a/n: This would have been sooner, but ff had a major fail - they don't recognize the greater-than or less-than symbol! I had to go back and replace them all with square brackets (and am now realizing I have to do the same in previous chapters). Grr. Argh.

Anyway...

Thank you so much to everyone who took the time out to review on that last chapter. I love hearing what you guys think. 3 (I CAN'T MAKE A HEART? REALLY FF? REALLY?)

Thanks to my beta, AZBella, who is a wonderful, wonderful person and a fabulous writer in her own right.

Thank you to Project Team Beta for watching over my words and punctuation marks as well. Looking for a beta? Check them out. They're the awesome.

And I wanted to let you guys know I'm doing a little companion to this fic. It's called "Grace Note" and it's Aubree POV of some stuff along the way. A little side story that's very different than this one. The first part is already up if you're interested. I'd love to hear what you think of the idea…if I should continue it.

I apologize for the cliffie, but I will update no later than next Tuesday.

And on with the show…Today I am Team Bowtie.

Chapter 10

Sunday was filled with all my last-ditch safekeeping efforts. I tagged along with my mom to town and bought some mustard seed from the local nursery. When we got back to the house I had to climb the dumbass tree that was outside my window, but I managed to get the seeds up there. I might have spent an inordinate amount of time hugging the largest limb before I convinced myself it was safe to scoot out to the end. When I did, I tore the seat of my pants as the pocket snagged on a little branch. And then I decided I really, truly hated that tree.

But I did get a chance to snap off the end of the branch that had been tapping against the glass each night and scaring the bejesus out of me. So it was a day of true accomplishment.

I stole a couple of chicken legs from the freezer and tossed them in the bushes that grew on either side of the house. Maybe not the same as killing an animal and leaving it on the front porch, but I just…couldn't. It would have to do.

All these things were silly. I knew this. I mean…how ridiculous is it to think that some seeds on my roof would keep the bad guys away? But, then again, their existence was just as silly, so who was I to argue?

And it really did help me sleep better that night. Or maybe it was just the exhaustion cashing in.

Monday morning was not sunny. There was a light sprinkle pattering against the glass and, when I looked out the window, fog. Lots of fog.

This got my heart going early.

My one green sweater was unwearable. I needed to do laundry; the ketchup stain wasn't going to make an appearance at school. So I hunted down every green thing I could find in my wardrobe: a pair of green plaid socks, a green baseball hat, and a green bowtie that my dad gave me for Christmas the year before.

I wore them all.

Sweaters and bowties are a bizarre combination.

The hat didn't help things either. (But on a side note: Go VOYAGERS!)

I tucked the rosary into my sweater; it wouldn't do to have it hanging outside, obvious and mock-able. It was hard to make the beads disappear completely; there were always a few of the pink traitors poking out on either side of my neck.

I got a few sideways glances when I reached the rail stop.

Yes, I am aware that I look like a complete fool. Move along.

When the rail arrived, I rushed aboard. I walked to the back and took the last seat in the corner, alone. There were giggles and whispers, and in my mind it was all about me. I guess it was just the price I had to pay.

Ava and Aubree came aboard. They waved hello to friends in passing but made their way to the back and took the seat just in front of me.

"Nice hat," Aubree said.

"Team back home," I said. "Good morning, Ava."

She grinned. "Hey, Ethan. How are you today?"

"Dandy. Yourself?"

"Not too bad. Do anything exciting this weekend?"

"Not too much." Why was she putting up the pretense? Aubree knew. She had to know. "You?"

"Oh, you know…the usual," Ava replied, and threw me a wink.

I smiled and shook my head. Aubree rolled her eyes.

Will joined us on the next stop. His eyebrows rose at my outfit, but he didn't comment. He slid into the seat across the aisle from Aubree. The two of them leaned into the walkway and the traditional whispering and snickering began.

"Well, did your hair recover?" Ava asked. "Or is that what the hat is about?"

"It's fine. Just being a little homesick today, I guess."

"Ah," she replied. "And the bowtie?"

"Gift from my dad."

"Okay..." She flipped back around on the seat and looked out the window.

When we got to school, I was determined to not walk alone – I still wanted to avoid Edward Cullen, but now for new and more dangerous reasons. I was no longer worried that he would take his revenge on me via his fist. I was more worried he would use his teeth.

I kept pace with Ava, Aubree, and Will as they crossed the parking lot. The Cullens' car was already pulling out onto the road after having dropped them off. I could see the backs of their heads in front of us. Edward and Bella were holding hands, Jasper trailed just behind tiny Alice, and Emmett had his arm around Rosalie's shoulders.

They walked so smoothly. Like predators.

I had to struggle to convince my feet that it was still a good idea to even head in the same general direction. The biggest thing keeping me moving was the fact that I didn't want to lose the group. And I had my garlic, my cross, my green; I was protected. How well it would work was anyone's guess.

In front of me, Will rambled on about his awesome weekend at his brother's house, and how awesome his brother was, and all the awesome things they did…etc. etc.

I stared at the ground, only flicking my eyes up to the Cullens every once in a while to make sure the group (Clan? Colony? Rookery?) of them was still far enough away from me to be comfortable. Just before we reached my building, we all parted ways with waves and promises of more talk at lunch.

"See you guys," I said. Watch out for the vampires. (Vampirii? Vampiren?)

Blissfully unaware, they disappeared around corners and up stairs into other buildings.

I turned for the short stairway to my class and the little hairs on the back of my neck stood on end. Standing just outside the front door of the neighboring building seven, Edward Cullen was staring at me.

Act casual, Ethan. Smile. Wave.

I smiled. I waved.

Edward nodded in reply.

I fumbled with the knob in front of me before I could get the door open. I rushed in to take my seat.

There's no way he knows you know, so stop being paranoid.

I spent that class devising the best ways to stay with the bulk of students as they exited the building. The problem was I had no real friends in the class. I knew the guy at my right was Tom Bert because his bag had a giant tag on it that said "PROPERTY OF TOM BERT. DON'T TOUCH!" And the girl on my left was someone Ava often waved to on the rail. They were the closest things I had to acquaintances.

Well I would just have to lurk in the crowd anyhow.

And so just as the tone sounded for the next class, I was up and out of my seat, walking too closely to Tom Bert.

"You think you'll do okay on the test?" I asked him.

"What test?" he asked. "Do I know you?"

"Sure. Ethan Powell." I pointed a thumb at my chest.

"From where?"

"Here. Just now. We're in this class together…remember?"

We reached the doorway and he left, ignoring me completely. I ran up to squeeze into the closest huddle of students going the same direction as me. I got a few weird looks, but none of them commented on my existence. I abandoned the herd at my next class. When I got inside, I sat in the middle of the room, sweaty and anxious.

And this was my morning. Dashing from class to class, trying to keep in crowds, trying to avoid the Cullens. It was pretty effective. I did see Alice once. She was leaning against building two with her eyes closed. So she didn't see me…luckily.

And then I had lunch. And the impending class with Bella afterward. I was seriously contemplating going home and just chalking it up to a sudden illness, but I would just have to face the music all over again the next day so…

Will was waiting for me at the door. He looped his arm around my neck and began to drag me along with him to the cafeteria.

"Listen, E, we are going to go in there and sit down and have a nice talk, all of us," he said.

"What?" I asked. My eyes darted around the perimeter of the orange door; none of the Cullens were there. Safe entry.

"I'm just saying you should get some good food and sit down with us and listen to what we have to say."

"Okay…" I said. I had learned it was best to just go along with Will and pretend you knew what he was talking about. You didn't have to listen to as much of his nonsense that way. "Whatever you say."

He pushed open the door and escorted me to the lunch line. I grabbed whatever sandwich was handy. He took two of them, and two drinks as well. I followed him back to the table. Everyone else was already there. I picked a chair with a line of sight to the Cullens table in the corner.

"Should we let him eat first?" Will asked Aubree.

Across the room, Bella and Edward were leaning across their table, talking. The others seemed to be looking off in random directions.

"Whatever," Aubree replied.

Ava piped in. "Will, this is silly."

"It's important. C'mon. You have to agree with me."

I wasn't listening. Maybe I should have been.

I was going back and forth between staring at the cheese in my sandwich (and turkey, evidently) and staring at Edward and Bella talking across the room. It looked intense. What my mom would call "not an argument, Ethan, a discussion."

"Let the man eat his food," Nate said.

"He's not eating his food, he's staring at it," Will replied. "I'm going to go ahead. He can eat along the way."

Charlotte giggled.

"Ethan," Will said. He cleared his throat when I didn't look at him. "E. Pay attention. This is important."

"Hm?" I finally looked up to see Will staring at me. Actually…the whole table was staring at me.

Will had his serious voice on. "Listen, man, we need to discuss something."

"What's that?"

"Your clothes," he replied soberly.

"What about my clothes?"

"You look a little strange—" he began.

Charlotte cut him off. "We are not here to judge you. We just want to get you some help."

"Help? What do you mean?" I asked.

Aubree chuckled. "We're just saying that you need to wear elsethings. If Will Yorkie can tell you that you look bizarre, you are in a pretty bad place, my friend."

"This is truth." Will nodded. "I take no offense. I mean…you're wearing a bowtie. A green bowtie."

"Bowties are not that bad…" The funny thing was I agreed with them, and I still found myself being defensive.

"And are you aware that you are wearing a pink necklace?" Nate asked.

I had no justification for this.

"So?" I asked.

"So you look like a gay leprechaun," Will said.

They just didn't understand. And what could I do? Explain my reasoning to them?

Well guys, you see… if I don't wear this stuff I might get eaten by the Cullens over there. What? Why will they eat me? Because they're vampires. You mean this isn't common knowledge?

"Well…" I had nothing to finish that sentence.

"Well?" Will asked. Nate laughed.

I sighed. "I'll wear something less…insane tomorrow."

"What about today?" Will asked. "Will you at least relinquish the bowtie?"

"No."

"Fine. Be that guy. But tomorrow…"

"Normal clothes. Promise."

Will nodded. "Good man."

I had some laundry to do.

The rookery of vampiren stood to leave. They all walked in perfect fluid strides to the trashcan and threw away their uneaten lunches.

Maybe I'm lunch.

And then they were out the door and off to their respective classes. I was running out of time to worry. I would have to sit next to one of them soon enough.

Get a grip, Ethan.

Ava would surely walk with me to class. I even had an excuse to have her along: I could ask her if she had come up with any plans for Friday.

"Well kids, it's pretty foggy out there today," Will said. "I was thinking we should get down to the cemetery again tonight. Weather's good for it."

"It's a school night, Will," Charlotte said.

"C'mon." He nudged Aubree. "That's not stopped us before."

Playing in the dark and foggy cemetery did not sound appealing. I kept my mouth shut.

"I can't," Aubree said. "I've got stuff do."

"Way to be specific, Aub," Will said. "C'mon…please?"

"Not gonna happen tonight." She left it at that.

"You guys are no fun."

The five-minute warning tone sounded. It was time to face my fears. My pulse quickened. My mouth was dry. The rest of the table stood to leave, but I couldn't seem to get my legs to work.

"Ethan?" Ava asked. "You coming?" Nate and Charlotte walked out holding hands. Aubree was not far behind them. Will was fishing through his bag for something.

"Mm…yeah. Sure thing." I picked up my bag, still seated, and put it over my shoulder. I gripped my lunch tray with the other hand.

"It helps if you stand up," she said.

Will caught up with Aubree and they walked out the door.

"Right." I stood up. I knew this because I heard the sound of the chair scooting out from underneath me, and my view shifted a little higher. But it wasn't something I was really controlling.

Ava came over and hooked her arm in mine. "We're gonna be late."

"Right."

"Did your sandwich have garlic on it?" she asked.

"Maybe," I lied.

We started walking forward on her guidance. We dropped my tray and lunch before we stepped out into the fog. It was really thick. I could hear people and see fuzzy shapes in the distance, but if a vampire wanted to jump out at me I would never see it coming…

Ava isn't safe with me.

Why was I so convinced they were after me? I was just another student to them. Why would they care? I needed to back off on the paranoia. Really.

I asked her out. He has a reason for revenge. I am surely next. He's going to hunt me down and share me with the rest of them.

"Would you really be up for bowling on Friday?" Ava asked.

"Anything you want to do, I'm up for it." I said.

He's going to wait until after school. He's going to get me as I walk to the rail. He's going to break my legs so I can't move and then carry me off into the woods where they are waiting with forks and knives.

"Yeah, but…are you just saying that because I'm asking? Because I really want to do something that we both want to do."

I shrugged. "I like to bowl. There's a place in Polson, I used to go there on Fridays with Jules and Justin. I don't suck."

Maybe they don't use forks and knives. Maybe they use nothing but their hands and teeth. Sounds painful.

The door to building three was ten feet away.

"So you're saying you'll give me a run for my money?" she asked.

"I'm saying that I might blow you out of the water, Parson."

The door was seven feet away.

Maybe they only use forks. As an homage.

"Well we'll see…Powell."

The door was four feet away.

Three feet.

Two feet.

It was right there.

"Okay. I'll see you after class. I've got to hurry off."

"Okay." My voice was shaky. "See you." Maybe. Maybe not.

She gave me a puzzled look and took off into the fog.

I had no excuses. It was time to face my destiny.

I turned to the stairway and gave myself a moment of breathing before I walked up. And then I was taking a step; the moment was too short. I was numb, moving robotically up the stairs, not completely aware of my own legs. I pushed the door open and walked around two students who were hanging up their raincoats.

She was already there. Of course she was. She saw me standing at the front of the class and gave me a tiny, friendly, mouth-closed smile.

Keep your fangs hidden away, why don't you?

My heartbeat was pounding through my chest and down my legs and arms. I felt like the whole of me was shaking slightly with the rhythm. The legs were still moving. They were taking me to the corner whether I wanted to go or not.

"Hello, Ethan," she said. Her voice was calm, modulated. "How are you today?"

I coughed and took my seat. "Fine," I eked out.

I pulled the notebook out of my bag and turned it on. My hands were shaking against the keys.

"I was wondering if I could ask you something," she said. She looked at me, her head tilted downward slightly. She was wearing a light blue dress with a little ruffle around the bottom. She had on white tights underneath it; her legs were crossed at the ankles.

"Ask me something?"

"After class I mean. I don't want to interrupt…"

Mr. Barrett stepped up to the front of the room. "Good afternoon everyone. I'm sending you the results of the pop quiz today, along with individualized lesson plans to help you each cover the information on the questions you missed…"

"After class?" I whispered. Ohgodohgodohgod… "Interrupt?"

"You know, the lesson," she whispered back. "We'll talk after."

The lesson plan that came up on my screen outlined my homework – pretty much the entirety of the chapters we had covered before the quiz. I had managed to get a C minus.

Excellent job.

The new lecture slides took over my notebook screen and Mr. Barrett began to talk about the importance of public participation in the political system. I couldn't hear him. Well…I mean, I could hear him, but the words were not really registering. Halfway through the lecture a little box appeared on my screen.

[Jules Appleby, Destroyer of Worlds] You. Did. Not. Call.

The one and only person I have ever known who could bypass student mode in a school.

[Ethan Powell died, please leave a message] I'm so sorry, Jules. I completely forgot.

[Jules Appleby, Destroyer of Worlds] This is not a good excuse.

[Ethan Powell died, please leave a message] I know. I'm sorry.

Beside me, Bella uncrossed her legs and itched her arm.

[Jules Appleby, Destroyer of Worlds] So now I have to ask for details over this damn thing. I don't even get to hear you freak out. Oh well…

[Ethan Powell died, please leave a message] You do realize that I am at school right now, right?

Bella's typing stopped for just a brief second, and then she picked up again.

[Jules Appleby, Destroyer of Worlds] Go. Now. Information, Eepers

[Ethan Powell died, please leave a message] What do you want to hear? It was a movie – The Last Ending.

[Jules Appleby, Destroyer of Worlds] Well that's a given. But did you guys make out through the whole of the thing?

[Ethan Powell died, please leave a message] No.

[Jules Appleby, Destroyer of Worlds] Why not? What happened?

I didn't reply. I thought about just shutting the notebook, but that would be suspicious. Mr. Barrett wouldn't let me get through the class without it open to take notes and follow along with the lesson slides. Especially not after that last grade. And the conversation was actually annoying enough to hold my attention from the fact that the girl beside me equaled impending doom.

[Jules Appleby, Destroyer of Worlds] You owe me this.

[Ethan Powell died, please leave a message] …I fell asleep.

[Jules Appleby, Destroyer of Worlds] What?

[Ethan Powell died, please leave a message] I fell asleep.

[Jules Appleby, Destroyer of Worlds] How could you…?

[Ethan Powell died, please leave a message] I was tired. I fell asleep. That's the story.

[Jules Appleby, Destroyer of Worlds] The whole movie?

[Ethan Powell died, please leave a message] The whole movie.

[Jules Appleby, Destroyer of Worlds] Poor Ava.

[Ethan Powell died, please leave a message] I know…I know.

[Jules Appleby, Destroyer of Worlds] Well did she yell at you or something?

[Ethan Powell died, please leave a message] Nope.

[Jules Appleby, Destroyer of Worlds] Damn. The girl's got patience.

[Ethan Powell died, please leave a message] I guess. We're going out again this weekend.

[Jules Appleby, Destroyer of Worlds] Good for you. Though now that I think about it…

[Ethan Powell died, please leave a message] What?

[Jules Appleby, Destroyer of Worlds] Don't you see? She got her second date without really trying. And it's not like you're seeing anyone else. You guys are practically dating exclusively. In reality…she's your girlfriend.

[Ethan Powell died, please leave a message] She's not my girlfriend. Don't get ahead of yourself.

[Jules Appleby, Destroyer of Worlds] If you think about…you're practically married to the girl. I mean you're not going to date anyone else from your circle of friends. Charlotte's got Nate, and Aubree's a bitch so…

[Ethan Powell died, please leave a message] How do you even get to married? And how do you know about Nate and Charlotte?

[Jules Appleby, Destroyer of Worlds] Jules knows all.

[Ethan Powell died, please leave a message] Whatever.

[Jules Appleby, Destroyer of Worlds] So you won't go out with Ava or Charlotte…pretty much ever, and knowing you…you're not going to date outside the circle of friends. Forks ain't that big a town. Slim pickins.

[Ethan Powell died, please leave a message] Are you finished yet?

[Jules Appleby, Destroyer of Worlds] You and Ava go out this weekend, you actually stay awake this time. Wait. Activity?

[Ethan Powell died, please leave a message] Bowling.

[Jules Appleby, Destroyer of Worlds] Ah, good. So you get to show off a little. Unless you throw the game to make her feel good. But she'll know you're doing it on purpose. She's already smitten with you, so the smittenness turns to love over rented shoes and chili-cheese fries…

[Ethan Powell died, please leave a message] Jules. I'm at school. This is getting long.

[Jules Appleby, Destroyer of Worlds] And you become official by Monday. You're holding hands in between classes. Weekends at the beach. Summers up here with your dad. Junior year turns to senior year. Senior year is rocky, you're on-again, off-again, but ultimately the impending graduation makes you nostalgic and you can't help but cling to each other through the pomp and circumstance…

[Ethan Powell died, please leave a message] You think about my life way too much.

[Jules Appleby, Destroyer of Worlds] You are UMT-bound, she's going to an art school in Seattle. Long distance is hard as freshies. But you try. And when the final string breaks its really the loss of the decade…

[Ethan Powell died, please leave a message] You just know I can't shut the notebook during class.

[Jules Appleby, Destroyer of Worlds] You date a little in college, but nothing really sticks. You are still thinking about her. You can't help it. And then, after graduation, you move back home for a while before you can get your own feet on the ground, career-wise…

[Ethan Powell died, please leave a message] Jules.

[Jules Appleby, Destroyer of Worlds] You're out in town running errands one day and who do you see…who just happens to be opening up a gallery on Main Street? Ava Parson. The one and only. You get to talking, catching up on the college years, reminiscing about the good ole' days at Forks High, and you realize you should have never let her go… You're engaged a month later.

[Ethan Powell died, please leave a message] No. Not going to happen.

[Jules Appleby, Destroyer of Worlds] Hmm…or perhaps…are we still holding a candle for Bella Black?

[Ethan Powell died, please leave a message] Gah. No. Stop. I'm going to leave now. I have work to do.

[Jules Appleby, Destroyer of Worlds] Touchy, touchy.

[Ethan Powell died, please leave a message] I'll call you later.

[Jules Appleby, Destroyer of Worlds] I won't hold my breath.

[Ethan Powell died, please leave a message] I will. I promise. Tonight after dinner. Later, Jules.

[Jules Appleby, Destroyer of Worlds] Sleepyhead.

And the little box disappeared from my screen.

If nothing else, Jules had a good sense of timing. Ten seconds after she signed off, the end-of-class tone sounded. Bella already had her notebook shut and was putting it in her bag. She cleared her throat.

"So, Ethan, would you walk with me for a minute? I just wanted to talk to you about something."

"Um. I…um."

Her gold eyes were burning into mine. I couldn't move. I couldn't even blink.

"It won't be that long. I promise." She looked down at her bag just long enough for me to gather my wits. But then I was noticing the ruffles, and the legs…

Creature of the night, Ethan. Deadly. Dangerous…

…but so so pretty.

"Um. I have to…I don't know if…" I shut my notebook and dropped it into my bag. The words came in a rush. "I really don't have time today. Maybe another day. Sorry."

"Oh. Okay, but—"

Before she could continue that thought, I was out of the chair and walking to the door. I didn't want to get caught in her stare again. And evidently the dress wasn't helping things either.

Ava was walking up to the building as I stepped outside. Two yards behind her, Edward was on his way to meet up with Bella. He didn't look too happy. Luckily for me, Ava was a good buffer. Certainly he wouldn't try anything with other people around as witnesses.

Right?

Let's not take any chances.

"Let's go," I said the minute Ava was in hearing distance.

"Where's the fire?" she asked. "What about everyone else?"

"Um. They can meet us there. I want to get good seats."

"Okay…" But she didn't question me further.

I let myself peek once over my shoulder when we were halfway across the parking lot. Edward and Bella were staring at me. They didn't even bother to look away when they saw me look back at them. In fact, the other Cullens met up with them in front of building three and they all joined in staring me down.

Edward looked unhappy, Bella looked confused, and the others…just blank faces, with burning golden eyes.

I turned back to look at the rail. What I had done to offend them, I didn't know. But I had somehow brought them all down on me. Just because I wouldn't talk to Bella…alone?

Maybe they knew that I knew.

Or maybe they just figured I was the easiest prey. New guy comes to town…who would really care if he just disappeared?

Pretty much no one.

I stepped onto the rail and quietly chanted for it to hurry up and leave. We sat there, waiting, for at least ten minutes. My leg bounced up and down and I stole glances out the window, watching the Cullens' exit. None of them got on the rail, thankfully. Their ride arrived and they filed into the car. Edward and Jasper started up their bikes and peeled out of the parking lot.

I had a fleeting thought about Emmett…why didn't he use a bike?

He probably didn't fit.

A nervous giggle escaped as I pictured what would be a very uncomfortable Emmett Cullen trying to stay upright on the tiny half-electric bike.

"What's so funny?" Ava asked.

"Nothing. I just remembered…I…I'm wearing a bowtie."

"Yes, you are." She giggled too.

Good save, Ethan.

The rail closed its doors and we left for home. I was safe. One day down, the rest of my high school career to go.

I wonder what mom would say about home school.

***

Home was a very welcome sight. The moment I saw it from the rail I was breathing easier, and my stomach started to growl furiously. I wished Ava, Aubree, and Will a good night and jumped off the step, practically giddy with relief. It didn't matter that I had to see them again tomorrow. Tomorrow didn't exist. Now did. And now was good. Even the fog didn't bother me.

I could smell the chicken in the bushes once I hit the porch. No wonder it was supposed to ward off vampires, it was horrible. I wondered if Aunt Madison had noticed it at all when she left for work that morning.

There was no happy-go-lucky mother waiting for me as I walked in the front door. I peeked around to the kitchen, and she wasn't there either. I could hear a chuckle coming from the living room – low-pitched, masculine. And then my mom's accompanying laughter.

And so the dating begins…

I didn't think it would be so soon.

I was just going to walk upstairs. Maybe if I was quiet enough, they wouldn't notice me as I passed, and I wouldn't have to be introduced to whoever the guy was. I was not interested in getting to know my mother's conquests.

I kept my eyes forward, trained on the stairs. I took a breath and held it as I zipped past the doorway to the living room.

My foot was on the stair, my hand on the rail, when I heard, "Ethan! Are you there?"

Damn it.

There was a shuffling noise and I recognized mom's footsteps headed my way.

I had a brief thought that I could make it upstairs before she got to me, but I didn't act fast enough. She was staring at me from the doorway.

"You're home. Finally."

"I get home the same time every day, Mom," I said. "It's not like I can control the speed of the rail."

"I know, I know, I didn't mean it that way. What I meant was, we have company."

"Oh?"

"Yeah, they've been waiting for you. Your friends from school?"

My friends from school? Ava, Aubree and Will were on the rail. Nate and Charlotte?

"C'mon, they said they just dropped by to say hi and talk to you about some school project. I would imagine they have to get home at some point for dinner. Their families are bound to be waiting for them."

School project? I dropped my bag by the stair and followed my mom.

"You were right, it was him. You have some good ears," she said as she stepped from the hall to the carpeted floor of the living room. I turned around the corner and froze in the doorway.

It was not Nate and Charlotte.

"Hey Ethan," Bella said. She was sitting on my Aunt Madison's old-fashioned tan couch. Edward was beside her with his arm resting on the back of the sofa. They looked comfortable, relaxed.

She invited them in.

"Um. Hi."

"Well I'll let you kids get to work," Mom said. "I know you have to get it all done before you go home. Are you sure I can't get you anything to drink? Edward?"

She's offering them drinks. What a laugh.

He raised his hand and smiled. "No, thanks. I'm fine."

Because dinner just arrived.

Mom nodded and put her hand on my shoulder. "I'm going to run into town to get some stuff for dinner. Do you need anything from the store?"

At least she will be safe. Maybe they'll leave when they're finished with me.

"No," I replied.

"Ethan, you look pale. Have you been feeling okay?" She put her hand on my forehead.

"I'm fine." Get out of here. Go. GO.

"Okay." She looked over at the couple on the sofa briefly and then whispered, "Don't mean to embarrass you. Sorry. I'm gone."

I waited in the doorway until I heard the front door click home and the lock turn.

"Ethan," Edward said. "We won't stay long."

Bella and I stared at each other, and I understood. It was all very simple. She was only here to play a role – the hunter. And I was the prey. Nothing more.

The face I once found beautiful now terrified me. The sad part was…I was slowly realizing that, in the short time I had been a resident of Forks, I had always been obsessed with her in one way or another. In the beginning it was just the girl I poured over, a reason to go to school at all. Then the ghost story, something to ponder in the long, dull days. And now here she was again, the subject of my worst fears come true. Bella Black…Swan…Cullen…whatever the hell she wanted to be called…she was what my whole life was now about. It seemed fitting she would be the end of me here too.

My voice was even, resigned. "So," I said. "What did you want?"

SORRY! I know. I'm a horrible person.

Thoughts? Questions? Death threats?