AN: Dear Readers, I'm hoping that you're enjoying this story, don't forget there's a sequel- My soul's shadow half.

Ms Meyer is the sole owner of the Twilight franchise, lucky duck!


Chapter four. Life's a box of chocolates.

Hi Nan,

Sorry I haven't written to you in a while. Life's been a crazy whirlwind for the last few months, everything is speeding along so fast I can't believe that it's Christmas already.

So here are some of things I've found out about myself since I wrote to you last-

*I actually amazed myself by having the best birthday ever when I turned 16. Maybe it was that Steve and Vlad invited some of their lovely friends over and Renee forgot what day it was (that wasn't really a surprise).

I didn't have to deal with her and Phil, which was a huge relief, the food and presents were lovely.

*Charlie sent me money for a car! The boys have been giving me driving lessons, (very brave of them don't you think?) I amaze myself by not being a bad driver at all and got my driver's licence, first time.

Vlad says I'm a natural, who'd have guessed?

I found a nice little red mini minor (the old English lady who previously owned it, only used to drive it to the shops and church), it's so cute, low mileage, easy to park and uses hardly any fuel. I love it! I called my car Mimi. Steve bought Mimi some butterfly decals to stick on her windows, and Vlad bought her some new tires and fluffy red car seat covers. I just love driving to school and the library.

*I'm sleeping like a log every night and no longer have disturbing things happen like creepy night visitors or worrisome dreams. I'm feeling so much calmer and relaxed. Steve has been showing me meditation techniques that we do together every morning. I have to tell you Nan, meditation seems to take the edge off and I don't jump in fright at any sudden noises, like I used to. I no longer expect catastrophic dramas either. I just seem to enjoy the pace of life with the boys and all the fun things they get up to.

*I've discovered that I can enjoy having my hair, nails and makeup done. Before I thought my appearance was boring, something that was not worth the effort. On top of that, I didn't used to have any extra money from my tiny budget to buy that kind of stuff, or even get my hair cut.

Nowadays, the boys are always trying new looks on me, and my hair is looking great. I'm feeling a lot more confident with being at school and at work, just because I feel better within myself.

*I also surprised myself be actually enjoying the whole photo shoot thing for the Vlad's Vamps Salon ad campaign. Vlad and Steve got me doing the whole abandoned big-eyed homeless waif look (which is actually kinda true, when I think about it). So now my face is in their phone book ad, on their fliers, business cards and even scarier, on the main window of the salon! (I'm weirded out, to see my face six feet high.)

*High school is quite a lot of fun. I never enjoyed it so much before. I'm zooming through my assignments and homework. I no longer hide out in the local library in search of peace. Now I live a lovely peaceful life and I've got a comfortable desk and laptop to work on at my new home.

The school magazine takes up some of my spare time, and I'm really enjoying time with some new friends, who are also literature fanatics. I've even had them over to hangout with me while we discuss the layout and design for the school mag. The boys love them all and make them welcome. It's so different from life with Renee, where I never wanted to invite anyone over, just in case she did something embarrassing or we ended up sitting in the cold and dark because the electric bill hadn't been paid.

*Vlad's showing me some self-defence moves, its really improving my balance and strength. I don't seem to fall over as much and my confidence is soaring. I don't worry so much about being the focus of unwanted attention. Although I occasionally see Phil hanging around, he never tries to be my new best father-figure. Thank God! I'm guessing he's still a creep though, I don't think that's ever going to change.

So far I've stayed true to Vlad's prediction that I'd never have to step foot in Renee's house ever again, and I'm really happy about that!

*Charlie has been completely supportive with my move here, and it's good that he and the boys talk all the time. I think they rather like the look of Charlie's moustache.

I had to laugh when they asked him if he ever dressed up in cowboy gear like their favourite village people character. Charlie just laughed and laughed over that one, and said that although he shoots straight, he wasn't really ready for the chaps and spurs any time soon. I went red as usual and rolled my eyes. I'm really pleased they get on well, it's a big relief that I don't have to play peace-maker like I did before, between Renee and Charlie.

*I not only kept my weekend job at the local library covering new book acquisitions and re-shelving returned items, which is great; but Vlad has been employing me at the salon taking appointments, tidying and making coffees for the staff and clients. I love being with everyone, the staff all get on well and end up laughing together by the end of the day.

Luke is the other hair stylist apart from Vlad, and Lakshmi is the senior beautician. Frankie does waxing and make up for special events like weddings, when Lakshmi is run off her feet. Jean Michel is a massage therapist who will fill in for the manicures and pedicures, he and Frankie share the massage table at the back of the salon.

Sometimes it's a bit difficult juggling clients between waxing and massage appointments. I'm thinking of suggesting to Vlad that he expands the business, so that Frankie and Jean Michel have a dedicated space each.

I work at the salon after school and on holidays. Saturday mornings I get busy at both the library and salon, so I try to do a few hours at both places to get through the back-log of work.

So thanks Nan, so far life has been interesting, sweet and full of great surprises; just like a box of chocolates. I'm hoping Santa brings you a nice surprise too Nan. Who knows what will turn up next year? I'm looking forward to new fun things coming my way, that's for sure!

Love always B xxx


Please review, you know it gives me a big burst of excitement when you do!