Angela's friends were about to arrive when the doorbell rang.

"I'll get it," I called to Angela who was still upstairs.

She yelled something I couldn't understand, so I just made my way to the door. I did not expect the boy on the other side.

"Hey," Paul greeted, giving me a wide smile.

He had changed since before, and now wore a white T-shirt and a worn leather jacket. His dark eyes were dancing conceitedly as I looked at him appreciatively.

I wasn't exactly a girly girl. I didn't gossip about boys and have thoughts like gosh, he's pretty, but right now, that's all I could think about. I just wanted to brag to everyone how pretty he was.

"Uh, Kris?"

Whoops, gotta remember to speak now.

"What're you doing here? I thought you were going out with the guys," I commented.

"I am, we have to go…around," he said, shifting a little. "I just wanted to say good-night."

"Goodnight," I said, smiling at him.

"And of course, I wanted to tell you if any of these guys make a move on you, you let me know," he said sternly, giving me one of those ominous brooding looks he was good at giving.

"I wouldn't want to subject them to you," I said with a smile.

"I'm serious, Kris," he said, frowning. "I will kick their asses."

"Alright macho," I said, flicking his nose.

He grabbed my hand and pulled me closer. I could smell his cologne mingling with the mint of his toothpaste.

"Say you promise, say good-night, and kiss me," he demanded softly.

"I'm sorry, I don't like being told what to do," I said with a smile, willing my knees not to shake.

"Then choose one," he said, moving a little closer.

"Alright, alright," I said, leaning as close as I possibly could without meeting his lips. "I'll say good-night," I whispered, smiling once more before I pulled away from him.

"You're cruel, Green," he said, running a hand over his face.

"Sorry babe," I said, blowing him a kiss and reaching for the door.

He lowered his hand and smirked at me, before grabbing my arm again. He was about twelve thousand times stronger than I was, so before I knew it, I was right back inches away from him. And he didn't waste a second before kissing me roughly.

I wrapped my arms around his neck as his hands rested on my neck, pulling me as close as possible. He pressed just strongly enough not to push me backwards, and I was really starting to enjoy myself when I heard a throat clear from beside me.

Paul moved away from me reluctantly, and I saw a blonde boy standing next to us, looking rather uncomfortable.

"Hey," I greeted, feeling my cheeks flushing, "Angela's friend?" I guessed.

"Mike," he said, shifting on his feet a little.

I felt a little bad for him, especially since Paul was now glaring directly at his face.

"You gotta go right?" I said, pushing Paul a little.

Paul didn't budge, but rather kissed me one more time before slowly releasing me.

"I'll call you tomorrow," he said, his voice now completely different from usual. It was colder, and deeper. I was guessing he was doing it to intimidate this poor Mike who was now helplessly staring in the other direction.

"Okay, bye," I said, rolling my eyes at him.

It had been an amazing two weeks, but he was already being extremely overprotective. It's not like I was a walking knock-out, attracting all the guys that I met.

He turned slowly and took deliberate steps away from us, walking extremely close to Mike as he passed him. I rolled my eyes again, but put on a smile for Mike who looked much less tense now.

"Sorry for him," I said, "I'm Kris," I introduced, outstretching my hand.

He shook it with a small smile.

"Do you want to go inside or stand here being a little more uncomfortable?" I said, trying to break the tension.

He chuckled a little.

"The first please," he said.

I pushed open the door, just as he apparently recovered from the situation.

"So you're visiting Ang the whole Summer? How is everything going so far? One day, we should definitely go to the beach, if the weather holds…"

I smiled, happy that Paul hadn't scared him enough into not talking to me at all.

"Kris! I see you met Mike," Angela smiled, walking into the living room just as we entered.

"Yeah I did," I smiled.

"Great! Let's go get the snacks and wait for everyone else…"

And soon, I was meeting a bunch of people, including Ben, who was absolutely perfect for Angela. And I was trying to be as nice as possible, answering all their questions, because these poor kids rarely met people from out of town and actually found me interesting.

But somewhere, deep inside, I couldn't help but miss Paul a little bit. But then I thought it's only been two weeks, and pushed it a little father down.


After Angela's friends had piled out the door, Aunt Mary strolled into the room, stony faced as usual, with the phone in her hand.

"It's your mother," she said flatly, shoving the receiver at me.

I gave her a sickly sweet smile while Angela locked the door and left me alone in the living room. I moved some pillows over and sat down on the couch, getting comfortable.

"Mom?"

"Hey baby girl."

Hearing her voice suddenly made me miss home, which I almost hadn't thought about since I arrived.

"You're calling late," I commented.

"I just missed you is all," she said, sounding tired. "And your brother has been crying, so I was awake."

"How is he? Has he spoken yet? Put him on the phone so I can repeat 'Kris' over and over and it can be his first words," I said with a smile.

"Never, sweetie. It's going to be 'mom' and you need to give that up," she said, chuckling.

"How's New York?" I asked, propping my feet up on the coffee table.

"Busy. It's tiring me out," she said, yawning.

"Mom, you can go to bed, don't let me keep you."

"It's just good to hear your voice. I regret letting you go to Forks. You're going to college soon, and I wish I had more time to spend with you."

"Less than two and a half months mom, and then I'll see you. It won't be long, I promise," I said, suddenly feeling a pang of sadness.

"You're right. How's your aunt and uncle treating you?"

"Aunt Mary still hates me," I said glumly.

"She doesn't hate you, Kristina," my mom said. I could practically hear her eyes rolling.

"If you only knew," I said with a sigh.

"You remind her of your father," my mom excused.

My stomach knotted uncomfortably, like it always did when my mom mentioned my dad. It'd been a few years, but there was always that unmistakable misery lacing her tone that could make me feel like a child again, just wanting to hug her.

"I should go, mom, Angela and I are going to bed," I said, swallowing uncomfortably.

"Okay honey. I love you. I'll see you soon."

"Love you too. Soon," I agreed softly.

She hung up a moment before me, and I listened to the dial tone before I put the phone down.

Soon. I'd see her soon enough. Meaning I'd be leaving soon, and not coming back.

Paul's face suddenly flashed through my mind. I could still feel him kissing me from earlier, like it had just happened. My stomach flipped and my heart sped up in the same way.

A million things hit me full force.

I had to leave in less than two months. I'd be going to college. I'd be busy and adapting and I didn't expect everyone's life to stop just because I had a boyfriend. So we'd be going out for two weeks, and only had a little time left.

Was it worth it?

I mean, Paul said I was going to fall in love with him. What if he was right? What if I did, and then I just had to leave? I'm only eighteen years old, no one expects me to be serious right now. Maybe getting attached isn't the best idea.

My head throbbed. Usually, I'd call Lily, but it was late and she usually went to bed early. I rubbed my eyes, and hoped Angela was still up. I walked up the stairs slowly, almost dragging my feet. Angela's light was still on, and I found her sitting on the bed when I entered. She put down the book she was reading and looked at me curiously.

"You want to talk or go to bed?" she asked, sweeping up her hair into a ponytail.

"Talk," I said, collapsing next to her and laying my head on her shoulder.

"Okay, about what?" she asked.

I paused, taking a deep breath.

"I think I should break up with Paul."