Chapter two: Family secrets.

The dorm room was explicit. Beyond what I would have ever expected to be living in for the next few years of my life. It was spacious, enough for me to personalize it as I may and have my things littered around the place. After a little convincing on my grandfathers part, the university had agreed to let me have my own dorm.

So standing in the rather plain one assigned to me, I could already picture it as my own. With my things scattered all around; photographs on the walls, books littering the desktops. Computer in the corner, clothes avalanching out of the closet space.

And the bed. Oh, the bed would be one I'd twist and turn in without any fear of my parents entering. I would finally have the space away from them, for their house was two miles away. I'd be living on campus, free from any interruptions. I'd finally be my own person.

I couldn't almost laughed at my thoughts; since it was at least a few more months until I officially enrolled. This was just a formality to get us used to the campus, and know where certain things were. An introduction, more or less.

The best part of it all... Lana was right across the hall from my dorm. She was bunking with some other student she couldn't remember the name of, but she was thrilled none the less. Of course she was a little bummed out at the fact she wasn't able to share with me; but a half vampire kid had to have her privacy. Not only that, but just across the quad was where Gary was staying.

So I had my closest two friends within all of Alabama by my side to endure the rollercoaster called College. It was hard to think I was officially a grown up, setting on to make my own choices and endure life for my own. Sure, I was sure I was gonna be doing it over and over again in the future, but this was the first time!

The first time was always the best!

Gary was slowly coming to grips with the death of his past boyfriend, Nick. The one who had been savagely torn apart in Italy with his camping group. A horrible way to go, but Gary liked to think that he found peace. I wanted to think so also, because Nick was a real nice guy. He left behind a lot of people who cared about him. It was a slow process, but as each day past, I was able to see more and more of the Gary I knew and loved.

Just those sly little comments that would have you in hysteric's for days. They were returning, and thankfully so. The more hilarity I had in my life, the more I was able to distract myself from the gaping hole I felt like I had in my chest. But no matter how I felt, I had to continue to tell myself I'd done the right thing. Not for me, but for him.

The door gave a rapid three light knocks, and I spun around to see Alice and Rosalie popping their heads in and grinning.

"This place is nice," Alice giggled, jumping in while Rosalie took the more cool approach. Walking in elegantly with her arms crossed over her chest.

"Isn't it? Oh! Can you two help me with designing? I mean, if I'm gonna live here for the next few years; I want to be comfortable."

Rosalie wouldn't admit it, but her face lit up just as much as Alice's did. Out of all of my family members, these two were the ones I connected most with. Partly because Alice still enjoyed to spoil me rotten, and Rosalie was practically the same. But they understood things about me I wouldn't even begin to understand about myself! They knew when I was in the mood for something, or when I wanted to just to be left alone - which was quite a lot lately.

At first, I couldn't stand to be near my father.

It was harsh on him, I knew that. But I didn't want him to see what was going through my head. I didn't want him to see the spiraling whirlwind of pain and hurt I was in. I didn't want him to see what I had done, because he would no doubt try to lecture me on it.

And uncle Jasper.

I didn't want him to feel what I was. His damn pathogenesis made it almost impossible to be around; because he would no doubt feel what I was and try to manipulate it. I get it, yes. Him manipulating it would've helped; but I didn't want it to be gone. Because if that pain was gone, I wouldn't know it was real. That it was truly over, and he was gone...

"Let's talk paint outside. Your father wants to tour the place," Alice chirped, linking her arm through mine. Rosalie took my other arm and in sync they began to lead me out the room.

"Lord knows he's only doing it so he'll have a better layout on where you'll be."

Yeah, I might be an adult now; but that didn't mean my father was any less protective. In fact, it didn't mean that any of them were less protective. If anything, they were more protective now than what they ever had been. I had each of their numbers on speed dial. I had the home phone numbers, not to mention the Denali's numbers just in case I'm ever unable to get ahold of them.

It was crazy, but to be expected. I had endured my first heartbreak; so my father was obviously a lot more wary with me and boys. As was my mother, and well... Them all. I was under no circumstances allowed to 'give in' to peer pressure; not that I did anyway. No drinking, drugs and definitely no sex.

Not that I really planned on doing any of them; especially the last one. There would probably never be another man I'd want to share a bed with, anyway. After tasting perfection, who would want to return to plain ole normal?

Under my orders, Alice was no longer allowed to view the Volturi's business. She wasn't allowed to keep an eye on their choices, nor their future. She was reluctant to begin with, but eventually she agreed. I just wanted to move past that stage of my life, meaning removing all traces of it.

Of course, I'd be lying if I said I didn't sit and wonder what he was doing. What he was wearing, talking about, or where he was currently in the world. You'd hear idle rumours every now and then, but you could never be sure. The Volturi were very secretive when it came to their work. I knew first hand how secretive they could be.

Leading me down the steps of the dormitories, we were met with my father, mother, other aunts and uncles, grandparents and some unknown male standing talking directly to my grandfather.

No doubt he and my father were asking questions, for the closer I got; the more clear the badge on his chest saying 'guide' became. Poor guy, having to show around all these newbies and answer question. For what? He'd already gotten into College, so the whole 'building up the college application' wasn't needed.

"You'd be surprised at the many great qualities this place has to offer," the boy was saying. "Off campus there is a diner dedicated to student use. Not to mention the amazing wildlife surrounding the campus."

Well, the wildlife would help me out. I still liked to keep up with feeding from animals every friday beside my diet of human food.

"And, it's said that this campus is haunted."

I zoned out at that. Ghost stories, really? Was this what they were doing to heighten enrollment stats? I'd already put this place as my first choice. They didn't need to keep up with the whole 'pick us' facade. It was already done.

The boy continued to go on while we followed after him on the grand tour of the campus. My family were listening, and every now and then they'd look at me for a response. I'd just smile in agreement and seem enthused, when reality was; I was just looking around myself.

My wandering eye would land on different things. The fountain, the area's surrounding the campus that would be good for studying or merely hanging out, the buildings... The boys.

I was a girl, okay? I had no interest in them, of course not, but a girl could have a wandering eye! What was the saying? Look but don't touch? I had no intention of ever touching. But that didn't mean I couldn't look... And maybe compare t-

No. Don't do that. Don't think of him...

Too late. I already was. Each boy I past, ones who already went here and were in their semester, I'd look at and compare him to the boy I once called my own. None of them could ever be him. They didn't have that dark, dangerous look about them. They didn't have those bright red eyes that caused my heart to speed up, which it did by just thinking of them. They didn't have that smile...

"Renesmee," my father's voice whispered into my ear over the tour boy talking. "If you wish, we can return home now?"

I looked up at him and shook my head swiftly. "I'm fine. I'm just.."

"I know," he replied solemnly, his arm moving to wrap itself around my shoulder. "It'll get easier."

I wanted to believe him. I really, really did. But every time my mind wandered back to the certain Volturi member - which was more often than what I'd like to admit - I was just reminded of the look on his face when I'd said those words.

"If you love me, you won't leave me. You would not be doing this."

"I did love you, but after last night; thinking things through... I'm not sure I do anymore."

The look of total betrayal that was on his face was far too much for me to handle. Even in this moment, I found that my feet were beginning to waver, and my knees threatening to buckle. Edward had obviously caught on, for his arm wrapped around me tightly as a way of support.

It was for the best, I continued to tell myself. He would move on, and so would I... Eventually. Hopefully. Maybe. Probably not.

But there was nothing else I could do. It had been months, and he was probably back into the swing of being one of the most feared Volturi guard members again. There was no probably about it, honestly. He would be back to how he was. He had his sister, after all.

As if on cue, the cell phone in my pocket buzzed. I swiftly snatched it from my pocket and unlocked the screen. I was fully aware that my dad was listening in, even though he wasn't looking at the screen. And they wondered why I always got excited with going away to College? It was because of the whole privacy thing!

The text was from Gary. I smiled automatically. The cheering up I needed!

'Jesus this is killing me, Renaroo,' I rolled my eyes as I read over the ridiculous nickname he had given me. The only nickname I enjoyed being called was no longer on the cards. I understood why, considering the circumstances. No one wanted to remind me of him, so they no longer called me Reny. Instead, my family either called me by my full name or shortened it to Ren. My friends? Well, they did their best in trying to come up with something better. Renaroo was one of many.I continued reading his text message. 'Worst of it all is the tour guy ain't even something to look at! Sigh, men these days. And don't go saying I have high standards! Can you blame me though? I'm fab which makes me in dire need of an adonis right now.'

Gary was pretty darn fabulous at times.

'Anyway, I'm getting rude looks pointed at me for not paying attention. Perfect time for a cigarette. Come meet me baby girl? I need a hug. I'm at the big willow tree on the second quad. The one by that bridge lake thing? Come get me. Tic tok RooRoo muwa x'

I glanced at the side to my father, still trying to give the impression he wasn't eavesdropping. He needed to give up the act. I knew my father all too well.

"Can I?"

Edward look down at me for the briefest of moments. His topaz eyes flicked towards that of the guide, still blathering on. Bella seemed keen on listening in, as did Esme and Carlisle. At least the dude had some attention. Emmett and Jasper were conversing on their own, whereas Alice and Rosalie... Well, they were just walking silently. Giving the impression they were listening, when it was evident they weren't. Alice was probably off in her own little world, and Rosalie was just counting down the minutes until she could return home. She and Emmett had a 'date' tonight to celebrate their latest house smashed with the escapades. Yeah, cringe worthy or what?

"Alright," Edward finally agreed. "But not too long. I can only distract your mother for so long."

My lips spread into a wide grin. "Love you, daddy."

"Yeah, yeah. Go." He waved me off, while I slowed my pace to separate from the group.

Dad moved up beside mom, who grinned at him and began nodding to what the male was saying. Idly, my father smiled in return and nodded in agreement; as if he were just as impressed with these stories and great things about the university.

Like I said, I knew my dad. And he certainly wasn't interested. He had enough high school and College experiences to do him a lifetime, so he knew exactly what went on. Safe to say, he wasn't too pleased. The things he did for my mother... It would never stop amazing me. After all these years, they still looked at one another in the same way. Alice once told me that, that look was the look they gave one another when they first met. When the two souls collided and became one and no matter how hard they tried... They would always be brought together.

At least their happily ever after was still happening.

The quad by the bridged lake. It was easily found. After all, it was what made me mesmerized about this college in the first place. The College was a pretty darn place, split into different sections. The lake was dead in the middle with a bridge running right over the top to a small island of land and then another bridge connecting to that and continuing where the first had ended. Of course, you could opt to go around the lake - but it was quicker to go over it. It would save you at least two minutes of walking.

Besides, there was this one huge willow tree dead in the middle. Who wouldn't wanna sit under that thing!

I picked up the pace, every now and then looking over my shoulder to my family vanishing behind me until they were completely gone. As I ran along, I focused on not looking at those around me. As soon as the bridge's mouth came to my feet I took off quicker down it. The dark murky water under the bridge reflected the dark gray clouds above. Thus why my family was more than willing to walk around outside. The smallest sight of sun, I had no doubt they would take off running.

The large tree planted in the middle came up, and there slumped under it was Gary. Bag at his side, his back pressed up against the trunk and one knee bent up so he could prop his arm over it. In his hand a cigarette burnt freely. It was only recently he'd taken up smoking; but it was a coping mechanism. Before, when Nick was around, he never touched it. From what I gathered, Nick had asthma as a kid and Gary being a paranoid love struck boy wouldn't even let anything that could possibly 'bring it back' near him.

"Hey carebear," I smiled as I propped myself down beside him. Gary's dark brown eyes moved to me and flashed a large grin.

"You're late. I was thinkin' you were gonna stand me up and I'd be left looking like the loner gay kid."

"Would I ever stand someone as amazing as you up?" I batted my eyelashes at him.

He replied with blowing out smoke in an attempt of a laugh. "Sweet talkin Roo. Can see why you have the men flockin' after ya."

I rolled my eyes. The sarcasm that came off him was so natural to him, I don't think he even knew when he was doing it. He probably did, but I'd never be sure. What he meant by that was... He believed I was 'too nice' towards people, and needed to be a little meaner. His argument for that was 'the worlds a bitch, and so is everyone in it. You gotta be a bitch, to get a bitch.'

Yeah... It confused me too. The other thing he said was... What was it again? Oh! 'Be mean to keep them keen.'

Well, I had managed to keep someone keen before without being a 'bitch' as he so put it. Besides, being mean wasn't really my thing. That was more of Lana's trait. She was the one boys flocked after, but I wasn't entirely sure if it was due to the fact she knew how to play a boy at his own game, or because once they got past that inevitable line separating 'hard to get' to 'come claim your prize' which literally meant that. She wasn't shy in the bedroom department.

"Anyway, are you signing up for that week experience in livin' here?" Gary asked, flicking some ash to his right.

"What?" I arched an eyebrow in his direction, completely confused as to what he was meaning.

"Y'know. A week on monday?" It was Saturday now, so eight days. "They're letting the newbies actually get a feel for livin' here. No classes, obviously. But living the campus life. Oh pleaaase say you'll sign up! I want to at least know one person coming here!"

I frowned a little and pushed my phone back into my pocket. "I didn't hear about it. Can I still sign up?"

"Yeah! You just go to the reception desk at the main entrance. C'mon, I'll show you!"

Gary stubbed the cigarette out, even though he was nowhere near finished. He grabbed his bag, and my hand in one swift move. Dragging me up from the floor and over the bridge. He wasn't running, lord knows Gary didn't rush for anything. But he still held onto my hand.

He was probably the only boy I didn't mind holding my hand. Especially the way he was. Entwined fingers, and a close proximity. To anyone else, it might've looked like we were a couple. Probably would have been a match made in heaven, for Gary was probably what every girl looked for in a guy. Tall, tanned, handsome, dark brown eyes, bright smile, infectious laughter, funny, sensitive, willing to literally 'shop till you drop', more than game for talking feelings and mushy stuff. And he was without a doubt the best person to go to when you were upset and needed advice or just needed a hug. He never judged you. He accepted you for everything you were, and all he asked in return was that you did the same for him. He was literally one of the most perfect people you'd ever find in the world, and would make any woman a lucky one by having him on her arm. In more ways than one, because the only problem was with that perfect picture, that woman wouldn't have the equipment he found attractive. Me, all straight girls and Gary... We all played for the same team.

"So you said you needed a hug? What's up?" I asked as he lead me along to the main entrance.

"Oh," he gave a deep, heavy sigh. "The tour guide guy's name was Nick. It just brought me down, y'know? It's still hard to wake up knowing I'm not gonna have some sloppy ass 'I love you' text, or hear his goddamn annoying laugh. I mean, can you remember that?"

I couldn't help but give a sad laugh in remembrance. Nick and Gary were without a doubt the most strangest couple ever, but boy were they perfect were one another. They could be arguing one moment and then vowing their eternal love the very next second. Once, I had even witnessed them argue over a type of potato salad. Yes, that's right. Potato salad. And then, at the end of it; it turned out they prefered eachothers choices. Nick was a good guy, and I couldn't help but miss him. Not just for me, but I missed him for Gary too.

"God, that was freaking annoying. All nasally and shit... But what I wouldn't give to hear it again." He smiled in a grief stricken way. "I just miss him, y'know?"

"I know, carebear." I whispered, giving his hand a squeeze and bringing the other to hold onto his arm while I leant my head into it. "I know."

He leant his head down to lean against mine, returning the squeeze of my hand.

"Tell you what! Let's make a pact!" Gary suddenly jolted, pulling me to a complete stop just outside the entrance to the main reception building. How had we walked here so fast? Oh, right yeah... Gary was tall. Long legs. His one step was practically two of mine, so it was practically skipping to keep up with his slow strides.

"What pact?" I questioned, generally curious as to what he had in mind. His eyes were sparkling with mischievous flares that made my stomach twist in all the wrong ways.

"You're signing up for this one week experience, and in that week... We are not allowed to think, talk or even breathe about past lovers."

Was it even possible to breath ex lovers?

"Seem's simple enough," I lied, because I knew for a fact not thinking about him was practically impossible for me, and I knew for a fact it was the same for Gary.

"I'm not done yet, Renarooroo!" Ugh, he had to stop with the nicknames! People were beginning to look! "To bid them a long farewell, we have to attend as many parties as we can AND hook up with at least one boy!"

Oh, shit, oh shit, oh shit!

"I... I don't know if I can do tha-"

"C'mon! Don't make me do the look, Roobear." Another ridiculous nickname. When I didn't reply, he began it. The large doe eyed look, his bottom lip pouted out, his foot stamping on the floor like some tantruming kid. "Pleeeeeease, Renesmee? Be my wing woman!"

"Okay, okay! Just stop!" I laughed, covering my face with the embarrassment.

What choice did I have? Besides...Wasn't it time I moved on anyway? Or at least tried too? I knew I would probably never love another being as much as I had loved him, but I hadn't tired. Instead, I lay in my bed and just wallowed in the emptiness. Maybe it was time I tried to move on like I presumed he had. I was eighteen, I was a young woman, and I had a right to live? After all the trouble my family had been through trying to protect my life; wasn't it about time I made the most of it?

Besides, it wasn't like I was going to be giving my heart to anyone, nor share a bed with them. Just have a little fun. Anyway, Gary would probably get drunk at these parties and forget that I was to hook up with someone anyway. I could just focus on having fun, moving on and living my life. The more I thought about it, the more I was leaning towards it.

"Really?" Gary blinked, a little startled at the fact I'd agreed. Honestly, I was too!

".. Yeah. You know what, hell yeah!" I grinned up at him, nodding my head. "This week is going to be made of fun!"

"I'll five to that!" He raised his hand, to which I accepted in hitting his with my own. He grabbed hold of my hand before I was able to pull it away and brought it to his lips. Pressing a gentle kiss onto the back of my hand in some formal way. "And this is why we are best friends."

Best... Friends?

I couldn't help but think of Ivy. A lot has happened for her in the past five months. Although she is only eighteen, she is very much engaged. Chris popped the question to her on his nineteenth birthday; and she accepted without any hesitation. Of course she wouldn't deny him, she's been in love with him ever since Freshman year. It was hard to even contemplate that I had met her in our first year at high school. And now, that girl blushing after one of the boys every girl wanted to be with was engaged to him. She was his world, and he was very much hers.

"Yeah..." I nodded, a blush forming on my cheeks. Entwining our hands together once again, Gary tugged my back to the presence. "Right, enough stalling! Lets sign you up!"

And with that, Gary dragged me through the sliding doors and into the building.

—xXx—

I really shouldn't have signed up for that experience. Although I made Gary very, very happy; and practically squeal with the possibilities that were going to occur, my family had a different take on it. Apparently, I hadn't thought it through and I'd failed to realize that this experience was basically an excuse for bunches of teenagers to get together and rave about the fact they've made it to College. I didn't see the bad side, I mean, people had to celebrate in some way, right?

Well, my mother was more concerned at the fact I'd be in cramped spaces with human's. No breathing space. Surrounded by blood. Honestly, thinking about it now made my mouth water. Not to dismiss the fact there would be alcohol most definitely involved.

"Mom," I sighed from my seated position in our family home. Dad was sitting against his piano, his arms crossed over his chest lazily while he listened. Everyone else currently went on with their lives. Alice replacing flowers in vases, Rosalie flicking through a magazine on the sofa across from mine, Emmett flicking through TV channels - even though the TV was on mute - Jasper and and Esme standing in the kitchen. Both Jasper and Alice were helping Esme with her decorating the new home, so he was nominated in helping Esme with clipping the flower stems while Alice replaced them and moved the vases to where she prefered them to sit. Carlisle? Well, he was in his office down the hall. And finally, my mom. Pacing back and forth in front of me with this distressed look upon her face. "You're acting as though I've already gotten drunk."

"Renesmee there will be a lot of pressure here, and I don't want you to make stupid choices."

"You think I'll make stupid choices?" I arched an eyebrow at her curiously. "You actually think that low of me?"

"No-I-"

"What your mother is trying to say is she's worried for you." Edward chipped in from his stance against the grand black piano. My gaze flicked between them both as I tried to comprehend what they were trying to get too, although I knew exactly where that was.

"Why? Because I've made stupid choices in the past? One including a certain Volturi member?" I quired acidly.

"We never said that," Edward defended, lifting a finger as if to silence that statement.

"No, but you thought it; didn't you?" I pushed myself up off the sofa. "Look, I get it. You're worried. But I'm a big girl now. I can make my own mind up. And if I make a mistake, then hey... It's a learning experience. I only signed up for Gary... He's still hurting, y'know."

Both Edward and Bella exchanged a look, one that I could determine was sympathy. Not that they would know what it was like to lose someone they loved with every fibre of their being. Me and Gary had that in common. We both lost someone we cared for dearly, and no matter what; there was nothing we could do to get them back.

At least Gary knew that Nick died loving him. The love of my life was probably off doing his usual diabolical things, hey...Maybe another Volturi guard member had taken a fancy to him and asked for Chelsea's assistance again. Perhaps they didn't even need Chelsea's assistance. He could be sleeping with them willingly for all I cared. He could be sleeping with anyone, and not even thinking of me.

I hoped he didn't think of me, because I feared what those thoughts would be of. Hate? Probably. Dispisal? Probably. Anger? Probably. But love? Although I'd like to think so, I knew that wasn't a possibility. Not after what I did. I just hoped one day it came around why I had done what I did, and that I hadn't broken what we had out of the fact I wanted too. I did it for him. I would have done, and did, anything for him. I still would.

"Ren," there was that nickname again. "We understand that you want to look out for your friend, and we get that you just want to help him... But is this really the best way to go about it?" My mother said.

"Attending parties isn't going to bring him back," added Edward.

"True but it'll help fog it out," Emmett spoke up, causing all eyes to go to him.

"Not helping, Emmett." Edward warned.

"What? So a little booze is gonna be involved. Ren's got a good head on her. I say let her go, let her live a little before she's gotta sit in her room studying her ass off."

I could literally attack my uncle with a hug. Finally, someone who saw it from my perspective!

From across from where I stood, Rosalie looked up over her magazine.

"I agree with Emmett. Renesmee needs to experience life rather than hide away like we have too."

I stared in awe of her.

"You're forgetting she's still part human, and that human side had a right to experience what life has to offer. She has a right to experience."

"Rosalie, you aren't seeing this from our view." Mom challenged, her frown becoming so deep I was positive the ends were touching.

"Oh, I am. You're worried she is going to make bad choices. But like Emmett said, she is a smart girl. And like Renesmee said, if she makes a mistake... It's a learning experience."

"Yes bu-" Bella went to continue, but Rosalie cut him off.

"Shall we take it to a vote?"

The vicious glare that came to my father's eye in that moment was one that gave me chills. I knew full well what Rosalie was getting at. I had heard about this 'vote' to decide if my mother was to join them in the immortal world. Rosalie and Edward had seen eye to eye on that choice and voted no. Where as everyone else had agreed.

"We're only two miles away from her anyway. If there's any trouble, it's no hard run to get to her." Emmett finished with a shrug, returning his attention back to the TV.

"Renesmee," my father sighed; pushing himself off the piano and taking a stance beside my mother. His arm wrapped around her shoulder in a comforting way while both their eyes rested on me. "Is this what you want?"

"Yes," I nodded my head quickly. "I want to be there for Gary more than anything."

Edward glanced towards Bella, and she returned to look. A sad smile took over my fathers face and she sighed; moving to nuzzle her head against his shoulder. The butterflies going on within my stomach were insane.

"Fine. But you call us if there are any problems, alright?" Edward then said bringing his eyes to mine. "You call us every night. If you don't, we will be right there looking for you; alright?"

I squealed and jumped into the air. I was actually going to be going on this week experience! For a moment, I thought I wasn't going to be allowed to attend. I supposed I had my uncle and aunt to thank for that. So, in a round of hugs; I rushed to my mother and father first. Embracing them tightly while giggling.

Then, switching to pounce on my uncle; who only retaliated in a way I knew would come. Giving my hair a rough tossle and my body a tight squeeze while he boomed in laughter. Rosalie was more subtle with her embrace. A gentle squeeze and a light peck to the cheek.

"I'll go call Gary and tell him it's alright then?" I somewhat asked for permission to leave.

Edward nodded his head, giving me the all clear.

I wasted no time in rushing down the hall and out the front door, my hands scrambling frantically for my cellphone. Gary was going to freak! After I had sent him the text message saying it was a 'big maybe I won't be able to make it' in the car while being lectured from my parents on the way home from the College, he had been so let down about it. Like he had said, he didn't want to be the only one going; knowing no one. Besides! He wanted me as a wing woman! You couldn't get any better than me! I had single handedly somewhat brought Ivy and Chris together, with a little help of Nathan needing help to understand Shakespeare. Maybe also with a little help of... him befriending them and becoming one of them, forcing our two groups together and ultimately bringing Ivy and Chris together. Not to mention Suzannah and Marc - who were currently still going strong, from what I heard. Shannon and Jordan? Well, they were an on again off again thing now. The song 'Can't live with or without you' kept coming to mind, because that's truly what it felt like between those two. And lastly... The drop dead gorgeous Nathan Newton. The forever king of Fork's high, and eternal stud muffin. He and Brittany broke up a few weeks after our trip to Italy; due to the fact they were both off to different Colleges. They still talked, and I knew for a fact they would rekindle their flame eventually.

Which reminds me, I best get a freaking invite to Ivy's wedding! I didn't care if I no longer lived near her; I would attending the wedding. Even though the date wasn't even set, and it had only been a month or so ago they got engaged, I would freaking attend that wedding. Date or not.

Hell, I'll bring Gary at my date! Wingwoman him at that too, if we failed at this college week.

Coming to his contact name, I instantly hit the call button.

It dialed out for three seconds when his voice echoed down the line.

"Gary's sex line, how may I help you?" I could hear the humour in his voice, and instantly it brought my already soaring mood higher.

"I'd like to speak to Gary please." I decided to play along, while walking down the steps leading to my doorway. Once at the bottom, I sat myself down.

"Oo, see that might cost you extra. The big man is terribly busy. With men to please an' all. He's a hot shot, you see?"

"Oh, I know. But he'd want to take this call. I'm his number one client." I couldn't contain the stupid grin on my face, nor did I have an plan too.

"Oh, number one huh? Well, let me see about that..." he made some clattering noise, obviously pretending he was supposedly typing on a keyboard. "Hmm, you don't sound like a Mr. Norris."

"Norris?" I questioned, genuinely confused yet curious none the less.

"Chuck Norris. Gotta' love those redheads."

I was unable to hold my laughter at this point. I burst out into a heavy, probably severely attractive, fit of giggles. On his end, I could hear his own chuckling; though it probably wasn't due to his own joking. More so at the fact of my hysterical state.

When the laughter eventually died down, Gary spoke again.

"You alright now?"

"Yeah," I breathed out, running a hand under my eye just in case there were any tears.

"You sure? Don't have to call 911, do I?"

"I'm fine."

"Good," he scoffed on the other end. A creaking noise sounded, which clarified he was sitting at his desk chair and reclining back. That damn chair always made that noise when he leant back. I'd told him countless times to get a new one, but his argument was merely it took him forever to break that one in and it was comfortable. "So what's up, babe?"

"That College week away..." I trailed off, purpously making my voice sound a little sad.

"What, no! You cannot bail on me! Even if I have to come and tie you up like the little kinky shit I know you are and drag you there, you are coming with me! You're not getting out of this! D'you want me to come beg your family? I don't mind getting on my knees, lord knows I've done it be-"

"TMI, Gary! Jesus!" I laughed yet again.

"Sorry, sorry." I could hear him shifting around on that god awful chair. Probably spinning it around. "But I will if 'ya want. I'm a pretty persuasive dude.."

"I'm sure my father would love to see you on your knees, Gary;" I rolled my eyes, listening to his soft chuckle in the process. "But sadly... That'll have to wait for the next thing you force me into and get me into trouble with, because... They're letting me go!"

And that started the yelling of excitement. He began to rattle off plans on what we would do, and then began to tell me how he had managed to convince Lana to sign up - even though she really didn't want too. Lana was the sort of girl never to spend more time in an educational environment more than what she had too. So, getting her to sign up for something like this was pretty much a one time thing. Now, I knew for a fact he was going to make it extra 'fun.' Which would no doubt mean more trouble I could possibly get myself into and cause my family to have a fit.

Oh, I was looking forward to this time away; but at the same time I was worried on what it may bring. Thankfully, I could depend on the fact they couldn't get Alice to tap into my future or see what I possibly could or couldn't do. I just had to remember what aunt Rose and uncle Em had said. I had a smart head on me, and I wouldn't give into peer pressure. But that didn't mean I couldn't have fun.

Somehow, Gary ended up on the subject of cats. I wasn't sure how, or when it had happened; but it did. Currently he was complaining on the fact his last cat - which was when he was 12 - had 'abandoned' him. How a cat dying could be called 'abandonment' I would never understand. One of the many things you could love about Gary, I supposed.

Lord knows the list was endless so far.

"Anyway, enough about that whiskered pain in my ass." Gary concluded, followed by a creak from his chair. "Gonna go stuff my face cause I'm hungry."

"When aren't you hungry?" I scoffed, flicking the leaf I had picked up from the floor and had used to draw patterns on the floor's gravel.

"Never," Gary answered straightfully. "Text 'ya later."

"Mkay. Bye."

"Love yoooou."

"You too."

I clicked the end button, and sighed in contentment at the newfound silence. I loved him and all, but god could he talk. At least, when with Gary, there was never a dull moment. He'd never allow it to be dull. I don't think it was actually possible for him to let a moment go in silence, unless it was dead serious. No. Not even then. He would still find a comment to say that would no doubt end me up in hysterics.

After a few more seconds of just sitting there, I pushed myself up off the stair and made my way back into the house. Surprisingly, it was silent. Once the door was shut, I made my way down the hallway and into the main living space I found the reason as to why it was silent.

Alice was standing frozen on the spot. A vase that had been in her hand shattered by her feet, and all eyes were on her. The look on her face provided one thing. Vision time.

"What's going on?" I asked, mainly to my father; for he could see it also.

He didn't so much as waver in his answer. "Hunting trip while you are at College. She's seeing what we have in store."

"But the vase?" I arched an eyebrow, my finger flicking out to point at it idly.

"Came as a surprise to get a vision. She's not had one in a while."

True. She hadn't been focusing on much lately. No Volturi under any circumstances. And there was really no use for her to try and predict those of our future, since it was almost impossible for her to see because of me.

I nodded my head and shrugged my shoulders.

"I'm gonna go shower," I began to move to the stairs. "What's for dinner?"

"Your grandmothers making you homemade pizza."

"Yum," I commented as I descended up the stairs.

You couldn't beat Esme's homemade cooking. Honestly, it was to die for. If I was a full blown vampire, I would still force myself to eat it; even if it did taste like dirt. It was that good.

Closing the bathroom door behind me, I leant over and turned the water on to heat up while I undressed. Today had been a long day, but they all were. I was taking one day at a time, and so far... I was winning with a slip up every now and then. I couldn't stop thinking about him completely. That would be practically impossible. It would take time, and thankfully; I had a lot of that on my hands.

I would get there. Eventually. Hopefully. Maybe. Probably not.

Only time could tell.

—xXx—

Each pair of eyes watched as Renesmee vanished up the stairs to the bathroom. It wasn't until the water began to pour that they began talking.

"So what was it really?" Rosalie asked, her magazine being pushed to the side. Emmett's attention was also on Alice, who had just currently come out of her trance like state. Jasper was at her side, his arm around her; soothing her as she tried to calm her racing mind.

She needed to, because it was on the verge of causing Edward one god damn headache; if that were even possible.

Alice and Edward shared a anxious looking stare as Bella made her way over to Edward's side to touch his arm, curiosity burning in her own eyes, much like everyone else.

It was often like this. When Alice had a vision, Edward was the first to know. Hell, he practically had first row seats in viewing the vision altogether. He might've fooled Renesmee in some way, but he hadn't the rest of them. There was no way a sighting of a possible mountain lion could have caused that reaction.

"They're coming." Alice whispered, her eyes breaking from Edward's to look at Jasper; and then the rest of the clan standing watching. Esme had gotten Carlisle at some point, and he too now stood listening to the cause of one of Esme's favorite vases being smashed. "The Volturi... Alec... He's coming here."

The silence that continued throughout the house was probably enough to make anyone unsettled. Bella was the one who voiced all their thoughts, however.

"Renesmee mustn't know."

Edward was already ahead on that one. Thus why he had lied to her. He hated lying to his daughter, but what choice did he have? She had barely gotten through the last time she had saw him. He would be damned if he was allowing her to relive that by just seeing Alec's face.

"We have to make sure she doesn't know." Bella continued.

"We will." Edward decided, his eyes casting over each and everyone of them. "We all will."

Though there was some reluctance in a few of them, the family nodded in agreement. They would keep this from her, for her own good. They were just starting to get the Renesmee they knew and loved back. This minor visit wasn't going to jeopardize that.


A/N:

It's all going to kick off soon!

Also, anyone who would like to follow any of my own work [other than fanfiction] you can find me on wattpad under; MisfortunateLuck

I'd love to hear from you guys!

Anyway, get those reviews in. If I get a certian amount, I may be tempted to upload the next chapter earlier.

Take it easy.

-C.H