Disclaimer: All characters with the exception of Kristine Fay belong to Stephanie Meyer. Kristine Fay is of my own making.

The confidence that I had been oozing from my very pores just a few minutes earlier seemed to disappear as the car eased to a stop at the border. The car ride to the border itself had been much more pleasant and civilized than I had expected, the twenty or so minutes spent chattering to the soft sound of Debussy playing in the background. I wasn't naive enough to think that this meant Eddie was letting me off the hook. In fact, this was probably just him being considerate of my current fragile mental state, no doubt having been filled in on all the events that took place today from my uncontrollable thoughts. As touched as I was that he had temporarily put aside his anger and pride for my own sake, the fact that I would never be able to hide anything from him miffed me. Even more so when I remembered how embarrassing and personal some of today's moments were.

"I'm sorry if you feel that I've trespassed your privacy," Edward's voice broke through the silence, and even without looking at him, I could imagine the way his brows would be furrowed, sincerity ringing with every syllable. "I promise it was not done intentionally."

Sighing, I turned to face him, a 'oh well, what can you do?' kind of expression on my face. I knew that it wasn't done intentionally, but being completely aware of his innocence only seemed to make things more embarrassing. "You're lucky I like you, Cullen," I said gruffly, faking a tough voice despite the wide grin on my face, a grin that he easily mirrored.

Zipping up the jacket that I had long ago worn – being in a small closed space with a vampire was bound to make anyone cold – I took a deep breath before slowly exhaling. I could do this. There was no way I could stay home, moping around and making vent art because of some stupid werewolf, now could I?

Chuckling, Edward voiced his approval. "All that energy wasted on a 'stupid werewolf'? Of course not. Now, Carlisle and Esme want you home by ten, eleven at the latest but only if you call first. Make sure to call if—" I cut him off mid-sentence, or rather my loud fit of laughter did.

"Oh, shut up, Eddie," I gasped out, holding my stomach with one hand and wiping away a tear with the other. "Carlisle and Esme stopped making me do that years ago. I'm a big girl now." It felt funny, saying that to someone who was born in a completely different century from me, but it was the truth. I knew how to take care of myself just fine. I always had. Inhaling one last time, I squared my shoulders and opened the car door. It was too late to turn back, so I might as well have some fun.

"Kristine!" I heard a chorus of greetings as I entered the Black's yard, and I busily waved hello to whoever I could meet eyes with. As expected, Sue rushed forward in no time with a plateful of spaghetti, handing it to me before leading me to an empty spot on the grass next to Seth. I hadn't realized how hungry I was, but now that I had food in my lap, I began to eat as quickly as I could without actually stuffing my face.

Once I felt full, I turned to say hello to Seth, and Leah on the other side of Sue. Seth was happy enough to see me, excitedly beginning to talk about how he didn't know I was coming because no one had told him, and asking how I was doing. In between his questions, I timidly said hi to Leah, an encouraging smile on my face, but that didn't seem to change her cold reaction. I didn't mind that much, not really; it just took some people longer to come around.

"Oh yeah, you gotta go see the others! I bet they're gonna be so surprised when they see you." Seth's sudden suggestion had me laughing nervously. I wasn't quite yet ready to see the rest of the gang, especially when I still hadn't figured out what had happened earlier with two of them, but I knew everyone would be suspicious if I said no.

"Alright," I said, standing up and throwing away the styrofoam plate and plastic fork in the trash bin prepared a few feet away. "Let's see how high werewolves jump when they're surprised."

"Jacob, your girlfriend is here!" Seth announced as we neared the garage, his bellowing voice dragging out the syllables in 'girlfriend'. Rolling my eyes, I joined in on his laughter, knowing he was only joking. I found it odd that we were the only two laughing, though – usually Quil and Embry would join in on these kinds of jokes as well, but it was suddenly dead silent in the garage. I understood why as soon as I entered, my feet freezing on the spot as I locked gazes with the only other girl in the room.

In my excitement to come to the gathering, I had completely forgotten why I had wanted to stay home in the first place. The hurt I had felt at Jacob's quickness to prioritize Bella pricked my chest again, unrelenting, but I refused to cry in front of this specific audience. Besides, thanks to Seth's joke, I could use this situation to my advantage.

As I made my way towards her, I felt a hot hand grab onto my wrist tightly, pulling me back. I quickly turned my head, eyes wide in surprise at the sudden contact. Before I could speak, Embry shook his head, gesturing to Jacob with his chin. "Joke's over, Kris. Bella knows you two aren't dating."

I didn't understand – did Embry think that was an explanation? It only made me even more confused. Jake would never rat me out like that, not without discussing it with me first, even if it meant he had to continue lying to the girl he loved. I trusted him. I knew at least that much about him.

But then, who…? Who had revealed the one thing I held over Bella Swan's head to be fake?

Embry's grip on my wrist tightened, to the point of almost hurting when I tried to break free and continue walking towards Jake. His expression was an odd combination of his usual sereneness along with a burning seriousness in his eyes.

"I told her."

Author's Note: I am so, so, so, so sorry for the unannounced disappearance. To be honest, I completely forgot that I had this all written out and it was only when I was clearing out my folders in preparation for the fall semester that I stumbled upon this. I promise to update more frequently from now, though ! I have a lot of feels planned for this story, so please bear with me. Also, I'll love you forever and possibly give you a lifetime supply of chocolate ice cream if you leave a review. How's that for an irresistible offer?