Age 17:
Claire was getting older, and more observant. She knew the legends. I was going to have to tell her sometime, but the very thought terrified me. What if telling her that these legends of werewolves were true, and oh, by the way, I happen to BE one of those men who changes into a giant wolf! Would that ruin everything, would that negate the last fifteen years of love and friendship?
These thoughts raced through my head as I walked into her family's backyard, where her graduation party and barbecue was taking place. I was nervous, realizing that Sam would be there too. Same was my pack brother, and under normal circumstances his presence would be just fine, but he was the one who had been pressuring me lately to be honest with Claire. Her parents knew, of course, but it was my responsibility to share it with her.
I spotted her talking with friends, some of whom I didn't know. She was absolutely beautiful. She was no longer wearing the cap and gown, but instead wore a delicate white and yellow sundress which contrasted with her copper skin. She saw me, waved, and broke away from her friends.
"Quil!" she squealed, and wrapped her arms around me. "I'm so glad you're here! I'm sorry you had to sit through that boring ceremony." I kissed her on top of the head, and assured her I wouldn't have wanted to be anywhere else. Then I told her we needed to talk.
Later that evening, the sun was setting and the guests were trickling out. Finally, Leah and Seth helped Billy Black into their car and drove off, leaving the backyard empty except for Claire and I.
"Okay, Quil." She said, sitting on the grass and stretching her legs out in front of her. "Let's talk."
"Claire," I started, hoping to get out as much as I could before she ran away from me in horror, "I haven't been completely honest with you. She raised one eyebrow suspiciously, but kept listening.
"You have heard the Quilete legends, right?"
"Of course I have." She answered. I sighed, not wanting to continue.
"Well…see…I….we…Jacob and Embry and Sam and…" I mumbled, too quickly to make any real sense.
"Quil, Quil! Calm down! Stop!" she laughed. "They're true. You and the guys ARE the legend. You are the protectors." She said calmly. I stared, in complete shock. She laughed again.
"I'm not stupid, Quil. You have looked the same for as long as I have known you, which has been practically my whole life. Your skin is like a stovetop. I've known for a while."
I don't know how I managed to form a coherent sentence, but I asked, "And that doesn't bother you? You're not afraid of me?" She grinned, and slid over so that she was snuggled close to me.
"You? Nah, you're harmless."
She laid her head on my shoulder, and I grinned so wide that I was afraid my face would split in two.
Author's Note: PLEASE REVIEW! I would love to hear some feedback!
