I sat at the table while Charlie stood over the coffee pot. He'd have to go back to work soon and had asked if I'd wanted him to stay more than a couple of times. Just to make sure she's alright. He thought, even though he needed to leave and finish up at the school and hospital. I just held a now empty mug in my hands, dreading the phone call I was waiting on.

"Are you sure you're fine?"

"I'm okay, Dad, really. If I need anything, I'll call."

He hesitated before resting a hand on my shoulder, "Okay then, don't do any work. Relax, I'll pick up some dinner."

I nodded, and then he was leaving. I waited till I heard his cruiser back out before I got up and approached the phone. When I rested my hand on the receiver, like a premonition, visions blurred inside my mind. I could see her pacing biting her thumb while she waited. Boxes were all around the room, unpacked. One was holding a pair of plates and wine glasses. I took a breath and dialed the phone, a heavy coiled cord swinging when I put my phone to my ear.

"Bella!" Her voice was frantic, and I remembered as much as she'd hurt me, everything was an accident beyond her control. Besides, I loved her.

"Hi, mom." She started crying in between words, she kept asking if I was okay, and I had to keep assuring her I was, "really, I'm fine. Just a little off-kilter. I'll be good as new tomorrow."

"Please, come home, Bella." She said, and I felt it― at least the familiar tugs of her trying to get me to do the things she wanted. I clutched my necklace, my moonstone, and it went away.

"But mom," I shuddered, "I am home. I'm with Charlie."

"No. No." She said, her voice firm. "That place is not a home. I tried Bella. It wasn't that."

"It feels like a home now." I insisted. Trying hard to get it across. "I want to stay."

"Why are you doing this? Is it Phil? Why didn't you want to stay with us?" Again, stronger this time. The pull to get on a plane, get in a car, walk if I had to. I could go home. Renee. The garden. Phoenix― My mug clattered to the floor behind me, and my head cleared. They weren't there anymore, I felt my throat close up.

"It's not that, mom." I ran my thumb over the stone, breathing deep. "I want you to be happy ― have a real honeymoon."

"But you make me happy, Bella―"

"I know, mom, but I wanted to be up here. I like the rain―"

"You hate the rain, always did." She said another invasive memory of when I was younger, and my nose was scrunched up as I looked up at a grey sky, holding her hand tight."We hate the rain, don't we, honey? If only it was always sunny."

I put a hand to my head. "I like it now." I kept my tone light, "see, I'm learning to expand my horizons."

"I don't like it." She insisted.

"We'll―" I stuttered, then just ripped the bandaid off. "I'm sorry, but I want to stay." I still had questions, and I was scared, scared that if she told me to do something else, I wouldn't be able to resist.

"You just keep saying everything is fine. It's all you ever say to me anymore." Her voice cracked, and my heart hurt. "It's like you don't care."

"I do, mom, I just," I begged, "please, this is where I want to be."

"You're not thinking clearly. You were in an accident."

"No, I'm fine." But she insisted something was wrong with me.

"You never used to do this. You used to listen to me. I hate what this distance has done to us."

"I know." I soothed, "But I do listen."

"I just don't want you in danger." Her voice was husky, heavy.

"I don't want that either."

"It just keeps playing in my head. You're surrounded by a pool of blood." My throat closed, and she continued. "There was just so much blood, Bella..." I closed my eyes, trying to stop the image from forcing themselves in my head. Her voice was heavy and slow.

My words were a whisper, my thoughts clouded, "Mom ― What are you?"

"You're in a meadow, there are three people, and there's so much blood."

My nose stung, and the back of my throat tasted of copper. I stared at a spot on the wall where there was a small tear in the paper. Blood ran around my lips and dripped onto the floor. I couldn't move.

Flickering images, red eyes, flowers dripping in rain and blood, matted grass —

"Bella? Bella? Are you still there?"

I brought my hand up and smearing blood onto my palm. "Yes, I'm fine," I said, trying to stop the blood flowing from my nose. "Hey, mom, lunch is almost ready― I need to go."

She sounded confused, "Ah, okay? Talk to me later?"

"Yeah, love you." I gave her a moment, then hung up. I itched my wrist, then thudded up the stairs so I could clean up. After our conversation, I was shaky. I barely ate, everything a blur, till I was in bed and finally able to put the physical world to rest.

h6/h6

I dreamed again that night. Frozen seas of crimson, an inky shadow I hadn't seen before, looked at me with red eyes. I was unable to move. Each step toward me caused the ice to crack. Twangs like someone was plucking a taut string played out as lines splintered across the surface of the ice. He kept coming towards me till I was wobbling on a sinking layer, the crimson water sliding across and splashing against my feet.

Feeling its inky fingers slide up my arms, one resting on my forearm, the other lingering and cupping my neck. I felt cold puffs of breath on my cheek, and a whimper tore itself from my throat as I pressed my lips together — then tried to pull away from its solid grip.

You're in a meadow, there are three people, and there's so much blood.

I surged awake, grabbing my neck and pushing myself back into my headboard. I couldn't breathe. I struggled to try to bring air into my lungs. Instead, I faltered then scrambled off my bed onto the floor, the thumping possibly waking Charlie. I still needed air, and clawing at my throat was doing nothing. I skittered over to the window, panic fueling my movements as I pushed it open and gasped into the night air.

I sank into the window sill, blinking back tears from being smothered by nothing and the nightmare. I sniffed, lifting my head looking out into the forest. I felt like I was being watched. I gulped, trying to calm myself even as I chittered in the cold and felt detached from my body. Trying to sense if there was anyone there didn't help. I couldn't feel Charlie's presence in his room, still at work — some distant neighbors and animals, but no one else.

I closed the window, stumbling back over to my bed. Wrapping myself up, taking deep breaths, I laid my cheek against my knees. There wouldn't be any sleep tonight.

h6/h6

I didn't want to go to school, and luckily Charlie was on the same page. He gave me the weekend to work through the accident. But I was more shaken by the dream. I didn't understand what was happening. It played on repeat, every night. Waking me up at two am, and each time I was gasping for breath. It scared me. Especially when my moonstone pendant cracked into pieces — there was no saving it, and despite its protection, it felt used up.

I clutched the chain while my eyes watered. I sat it on my dresser. What else could I do?

Outside of my crystals, my magic didn't answer my calls for help. I was slow, unfocused, like I was sick. I tried to hide it. And when Monday came around, I wished I could crawl under a rock. Instead, I wore makeup, forced myself to gag down water, and dressed as if I hadn't been plagued by night terrors since the accident.

I arrived later than I typically did to school. Tyler Crawley was waiting. He apologized then thanked me again, something I was fine with. At least till he started to follow me around. I was jumpy enough without him and his muddled voice in my head — I felt sensitive— more than usual as the voices entered my head. It wasn't just one, it was all of them, and I couldn't really make out heads or tails from the cacophony of sounds.

Tyler followed me around each class, showing up and walking me, trying to hold my books, and speaking fast. He sat with us at lunch now, much to Jess, Mike's, and Eric's annoyance. Mike and Eric actively hated Tyler. I might have been amused if I didn't feel like trash and if it wasn't about me.

People had asked me what happened multiple times, and I kept it consistent. It helped that Tyler mentioned Edward was standing next to me. And when people commented that they hadn't seen him, I mentioned that they must have been mistaken, guilty that I had to do it, but secretly glad that I still had some control.

Everyone had left Edward alone. No congratulations came his way. Just him sitting at the same table in their corner with his family. None of them glanced my way, but I didn't care. If anything, I owed it to them to keep their secret so long as Edward kept mine.

By the time I made it to biology, I felt half dead. I didn't need to read people to notice their pity or shock as I walked to my seat. Edward looked ready to ignore me, at least till he saw me. I swore I saw another brief flash of concern, at least before he schooled his features and looked straight ahead.

I sat, dragging my things onto the table. "Are we resorting to the silent treatment?" His fist balled on the table, and I shrugged. "You don't have to respond. I've done about all I can. And thank you for staying at the door."

He tensed, and I let him be the rest of the period, and though I couldn't feel his emotions or thoughts, I could feel his eyes questioning and looking at me as if trying to figure something out. Not that it mattered. If I looked at him, he was suddenly staring straight ahead like I'd been the one imagining it.

On Tuesday, I thought it would be the same, but when I sat down, so quiet I could barely hear, he uttered, "Does the thing you do make you... look like that?"

I almost laughed. Instead, I whispered, "No, this is from not being able to sleep."

"You can't sleep?"

"Since Friday, I have maybe had 3 or 2 hours of sleep each night."

"Was it the accident?"

"No." I don't know if I could describe it, not until I figured it out myself, and I was trying. Forks Library wasn't nearly as forthcoming with books on magic unless I was looking to pull a rabbit from a hat. My searches were also coming up short. From suggestions of poltergeists to demons, I couldn't say that's what this was though, it felt wrong.

"You'll kill yourself if you keep going on as you are." His voice was angry, eyes flashing my way. Then down to my neck. I put a hand up, meeting nothing. I sighed and dropped my hand.

"Do you think I'm doing this myself?" He was silent, so I gathered he didn't. He didn't say anything else and left as usual when class ended. I would have examined our mystery whisper sessions in more detail, but it was hard when Mike radiated happiness, and his mind kept jumping to conclusions. I refused to leave the silent bubble Edward made and just assumed Mike would think that it was good that Edward and I weren't talking. Maybe he thought that I'd be enamored with my hero. Instead, I was tired and just wanted to go to sleep.

Apparently, Mike was so excited that he decided to stand at our table and talk. Edward appeared to be ignoring us while Mike took minutes to discuss his upcoming plans. Including a beach trip in march, he'd started mentioning and planning it at lunch.

Going to the beach up here was different from where I was from. They would go to the beach and find a spot to have a small fire pit. We were supposed to sit around in our winter jackets and stare at the ocean. I kept nodding along with what he was saying, attempting to smile when appropriate — what else was there for me to do?

Class started, and it was several minutes later before Edward started shifting things around, moving a piece of paper casually between us.

Getting sleep?

I shook my head, turning my eyes to Mr. Banner. A second note appeared.

Is it nightmares? I looked at him, for someone hiding his secrets. He seemed to want to know more about me.

I didn't respond, choosing to listen to Mr. Banner's lecture. I don't know what he expected. It's not like we talked outside of class. He was with his family, feigning boredom, and I was with my friends trying to follow the conversation. We didn't interact outside of this room. He seemed to accept that I hadn't responded. He didn't slide me another note either.

I took the rest of the day and night trying to look up a cure for my dreams. My headaches were constant, hearing people who weren't even in the room. I had visions. So many visions. My head throbbed with each one. Touching Jessica's water to hand it to her let me see her watching movies in her room, nail polish balanced in her hand while she talked with Lauren, who was sitting nearby.

Mike's smell triggered scenes of him working at his parent's shop, helping someone grab a backpack and fit it to their body. Eric was building a computer. Tyler was walking a dog and running. They changed constantly, but I didn't understand what any of it meant.

Angela's visions had been normal, to a point. At least, till I saw her dancing with a cute boy who I'd only seen in passing. His name was Ben, and he didn't really interact with the group, at least not yet. I asked Angela if she'd ever been to a dance before, and she'd said no.

It hadn't even occurred to me that Angela could have a crush on someone before. She was so focused on school and class that he rarely passed over her mind. But there he was, just in the background. If I'd been having a better day, I might have thought on it more.

But, I was more confused. I couldn't tell the difference between what was a vision from the past or the future. All it did was take off some of the pressure with my nightmares.

I'd been worried about the nosebleeds. Thankfully I got them around when school ended. Like clockwork, they'd happen the second I'd enter my house. It left my nose raw and itchy.

I'd learned how to look normal. I doubted anyone could tell how tired I was, well, except for Edward and Charlie. Charlie bought melatonin, he claimed it was for him, but he never took one, always offering me some before bed. I pretended it helped.

Sitting at my computer desk, I scoured the internet. I looked up and down. Magical blogs, demons, possession, periodicals, and journals. I tried and tried, finding nothing and feeling hopeless. These were what my days consisted of. The repetition driving me closer and closer to insanity.

I'd been researching all day, the wind was pelting the house with rain, and I wanted to try to sleep. I was about to give up but saw an ad from an antiquities shop in port angelus with a new acquisition of an old superstitions and myth book of unknown origin.

I sifted through the pages on display, all in Latin, all muddied with dirt. Even the pages on display, but there, near an image of a devil was a word I couldn't pronounce if I tried.

Bewitchment and spectral manipulation, a desire, so temptations that the desire manifests in the victim's dreams―

It was cut off by the next page, but I sat up and understood what'd happened with newfound horror. Renee was begging, and I thought I'd slipped past whatever she was saying. I was wrong. She'd said something? Something I couldn't remember.

I gave up trying to figure it out, choosing instead to desperately write down the antiquities shop's address.

I felt like I had to do something to stop the bewitchment or at least hold it off until I found a way to get more information. They didn't have any other pictures of the book, and I had to fight the urge to get in my truck and go to Port Angeles now.

I needed to figure this out. I pulled every stone I had out and laid them in front of the window. Knowing they did better here, then I got back onto my computer, not even wasting time and trusting the information on the first page on how to "ward off spirits." It came in a manner of clicks. I found a spell that I looked over and didn't have a feeling for. I wrote it off, someone mentioned smudging, but I didn't have sage nor the proper background.

Then I saw it, a salt ring. Salt rings kept out spirits, cleansing and protecting what was inside it. I huffed out a laugh. I'd forgotten all about salt. I'd never done a ring before, but I felt like I knew enough that this would work. This was the closest answer I had, I got up from the computer, and suddenly I couldn't breathe.

Charlie wasn't home, out responding to a call. I never felt more alone. Tears pricked the backs of my eyes, and I opened and closed my mouth like a fish. My hands were frozen stiff at my sides. I had a full view of myself in the slim body-length mirror in my room. My eyes, like a deer in headlights, locked on myself. My reflection standing in my PJ's when an inky hand clamped onto my shoulders. It caressed me, holding me tight.

You're in a meadow, there are three people, and there's so much blood.

I lashed out — shooting magic out of me in every direction. I couldn't stay. I had to leave. My room, this house, my head, it was a prison. The word Run. Sounded in my head on repeat, but it wasn't me, it wasn't my voice. I choked, feeling like I was going to faint, the word "Stop." escaped my lips, and I could move again.

I grabbed my head — jerking back — landing against my dresser. I whipped my head around my room. Where was it? Where did it go? I felt like the shadows were darker. I focused so hard on them I didn't even notice the blood gushing down my nose. I was just eyeing the shadows.

Waiting. Like a whip, it lashed out. I lifted my arms and squeezed my eyes shut, a scream tearing through my throat.

Then it was cold, the wind and rain blowing my hair. Damp dirt under my feet, I was in the woods. Somewhere in the Olympia. There wasn't a voice, not anymore. I didn't bother asking how or why. I'd appeared out here, and I could breathe. That was enough. I sank to the ground and just let myself make noises — pathetic whimpers trying to shake the awful feelings of fear off.

It took a while, but then I was able to breathe deeply. I pulled myself up, recognizing that I'd traded a problem for a problem. I had no idea where I was, and my internal compass was in circles.

I'd have looked up to see the North Star but didn't bother — rain was showering through gaps in the trees. I'd traded one problem for another. I tentatively took a step and winced at the sharp pokes against my soles but started walking awkwardly in the dark. I kept going and going till I got to a place that felt suspiciously like where I started.

I swallowed, undaunted, turning slightly left and ambling through the underbrush. Wet leaves whipped my ankles, and it wasn't long before I was soaked and shivering. Forward was the only way I could go — I was going deeper into the forest — maybe. I stepped and faltered, foot stabbing into another rock.

I caught myself on a tree, just letting it take my weight because the thought of stepping down again made me so angry. I'd honestly rather walk on legos. I was crying and even more furious with myself. I knew that when you were lost, you shouldn't move. But I didn't have a trail. This wasn't what was supposed to happen.

I wanted to give up, really wanted to sink next to the bark. Instead, I pushed back, wiped the water and tears from my face, and kept going. It had been so long. A distant, very far-off howl sounded over the rain, it would have been chilling, but I had long since wrapped my arms around my middle to preserve what heat I had.

I finally fell and didn't move to get up. I just curled into a ball. Stupid magic, I thought. I didn't want to just wait and die, but I didn't want to move anymore.

"Bella?" The voice was shocked but still the same velvety baritone. He was over in a flash, just like in the parking lot. Wrapping me in his coat. "I've got you — it's okay."

"H-h-home." I stuttered. "P-please."

"I've got to take you to Carlisle."

"H-home." I insisted.

He cursed, then tucked me tightly against him. "You're hypothermic. Bella."

I shook my head, violently and he cursed.

"Fine, I'm sorry this may be uncomfortable, but I need to do this, okay?"

He sounded so gentle, so unlike himself, I almost thought this was a vision. I nodded, but I don't know if he could tell, and then the air was whipping around my face. It was a sensation I'd never felt before. Like we were flying, we must have been with how fast it was because we were in the forest one moment, and then maybe several seconds later I saw houses.

He came to a stop just on the edge of the property — hesitating — but I didn't. I pushed lamely at him to let me down. He sat me down gently and didn't seem shocked when I lost what little I ate for dinner. He waited next to me before he picked me up again. I was motion sick, and my skin was chapped.

He seemed to take a moment to step into the yard, and then tension eased his shoulders, and we were at the back of Charlie's porch. Again everything blurred, and the cold exchanged itself for heat.

We were in my room. I was still shivering. Edward wasn't hiding his speed, going in and out of the room, then he stopped with windswept hair nearby. "We need to get you out of those clothes. I think you're hypothermic. I can still take you to the hospital."

I shook my head, "C-can't."

His nostrils flared, and he bit out, "Can you change yourself?"

I shook my head. Edward blinked slowly, then asked for permission to undress me. I nodded, chittering apologies. Edward soothed me, saying it was alright, but he was still ridged — on edge, and I figured it was because he was uncomfortable, which just made me apologize harder.

"How d-did you f-find me?"

"Alice helped me." He hesitated like he was hiding something else. He took my shirt, then my pants averting his gaze. He set them aside and grabbed one of my soft knit shirts. He was quick and slow, helping me change. I heard a kettle downstairs. "I'll be right back. Don't go to sleep." He placed a blanket around me.

I said, "Okay," and he left. I scooted back till I was sitting with a couple of pillows against my headboard. My skin, raw, red and sensitive, prickled and burned. I looked at the clock. I was only out there for 40 minutes. So much damage in so little time.

Edward came in holding several water bottles and a thermos. "I made do with what I could." He handed me the thermos, "I'm sorry I took the liberty of raiding your kitchen." He joked then placed the bottles around my legs, the heat almost immediately seeping past the blankets.

I opened the thermos, I didn't know what tea Charlie had, and I couldn't remember picking any up. I opened the lid and smelt lemon and ginger. "Is t-this tea for a cold?"

He smiled sheepishly. He'd moved the rocking chair over. "It's the only one I found, seemed applicable."

I took a sip. It wasn't too hot — it was sweet. I felt it travel down my throat warming my stomach. I took another sip. "Yeah, Charlies not much of a tea guy,"

"I wouldn't have guessed." He held still on the chair, leaning towards me. "Do you like tea?"

I shifted my eyes to my thermos. Was he stalling? "I do?"

A small smile ticked at the corner of his mouth, "Is that a question?"

"I do like tea. It's just not the thing I expected you to say."

"I can understand that. So far, everything you've done has been a surprise."

"From your tone, I can't tell if it was unwelcome or not." I joked poorly, and he didn't reply. So I did, "well, I suppose there's the answer to that."

He shook his head, "I'm undecided."

"That's apparent." I took another drink, and I sighed, "How did you find me?"

He shook his head, "It's hard to explain. How were you so deep in the forest?"

"That's hard to explain too."

He sighed, frustrated. "So we're both still keeping our secrets?"

"I think we need to work on that. We're doing pretty bad."

"We are." He laughed, "You don't have to be so infuriating, you know."

"That's the first time I've ever been called that." I joked.

"Bella," He said, exasperated. "We're going to need to talk eventually."

I looked at him. "Why don't you talk to me? At school?"

"Because It's easier for you."

"Easier to slide me notes? Or you don't want to be seen with me?"

"It's not that simple."

"Obviously." I fidgeted, pulling the blankets up to my chest. "maybe it doesn't have to be?"

He was quiet, assessing. Like weighing a risk I didn't know and not for the first time, I wondered what he thought. "It could be, but I need to know what happened."

I sagged, leaning against the headboard. He let me sit there, holding my gaze. I closed my eyes so I could think. It was harder when he looked at me with the same eyes from my vision. I don't know why I was trying to fight it, but all the signs pointed that he'd be important to me, and I'd be important to him. Maybe it was because I was fighting fate, wanting to decide for myself. This event is just another turning point.

If I kept my secret, he'd give me space — but then he'd be distant. Maybe he'd leave for good. Then — I knew he would, to protect his family — even if I didn't know him completely, I understood this. But I didn't want that. For a moment, I wanted golden eyes and a meadow of flowers with the sun in our hair. My heart rattled, and I took a breath.

"I was bewitched." I opened my eyes, and it seemed like he'd moved closer. "I think that's the closest term I could come up with."

"Bewitched?"

I nodded, shifting. He moved a water bottle, still warm, closer to my side. "I don't think it was international — but it never is."

Though his voice was calm, his eyes looked a little darker at that moment. "Who?"

"My mother."

"How?"

I tilted my head, "the same way I added the memory to Tyler and the others."

He seemed startled, "the others."

I nodded, "A lot of people were in the parking lot that day, and though there was a lot of shock. So many of them didn't see you and wondered how you moved so quickly. I fixed it."

He was still confused, a deep furrow on his brow. Like he didn't expect it. "I thought they just filled in the blanks." His eyes focused on me like he had an answer to a question he'd been holding onto. "Why?"

"Why what?"

"Why did you fix their memories?"

"Because," I hesitated, "You looked scared." It was like I was the only one in the room with how silent it became.

After what felt like a millennium, he whispered, "It was hard not to be that day."

"I understand," and I did. Our secrets, at times, felt like all we had. I knew I was speaking for him, but it felt right.

"I owe you a thank you."

"You don't." I shrugged, "If you did, you paid it when you pulled me from the forest."

He shook his head, returning to himself, he speculated. "So, you were in the forest because you were bewitched?"

"I was in the forest because I tried to escape it, I think." I grasped my comforter, "hiding from the specter."

Edwards' eyes shifted, looking at some of the darker marks that scorched the walls and the mess on the floor. "You said your mother did this?"

"My mom doesn't really ask for things the same way other people do. She expects, and then it happens. There is no such thing as a coincidence when it comes to Renee."

I waited for him to speak, and when he didn't, I continued, grateful. "If she wanted me to wash the dishes or go to the grocery store, then all she needs to do is say it. After the accident, we talked on the phone. She wanted me to go home."

I looked off, remembering thinking I'd protected myself against it. "I thought I was fine. I didn't immediately start packing my bags or beg my dad to buy me a plane ticket. It started in my dreams."

"Is that why you can't sleep?"

"It doesn't seem to want me very comfortable here." I mused.

"And that is why you were in the forest." He drawled, dragged a hand down his face, another private revelation, I assumed. "You were protecting yourself."

"I was trying. I've just been so exhausted that I saw it — I wasn't even asleep, and I couldn't control myself, as you already noticed." I gestured to the walls, "Then I'd teleported into the forest." His eyes shot up, and I didn't need to read him to see the word 'teleport' flash in question. But even if he wanted to ask more on the subject, he held himself back. It was subtle, but he looked worried, "What's wrong?"

"I― I was unfair."

"What do you mean?"

"Asking you to tell me that, insisting I needed to know."

"I told you because I wanted to, not because I felt cornered." Then for his benefit, "I don't expect you to share what you are outside of what you've shown me."

He shuddered, "You should. You deserve to know."

"Are you ready to tell me then?"

"No." He looked at his hands clasped in front of him.

"Then don't." I wasn't going to push him.

He spread his fingers, showing a slight frown like he wasn't expecting that answer or this conversation. I was picky when it came to patience, and I understood that I was putting all my eggs in one basket and relying on that vision. It was the only reason I could be as patient as I was right now.

He took a breath and tensed. His body was always a little tenser as he breathed. "I should go before your father gets home. Take a warm shower after I'm gone."

He stood, going over to the window then opening it. I sat up straighter, "You're not going through the front door?"

"I think I can handle this," his eyes crinkled briefly, then he was vaulting over the ledge hanging outside. "Remember to take a warm shower." He shut the window from the outside, then he let go.

I counted to five and then wobbled downstairs to grab a container of salt. I cursed the specter. I didn't forget I'd been attacked and wanted to stop a repeat of being saved again. Rushing back upstairs, then closing my door, I winced as the air was already heavy, the shadows darker without Edward here. I pulled furniture away from the walls just enough that I'd be able to get by. I did a full rotation, shaking a thick line of salt near the wall. It wasn't until I connected the two lines that the air got significantly clearer.

I sat down on the bed. Still a little put off but hoping, if anything, this worked. I didn't take a shower, just passed out like my body was ready for this moment.

It was the first whole night's rest I'd had in ages. I slept till the very last second of my alarm. The snow was washed away from most of last night's rain. I wore my hair up again, washed my face, and put on something warm. I didn't know how bad my mood must have been, but Charlie looked shocked to see me flipping pancakes before school.

"Having a good morning?" He tested, looking at the pot of coffee I'd made.

"Yes," I'd thought up a reasonable excuse while I was mixing pancake batter earlier, "I was just struggling to cope, but that doesn't make my behavior excusable. I'm sorry."

"No, no. It's fine. I just don't want you to push yourself, Bells."

"And I won't." I slid a pancake onto a stack on a plate. Then I looked at him. Even though I lied, I was honest when I said, "But if you get mad or think I'm sad, please don't walk on eggshells around me. I'll try to handle it, and when I can't, I'll let you know."

He nodded, I guess I need to self-reflect on myself some more too. We can both come out from this a little stronger. "I'll try to too. It's like teaching an old dog new tricks, though."

I scoffed. Turning the heat off. "You're not that old, Dad."

"I'm forty."

"Yeah, that's really not old. Try telling me you're old when you're in your seventies, then we'll talk."

"Why would you say that?"

I scrunched my brows, and we both sat down with jam and butter on the table. "Because I don't think you're old. Mom's thirty-six and just got married." at his incredulous look, I added, "Do I have to do your age by days because then—"

"I get it, I get it."

I grinned, "just saying that you have options."

I lifted his brow but started eating pancakes. Before he left, he said Sue Clearwater would be dropping something off for dinner later while he was still at work, so I should be on the lookout. Though I was sure they had a key to our house, they would be polite enough not to use it.

School was easier, and with me finally getting rest, I felt the time slide by quicker. Weeks passed. I kept up with Renee, primarily by jabbering about herself, and she'd wanted to hear about the boys at school. I kept most of what I could to myself.

Edward was no longer completely ignoring me, giving me greetings before the occasional note slid between us during class. It was nice to appear cordial. He didn't bring up my room again, but he asked me for little things.

Things like, what was my favorite subject, English. What was my least Favorite, Trig. Why? Mr. Varner. I slid my own notes over to him too. Sometimes he hid secret smiles over things like food or what he dreamed about.

During one lesson, Mr. Banner decided that we'd make ice cream. I'd slid him a note and asked what his favorite flavor was, then he gave his secret smile. He wrote, peach. As he passed me by to gather some sugar he asked me mine, I tilted my head and said cookie dough.

We had to use tiny dark chocolate chips, milk, and sugar. Edward was kind enough to shake the bag, joking that his hands were immune to the cold. He said he was lactose intolerant, though, leaving me to eat the surprisingly smooth mixture. Ours was definitely the best of the class if Mike's and Angela's thoughts were anything to go by.

It was easier to concentrate on everyone else too. Jessica was getting more and more restless about an upcoming dance. She was worried that she wouldn't have a date, and she wanted Mike to ask her. At some points, she was willing to say yes to anyone. After leaving Spanish one day, Kirk from the swim team asked her, and she about had a heart attack.

Really!? The guy that pads his speedos. I was drinking water, and I choked as she made me her excuse to leave. Nope, not that guy. I can't even imagine his—

I started to hum violently, glad for the added voices of the lunchroom. She distracted herself, and we didn't really talk about it because Jess looked longingly at Lauren, who was sitting with her other friends in the distance.

I decided to let her stew when the thought passed by her again, that she'd be solo at the dance as Mike left our table and that maybe she should hunt Kirk down and say yes. I leaned over and whispered, "Hey, what's wrong?"

She eyed me before a smile filtered over her face What does she want? "Nothing, why'd you ask?"

"I saw you looking at dress catalogs in Trig. I'm jealous. I haven't gotten any of my old magazines since I moved up here."

"You read magazines?" Which ones? Lauren said she probably had no taste… But she doesn't look bad? It's not like anyone else reads cosmopolitan or teen vogue outside of Lauren and myself.

I whispered, making her lean forward, "I love magazines. I have to be honest I'd kill for teen vogue right n―"

"Shut up!" She slapped her hands on the table. The cafeteria went silent as they looked at Jessica, who flushed pink but wore a wide smile. "You read it too!"

"Yeah?" I hoped that was convincing enough.

"What's your favorite issue?" There's so many to choose from, but if she says Hillary Duff or Kirsten Dunst, I may die.

"The Hillary Duff issue." I tried not to say it like a question.

She squeed. It was the first time since the first day that she seemed genuinely excited. All thoughts of Kirk and Mike disappeared. "You have to come over to my house later! You can catch up on the issues I have."

"Of course." I smiled. Angela looked between us. "Or if you want, the three of us can go get coffee after this?"

Jessica nodded, leaning over, and Angela's thoughts were just as straightforward as they'd always been. They're actually inviting me? It's been a while since Jess and I hung out outside of school. I tilted my head, wondering briefly about what made these two friends exclusive to just the lunchroom.

"It's been a couple of weeks, and It would be nice to get out of my dad's house," I grinned.

Jessica just kept nodding, "Of course. I'd love to look at dresses with you guys."

Angela smiled too. "I was saving up for prom, but I think I can spend a bit."

"I can too," Suddenly, Jess went still. "Jess?"

Jessica bit her lip, Me, Bella, Angela, and Lauren. Oh my god, I have a group of girlfriends. Now I just need a boyfriend, and I'm set. Her thoughts darkened and then lightened suddenly, "Don't mind me, I was just thinking whose car we should take."

"Oh, leave me out of that, I drive pretty well, but my truck would shave years off your life." It was decided we'd take Jess's. Angela's dad picked her up, and she didn't feel comfortable with just her permit.

The bell rang, and I collected my things, glad that it seemed like everything was turning around for the better, when Jessica grabbed my arm and said. "You've got to tell me who you're thinking of asking to the dance!" Maybe it'll be better to find a date together. That way, there's just a squad of us that'll make it harder for the weirder guys to talk to us? Isn't that a thing? She started thinking strategically.

I felt my face freeze into a smile, feeling like I was shark-infested waters for a moment. Thoughts close enough to hear suddenly refocused on me with the same intensity I'd felt both on the first day here and after the car accident. "I will when I think about it."

Jess left, and even with her thoughts being as loud as they are, it wasn't even a thought on her mind if I'd ask Mike, Eric, Tyler, or even Edward. She just wanted to know — and if her thoughts were pleasant enough, maybe I could hide in her mind as often as I hid in Angelas.

I gathered my things quickly. I didn't wait for Mike, especially after Jess's announcement. I grabbed Angela, and we paced quickly to biology.

Angela seemed to be in a daze but kept up with me. "I didn't think I was going."

I slowed down, "What?"

"To the dance." She rubbed her arm. "I don't even know who I'd ask." The image of Ben flashed through her mind. It's not like I even know him, but he looks like he's nice, and he's cute.

"Do you want to go?"

"Yes!" She rubbed her lips together, "I think it'd be fun."

"Then it will be," I grinned, "Besides, we have all of next week to figure things out."

Angela smiled, and we entered the classroom. I left her with a small wave and noticed that I was the first to arrive, a rare occurrence. I tried to look busy, but it was hard when I was so open, words and thoughts one after the other.

It's the Spring fling, so I guess I'll just have to wait for her to ask.

I can't believe it, Samantha asked me, wait till D.J. hears about this.

I don't get why anyone'd wanna go to a stupid dance anyway.

So annoying, what do they expect?

Tyler said he had dibs, but maybe I have a shot too?

I was starting to get impatient, Edward taking his time. I felt an oncoming headache tingle at my temples and ran my hands through my hair. I didn't miss this. I focused on Angela, who was wondering if she could do extra chores to make up for however much she'd spend on a dress. I was watching the door, waiting―

He walked into the room, and immediately there was quiet. I didn't even know I was smiling till his effortless glide seemed to tense. I quickly pulled my expression into confusion. I thought everything between us was fine after last night, but now I wasn't so sure.

He slid past me, greeting me, and then took his seat.

"Are you okay?"

"I'm well enough." I raised my brows, his tone was strained, and he had to catch himself, "Apologies."

"Don't wo―"

"Hey, Bella," Mike panted, and I turned to him, startled. His face was red and dotted with sweat or rain.

"Hi, Mike?"

"Where'd you go after lunch? I thought we were walking together?" I need to give her time to ask me to the dance.

"I walked with Angela." I blinked, still curious about why he looked like he'd run a marathon. "You look winded. Are you okay?"

"I'm fine, a hundred percent." He wiped his forehead and his hair making it more spikey. "My car alarm was going off. Someone took my keys and played a prank on me or something." I don't even know how Tyler got them, good thing I have a towel in the back.

"Oh, I'm sorry," I looked through my bag, holding a packet of tissues out to him. "It's not much, but it might help?"

He took them, "Yeah, I'll definitely keep these. So Bella, about the―"

Edward interrupted suddenly, "Newton, class is about to start."

The look of annoyance Mike sent Edwards' way didn't affect Edward. Mike's thoughts took an unflattering turn, Did anyone ask you, Edward? What a freak. I bet he's pretending to be cool just to be close to Bella. Mike opened his mouth to speak when Mr. Banner told everyone to return to their seats.

Mike's mouth closed, and he looked like a kicked puppy as he walked to the back. I felt bad. I sighed and turned my attention back to the table, just to see Edward staring at his clenched hands. He seemed disappointed? I started writing in my notebook, another peace offering, as I slid it over. I think you were about to tell me not to be worried. What's wrong?

When he saw the note, he relaxed, grabbing his pen and writing, Thinking unpleasant thoughts. It's nothing to mull over.

Maybe you should take Elizabeth Bennet's approach. I wondered if that would be something he was familiar with?

His mouth quirked amused, Let me guess, think only of the past as its remembrance gives you pleasure?

I felt a flutter of pleasure that he'd gotten the reference. You've read Austin? Why am I not surprised?

My mother, she loved Pride and Prejudice. You like it too?

Loved, so I assumed that it wasn't his adoptive mother he was talking about, at least not at this moment.

I do, Renee wasn't much of a reader, but Grandma Marie was. I smiled, I can and will give everything a chance when it comes to reading.

Including Teen Vogue.

I paused, looking at him. He looked neutral and not at all like he'd admitted to hearing me across the cafeteria. I was sure I'd whispered that part.

Is there anything wrong with Teen Vogue?

No, you just surprised me.

In a bad way?

He huffed lightly, No. In a way I didn't expect. Edward stopped writing and let his hand sit on the paper. Confused as to why he stopped, I jumped when I heard my name being called.

"Bella, are you paying attention?"

"Yes," I answered automatically, holding back a grimace.

"What does the scientific term Transpiration mean?"

Hearing the explanation in his mind, I answered. "Transpiration is when water diffuses out of the leaf and then evaporates."

He cleared his throat and mumbled out the word correct. I sighed, feeling bad for ignoring the lesson. Edward took back the notes, seemingly understanding that we were done today. I was disappointed. My fingers itching to talk more. Instead, the bell rang, and I hesitated to talk some more — but Mike rushed over to walk me to the gym.

"Ready to go, Bella?" His gaze strayed to Edward.

"Yeah, just let me grab my things." When he didn't move, I tried not to be so annoyed. Edward's jaw was clenched so hard I thought his teeth would crack.

"Actually," he started, and I felt waves of adrenaline pouring off him. Oh no, "I was wondering about who you were going to take to the dance?"

"I was going with Angela and Jess." I tried to seem clueless, "are you coming with us?"

He seemed confused, not realizing I was trying to let him down easy, "No, I mean are you going to ask someone out?" He started to deflate a bit, If we could just go out together, maybe then we could kiss, and she'd know that we'd be a good couple.

Something cracked against the wall, startling and making several students jump. Mike only gave it a quick glance then turned back to me. I could see what looked like shavings of wood, a pencil? I looked behind me to see Edward studying his notebook intently. Ah.

"I didn't have any plans for it," I said, trying to soothe my tone. "I'm pretty busy, and my dad likes to interrogate―meet people before I go out with them." Forgive me, Charlie.

"I'm sure I could meet Mr. Swan at any time." Mike persisted.

I shook my head, trying again. "No, Mike― I don't want this to be a date."

I can push her some more. She'll say yes eventually. "But we―"

My nostrils flared, "Mike, I said no." and then I lifted up my hand to cover my mouth. But it was too late. Mike's eyes had a familiar look in them, glazed over and far off. I felt bile burn in the back of my throat. His thoughts are a mess, No. No. No. No.

It was like a torrent of disgust welled itself up inside me. I shook, and then a glass beaker broke in the corner of the class, followed by a light overhead. Nausea swirled in my stomach. One student shouted that it was an earthquake and then darted under a table. My hands turned clammy, and I wished again I could stop, but instead, everything about me felt gross even as chairs toppled over, and other glass beakers shook.

A cold hand wrapped itself around my eyes, "Breathe."

I took a deep breath. Grabbing onto his cold hands. I hadn't been breathing. I lingered, catching myself, and removed his hand a second later. Mike was under a desk. Overturned papers and chairs littered the floor. I felt hollow, shame coursing through me. Turning to Edward, I squeaked out a sorry, worrying that if I said anything else, I would break down into tears here. It was a look multiple students, and I shared.

Edward looked around the room, his mouth set and brow scrunched, then back towards me. I quickly grabbed my things then rushed from the room with several others. Whether or not Edward knew it was me shouldn't bother me, but it did. I was dangerous. If I couldn't control myself when a guy couldn't take a hint, then what?

I didn't head toward the gym, stomping, rushing past another group of students, wondering what the commotion was about. I didn't know where I was going till I threw open my truck door and sat inside. In between everything that's been happening around me, I hadn't had a chance to practice some of my newer and more volatile powers. I couldn't let it go on like that. I needed to do more.

I placed my hands over the wheel, and my face pressed my head against them. Breathe. In and out. In and out. I was able to sit back after a while, listening briefly to the bell signal that class was underway. This was hardly the time or place, but if I didn't even think of practicing my magic, then it would just get the best of me again. I hesitated, then grabbed a notebook and pen and started to write everything down.

What I know: Telepathy, Clairvoyance, Dreamwalking, Empath,

What I don't: Latin/french thing (?), Hallucinations (?), the shield (?), Energy sense (?), manipulation Compulsion (memories?), Flying(?), teleportation(?), and weather(?), Plants(?)

What I knew vs. what I didn't know. I took some small comfort that I knew some things. I debated whether I knew what I was doing with my plants before putting them in the unknown category. After all, I did grow a tree from nowhere. I rested my hand on the page, and suddenly the image of the book from last night filtered through my mind.

It had already answered my questions. Maybe it would answer more. Suddenly someone rapped at the glass and I held back a yelp. Angela was standing there with a confused look on her face. I quickly rolled down my window.

"Angela?"

"Hi Bella, are we still on for coffee?" She shifted, and from behind her, I noticed more students leaving. The last bell hadn't run yet.

"Yeah?" I said, and then putting my notebook into my bag, I repeated it with more confidence. "Yeah, I can't wait."

"Good," she smiled, bouncing on her feet.

"Hey? What happened with last period?" I asked.

"Oh, the earthquake thing— they're letting kids go home. I hope everyone's alright."

I swallowed, getting out of my truck. "I do too."

She and I made it over to Jessica's car. I made sure to take measured breaths. It's just coffee. Angelas mind was calm, so I sat with her as she thought about how fun this would be. I felt him before I saw him. It was hard not to turn and look at Edward, but I didn't think I could handle his judgment.

Jessica trotted up, "Hey guy's!" Lauren was walking behind her, checking her nails. I felt my mood dip.

"Lauren, you're coming too?" Angela asked, This will be nice. Lauren can give Bella a chance.

"Yeah, once I heard Bekka, and you guys wanted to hang out, I couldn't resist."

I smiled, "Yeah, the more, the merrier."

Angela looked put off, but seeing me not reacting, held back until we were piling in Jessica's car and I heard her whisper, "Lauren, her name's Bella."

I know that, but she should know not everyone cares about who she is. She didn't bother to whisper, "Really? I'll try to remember. You know I'm just so bad at names."

"It's fine, Lauren," I said, placing my bag between my legs behind Jessica's seat, "I'm sure you'll get better eventually."

"What?"

"Did I say something wrong? You're trying to be better. Good for you." Cattiness was something I was familiar enough with, but after the day I'd had, I didn't bother to filter myself.

Lauren didn't have anything to add and sat fuming in the passenger seat. What a bitch.

Jessica was blind to it, unbothered, and surprisingly focused on driving. She pulled us into a small lot with a little building with outdoor seating. Apparently, there were only three tables inside, and she hoped she beat everyone else here. She did.

The inside was painted various shades of brown. There was a small counter with a glass case of sliced lemon and blueberry bread and some scones. A chalkboard menu was hung up. I went over and pushed my bag onto a table just in case anyone joined us.

We ordered our drinks from some guy that was working on some scholarship applications. After I ordered my drink, I checked that I had enough cash before putting a five in his tip jar. Jessica blinked, Does she think he's cute or something? I waited for them to order, and then we all sat down at the table.

Lauren was still sulking. Meanwhile, Jessica started talking about where the nearest dress shops were. She really wanted to go to Seattle but knew her parents wouldn't be okay with her going that far for a dress. I didn't either.

"There's always Port Angeles." Lauren nodded absentmindedly.

Angela nodded, "if we leave early enough, we can get lunch."

"Maybe dinner would be better." Jessica said, "I kinda hate shopping on a full stomach."

"Yet, you do it anyway," Lauren said.

I shot a look at her. Why'd she have to do that? "I always shop on a full stomach," I said, "It helps see how clothes will fit in between lunch."

Ugh, of course, she would. Lauren said, "Well, good for you, Bella." At least it worked, and she wasn't tearing into Jessica anymore.

I shrugged, "besides, feeling good in your dress is the most important thing."

Angela nodded, "I think so too. Do you have any shops in mind?"

The rest of the conversation talked about where, when, and how. Working out that we'd leave sometime after Wednesday next week and then have some dinner together. Lauren seemed officially bored at this point, and I could already see a vision of her bailing on us to go and grab a dress from Seattle.

I almost felt bad for how much my mood seemed to improve after that. At least until they mentioned the earthquake.

"Weird earthquake, right?" Jessica said, "That was the first time I ever felt one, and it felt like nothing. You guys were in biology class, right?"

Angela spoke up, "I left before it happened. What about you, Bella?"

"I was there," my expression was tight.

Yeah, she's always in the worst of it. Lauren thought, and I worked hard at keeping a neutral face.

The bell over the door rang at that moment, and the pixie-haired girl, Alice, came in with her boyfriend. The hairs on the back of my neck stood up. Danger. flashed through my head. Slowly I took them both in, feeling it come from one of them.

Alice's hair was choppily styled in a pixie cut, some strands closer to her head looked like it'd been done over a kitchen sink. She shared her brother's golden eyes, but hers were doelike. She had a pert nose and a chin that sloped into a delicate point. She was an elf reimagined, with a lithe build that reminded me of most of the older ballerinas I'd gone to dance class with.

Her boyfriend, I think Jasper, had a curly mane of rich blond hair. Similar to his sister Rosalie. It was split down the middle and curled around his temples. He looked like a surfer, his pale skin tanner than the others. He had strong brows, a chiseled face, a nose that may have been broken once, and a piercing stare that settled on our table as well.

I reached out and tried to see what their mind would tell me. Much like their father, it was choppy.

Jasper's thoughts were first, his voice much rougher and deeper than he appeared. Why― here? We― leave, tell E― we did what― wanted. If she's danger― shoul―her out.

Alices ordered a scone, Saw this―happen― should help― can't wait―meet―

I pulled out of their minds, feeling almost drunk. The sensation was weird and new. They left after they got Alice's order.

"Well, aren't they the embodiment of Beauty and the Beast," Lauren said, watching them go. She said it, but her emotions said something else, sad and jealous. Why couldn't he be single?

I didn't expect that. I took a sip of my coffee. I felt bad for hearing what went on in her head, and I regretted what I said before. I never had the problem of being in love with someone who didn't love me back.

More likely, I'd be interested in them and then see that they wanted something from me or that they only cared about my appearance. It wasn't very pleasant seeing people I initially liked be annoyed by something I did or angry and not communicate. I think now, with the ability to read minds, it'd only get worse if I liked someone. It would be hard competing with the version of me inside their head.

"―Who are you thinking of going with?" Jessica asked Angela.

An image of Ben filtered through her mind as she bit her lip. "I don't know."

"I think she should ask Eric," Jessica said,

Lauren rolled her eyes, He's certainly hanging around enough.

Jessica continued, "he'd definitely say yes."

Angela tucked some hair behind her ear and crossed her arms, "Yeah, maybe I'll do that."

Lauren turned to me, taking a slow drink of her smoothie before saying, "Unless you were going to ask him?" She giggled, which just made her voice higher, Let's see if this riles her up? "Did you know you would be so popular, Bella?"

I raised a brow, saying the same thing I told Charlie. "It's only because I'm new. I'm sure in a month, everyone will be bored of me."

She hummed, "Maybe, but you really adjusted quickly, pretty quickly. Which is great―"

"Lauren," Jessica whispered, What is she doing? I said Bella was fine now?

"―and all that. But why Forks, like where is your mom?"

"She's in Florida." I kept my tone light, knowing before she spoke where she was going with this. I was glad I sounded calmer than I felt,

"So I'm guessing a move from one big city to another wouldn't have made you so new, so you came here instead?" Angela looked uncomfortable, and to her benefit, so did Jessica.

I shook my head, "I just wanted to spend time with my dad."

"Well―"

"I think it's nice!" Angela squeaked, "To want to spend time with your dad."

Seeing that conversation was done, Lauren huffed and leaned back against the booth. "Whatever."

It got awkward, and we didn't have anything else to say besides small talk. We stayed maybe five more minutes. I was glad it was over. Angela pulled me aside briefly to apologize, saying Lauren wasn't typically like that. I just thanked her for worrying and said everything was fine. Jessica took us back to school and parked next to Lauren's car. We split up while I got in my truck and, like usual, made it home before Charlie.

I threw everything down by the couches. Waiting for Sue to show up so I could leave. I had a bunch of pent-up energy. Today weighed on my mind in ways I'd rather not focus on, and I just wanted to see if I could relax by the lilac tree. Maybe I should be warier of the forest, especially after last night. Instead, I just wanted its peace. At least while the sun was still out.

Someone knocked on the door, and happy thoughts became louder as I went over. Wonder if she looks like Charlie?

I unlocked the door. On the other side, a tall, slim, and regal woman wearing a thick dark brown coat and fitted jeans held a glass Tupperware container. Her long hair was piled onto her head, and her bronze skin was even and clear. Dark brows and honest eyes crinkled slightly as she grinned at me.

"Bella, it's been such a long time."

"Hello, Mrs. Clearwater."

She huffed, "please, Sue is fine." She lifted the food and added with good humor. "I just came to drop this off. I've heard from Harry that you're keeping Charlie healthy. If you have any tips on slipping in something green, let me know."

"Please," I laughed, "We both know the only reason he's been alive this long is that you and Harry were feeding him."

"He does like The Lodge," Sue said, a twinkle in her eye as she passed over the food. "I won't keep you, but you two should visit sometime in the next couple of weeks. We'd love to have you." Give her a bit of a break too from how hectic it's all been, moving, the accident. She and Leah might get along.

I smiled, "We'd love that. I don't think Charlie would mind if I said yes in advance."

"Then I'll get out of your hair, and I'll keep you posted." She winked, turned, and left.

I shut the door, glad she was so nice. I don't think I could handle any more socializing right now. I just wanted to put the food away and go practice. I took a moment to jot down a quick note saying I was going for a brief walk, then made my way out to the woods. If I gave myself too much time to think about it, I might have backed out. It had already been a full enough day.

I felt a bit like I was punishing myself. I still didn't like the feeling, how it had been so easy to make a mistake with Mike. Didn't really want to see the shock in Edward's eyes that I'd put everyone into a state of panic. I shook the thoughts from my head.

I focused on rushing towards my clearing — only to see a herd of elk relaxing under the lilac tree.

I stalled, wondering if I should startle them away when a new thought entered my mind. I slowed myself, walking gently toward them. I was extra cautious, finding myself uttering, "Easy, I'm just coming a bit closer."

They looked up at me, some snorting nostrils flaring, others just looked bored. I held a hand out to a smaller one, hoping this wouldn't turn into a horrible mistake, trying to bring power into my voice. I said, "Come here."

Nothing happened. I tried to be a little more firm, "Come here?"

Instead, two large elk with wide antlers stood stiffly and seemed to brace themselves, their head jerking up and down like they were mad. A long low tone sounded from one and finished like a scream.

Keeping my tone, looking it in the eyes, I said. "Trust me."

Suddenly its eyes glazed over. I swallowed, looking towards the other, "Lay down." The other's eyes glazed, and it lowered itself onto the floor.

I almost froze, then realized that I should continue. I repeated myself with my hand out. "Come here."

The elk straightened, walking over to me, then stopped a breath away from my hand. I hesitated, wondering if this was as bad as what I did to Sam, and Jessica, and Mike. But this was the line I'd be willing to toe if it came to using this power.

"Lift your front hooves." It lifted its hooves, wobbling slightly before straightening. "Come down."

All four feet back on the ground, the other Elks were still watching, unaware, or at least content to munch on the grass. "Lie down."

The elk lowered itself to the ground. I paused before patting its head. I crouched low and then opened my mind. Touching its thoughts. This was a first for me, and while the elk didn't think in words, images of plants and berries, then another clearing with a large herd showed themselves.

"Stand up and―" and what, "as you were?" I said, feeling very much like I needed a separate vocabulary for this. The elk returned, and I went through a rotation of talking at them, telling them what to do, within reason, and then I just sat and watched them. It was interesting being this close without scaring them off or having a glass wall between us.

Suddenly every head snapped in one direction, and they all got up and ran in the opposite direction. I looked to see what they were looking at but couldn't see anything. I felt like I was being watched again. I tried to sense who it was, only to find nothing.

It was like the world around me stilled, not a breeze or a whisper. I pulled myself up then grasped at a nearby tree as a vision rocked through me. A clearing, three people, two men, and a woman.

In the front, a tall man with long dreaded glossy black hair and a deep dark tone to his skin. Beside him was a woman whose wild curly hair billowed behind her in the breeze, so shockingly orange it was like she was on fire. She moved with feline-like grace, sauntering aside the others. The last man appeared lax with short light brown hair and frayed clothing. He appeared average, so much so that I'd have stopped looking at him with a passing glance. But his eyes were blood red, all of them, and their expressions — hungry, all of them looked hungry.

That last one tilted his head, breathing in the air through his nose. His eyes were suddenly black, and he lunged.

You're in a meadow, there are three people, and there's so much blood.

I dropped from the tree, scrambling into the grass. I looked around frantically, but no one was there. The world tittered away as if nothing had happened. I took a deep breath, standing in the same clearing from my vision, or maybe it was a different one? I wiped my sweaty hands. Jittering through the images that stuck with me. I didn't feel safe anymore, and I hurried over my previous tracks on my makeshift path back home.

My mind was buzzing like it watched a scene from a far-off horror movie that stopped right before it killed a side character.

Inside, I shook my hair free and put my jacket up, trying to scramble for a notebook or something — I didn't consider myself much of an artist, but I found the same notebook I'd written my powers in, and I drew. Drawing each one from my vision so I wouldn't forget their faces. I worked into such a frenzy that I passed out, on the couch, book, and pencil in hand, till Charlie got home.

Despite the "earthquake" the day before, school resumed as usual on Friday. Mike appeared fine. I waited till he got in and searched through his mind, but he was his typical boyish self. He thought of me as usual, but when thoughts of Spring Fling filtered through his head, he was adamant that he couldn't ask me. His mind had filled in the hole by saying later, just not right now.

It was both relieving and not. I walked from class till Eric and Mike left for the others. I just needed to survive the day. It wasn't until lunch that I'd be blindsided again, this time by Eric.

Any moment now―there she is. Eric looked nicer today. I said as much when we were in class together. Though I was too preoccupied with Mike to look deeper into his thoughts.

"Hi, Eric."

"Hey, Bella," his voice had an uncomfortable edge to it, one I was beginning to grow familiar with. "Uh, I was just wondering… If you would go to the Spring Dance with me?" His voice cracked on the last word.

I swallowed, trying to keep myself calm, "Thank you so much for asking me, but I wanted to go with everyone as friends."

"Oh," Dumb, I should have figured. He tried to hide his blush, embarrassment radiating off of him, "Well, maybe next time." He slouched off in a different direction. I felt selfish for feeling sad for him, worse for knowing how he felt. Eric wasn't a bad guy, just not the one for me.

A low chuckle sounded suddenly from behind me. Tyler came up from behind me, looking like he'd just finished gym.

I eyed him warily. "Were you eavesdropping?"

"Hard not to when he picked this side of the cafeteria to do it."

I pushed at my hair, "Well," he'd worked up the courage to ask me, something even I didn't think he'd do. "Even if he doesn't want to talk to me for a bit, I respect him for asking me."

"Why wouldn't he want to talk to you? You're a cool chick."

A cool chick? I felt my smile tighten, "Whether or not I'm cool doesn't have anything to do with it―"

"Just saying Bells," I stiffened at the nickname. "His loss if he doesn't talk to you for the rest of the day." Think she should be buttered up enough now.

Uh-huh, I started walking backward, "Thanks, Tyler, I think it's time for lunch."

He moved, blocking me quickly, "Not while I have you trapped here, Figured I'd take a page from Eric's book." Pretty sure she'll say yes anyway, "Will you ask me to the Spring Fling?"

"I just want to go with a group of friends." my voice was a little sharp. I still tried hard to keep the magic from my voice, or at least didn't look him in the eyes as I said it.

Cute, I think she's a little shy. " Yeah, Mike said that too. Besides, I was pretty sure you were just letting the others down easy."

"No, I really do just want to go with a group of friends."

"Ah, well, we still have prom." He grinned, Good thing we're in the same group of friends. Then walked into the cafeteria, the steel door shutting behind him as he left.

My mouth was open, and I fought hard to stop myself from running to my truck to drive home. I didn't know people would be so pushy. Then again, after I said no the first time, people typically listened. I didn't appreciate it, and I was left behind frazzled. I took a breath and entered the lunchroom.

Everyone was already sitting down. Tyler shot me a cheeky grin as he wrapped an arm around Mike, who looked less than pleased at the contact. I went over to the vending machine to grab myself a soda, giving me more time to catch my bearings. It was like I was in the Twilight Zone.

I hesitated before I made my way to our table. The Cullens looked as bored as they usually did, but Edward was watching me with that perplexed look again. I raised my soda in a mock salute, and a bemused smile passed his lips. Alice, actually looked at me briefly. She shot another quick glance to Edward and subtly hid a smile down at her hands.

I didn't know what to make of that. And suddenly, Jessica was waving me back over to our table. Joining them like usual, I take my place between her and Angela. Listening to them talk about the things they wanted to do for the rest of the year. I tried hard to pay attention, still feeling Edward's gaze as I ate and talked with the others.