Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight.

"In a book, all would have gone according to plan... but life was so fucking untidy — what could you say for an existence where some of the most crucial conversations of your life took place when you needed to take a shit, or something? An existence where there weren't even any chapters?"
― Stephen King, Misery

I couldn't believe my luck.

Actually no. I can believe it. That's what I get for being so careless in the first place.

My vision whirled around me. Trees of various shades of brown bent backwards and their multicolored leaves danced in a line. And for some reason, I could faintly hear The Cha Cha Slide, almost as if the leaves were dancing to the beat of the song. I was losing what was left of my sanity. This had to be the copious amounts of vodka running through my system…or it could be because I kissed Edward Cullen.

My sworn enemy. The person who was a part of my elaborate plan. And he knows about it. All because I had to down a bottle of vodka when no one was looking. I couldn't stand listening to Emily ramble on about her love for Sam. Nor could I listen to the bridesmaid girlish squeals and love-struck sighs. It made me realize that it should have been me. In that pearly white wedding dress. Not her.

Today I was supposed to have my dream wedding with my best friend by my side. Today I was supposed to marry my high school sweetheart, my beloved fiancée. Today dad should have walked me down the isle. Today was supposed to be my day. And Isabella Swan and her leech family took that away from me. The worst part of it all? Emily didn't even bother to change the wedding day, I specifically picked today for my wedding. October 20th. I was forced to stand there as a part of the bridal party and watch as my worst nightmare unfolded.

Thanks to my wolfy metabolism, the affect of the alcohol was slowly wearing off. Trees were finally standing tall and still. Leaves were no longer dancing to the Cha Cha Slide. The world was still. Almost quite even. I could faintly hear laughter and chanting coming from my far left. And that's when I finally realized the gravity of my current predicament. Panic settled in and spread through me as if I were on fire. He could tell everyone! Not only would I have no rebuttal, but I also wouldn't be able to lie. All it took was an alpha order and the secrets would spill out of me like spilt milk.

I needed to find Edward and I needed to find him fast. I was never one to beg, but if everyone knew, I might as well kiss life here goodbye. Maybe I could move to Canada. Yeah! I could smuggle myself via wolf form over the border. I could marry a nice Canadian man… maybe I could write a tell-all about my life. But I'll play it off as a fictional story. Lord only knows what people would say if I claimed sparkly vampires were real. I'd be sent to the Canadian loony bin. Where the staff are so nice and preppy that it makes their patients even crazier. Because nothing can make a crazy depressed person more insane than a preppy person who's happy all the time. Preppy people with their fake cheery voices that pierce your dark soul.

It was almost as if I moved 4 steps forward and 19 steps back. No matter how hard I tried I was stuck in a vicious cycle of self loathing and pity. Not today! I can't back down now! I wasn't going to give up on this plan, even if my broken drunken state reminded me of all the shitty things in my life. This plan had to – no – needed to work. And in order for it to work, I needed to start slow. Edward wanted to be friends right? I scofflaw at the thought. At least he gave me an in. Even if it was morally questionable. It couldn't be anymore questionable than attempting to seduce him. If was going to play seductress I needed to play house first- which meant befriending the Cullen's. All 1..3…5…9! All 9 of them.

With the plan in mind, I slowly but confidently walked back to the ceremony. Which wasn't a ceremony anymore. The beach where the wedding was supposed to have taken place looked like a frat boy party. A la wolf style. Empty beer bottles, confetti, and discarded red solo cups were haphazardly scattered around the area. The bonfire lit up the dancefloor making everything look more prehistoric. The Neanderthals in question, well. They were all drunkenly dancing to you guessed it- The Cha Cha Slide. Embry was trying but failing to figure out which side he needed to stomp, Quil was… Wait? Was he twerking? An image I wish I could unsee. I quickly look to Jacob. He was doing the YMCA dance and Seth was mimicking him- or at the very least trying too. Jared and Kim were giggling and dancing a graceless waltz. And Paul was thankfully nowhere to be found. Hopefully, he was shoving that fat ass tongue of his down Rachel's throat. That would keep him occupied long enough for me to escape tonight's festivities without a massive fight.

Everyone was here. Everyone except for the Cullen's. And surprisingly, the damned bride or groom weren't in attendance either. I had a choice- either join in. Or go home. Unfortunately for me, I didn't get to make that choice. Jacob Black decided that choice for me.

"Hey Leah! Join the par-ty!" He somewhat slurred as he went up to hug me. I awkwardly placed my arms around his back and gave his back a few pats.

"Where's everyone else?" I asked warily. So far so good. No one is trying to kill me. Yet.

"The ceremony has been over for nearly an hour Lee. Seth wanted to find you, but I told him you needed the space." As he pulled back, he looked me in the eyes, and gave me a cautious but warm smile, "I know it's weird to say this, but I'm proud of you."

I wasn't sure what to say. I mustered out a "Thank you." And made a beeline for the refreshments table. Most of the food gone, of course. But there were a few slices of cold pizza. Which was better than nothing. I grabbed a can of cola and made my way to one of the logs. Sitting down, I ate and watched as they resumed their frat boy antics. Quill challenged Embry to a dance off, Jake thankfully was too occupied with them to bug me. And all I could do was watch. On the outside I remained stonewalled, but the feelings I was feeling. They weren't as put together as I outwardly appeared. Everyone was happy and enjoying themselves. Everyone but me. It was like I was a fly on the wall. It wasn't like they were ignoring me, Seth kept shooting glances my way and Jake was being a sentimental gob earlier. But they've all moved on and accepted their lives. Accepted their freedom and their choices ripped from them and their futures handed to them, whether they initially agreed with it or not. But I didn't accept it. I didn't accept any of it.

…

Okay so how does one contact a telepathic Edwardian vampire? Do I send him telepathic sound waves or do I send him a carrier pigeon? Jacob would know the guy's number. But I couldn't exactly ask him either. Ugh! Why is simply talking to him hard?! It's not like I have feelings for him or anything. I don't know why I'm so flustered. Maybe it was the kiss? His lips were cold and rock solid but somehow soft-

I punch the pillow in frustration. I left the party 30 minutes after I rejoined the festivities. Now that I'm home, I have taken refuge on my small uncomfortable bed. Thinking about how and if I should contact the mind reader. Mom works at the hospital, so I could just ask mom for Dr. Dracula's number. But that was too obvious. I turn in my bed and sigh. I pick up my busted up Motorola and stare at it. But just as I flip it open, an unknown private number flashes on the screen. Who would be calling me at this hour? Jake said I had a few days off. I clicked the call button and I put the phone up against my right ear.

"Hello?"

"Well hello to you too." A musical voice chimed into my ears.

"How-"

"Alice saw my future disappearing when I answered my phone. I thought I'd cut right to the chase and call you first. If I hadn't, I'd be waiting for 2 hours."

"Okay…. That answers that question but how exactly did you get my number?" I bite my lip. Of course the pixie would see it. I sometimes forget just how powerful the Cullen's can be. I would have to be careful around her. And now that I think about it, her war general husband as well. I can't be deceptive when one hears my thoughts, one feels my emotions and one sees the future. His voice broke me out of my musing.

"Huh? Sorry I zoned out. Can you repeat that?"

"Jacob gave it to us in case there was ever an emergency with Renesmee. You're his Beta. If anything happens, we can easily contact you." Fair point. I'm both annoyed and relieved. Annoyed at Jacob for giving out my number to a bunch of vampires and relieved that I didn't have to make the first move.

"Makes sense I suppose." I click my tongue. Hearing his voice. It made everything seem surreal. Was I actually going to do this? I know I'm crazy. I talk to myself all the time. In my head, I even have debates with my inner voice. But if I continued on, there was no going back.

"So from what I gather, you wanted to call about our comradeship." It wasn't a question. It was a statement. Almost like he was waiting for the final shoe to drop. After tonight's stunt, I don't blame him for being cautious.

"Erm yes. I would like to be your friend." My voice sounded so pathetically timid.

"I'm quite relieved you accepted my offer. You deserve happiness too Leah. And maybe one day, you'll find your own person." His voice while still elegantly pleasant to hear, had a firm and serious tone to it. He meant business.

"So uh… how exactly …?" I stammered.

"We can go to one of those coffee shops or a diner. If you want. I'd like to note however, that this is strictly platonic and not courtship. This is merely a hang out old pals do... Understand?"

"Crystal clear." My voice was steady. Relief washed over me. Good. I don't sound like a wuss.

"What day works for you? Preferably in the evening."

I sigh, "The pack is filled with teen boys still in high school. Because of that I usually take the night patrol during week days. Evenings definitely would be the best…um what about next Saturday? 6:30?" At this point I realized I was rambling. I bit my tongue. The flavor of iron washed over my taste buds.

"That will do. Meet me a the border at 6:30. I look forward to our hangout. Goodnight Leah."

"Goodnight."

…

The next week went by quickly. My life was clockwork. Sleep. Avoid the boys. Eat. Patrol. Repeat. My life wasn't even remotely interesting without the aid of some vampire/wolf politics. The entire time. I kept thinking about Saturday. And what that would entail. And that day finally came. Today. And for the first time in years. I felt nervous.

Do I dress up? Do I dress down? What do I wear that says, "I don't want to look like I'm trying to impress you, but I actually do want to impress you?" I glance down at the mess on my floor. Ever since I started phrasing, I didn't have much in the terms of feminine clothing. My wardrobe mostly consisted of raggedy shorts, worn out dresses and holey shirts. Deep breathes! Okay! Lets see what we're working with! There were a few jeans and shirts that weren't worn out. And things I have not touched since Sam. If we were just getting food, then something casual. Black skinny jeans. And maybe a long sleeve shirt. Heels? No. I didn't want to tower over him. Ballet flats? Sure. Why not? Causal and clean. It was only 4:17. I had at least 2 hours before the hang out. A long bath might calm my nerves.

In the bath tub, I took extra time shaving body. Okay. Step 1. Complete. As I got out of the bath, I pulled out the coconut and ginger lotion. I lather my entire body with the lotion. After I was finished, I grab my tooth brush and brush my teeth. Staring into the mirror, I noticed how clumped my hair was. Running a brush through my hair, I get all the tangles out. My hair was getting longer, just reaching my shoulder blades. I head off to my room. As I change into the clothes I picked earlier, I check the time. It's 5:50 now. I better get going.

I wasn't going to phrase and jog through the forest. Quil was patrolling and just like Seth, Quil couldn't keep a secret. So I had no choice but to walk to the border. The road between La Push and Forks rarely had anyone on them anyway, so it gave me some time to think. I wasn't exactly sure what time it was when I met him at the border. Shiny Volvo and all. He was just casually leaning against his car, his facial expression unreadable. He gave me a once over, and his lips curved into a lopsided grin. "You're late."

I stopped walking. I was right by the invisible line. I quirked my eyebrow, "By how much?"

The grin was replaced by a smirk, "2 minutes."

I rolled my eyes, "The humanity! How are you ever going to recover."

I still haven't made the move to cross. Not even when he chuckled and opened the passenger door. Chivalry clearly wasn't dead. Or I guess it technically was. In the case of Edward Cullen. He laughed. Right. A mind reader.

"Are you coming or do you want to just stand there?"

I, without any more hesitation, grumbled a thanks and ducked into the car. The air smelled like rioting candy, but it wasn't as potent. Almost as if he-

"I aired out the car and put up some air fresheners. I figured we'd be in here for a bit."

While the gesture was small, it made feelings stir up inside me. I knew I didn't need to verbally voice my gratitude. We drove in a pleasantly comfortable silence. I wondered where we were going.

"I thought going to Port Angeles would be a good neutral place."

Almost like a date. But its not a date. And he can hear your thoughts. God this is awkward. Staring out the window, I try to ignore the embarrassment I felt by my thoughts. He hummed an unfamiliar tune as he flipped on the radio. Of course. Its classical music. I'd be surprised if it was Britney Spears.

"Believe it or not, Emmett is the one whose a Britney Spears fan. He's even met her a few times."

"No way! Really?!" An image of Emmett wearing Britney's iconic Hit Me Baby One More Time schoolgirl outfit made me laugh. Edward chuckled.

"Don't tell him I told you that. Not many people know. Not even Bella-" It was as if his entire demeanor changed. His once carefree grin was replaced with a guarded expression. His body went rigid. Talk about awkward.

"Seth still sleeps in his Star Wars pajamas."

He nods (a sign of acknowledgement) but remained silent. I looked back at the window. I'm unsure as to why he reacted the way he did. And I'm unsure of what to say. I stare outside the window for what feels like an eternity until we're finally in Port Angeles.

"Where are we going?"

"There's this 4.8 rated coffee shop. Got upstairs window seats. I think you'll enjoy it."

And he was right. It had a rustic atmosphere but was also lavish and modern. It was something I could even imagine he'd like as well. It wasn't busy, and we quickly went to the upstairs window seats after we got our orders. He periodically ghosted a sip of his coffee, his eyes bore into mine as he said.

"What's your favorite color?"

"What?" Why was he asking me something so random?

"We're trying to be friends right? I know of you but I don't know who you are personally."

"Green's always been my favorite color. Umm what's yours?"

"Blue."

Okay. This is going somewhere.

"Star Wars or Star Trek?"

"You think I like those franchises?"

"Don't try to fool me Cullen! You seem like the type!"

"What type?"

"A nerd! Albeit a pretentious one!"

"I'll have you know Star Wars has a better production but Star Trek has better writers!"

"Ha! See! A total nerd!" I smile triumphantly.

He leaned again his chair, mulling over his thoughts. He sat back up and looked me in the eye. "Seth mentioned you were a Ravenclaw? Care to explain? Because if I remember correctly, Ravenclaw is a Harry Potter house. Whose the nerd now?"

I feel a flush of heat color my cheeks. I had no rebuttal. He was right. Dammit Seth! He switched our coffees. I was confused, but then I realized he needed to keep up appearances. Making it look like he's a drinking the coffee while I drink both. I need to change the subject.

"Favorite season?"

"Spring. Everything that was once dead comes back to life. The blossoms every year are truly a delight. Yours?"

"Fall. The colorful leaves, the pumpkin spice," I tip my cup to emphasize my pumpkin spice addiction, "The candy. The Halloween horror specials. That kind of thing."

We sit in silence. But this time it was comfortable silence. It didn't last long though. He'd let the conversations simmer only to bombard with me new questions. It wasn't until the barista walked up to us and flashed him a flirtatious smile that I realized just how late it was. And that we were the only customers still here. I tried to pay as he waved me off, and tapped his black card. The joys of being a rich immortal vampire. I ignored the barista as she slipped Edward her number and walked out.

"That was fun. Thanks for taking me." I said as we got into the car.

"It was a pleasure. I realize just how different you are."

"What do you mean?"

"People have said a lot of things that frankly weren't kind about you. But I can tell when someone needs some companionship. I needed it once too. Many moons ago." He paused, his eyes stayed on the road ahead of him. "I became vindictive. I became a monster. I still am one. I try not to be. But being a vampire. You'll never understand the loneliness and the thirst until you're in that position. It's easy to give in. Easy to be something so vicious. But it's when you have friends, and a place with people you love and care for, that you find your humanity. I don't want you to suffer Leah. I know the path you're going will only end in destruction."

"Listen here you asshole! You don't know m-" I bit my tongue.

Nothing I could say would make this comfortable. I guess awkward silences and philosophical thoughts are how this relationship is going to work. And even then, what fighting words would I use against that? He can hear everything that goes on in my brain. And I probably would say something to further ruin an otherwise surprisingly joyous night.

It only took us 45 minutes to get back to Forks. Edward's master driving skills were unmatched. He knew every short cut and every turn like the back of his hand. And then. Suddenly, we were at the border. He blurs from my eyesight as he goes to my door and opens it for me. Closing the door after I get out, he turns to me and offers me a hand. I shake it, his cold dead hand mixed in with my warm hand as I try to think of something to say.

"Thank you for tonight."

"Not at all a problem. Have a goodnight Leah." And with that he blurred back into his car and drove off.

Leaving me with confused feelings and mixed emotions. I went on a causal friendly coffee outing. With a married vampire. At night. And I enjoyed his company. More than just a random one night stand. More than what I've had in the last year alone. And while my nose burns and my clothes reek of his scent, there's something comforting and nice about it. A mixture of vanilla and leather. Sophisticated but earthy.

I didn't like being pitied, but it was as if he saw right through me. It didn't make sense to me. To care about what he saw. How broken he truly saw me. I wasn't going to give up. Revenge right?

The only problem is.

If he can see how vulnerable I am, if he can see me for the real me. What does that mean for my plan? Would I spare his feelings? Or would I want to keep him for myself. Forever.

AN: Oh boy. It's been so long. I am sorry for that. Unfortunately for me life took a toll and a lot of things happened. Instead of being a 16 year old with an idea, I'm a college student now. Thank you so much for all the kind words and support throughout the years. Hopefully, I'll start getting into my stories more this year. I'm currently working on Chapter 4 so I should be updating this story in a week or 2. Thank you for your reviews. And I'll see ya next time!