and she thought that she'd better brush up on her alchemy. "Again with the studying?" Shane asked, brushing a hand through his already messy hair. Charlie just shrugged and opened up her book.

She hadn't even been studying for five minutes when Shane's hand spread across the book. "Wanna see something cool?" He asked, arching an eyebrow. Charlie grinned and nodded. She slammed her text book closed and left it on the couch as they made their way up the stairs.

Shane walked straight down the hall and for a second Charlie thought he was going into her room, but he stopped just before pulling a picture frame aside to show a small button. Shane pushed it and a panel in the wall silently opened. Charlie's eyes windened in amazement. Who would of thought they would have a secret room?

Shane led her up the stairs, turned on a tiffany lamp and flopped down onto the long sofa. "What do you think?" He asked, gesturing around the room. She glanced around, a smile spreading onto her face. It was amazing. She'd never seen anything like it before.

Shane chuckled lightly, the answer obviously written all over her face. "Looks like a vampire room doesn't it?" He murmmered checking round the room. "You wanna know why I think that?" He asked. Charlie nodded and went to sit next to him. "Well you can't get out without pressing a button up here for one, there isn't a door knob on this side of the room. And there's no windows see? Perfect for little munch sessions."

Charlie's pulse spiked when he said there was no door knob on the inside. What if he'd found out what she was and was looking to hurt her? She waited silently, too unnerved to speak. "The button to get out," he said flatly. "Is here." He lifted up the head of a lion and there was a little button hidden.

Charlie exhaled slowly, relieved that he told her. She didn't know why she jumped to conclusions. Shane smiled down at her. "Cool, huh?" He asked, looking round the room. "Creepy, but cool." Charlie smiled and nodded, tucking her legs up under her. She rubbed her arms, feeling the sudden chill.

"Cold?" Shane asked. Charlie shrugged and nodded. "Yeah, a little," she replied, smiling. Shane pulled an afghan off the back of the couch and draped it over Charlie's shoulders, lingering for a moment before he pulled away. Charlie grinned up at him and pulled him under the afghan with her. Shane slid under, reluctant at first but finally relaxed and put an arm around Charlie, making her feel warm inside, causing her heart to flutter lightly. she lay her head on his chest and snuggled in close to him.

Charlie woke up, a warm weight under her. She huggled in close to the hot object. She suddenly realised what she was doing and glanced up to see Shane with an easy smile spread across his lips. Red flooded onto her cheeks and she sat up slowly and cleared her throat. "You're awake," he murmmered. She smiled slightly and stuck a stray hair behind her ear. "Um, yeah, I'm sorry, I don't even remember falling asleep," she said running a hand through her hair.

"How long have I been asleep?" She asked. Shane crossed his arms over his chest and slumped down in his chair. "Couple of hours. You should go to bed, you've had a hard day. Come on." Shane stood up slowly and stretched wide, yawning. He held out his hand to her and she took it smiling. Her legs where unsteady under her and Shane wrapped an arm around her waist, keeping her upright. "Woah, hey, you OK?" He asked, concern on his face. Charlie nodded slightly. She felt light headed and she had no idea why. She was probably just tired.

Shane pushed the button and helped Charlie down the stairs and into her room. He sat her down carefully on her bed. He looked tired but also strangely sexy. He made his way to the door and turned back to shoot her a fantastic grin. "Goodnight Charlie."

When Shane left, Charlie fell back onto her bed and sighed out of sheer bliss. Shane was an amazing guy and from what she could tell he liked her. That made her feel so...Alive. Like she wasn't just a half breed. She was human...Sort of.

She quickly washed up and tucked herself in bed feeling relaxed and care free. She fell asleep in a matter of minutes.

OK, I know it was a little long but please REVIEW! :D x I have enjoyed writing this so much and your feedback would mean a lot :) xx