Hi again!

I'm updating again because I'm about to burst if I don't write my scene soon! So this chapter is mostly a filler, because I can't rush into anything! :D

Thanks to Nini25 and Rhoddy for reviewing and melissa1995 for adding Changes to Favourite Story. Appreciate you guys so much! :D

Disclaimer: I don't own Midnight Sun, or the Twilight Movie...no matter how much I want to! :D

Changes

Chapter 9 – Questions

***

Sighing, Cassidy leaned forwards in the car, towards the driver's seat. She was wedged uncomfortably in the middle seat, between Emmett and Rosalie. The tension in the car was getting unbearable. Jasper had stayed behind to sort out his Physics grade. Edward had been sulking ever since the near crash. She was extremely close to slapping him out of it. But she would like to keep her hand intact, so she refrained. And now she was sitting between Rosalie and Emmett, who on one of their good days couldn't keep their hands off each other. And today was one of their bad days. She considered making a break for it, but in a speeding car, she knew it wasn't the best choice. She knew how Edward felt; having their thoughts in her head wasn't so great. She'd have to scrub her mind thoroughly to get the images out of her head. Edward wasn't much better, glaring murderously at everything in sight. "Seriously Edward, ignoring her isn't going to help anything. You're only hurting yourself. Besides, if Alice's visions are true, you might as well stop ignoring her. Alice is getting impatient," she said. Alice shot a triumphant smile at Edward, which soon fell as he glared at her. "Stay out of this Cassidy," he warned.

"Fine, be like that then," she huffed and sat back, desperately thinking of anything, trying to block Rosalie and Emmet's thoughts.

***

The pattern continued for weeks. Edward continued to ignore Bella, and his glares grew more murderous. Especially when Biology was last period. Cassidy was continuously wedged in the middle of the Volvo. Who was on either side of her changed, but Alice and Edward were always in the front. On days where they hadn't hunted lately, she walked, no matter what the weather was. She hadn't yet thanked the Cullens, as every time she tried, she grew too nervous. She knew they would be mad at her for going into the forest, so she rehearsed what she was going to say in her mind, while walking. Today was one of those days.

The Cullens were scheduled to hunt tomorrow, under the pretense of camping, so she would be alone in their house for half the day. She sighed, it was so boring by herself, but at least she could rehearse her thank you speech again and catch up on her homework. Maybe she would even...She shook her head furiously. She would not invite temptation like that again. Sighing again, she looked into the forest that was an arms reach away from the pavement. Ever since the day in the clearing, she'd been drawn to the forest. It took all her willpower to stay away. She realized how Edward felt, but unlike him, she didn't go around giving everyone death stares.

Turning into the winding drive, she trudged along. It was even harder here, where the forest surrounded her, where no one could see her. Groaning inwardly, she walked faster, rehearsing her speech to keep her mind distracted. As the house came into view, she saw the Volvo. Edward had also picked up another habit; every day after school, he would run all the way to Seattle and back. Unlocking the door, she walked into a familiar sight. Jasper and Alice were sitting on the couch, not quite touching, but looking into each other's eyes, having a silent conversation. Carlisle was in his study, reading from the sound of his thoughts, Esme was rearranging flowers in the kitchen, and Rosalie and Emmet. She shuddered when she heard their thoughts. Today was definitely one of their bad days. Edward was meant to be on his daily run, but he was hunting instead.

Heading to the kitchen, Esme smiled. "Hello Cassidy, your dinner is in the oven. I'll do the dishes tonight, you look tired."

As usual, Cassidy was later than usual, having walked slowly, lost in thought. Cassidy grinned back, "Thanks Esme." Taking the plate of spaghetti out of the oven, she switched it off and placed the plate on the kitchen counter. Sitting on one of the bar stools she began to eat. After taking a few bites, she laid down her fork. Esme immediately became concerned, "What's wrong Cassidy? Don't you like it? I thought I put too much sauce on."

Cassidy shook her head, "No, don't worry Esme. It's delicious as usual. It's just that...well, I have something to ask you"

"What is it?" Esme asked, concern still written on her face.

Cassidy shifted on her chair, trying to find her courage, "Um...did any of you go out a few days ago. Into the forest, I mean. Because if you did, then thanks for getting me out. The trail was a good idea..." she trailed off at the look on Esme's face.

"Cassidy, did you go into the forest? Alone? At dusk?"

"Um yeah, but I thought one of you might have lead me out," she admitted sheepishly.

"I thought we warned you about going into the forest, especially alone! And at night too! What if James was there Cassidy? You would've been dead by now!"

"Yes, but I'm not dead. Besides, if you didn't lead me out, then who did?"

"I don't know Cassidy. We were all in the dining room. I don't know who lead you out, and that's what worries me. I don't think it was a human. It must have been another vampire..." Esme trailed off, her forehead creased in worry. Cassidy felt guilty now. This had bee a bad idea from the beginning.

Esme turned back to her, "Cassidy, we've warned you countless times not to go into the forest. We're not the most dangerous things out there. And as much as it pains me to do this, I'm going to have to punish you. You're grounded, beginning tomorrow. No going out of the house, apart from school, for a week. It's dangerous out there Cassidy, and if you had been hurt...Now please finish your dinner, and go to bed. It's getting late."

Cassidy groaned. Just brilliant. She'd gotten herself grounded. No, grounded wasn't the right word. Home arrest was a better description. Finishing her dinner, she placed the dishes in the sink, and stalked upstairs, furious.

***

Carlisle came downstairs, after checking on Cassidy. She was curled up in a ball, sound asleep, frowning. Entering the kitchen, he saw Esme sitting with her head in her hands. "Esme, what's wrong?" he asked, kissing her cheek.

"I had to ground her Carlisle. She went into the forest alone. I feel so bad now. I don't think she's too happy with me right now," Esme explained, biting her lower lip.

Carlisle laughed to himself; that would explain the frown on Cassidy's face. "You did the right thing. How long is she grounded for?"

"A week. Starting tomorrow. She only leaves the house for school. But her reaction isn't the most important thing Carlisle. There's another one of us out there. It's not James. It's someone entirely different. Whoever it was lead her out of the forest. I'm worried Carlisle. Maybe James isn't the only danger we have to worry about."

"Another vampire? This isn't good Esme. You're right to be worried. I'll have Jasper, Edward and Emmett sweep the woods for their scent tomorrow, while hunting. You might have your hands full, making sure that Cassidy doesn't try to escape."

Esme nodded, and they both went out into the lounge.

***

He watched from the same tree. He stifled a laugh as she talked. He'd heard about her grounding. Tomorrow she would be alone. But he couldn't make himself know to her. It was too early. And she'd probably run away screaming. Although, he had to admit, she'd handled the Cullens pretty well. But he had to start switching places. If the Cullens found him, there would be hell to pay. He had to keep her safe though. He had to...

***

Cassidy was gently shaken awake. "Cass? Cassidy?!" Someone hissed. Cassidy's eyes flew open, and she sat bolt upright in bed. "What?" she asked groggily, seeing Rosalie at the foot of her bed.

"We're leaving in 15 minutes. I suggest you get up," Rosalie said, before disappearing out the door. Cassidy glanced at her watch and groaned. Resisting the urge to go back to sleep, she swung her legs out of bed. Spying the small bundle of clothes on her wicker chest, she groaned again. Alice had obviously decided to save her some time, by choosing her outfit. Glancing once more at the time, she yelped. Rushing downstairs, she grabbed the piece of toast Esme offered before running upstairs to get dressed, and brush her hair and teeth.

Twenty minutes later, she raced out the door. Climbing into the Volvo, she realized Edward wasn't in the driver's seat.

"Where's Edward?" she asked, wedged between Rosalie and Emmett again. Thankfully, today was one of their better days, and they were keeping it PG-13. The others exchanged glances.

"He should be at school soon," Alice replied.

"Probably with that human again," Rosalie muttered under her breath. Cassidy smiled, Alice's wish would soon come true if he kept this up.

As she climbed out of the Volvo, Cassidy noticed Edward coming out of the woods. He must've run to school. Smiling as she read his mind, she walked to her next class.

***

There you go! Two chapters in two days! A personal best :D

Anyways, I'm much closer to my chapter than I thought, so...

Next Chapter - Revelations

My scene FINALLY happens, and James will be getting closer. Oh, and if you're lucky, my OC will have a name! :D