A.N :- sorry if this one is a bit of a drag. I can't have Quil and Claire kiss and make up just yet. Review please! I spaced it out for you, hope it's easier to read.

Chapter four – The Man before me.

There he was standing in front of me. I thought I'd never see him again, my best friend, my protector, and maybe my everything. We just stood there staring at each other for ages not knowing what to say. I could feel the eyes of everyone looking out the kitchen window. Quil must have noticed this too for he tore his eyes away from mine and looked behind me. His eyes narrowed telling them to piss off.

He turned back to me and said "So how have you been?"

"Good" was all I could manage.

My brain was completely dead. I didn't think I'd see him again and here he was.

"That's good"

He turned and looked at the rose bed beside me. I could see him shaking a little bit, wasn't that one of the werewolf signs? It became too silent, like we were too scared to say anything.

I finally spoke up "Do you want to go for a walk?"

Quil looked at me surprised and stopped shaking. He then nodded and we started heading toward first beach.

We walked in silence, I could see him looking at me from the corner of my eye, but I didn't want to draw attention to it. As we arrived at the beach I started to remember the days when Quil took me here, building sand castles when the tide was out, paddling in the sea, eating ice cream and having picnics. All these memories brought up so much emotion that I ended up in tears. Quil looked nervous, like he didn't know what way to comfort me, probably in case I ran away again. I looked up at him, and I couldn't help it I ran to him and put my arms around him. I felt him stiffen underneath. I just held on to him until he finally relaxed and pulled me into a hug.

"Claire, I'm so sorry I scared you!" he whispered.

"I'm sorry too, for hurting you."

He pulled me from his chest resting his hands on my shoulders. He looked at me again searching for something.

"Claire you didn't do anything, you ran because you were scared, I understand that now."

Why was he making it out to be his fault, it wasn't, it was mine for leaving. After a few minute I spoke

"Come on lets get back before all the food is eaten." Quil hesitated, I think he wanted to talk more but I was in no mood for it. Why was I always off the hook, I hurt him, caused him pain and he says it's his fault…..MEN!!

As we entered the house everyone stared at us looking confused. They must have thought we had worked it out but no, I don't think its going to happen anytime soon. Quil was just as confused as them, probably wondering what he said that ticked me off. I was annoyed with myself for not working it out, but I'm so stubborn. I take it from my father. Just because I'm his imprint doesn't mean everything is all lovey dovey with us. I had to think about my feelings for him and where I stood. It was giving me a headache so I pushed all my thoughts about Quil and what happened between us a side, I was determined to have fun the rest of the day. Quil kept his distance, only speaking to me when necessary. I think he probably wanted to give me space, which I thanked him internally.

"All I can say is. Emily you always seem to surprise me. The food was delicious"

Emily smiled as everyone agreed to Seth's comment. We were all sitting out back enjoying the last of the sun before night came. I watch as Sam, Quil and Embry headed into the house to discuss 'issues' probably about me no doubt.

"So Claire?" as Seth continued to break the silence.

"How was living in New York?"

"Yeah it was great, loved every minute of it. I miss being there and my friends."

I heard Embry muttering "Can't be better than here."

I don't think I was meant to hear that so I spoke up letting them know "Actually Embry it was"

Everyone's heads shot up and looked at me.

"Why was it better than here?"

Crap! Quil had heard me.

"It just was"

I wasn't going to start a war telling everyone about Jeremy. I still loved the guy. He may not have been my 'soul mate' but he could have been, he was a decent guy.

"There must be a better reason than that?"

I could see Quil starting to shake, the Pack were watching him with interest.

"Quil, calm down" Jake had returned at this point.

"I'm going to help Aunt Emily clean up" I retreated as quickly as possible.

Jake stopped Quil from following me. Thank God!

As it grew dark everyone started to head towards the beach. Embry told me there was going to be a bonfire. I hadn't been to a bonfire since like forever. Emily and I

were the last to leave.

"Do you mind me asking about what happened earlier with Quil?"

"No not at all"

"What did you mean by New York being better than here?"

"If you really want to know the truth it's because I met a guy there and I loved him"

"Oh Dear Claire, this is serious."

"Don't worry about Aunt Emily the relationship is over. Please don't tell anyone"

"No I won't sweetheart" and she just left it at that.

Arriving at the beach I could see the stacks of driftwood set ablaze. The fire always seemed to amaze me. The colours were beautiful with blues and greens. I sat down beside mum and Emily. I looked round at everyone. Here all the ones that had imprinted sat with their loved ones cuddling into each other. They all seemed so happy. I wondered if the girls were felt forced to fall in love with their guys. I kept glancing at them all, until my eyes turned to Quil. He was sitting chatting away to Jacob and Embry. I could see a hint of sadness on his face. I wondered if he felt the same way about me as Jared does with Kim or Paul with Michelle. Their stories were completely different than mine and Quil's. They never had their 'soul mates' as a father figure or as a brother. It would be too weird with me and Quil. I glanced away from him, when he caught me staring. I turned to my mother and joined into hers and Emily's conversation. Sam finally spoke. He started to re-tell the stories of the Quileute tribe. I loved these stories. I huddled up to my mother trying to keep warm. Even with the bonfire it can still get cold. I felt his eyes on me the whole time, so I just tried to ignore him and listen to the stories. I don't remember hearing the ending as I must have dozed off. All I remember was warm arms surrounding me then nothing.