Chapter 5

Part 1

"Have a happy holiday everyone!"

I handed a candy cane to everyone as they departed the building. It was Christmas break and the holiday cheer was sweeping everyone up. It was the evening of the winter formal and school was getting out early since the people of Kitsap took their holiday season very seriously. It typically got started with the seasonal Silverdale State vs Washington State college football game. It wasn't for the league, but for bragging rights for the rest of the holiday season. After that Silverdale lights up its streets and the holiday season of discount shopping starts for the adults while the kids throw a big dance. It was all anyone was talking about since November started. Now it was December, and today was the day. I had been asked to chaperone, which I accepted gracefully.

I actually enjoyed formal parties- seeing how I grew up with my Aunt always throwing luxurious balls and elegant parties.

"And one for you Ms. Cullen." I smiled handing Nessie a candy cane. She stuck it in her mouth and grinned. We were standing just outside the school by the large steps watching students leave the school in a mad dash. Everyone had dates waiting, or shopping list to be made. Nessie had informed me that although she was not all human, she was still technically 14 and she was not immune to certain teenage rites.

"I've wanted to go to dance my whole life!" She says tapping on her red petticoat. Her scarf was perked up over her mouth so her words sounded muddled, yet really excited. I laughed.

"You mean all 5 years of it?" I say in a low voice. I knew she heard she me, but she changed the subject. "Aunt Alice tells me my dress will be ready when I come home. She says I won't be dateless for long when I show up dressed in that. Daddy did not like that, so I think he may have switched my dress. I am nervous."

Some my students asked what I was wearing to the dance and I admitted that I would be sporting something European made. I did not have a lack of evening wear that was sure. I did not particularly enjoy dressing up, but dancing was something else entirely. Nessie was quite interested to know if I going to the big football game as well. All the Cullens had scored tickets and if I wanted to go, I had the chance.

"Football is not my favorite sport." I laughed.

"What?" Nessie was staring at with her big chocolate eyes. I guess growing up around Emmett and Jacob influenced her consent need to be a tomboy. I'd hear Nessie tell her guy friends all about sports. She also knew quite a lot about cars. One fact that she admitted was the only common ground Jacob and Rosalie had to get along with.

"Sorry. I grew up far too civilized to enjoy rolling around in the mud, but if it brings my students happiness, I'd gladly make them better at it." I say.

Nessie laughs and shakes her head. "You are silly. You gotta let your hair down sometimes."

"Did your dog, tell you that?"

"Yes."

Just then the devil himself had pulled up. He was driving a cherry red mustang and smiling. I frowned and turned up my nose.

Jacob had insisted on picking up Nessie just to toy with me. He would bring the rest of his ingrates as well, which made his car look like a can of sardines. There was Jacob driving, Leah in the passenger seat Seth, and apparent newbie- Hunter in the back. They all smelled and acted like Jacob. Seth was the most tolerable being that he was a generally nice kid, and Hunter was the stoic type who did not say much. Hunter was tall and wore his dark hair long and framing his face. He had his ears gauge and wore ivory looking rounds in his lobes. Hunter hardly talked, not due to being stuck up, but was a dog of few words. He took his family history and job more seriously than anyone, and had a short temper for rule breakers. He was strict and all business.

I could appreciate that.

Jacob and his literal bitch was another subject. Bella mentioned that Leah and Seth were her step siblings by marriage and I felt awful for the poor sap that had to live with Leah in their household.

"You should come over and get ready with me!" Nessie pleads taking my hand into hers. She explained to me how fun she thought it would be. His thoughts became pleading and I groaned in defeat.

"I'll be taking my own car, thank you very much." I said shuddering at the thought of being sandwiched in between Tucker and Seth's sweaty musky bodies.

"Yes!" She says before gracefully prancing off towards the mustang. She happily moved in-between the two bodies and Jacob speed away. I waited for a minute before leaving too.

When I got home, I noticed Yohan had called me again. I had been ignoring him and I should not have, but it was a lot going on with the new found friendship with the Cullens.

For one…

I had gone on my first vegetarian hunting trip about 4 days ago. I was on the fence about trying, but it was made more sense if I was independently getting blood without Yohan. My bottle of wine were now almost either empty or starting to congeal in a blob of jello-ish blood. I was hungering for fresh and I was starting to look at Roseblood was more of a temptress than my dearest friend.

And she was. Nessie was allowed to secretly spend the night with me at my house and we prattled on for hours about trivial things. She told me it was great to have someone to talk to without either being related or having to avoid touching them. All secrets did not matter and I must have sat and brushed her hair all night.

I never realized until that moment, how much I missed out whenever I did not have my own daughter. I fancied myself not ready for kids. I was- and still am- much too independent to want to be a caretaker. Perhaps in another life, I would have enjoyed brushing my daughter's hair as she tells me about her ideas on who was cute and how she pondered life when no one was around.

After that I had agreed that if Carlisle showed me how to hunt I'd try my best to stick to their diet. If it meant I could possibly save Ness, then it was worth it.

It was Rosalie and Alice who had gone with me. Alice was to keep a close eye on me in case a human came by Rosalie was the toughest female in case she needed to restrain me. But I had not come across hikers and it was not hard. In fact it was fun.

Not as fun as hunting humans, but fun in the idea of the hunt. I was a child playing with her food as I ran after the herd. I could finally succumb to my violent urges and not care about the outcome. I pictured the elk as Jacob and channeled all of my fear and hate into killing. Leaped forward, catching on and slamming it down the ground. I ripped the elk's head off and blood splattered the white crystallized snow. I couldn't stop as I plunged my teeth into the remaining body aiming for the served main artery. The blood pumped itself into my mouth and I didn't have to suck. It was grassy and plain. Not as high as fresh humans. Not by long shot. But it was fresh and warm.

To me, it was great.

I finished and pushed the body away from me. I was used my sleeve to wipe my mouth, leaving a red smear across my coat. Typically I wasn't so messy, but it had been so long since I had a decent meal.

"Holy Hell." Rosalie grunted. Her eyes were slanted and her head was tilted. She was wearing a heavy coat and heavy duty timberlands. "Where was all that when you were fighting Jake?" She doesn't mean it to say I should have finished him off, but she sounded…relived?

"It's been a long time since…I had a fresh kill. I had been bottling up a lot." I say and Alice waves her hands. Her coat was white and her boots laced up to her knees.

"We've seen Emmett hunt and he mauls his prey like you do. It's no big deal, and surely it looks like a bear attacked this one." Alice says eyeing the Elk's inners spilling over. Surely a wolf or another predator would smell it and finish off the insides. Alice was right, it someone stumbled upon the body- nothing would point to vampire.

"But can you not dirty up my coat? Blood doesn't wash out." She narrows her eyes and I nod.

"More?" I ask wanting another victim. I had a lot of rage against Ada.

I had enjoyed the hunt so much I was hooked. But I was not ready to tell Yohan just yet. I wanted to surprise him, with my golden iris. But as of now they were still vibrant red. I typed up a quick text telling him I would talk to him later and hurried up to grab up a bunch of things and head over to the Cullen's.

"Let's see…" I say opening up my wardrobe of clothes. I did not have as many as Alice, but I had a good collection going on. I decided on light blue Calvin Klein Shawl-Collar Sweater Dress. It hugged my body and I could move around easily enough. I pulled out a pair of boots and grabbed a clutch from back. I ran to my safe and put in the few digits. I put in a pair of white diamond princess cut earrings and wore my sapphire bracelet, along with my signature pearls. I strutted out of my home to meet Nessie at her home.

When I arrived there wasn't the smell of mutt anywhere. I guess today was going to be a good day. I could only assume Jake had taken his pack back to La push. I found myself smiling as Alice opened the door for me a whole a single second before I knocked on the door. Her normally spiky head was flat ironed down and she looked gorgeous. I was about to tell her, but with a sweet "Thank you." She beat me the punch. I let myself in and the Cullen's home was a winter wonder land of Christmas decorations, ginger bread homes, and the gentle sound of piano playing Silent Night. Edward must have been playing I assumed. Everyone was dressed in dresses and suites. Roaslie's long hair was curled and hanging loosely. Her red dress screamed holiday season as much as it hollered 'vixen'. It was unnaturally short for a winter dress, but she didn't seem to care what humans thought of her. I guess extreme beauty did that. Emmett was beside her, but leaning against the couch. He was wearing an expensive black suite, that made his sleeves look like would rip under his biceps. His tie was red. I looked over to see what he was so focused on, but Alice had tapped me on the shoulder.

"Nessie and Bella will be done shortly." She says as soon as Esme walks out of the kitchen. She is holding a tray of sugar cookies and wearing a white dress with an apron tied around it. I could smell other types of cookies in the oven and I was confused. She meets my eye and winked.

"Some are for the kids down at the tail gate, and some are for my granddaughter." She chuckles dropping the plate. I had nearly forgotten about that detail.

The Cullen kids were attending college. Bella, Edward, and Alice were freshmen on campus and Emmett, Rosalie, and Jasper were juniors. I had heard Nessie mention it a few times, but I had never physically seen it. In Carlisle's study was a large memorial filled with many graduation caps from all his children. It was their joke, but it was also a trophy if you will. Esme had once told me she never missed graduation. Not even once. She was proud mother hen.

The reason everyone was dressed up was because they had a personal obligation to be at this state game. And apparently when Cullen's are told to be classy, they would not fail to pull out all the stops.

Alice was wearing a dark blue long ball gown, with mink boa around her shoulders. She was classy and literally looked like a million bucks. I do not think I could afford just Alice's shoes alone. She looked me up and down.

"You need me to do your hair." It wasn't a question. I pushed up my fake glasses.

"I can do it myself…." I said, but I was already being pulled upstairs and into a room I never been in. Alice sat me down in a chair in front of the biggest vanity I ever seen. Was I in a bathroom? It was huge.

"Loose the glasses too. Let's see what you got…Oh! Calvin Klein…not bad. I am thinking curls. Something away from your typical up do. And you even matched up your jewelry. You are much better than that sister in law of mine, who cannot follow simple direction!" She yells.

I heard a growl from the room over and Nessie's giggles.

Bella was not flashy, so I imagine she was having a hard time adjusting to the clothes.

I ask Alice were the dogs were and she told me that had a council meeting back in La Push. The Cullens never fully told me about their past, which I respected. Some things were purposely glazed over such as Jake's story and how exactly the Cullens were involved with Vultori.

Alice's hands did such a quick job of my hair and my raven hair was an elegant mop of curls and gold dusted bobby pins.

I grinned and hopped up, quickly started dressing myself. Alice suggested I wear coat. I had gotten to pick one up. I nodded and she ran out the room, I had recently confirmed was a bathroom. The tub was hidden around the corner along with the sink and toilet. It was built to almost be a His and Her type deal.

When she came back she was grimacing and Rosalie was behind her holding a black coat with golden brassy looking buttons. She handing me her coat and winked at me.

"Welcome to the club kid." She whispers, quickly cupping up her breast in her hands before laughing.

I was taken aback, but understood what she was saying. Those clothes I originally borrowed were from Rosalie's seeing how we had the biggest bust. Alice and Bella could share clothes, but there was no way I was going to fit anything in their petite clothing. I grinned a little and raised my head. "It's a curse really."

I always even out my clothes. It was something I had to deal with because I always got attention.

"You two can quite literally go to hell." Alice mutters. "Curves make a lady, not having breast the size of your head."

"Jealous, little sister?" Rosalie laughs and walks away. Alice clears her throat and excuses herself to let me finish getting ready.

When I finally came down Bella was dressed in a crème colored Lace Sheath Dress. Her pale skin seemed so delicate behind the lace of her dress. She was wearing some small heels and I black jacket. Bella's hair was pulled back into a curled ponytail. She smiled at me and nodded to look behind me. Nessie was wearing a sweetheart laced dress that clanged to her body. It went down to her ankles, but because it was tight it didn't matter. Her coat was folded up in her arms and her ringlets were braided back into a fishtail.

"Resnesme…you look…" I started, but laughed at my word choice. "Sexy."

I heard Edward bang on the ivory keys a little too hard, before recovering. She grins and twirls around.

"I agree…couldn't you have found something a little more…less…of that." Jasper was sitting on the sofa and holding his tiny wife in his lap. His golden eyebrows were twisted up more than usual. Alice laughed.

"The men in this house need to give up their old fashioned ideas." She says shaking her head. "And realize, Nessie is not a little girl anymore."

I raised my eyebrow as things feel into place. When I first got in, I had not noticed the tune of Edward's song- they were frustrated and at quicker beat than what was needed. Someone was having daddy issues over this dance. Jingle bells becomes a slower more somber song people usually play for a funerals and I laugh out loud.

Poor Edward.

"Oh daddy." Nessie says with a pout.

The song melts back into something more lifting again, but it still sounded rushed and forced.

I interlock arms with Nessie and we walk down the twisting stairs together.

"Cut your dad some slack. It's your first out around boys. And you are dressed like that. If he had any idea what half of them said about you. He has own right to be protective."

I had to keep myself from remembering the overheard x rated conversations. Edward's song stopped all together and waited for me to slip up and give him one reason tell Nessie the dance wasn't safe and that she had to stay.

Nessie once told she did math problems to keep her dad from reading her mind so I started to list out pi in Greek. After a minute Edward sighed and continued to play piano.

"My father…he would clean his gun around my suitors." I chuckled. "No one was ever good enough for me. 'I was the family's biggest jewel' He'd tell me. If I wasn't born, then my father would not have known what life meant…or that's what he told me. I'm sure your dad thinks the same about you.I think it might have been my powers though. My aunt in particular could not paint as well if I wasn't near her."

Nessie looked up and tilted her head to the side.

"Lucy, could enhance my powers?"

I put my hand on my chin. "I could certainly try." I tell her after a while. "Start doing it and I'll try to make it better."

She puts looks over to her Uncle Emmett and races over to him. She puts tiny hands in Emmett's giant palms and the comparison is laughable.

"Ok!" she calls and Emmett's eyes glass over. "Really Nessie, why would you pick this crazy chick flick snooze feast to show me- I hate the notebook."

I focused on Nessie's visions and extended my will around her. I wasn't sure if something was happening until Emmett in all of mustered strength began repeating the notebook movie verbatim.

His eyes looked pretty blank as he spoke and Nessie, looking scared, took a step back.

Although she stopped touching him he continued to recap the entire script.

"Uncle Emmett, Stop!" Nessie says and he stops as soon as she says it. In fact he goes motionless. Rosalie was looking and her husband and snapping her fingers in front of his face.

"Em..Honey? Can you hear me?" She says a little panicked.

By now Edward was in the room and so was Carlisle.

Nessie's eyebrows shot up. "Uncle Em, can you raise you right hand?"

Emmett did so like he was a puppet.

Edward gasped. "Nessie. You are doing that- with Lucy's help. She can…actually put ideas into someone's head. Mind control, I've never seen anything like it. Emmett is only thinking what Nessie is…like a puppet"

"Yeah, can I have my husband back now?" Rosalie says looking around. I untied the chains; Emmet strung back into animation.

"What the hell was that?!" he was tensed before realizing where he was. "D-did I pass out?" Rosalie wrapped her arms around Emmett and he chuckled and kissed her forehead.

"Well, wherever I went, boy! am I glad to be back." He says smiling down at his wife.

"You guys got to try this!" Nessie says."Auntie Alice, Uncle Jasper!"

Jasper is up within a second, before carefully sitting Alice down to the side. He was grinning. I raised an eyebrow.

"Alright, we have an hour before I need to head out. Go Jasper." I say.

He pursues his lips and let go a wave of calm over everyone that slowly bubbles into excitement.

I focus up my chains and try to sense Jasper's power. Nothing seemed too changed besides excitement bubbling into our veins. It was hard to sit still while Jasper tried to figure out what was different. It was a long pause before Jasper spoke.

"Crazier than a one eyed fish. Edward, can you believe this?"

Edward shakes his head, but doesn't say anything. Jasper turns and looks around the house.

"I can see these wonderful auras everyone. Like everything is covered in this residue. Those cookies Esme baked- I can see the happiness she had when she was baking them. That dress Alice is wearing- the last person to touch was feeling prideful. That book… Bella must have been infuriated as she put it down. This is astounding, Lucy."

I grinned and unhooked my chains. I haven't had much practice with doing this with such an extremely talented coven. It was very interesting to test my powers.

"She functions as a multifunctional catalyst. Interesting." Carlisle says hummly slightly.

I smiled.

"Me Next!" Emmett shouts.

"Ah, Emmett. I can't give you powers if you don't already have them. I can only make them…stronger. I can beef you up though." I say.

"Strong enough..presay win an arm wrestle…against a new born?" Emmett's wicked smile looms at Bella who gulps.

I nod. "I suppose. I am sure that could happen." I was not sure where he was going with that crazy idea though.

Emmett leans in towards me and whispers. "I'll fill you in later."

Alice walks over to me and nods. I guess her curiosity go the better of her, but then again I guess she already saw was happens.

"If you do this, I'll be able to see half breeds clearly. As well as look into the past. I cannot see what I would see though. I am curious." She closes her eyes and I wrap my chains around her suddenly Alice appeared like she had been smacked.

"Nessie! I can see you. You are so very beautiful as an adult….He's cute…But oh I can't see past that 'cause you are undecided on if you love him or not. And there's Jacob! He's 24 when this happens! And he is super jealous. It going to cause a big fall out with his girlfriend at the time- a little red head named Suzy. But oh yeah! They work it out! I can see a wedding and I plan it! Oh God, Bella What in the world are you going to be wearing?! Have I thought you nothing?…." Alice stops speaking for a long time. "I-I can see everyone's past. I'm reliving it. I see Esme's baby and Carlisle's father…oh no. Edward you looked so sick…Rosalie there you are now. You are walking in the park with Royce. Emmett…Emmett your middle name is Dale? That sucks, but you are named after you dad aren't you? I see you and your six brothers Emmett…Oh! Lucy. Your past! I see Yohan…and Ada. Ada? She looks familiar?"

I unhook my chains and Alice takes in a gasp of air. Jasper was next to her quickly, but she was smiling. "What a trip! I-I can remember my past now…I can remember why I wanted to forget it." Her head leans against Jasper's shoulder and for a minute I thought she would cry.

I open my mouth to speak, but she laughs. "Edward, Bella? You guys going get in this!"

Edward steps in front of Bella and steadies himself. I grimaced and wrapped my chains up again. This was a little harder since there was no off switch, but with enough focus I was able to pull something out.

And suddenly I could hear Edward's voice in my head.

"It was just a repeating memory of Bella's human voice saying. "I do." but it was loud enough I could hear it. In fact it was booming. Either he was really happy about it, or was think really loudly.

"Edward, I think you are telepathic." I say with a wince.

"Apparently I am." He physically speaks this, but his mouth stops moving again. His voice is suddenly in my head again, but this time everyone- excluding Bella shifts from the intrusive voice.

"Freaky stuff bro." Em says looking at Edward who was explaining to us the finer points of classical literature without moving his mouth.

"I bet it works with distance, daddy. Just like when you can find people when you are attuned to their mind! Like the wolves. That so cool! Mom, I really want to see what happens with you!"

Repositioning my chains I moved from Edward to Bella who was forming her shield. I was aware of her will to protect. To protect others and herself. I pulled at that until she gasped. It was a low quick inhale of air, but she did not lose focus. I had my eyes closed, but whenever I looked up and iridescent orb surrounded Bella. It looked like a bubble with many colors shaking gliding past each other. Edward reached up to touch his mate, but his hand rested on the bubble. He pushed it in and grunted when it didn't flex. Edward punched at it and Bella winced a bit, but the bubble didn't pop.

"Bella! Love! I'm sorry, did I hurt you?" Edward was floored.

Bella shook her head. "No, but I felt it." She took a deep breath and extended her arms and the bubble extended over us. First over just her and Nessie, then her Nessie and Carlisle and the rest of the room. The tables and chairs were unharmed under her shield. Bella smiled and retracted the shield back towards her and wrapped it around her and Edward.

They hold each other and the look like…like destiny crafted them together. A perfect couple. Bella's lips touched Edward's lips, before she walked to the side. Bella took a deep breath before walking through the shield. Edward was left in the bubble. She looked at him and touched the shield.

I quietly unhooked the chains and the physical shield evaporated. Edward and Bella were left holding hands and looking at each other, until Edward reached over and grabbed his daughter and gave her a hug.

"My ladies are amazing." He says happily. I turn around seemlessly.

"Nessie doll. I'll meet you at the dance." I say thinking the Cullens had a lot to talk about.

Esme's voice called out to me "Thank you so much, Lucy."

I smiled and walked away to my car.

I felt really happy.

I felt the closet I ever had to having a family again.

Part 2

The dance was truly exciting. Not quite as high classes as what I was used to, but fun none the less. I greeted many of students, who were excited to attend their first high school dance. There typically glazed eyes were light with sparkles and a child like wonder as they spiked the winter themed decorations in the school's gym. It really did look like the plastic snowflakes were falling in the school, by how the lights hit them. The music was not my taste, but the beat was intoxicating to me. I could not help but to move my body- as it was almost second nature. I heard Nessie's giggles followed by a large crowd shouting my name.

"Alright Ms. Fortune!" One shouted.

"Look at her go-she looks like some sort of modern ballerina! I've never seen someone so gorgeous."

I smiled and laughed out stretching my hands for people to join me and I was nearly bomb rushed by a group of upper classmen hoping I would accidently bump into them. I had to be careful to avoid every attempt of contact without much notice. Walter had opted out the dance, but I thought it was funny that if he could see me now his eyes would roll out of his head. It was still early when Edward- in all of his striking glory waltzed through the dance floor. I could hear the hearts of the teen age girl's flutter in unison like a humming bird's wings. He tussled his hair and adjusted his black tie while managed to give a group of defenseless school girls his famous crooked smile. I was sure that one girl was about to faint. Nessie looked up and excused herself from her group of friends.

"My brother is here to take to the game. I'll see you guys next year!" Nessie rushed through the crowd and interlaced her arm around her fathers. I could feel the envy being through at Nessie, but the scout thrived on attention and she was lapping it up. The crowd seemed to part as they excited.

'Have a great night everyone.' I say mentally, not sure if Edward could pick out my voice in such a huge crowd. Edward turned his head and gave me short smile. Nessie noticed, because she turned to wave at me.

I returned the wave before returning to the dance.

A few hours later the danced ended.

There was nothing left to see, and since the game was still in play, I decided I would get some late night Christmas shopping done. I could avoid crowds and such, plus I needed to take that not really mandated trip to the grocery store to pick up more food. My fridge was completely emptied, as I had donated what haven't spoiled months ago. It was time to pick up the I am human prop.

However this time was a little different.

Christmas, was never something I considered too highly. Not that my family had different views or anything, but I was spoiled well beyond my years. Why would celebrate just one day full of enormous feast, stunning gifts, and fine wine, when I could have 365 days?

This year- I had someone special in life. My dear friend Nessie who I owe so much too. I supposed I'd pick up something for all the Cullens. Maybe even something for Yohan- since I do express sympathy for him. As far I knew Ada was still missing and I was ignoring his efforts to talk to me. I kept my mind on what to get them the whole trip to Silverdale.

Money wasn't my concern- I had enough for a great haul. What I lack was meaning. What would they even enjoy?

What sort of gifts do you get an eternal family anyways? Nessie was just a teen so that would be simple enough. Maybe a book for Bella and something music related for Edward?

I wondered up and down the streets of Silverdale for close to 5 hours. Walking into every specialty store and chatting with the surprised clerks. The lights of the wreath adorned street lamps looked like a blazing fire against the cold brick stores. There was hardly anyone left in the streets and each building clicked off its sign light signaling that the first day of holiday shopping had come to a close. I took in a deep breath taking in the smell of pine needles, holly, and a bunch of different human scents. It was going to start snowing very soon, but I wanted to check a few more stores. I was carrying a bunch of expensive looking boxes and bags after all. I got a top of the line cooking set for Esme along with some sketch pads, Alice would adore the sewing machine I got. I figured she could learn to create some of her own fashions for once. Rosalie was a little harder to figure out what to do with. She was not easily impressed and quick to tell you exactly what she thought about the gift! I figured I would give her a ring and brooch set. I looked in every jewelry store, but was disappointed when nothing matched my family's gold standard. The clerk looked quite taken back when I able to see through his double talk. I know gems like the back of my hand- and although his were of fine quality, my pearls were still the reigning champ. I managed to get a diamond encrusted white gold ring. And the brooch to match- but the brooch was in the shape of a 2 oz rose. The best gift to give that woman was a good stroke to the ego.

Bella had gotten a bunch of books; everything from French translated fairytales, to mystery novels from Spain. I had the best time searching for these, because I was able to score some great reads for myself as well. The bookstore here was two levels! It was more like a mall than a book store. I found some books both Carlisle and Jasper would be interested in as well. Jasper was getting antique gun from the civil war. Jasper was a collector after all and I am sure he'd like the memories of owning something from you era. I know I would flip if I could an original hoop skirt dress. Edward of course was getting some vintage records. Which left Emmett and Nessie. Emmett was getting the newest xbox game station and a few crazy games. Nessie- she was getting a concert tickets. She and that mangy mutt, Jacob had been screaming their songs at the top of their lungs last week. A group called 'Fallout boy' that was much too…erratic for my taste. I went ahead order for another band called Paramore- that I enjoyed much more in hopes that she'd invite me.

I chuckled despite myself as I pictured their brilliant faces enjoying their gifts. It had gave me such a good feeling that I even decided to spread my joy to those putrid wolves a little something too. After I stuffed my car with the wrapping paper and gifts, I turned back around to see if the pet store was still opening when I noticed I was being followed. I could smell the cold steel of a gun near him and he was keeping his distance. I was about be mugged?

How unpleasant!

That would really ruin my night of peace! I ran few scenarios through my head and decided it would be best to play the innocent civilizing and let him sneak up on me. I could outrun did (or even kill him) but I did not to level out any suspicion. I suppose if I act lost and turn into an alley I could at least scare him so he would not do this time of thing again. I looked up into the sky and watched a few snowflakes fall down. I wonder if Alice was watching me right now- and giggling to herself. A mugging for a vampire was more of an embarrassing situation than anything else. But it was bound to happen!
I was spending money left and right- and my jewelry was bouncing loosely around my neck and wrist. I was gorgeous too. Perfect mugging bait.

I turned the wrong corner and started to slow down. Let's just get this over with.

As if on cue, I hear his voice from around the corner. He says to give me everything I got if I want to live. He wears a ski mask and an overcoat. He is tall, but I hear his heart racing.

I smiled a bit. "If I want to live" was a circumstance that I had no control over gun or not.

"This isn't a joke." He says pulling out a pistol. "But if you are lucky I'll give you something to smile about."

I stand still and turn my head quickly. Not because of what the mugger has said, but I heard a scream in the distance. It was muddled, and it turned into a gurgle. I would not have paid too much attention, if I did not hear snarling afterwards. very quiet, but incredibly livid.

Were vampires fight close by? In the city! The fools- the voltori would be here if things get bad. If witness were involved…. If they came here they might try take Nessie away again. I was not about to lose my best friend- to some dim-witted vampires. I started to walk pass the mugger and he reached it hand to grab me.

"Are you some kind of dumb bitch?! I said-"

I grabbed his arm and twisted his wrist until I heard a swift snap in his arm. He dropped his gun and his arm dangled limply. I did not break it but he would have to wear a brace. I covered his mouth- to keep him from yelling. I curled my lips over my teeth and grimaced at the guy.

"I do not have time for this! I suggest you run away- before I really get mad!" I snarled and I smelt the man start to urinate on himself.

"Ugh. How disgusting!" I say throwing him down on the ground and walking away. I needed to follow the sound quickly before they moved. I jogged over to my car and by now the snow was starting to stick to the ground. The streets were empty now so I took that excuse to drive fast. I was glad that I did travel far, before I smelt the scent of a vampire. It was running and I slowed down my car in order to try to cut it off. I could smell it now-

It was getting closer.

But

There was something wrong. The scent was not foreign to me and I slammed on the breaks as I tried to process the smell. I turned my head just in time to see her run down the street.

She was slim. Like a model built, but much leaner. She was not wearing a coat so I could see his perfect bone structure thought her tight cotton tee and jeans; her shirt was ripped and her raven hair was long and straight. Her face was knotted in an expression I could not tell, but I could see the dibble of blood (human blood) still on her lips.

I could not believe it. I would not never consider it, if I did not see it with my sure and perfect eyes.

That woman- that was Ada. What was she doing in Washington?!

Ada's red eyes meet mine and she stops for a second.

"Well…Well. Lucy. Fancy that." Her voice was sugary and annoying. Just like I remembered it.

I look passed her as the smell of blood grew stronger. She chuckles.

"You haven't changed a bit. Although I did not expect to see you here of all places."

I start to walk pass her as my heart seemed to fall farther into my stomach. I was aware of her following me.

"Hey, Luc. Do me a solid. Clean up the mess for me? I think that kid went bad or something. Tasted horrid." She talked as though it was a piece of rancid chicken! I turned to her in shock and in anger, but unable to react. I dare not touch her. Not and still have the favor of Yohan.

"Thanks Honey. I gotta fly ok? But I'll track you down when I am in the area again." She blows me a kiss and her body is suddenly dissolving. Piece by piece she fizzles out till I cannot see or hear her and she is gone. Such is the nature of the vampire talent. Feeling sicker than I had for hundreds of years I rounded the corner. Already so aware of what sight waited for me.

I look down at the boy and gasped. He was wearing a baseball cap and a shirt and jeans. I could easily smell the scent of alcohol and drugs in his draining viens, but he looked young enough to be a teen.

Just another partier. But he did not deserve this. I pictured his last minutes of stumbling out of a party trying to get home to mom and dad. I frowned and reached into his pockets. I proded until I found a wallet and opened it.

"Kenny." I say with a heavy sigh reading his ID. "I am sorry, poor boy." His eyes are glassy and his breathing shallow. No amount of vampire speed and doctors could save him now. His insides were mangled and I gagged at how much of a brute Ada was.

Kenny was dying fast and Ada of all people had killed him. I could not help but notice that bemused face and that strange cloak she wore. My only thought was to get the child to some help. I quickly figured out my best course of action would be taking him to a hospital. I would say I witness a mugging gone wrong. I had hoped Carlisle would be working and not at the football game. I sprinted to the car, but it was a wasted effort. Even as I drove up to the hospital, and shouted for help I knew the grim news.

I did not hear a heartbeat.

I stuck around in the waiting room all night. I felt glued to the chair I was in. I was unable to move, even as Carlisle himself came and carefully glanced at me. His eyes were raised, but he stayed quiet as we both listened to when the nurse called Kenny's mother. I could hear the screams from where I was and it stabbed in my guts. I had stuck around in the waiting room as Kenny's family, including a young enfant in his mother's embrace arm, stormed the hospital demanding answers. I told the family I heard shots, but when I arrived he was already on the ground. I apologized with all my soul, but it was not enough to stop the father from cursing at me with all his power. Carlisle managed to calm him down, but I still felt like I deserved it. I stuck around even after the family left and Dr. Cullen had filled out all the required paper work. Carlisle was handsome, but somehow he always looked tired. Which was strange for his lighthearted personality.

"I can drive you home." He offers so very kindly. "Your car will be safe in the hospital parking lot."

I shake my head. I did not want to trouble him more. Carlisle knew a vampire had attacked Kenny and he probably knew it bothered me.

"Does it get easier...the mourning." I say. When had I had last mourned a death? When had it last hurt so much?

Carlisle sighs and put his hand on my shoulder. "Skin heals, injury becomes less painful, but you are always left with scars."

I nod and shake my head. "I know who did this…I traveled with her once…I.." my voice is so quick and silent humans do not recognize I am speaking.

Carlisle smiles. "Your head is swimming. Calm your nerves, young one. You can tell me all about the morning."

Carlisle Cullen wishes me a good night and carefully walked out of the hospital. I stay in the hospital until the overnight nurse question me and I say I was just in shock. Before they take my vitals I leave. I did not need the added drama. I suppose the news of the child death will reach Kitsap fairly quickly and I wanted time to mourn by myself.