I looked down at the snow as it slowly stained with crimson. Like an ink stain on silk. There was a loud screaming sound; wracked with pain, anger, sorrow and loss.

And it wasn't until a second later that I realised that the sound was coming from me.

CHAPTER 38

Bang!

Nessie's POV

I spent the rest of my holiday, those glorious days with Jacob; we never left the house and we found new ways and places to make love. We only stopped to eat, sleep and to clean ourselves up. The only time I wore clothes was when visitors came round!

The boys eventually came by to pick up some clothes. Seth and Gemma were spending time with Sue and Charlie as Leah was down. This was the first time Gemma was going to meet Leah. Good luck with that!

Quil was looking after Claire as her parents were going to visit family. They were going to visit elderly family were children would just get in the way. So Claire had Quil all to herself for a week! Embry was with Adeline; probably doing what we were doing so that meant we had the house to ourselves.

Mom and Dad backed off. I hadn't heard from them and I hadn't made the effort to speak to them. Jacob had gone over to tell them about the Ethan incident and I spoke with Lottie over the phone to tell her what had happened a few days after the scare.

"He is a sick little bastard. He was going to stab you, wasn't he?"

"I think that was his plan. I don't think he seen me arrive but I think he was waiting for me to go to Jacob's. I don't know how long he was there, maybe he was stupid enough to try and do something to Jacob."

"Maybe burn down Jacob's garage to get to you. He has form."

"I never even thought of that. You know what, maybe that was his plan. He talked about burning down the library when he was at his other school; in fact he was laughing about it."

"Sick fuck. We have to be on our guard."

"He has also noticed a smell coming from his car so I think when he finds that he is going to flip."

"Then we will be definitely be on our guard. We don't let him out of our sight. We stick together. Tae Kwon do is on at the school at seven pm on Thursdays. We will get to it when we are back."

Jacob returned shortly after seeing my parents. He said they were very concerned about Ethan and I relayed Lottie's theory to Jacob. "Yeah, you know what? That sounds plausible."

"I think you need to get some form of security."

"Nah," Jacob scoffed. "I would have heard him."

"But you said that you only heard me when I was shouting at you. Shouting. You were in a deep sleep. I think you should at least look into it. Especially when you are all sleeping." Jacob shook his head. "Please Jacob. I want you to be safe," I pleaded.

Jacob looked up and sensed the distressed tone. "Ok, ok. I will ask Emmett to help me out. He knows about stuff like that."

"Will you make sure Billy has the same?"

"Do you think that this Ethan will go that far?"

I nodded. I was worried, and I looked worried. "I think when he realizes that the dead animals are in his car then he is going to go insane."

Jacob took my hands. "Ok. I will call Emmett; we will go to Seattle and get some equipment. Will that put you at ease?" I nodded as I reached over the bed and pounced on him.

"Not before you pleasure me Mr Black…."

I hadn't seen much of anyone in the two weeks that had passed. I hadn't told my other friends that I got engaged, I wanted to wait and tell them when we got back to school, which was today; Wednesday 4th January 2012. Jacob and I had gotten cards from those that did know, including one from Mom and Dad. I hadn't opened theirs yet, I had left it sitting under the pile of opened cards. I hadn't opened the one from Alice either as I was still pissed at her for getting involved.

But I put that all to the back of my mind. I was going back to school and was going to tell everyone about my news but also about Ethan. I placed my gym kit into my bag along with the books I needed for the rest of my classes. I felt an arm snake around my waist and a plate of toast appeared in front of me. "Hey sexy," Jacob whispered huskily. "Do you have to go to school today?"

"Are you suggesting, Mr Black, that you want me to skip school and spend the day with you?"

"In my bed."

I dropped my bag, turned around to face my fiancé who still had one arm around me and the other holding a plate of toast. I kissed him softly on his lips. "I would love to Jacob, but I have to go and show everyone my Christmas present," I kissed him again.

Jacob kissed me back. "And so you must. I wouldn't want you missing school anyway, although the thought is very tempting," he kissed me again a little harder. "I have a full day at the garage and I have three boys that still have to wake up," he looked past the bedroom door then back to me. "And I want you to have some toast before you go."

"Ok, um…I have an embarrassing question I need to ask," I took the toast out of his hand and sat down on his bed. "I haven't got my purse from home, it's the one thing I haven't got," I looked down at the floor. "Which means I haven't got any money for lunch," I said quietly.

"Nessie!" Jacob sat down next to me. "You don't have to embarrassed about that Ness. I don't mind giving you money for lunch. What is mine is yours and all that," he put his arm around me. "But I am taking you to see your parents tonight cos I think you have held out on them long enough."

"I don't want too," I mumbled.

"You do really. You love them very much but you can't stay here to keep from seeing them."

"I know," I took a bite of my toast. Jacob knew exactly how I liked my toast; buttery. I could also smell coffee. Jacob picked up my bag, took my hand and led me downstairs to the dining area where he had a pot of coffee waiting for me. I poured Jacob and I a cup as he set my bag on the sofa with my phone on top of it. "Thanks Jacob. I know you are right. I will go and see Mom and Dad later, but will you come with me?"

Jacob made is way across to me in two large steps. "Of course I will. Now get that in you and I will get you some more toast," he kissed my forehead then dashed to the kitchen. I knew he had a busy day ahead as he had been shut for the full two weeks of the Christmas and New Year holiday. He was an amazing man. He was my man. "How are you getting to school?" Jacob pulled me out of my dream.

"Um, Lottie is coming to get me in," I looked at the clock. "In five minutes. We are getting there early so that Gemma and I can show off our rings," I smiled. "Lottie didn't want me running through the woods by myself given the whole Ethan thing."

"And if that little punk looks at you in any way that makes you feel uncomfortable then you call me."

"Sure sure," I replied taking another sip of coffee. "I will call you."

"You had better," Jacob smiled warmly at me.

I had made sure I had dressed appropriately today as it was still heavy snow. I wore a black, long sleeved polo neck with a white sleeveless knitted cardigan. I teamed it with a pair of Levi dark blue boot cut jeans and my timberlands. I wore my hair down and it tumbled down my back. I tied on a black patchwork scarf and I slipped my little heart pendant that Jacob had made for me at Thanksgiving. My trainers were poking out of my bag as they only just fit in it. I noticed Jacob was wearing is oily jeans and black T-shirt. I could see his muscles bulging from under his T-shirt. I wondered if I could give him the once over in under five minutes.

There was two knocks at the door. Well that idea was out the window. Jacob smiled at me as he went to open the front door. "Hey Emily!"

"Hey Jake. It's freezing out there!" Jacob helped her out of her thick jacket. He waved at Sam, Paul and Jared who has just dropped Emily off for her work. "Hi Nessie. Back to school?"

"Yeah. Sucks but gotta be done!" I said cheerily. "Would you like a drink?"

"I would love one," she nodded towards the coffee. "Not allowed."

"I have hot chocolate," Jacob suggested.

"That would be nice," Emily took off her gloves. A horn suddenly blasted outside.

"That will be Lottie," I grabbed my coat and bag and made my way to the front door with Jacob following me. I opened the door to find Lottie waving from the car. She opened her door, put both feet on the ground then disappeared as both feet were in the air. She just fell out of her car.

"Oh my god Lottie!" I was doubled up laughing. "Ice and snow really isn't your friend." Jacob and Emily were behind me laughing as well.

"Am I seeing things?" Jacob asked. "She did just fall out of her car?"

"I think she slipped on the ice as she got out," Emily giggled.

"Hey! Instead of laughing, a little help might be nice!" Lottie shouted.

"You can get yourself up!" Jacob shouted. "Just use your power!" he slapped his thigh as Lottie struggled on the ice. She suddenly stopped struggling and floated up until she found her feet again. She started to dust herself down from the snow and ice. She was wearing a knee length black jacket with oversized sleeves and collar (she was wearing it open). She was wearing her biker boots, dark blue boot cut jeans with zips covering the back pockets. She wore a woolen cream top with pink and purple roses scattered over it. It had long sleeves, hemmed to below her hips and she had a grey scarf looped around her neck. I walked down to helped dust her off. It was a good thing it had snowed again overnight as it was white again rather than the slush that was there yesterday.

Jacob came down with my bag and Emily leaned against the door frame. "Hey Lottie!" she shouted. "Graceful entrance as always."

"I know!" Lottie laughed.

"You remind me of Bella when she was human. She was practically disabled," Jacob chuckled.

"Hey! I am not disabled."

"No more than normal," Jacob poked her side. "Go on, you two had better get going," he looked at his watch. "It's ten past eight and the roads are bad."

Lottie looked left then right. "Hey Ness, can you hear any cars coming?"

"Why?"

"Just listen out," she hissed rolling her eyes.

I snorted. I looked up as I listened out for cars. "Nope, no traffic. Why?"

"Cool," Lottie looked at the car. It suddenly lifted in the air, slush falling from the wheels. It turned in the air to face the way we were going to travel. She placed it carefully on the ground then winked at me. It still took my breath away when she did her thing, she didn't even need to put her hands out.

"Nifty!" Emily said, bringing us back. "Doesn't matter how many times I see you do your thing it still takes my breath away," she smiled warmly.

I took my bag from Jacob. "Emily, I was just thinking of the same thing!" I reached up and kissed Jacob on his full red lips. I probed my tongue on his top lip for entry and he allowed.

"Hey! Sometime today you know!" Lottie shouted, we pulled away to find her using the car to walk round to the driver's side. We both giggled.

"Ok, both of you get to school. Drive carefully! He shouted at Lottie. Lottie waved then almost fell again, using the car door to keep her upright. I shook my head. I took my bag and threw it in the back seat of the car. Lottie got in and breathe a sigh of relief. She started the car and we got going.

"School, ugh!" Lottie said in disgust.

"You love it really."

"If you say so. Oh!" The car skidded slightly as we got round the corner. "These roads are bad." I sat back and let Lottie concentrate on the road. It was pretty bad and I didn't want to distract her. It had taken us thirty minutes to get to school, due to the roads being so bad but I would rather get there in one piece. She pulled into the busy parking lot and I was relieved to find the school had been ploughed and there was grit down in the car park and where people would be going to class. The grass and field surrounding the school hadn't been touched.

We got out and found out friends at our usual spot. They were all there, freezing and waiting for us. "Oh thank god!" Clynt shouted. "We are going to the cafeteria," he said through his scarf, sounding all muffled. We followed them into the warm building, but as we passed the cars, I couldn't see the black car that usually sat on its own and stood out against all the rest. I felt that my day was getting better and better.

We reached the cafeteria and the kitchen staff had put on a table with tea, coffee and hot chocolate with lots of plastic cups. We all grabbed a cup and found a table along the back wall. We all took off our outerwear and took out seats. "Right then ladies, gents, Graham," he nodded, Graham pretended to nod his invisible cap at him, "Give us the gossip! Nothing exciting happened in our holidays! Julie, Steven and I were so bored!"

"Well, I do have something to tell you," I started. I took off my gloves and laid my hands out on the table.

"So what's your news?" Graham asked oblivious.

"Oh my god!" Steven squealed. "You got engaged!" he clapped the reached out for my hand to inspect the ring. I could see some of the other students look over as Steven wasn't exactly quiet.

"Congratulations!" Julie and Clynt shouted. Graham reached over to clap me on the back and winked at me.

"Yeah! Congrats Ness!" Megan hugged me. Kirsty followed then Julie, Clynt and Steven.

"That is wonderful news Ness. How did Jacob ask?" Kirsty grabbed my hand next. "And this is a tiffany ring!" Clynt raised his eyebrows at her. "Yeah, yeah, I know what a tiffany ring looks like; don't look so surprised!" she rolled her eyes. Kevin, Cian and Conner joined us soon after.

Everyone crowded round to check out my engagement ring. It felt good being centre of attention, not something I was used to but this type of attention was nice. Once everyone got a look at Gemma. "Someone else has some news."

Steven snapped his head at her. "You're pregnant. Up the duff, with child, bun in the oven?" he said quickly.

"No!" Gemma shouted back at him. "Seth gave me a promise ring," she held out her hand to show a dainty little ring on her right ring finger. It was a nice single round diamond set in a silver heart. Again, everyone was around Gemma.

Once we had calmed down I spoke up again. "There is something else-"

"You're pregnant!" Steven shouted.

"STEVEN! Do you mind not shouting out that? People are going to think that!" I shouted. I turned towards the crowd that were openly gawping at us. "I am not pregnant, just engaged!" I smiled at them. They seemed to be satisfied with that.

"Do you want me to hit him?" Lottie offered.

"Hey!" Steven sounded surprised. "I am sitting right here!"

"And?" Gemma asked sarcastically. "Stop shouting out things like that!"

I leaned into the table as I didn't want other people hearing and the rest of our gang followed suit. "It's about Ethan…" and I told them my story.

"Oh my god!" Kirsty whispered when I had finished.

"I just can't believe it," Kevin spoke up for the first time. "I just can't believe it," he was shaking his head.

"What a little bastard," Clynt cursed. "I think we may be joining you in Tae Kwon do Lottie. We need to watch our backs. Maybe putting in dead animals in his car wasn't the greatest idea."

"I told you I will take the flak for that," Lottie slammed her hand on the table. You don't have to worry about that. Besides, I don't think it matters: I am on the school nutters 'to stab list'." We all giggled.

Kevin was shaking his head again. "He isn't here yet. I noticed he is usually here early so he can pick his targets," he said in his low bass voice. "He is very into his routine."

"Really?" Graham raised an eyebrow. Kevin nodded.

"What do we do?" Steven asked.

"Carry on as normal. He is just a stain so we ignore him," I said. "He is just a creep," I shuddered. "Ok, here is some gossip for you; I have been staying with Jacob for two weeks!" I grinned.

"You tramp!" Clynt whispered in his Texan drawl. "Was the sex good?"

"Damn right it was!" I held my hand up for a high five which he slapped me back.

The bell rang and the sound of scraping chairs filled the cafeteria. We passed the main doors and his car was still not there. I touched Lottie's arm. If he is such a stickler for routine, then why is he not here?

Lottie shrugged. I honestly don't know. Don't waste your time thinking about it. I have a weird feeling but I am putting it down to trying to assassinate myself by walking.

I giggled. Really?

Yeah. Just a niggling spider sense feeling but I think it's just cos of the weather. You seen me getting out the car! Look, don't worry about him. She rubbed my arm. We walked into our English class.

Mr Berty handed us new books for us to read for the entire class. I was beginning to wonder if he found this job easy s this is what he seemed to do was hand out books for us to read. That class was so boring.

Lottie reached out to touch my arm. I've read this book.

So have I.

So tell me about all the sex you had on your holiday.

No!

Yes!

Oh I do have an interesting new development, when Ethan approached me, Jacob was sleeping and I was shouting for him in my head. He said he heard it as well.

What? But you didn't shout him?

Yeah! I was screaming for him in my head. Lots. He said it felt like I was right beside him shouting in his ear. Gave him a slight headache. As soon as he realised he out like a shot. It wasn't until after he realised what I had done.

Have you tried it since?

No! Never needed to. Jacob thinks it's purely defensive but I don't know.

I think it's cool. The more your body is growing, the more your gift is as well. I need to see Jasper about getting back into training.

Yeah, I think I will be joining you in that. Have you been practicing?

Oh yeah. Flying mainly. The car this morning. That felt like lifting a pencil.

That's really good.

I know. I think I developed a lot when the incident with the log lorry, things started getting easier. Keith has been amazing, allowing me to practice on him.

And how are things with him

Fantastic. I love him so much! He told me he loved me for the first time last week.

What did you say?

I told him I loved him back. Then we had sex all night long.

Animal

He is!

I was meaning you.

I know. Hey, you wanting to come round for dinner tonight? Matt is off and I was thinking of making tea. Lottie giggled out loud.

Oh no! last time I ate something you made, I got a little bit of bell's palsy.

You did not!

"Ladies? Is there something amusing you?" Mr Berty interrupted.

"No Mr Berty!" we said in unison.

"Well, carry on reading," he pointed to our books.

"Yes Mr Berty!" we said in unison again. He gave us both a look and we flashed our smiles at him. We put our noses back into our books. Mr Berty noticed Lottie trying to touch my arm again and gave her a warning look so our 'conversation' was going to be out of the question.

I got into the book again, although I found it quite a boring read. The bell rang and we gathered our things to make our way to our maths class. All thoughts of creeps had left my mind as it was good to get back into the flow again.

Maths had passed quickly and we found ourselves in the cafeteria again getting a hot chocolate. We were back at our usual table gossiping away. Julie had spent her time with her Grandparents and she had gone to visit her aunts and uncles over the festive period. Kirsty and Megan and spent theirs with their families. Steven and Clynt families had spent it together. In all, it was a quite holiday for them. Our current conversation was the hockey match. "Yup, we have the game on Friday. So the majority of us are in gym later so the coach is allowing us to practice and we have practice after," Lottie was in captain mode. "It's against a school from Tacoma and the next game is from the winning school from Seattle. If we win both matches we get into the regional finals. We shall see how we get on," she took a sip of coffee.

"What's the strategy?" Steven asked.

"I was coming up with some ideas during English. Probably come up with some during French as well. I know the team form Tacoma are coming here as their auditorium is going through renovations. I don't know the name of the team yet and the coach doesn't know much about them so I'm going to nip to the IT room to look them up on the internet."

"Well, I am allowed to commentate again, principle green has laid down the law so I need to be careful," Steven winced.

"The dynamic duo are back in action?" I raised my plastic cup which Steven clinked his with mine.

"We sure are. We are getting requests already," Steven smirked.

We were all chatting to each other, finding out other things that happened during each other's holidays. I obviously didn't mention about the argument with my family. Leaving that well alone. I noticed Lottie looking a little concerned and she had that look like she did in the car before she and Gemma found out about their parents. I reached over to touch her arm. Are you alright?Lottie didn't turn her head to face me. Yeah, just got a funny feeling that I can't shake, She turned her head to me. Don't worry about it Ness. It's probably nothing. She smiled but without it reaching her eyes, she took another sip of her coffee as the bell rang. I was still worrying. Last time she had that look something bad happened.

You have been feeling like this all day, haven't you?

Yeah, but I think it's just cos I am wary about the weather. I really think that's what it is. Stop worrying chick. All is good.

Adeline, Graham, Megan, Kirsty, Lottie and I got up to go to our French lesson. "Do you think the teacher will mind if I haven't done my assignment?" Graham winced. We all looked at him in horror.

"How come you haven't done your homework?" Lottie asked. "You've had two weeks!"

"Didn't have time really. I done everything else, just forgot my French crap," he shrugged. "Worst I'll get is a detention."

"The worst you may get is not being allowed to play on Friday you knob!" Lottie grabbed him by the shoulder. "Didn't you know that if our grades aren't good that you can get subbed from the team?"

Graham stopped. "Oh. Um…I didn't know that."

"Great," I muttered. "Graham you need to use your head."

"I always bring in my homework."

"Then I think you should speak to the teacher before she starts the class. It would be less embarrassing," Megan suggested.

"Yeah, I think I'll do that and ask if I can hand it in on Monday," Graham raced off so that he could talk to her.

"He could be screwed," Kirsty made a face.

"I'll rip him a new one if he is barred from the game on Friday," Lottie growled. We ambled into the class to see Graham talking to Mrs McLelland. I tried not to listen in as I could see the conversation getting heated.

We sat at our desks and watched the exchange between the two. I looked out the windows that were on my right. This class faced the car park (one story up) and I noticed it started snowing again. "No Mr Dunn! You have had two weeks to do this homework. I will be sending a note to Coach Clapp asking you not to play."

Lottie stood up and I groaned. "Miss. What if we could guarantee that homework done for Monday?"

"I am not interested," Mrs McLelland turned to face Lottie. "And I would appreciate it if you would not interfere."

"I am interfering. You know about the game on Friday and you are deliberately sabotaging it!" Lottie accused.

"If you don't sit down, I will be asking for you to be subbed as well," she threatened.

"I would love to see you try," Lottie slammed her hands on the table. "I am the captain, my grades are perfect, the principle is not going to ban me cos you have a bug up your ass."

"Don't you dare speak to me like that!" Mrs McLelland's voice broke as she shouted at Lottie.

"Oh I dare Mrs McLelland. We get enough homework from each class as it is and I am sure it isn't the first time that someone hasn't handed in their homework and I think you obviously have something against the hockey team."

"No I -"

"Oh I think you do. You were meant to get funding for a school trip but it got put towards the hockey team instead," Lottie was leaning forward looking a bit aggressive. She was more touchy than normal.

Mrs McLelland stomped forward to stand nose to nose with Lottie. Lottie stood up to her full height and crossed her arms. "How did you find out about that?"

"Cos Mum," her voice cracked a little. "Put a lot of money into this school when I started and was given access to information like that, and now that she has gone, I get that information cos I am classed legally as an adult and now, if any money gets donated, it comes from me," she hissed. "There is only so much funding to go around and yours was pulled. Which I agree with actually."

Mrs McLelland stepped back. "But I wanted you to all go to Paris."

"Which would have cost a fortune. The money got withdrawn and put into the sports fund and towards renovations in the kitchen which were badly needing doing. Not my problem that you got your funding pulled, you shouldn't have picked such a pricy trip. And now you are taking it out on the people that are needed this Friday cos you have a vendetta." I honestly didn't know about all of this but I suppose Lottie would have taken over a lot of charity work so she would have been privy to all this information. Handy actually cos I thought she had a point.

"How dare you! I bet you haven't done your homework!" Mrs McLelland hissed back.

Lottie without taking her eyes off Mrs McLelland, reached down to her bag and pulled out a stapled bunch of paper. She threw it at the teacher! "Pick that up!" Mrs McLelland demanded.

"No, you wanted the homework, which is done and complete, you deal with it. Graham will get his homework done and if I find out that there are other people that haven't got their homework done and you haven't reacted like this, a complaint will be submitted," Lottie sounded really official. I snorted. I couldn't help myself. Mrs McLelland shot me a dirty look.

Mrs McLelland picked up the paper from the floor, gave Graham a look who immediately took a seat behind me. "I will be reporting your lack of disrespect to the principle," she pointed at Lottie. "And I will be reporting you to the Coach," she pointed at Graham. "I want you all to take your books out and turn to page one hundred and twenty four," she ripped a piece of paper from her notepad and I noticed she was shaking. She scrawled something on one piece then something on another folded them and wrote something on the top.

Lottie was sitting on the table next to me so I grabbed her arm to get her to sit down which she did so reluctantly. "You can't get through one day without getting into an argument," I smiled.

Lottie relaxed slightly. "I live to piss people off," she whispered. "I haven't made my day complete unless I have pissed someone off," she smiled.

I giggled which made Mrs McLelland snap her head up. "Miss Cullen. I want you to take this note," she held up one note in her hand. "To Mr Greene and this note to Coach Clapp. You will need you coat."

"I think you should take it yourself," Lottie snapped.

"I wasn't asking your opinion. You are close to getting a detention for Friday evening Miss Willets," Mrs McLelland threatened.

"Can tell you now, I won't be there; I have a prior engagement."

"Well shall see. Renesmee," Mrs McLelland commanded. I looked at Lottie and rolled her eyes. I stood up and took my coat. I slipped my phone in my pocket and got my coat on as I made my way to the front of the class. I took the notes from her, giving her a piercing look. She was well over reacting. I walked out the class winking at Lottie as I left. I pulled out my phone and sent her a quick text, I knew she kept her phone in her pocket. I waited on the steps that descending into the main hallway. My phone vibrated in my hand.

Nah! Take them to them. I guarantee they will just laugh at it. X

I got up and walked to the principal's office. I smiled at his secretary and knocked on his door. "Come in."

"Hi Mr Greene," I peered around the door. "Um, I was sent by Mrs McLelland to give you this note."

Mr Greene didn't look up and held out his hand. "Ok," he took the note from me, opened it up and sighed. "You have one to send to Coach Clapp?" I nodded. "I don't think we need to ban anyone from the game. Did Charlotte really tell her this?" I nodded again. "Well it's true. Graham can do his homework for Monday. I am sure you will all help him. There was no need for her to overreact. I am sorry to ask but the phone lines are down at the school, would you mind taking this note to Coach Clapp with the other one," I nodded again. "And you can tell Miss Willets that she will have a full team for Friday," he smiled this time as he handed me the new note.

"Thanks Mr Greene. I am sure Lottie will be appreciative."

"I know she will be. It's been a long time since we had a good team for anything. I am not sacrificing that!" He took a sip of his coffee.

I left his office and walked to the main entrance of the building. I stepped out into the falling snow; it made the whole school look pretty. I loved snow as of two weeks ago! I stepped out a little more gracefully than my best friend and trudged through the snow.

I reached the snow that was two feet deep, it hadn't been touched apart from two sets of footprints. One set went to the gym and the other trailed all the way through to the forest which surrounded the school although it was a good playing field distance away. Why would someone be walking over to the forest?

I shrugged to myself and followed the footsteps to the gym. I found Coach Clapp in his office. "Hey Nessie," he bellowed. I handed him both of the notes. He took them and laughed. "Oh my god, that bloody woman! She is endless. She was trying to give Gareth a detention last time," he puffed out a breath. "I'll be at that meeting. Don't worry about the game Ness. It will be fine. Now you be careful getting back to class now," he smiled warmly. I left his office and stood in the corridor for a moment and text Lottie again.

Cool. She replied just as quick.

I slid my phone shut and stuffed it in my pocket. The snow was coming down a little thicker now. I got halfway to the parking lot, following the footsteps back, but something caught my eye; something shiny. I looked back behind me and I listened hard. I could hear heavy breathing but it was coming from far away and the wind was picking up. I turned around and noticed the direction of the other set of footprints were in the direction of the heavy breathing.

I walked on but then the shiny thing caught my eye again. What was that? And why would someone be insane enough to be out here. I know I didn't feel the cold but a human would be able to. Maybe someone needed help?

I stepped into the tracks that led to the forest and crossed over. I made it to the first group of trees and I peered through. The snow was now coming down thicker and I reckon that the school was going to close soon. I saw something move behind the trees, something in black. "Hello?" I shouted. "Is anyone there?" Something shuffled then clicked. I stepped forward to find a long metal barrel pointing at me.

BANG!

I stumbled back, holding onto my left shoulder. The pain was immense as my blood poured into my hands. What just happened? I fell back into the snow gritting my teeth to stop me from screaming. The figure stepped out and I suddenly forgot the pain for a moment when I saw what was standing in front of me. "Does it hurt?" the figure asked quietly. "I hope it does."

The figure was wearing a thin black coat but it was bulked out underneath, combat trousers with thin gloves. He was wearing a scarf around his neck with a balaclava. I could only see his eyes.

Cold grey eyes. "Ethan!"

He took of his balaclava to reveal his face. He had shaved his head. "WELL?" he shouted. "DOES IT HURT BITCH?"

I shuffled back as he stepped forward. The pain was getting too much but he lunged forward and shoved his finger into my wound. "AAAAARRRRRGGGGGGHHHHH!" I screamed.

Ethan backhanded me in the face then grabbed his hand in pain. "Shut up bitch," he hissed.

"Or what?" A tear rolled down my cheek as I tried to breathe through the pain.

Ethan reached for something attached to his belt then pointed it at me. "Or I will shoot you in the head. I know there is something different about you but I don't think you could survive this," he clicked the safety off and pressed it against my forehead.

I froze. He was right. I wouldn't be able to survive that. I knew it and he knew it. I looked at him properly and I really took him in: he had an AK-47 on a strap looped from his right shoulder and along his back. He had a sawn off shotgun attached to his left hip, and had a large gun on his hand that was pointing at me. He had ammo attached to three long belts that were across his body and he had four grenades attached to his right hip. "Oh my god Ethan! Why are you doing this?" the snow was turning into a blizzard which was drowning out any noise coming from the school which meant no one would be able to hear me scream.

Alice! I hope she was seeing this.

"I found those animals in my car," he said deeply. "It was that bitch friend of yours. I know it! It has her name written all over it."

"And? You put them on our cars! You deserved it!"

Ethan pointed the gun off to the side and shot the snow making me jump. "I DON'T DESERVE ANYTHING!" he then pointed the gun at me and shot it again. I jumped back, waiting for the pain to hit me. I got up and looked down at the hole in my top. "What?" Ethan looked stumped. "How did you?" I felt the spot the bullet had hit, my pendant was in bits, parts of it falling into the snow from underneath my top. I pulled out the pendant and it was broken to bits with the top only just hanging onto the black cotton chain. That must have been some stone Jacob found.

But it saved my life. I looked up at him in shock. He was expecting me to die there and then. Well I was going to distract him, talk him down. I needed that time to check my wound. "Ethan, you don't have to do this," I said through gritted teeth. I lifted my right hand to feel the wound.

"I DO! THESE FALSE PEOPLE HAVE TO DIE!" he waved his gun erratically around in the air.

"So what if Lottie got her own back," the wound was just above my collarbone, no doubt chipping the bone.

"My car stinks of dead animals. My parents hate me, I hate them and I don't want to carry on anymore. So I am taking everyone with me," he threatened.

"You are a poor excuse for a human being, do you know that?" I shouted. I felt around the back of my shoulder for the exit wound. Thank god! There was an exit wound. It had gone through and through. "Blaming everyone for your mistakes!" I was passed talking him down. I was angry now. "You only have yourself to blame for all the heartache you have caused."

Ethan pointed the gun back at my head. "I was fine until my girlfriend cheated on me. She was my EVERYTHING!" he was pointing the gun around erratically. "She went off with that bastard. She said I was a waste of space so I got her back."

"Is this the part where I am meant to cry, cos it may take me a minute to work it up," I made a face at him. He cocked the gun and shot it at my feet, making me jump back. Ok, maybe making him angry isn't the best idea.

"You whore! You think you are all that, you and your goons prancing around like you own the place. You all deserve to be put down like rabid animals!" he stepped forward aiming the gun at my face.

Oh shit. What was I going to do? There was no way I would survive this. ! I shouted in my head. I didn't think Jacob would hear me from so far away so I tired the next best thing.

I tried a different tack. "We tried to be your friend when you first came here. We wanted to help you fit in but you weren't interested."

"I don't need your help you fuck! I just want to kill you now," he raised his hand. Now I could have hurt him back but I noticed the grenades weren't exactly stable. I decided to fake it. He made his hand into a fist and punched me clean in the stomach. I bent over double and added a sound effect to make it look real. He then shoved the gun in my wound digging it in. I screamed again; that was real. The pain!

I stepped back. "What is the matter with you? Are you mentally deficient?"

"If I was mentally deficient, I would have missed…check that out! Bullseye!" he chuckled poking his gun in my wound again. I held my breath, I didn't want to show him that I was in agony. LOTTIE…..HELP ME! "You can shout out, you can scream. In fact, I want you to scream," he bent down to my eye level and I pushed him away hard. He landed in the snow on his ass. He got up quick and pointed to his grenades. "Now now, these are tender little things that might go off in any moment," he laughed. "Are you listening?"

"Yeah, I'm listening you prick! I was swallowing vomit," I spat.

"Hah! You should be quiet you know, not good to tease the man with the gun."

"Man? Deranged psycho who should be locked up."

"Maybe, but I'd rather die before that happens."

I got into a crouch. "I could arrange that. When my fiancé finds out what you did, you are going to want to die when he is through with you."

"Oh! I am so scared. I don't even know how to pretend to care about that. Hiding behind your big brute of a boyfriend. I'll shoot him in the head too."

"I'm gonna ask you to stop cos I'm starting to get embarrassed for you; I can look after myself. You think I'm different, I am. I could have ripped your throat out before you could blink, but the reason I don't is because I wouldn't want to take a human life."

"Well, I think I have established that I am quite capable of doing that."

"You would have done it by now you little freak!" He aimed the gun at me again. I rushed him, blocking his arms so they faced the sky as he pulled the trigger again. I punched him in the stomach with human strength, and he went down like a little bitch. He dropped the gun and I kicked it away. He gasped for breath and reached down to grab the other gun that was hanging; I ripped it from its holster and threw that behind me too.

He screamed with rage as the blizzard around us was getting worse. He pounded the ground with his fist as he shot up and rugby tackled me. I went with him, so not to hurt him. I knew if could get Lottie or my family out here, we could stop this before he did actually kill someone.

We rolled in the snow, me dodging his punches and slaps. I raised my legs around him and pushed him off me with half the force I would use but he went flying through the air, I got onto my feet into a crouch. For a human he was fast as he landed on his feet, reached around to the large gun that was strapped to his back. He took a defensive stance as he raised his gun, pulled back the brown part to load the gun then pulled the trigger. This time I was prepared. I saw Ethan's contorted face - it was a mixture of ecstasy and rage. The bullet exploded out the gun, spinning as it left the barrel. It zoomed its way to my chest but I dodged to the right but I wasn't quick enough as the bullet hit my arm, taking a chunk of flesh with it. I shouted out as I hit the ground hard holding onto my arm! Being hit by a bullet was so not nice. I turned around to see blood pouring from my arm. I heard a click and looked up; forgetting about the pain for a second.

Ethan pointed the gun at my head. He was smiling as he pulled the trigger. Maybe I wasn't quick enough. If I really wanted to I could have pounced on him there and then. But then I thought of my family, the pack, Jacob, Mom, Dad and Lottie - how much they have tried to protect what they worked for. I couldn't risk that.

I closed my eyes.

Lottie's POV

I just put my phone away after Nessie just texted me. Mrs McLelland: what a stuck up stupid bitch. I think I may just quit this class. I could speak fluent French since I was ten. Mum taught me. Screw her I thought as I stared at Mrs McLelland. Besides, if I wore what she was wearing right now, I would be tazered. I know I was being a bitch but she really got up my nose.

I sat back and threw my pen onto the table. I knew that the headmaster…no principle seeing as I am in the guid auld U S of A, was ok with me giving the mouth (he didn't care as long as I kept giving 'charitable contributions). And Coach Clapp could not have cared less.

"Charlotte. Carry on with your work please," Mrs McLelland looked up at me. I folded my arms as a few students looked to see what I would do. Graham was sniggering into his hand and Megan elbowed him. I folded my arms in defiance as the corner of my mouth lifted ever so slightly. "Miss Willets, I am asking you to carry on with your work."

"You can ask, doesn't mean I'm gonna do it."

"You are going to do it," her chair scraped as she stood up. "Or I will add a suspension onto the detention I have suggested.

I rolled my eyes. "Whatever Miss. I really couldn't care less," I dismissed her with my hand.

Mrs McLelland slammed her fist down. "Now see here! You should treat your teachers with respect instead of back chatting them."

"Back chatting is what I do best. And I will treat teachers and other people with respect when they have earned it." The class gasped at my statement.

"How dare you!"

"We have been down this road Miss. I do dare and I don't care. I don't need this stupid class, I can speak fluent French and to be honest, you are not that good of a teacher."

"Lottie," Graham hissed. "You can't say that!"

"I bloody can. I say what I want. It's like a disability."

"We know you're disabled," Kirsty laughed. "Well, more than normal."

"Hey! You know it's the brain injury," I was ignoring Mrs McLelland who was huffing and puffing at the front of the class.

"Stop blaming the brain injury, that's a poor excuse," Megan giggled.

"CHARLOTTE WILLETS. Shut up!" Mrs McLelland screeched.

"Get to f-" Megan poked me with her pen before I could finish my sentence.

"Sit there and shut up. I have had enough of you for one day. I would allow you to leave but I just don't trust you. Now be quiet."

I smirked at her. "You won't be putting up with me for too long. I won't be attending this class anymore." Mrs McLelland sat back down and I noticed the tremor in her hand. She wasn't much older than us and clearly didn't know how to handle students. I know I can push buttons and to be really childish, she did start the whole thing. I thought I would have a little fun with her; the pen she put down suddenly rolled off the table. Graham looked at me and I smiled. He smirked back. Mrs McLelland picked up her pen and set it on the table.

I rolled it off again.

And she picked it up. Whilst she was bent down I flung her papers off the other side. She looked up at me as if it was my fault. I shrugged at her, although it was my fault; but she obviously didn't need to know that. I was having fun. Mean but funny.

She laid her pen down and stuck it down as if she was mentally telling it to stay then she picked up her papers.

I threw the pen against the wall. Mrs McLelland shot up and gave me a look. "Freak wind Miss," I smirked. She was getting really pissed off. It was great.

Then pain hit me. "Holy shit!" I screamed through gritted teeth as I found my hands clutching my head. It was like someone shoving a hot poker in my brain and shaking it around. Tears stung my eyes and bile rised up into my throat.

"Lottie?" Adeline stood up. "Are you alright?"

The pain subsided just as quickly as it came. I blinked as there were stars all over. I blinked a few more times to clear them. "Charlotte, stop messing around," Mrs McLelland warned. "I have quite frankly had enough of you."

I rubbed at my temples as Adeline moved to sit next to me. "Are you ok?" I gagged and swallowed the vomit. I really didn't need that.

"Adeline, get back to your seat," Mrs McLelland.

Adeline looked at me and I nodded. I didn't want any of them getting into trouble. She moved back grudgingly and I put my head in my hands and breathed deeply. What the fuck was that? I felt a niggle behind my eyes and I took my glasses off. Then my head exploded again LOTTIE….HELP ME!

"AAAAARRRRRGGGGGGHHHHH!" I screamed as I fell out the chair, rolling around on the floor clutching my head as images flashed before me of a gun, snow and blood. I felt hands on me then the pain was gone. Someone helped me up back into my seat then I vomited all over the floor. I couldn't hold it back.

Someone grabbed my shoulders. "Lottie! You're bleeding," Adeline shook me a little.

"Charlotte, stop the carry on and behave." Mrs McLelland stood up. I looked up at her and she looked a little shocked. I touched my nose as I felt warm fluid trickling down the back of my throat and down my face. "Oh!" she put her hand to her mouth and gagged. Kirsty handed me a tissue and my glasses.

"Something's wrong!" I said wide eyed to Adeline, Megan, Kirsty and Graham. I stood up quickly then found myself in Graham's arms.

"Lottie, you can't go anywhere; you looked like you were taking a fit," Graham said wide eyed as he helped me to standup.

As he helped me get up again, I had to allow the stars and the dizziness to pass. "I need to get to Ness. There is a gun, blood," I muttered incoherently. I was trying to understand what I had seen. I knew where she was. I freed myself from Graham and ran to the door.

Someone grabbed my arm. "Where do you think you're going?" Mrs McLelland growled.

I turned to face Adeline. "There's trouble. Don't ask. Just be safe," she nodded in understanding.

"What are you talking about Charlotte?" Mrs McLelland hissed. "Get back in here."

I made for the door again but she dug her nails into my arm. "Let. Go. Of. Me," I snarled as the room shook slightly. She stepped back in shock.

I dashed out the room, slamming the door behind me. I looked around to make sure there was no one around. I was doing this the quick way. I opened the window and forced it open as far as it would go. I climbed over, slipping on the ledge but caught myself with my power. I dropped down into the snow, allowing me to float before breaking my legs.

CHRIST IT WAS COLD!

The snow was turning into a blizzard and running was going to be hard. So I floated a little off the ground and moved my legs as if I was running, anybody watching would think I was just running. I ran past the gym and I could make out two fingers rolling around on the ground. I made myself fly faster as I was out of visible sight. One figure was thrown in the air but landed on their feet and the other was on their feet.

Then the figure shot at the one at the other and they got out of the way, as I got closer I could see it was Nessie on the ground holding her arm and there was blood splatter everywhere.

The other figure was Ethan who was holding the AK-47, pointing it at Nessie's head as he locked and loaded.

I could see Nessie processing things in her mind. I knew there and then she wasn't going expose herself as she would be exposing everyone. Stupid girl. She shut her eyes.

Ethan pulled the trigger.

Nessie's POV

The gun exploded with another bullet and I wished I was with Jacob. I wished I stayed off school. I was waiting for the bullet to hit me.

But nothing.

I opened my eyes to find the bullet spinning an inch away from my face. I looked cross eyed not only I was staring at it but Ethan was too.

I breathed a sigh of relief as I saw Lottie standing behind Ethan with her hand out and the other behind her, ready and waiting. Blood stained her top but it was a few minutes old. Lottie gave me a look that said; 'get the fuck out the way!' I shuffled to the right as the bullet sped past me and caused the snow behind me to send up a cloud of snow. I turned to see Ethan's horrified face. He looked at his gun and I took the moment to stand up. I clutched my arm; the pain was agony.

Lottie ran towards Ethan and tackled him to the ground. "You fucking bastard!" she screamed at him. He tried to punch her but she expertly blocked it. She punched him hard in the face and I heard an audible crack; she had broken his nose. Lottie pinned his arms to the ground as Ethan thrashed about in the snow. He pulled his head over to her wrist and bit down hard. "Argh! You little shit," she backhanded him, but he used that opportunity to kick her back. She landed hard in the snow. I knew she was unable to use her power for fear of exposing herself. She got up and charged at him and he her. I looked around for the two guns I had managed to get off him; I got onto my knees to find the large shotgun.

Lottie and Ethan were still fighting. Ethan charged and Lottie dodged him and kicked him in the back making him fall to his knees. He got up just as quick and threw a punch which Lottie blocked again. She then did a roundhouse kick, landing the blow on his chest. He flew in the air backwards by me; there was a fair distance between Ethan and Lottie. He lay motionless on the snow.

Lottie rushed over to me and grabbed my shoulders. "Hey, you ok?" I nodded as I kept my eyes on Ethan as Lottie pulled the material back on my left shoulder. "This one is closing already," she murmured. She trailed her cold hands down the middle of my left arm and she ripped the material around the bullet wound. "Ness, that's gone through, its bleeding bad." She looked a little worried, untying the scarf from around my neck and tied it tight; I winced as she did so as the pain shot through my arm. "I reckon that's hit a vein Ness. That one hasn't closed" I looked at Lottie and nodded. I felt myself getting damp from the snow; hair starting to stick to my face.

"You little bitch!" Ethan got up from the ground. I thought the cold would have overcome him by now cos Lottie was rubbing her hands together as she got up to confront him again. She circled him, making him turn towards her with his back to me.

"Do you know, I've never noticed before, you have a really veiny forehead," she shouted pointing at his head. "And your nostrils look really angry."

Ethan got up and detached something from his belt. He threw the object at Lottie; she ducked as it sailed past her head. "Lottie! That's a grenade!" I shouted through the blizzard.

Ethan laughed out loud. "I hope it hurts."

Lottie looked at the little object that buried itself in the snow six feet away from her, and then she turned her head back to Ethan. "You are too stupid to live!" she chuckled.

"LOTTIE! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?" I shouted. "RUN!"

Lottie turned around, hands out. I stepped back; could she stop this? She thought she could. God help her.

Ethan continued to laugh as he stepped back too. I scanned around for the gun but couldn't see it. The ground rumbled then the snow in front of Lottie exploded like a bomb followed by fire spreading its way to Lottie. She had her hands out as the fire was going to eviscerate her.

But Lottie had it down. I whooped out loud as the fire looked as it was fighting an invisible solid shield. It licked and lapped at the shield as Lottie held out her hands, hair floating as if she was in water. I looked at Ethan; secret was out now as he stared wide eyed at her. Lottie had her bubble around her as the fire surrounded it then dissipated in a flash as the grenade had finished its explosion. Lottie let her bubble down and turned towards Ethan. "That wasn't very nice! You could have blown me up!"

"How? How did you?" He stuttered. He looked down and lunged for his AK-47; Lottie took one look at it and it jumped in the air, out of his reach.

"Look, why don't you give up mate. Give up the weapons and just forget about all of this. You still have a chance!" Lottie pleaded.

"No! I am going to kill all the fakes, the phonies; it's the only way I will feel normal!" Ethan screamed. "You are devils, everything that is wrong with this world, it is meant to be your brain or you heart that is the judge of you but these days…..I'll be remembered for this."

Lottie shrugged. "Och well, I tried. I may not seem the warm and understanding type, but this is my warm and understanding face," she pointed at her face. "Just give it up, you won't win." I knew Lottie was trying to distract him so that I could find the gun. "Are you on drugs? Cos I suspect that may be your answer to a lot of questions," Lottie goaded.

"You are the freak. You stopped that grenade! You stopped that bullet."

"No I didn't! I think that's you're over active imagination…besides, they would think you're crazy, and given you given attire I am surprised you haven't been happy slapped yet mate."

I found the large shotgun buried deep in the snow so I picked it up. I had never used a gun, never even touched Grandpa's. I knew he had it loaded so I aimed it at him. "Ethan put your gun down!" I instructed in a firm commanding voice. "Time to give it up! Put the grenades down and get onto your knees."

Ethan walked towards me then suddenly stopped; he got down onto his knees and looked up at me. "I will kill her, then your friends and I am going to make you watch," he sneered.

"I highly doubt that," I hissed at him. Lottie was standing behind him, but was looking at the school. She was checking for unwanted visitors.

"I wouldn't doubt me! By the way, the safety is on!" he shouted as he reached down and pulled the small gun out the snow and shot at me. The bullet stopped in front of me again and I moved to the side as I tried to turn the safety off.

"It won't go!" I panicked. Ethan turned around in the snow; gun still pointing at me, facing Lottie who had her hand out as she was stopping the bullet. He swung his arm round and aimed for Lottie's head and fired.

Lottie's head snapped back then her whole body followed in one hundred and eighty degree turn, her arms out and flailing as she fell back, twisting and descending towards the snow. The bullet that was next to me hit the tree, I watched in slow motion as she hit the snow face first.

I looked down at the snow as it slowly stained with crimson. Like an ink stain on silk. There was a loud screaming sound; wracked with pain, anger, sorrow and loss.

And it wasn't until a second later that I realised that the sound was coming from me as the crimson fluid was pouring out from Lottie's head.

AN – OOOOOH! What do you think is going to happen? Suspense? I hope so…Please review and let me know what you think! xxx