At the End of the Tunnel

by gempire

This is a sequel to 'Uncertainty' and 'In Darkness', so the summary's inside to avoid spoilers. You could choose to read this first, there's no problem with that, but it's always better to get the story from the beginning

10. Chapter 9

Disclaimer: Twilight is the property of Stephenie Meyer

This chapter is dedicated to Noble, Fadewind and bibika94

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Tony

God I missed Grace, and worst thing was seeing her every day in school but not being able to go near her. I thought it would be better for everyone to just take myself out of the group and sit with the football team.

Well I am a pig headed jock!

No. It was wrong to be bitter with Grace. It was a hell of a lot to deal with and I had to put myself in her shoes.

I'd been deceiving her all this time and Grace thought friends should be truthful with one another. But then she'd understood why I kept this thing from her; she got that if any vamps other than my family found out she knew they'd kill her without thinking twice. She was ok with everything until she found out my age and I realised I hadn't been careful enough in keeping things platonic between Grace and me. Yeah we hadn't done anything but I'd shown her enough affection that she might want that from me.

I'd had dreams of her hadn't I?

I wanted to talk it out with her to tell her everything now I was calm and not on the defensive, but she hadn't spoken to me for three weeks, not since the night it happened.

"You're better off without that bitch." Colby said as he caught me watching Grace.

"She is not a bitch." I growled and I pushed up from the table and stormed away.

I dumped my tray, food untouched, into the trashcan and I decided I couldn't face the rest of the day. I headed out to my car and got in. One thing good that came of Liza nagging for her own car for Christmas meant that I wouldn't have to wait for her, I could just go.

I drove without really thinking, I just needed to be away from the school. I needed to get back to nature. I drove up onto the mountain road and worked my way along until I came to that little hidden parking lot that was really nothing more than a patch of gravel near the edge of the cliff.

I got out of the car and walked slowly to the wooden bench that over looked a great expanse of trees that rose and fell with the foothills until they reached the proper mountains in the distance. A river snaked through it with the little side streams entering to make it bigger until it disappeared in the direction of Olympic Pines.

I sighed as I settled into my surroundings. This is where I belonged and not in that god-awful place with those horrible people. I wish I hadn't started school now.

I was aware of a car approaching but as far as I was concerned I had as much right to be here as anyone else. I didn't budge, even when the car stopped and someone got out.

"You're a little young to be wandering in the woods on your own." Grace observed as she sat beside me.

I looked up at her and saw that she was smiling a little sheepishly. I smiled back, happy to see her, but then I frowned.

"What are you doing here?" I asked.

"I saw that Colby upset you and I wanted to check that you were ok." She said softly.

"So you came all the way out into the middle of the woods to do that?"

"You're a little kid Tony, I couldn't leave you to go wandering off." She said and she chuckled.

"You find it easier to make a joke out of this?" I asked.

"A little." She admitted. "So what did that big mean boy do?"

"He called you the b-word and that made me very mad." I replied in a little boy voice.

"Ok, so we'll drop the kid thing." She said with a laugh. "But seriously, he called me a bitch?"

"Yeah. And I didn't want to get into a fight so I left and just couldn't face school. It's just so unbearable now." I said sullenly.

"Yeah. I know." Grace said sadly.

I nodded and we fell silent for a moment looking out over the forest.

"So how did you know I was here?" I asked. "I mean you didn't follow me or you would have been here sooner."

"I don't know. I just knew you were heading this way." She said with a frown. "Does that sound weird to you?"

"Grace. I'm a telepathic werewolf-vampire-human hybrid who grew to adult size in just seven years, do you really think I'll find anything weird?" I asked.

"I guess not."

"It's just an instinct thing." I said. "A bit like the connection I have with the other wolves even though they're all the way across the other side of the Olympics, I can sense them all the time. I've connected with your mind enough times that we got a link. Johno, Bob or Eloise could do the same if they wanted to but since they don't know the secret they'd just ignore their instinct."

"Why do have the sudden feeling that part of that is big pile of BS?" Grace demanded.

"Because I'm afraid you'll freak out and not want to talk to me again if I tell you the truth." I admitted as I pulled my feet up onto the bench and rested my chin on my knees.

"Tony, I'll be more cross if you don't tell me." Grace said sternly.

"I'm probably wrong anyway and I'm right that the others could find me if they wanted to, but the reason you feel the desire to actually want to look for me is because I think we might be tied."

"What do you mean tied?"

"It won't be yet, I'm too young, at least you won't consider it until I'm old enough and you don't know how much I admire you for that. But I do know that as soon as I'm old enough we will make love."

"Tony!" Grace gasped.

"I'm serious Grace. We will be together one day. It's down to the whole wolfy magic thing. The others, they call it imprinting. It's supposed to be that when a wolf sees his perfect match then she becomes the centre of his world. There is no one else for me but you Grace, but I respect your wishes enough that I won't bring this up again until I really am eighteen."

"So it's like soulmates?" Grace asked.

"If you want to simplify it."

"You don't really believe that crap do you?" Grace asked with a nervous laugh.

"Grace, it's not crap. My grandfather imprinted on my grandmother when she was new born and he protected her for the whole of her childhood as a really good friend. Then when she was old enough they moved it to the next level. It would have been sooner if Granny Ness had her way because she was like me and fully-grown at seven, but they waited until the right time. They've been married now for over forty years and they're still as intense as when they first started courting. My mom, the first vampire-wolf hybrid went and done the most unimaginable thing to her people. The reason we turn into wolves is to kill the Cold Ones, but she imprinted on a vampire. And a really old one at that."

"Old?"

"Yeah. I mean he doesn't look old, he looks… know that portrait above the stairs, the one that looks like Liza?"

Grace nodded.

"I'm positive that's him although my family won't confirm it. That portrait is of the period, but he was old even then."

"How old is he exactly?" Grace asked with curiosity.

"Well I couldn't say exactly his age, but he was born in Tuscany before Rome grew up to engulf the known world. So well over two thousand."

Grace gave me a sceptical look.

"It's true." I stated.

"Wow." Grace exclaimed. "And how old is your mother?"

"I think she's thirty-nine. Yeah, I remember in her mind she was thirty two in the Time Before."

"Time Before?"

"Oh god." I gasped and I felt my cheeks burn. "This is the part where you realise just how much of a freak I am and run away screaming. Liza and I, and not just us, most half vampires we've spoken to say the same. We can remember being in the womb. It's not a really clear memory but if I concentrate I can remember the feeling of warmth and security. Even then I was telepathic and I could sense the other. Mommy told us that there were two of us that I was son and the other was daughter, and she was Mommy, that great constant mind full of everything. Before I'd even opened my eyes in the outside world I knew what the sun on the waves looked like from the cliff above First Beach. I knew what wind felt like on skin, but I was safe from all that. Wrapped up in the warm with the reassuring thoughts of Mommy and the other and that constant rhythm." Suddenly I was crying and I couldn't stop myself. "I miss my Mom."

"You'll get her back." Grace said softly. "And soon."

"How do you know?"

"Because you need her. And Liza needs her more than you. I know it, deep in my bones that you're gonna see her again, and your father too." Grace said with too much conviction for them to be empty words of comfort.

I frowned for a moment as I thought over her words.

"Grace, do you sometimes see the future?" I asked.

"Of course not. What a foolish notion." Grace said with a snort, which I thought was a little narrow-minded until I remembered I hadn't told her about all the other powers my kind possessed.

I thought I should probably explain.

"My Auntie Alice sees the future all the time. I mean she can't see half vampires or Quileutes, but she can see the future for vampires and humans."

"She can?"

"Yeah. Why do you think the House of Hale does so well?" I asked with a grin. "She can see how the designs will pan out and chuck the ones that are a flop before she embarrasses herself. Although to tell you the truth I think 'Alexis Hale' has reached the point of near goddess station that should she deem it the height of fashion people would wear under pants on their heads."

Grace giggled.

"The point is that there are psychics in the world so if you can see the future, well I hope you can is all I'm saying." I said truthfully as I felt that empty ache in my heart where my parents should be.

"You really never saw your parents?" Grace asked gently and I realised I'd sent that to her, I also realised we were discussing some heavy issues that I really didn't want to discuss out here for the world to hear.

"Grace. If I asked you would you come back to my house? I'd feel a lot better discussing this there."

"Ok." Grace said. "You lead the way."

"And you will follow me?" I asked, knowing that she wouldn't ditch me, but part of me still felt insecure.

"Tony, I said I would. I'm not gonna ditch on you."

"Thanks." I said before rising to my feet. "Stop when I do."

"Ok." Grace said with a frown.

I got in the Escalade and waited until Grace was in her car before I pulled off. I was glad that she was following me because despite her words of reassurance I still felt like she'd bolt at any moment.

We had to turn around at first to go back down the forest road. We turned left at the bottom on to Olympic Drive and then we were heading for my house. I began up the drive, but instead of going all the way to the house I pulled into the side where the road was a little wider for passing and killed the engine.

I got out of the car just as Grace pulled in behind me. I reached into the back of the Escalade and pulled out the picnic blanket that Liza had stored there when we'd been sharing. Grace didn't get out of her car, just wound down the window.

"What's going on?" She asked.

"Just come on." I said with a reassuring smile.

Grace regarded me for a moment before she killed the engine and got out of her car.

"Now we can spend half an hour trekking through the undergrowth or you can just let me give you a piggy back and we'll be there in a minuet." I informed her.

"Let's make this quick." She said with a sigh.

I nodded before I turned my back to her and crouched down.

"Hop on." I said.

Grace sighed before I felt her hands on my shoulders and she scrambled onto my back. I hoisted her into a more comfortable position as I straightened up. Then I took off into the woods, heading toward my old fort.

I stopped when I reached it and dropped Grace to the floor. It was still in pretty good shape since I came out to fix it now and again. It was a good thinking spot if I really wanted to be alone but didn't want to stray too far from the house.

"This is my fort." I said. "I built it just before my fifth birthday. Well in the July just before I started school. I could actually sit up straight in there then." I said as I crawled inside and sat a little awkwardly because I couldn't straighten out anymore. I needed at least another foot for that.

"You built this when you were five?" Grace asked as she peered inside.

"Yes. Although I was more like fourteen at the time. We age three times as fast more or less. Do you want to come in?"

Grace seemed to consider for a moment, then she crawled in beside me and sat on my left. It was Liza's position. It had been in the Time Before and still was now. Whenever we had control over how we were positioned it was always like this.

"You see we grow real fast." I said as I lay back because my back was starting to ache. "Even before we are born. That's probably when we do our fastest growing. I went from being nothing to being a fully formed baby in forty days."

"You did?" Grace asked as she lay down next to me.

"Yeah. It was only a small amount of time, but it was the first amount of time and I can still remember some stuff." I draped the picnic blanket between Grace and me. "Like having my own warm little place but knowing the other was just on the other side of that wall. If I moved my hand I could feel the other, the one Mommy said was daughter. There was three of us in all existence. Mommy, the other and me. Sometimes Mommy would bring Daddy to us, although we could always hear him out there in the outside place. But then Mommy was scared and sad and she never brought Daddy to us again, although we could still hear him outside."

I felt subdued as these memories came back to me.

"And then we were outside." I said and dropped the blanket. "And there was no Mommy and no Daddy. No warmth and no rhythm, just me and the other and no one else to turn to. Liza and me cried a lot in those first couple of weeks. We wanted to be back in the safe space with the warmth and the rhythm and the reassuring mind of Mommy and the echoing voice of Daddy, but there was nothing. Just us."

"That's terrible."

"Yeah. And to answer your question, I never saw my parents, not even a flash as I was handed to Granny Ness, there was a screen in the way. We were delivered by C-section, it's the safest way in a vamp pregnancy." I explained.

"So your parents never got to see you either?" Grace surmised.

I turned on my side to face Grace as I shook my head.

"Not as far as I know." I murmured.

Grace curled onto her side too and I felt a little wave of the giggles as I thought of the fact that we were both lying in foetal position.

"I wish I could help you in some way but whatever I say is rather redundant now." Grace said sadly, as she placed her right arm beneath her cheek to cushion her head. "Although I can see why you and Liza look out for each other. I should probably tell you that she's part of the reason I followed you today." Grace said and she reached into the pocket of her jeans and pulled out a crumpled piece of paper and handed it to me.

I recognized that it was Liza's stationary even before I unfolded the note. Sure enough Liza's neat yet flourishing script covered the page. I was gonna just scan the note, but I was curious about what Liza had said about me.

Dearest Grace,

I have considered for some time that you are my friend as well as Tony's and that is why I appeal to you now. You cannot begin to comprehend what it is like for us dhampir, how could you? You are human and should know nothing of the existence of such creatures. We are not creatures, we are people with thoughts and feelings, a lot of them conflicting because we have adult bodies, we have adult minds, but somewhere, deep, deep inside in a way that is impossible to fathom there is still that seed of the child we truly are.

I will not lie to you and say that I approve of what Tony said, but it was said in anger, for my brother has not a manipulative bone in his body, much to his disadvantage in our world. He was hurt that you could think him so low when he has done nothing but try and steer you away from liking him for most of the time you have known him, and yet you are constantly drawn back to each other.

Grace, I think perhaps you were meant to discover our secret for I can think of no one better suited to deal with this information with a mature level head. Yes nerves were frayed and words exchanged in the heat of betrayal, but after some thought I am sure you will come to the realisation that there was no way that Tony could tell you sooner, and would you have believed him?

I beg you as a sister now Grace, to find it in your heart to forgive Tony and to end your silence. There are few people in this world my brother trusts and sometimes I feel he confides in you more than he does me, even with that secret between you, now it is no longer present he will confide in you even more. Will you be his confidant?

If my please fall on deaf ears then you are not the person I thought you were.

I apologise for that last remark but I thought I should be honest.

I wait with anticipation in the hope that you take my plea on board for I lay myself before you. I am at your mercy Grace. Please do not abandon me.

Yours sincerely

Elizabeth Black x

"Wow. Liza really must like you to write a letter like that." I said. "She never asks for anyone's help, and she signed it 'Black'."

"Is that your real name?" Grace asked.

"Yeah. It's our Mom's name, but Liza doesn't use it… ever. She has an anger toward Mom that I don't quite understand. It's like she blames Mom for us having to grow up without our parents. She can't explain, but she said it's something to do with Mom asking us not to cry when we were born. I can't remember that, but Liza is adamant and she goes through phases of hating Mom, and then wanting her here. When she pines for Mom she can't use the name for the pain it brings, when she hates Mom she won't use the name cause she hates Mom. This has got to be real important if Liza signed it Black."

"Yeah. Your sister really knows which strings to pull." Grace said with a small laugh.

I nodded.

"I guess I accused the wrong twin of being manipulative."

"Yeah." I said with a snort, I wanted to defend Liza, but she did have a knack of getting her own way. "Just be glad she only uses her powers for good."

"I am." Grace said with a smile. "And just so you know, I was thinking about talking to you again, but I wasn't sure you'd want to. Even after I got Liza's note I wondered if maybe she'd got it wrong. It was only when I saw you so upset today that I had to make sure you were ok."

"Grace, there'll never be a time I don't want you to talk to me. You can talk to me always. Always. Forever and always." I said seriously and I realised I was laying myself bare before her.

"And with you that really means forever and always." Grace whispered. "How long will you live?"

I shrugged.

"Could be forever. Nahuel is two hundred and he hasn't aged a day since he was seven. My Gran looks the same as me despite being fifty years older. I heard of one half vampire who's over five hundred, but I don't know if I really believe that." I said with a frown.

"Why not?" Grace asked.

"Just cause I'm a supernatural freak doesn't mean I got to believe everything." I said with a grin.

"Well I guess it's only fair." Grace conceded and we were silent for a moment. "Tony, I really like your fort and all, but my arm's kind of going to sleep and I can feel something crawling in my hair. Could we go back to your house now?"

"Yeah of course." I said, shooting out of my fort and pulling Grace with me. "And there's nothing crawling in your hair." I assured her as I brushed at it just in case.

"Sorry. I just don't like creepy crawlies and they like to hide in places like that." Grace said looking a little embarrassed as she gestured to the fort.

"I hate them too. You think you got it bad if they get in your hair, try getting them in your fur." I said and I winked.

Grace laughed and tapped my arm, then she shook her head with an amazed smile.

"I still can't believe you turn into a wolf." She said, and there was a look of wonder on her face.

I felt a little shy to suggest it, but I also felt my kid heart want to show off now that I found a way to impress one of my favourite people.

"I could… I could phase for you." I said. "I mean I'd have to go behind the tree and you turn the other way and close your eyes so I can change cause I got no spare clothes. But I could show you the wolf me again, but properly this time since I won't have to… you know." I made 'grr' noises as I clawed my hands.

"Yeah. And thank you for… you know." Grace said with a smile. "If you really want to show me your wolf side then I'd like to see it again. And I promise I won't peek." She said and she turned her back to me.

I kinda got the feeling that she was treating me like an overenthusiastic kid wanting to show off a new trick he'd learnt, but after reviewing what I'd said, I did kinda come off that way. I shrugged, because if it made it easier for Grace to deal with this so that she'd hang with me again then I had no problems with it.

I ducked behind the nearest tree and wished I wasn't wearing so many clothes as I stripped off. I shoved everything over the nearest branch, wedging my shoes into a branch fork. I took a moment standing there naked as I felt the leaf mould beneath my feet and the wind caress my skin. I could hear the voice of the long ago warriors, calling me to join them.

I caught the scent of lily of the valley and I knew I wanted Grace.

I let the heat swarm through my body and I felt it rush to my extremities. There were pins and needles all over my skin and that weird shooting of growth as my tail unfurled, and then my front paws were touching forest floor and my vision was colour blind but the scent streams more than made up for it.

I rounded the tree and saw that Grace still had her back to me. I trotted over to her and stopped just behind her. It was weird to think that in my wolf form my snout was higher than her head. I leant down and let out a breath that ruffled the hair that had fallen loose from her braid.

Grace jumped slightly and turned around. She looked up at me and she seemed lost in her mind for a moment before she raised a trembling hand to place against my furry cheek. I closed my eyes and moved my cheek into her hand, that connection felt so good.

Grace fingers moved gently in my fur and then she moved them to the back of my head and began scratching behind my ear. I don't know what came over me, it was like euphoria and I was at the mercy of my Mistress. I couldn't think beyond the sensation of that scratching, and as she continued to scratch in that one spot I fell on my back, mesmerised as my legs dangled uselessly in the air.

And then she was scratching across my chest and stomach and if I'd been human I would have been writhing with laughter. In my wolf form I could do no more than pant with my tongue hanging out, enjoying the feeling as her slender fingers worked through the thick soft fur of my under belly.

"You're just a big dumb mutt." She said wistfully and she hugged around my neck and buried her face into the fur of my throat. "Like a big soft teddy." She added in a whisper.

Ok. I give. You found the ancient secret way of subduing a Quileute warrior. Please don't tell anyone else. I thought toward her.

Grace giggled.

"You're mind voice still tickles." She observed, moving so she was looking into my eyes. "You know, you may be a wolf, but you're still in there. I can see you."

Of course I'm still in here. I stated. This is just a form we take cause it works so well against the Cold Ones. As humans we'd find it hard to protect our people, but with these bodies we can.

"My Tony, the brave warrior." She whispered as she hugged around my neck and kissed my cheek. "So soft and warm."

I can't tell you how much I enjoyed the feel of Grace lying on top of me as she hugged my neck and just lay there, her body warm against mine. It just felt right to have her so close to me. Here where I could protect her.

I love Grace.

It was in that moment the words formed in my head, but I realised they were beyond a doubt true. I did love Grace and I wanted to protect her always, no matter what that entailed. Even if it meant I had to keep away from her for a while, I'd protect my Grace because I love her.

She called me 'My Tony'. She still wanted me and she would have me in anyway she wanted as soon as she was ready for me. I knew she wasn't ready for me now cause I really was just a kid, but we'd have to work out when she would be ready for me. Or more importantly, when she thought I was ready for her.

We had to talk about this.

I need to get up now and go change. We'll go back to the house and then we can talk. I informed her.

"Of course." Grace said as she sat up.

I got to my feet and shook myself out, shaking pine needles and deadfall from my coat. I went back around the tree and called on the calm to pull myself together. I stood up onto my hind legs, I mean my legs and opened my eyes to a world of colour.

I began dressing, but instead of wrestling everything back on I just pulled on my pants and t-shirt and wrapped the rest of my clothes up in my sweater, shoes and all. I liked the feel of the forest floor beneath my bare feet; it made me think of the summers spent on the Res. Then I rounded the tree once more.

"Do you wanna jump on my back again?" I asked.

Grace jumped slightly and turned to me.

"Sorry. I didn't mean to make you jump." I said.

"Sorry, I didn't hear you approach and it was weird hearing you talk out loud again." She said with a nervous laugh. "I suppose we'll get to the house quicker."

"Yeah. I'll take us back to our cars first. We don't want to leave them in the drive."

I gave Grace permission to park in the garage before we made our way up to the house. Once in the house I led her into the kitchen. Well I was hungry now since I hadn't ate anything for lunch. I put on some rice and chicken, something that I was good at cooking since I was doing some for Grace too. We cooked together, it wasn't something we'd ever done before and it was enjoyable. There were some things I was better at and some things she was better at and together we made a great team.

I set up the breakfast bar for us to eat and we didn't talk much beyond stuff to do with preparing the food while we were cooking, but I had been thinking. I had to word this in the best possible way, but I knew there was no better way than just to be truthful.

"Grace. I think there's a few things we need to discuss." I stated.

Grace looked up from her food.

"Yes." She replied. "We need to sort out where we stand with each other."

"That's exactly what I was thinking."

"I know." She said with a smile. "I think your minds been preoccupied again. You sent the odd thing my way."

"Oh." I said, feeling my cheeks grow warm. "Well I guess it makes it a little easier. But I do need to know where I stand. I like being around you and I'll be any type of friend you want as long as I can be your friend. I just need to know what the boundaries are because I don't want to over step my bounds and have you mad at me again."

"Just be my friend Tony." Grace said simply. "That's all I want is for you to be my friend. I've managed to take all my feelings beyond friendship and box them up. That's not to say that I won't open that box again, in about eleven years time, but for now it must remain completely sealed and I think you should do the same. I think we can keep it purely platonic for now, and that's all I want. Tony my friend."

"I can do that." I said. "We'll be good friends and nothing more until my eighteenth birthday. I mean my real eighteenth birthday. Then we can re-evaluate our feelings and take it from there."

"That sounds good, but we have to just keep a friendship now. We can't have that goal in mind in the future, like counting down the days. We have to enjoy our friendship and not think that there's anything more to it than being really good friends who look out for each other. It has to be like that for the sake of my sanity."

"Yeah." I agreed. "You're my best friend Grace, and that's it."

"Yes. Best friends." Grace nodded.

"Forever and always." I promised her because however our relationship developed in the future I knew she would always be my best friend.

"Forever and always." Grace agreed, but she seemed a little sad and I couldn't work out why.

Then I realised that she didn't have 'forever and always' not in the sense that I did. But I didn't care about me I knew in that moment that I'd be her best friend for her 'forever and always' no matter how long or short that time was, I'd always be there for her. Because Grace deserved to be loved, no matter what version of love it was, Grace would have mine for the rest of her life and beyond.

---

Liza

I felt guilty in the happiness I felt with Sasha whilst my brother was so miserable. I wanted to make him feel better, but I knew there was nothing I could do, short of dragging Grace back to the house and forcing her to be friends with Tony once more. Such a course of action was out of the question however since Tony would be greatly upset if I were to treat Grace so shamefully.

I had written a letter to Grace, but that had been a week ago and still nothing had come from it.

I decided I would be a good sister that first Friday in May. In order to achieve this I decided I would go straight home after cheerleading practice rather than go out into Olympic Pines or Ridgeborough with Sasha. I wanted to keep Tony's company and he had yet to set foot outside the house since the incident with Grace unless it was for school.

I wished to keep Tony's company but the thought of leaving Sasha's side was somewhat hard to bear. I asked him to accompany me, but he had to decline. He said that the family he was staying with had requested he be present at dinner that evening since they felt he should be spending time with them. After all they were the ones to give him bed and board during his stay in our country.

I felt saddened by this development, but as I drove home I decided it was for the best. I wished to keep Tony's company and having someone else there, someone he openly despised, was not the wisest decision. No, I would forget Sasha and concentrate on Tony and be a good sister to him.

I had cause to frown as I pulled into the garage for I spotted the red convertible that had once belonged to Prue but Grace still had to make use of, her parents still refused to buy a more suitable car for her. Was that truly the car of Grace, or did my eyes deceive me?

I parked my car in its accustomed place and climbed the stairs to the ground floor corridor. I knew as I stepped through the door that Grace was here for Tony's mind was full of contentment and as I felt it wash over me I smiled. When Tony was extremely happy I was happy for sometimes we affected each other emotionally.

I made my way to the recreation room for I knew that this was where Tony resided, in our house I could always feel the location of his mind. My grin was wide as I thought of the compliments I would ply on Grace, of the things we three could discuss. How great would it be to have one person in this world who was not family to discuss the mystery that was our life?

My smile faltered however when I entered the recreation room to find that Johno, Bob and Eloise were also present. I managed to maintain my smile as I entered fully and greeted them all happily before I sat down beside Johno and grabbed a handful of popcorn from the bowl on his lap.

He looked at me guiltily since I had caught him snacking.

"What film are you watching?" I asked before I ate some of the popcorn myself.

Johno visibly relaxed as he informed me that it was some form of fantasy adventure based on books they had read. This would lead to an interesting evening, if only to hear their complaints later of where the film had deviated most grievously from the books. Sometimes I thought they merely watched films based on books they liked to give them cause to complain.

I settled back and watched the film with great enjoyment as I ate a large quantity of the popcorn in order to stop Johno from eating too much and ruining my regime. He was allowed to eat snacks, but not in vast quantities for his body had a slow metabolism, although he was starting show some improvement, he was a lot more slender than he had been that first morning at the start of the school year I had roused him from his bed.

That first morning he had barely made it to the end of his drive, now he could jog five miles a day before school and he stated that he felt better for it. For this I was glad because once you got past his lecherous tendencies and ability to say the wrong thing at the wrong time, Johno was rather a nice boy who would do any girl proud. However, he was not for me and this was something I had to make clear on more than one occasion.

I found the film enjoyable, if hard to follow since I knew nothing of the characters and had missed the first half of the film. As predicted Tony and his friends set about dissecting the movie afterwards and I much enjoyed their banter.

It was a warmth, that was Tony and his friends; he had gathered around him people who brought warmth and contentment, something I had only ever found with Simon. I frowned slightly as I considered that thought. I always bemoaned Tony's lack of ambition in gaining popularity, but he had found it. He had four friends who shared a lot with him, which of my friends truly knew me?

I felt saddened in the presence of their friendship and so I excused myself and made my way to my room. I lay on my bed and looked up at the skylight, there was still light left in the day, although it was dark and grainy. It had ceased raining but the water still clung to the glass as I felt tears trickle down my cheek.

What had caused this sudden melancholy?

I brushed the tears from my cheeks feeling angered, what use was it to cry over something I could not rectify?

I realised in an instant that I needed my friend.

I retrieved my cell phone from my bag and contemplated the phone call. Simon and I rang each other at least once a week, but usually I refrained from doing so on a Friday in case he was out and about. However he had invited me to call him anytime I desired.

I dialled in his number and listened to the dial tone on the other end. I counted three rings and was dreading the thought of voice mail when Simon himself answered.

"Hey Princess, what's up?" He asked above the din in the background.

"I have caught you at a bad time." I said mortified.

"No. The common room's noisy with the weekly party, you've actually given me a good excuse to leave." He said with a chuckle. "Honestly, you'd swear we didn't have exams around the corner."

The background noise died.

"I was gonna wait 'til I got to my room to answer but when I saw it was you I couldn't leave it go through to voice mail. I know you hate talking to a machine." He assured me and I could almost imagine him lying back on his narrow bed.

"That is most considerate of you." I said as I felt myself smile.

"So what's troubling you?" He asked.

"I merely wished to speak to my friend." I said softly. "I am missing you somewhat I am not ashamed to admit."

"I miss you too." He said sadly.

"How could you, down there with those gorgeous women?" I joked.

"Well I am in high demand." He teased, "But I just miss our friendship. Seeing you everyday."

"I feel the same." I said sadly.

"What? Even with this Russian guy you're feeling all gooey about?"

"That is part of the problem." I said, and I frowned as I realised why seeing Tony with his friends had upset me so. "I have never confided in Sasha, not as I have with you. I have told him much about myself, but it is all superficial, I could never speak as freely with him as I do with you. I feel he would laugh at me, or misunderstand."

"Then that's settled." Simon stated. "You've got it bad Baby Doll. You're head over heals in love with the guy."

"But doesn't love mean you want to share yourself with the person?"

"There's different kinds of love. Ok. You're in lust with the guy. He makes you feel all squiggly inside and you'd like to build on those feelings, but you're not sure if you should. You'd like to, but you're still not ready to be intimately physical but you're afraid that if you tell Sasha he'll turn away from you."

"I suppose." I conceded. "What should I do?"

"I don't really know. I'm not exactly a font of knowledge in this area. Although if it was me, I'd just go with the flow cause you know this relationship has an expiry date anyway. Just enjoy your last few weeks together and not worry about confiding in him too much. You're not planning to marry the guy, just have a little fun."

"Yes."

"But not too much fun." Simon warned.

"Too much fun? Oh! Yes! Of course not! That is not even a viable option." I said with a chuckle. "I am still as unready as ever."

"Not that I'm trying to tell you what to do, but I know how you like to keep tight control on your life and you'll have enough emotional shrapnel to deal with when he goes back to Russia, never mind if you brought sex into it. I know for some it would be a crescendo to a brief yet passionate affair, but you love too much for that."

"You know me so well Simon, and fear not my friend, I will not cross that line with Sasha." I said solemnly. "Now enough of me, how goes it in LA?"

The noise in the background grew for a moment before it descended again and then I heard a loud female voice in the background.

"Hey Simon, what you doing hiding away in here? The parties out there."

"Hold on a minuet." Simon said to me before he replied to the person. "I'm taking a very important phone call."

"Is it from your little princess again?" The woman said in teasing tones and then there was the sound of struggle and the woman spoke to me, "Hey, Liza isn't it?"

"To those who know me, yes. I'm afraid you have me at a disadvantage, to whom do I speak?" I said politely.

"Give me back my phone." Simon was saying in the background.

"Racks. And can I say you got to be something, all Simon ever goes on about is Liza this, Princess that, how I miss my Baby Doll. Thought he was talking about his Barbie collection at first." Racks said in playful tones and I knew she was joking when she said the latter, but the former part of her statement sent a sudden wave of apprehension through me.

"Simon and I dated for nigh on two years and we remain very good friends." I explained. "We are there for each other and I speak of him often, but it surprises me to hear that he speaks of me so frequently."

"Yeah, and don't worry it's all compliments. You're one lucky gal having a guy like Simon so besotted with you. He's one of the good guys."

"I thank my stars every day." I informed her.

"Well it was good talking to you Liza. I'll hand you back to Simon now."

"Thanks." Simon said sarcastically in the background.

"You're welcome." Racks replied. "And don't be too long. Stains just brought out the jell-o shots."

There was the sound of the background noise growing and diminishing once more.

"Sorry about that Elizabeth." Simon said, "My room mate can be a little intense at times."

"She sounds it." I agreed, "Although I am glad she spoke to me. Do you really speak so frequently of me?"

"Only to keep her off my back. She suggested we 'bless the room' our first night, so I told her I had a girlfriend back home. She played the zip code card but I had to build this picture that I was a dutiful boyfriend and how in love I was with my little Baby Doll back home. She backed off then and I've had to keep up the pretence."

"Oh dear. I wish I had prior warning, for I informed her that we are no longer together." I said apologetically.

"She knows we split up at Christmas because it was hard to keep the long distance thing going, but she's staying away from me while I'm 'still obsessed' with you. Said she's all up for fun but she's nobody's rebound."

"I have not caused you bother?" I asked.

"No Baby Doll. It's all cool." Simon reassured me.

"Thank you." I said and then I had a sudden thought. "Simon, you do realise that not all girls would treat you as Red did. Even if they are experienced, perhaps she could nurture and teach that side of you. If Racks is the type of girl to offer to 'bless the room' upon your first night then she may decide to help you, not ridicule you for your lack of experience."

"Yeah. But I don't want to have sex just for the sake of it. I want it to mean something."

"I see. Well it was merely a suggestion." I said softly before another question occurred to me. "Simon, why is she called Racks?"

"Because her name is Raquel." Simon said, "Why what did you think it meant?" Then he laughed. "No, although she has got nice breasts."

I giggled.

"It was merely because she said 'Stains' had brought out the jell-o shots. I thought you had given each other suggestive nicknames. And these shots, they are the type that contain vodka?"

"Oh yeah. I try and ditch the room when the tray gets handed around. Still got no head for drinks, I can handle a beer or two, and that's it."

"It sounds as if you are having the most amusing time." I observed.

"Yeah. I guess I am. Although it would be even better with you here."

"Yes. If I were but two years older." I mused, then I would be nine, I added silently.

"Yeah. But it's not so bad. Only a few more months and I'll be back in Olympic Pines and we can do stuff together. Take in a movie, whatever."

"That would be nice." I stated.

"Well I guess I'd better go before Racks comes to find me again. Take care Baby Doll."

"Yes. You too Dear Boy." I replied.

After a few more goodbyes we hung up.

I lay back on my bed and looked up at the now darkened skylight, it was raining again and I looked into the streams feeling a little nostalgic for my Dear Boy. Talking to Simon had been the tonic I needed, suddenly he was foremost in my mind once more and I could almost see his face in the glass of my skylight, happily I began to doze.

Before I realized I was waking up to the morning light still fully clothed and lying on my bed. This was most unlike me. I had never been known to skip my routine; it put me off kilter for the day.

It was with a feeling of bad grace that I showered for the morning, and it was with a little chagrin that I realised I was late for Johno's morning run. I dressed in my jogging attire and flittered down to the garage. I had just rounded the side of the house when I saw Johno pull up outside the front door. I parked beside him and emerged from my own car to greet him.

"I came to check you were ok." He said. "It's not like you to be late. I thought you might be ill or something."

"I am not ill, merely befuddled this morning. Thank you none the less for showing concern for my welfare and for taking it upon yourself to seek me out. Shall we run from here today?"

"Sure." Johno said and after warming up we set off.

The morning jog did nothing to clear my head or shift the unsettling mood that had taken me over after falling asleep so carelessly the night before. I felt… Misplaced, that was the word. I had fallen out of step and the rhythm of the entire dance had fallen out of synch and I had no thought of how to regain my footing.

I was meant to meet with Sasha down by the river walk in Olympic Pines, but in my present state I wondered if this was a wise choice. Perhaps I should invite him to the house to save my having to drive in my confused mood, but I pushed the thought from my mind as I realised I would have to drive regardless since Sasha had no car and no American driver's license. The reason we met up in Olympic Pines was for the simple fact that the family he resided with lived in the town proper.

I took no care with my appearance that day, I had no patience to dry my hair, merely braid it back. I wore the first clothes I pulled from my wardrobe and I dressed, still feeling that unease.

Why had the fact that I fell asleep without my ritual disturbed me so?

I was in no better mood as I drove into Olympic Pines. I think this was in part due to the fact that the rain was coming in heavy showers. It was hardly a day for a stroll by the river, but Sasha seemed to like to recreate that first walk every Saturday.

I was feeling angry and upset and I wished to merely climb into my bed, curl into a ball and forget the existence of this cruel world. I craved solitude and safety and the never-ending beat.

I realised I was crying, sat in my car with my arms against the steering wheel as I leant my head against my arms. My sleeves were wet from my tears. I looked at my reflection. My face was tearstained, my eyes red. There was no doubt that I had been crying for a while.

I looked to the clock and realised that it must have been half hour at the very least and now I was most definitely late for Sasha. I felt angered as I emerged from my car and donned my raincoat and retrieved my umbrella.

I broke the rules when I descended the stairs, but nobody was present so I saw no harm in ghosting to the bottom to save some time. If only the streets were less busy then I could have ghosted to the little footbridge where I was to meet Sasha, however there were people about, despite the threat of heavy showers.

To my relief Sasha was still waiting for me, leaning casually against one of the old fashioned lampposts that adorned the bridge. On seeing him I felt my cares lift away, and my change in mood was bolstered when he smiled at me and took my hand to kiss the back of it.

He frowned at me and placed his fingers beneath my chin as he caressed my cheek with his thumb.

"You're not feeling yourself today." He observed.

"No." I admitted. "I have been in the strangest of humours since I awakened this morning. I know not why, but I feel odd."

"My poor girl." Sasha said and he pulled me into an embrace, "Tell Sasha all about it."

I found it hard to speak, I was crying once more, clutching around Sasha as I buried my face in his shoulder. I was lost in a barrage of untold grief and for the life of me I could not make the tears stop. I was standing on the bridge being embraced by a boy I barely knew as I wept my heart out for all to see.

"Come with me to where I stay." He said. "You will feel better in the warmth."

"Should you not ask your hosts first?" I asked as I sniffed, still clinging to him as if he were a life raft.

"They have provided me with a collection of rooms to call my own during my stay. I rarely see them except on the odd occasion when they remember I am here and demand my presence as they did last night." He explained.

"It would be nice not to walk in the rain." I conceded.

"Then come." Sasha said as he stood beside me and placed his arm about my shoulders. "I will look after you."

It was but a short walk from the bridge to the three-story town house within which Sasha stayed. He led me around to the access lane that served for the length of the street. At the back there was a door at ground level and another door on the second floor that was accessed by a set of metal steps. It was up these steps that Sasha led me.

He led me into what looked like a small neat apartment. It was very neat, if a little Spartan. The only evidence that it was used as a living space were the three dark coats that hung on the pegs beside the door and the silver lap top I had seen Sasha carry on a few occasions on a desk in the corner. I dared not ask to look beyond the sitting room for fear of what it would suggest.

Suddenly Sasha seemed a little nervous and I wondered if he had ever entertained a girl at home before. Then I wondered if he had ever entertained anybody at home as I had the strangest notion that he had not intended to invite anyone here, even me, and now that he had he was at a loss of what to do.

"Shall I take your coat?" He asked quickly, as if suddenly remembering his manners.

"Thank you." I said and he took my umbrella from me as I removed my raincoat.

He leant my umbrella against the wall by the door before he took my coat and hung it beside his own. I could not help but smile when he had to stretch slightly, it was nice to know I was not alone in the world.

He hung up his own coat before he turned to me and he still looked at a loss.

"You may offer me a drink." I said once the silence began to intensify.

"Yes. Would you like a drink?" He asked.

"Yes please."

"What would you like?"

"Have you any tea? I am rather partial to tea." I said softly.

"I…" He frowned for a moment. "I must check. You come with."

He took my hand and led me to the door on the other side of the room. This he opened to reveal a corridor of doors. He opened the first on the right and he flipped a switch to reveal a very small kitchen. We entered but even small as we both were we barely fit.

"How do you cook in here?" I asked rather rudely, but I wished to know the answer.

"I don't." Sasha replied and he gave me a sheepish grin. "I eat out often."

"What of the family you stay with? Do they not feed you?"

"I wished to come to America to see what it was like, my family arranged it so I could do this but also be left in some peace. Although the family I stay with ask for my presence once in a while, I am free to come and go as I please. The only downside is that I must fend for myself the majority of the time."

"But that is simply awful!" I gasped. "Have you complained to the school?"

"I like it this way." Sasha said firmly.

"If you are certain." I said with a frown.

"Now this tea? Let's look." Sasha said abruptly and I realised the prior subject was not to be revisited but he possessed not the decency to inform me as such.

"It is your kitchen, you should know where it lies." I snapped. "And quite frankly I have no use for your hospitality if you are to act in such a rude fashion. Thank you for inviting me in, but I must go now. Good day to you sir."

I turned from him and stormed back through to the sitting room to retrieve my belongings.

"Elisabeta." He called after me, but I ignored him. "Elisabeta." He repeated, and this time he caught my hand. "Please! I did not mean to offend, but I would rather not discuss the family who host me. I hate this arrangement but it's made bearable by one thought. To suffer their bad hospitality is a small price to pay so that I can look upon you every day."

"Do not think you can get around me with pretty words Sasha Ulyanov." I said coldly, but his words had touched me deeply. "However, as one prone to emotional outburst myself, I am willing to give you the benefit of the doubt. If you have no tea a glass of water will suffice, I am not too proud as to turn down the most humble of drinks."

"I will fetch you a glass immediately." Sasha said with a bow before he disappeared back toward the kitchen.

I let out a breath and allowed myself a moment to bask in the rosy glow brought forth by his pretty words, before I drew on my unimpressed face once more. He returned carrying a tumbler of water and he held it out to me as if he expected me to rebuke him once more.

I took the water and sipped it.

"You pour a nice glass of water." I said with a grin.

Sasha peered up at me and then he lifted his head with a smile.

"Would you like to sit down?" He asked, indicating the sofa.

I sat, perching on the edge. I rested the glass on my right hand as I held it in my left hand. My right hand rested on my knee for there was no coffee table. Sasha frowned for a moment, then he took up the telephone, slid it onto the edge of the desk that held his laptop, and then picked up the little table the telephone had been resting on. Sasha brought the table to me, and I placed my glass upon it, although it grated slightly not to have a coaster.

"You are not yourself today at all." He said with a frown as he sat beside me.

"Not at all." I said with a sigh. "I fell asleep last night without dressing for bed and that has put me in somewhat of a muddle all day. I know not why I get like this, but I like my routine."

"You feel your life is out of your hands." Sasha said. "That fate is carrying you along the river of time and you are drifting out of control. The only thing you can hope to do is seize as much control as you can. Whether that be, choosing your own path in life and not bending to the future your parents dictates for you, or keeping to a rigid routine in the hope of staying in the middle of the course. I have my routines too and I feel as if I am bobbing about caught in a cross current if I deviate."

"That is how I feel." I gasped. "Exactly how I feel. There is so little control in my life that I create these little structures, these little moulds for myself. These rigid little shapes to hold myself in, but if something goes wrong I lose all shape and meaning. I feel I become nothing."

"You will never be nothing Elisabeta." Sasha growled as he took my hands and suddenly his face was very close to mine. "Don't ever think you're nothing."

I blinked, gasping for breath; I had trouble finding my answer. I was caught up in his nearness, in his face so close to mine, all I need do was lean a fraction closer to him but my body would not move, I was trapped. Trapped between the desire to kiss this boy who spoke into my soul and the desire to run as far away as possible from him and hide.

"Do you feel out of control now?" He asked.

"Very much so." I managed to say.

"Would you like to regain some control?"

I nodded my head.

"Your hair today is a mess, I know how much you crave its neatness. Would you allow me to brush your hair?"

"Yes. It is rather tangled now." I murmured.

"Then I will untangle it." Sasha declared as he rose to his feet and he pulled me up behind him.

Without another word he pulled me back into that corridor and up its entire length to the door at the end. He pushed it open and drew me into his bedroom. I felt my heart stutter and I froze to the spot, rigid, unbending, unwilling to move.

"What's wrong?" He asked.

"What is your purpose in bringing me here?" I asked.

"To brush your hair." He said. "There is a mirror here." And he indicated an enormous dressing table with three oval mirrors.

"Oh." I exclaimed as I felt my body relax in relief.

"Would you care to sit?" He asked, indicating the satin dressed stool.

I nodded and sat before the mirror.

Sasha placed out an array of brushes and combs within reach on one side of the dressing table. They looked like an antique set and most probably worth a considerable amount in money and most likely sentimentality too. He smiled at me in the mirror before he removed the band from the bottom of my hair and began to unravel the braid.

The feel of his fingers as they worked through my knotty tresses sent an odd thrill through my entire being. I wanted to feel those fingers lightly caress my cheek once more as I brought my lips to his.

I pushed away that flash of desire knowing that I was unready for such things, especially in his bedroom. It would not do to give him ideas that I could not follow through.

We were silent as he began to run a brush through my hair, chasing the knots to the ends until it began to smooth. He began humming a tune I did not recognise, although it seemed as if he did not realise he was doing so. It was almost as if he had fallen into a trance.

"Your hair is so beautiful." He whispered. "So long and shiny. My sister had hair similar, although it's lighter than mine. But in length it could match yours. I used to brush it out because the nursemaid was too rough; I think the woman was jealous of my sister's beauty. Her hair was the gilding on the crown, that final touch that made her most desirable."

"What happened?" I asked, fearing the answer for he seemed to be implying that this was a long time ago.

"She had to cut it almost as short as mine when it was damaged by the fire." He replied, still seeming to be in his trance.

"She was in a fire?" I asked.

"We both were." He said, and now he frowned. "It's something I don't like to talk of." He said sadly.

"Very well." I said softly. "Are you looking forward to the dance?" I asked to change the subject.

"Only because you are there." He stated, "And that you will be my date."

I smiled at him in the mirror as I felt my cheeks grow warm.

"How beautifully you blush Elisabeta." He purred and he placed his cheek next to my own. "So warm, so full of life. You are everything one could hope for. Don't ever think you are nothing."

I was lost in the feeling of his body pressed to my back and his right cheek pressed against my left. I closed my eyes as I leant back into his chest, my body moulding to his as he brought his arms to encircle me. My left hand moved to caress his left cheek, to feel the tips of his hair, trace the shape of his ear.

He sighed softly, his cool breath washing over my skin as he reached his left arm across my body to place his left hand against my right cheek, to caress it and tangle in my hair. His right hand came to rest against my stomach in that safe space of abdomen I thought of as no man's land. He placed his lips to the point just below my left ear and I let out a sigh of my own. My right hand moved to rest against his right hand as I felt the thrill of his near forbidden touch deep within. His lips touched the point of my pulse and I felt it quicken in excitement before his lips moved to my jawbone and then the corner of my lips. I could feel his left hand start to guide my head so I would turn to him.

My eyes snapped open and I looked at our reflection in the mirror, my breath coming in quick gasps. We looked very intimate indeed, too intimate.

"Sasha." I muttered, my voice sounding weak. "I am unready for this."

His eyes opened and he regarded me in the mirror with his lips still pressed to my cheek. He watched me, scrutinised me, for a very long moment before he pulled away from me and patted my shoulder gently.

"I am sorry." He said. "I have been rash."

I dropped my head and hands, and I felt very young indeed. Young and naive. Had I led Sasha on in any way by coming to his room? Had I given some signal by stepping into his apartment? Should I have turned him away as soon as he placed his cheek to mine?

"I was too forward." Sasha said. "You are very innocent. I had no idea."

"I…I should not have come here." I gasped and made to stand.

"No Elisabeta. I should have read you better. I thought that… but I was wrong. I will wait for you to make a clear first move in the future."

I raised my head to find that he was kneeling beside me, almost in supplication to me. I felt like a queen being shown fealty by a loyal subject, his whole manner seemed to exude this.

I reached my hand out to him, but stopped midway.

"You will?" I asked.

"Yes my love." He said as he took my hand and placed it to his bowed forehead. "I am your eternal slave, goddess of my heart. I want you, but only when you deem it worthy."

"Then I thank you good sir for respecting my honour." I whispered, wondering what gesture of affection I could use right now that he could not misinterpret as an invitation to further gestures I was unready for at present.

"I should finish your hair." He said, and rose to his feet, although his every gesture was still subservient.

He began brushing my hair once more, winding strand after strand around his fingers until my hair was full of bouncing curls. He did not speak for a long time, until he was tying a purple ribbon into my hair.

"Who is Simon?" He asked as he fastened a bow at the top of my head.

"Pardon?" I asked, for I had drifted somewhat in the silence.

"Who is Simon?"

"He is my best friend and he was my partner on the Cheerleading Squad last year. Why do you ask?"

"Oh. No reason." He said quietly.

"There is obviously a reason or you would not ask." I stated, my voice taking on a chilly, dangerous edge.

"It is merely that…" He began, but trailed off.

"That what?" I demanded although I had a good idea what his answer would be.

"That I heard you were lovers."

"Not those rumours again." I said with an exasperated sigh. "Yes I love Simon dearly and we dated for two years, but he is a true gentleman and we did nothing more than hug. The gossips devised their own versions of what happened between Simon and I. Whatever you heard I can assure you it is all falsehood."

"You love him?" Sasha asked.

"Yes." I replied, had I not stated moments before?

"Do you love me?"

I opened my mouth to answer, but I realised I had no answer to give.

"I have known you barely two months, it is too early to tell if I love you. I like you, I very much like you, but two months is no time at all to determine if it is a love that will last or merely a fleeting flame that will grow in a blaze of glory, until it flickers and dies leaving all those in its proximity scattered and burnt."

"You do not believe in love at first sight?"

"I believe there is such a thing as lust at first sight but true love must be earned." I stated firmly.

"How unfortunate my time is limited so we will never know." Sasha said sadly.

"If we are meant to be then we will meet again. Besides there is such a thing as a postal system and the Internet not to mention the telephone. There are many ways we may keep in contact. Why there is nary a week goes by that I do not phone Simon for some reason or other."

"You have intimate conversations with him?" Sasha asked and I saw a look of disapproval flash across his reflection.

"I have discussions with him about things that trouble me whilst I lend a sympathetic ear to his troubles." I corrected.

"So you confide in this boy that you love."

"Yes. And he confides in me. He is my best friend." I said, feeling as if I were defending myself, although I knew not my crime.

"And what would I become on the other end of the phone?"

"I have no idea. Only time will tell." I said truthfully.

"Do you think it wise to keep such correspondence with two boys?"

"There is nothing untoward." I snapped as I felt sudden barriers being placed around me, barriers I did not like.

"Are you sure? Do you think it right that you keep talking so intimately with this Simon while you pursue a love affair with me?"

"Are you trying to dictate my life?" I demanded, shooting to my feet and I knocked the stool over as I did so, Sasha had to jump back lest it hurt his foot.

I wish it had hurt his foot.

"Now I will tell you this one time only Sasha Ulyanov, so you had best take note! Nobody dictates my life. I am subject to no one and I will speak with whomsoever I please. You will be going home to Russia in just over a week and what guarantee will I have that I will ever hear from you again? I know not what the future holds with you but I know that my Dear Boy in California is on the other end of the phone whenever I have need of him."

Sasha was at a loss for words and I was somewhat glad for I was truly angry with him and I wished not to be turned by his words once more.

"You have upset me greatly this day. I think it best I leave now before I have cause to hate you forever. I will see you in school Monday if you still wish to talk to me, if you choose not to I will not blame you, but do not try to contact me beforehand. I need time to think."

Without waiting upon his response I stormed out of his bedroom and out of his apartment, grabbing my umbrella and coat along the way. I felt angry and my anger increased with every step upon the wet pavement. I know not why I had the sudden feeling of oppression, but I felt it wise not to take advice from Sasha, something deep within me seemed to warrant this.

As I passed one of the boutiques I noticed the flash of purple in my hair. I knew not why the colour enraged me so but I felt the sudden need to tear it from my head. I dropped it into the nearest trashcan before I tried to tame my hair back once more. I was in no doubt that I looked a madwoman to the passes by, but I cared not for I felt as if I was going mad.

I needed to find solace, but where to find it on such a horrid day?

I returned to the house and saw the three cars parked beside the steps. Now that Tony had made peace with Grace it looked as if his weekly game of D&D was reinstated. I was happy for him, truly I was. I was happy that he had such companions and I wished that I could call my friends around me. They all had lives outside of our circle however and they were experiencing them this day. Besides, they would not understand the apprehension I felt over Sasha.

If I were true to myself I would have to admit that it was not friendship I craved in that moment, it was the idea of friendship. What I truly wished to be was alone with my own thoughts. It was rare that this happened, very rare indeed. I hated the thought of deliberately severing my mind from that of Tony's, but every so often I required the room in my own head to think.

Many moons ago I found the perfect way to gain this solitude whilst finding no need to venture from the house. I parked my car within the garage and made my way to my room. I promptly changed into my bathing costume whilst I tried not to bear thought to how messy lust can be. I pulled on my pool dress for sake of modesty should I come across Tony's wandering friends, and then I made my way to the pool.

I felt glad that I had decided to wear the dress for Tony's friends occupied the recreation room, having finished their game for the day and were preparing to make their leave. I bade them all a quick greeting before I rushed to the poolside, whipped off my dress and jumped in.

I did not wear my cap for I had no need of it. I wished to feel my hair flow free in the water as I moved about. I concentrated on the flow of water around me, over my skin and through my hair. It was like soothing fingers whiling away all my worries, but this was just a prelude to what I wished to do.

I swam to a corner of the deep end, took a deep breath and swam to the bottom. I sat into the corner, wedging myself in place with my hands. I closed my eyes and began to feel my mind drift away from me, to think in a way that was beyond my controlling, but I knew it as a good way to get my thoughts in order.

I was starting to feel the pieces clicking into place when hands grabbed around me and I was being pulled to the surface. Or at least the person was attempting this but having jumped in fully clothed they were being weighed down. I let out my breath in annoyance at being disturbed from my thinking as I sought to rescue my rescuer.

I pulled the person to the surface in a flurry of bubbles and hoisted them onto the side of the pool. Once I was able to focus I realised it was Grace who was now gasping and spluttering on the side as she fought for her breath.

"What did you do that for?" I demanded. "You could have drowned!"

"Me drowned?" Grace demanded before a coughing fit took her. "I'm not the one sitting on the bottom of the pool for ten minuets!"

"Are the others here?" I asked quickly.

"No. Tony was seeing them to the door. I wanted to use the bathroom and I was gonna stay on a bit longer. I was watching you swim, you're really good, then you went under the water, and you didn't come up. I thought you were drowning!"

"I was thinking, not drowning." I stated.

"I'm sorry?"

"Grace I am dhampir, I can hold my breath for up to half an hour, perhaps longer if needs be, but half an hour is all I am confident to test myself to. I was clearing my mind of clutter in order to think through a conundrum that has presented itself in my life."

"So you really weren't drowning?" Grace asked as her teeth began to chatter.

"No." I assured her.

"Oh. Then what were you thinking about?"

"Shall we get you a towel and then we will talk." I said. "I would like to confide in you Grace for never have I had a friend who knew all my complications in regards to dating."

"You mean cause you're only seven?" Grace asked.

"Yes. Come. I will find you some dry clothes to don whilst I run yours through the wash."

"What's going on?" Tony asked as he came to the door of the recreation room.

"Grace thought that I was drowning and now we must talk." I said firmly.

"But?" Tony began to protest.

"Have no fear Tony. You can have her back in an hour, clean and dried and in a much better disposition." I promised him.

"Huh?"

"We are going to have some much needed girl time Tony and you are not to interfere." I said in warning tones.

"Grace?" Tony asked.

"I…I think I need to speak with Liza. Besides, you don't like the laundry room." She said with a smile.

"Yeah." Tony said with a laugh. "Well I guess I'll go for a run or something. Leave you girls to it."

"Thank you Tony." I said with a smile and a bow.

---

Tony

I walked from the recreation room feeling confused.

Had Liza just hijacked Grace?

There really wasn't a sensible answer to that. At least not one I could find.

I decided I'd go for a run, I could feel the wolf pacing in my head. He had been all morning since I'd been going for a run every Saturday since I'd started phasing. Well I'd been keeping my distance from Grace and therefore the rest of my friends so there really weren't much else to do.

I went up to my room first to change into just a pair of shorts so that I wouldn't have to worry about too many clothes. Then I made my way back down to the kitchen and out through the back door. I could hear Liza and Grace's mumbled voices merging with the sound of the machine but I decided it was better for my sanity not to eavesdrop.

I ghosted to the tree line and made sure I was in deep enough cover before I pulled off my shorts and rolled them up, stuffing them into the cord on my ankle. I wasn't quite so skilled as Grandpa Jake or Uncle Hunter yet but at least they stayed in place as I let the heat flow though me.

I took a deep breath through my wolf nose and let the scents swim around me before I took off running in the first direction that called to me. I'd been running for ten minuets when I felt the little scritch in my mind.

Hey Tony, you running kid? It was Uncle Hunter out running the forests a hundred miles away.

Hey Uncle Hunter. Yeah. Needed to clear my head and get away from all the girl talk. I replied sourly.

What girl talk? Auntie Tina cut in as she joined Hunter out on his rounds.

Liza decided she wanted to talk to Grace. I thought it was better not to pry into her mind. But I think it's about that Russian guy Sasha.

Russian guy? Hunter asked.

Yeah. Some exchange kid at school. Liza likes him way too much, but at least he's going back home next week. No more Sasha this and Sasha that. She's obsessed. I grouched.

You can say that again. Tina observed as she caught a few stray thoughts from my mind.

And I take it you don't like the kid? Hunter asked.

No. And not even because he wants Liza, I didn't like him even before he talked to her. Something about him makes my skin crawl. I said frowning slightly as I changed direction to run up a sudden ridge.

Yeah. I see what you mean. Hunter said as he caught a reflection of my feelings. You know what Tony; you really should trust your instincts there. But like you said, he's going home in a week, you won't have to worry about him then.

I guess you're right. I sighed.

And Tony, just cause you don't like him doesn't mean there's anything sinister about him. Tina said suddenly but I didn't know why, what could she have seen in my mind that I couldn't myself. You are allowed to not like some people. And just cause you're twins doesn't mean you and Liza will have the same opinion about people.

Yeah. I know. I said, wondering what was in my mind that I hadn't realised yet.

I must have been starting to dwell or something cause Hunter took it upon himself to change the subject.

So I hear Grace is talking to you again.

Who told you? I asked, feeling a little embarrassed.

Esme told Mom and I read it from her. Esme was happy that you weren't depressed anymore. Honestly you were starting to worry us kid. Hunter teased.

Ok so he was teasing, but then again he wasn't. They really had been worried about me cause I'd been moping so much. I hadn't realised and although it was a little annoying cause seriously what did they think I would do, it was also reassuring to know that our family did care. I couldn't wait to tell Liza, it was the kind of reassurance she needed from time to time.

Sorry, I didn't mean to. But Grace is a really good friend. I said.

Just a friend? Tina teased.

If I want to hang around her that's all I can think of her as at the moment. We came to an understanding, one that I can live with. I'd rather be around Grace and just her friend than to dwell on feelings I'm too young for and have her angry at me again. Or disturbed by her own feelings and angry at herself, which is more the case. Anyway, if I don't think of her as just a friend then I'll lose her friendship and that's a hard thought to bear.

So you want more from her but when you're old enough. Tina surmised.

Yeah. When she thinks I'm old enough. Probably when I'm really eighteen.

You're life is complicated. Hunter observed. It kinda makes me glad that I aged normally.

Can't argue with that. Tina agreed.

Yeah… I thought sadly, if only I could have aged normally. I guess I should be heading back now, hopefully Liza will be ready to hand Grace back.

Yeah. Hunter agreed, And my pack's getting a little annoyed at the one sided conversation.

And Twain thinks I'm not taking our border duty seriously. Tina said with a snort and I could almost see her roll her eyes, like she would have done if she'd been standing here in human form.

Well give my regards to them all and I'll leave you to it. I said happily. I'll see you all next time you're down.

I decided that I'd run back as my vampire self, so I pulled down the heat until I was human. I pulled on my shorts and I pulled down the heat again. That's what Uncle Hunter said Mom called it, and it was a good description of how it felt inside. When I pulled down the heat I grew pale and my eyes turned gold as I took on the visage a full vampire. I'd only been able to do this since I started phasing; well I needed to do this since I started phasing whenever I had to hunt. Since I started phasing I had to hunt once a week before the hunger started to make itself known.

Liza thinks it has something to do with the fact that my body can change now. That it's built for that purpose and so it can go either way and I'm the balance in the middle. We can't work out why I need to feed more, although I know that I can feel drained if I leave it a day or two late, or if I need to use my powers in any extensive way. Maybe phasing took up a great deal of energy, but then how do the other wolves manage it if that's true?

I shook my head, determined not to obsess about it as I ghosted back toward home. Besides, there was an almost shameful thought, but one I couldn't help thinking. I hoped that Liza wouldn't say something that would freak Grace out again. I quickened my pace as I wondered exactly what Liza wanted to talk to Grace about.

---

Liza

I had relieved Grace of her wet clothes and provided her with some new, unworn undergarments that were in all likelihood bought for Aunt Rosalie and long silk kimono that also belonged to Rose, but Grace was around her height and build so I thought it more modest for her than one of my robes.

I left Grace to shower in my whilst I took her clothes down to be washed. I sang as I began the cycle, although this was to keep my mind from thinking what I would tell Grace. I returned to my room where Grace was emerging from the en-suite, wearing the kimono and a towel wrapped around her hair.

I myself wore my pool dress over my costume and my own dripping hair was wrapped in a towel. If truth be told I would have liked nothing more than to wash the chlorine from my hair, but the need to speak with Grace proved greater.

"Would you care to sit?" I said, indicating my bed before I climbed up myself and sat cross-legged at the head.

Grace climbed onto the foot off the bed and sat facing me, her legs also crossed.

"So what did you want to talk about?" She asked.

"Sasha." I said. "He has been the epitome of a pigheaded male and I was trying to think it through on my own, but it was no use. I thought perhaps the perspective of another girl may be of value. One who is not a relative, but knows of the difficulties I may face whilst dating."

"Ok. So you want my help with Sasha. You said he acted pig-headed. Could you elaborate?"

"He questioned me on the identity of Simon and made suggestions that I should cease contact with him if I wished to pursue a correspondence with Sasha." I replied.

"Hmmm… Well that one's easy. Sasha probably feels intimidated by what you have with Simon. I know you two were never physically intimate, I doubt you even made out any, but you share the intimacy of the mind. That's something boys won't quite get, that you can be so close to Simon without there being anything physical involved."

"That is plausible, but how did you know!" I gasped.

Grace shrugged, "I may not date but I've seen how guys act."

"No, no. I meant about Simon and I. How did you know we had done nothing physical?"

"Oh. Well it's the over playing it in public. Everyone else fell for it, you're both good actors, but then Prue's even better. Growing up trying to see through her every scheme makes you more aware of the acting that's going on around you."

"Did you ever suspect there was something more to Tony and I?" I asked, intrigued.

"No. But then again you weren't trying to act different to who you are. Ok, so you don't give out details on the whole being half vampire and only being seven, but then most people have family secrets they don't share. If there was anything a little strange in your behaviour I put it down to the fact that you were home schooled and that whole deal with your parents. I mean I know there was that bit of confliction where you were telling people that your parents were dead and Tony told me he didn't know what had happened to your parents, but he also explained the anger you felt at being separated from them. I could see why you might say they were dead, it was easier than dealing with the truth."

"You are very insightful." I stated. "I see why Tony likes you as a friend. I would very much like you to be my friend too."

"I thought we were friends." She said with a smile.

"Of course. Perhaps a better word would be confidant. I have Simon, but he knows nothing of my vampire half which makes confiding in him one hundred percent impossible. If he found out by some accident what I was then I would have no qualm in entrusting this secret to him. What stops me are the repercussions should the bad vampires discover he possessed knowledge of our kind. The same repercussions that stopped Tony from revealing all to you until it was either that or have you die on the spot." I paused and thought of what I was saying. "I think Tony would have told you everything a year ago if it were not for the fact that possessing the knowledge would put your life in danger."

"I know he would have." Grace replied. "In the time I wasn't speaking to him I did a lot of thinking and I realised that he'd told me practically everything about himself. The only thing he omitted was the fact that he wasn't full human and that he was only seven. The being vampire thing didn't bother me, but his being only seven did because I knew we liked each other and I guess I also felt a little cheated. I'd finally found a boy that I really liked, one that I could contemplate, if not a life long love affair, then one that would be exquisite in its intensity before we left for college and it turned out he was just a kid. Maybe we could meet back up in ten years time and pick up where we left off, but he's only seven and it would be wrong to do anything with him."

"Even though he has an adult body?" I inquired.

"It's still wrong." Grace said firmly. "Because you may have adult bodies, but when alls said and done your just kids playing at being adults, like when I was seven and I used to shuffle around the house in Mom's shoes and dress. I could pull off quite a good impression of being older then my years, but I was still a child. And so are you."

I watched Grace for a moment and I realised that she noticed more than I ever thought she would. She had an intuition that most humans seemed to lack. There was only one other I had ever witnessed this in.

"Would you like to hear a peculiar fact?" I asked.

"Sure."

"Simon, he said something similar. Bearing in mind he knew nothing of my true age, but he said that I was the most sophisticated and mature girl in school when it came to intelligence and general demeanour, but at times he thought of me as if I were still six years of age playing dollies on the Res." I looked at Grace seriously as a thought occurred to me. "Do you think I am merely playing dollies?"

"What? You mean, that going to school and interacting with us, we're like the living dolls of a seven year old dhampir?"

"Yes."

"No." Grace said with a shake of her head. "We have our own minds so you can't control us. We're not your dolls, and you're not really playing, this is how you would act, but you're still just a kid."

I nodded my head and bit my lip as I digested her words. I was silent for a moment longer whilst I wondered how fully I could confide in Grace, why I had requested this talk with her? I realised that I could talk with Grace for she seemed to have good advice.

"Grace I have adult feelings." I said in a low voice as I leant as close as possible to her lest Esme hear. "I feel them for Sasha. Today I felt the urge to take things beyond the point of no return. I felt such wonderful rushings, greater than anything I could ever imagine. We were in a near intimate embrace before I recalled myself." My voice had picked up speed as I relayed my near scandalous deed to Grace, my cheeks growing warm as I spoke of the forbidden.

"You're speaking too fast for me to follow." Grace said, placing a hand to my shoulder. "Take a deep breath and tell me again."

I took a deep breath and gathered my wits about me before I began again.

"I allowed Sasha nearer to me today than I ever have any other boy. I allowed him to rest his hand in no mans land as he caressed my cheek with his other and kissed my cheek."

"No man's land?" Grace asked carefully and I realised my code could be used for somewhere intimate. Somewhere very intimate indeed.

"Oh no! Not there! Here against my stomach." I said, indicating with my own hand. "I call it that for it is the safe zone. It is neither the territory of the breast or the…the down below. It is the safe territory. Although feeling his hand there was enough to elicit a strange pulling within that was frightening in its delight."

"Oh. Those feelings." Grace said, and suddenly she seemed a little nervous. "I know those feelings, they can be hard to ignore. It's so damn annoying when your body is working against you."

"I could not agree more." I stated. "Now on to my question since I went off on a slight tangent there, do you think it was wrong to allow such an embrace?"

"Could you have avoided it?" Grace asked.

"I am unsure. One moment Sasha was brushing my hair, the next he leant his cheek to mine and I was drawing him closer. It was only as he began to guide my face to his to meet in a kiss that I remembered myself and called a stop to it."

"I guess you stopped it before it got too far. I mean I could call you young and naïve, but I think I would be too in that situation. I mean I know I would have hated to have been that intimate with Tony knowing what I know now. It would have made it a lot harder to be around him in just a friendly way because I would have felt deeply betrayed. But I can't speak for Sasha and I won't even begin to pretend that I can advise you in this situation. I mean would a kiss really hurt? But you're only seven. You're only seven."

"But I have adult urges." I said softly. "Would it be so bad to merely kiss Sasha for one time before he departs for Russia? I know it may sound strange but I have a feeling I will never hear from him once he boards that plane. I do not feel the urge to spend eternity with him, but I do know my body excites at his touch."

"Liza, you're the only one who can decide how far you want to go with him. But remember that you may have consequences to deal with and things might get ugly."

"There is so much to consider." I sighed. "Why could I not be a normal girl?" I demanded and I felt the sudden sting of tears.

"It's not that easy for us 'normal' girls either." Grace said with a smile, trying to lighten the mood. "Do you think we don't go through all the, is this the right time? Am I moving too fast? Does he think I'm frigid? Is he going off me?"

"It is tough being a teenage girl." I observed sadly.

"You can say that again." Grace said, patting my arm in sympathy. "So, do you think my clothes are ready for the dryer?"

"Let us go and see." I said and began to rise from the bed.

"I'll just get rid of this first." She said as she removed the towel from her head and rubbed her hair vigorously with it.

She flicked back her wet hair and scrunched the towel into the ball.

"My neck was starting to hurt." She explained.

"Oh. Of course." I said and then I frowned at her hair as it was in disarray. "Would you please allow me to brush your hair through before we descend? There are not many people I will admit this to, but I find disorder unsettling."

"You can brush it if you want. It'll save me having to do it. You may have noticed that grooming isn't one of my strong points."

"You keep it clean and in good condition. That is the most important."

"Thanks." Grace said.

"You're welcome." I replied and motioned to the chair of my vanity unit.

Grace sat.

"If you would like I will dry it for you once we have been down to switch around the clothing." I said as I began to run a brush through her thick hair.

"That would be great." Grace said with a smile.

"Perhaps I could practice makeup on you too, something understated that will enhance the beauty you already possess." I suggested.

"Ok. But I'm not a doll." She joked.

"I know. But I thought we could attempt a few styles and you can pick that which you prefer for the dance on Friday."

"The dance?"

"The one to say goodbye to the exchange students. I trust you will be attending with Tony? Someone must keep an eye on him."

"Oh. Well he hasn't asked me and I don't think it would be right."

"Firstly, there is no law that prohibits you from asking Tony to accompany you and secondly, you can go as friends."

"I'll have to think about it." Grace said. "But you can make me up if you want. It'll bring back memories of when I used to be Prue's guinea pig."

"Then it is sisterly bonding." I said as I chased the last knots from Grace's hair. "Apt I think, since I consider you my sister, for now and for always."

"I'd like to be your sister." Grace said as she stood and although she was considerably taller than me, a foot if anything, she never made me feel small. "And I'm always here if you need to talk."

"Thank you." I replied and on impulse I hugged her, quickly. "Now let us check on your clothes."

With that we descended the north staircase.

---

Tony

I reached the back door and let myself in to the little back passage that ran between the laundry room and the kitchen. I could hear the voices again mumbling along with the machines. I decided they'd had long enough to talk this time so I made my way into the laundry room; I avoided looking at the mangle.

"Hey. How's it going?" I asked, as I entered.

I looked up to find Liza perched on the stool and standing beside her was, well it took me a moment to recognise Grace in Aunt Rose's Kimono. Her blond hair looked blonder than usual and had been swept up into a knot on her head that was held in place by invisible means.

Her face looked different too, I mean it was the same, but different. It took me a moment to realise that she was wearing makeup, something I'd never seen her do before. She was beautiful anyway, but Liza had done her make-up in such away that it brought all of Grace inner beauty to the surface to shine and enhance the beauty she already possessed. It was like, I don't know, it was like it finished her off. Like she was like some great work of art that needed a simple frame and that enhanced it to the point of perfection.

She was also dressed in that silk kimono and even though it covered her from neck to ankle it left nothing to the imagination of the shape of her body. I felt like killing Liza because she had made Grace up in a way that very nearly opened that box I was supposed to keep closed for the next decade.

"Tony are you ok?" Grace asked in shock.

"What?" I asked, "I wasn't staring!"

"Yes you were. But not that. You look pale." She gasped.

"Huh!"

"And you're eyes look different." She said as she frowned at me.

I frowned myself then caught a flash from Liza as she tried to show me what Grace meant.

"Oh sorry." I said and I covered my face in embarrassment as I let the heat rise up through my body. "I forgot I was in my vamp form."

I heard Grace gasp as my colour returned.

"Since Tony started phasing he has to pull down the heat in order to feed as a vampire. It is something that all the werepires must do in order to hunt once they start to invoke the wolf." Liza explained, and when I opened my eyes I saw that she was standing next to Grace now.

"Wow." Grace said. "Sorry for over reacting a little. You just took me by surprise. I thought something was seriously wrong."

"No. That's just the vampire me." I said with a shrug. "Now you've seen every side of me and I'm gonna go to my room before I embarrass myself anymore." I added with a nervous chuckle and I ghosted up the stairs.

I entered my room and slammed the door quickly before leaning against it. I was breathing heavy, like I was out of breath, but I wasn't. I was in panic mode, I really did feel all embarrassed over that incident and I could have thought of better ways to introduce Grace to the vampire me than just walking up to her in that guise.

I needed to calm myself down and the best way to do that would be a shower.

So I showered and dressed into clean shorts and t-shirt since my other shorts were a bit muddy from where they'd been attached to my ankle. I dumped my laundry in the basket in my bathroom since I didn't want to risk going down to the laundry room in case Grace and Liza were still there.

Although now I'd showered and was out of the moment I couldn't think why I'd felt so embarrassed. I sighed and decided that it was probably something I was too young to understand. I decided to take my mind off it and grabbed my book from the desk and flipped to the latest page as I lay on my stomach on the bed to read.

I was just getting into the section of story when there was a knock at my door. A quick flash of my mind told me it was Grace. I dropped my head into my book with a slight groan before I sat up and told her to come on in.

Grace entered my room and she was dressed now, in the jeans and baggy sweater she'd been wearing this morning. Her hair was still up and she still had her makeup on. I tried not to stare but Grace caught me and she laughed as she sat on my desk chair.

"I guess we both caught each other off guards in the look department today." She observed.

"Yeah." I said. "I'm sorry I scared you with my vamp face."

"And I'm sorry I scared you with my makeup face." She replied.

I frowned, "You didn't scare me." I stated. "You just looked different."

"Exactly." Grace said. "So did you. I mean I thought you were really ill or something cause you were paler than Liza. I didn't know you'd look like that as a vampire."

"Neither did I until I started phasing and Uncle Hunter told me about pulling down the heat." I said with a snort. "It's another thing they kept from us. I mean it was so obvious I'd phase, why didn't they say about the vamp skin thing?"

"It must be very frustrating." Grace observed.

"It is." I said angrily, then I decided I didn't want to be angry and wanted to talk about something else. "So what's with the." I said and gestured to my face and hair.

"Liza was experimenting on me. Seeing how I'd like my hair and makeup for the dance on Friday."

"You're going to the dance?" I asked and I felt my heart plummet at the thought of Grace dancing with someone else.

"Yes." She replied.

"With who?" I asked, I wasn't sure if it really was any of my business, but I had to know.

"Anthony Black." She said softly and my mind went racing through the list of the guys at school until I realised she meant me.

"Oh. So when did I ask you to go with me?" I asked, since I really didn't know what else to say.

"In a moment." She said with a smile.

I frowned at her in confusion and she raised her eyebrows at me.

"Oh, right. Grace, would you like to accompany me to the dance on Friday. Just as friends, but we could dance and drink punch and eat stuff."

"How can I refuse with an offer like that?" Grace replied flatly.

I frowned for a moment since I really didn't know how to proceed.

"Relax Tony. I was joking. I'd be glad to accompany you to dance and drink punch and eat stuff. I like to eat stuff." She said with a grin.

"Me too." I replied.

"Talking of which, I should probably be getting home now. I'm half starved."

"Ok. But there's food here if you want it." I offered.

"Nah. You're ok. I'll have something when I get home."

"Ok."

"I'll see you in school Monday?"

"Of course." I replied.

"And we can talk more about dancing and drinking punch and eating stuff." Grace said with a grin.

"You're never gonna let me live that down are you?" I asked flatly.

"Not on your life." Grace said with a chuckle and I laughed too.

---

Liza

I awoke for school on Monday and I was in a much better state. With Sunday to get back in synch, I was finally back to the rhythm I found most satisfying as I prepared myself for school. I only felt a slight hint of trepidation as I made my way to school. I wondered if Sasha would speak with me.

If truth be told I knew not which way I would rather the pendulum swing. Which outcome would be for the best?

When I arrived at my locker it seemed that the decision now lay with me.

Sasha had posted a letter through the grill of my locker door and I was amazed to find his writing as old fashioned as my own.

I dared not read it in the hallway. I placed it in my pocket and made a dash for the bathroom.

I took the nearest empty stall and locked the door. I dropped the lid of the toilet and sat upon it before I pulled out the envelope. It was lavender in colour and the paper hand been scented by the very blooms that leant their name.

I paused for a moment before I opened the envelope and pulled out the paper, a purple ribbon fell into my lap. I frowned for a moment, but did not touch it as I opened the thick stationery that had been folded within the envelope.

It read as follows:

To the one and only goddess of my heart,

Dear sweet lady who I have offended so greatly, you must know how much my heart bleeds. I didn't mean to cause you such pain, or make a slight on your honour. I am a fool! A fool in love with such an ethereal being it seems strange to find you on Earth. In presumption I thought I could have you all to my own, but now I realise what truly a gift you are, one that should be shared with the world entire, for what right have I to lay claim on a free spirit such as you?

You should be known to all and shine light into all the lives you touch. And what light you've shone into my world and made me believe in the hope I thought dead. I have no right to ask this of you after behaving so badly but please forgive this errant traveller of the dark. Allow me to bask in your light once more and worship at your feet.

You have every right to deny me, but I don't think I could bear to hear the words fall from your lips. So I ask of you this, if you forgive me, and wish for my company for the few days I have left here then wear my love token in your hair. But if you do not, tie that wretched ribbon about the flagpole and I know you want me not. I will never approach you again and you will never hear a word from this foolish boy for the rest of your existence.

Whatever your decision know that I will remain forever your servant.

-A

I frowned at that single initial at the bottom and thought for a moment the wrong person signed it. Then I realised that Sasha was probably a short version of his name, in the same way as I went by Liza although I was Elizabeth. I remembered that Sasha was a short form of Alexander, or possibly Aleksandr as they sometimes wrote it in Russia.

Then I read the note over again and with each word I found myself drawn to this boy once more.

Tie his love token about the flagpole? Never!

I was determined in what I would do as I rose to my feet, taking that precious purple carefully in my hand. I left the stall and stepped before the mirror. I was not wearing purple today, but I could claim the ribbon an added splash of colour. I tied it into my hair and it felt the right thing to do.

In that moment I realised that I wished to spend every remaining moment with Sasha before he went home. I realised that I wanted to be with him and I would face whatever experience he would provide for me as it presented itself.

I stored the note safely in my bag before I left the bathroom and headed for my homeroom. Thankfully I was not late, although I did enter after my friends. They all three smiled at me in greeting, although I noticed Gail frown slightly at the ribbon in my hair for it would seem out of place to her fashionista senses.

Despite this nobody questioned me on the ribbon and I felt somewhat glad for I was at a loss of how to explain its true significance. This was brought on in part by the fact that I had no clue as to its significance if truth be told.

I am somewhat ashamed to admit that I daydreamed the morning away as Sasha's words ran through my head. How could anyone resist such pretty words? Why had I grown so angered with him when he had a right to know of my friends if I were to pursue a romantic attachment to him.

When lunchtime arrived I sat with the Muses but I was not with them. My mind was elsewhere as I imagined the delights the dance would bring on Friday. I smiled when I remembered that Thursday was the day of the talent contest where Sasha and I would perform our ballet routine. I felt elated by the thought of floating across the stage with Sasha to guide me.

My eyes met his across the cafeteria and he smiled slightly for he had noted the flash of purple in my hair. I smiled back shyly but then turned to my friends, not wanting to seem too eager.

"Just go talk to him." Gail declared.

"I beg your pardon?" I asked.

"Just go talk to him. You know you want to." She said. "Look, you're not abandoning us really. He'll be gone in a week and we'll be here for you just like you're always here for us when we have a break-up. So go and make the most of your time."

"Do the rest of you agree?" I asked.

They all agreed with Gail, so with their encouragement I rose to my feet and crossed the cafeteria. Sasha rose to his feet when he saw me approach and pulled out a chair for me to sit. I sat and he sat opposite.

"Thank you for your letter." I said after a minuet of silence in which I thought he would be the first to speak.

"I had to explain myself fully." Sasha replied, "But I knew it would be hard to talk with you, to have you reject me verbally."

"I doubt I could reject you now." I said truthfully. "I am much too enamoured by you, glorious boy who crafts such pretty words."

Sasha smiled sadly.

"I thought your idea with the ribbon was rather ingenious." I said lightly in the hope of lifting the sudden tension that had befallen the conversation. "It was a very romantic idea."

"Yes." Sasha said and he still seemed rather subdued.

"Does something trouble you?" I asked placing my hand on his.

"No. I thought you would reject me, now that you haven't I feel as if any moment tragedy will strike and take you from me once more."

"I will remain at your side until you depart for Russia." I assured him.

"Then perhaps that is the sadness I feel." He said, lifting my hand in his. "That our time together is growing scarce." He added as he placed his hand to my cheek. "If only there was a way to take you with me."

I frowned for a moment at his words. Surely he was talking in jest? Take me with him indeed!

"But I know it's foolish to think those things. I must enjoy what little time I have left with you and hope it is enough to see this lost boy through the rest of his lonely existence." He said sadly as he entwined his fingers with my own.

"Sasha, you speak as if you are ancient and have known much heartache. You are only seventeen with your whole life ahead of you. There will be other girls." I assured him as I tried to lighten the mood.

"But none of them will be you." He said pointedly.

"Believe me my darling when I tell you this, you should be thankful that no other girl is like me. I am too much of a bother to deserve your unending devotion."

Sasha and I looked at each other for a long moment before Sasha sighed.

"Perhaps it best we change the subject. Enjoy our time together and not bask in sadness."

"I concur." I replied.

Sasha and I talked of nothing after that. Nothing that seemed important, but it kept things light and made our dwindling time together most enjoyable indeed.

---

Tony

It was Friday, the day of the dance, and I was standing in the entrance hall of my own house as I waited for my date to descend the stairs. Liza had insisted that Grace get ready for the dance with her. I was a little worried about what Liza was trying to do, since she knew I had to keep things as platonic as possible between Grace and me.

I pulled at my collar and tie; I hated wearing suites, especially when I was feeling hot and nervous. I wished I could have gone in a t-shirt, or at least a plaid shirt. You know, something comfortable. But Liza had picked out my clothes saying that I had to look like a proper gentleman.

I looked up when I heard the footsteps on the stairs.

Liza and Grace were descending together.

Liza was dressed in a shimmering lilac gown with flouncy skirts that danced as she moved down the stairs. This was weird since Liza had never liked purple much before, but she had chosen it tonight and I realised it had a lot to do with that purple ribbon she'd been wearing around her wrist since Tuesday. Liza had said it was a love token from Sasha, and I didn't like the implication in that, although I didn't quite know why.

Then I turned my attention to Grace, I realised I'd been putting it off because I knew I'd like what I'd see regardless.

Grace was wearing a black dress that was tailored perfectly to her tall hourglass figure. I'd never seen her wear something that showed her off so well before and I kinda wished Liza had picked out something that was a little less flattering because suddenly it was feeling hotter and I needed fresh air.

I had to push all my desire away, it had to remain platonic.

I managed to regain a little control of myself as I smiled at both of them.

"Why ladies, you are a vision of pure delight this evening." I said with a bow. "You'll send many a heart a-racing."

"Why brother dear, you are such the charmer." Liza replied grinning back.

"So are you both ready?" I asked, eager to get the ball rolling.

"Of course." Liza replied.

I offered my arm to each of them. Liza took her accustomed place on my left while Grace took my right arm. I led them down the steps to where I'd parked the Escalade.

I opened the back door and Liza climbed in, she was adamant that Grace should ride in the front. I didn't mind so much with that and at least I'd get used to the sight of her in that figure hugging dress.

The three of us chatted the whole way there, mostly it was Grace and me asking Liza what we could expect at the dance since we'd never been to one. Liza gave a good description but told us not to worry and just enjoy ourselves.

We parked up outside the school and made our way over to the gym. Sasha was waiting outside and I did my best to be polite for Liza's sake, but it was hard. I really didn't like him one bit; there was just something about him.

After we entered the gym, decorated in the flags from around the world, I forgot about Sasha for a while. I had a good time with Grace, dancing, drinking punch and eating stuff. She kept teasing me all night about that and I couldn't help but laugh. It was a new layer to our friendship, a platonic date where we got to dance together but it meant nothing than two friends dancing.

I got a lot of envious looks from a lot of the football team that night and I could feel their desire for Grace grow. They hadn't seen her beauty before and I felt like slapping them all for being such idiots. Grace had always been this beautiful, why did it take a dress and some makeup to make them realise that?

After and hour though their minds were getting a little intrusive so I asked Grace if she wanted to go for a walk to get some fresh air. She thought it was a good idea since it was starting to get stuffy in the gym.

---

Liza

I felt thankful for the feel of the cool air against my skin for it was becoming stuffy within the gym. Sasha took my hand and led me to the benches, as a true gentleman should. He allowed me to sit first and then he sat beside me.

I sighed in contentment as I laid my head on his shoulder and gazed up at the full moon sailing brightly overhead.

"She is bright tonight no?" Sasha asked as he slipped his arm around my shoulders. "I have missed the sight of her in this rain filled land."

"We get to see her now and again." I said softly as I leaned in closer to him.

Inevitably he was colder than me, but in a strange way I gained warmth from the simple fact that he held me so tenderly. I knew in that moment that I loved Sasha, as illogical as that may be. Perhaps it was merely a teenage crush that only felt like love, either way I knew there was one thing I wished to try before he left for Russia, I knew I would curse myself forever if I didn't at least attempt this. Had I not cursed myself for not attempting this with Simon?

I moved slightly, turning my head to him while I hoped to attract his attention. Sasha turned to me and I could see the questions begin to form in his face. Before he could voice them and destroy my resolve I placed my lips lightly to his.

He froze for a moment, but then his arms came to encircle me as he moved his lips slightly, grazing against mine in the most delightful way. Oh the bliss. Pure Elysium being held by this boy as his lips moved so softly against my own.

I pulled away after a moment and looked away as I felt my cheeks burn. I had been so forward, but he'd reciprocated. That made me feel elated, yet nervous at the same time. Had I started us on a path toward something I was not yet ready to deal with?

"What makes you blush so pretty in the moonlight?" Sasha asked in a whisper as he stroked my cheek.

I offered him a shy smile before I shook my head and turned away once more. My cheeks were surely on fire now.

"Please talk to me. I wish to know."

"That was my first kiss." I said softly in Latin, hoping he would not understand me.

"Then you are a natural in the art." He whispered in English into my ear. "But there is much on which you can improve."

"There is?" I asked, feeling a little disheartened with his backhanded compliment.

"Yes. We have much practice to do." He stated with a smile.

"Oh." I gasped as he placed his hand to my cheek and I gleaned his meaning.

He placed his lips to mine once more and I felt myself melt into him, to feel the entirety of his embrace this time as I moved my lips against his. In a fit of what I can only assume was instinct I moved my tongue along his lip and I felt his lips part and his tongue flicked out to meet mine almost hesitantly. I know not from where my sudden confidence sprung, but I found myself twisting my body toward his as I continued to move my mouth against his, the closeness of our bodies eliciting thrills deep within that I should not bear mind to for at least ten years yet.

But here I was in my adult body as his tongue brushed mine and I felt all thought of ten years being necessary depart from my mind. I wanted Sasha now; I would willingly give myself to him.

But I had known him barely two months and I would be a loose woman if I were to go beyond kissing this night. I would have to content myself with his mouth and I could think of other body parts some time in the future. Provided we kept contact of course.

I felt a wave of sadness wash over me as I realised we would soon have to say goodbye. I broke from the kiss and lay my head to his shoulder once more as I looked moodily into the night. He embraced me to his chest and my hand moved of its own accord to trail my fingers lazily in the ends of his hair, but I was still troubled, even when he placed another kiss to my cheek. I gave a sigh and snuggled closer to him, but I still felt inexplicably sad.

"Why you stop kiss?" He whispered in my ear.

"I…I realised the futility of our actions." I said sadly. "We kiss tonight, but soon you return to Russia and you will forget me."

"I will never forget you." Sasha said savagely. "I will remember you for eternity and I cannot bear the thought of leaving you behind. Come with me, say you will? Come visit my country and all it has to offer. Let us continue our affair into eternity and beyond and let no convention dictate how we should behave."

"What?" I asked, shocked by his sudden declaration.

"I love you Elisabeta and I can't stand the thought of leaving here without you. I need you to come with me. Please say you will?"

"You are not serious." I said with a laugh. "You will tire of me as soon as we get off the plane. I am sure there are hundreds of girls back home just wishing to throw themselves at you."

"Even if that were true, none of them are you." He whispered in my ear and I shivered in delight at his words and his closeness.

"You…you can't mean that." I said with a sigh. "We are only seventeen, hardly old enough to make such life changing decisions."

"I know I want you always." Sasha said huskily. "Your soul, it sings to me. We are…what is the word…"

"Soulmates?" I asked timidly.

"Yes! That is it! We are soulmates, destined to be together. Surely it is woven on the loom of the Fates that we should be. Where else in this wide world would we find old souls such as us?"

"Old souls?" I gasped, for if truth be told I had always felt I belonged to some time long past.

"You feel you do not belong in this time. Neither do I. Perhaps together we could help each other through."

"Yes." I said, almost swayed by his words. "But Russia is ever such a long way away." I stated.

"I travelled this far to find you. Could you not repeat the favour to keep our love alive?"

It was all so romantic but the practical part of my mind pointed out the absurdity of such notions.

"This is not a decision to rush into. Can I give you my answer tomorrow?" I asked.

"I leave in two days. Give me the answer by then."

"But even if I decide to go, how will I get there. Are all the seats not taken?"

"I will not brag but my family have much influence. They will provide." Sasha said proudly.

"Then all I can do is promise you that I will think through your proposal and give you an answer tomorrow." I said primly.

"I guess it is more than I should hope for." Sasha said softly as he kissed my hand. "Should we return to the dancing now?"

"No." I said, shaking my head. "I wish to remain here while you persuade me to accompany you to Russia."

"If that is your wish." Sasha whispered in barely a breath and I felt his lips upon my neck.

"It most certainly is." I murmured as I melted against him once more and lips met lips in a passion that was truly divine.

---

Tony

"You need to calm down." Grace hissed as she held her hands to my chest and stood between me and that god-awful scene.

"But he's kissing her." I growled, feeling the Quileute fire rise within me.

"And I think Liza is kissing him back." Grace replied. "I know she's too young really, but Sasha will be gone on Monday. You'll never have to worry about him again."

"God I hope so." I said, feeling my anger subside a little.

"And really, what can you do about it? You go and shout and rave and Liza will be mad at you and will seek further comfort with Sasha."

I dropped my head since I knew she was right.

"Come on big guy." Grace said in teasing tones and she socked my arm. "Let's go back inside where we can dance, drink punch and eat stuff."

I smiled at her, but the invite wasn't so tempting.

"My telepathy's all over the place at the moment. I don't want to read their minds because they're all focused on one thing tonight." I said.

"What?" Grace asked.

"You." I replied. "They all want you."

"No they don't." Grace said dismissively.

"Yes they do." I said firmly. "Believe me, I can hear them."

"I don't believe you." She said.

I looked at her for a moment as I wondered how to convince her. Then the idea just popped into my head, like I'd always known how to do it.

"Come on." I said, and I took her hand and led her to one of the picnic benches.

I sat her down on one side and I sat opposite. I leant across the table and rested my elbows on it.

"Come closer to me." I instructed.

Grace did so, although a little hesitantly. When her face was near my hands I put them to either side of her face, resting my fingers lightly against points that looked random but I knew were strategic.

"Now look into my eyes and concentrate." I whispered. "I'm not even sure if this will work but I think I can show you their minds."

Grace jumped back from my hands.

"I'm not sure about this." She said.

"Ok. It was just a suggestion." I said with a shrug.

Grace nodded, although she was looking thoughtful. She sighed and leant back across the table.

"I guess it can't hurt to try." She said. "And besides, you got my curiosity going now."

I smiled back before I resumed my gesture from earlier.

I caught Grace's eyes and held them in place with my own before I sent my mind out. That's the only way I could describe it, that I sent out my mind to hers and I could feel her mind as if it became part of my own, but it was still separate.

I could feel the shock shimmer through her mind as we became open to each other and I was a little shocked myself that it had worked so well.

This is my mind. I said silently. It's a little scary in here isn't it?

Grace shook her head.

This is what it's like when my shield slips. I said and I let all the minds around me fill my head. Fill her head.

Grace gasped and her eyes widened in shock.

This is what the boys were thinking. I said and I showed her all of their thoughts from earlier in the evening. And I'm not making that up.

I pulled my mind away from Grace and sat back from her.

She was still sat forward, her arms resting on the table as she stared ahead of her with her eyes wide.

"No wonder you complain of headaches." She murmured. "How can you stand that?"

I shrugged.

"You just learn to deal."

"I don't know if I ever could. And then hearing what people are really thinking about you." She shuddered.

"But they were all compliments." I said with a frown.

"Tonight maybe, but I could tell the shock they felt that I scrubbed up so well. That can only mean they don't think much of me usually. Not that it matters, but I can read between the lines."

"I shouldn't have shown you." I said sadly.

"No Tony. I'm glad you did. Now I know why you can't go back in there. I'm glad to have a little insight into what it's like for you." She said with a reassuring smile.

"So you're not mad?" I asked.

"No."

"Are you freaked out?"

"Maybe a little, but it's more over the thoughts some of those guys were having about me. Some of the things they wanted to do with me." She shuddered.

"I won't let them near you." I promised.

"I know you won't." She said with a smile and patted my hand. "You're a good friend Tony Summers and I'm glad to know you."

"And I'm glad to know you Grace Pearson." I said, feeling elated by her words.

We continued talking out on that bench for about half an hour until I realised that it was getting late and I should probably go find Liza to head home.

---

Liza

I sat in the back of the Escalade deep in thought as Tony transported us home. I was lost in my reverie as I thought about Sasha. So lost was I that I was unaware that Tony had dropped Grace at her house. It was only for the simple fact that Tony snapped me to attention that I left the car at all to climb the stairs to my room.

My room was in darkness, the moon now obscured by clouds. I switched on my light and feeling a chill in the air I retrieved a cardigan from my wardrobe that I donned over my dress before I took up my journal and lay upon my bed.

I lay on my side for a long while as I contemplated all that Sasha meant to me. I weighed up the pros and the cons of his suggestion and when I found myself dismissing things from one column to weigh the odds in the favour of the other I realised there was but one thing I could do.

I opened my journal to a fresh page and I began to write my secret decision before I had chance to change my mind…

---

Tony

If there's one thing about a good dance, it makes me hungry. I went down to the kitchen to grab some snacks. Esme didn't mind me eating in my room as long as I brought my waste down later. I used the back staircase since it meant that I wouldn't have to go through the laundry room, I hated going through there when it was rainy and stormy like this.

The storm had rolled in so quickly, who would have thought that only two hours ago Grace and I had been commenting on the moon. The moon that had let me see Liza kissing Sasha so clearly. I'd been angry, but Grace had said there was no point getting too worked up about it, that Sasha would be going home in two days and Liza would never see him again.

I don't know why the thought of that brought me so much joy, but the truth was there was something about Sasha that I just didn't trust. The sooner he went home the better and Liza could go back to being herself. Maybe that's what my biggest problem was, Liza had gone on big time about the importance of popularity, but here she was jeopardizing it for some kid she barely knew and who probably wouldn't keep contact with her once he was back home. He probably had a girlfriend back home and Liza was a little vacation fun.

I headed back up the stairs with my arms full of junk food. As I headed past Liza's door I could feel her mind settle for the night and I smiled slightly, hoping she had pleasant dreams. Although I hoped they weren't of that Russian twerp, I knew they probably would be.

I sighed and pushed open my door, stepping into my room as a flash of lightening illuminated it. I listened out for the thunder before I shut my door and flicked on the light.

I loved the sound of the rain on the skylights and the rumble of thunder in the distance, so I decided I'd listen to that while I read. I dumped my snacks on my bed and got my book before I settled with my back against the wall. I could feel Liza's mind settle properly into sleep, but I didn't invade her privacy to try and read her dreams.

I opened a big bag of Doritos and began munching on a handful as I opened my book to the last page I'd read to. I munched happily with the sound of the rain above and the reassuring presence of Liza on the other side of the wall as I settled into evil wizards and noble changeling warriors fighting for the rule of the nation.

I was chugging back a coke when I heard movement in Liza's room. At first I thought she was moving in her sleep, but I knew she wasn't. She was still asleep, but something felt off.

I put my things aside and moved as stealthily as possible out of my door and into Liza's room. There was nothing but the sound of her breathing deeply. She'd fallen asleep in her clothes on top of her blankets with the light still on. That was weird, Liza never went to sleep without performing her 'nightly ritual' no matter how tired she was or where in the world we happened to be. Why would she fall asleep like this?

I decided I'd question her about it in the morning but as I was about to turn out her light and exit the room a bright bolt of lightening highlighted the white of the paper against the gold of her bedspread.

I tiptoed over and saw, 'Elisabeta Ulyanov' written boldly on the top in my sister's best calligraphy.

I tried not to look anymore but one sentence seemed to jump out at me,

I cannot believe he asked me to go to Russia with him! It's ever such a long way, but I think I can make this commitment to him. I love him dearly and I know he loves me. I think I will tell him yes. Yes Sasha, I will go to Russia with you.

I frowned at the page, feeling the Quileute fire build in me for some unknown reason. Why was Liza even considering this? What kind of creep would ask a girl he'd only known a few months to move half way across the world with him? What kind of girl would say yes?

A naive one with her head full romantic notions, that's who. Liza might act all mature, but she was still a little girl in her heart and this type of thing would seem all romantic, and maybe like a real life fairytale to her.

I had to tell Esme and Carlisle. We had to stop her before she made a mistake.

I noticed that my thumb felt wet.

I moved my hand from the page of her journal and saw a wet thumb print there, but it was too small to be mine. I sniffed and noted the scent of rain in the room. There was a dark patch on the carpet; it was barely visible, but there none the less. I placed Liza's journal back on her bed and went over to the patch. I crouched beside it and placed my hand to it, it was damp and mostly square shaped.

Lightening flashed again, casting a flickering strip along the carpet where I stood. I felt something drip on my hand and I looked up to the central skylight, the only one in Liza's room that could open and close. Right now it was ajar.

I wasted no time. I was out of Liza's room in a flash and bounding up the stairs to the attic. I went to one of the windows that lined the long back corridor. They overlooked the roof of the back bedrooms; they'd also allow me access to outside.

The wood was a little stiff from little use and had swelled slightly in the damp weather, but I soon had it open. I stuck my head out and felt the wind pull at me as the rain wet my hair and face. I heard thunder over head and was going to pull myself back in, but I needed to know.

I got out onto the roof and crouched low so the wind wouldn't affect me so much. I made my way carefully down the gentle slope to the shining line of skylights. I located Liza's and found that the opening skylight was ajar. I peered in and saw that there was a good view of Liza curled up on her bed.

I felt angry as I fastened the skylight, wishing there was a way I could lock it. But then I thought about the fact that someone had been in her room and had entered and exited this way. Didn't that mean they were vampire, or something else supernatural?

I knew that the storm was heavy and the rain could mix up scents, but I wanted to tear apart the son of a bitch who dared to sneak into my sister's room and watch her while she slept.

I sniffed around until I picked up the scent. I didn't recognise it but it was definitely vampire. I followed it to the edge of the roof and didn't even think as I launched myself over the side. Luckily it was at the north end of the house where the ground was higher and not where the swimming pool was either.

I landed in mud and began running through the rain, tracking the scent with the water steaming off me. But it was no good; I couldn't stay low enough to the ground like this. I needed to be the wolf.

Under the trees it wasn't so bad, they seemed to hold the rain back some. I tore off my T-shirt and dropped to the floor. I removed my sweatpants and attached them to the cord on my ankle, just as Grandpa Jake had said. I let the heat flow through me and I started running again, phasing as I moved.

I picked up the scent better now, it burned my nose slightly and that made tracking it through the rain all the easier.

I was going further and further into the woods, and uphill too. How far would I follow this trail? All the way to the other side of the Olympics? Maybe I should go get help? But the culprit might get away in the mean time! I had to act now.

I knew I had to be close; the scent was growing thicker, more cloying. There was a strange brightness up ahead and I recognised the flicker of fire through my wolf eyes. Then I got my first whiff of burning vampire and boy did it reek.

I whined slightly as I neared the clearing but I had to be certain. I pushed through the foliage until I stepped out into the rain, but it was easing off now and it hissed slightly as it turned to steam above the very hot flames. Vampires burn up good and I realised I didn't have to worry about those two not burning in the dumpster, once a vampire caught alight they were gone.

The smoke made my eyes water and the scent was burning in my nose, but I had to be sure. I stepped closer to the searing heat, feeling it burn on my skin even through the thickness of my coat. I sniffed around, but I couldn't find any lead out scent, did someone come across my intruder and take care of him for me? Maybe it was Carlisle and Esme and I just couldn't smell them now because of the scent of burning vampire.

Actually there was something wrong with my sense of smell in general; it was hard to make anything out. I felt disorientated as my hearing began to tune in and out too, it was like badly received analogue radio that was on the move. Not that there was much to hear out here, but it was still annoying.

I began to run blindly away from the fire. I didn't know which way I was going, I just picked a direction and run, feeling too disorientated to think properly. I just needed to get away from that fire and to somewhere that was safe and preferably dry.

I don't know how long I'd been running for but suddenly I burst out of the trees and right into a pond in somebody's garden. I scared up a duck that'd been hiding in the reeds and I quickly paddled back to the side and dragged myself out into sticky sucking mud. My fur felt heavy and it seemed like a great effort to pull myself out from the water as the mud began to build up and add to the weight on my fur.

I felt so exhausted, how long had I been running for?

I heard the door of the house open and light spilled out onto the yard. I knew I had to get into the safety of the woods. I hauled myself to my feet, but my leg went from under me as I sank further into the mud. I realised I'd sprained my front right leg and it was gonna take forever to haul myself out of the mire.

It was too late now; I could hear the approach of cautious feet and the click of the rifle. I knew I'd be shot now, big wolf that I was, I just hoped it wasn't somewhere too vital so I could escape before they had chance to skin me, or worse, I phased back.

I felt the cold of the muzzle against my shoulder as I tried to get to my feet, maybe standing I'd scare the person enough by my size that I could get away. I felt the muzzle move away and the shock of a nearby mind as I managed to stay on my feet.

"T…Tony?" A small voice asked.

I turned my head to find Grace standing there, the shotgun loose in her hands. She was wearing a raincoat with the hood pulled up, and on her feet were gumboots, but otherwise her legs were bare and I could see the suggestion of lace along the hem of her coat.

I reached out my mind to her.

I think I damaged my leg. I thought toward her, and I tried to put weight on my front right leg but I couldn't.

"I thought it was you, but I wasn't sure." She stated, looking down at the gun in her hands. "Not that I would have fired this even if you'd been a bear."

I started shivering under my thick coat as my body began to gather all my heat in my leg so it would begin to heal.

"Let's get you to the barn." She said softly, and she was at my side, trying to support my weight as she held the gun away from me.

I couldn't help the snigger that escaped my lips at the thought of her trying to support this stupid great wolf. I started moving, limping on my right leg, putting more weight than usual on my left. Progress was slow, but it was steady as Grace led me to the barn.

She opened the door and let me inside the warm little space. I paused for a moment to shake the water from my fur before I entered properly and sank down thankfully onto the straw.

"Do you need anything?" She asked.

I just need to rest for a while. I assured her. My body will heal itself.

"Well at least let me get you some towels. Your fur's still soaking and that can't help."

Thank you. I replied.

"I won't be long." She promised me.

She left the gun leaning against the wall of the barn when she returned to the house. I leant my head against my good leg and whined slightly, I didn't like that thing being here. If I didn't know that it belonged to her great-grandfather and was considered a family heirloom I'd bite right through it and put it out of commission for good.

I lifted my head quickly when I heard footsteps approach, but it was only Grace, her footsteps just sounded a little different in her gumboots. She had a pile of towels in her arms. She placed them on the straw beside me before she removed her wet coat and hung on a nail. She was wearing a short-sleeved nightdress that fell to her knees and there was all lace detailing on it. She looked really good in it; almost as good as she had earlier in the evening in that black dress.

I watched with interest as she bent her head, gathering all her hair in front of her in order to wrap it all up in a towel. She took off her glasses, which were starting to steam up, and cleaned them with the hem of her nightdress before she placed them back on and turned to me.

"So what happened?" She asked as she picked up one of the bigger towels and knelt beside me before she began rubbing it over my back in order to dry my fur.

I think some vamp was spying on Liza. I stated trying not to get lost in the sensation of the drying.

"You do? Why?"

I thought I could sense someone in her room and when I went to check her skylight was open a little. I went up onto the roof and caught the scent of vampire. I think someone else got him though cause he was burning in the woods. Then I felt…

"Felt what?" Grace prompted as the silence dragged on.

I felt all weird and I was running blindly and then I was in your pond. I explained.

"When you say felt weird what do you mean exactly?"

I really don't know. Why?

"It's just I thought you said that vampires have all sorts of powers. What if there was one making you feel all weird?" She asked as she went around to the other side of me to dry my left side.

Yeah. Maybe. I don't know. I think it was just the scent of the vampire burning. It was more intense than I ever thought it would be. It just took me by surprise. I said.

"Are you really going to dismiss the possibility so quickly?" She asked. "After everything that's possible in the world?"

I'll have to speak to Carlisle and Esme when I get home. I said with a frown. It's not like I can do much about it right now.

"Because of your leg?"

Nah, that's almost healed. It's just that if this vampire can make people so disorientated then I'm not gonna be able to fight him myself. I'll need help. Preferably from Grandma Bella. Her shield is much better than mine.

"When are you heading back?" She asked.

I'm not sure. Can I crash here for an hour or two? Or at least until the storm blows over?

"Of course." She said, "I'll wait here with you."

Won't your parents worry where you are? I asked.

"They're away for the weekend. It's just me all on my own."

What? Why didn't you say? You could have stayed over with us. There's at least four bedrooms that are empty. You shouldn't be on your own.

"I'm used to it." She said with a sigh and tapped my shoulder. "Of course I'm not on my own now since my stupid wolf friend decided to fall in the pond." She added with a chuckle.

Hey! Who are you calling stupid? I demanded.

"I'm only teasing you." She said as she sat in front of me.

I know. I replied. Oh god! I have to talk to Liza when I get back too.

"Why?"

She's planning to run away with Sasha. I have to stop her.

"Then tell Esme and Carlisle."

I was planning to, but I'm not sure that's such a good idea now. I mean what if I'm wrong. Just cause she wrote it in her journal doesn't mean she'll follow through.

"You read her journal?" Grace asked shocked.

Just the one page, and I really didn't mean to. But she'd left it open and the paragraph kinda jumped out at me. I could be wrong. Maybe she'll feel differently after she's slept. I got to give her the benefit of the doubt.

"And if she is planning to run away?"

Then I tell Esme and Carlisle and hopefully we can stop her. She can't go to Russia. What if the Volturi come across her when she's there?

"What's a Volturi?" Grace asked.

I'm not too sure myself, I just know we're not supposed to go anywhere near them cause they'll want to collect us. Cause of what we are. I replied.

"How could they collect you?"

Enslave us in their castle and force us to do their bidding. They've done it to lots of vampires and if you refuse they think up a reason to kill you. Liza hasn't got any powers so she won't be able to protect herself against them. She can't go to Russia.

"They'd really make you their slave?"

I nodded my head solemnly.

Sometimes I think that's what happened to my parents, but I can't be sure. My family still won't tell us what happened to them, but I don't think they're dead. The funny thing is I think I'd know if they were. It's like pack connection or something, like when I know Liza's scared or hurting. I think I'd know if they were dead.

"I can't even begin to imagine what it must be like to be you." Grace stated as she came to my side and hugged my neck. "Poor kid, how could you go through so much and only be seven."

Seven and a half. I corrected.

Grace chuckled as she continued to hug me.

"I remember when I used to do that." She murmured. "Those halves seemed so important."

Well yeah, it means a year and a half worth of growth for me. Although I've stopped growing now. I think I've stopped aging too. Phasing pushed me through the last bit of my aging so now I look like the same age as all the other warriors.

"I still can't get my head around that. How is it even possible?"

It's just how things are. I said with a shrug. I learned long ago not to think too much about things that have no answers. Curiosity is one thing, but obsession is just stupid.

"I guess." She sighed as she leant her back against the side of my chest, just behind my front leg. "You don't mind do you?" She asked.

No. It's ok.

"Thanks." She replied. "I was feeling a little cold, but you are so warm, it's unbelievable. And your fur's so soft. I could go to sleep here."

Hmmm…. I hummed in agreement.

"Tony, can you tell me about your family. The stuff you do know?"

Ok. I said. But you know you can't tell anyone else right?

"Well I don't want to end up in a padded cell." Grace said with a chuckle.

Yeah. I agreed and snorted.

And so I began telling her all about my family, starting with Carlisle and working my way toward my parents. Somewhere in the midst of my story telling we both fell asleep.

I came around slowly with the clean scent of lily of the valley in my nose. I cradled something warm to my chest and there were warm arms wrapped around my neck. Cold feet rested against my calves and there was a knee resting against my stomach. I heard a sigh before me.

I think we opened our eyes at the same moment. It took a moment longer for me to jump back in shock and I grabbed for something blindly, anything as I realised to my horror I was human. I managed to grab a towel and flung it over me while Grace was still in the process of sitting up with human slowness.

"I'm sorry!" I gasped, feeling my heart pound in my chest with fright as my cheeks burned in humiliation. "I didn't know I'd wake up human. I've never gone to sleep in my wolf form before."

"Tony. It's ok." She said softly, tapping my hand. "I didn't see anything, you moved too fast for that. You were like a blur."

I nodded my head still feeling a little shocked.

"I'll just go get you something to wear and there won't be anything wrong." She said in a calming voice as she placed her glasses on.

"I have something to wear." I said, remembering my sweats and I pointed out the bundle of clothes still tied to my ankle.

"But they're wet." She observed.

"They'll do." I said as I untied them and unfurled them. "I need to be getting back anyway. Talk to Liza before she does anything stupid."

"Ok. I'll just let you…" She trailed off and turned around.

I moved quickly to pull on the sweats, they clung to my skin but I was in too much of a hurry to put up with such nonsense. I had them on in no time, although the wet felt weird against my skin.

"I'll be off then." I said. "I'll ring you later to let you know what's happening. Maybe I can buy you lunch?"

"How about I'll buy my own lunch but we eat it together?"

"Sounds good. I'll…I'll ring you as soon as I know more."

I left then, quickly. I felt so embarrassed and so unsure of where I stood with Grace now. I knew I really liked her and it had felt so good to wake up with her in my arms, but I shouldn't think like that if I loved her enough to respect her wishes. Friendship or nothing. I was sure I could handle the friendship if it meant I could still spend time with her.

I thought about this for the entire journey home.

---

Liza

I awoke feeling befuddled, I had no memory of falling asleep the night before.

What the hell do you think you're playing at with Sasha? Tony growled in my head and I jumped when I found him standing next to my bed with my journal in his hand.

"How dare you read my journal? That is private!" I snapped, and despite my mourning fatigue I swarmed from my bed and grabbed it from him before landing near the bathroom door. "Stay out of my room!" I snapped before I entered the bathroom and slammed the door shut before sliding the bolt home.

Tony rapped at the door but I ignored it as I looked down at my journal to see that it was open on the incriminating page. I shut it in my anger wondering how Tony had come to read it since I always hid it in my sock drawer.

You left it open on your bed. Tony spoke into my mind. You were asleep on top of your covers and your journal was open to that page. I wouldn't have read it otherwise, but I'm glad I did. You can't go to Russia with Sasha.

Why not? I demanded.

Because you hardly know the guy. Because you're only seven. Because you'll have to leave everyone you love behind. Do I really need to go on?

I had no argument for his was sound, that did not mean I would give in on the subject. I had made my decision and I meant to stick by it. Tony would be none the wiser if he had refrained from invading my privacy.

That still gives you no right to enter my room uninvited. I stated.

I wasn't the only one in your room uninvited last night. Tony said firmly.

I opened the door to look at him in confusion.

"I beg your pardon?" I demanded.

"There was someone in your room last night. I think it was a vamp. He escaped through the skylight by the looks of things. I followed him into the woods but someone else must have got to him. He was burning anyway. Or someone was." Tony rambled on.

"Someone was in my room?" I demanded once more, getting him back to the subject at hand.

"Yeah. Like I said, they must have used the skylight. Look, the carpet's still wet." He said kneeling down and pointing to the floor directly below the middle skylight.

I went to join him at his side and sure enough the carpet was damp. I looked up at the skylight, still covered in droplets from last night's storm, and as they caught the light a memory occurred to me.

"I have had the feeling that someone is watching me for several weeks now." I said in a flat voice. "I thought I was imagining such a thing, but now I see I should have been more wary."

"Why didn't you say anything?" Tony asked.

"Because I thought it my imagination." I replied. "Well I suppose he is gone now if you saw him burning."

"Yeah. But the question is, who set him alight?" Tony asked darkly.

"One of our allies obviously."

Tony looked unconvinced.

"I could discuss this with you all day Tony, but I have much planned for this day, so if you would excuse me I must prepare."

"You going to see Sasha today?" He asked flatly.

"Of course. He has but this day left before he must prepare to leave."

"Well I guess it's ok to spend time with him here, but you're not really gonna go to Russia with him are you Liza?"

"Tony, this will teach you to read the scribblings of a love struck girl and take them to heart." I said before I placed a kiss to his cheek.

I rose to my feet and made to gather my clothes for the day.

"So you're not going to Russia with him?" Tony asked.

"What do you think?" I asked before I closed the door on his confused face.

---

Tony

I knew Liza was gonna try and get away from me sometime during the day, but I kept my mind linked to hers. I'd know as soon as she chose to make her escape. As soon as the first flutter of thoughts ran through her mind I knew I had to act quickly.

I was on my feet, mumbling something to Ms Berry about a stomach ache and I didn't wait for a reply before I was out the door and in the hallway. I headed outside and picked up Liza's trail. I had the only things I needed now tucked away safely in my jacket pockets.

My wallet, my cell phone and my passport.

I hoped I wouldn't need to use my passport, but I had it just in case.

Liza had decided to move through the trees and I followed her scent, moving swiftly and hoping my speed advantage would let me catch up before she reached her destination. I nearly missed her; I had to jump in front of the rental car before Sasha could pull out.

"Tony!" Liza demanded. "What on earth do you think you are doing?"

"Stopping you from being stupid." I growled.

"I'm sorry Tony, but I love Sasha and I am going with him and nothing you say will change my mind."

"Fine." I said, and I readied myself to say what went against my every instinct. "Then I'm coming with you."

"You will not!" Liza snapped.

"Liza, either I'm coming with you or you're not going." I said firmly.

I could feel Sasha's mind working but I couldn't quite work out what he was thinking. That didn't seem right to me, minds like that usually belonged to people who were used to guarding their thoughts around telepaths. Or maybe he just had a shield of his own, not as strong as Bella's but enough to obscure it from sight.

"He can come with us." Sasha said in Russian and I glared a little because he was hoping I wouldn't understand him, but I knew every language Liza did, even if I didn't have her knack of learning them.

"But he has no flight booked."

"Elisabeta." Sasha said, caressing the name with his voice and I hated the way he touched her cheek, stroking his fingers against it gently. "I did not tell cause it would seem bragging, but we are not taking a commercial flight. My family are rich and we have our own jet."

"You do?" Liza asked in astonishment.

"Yes. I do not like to brag of our riches in case it attracts unsavoury types, but I can tell you this now. I don't want to kidnap you and if it puts Anthony at his ease to accompany you then let him."

"I suppose." Liza conceded. "But what of your passport?" She demanded from me.

"Got it right here." I said, patting my breast pocket.

"What of a change of clothes?" She said, determined to keep me grounded.

"Got my wallet. I can buy stuff there." I said with a shrug.

"Very well." Liza said, although grudgingly.

I nodded my head firmly.

I felt a little wary when I stepped from in front of the car to make my way to the back door. I was worried Sasha would just pull off and it wasn't as if I could run after them since a human wouldn't be able to. Although I did consider braking cover if I had to get Liza back, but Sasha waited for me.

Guess the guy wasn't a complete sleaze-ball.

I settled into the back seat as Sasha pulled off and I could read the anger clearly from Liza's mind. She was incandescent and I guess I was lucky that she thought it would be unseemly for us to fight in front of Sasha or she'd be ripping me a new one right now, although I'd give as good as I got.

To say the journey was tense was to say the sea was wet. It was made worse by the wining music blaring a touch too loud from the speakers. I was also feeling hot. Quileutes plus jackets plus in-car heating was not a good mix, but I was determined not to whine about anything. I was gonna go as far as I had to with Liza until she changed her mind. Even if we ended up in Russia, at least she'd have someone with her and she wouldn't be all alone in a foreign country.

I only want to make sure you're safe. I thought to her, but Liza chose to ignore me.

I rolled my eyes at the fact she was acting so childish when she was arguing that she was old enough to go to a foreign country alone with some guy she hardly knew.

The heat in the car was really intense and I longed to roll down the window. I wondered how Sasha could stick it cause it must have been warm for a human too. My sinuses were aching, like they did when I got a good nose-full of vamp. I tried to take a peek at Liza, see if she looked paler than usual, but it was hard to tell from behind and since the windows were tinted I couldn't use the wing mirror.

I found myself idly wondering if Liza was gonna start changing too, but from a half-vampire into a full vampire like I had to when I was feeding. It was a bit obvious now that Liza would never be able to phase, she hadn't inherited the ability, but that didn't mean she would never go full vamp. And she could still have a recessive form of the Quileute gene that will turn up sometime way in the future when she has kids.

Way, way in the future. I thought as I glared at the back of Sasha's sandy brown head.

I chuckled slightly as a thought occurred to me. At least Liza was consistent in her taste in guys. So ok Sasha was a foot shorter than Simon, but they both had light brown hair and acted kinda old fashioned. They actually suited Liza well in a weird way and if she'd met with either of them ten years in the future when she really was in her teens I wouldn't really be giving Liza grief about it.

Of course I'd have nothing against her dating Sasha, but I still wouldn't want her jetting off to Russia with him after knowing him for only three months. Well two really. He'd been here three months but she hadn't started speaking to him until after he'd been here a month.

How could she be sure he wasn't some kind of serial killer and he'd done this before?

Would I be able to protect us if he did turn out to be some kind of psycho?

Why was I suddenly wondering this about him?

There was something that didn't quite add up about him but I couldn't put my finger on what it was exactly. I realised it had sparked in my mind when I was comparing him to Simon, but what was it?

After a while I realised we weren't heading for Seattle. Where were we going to catch this plane from if not SEA-TAC? Shouldn't I at least ask? I should have a map in my head in case I needed to give directions? What if he was driving us out into the middle of the National Park in order to kill us? Why drag us to Russia when he could kill us here just as easy?

"Seattle's the other way." I said, cause I thought I should get a bearing on what he planned and thoughts were easier to read when you encouraged people to think what you wanted them to.

"Yes. But we're not going to SEA-TAC, we are going to the private airstrip near to Port Angles." Sasha informed me and I knew he was telling the truth.

"That's quite a drive." I observed.

"Yes. But my family own a big multi national cooperation and one of the companies therein is a global delivery firm and the airstrip at Port Angeles is one of the many we own around the world."

"Ok." I said, though I still didn't really trust him.

I guess I didn't really have a choice now.

Then I settled back against the seat as I realised I was in for a very long ride.

I was glad when we finally reached the airfield because it was starting to get unbearable in the car. I breathed in a lungful of air as soon as I stepped out into the drizzle and I felt immediately better for it.

Liza got out of the car and looked up at me as we waited for Sasha to get his things out of the trunk of the car.

"Are you feeling well?" She asked me.

"I'm fine." I assured her.

"Are you sure? You look a little peaky to me." She commented.

"I'm fine." I repeated with more emphasis. It's just that it was very hot in the car and I think you're smelling more vampire than normal. It was a little overwhelming to my nose.

Liza frowned then sniffed at her arm.

I don't think I am. She replied into my mind.

"Maybe I'm just going crazy." I stated as I rubbed at my sinuses.

"I hope not." Sasha said. "There is nothing worse than sharing a sixteen hour flight with someone who's crazy."

Liza grinned but I just scowled at him.

"Come, the attendants await us." Sasha said and he swept away without waiting for our response.

"Come on Tony." Liza said happily and followed Sasha.

I took a deep steadying breath before I followed them into the glass and steel building.

The atrium was kind of nice, clean and built for purpose with its long desk behind which a lady in a finely tailored red uniform sat. She looked very nice, more like something you'd expect at a big airport and not some delivery depot. She was looking a little distant until we came in and when she saw Sasha her whole posture changed and she was smiling and efficient.

"Good afternoon Master, the plane will be ready in half an hour, in the mean time I will process your papers."

"Thank you Miriam." Sasha said as he placed his and Liza's suitcase on the end of the conveyer belt.

As Miriam set about processing all the papers that Sasha gave her I looked around the atrium properly. There were a handful of seats that were meant for sitting on, obviously, and a few potted plants. There were a few doors that led into the back, only one of them was a public door and I guessed that one led out to the gates, although I wasn't sure how many there were. I could see the planes outside the big plate glass window. The fleet of cargo planes looked big and cumbersome next to the sleek jet that was being fuelled and checked over before the flight.

Then I noticed the array of clocks along the overhang above the reception desk. They were all set at different times, all an hour apart with the name of a city in that particular region written in black writing on a silver plate underneath.

Above the analogue clocks was a big digital readout that had 'local time' written above it in bold. I read it for something to do. It read, 16:05:29 05 16 2029

I laughed when I realised that if you wrote it out like they did in some other countries it was 16:05:29 16-05-29.

Then I started looking at the other clocks and I realised they had a small date counter in the corner of each clock. They all read 06/16 until I reached the clock with London written beneath it. There it was 06/17, they were already in tomorrow, even if they were only ten minuets in. Of course Rome was an hour ahead of them and Helsinki was another hour after that and Moscow yet another hour, it was gone three in the morning there. I guess you could say they were well into the seventeenth of May.

I wondered if we would arrive at our destination in time for tomorrow or we'd miss it completely. After a little mental math I realised that we'd get there in time for tomorrow evening, although it would still be morning here. That thought was kind of weird and I wondered why I hadn't really given it much consideration before.

"May I see your passport?" The woman asked.

I realised she was talking to me and I handed it over while she checked it.

"Thank you Mr Summers." She said as she handed it back and I can't tell you how glad I was that our family had got us passports made up under our assumed names in case we needed them for school.

Suddenly I had this strange notion that I didn't want Sasha to know our real surname, or any of the handful we could have picked from what our family had collected over the years. Suddenly I was even more wary of Sasha, more than just as an overprotective brother. I couldn't let him find out anything about us at all.

It was a stupid thought really, but I wondered that if Liza did start smelling more vampire I'd still recognise her scent, right? What if the scent was there because…

But no, I'd recognise him as a vampire. I mean he didn't smell like one and I could hear the rhythm of his heart so he had to be alive. He could be dhampir, but then his heart rate was normal human.

I thought of all this and I realised he'd never come to the house, and I know Liza had invited him but he'd refused making up silly excuses. It had annoyed Liza but she wrote it off and I didn't think much about it, but what if he didn't want our family to see him? Maybe they'd recognise him or something.

I pulled my phone out of my pocket and I had about six text messages from Grace asking me where I was. Had I managed to stop Liza? Was I in trouble, she was worried.

Suddenly I had an idea.

I pulled up the camera function on my phone and I took as many candid shots as I could of Sasha. I scrolled through them quickly, picking out the best three and sent them to Grace. She replied before I finished sending the third.

Tony? What's with the pics of Sasha? What's happening? Where are you?

Once the three pics had cleared I replied to Grace.

You need to go to my family. Show them the pictures of Sasha. Liza wouldn't change her mind so I'm going with her, but I can't shake the feeling that we're not going to Russia. Show the pics to my family and tell them we're probably already in the air. We're at an airstrip in Port Angeles and there's no way they'll get here in time but they can come for us once we land. I'll let them know which country. Just make sure you show them the pictures.

I realised I was taking up too much time on this message and I sent it before I wrote again.

I really don't trust him and I can't read his mind, like he knows how to be careful around telepaths.

I sent that too.

I hope I'm wrong.

I sent that and I got the delivery report when Miriam said, "You'll have to turn that off now sir, you are about to board."

I nodded and switched the phone off and I felt someone watching me. I looked up to find that it was Sasha and he was looking at me suspiciously, but luckily Liza took his hand and began chatting excitedly about visiting his homeland. He couldn't question me about my phone but I realised I was gonna have to delete all those messages because I knew he'd go through my phone first chance he got.

"I need the toilet." I said.

"Tony we're about to depart." Liza stated.

"I know, but I wanna make sure I'm empty. You know I hate those little cramped plane toilets. You do too."

Liza watched me for a moment, then nodded her head.

"You are right." She said, "I think perhaps I will go too."

I was so relieved to hear that since I knew Sasha wouldn't leave without her.

"Ok." I said and we headed together toward the two doors that were side by side on the one wall.

Despite the fact they were designated male and female each one only held one toilet. Although in a sense I was glad cause it gave me more privacy, who knew if Sasha would be opposed to looking over the stall.

Once in the bathroom I took my phone out and switched it on as I turned on the tap. As I waited impatiently for my phone to load up I decided that I'd make use of the toilet since I really didn't like those little plane bathrooms and well I didn't want to go only an hour into the flight when I was supposed to have gone now.

My phone had loaded up and I had a text from Grace.

I'll tell them now but I think you should try and stall and not get on that plane. I'm heading there right now. Be careful xx

I composed a quick reply.

Can't stall them that long or Liza will just go without me. Show them the pics. Then tell them to maintain radio silence until I get back in touch. I think Sasha will go through my phone so no messages ok? And don't reply to anything I send unless it starts with 'Jareth' and ends with 'Goblin King'. I have to delete everything now. Hope I get back soon xx

I sent the message and tapped my foot impatiently as I waited for it to send. I gave a sigh of relief when the delivery report came through. Then I deleted everything in my phone bar the numbers I'd saved under code names. Sasha wouldn't know who was who.

I heard Liza knock on the door and I almost dropped my phone into the toilet bowl as I fumbled to turn it off.

"Tony? We're about to depart."

"Yeah. I'll be right there." I called and stuffed my phone back in my pocket.

I finished up quickly and washed my hands before I exited the bathroom. Liza was looking a little concerned.

"Come on." I said, "You don't want to keep your boyfriend waiting."

Tony what's wrong? She asked.

I wish you'd change your mind. I have a real bad feeling about this. At least keep contact with him then go in a few years. When you know him better. I suggested.

This is something that I have to do Tony. Liza said, almost apologetically.

I know. That's why I'm coming with you because you'll hate me forever if I stop you. At least this way I'm there for you when you realise you've made a mistake.

I'm not making a mistake but I appreciate the sentiment. She stated before she hugged me.

"Now let's go." I said, stepping away from her.

A different woman, but wearing the same uniform as Miriam, came to lead us out to the plane. I have to say it was quite swanky, I could definitely get used to travelling in one of those things. It was so lavish with its eight seats, four on either side of the aisle. The front seats could swivel to face the back ones so it turned into a communal area. Through toward the tail of the plane, just before the toilet and little galley for the air attendant, were eight sleeping berths. Well this would be overnight from the point of view of my body, although I wasn't quite ready for sleep until we were cruising.

At that point I felt a little weird, so I went to have a lie down. I guess I fell asleep, cause next thing I knew I was sitting in the back of a limo as I watched rock walls go by on either side.

No, there were some flashes in between. Returning to my seat for the plane to land three times. Twice to refuel and the third time when we reached the get off point. I wasn't sure what airport it was, but it was another small one and I remember going down in an elevator to an underground car lot where there was a long sleek limo waiting for us.

I remember making some lame joke in my head about Sasha belonging to the Russian Mafia as I climbed in the back and then I was out again until I awoke with a start. As I came around I realised Liza had fallen asleep too and she was frowning because she never slept that long.

The limo drew to a stop and Sasha seemed excitedly on edge as he announced.

"We are here Elisabeta. Come meet my family, you will like them. And I know they will most definitely like you. Especially my father."

"Yes." Liza said, sounding a little uncertain now and I realised that we were both having a strange feeling settle over us.

Sasha jumped out of the car and we followed him. I felt stiff when I stood and I stretched, my joints clicking. I looked around as I yawned to see that we were in another underground car park. This one looked like it was just a cave though and there hadn't been much done to make it look man made.

I frowned a little at a thought that ran through my head. As weird as it sounded the place didn't feel like Russia. I know I couldn't really make a comparison because I'd never been to Russia, but in my mind I knew this wasn't Russia. Besides all the minds I could read were thinking in…

Tony. Liza thought, taking my hand. I think it may not have been wise to come here.

Don't worry. We'll be ok. I promised her. This is just an underground car lot, nothing to be afraid of.

"This way." Sasha said excitedly and I noticed that his accent had slipped away, he didn't sound Russian anymore and as we began to climb the stairs I felt a familiar presence.

It was familiar but I didn't know why. Suddenly I knew it was a big mistake to come here, but there was no turning back now. We had to follow Sasha up the stairs and into the long dark tunnel that seemed to stretch on into forever without a hint of light in sight.

---

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Gemma x