I inhaled a large whiff of air, then breathed it out in disbelief that today might be the luckiest day of my life so far! I took the seat next to Ozario and began pulling supplies I thought I'd might need out my bag. I looked around the room seeing many easels set up with spaces between them, so people could walk around. The teacher entered with a grand, bright smile upon her face. Her eyes circled the room as if to mark off every student that came into class today. She spotted me, gesturing me to come see her using her index finger. I stood up and walked toward her.

"Catalina Yong? Wow! Everyone, this is the new student, Catalina Yong. Everyone, say hello!" She announced my arrival unlike any other teacher, aside from Mr. Molina. Her happy-go-luckiness assured me that I would definitely love this classroom.

Everyone bellowed a "hello" around the room.

"Great! Now, you! Please, say hello to everyone," She said, pushing me forward very gently.

I'm not one to talk in front of crowds. I felt scared whenever talking to too many people in one room; but, I fought against my nervousness... again... hoping something good would flow out of my mouth.

"Hi."

Suddenly, the class burst into giggles. Students started claiming how cute and light my voice was, like a child. It came naturally to me since everywhere I go people would ask me about my sheepish voice. I drooped my eyelids. Oh... This again. The class soon quieted down by snapping their fingers like an applause. I didn't know what it meant; although, I was sure the teacher would tell me, eventually.

My new teacher guided me back to the seat I choose earlier, then whispered something to Ozario next to me. His eyes met mine with a quick trance, inducing smile. Ozario let me go from his hypnotic spell on me and nodded at the teacher. He turned to face me again.

"You're my art partner, now. We have to follow each other's lead," he softly whispered.

Oh! That sweet voice could sing a lullaby, so I could fall into a deep sleep. I could only nod because I was still trying to mentally get over his capture a minute ago. The teacher introduced herself as Mrs. Henderson, who was quite stylish by the way. As she explained the classwork and the snapping applause, she would throw in plenty of hilarious jokes every now and then at students trying to be class clowns. A few moments later, we started painting pictures of things we feared to turn them into something funny. Hopefully, doing this could wipe away the cold sweats we felt around whatever we were afraid of.

"What are you painting," Ozario asked? His eyes gracefully wandered around on his canvas. His paintbrush grazed it very slowly.

I peeked his way for a moment and said, "Um. It's complicated." I looked back at my canvas.

Ozario took a glance at my artwork. He whispered, "Holy shit! Your almost done, already? Impressive!"

"You're not... afraid," I asked?

I drew a picture of a nightmare I've had for weeks with no care to make it funny. It could never be. My dream started off with my father's clean-cut head in my hands. Soon after, the dream changed scenery and I saw growling wolves causing blood to splatter into the air. I didn't know what my dream meant; but, I was afraid to find out.

"No. Death doesn't scare me. However, don't you think you've trapped your anxiety in a box? It's so serious. That's why I asked," he responded, finishing off his painting.

I was amazed that Ozario completed his work before I had finished mine. He was definitely faster than I thought I had been. Normally, I'd finish a painting in 15 minutes or so, depending on my mood; but, his painting was quite elegant and done less than 12 minutes.

"I guess so," I considered. "By the way, impressive graphics." I had to compliment such beautiful work.

Ozario smiled. His smile is just... Oh, my! I kept thinking. No matter how many times he does, I just can't seem to get over it! Ugh!

Ozario snuck a glance in my direction. "Thanks," he replied.

This guy's painting was quite marvelous. It was a water-colored and an impressionism painting of an eye with a realistic tear falling out. What was faded in the blue iris of the eye was an opaque single withered rose that sat in a vase upon a sketched table. There were technicolored splatters everywhere. Some colors were a bit distorted like the sketched table that's supposed to be brown I presumed but was soaked with a turquoise color that made a waterfall.

With each stroke on his canvas, anyone could tell Ozario gradually brushed harder and harder until he finished. As romantically dreamy as his artwork was, the vibe I felt was horrifyingly depressing from it. It was a picture for a mad man with a broken heart. I could not comprehend what he meant behind it but I knew it must've hurt a lot. I also couldn't understand how Ozario almost covered the whole canvas when his composing hand only lightly and slowly touched and moved across the paper within such a quick time frame. He almost seemed too perfect to me, now. Ozario had to be an artistic kind of guy who puts a lot of soul in his work.

I looked away from his painting to finish mine. I finally swiped my last stroke on my canvas. Abruptly, I, along with everyone else in class, heard a loud THUMP on the ground. I quickly gawked to my right to see the cause of the disturbance. The boy I saw so dazzling lied on the ground... unconscious. Everyone spurted in concern as the once aware Ozario laid lifeless on his back. Mrs. Henderson ran over to help him. He finally managed to wake up after a few taps on the right cheek. Ozario sat up, appearing a little gangly during a pep talk from the teacher. I worried quite a lot by the way he fainted like he did. It could be a highly dangerous thing to faint. He needs serious medical attention, right? Ozario is my art partner now. We should look after each other when things like this happen. I knew he needed to get out of the room fast.

"He needs medical help," I acknowledge out loud. I knelt by his side and touched his scorching hot forehead. That's bad! "I'll take him to the nurse." I offered.

His eyes were weary but not so bad that he would look like a drunk. I grabbed his hand to help him up. Ozario stood up just fine; although, he shook his head while holding a hand over his face to justify his dizzy feeling. I swung his right arm around my shoulder to support his weight a bit. He helped made himself as light as possible, so I wouldn't have to carry him too much. We started to walk out our classroom towards the nurse's office as the other students watched behind us. It wasn't so bad helping him reach the office because he kept trying to make it easier on me.

We finally reached the nurse's office, where he laid to rest on one of the beds for a while. I sat next to him, watching his slow breathing from his chest. I traced his sweet baby face of every inch, edge, and dimple that lived divinely amongst it with my eyes. He looked amazingly beautiful even with his eyes closed like snow white, just tanner and without black hair. Something was off, though.

He fell off a stool chair, and there were no other signs of problems involving the fall. Something was seriously off. Like, maybe it was the beating of his heart I couldn't witness, the pulsing, or the way the rest of his body was so still. Luckily, his breathing made only his chest move. However, normally, breathing effects the stomach, too. I leaned in closer to Ozario's face to see if there were any strange signs there as well. A cut? Bruise? No?

In a split second, something unusual happened that pushed me back against my seat. I quickly shut my eyes and felt soft warmth against my lips again and again. The touch was repeated countless times, each softer then the next and more sensual. A rush of goodness — a zing — spread throughout my entire body, speeding through me and much faster when touched by hands that were gently squeezing my thighs. Heat rushed to my cheeks; So much so, I couldn't bear to think straight. Even more surprising, I felt myself being hoisted up into the air, lifted from under my thighs. My legs were surrounding someone else's hips afterward. A hard wall tenderly came toward my back and my arms were raised above my head, pinned there. This felt way too sensational for me. I couldn't keep my cheeks from burning or get my body to calm down. My heart pounded greatly. After all that, I was finally released, falling and landing on my butt after another "moment" shared with... him. Ozario Cullen. This douche bag was wide awake and healthy! I looked up at the brilliance of a man who just... Kissed me! Yes, kissed me!

"What the hell did you just do," I fussed!?

Ozario's eyes became overwhelmingly evil and he snickered. His arms crossed over his chest. He teased me, "You should see your face. I guess you haven't been kissed before, have you? Priceless."

"Ugh," I shouted, "I was worried sick! You faked the whole damn thing! Don't ever do that, again! T-that was my firs... Mm."

My face turned into a grimace.

"Then, stop being so damn sexy, and I'll think about stopping, kay?" Ozario's tone changed like the speed of a running cheetah or the growth of a sunflower. He grabbed his leather jacket on the side of the chair I sat in, thus proceeding to leave the office.

I stood up in disbelief and full of rage. "Wait! You did all that — the falling and the pretending — just to kiss me," I inquired, chasing after him?

Ozario's left eyebrow rose as he looked down at me. "That could be true if you wish, or maybe it was just a way to get away from your ass. It was your choice. You decided to bring me to the nurse's office when somebody else could've," he remarked.

"But, no one else even... I was about call an ambul..." I stuttered, trying not to yell. Eventually, I stared at him as my mouth dropped. I began to get a little angrier and fussed again, "Ugh! I thought you were-"

"Gorgeous," He spoke jokingly and smiled?

"No! Nicer than that you, jerk," I said, stomping my feet?

"Huh... So, you're an elephant?"

I became dazed at Ozario's odd question. Where did that come from? "What?"

"You're a transfer student from some country, right? You started stomping your huge feet... So, I asked." A little laugh slipped out his mouth.

"No!" I argued and crossed my arms. "And, my feet aren't that huge!"

Ozario began to look a little serious as he started walking toward me. Delicately, Ozario grabbed my waist and kissed my lips very romantically, uh, gently, uh, k-kindly? He released my lips and found me wide eyed and blushing terribly again. I snapped out of it and tried to push him away really hard; but, he was too strong for me. Ozario pinned me to the wall again. He made me melt as his hands caressed my waists. I knew it wasn't love but it wasn't 'just a kiss' feeling either. It was almost just as passionate as lovers, maybe. Although, I wouldn't know, it could be because he's definitely a great kisser. Right?

Ozario let me go from his grasp so I can storm off angrily back to class. I'm tired of this. I just can't eeeven, I thought. I hated how he made me feel. I was so irritated, happy, pissed off, honored, and eager to just hit something — like his damn face! But, I wanted to kiss him again, too! Now, I hated it more! I couldn't take the foolishness, anymore. I had to go back to class away from him. Ozario was following behind me.

"Hey. Thanks for helping me out of class, Catalina," he said with his stupidly hot voice.

"Whatever," I said, walking faster!

Ozario caught my arm. "Wait. Okay. I'm sorry... You're not an elephant."

"Thanks," I questioned, angrily? I wasn't even so sure I was mad about that part. I believe I was more upset about the fact that he tricked me and used me for my lips!

"You're a lemur, then."

"Oh, come on!" Man, that guy was yanking my chains! Ozario was really closing to getting hit right in the...

"Okay. Honest this time. I'm sorry. It's just your eyes are so lovely, especially when you make them pop open. Your face is so small and adorable. I tried resisting the urge, but you helped me get to the nurse instead of somebody else... So, I kissed you," Ozario explained boldly but apologetically.

Though, Ozario looked very serious when he explained himself, he was still artful. I could tell. He was an honest man type that uses the truth to lie, without letting anyone know he wasn't lying. It was Ozario's great acting that must've been the lie, right? He was just an honest fox, slick and clever. That new knowledge was all too confusing and too frustrating to the point where it was really hard to covey what I felt or thought of him, now.

"Mm...I can't trust you. Your actions spoke louder. Don't do that again." I said so; but, truthfully, I'd really love to kiss him again. I hated that I secretly did.

"Hmph," Ozario chuckled. "Don't you think it was my actions that proved it? But... Good. Don't. Later."

He lifted a hand, goodbye, while walking away from me. He left me standing at the art room door all jumbled in pieces inside my head. I watched the back of his galaxy shirt that says, "Keep Calm for I Has Cupcakes" fade into the distance he kept behind him. I gave him a funny look. I don't care if he owns a stupid comedic shirt, his was still such a jerk! I didn't know how to truly comprehend Ozario at this point, or what just happened in the last few minutes that driven by so quickly. I could not grasp any of it, except those idiotic kisses and that dumb shirt! I freakishly liked and hated all of it. As I saw him turn the corner the bell had rung for our next class. I clinched my fists in more anguish still thinking over everything.

"Who is he?" I asked myself, hardly shaking my head.

The day continued in school so quietly and boring. I got home sooner than expected. The kitchen was empty. My mom and granny would have to be in the living room watching TV or something. I don't want to say anything, yet. I'm still angry about today's event so I walked up stairs partway... due to mother stopping me by gasping.

"Hey, Sweetie!" Adriana greeted, excitedly, "How was school? Did anyone burst into a riot? Oh! O-or, did something cute like burst into songs like high school musical happen?" Mom started doing the maracas with her hands.

Mom and these damn teenager stuff! "No," I sounded a bit irritated. I just wanted to get this homework done so I could take a nap. I'd rather live through an entire nightmare than remembered what happened earlier.

"Ooo! Catalina, please sit! Tell us what happened today?" Mom insisted that I'd tell her anything that would satisfy her curiosity, especially by the way I responded. She knew something interesting happened today. She wasn't going to stop trying at all. I could see it in her eyes. I flinched an eye at her hoping she would get the message. Yet, again, I was wrong!

So, I gave up, "OMGH! Ma, some guy kissed me today. Someone randomly tricked me into kissing him... Multiple times... Okay? I, honestly, don't wanna think about it."

"Oh! You have to talk to us about it! Mom, come listen to Cati!" Mom dragged my arm into the kitchen, sitting me down in a seat at the table.

Really? Didn't I just say...? I sighed. It was inevitable. I had to tell her everything. She definitely would not let it go until I do. I started with his name, telling her everything from the moment I first laid eyes on this creep in the cafeteria. I told her about the incident that happened in the classroom and how I volunteered to take this man to the nurse. He was nice enough to ease up, so I didn't have to handle so much of his weight. I explained the fact that I traced his face, staring at every inch on it, because I thought something was wrong. Then, there was the interesting part that my mom waited for.

"I looked at his face really close. Maybe too close because he just...kissed me out of nowhere! He grabbed my thighs and pinned me to a wall. That is sexual harassment. Anyway, I feel like I could punch him dead in his face! He didn't stop there, either! Oh, no! He insults me and, then, does it again," I explained it as thorough as possible!

My mom started to get giddy. "Ooooh, he likes you," she responded!

"Mom, be normal," I exclaimed, throwing my hands up high!

Mom closed her eyes, waving her fingers in unison. She said, "Ok, ok. I will meet with him... If... This 'Ozario' guy asks you on a date!"

I put my right hand over my forehead. I told her, "Mom, I'm serious. He could've raped me, and I don't think you would've cared at this point."

"That's almost correct. If he asks you out and you say 'yes' I can't be worried about you. If you came home depressed, then we have a problem. Right now, I can't help you," mother elaborated.

My eyes widened, and my mouth dropped. "Yes. You Can!" I shouted, "I'm angry right now! We need to talk to the principal!"

She waved her hands again. "No, talk to this Ozario character. You said he was hot. You're not going to be young forever and you've never brought a guy home."

I threw my arms in the air wildly. "I'm 17! I have time!"

"Exactly! Use it! Hiking trip is in a month, honey! I love you," mom shouted, merrily! She got up skipping cheerfully out the room.

Does she? I... I don't think she does. My grandmother laughed at me. She sat at the edge of the kitchen table. Seriously?! No one cared about how I felt on the topic? Now, what became a perfect dream switched into a walking exotic nightmare today! Ugh! For the rest of the evening, my heart raced every time I thought of him, and his dumb shirt, and his kiss, and my family taking his stupid side! His foxlike but dazzling glare crushed my brain into shattered pieces. The cruel thoughts of his hot, soft lips threw darts at my feelings because my mind knew that making me think about this crap angered me more. It angered me to know that he used me or maybe it was because he deceived me into a spiral of emotions. Whatever it was... Just! Ugh! If only I was in my right mind at that right moment, my fist could've straightened out that devious curl in his smirk.

That night I slept well. Crazy that the reason 's because of a dream I had about Ozario Cullen. I woke up calmly, searching about my room to learn that no one was there beside me, holding onto me. I shook my head with my eyes buried in my hands. I was hallucinating. I had no right, nor did he, to replace my scream filled night terrors into some idiotic, erotic, and soothing get away from pain. I actually — for the first time since that terrible and bloody day — slept peacefully all night long until the break of dawn. The light hit my eyes purely and gracefully. I was scared.

Genuinely mortified. Not because of the dreams... No, I was used to that. But, because he had power to change my dreams and he was marvelously, beautifully duplicitous. I knew I either had to stay away or play his mischievous little game he started. Well! It is on you, jerk!

[Exclusive Life content: Ozario fight's the "situation."]

Draft: Ozario's story may have a more in depth view than Catalina's story because he is a vampire. That gave me room to explore adding things I wanted to add for the original Silver Night, that ended up working well of his side of the story instead. His story was good to show what he believes is more important to him.

My Knight and Shining Angel.

I Refuse to be Made a Joke!

The newbie walked toward me to her new seat, set her backpack on the counter behind us, and sat on the stool. More like leaned on it since she only had one leg up and the other down. She started setting up her own art tools on the easel before her. So, she's an artist. I was watching her from the corner of my eyes. For so long, I had been semi-smiling, barely to feel it. Catalina tried to straighten her short self on the stool. She's going to be sitting beside me from now on in Art class, and I'm relieved I'll hang out with her often. It's weird, though. I'm used to sitting by the window alone.

Catalina peeped up at me while looking around the room. She was analyzing again. I could see it in her eyes, taking in her surroundings; the eyes jerked in circles. I rubbed my earlobe, intrigued by taking her in. So far, I had gathered a lot of information about her, yet have no idea what kind of person she was. It's like she's an open book I'm having a hard time staying away from. She's beckoning me to read her, or is she? Wishful thinking again. She could just be taking in her new life like anyone else after a move. Duh. She was so quiet, sitting as a statue. Our teacher, Mrs. Henderson, walked in. I let go of my ear. Catalina finally blinked and looked at her new teacher. After a last short glance, I faced toward the teacher too, who gestured for Catalina to go to her. So, she did.

"Catalina Yong? Wow!" Mrs. Henderson turned to the other students. "Everyone..."

Her last name is Yong? The names she'd been given were mixed from two different regions. My eyebrows knitted together. Her family must be travelers. The class and I hollered, "Hello, hey."

"Great! Now, you! Please, say, 'hello' to everyone," the teacher requested. She gently pushed Catalina forward.

The poor girl tensed up. For a split second, she jerked and then the tiniest voice slipped out, "Hi."

The class burst into giggles while I simpered. Oh, how cute. Catalina looked like she was done with life. Why didn't she sound like a baby when we spoke in the cafeteria? I noticed she had a high-pitch voice then, but she hadn't sounded nearly as timid as a moment ago. Her nerves must have kicked in. People commented on her voice so, to get them quiet, I began snapping. Everyone else followed the applause. Catalina was confused, but let us continue to applaud her for her bravery. followed Catalina back to the seat she chose. Actually, Mrs. Henderson was coming towards me. She gestured me closer. I leaned forward.

"Watch over Catalina, please," the teacher requested in my ear?

I glanced at the girl next to me and then smiled since the newbie was staring at us. Her eyes were entrancing.

"She will be your art partner, so you have to help her catch up. Follow each other's lead, you know?" I backed away and nodded at the teacher. Mrs. Henderson lifted up her thumbs, then left us.

I stared at Catalina again. "You're my art partner, now. We have to follow each other's lead," I softly whispered.

Fate was warning me more and more that I was not going to have a say about who I'll hang with from now on. He was making sure I wasn't going to go anywhere, or at least not without the newbie. Catalina's eyebrows rose. I saw her eyes glisten. She nodded, accepting this new fate with me without question. Hump. Weirdo. A good weirdo.

Mrs. Henderson lectured her students. A few students and myself would spit out jokes to get our teacher to laugh and joke around too. She never minded since nearly all of us had passing grades anyway. She knew we were going to get our work done, and that's what mattered. The show of this was to allow Catalina a chance to relax and laugh too. It's for the best. She will be her until January after all. Besides, her laugh was beautiful and deserved to be heard. It was like a guitar, played a nice melody and then that funny scratch echoed from switching strings. So, Melody, breathes in, melody, breathes in. Her smile and laughter was infectious. I liked it.

The teacher gave us our assignment, paint our fears away. Qué rollo (What a pain). There would be no way I'd actually paint that. It wouldn't hurt if I, at least, painted some sort of memory though. Rosalie did tell me to find a way to get Astrid off my mind. I had begun drawing aimlessly, thinking of my... ex. The last I spoke to her was two weeks ago. She was... Rosalie was right. I had to get her out my mind somehow. If I meant what I said about us never being together again, I had to pursue my declaration. Perhaps, finally letting a friend in couldn't hurt too much as long as I didn't get too close.

I peeked at Catalina. What if she's not bad or annoying or whatever? I mean, she's so quiet, doesn't hover or touch people randomly, and loves art. From what I've gathered, she stares off into space, analyzing everything around her, which means she's as curious as a baby. That's one trait down. Can I find more? She had a lot done on her canvas already. I saw a bizarre outline of what she wanted to create but couldn't make it out yet. Her hands are fast. She's clearly done this for a long time. Let's see if Enriqué and Ness are right about this.

"What are you painting," I asked, watching my art come together. I kind of just scribbled the paintbrush around.

"Um. It's complicated."

I checked on her artwork. Damn! I looked away for a second and she's nearly done! I whispered so the teacher wouldn't hear me curse, "Holy shit! Your almost done, already? Impressive!"

"You're not... afraid," she asked, her right eyebrow jerked up? She paused painting for a moment to look at her art.

I leaned back a bit, narrowing my eyes at her. That was an odd question. Looking at the art, the image was intimidating, I had to admit. Not because it was gruesome, but moreso because her skills were profound. A black wolf, glowing white eyes, and a dead man's head in it's bloody mouth. There were hands below as if the vicious wolf had been giving it to who those hands belonged to. The skin color matched Catalina's; I knew since the paint on her hand was mixed specifically for that reason.

Is she afraid of wolves? That's... too bad. Wolves are literally half my life. Teh... Of course, my sister and brother would be wrong. Qué rollo... I went back to my painting, finishing the last details.

"No." I answered, "Death doesn't scare me. However, don't you think you've trapped your anxiety in a box? It's so serious. That's why I asked."

Although I said that to her, I could see I had drawn something that bothered me too, between Astrid and I. Why was I stupid enough to take her back again after that day? Why am I being stupid now - trying to be friends with a strange girl who probably fears half of my life? I stopped painting, sure if I was even done. My upset grew.

"I guess so," she considered what I said. Her eyes lowered and she curled her lips. Quickly, Catalina looked up. "By the way, impressive graphics."

Oh, really? Says the girl who hates wolves. I smiled at how ridiculous I was becoming. She was kind enough to compliment, but I'm being a jerk. I peek at her, she's slightly smiling. "Thanks," I managed to politely reply.

Catalina stared at my art for a little while. Turn around, Fiend. You're not done working, you...disgusting wolf hater. She was loving my art but was confused; she leaned her head, and her brows bent inwardly. Catalina smiled and then went back to her painting. I glowered at her behind the strands of my long red hair. You disgust me. I mean, look at her art! Pah! If only you knew... I shook my head slowly. Well, I'mma rock your whole WORLD TADAY! Who even are you? You think you've cast a spell on me? Well, you have no idea what spells I can cast, love. Oh, no, Honey.

I hated being dominated by these strange emotions. The more I glowered at her, the faster my heart pounded, the more angry I felt, the more I wanted to know who the hell she was... In a good way. It was good right? I'm a good boy, right? Right. Don't do anything stupid, Ozzi. The more I sat there, staring, there more her scent crawled up my nostrils. I want her for breakfast, lunch, AND dinner! I pulled out my phone, to make it seem like she wasn't the person I was tearing down with my icy cold glare. My blood froze, but I knew I was in love with this new found self... over her. One never knows who they truly are until the lesson presents itself. Right then, I was an asshole. I needed to get the hell out of here! HELP ME! Pass out, just pass out! She'll be one of those people who don't like to help others since she doesn't like touching people, right?

I yeeted (thrust) myself out of the chair and fell to the ground. I kept my eyes closed until the teacher checked on me and lightly tapped my face. For a moment, I truly was dizzy, I hit my head for real on the counter behind me. Hopefully, she would tell me to go to the nurse or something if I kept up the dizzy act. So, I took in the way I felt for that split moment and continued to mimic the natural response. The students were crowded around me, including Catalina. Had I really hurt myself just to get away from that 17 or 18 teenage girl? I was an idiot. I knew it. Shockingly, I noticed she had been holding my left hand, which meant... she was okay with touching others. Oh... Her eyes were jerking around. She was analyzing and calculating how bad the situation must have been by the way I fell. Her eyebrow knitted together.

"He needs medical help," she demanded at Mrs. Henderson.

The teacher looked at her as if she could tell in Catalina's voice, she knew how to help me. No, no, NO! If I stopped faking now, my likablility level would decrease giving me a whole lot of negative attention but if I continued, I would have to deal with Catalina... ALONE! Catalina touched my forehead. No! Don't! Shit! My body temperature was hotter than the average human. She would think something was wrong, which she did. I tried squirming away but it wasn't work! HELP!

"I'll take him to the nurse," Catalina offered.

The teacher nodded. The two helped me lean on Catalina's shoulder. Mrs. Henderson and some of the other students patted or grazed my back as I was towed away by the new girl. I had to admit though, there was an excitement growing within me. Catalina actually made the most heroic choice in high school. She hadn't even taken a second thought. I knew she wasn't just curious, but responsive and active now too. What great traits to have. No matter how hard I was trying to hate deny my siblings and hate the new girl, Catalina would refute my assumptions. Ness was right. I'm living for this girl's heroism and mysteriousness. The best part was, I don't think she was trying to be. It's simply who she was. The least I could do since I had been lying was take up most of my weight. If she knew how heavy I truly was, she would probably feel crushed, just saying.

"You'll be alright once we get to that office. Are you okay right now," she checked on me?

I chuckled, scoffing really, "Heh, just a fool who shouldn't have been a jerk..."

Catalina looked up at me, confused.

"To myself I mean. I hadn't eaten in a while." I looked down at my crooked walk. A while could mean an hour, right? She doesn't need to know the truth.

"Diabetic? Hypoglycemic? Or something less situational?"

Uh, oh. The girl's got vocabulary and medical knowledge. I'm impressed. Shrugging, I answered, "Less situational."

"Be careful doing something like that. You may have to go to the doctor, not the E.R. or anything but... if your fainting from lack of food, you could be a little sick. Were you fasting?"

"No, simply too much work. I've been so focused on things that I keep forgetting to take care of myself."

"Oh, I see. I'll go to a vending machine for you, okay. I'm insisting, so please do not resist me. You should rest."

My eyebrows lifted. All I could do was nod. Catalina was a woman taking charge of the situation. I hadn't known how to take her in. I wondered how many times she had saved a life. Had she before? If so, what training did she complete in case of emergencies? If Catalina never saved anyone before, she definitely had the heart for it and the attitude. She's... gorgeous, I thought. Great. I was more a jerk for trying to hate someone who's nice. It may take time before that happens.

We entered the nurse's office and spoke to the nurse. The guy requested me to nap on the bed so I had done as told. I lied there, never had I slept. Fainted, sure, but never actually slept. I knew my brother could, but all my life I was awake, living every dream and nightmare, forced to learn how to wake up while also knowing I never could. This day, it was a dream. A good dream, a bit comical though. Chuckling, I couldn't believe I had done this to myself. I had never been so worked up over anybody, or at least not this innocently. For Astrid... I was more of the person I hated being. With Catalina, so far, I had been having the time of my life and it's all been in my head! I covered my face. Idiot. She's amazing though. Why did she have to hate wolves? I moved my hands away from my eyes; they still rested on my face. Does she hate wolves? Or was that also a refutable charge? Had I assumed again? The door clicked. Catalina returned with a bag of wheat thins and a bottled water.

"I bought something dry for the acid that may have built up in your tummy. Here is some water too." She handed me the food.

I sat up and took them. "Thank you." Good thing I could eat this stuff. I remembered the first time I found out I could eat food. What a crazy day that was.

Catalina simpered and moved her hair away from her face. "Of course." She sat down in front of me, a great posture too like a royal.

While opening the bag, I lay onto my side. She can't be real. She's average looking but there was something extraordinary about her. Breathing in, I asked her, "I have a question, about your fear, if I may?"

Catalina's eyebrows rose. "Yes?"

I blinked, wondering if I should ask about the wolf in her painting. Would her answer really be something I would want to hear? "Nevermind."

Catalina shrugged; her eyes were inviting. "Please, ask. We are partners."

Fine... I nodded once and built up the courage to ask. "Are you... scared of wolves?"

Catalina looked at me funny and then averted her eyes to think about why I asked her that. She looked up after she understood. Catalina fiddle with her hands, replying, "No. Wolves are beautiful creatures. The one I drew is just... not... normal."

"Not normal?" I leaned my head.

"It's a dream I had for a while." Catalina heavily breathed in and then tittered. She looked away from me. "I'll move on to the next nightmare eventually."

"Oh..." I looked at the floor, feeling stupid. So, I practically made a scene for nothing.

"Teh."

I glanced up after hearing her scoff. She looked pissed. What is wrong with her? Should I have asked? She was fine just a second ago.

She told me, "I mean, the first attack is terrifying, you know, but after the 12th time it gets tedious! And, oh, then about the 20th, well, it really pisses me off."

My eyes widened. Oooh... I started eating the food she gave me, deeply sunken into the next thing she had to say like popcorn for a movie. I drunk some of the water.

Catalina breathed out and smiled. "Honestly, it seems that wolves are very vicious towards me, but I love them. They're fascinating... beautiful in all their shapes and colors, loyal, loving and... They're great storytellers. We don't know much about them but life without them is like a life I don't want to live without. They're a dream. Sorry if my painting confused you."

My eyes narrowed. My mouth trembled because I couldn't say what I wanted; I hadn't even known what to say actually. I was speechless, confused. My heart heavily, happily pounded against my chest again. Catalina was a dream. She wasn't real. My sister and brother had to pranking me. The school had to be fooling themselves. There was no way she was real! ¡Dios mío! No es un ángel, es una diosa. I had only met her for a day and she a goddess! Catalina must be lying. If the opportunity for her to meet a wolf in person actually happened to her, she would run or the wolf would be behind bars in a zoo. That's an assumption too, now. I don't know that.

Catalina waited for me to respond. She narrowed her right eye but then smiled once she accepted I had nothing to say. "Chill. We only have a little while to stay here."

Setting the food on the small and plain table beside me, I laid back. "Okay."

My eyes were closed. Letting myself drift into thought, I still tried to find ways to hate Catalina. It was horrible to. It wasn't her fault, it was my genetics screwing me up. Jacob never should have told us about Renesmee and his situation. At first, I was interested in learning more because that's something important for me to know. But... the terror of losing my self freedom had set in. Does... that... take my self-control away? Does it change me? Would I have seen Catalina differently if I had never... D'ah, I don't even know if that's true! How would I be certain? Accepting that I was warped into another dimension in a cafeteria to be connected to another person? Accept I was warped into probably some fake and temporary high? Had I really been staring off into space as Ness and Riri stated? Did she experience that situation too or was it just me? Was it just some crazy, vivid daydream because she has, oh, such astounding light brown eyes! I'm pissed! I'm pissed at myself and what I am. I don't know! My mother never told us about this. Never. Perhaps because of the genetic differences my brother and I had apart from other beings? If only she had told us more about the things she new and experienced, I could have been prepared: about the age differences, about the mental state I would be in, if I'd still have my own free will over my own emotions or give it all up unwillingly for her. Does it have to be unwillingly? I could have known now, and possibly be okay with today or otherwise. Catalina... is not bad, but I feel bad for this.

Suddenly, and I knew Catalina was staring at me already, she wanted to watch over me, but... her scent became the most intoxicating and suffocating thing I had ever experienced. No one was nearly as in trouble as much as she was. Why did the scent get so strong and Ooooh, my gooood- she was sooo nice to my nose. I'm falling... alive. I couldn't think correctly. Oh, the dizziness. The scent...

The scent... the beckoning cry to feed, the dame to save but lust over for the... blood... was too much. I had to be the warrior fighting myself! Uh... Uh, uh, fuck. My hands began to tremor on my stomach. The sound of the pulse in her neck, her wrist, her chest was a perfect drum, loud. Loud! Too damn LOUD! Get louder! Louder! louder, please!? She was inching closer slowly. Oh, you temptress. Stop freaking playing with my emotions and species-hood. You're so dirty for this. Stay still Ozzi, stay still, I repeat to myself. Think of Alice! What would she say? "You won't hurt her." Yes, ma'am. I won't hurt her. I promise. I always keep my promises if I can do it! I can do this. I can do it.

I hated the pulse because, usually, I could easily ignore the sound of the blood coursing through veins but I... I... I freaking CAN'T this time! The flow of the stream was gentle and beautiful, I could imagine myself in the ocean and feeling the light tossing of myself inside the current. Me surrendering to the current was the best feeling, but I was fighting it this time. Drowning. I could really hurt someone. I DON'T WANT TO HURT HER! Why did she have to have such thin skin? HELP ME, for FUCK sake!

Not only does Catalina overpower me with her beauty and eloquence and kindness, but the blood also matches her! That's so unfair! I had been such a good boy, not hurting anybody. I was minding MY OWN BUSINESS, but than SHE had to just "Heere's Johnny" me like I had no rights to give permission for her to enter my life! That's cold! Fate, why did you do think this was okay! God, is this a test? I beg that you help me please you and do the right thing. Whoever else, SAVE ME! Her fragile life was in my hands. I had been death dancing the tango with this girl's lifespan and I was terrified. Anything, after this point, was life or death. What was I supposed to do? She's just so nice, and I don't want to be mean or anything.

No... wait. This was on purpose. This was all a lie, a prank! Catalina IS a test. A test of my sanity! I will prevail! The girl will not dominate me! Not my mind, not my heart, not my sssoul. I control it all. I am master of my own body and I will not give myself up like that again. Astrid had already made me suffer. That was enough. I had my share of this... Neeerd today. Just as I had said in the classroom, Imma rock your WHOLE WORLD, LIL MAMA! COME HERE!

Before I knew it... I kissed her. It was an accident, I swear! Originally, the plan was to say something bad about her breath or play tag but shout, "You're it! No tag backs," and run off! I hadn't thought her lips and mine were calculated precisely the right angle for that kiss to happen. But, damn it, I was going for it. This was my opportunity to get her back for dictating my mind and my entire school day. It wasn't fair. She dominated everything. I hate being dominated: mentally, verbally, sensua- I mean, physically! It sucked though.

No matter how much I tried to be in control of this kiss, I couldn't be. She still took over! So, I tried lifting her up. Oh, I lifted her up alright, nearly giving her all the power. I was getting dizzier from the scent of her blood and the touch of her hands gripping my shoulders. I felt myself warming up, my blood boiled, especially in my cheeks. That's not fair. I pinned her to the wall to regain control over her... and my legs before I fainted, which could make her fall. Catalina was still too much for me. Her lips truly were pillows. I hadn't kissed or been kissed sooo long and ours simply felt like the world was mine. It was her. She made me feel that way. I was a horrible person. I knew it. I'm sorry. Her hands on my neck made it no better. She was also stunned, so her hands were practically caressing my neck unintentionally. I pinned them back because she could tickle me. It was strange. Usually, humans couldn't do that to me. Only others like myself could. I loved it too much so I had to move them. It wouldn't be fair to Catalina to be a full criminal and take her for myself. She was way too nice to me. That wouldn't be fair to myself because I wasn't that kind of person either. I hated myself a lot more at that moment than I had for a century. I'm sorry, Catalina. I'm apologize for being a jerk to you. Stop! Stop! STOP!

Accidentally, I dropped her to the ground. Quickly, I shook my head to regather myself. Catalina was breathing heavily, pulling herself together as well. She was on the ground, back to the wall. Oh, she was pissed! Freaking out kind of pissed. Her face was red from the kiss, but that's not how I knew I badly screwed up. Her eye flashed. I didn't know what that was. I swore I saw her right eye turn red. What was that? She... is a test... isn't she? No, I don't want to believe that or that I imp... im. Screw it! Screw it all! Renesmee said that there was something off about this girl. After today in the lunchroom, after the eye, should I trust her? Well, I guess I found the reason to hate her. Lies... I still had nothing. I HATE myself for how I'm treating her and myself. What am I doing? Why am I doing this!? This wasn't me...

"What the hell did you just do," she exploded at me!?

The lost look on her face mesmerized me, but her eye. It was back to normal, glistening from the ceiling light. She saved me, even though I was faking. Enraged at the thoughts, unsure they were true, I glowered at Catalina and snickered. What was she and why might she be my destiny? Or, test? Or, whatever? What was I going to gain from her? It better not be bullshit.

I teased her to bleed out my confused anger, "You should see your face. I guess you haven't been kissed before, have you? Priceless."

"Ugh," she shouted, "I was worried sick! You faked the whole damn thing! Don't ever do that, again! T-that was my firs... Mm." She grimaced at me.

Oh, shit. I was right. Oh, dios. Soy una persona terrible. I smirked at her. Right now, I need to give her space. I shouldn't have done that. That wasn't fair for either of us. My first kiss was stolen too; I remember how that felt and I feel disgusting now that I've done that to someone else. Quickly, I responded, "Then, stop being so damn sexy, and I'll think about stopping, kay?"

I grabbed my leather jacket on the side of the chair and began to go. I needed to leave school. No way did I deserve to be in her presence, not a god like her. I was hideous. But, also, for myself, I needed a grandmother to knock some sense into me. What better way to get that then telling my older brother, Henry, about all this? He has been my parent figure since we were kids, so I know he would kick my ass.

Shockingly, Catalina followed, bubbling with fury. She had managed to control her voice. "Wait! You did all that — the falling and the pretending — just to kiss me?"

I looked back at her. Wait, what? Is that what she thinks? That was an accident! I was trying to save myself from you! Well, just... play it off or something. I responded, "That could be true if you wish, or maybe it was just a way to get away from your ass. It was your choice. You decided to bring me to the nurse's office when somebody else could've." Had I really just blamed her? Well, she did decide! I thought she was going to stay her little self in the classroom but, instead, she took me to the nurse!

"But, no one else even... I was about call an ambul..." Catalina was trying so hard to scold me but she hadn't known what to say. Eventually, she became shocked more than angry and her jaw dropped. She fussed again, "Ugh! I thought you were-"

"Gorgeous," I joked? Apparently so if you thought I did this to kiss you. Honestly, there would be no need to create an entire scheme for that, I would have just done so if I wanted.

"No! Nicer than that you, jerk," she complained, stomping her feet?

Nice!? Okay. You're too cute for me. Get away from me. I'm trying to save you. I jested, "Huh... So, you're an elephant?"

Catalina tilted her head, narrowing her eyes. "What?"

"You're a transfer student from some country, right? You started stomping your huge feet... So, I asked," A little laugh slipped out my mouth.

"No!" She crossed my arms. "And, my feet aren't that huge!"

I stared at her for a moment. Honestly, I still can't get over the fact she called me nice. Usually, I'd get hot or something. She went straight for the personality. It's good when a person can look past the appearance to experience the person's company, especially for a first impression. Why is she so good? She's the one who is nice, not me. Suddenly, I realized my smile faded. Not once had I felt the shift in my facial muscles. I thought I still had it. Catalina makes me feel... weird. Not the usual weird though. I couldn't feel... myself, physically or emotionally.

How do I figure out if my siblings were right? Catalina's going to hate me, and it's a risk I want to take for a moment, but I want to kiss her one more time and simply understand what I am feeling. I need to know if this new me was real. Would the kiss be different than one with someone else? I'm sorry, you can hate me and never want to talk to me again afterwards. But, please, let me understand you just for today. I was hesitant at first, getting closer. Was that really what I wanted? Would I be okay? I should be since we just met. The first time was fine; she chased after me. The second might not be... if she walks away. I gently grabbed Catalina by her waist, shirt honestly, not wanting to be as rough as I was the first time. Catalina locked up until I pulled her into a light kiss.

It was different than kissing someone else. I was floating again like I had been in the lunchroom. Closing my eyes, it wasn't black, I was in a white area on clouds. My soul wasn't mine anymore. It felt like I gave it safely to some stranger I had just met. This wasn't fair! Renesmee and Henry were right! I stopped, processing that information. Catalina had been blushing again, stiff. She shut her eyes and began to push me away but couldn't. Not, yet. Please, wait. I lightly pinned her to the wall for a moment. Stay, please? I stared at Catalina as she did at me. I simply wanted to understand how her eyes made me feel. She was melting from my hands on her waist, but kept her eyes on mine. Her eyes gave me the universe, literally. She was the only thing keeping my feet on the ground. The kiss wasn't just a kiss. It was a contract in order to get into heaven. We weren't lovers, but why had I felt like we were married for years? That's creepy as hell. For someone who hadn't been kissed before, she surely learned a great way to kiss somehow. Movies maybe? Thank you for letting me comprehend all this.

I let her shove me away. I'm sorry. Hate me all you wish now. Catalina stormed off to wherever she was going to go. At first, I was going to let her walk. I deserved it. I knew it, but... I. I can't let her go! Wait! I still want to talk to you!

I began following her like a lost puppy. Wow. I'm pathetic. I remained quiet to let her cool off. Her face was still red. Often, she would shake her head in anger and make cute and tiny noises with her voice. She was debating rather she wanted to gut me or something, I was sure. Her fists were swinging by her side, but I noticed the stabbing motions too. My eyebrows were sad. I watched her, feeling guilty about everything I did to her. How do I talk to her now? I can't say anything stupid. I'm a guy, I'm sure I'll find some way to mess up but that's not the point. My mouth twisted. I have to try not to be that guy.

"Hey. Thanks for helping me out of class, Catalina."

"Whatever," Catalina barked and began speed walking away from me!

No! Don't go! Responsively, I caught her arm. "Wait. Okay. I'm sorry..." What do I say now? Uh-uh, "You're not an elephant." What the fu... What!?

Catalina slowly faced me, biting her lip. Her eyebrows were ticked off at me. Damn it. "Thanks," she questioned me?

Say something better! Idiot! "You're a lemur, then." Oh, Dios mío. See, now, if she doesn't kill you, I will! What are you trying to do!? Make her laugh! I don't know!

Catalina swung her arms in the air. "Oh, come on!"

Saaame! I had to breath in to get myself back in order. Calmly, I apologized to her, "Okay. Honest this time. I'm sorry. It's just your eyes are so lovely, especially when you make them pop open. Your face is so small and adorable. I tried resisting the urge, but you helped me get to the nurse instead of somebody else... so, I kissed you." I hoped that explained everything. Hopefully, I hadn't confused her more.

Catalina, twisted her head from me. Her eyes was staring into my soul, narrowed and fuming. She licked her lips and then said to me, "Mm...I can't trust you. Your actions spoke louder. Don't do that again."

I straightened my back, staring at her. Great. I screwed up. She doesn't trust me like she was going to earlier. There was no need to be surprised. I had never trusted myself, more now than ever. I don't even know who I am anymore. I don't think I ever did. I nodding, accepting her response as my punishment for being a moron.

"Hmph," I chuckled. "Don't you think it was my actions that proved it? But... Good. Don't. Later."

I should have given her that space like I was trying to before. I walked backwards before turning around. Waving a goodbye, I thought about what happened today and that I knew I had to leave school. I had to leave her alone. I had to get my head from the ditch and stick it back on. The sun was out now anyway. The bell rang. Aggressively, I grunted.

In front of the school, I bathed in the heat of the sun. My skin glistened. My eyes were closed so I could think about the angel I had visions about for years. She looked like Catalina. It was unbelievable. Why now of after all those years, you have her face? Why couldn't it be someone else? I knew I was never going to speak to her again. She would always run from me or cry out for help. My likability was destroyed. I just knew it. Why did I have to be that guy? Ugh, gross. I'm so gross. Unfortunately, I couldn't officially leave school. My ride was my brother's car. If I ran away, it would only anger him more. I knew he heard what happened today, him and Ness. Alice told me something strange was going to happen today. She warned me. The doubled doors burst open! Henry and Renesmee rushed outside. My brother push me to the ground.

"What the hell!" Henry nearly swung a fist to my face. He shouted, "If I wasn't stuck in class, I would've punched you in the face."

"I know."

Renesmee chided, "Why did you think that was okay? What, trying to one up me? I have Jacob!"

Quickly, I waved my hands. "No! I... It was an accident! Honest!"

"It didn't sound like one." Ness crossed her arms.

Shrugged, I responded, "Well, the second time was on purpose."

My brother lifted his fist farther back. I covered my face. "Don't let me punch you," he snarled at me.

I dropped my hands and closed my eyes. "But I should be punished for that! I didn't mean to. She was standing over me and I sat up without knowing how close she was. my eyes were closed. Still, I confess that I kept the kiss going and I shouldn't have done that. She didn't deserve that. But, I still kissed her again to figure out what was wrong with me. That was wrong too so go ahead." For a minute, I waited on Henry to hit me. I opened my eyes once I knew he wouldn't. But, why, though?

Henry had a red fire in his eyes, it was dying out. His eyes returned to the emerald green color after breathing in. He stood up straighter, lowering his fist. "I forgot you always take your punishments like a man and thank people for it. You freaking weirdo. Stand up. I'm not going to... only because you were honest."

I stood up as told, but stand down on the stairway of the school. "It wasn't fair what happened to her or me in there. I got so angry over nothing."

Renesmee sat next to me. "You? Angry? About what?"

I wiped my eyes. The stress was getting to my head. I shouldn't be stressing over something this small. "What if you guys are right that I imp... imp," my mouth struggled to say the word. I struggled to say it for a while. I just can't believe it! I can't except it. I couldn't have im... imp...

"Imprinted," Henry finished for me. He smirked at me, sort of laughing at me in his head. I knew it.

I scoffed, "Yeah, that."

Renesmee touched my shoulder. "Ozario, are you bothered by that? That's a good thing."

I frowned at her. "Is it? On your end, you have it all: a man willing to throw his life away to save you while you can marry a totally different person. Jacob would watch from the sidelines brokenhearted but unable to leave you for the rest of his life. You're not as bounded by this as he is. Have you ever considered how deep this might be for him compared to you - the imprinted vs the imprinter? I can see that now. So, yes, I'm bothered."

Upset, Renesmee faced the ground, cherishing the eyeopener.

I faced my brother, slouching forward. "Enrique, what if I do accept this," I asked him. "Would my freedom be gone forever? I feel like I was forced to give up my soul to a complete stranger on the same day I found out I had one. I never knew I did, now I'm sure I don't because I just gave it away! It's not simply mine anymore... It belongs to her now. I can't think for myself anymore. Trying to check for time will now be like trying to stalk someone who might never want to speak to me again and that's all my fault. I feel alive now, the first I had ever felt in a long time, but that's when she is around me and I'm certain she will stay. If she's not there, what happens to me then? Will I feel more dead than ever before, like I had never existed to begin with? It would be my life as a child all over again, without our mother here to tell me, 'I do matter, I am matter.'"

"I'll be that person for you," my brother vowed. "For years, my loyalty to this brotherhood has never 'scaped me, Ozzi. If she doesn't stay, screw her. I'll continue to be that friend to keep you sane like I've always been."

I sat up straighter. "Enrique... A person can tell when their time in someone's life is no longer any help. You've done your part and I am grateful. I always will be. But with this... thing, how do you know you can continue to be that person? Not only has she stolen the gravity beneath me, she gave me the universe as if I deserved it with only a single glance. I know I don't, yet she still gave me that gift. I'm unsure you can help me from this point on. What if it's her turn and I ruined that?"

Henry looked out at the sky, breathing in. "Ouch." He looked down. "I don't know... I'd have to try harder. You're right though. I'm unsure I can either after what Jacob told us about it." My brother smiled at me. "Are you sure you ruined it?"

I gave him a sideways glance. "Really? I lied to her, insulted her, tried to play it off, and kissed her twice, you tell me," I challenged him.

The two laughed at me.

Smirking, I said, "Catalina should have punched me or put me behind bars. Not to mention our age difference. Oh... if only she knew I was antique."

Renesmee guffawed and patted my arm for my attention. She suggested, "Let's talk to Alice or call the Diviners. Skuld's visions are always true."

I moved away from Ness. "No! Please, no. If Skuld tells me I'd have to fight to win Catalina's heart for the rest of my life until the day she dies, I couldn't handle it." I buried my face in my hands. "Oh, Dios mio. Why a human? Why couldn't she be one of us?" Catalina's flashing red eye entered my mind again. Was she human? She smells like one and there was nothing else to prove otherwise, except that eye.

Henry recommended, "Let's go with Alice then. At least she is unsure; her visions can change based on the choices made. Let's see what choice Catalina decides."

Concerned, I shook my head. "I'm worried what she'll say too. I want to stay for a bit longer. Think about what I've done."

"The sun is out. Don't let the humans see you," Ness commanded.

I nodded. "Okay."

The two walked into the sunlight. Only Renesmee glistened from the streaming spotlights. I watched the two get in the car and then leave the school. Swiftly, I ran and jumped to the nearest tree in the forest. For a while, I contemplated everything. I was still unsure what came over me but for sure, I was screwed. The last school bell rang. I watched the students come out. They were far from me. Catalina was walking out alone until a few of the friends she made today came out. They were waving, then went separate ways.

"Am I really going to allow you to take me over? Who are you first?"

There was a horrible thought in my mind. I had already felt bad for what happened today. Still, every time I looked at her, I wanted to do something stupid. If I... followed her home, would that be a terrible thing? Catalina got in her car. Suddenly, she stared into space and then buried her face in her hands. I feel the same. I'm sorry. Honest. Could I walk her home? She wouldn't know but it wouldn't be too bad, would it? Catalina drove away from the parking lot. I followed her car, stealthily. For what I was, I could catch up to her car with ease. It was hilarious doing so. I heard her in the car, cursing me out and insulting me with... compliments?

"That dumbass jerk and his fine ass self. You know, someone needs to stick a thirteen foot pole up his butt and shoot him into space! Just because you're hot and you know it, doesn't give anybody the right to be a... a JERK! Ooo! I wish I punched him. I wish I did. Tomorrow, I'm gonna punch him in the gut, no in the face where I know it will hurt his stupid ego."

Oh, trust me. That's not where my ego is. I was cracking up the entire time I followed. It was cute. When she pulled up to a house, I was confused. She lived in the middle of nowhere. That wasn't exactly why I had been confused but I used to know the coven who lived here once. I knew them in history, never in person. They disappeared a long time ago. Many of us wondered where they were since they were like the Olympic Coven, one of the kindest covens of our nation and one of the largest. There were four of us. This one in particular were the first to have many of us without them going crazy. They were also the coven whose people died early. No one knew why. Since nine years ago, no one has seen them. If they sold the house to Catalina's family, I guess they were still out there somewhere. I'm glad to know that they're okay.

Catalina entered her house. At first, I was about to leave for home but then I heard another person talking to her. I leaned against the tree for a moment, listening in.

"Hey, Sweetie! How was school? Did anyone burst into a riot? Oh! O-or, did something cute like burst into songs like high school musical happen!"

Was that her friend or her mother?

"No," I heard Catalina answer. Ha! She's still mad.

"Ooo! Catalina, please sit! Tell us what happened today?"

There was a silence for a second and then, "OMGH! Ma, some guy kissed me today. Someone randomly tricked me into kissing him... Multiple times... Okay? I, honestly, don't wanna think about it."

I scowled. No, I didn't! I was trying to... Augh! Forget it. Her mother sounded fun.

"Oh! You have to talk to us about it! Mom, come listen to Cati!"

Cati? Catalina's mother took her to the kitchen. I saw her grandmother in the window, the back of Catalina and another woman, who looked like the older version of the new girl, across from her. What a small family she has. Catalina began to tell them the situation. I was so invested in the conversation that I practically watched them like a movie. They were intriguing. While Catalina raged on and asked for help from her mother, I started getting pissed. Why wasn't her mother taking her side? Take that asshole to the principal! He doesn't deserve your daughter... Oh, wait. Still, Catalina seemed like the only one with common sense. That wasn't fair. I began chuckling at her and myself. When the mother left, I stood up to leave. Hurriedly, I dashed home.

My brother exited the Hoke House and hollered, "... Bro... Wel... ho."

"Huh?" Uh, oh. My ears are doing it again. I covered my ears with my hands.

Henry stopped for a moment. In sign language, he said to me, "Are you're ears alright? They didn't fade out again, did they?"

I held up a finger to check. The sounds of the environment were returning to me. Shaking my head, I vocally answered. "Yeah, but the drums must have deteriorated probably on my way back home. They've healed again."

There was a medical situation with my hearing. My eardrums would deteriorate but because of the creature I was, it would rebuild itself and repeat the process over and over. Some days I can hear at 10 miles like the average creature. Other days, I could be considered deaf. The genetic issue came from my mother who could hear greater than anyone on the planet, but couldn't smell a thing if something was touching her nose. Because there were two parts to me, it was as if one side fought the other; thus, the repetition. Henry and I took precautions and learned sign-language in our native tongue, Catalan, and in English. Well, look at that. What else is new?

Henry patted my shoulder to tug me into the house. "Why were you gone for so long?"

"I wanted to understand what was wrong with me," I answered, walking towards the living room.

"Alice should be in here." Henry point at the arch.

"Ozzi," Alice Cullen came to hug me and then backed up.

"Hey," I greeted with a grin. She makes me happy every time.

Alice breathed in, happily she asked, "I found out what happened. How do you feel?"

"I'm not sure? Lost?"

Alice looked at the window.

She was seeing something from over there, more like having a vision. She blinked a lot. "What," I requested for her to tell me?

"Someone is coming. Can you find who it is? Can you see them?"

Another thing to learned about me. When one sense has weakened, another heightens. My mother couldn't smell but she could hear greater than anybody. I had trouble hearing, but I could see farther than any other creature like me. I checked out the window. My eyes widened when I saw her. Slowly, I walked to the patio to give her time to show up. By the time I reached the patio, there she stood.

"Astrid."

"Ozzi, my sweet." She caressed my face, gazing at me with her lustful eyes hidden behind the green contacts. The sunlight shimmered upon her dark golden skin.

I backed up from her but smiled. That was weird. I had never done that before, backed away. It felt awkward for her to touch me though. Perhaps... it was the guilt about Catalina that ate me up. "How are you? Why are you here," I happily asked her?

Astrid, with her golden hair waving in the breeze, walked past me. She wore a white, frilly-filled vintage suit. Her heels clapped the wood. "I came to return Carlisle's book. Then, I'm dashing for a plane. Oh! Hey, Alice."

Alice stood by the sliding door. Deep down, she doesn't like Astrid. No one in the house does, except me. Carlisle and Esme try to be nice but they were suspicious of her. Astrid faced her properly and then walked up to her.

"It's good to see you," Alice greeted, trying her best to be nice.

"I know. It's wonderful to see you too. You're so cute." Astrid reached out and lifted the middle of Alice's new French braid. "You grew your hair." She nodded and smiled. "It's perfect."

"Thank you."

Astrid walked away from her and slid the book back in the place she got it. "There. Returned, as promised." She rushed toward the patio again, grabbing my hand to follow her. "I don't want to miss my flight but I'll come back for you." She turned around to look in my eyes again.

Shrugging, I told her to, "Take as long as you need." What was wrong with me? I was doing it again - easily pushing Astrid out my life better than I did two weeks ago. Did this have something to do with... Oh, no.

"You don't want me to hurry back," She sadly asked, a hand lightly patting my cheek?

I shook my head. "Not this time. I hadn't been feeling like myself."

Astrid appeared to be upset with my response. "Hm. Okay. Later then." She glowered at my brother behind me. "Enriqué."

"Bitch."

"Riri, stop," I demand, eyes wide.

"Everyone knows I don't like her," he hollered! "She knows!" My brother was never a man who hid his honesty. He would let anyone know what he felt or what was on his mind with no problems.

"We don't call women that," I reminded him.

Henry jumped at her. He scoffed, "What! She's not a woman. That thing is the only person I would say that to."

Astrid stuck her tongue at him and then jerked. He charged after her but she rushed to the other side of the woods and disappeared. I showed my brother a deadpan look. Afterwards, I walked away from him.

"What," Henry questioned me with his hands out. "Catalina is important now. You don't need that witch. It needs to learn it's not it no more."

How did that statement make any sense!? I gave him a stupid look. "Riri, we don't even know who Catalina is or what she is."

"And, you know what Astrid is," he argued, pushing me with his shoulder!?

Forcefully, I began pushing back. "I've been around her longer than you!"

"Boys," Alice called for our attention! Stunned, we gaped at her. Her call was a knife to the throat. Alice relaxed and said, "Are we going to talk about the girl or what?"

My brother and I looked at each other and then shrugged...