Chapter Thirteen -

Everybody Wants to Rule the World

Disclaimer - I don't own anything Twilight-related, that all belongs to one Stephanie Meyer


It's my own design

It's my own remorse

Help me to decide

Help me make the most

Of freedom and of pleasure

Nothing ever lasts forever

Everybody Wants to Rule the World - Tears for Fears


"Clara… Clara… CLARA!"

I snorted back a snore, lifting my head from its resting place on the floor. I blinked away the sleep from my eyes, taking in my surroundings.

Oh yes.

I sat up and back on my heels. The paint on the large canvas laying on the floor had thankfully dried. I gave a small nod pleased at what I had done so far. Setting it to the side, I stood up, body aching from sleeping in such an uncomfortable position on my bedroom floor.

Hearing the front door close I was reminded of my wake-up call by my mother. Where is she off to? What time is it?

Checking my watch, I felt pained, 5:45 on a Friday.

WHY IS SHE WAKING ME AT THIS TIME.

I hurried down the stairs, grabbing an apple from the kitchen as I headed out of the house.

There was my mother across the road at Charlie's car.

"What are you wearing?" I asked as I approached.

Sally turned quickly, the bucket hat on her head flopping, obscuring her vision so much that she had to hold her head back just to see me. She beamed at me. "There you are!" She spread her arms, turning to show off her outfit. "What do you think?"

"Have you decided to change professions to a fisherman?"

"Charlie is taking me fishing!"

"Is he now?" My eyebrow rose in amusement, "Speak of the devil."

Charlie was coming toward us, fishing rods in hand.

"Oi Swan," I said, "I heard you're taking my mom fishing."

"Well she said she always wanted to go, so I offered to take her with me."

I bit the inside of my cheek to keep from laughing. "Did she?" I glanced at my mom who was making a point of not meeting my eye. I could not think of anything my mom would want to do less. I crossed my arms, "Can't wait to see what you catch."

As Charlie turned to put the rods in her car, my mom glared at me. "Shh."

"Uh-huh." I turned taking a bite from my apple, "You two love birds have fun."

I laughed out loud this time when Charlie hit his head on the car and my mom sputtered and blushed. "Clara!" She whined.

I swear it was like a pair of high school kids.

"When are you coming back?"

Charlie cleared her throat, "Two days give or take."

"Try not to burn the house down." My mom moved to climb in the car.

"I make no promises." Another bite from my apple, and I jogged up the porch back into the house.

I jumped in the bath, hoping the hot water would help ease my aching limbs, and help me wake up. Water droplets from my hair splattered onto my drawing pad, causing the pencil to smudge as I sketched.

The pad had become a way for me to confirm what I was seeing was real. A way to take the memories in my head and cement them into reality. It had been days since I had entered into a strange relationship with the Cullen Clan. Thankfully, thus far no one seemed to have noticed that I had been spending most of my free time with what seemed to be a bunch of high schoolers.

When I was at the Cullen's I spent most of my time with Alice and Esme, Carlisle was usually at work, and the others seemed to avoid me when they could. But they seemed the be tolerating me at the very least, and I'll call that progress.

I jumped as my phone rang. Throwing my pencil to the ground, I picked up and answered my phone.

"Hiya."

"You want to come over? I made too much food and need to eat it all before I leave for school." I could hear the sizzling from a frying pan from the background as Bella spoke.

"What are we talking about here? Is there bacon?"

"Obviously."

"You really know how to butter me up, Bella. I'll be over in 15."

I was too lazy to dry my hair, my stomach calling me to the Swan residence. I let myself into the house like it was my own, plopping myself down at the table.

"Bella you are an angel." I sighed as she set a plate of food in front of me.

"Uh-huh," she rolled her eyes, sitting opposite me. "Have you been working loads? I haven't seen you in a few days."

"Been missing me?" I smirked. "I've… just been really busy, you know? I've been working on a big art project, so I've spent a lot of time painting."

"Can I see?"

"Maybe, when I'm done. How's school been, Is anything interesting happening?"

"No." Bella stabbed her food a bit too aggressively.

"Wow, what did those eggs ever do to you?"

Bella paused, sighing and throwing her fork down. She chewed her lip, "Edward."

I tried not to react to the name, leaning my face on my hand in interest, "Go on."

"He's full-on pretending I don't exist. It's so frustrating. And I'm so annoyed that I care so much. But then…. He saved me. Ugh, he's so annoying." She went back to mashing her food.

"I agree." Bella looked up at me, "you know, based on what you've told me."

"Whatever, I don't even want to talk about him anymore. I have to endure it in a while anyway."

We quickly let the conversation flow into something more pleasant and casual as we downed our breakfast. After helping Bella clean up, I walked with her to her truck.

I was saying goodbye to Bella when there was a loud revving, and multiple voices shouting my name. Bella and I turned alarmed.

"What-?" Bella started.

"Clara!" Addy practically hung out of the window, as Joe punched the horn constantly.

"Oi! Miller, get your ass over here!" Aaron shouted from the backseat, and I laughed seeing Grace, who sat next to him, give him a gentle hit on the arm, scolding him.

Turning to Bella with an apologetic look, I indicated behind me, "I should go before they wake the whole street up."

"Yeah, good luck with that." Bella laughed, pulled the car out of the drive and took off for school.

I ran to the car parked in front of my house, "Would you stop making so much noise!" It's before 8 am you know!"

"Go pack your bag! We're off to Port Angeles, baby!" Addy left the car, heading toward my house.

"Forgive me, I think I've missed something." I followed her up the porch steps, the sound of car doors slamming indicating the others were following suit.

"Where do you keep the coffee?" Addy asked, hoking through cupboards. "Ah, found it. Coffee everyone?"

Several chants of yes and Addy got to work.

"You're all far too awake for my liking," I said.

"I could say the same to you," Joe threw himself down onto the sofa, "I was expecting you to be drooling on your pillow at this time."

"I don't drool."

"Uh-huh, sure. Bet you snore too."

"I do not!" I definitely did. "Asshole," I muttered seeing him laugh, but I couldn't keep the smile from my face. "Would someone please tell me what is happening?"

Grace spoke up, "Kate is hosting a DJ party in Port Angles tonight and told us all to come. So of course we had to oblige."

"Sounds messy," I grinned, "I can't wait."

"Yes!" Addy skipped over to us, coffee mugs in hands, "it's going to be amazing. Wait till you see Clara, Kate's parties are the best! Always an unforgettable night. So get that coffee down you because we aren't going to be sleeping, tonight ladies and gents."

"Where are we staying?" I asked Grace.

"Well, Kate lives there so we can crash at hers." She took a sip, hissing as she burnt her tongue.

"No shit. Brilliant. I thought she lived in Forks, how did I miss this?"

"Well, last time we were together in a room, you were a little too drunk to ask her anything really."

I stuck my tongue out at Grace in reply.

She laughed then continued, "She comes back from time to time, to see her family, her younger sister still goes to school here, but Port Angeles was better for Kate in terms of work, so she left like two years ago now I think."

After our coffee break, I went upstairs to pack what I needed. I bit my nails, unsure of what to wear. I hadn't been out properly in what felt like ages. Peaking down the stairs I called Grace up, knowing she would be the best person to get advice from.

We shifted through my wardrobe contemplating our choices.

"Hmm…" Grace pulled out a few different pieces, holding them up in front of me. "Okay. These jeans, this top, and these boots."

I took in her choice, in particular, that low cut top I hadn't worn in a long time and felt a bit unsure, "Do you think so?"

"Uh, Duh! You're gonna look sexy."

I snorted. "Well if you insist, I wouldn't want to disappoint."

"Yay." She clapped her hands together.

I gathered up the rest of my things, and hopped into the car, sitting in the back with Grace and Aaron, whilst Addy sat in the front with Joe who was driving.

"Where's Sophie by the way?" I asked as we took off driving.

"She had other plans today, but she said she's going to come later on. Which is good news for us because she'll be sober and able to do the long drive home the next day." Aaron answered.

"If we make it to the next day," said Grace, "With how these things usually go, I'll be shocked if Sophie isn't driving you lot home tonight, while you vomit out the window."

"Ew!" We all laughed.

I admired the views that rolled past us, greens and browns, trees towering over us on both sides, the fresh nature air filling my lungs as the wind flowed through my hair. Washington really was beautiful.

We stopped halfway to our destination to pick up some booze and snacks, and as we drove off again, a large bag of pretzels was passed around and finished in an instant. Joe and Addy kept fighting over what CD to play, as the three of us in the back competed in a game of thumb war.

It was times like this that made me love being in my twenties. Thinking on it, coming to Forks was the best decision I had made, for the first time in a long time, even before Nick and I broke up, I actually felt alive. And that was down to everyone who had entered my life. Both the Natural and the supernatural.

The drive flew by and before I knew it we were in Port Angeles, so much more full of life than our pretty little Forks. Our first agreed mission was to find somewhere for food. After a quick phone call, we met Kate at her favourite place.

"Hello, fellow Forkians!" Kate announced arms spread wide in greetings. I bit my lip to stop from laughing as people leaving the restaurant walked awkwardly around her.

"Forkians." Addy said in disgust. "Never call me that again you weirdo."

Addy pushed past her, eager to get to the food. Kate looked so dejected with her arms open that I felt obliged to move forward and fill them. I gave her an excited hug, and couldn't keep the grin from my face when she gave a childish 'yay' in my ear.

"Thank you for inviting me," I said as I pulled back.

Kate squished my cheeks, "Of course! We need our lovely Clara! Wait till you try the food here." She pulled me toward the entrance. "It's the best greasiest most unhealthy food you'll ever have."

"Oh great," Joe quipped, "I've always wanted clogged arteries."

I was quite thankful that there weren't many in the diner, as I wouldn't envy sitting beside our group i

Kate shoved food in her mouth, "I'll have to leave early to set up, but I trust you all not to wreck my place while I'm gone."

"A terrible decision really." Aaron nicked a fry from Kates plate, narrowly avoiding her fork as she tried to attack him.

"Thank you, Katie," Grace said sweetly. "Here have some of my fries."

"Oh my God, get out of her ass," Addy spoke through a full mouth, "that is a false smile, you just want the guest room with the comfy bed, tonight."

Grace blinked innocently, "Who? Me? I would never."

"Uh-huh."

"Right so, trust me okay?" Joe leant closer to me as though he was about to reveal a huge.

I leant on my hand, "I'm listening."

I held back a snort at his serious expression. He walked me through the process of taking a freshly made fry and dipping it into a milkshake. Biting into the soggy, strawberry fry, Joe sighed, "Like being in Heaven."

I couldn't hold back the snort, my laugh breaking him from my milkshake fry daydream. He was not deterred. Repeating the motion, Joe offered me a fry. I looked at him with a cocked eyebrow, "That is disgusting."

"Don't you trust me, Lara?" I bit the inside of my cheek then scoffed. Leaning forward I took a bite, letting the taste linger on my tastebuds.

"Hm…" I stroked my chin in fake contemplation, "I have to admit that you sir, might actually be correct for once." I turned to point at him, "What?"

He was looking at the remains of the fry perched between his fingers, his face turning pink.

"You okay Joesph?" I asked concerned.

"Huh? Oh yeah, yeah!" Without thinking, Joe chucked the fry in a random direction. I watched it fly across the table and hit Aaron right in the face.

"Ah! My eye!"

The whole table burst out laughing.


Addy wolf-whisted, making me throw the nearest pillow at her, "Ah! Not the face! This makeup took forever."

"Don't make fun of me okay, I'm not a seasoned partier!"

"I'm not!" She skipped toward me, perfect plaits flying behind her. "I'm saying you look great."

"You think so?" I whispered so the others couldn't hear. Everyone looked great, I hadn't seen any of them dressed for a big night out and I hoped I fit in.

"Duh, between Graces perfect hair curling, and my amazing makeup skills how could you not." She turned speaking louder now, "We're just three sexy single ladies… And you two."

"Two strapping young men?" Aaron offered.

"Not the words I would use."

"Your words always cut deep Addy," Joe said.

"And yet you keep coming back for more."

"Lads, ladies" I announced, "Shall we go?"

"Hell yes!"

The cosy venue was exactly what I would expect from Kate. Slightly… Edgy, dull lights and a mixture of people of all shapes and sizes. It was like nowhere I had been. As we continued through the labyrinth of small corridors, dodging between groups of people, the sound of punk rock grew louder and louder.

Inside was the main floor was packed, the air smelt of smoke and alcohol. Addy pulled us toward the closest bar, buying a round of shots. God knows what it was but it burnt my throat and caused a buzz. I laughed at the disgust on everyone's face.

Aaron, gagged, "That was horrible." He slammed the shot glass back onto the counter, turning to the bartender, "Another round!"

"Cheers!" We downed another, the alcohol warming me up already.

"Beer?" Joe asked.

I nodded, "I'll get the next one."

We managed to push our way to a spot near the front, and when Kate came on, hair wild, downing a drink, we screamed with the rest of the crowd. The atmosphere was electric, and I didn't care if I looked like a fool as I danced along to the music. I couldn't help but grin as I watched Kate in her element.

A pang of jealousy hit me. I wish I had a direction like Kate, that I knew what I wanted and just took it.

Kate spotted me staring in the crowd, and waved furiously. My smile widened and I set her a thumbs up jumping up and down.

"You're doing amazing!"

"Thank you!" I could barely hear her, the music overwhelming my ears.

Many more drinks and I felt like I had endless amounts of energy. I also knew this was going to hurt in the morning.

I was at the bar, waiting for my drinks when I felt a pair of arms surround me.

"Hi!" Sophie shouted over the music.

"Sophie you made it!" My words were starting to slur.

Sophie giggled, "I knew this would happen. I bet the others are just as bad."

"I don't know what you mean Soph, I'm perfectly fine." To prove this I tilted forward and would have fallen over if not for the girl in front of me.

"Sure thing." Sophie leaned forward, thanking the barman and handing me my drinks.

We headed back into the crowd, navigating our way back to the group. Addy was doing a strange dance, her limbs wriggling everywhere, Grace looked perfect of course (minus the red stain down her dress) and God only knows what the boys were doing. Sophie headed toward the stage to see Kate, as I went to interrupt Joe.

"Are you having a seizure? What is that?"

"What do you mean!" He put a hand on his chest, offended, "This is the art of dance."

"Sure thing hotshot. Here." I handed him a beer, "My round, remember."

"Lara, you're after my own heart."

"Uh-huh."

"Come on." Joe grabbed my hand, pulling me toward him. I giggled as he began spinning me, pulling me back and forth. We continued like that for a while, drinking and giggling. Dancing like two drunken high schoolers at a secret house party. The music became calmer as things wound down. I didn't realise how close we were, my head on his shoulder, enjoying the view of the flashing lights.

He whispered in my ear, "You look really great tonight."

I paused a minute at his words, it took me a minute to comprehend what he had said. When had I last heard something like that from a guy? Nick wasn't a big complimenter toward the end. I suppose I didn't realise how nice it was to hear until it was happening.

I pulled back slightly, enough to take in his face properly. His eyes were slightly hooded and his breath smelled of beer and cigarette smoke. He really was quite handsome, with his dark eyes and dark hair.

I don't know if it was the alcohol or the atmosphere. Maybe it was the yearning to feel loved again, a romantic love, to be touched, that prompted me to lean forward. It was a soft kiss, hesitant and slightly messy. It was sweet and didn't last too long. I could only imagine my face was as flushed as his.

No spark.

A look must have crossed my face, as Joe leant forward, concerned, "Clara are you okay?"

"In think… I just need some air, I don't feel very well." I slurred out, and stumbled through the crowd, his concerned voice following me.

I feel bad.

Everything was blurring together, my senses overwhelmed. I made my way outside and sat on the curb. And then I lay on the curb. And then I threw up on the curb.

Ah, what a night.

I closed my eyes and floated off into my dreams.


I was moving, it was a steady movement that didn't require me to do anything. Oh, that's a slight breeze hitting my face.

What am I leaning on? It was cold. Nice.

When I opened my eyes it took my drunken mind a moment to focus. Where was I?

Trees moved past me quickly, greens and browns. I saw something moving in the trees? Is that someone running? And there are people chasing them.

Wait.

I sat up straight, pressing my face up against the car window, the flash of red hair disappeared in a blink of an eye.

Did someone just get attacked?

"Hey, there sleeping beauty." Sophie looked at me in the rearview mirror of her car. Aaron was snoring in the front seat beside Soph and I sat alone in the back.

"What happened?" My memory was hazy.

"Well, I think you may have had one too many shots, Clarabelle, because you threw up and passed out on the sidewalk."

"Oh god." I groaned, burying my face in my hands. Taking a deep breath I looked up, "Where is everyone else?"

"They're crashing at Kate's. Aaron wanted to come home," She glanced at her brother, the whispered, "he gets very delicate after he drinks."

I Snorted, "I think he and I have that in common." My words still slurred, God how much did I drink.

"We shouldn't be that long, about 20 minutes from Forks I reckon. You can stay at ours." She glanced at me again, and I could see her amusement from the way I was contently swaying to the movement of the car, "I hope you had a good time at least."

I smiled, "The best night. I can't exactly remember it all right now, but I remember it being spectacular. Remind me to text Kate tomorrow to thank her again."

We spent the rest of the time chatting quietly, and I enjoyed the cool breeze on my flushed skin.

I wonder what the Cullen's are up to. What do they do at night since they couldn't sleep?

I could see the turnoff for their road coming up.

"Sophie, turn here."

"What?"

"Turn, turn, turn!" I leant forward pointing to the barely visible road. Sophie took a sharp turn, Aaron's face slamming into the window, shocking him awake. Sophie was almost too shocked to stop driving.

"Oh god, what the hell." Aaron groaned, disoriented.

"Um, Clara. What are we doing?" Sophie asked.

"I want to see the Cullen's"

Sophie shared a look with Aaron.

"Clara it's the middle of the night."

"Don't worry, they'll be awake."

"How do you know?"

"They're my friends."

"Eh?" Sophie just looked more baffled than she did to begin with, "Since when."

I waved away the question, "details, details. Trust me. They won't mind."

"Okaayy…"

We came to a stop at the house and as I suspected the lights were on. The two siblings oohed and awwed in admiration. I stumbled from the car, and after a few minutes of back and forth and a promise to call if anything went wrong, Sophie hesitantly drove off. When I turned back around I almost wasn't surprised to see a number of figures standing at the window. Rosalie (furious of course), Emmett (amused) and Esme (very shocked) looked as though they didn't know what to do.

I waved grinning, the force of the movement making me stumble, "Hey guys!"

I could see Emmett laughing, and I could imagine the booming noise it would be.

"Rosie!" I shouted, "You need to stop looking so angry all the time, you look like you smelled something gross. And we all know that's not possible because I'm sure I smell delicious."

As Emmett jumped to restrain Rosalie, I fell over nothing and hit the ground.

"I would really appreciate if a super-strong vampire could come and get me-"

"Would you stop shouting!" Edward hissed at me. I jumped. He was standing beside me looking down.

"When did you get here?" I asked, struggling to get up.

A strong hand gripped my arm and brought me gently to my feet.

"Clara! As soon as I saw you were coming we rushed back. Is everything okay?"

"She's drunk," Jasper stated.

"Well done captain obvious." I rolled my eyes.

"Why are you here?"

"I wanted to see you," I clung to Alice like a child, "I wanted to see if you turned into bats at night."

There's that booming laugh. Emmett had joined us outside. Scoffing, Edward hurried inside. I blew a raspberry after him.

"Some of your family really need to learn to smile more." I leaned forward using my fingers to push Jaspers mouth up into a smile. "See."

"Okay you, let's go." Emmett went to lift me, and I stumbled away karate chopping at him.

"No going fast. I will throw up all over you, I swear."

Alice giggled, and Emmett grinned. He put his hands up in defence.

"Okay, how about this?" Emmett moved behind me, and I was momentarily confused when my feet left the ground. And then I realised Emmett had grasped me under my armpits and lifted me enough to start walking. I appreciated the slow and steady pace at which he moved, not sure my stomach could take any sudden fast movements.

I looked over my shoulder and smiled at him in thanks, as we crossed the threshold of the Cullen home.

"Wee!" I childishly swung my legs back and forth, enjoying the ride. When we entered the living room where everyone else had gathered, Emmett set me carefully on my feet."

Esme appeared next to me, wrapping a blanket around my shoulders, "You poor thing, you look freezing." She guided me to the sofa. She disappeared in the direction of the kitchen.

Carlisle smiled amused as he kneeled before me, "How much did you have."

"Too much I think."

"You have vomit in your hair," Rosalie said in disgust.

"Probably." I nodded. Esme returned with a glass of water and some painkillers.

"I only got these the other day, but I'm glad I did." Esme helped me down the tablets, wiping the water that dribbled down my chin."

"You really are a child." Edward scoffed.

I put my hand to my ear, looking anywhere but him, "Hmm? Did anyone hear that? Was that the wind?"

"Clara you can come and sleep in my room! I want to hear what you were doing all night!"

"Clara, should we tell your mother you're here?" Carlise asked in concern as Alice helped me up.

"Nah, she's not going to be home for two days or something. She's fishing."

Everyone began to disperse as Alice led me away.

"See you in the morning, Clara," Esme smiled.

I waved, sleepily. When did I get so tired?

I glanced back into the room once more, spotting Jasper standing in the background. I gestured to him and mouthed 'smile.'

He hesitated, and then…

I think the image of that smile will be burned into my brain forever.