Bree Tanner

And so, the Cullens explained to me everything. I learned everything about their history, why and how they lived like this.

It took almost a day for it to sink in.

This was all so… Odd. New. Confusing… It's like my whole life had been a strange dream, and the Cullens were helping me wake up. Of course, every thing I new about myself had been a huge lie.

The only good memory I had from my life with Riley and the others was Diego, and I clung to that like it was a life vest. Everything else was so sad and lonely; he was what brought the happiness in my life, even though it was only for a short time.

When Carlisle found me, I gave up. I wanted to die. The only thing that made me happy was now gone forever, so what was the point in living? I wanted the four dark cloaks, the Volturi, to end it. But now, I'm not so sure. These yellow eyes… The Cullens, they live a lifestyle I thought was impossible. Maybe I was not so helpless after all? I wouldn't get my hopes up.

But maybe that's the end of it. They saved me, so now we should just part ways, say goodbye and get on with our lives? They all looked so happy and… Together… Maybe they don't need a burden like me.

But I was filled with a fierce hope that burned inside me like a flame, and I refused to give up. I would be… Good. I thought I wasn't bothered by all the killing I did in the past, but I had thought it was inevitable, so I dealt. Now that I know there is a way to not be a monster, I want to try it. For Diego.

Still, there were things I was not sure of. The mind reader, Edward, was attached to the human, Bella. He called it love. If Diego was human, would it be different between us? I hope not. I hope what we had was real. But I still did not understand why Bella stood up for me earlier.

It was almost unbearable to be in the same room as her. Almost. It was getting better, but Edward would rarely let me be near her, and when we happened to be in the same room, Jasper would be there for backup. But as tempting as she might be, the girl was growing on me. I admired her relationship with the Cullens. She was obviously head over heels with Edward, and him with her. Anyone could tell. But to learn his terrible secret and still want to be involved? That took guts. I guess she was blinded by love.

I also learned that she wished to become a vamp with Edward, so they could live together forever, but he wouldn't let her. Apparently he didn't want to 'take her life and soul away from her'… I agreed with both.

Even thought the strength and beauty was wicked cool sometimes, I didn't know anyone who would want to be a vamp. in their right mind. It was the end for her. But on the other hand, if they loved eachother and wanted to live together forever, and that was what she wanted, then I don't see why not. Was Edward just going to let her get old and die? That wasn't right.

I had already told my story; I spilled shortly after they took me in. I was feeling pretty emotional, (considering I haven't felt much in the past while) so I told everything that would have been in my diary if I had one. They knew all about the people I killed, they even knew about Diego and our plan to escape. They accepted me.

And I was already fond of the rest of the family, too. Carlisle was like the father Riley never was, and Esme was like a mother. Since I never had a real family even in my human life, I was already getting attached to having a caring one. I reminded myself that it wouldn't last long.

Emmet was competitive by nature, and I could tell he was itching to make some kind of bet with me. I liked him already.

Rosalie had mostly ignored me so far, and I could tell she was mildly jealous of all the attention on me. She was your average beauty queen, but I had seen how she acted with the rest of her family, and it was clear she had a good heart.

Alice was a strong little thing, and I admired how she wouldn't let anyone take advantage of her size. She was sort of my secret role model; I wished I could be as loveable as her.

Jasper kept his distance, and I could tell he has had history with 'newborns' (I still didn't like being called that, it made me feel like a baby.). It was natural for him thought, considering his 'talent'. I didn't blame him for keeping his distance from strong emotions, which I have been experiencing in the past day or so.

But as much as I fancied living like them, I still had a decision to make. Fred was still would only be waiting for me for a few more hours, and I wanted badly to tell him what I learned, to give him the choice of lifestyle that I was considering at the moment.

"Carlisle?" I called hesitantly.

I was in the living room and he was beside me in an instant.

"Before the war," We called the whole thing with Victoria 'the war'. "I was friends with someone named Fred. He was one of the few that didn't trust Riley; he was smart. He was planning on running away right before the war, and Diego and I could join him. He told me to meet him at Riley Park, around sunset." I said.

This had caught the attention of the rest of the Cullens. Jasper, curious, strode in without a sound, and Alice followed. Bella was at home with her father, but only because it was his birthday and he wanted to spend quality time with her. The rest of the Cullens approached quietly.

"Oh," Carlisle said, misunderstanding. For a moment, I thought I saw a flash of disappointment cross his perfect face, but I couldn't be sure.

"No, no! I mean, if you want me to go…" I said awkwardly.

"Of course we don't want you to go!" Esme said, shocked. "We were actually going to ask you…" She looked at Carlisle. "We want you to become a part of this family, Bree. We would love for you to become a Cullen." She smiled, hopeful.

The meaning of her words only sunk in when she said 'become a Cullen'. That was when I realized I wanted to be a Cullen more than anything in the world. Surprised, I looked around the room at every face. My 'family's' faces were hopeful and encouraging, save for Rosalie. I was surprised to find a small smile on her lips. That was all it took.

"You… Want me to stay? You'll have me? I-I don't know what to say! I- Yes, of course!" I knew the outburst was a bit immature, but I couldn't help myself. I almost forgot that pain of Diego's murder at that moment. Almost.

All of a sudden, I was embraced by numerous people at once. Esme was holding me close, whispering 'Welcome to the family, dear!' while Emmet was patting her back saying to Jasper "I knew she'd say yes. Cough it up, Jazz."

My heart was aching. I felt… Loved. I liked the feeling. Then I remembered what I brought them in here to say.

"Look," I paused, laughing happily. "Like I said, Fred is waiting, and he won't wait much longer. I don't want to join him," I looked at my family and smiled. "But, he's so nice, and he doesn't deserve to go out into the world only knowing the lies Riley fed him. I'm sure he can handle himself… He has a gift too, but I'll explain that later. I just think he should know the truth, before he finds out the hard way."

"Of course, so you want to meet up with him just to say goodbye, and to explain things to him, right?" Carlisle asked, catching my drift. "Of course," He said again.

I noticed Emmet was getting excited. He stood up. "Yeah, and I want to come with. Haven't gotten outta this house in ages! I need some fun." Rosalie smacked him on his arm. "Fun," she scoffed. "What do you think I've been giving you the last century or so?"

Edward grimaced, while Alice laughed. Jasper rolled his eyes. "Please, spare me the details! I can already feel what you're thinking. Turn it down a notch, would'ya?"

I smiled. Being with them… It felt so, normal. Good, like we were a real family. I knew that I was a part of it now.

"Alright, enough!" Carlisle said chuckling quietly. Esme smacked him on the arm. He stopped laughing, but he had a small smirk on his face. I couldn't imagine the emotions Jasper was feeling at the moment.

"Alright, alright. Would you like us to come with you, Bree?" He asked me.

"Yes, please. He would never believe me if I told him you guys were… nice." I couldn't think of a more appropriate word. "Riley's been fooling into thinking you guys were evil. It'd be nice if he got to meet you for real."

"Then it's settled" He said, smiling. "We should probably go soon… But Riley park isn't too far from here, and Bree," He looked at me, at my eyes. "I think you should probably come hunting with us. Esme and I could come with you, and we should leave right now… Would you like to know how we vegetarians do it?"

I was curious about how they hunted, but I had only remembered my thirst until now. I was startled. For the past day, I had been so distracted I hadn't even noticed my thirst, and it had been a few days since I last hunted. Usually I would be dead thirsty by now, but it was just a sort of tingle in my throat.

Maybe it's just a side affect from being around Bella so much. Or maybe it's just because I've been feeling so human, I thought. Whatever. I was excited and nervous about hunting the animals now.

I agreed quickly to the hunting trip, and it was decided that me, Esme and Carlisle were to leave shortly. Then we would set out for Riley Park.

A.N.

So yes, I noticed Bree had gotten over her thirst a bit quickly in the last chapter, so I added another twist to the story. Maybe Bella's talent was working over time on Bree, or maybe she had a talent of her own? Who knows. Not even me, yet. I'm planning on the next chapter being the big bang, where something huge happens. So watch out! I'll try to update soon. Thanks for reading!

P.S. I forgot the Parks name was where Fred was supposed to meet Bree, so you'll just have to settle for Riley Park.