After three hours of trying to keep myself together and stopping myself from reading Bella's mind, so I could see what she and Edward were doing, it was finally time for lunch. I wasn't sure if I should be so happy with that – I was accepting the fact they would be couple any time soon, didn't mean I wanted to watch. I was debating if I should sit with the Cullens or not. I'm sure Alice wouldn't mind and since this morning Emmett wouldn't either. Maybe sitting outside would be nice…better if not – I would only start thinking again. I would just enter the cafeteria, get my lunch and see what would happen.

With my head up, I entered the crowded space where the humans were eating, thinking, gossiping and all the things that belonged to an high school student. I already saw Ali, Emmett, Rosalie and Jasper sitting at their usual table. Upon my entering their heads shot into my direction, their faces holding all an inviting expression. I searched further for the bronze head. He was sitting at the other side of the cafeteria – with Bella at his side, off course. I ignored the sting that zinged through my chest and grabbed an ice-coffee and a cheese sandwich. Just when I was paying for my food, the vampire with black spiky hair, a.k.a. my best friend, appeared at my side. I picked up my red lunch tray and looked up at her. Her face seemed a bit troubled for some reason – a reason she blocked from me. I sighed, looking at her frustratingly. She smiled slyly, knowing exactly what my problem was at that moment. For my own benefit, she nor I spoke about it – I didn't want the others to know about my mind-reading ability.

"Come on, let's have lunch. Em spared a seat for you since our brother seems to think he isn't part of our family anymore." her voice held a snarling edge, which surprised me. I'd thought Alice was the one whom supported Edward in his love for Bella. Together we crossed the cafeteria until we reached the table in the corner. Emmett's beaming smile made mine widen.

"Seriously Em, you look at her like she the cutest teddy bear existing!" Jasper exclaimed, chuckling while saying it. Rosalie chuckled along. Emmett padded the seat between him and Alice and I sat down.

"Well, I actually adopted her as my brand new baby sister since Neddieboy is clearly too busy with following his lower head." He stated. I tried to not dwell too much about his last remark. I started taking a small bite from my sandwich, catching a glimpse from what happened on the other side of the room. Edward was looking at Emmett with a dark expression – an expression that made my face heat up. Hell! I was starting to think I needed to get off once.

When I looked back at what happened surrounding the table where I sat, I saw Jasper looking at me sharply. I knew why – he'd probably sensed my lustful emotion for a second before I automatically shielded it. I averted my eyes and started eating again.

"So, eh, did you guys have a nice weekend?" I felt so stupid when I asked it. it sounded better in my head. Even though I might've been a weird question to ask vampires, I was met with four warm smiles.

"I did! I've been searching the internet for the last fashion trends and colors for this season. And Jazz and I have been hunting." Alice said stated, her voice unsure at the end. I arched an eyebrow.

"Have you been busy with fashion trends, like, all weekend?" I asked incredulously, ignoring her hunting comment. Alice smirked, "Yeah! Do you know how many research that is? And well, hunting took a whole day too, so…" she said. I had a feeling they were testing me – how I would take it.

"Okay, strange question maybe, but; what is your favorite…should I say drink? Or..which animal?" I asked, giggling nervously. Emmett's face lit up.

"Grizzly bears. Definitely grizzly. Their feisty! I like that shit!" he told enthusiastically. I laughed at his reaction.

"Yours?" I asked Alice, "deer," she replied. I found out Jasper and Rosalie both preferred grizzly as well.

"Well? What your favorite?" Rosalie asked genuinely. My eyebrows creased.

"Do you mean drink..or food?" I asked in return. She giggled.

"Both?" she questioned. I started to like Rosalie. I thought about her question for a minute.

"hmmm…" I mused, "my favorite drink is hot chocolate and my favorite food is probably lasagna." I said.

"See? I told you she was Italian! We have a brotherhood, Mells!" Emmett smirked widely and the others laughed.

"Wait, so you're are Italian?" I asked Emmett. He nodded, "Only partly – my dad was. My mom was American." He explained, I nodded. "I'm only part Italian too – but in my case my Dad is American and my…well, you get it." I finished. I couldn't get the word out. She wasn't my mother. Not anymore. She was a sadistic monster but I couldn't say that to my new friends, even though they were vampires as well.

They'd all caught the pause but didn't ask, only questioned in their heads.

Then I heard Rose make a gagging sound, "He's lost his mind didn't he? I can't believe why in the world he would fall for her for crying out loud!" she spit. Well this was the less friendly side of Rosalie Hale.

"He's taking her out on Saturday, hoping he won't kill her and then he's going to take her to the dance too!?" she raged further. Ignore the sting, ignore the sting was the mantra in my head.

Suddenly Alice's mind was full with an idea I didn't want to be a part off. dreadfully, her vision already told me I would be.

"Guys! We can go too?"she suggested, glancing sideways at me with a sly, sneaky smile.

"Really? I'd like that then I can wear my new red dress! Em, you sure want to be my date right?" Rosalie had calmed down a little after her outburst about my sister and Edward. Emmett chuckled and nodded greedily. Jasper agreed to go with alice.

"And you? Are you going with us? It would be unfair if you sat at home, alone." Jasper asked me, a wave of serenity washing over me. before I could say no, Alice talked before me

"Yes, she is. I've seen it! How about you come over Saturday afternoon, then Rose and I can do your hair and makeup!" she ranted, enthusiasm sparkling off her tone.

I had one weapon left, "But I don't – " I started, being interrupted by the evil elf again.

"and don't you dare to claim you don't have a dress! You've bought one yesterday!" she said smugly. I sighed, "I guess you'll abduct me if I don't agree, right?" I stated. Alice nodded having a dark look on her face. I nodded, "fine, I'll go with you but on one condition," I said, lifting my finger in front of her.

"No! please! Don't do that to me!" Alice whimpered. I smirked, knowing I had her in my might.

"I'm not wearing any, in my case literally, killer heels."

My next hour after lunch was biology. My whole being was tensed and torn from that fact – luckily I didn't sit next to him, it would only worsen my hurt feelings.

"Are you okay?" Alice asked me, while we took the walk to the science buildings together. That everyone was asking me if I was alright, was a sign that I needed to pull on a better mask – especially with Jasper and Alice around me.

"Oh, I'm just…you know..I don't feel really well." I said, not lying – only hiding the whole truth. Nobody could know that I was in love with Edward. Alice her eyes squeezed together suspiciously. Off course she knew there was something I wasn't telling her.

"Emmett told me you've been crying. And you ran away this morning so all of the sudden. That not because you just don't feel really well." She mocked.

"Fine! What you want! Inhuman stuff alright? That's what's bothering me. Are you happy no?" I whisper-yelled at her – at this pitch no one else would hear it. Alice gasped at my answer – sure we knew from each other we weren't human and her secret was out in the open now, but I'd never actually admitted I wasn't completely human.

'Right, right, sorry. I didn't mean to be so bitchy, but…can you tell me what you are? It would make things so much easier.' Her perfectly shaped brows were furrowed in confusion and probably frustration. But I couldn't tell her even though she was my best friend. It wouldn't get easier – only worse. I sighed.

"I'm sorry, Ali, but I can't, I mean – not yet. it's not the right time. And it's…complicated. Really complicated." I explained her miserably. Alice nodded sadly, but from her mind I read she understood, 'Don't apologize – my family copes with the same thing. The fact is that you and Bella guessed it. I can't guess with you.' She smiled apologetically, yet reassuringly.

"Our secret?" I asked at a soft tone. She nodded, 'Our secret,'

When Alice and I sat down for class, I saw Edward and Bella enter together – everyone, including me, was staring at the two of them. They sat down and starting talking about upcoming Saturday – he indeed had asked her for the spring dance. I started to feel sick in my stomach again just by thinking about them slow dancing, kissing and telling each other I love you's – which only would be true from one of them. I scanned Mr. Banner's mind for what was up for class today. A movie about the propagation of the human. In easier terms – sex. Thé talk I'd tried to flee for, for 154 times and then my siblings lost counting. They'd lost counting last year. My head started spinning while sweat broke out on my head.

"Melody? What's wrong?" Alice asked, alarmed. It was true, so true. I'd always been too stubborn to believe in all this mating and soulmate stuff. They had been right – I was physically getting sick of not being able to be near my mate. And we hadn't even, and never would have, proceeded the 'mating-process'. I swallowed and stuck my hand in the air, not answering Alice's question just yet.

"Yes, Miss Swan? Is there a problem?" Mr. Banner came walking up to me, his face carrying a look of worry upon seeing my, obviously, ashen pale face.

"I feel really awful, sir. Can I please, please go home?" I pleaded, trying to not notice that everyone, including him, watching me. Mr. Banner nodded.

"Should I call your father so he can pick you up?" he asked again. I nodded and he took off to get the phone and fulfill his teacher-duty. Alice's icy hand started rubbing my shoulder in a friendly way. 'You'll be fine Melody. Whatever it is you're suffering from, it will be alright.' She thought to me. I desperately wanted to believe her, but I couldn't. I was too late.

Ten minutes later, I was seated in the passenger seat of my dad's cruiser. My eyes were red and swollen from crying and I couldn't hold back the tears this time either. Charlie let me cry but after a while he'd had enough.

"Melody, darling, can you tell me what's wrong? Then I can try to help you." He asked miserably. I knew he hated seeing me like this – he'd seen me like this enough over the past year.

"Dad…it's just…" I stumbled, trying to find the right way to at least tell him something, "I think it has to do with all this…changing stuff? I'd always thought that only my body would become stronger and immortal, but everything is changing! Every single thing!" at the end my voice was raised, followed by another sob and a round of tears. Charlie didn't say anything for a while, even though his mind was spinning with something to help me, something he could cheer me up with. It was difficult for him – having four hybrid children to raise. He'd never known any details about the process and changes we went through – my sadistic mother had never told him anything he 'didn't need to know'.

"I feel sorry that I can't help you enough with that. Your moth – I mean..you know who I mean, had almost endured the whole change when we met. The thing is – whatever happens, Melody, nothing happens without a reason. Theirs is a reason why you're going through this right now. There is a reason why you started to change now. And if you want to, I can ask Adam for a bit information so I can help you the best I can." He finished. He felt hopeless for not being able to help us getting though all this – he could only watch and let it happen.

"I understand dad. Maybe you can…I bought a book yesterday. It's called Mythical Humans. It's about my kind and everything that belongs to it. Maybe you can, you know, read that? Then you'll understand more of us." I said, the last tears of another crying jag streaming down. Charlie nodded a small smile covering his lips, curving his mustache upward. it was a funny sight to see.

"Now tell me, are you really sick or is this just because you were stressed out. Not that I mind this, sweetheart but I just want to know." He asked as we turned into the driveway.

"Well, I do feel sick…it's both actually. I just need a break." I explained as we got out of the car. Charlie walked me to the front door and I took off my jacket and shoes. He was already busy laying a blanket and pillows on the couch. Then he went to the kitchen to make me some hot chocolate. That always made me feel better when I was younger. I'd gotten upstairs to dress into grey sweatpants and an old forest green shirt. Upon entering my room, I saw the book lying on my desk. I would give Charlie the book, but now wasn't the right time. Maybe he could read it later tonight.

When I got downstairs, the steaming mug of chocolate already stood on the side table next to the couch. Charlie gave me a hug and tucked me in on the couch. I felt like a seven year old girl all over again.

"I'm going back to work again. if there's something wrong or anything else you should call all right? " he said sternly, knowing me too well. I nodded seriously and he left again.

While I was warmly settled beneath the thick blanket, I watched TV for a while. There was some kind of drama movie on; exactly what I needed. The only thing that missed was a bucket of Ben&Jerry's® and a huge spoon.

When the movie was starting get boring, I put the TV on stand-by.

"Great. what to do now?" I mused to myself. Then an idea struck me – maybe Charlie couldn't read it, but I most definitely could. I got up from the couch and went upstairs to grab the black book from my desk. Once down, I settled back on the cushions of the couch and opened it. At first, I was met with the index. I followed the words with my finger as I read.

"Prologue

1. Newly born

2. Feeding habits and lifestyle

3. Childhood

4. Body

5. Changes

6. Causes

7. Legends

8. Abilities

9. After change

10. Facts and fables "

I started with the prologue which was written in an old, gracious handwriting.

'Dear Hybrid,

You're a mystery, an enigma. Human but not whole. Often titled as soulless monster. Often titled as incredibly beautiful mutant. Exists between humans and myths and close to a vampire. You have enemies – natural and human beings that pester you during puberty.

You live a double life in the first phase – weak and a danger for yourself. But, dear Hybrid, you'll be stronger someday.

Let Fate guide thou.'

The text made me afraid of it, but intrigued by it as well. I wondered whom had written this. Were there really more of my kind?

I quickly turned the page and started searching for the second chapter – I didn't feel the need to read the first one. It didn't seem important to me. the chapter was also enormous thick – I didn't have the patience to read about something I didn't need to know.

As I read into the chapter about feeding and lifestyle, I could recall a lot of things. But there were new things as well. After my change, for example, I would be able to feed myself in two ways – human food and blood. Another interesting thing, was that a Hybrid related to a vampire, could affect the natural diet of the vampire. After a while, the vampire would be able to live and feed like a Hybrid. Adam, Chris and Layla had been through that.

There was something else that sparked my interest. During the longtime change during puberty, a hybrid would start to lose sleeping hours – in general it would only sleep three to four hours a night. Maybe this was something that would happen soon.

After having read the whole chapter, I felt satisfied. This book was like some kind of instruction for me. I didn't want to read further yet – this was already a lot to take in. I placed the book under the couch, grabbed my IPhone and dialed the familiar number.

"Hello, this is Nathan Swan speaking." I heard from the other side of the line.

"Hi! This is your sister speaking." I replied, grinning.

"Pigmy! How have you been lately?" Nathan asked, enthusiasm coloring his tone. I giggled at the nickname. Pigmy wasn't very far from the truth.

"I'm sitting home actually. I don't feel so well at the moment." I told him honestly, even though he didn't need to know what was the real reason behind that. He made and 'aaaw' sound.

"I'm sorry to hear that, but hey! I can cheer you up, can't I?" I could imagine the smirk that covered his face at the exact time. I chuckled again

"Yeah, well that's why I kind off called. I haven't spoken to you in a while." I admitted, twirling my hair with my fingers.

"No you didn't. What a shame! You couldn't even leave your..biology shit book and have some talk with your one and only favorite brother could you?" his voice was so dramatic and I swear I heard a fake sob. I started laughing

"Nope. Sorry, dude, but I was too busy with studying." I replied in an fake arrogant tone. It was always funny to talk with Nathan like this.

"Ha! I knew it! you were too busy studying the basics of sex!' he yelled, laughing during the words. I blushed scarlet and quickly replied.

"WHAT!? Oh my God! DUDE! Do you know how fucking good that stuff feels?" I yelled back at him. Suddenly, it was deadly silent and I tried to contain my laughter.

"You did WHAT!?" he screamed so hard I needed to distance the speaker from my ears. Before I could say it was a joke, he began rattling like a drowning man.

"Melody! Holy fuck! You…you!"

" Nate – "

"You fucking fucked a fucking DUDE! What shit is that! Your fifteen for fucks sake!"

"Nathan.. – "

"I'm going to damn kill the bastard! I'll rip his d – "

"NATHAN DRAMAQUEEN SWAN!" I screamed through the phone, silencing him and talking further before he had a chance to go roaring again.

"I'm only joking! Do you seriously think I jump some random guy and sex him in the dressing rooms at the gym?" I confessed, talking at a normal pitch again.

"Will you please, never, ever, ever, say something like that to me again, like, never?" he growled. I chuckled. "You started it yourself bro." I said. He huffed and I could almost see his eyes rolling.

"Anyway – still clumsy as ever?" he chuckled, the snarky comment obvious in his voice. I rolled my eyes. "Do you even have to ask?" I replied. Nathan always thought it was funny when I would fall or slide or almost accidently kill someone. He even made a video once of me tripping, falling and doing all kinds of clumsy things with the most annoying song beneath it.

"hmm. I'd rather not. Btu seriously, you're going to be the clumsiest vampire ever!" he busted out laughing again, probably imagining me with red eyes, falling from a tree or something in that effect.

"Nate, vampires aren't clumsy." I stated smugly. I'd thought he would know since he already was a fully grown hybrid.

"That's the point, sister." he remarked, laughing once again. Why did I call him again? he only seemed to annoy me. But yeah…he always did, actually.

"Hey, pigmy, I need to go – got to pick up Faith from school. I'll talk to you soon alright?" my brother said. It was so weird sometimes- the one time he was acting like sixteen year-old always nagging his little sister and then he suddenly was the father for his child. I chuckled. "All right. I love you bro, never forget that." I said feeling my throat constrict for some reason.

"Love you too Baby Swan. Bye"

"Bye.." I said, but the line was already broken. I threw my phone on the table, let myself fall back on the couch and slung my arm over my face. Not long after, I fell asleep, exhausted.