...boy you got my heart beat runnin away

beating like a drum and it's coming your way...

My dreams were skewed. Snippets of bloodshed, soothed away when I felt the firmness of Emmett beside me. My mother spoke to me in another, telling me of the first time she'd met my father. It'd been love at first sight of course, as I'd been told countless times by her.

My father was holding me in a bear hug, whispering "go," in my ear, "go, be happy," but I couldn't be sure what he was talking about. I wanted to believe that my parents wouldn't begrudge me happiness with Emmett, but then that hadn't been an issue, really, to begin with. It was about me and my hate, my guilt, my anger at being left behind. My own struggle with vampires.

I knew I couldn't just let this go, let Emmett go. I felt a sense of surety with him, something that had been missing, and sorely so, from my life. I loved the rush of butterflies in my stomach when our eyes met, the heat that prickled up my spine with his closeness. Just his voice could make me smile. Maybe I didn't have to give it all up, and maybe I didn't have to submit completely. I had time to work this out, and anyway it wasn't like Emmett had asked me to marry him or anything. We weren't serious.

Except that he was in my bed. And we'd kissed. And I felt closer to him than any guy I'd ever dated or liked in the past. Most importantly, I felt safe with Emmett. I knew nothing could hurt me while he was around, that the woman with flaming hair and bloody lips wouldn't be able to haunt my dreams or get close to me, if she were so inclined. Emmett would fight for me and protect me and he was pure strength, and that was what I really needed.

God, this is what I had moved to Forks to avoid. I'd wanted a simpler life, with less complications, somewhere I could finally start to feel comfortable.

Well, I guess that's what I got, really, as since my mother and father's deaths, I had never felt more at ease than when I was with Emmett, or really with Angela and my aunt.

"Remember, Fate works in mysterious ways." My mother used to say to me, bending down to hug me, and I could smell the light flower perfume she always wore on her neck.

The neck that was to be ripped out by an animal, shredded like paper and-

"Morning." Emmett said, snapping me out of my thoughts. He had one of my hands held in both of his. I took a deep breath, letting the coldness of his fingers run through me.

"Yeah, whatever." I mumbled, rolling over onto my back and stretching.

"What, not much of a morning person?"

"It's not that. I'm just comfortable and I'm totally dreading the thought of school. Sorry for passing out like that, by the way. Next time I'll try to stay awake until we make it back here at least."

"You...want there to be a next time?" Emmett asked, looking oddly at me. My stomach dropped at this.

I raised an eyebrow. "Uh, yeah. Why, don't you?" There I went again, with my idiotic assumptions, thinking that just because I wanted Emmett, that because I enjoyed spending time with him, he wanted the same thing.

"No, I mean yeah, of course, it's just...I didn't freak you out? My family didn't like, freak you out? And uh, you're not scared of me?"

He was probably referring to the fact that I now knew, without a doubt, that he'd killed humans before. I'd shared with him a bit of the circumstances of my mother and father dying, more than I had with anybody else anyway. Was he wondering if I would now associate him with the brutal vampire who attacked my family?

"Always. I'm terrified of you." I saw the slight slump of Emmett's shoulders. "But not for the reasons you think, you lummox. I'm scared of losing my self to you. But," I conceded, looking up at him for a brief second before dropping my gaze again, "I think it's a risk I'm willing to take."

And it was. I couldn't stay away from him, not even if I wanted to. I felt better, healthier, than I had in months. Coming to Forks was like finding a home again. Maureen was like a piece of my mother, and Angela the sister I'd always wanted but never could have. Emmett was...how did I even begin to describe what he was to me? I know it sounded so ridiculous, because I'd been here less than a week, but it felt as though...as though the final piece of the puzzle had clicked into place. I felt like the loss that my mother and father dying had left in my life could be made up for, to a significant extent, and besides I was sick of trying to face everything and deal with everything by myself.

Even if nobody else could understand, even if I could never tell anybody about the true circumstances of why I was here, having people around me who could be my home, and much more that wanted to be, was enough.

"We won't be around today. It's gonna be good weather. Sunny, you know?"

"And since I missed yesterday I guess skipping today is out." I muttered, falling back onto my pillow. Assuming that the part of my research where vampires were said to have skin like a thousand diamonds that sparkled in the sun was correct, I could see how the Cullens would need to maintain a low profile when the weather was decent. Although I may just pay to see Emmett sparkle.

"Yeah...probably not a good idea. I won't be there to keep you company in detention."

I snorted. "Right, like I'd ever get a detention." Okay, so that wasn't entirely true. While I was being shifted around in the CPS foster home system, I'd done my fair share of illicit activities, on school property just as well as off. Detention was something I was fairly familiar with.

"Just mind your manners and play nice with the other kids."

"No promises." I said, thinking of Lauren and Jessica. Just then, my alarm went off, declaring it to be six thirty. Glaring at the thing, I yanked the cord from the wall.

"It's going to be light soon." Emmett said, and I felt his finger tracing circles on my knee.

"God this blows. Alright, fine. Begone, Emmett Cullen. I hereby banish you from this bedroom."

Emmett stuck out his lower lip. "As in forever?"

I couldn't help laughing. "Just go!" I nudged him with my foot.

"Alright alright." He said, waving me off, as he pressed his lips to my knee cap. A small shiver went through me that had little to do with the coolness of his mouth.

Before I could say anything else, Emmett was at my window. "Have a good day...angel."

I opened my mouth furiously, but Emmett winked and disappeared. Besides, it wasn't like I was actually mad about the nickname anyway.

oooo

Knowing that Emmett and the rest of the Cullens wouldn't be there made me dread school even more. It was nice to be around people who I already somewhat knew, and besides that, the Cullens were charming and made me feel at ease with being in a new school.

Angela and I had ridden in with Maureen, who was on her way out to run the salon for the day. Angela had drifted off to the library, and as I hadn't felt like joining her, I remained in the front lobby area of the school. There were a few wooden benched pressed up against the plate glass windows that led the way into the office, and I sat with my back against one of the panes, waiting for the bell to ring.

"So..." I heard a voice say, and I looked up, seeing Mike there. "Good first day yesterday?"

Considering what had happened, I'd have to say it probably topped the list of best days period. "Uh, yeah. Except for being sick. But I'm cool now."

"Good. Listen, Eric and Tyler wanted to go paint balling this weekend, with some guys from La Push," I perked up at this. At my old school, the one I'd gone to when I still lived with my parents, my group of friends would hit the paint balling range a few times a month. It was something I never really excelled at, but I enjoyed nonetheless. "And I was thinking that it'd be cool to maybe go see a movie instead...I heard Port Angeles is doing a Leo marathon."

I raised an eyebrow at him. Was he totally serious? He wanted to blow off paint balling to check out some 90's chick flicks? I wondered vaguely if this was him coming out to me, although I had no idea why he'd spill that to the new girl. Then I realized, as his eyes darted around awkwardly, that he was waiting for confirmation that I too thought this was a brilliant idea, and that I'd love to go with nobody else but him.

"Uh, I don't really...chick flicks aren't really my thing..." The bell blurred above us, and I quickly stood, grabbing my bag, "have Eric and Tyler hit me up for the paint balling thing though. Sounds fun." Without a backwards glance at him, I hurried out of the lobby and down the nearest hallway.

oooo

Alice POV

"Did that just happen?" Edward, who was seated at the chaise in front of the piano, looked up from his collection of sheet music.

I clutched at my side, trying to keep it together while laughing. "Well, it totally will. He will majorly tank. I bet she'll think he's gay now." I hadn't really planned on keeping an eye out for Kelly's future, but when someone in my family was invested, I figured it was the least I could do. Honestly, where would they be without me?

"Who's gay?" Emmett said as he skidded to a stop in front of us. I rolled my eyes. Ever since Esme had laid down the granite floors in this part of the house, Emmett had taken to wearing thick socks and "gliding" all over. He really was like a kid sometimes. I wasn't sure if this was a good thing or a bad thing.

"Nobody." I said shrugging. It was obvious that Mike was just blindsided by having somebody new in town, but he'd get over it quickly, especially when Kelly's severe disinterest was coupled with Emmett's territorial instinct.

Edward smirked. "Looks like you've got some competition, mate."

"Say what?" Emmett looked from me to Edward.

"It's nothing. Mike just...well, in a round about way, he's going to ask Kelly out."

Emmett's face dropped, his honey eyes taking on a deeper hue. "I'm sorry, did you just say that some tool is trying to get up on Kelly?"

"Most definitely that is not what I said."

"Did he touch her? Try to? Oh man, I'm going to rip his arm off- "

"Will you relax? I see the future, remember? Technically he hasn't done anything yet. And anyway, have you forgotten the part where Kelly is like, totally gaga for you? Do you really think she has that low of standards? Mike is like an amoeba compared to you." I shoved Emmett in the chest. "Don't be some macho bafoon."

Emmett glared at me. "Bafoon? Spell bafoon." He challenged.

I swung around to face him, my hands on my hips. "Since my spelling skills aren't really what's in question here, clearly this will have to settled the civilized way."

Emmett crossed his arms over he chest. "Clearly."

"Mario Kart it is, then."

"Indeed."

Edward shook his head after us, but a small, crooked smile was playing on his lips.

oooo

Thankfully, Mike made no further mention of his little pow wow idea and didn't approach me any more during the day. His pride had probably been wounded, but really, was the kid clueless? What about anything in the very short amount of time I'd spent with him made him think I was remotely interested? I'd tried to be nice about letting him down, but social skills weren't exactly my thing, and it wasn't like I'd spent massive amounts of time easing away from hoards of gentlemen suitors.

And then I wondered about Emmett. Would he know what had happened without me telling him? But he'd probably get a kick out of it. Maybe he'd even have a good comeback if there was a next time that Mike asked me out.

I joined the lunch line, scanning the tables for the Cullens even when I knew they wouldn't be there. But I still hoped. Angela and the Cullens were my only friends here so far, and if the rest of the school turned out to be like Lauren and Mike, they would be my only friends. I would be fine with that- I never liked massive social circles anyway- but it still made it a little lonely on days like this.

Angela waved me over to her table as I exited the lunch line, my tray packed with a grilled cheese, a handful of curly fries, two pints of milk, and a massive cookie. I was starving, and since I had started gaining some of my weight back, I figured a day or two of junk food couldn't hurt.

I sat down beside Angela, and everybody raised their eyes at my pile of food. "Hungry." I shrugged, ripping open a ketchup packet and pouring it over my french fries. Angela smiled and offered me a small tub of coleslaw, turning back to the conversation as I returned her smile.

Apparently some guy had said this or did that and Jessica was offended, and how dare he and blah blah blah. I tried to lose myself in my lunch, thinking instead of what Emmett was doing right now. Maybe he was out hunting grizzlies, although I wasn't too sure how many of those were around this area of Washington.

"And I really was this close to calling the cops on him." Jessica finished, a satisfied smirk on her face.

I choked on melted cheese as I tried to conceal my laughter. Jessica's eyes flashed to me, reduced to slits as I tried to maintain my composure and failed. Epically.

"What?" She demanded, crossing her arms defensively in front of her.

"Sorry," I said, wiping my mouth with a napkin, "but why exactly would you call the cops? I mean yeah, they're specially trained to with people like you, but- "

"With people like me? And what exactly do you mean by that? And remember that we're not your precious Cullens, we won't just fall head over feet for you."

So this is why they didn't like me. Jessica, and Lauren, they were jealous that I was becoming close to the Cullens and they weren't. "What does this have to do with the Cullens?" I pressed, wanting to hear the words for myself.

"Like it matters, I mean who even cares what those freaks think anyway?"

"That's not fair Jess, just because you don't know them doesn't mean they're freaks." Angela broke in.

"As far as I can tell, they aren't the freaks around here." I said angrily. This is exactly why I avoided making friends with girls. They were judgmental and bitchy and moody, the smallest thing setting them off. They couldn't stand it when another girl got something they wanted.

"Sorry new girl, but nobody hit your buzzer." Lauren said, her arms too folded across her chest. To say she gave me a look of loathing would be an understatement. I could literally feel her dislike radiating from her.

"My name is Kelly." I said through gritted teeth. Lauren had been nothing but a bitch to me since that first night in Pizza Oven. It wasn't difficult to figure out her game. I suppose I couldn't blame her too much; Emmett was the top of totem pole here, and since I was new on the scene, Lauren probably felt like she had dibbs before I did. It didn't surprise me that she would consider him property.

"Your point being? I mean, am I supposed to give a crap?"

"You may not, but Emmett does, and that's your beef isn't it?"

"Right, like we could care less what the Cullens think." Jessica chimed in, rolling her eyes.

"And just so you know, Kelly, Emmett and I had something going before you dropped in on us. So don't forget that."

I raised an eyebrow. This was news to me, as Emmett himself- or anybody else, for that matter- had never mentioned Lauren beyond passing. Was she really trying to low blow me?

"What are you even talking about? He's never said anything about you. Doubt he remembers your name." I said with a shrug.

"Now you're just pissing me off. Look, that dumb bitch Rosalie left her man, so he's up for grabs. And guys like Emmett Cullen don't go for ratty little rejects like you. Just look at you!" Lauren laughed, gesturing towards my clothes. I dropped my eyes to my clothes. Jeans with slightly worn knees, a loose black long-sleeved, turtle neck thermal. Sneakers that I'd had for two years. It was the norm for me, clothes that I was comfortable in. I'd never had much interest in fashion, or trends, and anyway why would I want to waste my money on trivial things like clothes?

"And don't even get me started on your hair. Split-ends much?" Lauren twirled a lock of her own silky, curled hair around her finger.

I ran my palm down the length of my hair. It was pin-straight, as always, and I had scarcely done more to it than running the ends through my flat iron after it'd dried this morning. Again, what I usually did with it.

"Not to mention," Jessica chimed in, "that you don't have an ounce of make-up on. The whole natural thing is so two thousand three."

I was about to retort, when Angela placed a hand on my arm. "Want to come with me to the lab? I've got an article to turn in." Angela was so calm-tempered, patient and even when she was mad, which I could tell she was, she didn't show it. She was peaceable and knew that the best option was to steer clear of the situation, to stay out of trouble. Or maybe she just knew that it was best to keep me out of trouble. I'm sure she and Maureen had heard a few things about my past that I wasn't exactly proud of, and knowing that I had in the past thrown punches first and asked questions later, Angela was just looking out for me.

"Sure." I said, shoving the rest of my sandwich in my mouth. I picked up a milk pint to drink on the way, and without a backwards glance I followed Angela from the lunch room.

oooo

Jasper POV

"They are so pathetic." Alice growled, stomping around the living room. Emmett and Edward had gone out for a hunt, Esme was visiting Carlisle at work, and it was just the two of us here. I was hoping to put some use to our time alone, but Alice had seen some girls say something about Kelly, and after that she'd been in a bad mood and nothing I could do would sway her out of it. In times like this, it was better to just agree with her.

"They are," I said with a nod, "they're just jealous. They don't see anything special about her, so they don't understand why Emmett would, either."

"I mean, alright," Alice huffed, "the clothes thing, they have a point, but who in the hell are they to judge? Look at them! Shopping at the Gap does not mean you have fashion sense. And anyway, like Em really cares about that. I bet he couldn't tell you Gucci from Chanel, and that's just sad."

I nodded again, not even sure I could spot the difference, but that was beside the point. Alice was protective of the people she cared about, to inhuman (obviously) degrees. I didn't know why she seemed to care so much about a girl she'd hardly spent any time with, but when Alice was invested in something, that meant I was invested in it as well.

"I've got it! We'll just throw a party."

I raised an eyebrow, not entirely surprised by this declaration, as parties and shopping were Alice's go-tos to fix most situations. I didn't, however, see how this could help the girls of the high school stop gossiping about Kelly and telling her she wasn't the right sort of girl for Emmett.

Alice rolled her eyes at my expression. "And I'll totally doll Kelly up and those morons will see her and Em having a great time, and they'll lay off. Yes," Alice clapped her hands together and started to head upstairs, "that's exactly what we'll do!"

"We'll?" I groaned, "and where are you going now?"

"Hello, if there's going to be a party, I need to find something to wear." She hopped from the bottom of the staircase to the top, in a single, graceful leap. "And I was thinking of starting with what would be appropriate lingerie underneath what will surely be the most amazing outfit anybody's ever seen...you in, Hale?"

And all Alice had to say were the words "Hale" "lingerie" and "in", and I would do anything for her. And she knew it.

oooo

School had been pretty shitty, but finally the last bell of the day sounded, releasing me from the bonds of a hellish day. Angela said I was being dramatic when, on the walk home, I compared Jessica to a terroristic threats, but she nudged me with her elbow and I realized that I finally was around somebody I felt could be my friend- a real friend. And better yet, I actually had a blood tie to her.

Angela went upstairs to find some book she was using as a reference for her latest history paper, and I offered to make us a snack. Hanging up my bag, I kicked off my shoes and went into the kitchen, surprised at how much this small yet cozy house felt like a home to me.

"What are you making?"

I gasped, gripping the butter knife and whirling around to face Emmett, who was leaning against the fridge.

"Ever heard of using the front door?" I said, catching my breath. "Way to scare a girl to death."

Emmett smirked. "I'd go for the butcher knife next time. Much more intimidating." Emmett said, moving toward me. " 'Sides, you look pretty healthy to me." He brushed one hand down my throat and across my collar bone. I flushed, my heart quickening at his touch. "See? A strong pulse."

I glared at him, turning back to the counter before he could see my smile.

"So, what is it?" He asked again, coming around to sit at one of the bar stools and gesturing toward the assortment of food.

"Only the greatest invention known to mankind." I said, drizzling honey over a piece of bread. "PBH and B."

Emmett raised an eyebrow, and I rolled my eyes. "C'mon, seriously? Peanut butter, honey, and banana. It's pretty much the best sandwich ever. I'd better tell Angela it's ready." I set down the honey and started toward the stairs to Angela's room, but Emmett grabbed my hand.

"I wouldn't. She's...not alone. Edward just had to tag along."

I groaned. "Oh god, they're not like...doing it, are they?"

Emmett grimaced. "Probably not, but thanks for the mental picture. I'll never be able to unsee that."

I laughed. "Hey, if I have to think it, you have to think it."

"Not even! Just because you're a perv does not mean you have to taint my innocent mind."

I snorted. "Innocent? Riiight. You and me both." I came around the counter to stand next to him, putting the finishing touch on my sandwich.

"Well," Emmett smirked, and my pulse skipped as his eyes met mine, "I can't say all my thoughts are purely innocent."

"Told ya. You're pretty much a nym-" Emmett cut me off, pressing his lips gently to mine. He tasted even better than I remembered from the day before, his rain-washed pines scent all over me, his hands, hesitantly at first, coming to rest on either side of my waist.. He started to pull away, but I gripped the front of his shirt, pulling against him, dreading the moment when the cold softness of his lips was gone.

"And that's why people have codes. Next time, leave a sock on the door handle or something."

I pulled away from Emmett, Angela grinning at me. Edward, behind her, winked at me, and I tried not to flush in embarrassment. I'd practically thrown myself at Emmett, wedging my body between his legs as he stayed seated in the bar stool.

"Hey, we're fully clothed." Emmett said, giving my hip a squeeze as I moved away and into the bar stool next to him.

"Your sandwich is-" I began, but Angela waved me off.

"Edward said he wants to try out a new Italian place they opened in Port Angeles. You guys game?" Angela looked at me in a clear "if-you-say-no-I'll-cut-you" kind of way.

"Uh, sure. Always down for some Italian." I shrugged, looking over at Emmett.

He tucked a piece of hair behind my ear, flashed a knee-dropping smile, and glanced back at Edward. "Sure, babe. Anything."

"Don't call me babe." Edward said in a sickened tone, already leading Angela out of the kitchen.

"Touchy touchy." I muttered, and Emmett chuckled. He grabbed my jacket that hung by the door, and gestured for me to follow Angela to the curb where sat the most beautiful car I'd ever seen. It was a dark, dark blue, looking like it had it just come out of the showroom. It was polished and completely unblemished, glimmering in the afternoon sunlight.

"Whoa." I said, as Emmett opened the passenger backseat door.

"Show off." Emmett said through gritted teeth. Edward smiled, but didn't make any other show that he'd heard Emmett. The interior of the car was, if it were possible, even nicer than the outside. It was all suede, kept in pristine condition. I highly doubted that the backseat had ever had any occupants. There was the most elaborate stereo system I'd ever seen in the front dash, and after a quick consultation with Angela, Edward settled on a type of music and Linkin Park blasted through the speakers.

"This is really nice," I said, running a finger along the soft suede. "I mean, it's like it's never been touched. It's so soft...so warm..." Emmett's eyes were wide as he watched my finger.

"What? I'm just saying that it's like nobody's ever ridden-"

"Stop there cuz, just stop." Angela said from the front seat. "The Vanquish is far above any innuendos. Besides, I think you're going to give Emmett a stroke or two."

"You are all disgusting." I said, leaning back in the seat and folding my arms over my chest.

Emmett laughed and draped his arm around me, pulling me closer to him, and then we were off, my cousin and I on a double-date with the vampires that we were both falling for, though it would be some time before either of us made this omission out loud.

So sorry for the ridiculously long delay. Updates should, hopefully be more frequent for the next little while. As ever, feedback is appreciated.