Uh… heh. So, so sorry that it took me over three weeks to update. But between school, life, and Writer's Block, I just couldn't get much out. So, if this sucks, blame school for pounding out my creativity. And for stressing me. (but thankfully… it's over!!) Oh, and it's really short, too. But I figured you'd want SOMETHING.

Anyhoodles, I'd appreciate if more of you readers would review. I see how many of you read, remember, and then when I compare how many of you actually take half a second to say even just "good" or "update soon" or (if you so wished) "this sucks" (there haven't been any yet), it's kinda sad. I mean, how hard is it to type two words? Or even one? Come on, people. Part of the point of fan fiction is to get feedback. I'd like a little more, if ya don't mind. XD

Anyways, this one goes out to Mai, who is CONSTANTLY BUGGING ME at school about "Have you updated yet?" She even reads my very rough draft copies for the chapters that I sometimes have. So, Mai, this one is for you. Loves and Hugs!!

We were the last ones to get back from hunting. As I stepped out from between the trees, Emmett took one look at my twig-and-leaf-filled hair and burst out laughing. I glared at him for a long moment, then stalked over to where Edward's Volvo was parked. He appeared from the foliage as I passed the bright red jeep.

I slowed as a evil little plot formed in my head. With a slow and malicious grin, I glanced over my shoulder at where most of the Cullens were gathered, listening as Edward explained what had happened. None of them were looking my way. Causally, I put my nail against the paint… then continued walking. Only a lot faster than before.

They all turned at the annoying - if faint - scratching noise; there was silence for a breath, then -

"WHAT?!" Emmett yelled.

I yanked open the door to Edward's Volvo, slid inside, and slammed it shut, locking all the doors. I was taking a risk, but I didn't think Emmett would ruin Edward's car. He would have to fix more than a little paint scratch if he did.

"That was not funny Bel- Alice! Stop laughing! Edward - Rose - Jaz - Esme! You too?! Come on! She just ruined my jeep!"

I tried to muffle my snickers by putting my hand over my mouth but failed miserably. It was all just too comical. Edward came over and clapped a hand on Em's back, shaking his head an still laughing.

"Come on Em. Even you have to admit it was great. If it weren't for the fact that she did it to your jeep, you'd be congratulating her on a job well done." Still chuckling, Edward then moved into the driver's seat.

I snuck a glance at Edward as we pulled onto the road, easily reaching speeds miles over the speed limit. He glanced at me and smirked as he pulled a twig from my hair.

I huffed at his slight mocking; it wasn't my fault that the stupid bear had snuck up behind me, knocking me into a bush. Edward should have warned me!

He laughed out loud - again - when he noticed my pout. "Oh, come on Bella. It was pretty funny. Years from now we'll all be joking about your first veggie hunting trip."

I glanced at him from the corner of my eye, wondering if he'd noticed what he was implying in what he said. Even if I wanted to - which I had a strong, uncomfortable feeling I might - stay with them, I couldn't. Aro, let alone Marcus and Caius, would most definitely not let their favorite Guard go free because she enjoyed the company of a family of vegetarians. They would laugh in my face before dragging me tooth and nail back to that icky castle in Volterra. One didn't simply leave the Volturi Guard.

He smiled at me again, the crooked one that I absolutely loved. "Alice is planning on taking you shopping when we get back… how about a small little detour?"

I grinned. "How about a big long detour?"

He laughed, and turned quickly onto a new road. I wasn't paying much attention to where we were going or how long it took us to get there. Actually, I was a little distracted with thoughts of the upcoming race. I'd decided that since I couldn't use my Arrow, it being broken and all, I would pick up the Lexus. I wasn't sure what cars the Cullens would be using, or even if they had some cars that I hadn't seen yet. It put me at a disadvantage, since they had seen my cars… except the Lexus. So it was probably my best bet to use it.

The engine turned off, and I glanced at Edward in the early morning light. He was opening his door and stepping out, so I did the same.

"Where are we?" I asked, looking around in the early morning light.

He just grinned, and motioned with his head into the dense foliage, away from the trail.

"You better not get me lost," I muttered. "I'm not in the mood to have Alice murder me."

Edward laughed softly, smirking; grabbing my hand, he dragged me into the forest after him. We started running. As Edward pulled slightly ahead of me, I pushed myself faster, inching just in front of him. He put on a burst of speed, glancing sideways at me before he passed to a few feet in front of me. I smirked. No way was I going to let him get to where ever it was we were going before me.

Both of us kept pushing each other, until we were at full speed, matching each other step for step. I wasn't paying attention to our surroundings beyond not crashing into a tree. Wouldn't that be just like my days as a human? Crashing into a tree while racing the incredibly gorgeous Edward Cullen. I'd never be able to live it down.

We burst from the branches and leaves into a clearing, lit by the early sunlight. I stopped, skidding slightly, and looked around, my jaw loose. I took a few steps farther into it, aware that I was ogling. The place was almost as beautiful as Edward.

I turned back to stare at him. "What…?"

He smiled slightly. "I found it one day, while running." He folded himself down onto the ground. "I like to come here, to be alone and think."

I sank down next to him, wrapping my arms around my knees. "Thank you. For sharing it with me." I explained after a long silence.

He shot a quick glance and smile my way. The sun slowly rose in the sky, making our skin sparkle, before clouds began to roll in, obscuring the light. I watched, with Edward, as the time passed and the clouds conquered the sky.

It kinda reminded me of my life, how it had been so happy and light until that night three years ago. Then everything had darkened, until I'd changed into a person I wouldn't even recognize as myself. And I wasn't just talking about the whole vampire transformation thing. My priorities and morals had shifted; being in the Volturi, they kind of had to. I abruptly missed who I used to be, and wondered if she was lost forever. It was like wishing for the innocence of childhood.

My phone rang and I sighed, shifting to pull it out of my pocket. I already had an idea of who it was.

"Hello Alice," I said in resignation.

"Bella! How dare you disappear after our deal! Come on; it's cloudy now so we can go shopping! Please?"

I rolled my eyes and sighed. "Sure thing, Alice. Just give me a few minutes to get to the house." I hung up before she could respond.

Edward stood up, and I followed suit. Without a word, he led me to the Volvo, and we got in to drive back, lost in our own thoughts.

Alice was waiting impatiently on the front porch when we pulled up. I hadn't even stepped fully out of the car before she was dragging me to the Mercedes that belonged to Carlisle. I was shoved unceremoniously inside, and then she was turning the key to start the engine.

I was in for a long day, and boy did I know it.

So, even though it is short, please please review. It encourages me to update faster!