A/N: I have given up on planning this story. This started as an in-between chapter to get Raven back in Forks and out of Portland as quickly as possible and this new character popped in. Now she's going to have a storyline of her own. I swear this was going to be Raven finishing school and getting back to Seth. And then I started throwing in the Doctor Who "Bad Wolf" references which gave me another idea. Well at any rate, I now introduce the beautifully named: (Go read and find out)

"Watch it, you crazy bitch!" The tall blonde girl purposely bumped into me, but it was just a ruse in order to shove me into the door jam. I didn't even respond anymore. Lauren had done too often and I was too tired to care. I went to my usual seat which was a lab table at the back. The classes were relatively small so there was plenty of room for everyone to leave me a wide berth. I had become a social pariah.

Things had been this way since about a week after Valentine's Day. It took about that long for word of Gerry's absence to be speculated upon and finally addressed by the administration. When he didn't return the texts of the friends and teammates from the soccer team they were concerned and asked the counselor and coach. The two finally released a statement that announced that he had been hospitalized somewhere in Washington. Someone put it together and I was to blame since I was from Washington, a fact I have never hidden, and I was the last person with whom he was seen.

It hurt a little, but I wasn't here for much longer. Besides, Alice and Jasper had supplied the new house with everything I needed including wonderful company. I was thinking about what I could do to repay them, but I knew they wouldn't want or need money. I had just decided that I couldn't think about it now or Alice would know-I'd have to wait until I was with Seth-when a frumpy looking girl sat down beside me.

"Hey," she said and looked down at the table. I thought her name was Leslie. I glanced down at her binder to see if it was written there just to be sure. It was.

"Hey," I replied back. "You in the right place? People think I have a communicable disease," I smiled, but it wasn't a happy one.

"Yes," she paused long enough for me to wonder if she had changed her mind, "I wanted to know if the other rumors were true." She looked at the confused look on my face. I didn't know which rumor she was talking about. There were so many. "Are you the reason he's gone? Truly?"

I didn't know what answer she wanted. If I said yes she may freak out and try to beat me up. What if she was one of his little fans? What I had discovered is that Gerry wasn't overtly popular. He paid attention to the right people in small ways and made them feel special. My mom talked about a master manipulator and Gerry was one. Was this chunky girl one of his minions or one of his victims?

"If I said no, how would you feel?" I asked her skeptically.

"Disappointed," she said quickly. Her next sentence was very soft. "I wanted to thank whoever was responsible." That was bold. I decided to be honest.

"Yes. He attacked me and in return for not pressing charges he was committed to a mental facility." I eyed her after my revelation. She didn't look relieved and she didn't say anything. "So, no thank you after all," I said.

"How do you know he won't get out?" she asked and looked at her notebook. She took a deep breath like she was preparing for something terrifying. "He attacked me, too. And I'm so scared he'll come back." That's when I understood. A part of me wondered if this was just a ruse to get confirmation that I was to blame for his disappearance to be followed by some sort of retaliation. But the earnestness in her eyes made me trust her. Something about her reminded her of me.

"Because he's dead," I replied. "He came after me and a cop shot him. He's not coming back." Then she looked relieved and that's also when the teacher walked in to start class.

"Good morning, everybody! Take out your study guides!" he announced. She grabbed me and hugged me. That was thanks enough because I could feel her relief surging through me. She sat with me for the rest of the period and she tracked me down at lunch. We didn't talk much, but we didn't have to. We both understood that it was nice not to be alone. I knew she would eventually ask what happened, but right now she was reveling at feeling safe for the first time in a long time. She finally had some closure.

Alice didn't even knock on my bedroom door anymore and she didn't talk to me either. She just came in and dropped food off and left again. I was neck deep in AP test preparations and I was lucky if I remembered to shower. I had caught up on homework a few weeks after I moved here, but I didn't realize how difficult the tests were actually going to be to study for. But if I could get fours on my AP tests I could exempt out of a lot of classes and save myself a lot of money. I signed up for three additional tests even though I wasn't taking the classes. I was crazy, but I had planned it before my life got completely crazy. I had a lot of work to do.

Because Seth wasn't here, Alice could make predictions about my life like when I was hungry and when I should go to bed. The most helpful thing she did was help me decide what to study for the AP exams. I didn't consider it cheating since I still had to study the material and she wasn't telling me what the essay topics were. She just told me what material I should concentrate on. It took the stress out of it because I knew I wasn't wasting valuable time cramming useless information in my brain.

I took a bite of the egg white omelette she made me. She was so good at cooking. It was almost a shame that she didn't eat her own food. She also kept me on a sensible diet by anticipating my hunger. Instead of snacking on junk food during cram sessions, she brought me healthful snacks and meals that both kept my energy up and my body slim. I was not going to gain weight back during this stressful time all thanks to Alice. Maybe she saw that in my future and was taking steps to keep it from happening.

I missed Seth more than I could possibly stand if I thought about it. So I didn't think about it. I studied, worked out, slept, and attended school. I did look forward the times when I could talk to him, but we both had a lot of studying to do so we kept conversations to a minimum. While I was thinking about that my phone lit up indicating a text message.

"Hey, Beautiful. I love you. Just thinking of you; no need to respond. xoxoxxxxxxP"

I had to laugh. He stared adding the P to indicate a French kiss. I only had two more weeks before I moved back to Forks. Edward and Bella were going to loan me their cottage until school started in August. When my counselor explained to the teachers my circumstances, they all agreed that if my work leading up to the AP tests was good, then I'd be done when they were over and they'd base my grades on that work. So I'd effectively finish school three weeks before everyone else and I had no plans on attending graduation at this school. I texted Seth back.

"Don't tease me if you can't back it up. I miss you so much! xoxoxoPPPPPPPPPPP Now leave me alone. I really have a lot to do."

The next two weeks were much the same: Workout, eat, school, study, sleep, repeat. Alice and Jasper took care of my basic and biological needs. They even went running with me as a safety precaution. I'm sure that was at Seth's urging. I didn't mind though. They were great pace keepers and Jasper made it a point to push me faster and longer. He called it his training program.

Leslie sat next to me in every class we shared and at lunch. The middle of the first week she finally asked me what happened the day Gerry was shot.

"He followed me to the beach where he knew I'd be and pulled a gun on my boyfriend and me," I had recited this version of the story so many times it had become truth in my head. "He explained some things that I don't remember because all I could think about was the gun…something about finishing the job he started. Then my boyfriend's stepdad, who is a policeman, shot him."

"What did he do to you that he didn't finish?" She asked looking down at her half-eaten pizza.

"His rape was interrupted by Seth showing up. He didn't…finish." I explained. My hand gestures helped explain what I meant without having to say the words and she nodded. Leslie never told me what he did to her and I didn't want to press her. But I had to know one thing. "Did he mark you, too?"

She nodded. "It took weeks for them to heal. But that's not the worst part. Those are gone now," she paused, "he made me trust him and feel pretty…and then he…"

"Ripped you apart with his words." I finished for her. She just nodded. I remembered Alice taking me into her closet and giving me my new pretty clothes and I had an idea. "What are you doing after school today?" I asked her.

"Studying. Why?" She looked intrigued which was better than the pathetic and sad look she had before.

"I have someone you need to meet. It's Friday, take a few hours off and meet me at my car after school. Alice is going to help you." I knew that Alice would see her afternoon change and be ready for us. The bell rang and I left Leslie looking confused, but she had a small smile on her face. I checked my phone and I had a text from Seth. He always texted me at lunch.

"I'm a Bad Wolf. PPP"

I texted back. "I don't know whether that is a Doctor Who reference or a sexy come on. Either way it makes me happy and excited. Love you. XOXOP"

The rest of the day went quickly. It was nice to have something to look forward to and I was looking forward to something different than studying. When I got out to my car there was a flyer on the windshield that read "Bad Wolf." It was in Alice's handwriting but something stirred in my belly. I was seeing a trend…was Seth sending me a message?

I heard Leslie exit the school building. My hearing was still extra sensitive, but I tried to ignore what I heard most of the time. There were too many mean things said about me in my wake. I did hear the cackling of Lauren's gaggle as they said something rude about Leslie's appearance. What was it about beautiful girls who felt the need to make less aesthetically pleasing people feel the weight of their insecurities? Leslie looked determinedly ahead and focused on my car.

"Don't let them bother you," I told Leslie when I knew she could hear me. She looked a little confused and blew it off.

"I try not to, but some days are harder than others," she replied. "Today is easy because I have something to look forward to. Thank you for inviting me," she smiled.

"Not a problem. Get in." I motioned as I unlocked the doors with my key bob. I spent the ride to my new house explaining Alice and that she was a little unorthodox.

"Is that why you came back from spring break all vogued out?" she giggled. She had noticed what I looked like before and after. That was interesting.

I smiled as I pulled into the driveway. "Yes. Alice really helped me feel better after what happened. She made me feel pretty again when Gerry wanted to make me feel used and gross. That's what I want for you," I said.

"Do you feel pretty?" She asked me in a shaky voice.

"Most days I do. Like I said, Alice helped. So let her help you. When Alice gets going, you just have to let her go. She loves a project and I'm delivering one to her now gift wrapped like you. You'll actually be doing her the favor, so just let her do her magic."

"Okay," she said timidly. Alice met us outside. The weather was fair and very pleasant, but Alice's smile could light up the darkest day.

"Hey, Raven!" Alice called. "Is this your friend Leslie?" she asked going straight to her and giving her a tight hug. "It is so good to meet you! It's about time that Raven brought someone home to play with." She winked at me. I just shook my head. Leslie needed some attention and that's what we were going to give her. I had asked Leslie on the way here if I could tell Alice that we had shared experience with Gerry and she agreed. I think I was very helpful for Leslie to talk about this a little bit. I know it made me feel better know someone really knew what I had been through.

"Just drop your stuff inside and then let's go!" Alice said. Leslie looked at me confused.

"We are probably headed to the mall. Clothes make the woman in Alice's eyes and she independently wealthy. Just let her do it," I explained. We put our school bags in my room and went straight back out the garage where Alice's black Audi S7 was parked.

"You drive, Raven. I want to get to know Leslie a little bit." Alice cooed as she got in the back seat leaving the front for Leslie. I loved driving Alice's car and she knew that this would make me extremely happy. Her car purred and driving it felt like you were floating on a cloud. Alice sat so that she could peek in-between the seats and have a good view of both Leslie and me.

The ride to the mall took about twenty minutes and in that time Alice had discerned Leslie favorite color, basic clothing style, and absolute will not wears. She had also discovered that Leslie was going to study History next year at the University of Washington next fall. She learned more about Leslie in twenty minutes than I had learned in two weeks. I felt a little guilty about that. But, then again, Alice knew what she was doing because she had her game face on. She got a certain look when she was ensuring her favorite possible future outcome.

"You guys hungry? We could head to the food court first and then hit the stores," Alice suggested. Again with the game face. I smiled at her and looked over at Leslie.

"Alice knows that I won't shop for very long if I'm hungry because I get very irritable," I whispered loudly to Leslie pretending to tell her a secret. "Yes, Alice, that's a great idea. Do I get to eat pizza?"

"You can eat whatever you like," Alice answered. "Jasper said you ran an extra mile today because you picked up your pace so much." We entered the food court and I headed to the Italian place.

"You run, too?" Leslie asked a little awed.

"It is how she deals with what happened to her," Alice answered in a serious and proud tone. "Her reaction a year ago would have been to eat copious amounts of junk food and gain a lot of weight.," she looked at me and I nodded for her to continue, "but, over the past nine months or so, Raven has worked very hard and lost about sixty pounds and she is determined not to gain it back. After her attack she threw her energy into running instead of eating and I help keep her on track." Leslie looked like she was mulling that over. "Now, I want Chinese food," Alice said and I smirked knowing she was predicting what Leslie really wanted. "How about you, Leslie?" she nodded happily. "Then let's you and me go get some egg rolls while Raven gets her greasy, cheesy constipation wedge." I stuck my tongue out at them as Alice grabbed her arm and pulled her away.

We all gathered at a table on the edge of the food court. I kept an amused eye on how Alice was disposing of her food. She used her lightning fast vampire speed to drop bits in the napkin she had in her lap. If I didn't have my wolfy powers I won't have been able to see it either. We chit-chatted a little more until Leslie really looked like she wanted to ask me a question. "What is it?" I finally asked her. She looked a little surprised at being addressed so bluntly.

"So, you were heavy, too?" she asked tentatively. "Because you're not now." she paused and Alice whispered very low for me to wait for Leslie to finish her thought. "Gerry had a type. The other girls he did this to…they are all heavier."

I didn't quite know what was bothering her, so I just told her the truth. "I started losing weight about three months before I moved here to Portland and met Gerry and I had quite a bit to go. I don't know who else he attacked," I said, "but, I know that his goal is to make us feel special and then take that away from us. He uses the power of our insecurities to make us feel unattractive and worthless. His goal with me was to ruin my relationship with my boyfriend. I think Gerry was very jealous of the bond Seth and I share and he was hoping that Seth wouldn't want me after what he did."

She didn't say anything, just nodded and continued eating her lo mein noodles. She seemed to be digesting both my words and her food. When we were finished Alice was ready to get started.

"First stop: Victoria's Secret," Alice announced and I saw Leslie turn bright red. "Oh, I can see you're going to be just a difficult as Raven was. Raven, please tell her what I told you."

"When a girl feels pretty she acts pretty," I recited in monotone while smiling, "and feeling pretty starts from the bottom up. I told you just to let her go. Besides, I have to agree that getting bras that fit," I discreetly pulled the neckline of my shirt over to reveal the purple satiny material of my bra strap, "really made me feel like a different woman," Alice beamed as if I had just read all the lines of my script correctly.

Leslie was very shy in the dressing room at first. She finally let the saleslady in to measure her properly and then we brought her all different kinds of bras when we knew her proper size. She finally modeled the bras for us after putting her clothes back on over them so we, and she, could see the difference that different styles of bras make. We spent a good hour just trying on bras and Alice insisted that Leslie leave her favorite set on to try on other clothes.

Leslie valiantly tried to limit what Alice bought for her, but it was to no avail. Alice used her sight to figure out which bra and panty sets Leslie would actually wear and feel good in and bought her two of each. The next two hours were spent in various stores where Alice instructed both Leslie and me on what styles fit our body types best. Since Alice had just bought my clothes with no help from me, I had missed the tutorial and I was getting it now.

There was a lengthy discussion on how much Alice was allowed to buy for Leslie because Leslie felt very uncomfortable about allowing a stranger buy so much for her. It was quite understandable and Alice finally relented. Leslie allowed Alice to buy her two pair of designer jeans, very similar to those she bought me, a couple pair of slacks, all with matching and coordinating tops, and two dresses. Alice confided in me that the second dress would be the one she ended up wearing for graduation. I got out of there with two new pair of jeans and two new shirts that I was quite excited about. I was getting used to the bottomless bank accounts of the Cullens and that did worry me a bit.

Leslie, Alice, and I made one more stop for frozen yogurt and then Alice was insistent that we get back to the house. Leslie had called her mom to let her know where she was and her mother sounded very excited that she was out with friends. I could hear every word her mother said with my wolfy hearing. We were going to watch a movie and then we'd take Leslie home afterwards. We pulled in the driveway and Alice told me that Jasper had taken her spot in the garage and to leave the car in the driveway. As we walked up the front door something caught my eye on the sidewalk in front of me. There in Seth's careless scrawl were the words Badwolf. I looked at Alice who just smirked.

"Alice?" My voice squeaked. Then I inhaled and I could smell him. Seth was here! Alice just nodded her head. I squealed and ran inside right into the open arms of my boyfriend who I hadn't seen in three weeks.

A/N2: Leslie is very close to my heart for many reasons. ;)