"I should know you, shouldn't I?"

I felt myself tense automatically. She spoke that quietly I wasn't sure if she was simply talking to herself or if she was testing me. I was pretty sure an average human wouldn't have heard her, therefore, I remained still. However, she caught my involuntary reaction and her head tilted to the side. Subtle to anyone else, I saw her give the air a prominent sniff. My heart hammered in my chest. I worried that she'd sense I was different – that she could smell I wasn't exactly human.

Thankfully, Helen approached her, forcing her to turn her attention from me and back to her work. I took a breath and I tried to block out Helen as she praised the vampire's work in a similar fashion to how she'd praised mine. Shaking off the intensity, I thought about the background I could do seeing as I had completed the foreground. I looked at the pastels and realised I hadn't used either of the primary colours.

Without a second thought, I alternated the three colours and drew diagonal lines across the remaining white paper before smudging them to make it look like the colours had run into each other. As I finished, Helen called, "I'm afraid that's time folks. Please sign your work and you'll hear officially from someone soon."

I wrote my name in the bottom right-hand corner then proceed to pack the pastels back into the box.

"You may pack away your belongings, but can I please speak with Miss Cullen, Mr Raynor, Mr Gerald and Miss Swan as I already have my decision on you."

At her parting sentence, action resumed and the remaining students left. I packed away my sketch book and walked to join the group forming around Helen's desk.

Helen smiled up from her desk at us all before speaking. "You four showed some promising work today and I'd actually like you to consider moving you up a level: Mike and Kurt to the intermediate course and Alice and Nessie to the advanced course."

I was shocked and ecstatic.

"Now, these classes take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays so your schedules may need to be re-worked. I'll speak to the admin staff and get it processed for you so it can be in effect as of next week," she finalised.

We all chorused out 'thanks' and disbursed. Once out in the busy corridor, I reached in my bag to text Jenna. I jumped when I felt a small tap on my left shoulder. I turned my head to see the vampire stood next to me, her eyes guarded.

"Sorry! I didn't mean to make you jump," she apologised. "You're Nessie, right?" Her eyes narrowed.

I stood there looking at her, questioning her motives. "Yeah," I confirmed.

She beamed. "Hi, my name is Alice. It's nice to meet you."

I smiled back in politeness. She was about to say something else when a voice interrupted us.

"Alice," a masculine voice called. Not loudly, but loud enough for us to both snap our heads up. His face was a straight poker face. His eyes were as bright as Alice's and his skin looked a little paler. He had wild bronze hair that was a similar shade to mine. His hands were deep in the pockets of his dark jeans.

Alice smiled at his approach. "Nessie, this is my brother, Edward," she introduced, "Edward, this is my new friend, Nessie."

My eyes snapped to her face. I'd say we were now acquaintances, but I wouldn't go as far as saying we were friends.

I saw Edward nod slightly before directing his attention at me. "Nice to meet you, Nessie." He made no move to shake my hand which I was thankful for.

Edward looked back at Alice and they seemed to be having a strange interaction. I felt my phone buzz in my palm and immediately looked at it. It was a message from Jenna saying:

Turn around x

I turned my head to look behind me and saw Jenna's form approach, her ponytail swishing as she walked.

"How did you know where to find me?" I questioned when she was close enough, completely forgetting about the vampires next to me.

"I have my sources," she replied with a wink.

As she reached us, I thought it was only polite to introduce them: "Jenna, this is Alice – she's in my art class – and her brother-"

"Edward," she interrupted, "we've met." Her tone was sarcastically sweet.

I turned to her and she was glaring at him. I exchanged a glance of confusion with Alice.

"Miss Hart and I had a little disagreement in class when I simply corrected her on something," he stated.

Jenna scoffed. I saw her ears begin to turn red and she folded her hands across her chest and shifted her weight onto one foot.

"Well, I just hope she managed to keep her thoughts in check." She stopped glaring at Edward and turned to me, her eyebrows turned up in an apologetic expression.

I chuckled at her. "Come on we need to go," I said whilst turning us. "It was nice meeting you both," I said before I started pulling Jenna along with me.

"Same here, Alice," Jenna called behind us.

I laughed as we exited the building. "What was that about?" I questioned.

"Nothing, I'll tell you later," she replied. "I guess that means both of us are stuck with the vamps then."

"Yeah, I guess we are."

-o0o-

Having Jenna in a lecture was a breath of fresh air. I was highly amused by her muttering curses and profanities about the information being vomited from the lecturer's mouth. I, being faster than an average human, could keep up and take notes at a steady pace. Jenna could not. I didn't tire of her, "I wish he'd slow down", "Oh for god's sake!", "Please say you'll lend me your notes", and my personal favourite – "If he doesn't slow the fuck down I'm going to rip out what's left of his goddamned hair!"

We'd sat at the back of the room as the lecture took place and I knew I wasn't the only person laughing at Jenna's antics, nor was she the only person making comments of annoyance. I'd never thought a lecturer would talk this fast, but the look he had on his face when the lecture began told me he had a hidden motive. My assumption was confirmed after he told the class he wanted to make us sweat and see how many of us combusted. I burst out laughing as I felt Jenna vibrate next to me. I turned to see her face and saw it was a beautiful shade of red.

I kept the smile on my face as we walked out of class. Jenna turned to look at me and then slapped me playfully on my arm, "It isn't funny!" Her smirk told me that she did in fact find it funny, but I knew she wanted to remain her stubborn self, as usual.

The day hadn't gone too well for Jenna. This morning's run in with Edward had left her angry, embarrassed and gunning for revenge.

As much as I sympathised, I was glad that I had the female vampire in my class. Edward seemed more dangerous to me, despite the assurance of his eye colour.

However, my good fortune never came as I did in fact have a class with him. I'd taken my place at the back of the room when I saw his form walk into the lecture hall and sit on his own toward the back.

What struck me as odd was that neither Edward nor Alice conversed with anyone else. As far as I knew, the only conversations they'd made were between Jenna and me. I hadn't seen them with anyone else other than each other and Alice always seemed to keep a beady eye on Edward.

I gradually found a routine in my week. Alice continued to make conversation with me during our art class and I found myself being more comfortable around her. She was easy to talk to and I didn't worry about her dangerous side anymore. She was very much like my mom in some sense: similar characteristics and kindness. Maybe the golden eyes did create a more humane vampire.

Jenna held the same caution as me regarding both Alice and Edward as she too had not witnessed them talking to anyone else other than the professors they were taught by, and us. Still, we remained polite to the both of them. During this time, I had noticed how much more Jenna and I had in common; we genuinely shared the same opinions, sense of humour and most of all, a friendship.

Right now, I was sat in our favourite espresso bar on campus waiting for her, thinking about the conversation I'd had with my mom this morning regarding an upcoming event.

I was sat in my room with my phone pressed to my ear patiently waiting for someone back home to answer the damned thing.

"Hello?" Answered a gruff voice that I didn't expect.

"Billy?" I replied, startled.

"Dear Renesmee! Is that you?" He yelled down the phone. Billy was a polite man who thought my full name was more sophisticated than Jake's nickname for me, despite him using both now and again.

"Yeah, it's me, Billy. How are you?" I asked him. I figured there must have been a game on. Grandpa didn't work on Tuesdays anymore.

Before he could reply I heard a different voice down the line that grew louder; presumably as they approached the phone.

"Is that Nessie?" I heard Jacob ask. I heard a few mumbles before Jake spoke down the phone quite exasperated, "Renesmee Swan, where have you been! Your mom's going ape shit trying to get a hold of you these past few days-" He was cut off when I heard a hard thwack pierce the phone and Jake's moan: "Shit Bells!" It was then I heard another similar sound and Jake groaned again.

"Watch your language!" She told him sternly with amusement lacing her voice.

I heard her voice coming through the receiver, "I've been trying to get a hold of you for days, young lady, where on earth have you been?" All traces of amusement had disappeared.

"I've been at school, Mom, where else?" I chuckled.

"Yeah, well you never know," she countered.

"Oh come on. Is that what you think of me?" I asked her amused.

She laughed. "Never mind that, that's not what I wanted to talk about." She changed the subject: "What's happening with your birthday? Are you coming back home for the weekend?"

I groaned. "Mom it's on Friday, I can't miss class."

"Renesmee," she warned. She hated my moaning. I was never a big fan of my birthday and I guess I picked that up from my beloved mother as she didn't like thinking about her birthday either, which I found slightly hypocritical of her.

"Wh-hat!" I drawled out. "A birthday isn't a big deal; missing a class is!"

"But you can easily catch up, baby!" She countered. I definitely knew my stubbornness came from her.

I huffed down the phone signalling that I was not giving in to her demand.

"Fine!" She snarled. "But that doesn't mean I'm not going to see you. I'm driving to Seattle on your birthday whether you like it or not."

I began to argue despite my longing to see my family. "Mom, I don't want a big affair. I'm missing you all but-"

"Just me," she interrupted. "I'll drive to Seattle to you, my daughter, on her birthday. I'll take you out for dinner and we'll go shopping or something?"

I giggled. "Shopping? Mom, you hate shopping."

"Yeah I know, but you enjoy it. Sometimes, that is." I couldn't help smiling; it was true. Sometimes I loved it; sometimes I loathed it. "I can handle it just for you."

I felt a smile spread across my face, but I still protested, "Mom, no shopping. It'll only end up with you trying to buy me gifts that I don't need."

"That won't be a problem as I already have your gift all wrapped up for you," she told me smugly.

I groaned, "Mom, I don't want anything! It's just a birthday!"

"But it's your birthday and I'm your mother," she replied stubbornly. "You may not like gifts – a trait you've picked up from me – but that doesn't mean you're not going to get any. I'm giving you the one I got you. Jake and Charlie are being just as stubborn, sweetie. There's nothing you can do."

There was no way I was going to win this fight. "Fine. But I don't have to like it. Just remind me to say thanks," I jested.

"I will do, sweetie." I could hear the affection leak from her voice down the phone and that alone summoned a lump in my throat. I missed her terribly and now I was extremely relieved that she'd remained stubborn and told me she was visiting. "Baby?"

"Yeah?" I replied trying to keep my tears at bay

"Would you like to bring Jenna along to dinner as well?" She asked. "It'll be nice to have her with you. Besides, I'd like to meet her. Dawn sounds really lovely so it's about time."

"Dawn?" I asked.

"Yes, her mother?" She stated with confusion.

I giggled. "I didn't know you were on a first name basis, already."

I heard her melodious laugh sound as she replied, "We've been talking a lot, lately."

"I'll ask her later and let you know," I told her.

"Okay. I'll call you soon, and please answer this time? You had me worried." I could practically see the furrow of her brows as she said that.

"Okay. I know; I'm sorry," I replied. "I love you, Mom."

"Love you too, Ness," she replied, "Have a good day, baby."

The line died and I felt myself give out a mixture of emotions. I was excited that I could see my mom in three days but upset because I really, really missed her. I missed everything about home and honestly? I was desperate to go back. But I would never tell her that. I need this experience, and I'd just gained a friend; my first real, human friend. And I wasn't just about to give that up.

So here I was, waiting for Jenna so I could extend my mother's invitation.

Looking at the wood grains on the table, my trance was interrupted at the sound of the chair opposite scrapping across the floor. Jenna sat in the chair and scooted in. She smiled at me as she opened a can of soda then glugged down its contents. She removed the can from her lips and clacked it on the table before speaking. "So, when were you going to tell me it's your birthday this weekend?" She accused. "Nessie, I should know these things; it's something to celebrate!"

I sighed. "Well, I can't really go around telling people I'm nineteen when I barely look seventeen when I'm actually only ten. Do you see my predicament here?"

She pursed her lips as she mused, "But it now means I have less time to buy you a gift."

My eyes widened. "No! No gifts. Please, I don't want anything."

Her eyes mirrored mine. "What?" She almost screeched, "Why not?"

"Because I don't want anything more than what I already have. I've just had this same conversation with my mom and lost and I'm not losing another, understand?"

Jenna narrowed her eyes at me. "Fine, but we still have to do something."

"That's what I wanted to ask you about," I began, getting straight to the point before she could come up with some absurd idea. "My mom is coming to visit this Friday for my birthday and wants to know if you'd like to join us for dinner?"

Jenna's eyebrows shot up into her hairline. "Really?"

I nodded and stole her soda for a drink as I was becoming parched.

"Yeah, I'd love too," she replied, making me smile. "You know, your mom and mine are becoming quite friendly. They're speaking to each other at least once a week, you know."

"That often! I didn't even realise."

I was surprised by my mom's new friendship. She wasn't one to easily trust anyone given her past situation which made me wonder if my mom was letting go of her bitter past. She never let her emotions show when Jake and I were around – she'd always be smiling and laughing. But when she was alone and thought I wasn't paying attention, she'd go into her head. I hated seeing it because it made her seem hollow.

"That's how you knew about Friday then: your mom?" I figured.

Jenna nodded. "You know they've already exchanged birthing experiences," she teased.

I shuddered at the thought. "Ugh, gross."

Jenna laughed before her eyes darted over my shoulder and she whispered, "Incoming..."

I turned in time to see Alice make her way towards us with a smile on her face. Edward wasn't with her.

"Hi guys!" She greeted us cheerfully. We greeted her back before she continued, "So Nessie, why didn't you mention your birthday was coming up?"

I blinked and looked at Jenna. Jenna had her soda raised halfway to her mouth as she gaped at Alice. She looked at me and shook her head, denying that she'd been the one to tell.

"I... I didn't think it was important," I mumbled.

"Not important? It's a birthday! Don't you like birthdays?" She asked appalled. I shook my head in response.

"Okay, well I can see you don't want a big fuss but," I groaned for what felt like the hundredth time today, "there's a party happening Saturday night on Sam Carrington's floor that we now have to go to; she's invited everyone."

"Alice, I'm not so sure..." I started to protest.

"Oh come on, Nessie! Going to a party is a college experience everyone must have! I'll help you get ready, I'll protect you from the guys that will inevitably ogle your chest and you can leave whenever you want, please?" I saw her pout and her eyes widened in a pleading gesture.

I looked at Jenna for support but she just shrugged, not caring whether we went or not.

I sighed. "Fine." I was stubborn but I was definitely no match for Alice.

She clapped her hands together before jumping up. "Thank you. I'd stay for longer but I have to find Edward."

She waved as she walked out of the cafeteria. I waved back at her until she'd disappear from my line of sight.

"I swear she heard nothing from me!" Jenna called defensively.

"I believe you," I replied. Jenna's stance relaxed, but her face looked confused. I shrugged it off. "She's a vampire." I stated as if it was the simplest suggestion. But in truth, it was.

I sighed as I thought of the upcoming weekend. I was seeing my mom on Friday, going to a party with Jenna and Alice on Saturday and I'd probably spend Sunday sat in bed watching endless films.

Was this really the human experience I was looking for in my life? I wasn't so sure...

Don't forget to tell me your thoughts...