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Chapter 24: Bonfires

The moment Desty left the girl's bathroom for sixth period; I immediately called Carlisle and told him my suspicions of the Wi-Fi network known as Blackhawk on my iPhone. Even though he gave a logical answer that someone from La Push or Forks was probably in the same area as me on both occasions and it just so happens to have that peculiar nickname for their connection, could be all a coincidence, although it's highly unlikely, but still not impossible either.

However by the same token, it mystifies and concerns him a great deal especially the part on how I received the cellphone and the time-frame and by whom because I had no choice to tell him about some of the disclosures Uncle Theo revealed this morning and Janet's disappearance. He made it certain that he would not think about these details around Edward and promised to keep it quiet to the others, revealing that Edward could only read what's going on in your mind at the time from a mile away.

Carlisle mentioned at the end of our conversation that Edward seems to be 'blocked' from reading anyone's mind whenever I am within thirty-feet radius. Furthermore, leading Carlisle to believe the reason might have something to do with the Blackhawk Wi-Fi connection on my iPhone. Go figures. But it may be good news that he can't. Though it did cross my mind on how they knew about Uncle Theo if Edward couldn't read his mind last night; unless someone has eavesdropped on conversations which is most likely.

In any case, it was making Edward moodier and has the rest of the Cullens worried that something was very wrong. But he reassured me that they'd get to the bottom of all these uncertainties and we will overcome these obstacles, somehow. Additionally, they are not going to abandon me and leave me here defenseless, even if it was only him and Esmé.

Those last words spoken by Carlisle before saying our farewells stuck within my mind causing a sick feeling in my tummy. So much so, I couldn't bring myself to go to the office and ask for a tardy slip for the last class of the day. Besides, I spent half of the hour on the phone with Carlisle.

Amusingly, Desty had been right. The twelfth grade restroom is visitor free or non-exclusive to our peers. I just hope I can leave discreetly and hook it to Tazzy without being noticed or caught by an adult. Detention for ditching is the last thing I needed to deal with.

As I open the door with my tote on my shoulder, the creepiness of seeing Edward standing across the hall waiting for me, (why else would be there?), immobile with his hands in his jeans front pockets curiously watching me as I hesitated in the entryway unsure of what I am to say to him or to ignore him entirely because so far, he has made no intentions to speak to me.

Shrugging off the uneasiness of his blunt stare, I promenade down the covered sidewalk quickly without a glance over my shoulder to see if he was still rooted to where he stood or is now following me. With each passing classroom, I'd breathe a small sigh of relief. I had never attempted this action of skipping out of school before and the anxiety from it is unnerving. As it was, my heart accelerated with each step towards the student's parking area.

Hastily, I began to panic for a moment as I hustled through the lot of parked cars until I saw that Libby had to park Tazzy all the way at the end in a secluded area by the woods because obviously every space was taken. When I got to the Trans-Am and seated myself inside, I truly felt liberated. And astonishingly, I liked the thrill of doing something against conventional rules for once.

Breathing an enormous sigh of relief, I put the keys ignition to turn my iPod on. Music begins to play softly through the speakers as I took out a water bottle from my tote to quench my thirst and at the last moment decided to re-open the thesis. It didn't make any sense last night and frustratingly, I crawled into bed next to Libby who was already in a deep sleep.

Inquisitively, I thought I could show the professors thesis to Uncle Theo this morning and maybe he could have enlighten me on what the numbers meant and decipher the odd langue used but I didn't get that chance and put it in there along with my phone before we ate breakfast. And I should have taken my tote to get Jessie in La Push. Then I could have answered Alice when she tried calling and texting and probably would have avoided dodging a one furious Sam.

Suddenly, the sound of leaves crunching loudly underneath someone's footfalls alerted me to look over my left shoulder. Not so shockingly, it's Edward and he halts by a cedar tree eight feet away and leans his hand against it. The driver's side is faced along the woods obscuring his presences altogether. I apprehensively roll the window down. It's obvious he wanted to talk to me or why else would he be here. He being in the hall hadn't been a coincidence.

"Hi." Edward said tightly. I notice a slight English tenor to his voice that I hadn't noticed last night.

"Hey." I am surprised by how calm my voice sounded.

"I came here to apologize." Edward said. I stared, incomprehensibly, into his Anastasia eyes. The apology took me by surprise. I'm clueless and couldn't seem to utter a 'why'. He scowls and crosses his arms. "It's very frustrating …not able to see into your mind or theirs whenever you're around." He said in quiet tenor. "And I …we all thought it was just your presences that it couldn't be fixed. I was much infuriated at something out of your control and arrogantly thought you came here just to destroy us …but more me than anyone else."

Ah, I guess that makes …sense. How come Edward wasn't this easily open to Bella in the book? Hmm, maybe it's because he'll be so in love with her, he doesn't know how to speak to a human girl yet. Guess vampires are the same as hormonal human males. You know guys and emotions; they clearly run the other way. Except if it's Sam and Tucker. I sigh.

"May I see your phone?"

Noticeably, it's obvious I'm dazed from my thoughts and it took a moment for me to respond to Edwards's forward question.

"I suppose so." I say retrieving my phone from my hoodie pocket. I held it out the window for him to take. He made a point not to touch my hand and carefully took it. "Keep it." I told him as he had already took the backside off and began investigating the inside compartments. "I'm going to get a new one anyways." because I have a feeling once he's finished, it won't be useful any longer.

Besides, why would I want a phone connecting me to an enemy who wants to kill me? I assume it was Blackhawk's gateway to my mind and how that was even possible, I didn't know, but I don't underestimate it.

Edward pauses from further destroying my cellphone and looks up at me. "You're generous and smart." he said outspokenly. Suspiciously, I glare as he looks back down at the venture in his hands.

How could Edward know what type a person I was if he couldn't read my mind? Surely, I do not act accordingly at Forks High. Since my first day, I haven't been the Samantha Huntley whom knows all the correct answers in class or handing in finished homework. I suspect my teachers here may have been misled on my transcripts at Sumter Academy to be true. And I'm still a sour ass to my peers. At least that hasn't changed. So how he can he says that I'm generous?

Unless, he had eavesdropped on my conversation in the bathroom with Desty and the reason he knew about the Blackhawk network connection on my phone as quickly as he did.

"Do you do that often? Listen to private conversations? I bluntly ask Edward. His face pales if that was even possible and then his sharp gaze became aware as if considering speaking the truth.

"Not really. I try my best not to. And having you around here, well, everyone's quiet for a change -which is a relief but you have no idea how frustrating it is at the same time." Edward said openly.

Stunned from the openness, I changed my glare to an abundant stare. His eyebrows knit, appraising that I needed more of an explanation. But of course, I had to remark first.

"You're right. I have no idea what that's like."

Edward breathes heavily in displeasure from my comment. "Alice told me this morning that I should listen outside the restroom since I can't read anyone's thoughts. She didn't say why, that I just needed too. It's not gentlemanly, I agree. But Alice is usually right. And if we're being honest with one another, I really didn't want too. However, I learned a few things and this-" he held up my put back together cellphone- "Just might be the reason for the unexplainable to my problem."

"I was afraid of that." I admit to him as I look straight ahead, gazing through the windshield particularly at nothing, biting my lower lip. However, I don't think he realizes just how much, on everything he revealed to me.

"Samantha?" I look back at Edward. He looks seriously annoyed. "Since I need your phone, could I take you to get another one in Port Angeles? It'll be my treat. And if you feel uncomfortable going together, I'll meet you there." He offers in a velvet tone. "I'll even bring Alice." He added at the last moment.

That surely was unexpected. Astonishingly, I found myself nodding to his invitation. "I'll meet you there. Just tell me exactly where so I can get the directions off the internet and print it out." I said softly. "I haven't been to Port Angeles yet." I added.

"We'll meet up in the parking lot on the west side of the boardwalk. Is Tuesday after school okay?"

"Sure, I guess so." I said as the last nasal of a bell sounded signaling the end of the school day. He nods.

"Thank you for accepting my offer. It's the least I can do." Edward said easing away. "I'll see you later, Sammie." and then he hurriedly went to the silver Volvo that was parked a few cars away.

I had to ask myself, where in the heck is the moody and sullen Edward Cullen? I cannot believe he actually apologized for his misconception of me and presented an offer to buy me a cellphone. It isn't to get to know me I'm sure. And surely he's not suggesting to be more than friends because that would be absolutely insane. But, isn't Bella's silent minding the exceptional pull other than her blood?

Oh snap, Houston. I think we might have another glitch. Well two actually. If Edward can't read minds while I'm around when Bella arrives, how is he going to know she's special and his soul mate? Not only that, but haven't I already made his one exception that he may not really take notice of her now. Placing my hands on my face and palms over my eyes and resting my head back on the seat, I breathe a long, long weary sigh.

Oh this is freaking fantastic.

"Hey." a familiar deep voice said at my window.

Startle, I remove my hands from my face to my lap and look up into his coca ardent eyes. Sam places his large russet hands on the car door and squats down, all the while gazing intensively into my eyes.

Oh larwd, round three. Is it going to be kissing or quarreling?

~ o ~ O ~ C ~ O ~ o ~

"You can't be serious, Sammie!" Libby squawks as I pull up to Desty's house on the curve. I put the yellow beast in park and beeped the horn for the signal that we were here.

I looked at Libby, holding up a palm. "Wait until I'm done before you say anything else." I breathed, leaving a hand on top of the steering wheel and reposed my elbow on the arm rest. "I just mentioned we were going to be at First Beach after the game for the bonfire. Sam seemed civil enough and didn't bring up this morning and he just wants to talk is all. You know, get to know one another." I explained while playing with a piece of leather string on the steering wheel, glancing between it and her.

"I'm not too much worried about Sam. The way you two have upsets and make-up and make-out is a world's record." She shakes her head from the thought of catching us not once, but twice today lip-locking. I blush a little remembering the affects it has on me. She breathes deeply. "It's Jessie that I'm concerned about. He's going to be there you know." Libby enlightens. "And you know he's going to give you an ear full of crap about this morning." She assures and had a point there. "Not only that, he's going to be yelling at me, too and our new friends will be at this bonfire!"

"Don't worry, there will be two bonfires. The after party one and Sam's which will be further down the beach; problem solved. Besides, Sam promised it'll be fun, not bat shit crazy like our lives have been lately."

"Oh that's just brilliant, Sammie. And how are we supposed to pull off two bonfires? "

"Those are your friends Libby. Not mine." I remind her. Libby was going to respond but the rear passenger's side door opens.

"Sammie, thank you so much for letting me tag along to the game." Desty said from the backseat and closing the truck's door. I slightly turn sideways and smile at her, ignoring Libby's glare.

"You're most welcome. Did your dad say it was okay to go to the beach afterwards?" Desty rolls her eyes and exasperates.

"It's so embarrassing! He called your aunt to see if she knew about this and she said yes and mentioned your Uncle was going to be there so naturally he said its fine as long as I'm home by twelve thirty." Desty replies verbosely.

I nodded thoughtfully and shifted suddenly in my seat to drive to the stadium, turning the stereo on; loudly. I knew Uncle Theo was going to be there but Libby didn't. She missed the news while refreshing herself in the bathroom as I waited in the dinning room. I would have told her on the way over, however, she prattled on excitedly about cheering at her first football game and there seemed to be no chance. I'm lucky I got to tell her Sam's idea of another bonfire before Desty entered the truck.

Subtly, I glance over at her now and she's giving me the 'I hate you at the moment' look. I gulp and glad she will be yelling at the crowd for a couple of hours. Hopefully by then, she'll be hoarse and tuckered out and simply be over it and ready to deal afterwards.

Honestly, if wasn't for Uncle Theo suggesting to chaperone, we wouldn't have permission to go. Period. As it was, Aunt Maggie had to leave for Seattle not long ago to pick up Mr. Edward from the airport and didn't want us going without her being in Forks if something should happen to either one of us. Uncle Theo was supposed to go with her but proposed for Allison to ride with her and he'd look out for the whole group. Of course though, I'm a little suspicious it's an excuse to spend time with Jessie. And I cannot blame him for wanting to get to know his nephew in any way he could.

Libby reaches and turns off the stereo. "You missed the turn back there." she told me in a blatant manner, hiking her thumb over her shoulder.

Abruptly, I slow down and make a U-turn on the two-way road without anyone saying a word. Libby guides me in a soft voice the rest of the short way to the small Forks stadium parking lot. How she knew was beyond me and I didn't bother to ask. It was really unnecessary and I didn't want to fight with her. And I knew it was a bad time to have any kind of conversation.

Desty and I stood at the backend of the yellow beast watching Libby storm off with her pom-poms and the mega-phone. As soon as I came to a full stop, she jumped out and left without a see ya, not even a middle finger.

"I don't think she likes me much." Desty surmised beside me and sighs greatly.

"No, it's not that. She's just upset with me is all." I explain hooking my keys on my jeans loop.

"Are you sure? Because she didn't even say hi when you introduced us in the car this afternoon when you gave me a ride home after school." She said this with sadness in her voice eyeing our passing peers.

I sigh as I watch Libby meet up with the rest of the cheer squad, happily at the front gate. "Yeah, I'm pretty sure. We're both going through a lot and I know that sounds like an excuse but it's the truth." I look at Desty and squeeze her elbow for a second to get her full attention. "Anyway, I'm sorry she gave you that impression though. She smiled at you, Desty, which is a good sign. So I wouldn't worry about it." and then I smile wide. "Let's go enjoy the game, chickadee." I said optimistically. She grins.

"Lets." She said gleefully, making a quick recovery from the assumed dejection.

An hour later, the game was beginning its second quarter. And I'm wondering why in the hell I ever thought this would be fun. But in my defense, I had assumed I'd be watching instead of walking up and down the stadium bleachers. I only know that Hoquiam has the lead with a score of twenty-one while the Spartans are losing by seven points. At least that's what the scoreboard proclaims. It seems that I cannot catch a single play because I've had to make several trips to the concession stand for the cheerleader's sassy demands of refreshments. And that's putting it mildly.

Apparently it's my freaking duty to answer their cat-calls. No wonder the job was offered to me so quick. It should have been no surprise that the Pep squad coach just sits in front of them and does nothing but cheers! And did I mention that she also calls for this or that, too? Ugh, I feel I like doing an un-politely applaud and telling them all go to freaking cheerleader hell.

In all honesty, if it wasn't for Desty, I'd probably done so already. She's kept me in a fairly even mood by seeing the humor in this insanely servant profession that I was suckered into. She has had no qualms about helping me either. Though, I didn't tell her that I have this enormous sneaky feeling that this was all Libby's doing. Mainly because Libby has continued to give me or us a cold shoulder which by the way I have ignored her pettiness and smiled at her anyways.

So I'm standing in line for the hundredth time tonight and wondering what in the heck could be her problem with me. It is true what I told Desty that we are going through a lot in our life lately but seriously, did she have to take all her anger out on me? Is it even justifiable?

Yes, it was, I concluded. After all it was my mother who caused this science fiasco. And Uncle Theo who discharged the machine and somehow it malfunctioned creating a big bang of a mess as he said. I should have interrupted her in the truck and explained exactly why he is needed at the beach. But, I have feeling it wouldn't have matter what the excuse was; she would have most likely gotten upset anyway. Which brings me to believe since Libby or Jessie is not acting like themselves, could it be their chips malfunctioning as well as mine did? Dang, it's hard to tell because I've been under a spell since Denver. I don't know if the spell has caused the most of the changes in me or if it's the chip's behavioral changes and is indeed faulty. Maybe I should …now what the hell is a person wearing a God-awful orange jacket climbing into the back of my yellow beast for?

Eugh, the line is too long to leave and even though I made little progress….. Shoot, I excuse myself from the crowd and march over to the truck to see what this person is up to by lying in the bed of it. Obviously they've mistaken it for theirs or just drunk and needed a place to pass out. Suddenly, I halt at that thought several steps from the backend of the yellow beast and look around to see if there is security near-by. Gees, not even one person in this full freaking darken lot! It doesn't seem like this at forty feet away; at the concession stand by the front gate. Snap. I should have gone and tugged Desty over here with me. I unhook my keys from my jeans loop and held one key like it's a weapon.

"Hello-o?" I say, my voice shaking, just, a little. I counted to thirty and an orange hoodie head sticks up. "Um, you're in my truck." I said shifting my weight. The light from the football field shadows their slightly dirty cheeks and nose. Oh brother. It's a young girl as she takes off the hood, letting her long curly dark hair spray about her oval face.

She clears her throat with her dirty knuckles. "I'm sorry." Her voice appears croaky and dry. "I-I didn't mean any harm. I swear. I just needed to rest." she explains as she barely manages to stand up on her own and leans on the trucks edge. "Please don't call the cops." She pleads before she jumps out. "I'll be leaving now." She adds before turning around to walk briskly away.

Damn. She needs help. "Hey wait!" I call after her when she begins to run in between the vehicles. So what do I do? I dash behind her. "Hey, wait! I got water!" she stops abruptly and turns around to face me and then bends over, leaning her palms on her knees, and is breathing rather hard. I halt my sprint and walk until I'm a few feet away, not even breathless. "Listen, I have water and I can get you something hot to eat. What do you say? Just please, let me help in any way I can." I encourage. Slowly, she begins to nod as water drips from her face. Is she crying or sweating?

It took us several minutes to walk back to the truck. I didn't think we ran that far out and almost entered on an empty farming land. I believe I was so bent on rescuing her from her nightmare, since I couldn't do the same for me and my friends, that I didn't pay any attention to where we were heading.

As we arrive from the front side of the truck, I notice Desty sitting on the tailgate and sidled off as we reach the back-end.

"Are you both okay?" Desty asked quietly, curiously looking at the newest addition to our group and then back at me. Puzzled, I look at her oddly enough that she explains. "Oh. I saw. I mean, I wasn't spying or anything, I was just checking to see where you went and caught it all at the end. Sorry." I nod.

"Hah no, there's nothing to apologize for, Desty, really. Can you do me a big favor?"

"Sure, anything."

I reach into my front pocket, pulling out a twenty-dollar bill and handing it to her. "Could you please go get six hot dogs and a large fry and get anything that you want also?"

"Be right back with those six hot dogs and a large fry!" Desty replies cheerfully and then leaves to go to the concession stand. Desty might be only fifteen, but she's very intelligent and understands I needed to speak with the stranger girl privately.

Conspicuously, I went to the driver's rear, opened the truck's passenger's door and brought out two water bottles from the floorboard from the backseat. And grabbed the plaid blanket Aunt Maggie insisted we bring along. Subtly, I handed her one of the bottles and the blanket.

"Thanks." she said.

Promptly, I sat on the tailgate and patted for the girl to sit with me. She did with no hesitation. I took a big gulp as she did as well.

I twisted the cap back on. "By the way, my name is Samantha, but my friends call me, Sammie."

She clears throat. "Bree." she said draping the blanket around her shoulders. I nod.

"It's nice to meet you, Bree." I breathe. "I want you to know that I promise not to tell a soul, not even the cops." I hesitated, looking at her, biting down on my lip before I proceeded. I'm hoping she doesn't run away again and tell me exactly how I can help her. "But I need you to be honest with me, okay?" She looks at me with wide distrusting brown eyes.

"Seriously, you have my word that I won't. You can always count on me, no matter what." I pledged with a nod. "Do you live in this area?" I ask softly. She shakes her head quickly in a no. "I don't need all the details right now. But have you've been hurt?" she shifts under the blanket and I thought she was fixing to skip out on me, however she turned sideways to show the massive bruising on her belly and even though the lights from the stadium cascaded shadows, I could still make out the boot mark that was left behind and just know it wasn't dirt. My eyes misted over and had to look away in disgust. I became extremely angry, gripping the edge of the tailgate with both palms.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset you. I just -just thought. I don't know, better I guess."

I breathe a weary sigh. "It's okay. This is not your fault. Not any of it. Please don't be sorry." I say softly without looking at her, and quickly wiping a tear that escaped from my eye lid.

"I ran away the other day at the campsite not too far from here. I burnt the fish he caught and I honestly didn't mean too." She sniffs. "I'm only fourteen and just couldn't take it anymore. I know he's looking for me because I've seen his Winnebago go by several times today on that road." She points easterly and sighs. "He did it to my mom since I can remember and then she left me with him ten long, miserable years ago and then he started abusing me the same way right after." She hiccups. "I'm hoping I can find her before he finds me." She adds.

"I will help you." I said with determination in my voice looking at her now. "But first, in the meantime, we need to find you a safe place to stay where you can shower, eat and heal. Possibly get you into school somehow with a different name, too; since you are a runaway."

"You would do that -that for me?" she sniffles. I nodded thoughtfully.

"Yep, I am a friend for life, Bree. I'll do almost anything for a friend if I could or able to; even more when they're seriously injured." I jump off the tailgate. "Hold on, I need to make a -" Cheese 'n Rice! Edward has my stupid cellphone! A silver Volvo pulls up behind the backend of the yellow beast. I put my hands on my hips. Oh good grief! Naturally the sweet vampire saw and brought her charming brother along.

"Hi, Sammie! I knew this was you!" Alice said excitedly getting out of the car and rushing to be my side. "I had to come see you before we went home!" Yeah of course you did. I have a patient for your dad to check out for the possibility of a broken rib which you probably already know that. I wanted to say this much but couldn't in front of Bree, and now Detsy, as she was returning back with the food I ordered for the runaway. As it was, they were both gawping astonishingly at Alice. Glad Edward stayed seated in the shiny silver car.

"Desty, you and Bree eat. I need to talk with Alice for a moment, okay?"

"Of course, Sammie." Desty replies eagerly.

I briskly walk to the front of the yellow beast and turn around to face to Alice. "I take it you already know what I want?"

"Sammie, I told you this morning I can't help it. I really am sorry."

"Can you guys put her up for the weekend until I can speak with someone about taking her in?"

"Carlisle giving her an exam is okay but we've never had a human stay at our house before or much less visit. You're the only one that's even been inside our home. And Jasper …he's still trying to be good and this would be over the limit for us." I ignore her admissions for the time being furthering the situation at hand.

"Well I've got the cash money to put her in a motel but I'm not old enough to rent a room. Can ya'll do that much?"

"I don't see a problem with it."

"And-"

"We'll watch over her. Nothing will happen. I promise." She smiles. Of course, she already knew I'd be asking that. But still, it stuns me every time nevertheless.

Desty stayed behind at the ball field to be with Libby if I was late getting back. I followed Edward and Alice to the only motel in Forks as Carlisle was supposed to be meeting us there. I explained to Bree what is happening and why. She didn't argue or ask many questions and for that, I'm grateful. Because for one, I couldn't really be truthful about the Cullens and two, I was fretful that I just might not be able to find her a home without getting the police involved. She needed help and the last thing she needed was to be returned to the monster that hurt her on a daily basis when no one around them notices the beatings. Which further pisses me off.

As I parked, I reached in the glove compartment for my billfold to get the three hundred dollars Aunt Maggie gave to me to buy a puppy two weeks ago. Luckily, she took it out of my pants pocket and stuffed the money in there while I was in the hospital. I knew it would come in handy one day and it's being used for a good cause now. Carlisle came to the window and I gave it to him to pay for the room.

When Bree felt comfortable after a little time, I left to go pick up Libby and Desty at the stadium. Vehicles were leaving as I was entering the parking lot and its pure chaos. Forks finest are out directing traffic and I thought I recognized Charlie and Officer Van Dame but hey, they all look the same in uniform that I couldn't really say truthfully if it's them or not. As I pull up to the front gate, Libby seems furious by her expression.

And she didn't waste time barking before she slammed the truck door. "Desty told me what happened. I want to know right now, Sammie, and I don't care whose listening. What's her last name?"

"You mean Bree's last name?"

"That'll be the one."

"I don't like your tone, Elizabeth. At all."

"Suck it, Samantha, just gimme the damn name?"

"What the hell is wrong with you?"

"These glitches are the problem. Are you going to spill or drive me insane?"

"I think you're already there talking to me like that, chickadee."

"What the hell is wrong with you? Why are you being such a pain in the ass?"

"Me? A pain in the ass? You've got to be fucking kidding me!" I nearly shout.

"Um, you guys?"

"Oh my god, the big bird speaks." Libby remarks harshly.

"Oh hail nah, what the hell was that for?" I squawk.

"Uh, there's flashing lights." Desty says softly that I'm not comprehending.

"What is she saying? I can't understand her with all that noise." Libby says sarcastically.

"Why do you wanna be so mean to her, Libbs? That's not you. What the heck is going on with you?"

"I NEED TO KNOW THE FUCKING LAST NAME." she yells very loudly.

"Seriously? That's all?" I say tightly.

"SAMMIE, HOLY FUCKING CROW. Slow the fuck down, there's a cop behind us!" Libby squeals.

Quickly, I glance at the speed odometer. I press the brake slowly because going this speed will cause us to flip over if I slammed on the brakes. I glimpse in my rear-view and sure enough a police cruiser is pretty far behind us but approaching fast on our ass.

"That's what I've tried to tell you." Desty said.

"Oh yeah, well you didn't try very hard, now did you?" Libby snaps.

"LIBBY, SHUT THE FUCK UP! IT'S TANNER. Okay. Just stop being so mean to her before …."

"Before what, Sammie? Before you kick my ass?"

"I'm warning you, Elizabeth. Shut the hell up or you can walk to La Push." I said through clench teeth as I pulled over onto the shoulder.

"You wouldn't dare."

"Triple me. I dare you!" I challenged her as I thwacked the driveshaft into park.

"This is all her fault!" Libby nearly shouts pointing at Desty in the backseat.

I lean over to get my billfold. "Get the fuck out of my truck or I'll pull you out by your fucking braids." I said through clenched teeth quietly. "And don't think I won't do it either. You can ride in the very back. Maybe it'll teach you to have respect for others." I added taking my driver's license and insurance card out in a gruff.

Hastily, Libby gets out of the truck. She slams the door by kicking it with her foot. I just shake my head at her childish behavior. She walks a few feet and turns around to glower at me while the cop slowly approaches the yellow beast as he shines the high beam from his flashlight into the cab and then back at Libby and repeats. I push the button for the window to roll down.

"Well …well …well. Where's the fire, Miss Huntley?"

"Sorry, Officer Van Dame, honestly the cruise control got stuck. It couldn't be helped. We were all scared and yelling and some of us are really upset that they had to step out of the truck." I lie and hope it was convincing. It seems I'm telling one lie after another and pretty soon, if I keep it up, I'll start believing in them myself. I look away at his cold, hard stare to roll my eyes at my internal monologue.

"Do you know how fast you were going?"

"Uh, no sir." And that isn't a lie because I really don't recall the numbers during my heated argument with my best friend that ended just a moment ago. I hope Desty doesn't tell her dad the truth but then again, it makes me ill that I've put her in the spot to cover-up my lie. I wonder what she thinks of me now; probably, a total airhead.

"I believe we need to call Dowling's to tow the truck." My eyes widen at the prospect. They're going to know I was lying now. "You see, it's not safe if the cruise control took it to a hundred and twenty miles an hour and got stuck there. You girls could have gotten seriously injured or possibly killed farther ahead on dead man's curve. Not only that, you're lucky you didn't hit some wildlife going that speed." He whistles shaking his head. "Damn lucky. Sorry Samantha. But you need to call to get another ride. Chief Swan will have my hide if I didn't do it, sweetie; to be frank with ya." I gulp and nod.

"I understand. It's okay. Safety always comes first."

"Exactly."

As we waited for Uncle Theo to come pick us up, Libby and I shared apologies but that's a far as we got when he did pull up ten minutes later. He was already on the beach with the guys, building the stack of driftwood on both bonfires. Immediately, I told him the absolute truth on the way to First Beach. At first, he laughed and thought I was 'pulling his leg'. When he saw my serious face, he knew then I wasn't joking.

"Sammie, I don't care how mad you get, girl, you can't forget your driving and especially on these dark, curvy roads at night. You would have been responsible if anyone got hurt tonight."

"I know. I've already apologized to them both. I feel wretched about driving that speed and on top; I lied to a police officer. And then after they realize I was not telling the truth from the beginning, my word isn't going to mean jack shit, plus I 'll get rewarded for a speeding ticket."

"Sammie, you are already known it was wrong and the consequences of how lying is not the best policy."

"You should know." Libby mutters from the backseat. Oh no. Not here. Not in front of Desty again. The poor girl probably thinks we've lost our freaking minds. On second thought …maybe we have and just now realizing it.

Thankfully, Uncle Theo ignored Libby's sarcastic mutter. And he pulls in the sandy-rock parking lot of First Beach. We all get out of his white Ford Grand-Hauler and promenade down the short narrow path without conversation to the glowing embers of both bonfires which surprising were in between the end of the pathway, however, they are very well apart, I guess estimated a mile from each other.

Libby went one way, and Desty and I followed Uncle Theo the other direction. Surely, I've had enough of her childish antics and didn't want to hear her and Jessie argue. I gulp and realized then I'd be facing his wrath without her. I hope Jessie will behave himself in front of Desty. But asking for a miracle would probably be a waste. Perhaps I could kiss him on his cheek and he'll forgive me? Well I was about to find out because it's him walking towards us; with much attitude in his stride. Please, just this once God?

~ o ~ O ~ C ~ O ~ o ~