Leigh

Me? Devon Cullen's girlfriend? Had that really happened? And that kiss, was it even real? Was he even real? The way he disappeared after introducing himself to my dad and Alyssa made it seem even more surreal to me. Of course I hadn't expected him to stick around for dinner though.

Honestly the last thing I expected was to get a boyfriend in Forks. But I never thought I was in Devon's league either. I guess the best way to put it was that I was in shock. I decided to text Harley and Winter though, it wouldn't be fair to them to leave them out the loop; after all they were still my best friends.

I definitely wasn't making any of those in Forks, especially now that I was dating Devon. Not that it mattered anymore, they could say whatever they wanted. They were jealous, that much I understood.

I had never thought of this before, because it sounded so vain. To think the whole world is jealous of you, I would always shake my head at this because it sounded so unlike me. But maybe that was the key.

What these people knew about me were lies from Macy and Laura tainted by jealousy. I knew how Laura felt about my relationship with Jerry, jealous she didn't have that kind of relationship. I knew she had felt a crude pleasure in it's end.

***

The first day everyone stared. Gawked more like it, I thought. I couldn't help but smile. Devon made me feel like I could face anything.

The only thing that really bothered me was that Devon's family to dislike me.

"It's not you", he promised, "they don't view some things the way I do, it's more me than you."

Still I didn't like the looks Rosalie gave me, the silent words Edward seemed to hurt Devon with, or the strain I had caused in their family. All because I was different.

"Different." snorted Devon.

I hadn't realized he'd been listening.

"You chastise yourself for being human? We're the ones that are different."

"I'm causing problems in your family." I knew he could hear the thought in my head but it felt better to voice it.

"No, we've always fought. Edward and myself have never agreed about how to do things. It's a story for another time though lunch is almost over."

***

After school Devon came over.

"Please tell me about your family now."

"You really want to know?"

"Yes, please."

Well first of all Carlisle started our family. He was changed in the 1600's, not wanting to become a monster he tried to kill himself in many ways, but there's very few ways our kind can be killed; suffice to say we're quite durable. Carlisle grew weak with hunger and one day a pack of deer went by, he was so thirsty he fed off them. Then he realized a new way of life had been born. Just so you know our eyes are black when we're thirsty, a light gold when we're well-fed, and a crimson color if we drink human blood. That's how you can distinguish those of us that are "safe" from others, though no vampire is really "safe" for a human. Carlisle has mastered his thirst so well that he can save the lives of others. The family he created, he only created of those near death. He's never been one to take life away from anyone, but to protect it at all costs. Edward and I came next. In our human lives we lived in Europe in the early 1900's. We grew up with war being a constant. Edward's only desire was of a soldier's glory, something I could never understand. I wished the war to be over, and though I was supposed to fight I wouldn't. Edward thought I was a coward, that I would bring disgrace on the family name. I hid out with some friends in the forest until the epidemic hit. My mother, brother, and I became very sick. My mother demanded Carlisle find a way to save both her sons. He had been thinking of creating a companion for awhile and he chose me and my brother. I won't tell you everyone's story, they'll tell you on their own sometime. But Carlisle changed Esme next, then Rosalie, then Emmett, and Alice and Jasper found us. After we had been changed Edward went through a "rebellious teenager" phase. He left our home, which upset Esme and Carlisle more than they showed. I tried to get him to come back knowing how it hurt them,

but I couldn't. And I couldn't be with him, anymore than I could share in the glories of war with him. He had decided to drink human blood."

At this point I couldn't hold in my gasp.

"It's terrible I know, but let me explain. He can read thoughts like me, so he only went after those that were evil. Murderers, men that preyed on young girls, things like that. Though he made the towns he went through safer, to me those men deserved a fair trial even if they were guilty. There's no justice in a life for a life for me. I've never taken a human life. I'm not saying I never become angry or think of revenge or say unkind things to people, just that I try not to. I'm thought of as the peacekeeper at home."

"Wow, you just explained my attitude towards peace and administration of justice." I laughed.

He laughed too. "We have so much in common, it's nice to finally talk to someone with similar interests and ideas."

"Same here you're so much more interesting than anyone I ever met before."

"Maybe this is too soon...but...." he hesitated.

"But what?"

"I don't want to upset you."

"No, go ahead."

"Leigh I know we've only been together a couple weeks, but I just want to tell you: I love you. But you don't have to say it if you're not ready I mean I understand...he trailed off.

All I could do is smile.

"I love you too.

His answering smile was the smile of an angel, as he leaned in and kissed me.

I was in heaven.

***

Two months went by, everything was perfect with Devon, with my friends, with everything. I even had made a new friend in Alice. But with less than a month left till the end of the first semester, I was beginning to wonder if I wouldn't be happier in my old school. Graduating with people I knew enough to like or dislike instead of hateful strangers. I could still drive there everyday and live here, and maybe Devon would come too, I thought cheerfully.

Then I saw the envelope on the table. Of course, Bella had told me her mom was getting remarried. I had forgotten when she said. Apparently I was invited with a guest, next week. I contemplated bringing Devon, but thought it would be better to bring Harley. Bella knew Harley and liked her and I knew Bella didn't have

a boyfriend. It'd be awkward, besides my dad would object to me traveling with Devon and Devon obviously didn't burn in the sun but he had said there was a reason he didn't go outside. I was still waiting to see that one though.

Devon smiled. "I like the idea of you bringing Harley, it's Bella's home and she'll be more comfortable with her. Maybe I'll get to meet her someday."

He had heard me talk about Bella a lot. Hopefully they would meet one day.

***

I was all packed and ready when Devon came to say goodbye. He kissed me, which took my breath away as it always did.

"I'll call every night."

"Promise?"

"Promise."

"I love you."

"I love you too. My heart is yours forever."

"Forever." I agreed.