A/N: Sorry I haven't been putting in an author's note for a while, but sometimes they feel just plain useless. This story is still dedicated to Kristina, the real Alice Cullens.

IMPORTANT!! I haven't been getting much feedback lately, and I don't know if that is just because people don't feel like writing a review, or if it's because they don't like my story. : ( I'd absolutely LOVE to know what ya'll think!!

I Don't Bite, I Swear by .o.O.o.Emmett.Is.Mine.o.O.o.

Chapter 18… View

Oh no… was the singular thought that whispered through Kristina's mind repeatedly as she gazed upon Emmett, staring at her with his mouth almost hanging open. They knew, was the next thought she had as she turned back around to hide her embarrassment and saw the looks on Alice and Jasper's faces. They looked as though they were about to burst into laughter. Kristina supposed the main reason Jasper looked a bit confused was because of all the emotions swirling in the room.

Kristina nearly growled at the sight, but before she could so much as make a grab for one of them, they sped off, ditching her to deal with her embarrassment and Emmett by herself. Kristina immediately swore revenge.

"Uhh, h-hi, Emmett," she stuttered, nervously running a hand through her hair. Suddenly, her light blush turned much deeper as she realized she was literally sitting in front of this boy with her shirt off, and, for the most part, with her jaw hanging to the floor. She crossed her arms across her chest, as if that would be of any help. This didn't seem too promising…

"Nice view," the larger boy commented, sitting on the couch across from her and crossing his legs in a very comfortable manner. He didn't seem the least bit unnerved by her current state of undress. Instead, he seemed to think it a bit funny that she was so shy and nervous around him.

Her blush darkened and she gripped her shoulders tighter. "Gee, thanks," she spat sarcastically, quickly grabbing her shirt and pulling it over her head. Straightening herself out, she looked over at him again. He looked better, happier. His eyes here that perfect golden color, instead of that pitch black she only just realized they were last night. His skin was paler, though it made him look a bit 'healthier'. The ever-present shadows under his eyes were a bit lighter, though still too dark to be normal.

"So," he began, still quite obviously enjoying her discomfort. "How's your day been?" He picked a leaf off of his shoulder, flicking it to the ground and pinning her with one of his warm stares.

She only stared at him, too embarrassed to speak. He saw me in a bra… he saw me in a bra… repeatedly ran through her mind, as though a CD were scratched. It's okay, she tried telling herself. It's not nearly as bad as you think… He was just messing around… he didn't mean it. Breathe, breathe… Slowly, she got herself back in control and slowed her breathing back to normal. "O-oh, my day's been just fine. Alice offered to take me shopping, but I turned it down, for fear of my life. After that, I… for some unknown reason… suggested we play truth or dare. I'm not quite sure what got into me, I normally hate that game… Anyway, Alice and Jasper decided to change the rules to Truth or Strip."

He laughed. "Oh, let me guess…" Emmett started. "They kept asking things about the two of us? Like if we'd kissed yet, if you were in love with me… that kind of thing?" He looked at her expectantly, his head tilted to the side and his warm copper eyes somehow forcing the truth from her lips.

"They didn't ask if we'd kissed yet, but that type of thing, yes." She blinked her eyes a couple of times, and shook her head. "How the hell did you just get me to say that? Totally unfair!" she cried indignantly. She narrowed her eyes at him. "Is that some vampire-thing you haven't told me about?"

He laughed loudly. "No, I told you everything I could think of. Promise," he crossed his heart, then cracked up even more. This time, Kristina joined him. There was no specific reason why she started laughing, but there was something strangely contagious about his laughter. It was really, truly, happy laughter. It had been much too long since she had loosened up like this. It felt… odd.

Slowly, they both settled down into a mostly-comfortable silence, thinking. Kristina was thinking about why the boy was sitting with her, and why she always seemed so distracted with him around. Emmett was thinking about how he could talk to her without her getting defensive or embarrassed. He finally decided to speak. "Hey, Kristina?" he asked quietly.

"Y-yes?" she asked, stuttering as she came out of her thoughts. Kristina blinked a couple times and focused on Emmett, shoving any other thoughts to the back of her mind.

"I was just wondering…" he trailed off. Wow, it really wasn't like him to beat around the bush, so he forced himself to be as blunt as possible with her. "Why the heck are you hanging around a family of vampires? Are you just looking to be changed? Or are you seriously crazy?" He paused and stared at her for a minute or two. "Wh—"

She cut him off quickly, standing so fast she almost took a tumble. "Will you take me home now?" she asked quite suddenly. "I think my mom's worried enough."

For a split second, Emmett looked as though he may burst into tears, if he had any. But he regained control and nodded his head, standing and walking to the door. The next couple days were going to be hell if he couldn't get these answers.

Well, then, I'll just have to get them... Emmett thought. "Sure, I'll drive you," he said, smiling happily.