I glanced around my childhood bedroom one last time. The face of the clock glared angrily at me. I was running late for my flight. One way to New York, New York. Throwing my carry-on over my shoulder, I said my silent goodbye to the purple walls, and closed the door behind me.

I was met at the bottom of my stairs by a large group of people. My Aunt immediately grabbed me up in her arms, hugging me fiercely. I couldn't look her in the face, for fear of her tears pushing my own over the edge. One by one I was passed around, everyone giving me hugs and kisses. Nessie was literally sobbing, and I grabbed her in my arms and we held each other tightly. She touched her hand to my face softly, I love you, flashed in my mind. I kissed her on the cheek. Embry was the last one I was passed to, he wrapped me up in a bear hug, lifting my feet off the ground.

He looked sad, but I knew he would never let any of us see him cry. He smiled sadly at me before grabbing my bag and walking me out to the truck that my parents were waiting in. "Don't forget about us little folk when you make it big, Claire Bear."

I threw myself at him again, enveloping him in a hug. "I love you, Embry. I'm going to miss you so much."

He chuckled, "I'm gonna miss you too, Claire. Do a keg stand for me in college, okay?"

I gave him a smile, but I couldn't find it in me to laugh. "He's really not coming to say goodbye…" I trailed off. He didn't answer me, instead opened the door for me, and set my bag down. That was the only answer I needed. I kissed him on the cheek one last time before he closed the door behind me. My dad sped off and I looked back and waved as everyone gathered on the porch and watched me off.

Before I knew it, I was sobbing. I would miss my family. I would miss the pack. I would miss Nessie and Leah and Aunt Emily. I would miss my high school friends and my hometown. But that's not why I was crying. I was crying because in my heart of hearts, I didn't know if I would ever be able to face this town again if I didn't have Quil.