It was soft, small, and cool on her forehead. A gentle hum echoed through her mind, making any thoughts void of anything but peace and calm.

There was a wondrous silence, but the hum ate away at any concerns that might've been there. Hidden fears lurking somewhere. Any memories of Lois Carol's worrying experience with the Cullen's was gone. With it rid of, the soft feeling on her forehead removed itself. In only seconds Lois opened her eyes, the grogginess of Jasper's enforced sleep steadily leaving her. In a room of vampires, no one ever suspected that his influence of peace and calm could ever be strong enough to knock someone out.

At least until it came to Lois Carol.

She found she was lying in a bed, her head cushioned by fluffy pillows. The room had a few basic decorations, like a desk and wardrobe, but seemed empty of personal items like a guest room. Then, Lois' honey orbs inched over. A beautiful child sat next to her, watching Lois with warm brown eyes. Unnerved by her calm beauty, Lois sat upright quickly.

"It's alright now." The child spoke. "Are you feeling better?"

Lois paused, briefly looking around. "I'm better…as long as Jasper doesn't do that trick anymore."

She smiled. "He won't. I promise… I'm Renesmee."

At this Lois' head turned quickly. She recognized the name. This was Edward and Bella's miracle child. The one the Volturi made such a fuss over. No sooner than she opened her mouth did the sweet looking child continue. "Lois… I'm glad I met you. You've made my grandpa so happy."

Lois struggled for words. "You mean he-"

Renesmee nodded, and a cute smile formed on her lips. "The last time I saw him, he was so excited…nervous, but happy. If it means him staying that way, I hope you can change him and be with him forever."

And that caused Lois to cough into her hand and look at the door. It didn't seem like anyone else heard that. "Uh, Renesmee, one step at a time. Your mother isn't happy that I like him as is."

"Why?" she innocently furrowed her brows.

"It's…it's too much to get into." Lois decided not to go on about it. "Your parents might not appreciate me getting into it."

That said, she climbed off the bed and got to her feet. Sparing a glance at the clock on the wall left her tense. "Shoot. I have to go."

Renesmee hurried over. "So soon? My family wants to know why you fell asleep."

Lois pursed her lips. "You can read others thoughts, right? What they feel?"

Renesmee nodded and quirked up a cute smile. "Something like that."

"Well… it might be easier shown that explained. Can you tell them for me?" she rushed, hopefully. Lois offered her hand, to which Renesmee took with a smile. After a moment's pause, the child's eyes lit up.

"You can sleep?" she questioned, wide eyed. "That's what that really was?"

Lois only spared a smile and rushed to the window. "Goodbye, Renesmee. Tell them the same for me."

Then she was gone into the night. Whereas most of the Cullen's gave Lois a good amount of doubt and nerves, she was glad to have made one friend, at least.

.

.

.

Except for Eleazar, no Denali suspected Lois of feeling anything for someone in Forks. Said male preferred to wait and see first, though, gradually it was becoming clear to all. Lois carried an air of shining radiance and joy in that first week home. A carefree lightness others could only describe as childlike love.

Now and then they'd exchange glances, but no one had the heart to actually talk to her and warn her to be careful. Doubtless they knew the Cullen's had done so, and even then, Lois persisted on.

Aside from being in a steadily lifted mood, she'd become overall more pleasant. Instead of passing the time at night with sleeping, Lois had taken on a sudden spurt of generosity and thoughtfulness. If the house wasn't sparkling perfect, she'd be cleaning, either humming or aloof. Yet, it was clear to see her mood would skyrocket when her phone gave a little buzz. Never a noise, because she could always feel it first, and didn't want to disturb others. But a vampire could always hear it, buzzing or not. Then, if Lois was cleaning she'd stop, hop up on the counter to sit comfortably, and cross her legs and tap her feet like a lovesick teenager. Around others she tried hiding it as much as she could, but at one point gave up.

They only weren't entirely sure who it was, though they knew it was some tie to the Cullen's. And goodness knows whatever they were talking about. For the most part it was simple things.

Like- 'Good morning.' was common from Charlie.

'Good morning.'

'Have a good night? Heard there's an arctic chill coming in. Hope you're staying warm.'

It was such casual conversation, yet with a hint of care in his words that stirred up something in Lois's chest. She wasn't quite sure what it was, either. Her heart was long since dead, so it's not like anything moved in there. Why then did it feel like a bird was fluttering about each time he messaged her? Worst of all, she couldn't contain her giddiness. Lois would rile up wherever she was, smiling like a school girl. Her eyes would scan it over a few times, just passing the time and not wanting to seem too eager to reply.

Sometimes if Charlie said he'd be busy the next day with meetings and other police duties, it would be best to just send him an email. So, that's what Lois liked to do. There was something more elegant and formal about writing a letter. In fact, Lois had been working on her most recent one when there was a knock on the door. She quickly saved it as a draft and turned to greet Tanya.

Only, she wasn't expecting a semi-serious 'talk' about relationships. Mainly the eventual physical aspects Tanya was nervous about Lois starting. About her hurting him.

Lois became a flustered mess and admitted it hadn't even crossed her mind. She did admit in her human life she indulged that way occasionally, but now, it never crossed her mind. Tanya could clearly see how Lois' eyes softened.

"It's not like that with Charlie. When he looks at me, it's like he's appreciating every aspect of me so dearly. I've never once sensed anything lustful when I'm with him. Maybe at his age, he's leaning towards something more meaningful. I know I haven't been discrete lately… but it's not something I can help. Every emotion he draws out of me makes me feel like I'm living again. Everything is so raw and pure, it's like I've never experienced this level of happiness before."

And then, during Tanya's thoughtful gaze, her golden orbs widened.

"You're in love."

Lois had to laugh. "Don't be silly. No one falls in love that quickly-"

"Lois, you're glowing. Everything about you is radiant and beautiful. And if it's with the right person, anyone can fall in love quickly enough."

Now Lois was staring at her, closing her mouth. "I…" She furrowed her brows, shaking her head. "Love is a big word. I'm not sure if I-"

"Do you care about him?"

Lois's head snapped up. "Of course!"

"If you ever had any inclinations he was in trouble, would you go to him?"

"In a heartbeat… If I had one."

Tanya smiled, knowingly.

"Face it, Lois. Soon or not, you're in love."

Those words followed Lois for the next day. There was uncertainty, hesitation, and almost fear because of it. But…what made love a bad thing? Was it genuine if it took long enough? Or was it just a fleeting, childlike thing to not last but a short period?

All this doubt made Tanya regretful for pointing it out. Lois appeared troubled and no longer responded to her phone with smiles and giddiness. More questions loomed in her mind.

Was loving a mistake…? Would it only be pain in the long run? Should she have just waited for the right vampire instead? Then again, she wasn't attracted to any sort of stealthy, arrogant inhuman thing. She liked Charlie. The honest simplicity in his warm brown eyes. Something old fashioned and good just made her feel safe. She knew what there was to him.

And Lois Carol was unable to help loving that anyway.

Surprisingly, of all vampires, Eleazar was the one to bring Lois the most comfort and wisdom. The former Volturi had plenty of good advice when it came to humans, and the complications with them. Now, Lois waited outside in the snow, sitting on a fallen log dusted by snow. Lately she found being inside stifling. Being stuck in a closed in space, no matter how open and elegant it was, still left her going in circles of doubt and questions.

Here she could breathe, in a sense. The cool quietness of night was peaceful, and the falling snow never ceased to be comforting.

Eleazar stood behind her in half a moment. Still, Lois sat comfortably, eyes adrift over the expanse of snowy fields and its distant tree-line.

His cold hand on her shoulder was a small gesture, but spoke numbers for the former Volturi. Something about Lois' aloof character at times, mingled with ignorance, had made her a target to the old vampire. A target to treat like a little sister. One that clearly needed comfort now and then, and some sound advice she never pushed aside.

"You're especially troubled tonight. I could see it in your eyes." He spoke, calmly. Lois was almost jealous of the grace he emitted. Like some regal, tall stag with how he held himself. The blonde woman realized she'd been holding onto his hand, folding hers atop his.

"I don't know what to do, Eleazar."

"Talk, and I'll listen." He spoke, and she knew he'd listen to every word. Eleazar would always be stable for her. Not that the rest of her family wasn't there, only, they tried reasoning what was best for Lois alone. But Lois liked how Eleazar thought of what was best for all. He stood outside of emotions and always gave sound advice- whether she liked it or not.

"It's just… There's no denying anymore how I feel. What bothers me is how sudden it is. Tanya helped me realize that. Now… I don't know if it's real. I want it to be, but I can't say I've known him my whole life."

"Whether it's real, or not, why does it trouble you?"

"Because I don't want to strain our relationship with the Cullen's over something that isn't real."

"Is it? Could you tell him right now that you didn't want to see him again?"

Lois bowed her head between her shoulders, mumbling. "I couldn't do that…"

"Why?"

"Because just the thought of hurting him is like cracking my heart. The tiniest idea of him being in any sort of pain or distress, it makes me sick. And it makes me want to do everything I can to protect him."

"If you physically feel pain, doesn't that make it real?"

"But-"

"Whether it's two weeks, or ten years makes no difference. Love is undeniable."

Lois broke her thoughtful gaze. Honey orbs fluttered up to her tall brother.

"Then that's that." Slowly, she smiled, a pretty pearly sight that was a relief to him. "I'm in love with Charlie Swan."

.

.

.

At five A.M, it took about three buzzes of her phone to wake Lois up. She didn't have to sound groggy as an act for being realistic. It was a much shorter experience for her, given how vampires didn't use or need energy. Still, the relaxing passage that was sleeping was hard to resist.

Lois unlocked the screen and answered, pressing it to her ear.

"Hello?"

"Hey, Lois."

She sat upright. "Charlie?" Lois felt embarrassed for not recognizing the number sooner. She glanced at the clock and furrowed her brows. "You're up early."

"Yeah," It sounded like he was doing something, maybe making coffee, "had a bad dream. Just wanted to hear your voice again." His voice was gruff, a little unclear from sleeping. Lois had to admit it was cute to hear.

"Oh…do you want to talk about it?"

"I don't know." He sighed. Lois heard him sit down. "Now that I think about it I shouldn't have called. Waking you up."

"Don't worry about it." she smiled. "It's nice hearing you again… Under better circumstances, I wish."

He made a light sound. "Yeah… When do you think you'll be in the states again?"

"Alaska's part of the states Charlie." Lois laughed.

"Well, y'know, the main part." He sounded flustered. "I knew that though."

"Uh huh." She chuckled. "I'm not sure. Maybe next month. I might get sent down there."

"What do you mean?"

"I've decided to work in volunteering. New Company starting up, and they've got a second location somewhere near Port Angeles. They give room and board for their full time workers."

"Wow…that's very generous of you, Lois."

It hadn't been a lie. Amid Lois's recent surge of pleasant emotions, she decided to do something with her time. Turns out volunteering was just what she needed. Lois didn't need money, plus she did like helping people. It would have to be night work though, and she figured if she did enough hard work, she could earn her stay down in Washington. Then, it wouldn't be hard at all to see Charlie more often.

"When I'm able to come down, I'll let you know."

"Sure. I'll help you move in."

All the sudden there was a boom in the back. Lois jumped and knitted her brows.

"Charlie? What was that?"

It took a minute. It sounded like he was rushing, and she heard a window slide open. He mumbled under his breath and spoke up. "Lois, I'm going to have to call you back."

"Charl-"

Click.

All she could do was sit anxiously. Carmen, the brunette Denali, overheard her nieces' pacing and tapped the door. Lois called her in, but her mind was elsewhere.

"Is…everything alright?"

"I don't know. I heard something while I was talking to Charlie. So I'm waiting-"

She didn't hesitate answering her phone when it rang. A bit quick, but she was worried.

"Sorry about that. A tree fell not far from the house. Strange. There's no storm or anything, and the tree was healthy as a horse."

"Oh…well I'm glad you're OK."

"Me too." He breathed. "I gotta get ready for work… Maybe I'll give you a call later."

"I'd like that." She smiled. "Take care."

"You too. Bye Lois."

Click.

Of course, Carmen heard everything, and pursed her lips. Lois looked at her. "You don't think…some Cullen overheard that and got the wrong idea?"

"Most likely." The brunette figured. "And I'm guessing it was Bella. You were talking about 'moving down', and him helping you move in." She grinned. "They got the wrong idea. Or, should I say, she."

"Oh, great. As if Bella didn't already freak me out enough. Now she thinks I'm becoming her mother in law."

Carmen continued to grin. "Are you?"

"What? No! It's just dating. Nothing that serious. Besides…having her as a step-daughter would be way too weird." Lois put her hands on her hips, tilting her head. "Don't you give me sass young lady, or I'll be having a talk with your father."

Carmen laughed. "Really weird. But… I wish you luck. Maybe some life insurance too."

Lois only hugged her, chuckling.

"So when are you starting your new job? Does Tanya know?"

"Probably. I haven't been hiding those phone interviews. They want me to start tomorrow night. Then…like I told Charlie, if I do good enough, they'll transfer me down to their other location."

Carmen kissed the younger Denali's head. "You'll do great."

Lois took advantage of the close proximity, and as she was prone to do, she collapsed into the sitting Denali for a bear hug.

"Oof!" Carmen chuckled. "You know…" She began. "If you hug Tanya and tell her you're leaving, she's not gonna let you go."

Lois gave her a worrying squeeze.

"Like you said… I should get some life insurance."

.

.

.

A normal routine had been built up for Lois, one she was happy to fall into. Five nights a week, minus the weekends, the vampire would find herself about thirty miles from home volunteering, eight hours a night. Granted there was a half hour lunch break, during which Lois would always get her warm drink. Coffee or hot chocolate, she was happy for either. Then in the mornings and evenings she would talk to Charlie. She was leaning towards the idea he was an E-mail person. Charlie was a bit abrupt and awkward when it came to texting, but above that and E-mailing, he preferred calls.

By today's standards it was old fashioned, but Charlie liked it. And so did Lois. Charlie never tried to say anything hard to believe or overly impressive. Lois appreciated his honesty. Their talk mostly was checking on another, and about anything going on. He didn't seem to sugar coat anything, nor prolonged anything with idle chit-chat. Although with each phone call, they did seem to be talking more. Whereas before he might've implied a slow day at work, now he'd tell just about anything. How the waitress at the local coffee shop asked about her, how they were doing, so on. The day to day simplicity of human life was appealing to Lois. A far cry from her human life, and in this second life, all she could dream of.

With Lois at work, and easily able to exceed human limitations, it was no surprise within two weeks they were offering her the position in Port Angeles. She did genuinely like helping people, and while it was a fine job, the cherry on top would be visiting Charlie regularly.

The only downside was leaving her family. Once her things were all boxed up, Tanya was the most difficult to say goodbye to. Their hug was long and difficult, and she made Lois promise her to call every day. She also overheard from Garrett that Tanya had called Carlisle. Apparently, if it wasn't too much to ask, Tanya would appreciate one of the Cullen's just checking in on Lois time to time. Carlisle apparently had agreed. He didn't mind at all.

Now, Lois looked out the window, enjoying the brief ocean view of the trip to Port Angeles. The dock she left from would be heading straight there, which was a relief. Her things were put up in the storage side of the ship, and once there the U-haul would take care of it. She wouldn't have to lift a finger till getting there.

The memories of saying goodbye to her family remained fresh, even as she finally reached the dock. Lois' eyes lifted, taking in Port Angeles. She'd been here a few times, but never really took it in. The small buildings, mostly empty streets, and the dock was fairly big with all the fishing businesses. Men were busily loading and unloading various things, some gruff looking, some just passing the day by.

The smell of sea salt and sweat was strong. Lois crinkled her nose as she walked out onto the dock. Luckily the U-Haul workers were there waiting and set to work quickly. Knowing the size of her new apartment, she'd only brought the basic necessities. The rest she could get around here somewhere. Not that she needed a couch or microwave, but it was good to keep up appearances.

"Been a while."

Lois turned quickly, startled. Charlie Swan stood a short ways behind her, wearing his usual worn jacket and some jeans. She was embarrassed that a human could startle her, but she was taken by sights and smells all around. Things a human might dismiss, she was curious to observe about her new hometown.

"Charlie." She smiled, and he did the same in turn when her eyes shone.

"Good to see you again." He spoke, briefly looking her over. It was chilly, and Lois made sure to dress 'appropriately'. Her dark blue jeans were cozy and snug, followed by a pair of tan booties. She wore a white floral blouse, with faint blue flowers on it, about elbow length and flowing out near her thighs. In one arm she held her black pea coat, folded in the crook of her elbow.

Lois smiled. "You too…What are you doing here?"

"Figured I could help you move in. Remember I told you that?" His lips curved upwards, teasing almost. Lois crossed her arms. "I remember." She trailed off, which only caused him to smile more.

"Sure." He briefly bowed his head, obviously trying to hide it. "You got a ride?"

"No." She loosely crossed her arms over her lap, looking off. "I figured it wasn't far, so I could just walk. Maybe learn the town's layout."

Charlie suddenly didn't look impressed. "Right. Come on. You're riding with me."

"What's wrong with walking?"

"You've got a lot to learn about Port Angeles hun."

If it was concern, she was flattered he was looking out for her. Charlie opened the door to his patrol car for her, and climbed in the other side. "So what's this place called?"

Lois answered him, and recollection came to his eyes. "I've seen where they're building it. I know where it is."

He drove a bit more slowly, telling her about a few places. Good places to eat, anything interesting, and what parts of town to avoid. He went back to the restaurants though, hinting at a nice Mexican restaurant. Lois got the hint and tried not to smile too much.

"Sounds good… We might have to go there sometime."

Lois didn't like the idea of eating, especially him wasting money, but it was time with Charlie, and she couldn't complain about that.

Charlie smiled to himself. "Maybe once you're all settled in…"

Lois nodded. "I could go for that."

He looked away, feigning something had his attention, but she saw it clearly in the windows' reflection. Charlie was smiling big time.

They arrived at the apartment complex, which was a fairly newer building made for the workers of her volunteering organization. The U-Haul was already there and loading things at the third floor, which was the highest. There were about five apartments per level, so it was a fairly spacious building. Although she wanted to help with the boxes, she had to remember how odd it would look. These men grunted and sweated over every box more than thirty pounds, so if she did the same without batting an eyelash, it would be hard to explain.

Still, she kept up appearances and helped with the smaller boxes, and Charlie helped too. It only took about twenty minutes, and she politely thanked the movers and closed the door to her new home. Boxes were set down everywhere, and Lois patiently looked around.

"Still a lot of work to do." She noted, mentally rearranging the things she'd brought.

Charlie's voice had her looking over. "We can probably get it done before dinner."

"Oh, Charlie you don't have to-"

He waved his hand. "I'm off today anyway. Couldn't think of a better way to spend it." He smiled anyway as he unboxed a few things for her. Lois nodded to herself, and they set to work. It was a short few hours, and once the heavy things were set up, it was mostly organizing for Lois. Although she could have handled the more physical work, she kept up the appearance and occasionally asked for help with something. Tanya told her once that men like to show off, and something along the lines of needing to be needed. She didn't mind.

In fact, when a box almost slipped from her hands, not on purpose, Charlie caught it and insisted they take a break. "No rush, right?" He'd ask. Lois could see the concern in his brown eyes though. He just didn't want her overexerting herself. She agreed, and they sat on the couch, drinking glasses of cold water.

Lois didn't particularly like it, but still, appearances.

Charlie gulped his down and went to get seconds.

Although the t.v wasn't plugged up, and there were no distractions, it was nice sitting on the couch, relaxing. Lois rest her head back along the back of the couch, eyes having fallen shut.

"I can't believe I live in Washington now…"

Charlie turned his head, and noting her position, his eyes lingered. Despite all that work, there wasn't a drop of sweat visible. Her hair still curled effortlessly around her, and she seemed more peaceful than tired. Then, like any man, his eyes trailed up from her neck, to her resting face. Oblivious, she continued talking.

"At least it should be warmer than Alaska."

Charlie broke his gaze and cleared his throat, sitting upright. "Yeah, don't count on it. This side of Washington has real special weather."

"Special meaning lousy?" she smiled, lifting her head. Charlie seemed a bit pink for some reason. Probably from all the moving around.

"Something like that." He rubbed the back of his neck, turning his head. "Did you still want to go to that restaurant? I'd say we've both worked up an appetite."

"Definitely." She smiled, a touch forced. Charlie didn't notice.

'You have no idea.' She thought. 'But what I like isn't on the menu.'

Lois figured later tonight she could go hunting. It wasn't far to reach the woods, which meant deer and other wildlife. Not exactly a wildlife zoo like Forks is, but she'd manage. During the ride to the restaurant Charlie talked about the weather, mentioning some showers would be coming.

"Don't you have a car?" he eventually asked.

"Well, no… But work is right next door. And this town is so convenient. I can get what I need within walking distance."

Charlie didn't like that. At all. Before he could get into it, she went on. "But I did see some nice cars around here. I might get something."

"I hope so." He mumbled, as if she didn't hear. The mood of the restaurant lightened things up. The music was a bit too loud, but energetic enough. Plus the waitress was sweet and lively, making Lois forget Charlie's worry. Endearing, but unnecessary. Then again, he didn't know what Lois was capable of. The lighting inside was dim, but vivid glass designs lit up the place, depicting various scenery and sights with the lights behind them. It was pretty and colorful. The waitress dropped them off at a booth, and the restaurant was lively with customers and servers going between tables.

"So you've been here?" Lois smiled, politely.

Charlie nodded. "Mostly the drive-thru. I figured if the music was loud from outside, it must be something else in."

"We could have gone through the drive-thru if it's too loud."

Charlie's shoulders shook once. "I'm not bringing you on a date in a drive-thru."

Lois perked up, smiling. Once again Charlie found it difficult to look away.

"I wouldn't have minded. I like being with you Charlie."

Then, he seemed able to tune out the loud music, and smiled.

Dinner was pleasant, and again they talked about work. How she met interesting people, then he went on about how slow it had been for him- not that he was complaining. The food itself was…tasty, she guessed. Anything other than blood to her, minus a few special drinks, was repulsive. Manageable, but not pleasant. Charlie didn't notice. Afterwards, they walked back out to the patrol car, walking a touch closer to another. The drive back to the apartments seemed faster than coming out.

It felt like only seconds later she and Charlie were standing at the staircase at the bottom level of the apartment building. She looked up at him, smiling.

"Thank you for today, Charlie. I was kind of nervous about coming out here…"

"I'm glad you did." Charlie kept his hands in his jacket pockets, eyes lightly resting down on hers. "Should be able to see each other more often."

"I hope so. Specially if you help me out this much." She winked.

Charlie cracked a smile, and she could see it. Their eyes locked, and Lois was smiling.

That feeling of a bird fluttering around in her chest was back. She could just melt in those mocha pools, and collapse entirely in those safe, trusting arms. She was falling too hard. The absence of these feelings for so long; was it rushed, or justified?

Charlie's smile died and he tore his eyes away. "Goodnight Lois. Let's meet up again sometime."

Then he drifted back to his patrol car.

Lois was glad he was parked some distance off. All she could do was stare off, lips still parted from her former smile, which now did not exist. Her appearance was crestfallen, as if some hope had just died. That, or the expectation she'd built. That perhaps she was the only one that felt this way. In which case she didn't mind waiting, but still…

She was so close to finally knowing if her lips would ever feel warm again. If they would ever rest against another's.

If Charlie Swan's kiss was as gruff and kind as he was.

After a moment, Lois turned heel and went up the stairs.

And, even a short distance away, Bella Cullen could plainly see the ache on Lois Carol's face.