Disclaimer: I don't own any of Stephanie Meyer's characters. Only Aria, Vanessa, Jack, Jeremiah, Carter and possible later characters.

Author's Note: Hello lovelies! It seems you have found your way to my little story and I'm glad you have. I haven't updated in, to say the least, a WHILE (I blame life and writer's block). But I'm back and ready to write for you! Please enjoy! By the way, italics with bold are text messages and just regular italic is Aria speaking in sign language

Aria's P.O.V.

Waking up the next day at a regular time felt amazing. I swung my legs over the side of bed and stretched my arms up high. The sound of a new message pinged from my phone as I shuffled to the bathroom and I went back to retrieve it.

I'm so happy you think that, angel. I had a great time last night. Hope you did too ;)

I smiled at message from the unknown number and went to save it when my phone went off again.

Good morning gorgeous :)

I was sure that my face was too red for it being this early in the morning and walked to the bathroom to splash cold water on my face. I looked at my reflection in the mirror and smiled cheekily again. The boy had me whipped in a matter of a week. Like I had a choice with a body like and charm to match. I decided to text him after I was done in the bathroom.

"So, what has you all gung ho this morning?"

My body froze as the unexpected voice of Vanessa came from the now open door. I signed to her rather swiftly to get out and meet me in my room. Throwing her hands up in surrender, she chuckled as she left and threw herself on the bed. I finished brushing my teeth, wondering how I should reply to Colin.

He'd been so sweet the night before and I was fairly sure he was interested in me, but a part of me felt like this was moving a little too fast. Just thinking about him caused my face to heat up and I really couldn't wait to see him Monday at school. Could it be that things were so easy with him because he was the first boy that I had a mutual connection with? Is he thinking about this as much as I am? I shook my head at the thoughts running rampantly through my head. I knew I was overthinking things to find something wrong with the situation. If I stayed too long on the subject I'd find something to get me to run away.

Even if I couldn't fully understand the energy between us I still wanted to enjoy my time with him. My luck with boys had always been scarce; with me fleeing at the sight of anything serious because of my own uncertainties with myself. I just couldn't bear to get close to anyone besides Vanessa…that is until Colin. But, who wanted to deal with a girl that had as much baggage as I did?

Sitting on the bed, I grabbed my phone typed a morning greeting back and asked how he slept. Vanessa had grown impatient with my dismissal and demanded attention.

"You going to sit there all day with that goofy smile on your face?"

Shut up would you? I was just sending a message to Colin. Have you talked to Brady?

Now it was her turn to blush as she turned away and nodded her head in denial.

"Why do I need to text him right away, I literally just saw him yesterday,"

Fine, be that way.

I was much too hungry to get into it with Vanessa on an empty stomach, so I pulled on some shorts, a baggy shirt and slippers and headed down to the kitchen. We had eggs, bacon and I could make French toast so I collected what I needed and got to work. When I had the time I liked to cook full meals and weekends were made to eat fully. I felt it was my way of repaying the Halloways for all their kindness. Vanessa popped her head in while the bacon was frying and hummed contentedly. She took a seat at the table and poured herself a cup of coffee that Mrs. Halloway had brewed.

"You always make the best breakfast. Really, you spoil me!"

I do what I can.

We ate in silence and once we were done I remembered I left my phone upstairs. Quickly bringing my dishes to the sink and washing them, I headed up the stairs trying not to appear too eager but caught Vanessa's smirk along the way.

I entered my room and grabbed my phone, wrapping myself up in my blankets again. He had responded almost immediately after I sent my reply.

Slept amazing, dreamt of you ;) Got any plans for the day?

I also wondered what I was going to do today. Since we hadn't hung out much outside besides the bonfire, we weren't sure what there was to do on the reservation. Vanessa walked into the room and came to the bed, cuddling up to my side.

Any idea what we should do today?

"Um…I hadn't thought about that. Strange as it sounds, I think I want to do something outside, just not sure what?" My brows shot up at her admission and I jumped at the opportunity.

That is a surprise. But I will take advantage of it. Would you like to go into town and see what's around?

"Sounds solid enough. Want to take the car?"

Yes. In case we don't find anything there, we will just take a drive.

She nodded once and headed to the shower. I had already done so the night before so I went to pick out an outfit. The weather looked nice today so I opted for a maroon crop top, black high-waisted skater skirt, and black thigh high socks with small dark red bows at the top with my black combat boots. My hair seemed to have a mind of its own and it took me fifteen minutes to brush through the black mane. My natural hair was already wavy so when I was done it fell down my shoulders and back in soft waves. I decided to braid two back pieces and pin them around the crown of my head like a halo while my bangs settled to the right side of my face. Satisfied that I looked like I put effort into my appearance, I walked out of my room, sprayed light perfume and applied deodorant. Couldn't trust that even if the sunlight was scarce, I wouldn't sweat.

I realized I hadn't texted Colin back and quickly picked up my phone to write a reply.

Vanessa and I are thinking of checking out the town. Going to drive around and explore a little. What about you?

My phone was just about to reach the table when it went off again.

That sounds cool. Try going to The Wolf's Den. Best food in town!

I was surprised that a part of me was upset he hadn't asked to come. Here I had just seen him the night before and was already wanting to see him again. Maybe the more eager one was myself? I resolved to at least try and reel in my feelings. I might just scare him off if I come on too strong or expect him to feel like I do. But he really was something else. The things I'd want to do to a body like that, a girl could grate food on abs like that…I shook my head as my thoughts threatened to take me to a place I was sure would be long off.

Vanessa had just come out of the shower when I walked into her room. Peeping up at me, she motioned to her closet and I set out to pick something cute. Vanessa wasn't one to put much thought into outfits and so I got into the habit long ago of dressing her as my own personal model. She didn't own many dresses, jeans and a top being her usual style. A black long sleeve crop top caught my eye with dark denim ripped skinny jeans, a long grey sleeveless cardigan and black and white vans sneakers. Grabbing the outfit, I went back into the room and placed them on the bed. She tossed her hair into flawless messy bun and within ten minutes we were getting into the car and on the road.

We typed the name of the restaurant Colin gave me into the GPS and figured we'd look along the way for things that interested us. Starting the engine, Adele flowed through the sound system and we both fell into easy silence, appreciating the voice full of emotion.

My mind wandered back to the thought of Colin and I unconsciously touched my chest. The slightly raised skin of the scar caused a tightness to start, and I turned to look out the window and hide my sudden change of character. I hadn't had to explain myself at the beach since my shirt was on the whole time. If he saw it, what would he say? What would I? I couldn't answer any questions that came my way and he'd be bound to have some. Or he'll freak out and never talk to me again. I clenched my fists and then tapped my fingers to the beat of the new song. I had to calm down and not overthink things so much. I'd just cross that bridge when I got to it.

A music store caught my eye as we entered the town and I motioned to Vanessa to stop by. Her eyes sparkled with delight and she pulled into the parking lot.

Stepping out of the car, my skirt caught in the door and since I had to bend a little to exit the low riding car I realized only then that I hadn't put shorts on as the cool breeze caused goosebumps to rise on the skin of my thighs. I heard the faintest sound of a branch crunching and whipped my head to find nothing in the trees behind the store. Naturally, I freaked and my body clenched and I reached back to open the door and step forward. Vanessa graciously turned her head as her body shook with laughter. My flaming face and I walked briskly to the storefront, abandoning a now full out laughing Vanessa in the parking lot.

Colin P.O.V

Vanessa and I are thinking of checking out the town. Going to drive around and explore a little. What about you?

Think about you. That's all I do now. I can't get you out of my head, not your smile, or your eyes, or your hair, or that body. Christ…that body makes me want to do very bad things to you.

But I can't send that. I'd have you running for the hills saying what's really on my mind. I got to reel it in a bit. Can't let on that I love her already. My mood turned sour as I thought how long I'd have to wait for her have the same feelings I did, if she'd even get there. Crap, I definitely can't let it slip out that I'm obsessed with her and pull a Brady. I settled for sending her a simple message that included a place I may or may not be in later.

I didn't have to patrol till later that night but wanted to get to the restaurant sooner rather than later, in case Aria followed my suggestion. God, I hope she did.

Tying a pair of shorts to my ankle, I went out the back door at a running start and within minutes my paws were pounding against the cold dirt.

Dude, what are you doing shifting now? I thought your patrol was later?

Brady's voiced popped in my head before I could register that he was also in wolf form and heading my way.

Just trying to get to Sam's diner fast.

Something wrong?

I thought about the conversation I'd had with Aria and his thoughts turned directly to Vanessa. He envisioned her in ways I'd only want to see Aria and once I saw him I pounced on his back, sending us both rolling until we crashed into a tree.

Try to keep it under control okay!

He apologized but I knew he couldn't help it. Once the imprint bond was awakened, you could do little to think of anything else. We agreed to head out to the diner in case the girls showed and figured that was the least creepy way to see them again sooner.

As I came near the trees behind the music store Melodic I saw a familiar car. It was Vanessa's sweet Benz. Oh Shit.

But the car wasn't what caught my eye at first. It was Aria. And her sweet perfect ass. Her skirt was caught in the door and boy was I glad for the wind. I shifted back quickly and as I landed I stepped on a branch. Her cute face whipped back to look my way but I was too far in for her to see me. Before I could fully appreciate every inch of exposed skin she freed herself of the door and I was left to deal with my now tighter pants.

Brady was soon right behind me and his mouth almost dropped at the sight before him. Thankfully he'd missed my show but soon had his eyes glued to Vanessa as he pulled on his shirt. I watched as Aria stomped off adorably and once she was inside I made my way to The Wolf's Den to get some shoes and a shirt.

Aria P.O.V.

The store was named Melodic and had my attention from the minute I walked in. There were so many records, CDs, instruments and more. Vanessa practically jetted to drool over the piano and keyboard section. I found some alternative music records and sifted through them to my heart's content. I really didn't have a genre of music I preferred, always listening to new stuff courtesy of Vanessa. I'd always wondered what it would feel like to sing, and at times even felt nostalgic, as if I'd had already tried it before.

"Can I help you?"

A young girl, probably my age asked me from the register, interrupting my thoughts. She had short shoulder length purple hair, with dark make up coating her eyes, but I could still tell her face was pretty. I thought to myself how I would communicate that I was fine but she beat me to it.

"Too many choices right? Take your time, I'll be here."

I smiled and nodded politely at her and resumed my browsing. Vanessa soon came up to me and took my hand in hers leading me out. I waved quickly to the girl who raised her brow in questioning but didn't move.

I signed to Vanessa to ask what was wrong.

"You leave me in there for a second longer and I'll buy the whole damn place!"

I nodded and smiled at her enthusiasm that I knew to be true. We ended up checking out a clothing store where I bought a blue choker with a crescent moon pendant and Vanessa found some sweaters. We were both hungry by that time that we decided to check out the restaurant Colin mentioned. A part of me hoping by some chance that he was there. Only a small part, I'm not obsessed or anything. Said every girl this deeply infatuated.

We walked in through the front and the smell of amazing diner food made its way to my sensitive nose. As we waited to be seated, I looked around the space taking in all the Native American accents with soft browns, reds, and splashes of other colors in paintings placed here and there. Most of the furniture was made from dark cherry wood that shined when soft light filtered in through the many windows. There was a bar, ten or so tables, and a small stage towards the back with a keyboard, drum set and mic. It had a nice homey feel to it, like it was a place that someone could regularly go to.

I finally caught sight of what I was really looking for after we sat down and my hands immediately clenched. Colin was here alright, but he wasn't alone. My concern was not Brady sitting across from him who had made eye contact with me and Vanessa. No, I was staring at the waitress girl who was very comfortably sitting on Colin's lap. She looked a little taller than me, fit body with long curled brown hair. And if matters weren't already worse, Colin wasn't wearing a shirt. The mystery girl was laughing and touching his chest, that is until Brady got Colin's attention and his eyes immediately found mine. They widened and he motioned the girl to get off as she seemed confused and taken aback. At that point I couldn't stand to look anymore and quickly asked the hostess where the bathroom was.

Once she pointed it out I was out of my seat and practically running to avoid Vanessa's questioning. I didn't know why I was so worked up, it's not like he was my boyfriend or anything. I was seriously pissed though, who was that girl? And why was she touching him so freely? I knew that I was overreacting but I couldn't help it. Vanessa came in not two minutes after my freak-out.

"Are you good?"

Yes, just a little surprised.

"You know I could totally beat his ass right? She wasn't even that cute. As a matter of fact, you are going to walk out there like it didn't even faze you."

Before I could answer the door burst open as Colin flew through it.

"Aria! Please, I can expla-"

"Shut up! Nobody needs your excuses." I stopped Vanessa before she could say anything else. I looked at his face reluctantly and found that I couldn't look away. He look anxious and like he wanted to say more but didn't. His eyes kept boring into mine and he took a step forward. It wasn't my business what he did, even if he tried to explain himself. I signed to Vanessa and she made a face but translated anyway.

"Aria says that she doesn't want to talk about it."

"But-"I turned my head away then and made an effort to leave the confining space.

"Aria, wait." He grabbed my fist. "Can I, well Brady too, can we sit with you?"

I wasn't sure if I wanted to be near Colin. Things had taken an awkward turn and I wasn't sure what to do to fix it. What right did I have to be jealous?

I looked up at him once more and couldn't resist the pleading puppy eyes. I nodded slowly and he gave me a small smile.

Walking out of the bathroom was more than a little strange. Colin had run into the ladies room after all. I hadn't noticed Sam and Emily behind and blushed as I waved quickly and took my seat again.

"They own this place." Colin mentioned as he sat down beside me. Brady soon made his way over and sat next to Vanessa. Blushing, she smiled and quietly greeted him as he put his arm around the back of her chair.

"So have you guys explored a lot today?" Brady thankfully opened up conversation to prevent more awkward silence.

"Actually we found a music store we really liked and I got some clothes. Productive day really." She laughed as I giggled since most weekends we just stayed in and lazed about.

"Did you get anything?" Colin asked me, trying to make eye contact. I pointed to my neck and showed him. He chuckled to himself and I raised an eyebrow in questioning.

"Nothing…just that I got a thing for the moon too." I looked down and smiled to myself. Maybe I did have a one up on the girl.

Speaking of the devil, she came over to take our order. Did they not have any other waitresses available? I couldn't be that girl though, so I settled to find something on the menu I wanted without paying too much attention to her.

"Hello, my name is Taylor and I'll be your server today, so are you girls ready to order?"

Taylor. Ugh, what a name. I pointed to Vanessa what I would like. Cheese burger and fries, as small as I was I had a big appetite. She nodded and ordered my meal with a grilled chicken wrap and fries for herself. The girl wrote down our order, but simply couldn't just leave like that.

"What's wrong? Cat got your tongue?" Really bitch.

I wasn't one for profanities but she did hit a sore spot. Before I could do anything, Colin spoke up.

"Shove off Taylor! Always butting in where you don't belong." He scowled at her as her face became red with embarrassment and she stormed off. I was surprised to say the least, he'd been kind of harsh to someone who I wasn't sure how he knew. I took out my notepad to ask.

Thanks, but how do you know that girl? He looked down sheepishly but I figured I rather know now than have it hanging over our heads.

"Well she's an old friend of the group. We were close for a bit but I ended it before school started. What you saw before, she gets touchy but I swear to you I don't see her that way! I'm only interested in you, promise. It won't happen again, she just caught me off guard and then you were there before I could tell her to leave."

I blushed at his declaration but couldn't shake the feeling of being uneasy. Just how close? And I asked just that.

"Well we weren't official or anything but we hooked up a couple times. Parties mostly."

Our food came then, Taylor almost shoving my plate onto the table. Emily called her then, motioning her over with an annoyed look on her face and an apologetic one in my direction. I smiled at her hoping to convey that I was alright.

"Well she didn't take me leaving her too good and is pushy sometimes, but don't worry about her, she doesn't and won't ever have my attention again." He moved in closer placing an arm around the back of my chair and nuzzled my neck. I sighed contentedly and settled to put the whole thing out of my mind for the moment. She would not ruin this day with her antics. I mean Colin was with me instead of worrying about how she was getting reprimanded for her behavior.

"So do people play here?" Vanessa asked, looking towards the stage. I'd been wondering the same question.

"Brady does, drums mostly but he's trying to learn piano," Colin said while smirking. Brady glared at his friend but didn't deny it.

"No way! Like seriously or just for fun?" Vanessa's eyes gleamed as Brady had her full attention. They went to talk about music and completely forgot about Colin and me.

Do you come here a lot? I wrote on the notepad and showed it to Colin.

"Yeah, most of the p- our group does. We help out here and there but mostly for the food. Emily's food is amazing!"

That sounds so nice. Like a big family almost.

"Could I ask you a question?" He said abruptly and I nodded.

"You and Vanessa seem really close, are you related somehow?" I'd been dreading this question but I knew it would come eventually.

Her family actually adopted me. We've known each other for years, since I was two years old. Her and her family took me in and I've been with them ever since. My parents died when I was little so I don't remember much.

I passed him the notepad and hoped he wouldn't pry as I closed the notepad and started to eat my food, expecting him to take the hint. He did. Stealing fries from me, we all started on the food. I didn't miss the sidelong stares that Colin gave me but he seemed to be holding his questions.

Once we finished I placed my hands on my now very full stomach. Vanessa and I went to reach for our wallets when Colin quickly spoke up.

"Uh-uh this is on the house."

"But-" Vanessa tried to protest but the boys weren't having it.

"Don't worry, we work here so it's no big deal." Brady had cut her off before she could say any more.

But can't we pay you back somehow? I wrote down quickly on the notepad.

I wasn't too comfortable not paying for my meal and wanted to do something to repay them. "Well..." Colin began and I started to be a little nervous from the look on his face. Emily approached the table before Colin could continue.

"Hey girls! Hope Taylor didn't cause too much trouble…she's a little testy that one. I just wanted to let you know that there is going to be another bonfire tonight, this time we'll be having it here at the Den. You should stop by so…" Colin suddenly coughed loudly and I think deliberately, interrupting Emily.

"I'm sure they have more to do then just spend time with us Emily." Though it sounded kind of strained, I felt disheartened at Colin's words. I mean we had been spending a lot of time together but that couldn't be a bad thing…right? I thought he liked it. Brady looked between all of us and added,

"It's just family and close friends coming since we're celebrating a birthday so it'll be like last time."

Vanessa and I exchanged glances and she reluctantly said maybe. I knew she had to work on some music today so I didn't want to push her. However, I really wanted to see Colin without making it too obvious.

"If we leave now I can probably finish up by tonight."

I smiled and moved to get up but Colin caught my wrist. I looked questioningly at him as he gently pulled me forward. Before I knew it, his lips caught mine in a quick but heat filled kiss. My cheeks blazed as I silently giggled and looked at him, a big cheeky smile on his tan face. Vanessa giggled too and I thought it had been at me but when I looked back at her I realized Taylor, who'd been about to give us the check, was fuming and stomped off to a back room. I turned to look at Colin and he only gave me a wink.

"I told you. I'm only interested in you and I certainly ain't afraid to show it."

I smiled softly and for the moment, any feelings of uneasiness were squelched. We made our way to the car with boys in tow and Brady whistled as we approached the Benz.

"Vanessa…could I maybe just take a look at the inside?"

She laughed and pressed the button to unlock the doors for us to pile in, she gestured to the driver's seat for Brady and his mouth practically dropped. He hopped right in and admired the chrome lining and leather seats. The red and black color patterns of the inside had been a nice touch after Vanessa's bonus on her third album she helped create. As Brady was enjoying the car, Vanessa's face quickly turned red and looked down in a rush. I wondered what had bought on the change of character but figured she couldn't say her thoughts aloud.

"Well we really should get going if we want to be in time for tonight."

"Oh yeah! Sorry, we'll let you girls go now," Brady looked up and blushed himself. Watching them was proving to be very entertaining for me and I looked forward to more encounters like this.